Cichla kelberi, Taxonomic Description

[---XR---]

i wonder what this will do to the popularity and therefor the price of kelberi. I have one comng later in the week. Me thinks-

Small size will appeal to aquarists with smaller tanks, that wouldn't be able to keep any other pbass,therefor increasing the popularity, therefor increaseing demand, therefor increaseing price for already decently expensive fish and rare fish.

 

[Tongue33]

i wonder what this will do to the popularity and therefor the price of kelberi. I have one comng later in the week. Me thinks-

Small size will appeal to aquarists with smaller tanks, that wouldn't be able to keep any other pbass,therefor increasing the popularity, therefor increaseing demand, therefor increaseing price for already decently expensive fish and rare fish.

 

[Wrestler 4 Life]

Cichla kelberi, new species
(Figs. 28-32)

Holotype.


MZUSP 92397, 276 mm SL; Brazil:

Pará: Tucurui; 1987, P. Formagio.

Paratypes.


52 specimens, 16.0-263 mm SL. Brazil:

Rio Araguaia drainage: MZUSP 3855; 3,

150-195 mm SL; Mato Grosso: Rio das Mortes;

1950, Expedição Butantan. – MZUSP 50602, 2;

Goiás: Lago Rico, near Cocalinho; Mar 1976,

EMGOPA. – NRM 18023, 1, 246 mm SL; Mato
Grosso: Rio das Mortes, cachoeira under bridge
of MT-130 road; 20 Oct 1989, S. O. Kullander et
al. Rio Tocantins drainage: Pará: MZUSP 38410,
34 (4 measured, 251-263 mm SL); Tucurui; 1987,
P. Formagio. – MZUSP 46067, 1; Tucurui, Igarapé
Muru; 12 Sep 1970, EPA. – MZUSP 50594, 1; Baião,
Igarapé do Limão, Rio Tocantins; 9 Sep 1970, EPA.
– MZUSP 50599, 6; Cametá, Igarapé Aricura; 7
Sep 1970, EPA. – MZUSP 50601, 4, 16.0-48.4 mm SL;
Igarapé do Grilo, Rio Tocantins, Pindobazinho;
3 Sep 1970, EPA. – MZUSP 50620, 1; Utinga,
Belém; no date, no collector.


Non-types, all translocations. Brazil: Rio Doce drainage:

Minas Gerais: MZUSP 28964, 2; Lagoa Jacaré, Rio

Doce; 29 Jun - 17 Jul 1983, J. R. Verani. – MZUSP 36654,

1; Lago Carioca, Vale do Rio Doce; Nov 1985, J. R. Verani.

– MZUSP 36676, 2; Lago Dom Helvécio, Vale do Rio
Doce; 27 Nov-13 Dec 1985, J. R. Verani. – MZUSP 36686, 1;
Dom Helvécio, Rio Doce; no date, R. Haddad Rezek. Rio
Paraíba drainage: Rio de Janeiro: MNRJ uncat., 18;
Resende, Represa do Funil; 7-9 May 1982, G. W. Nunan.
– MNRJ uncat., 1; Rio Muriaé 20 km downstream of
Itaperuna, mun. Itaperuna; Aug 1989, no collector. Drainage?:
Ceará: MZUSP 3268, 2; Açude Pau Cerrado; no
date, A. Marques. Paraguay: Rio Paraná drainage: Alto
Paraná: NRM 41915, 1, 30.1 mm SL; Rio Limoy, Reserva
de Limoy; 2 Mar 1998, S. O. Kullander et al. – NRM
42401, 1, 60.0 mm SL; Rio Limoy, Reserva Limoy de
Itaipú; 1 Mar 1998, S. O. Kullander et al.


Diagnosis.


Distinguished from all other species

of Cichla by presence in adults of small light spots

on pelvic and anal fins, and lower lobe of caudal

fin. Similar to C. monoculus and C. pleiozona in

possession of three dark vertical bars on side,

presence of a pronounced occipital bar in large
specimens, absence of black or ocellated markings
laterally on head, and presence of irregular dark
blotches on anterior abdominal side. Distinguished
from C. pleiozona by less scales in a lateral
row (76-83 vs. 84-93 in C. pleiozona) and
typical absence of bar 4.


Description.


Refer to Figs. 28-32 for general shape

and colour pattern, Table 16 for morphometrics,

and Tables 2-10 for meristics.

Adults relatively deep (depth 31.7-33.7 % SL,

N = 6, 246-276 mm SL). Predorsal contour straight,

smoothly arched anterior to dorsal fin, large males
with indicated (MZUSP 38410) to pronounced (in
holotype) nuchal elevation. Maxilla reaching to
below middle of orbit. Lower jaw prognathous,
articulation below posterior margin of orbit.
Lateral line discontinuous on both sides in all
specimens.
Dorsal spines 3-6 or 4-6 longest; soft dorsal
fin rounded, not quite reaching to caudal fin base;
in large males subacuminate, reaching to or
slightly beyond caudal fin base. Soft anal fin
rounded, reaching beyond middle of caudal peduncle;
in large males subacuminate, to caudal
fin base. Caudal fin rounded, upper corner angled,
lower corner rounded. Pectoral fin pointed, fourth
ray longest, reaching halfway to end of anal fin
base. Pelvic fin subacuminate, first or second ray
longest, reaching halfway to beginning of soft
anal fin base or middle of anal fin base.
Spinous dorsal fin naked, soft dorsal fin
densely scaled except for posteriormost and distal
portion, up to four rows of scales basally and
one row on each side along with each ray. Anal
fin densely scaled except distally, with two or
three rows of scales associated with each ray.
Caudal fin densely scaled, scales covering almost
all of fin except posterior margin and middle
interradial membrane. Pelvic fin densely scaled
anteriorly on both medial and lateral side. Pectoral
fin scaled or naked basally.
Juveniles (Figs. 28-29) elongate, scales absent
on fins in the smallest. Caudal fin markedly
emarginate.



Colouration in preservative.


Juveniles ca 17 mm

SL (Fig. 28) with brown blotch anteriorly on side,

indistinct pigmentation representing second

blotch, and third blotch barely distinguishable

from succeeding brown band which ends with

slightly more intense small spot at base of caudal
fin. Fins hyaline.
Juvenile 48 mm SL (Fig. 29) with indistinct
greyish vertical bar across anterior side, below
lateral line and below posterior part of spinous
dorsal fin, both bars with dark brown blotch at
middle. Similar bar and blotch below anterior soft
portion, but blotch connected to narrow dark
brown horizontal stripe running on lower lateral
line to dark blotch at middle of caudal fin base.
Fins hyaline except for faint dark stripe across
soft dorsal fin. Caudal base blotch dark brown,
lanceolate, becoming narrower and fainter caudad
to posterior margin of caudal fin.
Young male, and young unsexed specimens,
150-195 mm SL (Fig. 31), overall brownish with
dark brown markings. Extrascapular marking
distinct, consisting of dark proximal and distal
blotches. Three dark vertical bars on side (bars
1-3), dorsally slightly separated from dorsal fin
base, becoming gradually narrower ventrally,
extending for


} of side. Dark spot on many scales

on back form short irregular rows of spots in

larger specimens; in 150 mm SL specimen entire

dorsum to level of upper lateral line, including

caudal peduncle marbled with dark brown spots

and lighter ground colour. Vertical bar on caudal
peduncle absent. Small dark spots scattered on
side only in 189 mm SL specimen; two larger
specimens with irregular dark, light-margined
spots behind pectoral fin base caudad to bar 3.
Dorsal fin spinous portion dark, soft part with
more or less distinct light spots distally. Anal fin
with 3-4 rows of light spots distally; obsolete in
150 mm SL specimen. Up to five vertical rows of
hyaline spots present posterodorsally on caudal
fin. Caudal blotch round or slightly irregular,
with complete or nearly complete light margin.
Pelvic fin with a few light spots in 195 mm SL
specimen.
In adult female 246 mm SL (NRM 18023) dorsum and dorsal margin of caudal peduncle dark greyish brown, nape and snout grey. Side light brown, abdomen, chest and ventral aspect of caudal peduncle yellowish white. Side of head brown, light or dark spots absent. Black spot marking region of proximal extrascapular. Four black vertical bars (bars 1-4); anterior below anterior half of spinous dorsal fin, second below posterior third of spinous dorsal fin, third below soft dorsal fin, fourth anteriorly on caudal peduncle.
Bars wider dorsally, but about uniform in width across side; bars 1-2 extend to level of lower pectoral fin base, bar 3 slightly shorter, bar 4 to little below lower lateral line. Small black spot on medial side of pectoral fin base and on adjacent side. Side, but not dorsum, with numerous scattered, partly confluent, small brownish spots; posterior to bar 2, including caudal peduncle, also many scattered small silvery spots. Spinous portion of dorsal fin black.
Soft dorsal fin brown, light spots cannot be traced. Anal fin brown, soft portion distally grey with successively more obvious light spots distally on
soft portion, three cross rows of hyaline spots distally on soft portion. Caudal blotch black, round, with almost complete silvery ring with short interruption dorsally and ventrally. Caudal fin brown, paler ventrally, and with indistinct
pattern of alternating dark and light vertical bars posteriorly on dorsal lobe. Pelvic fin laterally brown with about four cross rows of white spots
and lighter margin; medial side grey with some
light spots visible from opposite side.
Large males (Fig. 32) light brown, caudal
peduncle, abdomen and head ventrally whitish.
Snout and occiput dark brown. Postorbital dark
markings absent. Black occipital bar extending
from above gill cover obliquely anteriad across
nape. Dark brown vertical bars 1-2 below spinous
dorsal fin ventrally to about level of pectoral fin
base, bar 3 below anterior half of soft dorsal fin
ventrally to slightly below lower lateral line. Dark
brown blotch anterior to pectoral fin base. Several
dark irregular blotches on abdominal side
under adpressed pectoral fin. Scattered small dark
spots between bars 1 and 2, and dorsally between
bars 2 and 3. Dorsal surface of caudal peduncle
dark brown. Spinous dorsal fin black, soft part
brown with indistinct light spots on three posterior
interradial membranes. Anal fin greyish
brown with indistinct light spots on five posterior
interradial membranes. Caudal fin brownish
basally, otherwise greyish. Caudal blotch black,
ringed with silvery or light spots. Pelvic fin greyish
brown, lighter posteriorly. In 276 mm SL
specimen (holotype, Fig. 32), anal fin with silvery
white spots on inner ‚ of scaled portion, and all
of naked posterior membranes; lower lobe of
caudal fin with about six irregular vertical rows
of silvery white spots; lateral aspect of pelvic fin
with silvery white spots on two anterior membranes
and long stripes of same colour on posterior
membranes. MZUSP 38410 specimens generally
not well preserved, and details of the pigment
pattern on fins cannot be unambiguously determined.



Live colouration. Photographs show breeding

males with yellow or golden side, greenish head

without black spot, white chest, abdomen and

ventral aspect of caudal fin base, but side duskied

close to anal fin base. Vertical bars black. Yellow
colour of side interspersed with numerous small
black spots dorsally. Spinous dorsal fin black,
with only few light spots. Soft dorsal fin, anal fin,
and lateral aspect of pelvic fin grey to blackish
with scattered contrasting white or yellow spots.
Caudal fin ocellus with white to yellow ring.
Several light spots on proximal half of caudal fin.
Large, partially confluent black spots with white
or yellow margin on abdominal side between
pectoral fin and middle vertical bar. Nuchal hump
prominent, dark grey.
Breeding female NRM 18023 yellowish to
golden on side yellowish on cheek and gill cover,
with pattern as preserved specimen. Lower jaw,
chest, abdomen and ventral side of caudal peduncle
white. Branchiostegal membrane orange.
Light spots posterodorsally on side, light ring of
caudal ocellus and spots on anal fin yellow. Light
spots on pelvic fin white.
Other large adults, without nuchal hump,
greyish to olive on side, lower part of head, abdomen
and ventral margin of caudal peduncle white;
greyish on side next to anal fin base. Orange stripe
from angle of mouth to lower part of subopercle,
and often indistinct pale orange along abdominal
side. Spots on fins white. Anal fin and lower lobe
of caudal fin maroon.



Etymology.


Named for Dieter Kelber, in recognition

of his promotion of Cichla as sport fishes, and

for supporting our study with information and

images of the tucunaré amarela (C. kelberi) and

tucunaré azul (C. piquiti).








Geographical distribution


. Rio Araguaia drainage

and the lower Rio Tocantins drainage (Fig.

23). Introduced in reservoirs in Rio Grande do

Norte, Minas Gerais and Ceará (Chellappa et al.,

2003, as C. monoculus; Fontenele, 1948, as C. ocellaris),

in the Rio Paraíba do Sul (State of Rio de
Janeiro), and the Rio Paraná.
Kelber (1999) listed Tucunaré amarela from
the Itaipu, Porto Primavera, Jupiá, Três Irmãos,
Ilha Solteira, São Simão, Porto Colômbia, Volta
Grande, Jaguara, Estreito, Promissão, Igaratá and
Paraibuna dams in the Brazilian Paraná basin, the
Funil and Ribeirão das Lajes dams in the Rio
Paraíba do Sul drainage, the Xingó dam in the
Rio São Francisco drainage, the Pacoti-Riachão
dam near Fortaleza in Ceará, the Serra da Mesa
dam in the Rio Tocantins drainage. The Tucunaré
amarela corresponds to C. kelberi according to
photographs provided by D. Kelber.

Local names.


Tucunaré amarela (São Paulo,

Brazil; Kelber, 1999), Tucunaré comum (Northeast

of Brazil; Fontenele, 1948).




Notes.


Cichla kelberi has long been confused with

C. monoculus


(e.g., Fontenele, 1958, as C. ocellaris),

which it resembles in shape and general colour

pattern. We have not found any diagnostic character

other than the light-spotted pelvic, anal and

caudal fins, to separate the two species, but since

this character state is unique in the genus, we are
confident about species distinctness. The lateral
scale count is within the higher range of C. monoculus,
and below the range of










C. pleiozona.

The type material of Cycla toucounarai is represented

by two preserved specimens, MNHN

A.9490, labelled simply as coming from the

“Amazone”, although the description (Castelnau,

1855) also mentions










“le lac des Perles de la province

de Goyaz”, and the Rio Tocantins. They were

referred to C. monoculus by Kullander (1986). Both

specimens have characteristic blotches on the

abdominal side posterior to the pectoral fin base.

The larger syntype (Kullander, 1986: pl. 4 fig. 1)
is a male with nuchal hump, the smaller specimen
a female. The pigmentation of the smaller specimen
is slightly faded on both sides, and it shows
no traces of light spots on the pelvic, anal, or
caudal fins. The larger specimen possesses a black
occipital stripe, three prominent vertical bars
dorsally on the side, and trace of a dark blotch
dorsally at the root of the caudal peduncle. The
pigmentation of the right side is significantly
faded, but the dark pigmentation is relatively well
preserved on the left side. The anal fin is brownish
with indicated lighter patches distally on the
scaled portion of the anterior five soft rays. The
ventral half of the caudal fin is brownish with
indistinct lighter mottling but without light distinct
spots. The pelvic fin is brownish anteriorly
with two lighter patches on anterior soft rays. The
caudal spot is ringed with a prominent silvery
ring in both specimens.
Castelnau’s description and drawing disagree
with the preserved syntypes. The drawing shows
a specimen without occipital bar, and without
dark blotches on abdominal side, but with three
distinct vertical bars below the dorsal fin and one
anteriorly on the caudal peduncle, and some red
spots on the anal fin. The description apparently
partly refers to the drawing, but the total length
agrees with the larger syntype. Both syntypes
have D. XVI.17, the drawing shows XV.18, Castelnau
gives XV.17. He counts A. II.11, we count
A. III.11. The pectoral fin count, 14 is in agreement.
We count approximately 79 (larger syntype) and
71 (smaller syntype) scales along the midline, but
many scales are lost, and a through-going perforation
likely caused by an arrow or spear through
the larger syntype perforates the E1 row; Castelnau
gives the range 72-75.
In the description, Castelnau says that “l’anale
est piquetée de rouge et de noir”, i.e., the anal fin
is spotted with red and black. This is significant
because C. kelberi is diagnosed particularly by its
anal fin colouration. One of us re-examined the
existing syntypes with special emphasis on the
possible presence of spots on the pelvic and anal
fins, which were not mentioned by Kullander
(1986). Whereas the pigmentation on these fins is
indeed not uniform, we cannot recognize light
spots of the kind displayed by some freshly preserved
adults of C. kelberi although the silvery
caudal blotch ring is well preserved in the syntypes.
Close to imperceptible light mottling of the
otherwise brownish scaled portions of the pelvic,
anal, and caudal fins does not permit ambiguous
identification as homologous with light spots in
fresh specimens of C. kelberi, and is at least
partly referable to lost scales. The light anal fin
patches are located anteriorly on the fin in the
transition between the scaled portion and the
scaleless margin, a condition which is different
from fresh specimens in which the light spots are
located on the posterior soft rays. Whereas the
light mottling of the anal fin possibly can be correlated
with the red spots described and figured
by Castelnau, it does not match the white or yellow
spots observed in fresh preserved specimens
of C. kelberi, and is doubtfully distinct from uneven
artifactual discolouration of fins in other old
specimens of Cichla.
Whereas the larger syntype has 79 scales in
the E1 row, which is in the upper portion of the
range of counts of C. monoculus and near the
median of the slightly higher range of C. kelberi,
the smaller syntype has 71 scales, which is far
below counts observed in C. kelberi, and near

modal for C. monoculus.

Castelnau (1855) included material from several

localities in his concept of C. toucounarai. He

relates that he first saw this fish in the lac des

Perles in Goiás, later it was found in the Tocantins,
and finally in the “Amazone”. “It is known locally
everywhere as Toucounarai. The Chambioas
of the Araguaia gave it the name of Kini-teray.
Its flesh is very good, and it reaches sometimes
double the size that we have indicated.” [Translated
from the French.]
Castelnau (1855) expresses that he hesitates
to describe C. toucounarai as a new species because
it would be very close to C. monoculus, differing
by the constant absence of spots from the abdomen,
assured by observation of an “immense
quantity” of individuals of C. toucounarai. It would
be close also to C. flavomaculata but differing in
the absence of yellow spots from the body and
the colouration.
Quite clearly, the description of C. toucounarai
includes observations of

Cichla from the Tocantins,

Araguaia, and the rest of the Amazon. The syntypes

seem to have been preserved from the

later part of the expedition, from Western Amazonia.

The sketch for the drawing may have been

made in the Tocantins basin, or the colouring of
the plate based on field notes from the Tocantins
basin. We also suspect that Castelnau may be
including C. piquiti in his concept of C. toucounarai.
That species does not have dark blotches on the
abdominal side and is quite common in the Tocantins
basin.
Cichla kelberi










frequently displays black blotches

behind the pectoral fin base, like the syntypes

of C. toucounarai, but in contrast with the drawing

and description. The anal fin spots are white,

yellow or silvery, not red. Species of Cichla frequently

display some red colour on the anal fin,
but not in the form of small spots.
Even specimens of C. kelberi in a poor state of
preservation may maintain light markings in the
anal fin. Inasmuch as the syntypes of C. toucounarai
do not display anal fin markings, and since
the description is ambiguous and may refer to
three or even more species, we continue to consider
C. toucounarai a synonym of Cichla monoculus.

To fix the name, we select the larger syntype

of C. toucounarai as lectotype. It can be recognized

by the morphological information above, and is

figured by Kullander (1986: pl. 4 fig. 1).

 

[Scatocephalus]

So does anyone know exactly what sp. the last batch of Kelberi that bigguapote (Jeff) brought in last time?

The last batch and this are exactly the same.

Geographical distribution

Rio Araguaia drainage and the lower Rio Tocantins drainage (Fig. 23). Introduced in reservoirs in Rio Grande do
Norte, Minas Gerais and Ceará (Chellappa et al., 2003, as C. monoculus; Fontenele, 1948, as C. ocellaris),

They are an introduced species from a resevoir near Minas Gerais.

 

[High City Rida]

Nice I was wondering if we were able to specify down to exact collection point.

 

[channarox]

so if they really only get to 16 inches,doesnt that mean.....
theyre other cichla's food?
so you guys with the larger pinima or temensis either keep the big guys and sell the kelberi,or keep the kelberi and sell the big guys.
go for option one,send them my way.

 

[R1_Ridah]

Neotropical Ichthyology

Print ISSN 1679-6225

Neotrop. ichthyol. vol.6 no.2 Porto Alegre 2008

doi: 10.1590/S1679-62252008000200007

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Population structure and reproductive biology of Cichla kelberi (Perciformes, Cichlidae) in Lobo Reservoir, Brazil[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

Introduction[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Technological advances have been expanding electricity demand. In Brazil, this has meant construction of more hydroelectricity power plants and the consequent formation of large reservoirs. These reservoirs alter various biotic and abiotic components of fluvial systems (Agostinho et al., 2005), such as changes in water flow, impeding the migration of many fish species within a watershed, or elimination of natural geographic barriers that prevent the passage of species between basins (Smith et al., 2005).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Another serious problem caused by dam construction is that the reservoirs, in an attempt to minimize impoverishment of the icthyofauna, are generally stocked with fish, but often with non-native species. In Brazil these species were widely used in stocking until the 1980s, under the recommendation of the very entities responsible for conservation of water resources (Agostinho et al., 2005).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The introduction of non-native species is the second greatest cause of extinction of species, surpassed only by degradation of habitats (Simberloff, 2003). Besides the local extinction of native species, the introduction of exotic or alochtone species are responsible for other impacts, such as changes in the trophic webs and population balance of the communities and alterations in the functional processes of ecosystems (Rocha et al., 2005). These changes occur due to the competition for food and space between native and introduced species, predation of native species, introduction of new pathogens and parasites, possible hybridization between proximate species (Rocha et al., 2005) and invasion of areas of high endemism (Smith et al., 2005).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Some works have evaluated the effects of introducing of Cichla sp. in native communities. In Panama, the dispersion of Cichla ocellaris in the area of the Chagres River led to the disappearance of many native fish species, as well as zooplankton, insects and piscivorous birds, simplifying the food chain (Zaret & Paine, 1973). Godinho et al. (1994), comparing the icthyofauna of the lakes in the Rio Doce Valley in Minas Gerais, Brazil, reported that small fish species disappeared from lakes colonized by Cichla ocellaris.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The species of the genus Cichla, popularly called tucunaré in Brazil, are piscivores that are adapted to lentic environments. Due to the quality of their flesh and characteristics as a game fish, they have been introduced and become established in various Brazilian watersheds (Magalhães et al., 1996; Nascimento et al., 2001; Câmara et al., 2002; Chellapa et al., 2003; Gomiero & Braga, 2003).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cichla kelberi has only been described recently. It stands out from the two most similar species (C. monoculus and C. pleiozona) by the presence in adults of small light spots on the pelvic and anal fins and lower lobe of the caudal fin. It has three dark vertical bars on the body side, and there is a pronounced occipital bar in large specimens and irregular dark blotches on the anterior abdominal side. It has 76-83 scales in the row above that containing the lower lateral line, this number of scales is larger than in C. monoculus and smaller than in C. pleiozona (Kullander & Ferreira, 2006).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The species' original geographic distribution is the basin of the Araguaia and lower Tocantins rivers. Currently it is also found in reservoirs in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, Minas Gerais and in the Paraná River, as a result of translocations (Kullander & Ferreira, 2006). This species until now was known as and confused with Cichla monoculus (Kullander & Ferreira, 2006).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Studies of the reproduction of Cichla sp. by Fontenele (1950), Magalhães et al. (1996), Câmara et al. (2002), Chellapa et al. (2003), Gomiero & Braga (2004) and Souza et al. (2005) report that the species of this genus have an elaborate reproductive process. Fontenele (1950) observed the mating behavior, formation of nests and parental care by both sexes. The eggs are adhesive and after hatching the larvae attach themselves to the substrate by means of adhesive organs. During the spawning period, the males present sexual dimorphism, developing a post-occipital protuberance formed by an accumulation of adipose tissue.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In Lobo (also called Broa) Reservoir, according to subsistence fishermen and nearby residents, the tucunaré was introduced in later 1990s, probably by release and consequent escape from handling fish farming tanks in the region (Marinelli, 2002).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The objectives of this work were to analyze the population structure and reproductive characteristics of Cichla kelberi in Lobo Reservoir, to evaluate the current adaptive condition of the species in this environment.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Material and Methods[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Description of the area. Lobo Reservoir lies within the municipalities of Brotas and Itirapina in São Paulo State. It is located at 22º15'S and 47º40'W (Fig. 1). The dam was built in 1936 for power generation, and the reservoir is nowadays also used for fishing, recreation and scientific research (Tundisi et al., 2003). Other activities in the watershed are sand mining, agriculture, stock raising on pasture and reforestation (Tundisi et al., 2003). The reservoir is formed mainly by the damming of the Itaqueri river and Lobo stream, and has been undergoing eutrophication, caused mainly by domestic sewage from the town of Itirapina, discharged, after sedimentation, in one of the reservoir's affluents (Tundisi et al., 2003).[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The surrounding vegetation is predominantly Cerrado, with stands of riparian forest and areas reforested with Pinus sp. and Eucalyptus sp. The region's climate is characterized by wet springs and summers and dry autumns and winters (Tundisi et al., 2003).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lobo Reservoir is located in an area of great interest for conservation, the Corumbataí/Botucatu/Tejupá Environmental Protection Area (APA), created by State Decree 20,960, issued on June 8, 1983. This APA is divided into three distinct perimeters, with the Corumbataí perimeter including 13 municipalities besides those of Itirapina and Brotas, with an area of 272,692.09 hectares (Fragoso, 2005).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sampling. The abiotic characterization of the environment was done by temperature and rainfall data obtained from the Weather Station of the Center for Water Resources and Applied Ecology of São Paulo University - São Carlos (CRHEA-USP), located on the shore of the reservoir.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To characterize the population, the fishes were collected in two periods. The first started in November 2002, to determine the best sampling points, and then monthly from January to November 2003, with three batteries of gill nets with meshes of 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 cm between opposite knots, which remained submersed for approximately 12 hours during the night. To capture smaller specimens, from January 2003 collections in shallow regions were done using a seine net with 1.0 cm mesh in the early morning and evening. Because of the large number of tucunaré specimens caught in the seine net, it was divided into classes according to total length by the Sturges method (Silva & Souza, 1987), and then sub-sampled.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Information from fishermen in the region was important to clarify the occurrence of individuals of greater length compared with the specimens collected in the first period. To complement the initial data with larger fish, it was decided to acquire samples from professional fishermen, according to availability, considering a second sampling period running from December 2004 to May 2006. The fishermen used gill nets placed in the water at dusk and retrieved the next morning three times in week. In some months there were no fishes collected from the fishermen.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The specimens were conserved on ice and taken to the Fish Population Dynamics Laboratory of São Carlos Federal University, where the total and standard lengths were recorded in centimeters and the body weight in grams. During dissection the gonads were removed, weighed and evaluated regarding to sex and their state of maturity, based on the coloration, volume occupied in the visceral cavity, surface blood supply, and in the ovaries, presence and size of the visible oocytes. The gonads were fixed in Bouin's fluid, embedded in paraffin, sectioned to a thickness of 5 mm and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, as described in Vazzoler (1981), for subsequent analysis under a light microscope and confirmation of the state of gonad maturity.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The specimens were identified at the species level based on the work of Kullander & Ferreira (2006), and one lot, containing representative exemplars of all the length classes, were deposited in the collection of the Zoology Museum of the University of São Paulo (MZUSP 93245).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Data analysis. To analyze the population composition according to sex, the two collection periods were divided into two-month intervals and the specimens into total length classes of 3 cm. To the frequency of males and females in theses classes was applied the Chi-square test (Vieira, 1980) to check for a possible difference in relation to the theoretical 1:1 sex ratio (H0 = the male-female sex ratio is 1:1).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The analysis of population structure in relation to total length, was made by establishing classes with amplitude of 3 cm and analyzed the frequencies in these classes seasonally: spring (September, October and November), summer (December, January and February), autumn (March, April and May) and winter (June, July and August), grouping the two collection periods.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To determine the length- weight relationship, applying the methodology proposed by Le Cren (1951), the weight and total length variables were plotting on graphs to investigate the tendency of the empirical points and fitting the curve by the expression Wt = a Ltb, where Wt = total weight, Lt = total length, a = intercept and b = isometry coefficient. The values of a and b were estimated by log transformation of the values of Wt and Lt and then the best linear fit was found by least squares (Santos, 1978).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To complement the analysis of the length-weight relationship, the individual variations of this relationship, expressed by the relative condition factor were estimated. This factor (Kn) was estimated by the equation Kn = Wt / We, where Wt = total weight and We = expected theoretical weight estimated by the length-weight relationship. The values estimated of Kn of adults males and females for the two periods of collection were grouped monthly and the mean values were compared to the central value (Kn = 1.0) by Student's t-test (Vieira, 1980) at 95% confidence.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The reproductive aspects of the Cichla kelberi population characterized in this work were size at first gonad maturation, reproductive period, type of spawning and fecundity.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The size at first maturation was estimated using the method proposed by Sato & Godinho (1988), which considers the size at first maturation as being the shortest length at which individuals at advanced maturation occur.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The reproductive period was determined by grouping the two periods of collection and analyzed, only for adults individuals, the frequency of occurrence of individuals with mature gonads as well as the monthly variation of gonadosomatic index (GSI=Wg/Wt*100) mean values. The spawning type was inferred by histological inspection of ovaries.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Females with mature gonads collected in the second period had the ovaries disassociated in a modified Gilson solution (Vazzoler, 1981; 1996) to estimate the fecundity (number of vitellogenic oocytes per ovary), by the volumetric method described in Vazzoler (1981; 1996).[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Results[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Abiotic factors. The region where Lobo Reservoir is located has two distinct seasons. The high temperatures and rainfall occurred from September to April and low temperatures and rainfall from May to August. The highest average air temperature was 25.1 °C and was reached in the first period of collection, in January-February and March-April 2003. The maximum rainfall reached 611.3 mm, during the second period of collection, in January-February 2005. The average bimonthly values of air temperature and rainfall are presented in Figure 2.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Grouping both periods, the mean values of air temperature and rainfall were 22.5 °C and 97.5 mm in the spring, 24.0 °C and 223.7 mm in the summer, 21.8 °C and 55.4 mm in the autumn and 18.3 °C and 16.9 mm in the winter.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Population composition. Sex ratio. During the study it was collected 484 specimens of Cichla kelberi, of which 380 were collected in the first period and 104 in the second. In the first period it was possible to identify the sex of 234 females and 91 males, resting 55 not identified, while in the second the sex of all the fish was determined, with 47 being females and 57 males. There was a significant difference in the sex ratio (1:1) of the total individuals captured (X2= 41.23, df = 1, p< 0.05), with females predominating during the entire first period except in November of 2002 and November of 2003. In the second period, the male-female ratio was near 1:1.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]By analyzing the sex ratio in the different length classes (Fig. 3), the null hypothesis was rejected in the smaller length classes, from 3.4 to 15.4 cm, with predominance of females. In the classes longer than 15.4 cm, there was a small difference in the sex ratio only in the class from 24.4 to 27.4 cm, with males predominating. In the other classes, this difference was not found.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Structure according to total length. The total length varied from 3.4 to 40.1 cm, distributed into 13 classes with amplitude of 3 cm (Fig. 4). The individuals in the smaller length classes made up the large majority in the summer and autumm. The largest specimen was a male collected in May of 2005, measuring 40.1 cm in total length and weighing 992.8 g.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Length-weight relationship and condition factor. After establishing the linear relation between the logarithms of the variables Wt and Lt, the length-weight relationship was obtained for the females and males. Since these practically overlapped, it was considered a single relationship: Wt = 0.007623 x Lt 3.1747.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The average values of the relative condition factor (Kn) were 1.0092 (± 0.0537) and 1.0029 (± 0.0632) for females and males, respectively. In the first period, the mean relative condition factor was 1.0013 (± 0.1121) for females and 1.0005 (± 0.1476) for males, and in the second period it was 1.0125 (± 0.1253) for females and 1.0293 (± 0.0780) for males.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Analyzing the mean values of Kn only for adults (the ones with a higher Lt than the size of first maturation) on both periods, higher values may be observed for females during April, June and December and lower values during March, May and July. For males, the higher mean values of Kn occurred in April, May, July and August and lower values in June.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Based on the t-test for comparing the relative condition factor values obtained in this work and the central value 1.0, the null hypothesis H0 : Kn = 1.0 was rejected for females in the months of January, June and December. For the males the null hypothesis H0: Kn = 1.0 was rejected in March, May and September. Figure 5 shows the average estimated of Kn of adult individuals for the entire study, grouped monthly and the months where Kn differed significantly from the central value of 1.0.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Reproduction. The size at first maturation estimated for Cichla kelberi in Lobo Reservoir for females and males was 20.7 and 21.5 cm in total length, respectively.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Regarding the gonad maturity states, after analyzing the slides of testicle and ovary tissue under the microscope, individuals were classified as: 1 - Resting; 2 -In Maturation; 3 - Spawning (including semi-spent); and 4 - Spent. Adults males and females in the Resting stage were numerous during July and, specially, in August. In Maturation and Spawning individuals occurred from November to April and in the Spent stage occurred predominantly from May to August, but also occurred simultaneously to In Maturation individuals (Fig. 6).[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Besides this, the microscopic analysis of gonads of In Maturation and Spawning individuals showed group synchronous development of oocytes and spermatocytes, as well as the presence, in ovaries, of post-ovulatory follicles, indicating partitioned spawning (Fig 7).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The gonadosomatic index (GSI) values of adults of Cichla kelberi females varied from 0.0087 to 4.7433 during the study, and the GSI values of adults males ranged from 0.0044 to 0.8392. The higher mean values of female GSI occurred in December and April, periods in which the higher individual values were also registered. For males, the higher mean values were registered in November, December, January, April and June. The value presented in June is relative only one male captured. Higher individual values were registered in November and January. Figure 8 presents females and males monthly variations from the mean GSI.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To estimate the absolute fecundity were considered the vitellogenic oocytes , that is, those measuring from 1,505 ìm to 2,485 ìm, ready to be eliminated during spawning. The absolute fecundity values estimated for two mature females were 6,089 and 6,908 oocytes. The number of vitellogenic oocytes of one semi-spent female totaled 5,220 oocytes. The estimated fecundity values along with those for GSI and total length of the females analyzed are shown in Table 1.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Discussion[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The sex ratio can vary temporarily, resulting in changes in the structure of fish populations, as a result of successive events that affect males and females differently, such as mortality and growth (Vazzoler, 1996). Besides these events that can affect the sexes differently, another factor that interferes in the sex ratio and the length distribution of the population samples is the selectivity of the capture method.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the present study, the sex ratio differed from 1:1, with predominance of females on length classes smaller than 15.4 cm. This difference could be due to the greater facility of distinguishing female gonads, however, when comparing the number of females on smaller length classes and the number of males summed to the number of individuals undifferentiated on the same length classes, there is still a predominance of females, suggesting that this difference may be related to other factors.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Considering that the smaller length individuals were collected, in its majority, with the seine net - a less selective device regarding size and/or sex - it is possible that the difference not detected in the classes of higher length is related to the small number of individuals captured in those classes (those were captured in the gill net which is more selective).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Câmara et al. (2002) and Chellapa et al. (2003) found a sex ratio near 1:1, with a slightly predominance of females amongst the larger individuals (length higher than 17.8 cm).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In Lobo Reservoir, Cichla kelberi males and females reach similar maximum lengths. The same observation has been made in some other places where Cichla species have been studied (Jepsen et al., 1999; Câmara et al., 2002; Chellapa et al., 2003). In Volta Grande Reservoir in Minas Gerais, C. monoculus males and females attained similar lengths, while C. ocellaris males were larger than the females (Gomiero & Braga, 2003).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the present study, the maximum lengths recorded were near those found in studies of species of the genus Cichla in other Brazilian watersheds where they have been introduced (Câmara et al., 2002; Chellapa et al., 2003; Gomiero & Braga, 2003), but smaller than those recorded in studies conducted in the basins of origin (Winemiller et al., 1997; Jepsen et al., 1999).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A single species can reach different maximum lengths depending on the environment where it is established. Winemiller et al. (1997) studying three species of Cichla in two rivers in Venezuela, demonstrated the influence of ecological factors, such as food availability and environmental characteristics, in the length structure of C. temensis populations.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Individuals smaller than 3.4 cm are not normally captured, because one of the characteristics of this species is parental care, by both parents, until the brood reaches approximately 3.5 cm in length, before when the fingerlings stay close to their parents (Fontenele, 1950).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the present study, the greater incidence of individuals within the smaller length classes occurred during the autumn and winter of 2003 (classes 6.4% 9.4 cm and 9.4 %12.4 cm, respectively) possibly resulting from a period of greater reproductive activity, considered a a reproductive peak, in the preceding months starting in the beginning of the summer, as well as the capture effort and collection method.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The length-weight relationship can offer important information about a population because it describes structural characteristics of the individuals within the population (Le Cren, 1951; Barros et al., 2001). This relationship did not differ between males and females in the present study. According to Zaret (1980), Cichla ocellaris females and males showed similar growth rates until one year of age, after which males developed more than females, possibly due to the energy spent by females in producing eggs.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the length-weight relationship, the coefficient b is considered a measure of relative growth, also reflecting the recent food conditions (Le Cren, 1951). The b value was near those estimated in other works for species of Cichla (Winemiller et al., 1997; Jepsen et al., 1999; Gomiero & Braga, 2003; Hoeinghaus et al., 2006). The growth rate, and consequently the coefficient of relative growth (b) of the length-weight relationship, is generally higher in places where Cichla were recently introduced (Zaret, 1980). According to this author, the reason to this is that soon after the introduction, the absence of predators and the large supply of prey makes the growth increase at first, after which the relationship tends to decline due to predation and competition.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The condition factor is related to various aspects, such as cyclical changes in the gonad development, growth and accumulation of fat, stomach repletion and environmental variations (Barbieri & Verani, 1987). Some environmental influences can lead to errors in interpreting the condition, such as availability of food, parasites and unfavorable environmental conditions (Le Cren, 1951).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The estimated values of the relative condition factor (Kn) were near 1.0, indicating that the Cichla kelberi population is doing well in the reservoir studied. This variable was significantly different than 1.0 for adults females and males in some months as a consequence of low temperature and the reproductive status. Low values of Kn estimated to the period between July and September may be related with the post reproduction phase or to the reduction during the winter of metabolic activity and the resulting decline of feeding activity specially by being an introduced species from warmer regions.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In some months the differences of the Kn values for females and males may be related to the smaller number of individuals captured, such as in April, June and October.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Studies of species of the Cichla genus also report smaller values of Kn in fish just after spawning (Câmara et al., 2002; Gomiero & Braga, 2003). In periods after reproductive activity, the values of Kn can be lower, not only because of the energy investment in gonad development (which is released to the environment during spawning), but also by the fact that the fish interrupt their feeding activity while caring for their brood (Zaret, 1980).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The size at first maturation for Cichla kelberi in Lobo Reservoir is smaller than the estimates by other authors for other Cichla species. According to Zaret (1980), in Gatun Lake, Panama, C. ocellaris females and males start the reproductive process with standard lengths of 32.2 and 33.2 cm, respectively. In the Brazilian Northeast, in Campo Grande Reservoir in Rio Grande do Norte state, Câmara et al. (2002) estimated a total length at first maturation for C. monoculus of 21.4 cm for females and 32.2 cm for males. In the Southeast region, in the Volta Grande Reservoir in Minas Gerais, females and males of two species of tucunaré are able to reproduce when they reach similar lengths (Gomiero & Braga, 2004). These authors estimated the total length at first maturity for C. ocellaris and C. monoculus of 20.0 and 21.5 cm, respectively.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The differences in size at first maturation can be attributed to various factors, such as species differences, methods of determining the size at first maturation or an adaptation of the species to Lobo Reservoir, which is located in a region influenced by seasonal variations.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Câmara et al. (2002) and Gomiero & Braga (2004) used a method described by Vazzoler (1996), to determine the size at first maturation, which assumes the length in which 50% of the individuals presents developing gonads. However, this method could not be used in this study due to the low occurrence of individuals in the length classes that define the size at first maturation.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Criteria based upon histological analysis are useful to estimate the size of the first maturation because of its accuracy in identify youngsters and adults. Furthermore, identification of the maturity state done only based on external morphological characteristics has not shown itself to be very efficient (particularly in species with multiple spawning). Histological analyses are strongly recommended because often the changes observed macroscopically do not exactly reflect the biological events during the reproductive process (Honji et al., 2006).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The differences in size at first maturation can also be related to external factors. In Lobo Reservoir juveniles experience a period of low temperatures in the winter, that can retard growth. This pressure does not occur in places where the temperature variations are smaller, such as the Brazilian Northeast, where after completing one year of life, the age of first maturity of Cichla ocellaris (Zaret, 1980), the individuals have reached greater lengths.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The greater frequency of In Mautration and/or Spawning gonads occurred during periods of higher temperatures and rainfall, coinciding also with higher GSI values. Individuals with Spent gonads had lower GSI and occurred specially in periods where temperature and rainfall start to drop, coinciding with end of autumn and beginning of winter. In the end of winter and beginning of spring there was greater incidence of Resting gonads.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The mean GSI values of adults in this study were near those found in other works on reproduction of species of this genus (Câmara et al., 2002; Chellapa et al., 2003). It was recorded higher GSI values for females than males, indicating that the former make a greater investment in gametes production during spawning.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Individuals of Cichla kelberi in Lobo reservoir had mature and semi-spent gonads from November to April, indicating a long reproductive period. However, there was an activity peak, as mentioned previously. Long reproductive periods with activity peaks have been reported for other species of Cichla. Magalhães et al. (1996), studying C. ocellaris in Três Marias Reservoir, found that these fish reproduce throughout the year, with activity peaks in the period when the water level behind the dam starts to rise.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chellapa et al. (2003) studied the reproductive ecology of Cichla monoculus in Campo Grande Reservoir (Brazilian Northeast) and found that in this environment, tucunaré reproduce for a long period, with peak activity coinciding with lower water temperature (approximately 27°C).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]According to Zaret (1980), fecundity is related to the female's length and can present wide variation. The mean absolute fecundity of Cichla kelberi females in Lobo Reservoir was near that observed by Fontanelle (1950) and Câmara et al. (2002), but substantially below that reported by Gomiero & Braga (2004). The vitellogenic oocytes of the Cichla species have large diameters (2,400 mm), supplying a large store of energy in the form of vitellum for the recently hatched larvae.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Partitioned spawning stretching over a prolonged period reduces the competition among larvae, and afterward among the fingerlings. This type of spawning has previously been reported for species of Cichla (Fontanelle, 1950; Magalhães et al., 1996; Câmara et al., 2002; Gomiero & Braga, 2004).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Large oocyte diameter, parental care of the brood and partitioned spawning constitute a strategy that favors reproductive success. The reason is that the large reserve of vitellus in the oocytes permits larger and more developed larvae to hatch, which are then defended from predators by their parents, thus ensuring a higher survival rate.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The reproductive biology characteristics of C. kelberi in Lobo Reservoir indicate that the species is well adapted to its environment, with high relative condition factor values, a long reproductive period, large output of fingerlings and fecundity values near those of other populations established for longer periods. In this environment the maximum sizes are near those in other regions where these species occur and the size at first maturation is smaller for both sexes, probably because of adaptation to local environmental conditions such as periods of lower temperatures, which cause a reduction in the growth rate.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Previous studies of the icthyofauna in Lobo Reservoir demonstrate that after C. kelberi was introduced, at the end of the 1990s, there was a change in the communities, with a decline in the relative abundance of some species, such as Hoplias malabaricus, Geophagus brasiliensis, Astyanax fasciatus, Cyphocharax modestus and Gymnotus carapo, and an increase in the relative abundance of the tucunaré (Fragoso et al., 2005). It is important to stress that once established, it is extremely difficult to eradicate a species (Lowe-McConnell, 1999). So the implementation of efficient mechanisms to control this species is necessary to minimize its potentially harmful effect on the aquatic community.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Acknowledgments[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]We thank the Brazilian Ministry of Environment (MMA) and co-sponsors of the PROBIO Project for funding this research and to CAPES for the Master Scholarship awarded to the first author.[/FONT]

 

[R1_Ridah]

Maybe just a freak of nature but this was 17"-18" when i sold it. Boy do i miss it toooo.

The ones I have must be a freak of nature as well since they are all over teh size noted on the taxonomy.

Take a look at the one pictured here. Looks like a big boy. Parhaps what we have are not Kelberi's?

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/b_Cichla_kelberi.php

 

[bOOsteN aUdI]

great read scat and r1.... bruno is a member on AP.. ill send him a pm when i get a chance...
r1.. how big is Darrens last kelberi. i know he has had them for quite a while now and one of them, the last i seen it, looked like a bruiser. i have two kelberis now or whatever they are from rapps and i have been thinking about just keeping them 2 and possibly the runt 2 spot in a tank instead of the group all together. it is hard for me to let them go.. if the info given was true which i dont think it is a 100 percent accurate, then kelberis just got a little better. i have a feeling that the info given has to do with kelberis from certain drainages.

 

[R1_Ridah]

great read scat and r1.... bruno is a member on AP.. ill send him a pm when i get a chance...
r1.. how big is Darrens last kelberi. i know he has had them for quite a while now and one of them, the last i seen it, looked like a bruiser. i have two kelberis now or whatever they are from rapps and i have been thinking about just keeping them 2 and possibly the runt 2 spot in a tank instead of the group all together. it is hard for me to let them go.. if the info given was true which i dont think it is a 100 percent accurate, then kelberis just got a little better. i have a feeling that the info given has to do with kelberis from certain drainages.

His biggest one is about 15+" at least. Soon as he drops it off my door step I'll measure it