Nutrient compositional variation and interrelationship in the muscle of wild and plastic-reared brachyuran

Edible brachyurans are recognized as a popular source of food due to their delicious taste and nutritional quality. This study investigated the nutrient compositional variation and interrelationship in the muscle of wild and plastic-reared Cardisoma armatum. The plastic-reared crab had 27.81 ± 2.29 g 100 g-1protein while crab from the wild contained 22.45 ± 2.65 g 100 g-1protein. The difference in protein content of plastic-reared and its counterpart from the mangrove swamp was not significantly different(p > 0.05). This is also true of other proximate composition except that wild crabs were slightly higher in both crude fat (2.68 ± 0.35 g 100 g-1) and carbohydrate (5.89 ± 3.05 g 100 g-1). Generally, the total energy contributed due to protein, carbohydrate and fat in the tissues of both wild and plastic-reared C. armatumare similar. In the wild crab, contents of calcium (16083.27 ± 2127.90 mg 100 g-1) and phosphorus (1191.42 ± 199.21) were relatively higher, while contents of magnesium (368.69 ± 111.05 mg 100 g-1), sodium (125.30 ± 11.18 mg 100 g-1) and potassium (87.36 ± 7.27 mg 100 g-1) were relatively higher inplastic-reared crabs. All significant mineral ratios in wild and plastic-reared C. amartumfall within acceptable range. The positive relationship in the nutritional quality indicates that changes in proximate composition are associated with changes in mineral contents of the crab tissue.(AU)

Feeding ecology of elasmobranch species in southeastern Brazil

The feeding ecology of five elasmobranch species was studied on the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro, southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The specimens were caught with a trawl or bottom longline between January 2006 and August 2007. The diets of Psammobatis rutrum and Psammobatis extenta appeared to be basically carcino-benthophagous, with a very small niche width. Rioraja agassizii was basically carcino/ichthyo-benthophagous, also with a narrow niche, including teleost fish and shrimp, but in different proportions according to age and sex. Rhizoprionodon lalandii was ichthyophagous, not influenced by age or sex. The analyses of these species and Atlantoraja cyclophora indicated two trophic groups: one composed of the smaller rays, P. extenta and P. rutrum, which basically fed on small crustaceans, polychaetes and nematodes; and the other of R. lalandii and the larger rays R. agassizii and A. cyclophora, which preyed on teleost fish and brachyurans.(AU)

Devido à lacuna de conhecimento sobre os elasmobrânquios estudamos a ecologia alimentar de cinco espécies desse grupo, no litoral sul do Rio de Janeiro. Os exemplares foram capturados por rede de arrasto e espinhel de fundo, entre janeiro de 2006 e agosto de 2007. As dietas de Psammobatis rutrum e Psammobatis extenta se mostraram basicamente carcino-bentofagas, com uma largura de nicho estreito. Rioraja agassizii foi considerada carcino/ictio-bentófaga, também com uma largura de nicho estreita. A espécie se alimenta com peixe e camarão, mas em proporções diferentes de acordo com a idade e sexo. A dieta de Rhizoprionodon lalandii foi considerada ictiófaga e não é influenciada pela idade ou sexo. As análises destas espécies e Atlantoraja cyclophora indicaram a formação de dois grupos tróficos: um composto pelas raias menores, P. extenta e P. rutrum, que basicamente se alimentam de pequenos crustáceos, poliquetos e nematodas; e o outro de R. lalandii e as raias maiores R. agassizii e A. cyclophora, que predam peixes teleósteos e brachyuras.(AU)

Feeding ecology of elasmobranch species in southeastern Brazil

The feeding ecology of five elasmobranch species was studied on the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro, southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The specimens were caught with a trawl or bottom longline between January 2006 and August 2007. The diets of Psammobatis rutrum and Psammobatis extenta appeared to be basically carcino-benthophagous, with a very small niche width. Rioraja agassizii was basically carcino/ichthyo-benthophagous, also with a narrow niche, including teleost fish and shrimp, but in different proportions according to age and sex. Rhizoprionodon lalandii was ichthyophagous, not influenced by age or sex. The analyses of these species and Atlantoraja cyclophora indicated two trophic groups: one composed of the smaller rays, P. extenta and P. rutrum, which basically fed on small crustaceans, polychaetes and nematodes; and the other of R. lalandii and the larger rays R. agassizii and A. cyclophora, which preyed on teleost fish and brachyurans.(AU)

Devido à lacuna de conhecimento sobre os elasmobrânquios estudamos a ecologia alimentar de cinco espécies desse grupo, no litoral sul do Rio de Janeiro. Os exemplares foram capturados por rede de arrasto e espinhel de fundo, entre janeiro de 2006 e agosto de 2007. As dietas de Psammobatis rutrum e Psammobatis extenta se mostraram basicamente carcino-bentofagas, com uma largura de nicho estreito. Rioraja agassizii foi considerada carcino/ictio-bentófaga, também com uma largura de nicho estreita. A espécie se alimenta com peixe e camarão, mas em proporções diferentes de acordo com a idade e sexo. A dieta de Rhizoprionodon lalandii foi considerada ictiófaga e não é influenciada pela idade ou sexo. As análises destas espécies e Atlantoraja cyclophora indicaram a formação de dois grupos tróficos: um composto pelas raias menores, P. extenta e P. rutrum, que basicamente se alimentam de pequenos crustáceos, poliquetos e nematodas; e o outro de R. lalandii e as raias maiores R. agassizii e A. cyclophora, que predam peixes teleósteos e brachyuras.(AU)

Decapod crustaceans captured along with the sea-bob shrimp fisheries on non-consolidated sublitoral from Northern coast of São Paulo, Brazil / Crustáceos decápodes capturados na pesca do camarão-sete-barbas no sublitoral não consolidado do litoral norte do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Studies on natural communities are essential for a correct interpretation of the disturbing events, either natural or anthropic. Many species which are not the target of fisheries are captured in the shrimp fishery. Such fact is attributed to the non-selective fishery device used (double-rig trawl), that destabilizes the benthic community. This study provides a landscape on the crustacean decapods community, captured more than 20 years ago by means the shrimp fishery of the X. kroyeri (sea-bob shrimp) at the northern littoral of São Paulo. Samples were collected monthly from November/1988 to October/1989 at the Fortaleza bay. A total of 20377 specimens of 44 species were obtained. The most abundant was X. kroyeri with 13206 individuals. The higher values of diversity index (Shannon-Wiener) were obtained in the sites II and V, which are fishery natural exclusion areas. Our results show that the decapod diversity can be affected in those areas in which the fishery activity is more intense.(AU)

Estudos sobre as comunidades são essenciais para uma interpretação adequada dos eventos perturbadores, sejam eles antrópicos ou não. Na pesca camaroneira, muitos crustáceos sem valor econômico são capturados. Tal fato é atribuído ao uso de um apetrecho de pesca não seletivo (rede double-rig), tornando a pesca uma atividade desestabilizadora das comunidades bentônicas. Este estudo apresenta um panorama sobre as espécies de crustáceos decápodes capturados na pesca de Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (camarão-sete-barbas). As coletas foram realizadas no período de novembro/1988 a outubro/1989 na Enseada da Fortaleza, litoral norte paulista. Foram coletados 20.377 indivíduos pertencentes a 44 espécies, das quais a mais abundante foi X. kroyeri com 13.206 indivíduos. Os maiores valores de índice de diversidade (Shannon-Wiener) foram observados nos pontos amostrais II e V, que correspondem a áreas de exclusão natural de pesca. Este estudo aponta que, em locais onde a atividade pesqueira é mais intensa, a biodiversidade pode ser afetada.(AU)

Decapod crustaceans captured along with the sea-bob shrimp fisheries on non-consolidated sublitoral from Northern coast of São Paulo, Brazil / Crustáceos decápodes capturados na pesca do camarão-sete-barbas no sublitoral não consolidado do litoral norte do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Studies on natural communities are essential for a correct interpretation of the disturbing events, either natural or anthropic. Many species which are not the target of fisheries are captured in the shrimp fishery. Such fact is attributed to the non-selective fishery device used (double-rig trawl), that destabilizes the benthic community. This study provides a landscape on the crustacean decapods community, captured more than 20 years ago by means the shrimp fishery of the X. kroyeri (sea-bob shrimp) at the northern littoral of São Paulo. Samples were collected monthly from November/1988 to October/1989 at the Fortaleza bay. A total of 20377 specimens of 44 species were obtained. The most abundant was X. kroyeri with 13206 individuals. The higher values of diversity index (Shannon-Wiener) were obtained in the sites II and V, which are fishery natural exclusion areas. Our results show that the decapod diversity can be affected in those areas in which the fishery activity is more intense.

Estudos sobre as comunidades são essenciais para uma interpretação adequada dos eventos perturbadores, sejam eles antrópicos ou não. Na pesca camaroneira, muitos crustáceos sem valor econômico são capturados. Tal fato é atribuído ao uso de um apetrecho de pesca não seletivo (rede double-rig), tornando a pesca uma atividade desestabilizadora das comunidades bentônicas. Este estudo apresenta um panorama sobre as espécies de crustáceos decápodes capturados na pesca de Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (camarão-sete-barbas). As coletas foram realizadas no período de novembro/1988 a outubro/1989 na Enseada da Fortaleza, litoral norte paulista. Foram coletados 20.377 indivíduos pertencentes a 44 espécies, das quais a mais abundante foi X. kroyeri com 13.206 indivíduos. Os maiores valores de índice de diversidade (Shannon-Wiener) foram observados nos pontos amostrais II e V, que correspondem a áreas de exclusão natural de pesca. Este estudo aponta que, em locais onde a atividade pesqueira é mais intensa, a biodiversidade pode ser afetada.

HÁBITOS ALIMENTARES E PADRÕES DE DISTRIBUIÇÃO DO SARAMUNETE (Pseudupeneus maculatus (BLOCH, 1793) NA COSTA NORDESTE DO BRASIL

O saramunete Pseudupeneus maculatus é um importante recurso pesqueiro no nordeste do Brasil, sendo também um componente crucial da biodiversidade. Existem poucos dados publicados acerca dos aspectos populacionais, distribuição espacial e dieta do saramunete. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar aspectos populacionais, hábito alimentar e distribuição do saramunete ao longo da costa do Nordeste do Brasil. Foram feitas amostragens ao longo da costa do nordeste (5°-9°S), entre os estados do Rio Grande do Norte e Alagoas, através de dois cruzeiros científicos. Foram definidos 3 principais hábitats (cobertura de coral, cobertura de algas e cobertura de areia), 2 níveis de posição na plataforma continental (próximo à costa / próximo à quebra) e 4 níveis de gradiente latitudinal. Padrões de distribuição foram estudados usando taxas de capturas CPUE (kg/km²) e frequências de comprimentos. Para avaliar a composição da dieta foram calculadas a frequência de ocorrência (%FO), frequência numérica (%N) e frequência relativa por peso (%P), além dos índices IRI e IAI. As análises multivariadas MDS, ANOSIM E SIMPER foram utilizadas para avaliar a similaridade das dietas entre os hábitats, posições na plataforma e gradiente latitudinal. O comprimento padrão variou entre 4,4 e 23,8 cm, e a maior abundância ocorreu na classe de 16-18 cm (29%). O tamanho de primeira maturação foi definido como 13,7 cm de comprimento padrão. O fator de condição k variou entre o gradiente latitudinal, com maiores valores nos hábitats mais ao norte (< 6°S). A atividade alimentar foi classificada como diurna. O P. maculatus se alimentou principalmente de crustáceos e menos frequentemente de poliquetas e teleósteos, classificando-o como um predador zoobentívoro. Foram identificadas diferenças significativas entre as distribuições de frequências de comprimento, com elevada presença de juvenis nos hábitats coralíneos e nas áreas mais ao sul (> 8°S), onde há maior presença de áreas marinhas protegidas que oferecem melhores condições, e indivíduos maiores (> 17cm) mais abundantes nas áreas próximas à quebra da plataforma. Os padrões de distribuição de CPUE indicaram maior abundância no norte de Pernambuco. Altas CPUEs também foram identificadas nos hábitats ao sul (> 8°S) onde há a APA dos corais.

The spotted goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus is an important fishery resource in the northeast region of Brazil, as well as an important component for the biodiversity. There are few published data about spatial distribution and feeding habits of the spotted goatfish. Thus, this study aimed evaluate population aspects, feeding habits and distribution patterns of the spotted goatfish along the northeast coast of Brazil. Sampling was performed in two scientific cruises along the northeast coast, between the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Alagoas. 3 major habitats were identified (Sand with coralline rocks, Algae coverage and Sand coverage), 2 levels of shelf position (inner shelf and outer shelf) and the latitude gradient (5-9°S). Distribution patterns were evaluated by using capture rates (CPUE kg/km²) and length frequency. 291 of the 505 individuals caught were taken to laboratory to further analysis. The length at first maturity was estimated as 13.7 cm of standard length and growth was classified as negative alometric for females, isometric for males and isometric for pooled sexes. Standard length varied from 4.4 to 23.8 cm, and the most frequent length class was 16-18 cm (29%). Condition factor k varied along the latitude gradient, with higher values in the northern areas, especially compared to the southern areas. Feeding activity was classified as diurnal and the feeding intensity FI was higher in the southern areas. P. maculatus feeds mainly by crustaceans (shrimps, brachyurans and stomatopods) but also by polychaetas and Teleostei fish. It classifies the spotted goatfish as a zoobenthic predator. Significant differences were identified in the length frequency distribution, with high presence of juveniles in coralline habitats and larger individuals more abundant near the shelf break. CPUE analysis revealed high abundance in the north of Pernambuco, where is located the largest fisheries for the spotted goatfish. Also, high CPUE was identified in the southern habitats, were is located the MPA APA Costa dos Corais, that probably contributes for the high abundance.

Epibiosis in decapod crustaceans by stalked barnacle Octolasmis lowei (Cirripedia: Poecilasmatidae)

Stalked barnacles Octolasmis lowei Darwin, 1851 are frequently found attached to decapod crustaceans. Their epibiotic association depends on many factors, which are mainly related to characteristics of the host's biology. This study evaluated the infestation and distribution of stalked barnacles in the branchial chambers of crabs, and analyzed the data with respect to the host's sex, maturity stage, molt cycle and size. The crab species Arenaeus cribrarius Lamarck, 1818, Callinectes danae Smith, 1869, Callinectes ornatus Ordway, 1863, Hepatus pudibundus Herbst, 1785, Libinia ferreirae Brito Capello, 1871, and Persephona punctata Linnaeus, 1758 were sampled and found to be infested by O. lowei. No juvenile crabs were infested. The prevalence of infestation by O. lowei was significantly different among C. danae, C. ornatus, and H. pudibundus males and females. All infested hosts were in the intermolt period. The mean size of infested crabs was larger than that observed for non-infested individuals. Internally, stalked barnacles were concentrated on the central gills or walls and floor of branchial chambers, suggesting that these gills provide more favorable conditions for the settlement and development of these epibionts. These results highlight the relationship between epibiont infestation and host biology, as well as the role of decapod crustaceans as a suitable substrate for the development of stalked barnacle O. lowei.

Epibiosis in decapod crustaceans by stalked barnacle Octolasmis lowei (Cirripedia: Poecilasmatidae)

Stalked barnacles Octolasmis lowei Darwin, 1851 are frequently found attached to decapod crustaceans. Their epibiotic association depends on many factors, which are mainly related to characteristics of the host's biology. This study evaluated the infestation and distribution of stalked barnacles in the branchial chambers of crabs, and analyzed the data with respect to the host's sex, maturity stage, molt cycle and size. The crab species Arenaeus cribrarius Lamarck, 1818, Callinectes danae Smith, 1869, Callinectes ornatus Ordway, 1863, Hepatus pudibundus Herbst, 1785, Libinia ferreirae Brito Capello, 1871, and Persephona punctata Linnaeus, 1758 were sampled and found to be infested by O. lowei. No juvenile crabs were infested. The prevalence of infestation by O. lowei was significantly different among C. danae, C. ornatus, and H. pudibundus males and females. All infested hosts were in the intermolt period. The mean size of infested crabs was larger than that observed for non-infested individuals. Internally, stalked barnacles were concentrated on the central gills or walls and floor of branchial chambers, suggesting that these gills provide more favorable conditions for the settlement and development of these epibionts. These results highlight the relationship between epibiont infestation and host biology, as well as the role of decapod crustaceans as a suitable substrate for the development of stalked barnacle O. lowei.

Epibiosis in decapod crustaceans by stalked barnacle Octolasmis lowei (Cirripedia: Poecilasmatidae)

Stalked barnacles Octolasmis lowei Darwin, 1851 are frequently found attached to decapod crustaceans. Their epibiotic association depends on many factors, which are mainly related to characteristics of the host's biology. This study evaluated the infestation and distribution of stalked barnacles in the branchial chambers of crabs, and analyzed the data with respect to the host's sex, maturity stage, molt cycle and size. The crab species Arenaeus cribrarius Lamarck, 1818, Callinectes danae Smith, 1869, Callinectes ornatus Ordway, 1863, Hepatus pudibundus Herbst, 1785, Libinia ferreirae Brito Capello, 1871, and Persephona punctata Linnaeus, 1758 were sampled and found to be infested by O. lowei. No juvenile crabs were infested. The prevalence of infestation by O. lowei was significantly different among C. danae, C. ornatus, and H. pudibundus males and females. All infested hosts were in the intermolt period. The mean size of infested crabs was larger than that observed for non-infested individuals. Internally, stalked barnacles were concentrated on the central gills or walls and floor of branchial chambers, suggesting that these gills provide more favorable conditions for the settlement and development of these epibionts. These results highlight the relationship between epibiont infestation and host biology, as well as the role of decapod crustaceans as a suitable substrate for the development of stalked barnacle O. lowei.

Estructura del aparato reproductor masculino de Uca uruguayensis (Decapoda, Ocypodidae)

El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las estructuras del sistema reproductor de machos de Uca uruguayensis Nobili, 1901 y estudiar los cambios relacionados con la madurez sexual. Se trabajó con observación estereoscópica de material fresco, técnica histológica de rutina y observaciones en Microscopio Electrónico de Barrido. Se incluyó la caracterización de los gonopodos 1 (G1) y 2 (G2). El tracto reproductor del macho se compone de un par de testículos (T), un vaso deferente (VD) tubular y sinuoso y una ampolla terminal (AT). El VD tiene tres secciones, la anterior (VDA), la media (VDM) y la posterior (VDP). El VDA y VDM están conformadas por un epitelio simple de células cúbicas. El epitelio del VDP es columnar y con núcleos basales y alongados. El diseño tubular se modifica al ocuparse el lumen del VDP con líquido espermático durante el verano y la musculatura circular se hace más evidente. La porción terminal del VDP se ensancha formando una ampolla (AT) que comprende cuatro cámaras interconectadas. Todas las estructuras están rodeadas de una capa de tejido conectivo de poco espesor. Se identifican las modificaciones observadas en la histología de T y VD, definiendo como mas relevantes las observadas desde el mes de noviembre hasta marzo. Estas modificaciones sugieren que U. uruguayensis tiene, en la localidad estudiada, una única estación reproductiva durante el verano en esta latitud. La AT, tal como es descripta, es una estructura que hasta el momento no ha sido mencionada para los Brachyura.

The structure of the male reproductive tract was described in Uca uruguayensis Nobili, 1901, by using histological methods, scanning electron microscopy techniques, and stereoscopic observations of fresh material. The aim of this work was to establish the functional changes associated with sexual maturation. The morphology of the first (G1) and second (G2) pair of gonopods was described. The male reproductive tract consists of paired organs: testes, and tubular and convoluted vas deferens (VD) ending with a terminal ampoule (TA).The (VD) is composed of three parts: anterior (AVD), medial (MVD) and posterior (PVD). The AVD and MVD are lined by a single layer of cubical cells. The PVD epithelial cells are columnar with elongated nuclei. The terminal ampoule comprises four interconnecting chambers and is externally surrounded by connective tissue. The study of testes and vas deferens at different times along the year suggests that U. uruguayensis has a single and continuous reproductive season from December to March. The TA has not been described in other brachyurans and this structure is novel to Brachyura.

Estructura del aparato reproductor masculino de Uca uruguayensis (Decapoda, Ocypodidae)

El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las estructuras del sistema reproductor de machos de Uca uruguayensis Nobili, 1901 y estudiar los cambios relacionados con la madurez sexual. Se trabajó con observación estereoscópica de material fresco, técnica histológica de rutina y observaciones en Microscopio Electrónico de Barrido. Se incluyó la caracterización de los gonopodos 1 (G1) y 2 (G2). El tracto reproductor del macho se compone de un par de testículos (T), un vaso deferente (VD) tubular y sinuoso y una ampolla terminal (AT). El VD tiene tres secciones, la anterior (VDA), la media (VDM) y la posterior (VDP). El VDA y VDM están conformadas por un epitelio simple de células cúbicas. El epitelio del VDP es columnar y con núcleos basales y alongados. El diseño tubular se modifica al ocuparse el lumen del VDP con líquido espermático durante el verano y la musculatura circular se hace más evidente. La porción terminal del VDP se ensancha formando una ampolla (AT) que comprende cuatro cámaras interconectadas. Todas las estructuras están rodeadas de una capa de tejido conectivo de poco espesor. Se identifican las modificaciones observadas en la histología de T y VD, definiendo como mas relevantes las observadas desde el mes de noviembre hasta marzo. Estas modificaciones sugieren que U. uruguayensis tiene, en la localidad estudiada, una única estación reproductiva durante el verano en esta latitud. La AT, tal como es descripta, es una estructura que hasta el momento no ha sido mencionada para los Brachyura.

The structure of the male reproductive tract was described in Uca uruguayensis Nobili, 1901, by using histological methods, scanning electron microscopy techniques, and stereoscopic observations of fresh material. The aim of this work was to establish the functional changes associated with sexual maturation. The morphology of the first (G1) and second (G2) pair of gonopods was described. The male reproductive tract consists of paired organs: testes, and tubular and convoluted vas deferens (VD) ending with a terminal ampoule (TA).The (VD) is composed of three parts: anterior (AVD), medial (MVD) and posterior (PVD). The AVD and MVD are lined by a single layer of cubical cells. The PVD epithelial cells are columnar with elongated nuclei. The terminal ampoule comprises four interconnecting chambers and is externally surrounded by connective tissue. The study of testes and vas deferens at different times along the year suggests that U. uruguayensis has a single and continuous reproductive season from December to March. The TA has not been described in other brachyurans and this structure is novel to Brachyura.