Headwater captures and the phylogenetic structure of freshwater fish assemblages: a case study in central Brazil

AimThe astonishing diversity of Neotropical fishes results from historical and ecological processes intrinsically related to the geomorphological evolution of this region. Headwater captures are important biogeographical processes that promote dispersal or isolation of fish populations between watersheds. We investigate the effects of headwater captures on the phylogenetic structure of stream fish assemblages among watersheds in the Brazilian Shield highlands. LocationHeadwaters of Tocantins, Parana and SAo Francisco watersheds, Brazilian Shield, Neotropical region. MethodsBased on the phylogenetic relationships of 70 native fish species, we quantified the phylogenetic diversity of each basin, as well as species richness and the phylogenetic beta diversity between basins. ResultsThe Upper Parana basin showed higher richness and phylogenetic diversity, indicating phylogenetically distant species composition. The number of shared species and phylogenetic beta diversity values were not different from the null expectation, indicating recent exchange of species between the basins. Main conclusionsOur results suggest that the fish assemblage of the Upper Parana basin is older and many species colonized recently the neighbouring Upper Tocantins and SAo Francisco basins, highlighting the impact of headwater captures on the community assembly of Neotropical fishes.