Ichthyofauna of the Carrapato, Mutum and Caba Saco streams (Araguaia River Basin), Serra dos Carajás region, southeastern Pará, Brazil

Abstract

The ichthyofaunistic studies from the Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin are mainly concentrated in the main channel of the Araguaia and Tocantins rivers, due to faunal studies required for hydroelectric projects. Brooks and streams are usually neglected, though they represent the habitats most threatened by human activities. These small water courses present a great diversity of fishes, and they also have high rates of endemic species. The study was conducted from December 2009 to January 2010. For the inventory, the methodology used was the Rapid Assessment Program (RAP). In each sampled area three types of data collection were utilized: open interviews with local fishermen, naked eye fish surveying, and fishing with cast nets and gill nets. This study aimed to identify the main fish species that occur in the Mutum and Caba Saco streams, that form the Pau D’Arco River, and in the Carrapato Stream that flows to the Preto River, both belonging to the Araguaia River Basin.