A new species of Leptophoxoides Barnard, 1962 (Amphipoda, Phoxocephalidae) from the Brazilian northeastern continental slope

A new species of Leptophoxoides Barnard, 1962 is described with material from the continental slope of Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern Brazil at three different depths: 150, 400 and 2,500 meters. Leptophoxoides longisetae sp. nov. can be diagnosed and distinguished from the other two species of the genus, L. molaris Barnard, 1962 and L. marina Senna, 2010, by the following characters: antenna 1 peduncular article 1 ventral apex weakly ensiform; maxilla 1 inner plate longer than outer; maxilliped palp article 3 with blunt and extremely protuberant apex; gnathopods 1-2 carpus almost cryptic; gnathopod 2 palm defined by a large and sharply produced palmar hump; pereopod 6 basis posterodistal corner produced as a blunt lobe; and telson with two dorsal long plumose setae on each side. This is the first record of the genus for northeastern Brazilian waters, uncovering a higher biodiversity in deep waters.(AU)

Investigations into the ancestry of the Grape-eye Seabass (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos) reveal novel limits and relationships for the Acropomatiformes (Teleostei: Percomorpha)

For 175 years, an unremarkable bass, the Grape-eye Seabass (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos), has been known from coastal waters in the Eastern Pacific. To date, its phylogenetic placement and classification have been ignored. A preliminary osteological examination of Hemilutjanus hinted that it may have affinities with the Acropomatiformes. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using UCE and Sanger sequence data to study the placement of Hemilutjanus and the limits and relationships of the Acropomatiformes. We show that Hemilutjanus is a malakichthyid, and our results corroborate earlier studies that have resolved a polyphyletic Polyprionidae; accordingly, we describe Stereolepididae, new family, for Stereolepis. With these revisions, the Acropomatiformes is now composed of the: Acropomatidae; Banjosidae; Bathyclupeidae; Champsodontidae; Creediidae; Dinolestidae; Epigonidae; Glaucosomatidae; Hemerocoetidae; Howellidae; Lateolabracidae; Malakichthyidae; Ostracoberycidae; Pempheridae; Pentacerotidae; Polyprionidae; Scombropidae; Stereolepididae, new family; Symphysanodontidae; Synagropidae; and Schuettea. Finally, using our new hypothesis, we demonstrate that acropomatiforms repeatedly evolved bioluminescence and transitioned between shallow waters and the deep sea.

Durante más de 175 años el Serranido ojo de uva (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos), un pez parecido a la lubina común, se conoce de las zonas costeras del Pacífico Oriental. Al día de hoy la posición filogenética de esta especie se desconoce. Un estudio preliminar de Hemilutjanus basado en caracteres osteológicos sugirió que esta especie puede tener afinidades con el orden Acropomatiformes. Para investigar la posición filogenética de Hemilutjanus y los límites y relaciones dentro del orden Acropomatiformes realizamos análisis filogenéticos utilizando datos de secuencias Sanger y de UCEs. Demostramos que Hemilutjanus es un malakichthyid y nuestros resultados recobran Polyprionidae como una familia polifilética corroboran así estudios anteriores. En consecuencia, diagnosticamos y describimos una nueva familia de peces, Stereolepididae, que incluye ambas especies del genero Stereolepis. Con esta revisión, ahora el orden Acropomatiformes se compone de las familias: Acropomatidae; Banjosidae; Bathyclupeidae; Champsodontidae; Creediidae; Dinolestidae; Epigonidae; Glaucosomatidae; Hemerocoetidae; Howellidae; Lateolabracidae; Malakichthyidae; Ostracoberycidae; Pempheridae; Pentacerotidae; Polyprionidae; Scombropidae; Stereolepididae, nueva familia; Symphysanodontidae; Synagropidae; y Schuettea. Finalmente, utilizando nuestra hipótesis filogenética, demostramos que bioluminiscencia ha evolucionado varias veces dentro de los miembros de Acropomatiformes y tambien demostramos múltiples transiciones entre aguas someras y zonas profundas del océano dentro de este grupo.

A new species of Ophryotrocha (Annelida: Dorvilleidae) associated with the coral Lophelia pertusa (Anthozoa: Caryophylliidae)

Ophryotrocha is the most speciose genus within Dorvilleidae, with species occurring in a great variety of environments around the globe. In Brazil, records of Ophryotrocha are scarce and no specific identification is provided for any of the records. Herein we describe a new species of Dorvilleidae, Ophryotrocha zitae sp. nov. Adult and larval specimens were found in the axis of a fragment of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa, sampled off São Paulo’s coast, at a depth of 245 m. Both forms are described and illustrated. This new species resembles O. puerilis, O. adherens and O. eutrophila, but can be distinguished based on differences in its mandible and on chaetae shape and arrangement.

A new species of Ophryotrocha (Annelida: Dorvilleidae) associated with the coral Lophelia pertusa (Anthozoa: Caryophylliidae)

Ophryotrocha is the most speciose genus within Dorvilleidae, with species occurring in a great variety of environments around the globe. In Brazil, records of Ophryotrocha are scarce and no specific identification is provided for any of the records. Herein we describe a new species of Dorvilleidae, Ophryotrocha zitae sp. nov. Adult and larval specimens were found in the axis of a fragment of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa, sampled off São Paulos coast, at a depth of 245 m. Both forms are described and illustrated. This new species resembles O. puerilis, O. adherens and O. eutrophila, but can be distinguished based on differences in its mandible and on chaetae shape and arrangement.(AU)

First record of the genus Eumunida Smith, 1883 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Eumunididae) from the southwestern Atlantic, with the description of a new species

Eumunida picta Smith, 1883, was considered for over a century an amphi-Atlantic species and the only representative of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean, until being split into three species: E. picta sensu stricto (from the northwestern Atlantic), E. bella de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 and E. squamifera de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 (from the northeastern and southeastern Atlantic, respectively). Eumunida is now expanded to include a new species, E. notialis, from off the Brazilian coast. Hence, this is the first record of Eumunida and Eumunididae from the southwestern Atlantic. The new species differs from all its Atlantic counterparts in having (1) four hepatic spines; (2) two carapace inframarginal spines; (3) the distal end of the antennal acicle nearly reaching to the articulation between fourth and fifth antennal segments; and (4) the anterolateral spine of the second pleonal tergite obsolete.

First record of the genus Eumunida Smith, 1883 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Eumunididae) from the southwestern Atlantic, with the description of a new species

Eumunida picta Smith, 1883, was considered for over a century an amphi-Atlantic species and the only representative of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean, until being split into three species: E. picta sensu stricto (from the northwestern Atlantic), E. bella de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 and E. squamifera de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 (from the northeastern and southeastern Atlantic, respectively). Eumunida is now expanded to include a new species, E. notialis, from off the Brazilian coast. Hence, this is the first record of Eumunida and Eumunididae from the southwestern Atlantic. The new species differs from all its Atlantic counterparts in having (1) four hepatic spines; (2) two carapace inframarginal spines; (3) the distal end of the antennal acicle nearly reaching to the articulation between fourth and fifth antennal segments; and (4) the anterolateral spine of the second pleonal tergite obsolete.(AU)

Ypsilothuria bitentaculata bitentaculata (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the southwestern Atlantic, with comments on its morphology

Ypsilothuria bitentaculata bitentaculata (Ludwig, 1893), previously known from several localities in the Pacific Ocean, is recorded herein for the first time from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean based on eight specimens caught off the coast of southeastern Brazil, between 505-511 m deep. Several morphological details are added to the description of Y. b. bitentaculata, including photographs of specimens and calcareous ring plates, as well as scanning electron microscope images of the ossicles from the body wall, oral and anal siphons and introvert. Additionally, Y. b. bitentaculata is compared to its congeners.

Ypsilothuria bitentaculata bitentaculata (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the southwestern Atlantic, with comments on its morphology

Ypsilothuria bitentaculata bitentaculata (Ludwig, 1893), previously known from several localities in the Pacific Ocean, is recorded herein for the first time from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean based on eight specimens caught off the coast of southeastern Brazil, between 505-511 m deep. Several morphological details are added to the description of Y. b. bitentaculata, including photographs of specimens and calcareous ring plates, as well as scanning electron microscope images of the ossicles from the body wall, oral and anal siphons and introvert. Additionally, Y. b. bitentaculata is compared to its congeners.(AU)

Lighting up the dark side of the ocean: biodiversity and ecology of deep-sea fishes from the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic

Neste trabalho propomos um estudo sobre a biodiversidade e ecologia dos peixes mesopelágicos (0200 m de profundidade) do Atlântico Sudoeste Tropical (AST). Para isso, foram utilizados dados provenientes de dois cruzeiros oceanográficos, realizados em 2015 e 2017, no âmbito do Projeto ABRACOS. Com base nesse material, foram compiladas informações sobre o habitat, diversidade, abundância, distribuição, e ecologia trófica de milhares de espécimes mesopelágicos. Dessa forma, esta tese está organizada sobre uma introdução geral, dois capítulos principais e uma conclusão. No primeiro capítulo, organizado em cinco artigos, abordamos a diversidade, distribuição e aspectos morfométricos de peixes mesopelágicos, fornecendo a primeira referência base sobre a biodiversidade dos peixes mesopelágicos do AST. No primeiro artigo, que inclui uma síntese da fauna de peixes mesopelágicos coletados, mostrámos que um número relativamente elevado de espécies ocorre na área de estudo, incluindo pelo menos 24 ordens, 56 famílias, e 207 espécies. Destas, nove espécies (4%) são potencialmente novas e 61 (30%) representaram novos registos para as águas brasileiras. Cinco famílias foram predominantes e representaram 52% da diversidade de espécies, 90% dos espécimes coletados, e 72% da biomassa total: Myctophidae, Stomiidae, Gonostomatidae, Melamphaidae e Sternoptychidae. Em dois artigos complementares (e mais 4 artigos em anexo), também foram detalhados a diversidade e distribuição dos seguintes grupos: Trichiuridae, Howelidae, Caristiidae, Argentiniformes, Stephanoberycoidei e Ceratioidei. Nestes estudos, não só relatamos a nova ocorrência de espécies para área de estudo, mas também revemos, identificamos e discutimos registros anteriores em águas brasileiras. Finalmente, em dois artigos, fornecemos informações morfométricas e relações de peso-comprimento inéditas para 23 espécies. No segundo capítulo, organizado em três artigos, abordámos a ecologia das principais espécies (em termos de abundância e biomassa) identificadas no capítulo um: Sternoptychidae (peixes machadinha), Myctophidae (peixes lanterna), e o peixe víbora Chauliodus sloani. Destacamos, por exemplo, quais espécies ao longo da área de estudo migram verticalmente para regiões superficiais durante a noite, processo no qual o sequestro de carbono é fortemente potencializado. Além disso, mostramos como esse comportamento está relacionado com as características físico-químicas do ambiente 12 (oxigênio e temperatura). Considerando a ecologia alimentar, demonstramos que várias espécies ocupam uma posição trófica importante, uma vez que consomem zooplâncton e servem como importante presas para inúmeros predadores de regiões superficiais e profundas. Além disso, mostramos um alto consumo de organismos gelatinosos, uma importante ligação trófica que historicamente tem sido subestimada. Ao combinar todas as informações, demonstramos que algumas espécies de peixes mesopelágicos são segregados em grupos funcionais com diferentes preferências alimentares, composição isotópica, picos de abundância vertical e respostas às restrições ambientais. Como exemplo, definimos cinco grupos funcionais para os peixes machadinha, enquanto três padrões de preferência alimentar e quatro padrões de comportamento migratório foram identificados para os peixes lanterna. Estes padrões revelam não só uma alta variabilidade no uso recursos, mas também vários mecanismos adquiridos ao longo da evolução para evitar a exclusão competitiva. Finalmente, através do estudo do caso do peixe víbora, exploramos como forçantes físicas podem afetar a ecologia das espécies mesopelágicas e como essas relações podem mudar em grandes áreas oceânicas. Mostramos que tanto ecologia como os papéis funcionais do peixe víbora são modulados pela mudança latitudinal na temperatura. Por exemplo, na maioria das regiões tropicais, o peixe víbora permanece em águas profundas por tempo integral, onde se alimenta, excreta e serve como presa em camadas profundas. Pelo contrário, em regiões temperadas, o peixe víbora migra para águas superficiais onde interage com predadores epipelágicos e pode liberar carbono onde a sua remineralizarão é potencialmente maior. As informações aqui apresentadas contribuem para o entendimento geral da biodiversidade e da ecologia de várias espécies do oceano profundo. Estes dados podem ser importantes para estudos futuros sobre o funcionamento, conservação e processos ecossistêmicos de comunidades mesopelágicas.

Mesopelagic fishes play critical ecological roles by sequestering carbon, recycling nutrients, and acting as a key trophic link between primary consumers and higher trophic levels. They are also an important food source for harvestable economically valuable fish stocks and a key link between shallow and deep-sea ecosystems. Despite their relevance, mesopelagic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by direct and indirect anthropomorphic activities while representing some of the largest and least understood environments on Earth. The composition, diversity, and other aspects of the most basic biological features of numerous mesopelagic fishes are still totally unknown. Here, we provide the first integrative study of the biodiversity of mesopelagic fishes of the southwestern Tropical Atlantic (STWA), based on two expeditions in northeastern Brazil in 2015 and 2017. A full list of mesopelagic fishes of the region is provided, including rare species and new records for the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone and the indication of potentially new species in groups such as the Stomiiformes and Stephanoberycoidei. Key aspects of the diversity of mesopelagic fishes of the region were also assessed, considering different depth strata and diel periods. At least 206 species in 55 families and 23 orders of the Teleostei and one shark (Isistius brasiliensis) were recorded, with potentially nine new species (4%) and 62 (30%) new records for Brazilian waters. Five families accounted for 52% of the diversity, 90% of specimens collected, and 72% of the total biomass: the Myctophidae (38 spp., 36% of specimens, 24% of the biomass), Stomiidae (38 spp., 8%, 21%), Gonostomatidae (11 spp., 16%, 4%), Melamphaidae (11 spp., 2%, 7%), and Sternoptychidae (10 spp., 24%, 10%). During the day, richness and diversity were higher at lower mesopelagic depths (5001000 m), with contributions of typically bathypelagic species likely associated with seamounts and oceanic islands. At night, richness and diversity increased at epipelagic depths, indicating the diel ascension of several species (e.g., myctophids and sternoptychids) that can endure temperatures range up to 25°C. Information on the geographic distribution of several rare species worldwide is also provided.

A new deep-sea species of Barathronus Goode & Bean from Brazil, with notes on Barathronus bicolor Goode & Bean (Ophidiiformes: Aphyonidae)

A new species of Barathronus (Ophidiiformes: Aphyonidae) is described from a single, mature male specimen (101 mm SL) bottom trawled on the continental slope of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil, between 1,964 and 2,045 m depth. The new species is diagnosed among congeners by the following combination of characters: peritoneum transparent, deep-set eyes not visible, eight fangs on vomer, anal fin rays 69, predorsal length 42.0% SL, preanal length 49.5% SL, penis long, slender, and lacking a pair of lobes at its base, and presence of a ventral flexure of the anterior 2-3 vertebrae. Additionally, morphological data of three specimens of Barathronus bicolor collected in Brazilian waters are presented and compared with those from 51 specimens from the western Central Atlantic.(AU)

Uma nova espécie de Barathronus (Ophidiiformes: Aphyonidae) é descrita a partir de um único exemplar macho (101 mm CP) coletado com arrasto de fundo no talude continental do Rio Grande do Norte, nordeste do Brasil, entre 1.964 e 2.045 m de profundidade. A espécie nova é diagnosticada entre as congêneres pela seguinte combinação de caracteres: peritônio transparente, olhos alojados profundamente e não distinguíveis, oito presas no vômer, nadadeira anal com 69 raios, comprimento pré-dorsal 42,0% CP, comprimento pré-anal 49,5% CP, pênis longo, afilado e sem um par de lobos em sua base, e presença de flexão ventral nas 2-3 vértebras anteriores. Adicionalmente, dados morfológicos dos três espécimes de Barathronus bicolor coletados em águas brasileiras são apresentados e comparados com aqueles de 51 espécimes do Atlântico Central ocidental.(AU)

PROSPECÇÃO PESQUEIRA E ECOLOGIA DE TUBARÕES DE AGUAS PROFUNDAS DE PERNAMBUCO - BRASIL

O presente estudo objetivou identificar as espécies de elasmobrânquios demersais de profundidade capturadas no talude continental do Estado de Pernambuco e analisar a distribuição e abundância relativa, correlacionando as mesmas com informações biológicas sobre a reprodução, com foco nas espécies da família Squalidae. As capturas foram realizadas entre as latitudes 7°1545-9°2818S e as longitudes 34°4835- 41°1954W, nordeste do Brasil, com base em prospecções pesqueiras realizadas entre 2014 e 2018, utilizando armadilhas de fundo (covos) e espinhel de fundo em profundidades entre 200 a 600 m. Foram capturados 261 exemplares, representados por sete espécies, pertencentes a três ordens. Todos os Squaliformes pertenciam a família Squalidae e apresentaram o maior número de indivíduos: Squalus cubensis (47,5%), Squalus bahiensis (20,1%) e Cirrhigaleus asper (9,3%). A ordem Carcharhiniformes teve um representante para as famílias Carcharhinidae, Carcharhinus signatus (1,1%), Triakidae, Mustelus canis (1,9%), e Scyliorhinidae, Scyliorhinus sp. (19,7%). Já a ordem Hexanchiformes foi representada por um único exemplar da espécie Heptranchias perlo (0,4%). Exemplares de todas as espécies, ou partes destes, foram retidos para composição de coleções cientificas ou didáticas. As espécies Squalus bahiensis e S. cubensis tiveram seus códigos genéticos acessados e disponibilizados na base de dados Barcode of Life Data (BOLD), constituindo cerca de 50 novas sequencias do gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Essas duas espécies tiveram a extensão da área de ocorrência devidamente registrada. Cento e dez indivíduos de S. cubensis tiveram seus aspectos reprodutivos avaliados. Diferenças estatisticamente significativas em relação ao gênero não foram observadas para o total de animais capturados, nem tão pouco para aqueles que estavam capazes de se reproduzir ou eram embriões. As fêmeas encontraram-se em cinco estágios maturacionais e os machos em quatro, não sendo observado nenhum animal em repouso. O comprimento total dos exemplares examinados variou de 231 mm a 860 mm = 613 mm) para fêmeas, e de 244 mm a 542 mm = 485 mm), para os machos. As fêmeas apresentaram picos reprodutivos em abril e novembro. O tamanho de primeira maturação das fêmeas foi estimado em 571,4 mm, enquanto que dos machos o valor médio foi igual a 452,1 mm. O estudo revela uma população adulta nas profundidades de captura, o que pode revelar sítios de agregações reprodutivas. Este estudo revela a importância biológica do talude superior de Pernambuco como hotspots ecológicos, servindo de base para estratégias de manejo e conservação no Atlântico tropical.

The present study aimed to identify deep-water elasmobranch species caught in the breakdown continental slope off Pernambuco State and to analyze their distribution and relative abundance, correlating them with biological aspects of reproduction, with emphasis on Squalidae family. Catches were made between the coordinates 7°1545-9°2818S and 34°4835- 41°1954W, northeastern Brazil, based on deep-sea fishing surveys conducted between 2014 and 2018 using as fishing gear bottom longlines and traps (covos) at depths ranging from 200 to 600 m. A total of 261 specimens were collected, represented by 7 species, belonging to 3 orders. All Squaliformes specimens belonged to Squalidae family and show the largest number of individuals: Squalus cubensis (47.5%), Squalus bahiensis (20.%) and Cirrhigaleus asper (9.3%). The order Carcharhiniformes had representative for Carcharhinidae, Triakidae and Scyliorhinidae family: Carcharhinus signatus (1.1%), Mustelus canis (1.9%) and Scyliorhinus sp. (19.7%), respectively. The order Hexanchiformes was represented by a single specimen, the Hexanchidae Heptranchias perlo (0.4%). Samples of all species, or subsamples of them, were retained to compose scientific or didactic collections. Squalus bahiensis and S. cubensis species had their genetic codes accessed and made available in the Barcode of Life Data (BOLD), constituting about 50 new sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. These two species had the range limit extended. Biological analyzes of Squalus cubensis were performed to 110 individuals, being 55 females and 53 males. Significant statistical differences were not related to gender of the total catch, mature individuals or embryos. Females were found in five maturation stages and males in four, with no animals at regenerating or regressing. The total length (TL) ranged from 231 mm to 860 mm (= 613 mm) for females, and from 244 mm to 542 mm ( = 485 mm), for males. Females showed reproductive peaks in April and November. The first maturation size of females was estimated at 571.4 mm TL, while for males the average value was 452.1 mm TL. The study reveals an adult population on the depths of capture, which may reveal sites of reproductive aggregations. This study reveals the biological importance of the upper slope of Pernambuco as ecological hotspots, serving as a basis for management and conservations strategies in the tropical Atlantic

First report of the black gemfish Nesiarchus nasutus (Perciformes: Gempylidae) in Argentinean waters / Primeiro relatório do gemfish preto Nesiarchus nasutus (Perciformes: Gempylidae) em águas argentinas

The gempylid Nesiarchus nasutus is reported for the first time from Argentinean waters, the southernmost occurrence of the species in the Southwestern Atlantic. This suggests that the fluctuating environmental characteristics of the area would be proper for the presence of tropical and subtropical species.(AU)

A ocorrência de Nesiarchus nasutus é registrado pela primeira vez em águas argentinas, sendo a esta ocorrência mais meridional da espécie no Atlântico Sudoeste. Isto sugere que as características ambientais flutuantes da área seriam adequadas para a presença de espécies tropicais e subtropicais na mesma.(AU)

PROSPECÇÃO PESQUEIRA DE TELEÓSTEOS DE PROFUNDIDADE NO TALUDE DE PERNAMBUCO, BRASIL

Poucos estudos têm sido desenvolvidos até o momento sobre a fauna de profundidade na costa nordeste do Brasil, especialmente devido à ausência de pesca sobre esses recursos, além da carência de atividades científicas exploratórias em águas profundas. Buscando contribuir para o conhecimento sobre a fauna marinha no noroeste do Atlântico Sul, esse estudo registra a ocorrência de novas espécies de teleósteos no talude continental de Pernambuco, analisa a distribuição vertical e formação de assembleias, avalia a riqueza, diversidade e dominância em diferentes profundidades e reporta informações sobre a estrutura populacional e reprodução do teleósteo mais abundante (Physiculus kaupi). Entre outubro de 2014 a março de 2018 foram realizadas 24 coletas abrangendo 30 lances com espinhel e 38 lances com covos em profundidades de 200 a 600 m no talude de Pernambuco. Durante o estudo, onze espécies de teleósteos foram encontradas, oito representando os primeiros registros para a costa de Pernambuco (Physiculus kaupi, Pontinus rathbuni, Antigonia capros, Conger esculentus, Dysommina rugosa, Gymnothorax maderensis, Gymnothorax conpersus e Gymnothorax polygonius) e três já registrados no estado (Lopholatilus villarii Epinephelus niveatus e Lutjanus vivanus). Sobre os novos registros são indicadas as coordenadas e profundidades de coleta, características merísticas e morfométricas e comentários sobre a distribuição das espécies em todo o mundo. Análises de classificação e ordenação, utilizando a abundância relativa como captura por unidade de esforço (CPUE) em número de indivíduos, foram realizadas a partir de oito espécies capturadas em 18 lançamentos de covos de outubro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2018 (P. kaupi, G. maderensis, G. polygonius, G. polygonius, G. conspersus, C. esculentus, P. rathbuni, A. capros e L. vivanus). Os resultados indicam que os teleósteos encontrados são comuns em ambientes profundos, exceto L. vivanus que pode ser encontrado acima de 200 m, e moreias, que ocorrem apenas em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Não foi detectada a formação clara de assembleias entre a composição taxonômica em termos de abundância relativa por profundidade, mas uma leve tendência indica a formação de uma zona de transição a uma profundidade de 300 m, a partir da qual a riqueza, a diversidade e a dominância começam a diminuir. As investigações sobre a estrutura populacional e reprodução do P. kaupi mostram uma maior proporção de fêmeas na população, particularmente em profundidades mais rasas, com possível migração ontogênica em função de alimentação e reprodução e características reprodutivas semelhantes ao que ocorre em outras espécies de Gadiformes e de profundidade, como uma desova contínua, desenvolvimento ovariano assincrônico e fecundidade baixa. O tamanho de primeira maturação para as fêmeas foi estimado em 17,9 cm de comprimento total. Os resultados apresentados fornecem uma linha de base que permitirá o monitoramento de futuras mudanças na estrutura e diversidade das populações de teleósteos de profundidade que ocorrem no talude de Pernambuco

Few studies have been carried out to date on the deep-sea fauna of the northeast coast of Brazil, especially due to the lack of commercial fishing on these resources, in addition to the lack of exploratory scientific activities on the sea floor. Seeking to contribute to the knowledge about marine fauna in the northwest of the South Atlantic, this study records the occurrence of new species of teleosts in the continental slope of Pernambuco, analyzes the vertical distribution and formation of assemblages, evaluates the richness, diversity and dominance at different depths and reports information on the population structure and reproduction of the most abundant teleost (Physiculus kaupi). Between October 2014 and March 2018, 24 fishing surveys were carried out covering 30 fishing sets with longline and 38 sets with bottom traps at depths of 200 to 600 m. During the study, eleven species of teleosts were found, eight representing the first records for the coast of Pernambuco (Physiculus kaupi, Pontinus rathbuni, Antigonia capros, Conger esculentus, Dysommina rugosa, Gymnothorax maderensis, Gymnothorax conpersus and Gymnothorax polygonius) and three already known (Lopholatilus villarii Epinephelus niveatus and Lutjanus vivanus). Data on the new species recorded include the coordinates and depths of collection, meristic and morphometric characteristics and comments on the distribution of species worldwide. Classification and ordering analysis, using abundance as capture per unit of effort (CPUE) in number of individuals of eight species, were carried out from eighteen traps fishing sets performed from October 2014 to February 2018 (P. kaupi, G. maderensis, G. polygonius, G. polygonius, G. conspersus, C. esculentus, P. rathbuni, A. capros and L. vivanus). The results indicate the teleosts found are common in deep water, except for L. vivanus and moray eels, which can be found, respectively, above 200 m and only in tropical and subtropical regions. There was no clear formation of assemblages among the species in terms of relative abundance by depth, but a slight trend that indicates the a transition zone at 300 m depth, from where richness, diversity and dominance begin to decrease. The data on the population structure and reproduction of P. kaupi showed a higher proportion of females, particularly at shallower depths, with possible ontogenic migration in function of feeding and reproduction. Reproductive characteristics similar to several Gadiformes species and deep-sea species, as a continuous spawning, asynchronous ovarian development and low average fertility was also observed in P. kaupi. The first maturation size for P. kaupi females was estimated at 17.9 cm total length. The results provide a baseline which allows the monitoring of future changes in the structure and diversity of the depth teleosts population that occurs in the continental slope off Pernambuco.

Horizontal and vertical distribution of mesozooplankton species richness and composition down to 2, 300 m in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the continental shelf and slope, and in the water masses in the Campos Basin, southwest Atlantic Ocean. We analyzed the mesozooplankton from two oceanographic cruises (rainy and dry seasons, 2009) with samples taken in five different water masses from the surface to 2,300 m depth. In the Subsurface Water (SS), in both sampling periods, more species were recorded over the slope (rainy: 100; dry: 128) than the continental shelf (rainy: 97; dry: 104). Over the slope, species richness decreased with increasing depth: the highest values were observed in the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), and the lowest values in the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), in both sampling periods. We recorded 262 species in 10 groups (Hydrozoa, Siphonophora, Ctenophora, Branchiopoda, Copepoda, Euphausiacea, Decapoda, Chaetognatha, Appendicularia e Thaliacea), with 13 new occurrences for the southwest Atlantic. Copepoda was the group with the highest species richness, containing 138 species. In both periods, the samples from SS, SACW and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)/Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW) were clustered in different faunistic zones, based on species composition. This study confirmed that zooplankton richness in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is underestimated, and suggests that additional efforts must be directed toward a better understanding of this fairly unknown region.

Horizontal and vertical distribution of mesozooplankton species richness and composition down to 2, 300 m in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the continental shelf and slope, and in the water masses in the Campos Basin, southwest Atlantic Ocean. We analyzed the mesozooplankton from two oceanographic cruises (rainy and dry seasons, 2009) with samples taken in five different water masses from the surface to 2,300 m depth. In the Subsurface Water (SS), in both sampling periods, more species were recorded over the slope (rainy: 100; dry: 128) than the continental shelf (rainy: 97; dry: 104). Over the slope, species richness decreased with increasing depth: the highest values were observed in the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), and the lowest values in the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), in both sampling periods. We recorded 262 species in 10 groups (Hydrozoa, Siphonophora, Ctenophora, Branchiopoda, Copepoda, Euphausiacea, Decapoda, Chaetognatha, Appendicularia e Thaliacea), with 13 new occurrences for the southwest Atlantic. Copepoda was the group with the highest species richness, containing 138 species. In both periods, the samples from SS, SACW and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)/Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW) were clustered in different faunistic zones, based on species composition. This study confirmed that zooplankton richness in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is underestimated, and suggests that additional efforts must be directed toward a better understanding of this fairly unknown region.(AU)

BIOECOLOGIA DE CRUSTÁCEOS DE ÁGUAS PROFUNDAS (DECAPODA, ISOPODA) EM PERNAMBUCO - BRASIL

O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar a composição específica, distribuição e alguns aspectos bioecológicos da fauna de crustáceos de águas profundas em Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil, com base em prospecções pesqueiras realizadas entre 2014 e 2018 utilizando-se armadilhas de fundo iscadas (covo) em profundidades variando de 218 a 600 m. Foram coletados 690 indivíduos representados por 12 espécies, distribuídas em duas ordens: Decapoda e Isopoda. Os decápodes foram representados por 9 espécies: Stenocionops spinosissimus, Rochinia crassa, R. gracilipes e Bathynectes longispina (Brachyura); Plesionika edwardsii e Heterocarpus ensifer (Caridea); Paguristes inconstans, Mixtopagurus paradoxos e Parapagurus sp. (Anomura). Já a ordem Isopoda incluiu 3 espécies, todas pertencentes à subordem Cymothoida: Bathynomus giganteus, B. miyarei e B. obtusus. As espécies B. giganteus, B. miyarei, B. obtusus (Isopoda), Parapagurus sp., M. paguros e P. inconstans (Anomura) tiveram a sua presença registrada pela primeira vez em águas pernambucanas, ampliando, assim, as suas respectivas distribuições geográficas, com o primeiro registro P. inconstans no Atlântico Sul. Os carídeos apresentaram maior abundância absoluta, reflexo das capturas elevadas do P. edwardsii, com 307 indivíduos, com maior valor de CPUE situado no litoral Sul, (44,66 ind. x L¹). Foram realizadas análises biológicas em 216 indivíduos, sendo 113 machos, 102 fêmeas e 1 com sexo indeterminado. O comprimento do cefalotórax variou entre 10,1 a 27,2 mm enquanto que o peso variou entre 0,48 a 12,84 g, não sendo observadas diferenças significativas na razão sexual (² = 0,563, P= 0,453), comprimento do cefalotórax (Mann-Whitney P= 0,754) e peso (Mann-Whitney P= 0,303) entre os sexos. Foram observadas 39 fêmeas ovígeras distribuídos em dois estágios de desenvolvimento. A fecundidade média foi de 7.322 (±4.485) ovos com menor valor encontrado nas classes entre 22-24 mm comprimento do cefalotórax, havendo diferença significativa no múmero médio de ovos por classes de tamaho (t-test = 7,48, P< 0,01). A segunda espécie mais abundante nas capturas foi o isopoda B. miyarey, com 289 indivíduos capturados, representando 36,5% das capturas em número e a maior constância entre as capturas (35,6%). As espécies de B. miyarei tiveram o comprimento variando entre 73,2 e 257,0 mm, com machos mais frequentes nos estratos mais rasos e as fêmeas predominantes nos estratos mais profundos. A proporção sexual favoreceu as fêmas (1:1.7), com juvenis mais frequentes que specimens maduras. Embora os crustáceos se encontrarem bem distribuídos ao longo do litoral pernambucano, a seção sul registrou os maiores índices de abundância entre 300 e 350 m de profundidade (CPUE = 14,45 ind. x L¹), e maior diversidade entre 250 e 300 m (Shannon-Winer H=1,026 bits/ind) enquanto que a a maior riqueza de espécies ocorreu entre 500 e 550 m (Margalef d=1,176 bits/ind). O talude superior proporciona habitats para o ciclo de vida de muitas espécies bentônicas, inclusive sítios de agregação reprodutiva. Este estudo revela a importância biológica do talude superior de Pernambuco como hotspots ecológicos, servindo de base para estratégias de manejo e conservação no Atlântico tropical.

The presente study aim to characterize abundance, distribution and some bioecological aspects of crustacean fauna off Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil, based on deep-sea fishing surveys conducted between 2014 and 2018 using as fishing gear baited botton traps (covo) at depths ranging from 218 to 600 m. A total of 690 individuals were collected represented by twelve species, distributed in two ordens: Decapoda and Isopoda. Decapods comprised 9 especies: Stenocionops spinosissimus, Rochinia crassa, R. gracilipes and Bathynectes longispina (Brachyura); Plesionika edwardsii and Heterocarpus ensifer (Caridea); Paguristes inconstans, Mixtopagurus paradoxus and Parapagurus sp. (Anomura). The order Isopoda included 3 species, all belonging to the suborder Cymothoida: Bathynomus giganteus, B. miyarei and B. obtusus. All species from Isopoda and Anomura were recorded for the first time to Pernambuco waters, expanding their geographical distribution, and present the first record of P. inconstans from South Atlantic, before restricted to Caribean Sea. Caridean species showed a higher abundance, reflected by the high catches of the deep-sea shrimp P. edwardsii, with 307 individuals been collected, attained greater CPUE value on the South coast (44,66 ind. x L¹). Biological analyzes on 216 individuals were performed, being 113 males, 102 females and 1 that was not possible to determine the sex, named undetermined. Cephalotorax length ranged from 10,1 to 27,2 mm while weight ranged from 0,48 to 12,84 g. Significant differences were not observed in the sex ratio (² = 0,563, P= 0,453), cephalotorax lenght (Mann-Whitney P= 0,754) and weight (Mann-Whitney P= 0,303) between sexes. 39 females were ovigerous, represented by two egg mass developmental stages. The mean fecundity was 7.322 (±4.485) eggs with classes into 22-24 mm CL reached lower values, being significant different by size classes (t-test = 7,48, P<0,01). B. miyarei was the second most abundant specie, with 289 individuals collected, representing 36,5 % of total catch and the highest constancy (35,6%) along fishing surveys. B. miyarei species had a body lenght ranged from 73,2 to 257,0 mm, with males more frequente in the shallow strata and females predominant in deeper strata. Sex ratio was in favor of females (1,0 : 1,7), with juveniles more frequent than mature species. Althought crustaceans are well distributed along Pernambuco coast, the southern section recorded the highest abundance indices between 300 and 350 m depth (CPUE 14,45 ind. x L¹), and greater diversity between 250 300 m (Shannon-Winer H=1,026 bits/ind) while the highest species richeness occurred between 500 and 550 m depth (Margalef d=1,176 bits/ind). Upper slope provides habitats for the life cicle of many benthic species. This study reveals the biological importance of the upper slope of Pernambuco as ecological hotspots, serving as a basis for management and conservations strategies in the tropical Atlantic.

Biological characteristics and relative abundance of shrimp Plesionika edwardsii on the Northeast coast of Brazil / Características biométricas, distribuição e abundância relativa do camarão Plesionika edwardsii na costa nordeste do Brasil

The analyzed data represent the first pieces of information regarding the abundance of Plesionika edwardsii in the western part of the South Atlantic. Six hundred forty-one individuals were analyzed, 59.6% of them male and 40.4% female animals. Distribution of abundance of the shell length of both genders was single modal. The male animals presented increased occurrence in the class of 16-17 mm, with amplitude between 9 mm and 25 mm (average 17.8 mm), whereas female animals were more frequent in the class of 22 to 23 mm, with variation between 12 mm and 29 mm (average 20.7 mm). The number of male animals was higher in the range of the classes between 8 and 19 mm; no male animals were registered with their length exceeding 25 mm. As of 19 mm the number of female animals was higher than the number of male animals, in all the different classes. The ratio between weight x length showed the determination coefficient r2 = 0.89, with tendency towards an exponential curve. The ratio between the shell length and the overall length showed the coefficient of r2 = 0.93, with tendency towards a logarithmic curve. The female animals were not only larger, but they were also heavier than the male animals, both in the lower sea depths (100-300 m) and in the deeper regions (300-500 m) (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). The CPUE(Catch per Unit Effort) between 100 and 200 m was significantly higher (P = 0.03). Distribution of the P. edwardsii population was observed in function of the topography of the continental slope of the Brazilian Northeast, which reveals the necessity of further studies on the biology of these and other deep sea species in order to be able to better understand their role in the ecosystem of the ocean.(AU)

Os dados analisados representam as primeiras informações sobre a abundância de Plesionika edwardsii, no oeste do Atlântico Sul. Foram analisados 641 indivíduos, sendo 59,6% machos e 40,4% fêmeas. A distribuição da frequência de comprimento da carapaça de ambos os sexos foi unimodal. Os machos exibiram uma moda na classe de 16-17 mm, com amplitude entre 9 mm e 25 mm (média de 17,8 mm), enquanto as fêmeas foram mais frequentes na classe de 22 a 23 mm, variando entre 12 mm e 29 mm (média de 20,7 mm). O número de machos foi superior nos intervalos de classe entre 8 e 19 mm, não ocorrendo macho com comprimento superior a 25 mm. A partir de 19 mm, o número de fêmeas foi superior ao de machos, em todas as classes. A relação peso x comprimento apresentou um coeficiente de determinação r2 = 0,89, com tendência de curva exponencial. A relação entre o comprimento da carapaça e o comprimento total exibiu um coeficiente de r2 = 0,93, com tendência de curva logarítmica. Além de maiores, as fêmeas também foram mais pesadas que os machos, tanto nas menores profundidades (100-300 m), quanto nas maiores (300-500 m) (P = 0,001 e P = 0,001, respectivamente). A CPUE entre 100 e 200 m foi significativamente maior (P = 0,03). Observou-se uma distribuição em função da batimetria do talude do nordeste brasileiro da população de P. edwardsii, o que demonstra a necessidade de mais estudos sobre a biologia desta e de outras espécies de profundidade, para que se possa melhor compreender o seu papel no ecossistema marinho.(AU)

Biological characteristics and relative abundance of shrimp Plesionika edwardsii on the Northeast coast of Brazil / Características biométricas, distribuição e abundância relativa do camarão Plesionika edwardsii na costa nordeste do Brasil

The analyzed data represent the first pieces of information regarding the abundance of Plesionika edwardsii in the western part of the South Atlantic. Six hundred forty-one individuals were analyzed, 59.6% of them male and 40.4% female animals. Distribution of abundance of the shell length of both genders was single modal. The male animals presented increased occurrence in the class of 16-17 mm, with amplitude between 9 mm and 25 mm (average 17.8 mm), whereas female animals were more frequent in the class of 22 to 23 mm, with variation between 12 mm and 29 mm (average 20.7 mm). The number of male animals was higher in the range of the classes between 8 and 19 mm; no male animals were registered with their length exceeding 25 mm. As of 19 mm the number of female animals was higher than the number of male animals, in all the different classes. The ratio between weight x length showed the determination coefficient r2 = 0.89, with tendency towards an exponential curve. The ratio between the shell length and the overall length showed the coefficient of r2 = 0.93, with tendency towards a logarithmic curve. The female animals were not only larger, but they were also heavier than the male animals, both in the lower sea depths (100-300 m) and in the deeper regions (300-500 m) (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). The CPUE(Catch per Unit Effort) between 100 and 200 m was significantly higher (P = 0.03). Distribution of the P. edwardsii population was observed in function of the topography of the continental slope of the Brazilian Northeast, which reveals the necessity of further studies on the biology of these and other deep sea species in order to be able to better understand their role in the ecosystem of the ocean.

Os dados analisados representam as primeiras informações sobre a abundância de Plesionika edwardsii, no oeste do Atlântico Sul. Foram analisados 641 indivíduos, sendo 59,6% machos e 40,4% fêmeas. A distribuição da frequência de comprimento da carapaça de ambos os sexos foi unimodal. Os machos exibiram uma moda na classe de 16-17 mm, com amplitude entre 9 mm e 25 mm (média de 17,8 mm), enquanto as fêmeas foram mais frequentes na classe de 22 a 23 mm, variando entre 12 mm e 29 mm (média de 20,7 mm). O número de machos foi superior nos intervalos de classe entre 8 e 19 mm, não ocorrendo macho com comprimento superior a 25 mm. A partir de 19 mm, o número de fêmeas foi superior ao de machos, em todas as classes. A relação peso x comprimento apresentou um coeficiente de determinação r2 = 0,89, com tendência de curva exponencial. A relação entre o comprimento da carapaça e o comprimento total exibiu um coeficiente de r2 = 0,93, com tendência de curva logarítmica. Além de maiores, as fêmeas também foram mais pesadas que os machos, tanto nas menores profundidades (100-300 m), quanto nas maiores (300-500 m) (P = 0,001 e P = 0,001, respectivamente). A CPUE entre 100 e 200 m foi significativamente maior (P = 0,03). Observou-se uma distribuição em função da batimetria do talude do nordeste brasileiro da população de P. edwardsii, o que demonstra a necessidade de mais estudos sobre a biologia desta e de outras espécies de profundidade, para que se possa melhor compreender o seu papel no ecossistema marinho.

Ophiomusium acuferum (Ophiolepididae) and Ophiomisidium pulchellum (Ophiuridae) (Ophiuroidea: Echinodermata), redescription based on the Brazilian specimens

Ophiomusium (Ophiolepididae) and Ophiomisidium (Ophiuridae) are similar, but differ in features such as size of the adult, number of disc dorsal plates, length of the arms, shape of the first ventral arm plates and number of the tentacle. In this contribution, a large number of specimens of Ophiomusium acuferum Lyman, 1869 and Ophiomisidium pulchellum (Wyville Thomson, 1878) were sampled from southeastern and southern Brazilian at depths ranging from 46 to 1300 m. A close analysis has shown that specimens identified as Ophiomisidium pulchellum (C.W. Thomson, 1877) in several Brazilian museums are actually Ophiomusium acuferum Lyman, 1875. A total of 2330 individuals were examined: 2046 specimens of Ophiomusium acuferum ('Evaluation of the sustainable potential of living resources from the Brazilian Economic Exclusive Zone/Score South - Benthos' - REVIZEE; 'Rational usage of coastal ecosystems from the Brazilian Tropical Region: São Paulo State - Integrated Project/Subproject Benthos' - INTEGRADO; and the MD55/Brazil) and 284 of Ophiomisidium pulchellum (MD55/Brazil). The disc diameter of each individual was measured and the specimens were digitally photographed. The samples studied are deposited in the Museum of Zoology of the University of Campinas and Institute of Biology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The specimens from the MD55 are deposited at the Paris Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle. An identification key to these species is provided here. A detailed morphological analysis and redescription of both species, comparisons, and their geographic distribution in Brazil are discussed.

Ophiomusium acuferum (Ophiolepididae) and Ophiomisidium pulchellum (Ophiuridae) (Ophiuroidea: Echinodermata), redescription based on the Brazilian specimens

Ophiomusium (Ophiolepididae) and Ophiomisidium (Ophiuridae) are similar, but differ in features such as size of the adult, number of disc dorsal plates, length of the arms, shape of the first ventral arm plates and number of the tentacle. In this contribution, a large number of specimens of Ophiomusium acuferum Lyman, 1869 and Ophiomisidium pulchellum (Wyville Thomson, 1878) were sampled from southeastern and southern Brazilian at depths ranging from 46 to 1300 m. A close analysis has shown that specimens identified as Ophiomisidium pulchellum (C.W. Thomson, 1877) in several Brazilian museums are actually Ophiomusium acuferum Lyman, 1875. A total of 2330 individuals were examined: 2046 specimens of Ophiomusium acuferum ('Evaluation of the sustainable potential of living resources from the Brazilian Economic Exclusive Zone/Score South - Benthos' - REVIZEE; 'Rational usage of coastal ecosystems from the Brazilian Tropical Region: São Paulo State - Integrated Project/Subproject Benthos' - INTEGRADO; and the MD55/Brazil) and 284 of Ophiomisidium pulchellum (MD55/Brazil). The disc diameter of each individual was measured and the specimens were digitally photographed. The samples studied are deposited in the Museum of Zoology of the University of Campinas and Institute of Biology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The specimens from the MD55 are deposited at the Paris Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle. An identification key to these species is provided here. A detailed morphological analysis and redescription of both species, comparisons, and their geographic distribution in Brazil are discussed.