<b>Effect of life strategy on the variations of energy content of two fish species (<em>Brycon hilarii e Hypophthalmus edentatus</em>) during their reproductive cycle</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v29i2.521

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate differences in the energy content during reproductive cycle of two species of fish with different life strategies: Brycon hilarii (k-strategist) and Hypophthalmus edentatus (r-strategist). Fifty-four samples of B. hilarii and 82 of H. edentatus monthly collected from October, 2000 to March, 2004, in Manso reservoir and its influence area were selected. The caloric content was determined for each individual, in kcal g^-1 of dry weight, through bomb calorimetry (Parr 1261). Comparisons among the obtained caloric values, the condition factor (K) and the Gonado Somatic Relation were reported. It was observed that, in general, the average values of the K and of the caloric content were higher among males than among females of both species. Significant differences were found in the comparisons accomplished between the energy content and the condition factor on individuals of both species. While B. hilarii presents the highest concentrations of energy in the muscles, during the maximum gonadal development, H. edentatus showed these values in the beginning of gonadal maturation. B. hilarii and H. edentatus, with different life strategies, build up and mobilize energy in different ways during reproductive cycle.