The purpose of this study was to analyze the reproductive strategy and life-history traits involved in the reproductive processes of P. mesopotamicus in two regions of the Cuiabá River basin, the first of these encompassing its headwaters (Cuiabazinho River - Rosário Oeste) and the other the flood area of the Cuiabá River (Porto Cercado - Poconé). A total of 391 individuals were sampled monthly from August 2006 to July 2007, 159 from the headwaters and 232 from the flood area. The size structure indicated that the females in the headwaters attain longer lengths than the males, while no differences in length were found in the flood area. Females predominated in the headwaters, while males outnumbered females in the flood area. The reproductive period in the headwaters extended from October to March, but was restricted to October and November in the flood area. Feeding activity showed significant differences in both sexes between the stages of gonadal maturation, with the highest values recorded in stages of gonadal inactivity. The length at first maturity was 34.89 cm and the length at which all specimens were ready for reproduction was 44 cm at both sampling sites. The spawning type was total and fecundity was positively correlated to the size of the female.
Reproduction; Size at first maturity; Sexual proportion; Pantanal
