First report of partial albinism in genus Thrichomys (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

Reports about albinism in rodents are common. In the family Echimyidae, however, albinism is very rare. This is the second case of coat color variation reported within Echimyidae and the first for the genus Thrichomys. The pelages of Thrichomys pachyurus individuals with normal and variant coat color were observed under a fluorescent artificial light and were examined with a stereoscopic microscope. The descriptions of pelage color were based on the book “Color Standards and Color Nomenclature”. The predominantly white pattern of coat color in individuals of T. pachyurus suggests a partial albinism caused by delay in migration time of melanoblasts from neural crest to epidermis. The habitat of T. pachyurus has a heavy vegetative cover, which offers natural protection against predators and high-quality nutrition.

First report of partial albinism in genus Thrichomys (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

Reports about albinism in rodents are common. In the family Echimyidae, however, albinism is very rare. This is the second case of coat color variation reported within Echimyidae and the first for the genus Thrichomys. The pelages of Thrichomys pachyurus individuals with normal and variant coat color were observed under a fluorescent artificial light and were examined with a stereoscopic microscope. The descriptions of pelage color were based on the book “Color Standards and Color Nomenclature”. The predominantly white pattern of coat color in individuals of T. pachyurus suggests a partial albinism caused by delay in migration time of melanoblasts from neural crest to epidermis. The habitat of T. pachyurus has a heavy vegetative cover, which offers natural protection against predators and high-quality nutrition.(AU)

Population ecology of small rodents and marsupials in a semi-deciduous tropical forest of the southeast Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal is a South American biome characterized by extensive plains and stark environmental seasonality. Several habitats are subject to annual flooding, forcing small mammal species to aggregate in dry forest patches, which most likely influences their population dynamics and life history strategies. In order to investigate the seasonal influence on the life history traits of these small mammals, we conducted a 2-year mark-recapture study in the southeastern region of the Brazilian Pantanal (Nhecolândia) and analyzed the population dynamics of the most abundant small mammal species with the jackknife estimator. A trapping effort of 21,560 trap-nights resulted in 615 individuals in 1,171 captures (success = 5.43%). Three species of rodents - Oecomys mamorae (Thomas, 1906), Thrichomys pachyurus (Wagner, 1845), and Clyomys laticeps (Thomas, 1841) - and three species of marsupials - Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854), Thylamys macrurus (Olfers, 1818), and Monodelphis domestica (Wagner, 1842) - were obtained. The most abundant species was O. mamorae, followed by G. agilis and T. pachyurus. Oecomys mamorae was more abundant in the wet season and presented an opportunistic reproductive strategy. Gracilianus agilis displayed increased population sizes in the dry season and synchronized, seasonal reproduction during the rainy season. Thrichomys pachyurus had a small population size, delayed response to variations in environmental conditions and higher reproductive rates in the dry season. All species revealed different life history strategies (seasonal, opportunistic or delayed response to environmental variations), coinciding with periods of higher resource availability in order to maximize survival.

Population ecology of small rodents and marsupials in a semi-deciduous tropical forest of the southeast Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal is a South American biome characterized by extensive plains and stark environmental seasonality. Several habitats are subject to annual flooding, forcing small mammal species to aggregate in dry forest patches, which most likely influences their population dynamics and life history strategies. In order to investigate the seasonal influence on the life history traits of these small mammals, we conducted a 2-year mark-recapture study in the southeastern region of the Brazilian Pantanal (Nhecolândia) and analyzed the population dynamics of the most abundant small mammal species with the jackknife estimator. A trapping effort of 21,560 trap-nights resulted in 615 individuals in 1,171 captures (success = 5.43%). Three species of rodents - Oecomys mamorae (Thomas, 1906), Thrichomys pachyurus (Wagner, 1845), and Clyomys laticeps (Thomas, 1841) - and three species of marsupials - Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854), Thylamys macrurus (Olfers, 1818), and Monodelphis domestica (Wagner, 1842) - were obtained. The most abundant species was O. mamorae, followed by G. agilis and T. pachyurus. Oecomys mamorae was more abundant in the wet season and presented an opportunistic reproductive strategy. Gracilianus agilis displayed increased population sizes in the dry season and synchronized, seasonal reproduction during the rainy season. Thrichomys pachyurus had a small population size, delayed response to variations in environmental conditions and higher reproductive rates in the dry season. All species revealed different life history strategies (seasonal, opportunistic or delayed response to environmental variations), coinciding with periods of higher resource availability in order to maximize survival.

Population ecology of small rodents and marsupials in a semi-deciduous tropical forest of the southeast Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal is a South American biome characterized by extensive plains and stark environmental seasonality. Several habitats are subject to annual flooding, forcing small mammal species to aggregate in dry forest patches, which most likely influences their population dynamics and life history strategies. In order to investigate the seasonal influence on the life history traits of these small mammals, we conducted a 2-year mark-recapture study in the southeastern region of the Brazilian Pantanal (Nhecolândia) and analyzed the population dynamics of the most abundant small mammal species with the jackknife estimator. A trapping effort of 21,560 trap-nights resulted in 615 individuals in 1,171 captures (success = 5.43%). Three species of rodents - Oecomys mamorae (Thomas, 1906), Thrichomys pachyurus (Wagner, 1845), and Clyomys laticeps (Thomas, 1841) - and three species of marsupials - Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854), Thylamys macrurus (Olfers, 1818), and Monodelphis domestica (Wagner, 1842) - were obtained. The most abundant species was O. mamorae, followed by G. agilis and T. pachyurus. Oecomys mamorae was more abundant in the wet season and presented an opportunistic reproductive strategy. Gracilianus agilis displayed increased population sizes in the dry season and synchronized, seasonal reproduction during the rainy season. Thrichomys pachyurus had a small population size, delayed response to variations in environmental conditions and higher reproductive rates in the dry season. All species revealed different life history strategies (seasonal, opportunistic or delayed response to environmental variations), coinciding with periods of higher resource availability in order to maximize survival.

Abundance and temporal distribution of larvae of Pachyurus bonariensis Steindachner, 1879 (Perciformes, Sciaenidae), in a bay of the matogrossense pantanal - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i1.306 / Abundância e distribuição temporal de larvas de Pachyurus bonariensis Steindachner, 1879 (Perciformes, Sciaenidae), em uma baía do pantanal matogrossense - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i1.306

With the objective to analyze the temporary distribution of Pachyurus bonariensis larvae and its relationship with some environmental variable, collections were carried in the Sinhá Mariana bay, Mato Grosso State, between March/2000 and March/2004, at 4:00 p.m. and at 10:00 p.m. Simultaneously, water samples were obtained to determine temperature of the water, dissolved oxygen, pH and electric conductivity. The largest densities were verified between the months of October and January, suggesting to be this the main period of reproduction of the species. However, larvae in preflexion and flexion were also found in the months of winter, possibly associated to the favorable conditions for the reproduction. Individuals of all of the stages were present, thus it is probable that the whole life cycle happens inside of the bay. The density of larvae more developed in the surface is larger at night, while the initial larvae are found in the surface in both schedules, thus the degree of larval development influences in the distribution pattern of the species in the column of water.

Com o objetivo de analisar a distribuição temporal de larvas de Pachyurus bonariensis e sua relação com algumas variáveis ambientais, foram feitas coletas na baía Sinhá Mariana, Mato Grosso, entre março/2000 e março/2004, às 16 e 22h. Simultaneamente, amostras de água foram obtidas para determinar temperatura da água, oxigênio dissolvido, pH e condutividade elétrica. As maiores densidades foram verificadas entre os meses de outubro e janeiro, sugerindo ser este o principal período de reprodução da espécie. No entanto, larvas em estágio de pré-flexão e flexão também foram encontradas no inverno, possivelmente associadas às condições favoráveis para a reprodução. Indivíduos de todos os estágios estiveram presentes, ou seja, é provável que todo o ciclo de vida da espécie ocorra dentro da baía. A densidade de larvas mais desenvolvidas na superfície foi maior à noite, enquanto as larvas iniciais foram encontradas na superfície em ambos os horários, ou seja, o grau de desenvolvimento morfológico larval influencia no padrão de distribuição da espécie na coluna de água.

Ecologia de duas espécies de Pachyurus (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) do rio Tocantins, na região represada pela UHE Serra da Mesa, Goiás

Pachyurus schomburgkii Günther, 1860 and P. paucirastrus Aguilera, 1983 occur in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin, where the latter is endemic. The species were found in the upper Tocantins, in the region where it was impounded by the Serra da Mesa hydroelectric dam. Fourteen sites were sampled but both species were restricted to two sites (FU and PG) located downstream from the dam. Fishes were bimonthly captured from December 1995 to December 2002 with standardized gillnets. We present data on the distribution, diet, physiological condition and the reproductive status of these species, and focus on the alterations related to the impoundment. Most specimens were adult, and the number of reproductive individuals decreased after damming. Species were classified as benthic invertivores, feeding mainly on immature insects. Niche breadth was significantly higher to P. paucirastrus, and, for both species, during the pre-impoundment phase. Interspecific diet overlap was high; however, resource partitioning was more pronounced in the site immediately downstream from the dam (FU) than partitioning in the more distant site (PG). Values relative to the condition factor indicated that P. schomburgkii must have profited more effectively from the available resources after the environmental changes than P. paucirastrus. Thus, factors related to feeding might have contributed to the disappearance of this species after the beginning of power plant operation. Pachyurus schomburgkii seems to have had a better adjustment to changes, and was more persistent in the area after the damming; however, it remained restricted to the more distant site, where it had been occasionally captured until it was no longer found, approximately four years after dam closure. Considering that many impoundments are planned to the rio Tocantins, we recommend further studies about P. paucirastrus in other stretches of the basin, in order to evaluate the conservation status of this species.

Pachyurus schomburgkii Günther, 1860 e P. paucirastrus Aguilera, 1983 ocorrem na bacia Tocantins-Araguaia, sendo a segunda endêmica da bacia. Ambas foram encontradas na região do alto Tocantins, onde este foi represado pela usina hidrelétrica Serra da Mesa, tendo sido capturadas somente em dois de 14 pontos amostrados, sendo ambos (FU e PG) a jusante da barragem. Os peixes foram amostrados bimestralmente com redes de espera padronizadas entre dezembro de 1995 e dezembro de 2002. São apresentados dados de distribuição, dieta, condição fisiológica e estado reprodutivo das duas espécies, focando possíveis modificações em decorrência da instalação da barragem. A maioria dos indivíduos capturados eram adultos e o número de reprodutivos diminuiu após o represamento. As duas espécies foram classificadas como invertívoras bentônicas, alimentando-se principalmente de formas imaturas de insetos. A amplitude de nicho foi significativamente maior para P. paucirastrus, e maior na fase anterior ao represamento, para ambas as espécies. A sobreposição interespecífica da dieta foi alta, porém, a partilha de recursos foi maior no ponto imediatamente abaixo da represa (FU) do que naquele mais distante (PG). Os valores obtidos para o fator de condição indicaram que P. schomburgkii deve ter utilizado mais efetivamente os recursos disponíveis após as mudanças ambientais do que P. paucirastrus. Dessa forma, problemas relativos à alimentação podem ter contribuído para o desaparecimento dessa espécie durante a fase de operação da usina. Pachyurus schomburgkii parece ter se ajustado melhor às mudanças e mostrou-se mais persistente na área após o represamento, porém restrita ao ponto mais distal da barragem, tendo sido capturada de forma esporádica até desaparecer, aproximadamente quatro anos após a formação do reservatório. Considerando a série de usinas hidrelétricas projetadas para o rio Tocantins, recomendam-se estudos intensivos sobre P. paucirastrus em outras partes da bacia, de forma que seja avaliado seu real estado de conservação.

Ecologia de duas espécies de Pachyurus (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) do rio Tocantins, na região represada pela UHE Serra da Mesa, Goiás

Pachyurus schomburgkii Günther, 1860 and P. paucirastrus Aguilera, 1983 occur in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin, where the latter is endemic. The species were found in the upper Tocantins, in the region where it was impounded by the Serra da Mesa hydroelectric dam. Fourteen sites were sampled but both species were restricted to two sites (FU and PG) located downstream from the dam. Fishes were bimonthly captured from December 1995 to December 2002 with standardized gillnets. We present data on the distribution, diet, physiological condition and the reproductive status of these species, and focus on the alterations related to the impoundment. Most specimens were adult, and the number of reproductive individuals decreased after damming. Species were classified as benthic invertivores, feeding mainly on immature insects. Niche breadth was significantly higher to P. paucirastrus, and, for both species, during the pre-impoundment phase. Interspecific diet overlap was high; however, resource partitioning was more pronounced in the site immediately downstream from the dam (FU) than partitioning in the more distant site (PG). Values relative to the condition factor indicated that P. schomburgkii must have profited more effectively from the available resources after the environmental changes than P. paucirastrus. Thus, factors related to feeding might have contributed to the disappearance of this species after the beginning of power plant operation. Pachyurus schomburgkii seems to have had a better adjustment to changes, and was more persistent in the area after the damming; however, it remained restricted to the more distant site, where it had been occasionally captured until it was no longer found, approximately four years after dam closure. Considering that many impoundments are planned to the rio Tocantins, we recommend further studies about P. paucirastrus in other stretches of the basin, in order to evaluate the conservation status of this species.

Pachyurus schomburgkii Günther, 1860 e P. paucirastrus Aguilera, 1983 ocorrem na bacia Tocantins-Araguaia, sendo a segunda endêmica da bacia. Ambas foram encontradas na região do alto Tocantins, onde este foi represado pela usina hidrelétrica Serra da Mesa, tendo sido capturadas somente em dois de 14 pontos amostrados, sendo ambos (FU e PG) a jusante da barragem. Os peixes foram amostrados bimestralmente com redes de espera padronizadas entre dezembro de 1995 e dezembro de 2002. São apresentados dados de distribuição, dieta, condição fisiológica e estado reprodutivo das duas espécies, focando possíveis modificações em decorrência da instalação da barragem. A maioria dos indivíduos capturados eram adultos e o número de reprodutivos diminuiu após o represamento. As duas espécies foram classificadas como invertívoras bentônicas, alimentando-se principalmente de formas imaturas de insetos. A amplitude de nicho foi significativamente maior para P. paucirastrus, e maior na fase anterior ao represamento, para ambas as espécies. A sobreposição interespecífica da dieta foi alta, porém, a partilha de recursos foi maior no ponto imediatamente abaixo da represa (FU) do que naquele mais distante (PG). Os valores obtidos para o fator de condição indicaram que P. schomburgkii deve ter utilizado mais efetivamente os recursos disponíveis após as mudanças ambientais do que P. paucirastrus. Dessa forma, problemas relativos à alimentação podem ter contribuído para o desaparecimento dessa espécie durante a fase de operação da usina. Pachyurus schomburgkii parece ter se ajustado melhor às mudanças e mostrou-se mais persistente na área após o represamento, porém restrita ao ponto mais distal da barragem, tendo sido capturada de forma esporádica até desaparecer, aproximadamente quatro anos após a formação do reservatório. Considerando a série de usinas hidrelétricas projetadas para o rio Tocantins, recomendam-se estudos intensivos sobre P. paucirastrus em outras partes da bacia, de forma que seja avaliado seu real estado de conservação.

Descrição de duas novas espécies de Sciaenidae (Perciformes) de água doce da Bacia Amazônica

Two new species of freshwater Sciaenidae genera Pachyurus and Plagioscion are described from Amazon River basin. Pachyurus junki sp. n. differs from its congeners by the following characters combination: posterior tip of pelvic fin distant from the anus, interorbital width less than 6.0 times in the head length, second anal fin spine more than 2.1 times in the head length, 29 to 33 soft rays in the dorsal fin, 11 to 16 rows of scales above to lateral line, 11 to 16 rows of scales below, and 58 to 68 perfored scales in the lateral line. Plagioscion montei sp. n. differs from its congeners by having: anus distant from the anal fin, the distance anus-anal fin from 2.4 to 5.0 times in the head length; pectoral fin relatively long, when adpressed its posterior tip reaches or surpasses the vertical line that crosses the anus; interorbital width relatively large, from 3.5 to 4.9 times in the head length, and second anal fin spine strong and short, from 2.5 to 4.4 times in the head length.

São descritas duas novas espécies de Sciaenidae da região Amazônica, pertencentes aos gêneros Pachyurus e Plagioscion. Pachyurus junki sp. n. difere das demais espécies congenéricas descritas por apresentar a seguinte combinação de caracteres: extremidade posterior da nadadeira pélvica distante do ânus; largura interorbital contida menos do que 6,0 vezes no comprimento da cabeça; segundo espinho da nadadeira anal contido mais do que 2,1 vezes no comprimento da cabeça; 29 a 33 raios na nadadeira dorsal; 11 a 16 séries de escamas acima da linha lateral; 11 a 16 séries de escamas abaixo da linha lateral e 58 a 68 escamas perfuradas na linha lateral. Plagioscion montei sp. n. difere das demais espécies do gênero por apresentar: ânus distante da nadadeira anal, estando a distância ânus-anal contida de 2,4 a 3,5 vezes no comprimento da cabeça; nadadeira peitoral relativamente longa, quando adpressa sua extremidade posterior chega próximo ou ultrapassa a linha vertical que passa pela origem do ânus; largura interorbital relativamente ampla, contida entre 3,5 e 5,0 vezes no comprimento da cabeça e segundo espinho da nadadeira anal forte e curto, contido de 2,5 a 4,4 vezes no comprimento da cabeça.

Descrição de duas novas espécies de Sciaenidae (Perciformes) de água doce da Bacia Amazônica

Two new species of freshwater Sciaenidae genera Pachyurus and Plagioscion are described from Amazon River basin. Pachyurus junki sp. n. differs from its congeners by the following characters combination: posterior tip of pelvic fin distant from the anus, interorbital width less than 6.0 times in the head length, second anal fin spine more than 2.1 times in the head length, 29 to 33 soft rays in the dorsal fin, 11 to 16 rows of scales above to lateral line, 11 to 16 rows of scales below, and 58 to 68 perfored scales in the lateral line. Plagioscion montei sp. n. differs from its congeners by having: anus distant from the anal fin, the distance anus-anal fin from 2.4 to 5.0 times in the head length; pectoral fin relatively long, when adpressed its posterior tip reaches or surpasses the vertical line that crosses the anus; interorbital width relatively large, from 3.5 to 4.9 times in the head length, and second anal fin spine strong and short, from 2.5 to 4.4 times in the head length.

São descritas duas novas espécies de Sciaenidae da região Amazônica, pertencentes aos gêneros Pachyurus e Plagioscion. Pachyurus junki sp. n. difere das demais espécies congenéricas descritas por apresentar a seguinte combinação de caracteres: extremidade posterior da nadadeira pélvica distante do ânus; largura interorbital contida menos do que 6,0 vezes no comprimento da cabeça; segundo espinho da nadadeira anal contido mais do que 2,1 vezes no comprimento da cabeça; 29 a 33 raios na nadadeira dorsal; 11 a 16 séries de escamas acima da linha lateral; 11 a 16 séries de escamas abaixo da linha lateral e 58 a 68 escamas perfuradas na linha lateral. Plagioscion montei sp. n. difere das demais espécies do gênero por apresentar: ânus distante da nadadeira anal, estando a distância ânus-anal contida de 2,4 a 3,5 vezes no comprimento da cabeça; nadadeira peitoral relativamente longa, quando adpressa sua extremidade posterior chega próximo ou ultrapassa a linha vertical que passa pela origem do ânus; largura interorbital relativamente ampla, contida entre 3,5 e 5,0 vezes no comprimento da cabeça e segundo espinho da nadadeira anal forte e curto, contido de 2,5 a 4,4 vezes no comprimento da cabeça.

Abundance and temporal distribution of larvae of Pachyurus bonariensis Steindachner, 1879 (Perciformes, Sciaenidae), in a bay of the matogrossense pantanal - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i1.306 / Abundância e distribuição temporal de larvas de Pachyurus bonariensis Steindachner, 1879 (Perciformes, Sciaenidae), em uma baía do pantanal matogrossense - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i1.306

With the objective to analyze the temporary distribution of Pachyurus bonariensis larvae and its relationship with some environmental variable, collections were carried in the Sinhá Mariana bay, Mato Grosso State, between March/2000 and March/2004, at 4:00 p.m. and at 10:00 p.m. Simultaneously, water samples were obtained to determine temperature of the water, dissolved oxygen, pH and electric conductivity. The largest densities were verified between the months of October and January, suggesting to be this the main period of reproduction of the species. However, larvae in preflexion and flexion were also found in the months of winter, possibly associated to the favorable conditions for the reproduction. Individuals of all of the stages were present, thus it is probable that the whole life cycle happens inside of the bay. The density of larvae more developed in the surface is larger at night, while the initial larvae are found in the surface in both schedules, thus the degree of larval development influences in the distribution pattern of the species in the column of water.

Com o objetivo de analisar a distribuição temporal de larvas de Pachyurus bonariensis e sua relação com algumas variáveis ambientais, foram feitas coletas na baía Sinhá Mariana, Mato Grosso, entre março/2000 e março/2004, às 16 e 22h. Simultaneamente, amostras de água foram obtidas para determinar temperatura da água, oxigênio dissolvido, pH e condutividade elétrica. As maiores densidades foram verificadas entre os meses de outubro e janeiro, sugerindo ser este o principal período de reprodução da espécie. No entanto, larvas em estágio de pré-flexão e flexão também foram encontradas no inverno, possivelmente associadas às condições favoráveis para a reprodução. Indivíduos de todos os estágios estiveram presentes, ou seja, é provável que todo o ciclo de vida da espécie ocorra dentro da baía. A densidade de larvas mais desenvolvidas na superfície foi maior à noite, enquanto as larvas iniciais foram encontradas na superfície em ambos os horários, ou seja, o grau de desenvolvimento morfológico larval influencia no padrão de distribuição da espécie na coluna de água.