ABSTRACT
Freshwater fish fauna in Brazil is particularly diverse and many species are not found naturally outside South America. Many of these species rely on seasonal flooding for reproductive migration (the piracema) and for access to seasonal lagoons for rearing of larvae and juveniles. These fish species are sensitive to the detrimental effects of hydroelectric dams, urbanization, agriculture and introduced species [1]. Many populations have already declined precipitously, and others are likely to become threatened or endangered in the near future. The piracanjuba Brycon orbignyanus is one of these endangered species. Furthermore, piracanjuba has a great potential for aquaculture as its meat has a salmon-like pink color, very tasty and high priced and its aggressive behavior is appreciated for recreational fishing. Piracanjuba spawn once a year during the spawning season (October to February). Males and females can be easily stripped of semen and eggs after hormone treatments.
