Temperature increase impairs recognition among nestmates in the social wasp Polybia paulista H. von Ihering, 1896 (Vespidae: Polistinae: Epiponini)

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) of most terrestrial arthropods primarily serve as a protective barrier against desiccation and infection. Throughout evolution, these compounds have acquired another fundamental function: the exchange of signals during interactions between nestmates. However, even though cuticular hydrocarbons perform a dual function in social insects, little is known about the effect(s) of one function on the other in social insects, and no study has evaluated this relationship in social wasps. Therefore, the present study tests the hypothesis that the level of aggressiveness presented during induced encounters between nestmates of Polybia paulista who were subjected to different conditions temperature is different than between nestmates who remained under the same temperature conditions. If the hypothesis is confirmed, it is likely because the cuticle of the wasps that had been exposed to temperature variation adjusted to these conditions leading them not to recognize the cuticular chemical signature of their colony. To test this hypothesis, workers were exposed to temperature variation in a BOD chamber and then subjected to encounters with workers who were maintained at a constant temperature of 24℃. We also used control groups to evaluate the effect of isolation alone among the groups. According to our results, our hypothesis was confirmed, the level of aggressiveness presented between nestmates who were exposed to temperature variation and those who remained at 24℃ was significantly higher than the levels of aggressiveness presented between nestmates who remained isolated but under constant temperature during the same period, in some cases, it was similar to the aggressiveness presented in encounters between wasps from different colonies. During these encounters, wasps performed alarm behavior, bites, and stings not seen during encounters between wasps that remained under the same temperature, but in isolated groups. The lack of aggressive behavior under isolated conditions indicates that isolation had no effect on chemical recognition signature. These results suggest that temperature variation may have caused some change in the cues that allow recognition between nestmates. On the other hand, these results were not caused by isolation or stress generated by the study design and difference in the CHC profile of workers, as described in the literature, is consistent with our results.(AU)

Anthropic action affects the cuticular chemical profile of social wasps

As a result of environmental change by anthropic action, animal species that inhabit these areas may suffer the effects of it on their phenotypes as a consequence of adapting to these conditions. In the case of social wasps, cuticular chemical compounds may be influenced, since these vary depending on genetic and environmental factors. However, few studies have investigated the synanthropic effects over the cuticular surface of social wasps. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how cuticular compounds vary according to the different degrees of human activity and test the hypothesis that cuticular compounds of social wasps are affected by the level of anthropic activity in which their nests are found. Data on the cuticular chemical compounds composition of colonies of 3 species of social wasps were used along with the level of anthropization of their nesting sites in four municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From the geographical coordinates of the sampling sites, the percentages of urban construction areas, agriculture, water body, vegetation and exposed land were calculated, and the nesting sites of the colonies were classified as more or less anthropized areas. The chemical profile was determined by extraction of cuticular compounds and analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The results show that the cuticular chemical composition of the individuals of these species is affected by the level of anthropization in their nesting sites, with a qualitative and quantitative variation that must be tied not only to genetic differences, but, above all, to the local environmental conditions to which their colonies are subjected.(AU)

Changes in diet of a neotropical cichlid in response to river damming

Changes in diet of Laetacara araguaiae Ottoni and Costa, 2009 were evaluated in the Sucuriú River (Upper Paraná basin, Brazil) in an area with a small hydroelectric power plant, both before and after the formation of the reservoir, in order to answer: Did the construction of the reservoir affected the diet of this species? The results showed greater change of diet composition in the upstream section of the reservoir. It was observed that before the formation of the reservoir and the first year after, the individuals from upstream section formed a group characterized by an insectivorous diet. With the dam construction and habitat change we observed that aquatic plant material, sediment, and algae predominated in the diet. These results show the opportunistic feeding habit of L. araguaiae and contribute to the understanding of how the impoundment of rivers can influence the trophic dynamics of the ichthyofauna.

Changes in diet of a neotropical cichlid in response to river damming

Changes in diet of Laetacara araguaiae Ottoni and Costa, 2009 were evaluated in the Sucuriú River (Upper Paraná basin, Brazil) in an area with a small hydroelectric power plant, both before and after the formation of the reservoir, in order to answer: Did the construction of the reservoir affected the diet of this species? The results showed greater change of diet composition in the upstream section of the reservoir. It was observed that before the formation of the reservoir and the first year after, the individuals from upstream section formed a group characterized by an insectivorous diet. With the dam construction and habitat change we observed that aquatic plant material, sediment, and algae predominated in the diet. These results show the opportunistic feeding habit of L. araguaiae and contribute to the understanding of how the impoundment of rivers can influence the trophic dynamics of the ichthyofauna.(AU)

Fish parasite diversity in the Amambai river, State Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Diversidade dos parasitas de peixes do rio Amambai, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

This study aimed to describe the diversity of fish parasites in the Amambai River, in theMato Grosso do Sul State, and generate information to facilitate studies of the biotic integrity of the region.During the period of September 2015 and July 2015, 48 specimens of 11 species of fish were analyzed forparasites. A total of 56.25% of the fish sampled from the Amambai River were infected with one or moremetazoan species. A total of 21,514 parasite specimens belonging to 24 different species we found; theywere distributed among six groups: Acanthocephala (Neoechinorhynchida), Cestoda (Proteocephalidea),Crustacea (Ergasilidae), Digenea (Cladorchiidae, Dadaytrema), Monogenea (Dactylogyridae) and Nematoda(Atractidae, Cucullanidae, Camallanidae, Rhabdochonidae). Of these, a monogenean, Mymarothecium sp.and four nematodes Cucullanus sp.; Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus Travassos, Artigas, andPereira, 1928; Rabdochona acuminate (Molin, 1860); and Rondonia rondoni Travassos, 1920 were recordedfor the first time on new hosts. This is the first work to gather information about the parasite fauna of fishfrom Amambai River in the Mato Grosso do Sul State, and provides records that contribute new reports ofthe occurrence of parasites in new locations.(AU)

Este estudo teve por objetivo descrever a diversidade dos parasitos de peixes do rio Amambai,Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, a fim de gerar informações que possam servir como subsídios para estudosde integridade biótica da região. Entre o período de setembro de 2014 e julho de 2015 foram coletados eanalisados 48 espécimes de peixes, pertencentes a 11 espécies. No rio Amambai, no período estudado, umtotal de 56,25% dos peixes estavam parasitados por pelo menos uma espécie de metazoário. Foramencontrados 21.514 espécimes de parasitos pertencentes a 24 espécies diferentes, distribuídos em seisgrupos: Acanthocephala (Neoechinorhynchida), Cestoda (Proteocephalidea), Crustacea (Ergasilidae),Digenea (Cladorchiidae, Dadaytrema), Monogenea (Dactylogyridae) e Nematoda (Atractidae, Cucullanidae,Camallanidae, Rhabdochonidae). Destes, um Monogenea, Mymarothecium sp. e quatro Nematoda –Cucullanus sp.; Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus Travassos, Artigas, and Pereira, 1928; Rabdochonaacuminate (Molin, 1860); e Rondonia rondoni Travassos, 1920 foram registrados pela primeira vez em novoshospedeiros. Este é o primeiro trabalho que reúne informações sobre a fauna parasitária de peixesprovenientes do rio Amambai, no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, onde os registros ampliam a lista denovos relatos de ocorrência de parasitos em novas localidades.(AU)

Fish parasite diversity in the Amambai river, State Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Diversidade dos parasitas de peixes do rio Amambai, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

This study aimed to describe the diversity of fish parasites in the Amambai River, in theMato Grosso do Sul State, and generate information to facilitate studies of the biotic integrity of the region.During the period of September 2015 and July 2015, 48 specimens of 11 species of fish were analyzed forparasites. A total of 56.25% of the fish sampled from the Amambai River were infected with one or moremetazoan species. A total of 21,514 parasite specimens belonging to 24 different species we found; theywere distributed among six groups: Acanthocephala (Neoechinorhynchida), Cestoda (Proteocephalidea),Crustacea (Ergasilidae), Digenea (Cladorchiidae, Dadaytrema), Monogenea (Dactylogyridae) and Nematoda(Atractidae, Cucullanidae, Camallanidae, Rhabdochonidae). Of these, a monogenean, Mymarothecium sp.and four nematodes – Cucullanus sp.; Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus Travassos, Artigas, andPereira, 1928; Rabdochona acuminate (Molin, 1860); and Rondonia rondoni Travassos, 1920 – were recordedfor the first time on new hosts. This is the first work to gather information about the parasite fauna of fishfrom Amambai River in the Mato Grosso do Sul State, and provides records that contribute new reports ofthe occurrence of parasites in new locations.

Este estudo teve por objetivo descrever a diversidade dos parasitos de peixes do rio Amambai,Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, a fim de gerar informações que possam servir como subsídios para estudosde integridade biótica da região. Entre o período de setembro de 2014 e julho de 2015 foram coletados eanalisados 48 espécimes de peixes, pertencentes a 11 espécies. No rio Amambai, no período estudado, umtotal de 56,25% dos peixes estavam parasitados por pelo menos uma espécie de metazoário. Foramencontrados 21.514 espécimes de parasitos pertencentes a 24 espécies diferentes, distribuídos em seisgrupos: Acanthocephala (Neoechinorhynchida), Cestoda (Proteocephalidea), Crustacea (Ergasilidae),Digenea (Cladorchiidae, Dadaytrema), Monogenea (Dactylogyridae) e Nematoda (Atractidae, Cucullanidae,Camallanidae, Rhabdochonidae). Destes, um Monogenea, Mymarothecium sp. e quatro Nematoda –Cucullanus sp.; Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus Travassos, Artigas, and Pereira, 1928; Rabdochonaacuminate (Molin, 1860); e Rondonia rondoni Travassos, 1920 – foram registrados pela primeira vez em novoshospedeiros. Este é o primeiro trabalho que reúne informações sobre a fauna parasitária de peixesprovenientes do rio Amambai, no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, onde os registros ampliam a lista denovos relatos de ocorrência de parasitos em novas localidades.

Influence of environmental integrity on feeding, condition and reproduction of Phalloceros harpagos Lucinda, 2008 in the Tarumã stream micro-basin / Influência da integridade ambiental na alimentação, condição e reprodução de Phalloceros harpagos Lucinda, 2008 na microbacia do córrego Tarumã

With the objective of evaluating the influence of the environmental integrity on feeding, condition factor and reproduction of Phalloceros harpagos, the species biology was analyzed in the Tarumã Stream micro-basin, Naviraí, Mato Grosso do Sul State (upper Paraná river). Samples were collected from 2007 to 2010, and biometric data of specimens was registered. Stomach and gonad were taken for the analysis of feeding and reproduction, respectively. The species is detritivore, showing a high flexibility in the diet. Debris and sediment, followed by plant and algae were the most ingested items. As for the condition factor, no definite pattern was observed in the values for both sexes, probably because the species has a long reproductive period. The frequency of occurrence distribution of gonad maturity stages indicated a greater number of immature females in the dry season at one of the least impacted sites. On the other hand, in the most affected site females were observed with increased fecundity. From the results obtained, it was found that the different levels of environmental degradation have no significant influence on feeding and condition factor, but rather probably exert influence on the reproduction of the species.(AU)

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da integridade ambiental na alimentação, fator de condição e reprodução de Phalloceros harpagos a biologia da espécie foi analisada na microbacia do córrego Tarumã, Alto Rio Paraná. As coletas foram realizadas de 2007 a 2010 e os exemplares tiveram as suas informações biométricas anotadas. Foram retirados os estômagos e as gônadas para as análises da alimentação e reprodução, respectivamente. A espécie é detritívora e apresentou alta flexibilidade na dieta, sendo detritos/sedimento, seguido por vegetais e algas, os itens ingeridos em maior quantidade. Quanto ao fator de condição, não foi observado um padrão sazonal ou espacial nos valores encontrados para ambos os sexos, provavelmente devido ao fato da espécie apresentar um prolongado período reprodutivo. A distribuição de frequência de ocorrência de estágios de maturação gonadal indicou maior quantidade de fêmeas imaturas durante a estação seca em um dos locais menos impactados. Por outro lado, no local mais impactado foram observadas fêmeas com maior fecundidade. A partir dos resultados obtidos, foi verificado que os diferentes estados de degradação ambiental não possuem influência significativa sobre a alimentação e fator de condição, mas, provavelmente, exerceram influência sobre a reprodução da espécie.(AU)

Influence of environmental integrity on feeding, condition and reproduction of Phalloceros harpagos Lucinda, 2008 in the Tarumã stream micro-basin / Influência da integridade ambiental na alimentação, condição e reprodução de Phalloceros harpagos Lucinda, 2008 na microbacia do córrego Tarumã

With the objective of evaluating the influence of the environmental integrity on feeding, condition factor and reproduction of Phalloceros harpagos, the species biology was analyzed in the Tarumã Stream micro-basin, Naviraí, Mato Grosso do Sul State (upper Paraná river). Samples were collected from 2007 to 2010, and biometric data of specimens was registered. Stomach and gonad were taken for the analysis of feeding and reproduction, respectively. The species is detritivore, showing a high flexibility in the diet. Debris and sediment, followed by plant and algae were the most ingested items. As for the condition factor, no definite pattern was observed in the values for both sexes, probably because the species has a long reproductive period. The frequency of occurrence distribution of gonad maturity stages indicated a greater number of immature females in the dry season at one of the least impacted sites. On the other hand, in the most affected site females were observed with increased fecundity. From the results obtained, it was found that the different levels of environmental degradation have no significant influence on feeding and condition factor, but rather probably exert influence on the reproduction of the species.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da integridade ambiental na alimentação, fator de condição e reprodução de Phalloceros harpagos a biologia da espécie foi analisada na microbacia do córrego Tarumã, Alto Rio Paraná. As coletas foram realizadas de 2007 a 2010 e os exemplares tiveram as suas informações biométricas anotadas. Foram retirados os estômagos e as gônadas para as análises da alimentação e reprodução, respectivamente. A espécie é detritívora e apresentou alta flexibilidade na dieta, sendo detritos/sedimento, seguido por vegetais e algas, os itens ingeridos em maior quantidade. Quanto ao fator de condição, não foi observado um padrão sazonal ou espacial nos valores encontrados para ambos os sexos, provavelmente devido ao fato da espécie apresentar um prolongado período reprodutivo. A distribuição de frequência de ocorrência de estágios de maturação gonadal indicou maior quantidade de fêmeas imaturas durante a estação seca em um dos locais menos impactados. Por outro lado, no local mais impactado foram observadas fêmeas com maior fecundidade. A partir dos resultados obtidos, foi verificado que os diferentes estados de degradação ambiental não possuem influência significativa sobre a alimentação e fator de condição, mas, provavelmente, exerceram influência sobre a reprodução da espécie.

Influence of environmental integrity on the reproductive biology of Astyanax altiparanae Garutti & Britski, 2000 in the Ivinhema river basin / Influência da integridade ambiental na biologia reprodutiva de Astyanax altiparanae Garutti & Britski, 2000 na bacia do rio Ivinhema

In this study, it was examined the reproductive biology of Astyanax. altiparanae, in streams with different levels of environmental disturbance in the Ivinhema river basin (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil). Samplings were conducted between July 2001 and November 2011, at 101 sites, using sieves, seining nets, gill nets and electrofishing. Streams were classified into three levels of environmental integrity. We analyzed 735 specimens, 410 females and 325 males. Females predominated in impacted streams and both sexes presented nearly the same pattern of length distribution in the three levels of environmental integrity. Females reached gonadal maturity with greater lengths (L50 = 55.67mm) in altered and impacted streams and had higher reproductive activity between October and December. The species showed higher Condition Factor and higher reproductive intensity in the impacted streams. Our results evidenced that in impacted sites the species exhibited a good ability to allocate a significant portion of its energy to reproduction, probably due to the greater supply of food.(AU)

Neste estudo analisamos a biologia reprodutiva de Astyanax. altiparanae em riachos com diferentes intensidades de integridade ambiental, na bacia do rio Ivinhema, (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil). As amostragens foram realizadas entre julho/2001 e novembro/2011, em 101 locais, utilizando peneiras, rede de arrasto, rede de espera e pesca elétrica. Os riachos foram categorizados em três níveis de integridade ambiental. Foram analisados 735 exemplares, sendo 410 fêmeas e 325 machos. Houve maior predominância de fêmeas nos riachos impactados e ambos os sexos apresentaram aproximadamente o mesmo padrão de distribuição por comprimento nos três níveis de integridade ambiental. Constatamos que as fêmeas atingiram maturidade gonadal com maiores comprimentos (L50 = 55,67 mm) nos riachos alterados e impactados apresentaram maior atividade reprodutiva entre outubro e dezembro. A espécie apresentou maior Fator de Condição e maior intensidade reprodutiva nos riachos impactados. Os resultados evidenciaram que em locais impactados a espécie demonstra boa capacidade em alocar parte significativa de sua energia à reprodução, provavelmente em decorrência da maior oferta de alimento.(AU)

Influence of environmental quality on the diet of Astyanax in a microbasin of central western Brazil / Influência da qualidade ambiental na dieta de Astyanax em uma microbacia do Centro- Oeste do Brasil

This study analyzed physicochemical characteristics of the water, degradation of the surroundings and the influence of these factors on the diet of two fish species of Astyanax in Tarumã stream microbasin, central western Brazil. Fish were collected in eight sites between 2007 and 2010, using gillnets and sieves. Environmental variables were evaluated by a principal component analysis and the diet based on Spearmans correlation. The variables width, type of riparian vegetation, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature, oxidation and reduction potential, presence of waste, and altitude have separated the sampling sites into two groups: less impacted and more impacted. The two characid species presented omnivorous habit, typical of disturbed environments. The consumption of food resources was different over the space: terrestrial plants and sediment were more important in the most impacted sites for both species. And specifically to Astyanax altiparanae the order of importance of the food was distinct between most and less impacted sites. These data indicated that the diet of these species is a suitable tool for analyzing the environmental quality of the studied sites.(AU)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as características físico-químicas da água, degradação do entorno e a influência destes fatores na biologia alimentar de duas espécies de Astyanax na microbacia Touro-Tarumã, Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Os peixes foram coletados em oito locais, de 2007 a 2010, utilizando redes de espera e peneirões. As variáveis ambientais foram avaliadas por análise multivariada e a dieta pela correlação de Spearman. As variáveis ambientais largura, tipo de mata ciliar, pH, condutividade, sólidos totais dissolvidos, temperatura, potencial de oxidação e redução, presença de lixo e altitude permitiram diferenciar os locais de coleta em mais impactados e menos impactados. As duas espécies de caracídeos estudadas apresentaram comportamento onívoro, que é típico de ambientes alterados. Os recursos alimentares consumidos pelas espécies diferiram espacialmente: vegetais terrestres e sedimento apresentaram maior importância nos locais mais impactados para as duas espécies. Especificamente para A. altiparanae a ordem de importância do alimento consumido diferiu entre os locais mais e menos impactados. Estes dados indicam que o estudo da dieta destas espécies mostrou-se uma ferramenta adequada para análise da qualidade ambiental destes locais.(AU)

Influence of environmental integrity on the feeding biology of Astyanax altiparanae Garutti & Britski, 2000 in the Ivinhema river basin / Influência da integridade ambiental na biologia alimentar de Astyanax altiparanae Garutti & Britski, 2000 na bacia do rio Ivinhema

This study aimed at analyzing the influence of different levels of environmental integrity of streams of the Ivinhema river basin (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil) on the diet of A. altiparanae. Samplings were performed from July 2001 to November 2011 at 101 sites, using sieves, seining and gill nets, and electrofishing. Streams were classified into three levels of environmental integrity. We analyzed 664 stomachs with the methods of frequency of occurrence and volumetric analysis index, combined in the Importance Index (AI). The species was omnivorous, with predominance of allochthonous resources. At the least impacted sites, the most representative resource was allochthonous plant material; and in the altered sites in the rainy period the most consumed item was allochthonous arthropods. On the other hand, at the most impacted sites in the dry period there was a lower consumption of allochthonous plant material and allochthonous arthropods, compared with other levels of environmental integrity considered, with higher consumption of autochthonous arthropods. The results evidenced that in the least impacted sites there was greater contribution from allochthonous resources, probably because these environments show a more preserved riparian forest.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar se os diferentes níveis de integridade ambiental de riachos da bacia do rio Ivinhema (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil) influenciam a dieta da espécie A. altiparanae. As amostragens foram realizadas entre julho/2001 e novembro/2011, em 101 locais, utilizando peneiras, rede de arrasto, rede de espera e pesca elétrica. Os riachos foram categorizados em três níveis de integridade ambiental. Foram analisados 664 estômagos pelos métodos de frequências de ocorrência e índice de análise volumétrica, combinados no Índice de Importância Alimentar (AI). A espécie apresentou hábito alimentar onívoro, com predomínio de recursos alóctones. Nos locais menos impactados, o recurso mais representativo foi material vegetal alóctone; nos locais alterados, no período chuvoso, o item mais consumido foi artrópodes alóctones. Por outro lado, nos locais mais impactados, no período seco, houve menor consumo de material vegetal alóctone e artrópodes alóctones, em comparação aos outros níveis de integridade ambiental analisados, com maior consumo do item artrópodes autóctones. Os resultados evidenciaram que em locais menos impactados houve maior contribuição de recursos alimentares alóctones, provavelmente porque estes ambientes apresentam mata ciliar mais conservada.

Condition Factor and gonadal cycle of females of Pimelodus maculatus (Osteichthyes, Pimelodidae) in Piracicaba River (SP, Brazil) / Fator de Condição e ciclo gonadal de fêmeas de Pimelodus maculatus(Osteichthyes, Pimelodidae) no rio piracicaba (SP, Brasil)

This study aims to describe the seasonal variation of the Condition Factor of Pimelodus maculatus in Piracicaba River (SP, Brazil), and to test whether the seasonal cycle of ovarian development exerts a significant influence on the condition variation of the species. From the data of 241 individuals (161 females), the Allometric Condition Factor by including and excluding the ovarian weight, the frequency of occurrence of the gonadal maturity stages and the Gonadosomatic Index of the females were calculated. The results indicate that spawn occurs in the Piracicaba River during the summer and that the lowest condition indices appear during the autumn, as a possible effect of the energetic reserves mobilization during the reproductive activity. Besides that, it was observed that the seasonal cycle of gonadal development does not exert a significant influence over the body condition variation of Pimelodus maculatus.

Os objetivos deste trabalho são descrever a variação sazonal do Fator de Condição de Pimelodus maculatus no Rio Piracicaba (SP) e verificar se o ciclo sazonal de desenvolvimento ovariano exerce alguma influência significativa sobre a variação desse índice. A partir dos dados de 241 indivíduos (161 fêmeas), calcularam-se o Fator de Condição Alométrico com inclusão e com exclusão da massa gonadal, a frequência de ocorrência dos estádios de maturação gonadal e o Índice Gonadossomático das fêmeas. Os resultados indicam que a desova da espécie no Rio Piracicaba se dá no verão e que os menores índices de condição são registrados no outono, possivelmente em decorrência da mobilização das reservas energéticas durante a atividade reprodutiva. Além disso, observou-se que o ciclo sazonal de desenvolvimento gonadal não exerce influência significativa sobre a variação da condição corpórea de Pimelodus maculatus.

Condition Factor and gonadal cycle of females of Pimelodus maculatus (Osteichthyes, Pimelodidae) in Piracicaba River (SP, Brazil) / Fator de Condição e ciclo gonadal de fêmeas de Pimelodus maculatus(Osteichthyes, Pimelodidae) no rio piracicaba (SP, Brasil)

This study aims to describe the seasonal variation of the Condition Factor of Pimelodus maculatus in Piracicaba River (SP, Brazil), and to test whether the seasonal cycle of ovarian development exerts a significant influence on the condition variation of the species. From the data of 241 individuals (161 females), the Allometric Condition Factor by including and excluding the ovarian weight, the frequency of occurrence of the gonadal maturity stages and the Gonadosomatic Index of the females were calculated. The results indicate that spawn occurs in the Piracicaba River during the summer and that the lowest condition indices appear during the autumn, as a possible effect of the energetic reserves mobilization during the reproductive activity. Besides that, it was observed that the seasonal cycle of gonadal development does not exert a significant influence over the body condition variation of Pimelodus maculatus.

Os objetivos deste trabalho são descrever a variação sazonal do Fator de Condição de Pimelodus maculatus no Rio Piracicaba (SP) e verificar se o ciclo sazonal de desenvolvimento ovariano exerce alguma influência significativa sobre a variação desse índice. A partir dos dados de 241 indivíduos (161 fêmeas), calcularam-se o Fator de Condição Alométrico com inclusão e com exclusão da massa gonadal, a frequência de ocorrência dos estádios de maturação gonadal e o Índice Gonadossomático das fêmeas. Os resultados indicam que a desova da espécie no Rio Piracicaba se dá no verão e que os menores índices de condição são registrados no outono, possivelmente em decorrência da mobilização das reservas energéticas durante a atividade reprodutiva. Além disso, observou-se que o ciclo sazonal de desenvolvimento gonadal não exerce influência significativa sobre a variação da condição corpórea de Pimelodus maculatus.