Reproductive strategy of two populations of Thoracocharax stellatus (Characiformes, Gasteropelecidae)
Reproductive aspecto, reprodutivo cycle, environmental variations.
Reproduction is crucial to the life history of organisms, generating new individuals and perpetuating species. This vital function is regulated by biological processes and environmental factors, defining the reproductive strategies of fish and the transmission of genetic information to the next generations. However, in the Amazon, little is described about the reproductive aspects of fish species and their interaction with environmental fluctuations. Therefore, investigations related to these aspects are of utmost importance for the management and conservation of species. Thus, the objective of this study is to describe the reproductive strategy of the fish Thoracocharax stellatus. The animals were collected in the Tauarizinho River, southeastern Pará, from 2023 to 2024. After analysis, it is possible to define the butterfly fish as a small-sized species, with high fecundity and early maturation, with metrics similar to those of a juvenile animal. The reproductive period is shorter for females than for males, and seasonality and habitat integrity of this animal did not interfere with its well-being or reproductive period. Therefore, suggesting an adaptive strategy to maximize reproductive success in an adverse environment.