Ichthyofauna of the rio Araguaia basin, states of Mato Grosso and Goiás, Brazil

Abstract

This study provides a list of fish species from tributaries of the rio Araguaia basin, in its upper-middle portions in the states of Mato Grosso and Goiás, Brazil. Fish assemblages were sampled in August 2008 using standard ichthyological gear along ten sampling sites. A total of 2246 individuals of 89 species, 21 families and five orders were collected. Most species collected were Characidae, Loricariidae and Cichlidae. The genera Serrapinnus, Hyphessobrycon and Hemigrammus were the most abundant and widely distributed in the total sampled area. The presence of endemic species, undescribed or with undefined taxonomic status requires attention to the knowledge and conservation of the Araguaia river basin ichthyofauna.