Title
Reproductive and dietary aspects of Prionobrama filigera (Actinopterygii: Characidae, Pisces), an ornamental species in the Takana Indigenous Territory, Bolivia / Características reproductivas y alimenticias de Prionobrama filigera (Actinopterygii: Characidae, Pisces), una especie ornamental en la Tierra Comunitaria de Origen Takana, Bolivia
Author(s)
Magaly Mendoza; Guido Miranda-Chumacero
Published
2011
Publisher
Ecología en Bolivia
Abstract
The reproductive and trophic ecology of the red-tailed glass tetra Prionobrama filigera was studied at the lower basin of the Beni river, in the Takana Indigenous Territory, from July 2005 to March 2006. Six-hundred individuals of this species were collected and had their sexual stages identified, allowing us to determine that reproduction occurs between December and February. Juveniles were found in lakes. Sexual maturity was reached at a standard length of 42 mm in males, and 45 mm in females. Females have a total spawning with an average fecundity of 919 ovocytes (0.74 mm mean diameter). We analyzed stomach contents and according to the frequency of occurrence of items, Prionobrama filigera was determined it to be a macroinvertebrate feeder. The most consumed items were Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Copepoda, but the ingestion of each item varied in time and space. Copepods, which were not ingested during the wet season, appeared as an additional dietary item during the dry season in streams and lakes. Consequently, these ecological characteristics, applied to the ornamental fishery in the Takana Indigenous Territory, suggest a fishing ban during breeding season (December to February) and the harvest season during dry season (July to September) in streams and the Beni river, by using seines of 10 mm mesh to capture individuals over 45 mm standard length. To ensure a sustainable fishery, we also recommend that these measures be complemented by determining harvesting quotas that can help to maintain healthy fish populations within the Takana Indigenous Territory over a long-term period and secure its role in the ecosystem. / The trophic and reproductive ecology of the red-tailed glass tetra Prionobrama filigera was studied in the lower basin of the Beni River, within the Takana Community Land of Origin, between July 2005 and March 2006. Six hundred individuals were captured and the identification of their sexual stages allowed us to determine that reproduction would take place between December and February. Juvenile individuals predominated in the lagoons. The size at sexual maturity was calculated at a standard length of 42 mm for males and 45 mm for females. Females showed total spawning and an average fecundity of 919 oocytes (0.74 mm diameter on average). We identified stomach contents and based on the frequency of occurrence we determined that Prionobrama filigera has an invertivorous diet. The most consumed items were Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and copepods, although the diet varied in time and space. Copepods, which were not consumed during the wet season, appear as an additional item during the dry season in streams and ponds. Consequently, these ecological characteristics, applied to the ornamental fishery in the Takana Community Land of Origin, suggest that the closure be programmed during the reproductive season (December to February) and that harvesting be carried out during the dry season (July to September) in streams and the Beni River, with 10 mm mesh trawls to capture individuals larger than 45 mm. Likewise, to guarantee a sustainable ornamental fishery, we suggest that these measures be complemented with the determination of extraction quotas to help maintain the long-term health of fish populations in the Takana Community Land of Origin and their role in the ecosystem.
Keywords
Bolivia; Bolivia; Diet; Ornamental fish; Prionobrama filigera; Reproduction; Diet; Ornamental fish; Reproduction
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PUB35743