Ciclídeos anões da Amazônia: o potencial do Apistogramma agassizii (Steindachner, 1875) para a aquariofilia

Abstract

Ornamental fishing in the Amazon represents an important source of income and livelihood for native populations, and is an activity that has cultural, economic and environmental value. However, the predominance of direct extraction of fish from the natural environment, coupled with a lack of technical knowledge about reproduction in captivity, threatens the sustainability of several species, including Apistogramma agassizii, a dwarf cichlid widely distributed in the Amazon basin and highly valued in the international aquarium market. Given this scenario, the aim of this study was to characterize the bioeconomic aspects of Apistogramma agassizii, with a focus on its potential for captive breeding. For this, a literature review was carried out on its bio-ecological aspects and a survey of data on its commercial value and main commercial poles. The methodology adopted is based on a systematic literature review, with data collected from scientific articles and technical reports in official databases, with the aim of compiling information on the species' biology, ecology and market. The research identified eight Brazilian websites selling apistogramma, with prices ranging from R$17.00 to R$250.00 per specimen, depending on the species, variety and region. The largest number of specimens was found in São Paulo, with 12 varieties and an average price of R$79.50±65.88, with A. viejita red (R$250.00) being the most expensive and A. hippolytae (R$17.00) the most economical. Minas Gerais had eight varieties, with an average price of R$34.27±16.81. Paraná had two varieties, with an average price of R$52.45±3.46. Fortaleza/CE had two varieties, both priced at R$24.00. In Portugal, the average price was €19.00±16.94 (R$117.60), with A. macmasteri standing out (€75.00 / R$477.40). Higher prices were associated with the rarity and coloration of the species. The survey found 55 articles on Apistogramma spp. covering reproduction, behavior, feeding, biology, ecology and conservation. With aspects related to reproduction, 19 studies were found, six of which on reproductive behavior. There were also 12 studies on different behavioral aspects, 14 studies on the biology of the genus and 10 articles on various ecological aspects, such as the evolutionary history of the group, its distribution, the influence of environmental diversity and impacts on its diet in an environment with forest fragmentation. We conclude that Apistogramma agassizii has high potential for aquarium keeping due to its attractive morphological characteristics and market acceptance. However, the lack of consolidated protocols for its captive breeding and the species' non-inclusion on the IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) export list reinforce its dependence on extractivism, which limits its commercial availability and compromises the sustainability of the activity.