Population biology of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus (Decapoda: Ucididae) in an estuary from semiarid northeastern Brazil.

The mangrove crab Ucides cordatus is an important resource of estuarine regions along the Brazilian coast. U. cordatus is distributed from Florida, U.S.A., to the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The species plays an important role in processing leaf litter in the mangroves, which optimizes the processes of energy transfer and nutrient cycling, and is considered a keystone species in the ecosystem. Population declines have been reported in different parts of the Brazilian coast. In the present study we evaluated aspects of the population structure, sex ratio and size at morphological sexual maturity. We analyzed 977 specimens collected monthly over 24 months (2010-2012), in a mangrove of the Jaguaribe River, in the municipality of Aracati on the East coast of Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil. The study area has a mild semiarid tropical climate, with mean temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees C. The area is located within the eco-region of the semiarid Northeast coast, where mangroves occur in small areas and estuaries are affected by mesomareal regimes. The population structure was evaluated by the frequency distribution of size classes in each month, and the overall sex ratio was analyzed using the chi-square test. Size at morphological sexual maturity was estimated based on the allometry of the cheliped of the males and the abdomen width of the females, using the program REGRANS. The size-frequency distribution was unimodal in both sexes. The overall sex ratio (M:F) (1:0.6) was significantly different from 1:1. Analysis of the sex ratio by size class showed that the proportion of males increased significantly from size class 55-60 mm upward, and this pattern persisted in the larger size classes. In the smaller size classes the sex ratio did not differ from 1:1. The size at morphological sexual maturity was estimated at a carapace width (CW) of 52 mm and 45 mm for males and females, respectively. Analysis of the population parameters indicated that the population of U. cordatus in the Jaguaribe River mangrove is stable. However, constant monitoring of the population is required to detect any changes in the population attributes that may affect this stability.

Prey selection by two benthic fish species in a Mato Grosso stream, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Key to understand predator choice is the relationship between predator and prey abundance. There are few studies related to prey selection and availability. Such an approach is still current, because the ability to predict aspects of the diet in response to changes in prey availability is one of the major problems of trophic ecology. The general objective of this study was to evaluate prey selection by two species (Characidium cf. vidali and Pimelodella lateristriga) of the Mato Grosso stream, in Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Benthos and fishes were collected in June, July and September of 2006 and January and February of 2007. Fish were collected with electric fishing techniques and benthos with a surber net. Densities of benthic organisms were expressed as the number of individuals per/m2. After sampling, the invertebrates were fixed in 90% ethanol, and, in the laboratory, were identified to the lowest taxonomical level. Approximately, seventy individuals from each species were selected randomly in each month. Fishes were fixed in 10% formalin in the field and transferred to 70 degrees GL ethanol in the laboratory. Fishes had their stomachs removed for subsequent analysis. Fish diet was described according to the numeric frequency method. The Manly Electivity Index was applied in order to verify prey selection. The most abundant families in both benthos and diet of both fish species were the same, indicating that these species consume mainly most abundant prey in the environment. We concluded that prey selection occurs even for preys that had small abundance in the environment. However, it is the availability of the macroinvertebrate resources that determines the major composition of items in diet of fish, demonstrating that the abundance is the factor that most influences the choice of prey.

Copper release from waste rocks in an abandoned mine (NE, Brazil) and its impacts on ecosystem environmental quality.

This study aimed to estimate the impact of an abandoned copper (Cu) mine on ecosystem environmental quality, using integrated ecological and biogeochemical analyses. Through a controlled experiment, the amount of Cu released by waste rocks, Cu adsorbed in soils, Cu geochemical behaviour and its leached amount were measured. Furthermore, to investigate the impacts of mine drainage on the adjacent ecosystem, samples of sediments, water and aquatic macroinvertebrates were analysed. We found that waste rocks still have high Cu concentration even after 30 years under weathering, ranging from 7782 to 8717 mg kg-1, associated mainly with carbonates, amorphous oxides and sulphides. It was estimated that 7.2 tonnes of Cu were released by waste rocks into the environment over last 30 years. The concentration of Cu observed in Ubari stream water was (

Mesohabitat indicator species in a coastal stream of the Atlantic rainforest, Rio de Janeiro-Brazil.

The Mato Grosso is a typical Atlantic Forest stream located on the East coast of Brazil, approximately 70 km from Rio de Janeiro city. From its source at about 800m a.s.l, the stream drains a 30km2 area of the Northwestern part of the municipality of Saquarema, state of Rio de Janeiro and flows into the Saquarema Lagoon system. We hypothesized that fish species occupy distinct mesohabitats, with the prediction that their occurrences and densities differ among the microhabitats of riffles, runs and pools. A 250m-long stretch of the stream located in its uppermost part was selected for this study, where it becomes second-order. Mesohabitat description and their fish characterization were undertaken. Fish sampling was conducted by electroshocking and after their identification and counting, they were returned to the stream. For mesohabitat characterization, a Discriminant Function Analysis (DA) was applied. The total number of samples was estimated by the Zippin method and the recorded densities were used as an Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), followed by a Monte Carlo test for 1 000 permutations. The DA significantly separated the three predetermined mesohabitats (pool, riffle and run) (WL = 0.13, F = 187.70, p = 0.001). We found five species of fishes, belonging to four families and three orders. The fishes Rhamdia quelen, Phalloceros harpagos, Pimelodella lateristriga and Astyanax taeniatus are indicators of the pool environment in the Mato Grosso stream, whereas Characidium cf. vidali is an indicator of the riffle environment. The Monte Carlo test detected non-random mesohabitat use only for P. lateristriga and A. taeniatus in the pools and for Characidium cf. vidali in the riffles. We concluded that the Mato Grosso stream contains three well-defined mesohabitats, with indicator species present in two of these mesohabitats.

Does food partitioning vary in leaf-eating crabs in response to source quality?

Mangroves have a relevant ecosystem function due to their efficiency in blue carbon sequestration. Autotrophic carbon conservation in mangroves remains controversial. In this sense, autotrophic nutrient assimilation by crabs can highlight their ecosystem function. This study aims to identify the relationship between quality sources and food partitioning in two leaf-eating crabs, Ucides cordatus and Goniopsis cruentata. Quantification of the litterfall biomass, analysis of the soil, the C/N ratio and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) were used to evaluate food sources and crab tissues in two mangrove forests. The litterfall and soil C contents and C/N ratios of the Pacoti River (PR) were higher than those of the Jaguaribe River. The higher C/N ratios of the litterfall of the PR led to higher nitrogen ingestion from complementary food sources (soil and omnivorous invertebrates). The nutritional requirements and food partitioning behavior of both species emphasize the ecosystem functions of leaf-eating crabs concerning the assimilation and conservation of autotrophic carbon and nitrogen in mangroves.

Ichthyofauna of Mundaú river basin, Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil / Ictiofauna da bacia do rio Mundaú, Estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Mundaú river basin is located at Center-North Ceará State and occupies a total area of 2,227 km2, including Estuário do Rio Mundaú Environmental Protection Area. This study aimed to catalog the fishes of this basin. Collections were performed with active and passive gear in 35 sampling sites, between 2012 and 2014, in several habitats (main channels, streams, floodplains, permanent and temporary pools, ponds, and dams). A total of 2,545 specimens were collected, belonging to 55 species distributed in 10 orders, 31 families, and 50 genera; 30 of these are strictly freshwater species, and 25 estuarine-marine species. Three species (Hemigrammus guyanensis Gery, 1995, H. rodwayi Durbin, 1909 and Poecilia sarrafae Bragança & Costa, 2011) represent new records for the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion. Besides, two cynolebiid species, Hypsolebias sp. and Anablepsoides cearensis (Costa & Vono, 2009), were found and the latter, currently classified as critically endangered, had its occurrence area widened.

Resumo A bacia do Rio Mundaú está situada no centro-norte do Estado do Ceará, e drena uma área de 2.227 km2 de Caatinga, incluindo a Área de Proteção Ambiental do Estuário do Rio Mundaú. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um inventário dos peixes desta bacia. As coletas foram realizadas com petrechos ativos e passivos, em 35 pontos amostrais entre 2012 e 2014 em diversos habitats (canal principal, córregos, alagados, poças permanentes e temporárias, lagoas e açudes) ao longo de toda a bacia. Um total de 2.545 indivíduos foram coletados, pertencentes a 55 espécies distribuídas em 10 ordens, 31 famílias e 50 gêneros; destas, 30 são estritamente de água doce e 25 estuarino-marinhas. Três espécies (Hemigrammus guyanensis Gery,1995, H. rodwayi Durbin, 1909 e Poecilia sarrafae Bragança & Costa, 2011) constituem novas ocorrências para a ecorregião do Nordeste Médio-Oriental. Além disso, foram registradas duas espécies de cinolebídeos, Hypsolebias sp. e Anablepsoides cearensis (Costa & Vono, 2009), a última classificada como criticamente ameaçada de extinção, teve sua área de ocorrência ampliada.

Habitat use by Astyanax taeniatus (Jenyns, 1842) (Characiformes: Characidae) in a coastal stream from Southeast Brazil

The habitat use of a stream-dwelling Astyanax taeniatus from the State of Rio de Janeiro was investigated. We performed 12 h of underwater observation in a 200 m long stretch in the upper Roncador stream and quantified the following microhabitat descriptors: (i) water velocity, (ii) distance from the stream bank, (iii) substratum, and (iv) water column depth. Microhabitat selectivity was analyzed by comparing the microhabitat used by fish and the microhabitat available in the study site as well as by applying the Ivlev Electivity Index to the microhabitat use data. Differences in the use and availability of the various microhabitats revealed non-stochastic patterns of spatial occupation by A. taeniatus, which was selective for two of the four analyzed microhabitats. Our findings indicated that A. taeniatus is associated with habitats that have higher depths, low water velocity, and sand and bedrock substratum. O uso do micro-habitat por Astyanax taeniatus de riacho do estado do Rio de Janeiro foi investigado. Realizamos 12 h de observações subaquáticas em um trecho de 200 m do alto rio Roncador e quantificamos os seguintes descritores do micro-habitat: (i) velocidade da água, (ii) distância da margem, (iii) substrato, e (iv) profundidade da coluna d'água. A seletividade do micro-habitat foi analisada pela comparação do micro-habitat usado pelos peixes e o micro-habitat disponível na área de estudo, bem como pelo Índice de Eletividade de Ivlev aplicado aos dados de uso do micro-habitat. As diferenças no uso e disponibilidade dos diferentes descritores do micro-habitat revelaram um padrão não aleatório para a ocupação especial por A. taeniatus que foi seletivo para dois dentre quatro descritores analisados. Nossos registros indicaram que A. taeniatus está associado à habitats com maior profundidade, baixa velocidade da água e substrato de areia e rocha.

Estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados associados ao folhiço submerso de remanso e correnteza em igarapés da Amazônia Central / Community structure of macroinvertebrates associated with leaf litter from riffles and pools from Central Amazon streams

Considerando que a composição e a distribuição de macroinvertebrados de água doce é relacionada a diversos fatores ambientais, destacando-se a velocidade da corrente e o tipo de substrato tive como hipótese de trabalho que a composição, riqueza, e abundância de macroinvertebrados que ocorrem em dois ambientes com características hidrológicas distintas (correnteza e remanso) fossem diferentes entre essas áreas. A amostragem foi realizada em três igarapés onde foram dispostas cinco armadilhas em trechos de remanso e cinco em correnteza, totalizando 30 armadilhas. No laboratório os macroinvertebrados foram identificados em ordens e os indivíduos de cada ordem foram separados em famílias. Análise de variância em blocos foi realizada com intuito de verificar possíveis efeitos do tipo de hábitat e dos rios sobre riqueza e abundância de macroinvertebrados. O índice de diversidade Shannon foi aplicado, seguido do teste t. Análise de agrupamento (UPGMA) usando o coeficiente de distância de Bray-Curtis foi realizada com intuito de verificar a similaridade entre os diferentes hábitats dos rios. Foram coletados 132 especimens, 97 em correnteza e 35 em remanso. Dentre as dezesseis famílias coletadas, seis colonizaram apenas correnteza, dois apenas remanso e oito colonizaram os dois ambientes. Foi detectado um efeito do hábitat (remanso ou correnteza) sobre a riqueza e abundância de macroinvertebrados. No entanto, não foi detectado efeito do local (igarapés). A diversidade de Shannon foi maior para correnteza do que para o remanso. A análise de agrupamento de Bray-Curtis formou um agrupamento mais definido entre os trechos de corredeira. Concluo que a composição e a abundância são os parâmetros que diferem entre as comunidades de macroinvertebrados de correnteza e remanso. A hipótese explicativa para este resultado é de que a estrutura da comunidade desses dois ambientes se diferencie devido às variações associadas ao fluxo da correnteza, que possibilitam...

Considering that the composition and distribution of freshwater macroinvertebrates is related to several environmental factors, especially water flow and type of substratum I hypothesized that composition, richness and abundance of macroinvertebrates that occur in both environments with distinct hydrological characteristics (riffle and pool) were different between these areas. Specimens were sampled in three streams where five traps were arranged in stretches from pools and riffles totalizing 30 traps. In the laboratory the macroinvertebrates were identified to family level. An analysis of variance in blocks was made in order to verify possible effects of habitat and stream type on the richness and abundance of macroinvertebrates. Shannon's diversity index was applied, followed by a t-test. The Bray-Curtis cluster analysis was performed to verify the similarity between different habitats. A total of 132 specimens were collected, 97 in riffles and 35 in pools. Among sixteen families collected, six colonized only riffles, two colonized only pools and eight colonized both environments. An effect of the habitat (pools or riffles) upon the richness and abundance of macroinvertebrates was detected. On the contrary, no difference was found among streams (igarapés). The Shannon diversity index was higher in riffles than in pools. The riffle stretches formed a single group on the Bray-Curtis cluster analysis. I conclude that composition and abundance were distinct between the community of macroinvertebrates of riffles and pools. The explaining hypothesis for these results is that the community structure of both environments is distinct due to variations associated with water flow, that allows the existence of groups with different ecological and behavioral features.