Paranapanema River Research Articles

Fish diversity in the cascade of reservoirs along the Paranapanema River, southeast Brazil

ABSTRACT The Paranapanema River is a major tributary of the upper Paraná river basin. Eleven hydropower dams regulate its main course, but no study has investigated fish diversity in these impoundments at the basin-scale. The present study investigated spatial patterns of richness, composition, and abundance of native (non-migratory and migratory) and non-native fishes in the cascade of reservoirs along the Paranapanema River. The study is based on data collected from 34 independent studies conducted in nine reservoirs (47 samples). The compilation recorded 161 species, being 111 native (14 migratory) and 50 non-native. Total richness ranged between 56 and 112 species/reservoir, with a mean of 72 (49.9 non-migratory, 8.1 migratory and 14 non-native). The number of non-migratory species showed no spatial trend along the cascade system, but migratory and non-native richness increased toward downstream reaches. We also observed spatial variation in species composition along the cascade system, but some non-native fishes were widely distributed. Migratory fishes showed low relative abundance (usually < 10%), while non-native species were common and more abundant, especially in reservoirs downstream. Our results revealed a high diversity of fishes in the cascade of impoundments, but indicated that migratory fishes are rare, while non-native species are common or dominant.

Spatial distribution and habitat use by early fish stages in a dammed river basin, Southern Brazil

Fish diversity loss is threatened by the construction of dams as they prevent the regular natural dispersal among populations. Thus, conservation of key riverine habitats for fish reproduction may be essential for the recruitment of new native species of fish. The present study aimed to identify key habitats for fish spawning and early development in the Paranapanema River basin, as well as to determine the taxonomic composition, reproductive and life-history strategy, and to report spatial distribution of eggs, larvae and juveniles. The importance of lagoons, tributaries, and sub-tributaries was evaluated in the Paranapanema River basin between October 2012 and March 2013. Eggs and larvae samples were collected at dawn and dusk with conical plankton nets (0.5 mm mesh size), whereas juveniles were captured during the day with seine and sieve (0.5 cm mesh size). A total of 547 eggs, 904 larvae and 1 228 juveniles were captured. We observed that 2 larvae and 288 juveniles of non-migratory species, parental care, and equilibrium life-history strategy, predominated in lagoons and tributaries. On the other hand, 13 larvae and 60 juveniles of short migratory distance, no parental care, and periodic life-history strategy predominated in sub-tributaries. The highest densities of eggs were recorded in tributaries and sub-tributaries (Tukey’s test, P = 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively), and the highest densities of larvae were recorded for lagoons and tributaries (P = 0.005 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Captures of eggs and larvae were higher at night; while the highest catches per unit effort of juveniles were recorded for tributaries and sub-tributaries. Fish species that adopt different life-history strategies can use diverse types of habitats during the early stages. Lagoons, tributaries and sub-tributaries of the Paranapanema River play different roles in the reproductive success of fish fauna in a heavily modified basin. The preservation of spawning and nursery areas trapped between reservoirs is necessary for Neotropical fish species recruitment and survival. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 605-621. Epub 2018 June 01.

Escapes of non-native fish from flooded aquaculture facilities: the case of Paranapanema River, southern Brazil

Non-native species are a major driver of biodiversity loss. Aquaculture activities play a key role in introductions, including the escape of fishes from fish farm facilities. Here, the impact of flooding due to El Niño rains in 2015/2016 in the Lower and Middle Paranapanema River basin, southern Brazil, was investigated by evaluating fish escapes from 12 fish farms. The flooding resulted in the escape of approximately 1.14 million fishes into the river, encompassing 21 species and three hybrids. Non-native species were the most abundant escapees, especially Oreochromisniloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Coptodonrendalli (Boulenger, 1897) (96% of all fish). Only seven native fishes were in the escapee fauna, comprising 1% of all fish. Large floods, coupled with inadequate biosecurity, thus resulted in considerable inputs of non-native fish into this already invaded system.

Tendência, variação espacial da soja e caracterização socioeconômica de municípios produtores do Paraná, Brasil

The Paraná State in Southern Brazil is the second most soybean producer from Brazil; Paraná comes behind only the Mato Grosso state in Brazilian central area. This paper aims to analyze the soybean trend and spatial variation productivity data, as well as carry out a social and economic characterization of the municipalities producers and thus create regional indicators unfold different patterns of productivity of soybean in a representative region of Paraná in the years between 1999 to 2010. To finish this research was collected soybean data from 132 counties. These counties represent the southern slope of Paranapanema river basin. Was applied two statistic testes: Mann-Kendall and the Ward. The results were represented in cartographic system and boxplots graphics and they showed the visible soybean yield crop and spatial variation between all counties. The crop and spatial variation have relation with agriculture characteristics analyzed by IBGE data.

Ichthyofauna diet changes in response to urbanization: the case of upper Paranapanema River basin (Brazil)

Alterations in stream environments can alter fish food availability, but there is little research data related to the impacts of urbanization on fish diets in tropical streams. Thus, we sought to compare the diet of ten fish species in urbanized and non-urbanized streams reaches. Fish stomach contents were obtained for four urban and five non-urban stream reaches from two medium-sized cities. We verified the similarity of diet composition from urbanized/non-urbanized streams. In-stream features mainly related to the substrate highlighted a perturbation gradient: gravel, pebbles and cobbles were associated to the wider urban reaches while silt were representative in the narrow pools from non-urban streams. Fishes changed their diet in response to urban and non-urban treatments. Omnivorous fishes consumed more detritus and Chironomidae and less terrestrial adult insects in urban reaches, while invertivorous fish consumed more terrestrial adult insects and Trichoptera larvae in the non-urbanized stream reaches. Although the management of the physical structure of streams in Brazil has been basically focused on riparian reforestation, our results suggest that a restoration plan for urban streams cannot be limited to reforestation of its surroundings, but also need to consider the physical structure of the channel, especially the substrate, which contributes to promote in-stream variability.

Expanding the geographical distribution of Astyanax biotae Castro & Vari, 2004 (Characiformes, Characidae), with comments on its conservation status

Astyanax biotae Castro & Vari, 2004 was only known from the type locality, a first-order stream from the lower Paranapanema River, a left bank tributary from the upper Paraná river basin. We report A. biotae from the Ivinhema River, rio do Peixe and other tributaries of Paranapanema River, expanding its distribution to both margins of the Paraná River. Astyanax biotae is zooplanktivorous and regarding its conservation status, can be classified as Least Concern.

Impacto do controle do mexilhão-dourado no custo de produção de tilápia em tanques-rede

Este trabalho avaliou o impacto econômico do controle do mexilhão-dourado na criação de tilápia-do-nilo em tanques-rede de diferentes volumes e escalas de produção. Foram selecionadas 12 pisciculturas situadas no reservatório Ilha Solteira, no rio Paraná (SP/MS), e em Canoas II e Chavantes, no rio Paranapanema (SP/PR). As informações de desembolsos e capital necessários para calcular o custo do controle do mexilhão foram obtidas por meio de questionário apresentado aos piscicultores. Foram contabilizados os gastos com mão de obra, manutenção e depreciação da infraestrutura e equipamentos utilizados na limpeza; manutenção e depreciação adicional dos tanques-rede; e energia elétrica ou combustí­­vel gastos em serviços de limpeza. As empresas de grande porte foram as que tiveram os menores custos incrementais, independentemente do volume dos tanques-rede. A depreciação e a manutenção dos tanques-rede foram os fatores que mais impactaram o custo para o controle de mexilhão, a uma taxa média de 69,89%. O menor custo incremental foi observado nas pisciculturas de grande porte (R$ 0,45 kg fish-1), seguido das de médio e pequeno porte (R$ 1,00 kg fish-1). O impacto econômico médio foi de 11,48% (grande porte), 27,25% (médio porte) e 25,81% (pequeno porte). Considerando o volume dos tanques-rede esse impacto variou entre 7,83% em tanques de 108 m3 e 19,22% em tanques de 6 m3 .

Non-invasive hair sampling of Neotropical otters

Abstract: Sampling wild animal populations using non-invasive techniques is advised when dealing with threatened species. Hair samples provide ecological information like species and individual identification. However, hair trapping is scarcely used in otters, due to their aquatic habits. Most studies are with captive individuals, so there is the need to test non-invasive hair trapping methods in otters in the wild. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and cost-effective method to collect hair from otter species in a non-invasive way. The study was carried out in the Paranapanema River, São Paulo State, Brazil, with the Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis Olfers, 1818), a protected species. Hair traps (wooden sticks and tree roots with adhesive tape or wax bands) were set during six nights on river banks, otter trails and scent-marking sites. Traps were baited with otter fresh spraints from other river locations. From the 23 traps, 10 (43.7%) were successful in collecting otter hairs, mostly guard-hair. The sticks were much more efficient than the roots at capturing otter hair (70.6.% vs. 0%) as well as adhesive tape when compared to wax (71.4% vs. 0%). Method simplicity and efficiency suggest that it can be a cost-effective way for collecting otter hairs without the need for capturing individuals. This method can be used for: assessment of local otter distribution; collecting otter hair samples for sex and individual identification (by molecular analysis), trophic ecology (by isotopic analyses), ecotoxicology (by contamination analysis) or behaviour ecology (by hormonal and stress levels analysis). More trapping campaigns should be implemented to further test the method's efficiency.

DNA barcoding as a useful tool for identifying non-native species of freshwater ichthyoplankton in the neotropics

The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of DNA barcoding as a tool to identify non-native fish in their early stages of life. Specimens were collected from 14 sites in the lower and middle regions of the Paranapanema River—the main tributary of the Upper Parana River basin in southern Brazil. Over three reproductive periods from 2012 and 2015, 75 eggs and 170 larvae from 13 non-native fish species were identified. The most abundant species were Plagioscion squamosissimus (75 specimens) and Serrasalmus marginatus (68 specimens). The highest abundance was found near the Rosana hydroelectric plant reservoir. The removal of the natural physical barrier is the main reason that fish are introduced into the Paranapanema River basin with higher occurrence in the Rosana reservoir. P. squamosissimus was found in all reservoirs. DNA barcoding is a useful tool for identifying non-native fish during their reproductive phase. Furthermore, recording the presence of potentially invasive species in their early development stages may provide information useful for the rapid and effective control.

Introductions of non-native fishes into a heavily modified river: rates, patterns and management issues in the Paranapanema River (Upper Paraná ecoregion, Brazil)

Understanding the pathways and impacts of non-native species is important for helping prevent new introductions and invasions. This is frequently challenging in regions where human activities continue to promote new introductions, such as in Brazil, where aquaculture and sport fishing are mainly dependent on non-native fishes. Here, the non-native fish diversity of the Paranapanema River basin of the Upper Parana River ecoregion, Brazil, was quantified fully for the first time. This river has been subject to considerable alteration through hydroelectric dam construction and concomitant development of aquaculture and sport fishing. Through compilation of a non-native fish inventory by literature review, with complementary records from recent field studies, analyses were completed on the timings of introduction, and the taxonomy, origin and introduction vectors of the non-native fishes. A total of 47 non-native fishes are now present across the basin. Of these, 24 invaded from the Lower Parana River following construction of Itaipu Dam that connected previously unconnected fish assemblages. Activities including fish stocking, aquaculture and sport angling continue to result in new introductions. Discounting Itaipu invasions, the introduction rate between 1950 and 2014 was approximately one new introduction every 3 years. Introduced fish were mainly of the Cichlidae and Characidae families; most species were from other South American ecoregions, but fishes of African, Asian, North American and Central American origin were also present. These introductions have substantially modified the river’s fish fauna; when coupled with altered lentic conditions caused by impoundment, this suggests that the river’s native fishes are increasingly threatened.

Escherichia coli is not a suitable fecal indicator to assess water fecal contamination by otters

The detection of pathogenic microorganisms in aquatic environments is extremely relevant in terms of public health. As these laboratorial methodologies are usually difficult, expensive and time-consuming, they are frequently replaced by the assessment of fecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. This study aimed to assess the presence of E. coli in fecal samples from Neotropical otters, to evaluate its potential as fecal indicator to be applied to the determination of water microbiological quality in areas where otters' populations are high. Twenty-six otter fecal samples, collected in Alto Paranapanema river basin, São Paulo State, Brazil, were analyzed for the presence of E. coli, using conventional bacteriological methods. Only 8 scat samples (30%) were E. coli positive, indicating that this microorganism is not a suitable fecal indicator to assess water fecal contamination by Neotropical otters, and should not be used to infer the presence of otter related pathogens in waters.

Length-weight relationships of fish species from Lower Paranapanema River Basin, Upper Paraná River Basin, Brazil

Length–weight relationships were estimated for six fish species occurring in direct tributaries of the Lower Paranapanema River Basin. Data is described for the first time for five species and new measurements are provided for one species in the FishBase database. Studies of fish diversity are critical for species management and conservation, especially in this basin, which has suffered from many anthropical impacts.

Parasite infracommunities of Leporinus friderici : A comparison of three tributaries of the Jurumirim Reservoir in southeastern Brazil.

The degradation and homogenization of natural habitats is considered a major cause of biotic homogenization. Many studies have been undertaken on the effects of dams on aquatic wildlife, in particular fish assemblages. But how do dams affect the parasitic fauna of such fish? The aim of the present study was to examine parasitic similarity, comparing the diversity and structure of parasite communities of Leporinus friderici (Characiformes, Anostomidae) in three upstream tributaries under the influence of the Jurumirim Dam on the Upper Paranapanema River in southeastern Brazil. The present study did not find any significant differences in parasite communities among populations of L. friderici in the three upstream tributaries. This result highlights that dams promote and facilitate the dispersal of organisms between localities, and therefore the spatial homogenization of parasite communities. Overall, the results suggest that fish parasite assemblages can provide suitable data for evaluating biotic homogenization caused by dams.

New occurrence of a non-native ornamental cichlid in the Paranapanema River, southern Brazil

Fish introductions are common practices due to intentionally or unintentionally translocations of species between watersheds. Herein we report the spread of the non-native cichlid Laetacara araguaiae Ottoni & Costa 2009 in the Paranapanema River basin, southern Brazil. Native from the Araguaia River (Central Brazil), this species was probably introduced by releases made by aquarists. Its new area of occurrence is characterized as natural nursery and important for the life cycle of native fish. Due to its biological characteristics, the species has the ability to cause a negative impact on the aquatic biota through possible interactions, such as predation of eggs, larvae and juveniles of native fish, and spread of parasites.Keywords: biological invasion, Cichlinae, fish, exotic species, Upper Paraná River basin.

Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus iniae UEL-Si1, Isolated in Diseased Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Northern Paraná, Southern Brazil.

ABSTRACTThe Streptococcus iniae UEL-Si1 strain was isolated from diseased Nile tilapia within the Paranapanema River Basin, Northern Paraná, Brazil. This is an emerging infectious disease agent of fish from Brazil, and sequencing of the complete genome is fundamental to understanding aspects relative to pathogenesis, infection, epidemiology, and immunity.

Is similar the distribution of Chironomidae (Diptera) and Oligochaeta (Annelida, Clitellata) in a river and a lateral fluvial area?

Abstract Numerous factors may affect the pattern of distribution of benthic fauna in a river mouth region and, among the macroinvertebrates, Chironomidae and Oligochaeta are the most abundant groups and most tolerant to environmental changes. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the controlling factors of and a possible similarity between Chironomidae and Oligochaeta assemblies at two close sites, the mouth of the Guareí River into the Paranapanema River (São Paulo, Brazil) and its lateral fluvial area. Methods Fauna samples were collected every three months during one year. Water physical and chemical variables and sediment variables were also determined in the same period. Results Both assemblies presented low density variability over time in the lateral area due to sediment characteristics and environmental factors. Taxa Caladomyia, Parachironomus, Pristina sp., Pristina osborni, Bothrioneurum and Opistocysta funiculus were recorded at this site. The Guareí River presented both greater temporal and spatial variations, attributed mainly to a reduction in the water level. Greater organism abundance, especially of Chironomus and Tubificinae, was observed in the river. Conclusions Dissimilarity in temporal and spatial distributions of Chironomidae and Oligochaeta was attributed to peculiar characteristics of the two study sites, a river channel and a lateral area. Reduction in the water level over the year was the main controlling factor of Chironomidae and Oligochaeta richness and density in the river. In the lateral area, the presence and abundance of certain taxa were determined by the nature of the sediment and water physical and chemical variables.

Impoundments facilitate a biological invasion: Dispersal and establishment of non-native armoured catfish Loricariichthys platymetopon (Isbrückler & Nijssen, 1979) in a neotropical river

Where dam construction eliminates natural barriers to fish movement between previously disconnected catchments then this presents an opportunity for the movement of species between previously discrete assemblages. Here, the movement of a non-native armoured catfish, Loricariichthys platymetopon , is detailed from its natural range in the lower Paraná River basin, Brazil, into its invasive range in the upper basin following construction of the Itaipu Dam. Its upstream dispersal into a major tributary, the Paranapanema River, is outlined, with focus on its establishment within hydroelectric dams. This case study thus provides further evidence of how river regulation can increase opportunities for biological invasions.

Carrying capacity and potential environmental impact of fish farming in the cascade reservoirs of the Paranapanema River, Brazil

The objective of this study was to simulate changes in water quality standards caused by the installation of aquaculture parks for caged fish farming in the eight large artificial reservoirs in the Paranapanema River according to the different scenarios of technical and legal limitations: (i) occupancy of 1% of the total surface of the reservoirs and (ii) occupancy according to the environmental carrying capacity. For water quality modelling, these two scenarios were simulated to determine the trophic state index (TSI) of each reservoir. Based on the total area of all reservoirs in the first scenario, the fish farm facilities would occupy 18.3 km2 and have an annual fish production of an estimated 513 thousand MT. However, because of limitations in the carrying capacity, the annual production in the second scenario would be 98 thousand MT and the fish farm facilities would occupy 3.5 km2. Simulating the TSI for the first scenario, approximately 75% of the total area of all reservoirs was estimated to change from oligo or mesotrophic conditions to eutrophic, supereutrophic and hypereutrophic conditions, and four reservoirs may become completely eutrophic (Canoas 2, Canoas 1, Taquaruçu and Rosana). For the second scenario, however, eutrophic areas accounted for less than 30% of the total, although the Taquaruçu and Rosana reservoirs were still at risk of total eutrophication. These results indicate as well-intentioned legislation can have unintended environmental consequences in dynamic social–ecological aquaculture systems as in the case of large reservoirs in the Paranapanema River.

Austrodiplostomum compactum metacercariae (Digenea: Diplostomidae) in Schizodon intermedius (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from Jurumirim reservoir, Brazil.

This study reports the occurrence of Austrodiplostomum compactum metacercariae in the freshwater fish Schizodon intermedius (ximborê/piava) from a Neotropical reservoir in the Paranapanema River, state of São Paulo, Brazil. From a total of 75 fish collected, we found 38 infected with A. compactum metacercariae (prevalence = 50.67%) in the eyes. The mean intensity of infection and mean abundance were 9.05 ± 4.26 (1-155) and 4.59 ± 2.20 (0-155), respectively. Poulin's Discrepancy Index was 0.87 and four specimens presented more than 10 metacercariae in their eyes. No correlation was observed between parasite abundance and standard length, total weight and condition factor (p>0.05). These metacercariae are reported for the first time in S. intermedius.

Diversidade de peixes de tributários do reservatório de Chavantes, PR, bacia do alto rio Paraná

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2016v29n2p33A distribuição e abundância das espécies de peixes de riacho podem ser influenciadas por características ambientais relacionadas ao meio aquático e às suas margens. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi inventariar a fauna de peixes dos riachos da Cruz, Taquaruçu e Taquaruçu II, localizados na bacia do rio Paranapanema, analisando parâmetros de diversidade da ictiofauna e associando-os com variáveis abióticas. Foram coletados 4.956 exemplares, distribuídos em 27 espécies, com predominância de Characiformes e Siluriformes. A largura, a profundidade e a floresta ripária foram as variáveis ambientais que melhor explicaram a diversidade de espécies encontrada no riacho Taquaruçu II, enquanto a dominância de espécies nos riachos da Cruz e Taquaruçu pode refletir os impactos antrópicos presentes nestes ambientes, como alto grau de erosão das margens. A maior similaridade da ictiofauna entre os riachos da Cruz e Taquaruçu pode estar relacionada com suas conectividades hidrológicas. A condutividade elétrica e a largura dos riachos foram as variáveis abióticas que mais se correlacionaram com a abundância e diversidade de espécies nos riachos amostrados. Os resultados do presente estudo demonstram a importância da conservação dos ecossistemas aquáticos para a manutenção da diversidade de peixes, além de alertar para o efeito de impactos antropogênicos sobre a ictiofauna.