First report the role of benthic macroinvertebrates as preys for native fish in Toltén river (38° S, Araucania region Chile)

Abstract The Toltén river is located in the 137 years old Araucania region, Chile (38° S), and characterized by low alterations through human interference due agriculture towns its surrounding basin, presence of native fishes salmonids, lake effluent regime originated from Villarrica lake. aim present study was to make a review ecological role benthic inland water macroinvertebrates as preys for River Toltén, order understand their importance ecosystem river. literature revealed that main prey are Chironomidae larvae, nevertheless there not specific reports Tolten exposed results similar with species Patagonia, these would have introduced or competition salmonids according descriptions Argentinean Chilean Patagonia.