Reproductive biology and artificial reproduction of the flying fish Hemiodus unimaculatus in the village of Tauiry, area of influence of the Tucuruí hydroelectric plant – PA
Adaptive strategies, Tocantins River, ecosystem services.
The construction of the Tucuruí Hydroelectric Power Plant has had significant impacts on the local ichthyofauna, altering the natural flow of the Tocantins River and directly affecting fish populations, such as Hemiodus unimaculatus, known as the “flying fish”. This species, of great economic importance to fishermen in Vila Tauiry, is showing signs of population decline, sexual disproportion and size reduction, threatening its ecological and economic sustainability. Given this scenario, the project aims to study the reproductive biology of the species and develop an efficient protocol for artificial reproduction in captivity. The procedures involve defining the size at first maturation, analyzing seminal parameters and their embryonic and larval development. The expected results include obtaining unprecedented data on the reproduction of H. unimaculatus, formulating an efficient and viable reproduction protocol, and producing juveniles. It is also expected to contribute to public policies for conservation and sustainable management, ensuring the recovery of the species’ natural stocks and the maintenance of the traditional fishing activity of local riverside communities.