The filter-feeding bivalve Mytilus chilensis capture pelagic stages of Caligus rogercresseyi: A potential controller of the sea lice fish parasites.

The copepod Caligus rogercresseyi is an ectoparasite of several salmonid species. The pumping activity of filter-feeding molluscs could reduce the abundance of copepod dispersive larval stages in the water column. In this research, nauplius II and copepodid larvae of C. rogercresseyi were exposed to filtering mussels (Mytilus chilensis) of different sizes. These mussels were able to filter both larval stages, although they were more efficient in catching nauplius II. The fact that nauplius II were ingested more efficiently could be explained by their smaller size, lower swimming velocity (escape) and longer resting times between movements, when they were exposed to the influx of water around the inhalant area of the mussels. Larger mussels were more effective filtering C. rogercresseyi larvae due to their larger inhalant area and the related water influx. Additionally, the results suggest that larvae captured by the mussels can be incorporated into pseudofaeces or ingested and then released as part of the faeces. Thus, high concentrations of M. chilensis surrounding salmon farms may act as biological barriers, reducing the density of copepod dispersive larval stages and, thus, salmon infestations.

Antagonistic interplay between pH and food resources affects copepod traits and performance in a year-round upwelling system.

Linking pH/pCO2 natural variation to phenotypic traits and performance of foundational species provides essential information for assessing and predicting the impact of ocean acidification (OA) on marine ecosystems. Yet, evidence of such linkage for copepods, the most abundant metazoans in the oceans, remains scarce, particularly for naturally corrosive Eastern Boundary Upwelling systems (EBUs). This study assessed the relationship between pH levels and traits (body and egg size) and performance (ingestion rate (IR) and egg reproduction rate (EPR)) of the numerically dominant neritic copepod Acartia tonsa, in a year-round upwelling system of the northern (23° S) Humboldt EBUs. The study revealed decreases in chlorophyll (Chl) ingestion rate, egg production rate and egg size with decreasing pH as well as egg production efficiency, but the opposite for copepod body size. Further, ingestion rate increased hyperbolically with Chl, and saturated at ~1 µg Chl. L-1. Food resources categorized as high (H, >1 µg L-1) and low (L, <1 µg L-1) levels, and pH-values categorized as equivalent to present day (≤400 µatm pCO2, pH > 7.89) and future (>400 µatm pCO2, pH < 7.89) were used to compare our observations to values globally employed to experimentally test copepod sensitivity to OA. A comparison (PERMANOVA) test with Chl/pH (2*2) design showed that partially overlapping OA levels expected for the year 2100 in other ocean regions, low-pH conditions in this system negatively impacted traits and performance associated with copepod fitness. However, interacting antagonistically with pH, food resource (Chl) maintained copepod production in spite of low pH levels. Thus, the deleterious effects of ocean acidification are modulated by resource availability in this system.

Distribution of planktonic microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) in lentic and lotic environments from the semiarid region in northeastern Brazil

The present study aimed to inventory the biodiversity of planktonic microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) in 44 environments from the semiarid region of Brazil, increasing the knowledge about zooplankton community, including phytophilous species. Between 2011 and 2017, organisms were collected in a non - systematic way in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Ceará and Paraíba. A total of 60 species of planktonic microcrustaceans were identified, of which 52 were cladocerans and eight were copepods. The basin that presented the highest richness was Pajeú River with 41 species. Nevertheless, the extrapolated number of species shows an increasing tendency for this basin. The genus composition was different between the basins, with Moxotó basin (Pernambuco) being isolated from the others, probably since lagoons were the only type of environment sampled in this basin. Richness and abundance patterns were higher for the basins where sampling was mainly performed in lentic environments, such as Pajeú and Moxotó. Microcrustacean inventories and long-term studies need to be conducted more frequently to better understand the biodiversity of continental aquatic ecosystems in the semiarid region of Brazil.(AU)

O presente estudo objetivou inventariar a biodiversidade de microcrustáceos planctônicos (Cladocera e Copepoda) em 44 mananciais da região semiárida do Brazil, ampliando o conhecimento da comunidade zooplanctônica desta região, incluindo as espécies fitófilas. Os organismos foram coletados de modo não sistemático entre 2011 e 2017, nos estados do Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Ceará e Paraíba. Um total de 60 espécies de microcrustáceos planctônicos foram identificadas, sendo 52 de cladóceros e oito de copépodes. A bacia que apresentou maior riqueza foi a do rio Pajeú com 41 espécies. Mesmo assim, o número extrapolado de espécies mostra tendência de aumento para essa bacia. A composição dos gêneros foi diferente entre as bacias hidrográficas, sendo a bacia do Moxotó (Pernambuco) isolada das demais, talvez porque nesta bacia as lagoas foram o único tipo de ambiente amostrado. Os padrões de riqueza e de abundância se mostraram mais elevados para as bacias ondem a amostragem foi realizada principalmente em ambientes lênticos, como a do Pajeú e do Moxotó. Inventários de microcrustáceos e estudos de longa duração precisam ser maximizados para ampliação do conhecimento da biodiversidade dos ecossistemas aquáticos continentais da região semiárida brasileira.(AU)

Distribution of planktonic microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) in lentic and lotic environments from the semiarid region in northeastern Brazil

The present study aimed to inventory the biodiversity of planktonic microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) in 44 environments from the semiarid region of Brazil, increasing the knowledge about zooplankton community, including phytophilous species. Between 2011 and 2017, organisms were collected in a non - systematic way in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Ceará and Paraíba. A total of 60 species of planktonic microcrustaceans were identified, of which 52 were cladocerans and eight were copepods. The basin that presented the highest richness was Pajeú River with 41 species. Nevertheless, the extrapolated number of species shows an increasing tendency for this basin. The genus composition was different between the basins, with Moxotó basin (Pernambuco) being isolated from the others, probably since lagoons were the only type of environment sampled in this basin. Richness and abundance patterns were higher for the basins where sampling was mainly performed in lentic environments, such as Pajeú and Moxotó. Microcrustacean inventories and long-term studies need to be conducted more frequently to better understand the biodiversity of continental aquatic ecosystems in the semiarid region of Brazil.

O presente estudo objetivou inventariar a biodiversidade de microcrustáceos planctônicos (Cladocera e Copepoda) em 44 mananciais da região semiárida do Brazil, ampliando o conhecimento da comunidade zooplanctônica desta região, incluindo as espécies fitófilas. Os organismos foram coletados de modo não sistemático entre 2011 e 2017, nos estados do Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Ceará e Paraíba. Um total de 60 espécies de microcrustáceos planctônicos foram identificadas, sendo 52 de cladóceros e oito de copépodes. A bacia que apresentou maior riqueza foi a do rio Pajeú com 41 espécies. Mesmo assim, o número extrapolado de espécies mostra tendência de aumento para essa bacia. A composição dos gêneros foi diferente entre as bacias hidrográficas, sendo a bacia do Moxotó (Pernambuco) isolada das demais, talvez porque nesta bacia as lagoas foram o único tipo de ambiente amostrado. Os padrões de riqueza e de abundância se mostraram mais elevados para as bacias ondem a amostragem foi realizada principalmente em ambientes lênticos, como a do Pajeú e do Moxotó. Inventários de microcrustáceos e estudos de longa duração precisam ser maximizados para ampliação do conhecimento da biodiversidade dos ecossistemas aquáticos continentais da região semiárida brasileira.

Ergasilus tipurus n. sp. (Copepoda: Ergasilidae), A Parasite of Brazilian Amazon Fish Species.

INTRODUCTION: Copepods are common components in all types of fish assemblages, being present in fishes of all ecosystems. The Ergasilidae Burmeister, 1835 is one of the biggest families in the order Cyclopoida Burmeister, 1834, with the majority of species found on freshwater fishes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ergasilus tipurus n. sp. is described from the nasal fossae of Calophysus macropterus and Sorubim lima captured in the rivers Guaporé and Mamoré in the State of Rondônia, Brazil, and from the nasal fossae and the gills of Rhaphiodon vulpinus collected from floodplain lakes of the Solimões River in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. RESULTS: The new species differs from all known species of Ergasilus from Brazilian waters by: (1) antennule setal formula 3:7:3:4:2:5; (2), having three-segmented first endopod of leg I; and (3) having leg V with a single well-developed segment with one middle distal setae, two distal setae placed laterally and two basal papillae, each provided with a simple seta. DISCUSSION: From all Ergasilus species described in the neotropics, this is the first species that can be found parasitizing the gills and nasal fossae of the reported hosts.

Dynamics of Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxshall & Bravo, 2000) in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in southern Chile: Are we controlling sea lice?

Caligus rogercresseyi generates the greatest losses in the salmon industry in Chile. The relationship between salmon farming and sea lice is made up of various components: the parasite, host, environment and farming practices, which make it difficult to identify patterns in parasite population dynamics to define prevention and control strategies. The objectives of this study were to analyse and compare the effect of farming, sanitary practices and environmental variables on the abundance of gravid females (GF) and juveniles (JUV) of C. rogercresseyi on Salmo salar in three Salmon Neighborhood Areas (SNAs) in Region 10, south of Chile. Linear mixed-effects models of the negative binomial distribution were used to evaluate the effect of the different explanatory variables on GF and JUV. Productive variables were the key drivers explaining the abundance of GF and JUV. Results suggest that C. rogercresseyi is not controlled and JUV are persistent in the three SNAs, and sanitary practices do not control the dissemination of the parasite among sites. Environmental variables had a low impact on sea lice abundance. There is a need to perform analysis for modelling of parasite population dynamics to improve Integrated Pest Management, including changes in the governance to achieve an effective prevention and control.

Upwelling modulation of functional traits of a dominant planktonic grazer during "warm-acid" El Niño 2015 in a year-round upwelling area of Humboldt Current.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate upwelling intensity and natural acidification in Eastern Boundaries Upwelling Systems (EBUS). Conducted between January-September 2015 in a nearshore site of the northern Humboldt Current System directly exposed to year-round upwelling episodes, this study was aimed at assessing the relationship between upwelling mediated pH-changes and functional traits of the numerically dominant planktonic copepod-grazer Acartia tonsa (Copepoda). Environmental temperature, salinity, oxygen, pH, alkalinity, chlorophyll-a (Chl), copepod adult size, egg production (EP), and egg size and growth were assessed through 28 random oceanographic surveys. Agglomerative clustering and multidimensional scaling identified three main di-similitude nodes within temporal variability of abiotic and biotic variables: A) "upwelling", B) "non-upwelling", and C) "warm-acid" conditions. Nodes A and B represented typical features within the upwelling phenology, characterized by the transition from low temperature, oxygen, pH and Chl during upwelling to higher levels during non-upwelling conditions. However, well-oxygenated, saline and "warm-acid" node C seemed to be atypical for local climatology, suggesting the occurrence of a low frequency oceanographic perturbation. Multivariate (LDA and ANCOVA) analyses revealed upwelling through temperature, oxygen and pH were the main factors affecting variations in adult size and EP, and highlighted growth rates were significantly lower under node C. Likely buffering upwelling pH-reductions, phytoplankton biomass maintained copepod reproduction despite prevailing low temperature, oxygen and pH levels in the upwelling setting. Helping to better explain why this species is among the most recurrent ones in these variable yet productive upwelling areas, current findings also provide opportune cues on plankton responses under warm-acid conditions, which are expected to occur in productive EBUS as a consequence of climate perturbations.

Evaluation of survival and metamorphosis of larvae of Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxshall and Bravo, 2000) (Crustacea, Copepoda) in Chile, depending on temperature, salinity and oxygen / Avaliação de sobrevivência e metamorfose de larvas de Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxshall and Bravo, 2000) (Crustacea, Copepoda) no Chile, dependendo da temperatura, salinidade e oxigênio

The present study assessed the percentage of survival and metamorphosis of larval stages of Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxshall and Bravo, 2000) nauplius I, nauplius II to and nauplius II to copepodite, conducting bioassays in triplicate with 50 larvae each, nauplius I or nauplius II, at temperature of 12 °C, 15 °C and 18 °C; salinity 20, 23, 25, 2729, 31, 33 and 35 g/L and oxygen saturation with ranges between 30-60%, 90-100% and 190 - 200%. Bioassays were performed in station Quillaipe of Fundación Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile. It is concluded that the temperature is inversely proportional to the time of metamorphosis and survival of the larvae of Caligus rogercresseyi . In salinity is observed that increased this, greater is the percentage of survival and metamorphosis is faster, while the larvae do not survive less than 20g/L. Oxygen saturation ranges indicate that the larvae do not survive at saturations between 30-60%, and it had no differences between 90-100% saturation and 190-200%.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou a percentagem de sobrevivência e metamorfose dos estádios larvais de Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxshall and Bravo, 2000) nauplio I, nauplio II ae nauplio II a copepodita, realizando bioensaios em triplicado com 50 larvas cada, nauplio I ou nauplio II, À temperatura de 12 °C, 15 °C e 18 °C; Salinidade 20, 23, 25, 2729, 31, 33 e 35 g / L e saturação de oxigénio com variações entre 30-60%, 90-100% e 190-200%. Os bioensaios foram realizados na estação Quillaipe da Fundação Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile. Conclui - se que a temperatura é inversamente proporcional ao tempo de metamorfose e sobrevivência das larvas de Caligus rogercresseyi. Na salinidade observa-se que aumentou esta, maior é a percentagem de sobrevivência e metamorfose é mais rápida, enquanto as larvas não sobrevivem menos de 20g / L. Os intervalos de saturação de oxigénio indicam que as larvas não sobrevivem a saturações entre 30-60% e não têm diferenças entre 90-100% de saturação e 190-200%.(AU)

Use of Tisbe biminiensis nauplii in ecotoxicological tests and geochemical analyses to assess the sediment quality of a tropical urban estuary in northeastern Brazil.

An approach pooling geochemical analyses and ecotoxicological tests has been applied to assess the sediment quality of the Capibaribe River Estuary, Brazil. Toxicity tests were performed to compare a well-established, labor-intensive protocol using ovigerous females to a new, easier and faster protocol using nauplii of the epibenthic marine copepod Tisbe biminiensis. The endpoints of the nauplii toxicity test were comparable to those of the female test. Nauplii proved to be more sensitive than females as a biological model for indicating sediment toxicity. All sediments collected had at least one contaminant above the threshold effects level (TEL) proposed in the literature. Furthermore, more than one-third of samples exhibited contaminants above the probable effects level (PEL). The PCA revealed that nauplii mortality was associated with metals in October 2014, which was confirmed by the Spearman correlation factor. In contrast, no strong association among contaminants and toxicological endpoints in May 2015 was found.

Could some procedures commonly used in bioassays with the copepod Acartia tonsa Dana 1849 distort results?

Many organizations have suggested the use of the Calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa in protocols for acute toxicity tests. Nevertheless, these protocols present some problems, such as using 60-180µm meshes to separate specific stages of A. tonsa or carrying out the tests using small volumes that reflect high densities of A. tonsa that do not occur in nature, which could lead to distorted results. In addition, ecotoxicological studies may use statistical approaches that are inadequate for the type of data being analysed. For these reasons, some methodological approaches for bioassays using A. tonsa need to be clarified and revised. In this study, we present information about (i) the retention of copepodite stages of A. tonsa on 180, 330 and 500µm net meshes; (ii) tested storage volumes of 1 organism per 5, 10 or 20mL in each test container (TC); and (iii) considerations about the statistics employed. The results demonstrated that a net mesh of 180µm is capable of retaining all copepodite stages (CI to CVI), contrasting with the recommendation of using a 180µm mesh to separate out adults only. Coarser meshes (330 and 500µm) can also retain different proportions of all copepodite stages, but cannot separate out one developmental stage only. Twenty-five millilitres of medium in an open TC, commonly employed in bioassays simulating densities of 1 organism 5mL-1, completely evaporated, and the results showed that the TCs need to be covered (e.g., PVC film) and filled with a minimum of 100mL of culture medium (simulating densities of 1 organism 20mL-1) to avoid evaporation and increases in salinity. The current use of ANOVA in ecotoxicological studies with proportions of surviving organisms should also be reconsidered since the data are discrete and have a binomial distribution; general linear models (GLMs) are considered more adequate. The information presented here suggests some adjustments that hopefully will enable the improvement of the procedures and methods employed in studies of acute toxicity using the copepod A. tonsa.

Response of Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxshall & Bravo, 2000) to treatment with Hydrogen Peroxide: Recovery of parasites, fish infestation and egg viability under experimental conditions.

Hydrogen peroxide (HP) is used to remove C. rogercresseyi from fish but little is known about its effect on this species. This study determined EC50 and concentration immobilizing 100% of specimens, capacity of parasites exposed to HP to recover and infest fish, and effect on survival into the copepodid stage. EC50 and concentration immobilizing 100% of specimens were estimated by exposing parasites for 20 min to 11 concentrations and evaluating effect at 1 and 24 h post-exposure. Capacity to recover and infest fish, and survival into copepodid were evaluated by exposing parasites and eggs to HP for 20 min. Recovery and fish infestation were evaluated at 25 and 24 h post-exposure, respectively. Eggs were grown until control reached the copepodid stage and survival calculated. EC50 was 709.8 ppm.100% immobilization was obtained at 825 ppm. Male and female recover 0.5 and 1 h post-exposure, respectively. Percentage of parasites exposed and not exposed to HP that were recovered on fish was not significantly different. Survival to copepodid was lower in those exposed to HP. HP effect is greater on copepodids, but 100% of the mobile stages are immobilized under 825 ppm causing detachment from fish and potentially driven away, reducing infestation risk.

Description of the postembryonic stages of Boeckella poopoensis (Crustacea, Copepoda, Centropagidae)

Boeckella poopoensis Marsh, 1906 es uno de los copépodos más frecuentes en el zooplancton de los lagos salinos sudamericanos, donde generalmente es la especie que más contribuye a la biomasa de la comunidad zooplanctónica. A pesar de su amplia distribución geográfica y su importancia ecológica, las características que distinguen sus estadios postembrionarios no son conocidas, lo que no permite conocer detalladamente la estructura y dinámica de sus poblacionales naturales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la morfología de los estadios postembrionarios y compararlos con los de otras especies de Centropagidae. Los especímenes estudiados fueron obtenidos de un cultivo monoespecífico aclimatado en laboratorio. El linaje proviene del lago El Carancho (65°03W, 37º27S). La identificación de los estadios se hizo de acuerdo a los caracteres establecidos para los copépodos calanoideos. En base a todos los estados de desarrollo, algunas de las características que distinguen a B. poopoensis de otras especies del género son: lóbulos de los nauplios con el mismo número de sedas de igual longitud; la segmentación del cuerpo se inicia en el estadio de nauplio III; el dimorfismo sexual empieza a notarse a partir del copepodito IV (aunque sólo es evidente en la pata V); el endopodito de la pata V de los copepoditos V machos y hembras es biarticulado pero, mientras las hembras adquieren sedas con respecto al estadio anterior, los machos las pierden, llegando a ser glabras como en los adultos. Los copepoditos V no presentan características típicas de los adultos, tales como, el ala toracal izquierda más desarrollada en las hembras y la antena derecha geniculada en los machos. Todos los estadios de B. poopoensis son más grandes que los correspondientes a otros centropágidos y los estadios inmaduros muestran su propio patrón de sedas, con un número ligeramente menor que el de otras especies de la familia.(AU)

Boeckella poopoensis Marsh, 1906 is one of the most common copepods in the saline lakes of South America, where generally is the species that greater contributes to the zooplankton community biomass. Despite of its wide geographic distribution and ecological importance, the characteristics of the postembryonic stages are unknown, which prevents a detailed understanding of the structure and dynamics of natural populations. The objective of this work was to describe the morphology of the postembryonic stages and to compare it with other species of Centropagidae. The specimens were obtained from a monospecific culture acclimatized in the laboratory. The lineage comes from El Carancho shallow lake (65°03W, 37°27S). The identification of the postembryonic stages was performed according to the characteristics established for copepod calanoids. Based in all developing stages, some characteristics that distinguish B. poopoensis from another species of the genus are: lobes of nauplii with the same number of setae of equal length; beginning of body segmentation from nauplii III; sexual dimorphism from copepodite IV (although only evident in the V leg); the endopod of the V leg of copepodites V males and females are biarticulate, but while females endopod add setae respect to the previous stage, males endopod lose them and remain glabrous as in the adults. Copepodites V do not present characteristics typical of adults, such as, the most developed thoracic left wing of females and in the geniculate right antenna of males. All stages of B. poopoensis are larger than those corresponding to other species of centropagids, and in the immature stages, the appendages show their own patterns of setae and have a slightly smaller number of setae than that of the other species of the family.(AU)

Description of the postembryonic stages of Boeckella poopoensis (Crustacea, Copepoda, Centropagidae)

Boeckella poopoensis Marsh, 1906 es uno de los copépodos más frecuentes en el zooplancton de los lagos salinos sudamericanos, donde generalmente es la especie que más contribuye a la biomasa de la comunidad zooplanctónica. A pesar de su amplia distribución geográfica y su importancia ecológica, las características que distinguen sus estadios postembrionarios no son conocidas, lo que no permite conocer detalladamente la estructura y dinámica de sus poblacionales naturales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la morfología de los estadios postembrionarios y compararlos con los de otras especies de Centropagidae. Los especímenes estudiados fueron obtenidos de un cultivo monoespecífico aclimatado en laboratorio. El linaje proviene del lago El Carancho (65°03W, 37º27S). La identificación de los estadios se hizo de acuerdo a los caracteres establecidos para los copépodos calanoideos. En base a todos los estados de desarrollo, algunas de las características que distinguen a B. poopoensis de otras especies del género son: lóbulos de los nauplios con el mismo número de sedas de igual longitud; la segmentación del cuerpo se inicia en el estadio de nauplio III; el dimorfismo sexual empieza a notarse a partir del copepodito IV (aunque sólo es evidente en la pata V); el endopodito de la pata V de los copepoditos V machos y hembras es biarticulado pero, mientras las hembras adquieren sedas con respecto al estadio anterior, los machos las pierden, llegando a ser glabras como en los adultos. Los copepoditos V no presentan características típicas de los adultos, tales como, el ala toracal izquierda más desarrollada en las hembras y la antena derecha geniculada en los machos. Todos los estadios de B. poopoensis son más grandes que los correspondientes a otros centropágidos y los estadios inmaduros muestran su propio patrón de sedas, con un número ligeramente menor que el de otras especies de la familia.

Boeckella poopoensis Marsh, 1906 is one of the most common copepods in the saline lakes of South America, where generally is the species that greater contributes to the zooplankton community biomass. Despite of its wide geographic distribution and ecological importance, the characteristics of the postembryonic stages are unknown, which prevents a detailed understanding of the structure and dynamics of natural populations. The objective of this work was to describe the morphology of the postembryonic stages and to compare it with other species of Centropagidae. The specimens were obtained from a monospecific culture acclimatized in the laboratory. The lineage comes from El Carancho shallow lake (65°03W, 37°27S). The identification of the postembryonic stages was performed according to the characteristics established for copepod calanoids. Based in all developing stages, some characteristics that distinguish B. poopoensis from another species of the genus are: lobes of nauplii with the same number of setae of equal length; beginning of body segmentation from nauplii III; sexual dimorphism from copepodite IV (although only evident in the V leg); the endopod of the V leg of copepodites V males and females are biarticulate, but while females endopod add setae respect to the previous stage, males endopod lose them and remain glabrous as in the adults. Copepodites V do not present characteristics typical of adults, such as, the most developed thoracic left wing of females and in the geniculate right antenna of males. All stages of B. poopoensis are larger than those corresponding to other species of centropagids, and in the immature stages, the appendages show their own patterns of setae and have a slightly smaller number of setae than that of the other species of the family.

Landscape Visual Quality and Meiofauna Biodiversity on Sandy Beaches.

Sandy beaches are central economic assets, attracting more recreational users than other coastal ecosystems. However, urbanization and landscape modification can compromise both the functional integrity and the attractiveness of beach ecosystems. Our study aimed at investigating the relationship between sandy beach artificialization and the landscape perception by the users, and between sandy beach visual attractiveness and biodiversity. We conducted visual and biodiversity assessments of urbanized and semiurbanized sandy beaches in Brazil and Uruguay. We specifically examined meiofauna as an indicator of biodiversity. We hypothesized that urbanization of sandy beaches results in a higher number of landscape detractors that negatively affect user evaluation, and that lower-rated beach units support lower levels of biodiversity. We found that urbanized beach units were rated lower than semiurbanized units, indicating that visual quality was sensitive to human interventions. Our expectations regarding the relationship between landscape perception and biodiversity were only partially met; only few structural and functional descriptors of meiofauna assemblages differed among classes of visual quality. However, lower-rated beach units exhibited signs of lower environmental quality, indicated by higher oligochaete densities and significant differences in meiofauna structure. We conclude that managing sandy beaches needs to advance beyond assessment of aesthetic parameters to also include the structure and function of beach ecosystems. Use of such supporting tools for managing sandy beaches is particularly important in view of sea level rise and increasing coastal development.

A new genus of Asterocheridae (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) ectoassociate of the ascidian Eudistoma vannamei Millar, 1977 (Polycitoridae) from Brazil.

Asterocheres Boeck, 1860 is the largest genus of the siphonostomatoid copepod family Asterocheridae, containing 63 valid species. The genus is known for its symbiotic relationships with many marine invertebrate taxa, especially sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, and echinoderms. Recent studies have restricted the diagnosis of this genus. Consequently, many species are now considered as species inquirendae. The present paper describes a new species living externally on the tunic of Eudistoma vannamei Millar, 1977, an endemic ascidian from Brazil. As the new species does not fit Asterocheres in the strict sense, a new genus is erected to accommodate it. Setacheres gen. nov. is characterized by its possession of two distal setae on the third endopodal segment of P3, thus differing from the distal seta and spine pattern that is deemed as diagnostic of Asterocheres. A revision and comparison of Asterocheres´ species inquirendae revealed eight species sharing the same generic characteristics and were thus reallocated as members of the new genus.

Evaluation of antibiotics as a methodological procedure to inhibit free-living and biofilm bacteria in marine zooplankton culture.

There is a problem with keeping culture medium completely or partially free from bacteria. The use of prokaryotic metabolic inhibitors, such as antibiotics, is suggested as an alternative solution, although such substances should not harm non-target organisms. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments in inhibiting free-living and biofilm bacteria and their half-life in artificial marine environment using the copepod Acartia tonsa as bioindicador of non-harmful antibiotic combinations. Regarding to results, the application of 0.025 g L-1 penicillin G potassium + 0.08 g L-1 streptomycin sulphate + 0.04 g L-1 neomycin sulphate showed great potential for use in marine cultures and scientific experiments without lethal effects to non-target organisms. The effect of this combination starts within the first six hours of exposure and reduces up to 93 % the bacterial density, but the half-life is short, requiring replacement. No adverse changes in water quality were observed within 168 hours of exposure. As a conclusion, we can infer that this treatment was an effective procedure for zooplankton cultures and scientific experiments with the aim of measuring the role of free-living and biofilm in the marine community.

Cathepsin Gene Family Reveals Transcriptome Patterns Related to the Infective Stages of the Salmon Louse Caligus rogercresseyi.

Cathepsins are proteases involved in the ability of parasites to overcome and/or modulate host defenses so as to complete their own lifecycle. However, the mechanisms underlying this ability of cathepsins are still poorly understood. One excellent model for identifying and exploring the molecular functions of cathepsins is the marine ectoparasitic copepod Caligus rogercresseyi that currently affects the Chilean salmon industry. Using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing, 56 cathepsin-like sequences were found distributed in five cysteine protease groups (B, F, L, Z, and S) as well as in an aspartic protease group (D). Ontogenic transcriptome analysis evidenced that L cathepsins were the most abundant during the lifecycle, while cathepsins B and K were mostly expressed in the larval stages and adult females, thus suggesting participation in the molting processes and embryonic development, respectively. Interestingly, a variety of cathepsins from groups Z, L, D, B, K, and S were upregulated in the infective stage of copepodid, corroborating the complexity of the processes involved in the parasitic success of this copepod. Putative functional roles of cathepsins were conjectured based on the differential expressions found and on roles previously described in other phylogenetically related species. Moreover, 140 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified in transcripts annotated for cysteine and aspartic proteases located into untranslated regions, or the coding region. This study reports for the first time the presence of cathepsin-like genes and differential expressions throughout a copepod lifecycle. The identification of cathepsins together with functional validations represents a valuable strategy for pinpointing target molecules that could be used in the development of new delousing drugs or vaccines against C. rogercresseyi.

A new species of philichthyid copepod (Crustacea: Cyclopoida) parasitic on Stellifer spp. (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) from southeastern Brazil.

A new species of copepod, Colobomatus stelliferi n. sp., belonging to the cyclopoid family Philichthyidae Vogt, 1877 is proposed based on female specimens collected from the mandibular canals of three species of sciaenid teleosts: Stellifer brasiliensis (Schultz) (type-host), S. rastrifer (Jordan) and S. stellifer (Bloch), collected in Caraguatatuba Bay, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from its closest congeners by the absence of lateral processes in the genital somite, the presence of one cephalic process in the cephalosome and one pair of dorso-lateral processes on the fused pedigerous somites. This is the first species of Colobomatus Hesse, 1873 described as parasites of species of the teleost genus Stellifer.

A new genus of speleophriid copepod (Copepoda: Misophrioida) from a cenote in the Yucatan, Mexico with a phylogenetic analysis at the species level.

A new genus and species of speleophriid copepod, Mexicophria cenoticola gen. et sp. nov., is described based on material collected from a cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is characterised by relatively reduced fifth legs that are located adjacent to the ventral midline in both sexes, by the possession of a bulbous swelling on the first antennulary segment in both sexes, and by the reduced setation of the swimming legs. The presence of just one inner margin seta on the second endopodal segment of legs 2 to 4 is a unique feature for the family. A phylogenetic analysis places the new genus on a basal lineage of the family together with its sister taxon, Boxshallia Huys, 1988, from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, and recovers the existing genera as monophyletic units. The zoogeography is discussed at local, regional, ocean basin  and global scales.

RNA-Seq analysis using de novo transcriptome assembly as a reference for the salmon louse Caligus rogercresseyi.

Despite the economic and environmental impacts that sea lice infestations have on salmon farming worldwide, genomic data generated by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing for different developmental stages, sexes, and strains of sea lice is still limited or unknown. In this study, RNA-seq analysis was performed using de novo transcriptome assembly as a reference for evidenced transcriptional changes from six developmental stages of the salmon louse Caligus rogercresseyi. EST-datasets were generated from the nauplius I, nauplius II, copepodid and chalimus stages and from female and male adults using MiSeq Illumina sequencing. A total of 151,788,682 transcripts were yielded, which were assembled into 83,444 high quality contigs and subsequently annotated into roughly 24,000 genes based on known proteins. To identify differential transcription patterns among salmon louse stages, cluster analyses were performed using normalized gene expression values. Herein, four clusters were differentially expressed between nauplius I-II and copepodid stages (604 transcripts), five clusters between copepodid and chalimus stages (2,426 transcripts), and six clusters between female and male adults (2,478 transcripts). Gene ontology analysis revealed that the nauplius I-II, copepodid and chalimus stages are mainly annotated to aminoacid transfer/repair/breakdown, metabolism, molting cycle, and nervous system development. Additionally, genes showing differential transcription in female and male adults were highly related to cytoskeletal and contractile elements, reproduction, cell development, morphogenesis, and transcription-translation processes. The data presented in this study provides the most comprehensive transcriptome resource available for C. rogercresseyi, which should be used for future genomic studies linked to host-parasite interactions.