Research on South American freshwater fish reveals their evolution and discovers new species - In the photo, Piapara Photo: O Perobal/UEL

UEL Researcher Explores the Evolution of South American Freshwater Fish Family

BRAZIL
Thursday, February 06, 2025, 00:00 (GMT + 9)

A collaborative research project involving the State University of Londrina (UEL) and external institutions is investigating the evolution of the Anostomidae family, a group of freshwater fish found throughout South America, from Colombia to Argentina. The project encompasses technical visits, consultations of specimen collections, and extensive fieldwork, including the collection of fish for analysis.

Award-Winning Researcher
Professor José Luís Olivan Birindelli, from UEL’s Department of Animal and Plant Biology and the Ichthyology Laboratory at the Zoology Museum, leads the study. Recognized for his contributions to ichthyology, Birindelli was recently awarded a Productivity Grant by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) for the second time.

Focus of the Study
The research focuses on the evolutionary history, classification, and morphological diversity of the Anostomidae family, which comprises approximately 150 species ranging in size from 7 cm to over 60 cm. Notable members include the piau, piapara, and piavuçu (or piau-açu), with the latter capable of reaching up to 5 kg. The piapara is particularly famous for the Paraná River fishing activities. The prefix "pia" or "piau" refers to the characteristic spots on these fish.

Biogeographical and Evolutionary Insights
These neotropical fish are endemic to South America and have adapted to the continent’s unique geological history. After the separation of South America from Africa and its subsequent isolation until re-connection with North America, species evolution took place over millions of years. The Anostomidae family’s rapid diversification and spread across the continent over 40 million years highlight its evolutionary success. However, human activity threatens the survival of some species.

Significant Discoveries and Contributions
Despite these challenges, UEL researchers have identified approximately 100 new species, with a recent publication in Neotropical Ichthyology detailing 70 of them. The study's findings have already been shared at scientific conferences and in publications.

DNA Analysis and New Genus Classification
The research aims to propose an evolutionary hypothesis, establish a classification system, and describe a new genus based on DNA analyses and morphological traits, such as short teeth (brevidens). A Master's thesis defense next month will explore the development of a specific species from its embryonic to adult phases, potentially yielding critical insights into genus-level evolutionary patterns.

Leporinus lignator , MZUEL 21727, holotype, 152.96 mm SL ( A ), MZUEL 21726, paratype, 117.01 mm SL ( B ), and holotype in life ( C ), type-locality ( D ), Machado River, Madeira River basin, Brazil.

Extensive Collaboration and Fieldwork
Supported by the Araucária Foundation, the project has enabled specimen collections in regions such as Amapá and Minas Gerais. UEL’s Zoology Museum, housing 23,000 lots and 300,000 fish specimens, serves as a vital resource for the research.

Team and Partnerships
In addition to Professor Birindelli, the project involves two other UEL professors, a North American professor, one master's student, three doctoral students (funded by Capes), and three Scientific Initiation undergraduate students, two of whom are scholarship recipients.

This groundbreaking research continues to contribute to the understanding of South America's rich biodiversity, offering valuable insights into the evolution and conservation of neotropical fish species.

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