Assessing biological traits of Amazonian high-value fishes through Local Ecological Knowledge of urban and rural fishers

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) has been increasingly acknowledged as a potential source of information on natural resources, especially in under sampled areas. In the Amazon, a small-scale fishery is multispecific, and fishers are well acquainted with the biology and life history strategies of fish species. This study analyzed the potential of small-scale fishers' LEK to supply information on the biology and ecology of high-value species, including pirarucu (Arapaima spp.), tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum, Cuvier, 1816), and jaraqui (Semaprochilodus spp.). We interviewed rural and urban fishers about bio-ecological aspects of these species and reviewed the scientific literature on the same aspects. In addition, we evaluated the possible effects of their category (rural or urban) and fishing experience on responses. Results demonstrate that fishers have detailed knowledge about species predation, diet and habitat use, regardless of the category they fall into. However, LEK on weight and maximum length of pirarucu and tambaqui varied according to fisher category revealing different perceptions. We also found that fishing experience did not influence fisher's LEK on these bio-ecological characteristics. Our findings reinforce that LEK can be a useful source of ecological traits for these species, contributing to fisheries management in the Amazon.