The variation in energy in the muscles of the most representative fish species from three Neotropical Reservoirs was investigated to determine the effect of the reproductive process on the amount of energy allocated and a possible relationship between the general welfare of the species and their caloric content. Significant differences were detected between the sexes and among the stages of gonad maturity. In general, the variation in energy in the muscles indicate to be a function of the reproductive cycle. In most examined species, females presented the highest caloric values, reflecting physiological differences in their use of energy, relative to the reproductive process. However, there was no significant correlation between caloric values and the condition factor of any species. Significant differences in the caloric content and condition factor were identified in each species belonging different trophic groups, indicating an effect of food quality on the amount of energy stored in the muscles. We conclude that the analyzed species presented a similar pattern of variation in energy, but that this was not reflected in their condition. In addition, an effect of reproduction and feeding habit on energy allocation was observed in both sexes.Foi investigada a variação da energia nos músculos das espécies de peixes mais representativas de três reservatórios neotropicais, para determinar o efeito do processo reprodutivo na quantidade de energia alocada e uma possível relação entre o bem-estar geral das espécies e seu conteúdo calórico. Foram detectadas diferenças significativas entre os sexos e os estádios de maturidade gonadal. Em geral, a variação da energia nos músculos demonstra ser dependente do ciclo reprodutivo. Na maioria das espécies estudadas, as fêmeas apresentaram os maiores valores calóricos, refletindo as diferenças fisiológicas no uso de sua energia, em relação ao processo reprodutivo. No entanto, não houve correlação significativa entre os valores calóricos e o fator de condição as espécies estudadas. Diferenças significativas do conteúdo calórico e no fator de condição foram identificadas em cada espécie pertencente aos diferentes grupos trófcos, indicando um efeito de qualidade alimentar sobre a quantidade de energia armazenada nos músculos. Conclui-se que as espécies analisadas apresentaram um padrão semelhante de variação de energia, mas que isso não se refletiu em sua condição. Além disso, um efeito da reprodução e hábito alimentar, sobre a alocação de energia, foi observado em ambos os sexos.
ABSTRACT. The present research aimed to quantify the vascular plants caloric content in two reservoirs in Paraná, as well as the spatial and ecological group variabilities. The sampling was done in December 2002, in the fluvial, transition and lacustrine zones in Rosana and Mourão reservoirs. Aquatic macrophytes and riparian vegetation mature leaves, from different individuals (n=5), belonging to the same species, were randomly sampled. In order to obtain the caloric content, in cal.g -1 dry weight, the samples were pulverized in a ball mill and subjected to combustion in a PARR calorimetric bomb. The data were treated with a null model ANOVA (EcoSim 7.44 program). A wide caloric variability was verified in the vascular plants analysed. Besides, the spatial and ecological group variabilities were significant, so it is not recommended, being use of only one caloric value to these primary producers in energy flow models, necessary a preliminary inspection of the breadth and of the factors that determine such variation.
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