FEEDING STYLES OF 5 SPECIES OF BOTTOM-FEEDING FISHES OF THE HIGH PARANA RIVER

In this study the diets of five species of bottom-feeding fishes (Proc hilodus lineatus, Steindachnerina insculpta, Loricariichthys platymeto pon, Trachydoras paraguayensis and Iheringichthys labrosus) were analy zed. Samples were taken in the High Parana River basin and its floodpl ain from August 1987 to July 1988 and in February, August and Septembe r 1991. The results demonstrated that P. lineatus and S. insculpta wer e ileophagous, L. platymetopon was detritivorous and I. labrosus and T . paraguayensis were benthophagous. The feeding activity was higher du ring the flood period for P. lineatus and in dry season for T. paragua yensis. P. lineatus and S. insculpta fed mainly during the day, while I. labrosus and T. paraguayensis during the day and dusk, respectively .