Ichthyofauna of the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and adjacent areas

Abstract

The Espinhaço mountain chain is the water divisor of many river basins in Minas Gerais – Brazil. The Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó (PNSC), located in the southern portion of this mountain chain, has a considerable drainage system, including headwaters of tributaries of both the São Francisco and the Doce river drainages. Fish sampling was conducted within the PNSC and adjacent areas, in both river basins, along an altitudinal gradient. Forty-eight fish species were recorded (17 in the Doce and 36 in the São Francisco basins), and only five species were captured in both basins. Fish species attaining small sizes as adults (<15 cm) represented approximately 60% of the total richness. Fish distribution was markedly influenced by altitudinal gradient, with only two species recorded in the highest altitudes. The greatest species richness was recorded in the lower areas, outside the PNSC. Although these areas have more species, the PNSC conserves an important portion of them, including an endangered species. Distribution, biology and conservation of local ichthyofauna are presented.