Abstract

SORIA-BARRETO, Miriam et al. Diversity of fish fauna in the Usumacinta Basin, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2018, vol.89, suppl., pp.100-117. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2018.4.2462.

The Usumacinta Basin is characterized by its large size, ecological heterogeneity and high diversity of fish. The purpose of this work was to examine the richness and distribution of the fish fauna, and analyze the diversity and abundance in three zones of the basin. The records (1994-2014) in the Fish Collection (ECOSC) are included, additional information was obtained from a review of the scientific literature, records of national and international fish databases, and from samplings conducted (2014-2015) in 3 zones: rainforest, floodplain and delta. The fish fauna is composed of 2 classes, 28 orders, 50 families and 172 species; 3 of these are new records for the region. According to the ecological affinity, 75 species are freshwater, 8 estuarine and 89 marine. The rainforest zone had more freshwater exclusive species, and the delta zone had the biggest richness of marine fish. The diversity changes along 3 zones, which is influenced by its hydrological dynamics, geological history and its connectivity with the Gulf of Mexico. It is necessary to continue studying the ichthyofauna as related to the geomorphological complexity to understand biogeographical patterns, as well as ecological processes important for conservation.

Keywords : Mesoamerica; Freshwater fish; Marine fish; Estuarine fish; Migratory species.