Ana Paula Vidotto-Magnoni

Biodiversity: is there light for native fish assemblages at the end of the Anthropocene tunnel?

Despite the environmental, political, social and financial problems arising from invasive species, Brazilian public actions and policies have often only emphasized the positive aspects of fish introductions. In the context of native species significant problems arise: is there any spark of light for native fish assemblages? In a river such as the Paranapanema, which is very important in the Paraná River basin, the effects caused by cascades of dams and reservoirs (11 in total) are difficult to measure, and create opportunities for new biological invasions. In the past three decades, the topic of introduced species has emerged and acquired more attention in the media and has relevance for national environmental agencies. The issue expanded after the Paraná State published in 2007, and then recognized in 2009, the first list of invasive non-native species in the country (Instituto Ambiental do Paraná, 2009). This list initially covered 54 species of flora and 69 species of fauna. In 2014, biological invasion researchers provided more information and reviewed the list, resulting in an updated version published in 2015 (Instituto Ambiental do Paraná, 2015). This update includes 71 plant species and 140 animal species, of which 75 are fishes (Instituto Ambiental do Paraná, 2015). The number of fishes is noteworthy because it represents an increase of 226%. This drastic modification is worrying researchers because many incorrect decisions are being made, considering mainly only the direct economic aspects of introductions and disregarding long-term environmental and public aspects (Pelicice et al., 2014). An example is the Bill PL 5989, which seeks the naturalization of non-native species with known negative effects. Another issue is the construction of fish transposition

Actinopterygii, Siluriformes, Loricariidae, Loricariichthys platymetopon Isbrücker and Nijssen, 1979: first record in Reservoir of Canoas II, Middle Paranapanema River, border of the states of São Paulo and Paraná, Brazil

First record of the “cascudo”, Loricariichthys platymetopon Isbrucker and Nijssen, 1979 in Canoas II Reservoir (Middle Paranapanema River, border of the states of Sao Paulo and Parana, Brazil). Its occurrence is due to the flooding of Sete Quedas waterfall, as a result of the construction of Itaipu Reservoir. Furthermore, there is absence or low abundance of natural predators, like Salminus brasiliensis, since this species has difficulties to adapt or even survive in reservoirs.

Ichthyofauna of streams of the Lower Paranapanema River basin, state of Paraná, Brazil

Several studies of small watersheds of in the Upper Parana River basin are currently available. Howev-er, the number and extent of its tributary streams still pose a challenge to enhancing current knowledge of their ichthyofauna. This study aimed to survey the fish fauna of three streams of the Lower Paranapanema River basin, state of Parana, Brazil (Capim, Tenente and Centenario streams). The sampling included 3,167 specimens belonging to five orders, 17 families and 56 species. The streams presented differences in species richness (Centenario Stream: 41 species; Tenente Stream: 33 species; Capim Stream: 30 species). Two species occurred at all collection sites ( Astyanax bockmanni and Hypostomus ancistroides ). Nine non-native species were recorded, four of them found exclusive-ly in the Centenario Stream.

First record of non-native hybrid catfish Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus in the Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil: first record of non-native hybrid catfish

The aim of this study is to report the presence of a three non-native hybrid long-whiskered catfishes (family Pimelodidae) in the Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil. Genetic analyses demonstrated that the three presumptive hybrids were a result of the crossbreeding of Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (central Amazonas River basin and Lower Paraná River) and Leiarius marmoratus (Amazonas, Essequibo and Orinoco rivers), producing a hybrid commonly known in Brazil as cachandiá. The potential threat to biodiversity, due to possible genetic contamination, competition and predation of wild stocks, of such artificially produced hybrid fishes is discussed.

Distribution of non-native suckermouth armoured catfish Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii in the upper Paraná River basin, Brazil: DISTRIBUTION OF PTERYGOPLICHTHYS AMBROSETTII

This study describes the invasion of the upper Paraná River basin by Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii based on a literature review and field samples. Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii has been reported in 42 localities throughout the upper Paraná River basin, including the Tietê, Paranapanema, Paraná, Grande and Aguapeí rivers. The ascent of P. ambrosettii after the inundation of the Sete Quedas Falls on the Paraná River and the release of individuals by aquarium hobbyists were the primary drivers of this invasion.