Caracterización de la ovoposición del caracol Pomacea flagellata (Say, 1827) bajo condiciones experimentales / Characterization of oviposition snail Pomacea flagellata (Say, 1827) under experimental conditions

Pomacea flagellata es un caracol conspicuo de zonas tropicales y subtropicales de América, que se ha consumido desde tiempos prehispánicos y actualmente es considerado sobreexplotado. Se realizó un experimento de cultivo de cuatro meses para determinar: la selección del substrato por la hembra, el tamaño de las huevas, el nivel del agua elegido para colocar la masa de huevos, el número de crías, y el tiempo de eclosión. Se utilizaron tres tinas de plástico que se llenaron con 100 L de agua, por duplicado y se colocaron tres sustratos: raíces de mangle, carrizo y tubo de PVC. Se registraron 57 huevas, 26 de ellas eclosionaron produciendo 5037 crías. Hubo más huevas en la "pared" de las tinas, donde se registraron 35 huevas, en raíces de mangle (18), en PVC 3 y en carrizo una hueva. Hubo diferencias significativas en la selección del sustrato, mientras que no se observaron diferencias significativas entre el número de huevas y las proporciones de sexos. La longitud promedio de la masa fue 32.99 ± 10.92, el ancho 16.44 ± 5.1 y grosor 8.08 ± 3.87 mm. La altura promedio de la puesta fue 15.66 ± 3.42 cm, con un tiempo medio de eclosión, de 13.30 ± 2.6 días, obteniéndose entre 94 a 301 crías por desove. Los caracoles utilizaron preferentemente las paredes de las tinas y es difícil determinar si no seleccionan sustrato para la puesta. El nivel del agua empleado es óptimo y permite que los organismos puedan colocar las masas de huevo, la producción de crías es adecuada y suficiente para iniciar programas de cultivo de producción de carne o de repoblación del medio natural.

Pomacea flagellata is a conspicuous snail in tropical and subtropical areas of America; it has been consumed since pre-Hispanic times and now is considered overexploited. A four months cultivation experiment was realized to determine the substrate selection by females, size of clutches, water level for placing egg masses, number of offspring, and hatching time. We used three duplicate plastic vats that were filled with 100 L water, and three substrates were set inside: mangrove roots, reed and PVC pipes. A total of 57 eggs masses were recorder, 26 of them produced 5037 offspring. More eggs masses were set in the wall of vats (35), mangrove roots (18) PVC pipe 3 and reed only one. There were significant differences in the selection of the substrate, but not between the number of eggs masses and sex proportion. Average length of egg masses was 32.99 ± 10.92, width was 16.44 ± 5.1 and thickness 8.08 ± 3.87 mm. Average heights of the egg masses was 15.66 ± 3.42 cm, while hatching time was 13.30 ± 2.6 days, yielding between 94 to 301 offspring per spawning. Snails preferably used walls of vats and it is difficult to determine if they did not select a substrate. Water level in the vats was optimal and allowed to organisms place egg masses, offspring production is adequate and enough to start culturing programs to meat production, or to re stocking of natural environment.

[Effects of human disturbance on the population dynamics of Ocypode quadrata (Decapoda: Ocypodidae) in beaches of the Mexican Caribbean]. / Efectos del disturbio humano sobre la dinámica poblacional de Ocypode quadrata (Decapoda: Ocypodidae) en playas del Caribe mexicano.

The ghost crab Ocypode quadrata is a relevant species in the Western Atlantic beaches, and has been proposed as an indicator of human impact in these ecosystems. Eventhough some studies have covered various aspects of its natural history, no evaluations on the effects of human disturbance on its population dynamics have been made. This work compared the abundance, growth, and mortality of O. quadrata in two disturbed beaches (Aventuras and Majahual) and two preserved beaches (Xcacel and Puerto Angel) from the Mexican Caribbean. For this, nine samplings were made on each beach (every two to three months) between March 2013 and November 2014. Crabs were collected manually by three people, during the night first hours and for one hour, and a total area of 9 000 m2 per beach. The crabs were measured, weighed, and separated into three groups: juvenile, male and female; while abundance was estimated by the number of collected crabs, and growth parameters were estimated using length frequencies. A total of 1 047 crabs were sampled in the four beaches; a higher crab abundance was found in the preserved beaches, but significant differences were only found between Puerto Angel and Majahual (Tukey, p<0.05). The adult-juvenile ratio was 1:1 in Xcacel and Aventuras, while in Majahual, more juveniles than adults were collected; and Puerto Angel had more adults than the juveniles. The size structure at Xcacel ranged from 4-32 mm, but in the rest of the beaches the minimum size was 5 mm. The maximum size at Aventuras, Majahual and Puerto Angel were 27 mm, 25 mm and 30 mm, respectively. The modal progression analysis of length's pooled data, revealed the presence of at least two groups of ages in all beaches. For all beaches, individuals smaller than 10 mm length were collected in almost all sampling months, indicating a continuous recruitment throughout the year. The length-weight relationship of the ghost crab was found isometric in the two preserved beaches, and negative allometric at the two impacted beaches. Crabs from Puerto Angel showed the highest body condition (Tukey, p<0.05). K-values ranged from 0.6-0.97/year and L∞ from 29.0 mm to 33.6 mm with higher values for the two preserved beaches. The highest mortality values were found in Xcacel and Aventuras. In the disturbed beaches, the destruction of the dunes, the mechanical cleaning and the removal of organic matter, seem to be the main causes that lead to a low abundance of crabs, their slower growth and higher mortalities. However, in the best preserved beaches, biological interactions appear to be the most important aspects in regulating the population dynamics of this species. These results supported the information that the ghost crab is a good indicator of human disturbance, and its population changes were clearly measurable and comparable among protected and impacted beaches; these results are also relevant for the management of sandy beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.

[Reproductive aspects of Pomacea flagellata (Mollusca: Ampullariidae) at Bacalar lagoon, Quintana Roo, México]. / Reproducción de Pomacea flagellate (Mollusca: Ampullariidae) en la laguna de Bacalar, Quintana Roo, México.

The freshwater snail Pomacea flagellata is native from Southeastern Mexico. Studies about this species are scarce and none has treated their reproduction. This snail has been exploited at Bacalar lagoon for many years, leading to a significant decrease in their abundance and currently, a permanent ban was proposed by the government. This work aimed to assess the temporal variations of mating frequency and the abundance of egg clutches of P. flagellata at Bacalar lagoon, as well as their relation with snails density and environmental variables. Sampling was done during the three climatic seasons: Rainy (July, August and September/2012), North or Cold fronts (December/2012 and January and February/2013) and Dry (March, April and May/2013) in 12 sampling stations located along the Bacalar lagoon. On each station a transect of 100 m length was set parallel to the edge, and the number of fresh egg clutches (pink color) laid over vegetation, rocks or manmade structures, were counted. In the water, three 50 x 2 m transects were set and the number of snails were counted as well as the mating frequency. Density of snails varied significantly among seasons, decreasing from the rainy to the dry season. There were no significant differences of snail abundance among months, nested in climatic seasons (ANOVA, p>0.05). During the rainy season the mating frequency was significantly higher than in the Norths, meanwhile in the dry season no mating were registered (Kruskal-Wallis, p˂0.05). Eggs clutches appeared from July to March. Density of egg clutches presented no differences between the Rainy and the North seasons (2.72 and 2.93 clutches/m, respectively), nonetheless during the dry season abundance of egg masses was significantly lower (0.1 clutches/m) (H, p˂0.05). Mating frequency was related with snail abundance (rs= 0.26; p<0.05) and water temperature (rs= 0.34; p<0.05) and the abundance of egg masses is related with snail abundance (rs= 0.46; p<0.05). In general, we observed that reproductive activity of P. flagellata at Bacalar lagoon is related with the warmer months and with higher rainfall. This finding is relevant to support the management of this resource in the region, so that to implement any management arrangement they must be aware that a temporal ban is necessary during the reproductive season at least.

Rhynchonema dighaensis sp. nov. (Monhysterida: Xyalidae): a marine nematode from the Indian coast with an illustrated guide and modified key for species of Rhynchonema Cobb, 1920.

A small bodied, free-living marine nematode, Rhynchonema dighaensis sp. nov., is described from the intertidal sand of the east coast of India. It is characterized by having a small buccal cavity, longer left spicule and symmetrical dorsal gubernaculum apophysis. Other species of the genus are discussed with their type locality. A modified key has been prepared for species of Rhynchonema with an illustrated guide. Species of Rhynchonema primarily differ from each other by the shape and size of the spicules, shape of the gubernaculum and dorsal apophysis, size of the buccal cavity and position of the amphid. 

Densidad, estructura de tallas y actividad reproductiva del caracol rosado Eustrombus gigas (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) en Banco Chinchorro, México / Density, size structure and reproductive activity of the pink conch Eustrombus gigas (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) in Banco Chinchorro, Mexico

The pink conch Eustrombus gigas is an important fisheries resource. At the regional level in the Caribbean, over-exploitation and habitat destruction have caused a decrease in the abundance of this resource. In order to provide necessary information for the species management in Mexico, this work aimed to analyze the total density, adult density, size structure and reproductive behavior of pink conch population at Banco Chinchorro during 2009-2010. Data from three seasons were obtained (rainy, dry and cold fronts periods) in three areas: Norte (North), Centro (Center) and Sur (South). The organisms were separated into two groups: (a) the criteria based upon legal harvest in Mexico: legal size conchs (siphonal length≥200mm) and illegal size conchs (siphonal length<200mm), and (b) the criteria based upon sexual maturity using the 15mm lip thickness standard: lip<15mm as juvenile conch and lip≥15mm as adult conch. Copulation, spawning, egg masses and aggregations were evaluated as reproductive evidences. The highest total density was observed during the dry season with 384ind./ha, and the lowest during the rainy season with 127ind./ha. The highest density was reported at Sur (385ind./ha) and the lowest at Norte (198ind./ha). The highest adult density was observed during the rainy season (8.33ind./ha), and the lowest occurred in the dry season (6.11ind./ha). Adult density values were 5.55, 7.05 and 8.33ind./ha for Centro, Sur and Norte areas, respectively. Adult densities were lower than the threshold needed for reproduction, and 42% of the population may be vulnerable to fishing, as they had the minimum size for catch (Lsi 200mm). Furthermore, only 2.2% of the population reached a Gl>15mm as sexual maturity indicator. During the study period, only six evidences of reproductive activity were observed. The smaller densities reported at Banco Chinchorro may cause reproduction events to be almost absent which in turn is sufficient ...

Eustrombus gigas es uno de los recursos pesqueros costeros más valiosos en la región del Caribe y constituye un molusco con un elevado valor estético y ecológico. En esta investigación se evalúa su densidad total, densidad de adultos, la estructura de tallas y frecuencia de evidencias reproductivas en Banco Chinchorro, México, periodo 2009-2010; durante tres períodos (de lluvias, seca y de frentes fríos) en tres zonas: Norte, Centro y Sur. La densidad total para el área de estudio varió de 127ind./ha en lluvias a 384ind./ha en seca, la menor densidad se presentó en la zona Norte del Banco (198ind./ha) y la mayor en la zona Sur (385ind./ha). La densidad de caracoles adultos fue baja (6.11ind./ha en seca y 8.33ind./ha en lluvias y 5.55, 7.05 y 8.33ind./ha para las zonas Centro, Sur y Norte, respectivamente). Las densidades de adultos estuvieron por debajo del umbral mínimo necesario para mantener la reproducción. El 42% de la población es vulnerable a la pesca (Lsi≥200mm); sin embargo, solo 2.2% de la población alcanza un Gl>15mm. Solo se observaron seis evidencias de reproducción durante el período de estudio, lo que señala la presencia del efecto Allee en la población y la urgente necesidad del cierre de su pesquería. Se proponen tres puntos importantes para el manejo de la especie: cierre de la pesca, monitoreo de la población y la implementación refugios pesqueros.

Declining densities and reproductive activities of the queen conch Strombus gigas (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) in Banco Chinchorro, Eastern Caribbean, Mexico / Disminución de la densidad y actividades reproductivas de la concha reina Strombus gigas (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) en el Banco Chinchorro, Caribe Oriental

Queen conch is a gastropod inhabiting the Caribbean Sea, it represents the second largest fishery after the spiny lobster, but it has been extensively captured in the area. In order to know its population status in Chinchorro Bank, we determined conch density changes and its effects on reproductive activities, between July and November 2009. For this, data on conch density, morphology and reproductive activities were obtained from 15 sites within three fishing zones, and compared with previously collected data (1990, 1992, 1994, and 1997). Data showed that adult density decreased with time, from 10 700ind./ha in 1990, to 198ind./h in 2009. Neither egg masses nor spawns were found and mating was only observed once in July 2009. In July, adult (lip>4mm) density in the Southern zone was 23ind./ha whereas in the Northern zone and Central zone densities were 15 and 9ind./ha respectively. In November, density was somewhat higher: Southern zone 96ind./ha; Central zone 39ind./ha and Northern zone had 38ind./ha. In July, mean shell length was 170.80±46.28mm, with a higher median abundance at 180-189mm. In November, higher frequency was 187.63±45.14mm, maximum at 210-219mm interval. For the last 10 years period, mean adult conch densities have diminished in each zone, which might be the main cause of decreased reproductive activities of the conch at Banco Chinchorro. It is therefore an immediate need to analyse the management plan for this species in this Reserve and perhaps to promote a re-population of queen conch and culture activities. Rev. Biol. Trop. 61 (4): 1671-1679. Epub 2013 December 01.

El caracol Rosado es un gasterópodo que habita en el Caribe, y representa la segunda pesquería después de la langosta espinosa, sin embargo, el caracol ha sido pescado a niveles de casi extinción. Para conocer el estatus de la población se analizaron los cambios de densidad del caracol rosado en Banco Chinchorro y su efecto en las actividades reproductivas entre julio y noviembre 2009. Se recolectaron datos de densidad y morfología en tres zonas de pesca en 15 localidades; y se compararon con datos recolectados previamente en los mismos sitios (1990, 1992, 1994, y 1997). Los datos mostraron que la densidad de adultos ha decrecido con el tiempo de 10 700 (ind./ha) en 1990 a 198 (ind./ha). Las actividades reproductivas o productos se registraron, no se encontraron ni masas de huevo ni desoves, y únicamente se observó una copulación en julio. Considerando únicamente a los adultos (labio>4mm), en julio 2009, la densidad fue de 23ind./ha, mientras que en la zona norte y centro las densidades fueron 15 and 9 (ind./ha). En noviembre 2009, la densidad fue ligeramente más alta: zona sur 96 (ind./ha); zona Centro 39 (ind./ha) y zona Norte 38 (ind./ha). En julio (2009) la longitud de concha promedio fue de 170.80±46.28mm, con una mayor abundancia en las tallas 180-189mm. En noviembre (2009) la frecuencia más alta ocurrió en las talla promedio 187.63±45.14mm, con un intervalo de 210-219mm de longitud de concha. En los últimos 10 años, la densidad de los caracoles adultos ha disminuido en cada una de las zonas de pesca, lo cual podría ser la causa de la disminución de las actividades reproductivas del caracol rosado en Banco Chinchorro.

[Density, size structure and reproductive activity of the pink conch Eustrombus gigas (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) in Banco Chinchorro, Mexico]. / Densidad, estructura de tallas y actividad reproductiva del caracol rosado Eustrombus gigas (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) en Banco Chinchorro, Mexico.

The pink conch Eustrombus gigas is an important fisheries resource. At the regional level in the Caribbean, over-exploitation and habitat destruction have caused a decrease in the abundance of this resource. In order to provide necessary information for the species management in Mexico, this work aimed to analyze the total density, adult density, size structure and reproductive behavior of pink conch population at Banco Chinchorro during 2009-2010. Data from three seasons were obtained (rainy, dry and cold fronts periods) in three areas: Norte (North), Centro (Center) and Sur (South). The organisms were separated into two groups: (a) the criteria based upon legal harvest in Mexico: legal size conchs (siphonal length > 200 mm) and illegal size conchs (siphonal length < 200 mm), and (b) the criteria based upon sexual maturity using the 15 mm lip thickness standard: lip < 15 mm as juvenile conch and lip > or = 15 mm as adult conch. Copulation, spawning, egg masses and aggregations were evaluated as reproductive evidences. The highest total density was observed during the dry season with 384ind./ha, and the lowest during the rainy season with 127ind./ha. The highest density was reported at Sur (385ind./ha) and the lowest at Norte (198ind./ ha). The highest adult density was observed during the rainy season (8.33ind./ha), and the lowest occurred in the dry season (6.1 ind./ha). Adult density values were 5.55, 7.05 and 8.33ind./ha for Centro, Sur and Norte areas, respectively. Adult densities were lower than the threshold needed for reproduction, and 42% of the population may be vulnerable to fishing, as they had the minimum size for catch (Lsi 200 mm). Furthermore, only 2.2% of the population reached a Gl > 15 mm as sexual maturity indicator. During the study period, only six evidences of reproductive activity were observed. The smaller densities reported at Banco Chinchorro may cause reproduction events to be almost absent which in turn is sufficient evidence to show that the Allee Effect is acting on the queen conch population and there is an urgent need of fishery closure. Three important points were proposed for management of queen conch at Banco Chinchorro: total closure of fishing, systematic assessment of the conch population and the implementation of conch fishing refuge.

[Ichthyofauna from wetlands of San Pedro, Balancán, Tabasco, México]. / Ictiofauna de los humedales del río San Pedro, Balancán, Tabasco, México.

San Pedro River's wetlands sustain trophic nets in the fluvial system, due to the high habitat availability, and space and temporal variations. In order to describe the relationship between environmental parameters and ichthyofauna, this study evaluated fish assemblages composition, distribution, abundance, density, biomass, richness species, diversity and equitability in the wetlands. Sampling considered three different sites and climatic seasons (dry, rainy and cold fronts). The physical and chemical parameters considered were dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, water transparency and the depth. Fishes were caught with a shrimp net, after six minutes towings and were identified afterwards. A total of 1 049 organisms of 25 fish species were caught, two of which were exotic species: Oreochromis niloticus and Parachromis managuense. A total of 23 species were found at site I (with the highest density 0.23 ind./m2), 17 at site II (0.23 ind./m2) and 14 at site III (0.12 ind./m2). The dry season had the highest species number with 21 species, followed by the rainy season with 17 species, and the cold season with five species. Similarly, the highest biomass (8.30 g/m2) was found in dry season, followed by the rainy (2.16 g/m2) and the cold seasons (0.03 g/m2). Considering seasons, highest density was found during the dry (0.436 ind./m2), followed by the rainy (0.213 ind./m2) and the cold (0.023 ind./m2) seasons. The dominant density species during the study period, according to the quadrants graphic of Olmstead-Tukey were: Petenia splendida, Vieja heterospila, Vieja synspila, Dorosoma petenense and Astyanax aeneus. There were significant differences in the species richness among sites. Temperature, depth and transparency showed differences among the seasons. The canonical correspondence analysis indicated that fish distribution was governed by environmental parameters during all seasons. In terms of fish abundance and composition, environmental parameters play an important role showing spatial and temporal differences in the ecosystem, this could be explained with the fact that most of young fishes have a movement behavior to the wetlands, searching refuge and feed during the dry season. Considering the diversity indexes variation, it may be concluded that San Pedro River's wetlands correspond to a system where the ichthyofauna composition fluctuates spatial and seasonally.

Ictiofauna de los humedales del río San Pedro, Balancán, Tabasco, México

Ichthyofauna from wetlands of San Pedro, Balancán, Tabasco, México. San Pedro River’s wetlands sustain trophic nets in the fluvial system, due to the high habitat availability, and space and temporal variations. In order to describe the relationship between environmental parameters and ichthyofauna, this study evaluated fish assemblages composition, distribution, abundance, density, biomass, richness species, diversity and equitability in the wetlands. Sampling considered three different sites and climatic seasons (dry, rainy and cold fronts). The physical and chemical parameters considered were dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, water transparency and the depth. Fishes were caught with a shrimp net, after six minutes towings and were identified afterwards. A total of 1 049 organisms of 25 fish species were caught, two of which were exotic species: Oreochromis niloticus and Parachromis managuense. A total of 23 species were found at site I (with the highest density 0.23ind./m²), 17 at site II (0.23ind./m²) and 14 at site III (0.12ind./m²). The dry season had the highest species number with 21 species, followed by the rainy season with 17 species, and the cold season with five species. Similarly, the highest biomass (8.30g/m²) was found in dry season, followed by the rainy (2.16g/m²) and the cold seasons (0.03g/m²). Considering seasons, highest density was found during the dry (0.436ind./m²), followed by the rainy (0.213ind./m²) and the cold (0.023ind./m²) seasons. The dominant density species during the study period, according to the quadrants graphic of Olmstead-Tukey were: Petenia splendida, Vieja heterospila, Vieja synspila, Dorosoma petenense and Astyanax aeneus. There were significant differences in the species richness among sites. Temperature, depth and transparency showed differences among the seasons. The canonical correspondence analysis indicated that fish distribution was governed by environmental parameters during all seasons. In terms of fish abundance and composition, environmental parameters play an important role showing spatial and temporal differences in the ecosystem, this could be explained with the fact that most of young fishes have a movement behavior to the wetlands, searching refuge and feed during the dry season. Considering the diversity indexes variation, it may be concluded that San Pedro River’s wetlands correspond to a system where the ichthyofauna composition fluctuates spatial and seasonally. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (2): 693-708. Epub 2011 June 01.

Los humedales de San Pedro sostienen redes tróficas del sistema fluvial debido a la alta disponibilidad de hábitats y a sus variaciones espacio-temporales. En esta investigación se estudió la composición, densidad y biomasa de la ictiofauna de los humedales; se capturaron 1 049 organismos de 25 especies, dos son exóticas: Oreochromis niloticus y Parachromis managuense. Con 23 especies capturadas en el sitio I, 17 en el II y 14 en el III. En la época de secas se obtuvo mayor riqueza con 21 especies, lluvias con 17 y cinco en nortes. La mayor densidad se mostró en el sitio II (0.23ind./m²), seguido de los sitios I y III (0.12, 0.12ind./m²). La mayor biomasa fue en secas (8.30g/m²), seguida de lluvias (2.1g/m²) y por último nortes (0.01g/m²). La mayor densidad se mostró en secas (0.43ind./m²) y la mínima en nortes (0.023ind./m²). Las especies dominantes en densidad según el diagrama Olmstead-Tukey fueron: Petenia splendida, Vieja heterospila, Vieja synspila, Dorosoma petenense y Astyanax aeneus. Por lo tanto, existieron diferencias significativas en los parámetros ecológicos y ambientales. Al considerar la variación en la riqueza podemos concluir que los humedales del río San Pedro, es un sistema donde la composición de la ictiofauna responde a las fluctuaciones espaciales y temporales.

Crecimiento del caracol Strombus gigas (Gastropoda: Strombidae) en cuatro ambientes de Quintana Roo, México / Growth of Strombus gigas (Gastropoda: Strombidae) snail in 4 environments of Quintana Roo, Mexico

The growth rate of queen conch cultured in pens was studied from October 1993 to March 1994. Sixteen pens (50 m2 each, four pens per environment), were set in four environments: Thalassia, Thalassia-sand, Sand and Coral within a reef lagoon on Punta Gavilan and Banco Chinchorro. Twenty conchs were introduced in each pen (sizes: 100-120, 120-140, 140-160 and 160-180 mm shell length) and measured monthly to the nearest mm. Growth rate was assessed by two methods: a) shell marginal mean increase and b) the Gulland-Holt method considering all conch within pens. In the first method, the environment Sand had the highest growth (3.21 +/- 0.26 mm/month) at Punta Gavilan, whereas at Banco Chinchorro, highest growth was recorded in Coral (2.31 +/- 0.44 mm/month). Considering the second method, highest asymptotic length conch in Punta Gavilan occurred in Thalassia-sand (287.5 mm), whereas in Banco Chinchorro the highest asymptotic length was measured in Sand (318.1 mm). There were significant differences in growth between sites; juvenile growth is related with habitat quality mainly food availability.