Abstract

MENDOZA, Magaly  and  MIRANDA-CHUMACERO, Guido. Reproductive and diet aspects of Prionobrama filigera (Actinopterygii: Characidae, Pisces), an ornamental species in the Takana Indigenous Territory, Bolivia. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2011, vol.46, n.1, pp.28-45. ISSN 1605-2528.

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, suggests 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.

Keywords : Bolivia; Diet; Ornamental fish; Prionobrama filigera; Reproduction.

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