Review of the large catfish fisheries in the upper Amazon and the stock depletion of piraíba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosumLichtenstein)

Abstract

In this paper we describe the present status of the large migratory catfish fisheries in the Upper Amazon. We present biological information about the main species and we give strong evidence that the stock of piraíba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum),the largest catfish in the Amazon Basin is probably over-exploited. In conclusion, we raise some hypotheses about the causes and prospects for the future.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]