Estrutura trófica das assembléias de peixes associadas a bancos de herbáceas aquáticas em áreas de várzea ao longo do rio Amazonas, entre Tabatinga (AM) e Almeirim (PA) - Brasil.

Abstract

The recognition of longitudinal patterns fish fauna richness and diversity throughout the Amazon River is not consensual. The determination of these regional patterns of species composition depends on the type of biological data used, if taxonomic or functional groups. The objective of this study was to characterize the composition and trophic structure of fish assemblages inhabiting Paspalum repens (Poaceae) in the floodplain (várzea) of the Amazon River and their distribution along the river. Twenty-three banks of aquatic grass were sampled between Tabatinga-AM and Almeirim-Pará, between September and October 2003. A total of 162 fish species belonging to eight orders were identified. We suggest that the substitution of species throughout the studied area, as well as the functional variations observed along the Amazon River, is related to specific conditions found in each bank of aquatic grass.