DNA metabarcoding assessment of Neotropical ichthyoplankton communities is marker-dependent.

The study of ichthyoplankton is paramount to understanding fish assemblages' reproductive dynamics. DNA metabarcoding has been applied as a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate taxonomy tool, allowing the identification of multiple individuals simultaneously. However, there remain significant challenges when using DNA metabarcoding, such as molecular marker choice according to the taxonomic resolution and length of the fragment to be sequenced, primer bias, incomplete reference databases, and qualitative inference incongruences. Here, 30 ichthyoplankton pools collected from a Neotropical river were identified at a molecular level using DNA metabarcoding to compare the resolution, sensibility, specificity, and relative read abundance (RRA) recovery of three molecular markers: the standard COI fragment (650 pb, with each end analyzed individually) and two short 12S rRNA genes markers (≅200 bp - NeoFish and MiFish markers). The combined use of the three markers increased the genera detection rates by 25%-87.5%, allowing an increased taxonomic coverage and robust taxonomic identification of complex Neotropical ichthyoplankton communities. RRA is marker-dependent, indicating caution is still needed while inferring species abundance based on DNA metabarcoding data when using PCR-dependent protocols.

Genetic evaluation of migratory fish: Implications for conservation and stocking programs.

Fish stocking programs have been implemented to mitigate the blockage of original riverbeds by the construction of hydropower dams, which affects the natural migration of fish populations. However, this method raises concerns regarding the genetic rescue of the original populations of migratory fish species. We investigated the spatial distribution of genetic properties, such as genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow (migration), of the Neotropical migratory fish Prochilodus costatus in the Três Marias dam in the São Francisco River basin, Brazil, and examined the possible effects of fish stocking programs on P. costatus populations in this region. In total, 1,017 specimens were sampled from 12 natural sites and a fish stocking program, and genotyped for high-throughput sequencing at 8 microsatellite loci. The populations presented low genetic variability, with evidence of inbreeding and the presence of only four genetic pools; three pools were observed throughout the study region, and the fourth was exclusive to one area in the Paraopeba River. Additionally, we identified high unidirectional gene flow between regions, and a preferred migratory route between the Pará River and the upper portion of the São Francisco River. The fish stocking program succeeded in transposing the genetic pools from downstream to upstream of the Três Marias dam, but, regrettably, promoted genetic homogenization in the upper São Francisco River basin. Moreover, the data show the fragility of this species at the genetic level. This monitoring strategy could be a model for the development of conservation and management measures for migratory fish populations that are consumed by humans.

Ecological assessment of a southeastern Brazil reservoir / Avaliação Ecológica de um reservatório no sudeste do Brasil

Reservoirs are artificial ecosystems with multiple functions having direct and indirect benefits to humans; however, they also cause ecological changes and influence the composition and structure of aquatic biota. Our objectives were to: (1) assess the environmental condition of Nova Ponte Reservoir, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil; and (2) determine how the aquatic biota respond to disturbances. A total of 40 sites in the littoral zone of the reservoir were sampled to characterize physical and chemical habitat, land use, and benthic macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages. The predominant type of land cover near the reservoir was natural vegetation. A total of 29 fish species and 39 macroinvertebrate taxa were collected, including eight alien species. Most sites had intermediate levels of human disturbance, however, high levels of degradation were associated with high proportions of alien species. Disturbances at multiple scales may alter natural patterns and processes, leading to environmental changes and damaging biological communities. Our results reinforce the importance of assessing reservoir ecological conditions at several scales. The study of land use, littoral zone physical habitat characteristics, water quality, and assemblage structure set the ground for proposing actions to rehabilitate and conserve aquatic ecosystems.

Reservatórios são ecossistemas artificiais com múltiplas funções e que oferecem benefícios diretos e indiretos ao homem; no entanto, também causam mudanças ecológicas e influenciam a composição e estrutura da biota aquática. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: (1) avaliar a condição ambiental do reservatório de Nova Ponte, Estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil; e (2) verificar se a biota aquática responde aos distúrbios. No total, 40 sítios amostrais na região litorânea do reservatório foram amostrados para caracterizar os habitats físicos e químicos, cobertura e uso do solo, assembleias de macroinvertebrados e peixes. Vegetação natural de cerrado foi o tipo predominante de cobertura do solo no entorno do reservatório. 29 espécies de peixes e 39 taxa de macroinvertebrados bentônicos foram coletadas, incluindo oito espécies exóticas. A maioria dos sítios amostrais possui níveis intermediários de distúrbio antrópico, porém o aumento de alterações antrópicas foi associado ao aumento do número e abundância de espécies exóticas. Distúrbios em múltiplas escalas podem alterar os padrões e processos naturais, levando a mudanças ambientais e nas comunidades biológicas. Nossos resultados reforçam a importância de avaliar as condições ecológicas do reservatório em várias escalas. O estudo do uso e cobertura do solo, características de habitats físicos na zona litorânea, características limnológicas e estrutura das assembléias fornecem bases para a proposição de ações para reabilitação e conservação de ecossistemas aquáticos.