Use of functional traits to assess changes in stream fish assemblages across a habitat gradient

Author(s)

Ribeiro, Mariela Domiciano ^[1] ; Teresa, Fabricio Barreto ^[2] ; Casatti, Lilian ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Lab Ictiol, Dept Zool & Bot, IBILCE, Rua Cristovao Colombo 2265, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Goias, Unidade Univ Ciencias Exatas & Tecnol, Rodovia BR 153, 3-105, Caixa Postal 459, BR-75132903 Anapolis, Go - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Neotropical Ichthyology; v. 14, n. 1 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 12

Abstract

Abstract Functional traits are important for understanding the links between species occurrence and environmental conditions. Identifying these links makes it possible to predict changes in species composition within communities under specific environmental conditions. We used functional traits related to habitat use and trophic ecology in order to assess the changes in fish community composition between streams with varying habitat structure. The relationship between the species traits and habitat characteristics was analyzed using an RLQ ordination analysis. Although species were widely distributed in habitats with different structures, physical conditions did favor some species based on their functional characteristics. Eight functional traits were found to be associated with stream habitat structure, allowing us to identify traits that may predict the susceptibility of fish species to physical habitat degradation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 01/13340-7 - Evaluation of the biotic integrity of the rivers of the northwest region of the State of São Paulo, Alto Paraná basin, using communities of fish
• Grantee: Lilian Casatti
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/13923-1 - Does the fish morphological diversity reflect the stream habitat structure?
• Grantee: Mariela Domiciano Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master