Etnoconhecimento sobre pesca de peixes ornamentais e relevância econômica para um grupo de pescadores do município de Benjamin Constant no extremo oeste da Amazônia brasileira

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the ethnoknowledge related to ornamental fish fishing and its economic relevance for a group of fishermen from the municipality of Benjamin Constant, located in the far western part of the Brazilian Amazon. The research was conducted through fieldwork, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews with fishermen and ornamental fish buyers, documenting capture, storage, and transportation practices. Twenty-two ornamental fish species were recorded, along with traditional knowledge that guides the activity, such as knowledge of breeding season, feeding habits, habitat, and management techniques. The fishermen demonstrated profound ecological mastery, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge for species conservation and for formulating public policies that value local knowledge. The study also revealed occupational risks faced by piabeiros, such as snakebite, physical, chemical, and ergonomic accidents, often overlooked in discussions about artisanal fishing.