Influence of an artificial dam on the fish assemblage of a Neotropical stream

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a dam on the ecological parameters of the fish assemblages of a stream of second order of the upper Paraná River basin, southern Brazil. Samplings of abiotic data and ichthyofauna occurred quarterly between September 2012 and June 2013. Were collected 3,128 individuals in six orders, eight families and 13 species. The Cluster analysis (Jaccard) based on species composition indicated the separation of the sampling units into two groups, demonstrating the dissimilarity between upstream and downstream units. The artificial dam was characterized as a discontinuity factor for diversity patterns and ecological processes related to biota. Thus, this study has indications that the creation of dams can significantly affect the richness and abundance of fish species of small lotic systems, as streams, by modifying their environments.