Abstract

The cardinal tetra is the number one export species in the ornamental fish trade industry in Brazil, accounting for 70% of the total amount of Brazilian fish exports [1]. The cardinal tetra inhabits the middle and upper Negro River, and its trade corresponds to 60% of the economy of the Barcelos municipality. However, fishery data have yet to be collected to better evaluate the effects of this artisanal fishery on fish populations. The present work presents data obtained from field collection interviews and a sample fishery. The data correspond to the quantity of fish caught per collection region, how many people were involved in the activity, the number of nets used, and the catch volume. Data from fisherman interviews and the type of fishing were compared for corroboration of the findings and to assist in calculating the number of fish extracted from the collecting areas during different times of the year