Preliminary assessment of the fish fauna of the Canandé Forest Reserve, Ecuadorian Chocó, with comments on its trophic role

Abstract

Abstract Ecuador’s coastal region has an exceptional freshwater biodiversity. Despite its biological richness, the region’s aquatic ecosystems face significant threats due to deforestation, pollution, unsustainable fishing and climate change. Ichthyological research becomes essential to understand current species diversity and to develop effective conservation strategies. Located within this region is the Canandé reserve, created to protect one of the last remnants of threatened tropical forests. This study aims to provide a first overview of the ichthyological fauna of the reserve and to highlight the interconnection between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Two water bodies were sampled and 14 fish species from 11 different families were identified. During an initial sampling in 2023, 12 species were found, and two more were added in subsequent expeditions. Although all species encountered are classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, one characin, Pseudochalceus bohlkei, is nationally ‘Endangered’. The ichthyological community of the reserve includes species that also feed on terrestrial resources like amphibians. At the same time, fish serve as prey for other terrestrial animals, suggesting a complex dynamic between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the reserve. It highlights the importance of further research on the connectivity of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the neotropics.