Peixes do ribeirão Patrimônio dos Paiva afluente do rio do Pinho, bacia do rio Paraíba do Sul, no município de Santos Dumont, Minas Gerais

Abstract

The fish inventory of the Paiva stream in the municipality of Santos Dumont, Minas Gerais, aims to provide a preliminary database for diagnosis and evaluate the ichthyofauna diversity of the Paraíba do Sul River basin. This basin is a crucial part of the river system in the region, heavily influenced by the topography of the Mantiqueira Mountains in its course. The ongoing discussion in this Atlantic Forest region revolves around the balance between economic development and environmental preservation, along with the threat posed by introductions of exotic species to the basin's natural diversity and the construction of dams along river courses. The materials and methods employed in the study include characterizing the study area, sampling period and methodology, as well as laboratory activities and taxonomic characterization. Research in the Pomba River basin reveals significant diversity, identifying 15 fish species in the Patrimônio dos Paiva stream. Astyanax intermedius is the most abundant. Three species are endemic to the basin, highlighting the uniqueness of the region. The potential discovery of a new species underscores the importance of research in sub-basins affected by dams to understand local biodiversity and environmental impacts.