Predation of Bibimys labiosus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) by Hoplias intermedius (Characiformes: Erythrinidae) in Cerrado with a review of Sigmodontinae predation by fishes

Abstract

Rodents are part of the diet of a numerous species of vertebrates and some invertebrates. However, many predator-prey relationships remain unknown. This study aims to record the first predation case of a Bibimys labiosus by a Hoplias intermedius. This is an unusual event that involves a cricetid historically associated with the Atlantic Forest, with still poorly known ecology, and a predominantly piscivorous fish in Cerrado. We also review records of Sigmodontinae predation by fish and localities of B. labiosus in South America. The new record of B. labiosus in Cerrado, near a highly impacted region, shows that the rodent might be able to tolerate disturbed environments and the species can be found in adjacent Atlantic Forest areas. Also, fish predation on Sigmodontinae is considered opportunistic and has not been well documented, with only eight records in the literature, with the majority of records in the last 20 years in the southern cone of South America. This interaction between a semifossorial sigmodontine rodent and a piscivorous fish is the first in the literature and helps us better understand the Cerrado food webs and the natural history of Neotropical species.