Indicators on the reproductive biology of female red-piau in Paraíba do Sul River

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the reproductive dynamics of red-piau females (Leporinus copelandii) in the lower basin of Paraíba do Sul River. Variables were determined in different stages of annual reproductive cycle of the 143 monthly caught females. There was a significant correlation between gonadosomatic relationship and total condition factor, and a negative correlation between gonadosomatic relationship and abdominal fat index. Total and somatic condition factor presented the same tendency, and their difference indicated the beginning of the reproductive period. Hepatosomatic index presented negative correlation with abdominal fat index, and positive correlation with repletion index. Abdominal fat index presented positive correlation with total and somatic condition factor. The mean abdomen fat index was maximum in the initial maturation stage suggesting the use of fat reservations during the ovaries maturation and/or reproductive migration. There was a negative correlation between abdominal fat index and the repletion index. Despite the fact that the fish did not interrupt its alimentary activity, the females showed better alimentary conditions after the reproductive period.