Comparative analysis of the diet composition and its relation to morphological characteristics in Achirus mazatlanus and Syacium ovale (Pleuronectiformes: Osteichthyes) from a Mexican Pacific coastal lagoon

The purpose of this research was to investigate differences in diet composition between Achirus mazatlanus and Syacium ovale, two flatfishes inhabiting in a tropical coastal lagoon and to investigate the relationship of their feeding habits to size, body morphometry and mouths characteristics. Fish were collected during sampling trips conducted regularly from 2011 to 2016 using several types of fishing gear. Total number of analyzed stomachs with some food content was 328 for Achirus mazatlanus from 1.4 to 21.3 cm total length (TL) and 203 for Syacium ovale with 1.3 to 24.0 cm TL. Results indicate that both species share a general diet based on benthic invertebrates and fishes but S. ovale has a more piscivorous habit, which can be explained by a more slender body shape and larger teeth, characteristics which increase prey fish catching performance. Important changes in composition of food categories related to size were not found for any species, but larger fish of both species eat larger ranges of prey sizes, and this ontogenetic change is consistent with recent developments on optimal foraging theory.(AU)

Se investigaron las diferencias en la composición de la dieta entre Achirus mazatlanus y Syacium ovale, dos especies de lenguados que habitan en una laguna costera tropical, y la relación de los hábitos alimentarios con el largo total, la morfometría corporal y las características de las bocas. Los peces fueron colectados regularmente entre 2011 y 2016, mediante varios tipos de artes de pesca diferentes. El número total de estómagos analizados con contenido estomacal fue de 328 para Achirus mazatlanus de 1.4 a 21.3 cm de longitud total (TL) y 203 para Syacium ovale de 1.3 a 24.0 cm TL. Los resultados indican que ambas especies tienen una dieta general basada en invertebrados bentónicos y peces, pero S. ovale tiene un hábito más piscívoro, lo cual puede ser explicado por un cuerpo más alargado y dientes más grandes, características ambas que incrementan el rendimiento de la captura de peces presas. No se encontraron cambios importantes en la composición de las categorías alimentarias relacionados con la talla en ninguna de las especies de lenguados, pero los peces mayores de ambas especies consumen rangos más amplios de tamaños de presas y este cambio ontogénico es consistente con la teoría de forrajeo óptimo.(AU)

Characterization of the ligand binding of PGRP-L in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) by molecular dynamics and free energy calculation

Background: Peptidoglycan (PGN) recognition proteins (PGRPs) are important pattern recognition receptors of the host innate immune system that are involved in the immune defense against bacterial pathogens. PGRPs have been characterized in several fish species. The PGN-binding ability is important for the function of PGRPs. However, the PGRP-PGN interaction mechanism in fish remains unclear. In the present study, the 3-D model of a long PGRP of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) (csPGRP-L), a marine teleost with great economic value, was constructed through the comparative modeling method, and the key amino acids involved in the interaction with Lys-type PGNs and Dap-type PGNs were analyzed by molecular dynamics and molecular docking methods. Results: csPGRP-L possessed a typical PGRP structure, consisting of five ß-sheets and four α-helices. Molecular docking showed that the van der Waals forces had a slightly larger contribution than Coulombic interaction in the csPGRP-L-PGN complex. Moreover, the binding energies of csPGRP-L-PGNs computed by MM-PBSA method revealed that csPGRP-L might selectively bind both types of MTP-PGNs and MPP-PGNs. In addition, the binding energy of each residue of csPGRP-L was also calculated, revealing that the residues involved in the interaction with Lys-type PGNs were different from that with Dap-type PGNs. Conclusions: The 3-D structure of csPGRP-L possessed typical PGRP structure and might selectively bind both types of MTP- and MPP-PGNs, which provided useful insights to understanding the functions of fish PGRPs.

External morphology, postcranial and appendicular osteology of three southwestern Atlantic flatfishes ( Paralichthys, Paralichthyidae), and comparisons with other congeneric species

Comparisons of the external morphology and analysis of osteological features of the postcranial and appendicular skeletons of three southwestern Atlantic flatfish species of the genus Paralichthys (P. isosceles, P. orbignyanus and P. patagonicus) were carried out. Bones are described, and detailed morphological, morphometric and meristic characteristics of these flounders are given in order to provide information about the external and internal morphology of three species of Paralichthys occurring in the south-west Atlantic waters that add new information and will help regarding within the framework of a phylogenetic study of the group. Interspecific differences were found in the number of vertebrae and intermuscular bones, as well as in the morphology and morphometry of vertebrae, caudal skeletons, pectoral and pelvic girdle bones. Relationships between bones are discussed and bone characteristics compared with those found in other species of Paralichthys and in other pleuronectiform species. The position of Paralichthys isosceles within Paralichthys is discussed, along with other congeners such as P. triocellatus and P. oblongus.(AU)

Se llevaron a cabo comparaciones de la morfología externa y el análisis de las características osteológicas de los esqueletos postcraneal y apendicular de tres especies de peces planos del Atlántico sudoccidental del género Paralichthys (P. isosceles, P. orbignyanus y P. patagonicus). Se describen los huesos, y se proporcionan características morfológicas, morfométricas y merísticas detalladas de estos lenguados con el fin de aportar información sobre la morfología externa e interna de tres especies de Paralichthys presentes en el Atlántico sudoccidental. Esta nueva información contribuirá al marco de un estudio filogenético del grupo. Se encontraron diferencias interespecíficas en el número de vértebras y huesos intermusculares, así como en la morfología y morfometría de las vértebras, los esqueletos caudales, los huesos de las cinturas pectoral y pélvica. Se discuten las relaciones entre los huesos y las características óseas en comparación con las encontradas en otras especies de Paralichthys y de otros Pleuronectiformes. Se discute la posición de Paralichthys isosceles dentro del género Paralichthys, junto con otros congéneres como P. oblongus y P. triocellatus.(AU)

Oxidative stress parameters in juvenile brazilian flounder Paralichthys orbignyanus (Valenciennes, 1839) (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae) exposed to cold and heat shocks

The aim of this study was to determine oxidative stress parameters in the liver and gill of Brazilian flounder juveniles (307.0 ± 16.0 g and 30.0 ± 4.0 cm) submitted to different water temperature (17.1, 23.0 and 28.8ºC) for 72 h and maintained at salinity 25‰. After the acclimation of 7 days, in 23ºC, fish were transferred to 200 L tanks containing seawater (salinity 25‰) at 28.8ºC (heat shock), 17.1ºC (cold shock) or 23.0ºC (control), five replicates (five fish tank-1). The sampled collection occurred in 0 (pre-challenge), 3, 24, 48 and 72 h after temperature shock. Flounder exposed to 17.1ºC and 28.8ºC showed significantly higher TBARS levels and GST activity in the liver post-exposition (PE) in relation to the control (23ºC). CAT activity in liver present a significantly increase at 17.1ºC, in first 48 h, and subsequently decrease in 72 h PE in relation to 28.8ºC. The gills of flounder showed significantly higher TBARS levels, GST and CAT activity when submitted at 17.1 and 28.8ºC in relation to 23.0ºC. There were observed changes in lipid peroxidation levels (LPO), CAT and GST activities in the liver and gill of Brazilian flounder in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by thermal shocks.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os parâmetros de estresse oxidativo no fígado e brânquias de juvenis de linguado (307,0 ± 16,0 g e 30,0 ± 4,0 cm) submetidos a diferentes temperaturas da água (17,1, 23,0 e 28,8ºC) por 72 h e mantidos na salinidade de 25‰. Após uma aclimatação de sete dias, em 23ºC, os peixes foram transferidos para tanques de 200 L contendo água do mar (salinidade 25‰) em 28,8ºC (choque quente), 17,1ºC (choque frio) ou 23,0ºC (controle), cinco repetições (cinco peixes/tanque). A coleta de amostras ocorreu em 0 (pré-exposição), 3, 24, 48 e 72 h após o choque térmico. O linguado exposto a 17,1ºC e 28,8ºC apresentaram um significante aumento dos níveis de TBARS e atividade da GST no fígado pós-exposição (PE) em relação ao controle (23ºC). A atividade da CAT no fígado apresentou um aumento significativo em 17,1ºC, nas primeiras 48 h, e subsequente diminuição em 72 h PE em relação a 28,8ºC. As brânquias do linguado apresentaram significante aumento dos níveis de TBARS e atividade da GST e CAT quando submetidos a 17,1ºC e 28,8ºC em relação a 23,0ºC. Foram observadas alterações nos níveis de peroxidação lipídica (LPO) e atividade de GST e CAT no fígado e brânquias de linguado em resposta as espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) produzidas pelo choque térmico.

Optimización en el manejo de reproductores para una mayor producción de huevos y larvas de psetta maxima (Linneaus, 1758) / Optimization of broodstock management to increase the production of eggs and larvae of psetta maxima (Linneaus, 1758) (Turbot)

Las óptimas condiciones de cultivo en el manejo de reproductores de Psetta maxima permiten obtener una mejor cantidad y calidad de huevos así como larvas viables con una mayor producción. Para evaluar las óptimas condiciones se utilizaron ejemplares mantenidos en condiciones de cultivo acondicionados desde los 3 hasta los 24 meses de vida, para así llegar a conformar un stock de reproductores. Al final de la experiencia, los huevos en los estanques experimentales se presentaron circulares y transparentes, al igual que las larvas recién eclosionadas que se hallaban rectas y muy bien pigmentadas, signos de buena calidad de huevos y larvas. Los cambios en la relación macho-hembra y densidad, fueron las variables a evaluar, llegando a obtener resultados satisfactorios por periodo productivo de las hembras y una mejor calidad y cantidad de huevos y larvas viables, en un periodo de cuatro años. Las mortalidades de reproductores en el periodo desove y post-desove bajaron significativamente. Estadísticamente no existe una diferencia significativa entre los estanques experimentales y controles. Desde el tercer año, la producción de huevos y larvas en los estanques experimentales mostró un incremento cercano al 90 por ciento en huevos y a un 60 por ciento en larvas. En los dos últimos años el porcentaje de larvas cosechadas en estos estanques, mostró un incremento del 7 por ciento al 12 por ciento en larvas sembradas y una disminución del 9 por ciento al 13 por ciento en larvas eliminadas, principalmente en el estanque 4.

The optimal culture conditions in broodstock management of Psetta maxima allow obtaining better quantity and quality of eggs and viable larvae, increasing the production. In order to evaluate the optimal conditions the specimens kept under culture conditions were used, in a period of 3-24 months of life, thus forming a broodstock stock. At the end of the experiment, the eggs in the experimental tanks resulted circular and transparent, as well as newly hatched larvae that were straight and well pigmented, signs of a good quality of eggs and larvae. Changes in the male-female and density ratio were the assessed variables, reaching satisfactory results per productive period of females and better quality and quantity of eggs and viable larvae during the period of four years. The mortality rate of broodstock in spawning and post-spawning period decreased significantly. Statistically there were no significant difference between experimental and control tanks. From the third year, egg and larvae production in experimental tanks showed an increase of about 90 percent for eggs, and 60 percent for larvae. In the last two years the percentage of harvested larvae in these tanks showed an increase of 7 percent to 12 percent for sown larvae and a decrease of 9 percent to 13 percent for eliminated larvae, mostly in tank 4.

Efecto de la Temperatura en la Supervivencia Embrionaria y Primeros Estadios Larvales de Psetta maxima / Temperature Effect on Embryonic Survival and Early Larval Stages of Psetta maxima

La tasa de mortalidad en las etapas embrionarias y larvales de los peces marinos se asocia al éxito de un cultivo y es necesario optimizar los procedimientos de este a nivel de desarrollo embrionario y primeros estadios larvales para una óptima supervivencia larval y una mejor producción de juveniles. Para evaluar el efecto de la temperatura en la supervivencia embrionaria y larvaria del turbot, los huevos fecundados de dos reproductores se trasladaron a estanques cónicos de incubación a tres diferentes temperaturas (12,5; 15,5 y 18,5C). Los huevos que se encontraban a temperaturas extremas (12,5 y 18,5C) tuvieron un menor desarrollo embriológico, con un porcentaje de mortalidad diaria significativamente mayor en los tres primeros días y al término de la incubación, especialmente durante la eclosión de los huevos (supervivencia del 10%), y sin variaciones al término del experimento, cuando las larvas tenían seis días de vida. La duración del desarrollo embrionario hasta la eclosión del huevo también estuvo determinada por la temperatura de incubación, con un mayor número de huevos eclosionados y cosechados a la temperatura de 15,5°C (supervivencia de un 20%). Las diferencias significativas en el desarrollo embriológico del turbot a tres diferentes temperaturas de incubación demuestran la importancia de este parámetro en la viabilidad del desarrollo embrionario y los primeros estadios larvales de P. maxima.

The mortality rate in embryonic and larval stages of marine fish is associated with the success of a culture, being necessary to optimize the procedures from this to the level of embryonic development and early larval stages for an optimal larval survival and better juvenile production. In order to evaluate temperature effect on embryonic and larval survival of Turbot, fertilized eggs of two reproductives were transferred to the conical incubation tanks at three different temperatures (12.5; 15.5 and 18.5C). The eggs that were at extreme temperatures (12.5 y 18.5C) had a minor embryonic development, with a daily mortality rate significantly higher in the first three days and at the end of incubation, especially during the egg eclosion (10% survival), and without variations at the end of the experiment, when larvae had six days of life. The duration of embryonic development up to the egg eclosion was also determined by incubation temperature, with a higher number of hatched eggs and harvested at the temperature of 15.5°C (20% survival). Significant differences in the embryonic development of Turbot at three different incubation temperatures indicate the importance of this parameter on the viability of embryonic development and early larval stages of P. maxima.

Efecto del aumento de la temperatura, frecuencia de alimentación y ración de alimento en el crecimiento de juveniles de turbot psetta maxima / Effect of increased temperature, frequency and feed ration on growth of juvenile turbot psetta maxima

Se determina la influencia del aumento de la temperatura (17 a 20°C), la ración (2,5 por ciento a 3,5 por ciento del peso día) y la frecuencia de alimentación (4 a 6 veces día), en el crecimiento y la supervivencia de juveniles de turbot (Psetta maxima) en un sistema productivo comercial durante 35 días. Los resultados muestran que el crecimiento de los juveniles provenientes del nuevo protocolo de cultivo experimental ensayado es mayor y muestra una tasa específica de crecimiento, significativamente diferente respecto a los cultivados con el protocolo base, sin afectar la supervivencia, la que se mantiene en 99,8 por ciento. Se sugiere realizar mayores estudios para aislar o definir exactamente el efecto sinérgico de las variables definidas, así como complementar los resultados obtenidos con un estudio econométrico que evalúe su real aporte económico dentro de la cadena productiva del cultivo...

The influence of water temperature (17 and 20°C), frequency (4 and 6) and feed ration level (2.5 percent and 3.5 percent) on the growth and survival of juvenile turbot (Psetta maxima) in a commercial productive system was investigated over 35 days. The results indicate that fish from the experimental protocol exhibited better growth and significant difference in specific growth rate than those raised with basic protocol, without affecting survival that remains at 99.8 percent. It is suggested further studies to isolate or define exactly the synergistic effect of the variables defined and complement the results obtained with an econometric study which evaluate their real economic contribution within the productive chain of culture...

Osteología comparada del esqueleto caudal de Achirus lineatus y Achirus mazatlanus (Pleuronectiformes: Achiridae) / Comparative osteology of the caudal skeleton of Achirus lineatus and Achirus mazatlanus (Pleuronectiformes: Achiridae)

El esqueleto caudal constituye una importante herramienta para evaluar las relaciones ancestro-descendencia de los peces teleósteos. Por tal motivo, se realizó un análisis osteológico comparativo de dicha estructura, a partir de ejemplares de las especies Achirus lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758) y A. mazatlanus (Steindachner, 1869), obtenidos de colecciones científicas de referencia y recolectados in situ en Veracruz y Baja California Sur (México). Los organismos fueron identificados con claves taxonómicas especializadas y procesados mediante la técnica de aclaración y tinción diferencial, para evaluar las posibles similitudes o diferencias en las estructuras que componen al complejo caudal. Achirus lineatus y A. mazatlanus se caracterizan por la presencia de una fórmula caudal compuesta por 1 epural + 5 hipurales + 1 parahipural, además de una espina neural y dos espinas hemales; así como por la presencia de 16 radios principales y la ausencia de los radios procurrentes y el uroneural. Asimismo, se observo que en la especie A. lineatus, los hipurales se encuentran más cercanos uno del otro; sin embargo, en lo general, no se aprecio una clara diferencia en los elementos que componen la aleta caudal de las especies bajo estudio. Por consiguiente A. lineatus y A. mazatlanus son consideradas como especies fraternas.

The caudal skeleton is recognized as an important source of information for establishment of teleostean interrelationships. A comparative analysis of the caudal skeleton of Achirus lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and A. mazatlanus (Steindachner, 1869) was performed, based on the examination of specimens from biological museums and others materials collected in Veracruz localities and Baja California Sur (Mexico). The specimens were identified using taxonomic keys and processed by means of clearing and staining methods, in order to determine the differences and similarities on the elements that characterized the caudal complex of this species. The caudal formula in A. lineatus and A. mazatlanus is composed by: 1 epural + 5 hypurals + 1 parhypural, one neural and two hemal spines, as well as the presence of 16 principal rays and absence of procurrent rays and the uroneural bone. The hypural in the A. lineatus are closer together; however, in general, differences were not observed among the species. Therefore, A. lineatus and A. mazatlanus are established as sister species.

Caracterización bioquímica, fisicoquímica y funcional de turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) y estudio de sus modificaciones durante el almacenamiento a 4ºC / Biochemical, physicochemical and functional characterization of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). Study of the changes occurring during the 4ºC storage

El turbot es un pez plano (Scophthalmus maximus), es uno de los peces que se adapta muy bien al cultivo intensivo en granja. Es necesario conocer sus propiedades fisicoquímicas-bioquímicas-tecnológicas y cómo éstas cambian durante su almacenamiento una vez que han sido cosechados. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la composición centesimal, propiedades bioquímicas, fisicoquímicas y funcionales, y cómo se ven influidas por el almacenamiento a 4ºC durante 16 días. Se determinó su composición proximal, electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida desnaturantes (PAGE-SDS), estabilidad térmica proteica a través de calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC). Se evaluó pH, nitrógeno básico volátil total (NBV-T), pérdida por goteo, textura, capacidad de retención de agua (CRA), emulsificación (CE) y gelificación (CG). El análisis proximal fue: humedad 76,3%; proteínas 19,6%; lípidos 2,71%; cenizas 1,3%. Se encontraron dos transiciones térmicas (DSC) a 47,5°C (miosina) y 76,9ºC (actina). PAGE-SDS mostraron perfiles correspondientes a proteínas miofibrilares y sarcoplasmáticas y durante el almacenamiento no se vieron alterados El pH cambió desde 5,9 a 6,6; las NBV-T variaron desde 20,0 a 39,5 mg NBVT/100 g músculo al día 16. CRA presentó valores de 10,5% y llegando al final a 58,1%, sin embargo no presentó CG. La CE y CRA aumentaron por el almacenamiento debido a cambios conformacionales de las proteínas. El esfuerzo de compresión fluctuó entre 111,2 a 106,0 N; el esfuerzo de cizalla fue disminuyendo en el tiempo de almacenamiento desde 148,6 a 95,2 N. La pérdida por goteo varió entre 1,7% a 2,5%. El estudio de almacenamiento refrigerado por 16 días, permitió concluir que el parámetro de frescura de NBV-T, sobrepasa el límite permitido de comercialización a los 14 días de almacenamiento, determinando de esa forma su vida útil.

The turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) is a kind of flatfish that is well adapted to intensive farm culture. After the harvest it is necessary to know the physicochemical, biochemical and technological properties and if during the refrigerated storage, changes of these properties are developed. The main objective of the study was the assessment of the proximal composition, the biochemical, physicochemical and functional properties, and how they are influenced during the 16 days storage at 4º C. Parameters such as centesimal composition, PAGE-SDS, and protein thermal stability through a DSC were carried out. pH, total volatile base-nitrogen (TVBN) dripping, texture, holding water capacity (WHC), emulsification (EC) and gelification (GC) were also determined. Results for the proximal composition were: humidity 76,3%; fat content 2,71%; proteins 19,6%; and ashes 1,3%. Two different thermal transitions at 47,5°C (myosin) and 76,9°C (actin) were observed. The PAGE-SDS showed profiles corresponding to myofibrilars and sarcoplasmatic proteins, which presented no changes during the storage. pH experimented an increase from 5,9 to 6,6; TVB-N showed a variation from 20,0 to 39,5 mg TVB-N/100 g of muscle at the day 16. The WHC started with a 10,5% and ended in 58,1%; no GC was observed. The increase of the EC and WHC during the storage was due to conformational changes of proteins. The compression force presented a fluctuation between 111,2 and 106,0 N and the shear strain decreased during the storage from 148,6 to 95,2 N. The dripping showed a variation between 1,7% and 2,5%. According to the results of the storage during 16 days at 4ºC, the NBV-T content determined a shelf life of 14 days.

Growth and mortality of the fish Citharichthys xanthostigma (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae) off the Western coast of Baja California, México

Longfin sanddab (Citharichthys xanthostigma) represents a very important fishery resource in Southern and Baja California but are not very well known. The purpose of this study is to provide information on the growth and mortality of longfin sanddab population in the Mexican Pacific Ocean at Baja California, México. Data on growth were obtained for longfin sanddab collected with otter trawls during six cruises off the Western coast of Baja California. A total of 1 017 longfin sanddab were caught over the sampling period, and from 860 specimens, the male to female ratio was 1:1.8. The relationship between total weight (W) and standard length (SL) is described: W=0.00000743 SL3.196 for females and W=0.00000764 SL3.193 for males. Age groups were estimated from length frequency data, and von Bertalanffy annual growth parameters for all fish data combined were the following: L∞=289.2mm SL, k=0.20, t0=-0.73; for males, they were L∞=265.9mm SL, k=0.21, t0=-0.68, and for females, L∞=293.6mm SL, k=0.23, t0=-0.35. Longfin sanddab caught during this study reached a maximum age of 10 years, and at that age, males attained smaller sizes than females. The age groups had a total mortality (Z) rate of 0.82 year-1, a fishing mortality (F) of 0.52 year-1, and a natural mortality (M) of 0.3 year-1. Although the longfin sanddab is not a target species of commercial fisheries, it suffers high mortality as part of the bycatch in the shrimp fishery. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (2): 689-705. Epub 2010 June 02.

Se presenta información sobre el crecimiento y mortalidad de la población del C. xanthostigma (lenguado alón) en el Pacífico Mexicano de Baja California, México. Datos sobre su crecimiento fueron obtenidos de peces capturados con red de arrastre durante seis cruceros en la costa Oeste de Baja California, México. Se capturaron 1 017 peces en este periodo. La relación machos:hembras de 860 ejemplares fue de 1:1.2. La relación peso total (W) y longitud estándar (SL) se estimó para hembras: W=0.00000743 SL 3.196 y para machos: W=0.00000764 SL 3.193. La edad de los grupos se calculó con datos de frecuencia por longitud, el crecimiento de von Bertalanffy global fue: L∞=289.2mm SL, k=0.20, t0= -0.73; para los machos: L∞=265.9 mm SL, k=0.21, t0= -0.68 y para las hembras: L∞=293.6mm SL, k=0.23, t0=-0.35, anualmente. La captura de C. xanthostigma durante este estudio alcanzó una edad máxima de 10 años. Los machos alcanzan tallas menores que las hembras a la misma edad. Los grupos de edad tuvieron una tasa de mortalidad total (Z) de 0.82 por año, una mortalidad por pesca (F) de 0.52 por año y mortalidad natural (M) de 0.3 por año. Aunque el C. xanthostigma no es una especie objetivo (comercial), sufre una alta mortalidad indirecta durante la pesca del camarón.

Helmintos parasitos de linguados (Paralichthys isosceles Jordan, 1890 e P. patagonicus Jordan, 1889) do litoral do estado do Rio de Janeiro: taxonomia, patologia e enfoque zoonótico / Helminth parasites of pigs (Paraçichthys isosceles Jordan, 1890 and P. patagonicus Jordan, 1889) of the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro: taxonomy, pathology and zoonotic focus

Com o objetivo de estudar os helmintos parasitos de linguados, foram necropsiados 60 espécimes de Paralichthys isósceles Jordan, 1890 e 25 de P. patagonicus Jordan, 1889 coletados no litoral do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, no período de outubro de 2006 a março de 2008. Em P. isósceles foram coletados 1820 espécimes de Hysterothylacium sp. em terceiro e quarto estágios larvares, com prevalência de 100por cento, intensidade média de infecção de 30,3, abundância média de 32 e amplitude de variação da intensidade de infecção de 1 a 596. Macroscopicamente foram observados nódulos na mucosa do estômago e serosa do intestino. No exame histopatológico desses nódulos foram observadas seções de larvas inseridas dna musculatura abdominal, nas camadas submucosa, muscular e serosa do estômago e do intestino, sempre associadas a granulomas, constituídos por tecidos conjuntivo fibroso, macrófago e linfócitos, que centralizavam além das larvas, material necrótico e túneis revestidos por material acidófilo. As alterações patológicas e ocorrências de Hysterothylacium sp. foram pela primeira vez reportadas nesse hospedeiro. Outras quatro larvas de relevância zoonótica foram identificadas e reportadas considerando as suas prevalências (P). Para as espécies de Raphidascaris sp. (P=36,7por cento), Terranova sp. (P=5por cento), Anisakis simplex (P=5por cento) e de Contracaecum sp. (P=3,3por cento). Paralichthys isósceles é um novo hospedeiro para as larvas de Anisakis simplex e Hysterothylacium sp. Em P. isósceles e P. patagonicus foram coletadas 169 larvas de trematodeos dogenéticos pertencentes à família Didymozoidae, identificadas como tipos Torticaecum e Neotorticaecum com prevalência de 80por cento para o primeiro hospedeiro e 40por cento para o segundo, sendo o primeiro registro na América do Sul, Oceano Atlântico, Brasil...

Distribution and abundance of Syacium ovale larvae (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae) in the Gulf of California

The spawning season of the tonguefish Syacium ovale (Günter 1864) was determined by an analysis of the distribution of preflexion stage larvae in the Gulf of California. The larvae were collected during eight oceanographic surveys between 1984 and 1987. The spawning of this species starts in early summer and ends at the beginning of fall, with the highest reproductive activity in mid summer. The central and southern regions of the Gulf are the most important reproductive area. Spawning is associated with high sea surface temperatures and low plankton biomass, both of which are characteristics of the tropical current that invades the study area during summer.

Metazoan parasite fauna of the bigeye flounder, Hippoglossina macrops, from Northern Chile. Influence of host age and sex

The metazoan parasite fauna of Hippoglossina macrops (n = 123) from northern Chile (30°S) is quantitatively described for the first time, and the role of host age and sex was evaluated. Twelve parasite species were recovered, including 5 ectoparasites (2 Monogenea, 2 Copepoda and 1 Piscicolidae) and 7 endoparasites (1 Digenea, 3 Cestoda, 2 Acanthocephala, and 1 Nematoda). The copepod Holobomolochus chilensis, the monogenean Neoheterobothrium sp., the adult acanthocephalan Floridosentis sp. and the hirudinean, Gliptonobdella sp. are new geographical and host records. The most prevalent ectoparasitic species were the monogenean, Neoheterobothrium sp. and the copepod, H. chilensis. Among endoparasites, the acanthocephalans Floridosentis sp. and Corynosoma australe were most prevalent and abundant. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection for most parasitic species were not affected by host sex, however the prevalence of Floridosentis sp. was significantly greater in males. Intensity of infection was positively correlated with host age for Neoheterobothrium sp., and negatively correlated for Floridosentis sp. and H. chilensis. The helminth species richness of the host H. macrops was lower compared to related flatfishes from the Northern Hemisphere. The relationship of the helminth fauna of H. macrops, its feeding habits and ecological habitats are discussed

Redescription of Symphurus diabolicus, a poorly-known, deep-sea tonguefish (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae) from the Galápagos Archipelago

Symphurus diabolicus, previously known only from the holotype collected in 501 m west of Isla San Cristobal (Chatham Island), Galápagos Archipelago, is re-described based on the holotype (112.6 mm SL) and 19 additional specimens (61.1-123.5 mm SL) recently collected from deep waters around the Galápagos Archipelago. Symphurus diabolicus is characterized by: an elongate body; narrow head with pointed snout; 1-3-2 ID pattern; 106-110 dorsal-fin rays; 89-96 anal-fin rays; 12 caudal-fin rays; 57-59 total vertebrae; 5 hypurals; extremely small scales; no pupillary operculum; large, prominent eyes, with migrated eye near dorsal margin of head; relatively short postorbital head length; relatively long snout and predorsal lengths; black peritoneum visible through abdominal wall on both sides of body; uniform olive green to dark brown ocular-side coloration with series of prominent, darker brown, elliptical to rectangular, blotches (not usually forming crossbands) along body at bases of dorsal and anal fins; and uniformly whitish or light yellow blind side. Symphurus diabolicus appears to be endemic to the Galápagos Archipelago, and is relatively common (captured at 16 different localities) at depths of 308 to 757 m (observed as shallow as 245 m) in this region. Examination of this expanded series of specimens confirms the validity of S. diabolicus and provides characters to distinguish it from S. microlepis Garman, a similar species known only from the holotype taken at approximately 530 m off Pacific Panama.

A new species of Trinectes (Pleuronectiformes: Achiridae), with comments on the other eastern Pacific species of the genus

A new eastern Pacific achirid, Trinectes xanthurus, has a distinctive yellow or light caudal fin, without pattern, to contrast with its relatively dark body. This species also has black, posterior margins of the dorsal and anal fins and 21-22 caudal vertebrae, versus 19-20 for its Pacific coast congeners. It usually is found in shallow, continental shelf waters on sand or mud bottoms and ranges from Colombia to El Salvador. The genus Trinectes is represented in the eastern Pacific by four species. A fifth species usually occurs in Pacific slope drainages (freshwater) in Panama. Of these species, only Trinectes fonsecensis is found throughout the tropical eastern Pacific, while the other three coastal species are confined to tropical waters south of the Golfo de Tehauntepec.

Estudio preliminar de las larvas (nematoda: ascaridida) parásito de paralichthys orbignyanus (Valenciennes, 1839) y paralichthtys patagonicus (pisces: pleuronectiformes) / Preliminary study on parasitic nematode larvae in paralichthtys orbignyanys and paralichthys patagonicus (pisces: pleuronectiformes)

The present paper deals with a preliminary study of different larvae of nematoda found in two species of fish Paralichth orbignyanus and Paralichthys patagonicus. In P. orbignyanus the genus Terranova type a was found. Both Anisakis type I and Hysterothylacium were present in P. patagonicus. Different types of larvae belonging to genera Terranova (B and B'), Contracaecum (A and B) and Raphidascaris occurred in both P. patagonicus and P. orbignyanus. The specimens of Nematoda were described and the corresponding morphometric indexes were determined. The abundance of Nematoda obtained in relation to the diet of the flounders led us to conclude that P. orbignyanus feeds basically on crabs and fish, while P. patagonicus has a more diverse diet

Lepocreadium valdiviensis nov. sp. (digenea: lepocreadiidae) parásito de paralichthys microps lenguado de ojos chicos en el sur de Chile / Lepocreadium valdiviensis nov. sp., (digenea: lepocreadiidae) parasite of paralichthys microps small eyes flounder in south Chile

Se describe una nueva especie de lepocreadium, L. valdiviensis (Digenea) del intestino delgado del lenguado, Paralichthys microps Günther, 1881. difiere de las otras especies del género, principalmente por la distribución de los folículos vitelógenos, los cuales se extienden desde el extremo posterior del cuerpo hasta la ventosa ventral; la porción anterior del cuerpo cubierta con espinas; útero preovárico; ovario y testículos compactos. Este hallazgo extiende la distribución geográfica del género e identifica un nuevo huésped para este taxón