Composición íctica y su variación a lo largo de un gradiente de elevación en la cuenca del río Grande de Térraba: relevancia para la pesca sostenible
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/ych5j867Keywords:
Grande de Térraba; elevation gradient; beta diversity; continental fishing.Abstract
Introduction: The Grande de Térraba River basin is one of the main drainage systems in the Costa Rican Brunca region. Previous studies on the ichthyological composition and distribution in this basin have only covered the main channel and have not included sites above 145 meters above sea level.
Objectives: Integrate, update, and expand the analysis of the composition and distribution of the ichthyofauna along the elevation gradient of this basin, with an emphasis on species of fishing interest.
Materials and Methods: Fish records were compiled and expanded in 258 localities sampled between 2004 and 2022. The sites were grouped into lower, middle and upper basins, and in the main or tributary channel; species were classified by habitat (freshwater, estuarine/euryhaline) and fishing importance. Species richness was compared between groups by event-based rarefaction (sampling site x date).
Results: A total of 77 fish species distributed in 27 families were recorded, with 11 species classified as primary target for fishermen and 26 as secondary. Species diversity decreases with elevation, being higher in the lower basin. Estuarine/euryhaline species predominate in the lower basin, with primary fishing species such as Rhonciscus bayanus, Eugerres brevimanus, Centropomus viridis, C. nigrescens, Lutjanus jordani, and L. novemfasciatus reaching elevations of over 500 meters above sea level, corresponding to up to 145 km upstream. Freshwater species show a more constant distribution across different sections, with Brycon behreae being the most important species for fishing within this group.
Conclusions: The ichthyofauna community of the Grande de Térraba River presents a clear variation in species distribution along the elevation gradient. Sustainable fishing strategies should consider the protection of different habitats to maintain ecological balance.
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