MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF HYBRIDS BETWEEN NEOTROPICAL CATFISH SPECIES IN THE UPPER PARANÁ RIVER: AN ACTION IN THE PAN UPPER PARANÁ RIVER

• Grant number: 25/00794-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Animal Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Fábio Porto-Foresti
• Grantee: Gabriel Henrique de Lima Frankin
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The continental Neotropical ichthyofauna represents the most species-rich group of vertebrates on the planet, with undeniable ecological and economic importance, making it a global biodiversity "hotspot." However, this group has been heavily impacted by various anthropogenic activities related to aquaculture, most notably the introduction of exotic species and hybrid lineages. These activities are now considered among the leading causes of aquatic biodiversity loss through biological invasion and consequent biotic homogenization. Therefore, this project aims to monitor P. corruscans and P. reticulatum, as well as their interspecific hybrids in the natural environment, to assess the potential occurrence of hybrid lineages. This will enable an evaluation of the actual benefits and drawbacks of producing these hybrids and provide support for implementing protective and conservation measures for the pure parental species.