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In 2022, researchers from Mato Grosso do Sul found a pair of cascudo-viola (Loricaria coximensis), a fish classified as critically endangered by the “Salve” platform of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
The specimens were discovered in a river in São Gabriel, Mato Grosso do Sul. Taken to a laboratory in the state capital, Campo Grande, they became a prime example of successful reproduction under human care.
The researchers are from the Center for Neotropical Fish Conservation (CCP) at the Pantanal Biopark.
"Here at the Biopark, we have several species—67 in total—that have been successfully bred, including 15 species reproduced for the first time in the world and another 15 for the first time in Brazil. The cascudo-viola is among those bred for the first time globally and is also a critically endangered species. It is part of the Pantanal ecosystem," said Maria Fernanda Balestieri, general director of the Biopark.
Initially designed as a center for observing Pantanal fish, the Biopark now hosts aquariums with over 40,000 specimens, making it the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. The cascudo-viola is one of the species on display. With its 9.6 cm length and sand-colored appearance, it is nearly invisible in the aquarium.
Despite its size, the cascudo plays a crucial role in the environment. In addition to cleaning riverbeds, these fish act as bioindicators—among the first to respond to environmental changes—making it easier for researchers to identify and address potential ecological threats. The Biopark currently maintains a live genetic bank with 104 species of cascudos.
The fish are studied from birth through all life stages to adulthood, which allows scientists to monitor how fish populations respond to environmental impacts, such as the construction of hydroelectric dams. Using the genetic material collected, the Biopark enables natural breeding without hormones or inbreeding, with the goal of replenishing fish populations, including species beyond the cascudos, in Brazilian rivers.
"We know we are losing habitat due to pollution, deforestation, and other factors. To counter these challenges, we are gathering as many cascudo species as possible—104 to date—studying them individually and developing reproduction tools to guide conservation efforts for fish species across Brazil," explained Heriberto Gimênes Júnior, biologist and curator of the Biopark.
The Biopark also offers its facilities to external researchers for project development.
Mônica Aparecida Brum Ocampos, a PhD student at a private university in Campo Grande, is researching fish treatments using natural products from the Pantanal. She praised the Biopark's multidisciplinary team, which includes biologists, animal scientists, and veterinarians capable of diagnosing fish problems and providing solutions to enhance research accuracy.
"For example, with my research, we noticed that the fish became stressed in empty tanks without decorations. Since I work with plant extracts, I couldn't use real plants in the tanks. So, the animal welfare team simulated natural conditions by adding pebbles and nets resembling small trees. We noticed the fish calmed down significantly. Initially, we were monitoring their behavior for signs of stress, and without these ornaments, their stress levels were much higher," the researcher noted.