Length-weight relationships of 24 stream-dwelling fish species from the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract The length-weight relationship parameter is important for obtaining fish weight and biomass data with relevant implications about species role on ecosystem functioning. Here we report the length-weight relationship (LWR) for 24 fish species from three streams located in the Atlantic Forest in the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Fish were collected with electrofishing and standard length (cm) and wet weight (g) were measured to obtain the a and b parameters of the Log (W) = Log (a) + b Log (SL) equation. Length-weight relationships for seven out of 24 species (Hypostomus punctatus, Deuterodon taeniatus, Deuterodon hastatus, Deutorodon janeiroensis, Characidium vidali, Characidium interruptum and Rineloricaria zawadiskii) are reported for the first time. The length-weight relationships reported here contribute to the database that can support fish diversity conservation, fisheries management plans and studies on fish biology.