Characterization of the fish assemblages in headwaters streams in the rainy season in the Cachoeira river basin (SE of the Bahia, NE of the Brazil)

Abstract

Fish assemblage samples, environmental structure and water variables were collected from eight small streams in December of 2007 from Cachoeira river basin in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The objective was to obtain a set of information of the species richness and ecological aspects of the ichthyofauna. A thousand nine hundred and fifteen individuals of 19 species were captured. About half of the species contained individuals with a total length smaller than 50 mm. These findings suggest that some species are endemic. Two species with uncertain taxonomic status can be new. Confirmation of others two can represent expansion of the geographic distribution. These results indicate that new surveys in the area are necessary. Ordination analysis results with ambient data and abundance of the species showed significant correlation. Were identified three assemblages and it is suggested that were formed with extrinsic factors. Aiming to generate instruments for conservation programs and biodiversity monitoring species rare and dominant were defined.