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Cichla mirianae
, new species
Holotype.
MZUSP 92399, adult female, 236 mm
SL; Brazil: Mato Grosso: Rio Arinos, município
Porto dos Gauchos, forest pool; 19 Aug 1984, M.
Goulding et al.
Porto dos Gauchos, forest pool; 19 Aug 1984, M.
Goulding et al.
Paratypes.
22 specimens, 64.2-520 mm SL. Brazil:
Rio Tapajós drainage:
MZUSP 33095, 4, 230-
310 mm SL (1 measured, 276 mm SL); Mato Grosso:
Rio Arinos, mun. Porto dos Gauchos, forest
pool; 19 Aug 1984, M. Goulding et al. MZUSP
50616, 3, 315- ca 520 mm SL; Pará/Mato Grosso:
Rio Teles Pires; Jul 1973, Instituto de Pesca. NRM
46003, 2, 207-303 mm SL, NRM 50264, 1, 90.7 mm
SL; Mato Grosso: Rio Juruena at ferry crossing,
60 km E of Juína; 14 Oct 1989, S. O. Kullander et
al. USNM 199192, 1, 96.3 mm SL; Mato Grosso:
upper Rio Juruena; 27 Aug 1962, H. Schultz.
USNM 199230, 2, 81.3- ca 83.8 mm SL; Mato
Grosso: upper Rio Juruena; 1962, H. Schultz.
USNM 199231, 1, 152 mm SL; Mato Grosso: upper
Rio Juruena; 8 Jul 1962, H. Schultz.
Rio Arinos, mun. Porto dos Gauchos, forest
pool; 19 Aug 1984, M. Goulding et al. MZUSP
50616, 3, 315- ca 520 mm SL; Pará/Mato Grosso:
Rio Teles Pires; Jul 1973, Instituto de Pesca. NRM
46003, 2, 207-303 mm SL, NRM 50264, 1, 90.7 mm
SL; Mato Grosso: Rio Juruena at ferry crossing,
60 km E of Juína; 14 Oct 1989, S. O. Kullander et
al. USNM 199192, 1, 96.3 mm SL; Mato Grosso:
upper Rio Juruena; 27 Aug 1962, H. Schultz.
USNM 199230, 2, 81.3- ca 83.8 mm SL; Mato
Grosso: upper Rio Juruena; 1962, H. Schultz.
USNM 199231, 1, 152 mm SL; Mato Grosso: upper
Rio Juruena; 8 Jul 1962, H. Schultz.
Rio Xingu
drainage: Mato Grosso:
BMNH 1985.6.20:1106,
1, 235 mm SL; Corrego do Gato; Apr 1986, R. H.
Lowe-McConnell. [Rio Suiá Missu, May 1968 fide
Lowe-McConnell, in litt.] MZUSP 33101, 3
(2 measured 175-182 mm SL); confluence of Rio
Culuene and Rio Sete de Setembro, canal; 23 Aug
1984, M. Goulding et al. NRM 12007, 5, 64.2-
84.1 mm SL; tributary to Rio Suiá-Missu between
São José do Xingu and Alô Brasil, close to and
north of Liquilandia, collected from nest, raised
in aquarium; 21 Jul 1988, U. Werner et al. USNM
235641, 1, 218 mm SL; Rio Batovi [Tamitatoala],
small tributary and shallow lake; Aug-Sep 1964,
H. Schultz. USNM 235642, 1, 196 mm SL; Rio
Batovi [Tamitatoala]; Aug-Sep 1964, H. Schultz.
Lowe-McConnell. [Rio Suiá Missu, May 1968 fide
Lowe-McConnell, in litt.] MZUSP 33101, 3
(2 measured 175-182 mm SL); confluence of Rio
Culuene and Rio Sete de Setembro, canal; 23 Aug
1984, M. Goulding et al. NRM 12007, 5, 64.2-
84.1 mm SL; tributary to Rio Suiá-Missu between
São José do Xingu and Alô Brasil, close to and
north of Liquilandia, collected from nest, raised
in aquarium; 21 Jul 1988, U. Werner et al. USNM
235641, 1, 218 mm SL; Rio Batovi [Tamitatoala],
small tributary and shallow lake; Aug-Sep 1964,
H. Schultz. USNM 235642, 1, 196 mm SL; Rio
Batovi [Tamitatoala]; Aug-Sep 1964, H. Schultz.
Diagnosis.
Uniquely distinguished by colour
pattern, which includes dark lateral band along
side in young, and three blackish ocellated
blotches along middle of side from at least 90 mm
SL; adults retaining portions of lateral band as
black irregular stripes connecting ocellar blotches
and continuing on caudal peduncle. Similar
only to
side in young, and three blackish ocellated
blotches along middle of side from at least 90 mm
SL; adults retaining portions of lateral band as
black irregular stripes connecting ocellar blotches
and continuing on caudal peduncle. Similar
only to
C. orinocensis in possession of three lateral
ocelli; different from
C. orinocensis in possession
of horizontal band (vs. absent in
C. orinocensis).
Three indistinct vertical bars in young and
adults vs. five or more vertical bars in
adults vs. five or more vertical bars in
C. intermedia,
C. nigromaculata,
and C. piquiti. Lateral scales
72-80. Lateral line discontinuous (vs. continuous
in
in
C. intermedia, C. ocellaris, C. temensis, and C. thyrous).
Description.
Refer to Figs. 37-43 for general shape
and colour pattern, Table 18 for morphometrics,
and Tables 2-10 for meristics.
Large adults moderately deep (depth 27.1-
32.8 % SL, N = 7, 207-315 mm SL). Predorsal contour
smoothly arched, nuchal protuberance minute
to small in three large males 303, 430 and 520 mm
SL. Maxilla reaching to slightly behind orbital
margin. Lower jaw prognathous, articulation
below middle or posterior margin of orbit. Lateral
line discontinuous; continuous on right side
in one specimen only (NRM 50264).
Dorsal spines 3-6 longest; soft dorsal fin
rounded, not reaching to caudal fin base or
slightly shorter. Soft anal fin rounded, reaching
beyond middle of caudal peduncle. Caudal fin
truncate or subtruncate. Pectoral fin pointed,
Kullander & Ferreira: Review of
and Tables 2-10 for meristics.
Large adults moderately deep (depth 27.1-
32.8 % SL, N = 7, 207-315 mm SL). Predorsal contour
smoothly arched, nuchal protuberance minute
to small in three large males 303, 430 and 520 mm
SL. Maxilla reaching to slightly behind orbital
margin. Lower jaw prognathous, articulation
below middle or posterior margin of orbit. Lateral
line discontinuous; continuous on right side
in one specimen only (NRM 50264).
Dorsal spines 3-6 longest; soft dorsal fin
rounded, not reaching to caudal fin base or
slightly shorter. Soft anal fin rounded, reaching
beyond middle of caudal peduncle. Caudal fin
truncate or subtruncate. Pectoral fin pointed,
Kullander & Ferreira: Review of
Cichla
337
reaching halfway to middle of anal fin base. Pelvic
fin pointed, first ray longest, reaching halfway
to anal fin origin.
Dorsal fin naked in all specimens to 152 mm
SL, in larger specimens sparsely scaled on proximal
to anal fin origin.
Dorsal fin naked in all specimens to 152 mm
SL, in larger specimens sparsely scaled on proximal
|
of soft portion, with single row of scales
along anterior and posterior margin of rays. Anal
fin densely scaled anteriorly in adults, on proximal
half or less in specimens up to 152 mm SL.
Caudal fin densely scaled, in adults scales covering
almost all of fin except posterior margin and
middle interradial membrane. Pelvic fin naked
in young, progressively densely scaled on both
sides along anterior margin. Pectoral fin scaled
basally in specimens over 200 mm SL.
fin densely scaled anteriorly in adults, on proximal
half or less in specimens up to 152 mm SL.
Caudal fin densely scaled, in adults scales covering
almost all of fin except posterior margin and
middle interradial membrane. Pelvic fin naked
in young, progressively densely scaled on both
sides along anterior margin. Pectoral fin scaled
basally in specimens over 200 mm SL.
Colouration in preservative.
Smallest specimens,
about 60-80 mm SL (Fig. 37) with dark brown to
blackish lateral band from cleithrum to caudal fin
base. White, partly contiguous spots bordering
lateral band dorsally and ventrally; additional
one or two rows of indistinct light spots on dorsum
dorsal to lateral line. Short, narrow, dark
brown vertical bars 1-3 (in one specimen indicated
bar 4) from about lateral line, fading on
abdominal side; expanded into oval or round
blotch where crossing lateral band. Dark brown
blotch immediately posterior to orbit and dark
brown horizontal stripe dorsally on opercle.
Dorsal fin dusky, both spinous and soft portion
with large white or hyaline spots. Anal fin whitish
anteriorly, colourless posteriorly. Black caudal
blotch, small, rounded, contiguous with lateral
band, and extended by blackish stripe along
blackish lateral band from cleithrum to caudal fin
base. White, partly contiguous spots bordering
lateral band dorsally and ventrally; additional
one or two rows of indistinct light spots on dorsum
dorsal to lateral line. Short, narrow, dark
brown vertical bars 1-3 (in one specimen indicated
bar 4) from about lateral line, fading on
abdominal side; expanded into oval or round
blotch where crossing lateral band. Dark brown
blotch immediately posterior to orbit and dark
brown horizontal stripe dorsally on opercle.
Dorsal fin dusky, both spinous and soft portion
with large white or hyaline spots. Anal fin whitish
anteriorly, colourless posteriorly. Black caudal
blotch, small, rounded, contiguous with lateral
band, and extended by blackish stripe along
of
middle of caudal fin; blotch midbasal in 64.2 mm
SL specimen, slightly superior in remainder. Rest
of caudal fin grey with large white spots on dorsal
half. Pelvic fin whitish.
In specimens about 90 mm SL and larger (Figs.
38-39) lateral band much less distinct than vertical
bars/blotches and gradually transformed to
narrow stripe. Dorsum, nape and snout brown
with yellow spots on top of snout, nape and in
two rows on dorsum close to dorsal fin. Side of
head light brownish, ventrally yellowish, large
yellow spots in brownish area. A dark brown spot
ventrally on opercle. Dark horizontal stripe from
snout to orbit, from orbit horizontally across
opercle, brownish and distinct. Stripe continued,
indistinct, brownish, along middle of side, immediately
above level of lower lateral line tube
row, lighter anteriorly, to caudal fin base. Stripe
crossed by three short vertical bars confined to
middle third of side, containing an approximately
round dark brown blotch at intersection.
Large light spots in a row dorsally and ventrally
along horizontal band; an irregular row of large
light spots on dorsal side, another along abdominal
side. Dorsal fin brown, spinous portion
with two, soft portion with three rows of large
hyaline spots. Anal fin hyaline, pelvic fin smoky
on both sides.
Large adult male, 330 mm SL (Fig. 40) with
dark brown back, nape and snout dorsally,
lighter brown side, chest yellowish white, abdomen
dirty white, ventral aspect of caudal peduncle
duskied. Side of head brown. Lower jaw grey,
chest and throat dusky on white ground (unique
for this specimen). Row of irregularly arranged
black spot in horizontal succession from orbit to
posterior margin of opercle, scattered black spots
on opercle. Extrascapular series marked by a black
oblique stripe. Spinous dorsal fin brown, soft
portion brown with seven cross-rows of lighter
spots and grey distal margin. Anal fin brown,
darker distally. Caudal fin brown with about 10
vertical rows of lighter spots on dorsal lobe. Pelvic
fin dark brown on posterior side, grey on
anterior side. Pectoral fin greyish.
Indistinct dark vertical bars (bars 2-3) containing
distinct irregular black blotches at level slightly
above upper lateral line. Anteriorly on side, above
pectoral fin, a large black blotch. Side close to
major black blotches partially, especially anterior
blotch, slightly lighter than rest of side. Caudad
from cleithrum an irregular row of irregularly
shaped black spots connecting major black blotches,
continued beyond posterior blotch as gradually
narrower band of blotches to about middle
of caudal peduncle. Numerous irregularly arranged
and irregularly shaped black blotches on lower
side associated with bars 2 and 3, on pectoral fin
base and under adpressed pect oral fin. Caudal
blotch slightly elongate, margined by narrow
silvery circle; on both sides of fin also minute
dark spot dorsally on ventral lobe, margined by
light spots. Other large males similarly dark with
dark brown to black spinous dorsal fin and black
spots on anterior abdominal side. Lower jaw,
throat and branchiostegal membrane whitish or
yellowish without blackish pigmentation.
Breeding female, 207 mm SL (Fig. 41) similar
to male, but anterior two blotches brown, posterior
blotch black and most prominent. Five series
of light spots in dorsal fin. Only some indistinct
brownish markings on abdominal side. No light
spots on head, flank or dorsum. Probable female
152 mm SL retains white spots on nape, dorsum
and side. Black spots on gill cover. Lateral band
indistinct, faded on posterior part of caudal peduncle,
and in transition to rows of dark spots of
larger specimens. Female 315 mm SL similar, with
small light spots scattered on side and densely
on side of head, but only limited faint brownish
markings representing the horizontal band.
Holotype, 236 mm SL (MZUSP 92399, Fig. 42),
light brown on dorsum, with small light spots on
dorsal side. Spinous dorsal fin brownish with
about three rows of light spots on spinous portion,
five rows on soft portion, Anterior two lateral
blotches dark brown, posterior blotch black, connected
by smaller irregular dark brown blotches
in narrow band continued short distance posterior
to posterior black blotch; all dark markings
margined with dull whitish or silvery spots.
Otherwise similar to 207 mm SL female.
SL specimen, slightly superior in remainder. Rest
of caudal fin grey with large white spots on dorsal
half. Pelvic fin whitish.
In specimens about 90 mm SL and larger (Figs.
38-39) lateral band much less distinct than vertical
bars/blotches and gradually transformed to
narrow stripe. Dorsum, nape and snout brown
with yellow spots on top of snout, nape and in
two rows on dorsum close to dorsal fin. Side of
head light brownish, ventrally yellowish, large
yellow spots in brownish area. A dark brown spot
ventrally on opercle. Dark horizontal stripe from
snout to orbit, from orbit horizontally across
opercle, brownish and distinct. Stripe continued,
indistinct, brownish, along middle of side, immediately
above level of lower lateral line tube
row, lighter anteriorly, to caudal fin base. Stripe
crossed by three short vertical bars confined to
middle third of side, containing an approximately
round dark brown blotch at intersection.
Large light spots in a row dorsally and ventrally
along horizontal band; an irregular row of large
light spots on dorsal side, another along abdominal
side. Dorsal fin brown, spinous portion
with two, soft portion with three rows of large
hyaline spots. Anal fin hyaline, pelvic fin smoky
on both sides.
Large adult male, 330 mm SL (Fig. 40) with
dark brown back, nape and snout dorsally,
lighter brown side, chest yellowish white, abdomen
dirty white, ventral aspect of caudal peduncle
duskied. Side of head brown. Lower jaw grey,
chest and throat dusky on white ground (unique
for this specimen). Row of irregularly arranged
black spot in horizontal succession from orbit to
posterior margin of opercle, scattered black spots
on opercle. Extrascapular series marked by a black
oblique stripe. Spinous dorsal fin brown, soft
portion brown with seven cross-rows of lighter
spots and grey distal margin. Anal fin brown,
darker distally. Caudal fin brown with about 10
vertical rows of lighter spots on dorsal lobe. Pelvic
fin dark brown on posterior side, grey on
anterior side. Pectoral fin greyish.
Indistinct dark vertical bars (bars 2-3) containing
distinct irregular black blotches at level slightly
above upper lateral line. Anteriorly on side, above
pectoral fin, a large black blotch. Side close to
major black blotches partially, especially anterior
blotch, slightly lighter than rest of side. Caudad
from cleithrum an irregular row of irregularly
shaped black spots connecting major black blotches,
continued beyond posterior blotch as gradually
narrower band of blotches to about middle
of caudal peduncle. Numerous irregularly arranged
and irregularly shaped black blotches on lower
side associated with bars 2 and 3, on pectoral fin
base and under adpressed pect oral fin. Caudal
blotch slightly elongate, margined by narrow
silvery circle; on both sides of fin also minute
dark spot dorsally on ventral lobe, margined by
light spots. Other large males similarly dark with
dark brown to black spinous dorsal fin and black
spots on anterior abdominal side. Lower jaw,
throat and branchiostegal membrane whitish or
yellowish without blackish pigmentation.
Breeding female, 207 mm SL (Fig. 41) similar
to male, but anterior two blotches brown, posterior
blotch black and most prominent. Five series
of light spots in dorsal fin. Only some indistinct
brownish markings on abdominal side. No light
spots on head, flank or dorsum. Probable female
152 mm SL retains white spots on nape, dorsum
and side. Black spots on gill cover. Lateral band
indistinct, faded on posterior part of caudal peduncle,
and in transition to rows of dark spots of
larger specimens. Female 315 mm SL similar, with
small light spots scattered on side and densely
on side of head, but only limited faint brownish
markings representing the horizontal band.
Holotype, 236 mm SL (MZUSP 92399, Fig. 42),
light brown on dorsum, with small light spots on
dorsal side. Spinous dorsal fin brownish with
about three rows of light spots on spinous portion,
five rows on soft portion, Anterior two lateral
blotches dark brown, posterior blotch black, connected
by smaller irregular dark brown blotches
in narrow band continued short distance posterior
to posterior black blotch; all dark markings
margined with dull whitish or silvery spots.
Otherwise similar to 207 mm SL female.
Live colouration.
Male, NRM 46003, freshly
captured, olivaceous to yellowish on lower part
of head and lower flanks.
of head and lower flanks.
Geographical distribution.
Known from the
upper Rio Tapajós drainage, in the Juruena and
Teles Pires rivers, and from the middle and upper
Rio Xingu drainage, in the Fresco, Batovi, Culuene
and Suiá-Missu rivers (Fig. 9).
Lowe-McConnell (1991), reported
Teles Pires rivers, and from the middle and upper
Rio Xingu drainage, in the Fresco, Batovi, Culuene
and Suiá-Missu rivers (Fig. 9).
Lowe-McConnell (1991), reported
Cichla xingu
as abundant in the Rio Suiá-Missu, and
present in Suiá-Missu lakes, and observed in the
Córrego do Gato (also a tributary of the Rio Suiá-
Missu). The only specimen preserved, however,
comes from the Córrego do Gato. Other records
are from nearby, at the confluence of the Culuene
and Sete de Setembro rivers, and without precise
locality in the Rio Batovi (shown as Rio Tamitatoala
on current maps). The Córrego do Gato is
also the type locality of
present in Suiá-Missu lakes, and observed in the
Córrego do Gato (also a tributary of the Rio Suiá-
Missu). The only specimen preserved, however,
comes from the Córrego do Gato. Other records
are from nearby, at the confluence of the Culuene
and Sete de Setembro rivers, and without precise
locality in the Rio Batovi (shown as Rio Tamitatoala
on current maps). The Córrego do Gato is
also the type locality of
Crenicichla rosemariae
(Kullander, 1997).
Etymology.
Named for Mirian Leal-Carvalho,
who participated in the collection of part of the
type series.
type series.
Notes.
Small specimens of C. mirianae display an
indistinct continuous lateral band from snout to
caudal peduncle (Fig. 37), and retain this band as
adults displaying as irregular blackish blotches
arranged in a narrow band connecting the three
lateral ocellar blotches and continuing onto the
caudal peduncle. This development of the colour
pattern is similar to that of
caudal peduncle (Fig. 37), and retain this band as
adults displaying as irregular blackish blotches
arranged in a narrow band connecting the three
lateral ocellar blotches and continuing onto the
caudal peduncle. This development of the colour
pattern is similar to that of
C. intermedia, but in
that species, the juvenile lateral band is wider and
more prominent, and whitish spots covering body
and head of
more prominent, and whitish spots covering body
and head of
C. mirianae are absent. Cichla intermedia
lacks the prominent lateral ocelli of
C. mirianae
and has about 6 narrow vertical bars across the
side. Adult
side. Adult
C. mirianae are similar to C. orinocensis
in possession of three prominent ocellated blotches
along the side, but juvenile
along the side, but juvenile
C. orinocensis do
not possess a continuous horizontal band along
the side.
The
the side.
The
Cichla material from the upper Rio Tapajós
and upper Rio Xingu drainages are referred
to the same species. There are no morphometric
or meristic differences between the two geographical
samples. Whereas all specimens from
the Rio Tapajós drainage display prominent
ocelli on the side from small sizes, the lateral
blotches are less prominent in Xingu specimens,
and also large specimens possess distinct white
spots on the head (Fig. 43). Colour slides of two
adult
to the same species. There are no morphometric
or meristic differences between the two geographical
samples. Whereas all specimens from
the Rio Tapajós drainage display prominent
ocelli on the side from small sizes, the lateral
blotches are less prominent in Xingu specimens,
and also large specimens possess distinct white
spots on the head (Fig. 43). Colour slides of two
adult
Cichla specimens made by Harald Schultz
and labeled
Cichla ocellaris, Alto Xingu, Soojah-
Karaja Ind. [Suiá-Carajá indians], November 1960,
show a colour pattern very similar to that of
Tapajós specimens, with three distinct ocellar
blotches mediated by stripes of small black
blotches. Among Schultz
show a colour pattern very similar to that of
Tapajós specimens, with three distinct ocellar
blotches mediated by stripes of small black
blotches. Among Schultz
s slides the same locality
and date is given on a colour slide of
Crenicichla
rosemariae
, so far only known from the Rio Suiá-
Missu drainage, confirming at least that Schultz
photographed fishes in the Suiá-Missu area in
1960. A popular article (Schultz, 1962) describing
Suiá fishing in the Suiá-Missu, probably near
Diauarum, mentions a
photographed fishes in the Suiá-Missu area in
1960. A popular article (Schultz, 1962) describing
Suiá fishing in the Suiá-Missu, probably near
Diauarum, mentions a
large Crenicichla species
with olive-green body and many rows of dark-red
dots and a dorsal fin which was attractively edged
with red
dots and a dorsal fin which was attractively edged
with red
, corresponding to the slide of C. rosemariae,
and
Cichla ocellaris is mentioned as present.
Since all adult Xingu specimens at hand are females,
except one discoloured young male (MZUSP
33101, 175 mm SL), and none of them in breeding
condition, we suggest that the differences in
colour pattern reflect absence of preserved breeding
adults among the Xingu specimens.
except one discoloured young male (MZUSP
33101, 175 mm SL), and none of them in breeding
condition, we suggest that the differences in
colour pattern reflect absence of preserved breeding
adults among the Xingu specimens.
Superlaz;3401581; said:I think its difficult to come to that conclusion because so few hobbyist are able to house a 20"+ Cichla...regardless of sp. Its at these sizes that colors really start to come out. John's Tems...don't know what to say..they are beautiful fish, with incredible spangling for a Tem, but body shape in general doesn't look 'tem' like to me. Almost look like cichla thyrorus. However, thats the exception, not the norm. Mature markings are definitely attained in aquaria.
I apologize, and someone may be able to chime in because I don't remember this members name off the top of my head, but best Tem in a tank I've seen to date -
This is Ruckus' fish.. i have some close up shots of his tems somewhere.. I agree.. the best looking tem i have ever seen in a tank..
as for more fogo picture.. these are from Alta Floresta, Brazil
scat, look at those pictures of the juvi fogo, how does it look diffrent then the picture i posted in my thread? both seem to have full body spangling and look like orinos. only diffrence is that one is dead. what do you see? more specificly the rio batovia last pic on page 2.
CichlaRyan;3401903; said:
Besides that one shot.. most of those cichla have spangling from the the horizontal body markings up, none on the lower half.. As for the last picture you are calling out, it looks to me as if that cichla's "spangling" shows more characteristics of a xingus spotting then an orinocensis... then again we are looking at deceased fish.
bOOsteN aUdI;3401910; said:
personally it doesnt look too diffrent from that orino pic you posted either. true its dead but it does keep its basic characteristics. i will be looking forward to this threadin the morning.
http://www.amazonwatch.org/amazon/BR/bmd/index.php?page_number=99
Belo Monte Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Published 27 March 2009
News , Xingu River; Environment and Geography
The Brazilian Environment Agency, IBAMA, now has the EIA for the Belo Monte dam project, and parts are beginning to leak out.
Wading through the mix of academic, governmental and industrial jargon, it is easy to lose sight of the real, actual and immediate impacts that this monstrous project will have on the environment and the people of the Xingu.
The sections I have seen so far cover the impact on the area known as the Volta Grande, and on the diversity and populations of fish species. They make depressing reading. Phrases like The impact will be irreversible, of the highest significance and of a high magnitude. The duration will be permanent, it will affect the entire cycle, the impact will be immediate and will take effect in the short term. The nature of the impact will be negative occur several times.
My thoughts go back to our time on the river. We navigated the bubbling, crystal waters of the Volta Grande when we visited the Yudja (Juruna) village of Paquissamba. The river was alive with rapids, and fish were plentiful in the healthy waters. Occasionally, local people, both Indians and settlers, would pass in their boats with a friendly wave.
All of this will come to an abrupt halt if this project goes forward. The rushing, clean water will be replaced by fetid, stagnant pools and lakes full of mosquito larvae and dying fish. The already difficult-to-navigate channels will dry up and become impassable. The rocky riverbed, stripped of its water, will attract the attention of illegal gold prospectors, adding to the environmental destruction.
People who rely on the fish for their daily food will be forced from the area into the fringes of Altamira, to swell the already crowded and insanitary shanty towns which line the urban waterways. Nobody knows what will happen to the Yudja, or to the Arara settlement on the opposite side of the river. The Xicrin of Bacaja will no longer be able to navigate the river from their villages to the town, making the already long and dangerous journey in search of medical help impossible. Having made the Indians reliant on outside help, the government now plans to cut them off from the outside world.
The most productive land, in the areas beside the rivers which are flooded by rich sediment-laden water each year, will disappear below the water, or be left permanently dry and starved of its annual input of natural fertiliser. The people who farm this land will lose their livelihoods and be forced to migrate.
In terms of biodiversity, the impact could not be greater. The Volta Grande attracts adventurous fishermen from all over the world to pursue the rare game fish to be found there. These, some of them endemic, will be dramatically affected; many are likely to die out completely under the environmental stress of such a sudden and profound change in the local ecology.
My loss will be the chance to visit again a place of wild and unfettered beauty, to battle the rapids and to explore the myriad channels, backwaters and islands. But the loss to the local people and to mankind will be greater, the loss of species and the loss of a vibrant ecosystem, which is one of the few areas of the world where Man has had only a marginal impact.
Millions of tons of concrete will change this place forever. We need to fight this environmental crime with all of the weapons available to us.
Belo Monte Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Published 27 March 2009
News , Xingu River; Environment and Geography
The Brazilian Environment Agency, IBAMA, now has the EIA for the Belo Monte dam project, and parts are beginning to leak out.
Wading through the mix of academic, governmental and industrial jargon, it is easy to lose sight of the real, actual and immediate impacts that this monstrous project will have on the environment and the people of the Xingu.
The sections I have seen so far cover the impact on the area known as the Volta Grande, and on the diversity and populations of fish species. They make depressing reading. Phrases like The impact will be irreversible, of the highest significance and of a high magnitude. The duration will be permanent, it will affect the entire cycle, the impact will be immediate and will take effect in the short term. The nature of the impact will be negative occur several times.
My thoughts go back to our time on the river. We navigated the bubbling, crystal waters of the Volta Grande when we visited the Yudja (Juruna) village of Paquissamba. The river was alive with rapids, and fish were plentiful in the healthy waters. Occasionally, local people, both Indians and settlers, would pass in their boats with a friendly wave.
All of this will come to an abrupt halt if this project goes forward. The rushing, clean water will be replaced by fetid, stagnant pools and lakes full of mosquito larvae and dying fish. The already difficult-to-navigate channels will dry up and become impassable. The rocky riverbed, stripped of its water, will attract the attention of illegal gold prospectors, adding to the environmental destruction.
People who rely on the fish for their daily food will be forced from the area into the fringes of Altamira, to swell the already crowded and insanitary shanty towns which line the urban waterways. Nobody knows what will happen to the Yudja, or to the Arara settlement on the opposite side of the river. The Xicrin of Bacaja will no longer be able to navigate the river from their villages to the town, making the already long and dangerous journey in search of medical help impossible. Having made the Indians reliant on outside help, the government now plans to cut them off from the outside world.
The most productive land, in the areas beside the rivers which are flooded by rich sediment-laden water each year, will disappear below the water, or be left permanently dry and starved of its annual input of natural fertiliser. The people who farm this land will lose their livelihoods and be forced to migrate.
In terms of biodiversity, the impact could not be greater. The Volta Grande attracts adventurous fishermen from all over the world to pursue the rare game fish to be found there. These, some of them endemic, will be dramatically affected; many are likely to die out completely under the environmental stress of such a sudden and profound change in the local ecology.
My loss will be the chance to visit again a place of wild and unfettered beauty, to battle the rapids and to explore the myriad channels, backwaters and islands. But the loss to the local people and to mankind will be greater, the loss of species and the loss of a vibrant ecosystem, which is one of the few areas of the world where Man has had only a marginal impact.
Millions of tons of concrete will change this place forever. We need to fight this environmental crime with all of the weapons available to us.
If they decide to build this project, the entire xingu river ecosystem will be changed. Cichla found in this river have evolved in a certain way to live and breed. Many coordinate their reproductive cycles with yearly flood seasons. If flooding cycle changes, then food supply will not be abundant during breeding season for the youngsters to thrive...... the impact will be devastating 
Let's just hope this does not happen.
Let's just hope this does not happen.
OG