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Cited by 0Fish biology, ecology, and behaviorFish Ecology and Management StudiesFreshwater macroinvertebrate diversity and ecology

Threshold responses of floating meadow fish communities to floodplain forest cover in the lower Amazon River

Open access
Grinstead, Sam, Arantes, Caroline C., Winemiller, Kirk O., Kelso‐Winemiller, Leslie C., de Oliveira, Jonas Alves, Petrere, Miguel, Freitas, Carlos E. C.·2025·Conservation Biology
DOI 10.1111/cobi.70110PMC PMC12658946
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Abstract

Forest cover is positively associated with fish biomass and fisheries yield in the Amazon River floodplain, and many species enter flooded forests to feed, spawn, or seek refuge from predation. Floating macrophyte beds, known as floating meadows, in Amazon floodplains support high fish diversity and serve as nursery habitat for many fishes of high commercial importance. We surveyed fish from floating meadows in floodplain lakes along the lower Amazon River to evaluate variation in fish abundance in relation to forest cover and local environmental variables. Species associations with forest cover were estimated with threshold indicator taxa analysis (TITAN2). The analysis identified taxa that gradually increased in abundance and occurrence as forest cover increased. Many species gradually increased at approximately 40% forest cover in the local landscape. Taxa that decreased as forest cover increased exhibited thresholds, whereby their abundance and occurrence declined rapidly when forest cover exceeded approximately 9% and when it was about 20%. Small‐bodied, sedentary species with equilibrium and opportunistic life‐history strategies (i.e. functional groups) and Cichlidae and Characidae (taxonomic groups) were indicators of high forest cover, whereas large‐bodied, migratory species with periodic and intermediate life‐history strategies and Serrasalmidae were indicators of low forest cover. Our findings could be used to predict how the taxonomic and functional structure of fish communities inhabiting floating meadows would respond to deforestation.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Fish assemblages in floating meadows of the lower Amazon floodplain show both gradual and threshold responses to floodplain forest cover. TITAN2 identified 47 indicator species, with community change points near 9–20% forest cover for declining taxa and around 40% for gradually increasing taxa.

Key findings

  • TITAN2 identified 47 pure and reliable indicator species: 23 z− taxa that decreased with increasing forest cover and 24 z+ taxa that increased. The z− community change point was 9.4% forest cover (95% CI 9.4–17.5), and the z+ community change point was 40.5% (95% CI 35.6–54.2); the pivotal community change point for both groups was 20% forest cover.
  • The z− species had narrowly defined change points near 20% and 9% forest cover; the z+ species changed more gradually between 20% and 70%, with about 11 species clustering around 40% (within 7.05%).
  • Functional and taxonomic groups differed: Characidae were 85.7% z+ and Cichlidae 77.8% z+, whereas Doradidae were 100% z− and Serrasalmidae 85.7% z−. Most regional migrators (77.8%) and periodic strategists (66.7%) were z−, while most sedentary species (62%), opportunistic strategists (87.5%), and equilibrium strategists (75.0%) were z+.
  • Average body length of z− species was 204 mm SL (SE 124, n = 23) versus 128 mm SL (SE 118, n = 24) for z+ species, a significant difference (Mann–Whitney U test p < 0.01, medium effect size r = 0.37).

Methods

  • Standardized fish surveys were conducted at 369 sites in 19 lake systems along 250 km of the lower Amazon River floodplain from August 2013 to November 2014, across rising-water (n = 162), falling-water (n = 126), and dry-season (n = 81) periods. Each sample surrounded an approximately 16 m² floating meadow patch with a seine net drawn like a purse seine.
  • Land cover was derived from remotely sensed data for forest, terrestrial herbaceous vegetation, floating meadow, and open water; 19 lake systems spanned a 3–70% forest cover gradient. Local environmental variables included water depth, dissolved oxygen, temperature, transparency, pH, conductivity, macrophyte cover, and macrophyte richness.
  • Partial redundancy analysis (pRDA) used Hellinger-transformed fish abundance after removing rare species occurring in <5% of sites, leaving 44 species; stepwise forward selection and PCNM spatial axes were included. TITAN2 with 1000 bootstrap iterations identified indicator species and change points along the forest cover gradient; Mann–Whitney U tested body-size differences between z+ and z− taxa.

Limitations

  • The paper states that the study lacked sites with relatively pristine land cover (70–100% forest), so communities probably reflect long-term forest loss and are dominated by species relatively tolerant of reduced forest cover; it also states that it did not directly assess effects of deforestation and that floating meadow cover was measured during one season (early rising water) while fish sampling occurred across three seasons.
  • The paper notes that z+ taxa had wider confidence intervals and more variable change points, leading the authors to interpret 40% forest cover as a gradual transition rather than a discrete threshold.
  • Evident from the text: the analysis is observational and correlational, and the pRDA explained limited variance in fish abundance (9.4% by non-seasonal variables, 8.6% by seasonality, 18% cumulatively), so causal inference about deforestation effects is limited.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/cobi.70110

Cites

129 of 129 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

30 of 101 cited sources checked · 12 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Many fish species enter flooded forests to feed, spawn, or seek refuge from predation.

    “many species enter flooded forests to feed, spawn, or seek refuge from predation”
    • Also stated in: § INTRODUCTION · plain
      “these forests provide critical habitat during the seasonal flood pulse when river waters inundate the forest (Correa & Winemiller, 2018; Correa et al., 2022; Goulding, 1980, 1993).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Correa & Winemiller, 2018 source
    • cites Correa et al., 2022 source

      In “How high?—The effects of changes in the magnitude of flooding” (page not provided), the paper says numerous fish exploit food in floodplain forests. In “How long?—The effects of changes in the duration of flooding” (page not provided), it says many fish depend on those forests as breeding and rearing grounds. It does not say they enter flooded forests to seek refuge from predation; its discussion of predation risk concerns the dry season’s reduced aquatic habitat. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Goulding, 1980, 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Premisecitation

    Fishes respond differently to a gradient of forest loss in the Amazon River floodplain, with the magnitude and direction of response depending on functional traits.

    “However, fishes respond differently to a gradient of forest loss in the Amazon River floodplain, with the magnitude and direction of response depending on functional traits (Arantes et al., 2018; Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Arantes et al., 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019 source
  • Premisecitation

    In forested Amazonian floodplain lakes, local allochthonous inputs are high, comprising most of the suspended organic matter and nutrient inputs.

    “In forested Amazonian floodplain lakes, local allochthonous inputs are high, comprising most of the suspended organic matter and nutrient inputs (Ertel et al., 1986; Hedges et al., 1986; Sobrinho et al., 2016).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Ertel et al., 1986 source

      The Discussion (page not provided) says suspended particulate organic matter in the Amazon system is essentially all derived from soil or vascular plants, supporting its allochthonous origin. The paper does not establish that local inputs supply most suspended organic matter or nutrients to forested floodplain lakes; its measurements concern riverine dissolved humic substances. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Hedges et al., 1986 source

      The paper’s introductory discussion describes riverine particulate organic matter as predominantly allochthonous, which supports that general part of the claim. But the Abstract reports that suspended organic matter in the Amazon mainstem comes largely from upstream drainage basins. The paper does not establish that local inputs make up most suspended organic matter or nutrient inputs in forested floodplain lakes. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Sobrinho et al., 2016 source

      The Conclusion (section 6; page not provided) identifies vegetation in the lakes’ local catchments as the most important source of sedimentary organic matter. It does not establish that local inputs comprise most suspended organic matter or nutrient inputs; the Introduction (section 1; page not provided) says only that floods intensify nutrient exchange. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    z+ characids are common in floating meadows surrounded by forested floodplains.

    “The z+ characids were small omnivores (e.g., Ctenobrycon [Eigenmann, 1908] and Moenkhausia [Eigenmann, 1903] spp.) common in floating meadows surrounded by forested floodplains (Winemiller & Jepsen, 1998; Zuanon et al., 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Winemiller & Jepsen, 1998 source

      In “Trophic Interactions in Relation to Aquatic Macrophytes,” the paper identifies Ctenobrycon spilurus as an omnivorous characiform fish that forages near aquatic vegetation. It says these fishes were most commonly captured in open water, however, and does not establish that they were common in floating meadows surrounded by forested floodplains or extend that description to Moenkhausia. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Zuanon et al., 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Interpretationcitation

    Observed species-specific and community-wide thresholds in relation to forest cover were consistent with the view that floodplain forest cover influences the structure of fish assemblages through environmental filtering in the Amazon.

    “Overall, observed species‐specific and community‐wide thresholds in relation to forest cover were consistent with the view that floodplain forest cover influences the structure of fish assemblages through environmental filtering in the Amazon (Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019; Freitas et al., 2018; Montag et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019 source

      The Discussion says that differing responses of fish functional groups to forest cover are consistent with trait-mediated environmental filtering, and that forest loss may filter out certain species and traits. The Results report associations between forest cover and total fish biomass and several functional groups, but our copy does not report species-specific or community-wide thresholds in forest cover; its Methods describe models using linear predictors. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Freitas et al., 2018 source

      The Discussion reports that Amazonian fish assemblages respond to the extent of landscape components, supporting the broad link between habitat cover and assemblage structure. But it identifies shrubs, herbaceous vegetation and open water as the main associations; our copy does not report forest-cover thresholds or establish environmental filtering as the mechanism. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Montag et al., 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • Rests on an assumption: Spatial variation in forest cover along the sampled gradient can be used to infer the effects of deforestation on fish communities.
  • May combine two claims. 57
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 27

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The loss of floodplain forest cover threatens Amazonian fish conservation because these forests provide critical habitat during the seasonal flood pulse when river waters inundate the forest.

    “The loss of floodplain forest cover threatens Amazonian fish conservation because these forests provide critical habitat during the seasonal flood pulse when river waters inundate the forest (Correa & Winemiller, 2018; Correa et al., 2022; Goulding, 1980, 1993).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Correa & Winemiller, 2018 source
    • cites Correa et al., 2022 source
    • cites Goulding, 1980, 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Species-specific thresholds to environmental gradients are influenced by organismal traits and the magnitude of changes.

    “Species‐specific thresholds to environmental gradients are influenced by organismal traits and the magnitude of changes (Baker & King, 2010; Colwell & Rangel, 2009; Swift & Hannon, 2010; Turner, 1989).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Baker & King, 2010 source
    • cites Colwell & Rangel, 2009 source

      In “Hutchinson’s Duality in Dynamic, Biogeographical Simulations” (page not provided), the paper says species’ environmental tolerances and gradient strength affect their geographic ranges. It also discusses species-specific heat-tolerance limits in “Niche Adaptation vs. Niche Conservatism in a Changing Climate” (page not provided). These passages support a related idea, but do not establish that organismal traits and the magnitude of environmental changes determine species-specific thresholds. (LLM, conf=0.79)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Swift & Hannon, 2010

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Forest cover is positively associated with fish biomass and fisheries yield in the Amazon River floodplain.

    “Forest cover is positively associated with fish biomass and fisheries yield in the Amazon River floodplain”
    • Also stated in: § INTRODUCTION · plain
      “Deforestation significantly reduces fish biomass and fisheries yields (Arantes et al., 2018; Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019; Castello et al., 2017; Pereira et al., 2023).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Arantes et al., 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019 source
    • cites Castello et al., 2017 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Floating macrophyte beds (floating meadows) in Amazon floodplains support high fish diversity and serve as nursery habitat for many fishes of high commercial importance.

    “Floating macrophyte beds, known as floating meadows, in Amazon floodplains support high fish diversity and serve as nursery habitat for many fishes of high commercial importance.”
    • Also stated in: § INTRODUCTION · plain
      “Floating meadows in the Amazon provide food and refuge from predators in their dense submerged root and stem networks, acting as nurseries for early life stages and resources for adults of numerous small fish species (Crampton & Hopkins, 2005; Oliveira et al., 2024; Sánchez‐Botero et al., 2001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Crampton & Hopkins, 2005 source
    • cites Oliveira et al., 2024 source

      The Introduction (page not available in our copy) says floating meadows support many fish species and provide nursery habitat. The Fauna of macrophyte meadows section (page not available) reports 30 fish species and a marked dominance of young individuals of several large-bodied species. Neither passage establishes that many of those fishes are of high commercial importance. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Sánchez‐Botero et al., 2001 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These shifts often result from changes in an environmental gradient toward less favorable conditions until population threshold responses (tipping points) occur and are indicated by a rapid decline in occurrence and abundance.

    “These shifts often result from changes in an environmental gradient toward less favorable conditions until population threshold responses (tipping points) occur and are indicated by a rapid decline in occurrence and abundance (Baker & King, 2010; Röpke et al., 2017; Sasaki et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Baker & King, 2010 source
    • cites Röpke et al., 2017 source

      The Results report that several fish groups shifted to lower abundance after 2005, and the Discussion identifies the extreme drought as the most plausible trigger for the abrupt change in assemblage structure. The paper does not establish a gradual environmental gradient reaching population tipping points or a rapid decline in occurrence. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Sasaki et al., 2008

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These fishes (Ap. regani, Ci. amazonarum, Cy. spiluropsis) are often found in floating meadows in undisturbed floodplain lakes, and some exploit allochthonous food resources.

    “These fishes are often found in floating meadows in undisturbed floodplain lakes (Zuanon et al., 2004), and some exploit allochthonous food resources (Martins et al., 2021; Zuanon et al., 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Zuanon et al., 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Martins et al., 2021 source

      Martins et al. report allochthonous feeding, but for Helogenes marmoratus, not for any of the three fishes named in the claim. Section 4.3 (p. 8) instead describes Apistogramma aff. regani as a benthic invertivore and does not establish allochthonous feeding for the named fishes. The floating-meadow statement is attached to a different citation and is not assessed here. (LLM, conf=0.81)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Zuanon et al., 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Indicator species displayed functional and taxonomic group response patterns, consistent with prior studies showing divergent fish responses to forest cover gradients in Amazonian rivers, floodplains, and streams.

    “Indicator species displayed functional and taxonomic group response patterns, consistent with prior studies showing divergent fish responses to forest cover gradients in Amazonian rivers, floodplains, and streams (Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019; Brejão et al., 2017; Ilha et al., 2019; Lugo‐Carvajal et al., 2023).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019 source
    • cites Brejão et al., 2017 source
    • cites Ilha et al., 2019 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Juveniles of these species use floating meadows as nurseries, and adults directly ingest aquatic macrophytes.

    “Juveniles of these species use floating meadows as nurseries (Sánchez‐Botero et al., 2001), and adults directly ingest aquatic macrophytes (Arantes, Winemiller, Petrere, et al., 2019; Zuanon & Ferreira, 2008).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Sánchez‐Botero et al., 2001 source
    • cites Arantes, Winemiller, Petrere, et al., 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Zuanon & Ferreira, 2008 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Threshold responses have been observed in small Amazonian streams and in floodplain ecosystems in other regions.

    “despite such thresholds being observed in small Amazonian streams (Brejão et al., 2017; Dala‐Corte et al., 2020; Martins et al., 2021) and in floodplain ecosystems in other regions (Chen & Olden, 2020; Filgueira et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Brejão et al., 2017 source
    • cites Dala‐Corte et al., 2020 source
    • cites Martins et al., 2021 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Henderson and Hamilton (1995) found certain species of dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma spp.) to be strongly associated with floating meadows, and this genus was previously identified as an indicator of forested habitat.

    “Henderson and Hamilton (1995) found certain species of dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma spp.) to be strongly associated with floating meadows, and this genus was previously identified as an indicator of forested habitat (Martins et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Henderson and Hamilton (1995) source
    • cites Martins et al., 2021 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Floating meadows in floodplain lakes are integral for the recruitment of most species of commercial fish and vital to the Amazon River fishery.

    “Floating meadows in floodplain lakes are integral for the recruitment of most species of commercial fish and vital to the Amazon River fishery (Barthem & Goulding, 2007; Goulding et al., 1996; Kimura et al., 2021; Zacardi et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Barthem & Goulding, 2007
    • cites Goulding et al., 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Kimura et al., 2021 source

      The Introduction (page unavailable) says macrophyte banks can support the early survival of several fish species, and the paper studies their nursery potential in São Paulo hydropower reservoirs. It does not establish that floating meadows in Amazon floodplain lakes recruit most commercial fish species or are vital to the Amazon River fishery. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Temperature, dissolved oxygen, water depth, and other environmental factors are significantly associated with fish species distributions in floating meadows.

    “Temperature, dissolved oxygen, water depth, and other environmental factors are significantly associated with fish species distributions in floating meadows (Junk et al., 1983; Sánchez‐Botero et al., 2001; Tejerina‐Garro et al., 1998).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Junk et al., 1983
    • cites Sánchez‐Botero et al., 2001 source

      The Discussion (page unavailable) suggests that dissolved oxygen varies with depth beneath aquatic macrophytes and may influence the vertical distribution of fish. It says there are no direct observations of that vertical distribution, however, and does not establish a statistically significant association. The passages do not support the claim about temperature or other environmental factors. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Tejerina‐Garro et al., 1998 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The movement of material, nutrients, and energy connecting aquatic and terrestrial habitats can have significant effects on food web dynamics.

    “The movement of material, nutrients, and energy connecting aquatic and terrestrial habitats can have significant effects on food web dynamics (Nakano & Murakami, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nakano & Murakami, 2001 source

      The Abstract and Results and Discussion (page not specified in our copy) say that transfers of materials and energy link forest and stream food webs and that reciprocal prey flux can significantly affect food web dynamics. The paper mentions nutrients as a habitat property, but these passages do not establish nutrient movement across habitats as a contributor to those effects. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Analyses of fish assemblage structures along floodplain environmental gradients show complex patterns, including potential threshold responses.

    “Analyses of fish assemblage structures along floodplain environmental gradients show complex patterns, including potential threshold responses (Baker & King, 2010; Röpke et al., 2017; Sasaki et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Baker & King, 2010 source
    • cites Röpke et al., 2017 source
    • cites Sasaki et al., 2008

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Prior research shows that low forest cover in the Amazon floodplain is generally associated with low abundance of large migratory, periodic strategist fishes.

    “In contrast, prior research shows that low forest cover in the Amazon floodplain is generally associated with low abundance of large migratory, periodic strategist fishes (Arantes et al., 2018; Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019; Castello et al., 2017; Freitas et al., 2018; Pereira et al., 2023).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Arantes et al., 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019 source

      The Results report significantly greater biomass of regional migrators where forest cover was higher. They also report a positive trend for periodic strategists that mature at large size, but it was not statistically significant (p > 0.09). The paper measures biomass rather than abundance, so it does not establish the claimed general association for large migratory, periodic-strategist fishes. (LLM, conf=0.89)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Castello et al., 2017 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This pattern was observed among several cichlid species, likely owing to their equilibrium life-history strategies that involve nesting and brood guarding near submerged structures.

    “This pattern was observed among several cichlid species, likely owing to their equilibrium life‐history strategies that involve nesting and brood guarding near submerged structures (Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019; Carvalho De Lima & Araujo‐Lima, 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019 source

      The Discussion (page unavailable) describes cichlids as equilibrium strategists with bi-parental brood guarding and suggests that structurally complex flooded forests may improve offspring survival. It does not say that they nest near submerged structures or report the pattern for several individual cichlid species; the Results report associations for functional groups instead. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Carvalho De Lima & Araujo‐Lima, 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Some fishes respond to low levels of forest loss.

    “Some fishes respond to low levels of forest loss (Brejão et al., 2017; Dala‐Corte et al., 2020; Martins et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Brejão et al., 2017 source
    • cites Dala‐Corte et al., 2020 source
    • cites Martins et al., 2021 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    These z+ periodic strategists were mainly small-bodied species, such as Brachyhypopomus spp., Bryconops spp., and Cy. spiluropsis, that are associated with floating meadows during all life stages.

    “These were mainly small‐bodied species, such as Brachyhypopomus spp. (Mago‐Leccia, 1994), Bryconops spp. (Kner, 1858), and Cy. spiluropsis, that are associated with floating meadows during all life stages (Lima et al., 2003; Sánchez‐Botero et al., 2001; Zuanon & Ferreira, 2008; Zuanon et al., 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Lima et al., 2003
    • cites Sánchez‐Botero et al., 2001 source

      The species table in the indexed copy (labeled Introduction; page unavailable) lists Brachyhypopomus species and Cyphocharax sp. among fish sampled with macrophytes, and the Discussion says most sampled fish were small. But the paper does not identify Bryconops spp. or Cyphocharax spiluropsis, classify these fish as periodic strategists, or establish an association throughout all life stages. Instead, it reports that 87% of sampled individuals were juveniles and notes that its conclusions are best restricted to daytime sampling. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Zuanon & Ferreira, 2008 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The prevalence of juveniles of periodic and migratory groups in low forest cover areas contrasts with earlier studies showing their adult stages were positively linked to forest cover in the lower Amazon.

    “The prevalence of juveniles of these groups in low forest cover areas contrasts with earlier studies showing their adult stages were positively linked to forest cover in the lower Amazon (Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Arantes, Winemiller, Asher, et al., 2019 source

      The Results (page not provided) report that regional migrators had greater biomass where forest cover was higher in the lower Amazon, while periodic strategists showed only a non-significant positive trend. The paper does not establish that these relationships specifically concern adult stages; the cited finding is about biomass of functional groups, not an adult–juvenile comparison. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Small-bodied, sedentary species with equilibrium and opportunistic life-history strategies and Cichlidae and Characidae were indicators of high forest cover.

    “Small‐bodied, sedentary species with equilibrium and opportunistic life‐history strategies (i.e. functional groups) and Cichlidae and Characidae (taxonomic groups) were indicators of high forest cover”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Taxa that decreased as forest cover increased exhibited thresholds, whereby their abundance and occurrence declined rapidly when forest cover exceeded approximately 9% and when it was about 20%.

    “Taxa that decreased as forest cover increased exhibited thresholds, whereby their abundance and occurrence declined rapidly when forest cover exceeded approximately 9% and when it was about 20%.”
    • Also stated in: § RESULTS · hedged
      “The z− species (n = 23) tended to have narrowly defined change points at approximately 20% and 9% forest cover.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Macrophyte cover was negatively associated with forest cover, conductivity, macrophyte richness, and temperature, and positively associated with dissolved oxygen and water depth.

    “Macrophyte cover was negatively associated with forest cover, conductivity, macrophyte richness, and temperature, and positively associated with dissolved oxygen and water depth.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Opportunistic strategists were mostly z+ (87.5%), and 12.5% were z−.

    “Opportunistic strategists were mostly z+ (87.5%), and 12.5% were z−.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Sc. fasciatus, My. aureum, and My. albiscopum were negatively associated with forest cover (most abundant at sites <20% forest cover); they had positive associations with total floating meadow cover.

    “Likewise, Sc. fasciatus, My. aureum, and My. albiscopum were negatively associated with forest cover (most abundant at sites <20% forest cover); they had positive associations with total floating meadow cover.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Approximately 9.4% of variance in fish abundance was explained by variables other than seasonality, whereas seasonality independently accounted for 8.6% of variance.

    “Approximately 9.4% of variance in fish abundance was explained by variables other than seasonality (9 habitat variables plus 2 PCNM axes included in the pRDA) (Appendix S2), whereas seasonality independently accounted for 8.6% of variance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The z+ species (n = 24) changed more gradually between 20% and 70% forest cover, although several species (approximately 11) responses clustered around 40% (within 7.05%) forest cover.

    “The z+ species (n = 24) changed more gradually between 20% and 70% forest cover, although several species (approximately 11) responses clustered around 40% (within 7.05%) forest cover.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Open water was positively associated with macrophyte richness and temperature and negatively associated with forest cover.

    “Open water was positively associated with macrophyte richness and temperature and negatively associated with forest cover (Figure 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The difference in average body length between z− and z+ species was statistically significant (U test p < 0.01), with medium effect size (r = 0.37).

    “a difference that was statistically significant (U test p < 0.01), with medium effect size (r = 0.37).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    83.3% of intermediate strategists were z− and 16.7% were z+.

    “Similarly, 83.3% of intermediate strategists were z− and 16.7% were z+.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most local migrators were z− (66.7%), and 33.33% were z+ taxa.

    “Most local migrators were z− (66.7%), and 33.33% were z+ taxa.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Increasing forest cover past 20% resulted in rapidly declining z− taxa and gradually rising z+ taxa.

    “Increasing forest cover past this point resulted in rapidly declining z− taxa and gradually rising z+ taxa (Figure 4).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Several gymnotiforms (Eig. trilineata, B. beebei) and piranhas (e.g., Se. maculatus) were negatively associated with forest cover (most abundant at sites <20% forest cover) and positively associated with open water.

    “Conversely, several gymnotiforms (Eig. trilineata, B. beebei) and piranhas (e.g., Se. maculatus) were negatively associated with forest cover (most abundant at sites <20% forest cover) and positively associated with open water.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The pRDA showed forest cover was strongly associated with RDA axis 1 (average score = 0.78) and open water was strongly associated with RDA axis 2 (average score = 0.57).

    “The pRDA showed forest cover was strongly associated with RDA axis 1 (average score for forest in axis 1 = 0.78) and open water was strongly associated with RDA axis 2 (average score for open water in axis 2 = 0.57).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The z+ taxa were more variable, with change points spread broadly along the gradient and several around 40% forest cover.

    “The z+ taxa were more variable, with change points spread broadly along the gradient and several around 40% forest cover.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most periodic strategists were z− taxa (66.7%), and 33.3% were z+.

    “Most periodic strategists were z− taxa (66.7%), and 33.3% were z+.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Gymnotiforms Eigenmannia trilineata, Brachyhypopomus beebei, and piranha Serrasalmus maculatus were negatively associated with forest cover and positively associated with open water and macrophyte richness.

    “Gymnotiforms Eigenmannia trilineata (López & Castello, 1966), Brachyhypopomus beebei (Schultz, 1944), and piranha Serrasalmus maculatus (Kner, 1858) were negatively associated with forest cover and positively associated with open water and macrophyte richness (Figure 2).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most equilibrium strategists were z+ (75.0%), and 25.0% were z−.

    “Most equilibrium strategists were z+ (75.0%), and 25.0% were z−.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most regional migrators (77.8%) were z−, whereas only 22.2% of regional migrators were z+ taxa.

    “Most regional migrators (77.8%) were z−, whereas only 22.2% of regional migrators were z+ taxa.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most sedentary species were z+ (62%), and 38% of sedentary species were z−.

    “Most sedentary species were z+ (62%), and 38% of sedentary species were z−.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Forest cover was negatively associated with macrophyte cover, dissolved oxygen, and open water.

    “Forest cover was negatively associated with macrophyte cover, dissolved oxygen, and open water.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    These species were positively associated with macrophyte cover and negatively associated with macrophyte richness, temperature, and conductivity.

    “These species were positively associated with macrophyte cover and negatively associated with macrophyte richness, temperature, and conductivity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Small, sedentary, equilibrium, and opportunistic life-history strategist fishes were mainly indicators of increasing forest cover, whereas large, migratory, periodic, and intermediate life-history strategist fishes-primarily juveniles in our samples-tended to be indicators of decreasing forest cover.

    “We found that small, sedentary, equilibrium, and opportunistic life‐history strategist fishes were mainly indicators of increasing forest cover, whereas large, migratory, periodic, and intermediate life‐history strategist fishes—primarily juveniles in our samples—tended to be indicators of decreasing forest cover.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Although most periodic strategists in our study were large-bodied species and associated with decreasing forest cover, about one-third were z+ indicators.

    “Although most periodic strategists in our study were large‐bodied species and associated with decreasing forest cover, about one‐third were z+ indicators.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Functional groups generally responded consistently to forest cover, but some groups, such as periodic strategists, showed exceptions due to ecological diversity.

    “Functional groups generally responded consistently to forest cover, but some groups, such as periodic strategists, showed exceptions due to ecological diversity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Some ecological systems undergo rapid state transitions in response to gradual changes along a continuous environmental gradient.

    “Some ecological systems undergo rapid state transitions in response to gradual changes along a continuous environmental gradient (Groffman et al., 2006; Huggett, 2005; Toms & Lesperance, 2003).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Groffman et al., 2006 source
    • cites Huggett, 2005 source
    • cites Toms & Lesperance, 2003 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ecological generalists may thrive in response to human-driven land-cover changes, whereas specialists may be adversely affected or extirpated.

    “ecological generalists may thrive in response to human‐driven land‐cover changes, whereas specialists may be adversely affected or extirpated (Kupfer & Franklin, 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kupfer & Franklin, 2009 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In the lower Amazon River floodplain, agriculture-driven deforestation has caused a 50% decline in forest cover since 1970.

    “In the lower Amazon River floodplain, agriculture‐driven deforestation has caused a 50% decline in forest cover since 1970 (Renó et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Renó et al., 2011 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Seasonality and associated changes in water level structure fish communities in Amazonian rivers.

    “Seasonality and associated changes in water level structure fish communities in Amazonian rivers (Fitzgerald et al., 2017; Silva et al., 2020); therefore, we controlled this influence on the pRDA.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Fitzgerald et al., 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Silva et al., 2020 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The species composition and structural complexity of aquatic macrophytes influence fish assemblage structure in floating meadows.

    “Additionally, the species composition and structural complexity of aquatic macrophytes influence fish assemblage structure in floating meadows (Lopes et al., 2015; Nonato et al., 2021; Virgilio et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Lopes et al., 2015 source
    • cites Nonato et al., 2021 source
    • cites Virgilio et al., 2021 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Because coverage was measured during the same season each year, within-year seasonal variability in macrophyte coverage could not be estimated.

    “Because coverage was measured during the same season each year, within‐year seasonal variability in macrophyte coverage could not be estimated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Some species were identified only to genus level because they were juveniles or potentially undescribed species.

    “Some species were identified only to genus level because they were juveniles or potentially undescribed species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Piranhas, such as Se. maculatus, identified as indicators of decreasing forest cover, exploit diverse food resources from a variety of aquatic habitats.

    “Piranhas, such as Se. maculatus, identified as indicators of decreasing forest cover, exploit diverse food resources from a variety of aquatic habitats (Correa et al., 2015; Goulding, 1980)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Correa et al., 2015 source
    • cites Goulding, 1980 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Separate TITAN2 analyses were run for each season to check for bias.

    “We grouped fish responses across all seasons in TITAN2 and, to check for bias, we ran separate TITAN2 analyses for each season (Appendices S7–S9).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Running separate TITAN2 iterations for each season identified subsets of the same indicator species from the aggregated dataset.

    “Running separate TITAN2 iterations for each season identified subsets of the same indicator species from the aggregated dataset (Appendices S7–S9).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Forest canopy shade and low dissolved inorganic nutrients often limit autochthonous basal production, reducing food resources for juvenile fish.

    “Although fruits, seeds, flowers, and terrestrial animals that fall in the water provide food for adult fish, forest canopy shade and low dissolved inorganic nutrients often limit autochthonous basal production, reducing food resources for juvenile fish (Bayley, 1989).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bayley, 1989

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In forest streams, dwarf cichlids typically inhabit structurally complex microhabitats, such as submerged leaf packs, branches, and root wads.

    “In forest streams, dwarf cichlids typically inhabit structurally complex microhabitats, such as submerged leaf packs, branches, and root wads (Zuanon et al., 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zuanon et al., 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Visual assessment and the Shapiro test indicated that body size was not normally distributed, and a Levene test indicated that the equal variance assumption was violated between z+ and z− groups.

    “Visual assessment and the Shapiro test indicated that body size was not normally distributed, and a Levene test indicated that the equal variance assumption was violated between z+ and z− groups.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Although this material is eaten by shrimp and other aquatic invertebrates, which in turn feed fish, it supports less fish biomass than microalgae attached to surfaces or suspended in the water column in sunlit waters.

    “Although this material is eaten by shrimp and other aquatic invertebrates, which in turn feed fish, it supports less fish biomass than microalgae attached to surfaces or suspended in the water column in sunlit waters (Bayley, 1989).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bayley, 1989

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The relative level of forest cover affects macrophyte growth, nutrient availability, and structural complexity in floating meadows, which in turn influence the patterns found in fish assemblages.

    “We therefore infer that the relative level of forest cover affects macrophyte growth, nutrient availability, and structural complexity in floating meadows, which in turn influence the patterns we found in fish assemblages.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Spatial variation in forest cover along the sampled gradient can be used to infer the effects of deforestation on fish communities.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spatial factors, such as proximity to the river channel, affect fish distributions based on dispersal tendencies.

    “Spatial factors, such as proximity to the river channel, also affect fish distributions based on dispersal tendencies (Penha et al., 2017; Virgilio et al., 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Penha et al., 2017 source
    • cites Virgilio et al., 2022 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Our dataset reflects areas with significant, long-term forest loss, which leads to fish communities dominated by species relatively tolerant of reduced forest cover.

    “and our dataset reflects areas with significant, long‐term forest loss, which leads to fish communities dominated by species relatively tolerant of reduced forest cover.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Floating meadow cover fluctuates with the seasonal flood pulse, and our floating meadow estimates should have approximated their maximum annual extent.

    “Floating meadow cover fluctuates with the seasonal flood pulse (Junk, 1970), and our floating meadow estimates should have approximated their maximum annual extent.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Junk, 1970

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The negative association between forest and floating meadow cover suggests that aquatic macrophyte growth and aquatic primary productivity are enhanced by forest loss.

    “The negative association between forest and floating meadow cover suggests that aquatic macrophyte growth and aquatic primary productivity are enhanced by forest loss (Silva et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Silva et al., 2010 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Most cichlids' adverse effect from forest loss is presumably due to reliance on allochthonous inputs.

    “In our study, most cichlids were adversely affected by forest loss, presumably due to reliance on allochthonous inputs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Even if low forest cover were to favor juveniles of large migratory, periodic strategist fishes in floating meadows, adult survival and growth are probably adversely affected.

    “This suggests that, even if low forest cover were to favor juveniles of these fishes in floating meadows, adult survival and growth are probably adversely affected.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Spatial variation in forest cover along the sampled gradient can be used to infer the effects of deforestation on fish communities.
    • Rests on an assumption: Juveniles of periodic strategist fishes use floating meadows as nursery habitat.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    We inferred the impacts of forest loss on fish communities but did not directly assess effects of deforestation.

    “Although we inferred the impacts of forest loss on fish communities, we did not directly assess effects of deforestation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Those studies predominantly captured large-bodied fishes in gillnets, whereas our seine surveys captured mostly small fishes, including juveniles of large species.

    “Those studies predominantly captured large‐bodied fishes in gillnets, whereas our seine surveys captured mostly small fishes, including juveniles of large species.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Many periodic strategists are large, relatively long-lived, and have high batch fecundity with seasonally restricted spawning periods.

    “Many periodic strategists are large, are relatively long‐lived, and have high batch fecundity with seasonally restricted spawning periods (Winemiller & Rose, 1992).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Winemiller & Rose, 1992 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    These species likely rely on allochthonous food resources or use the structural complexity of the flooded forests adjacent to the floating meadows.

    “These species likely rely on allochthonous food resources (Leal et al., 2018) or use the structural complexity of the flooded forests adjacent to the floating meadows.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Leal et al., 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Some species undoubtedly benefit from sparse forest cover in the Amazon floodplain.

    “Some species undoubtedly benefit from sparse forest cover in the Amazon floodplain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Based on our results, individual species, including Mo. melogramma, Hemigrammus diagonicus, and Acaronia nassa, may be more sensitive to forest loss, whereas other species, such as Se. maculatus and Pt. granulosus, may be more tolerant.

    “Based on our results, individual species, including Mo. melogramma, Hemigrammus diagonicus (Mendonça & Wosiacki, 2011), and Acaronia nassa (Heckel, 1840), may be more sensitive to forest loss, whereas other species, such as Se. maculatus and Pt. granulosus, may be more tolerant.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Spatial variation in forest cover along the sampled gradient can be used to infer the effects of deforestation on fish communities.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    We averaged floating meadow coverage across 3 years of remotely sensed imagery to provide a reliable metric to estimate variation across lake systems.

    “We averaged floating meadow coverage across 3 years of remotely sensed imagery to provide a reliable metric to estimate variation across lake systems.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Floating meadow cover was measured during one season (early rising water), whereas fish sampling occurred across 3 seasons within a given year.

    “For our analysis, floating meadow cover was measured during one season (early rising water), whereas fish sampling occurred across 3 seasons within a given year.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Seasonality is a major driver of fish assemblage structure in the Amazon.

    “Seasonality is a major driver of fish assemblage structure in the Amazon (Fitzgerald et al., 2017; Silva et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Fitzgerald et al., 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Silva et al., 2020 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The consistency between seasonal and aggregated analyses suggests that aggregating seasonal data in TITAN2 did not bias our assessment; rather, it captured year-round responses of fish.

    “This consistency suggests that aggregating seasonal data in TITAN2 did not bias our assessment; rather, it captured year‐round responses of fish.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Species reliant on forest cover may be poorly adapted to habitats with intense sunlight and extensive, homogenous aquatic vegetation, instead thriving in or near edge habitats with small patches of floating meadows in forested areas.

    “Conversely, species reliant on forest cover may be poorly adapted to habitats with intense sunlight and extensive, homogenous aquatic vegetation, instead thriving in or near edge habitats with small patches of floating meadows in forested areas.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These comparatively large predators capture small fishes, likely requiring different habitat than smaller cichlids to hunt.

    “These comparatively large predators capture small fishes, likely requiring different habitat than smaller cichlids to hunt.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
77 of 77

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    No one has yet examined how land cover affects fish assemblages of floating meadows in the Amazon.

    “No one has yet examined how land cover affects fish assemblages of floating meadows in the Amazon.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    No one has sought evidence of threshold responses of fishes to gradients of forest cover in the Amazon River floodplain.

    “No one, however, has sought evidence of threshold responses of fishes to gradients of forest cover in the Amazon River floodplain”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Spatial variation in forest cover along the sampled gradient can be used to infer the effects of deforestation on fish communities.

    “Although we inferred the impacts of forest loss on fish communities, we did not directly assess effects of deforestation.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Juveniles of periodic strategist fishes use floating meadows as nursery habitat.

    “Although some periodic strategists identified as z− species enter flooded forests as adults to feed, their juveniles use floating meadows as nursery habitat.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Large areas of the lower Amazon floodplain have been deforested.

    “Large areas of the lower Amazon floodplain have been deforested”
5 of 5

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • A shared 20% community change point conflicts with the reported group change points

    Major

    The results report community change points of 40.5% for z+ taxa and 9.4% for z− taxa, then call 20% the community change point for both groups. Those cannot all be the reported change point for the same two groups.

  • Cyphocharax spiluropsis is assigned to two families

    Minor

    The results place Cyphocharax spiluropsis in Curimatidae, but the discussion calls the same species a characid.

  • Floating-meadow coverage is described as using both five and three years

    Minor

    The methods define macrophyte coverage using presence in at least three of five analyzed years. The discussion instead says floating-meadow coverage was averaged across three years of imagery.

  • More lake-scale forest-cover levels than lake systems

    Minor

    Forest cover is described as measured at the lake-system scale, yet the analysis reports 20 forest-cover levels from only 19 lake systems. With one forest-cover value per lake system, there cannot be 20 distinct levels.

4 of 4

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

2 of the 131 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 28

  1. Bayley P. B., 1989, Aquatic environments in the Amazon Basin, with an analysis of carbon sources, fish production, and yield, Canadian Special Publication of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 106, 399
  2. Bentham, 1857, Macrocnemum spruceanum Benth, Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany, 1, 108
  3. Bergius P. J., 1772, Paspalum conjugatum, Acta Helvetica Physico‐Mathematico‐Botanico‐Medica, 7, 129
  4. Chamisso A., 1833, Triplaris surinamensis Cham, Linnaea, 8, 138
  5. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 2020, Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020
  6. Cope E. D., 1872, On the fishes of the Ambyiacu River, Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 23, 250
  7. Eigenmann C. H., 1908, Preliminary descriptions of new genera and species of tetragonopterid characins, Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, 52, 91
  8. Géry J., 1987, The ember tetra: A new pygmy characid tetra from the Rio das Mortes, Brazil, Hyphessobrycon amandae sp. n. (Pisces, Characoidei), Tropical Fish Hobbyist, 35
  9. Heckel J. J., 1840, Johann Natterer's neue Flussfische Brasilien's, Annalen des Wiener Museums der Naturgeschichte, 2, 325
  10. 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1995.tb01894.x · DOI
  11. Kirsten I. F., 2012, A pesca do pirarucu (Arapaima sp.) na bacia do Rio Araguaia em Mato Grosso‐Brasil, Boletim do Instituto de Pesca, 38, 131
  12. Kner R., 1858, Zur Familie der Characinen, Sitzungsberichte der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften. Mathematisch‐Naturwissenschaftliche Classe, 32, 163
  13. Kullander S. O., 1983, A revision of the South American cichlid genus Cichlasoma (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
  14. Lambin E. F., 2006, Local processes and global impacts
  15. Linnaeus C., 1753, Species plantarum, 1008
  16. Linnaeus C., 1771, Mantissa Plantarum Altera, 147
  17. Mago‐Leccia F., 1994, Electric fishes of the continental waters of America, 206
  18. Müller J., 1843, Archiv für Naturgeschichte, Jahrgang 9, Band 1, 192
  19. Queiroz L. J., 2013, Peixes do Rio Madeira
  20. Ramsar Convention Secretariat, 2016, The Fourth Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016–2024. Ramsar handbooks for the wise use of wetlands
  21. Sánchez‐Botero J. I., 2008, Effects of types of aquatic macrophyte stands and variations of dissolved oxygen and of temperature on the distribution of fishes in lakes of the amazonian floodplain, Acta Limnológica Brasileira, 20, 45
  22. Schultz L. P., 1944, Brachyhypopomus beebei, a new species of gymnotid fish from Venezuela, Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 94, 321
  23. Spix J. B., 1829, Mylossoma aureum Spix & Agassiz, Selecta Genera et Species Piscium Brasiliensium, 38
  24. Spix J. B. v., 1829, Selecta Genera et Species Piscium Quos in Itinere per Brasiliam Annis MDCCCXVII–MDCCCXX Jussu et Auspiciis Maximiliani Josephi I. Bavariae Regis Augustissimi Collectos et Pingendos Curavit Dr. J.B. de Spix
  25. Steindachner F., 1880, Zur Fischfauna des Caiamá‐Flusses, Anzeiger der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Mathematisch‐Naturwissenschaftliche Classe, 17, 149
  26. Steindachner F., 1882, Beiträge zur Kenntniss der Flussfische Südamerikas, Denkschriften der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Mathematisch‐Naturwissenschaftliche Classe, 46, 1
  27. Zuanon J., 2004, A survey of the fish fauna along the floodplain of the Amazon River in Brazil, Fish Communities, 75
  28. Zuanon J., 2015, Guia de peixes da Reserva Ducke—Amazônia Central

Cited by

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Related

Authors
Grinstead, S., Arantes, C. C., Winemiller, K. O., Kelso‐Winemiller, L. C., de Oliveira, J. A., Petrere, M., & Freitas, C. E. C.
Affiliations
  • School of Natural Resources and the Environment West Virginia University Morgantown West Virginia USA
  • West Virginia University (US)
  • Texas A&M University (US)
  • The Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development Tefe Brazil
  • Universidade Santa Cecília (BR)
  • Departamento de Ciências Pesqueiras Universidade Federal do Amazonas Manaus Brazil
ORCID
Venue
Conservation Biology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2025-08-15
Volume
39
Issue
6
Pages
e70110-e70110
ISSN
  • 0888-8892 (ISSN-L)
  • 1523-1739
DOI
10.1111/cobi.70110
PMC
PMC12658946
OpenAlex
W4413141400
Cited by
0
References
131
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Conservation Biology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (563073/2010, 200893/2012‐2, 200893/20)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Fish biology, ecology, and behavior
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Fish Ecology and Management Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Freshwater macroinvertebrate diversity and ecology
Keywords
Amazon River floodplain, fish community structure, deforestation, life history strategies, functional groups, cichlid fish, Characidae, Serrasalmidae, fish abundance, nursery grounds, floodplain lakes
MeSH terms
Animals, Brazil, Conservation of Natural Resources, Fishes, Population Dynamics, Biodiversity, Rivers, Forests

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-11-03.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-11-03.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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