Threatened fishes of the world: Steindachneridion parahybae (Steindachner, 1877) (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)

Abstract

Common name: Surubim do Paraiba. Conservation status: Critically endangered in Brazilian Red List (Rosa and Lima 2005), and regionally extinct in Sao Paulo State (Sao Paulo 2008). Steindachneridion parahybae is a migratory freshwater species and critically endangered in Paraiba do Sul River Basin. Identification: maxillary barbel short, reaching or surpassing origin of pectoral-fin insertion; pectoral and adipose fins short; pelvic fin very short, never reaching anus. Ground color in alcohol light grayish, abdomen whitish, large dark brown blotches irregularly distributed over head and trunk in an irregular, vermiculated or dotted pattern (Garavello 2005). Distribution: Endemic to the Paraiba do Sul River Basin (Garavello 2005). Abundance: In the 1950 s there were some records of capture of this specie of around 1,000 kg/year just in the part of the basin (Machado and Abreu 1952) and nowadays there are no capture records in the Sao Paulo State (Sao Paulo 2008). Habitat and ecology: Freshwater benthopelagic species, prefers bottoms with sand and stones; mainly carnivorous (Moraes and Caramaschi 1993). Reproduction: S. parahybae is a migratory species ascending the rivers to reproduce during summer. Threats: (1) Construction of dams in the Paraiba do Sul River which block the reproductive migration and act as a barrier to dispersal; (2) riparian habitat destruction; (3) water pollution, due to the high industrial development of the region; and (4) fishing. Conservation action: Since 2003, the Hydrobiology and Aquaculture Unit of CESP (Paraibuna/SP), has been supporting a fish restocking program (Caneppele et al. 2004) and fisheries efforts, funded by a governmental program (ANEEL 2006) will be important to estimate the occurrence and genetic evaluation of the specie. Conservation recommendation: Establish habitat protection and monitoring riparian zone; Environ Biol Fish DOI 10.1007/s10641-009-9480-9