The ichthyofauna of the Rio Carinhanha basin, one of the main tributaries of the Rio São Francisco

Abstract

The ichthyofauna of the Rio São Francisco basin is relatively well-documented. However, most of this knowledge is concentrated at the upper stretch of its catchment area. In this study, we compile a list of species encompassing almost the entire length of the Rio Carinhanha, an important tributary from upper-middle section of the Rio São Francisco, including a comprehensive diversity of environments. A total of 99 species from 8 orders and 27 families were recorded. Five species are considered non-native, six classifieds as long distance migrants, and three as vulnerable. The orders with the greatest richness of native species were Characiformes and Siluriformes. Characidae was the most represented family, followed by Loricariidae. The main river channels were the richest environments sampled, followed by floodplain lagoons, veredas, and streams. The Carinhanha basin has important lotic remnants, thus it has several migratory fish populations as well as endangered species. This study demonstrates the importance of cataloguing the still poorly explored tributaries of the upper-middle section of the Rio São Francisco basin.