Indirect evidence of following association between golden dorados (Salminus brasiliensis) and green anacondas (Eunectes murinus) in a clearwater river of Midwest Brazil

On four occasions, the golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) was recorded following the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) in a clearwater river of Midwest Brazil. These observations were considered as an indirect evidence of a following association known as nuclear-follower feeding association, a condition in which the follower approach the nuclear when it somehow disturbs the substrate and form sediment clouds while foraging, taking the opportunity to feed during this situation. However, no direct observations of golden dorados getting some benefit from the activity of the green anacondas to feed were made. Nevertheless, as there is a varied list of vertebrates considered as nuclear species in the clearwater rivers of Midwest Brazil, it is to be expected that future observations may provide unusual information about nuclear-follower feeding association between fish and snakes in the Neotropics.

Automated summary

The golden dorado was observed following the green anaconda in a clearwater river of Midwest Brazil, which suggests a nuclear-follower feeding association. However, there were no direct observations of the dorados benefiting from the anaconda's activities.