O papel do dossel na alimentação do lambari Bryconamericus microcephalus em um riacho de Mata Atlântica

Abstract

Processes concerning the interaction between riparian zones and aquatic ecosystems are of great importance in the study of the trophic relationships in streams. The mechanisms involved in this interaction are many and the study of fishes may support a better understanding of these processes, once these are the main organisms that interact with the aquatic biota. In this sense, this study aims to evaluate the influence of the riparian canopy on the trophic dynamics of the characin species Bryconamericus microcephalus inhabiting two sites of Andorinha stream in Ilha Grande,-RJ. This investigation encompass the feeding, selectivity and behavioral aspects of the studied species as a pathway to better understand the role of canopy cover in the trophic dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. Our data suggest that the species present an omnivorous feeding habit which is profoundly influenced by the canopy cover and weakly subjected to seasonal changes. This modification is easily recognized in many aspects of the feeding dynamics, suggesting a highly plastic species. This plasticity allow the species to adjust diet, morphology, feeding selectivity and behavior to a changing environment. This study brings to light the value of the riparian forest as an important aspect that influences the tropic dynamics in aquatic ecosystems.