Taxonomia dos Characiformes (Teleostei: Ostariophysi) dos igarapés de Juruti, Pa

Abstract

The Characiformes are the most morphologically diverse fish among the Ostariophysi. Their main characteristics are a scaly and generally fusiform body, pelvic fin located in the abdominal position, the presence of an adipose fin in most species, and a lateral line generally present. The study area is located in the municipality of Juruti (PA), on the right bank of the Amazon River, near the border between Pará and Amazonas States. Specimens collected in the streams of Juruti, PA, during the months of September 2002 and August 2004, from tributaries of the Juruti Grande stream, were identified. The specimens collected were fixed in 10% formalin for 50 hours. For the species identification process, morphological observations of teeth and scales were made with the aid of stereomicroscopes. A total of 423 lots were identified, totaling 4549 specimens, distributed in 94 species, 51 genera and 12 families (Acestrorhynchidae, Anostomidae, Characidae, Chilodontidae, Crenuchidae, Curimatidae, Cynodontidae, Erythrinidae, Gasteropelecidae, Hemiodontidae, Lebiasinidae and Prochilodontidae). The family Characidae was the most diverse with 39 species (40.8%), followed by the family Lebiasinidae with 14 species (15.05%), family Hemiodontidae with nine species (9.67%), family Curimatidae with eight species (8;6%) and the family Acestrorhynchidae with seven species (7.52%). The other families accounted for 18% of the total species identified, with 17 species. The most abundant species for the order was Bryconops sp. (n=991).