Structure of the ichthyofauna of adventitious streams in the South Pantanal

A study of the ichthyofauna in adventitious streams of the South Pantanal revealed that spatial variation, rather than temporal changes between dry and wet seasons, shapes fish diversity. The research found that streams with larger sizes and preserved riparian forests exhibited higher fish diversity and evenness, while those closer to urban areas with less forest cover showed lower diversity. Thirty-seven species were identified, including 14 exclusive to the Paraguay River basin, one potential new record for the region, and six requiring taxonomic confirmation. The study suggests that these small streams may act as refuges from larger predators due to their size, while also serving as dispersal points for small-bodied schooling fish from the mainstem rivers.

Uieda, V. S., & Fujihara, C. Y. (2018). Structure of the ichthyofauna of adventitious streams in the South Pantanal. Iheringia. Série Zoologia, 108(0). https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4766e2018019