ECOMORPHOLOGY OF TWO SPECIES OF ARMORED CATFISHES IN COASTAL STREAMS OF THE UNA RIVER BASIN, SP

Abstract

Coastal streams host vulnerable fish communities, such as the Loricariidae family, which includes species with morphological adaptations for living in these environments, potentially influencing their coexistence. This study analyzed the ecomorphology of Kronichthys heylandi and Schizolecis guntheri in the Una River Basin using linear morphometrics and geometric morphometrics. Analyses indicated that K. heylandi exhibited greater abundance, body size, and adaptation to high-flow environments, while S. guntheri showed subtle morphological differences. The morphological adaptations, more evident through linear morphometrics than geometric morphometrics, suggest coexistence in distinct microhabitats, reducing direct competition between the species.

Keywords: Ichthyofauna; Lotic communities; Coastal streams; Stream ecology; Loricariidae.