Knowledge of artisanal fishermen about the diet composition of pacu (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) in Amapá National Forest, Araguari River, Amapá, Brazil

Abstract

The traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of fishermen is an important tool for obtaining ecological information about the environment and is being increasingly used in the conservation of natural resources. This study describes the TEK of fishermen about the diet composition and fishing places of pacu (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae), Myloplus sp., Myloplus asterias, Myloplus ternetzi, Tometes trilobatus, Prosomyleus rhomboidalis and Mylesinus paraschomburgkii, in the National Forest of Amapá (FLONA-AP). To collect the information, interviews were conducted with fishermen (n = 20) and a guided tour was given. According to the fishermen, pacu feed on fruits/seeds, plant debris, insects and periphyton. In the winter the fish consume fruits/seeds and plant fragments, and in the summer they eat fruits/seeds, plant fragments, periphyton and insects. When comparing the information provided by the fishermen to scientific literature there are similarities for the winter period; however, for summer the fishermen reported the consumption of periphyton and invertebrates, which is not mentioned in the literature. The fishing places were seasonal. In the winter, fishing occurs in varjões (seasonally flooded areas) and in the summer in quarries and in the main river channel. The fishermen have detailed knowledge about the feeding of pacu and this knowledge is essential for conservation in FLONA-AP.