First record of the family Parodontidae (Characiformes) from the Paraíba do Sul river basin, southeastern Brazil

Abstract

The first records of 2 species of Parodontidae (Apareiodon piracicabae and A. itapicuruensis) are reported in the Paraíba do Sul river basin. In total, 101 individuals of A. piracicabae and 3 individuals of A. itapicuruensis were collected in the Paraíba do Sul middle reaches. A description and diagnosis of both species based on morpho-meristic characters were provided. These fishes have been used as forage for larger fish species as well as bait for sport fishing, which may have facilitated their introduction in the Paraíba do Sul River from fish culture farms in the region.