Ichthyological ethnoknowledge of the “piabeiros” from the Amazon region, Brazil

Abstract

Background The capture of ornamental fish is one of the main economic activities of riverine families in the Amazon. However, studies regarding the local ecological knowledge of workers in this activity are still incipient. In view of this, we have studied and explored the local ecological knowledge of artisanal fishers who specialize in the capture of fish for the aquarium trade in the middle part of the Negro River basin and investigated issues related to the ecological aspects of the fish species that are targeted by this trade in the region. Methods Therefore, we conducted semi-structured interviews and applied questionnaires to artisanal fishers of ornamental fish (N = 89), from the municipality of Barcelos, from January to April 2016. Results In total, 41 popular names were cited, which correspond to four ethnocategories and 10 families. The main species were Paracheirodon axelrodi (12.5%), Hemigrammus bleheri (8.3%), Ancistrus dolichopterus (6.4%), Symphysodon discus (5.3%), and Potamotrygon motoro (3.8%). According to the fishers, the species of fish known in the region as “piabas” have a preference for living in clusters (28.9%) and carry out migratory movements (26.1%). The diet of local fish species reported by fisheries is diverse, though mainly based on periphyton (42.2%), and the reproductive cycle directly influenced by the period of flooding of rivers in the region (37.6%) Conclusion Our study revealed that the fishers possess information on the ecological aspects of local ornamental fish species, many of which are consistent with scientific literature. The information presented may assist in the decision-making process for the management of local fishery resources and contribute to the resumption of growth and sustainability in the capture of ornamental fish.

Traditional Food and Medicine: Ethno-Traditional Usage of Fish Fauna across the Valley of Kashmir: A Western Himalayan Region

“…Ethno-science is a vital approach to understanding the knowledge that communities possess about the living and nonliving things around them [1]. Ethno-ichthyology has become important in different regions of the world to recognize the use by and meaning of fish for ethnic groups and local communities [2]. In many ethnic and local communities globally, a variety of fish are used as primary healthcare sources [3][4][5][6].…”

People need freshwater biodiversity

“…This trade does present some threats to wild fishes (and to the health of captive‐bred fishes). However, in some cases it has prompted sustainable wild and captive fisheries that have helped secure the conservation of the species and their habitats and provided income to impoverished citizens in rural communities, who often have important ethnoknowledge of the ecology of the fishes (da Silva Ladislau et al, 2021), and who might otherwise engage in destructive practices such as mining or logging (see Project Piaba case study in Phang et al, 2019).…”