Journal Article
Biology and behavior of Eigenmannia vicentespelaea, a troglobitic electric fish from Brazil (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae): a comparison to the epigean species, E. trilineata, and the consequences of cave life
Bichuette, M.E. and Trajano, E.
Record Number:
4405
Year:
2017
Journal:
Tropical Zoology
Pages:
68-82
Volume:
30
Abstract:
We compared the behavior, including spatial distribution, reaction to stimuli, activity
phases, and agonistic interactions, as well as diet and reproduction, of the troglobitic
Eigenmannia vicentespelaea and that of its epigean relative, E. trilineata, both from
São Domingos karst area, central Brazil. We utilized ad libitum underwater observations,
complemented by physicochemical water variables, habitat descriptions, and
collections of specimens. Differences in behavioral aspects include the absence of
cryptobiotic habits and an extended spatial and temporal activity in E. vicentespelaea
that were not present in E. trilineata, and the foraging angle, which was approximately
30° in E. vicentespelaea and 90° in E. trilineata. The agonistic behaviors recorded for
the troglobitic E. vicentespelaea could be related to the preservation of a character state
that is present in its epigean relatives. Eigenmannia vicentespelaea and E. trilineata
might be considered benthophagous invertivores, similar to other Eigenmannia electric
fishes, with no evidence of seasonality in the volume and diversity of prey items in their
stomachs, suggesting that there is a food spectrum common to the two species. Both
epigean and troglobitic Eigenmannia fish from Goiás reproduce during the dry season,
with no indication of reproductive peaks during this period.
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species:
Related Records:
Trajano, E. and de Souza, A. M. (1994)
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