The annual flood pulses of central Amazonian rivers
inundate marginal forests to 10 m depth or more (Furch &
Otto 1987, Junk et al. 1989). The regularity of this
flooding seems to have promoted the development of a
complex relationship between forest plants and fishes that
consume their seeds (Goulding 1980). Several fish species
migrate into the flooded forests to feed on buoyant fruits
and seeds, and many plant species reach their fruiting
peak during the flood season. Fruits and seeds have been
reported to have adaptive features related to water
(hydrochory) and/or fish (ichthyochory) dispersal
(Araújo-Lima & Goulding 1998, Gottsberger 1978,
Goulding 1980, Kubitzki & Ziburski 1994, Scarano 1998,
Williamson 1999, Williamson & Costa 2000). Strong
multicuspidate teeth in frugivorous fishes, fruit/seed buoyancy
(Goulding 1980) and chemical signs released by
fallen fruit to attract fish (Araújo-Lima & Goulding 1998)
are mechanisms for the seed dispersal of the flooded forest community.