| ABSTRACT Fish reproduction in floodplain rivers is often linked to flow regime and with the inundation of floodplain habitats. However, in confined rivers, where floodplains are absent, the relation between reproduction and flow can in comparison be expected to be distinct. In this study, we describe the reproductive life-history of Hemiancistrus fuliginosus and Hypostomus isbrueckeri in a confined river and discuss its differences relative to floodplain loricariids and also the implications for effects of dam construction and flow regulation. We found the reproductive peak of both species occurred during lowering waters, just after maximum river flow, in contrast to floodplain species that tend to spawn during rising waters. The studied species presented... |
