GENETIC VARIABILITY AND REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF ZEBRAFISH (Cyprinidae Danio rerio) STOCKS / Variabilidad genética y características reproductivas de poblaciones de pez cebra (Cyprinidae Danio rerio)

ABSTRACT Specimens of cultured zebrafish acquired from different fish farms in Brazil may show genetic variability and alteration in allele frequency due to genetic drift and selective pressure in a captive environment, resulting in the differentiation of productive and reproductive characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability and reproductive characteristics of 180 zebrafish specimens from six Brazilian fish farms. A deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in all evaluated stocks. Differentiation among stocks was observed in the amount of genetic variability with respect to observed heterozygosity and the inbreeding coefficient (FIS). Genetic distance between stocks was determined through the Fst index, and the formation of four distinct groups was observed by plotting the dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance. Differences were observed among reproductive parameters, such as the average number of eggs per female and hatchability. This second parameter proved to be related to the level of inbreeding of the population, whereas this effect was not observed for spawning frequency. We conclude that zebrafish stocks from the 6 different Brazilian fish farms present significant genetic and phenotypic variability. The genetic structure affects fecundity and should be considered when carrying out work where reproductive rates are evaluated.

RESUMEN Especímenes de pez cebra adquiridos en diferentes piscifactorías pueden mostrar variabilidad genética y alteración en la frecuencia de los alelos debido a la deriva genética y presión selectiva llevada a cabo en un ambiente cautivo, lo que resulta en la diferenciación de las características productivas y reproductivas. Este estudio busco evaluar la variabilidad genética y las características reproductivas de 180 especímenes de pez cebra adquiridos de seis piscifactorías brasileras. Hubo una desviación en el equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg en todas las poblaciones evaluadas. Se encontró diferenciación en términos del grado de variabilidad dentro de las poblaciones, en vista de los resultados de la heterocigosidad observada y el coeficiente de endogamia (Fis). La distancia genética entre ellos se verificó usando el índice Fst, y se observó la formación de cuatro grupos distintos al trazar el dendrograma basado en la distancia genética de Nei. Se observó una diferencia en relación con los parámetros reproductivos, como el número promedio de huevos por hembra y la incubabilidad. Este segundo parámetro demostró estar relacionado con el nivel de consanguinidad de la población, y este efecto no se verificó para la frecuencia de desove. Se puede considerar que las existencias de pez cebras de diferentes lugares tienen variabilidad genética y fenotípica. La estructura genética influye principalmente en la fertilización y debe tenerse en cuenta al realizar trabajos donde se evalúan los índices reproductivos.

Early development of two commercially valuable fish from the lower Amazon River, Brazil (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae)

We described the early development of Myloplus asterias and M. lobatus, two fish species of the Serrasalmidae using morphological, meristic, and morphometric characteristics. These herbivores serrasalmids are heavily fished because of their commercial importance in the Amazon. The individuals were collected between 2016 and 2020 in the limnetic zone of open water and macrophyte stands in the Lower Amazon River floodplain. We tested different growth models to identify the development pattern of these species. During the initial ontogeny, these two species can be differentiated mainly by the myomeres total number, 37 to 39 in M. asterias vs. 40 to 41 in M. lobatus, the pigmentation pattern, and dorsal-fin ray numbers. These characteristics are effective in distinguishing these species from other serrasalmids. The morphometric relationships were also different between these two species, showing distinct patterns in growth between the analyzed features. An identification key for larvae of some sympatric Serrasalmidae species from the Amazon basin is presented. Our expectation is that this study will contribute to the knowledge of the initial ontogeny and the biology of fish species in the Neotropical region.(AU)

Descrevemos o desenvolvimento inicial de Myloplus asterias e M. lobatus, duas espécies de peixes da família Serrasalmidae usando características morfológicas, merísticas e morfométricas. Esses serrasalmídeos herbívoros são fortemente pescados devido à sua importância comercial na Amazônia. Os indivíduos foram coletados entre 2016 e 2020 na zona limnética de águas abertas e em bancos de macrófitas na planície de inundação do baixo rio Amazonas. Testamos diferentes modelos de crescimento para identificar o padrão de desenvolvimento dessas espécies. Durante a ontogenia inicial, essas duas espécies podem ser diferenciadas pelo número total de miômeros; 37 a 39 em M. asterias vs. 40 a 41 em M. lobatus; pelo padrão de pigmentação e número de raios da nadadeira dorsal. Essas características são eficazes para distinguir essas espécies de outros serrasalmídeos. As relações morfométricas também foram diferentes entre as duas espécies, com distintos padrões de crescimento entre as características analisadas. Uma chave de identificação para larvas de algumas espécies simpátricas de Serrasalmidae da bacia amazônica é apresentada. Nossa expectativa é que este estudo contribua para o conhecimento da ontogenia inicial e da biologia das espécies de peixes da região Neotropical.(AU)

Larvae of migratory Characiformes species in an archipelago in the Lower Amazon River

In the Amazon basin, most of the migratory Characiformes species represent an important fishing resource for local people. However, the lack of information about the main areas and periods of reproduction and the importance of certain environments for the maintenance of species may jeopardize the renewal of fish stocks. Thus, the aim was to examine the spatial and seasonal variation in the density of larvae of migratory Characiformes species in an archipelago in the Lower Amazon River and to assess the importance of this environment for the biological recruitment of the studied species. The capture of larvae was carried out in places close to restinga swamps, steep ruts,and inlet areas with a plankton net (300 μm) in monthly sampling from January to December 2013. An analysis of variance was used to verify differences in larval density between seasons and sampling months. A total of 30,997 larvae were captured and showed no significant differences in their distributions between habitats. However, a variationbetween the phases of the hydrological cycle was evident, in which the highest larval concentrations were observed during the flooding (17.72 larvae.10m-3) and the drought (1.33 larvae.10m-3). The study area has a great capacity to assist in the maintenance and renewal of regional fish stocks, as it is an important retention and nursery site for larvae of Characiformes that drift along the main channel of the Amazon River.

Influence of Eichhornia crassipes and Lemna sp. on the natural diet of Astyanax altiparanae Garutti & Britski, 2000 in the initial stages / Influência de Eichhornia crassipes e Lemna sp. na alimentação natural de Astyanax altiparanae Garutti & Britski, 2000 na fase inicial

Aiming to study the changes in the diet of Astyanax altiparanae in the early developmental stages, in the presence of Eichhornia crassipes (EC) and Lemna sp. (LM), larvae of Astyanax altiparanae were stocked in eight tanks of 900 L (500 ind. tank-1), four with EC and four with LM covering 50% surface. Tanks were inoculated with plankton and received 3.0 g inorganic fertilizer (NPK-7:14:8) and 1.5 g every week. At every three days, three larvae were taken from each tank, fixed in 4% formaldehyde and grouped into four age classes (I: 6 to 12 days, II:15 to 21 days, III:24 to 30 days; IV:33 to 39 days). The analysis of dominance and frequency of occurrence (FO) of food items indicated that, at this stage, A. altiparanae is generalist. In class I, there was a greater dominance and FO of Lecane bulla and Alona sp. in digestive tracts in the presence of both EC and LM, respectively; and larvae started to consume larger organisms, such as Chironomidae, in other age classes with EC. In the presence of LM, Alona sp. was dominant in class II; Chironomidae, in class III and Centropyxis sp., in class IV. Diatoms have greater FO both in EC and in LM. In class III, with EC, Chironomidae had higher FO, as well as Arcella sp. and Scenedesmus spp. with LM. The highest FO in class IV was found for L. bulla and Scenedesmus spp., with EC and LM, respectively. It can be concluded that EC and LM influenced the diet of Astyanax altiparanae, with alterations according to the availability of organisms and increase in age.

Objetivou-se estudar mudanças da dieta nos estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento de Astyanax altiparanae, na presença de Eichhornia crassipes (EC) e Lemna sp. (LM). Larvas de Astyanax altiparanae foram estocadas em oito tanques de 900 L (500 ind. tanque-1), sendo quatro com EC e quatro com LM cobrindo 50% da superfície destes. Os tanques foram inoculados com plâncton e receberam 3,0 g de fertilizante inorgânico (NPK-7:14:8) e 1,5 g semanalmente. A cada três dias foram coletadas três larvas de cada tanque, fixadas em formol a 4% e agrupadas em quatro classes de idade (I: 6 a 12 dias, II: 15 a 21 dias, III: 24 a 30 dias e IV:33 a 39 dias). Relacionando a dominância e frequência de ocorrência (FO) dos itens alimentares verificou-se que, nesta fase, o A. altiparanae é generalista. Na classe I, houve maior dominância e FO de Lecane bulla e de Alona sp. nos tratos digestórios na presença de EC e LM, respectivamente, passando a consumir organismos maiores como Chironomidae nas demais classes com EC. Na presença de LM, Alona sp. foi dominante na classe II, Chironomidae na III e Centropyxis sp. na IV. As diatomáceas tiveram maior FO tanto em EC quanto em LM. Na classe III, com EC Chironomidae teve maior FO, assim como Arcella sp. e Scenedesmus spp. com LM. A maior FO na classe IV foi de L. bulla e Scenedesmus spp. com EC e LM, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que EC e LM influenciaram a dieta de A. altiparanae, alterando-a de acordo com a disponibilidade dos organismos e com o aumento da idade.

Impact of Brazilian fish species at early developmental stages on plankton communities and water chemical parameters / Impacto de espécies de peixes brasileiros em estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento sobre a comunidade planctônica e parâmetros químicos da água

Effect of larvae of Astyanax altiparanae (AA), Piaractus mesopotamicus (PM), Leporinus obtusidens (LO) and Prochilodus lineatus (PL) on plankton communities and water quality were evaluated. Twenty 500 L tanks were used into a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications, containing 350 individuals of each species per tank. One treatment control had no larvae (CT). Every six days, were collected periphyton and water to determine the concentrations of chlorophyll and total phosphorus. Plankton samples (20 µm mesh net) were taken every three days. Fish affected plankton communities, which showed lower densities of total zooplankton in AA tanks than in LO tanks. Increased density of rotifers and reduced density of copepods were found in AA, PM and PL tanks in relation to the CT. Higher density of testate amoebae was observed in AA, PM and LO tanks. As to biovolume, higher values for total plankton were registered in the CT and LO tanks compared with AA, PM and PL tanks; higher values for rotifers were observed in PL tanks than in the CT. Copepod biovolume was higher in CT and LO tanks. Biovolume of cladoceran and testate amoebae were not affected. Plankton´s chlorophyll concentration was higher in tanks with fish. Higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen were found in AA and PM tanks. It can be concluded that juveniles of these fish species differently affect the plankton community and chemical parameters of the water.

Avaliou -se o efeito das fases iniciais de desenvolvimento de Astyanax altiparanae (AA), Piaractus mesopotamicus (PM), Leporinus obtusidens (LO) e Prochilodus lineatus (PL) nas comunidades planctônicas e a qualidade da água. Foram utilizados 20 tanques (500 L) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, onde foram estocados 350 indivíduos de cada espécie por tanque. Foi mantido um tratamento sem larvas (CT). A cada seis dias, foram retiradas amostras do perifíton e da água para determinar as concentrações de clorofila e do fósforo total. Foram realizadas coletas de plâncton (rede 20 µm) a cada três dias. Houve efeito dos peixes sobre a comunidade planctônica com menores densidades de zooplâncton total nos tanques com AA do que naqueles com LO. Observou-se aumento das densidades de rotíferos e redução das de copépodes nos tanques com AA, PM e PL em relação ao CT. Observaram-se maiores densidades de tecamebas nos tanques com AA, PM e LO. Observaram -se também valores superiores do biovolume para o plâncton total no CT e LO em comparação a AA, PM e PL, constatando-se maiores índices de rotíferos nos tanques com PL em relação ao CT. O biovolume dos copépodes foi mais elevado nos tanques CT e LO. O biovolume de cladóceros e tecamebas não foi afetado. A concentração de clorofila do plâncton foi maior nos tanques com peixes. Maiores teores de oxigênio dissolvido foram obtidos com AA e PM. Conclui-se que a presença das formas jovens dessas espécies de peixe afeta de forma diferenciada a comunidade planctônica e os parâmetros químicos da água.

Characterization of the early development of Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889 (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) from the Paraguay River Basin

This study described the initial development of Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum, as well as changes in growth patterns. Morphometric and meristic variables were analyzed during embryonic, larval and juvenile periods, even as allometric growth coefficients for larvae and juveniles. Eggs showed an average diameter of 1.79 mm and broad perivitelline space (23.41%). The total length (TL) of the larvae ranged from 3.05 to 25.72 mm, and the total number of myomeres ranged from 45 to 50 (preanal = 13-16 and postanal = 30-35). Initial pigmentation is poor, concentrated at the extremities of the yolk sac. In the flexion stage, the pigmentation intensifies and forms a longitudinal stripe extending from the snout to the operculum and two longitudinal stripes on the body, one dorsal and the other ventral, that unite at the caudal peduncle. At first, there is a differential growth of the head and tail, and then there is the growth of the body, which shows changes in the ontogenetic priorities of feeding, swimming, and breathing capacities. Our results are very important for ecology, systematics, and hatchering, especially in terms of ontogenetic variation in morphology, growth, feeding, behavior, and mortality of P. reticulatum.

Este estudo descreveu o desenvolvimento inicial de Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum, bem como as mudanças nos padrões de crescimento, testando a hipótese da ocorrência de crescimento diferencial durante a ontogenia inicial da espécie. Variáveis morfométricas e merísticas foram analisadas durante os períodos embrionário, larval e juvenil, assim como os coeficientes de crescimento alométrico para larvas e juvenis. Os ovos apresentaram diâmetro médio de 1,79 mm e espaço perivitelino amplo (23,41%). O comprimento total (CT) das larvas variou de 3,05 a 125,72 mm e o número total de miômeros de 45 a 50 (pré-anal=13-16 e pós-anal=30-35). A pigmentação inicial é escassa, concentrada nas extremidades do saco vitelino. A partir do estágio de flexão a pigmentação se intensifica, formando uma faixa longitudinal que se estende do focinho ao opérculo e duas no corpo, uma dorsal e outra ventral, que se unem no pedúnculo caudal. Inicialmente há um crescimento diferenciado da cabeça e da cauda, com posterior crescimento do tronco, que demonstra mudanças nas prioridades ontogenéticas para as capacidades de alimentação, natação e respiração. Nossos resultados são de grande importância para a ecologia, sistemática e larvicultura, especialmente em termos de variação ontogenética na morfologia, crescimento, alimentação, comportamento e mortalidade P. reticulatum.

Diel vertical migration and spatial overlap between fish larvae and zooplankton in two tropical lakes, Brazil / Migração vertical diária e sobreposição espacial entre larvas de peixes e zooplâncton em dois lagos tropicais, Brasil

The effect of fish larvae on the diel vertical migration of the zooplankton community was investigated in two tropical lakes, Finado Raimundo and Pintado lakes, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Nocturnal and diurnal samplings were conducted in the limnetic region of each lake for 10 consecutive months from April 2008 to January 2009. The zooplankton community presented a wide range of responses to the predation pressure exerted by fish larvae in both environments, while fish larvae showed a typical pattern of normal diel vertical migration. Our results also demonstrated that the diel vertical migration is an important behaviour to avoid predation, since it reduces the spatial overlap between prey and potential predator, thus supporting the hypothesis that vertical migration is a defence mechanism against predation.

O efeito de larvas de peixes sobre a distribuição vertical dia-noite da comunidade zooplanctônica foi investigada em duas lagoas tropicais, lagoa Finado Raimundo e Pintado, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Foram realizadas amostragens noturnas e diurnas na região limnética de cada lagoa durante um período de 10 meses consecutivos, entre abril de 2008 a janeiro de 2009. A comunidade zooplanctônica apresentou uma variada gama de respostas à pressão de predação exercida pelas larvas de peixes nos dois ambientes, enquanto que as larvas de peixes exibiram um padrão típico de migração vertical diária normal. Os resultados mostraram ainda, que a migração vertical diária é um comportamento importante para evitar a predação, uma vez que diminuiu a sobreposição espacial entre presa e seu predador em potencial, dando suporte a hipótese de que a migração vertical é um mecanismo de defesa contra a predação.

Early development and allometric growth in Nannacara anomala Regan, 1905 (Perciformes: Cichlidae) under laboratory conditions

Morphological development and allometric growth of laboratory reared Nannacara anomala were studied from hatching to the loss of larval characters and beginning of squamation (18 days post-hatching) at 26°C. The mean total length (TL) of larvae and juveniles increased from 3.74 mm at hatching to 9.60 mm at metamorphosis. Morphogenesis and differentiation were most intense during the first week of development. During this period (TL interval = 3.74 - 4.84 mm) there was an evident priority to enhance the feeding and swimming capabilities by promoting accelerated growth in the head and tail regions. Following this period, there was a major decrease in growth coefficients, indicating a change in growth priorities. Observations on the early development of Nannacara anomala confirmed the basic uniformity development of a substrate brooding cichlid...

Se realizó el estudio del desarrollo morfológico y crecimiento alométrico de Nannacara anomala criada en el laboratorio en la temperatura de 26°C, entre la eclosión y la pérdida de todas las características de larva y el principio del proceso de escamación (a los 18 días de la eclosión). La total logitud media (TL) de larvas aumentó de 3,74 mm en eclosión a 9,60 mm en el momento de metamorfosis. La morfogénesis y la diferenciación fueron más intensos durante la primera semana del desarrollo. En este periodo (el intervalo TL= 3,74 - 4,84) se observó una gran prioridad en la mejora de habilidades de encontrar alimento y nadar al promover el crecimiento de la zona de la cabeza y la cola. Transcurrido este periodo se notó una importante bajada de los coeficientes del crecimiento lo que indica el cambio de prioridades de crecimiento de distintas partes del cuerpo. Las observaciones del desarrollo temprano de Nannacara anomala confirman las similitudes principales en el desarrollo de cíclidos criados en sustratos...

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

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

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

Predation of Piaractus mesopotamicus and Oreochromis niloticus larvae by Pantala flavescens with different length classes / Predação de P. mesopotamicus e O. niloticus por larvas de Pantala flavescens de diferentes classes de coprimento

The experiment had as objective to study the survival of Piaractus mesopotamicus and Oreochromis niloticus larvae subject to predation by Pantala flavescens larvae with different length classes. We used 120 larvae of P. mesopotamicus, 120 of O. niloticus, and also 24 larvae of Pantala flavescens, distributed in 24 aquariums with useful volume for 2 L, being placed one Odonate for aquarium. The treatments differed as regard to the prey species and the predator size, being kept a control treatment. An aquarium (2 L) containing one larvae of Odonate and 10 larvae of fish were considered an experimental unit. After the beginning, each three hours (18:00, 21:00, 0:00, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00h), the remnant larvae of fish (alive) in each experimental unit was quantified, and we replaced the consumed larvae, so that we always had 10 larvae of fish at each aquarium after each counting. For both fish species, there was a slight increase in consumption by the Odonate with intermediate size, but the values did not differ statistically (p > 0.05). Larvae of Odonate in the treatments with greater length presented a lower consumption (p < 0.05) than in other treatments.

O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar a sobrevivência de larvas de P. mesopotamicus e O. niloticus submetidas à predação por larvas de Pantala flavescens de diferentes classes de comprimento. Foram utilizadas 120 larvas de cada espécie de peixe e 24 larvas de Odonata, distribuídas em 24 aquários (2 L), sendo colocada uma Odonata por aquário. Os tratamentos diferiram quanto à espécie de presa e o tamanho do predador, sendo mantido um tratamento-controle. Um aquário (2 L) com uma Odonata e dez larvas de peixe foi considerada uma unidade experimental. As Odonatas foram colocadas nos aquários 1h antes das larvas de peixe. Foram efetuadas contagens a cada 3h (18, 21, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 e 18h) das larvas de peixe remanescentes (vivas) em cada unidade experimental, sendo repostas as larvas consumidas, de modo a ter dez larvas de peixe em cada aquário logo após cada contagem. Para ambas as espécies de peixe, foi observado leve aumento no consumo das larvas pelas Odonatas de tamanho intermediário, porém os valores não diferiram estatisticamente (p > 0,05). As larvas de Odonata nos tratamentos em que apresentavam maior comprimento tiveram consumo menor (p < 0,05) que nos demais.

Predation of Piaractus mesopotamicus and Oreochromis niloticus larvae by Pantala flavescens with different length classes - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i4.5470 / Predation of Piaractus mesopotamicus and Oreochromis niloticus larvae by Pantala flavescens with different length classes - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i4.5470

The experiment had as objective to study the survival of Piaractus mesopotamicus and Oreochromis niloticus larvae subject to predation by Pantala flavescens larvae with different length classes. We used 120 larvae of P. mesopotamicus, 120 of O. niloticus, and also 24 larvae of Pantala flavescens, distributed in 24 aquariums with useful volume for 2 L, being placed one Odonate for aquarium. The treatments differed as regard to the prey species and the predator size, being kept a control treatment. An aquarium (2 L) containing one larvae of Odonate and 10 larvae of fish were considered an experimental unit. After the beginning, each three hours (18:00, 21:00, 0:00, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00h), the remnant larvae of fish (alive) in each experimental unit was quantified, and we replaced the consumed larvae, so that we always had 10 larvae of fish at each aquarium after each counting. For both fish species, there was a slight increase in consumption by the Odonate with intermediate size, but the values did not differ statistically (p > 0.05). Larvae of Odonate in the treatments with greater length presented a lower consumption (p 0.05) than in other treatments.

The experiment had as objective to study the survival of Piaractus mesopotamicus and Oreochromis niloticus larvae subject to predation by Pantala flavescens larvae with different length classes. We used 120 larvae of P. mesopotamicus, 120 of O. niloticus, and also 24 larvae of Pantala flavescens, distributed in 24 aquariums with useful volume for 2 L, being placed one Odonate for aquarium. The treatments differed as regard to the prey species and the predator size, being kept a control treatment. An aquarium (2 L) containing one larvae of Odonate and 10 larvae of fish were considered an experimental unit. After the beginning, each three hours (18:00, 21:00, 0:00, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00h), the remnant larvae of fish (alive) in each experimental unit was quantified, and we replaced the consumed larvae, so that we always had 10 larvae of fish at each aquarium after each counting. For both fish species, there was a slight increase in consumption by the Odonate with intermediate size, but the values did not differ statistically (p > 0.05). Larvae of Odonate in the treatments with greater length presented a lower consumption (p 0.05) than in other treatments.

Ichthyoplankton of arvoredo biological marine reserve, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Arvoredo Island, located in Santa Catarina state - south Brazil, and its surrounding area were defined as a Conservation Unit (CU) in the category of Biological Reserve since 1990. This research aimed to analyze the inter-annual and seasonal (winter and summer) variations of ichthyoplankton densities at Arvoredo Biology Marine Reserve (ABMR), and their relationship with environmental variables in 1997/1998 (Campaign 1), 2007/2008 (Campaign 2) and 2008/2009 (Campaign 3). Fish eggs and larvae were sampled using a WP-2 net with 200 µm mesh size. The study area was influenced by three water masses, (i) Coastal Water throughout the whole year, (ii) Subtropical Shelf Water during the winter, and (iii) South Atlantic Central Water mainly in summer. A total of 4,891 eggs were collected and classified as Engraulidae and Sardinella brasiliensis (Clupeidae). The total number of larvae was 467 belonging to 5 orders, 19 families, and 21 species. Taxonomic composition demonstrated a seasonal pattern among periods, with the highest densities of Engraulidae occurring in winter and the families Carangidae, Clupeidae and Gerreidae in summer. The high number of families and abundance of ichthyoplankton observed in ABMR may be important in supplying the adjacent coastal areas impacted by fishing.

A Ilha do Arvoredo, localizada em Santa Catarina, Brasil, e sua região de entorno foram definidas como Unidade de Conservação, na Categoria de Reserva Biológica Marinha, em 1990. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as variações sazonais (inverno e verão) e interanuais das densidades do ictioplâncton na região da Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo (RBMA), e suas relações com as variáveis ambientais em 1997/1998 (Campanha 1), 2007/2008 (Campanha 2) e 2008/2009 (Campanha 3). Os ovos e larvas de peixes foram coletados com uma rede WP-2 de 200 µm. A área de estudo foi influenciada por três massas d'água, (i) Água Costeira durante o ano todo, (ii) Água de Plataforma Subtropical durante o inverno, e (iii) Água Central do Atlântico Sul principalmente no verão. Um total de 4.891 ovos foram amostrados e classificados como Engraulidae e Sardinella brasiliensis (Clupeidae). Um total de 467 larvas foram coletadas e identificadas em 5 ordens, com 19 famílias e 21 espécies. A composição taxonômica mostrou sazonalidade entre os períodos, com as maiores densidades de Engraulidae no inverno e de Carangidae, Clupeidae e Gerreidae no verão. O número elevado de famílias e a abundância do ictioplâncton observada na RBMA podem ser importantes para o enriquecimento das áreas costeiras adjacentes impactadas pela pesca.

Origins of sample mistakes in the measure of the length and weight of fish larvae - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.393 / Fontes de erros na mensuração do comprimento e peso de larvas de peixes - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.393

Experiments in the cultivation or ecological with fish larvae, invariably use the length and weight with parameters. Therefore, this experiment was accomplished with larvae of Lophiosilurus alexandri pacamã aiming at to determine some sources of mistakes sampling in the measurement of the size and of the weight of fish larvae. It was evaluated five possible sources of mistakes then. The first was the mistake in the measure of the lengths total and standard, due sharpness of two observers" measurement. The second the mistake in the measure of the lengths total and standard, due to the proportionate shrink for the fixative formomalin to 10%. The third party was the mistake due two forms of drying of the larvae in the obtaining of the biomass. The fourth experiment was on the influence of the size and of the grouping of the larvas in the obtaining of weights. Finally the last tested the alteration of the biomass due to the time of permanence of the larvae in the balance. The importance can be verified of to determine and to accomplish an sampling protocol for measurements of fish larvae. For they present size and weight reduced, a small variation in the condition of the mensure, it can alter the result significantly, because significant alterations were verified above for the tests referred.

Trabalhos com larvas de peixes, sejam de cultivo ou ecológicos invariavelmente empregam o comprimento e o peso como parâmetros. Assim sendo, este experimento foi realizado com larvas de Lophiosilurus alexandri pacamã objetivando determinar algumas fontes de erros amostrais na medição do tamanho e do peso de larvas de peixes. Avaliou-se cinco possíveis fontes de erros. O primeiro foi o erro na medida dos comprimentos total e padrão, devido a acuidade de medição de dois observadores. O segundo, foi o erro na medida dos comprimentos total e padrão, devido ao encolhimento proporcionado pelo fixador formalina a 10%. O terceiro foi o erro devido a duas formas de secagem das larvas na obtenção da biomassa. O quarto experimento foi sobre a influência do tamanho e do agrupamento das larvas na obtenção de pesos. Por fim, o quinto teste observou a alteração da biomassa devido ao tempo de permanência das larvas na balança. Pôde-se verificar a importância de se determinar e cumprir um protocolo de amostagem para medições de larvas de peixes. Por apresentarem tamanho e peso reduzidos, uma pequena variação na condição da mensuração, pode alterar substancialmente o resultado, pois alterações significativas foram verificadas para os testes acima referidos.

Description and distribution of the larvae of two species of Fistulariidae (Teleostei, Syngnathiformes) in the southeastern Brazil / Descrição e distribuição das larvas de duas espécies da família Fistulariidae (Teleostei, Syngnathiformes) no sudeste do Brasil

Fistulariidae contains the single genus, Fistularia, with four species. Two of these species are recorded from Brazil: Fistularia petimba and F. tabacaria. This study describes larvae of these two species of Fistularia, recording their distribution along the southeastern Brazilian coast, which is limited in the north by Real River (12º S) and in the south by São Tomé Cape (22º S). Samples were collected using a bongo net with mesh apertures of 330 and 500 μm during three oceanographic cruises conducted on spring/98 (Central III), winter/99 (Bahia 1) and autumn/00 (Central IV). The net was towed obliquely and the maximum depth was 200 m. Larvae of F. petimba were the most abundant and most widely distributed within the study area, including the seamounts of the Vitória-Trindade Ridge. Larvae of F. tabacaria were recorded only between 14º S and 21º S.

A família Fistulariidae é composta por um único gênero, Fistularia, com quatro espécies; duas delas ocorrem na costa brasileira: Fistularia petimba e F. tabacaria. Este estudo descreve as larvas dessas duas espécies de Fistularia, registrando suas distribuições ao longo da costa sudeste brasileira, que é delimitada ao norte pelo Rio Real (12º S) e ao sul pelo Cabo de São Tomé (22º S). As amostras foram coletadas através de uma rede bongô com aberturas de malha de 330 e 500 μm durante três operações oceanográficas realizadas na primavera/98 (Central III), inverno/99 (Bahia 1) e outono/00 (Central IV). Os arrastos foram oblíquos até a profundidade máxima de 200 m. As larvas de F. petimba foram as mais abundantes, distribuindo-se por toda a área de estudo, incluindo os montes submersos do sistema Vitória-Trindade. Por outro lado, as larvas de F. tabacaria foram coletadas apenas entre as latitudes 14º S e 21º S.

First occurrence of Dolicholagus longirostris larvae (Maul 1948) (Osmeriformes, Bathylagidae) near the mouth of the Amazon River / Primeira ocorrência de larvas de Dolicholagus longirostris (Maul 1948) (Osmeriformes, Bathylagidae) próximas à foz do rio Amazona

The family Bathylagidae contains eight genera and 22 species, of which only five occur in the Southwest Atlantic. Until recently, only adult specimens of the bathylaginin Melanolagus bericoides had been recorded off southern Brazil, between the Santa Marta Cape and Rio Grande (31º S and 49º W). The present work reports the first occurrence of Dolicholagus longirostris larvae on the northern Brazilian coast, expanding its distribution in the Southwest Atlantic. The two specimens found were collected near the mouth of the Amazon River (02º 00' 19" N, 47º 03' 30" W, and 00º 49' 06" N, 46º 25' 09" W).

A família Bathylagidae apresenta oito gêneros e 22 espécies, sendo que apenas cinco destas espécies ocorrem no Atlântico Sudoeste. No sul do Brasil já havia sido registrada a ocorrência de exemplares adultos de Melanolagus bericoides entre o Cabo de Santa Marta e Rio Grande (31º S e 49º W). Este trabalho registra a primeira ocorrência de larvas de Dolicholagus longirostris na costa norte brasileira, ampliando sua distribuição no Atlântico Sudoeste. Os dois exemplares encontrados foram coletados na foz do Rio Amazonas (02º 00' 19" N, 47º 03' 30" W, e 00º 49' 06" N, 46º 25' 09" W).

Feeding of the Brycon cephalus, Triportheus elongatus and Semaprochilodus insignis (osteichthyes, characiformes) larvae in Solimões/Amazonas River and floodplain areas

Information on larval fish feeding is essential for understanding their trophic relations, including the management in conditions totally or partially controlled by humans. An experiment was designed to evaluate the larval diets of three commercially important species. Four varzea-lakes and the adjacent river were sampled with bongo and hand nets from January 1993 to November 1995. Larval diets were evaluated by length-classes and capture sites, and were tested by two factor ANOVA. The larvae were feeding in all habitats, except in the flooded forests. The three species had different diets, which varied with their length and lake. The rotifers were the main initial food item of the three species, replaced by fish larvae in Brycon cephalus, cladocerans in Triportheus elongatus and detritus in Semaprochilodus insignis. The increase of the ingestion limit, as the larvae grew, was higher than the increase in the consumed prey size for the three species.

Informações sobre a alimentação das larvas de peixes são essenciais para entender suas relações tróficas, incluindo o manejo em condições controladas parcial ou totalmente pelo homem. Um experimento foi desenhado para avaliar a dieta das larvas de três espécies de importância comercial. Quatro lagos de várzea e o rio adjacente foram amostrados com rede de ictioplâncton de Janeiro de 1993 a Novembro de 1995. A dieta das larvas foi avaliada por classes de comprimento e locais de captura, e foram testadas por ANOVA com dois fatores. As larvas estavam alimentando-se em todos os habitats, exceto na floresta inundada. As três espécies apresentaram dietas diferentes, que variaram com o comprimento e com o lago. Os rotíferos foram o principal item alimentar para as três espécies no início da alimentação exógena, e depois substituídos por por larvas de peixes em Brycon cephalus, cladóceros em Triportheus elongatus e detritos em Semaprochilodus insignis. O aumento do limite de ingestão das larvas com o crescimento, foi maior que o aumento no tamanho da presa consumida para as três espécies.

DESCRIÇÃO DAS LARVAS DE Psectrogaster amazonica E Potamorhina altamazonica (CURIMATIDAE, PISCES) DA AMAZONIA CENTRAL

Larvae of Psectrogaster amazonicaand Potamorhina altamazonica,obtained by artificial fertilization, were described. The morphologic, morphometric characteristics are presented according to the classification of development. The larvae of the two species can be separated by their pigmentation patterns and myomere numbers.

Foram descritas as larvas de Psectrogaster amazonicae Potamorhina altamazonica,obtidas por fecundação artificial. As características morfológicas, morfométricas foram apresentadas segundo a classificação de estádios de desenvolvimento. As larvas das duas espécies podem ser separadas pelo padrão de pigmentação e número de miômeros.