Influence of hydrology on the fish body condition in a large subtropical floodplain

Abstract

With the objective of finding fluctuations on fish body condition in the Middle Paraná River floodplain in different hydrological scenarios, this attribute was analyzed in several trophic groups of a secondary floodplain channel and its associated lakes between 2010 and 2012. Standardized residuals generated by length-weight regressions were calculated for each species and the relative weight (Wr) of the most abundant species per group was examined. A two-way factorial ANOVA was carried out (factors: hydrology and habitats) to evaluate the existence of significant spatial-temporal differences by groups and species. Results showed that body condition in detritivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous species fluctuated significantly depending on hydrology and the environment. Optimal body condition was recorded after the largest flood pulse in most species. Body condition decreased during the low-water period and after two disconnection periods, whereas during the second flood pulse it increased in detritivores, herbivores and omnivores. No floods occurred thereafter, but two flow pulses were registered, and body condition increased under these hydrologic scenarios, with similar or higher values to those recorded after the largest pulse. These results indicate that flow pulses, which are supplementary to flood pulses, may have a positive effect on fish body condition.