SPATIAL AND SEASONAL VARIATION OF PEACOCK BASS (Cichla spp.) FISHERY: AN ANALYSIS OF CATCHES LANDED IN MANAUS, AMAZONAS STATE, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study analysed the commercial fishing for peacock bass (Cichla spp.) and its variation according to the river regime and the fishing environments, based on landing data in Manaus. The landing data were provided by the Z-12 Fishermen's Association and the monthly quotas (m) of Rio Negro by the National Water Agency, corresponding to the years 2012 and 2013. The Catch per Unit of Effort (CPUE) was obtained by dividing the total catch and the number of boats. A Generalized Linear Model was used to analyse the relationship between CPUE and the river level. Through the Analysis of Variance we compared the averages of capture between the fishing areas and Fisher's LSD test revealed which environments had different capture averages. Student's t-test was used to compare the mean of capture between white and black water environments. The largest catches and CPUEs occurred during receding water, and the relationship between CPUE and river level was inverse. Black water environments obtained the highest CPUEs, as well as the highest capture averages. There were differences in the average catches between fishing areas, but not between water types. This study shows how peacock bass exploitation occurs and can assist in management measures for this species.