Extrusion of pilosebaceous units into blisters of patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America.

BACKGROUND: A new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus is present in El Bagre, Colombia, and surrounding municipalities (El Bagre-EPF) that affects the skin and in some presentations affects other organs with autoantibodies directed against cell junctions. METHODS: We studied 200 El Bagre-EPF patient perilesional skin biopsies, as well as 200 skin biopsies from normal controls in the endemic area. RESULTS: We observed blister extrusions of sebaceous glands or entire pilosebaceous units via the isthmus in 23% of the patients and not in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The extrusion of hair follicular unit contents is consistent with our previous pathologic findings of autoreactivity to these units, and their observed clinical decrease in patients affected by El Bagre-EPF.

Adaptation to perennial flooding and food insecurity in the Sudan savannah agroecological zone of Ghana.

Flooding is one of the most destructive climatic hazards which has affected agricultural activities in the world, especially Sub-Saharan Africa. This article investigated the impact of the recurrent annual floods on food production and how subsistent farmers have adapted to resultant food insecurity in the Sudan Savannah agroecological zone of Ghana. The specific objectives of the study were to understand the nature of flooding (frequency, period and extent of coverage of flood water), how the perennial floods contribute to food insecurity, how farmers adapt to it to contribute towards policy development on flood control and improve food security. Primary data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and field observation. Secondary data were obtained from documents and reports from NADMO and MOFA. The questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science and the focus group discussions, interviews, and fieldwork were analyzed manually using content analysis. The findings show that the study areas experience floods every year. Between 2007 and 2018, eleven floods event occurred in the study communities. The floods usually occur around August and September when rainfall is torrential coupled with overflow from the spillage of the Bagre dam upstream. The flooding has resulted in a decline in food production among subsistent farmers. As a result, households in study communities are food insecure. Farmers have learned to cope with floods/food insecurity by engaging in alternative livelihoods such as flood recession farming, dry season farming, petty trading. They have also employed other means such as rationings of food and social networks cope with food insecurity. In all these strategies, women play a critical role as they are largely in charge of food preparation and dishing. The study recommends strengthening of the alternative livelihoods, introduction of short maturing crop varieties, sensitisation of women on the preparation of healthy meals.

Membrane attack complex (C5b-9 complex or Mac), is strongly present in lesional skin from patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: El Bagre endemic pemphigus foliaceus (El Bagre-EPF) is a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus present in the El Bagre area of Colombia, South America. Here, we investigate the presence of complement/C5-b9 in lesional skin of patients and matched controls from the endemic area. We also aim to compare the patient's autoantibody levels using indirect immunofluorescent titers (IIF) and correlate with the lesional presence of complement/C5b-9. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out by testing for the presence of complement/C5b-9 in lesional skin in 43 patients affected by El Bagre-EPF, as well as 43 matched, healthy controls from the endemic area. Skin biopsies were obtained and evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The presence of complement/C5b-9 was observed in all cases of the patients affected by El Bagre-EPF and was not observed in the controls from the endemic area (P < 0.001). The patients' autoantibody titers utilizing IIF for IgG and IgM showed correlation between higher autoantibody titers and stronger intensity of staining with complement/C5-b9 staining (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients affected by El Bagre-EPF have lesional deposition of complement/C5b, which correlates with disease severity and previously established serologies.

Production of Protein Hydrolysates Using Marine Catfish Bagre panamensis Muscle or Casein as Substrates: Effect of Enzymatic Source and Degree of Hydrolysis on Antioxidant and Biochemical Properties.

Protein hydrolysates from fishery byproducts have resulted to be nutraceutical ingredients with potential to be applied in human nutrition; however, critical quality attributes are dependent on some process parameters such as enzyme source and degree of hydrolysis. This study analyzed the biochemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activity (using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), of protein hydrolysates at 10, 20, and 30% degree of hydrolysis (DH), measured by pH-STAT and prepared from sea catfish (Bagre panamensis) muscle and casein as protein sources by treatment with alcalase (ALC) and a semi-purified protease extract (SPE) from B. panamensis intestinal tissues as enzyme sources. With SPE, the DH was reached faster than ALC regardless of the protein substrate used. Sea catfish muscle (MUSC) hydrolysate made with SPE at 30% DH showed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 118.8 µmoles TE/mg; ABTS: EC50 of 1.5 mg/mL). In FRAP assay, the MUSC hydrolysates produced with SPE or ALC at 20% DH showed the higher activity (0.38 and 0.40 µmoles TE/mg, respectively). MUSC hydrolysates made with SPE contained the highest proportion of peptides with MW < 1.35 kDa and had a high protein content (72 to 78%), and almost 50% of the amino acids were essential. These results suggest that intestinal proteases and muscle of marine catfish represent a potential source to elaborate antioxidant protein hydrolysates. Our results promote the full utilization of this fish species and offer a biotechnological strategy for the management and valorization of its byproducts.

Patients affected by endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Colombia, South America exhibit autoantibodies to optic nerve sheath envelope cell junctions.

BACKGROUND: The majority of the patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia (El Bagre EPF or pemphigus Abreu-Manu), have experienced vision problems; we have previously reported several ocular abnormalities. METHODS: Here, we aimed to investigate reactivity to optic nerves in these patients. We utilized bovine, rat and mouse optic nerves, and performed immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy to test for optical nerve autoreactivity. We tested 45 patients affected by this disease and 45 controls from the endemic area matched by age, sex and work activity. RESULTS: Overall, 37 of the 45 patient sera reacted to the optic nerve envelope that is composed of leptomeninges; the reactivity was polyclonal and present mostly at the cell junctions (P < 0.001). The immune response was directed against optic nerve sheath cell junctions and the vessels inside it, as well as other molecules inside the nerve. No control cases were positive. Of interest, all the patient autoantibodies co-localized with commercial antibodies to desmoplakins I-II, myocardium-enriched zonula occludens-1- associated protein (MYZAP), armadillo repeat gene deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome (ARVCF), and plakophilin-4 (p0071) from Progen Biotechnik (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the majority of the patients affected by pemphigus Abreu-Manu have autoantibodies to optic nerve sheath envelope cell junctions. These antibodies also co-localize with armadillo repeat gene deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome, p0071 and desmoplakins I-II. The clinical significance of our findings remains unknown.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Chihuil sea catfish Bagre panamensis (Siluriformes: Ariidae).

The chihuil sea catfish (Bagre panamensis) is endemic of the Eastern Pacific and is a species of fishery importance in the Mexican Pacific. The complete mitochondrial genome of Bagre panamensis has been assembled from Illumina sequencing data. The circular genome was 16,714 bp in lengh, and consist of 13 protein-coding, two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Base composition is 30.8% A, 26.6% T, 28.2% C, and 14.4% G, and 42.6% GC content. Protein-coding genes present two start codon (ATG and GTG) and eight stop codon (TAA, TCT, CCT, TTA, CAT, AAT, ATT, and TAG). The control region possesses the highest A + T (64.4%) and lowest G + C content (35.6%) among all mitochondrial regions. These data would contribute to the evolutionary studies of related taxa.

Age validation and contrasted growth performances of Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in two river systems of the Western Amazon

The doncella Pseudoplatystoma punctifer is an economically and ecologically important catfish in the Amazon basin. However, little is known about its age, growth and population dynamics parameters. This study aims to validate the formation of growth marks in vertebrae of individuals collected from two rivers systems of the Peruvian Amazon (Amazon-Marañón-Ucayali and Putumayo) and compare growth parameters using the von Bertalanffy growth function between sexes and systems. A total of 372 individuals from the Amazon-Marañón-Ucayali (AMU) system and 93 from the Putumayo River were analyzed. The formation of one growth ring per year was validated and the individual ages ranged from zero to nine years old. Females grew significantly larger than males in both systems. Both females and males grew significantly better in the AMU system than in the Putumayo River. Maximum observed length and size at maturity in the AMU system were lower than those reported in previous studies in the area, and together with an important proportion of juveniles in the catches, suggest that the species is heavily exploited. Further studies on the reproductive biology and population dynamics of the doncella are needed in order to implement management measures more in line with the current situation.(AU)

La doncella Pseudoplatystoma punctifer es un bagre de importancia económica y ecológica en la cuenca Amazonica. Pese a ello, poco se conoce acerca de parámetros de edad, crecimiento y dinámica poblacional. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo validar la formación de marcas de crecimiento en vértebras de individuos colectados en dos sistemas fluviales de la Amazonia Peruana (Amazonas-Marañón-Ucayali y Putumayo) y comparar los parámetros de crecimiento usando la función de von Bertalanffy entre sexos y sistemas. Fueron analizados 372 individuos del sistema Amazonas-Marañón-Ucayali (AMU) y 93 del Putumayo. Se validó la formación de un anillo de crecimiento por año, la edad osciló entre cero y nueve años. Las hembras fueron significativamente más grandes que los machos en ambos sistemas. Para ambos sexos el crecimiento fue significativamente mayor en el sistema AMU que en el Putumayo. Las máximas tallas y edades de primera madurez observadas en el sistema AMU fueron menores a las reportadas en estudios previos en el área, y junto con un considerable porcentaje de juveniles presentes en las capturas, se sugiere que la especie está siendo fuertemente explotada. Son necesarios estudios de biología reproductiva y dinámica poblacional de doncella para implementar medidas de manejo acordes a la situación actual.(AU)

Life history trait variations and population dynamics of Calophysus macropterus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in two river systems of the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon

The catfish Calophysus macropterus is heavily exploited in the Amazon basin, yet its life history characteristics are poorly documented, hampering proper fisheries management. In order to fill this gap, monthly sampling in the upper Putumayo River and in the Amazonas, lower Marañón and Ucayali (AMU) rivers were carried out over several years (2013-2015 in the AMU, 2013-2017 in the Putumayo) to provide detailed information about its reproduction, growth and mortality patterns (using length frequency data). Reproduction, which occurs during the dry and early flooding season, was only observed in the upper Putumayo River and not in the sampled portion of the AMU system, suggesting that the species reproduces closer to the Andes than other pimelodid catfishes. Size at first sexual maturity did not differ significantly among sex or among river systems, ranging from 25-28 cm SL. In both river systems, females had a faster growth than males and both genders also tended to have a better growth in the AMU than in the upper Putumayo. Mortality and exploitation estimate all indicated overexploitation of the species in both river systems. The implications of these results for fisheries management and conservation are discussed.(AU)

El bagre Calophysus macropterus está fuertemente explotado en la cuenca Amazónica. Sin embargo, su ciclo de vida está poco documentado, lo que dificulta su gestión pesquera. Para llenar este vacío, se realizaron muestreos mensuales en el alto río Putumayo alrededor de Puerto Leguízamo y en el Amazonas y los ríos bajo Marañón y Ucayali (AMU) cerca de Iquitos durante varios años (2013-2015 en AMU, 2013-2017 en Putumayo) para generar información sobre su reproducción, crecimiento y mortalidad. La reproducción, que se produce durante la estación seca y el inicio de la inundación, sólo se observó en el curso superior del río Putumayo y no en la parte muestreada del sistema de la AMU, lo que sugiere que la especie se reproduce más cerca de los Andes que otros pimelodidos. El tamaño de primera madurez sexual no difirió entre sexos o entre sistemas fluviales, oscilando entre 25-28 cm. En ambos sistemas fluviales, las hembras tuvieron un crecimiento más rápido que los machos y ambos géneros también tendieron a tener un mejor crecimiento en el AMU que en el alto Putumayo. Estimaciones de mortalidad y explotación indicaron una sobreexplotación en ambos sistemas. Se discuten las implicaciones de estos resultados para la gestión y conservación de las pesquerías.(AU)

Parasitic monogenoideans of Sciades herzbergii as bioindicators of environmental quality in amazonian estuarines ecosystems / Parasitos monogenóideos de Sciades herzbergii como bioindicadores da qualidade ambiental de ecossistemas estuarinos amazônicos

Abstract This study evaluated the use of gill parasitic monogenoideans from Sciades herzbergii (Siluriformes: Ariidae) as bioindicators of environmental quality in Amazonian estuarine ecosystems. Fish were caught in the tidal channels in an impacted area - IA, near the port of São Luís and a reference area - RA, in the Caeté estuary, Bragança. The influence of the capture site and seasonality on parasite abundance, environmental variables and biometric data of hosts were verified. A total of 416 S. herzbergii specimens were analyzed. The weight and total length of fish from the RA were greater than those of the IA. The relative condition factor was influenced by seasonality. A total of 4,265 monogenoidean specimens from the following species were identified: Chauhanellus boegeri, C. susamlimae, C. velum, Calceostomella herzbergii and Dactylogyridae gen. sp. The seasonal mean parasitic abundance of C. susamlimae was significantly different, with the highest values recorded during the dry season. The mean abundance of C. herzbergii was influenced by seasonality and by the capture site. During the rainy period, the parasite indices in the RA were higher than those of IA. C. herzbergii is a bioindicator sensitive to low water quality, especially in relation to water turbidity in Amazon estuaries.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o uso de monogenóideos parasitos das brânquias de Sciades herzbergii (Siluriformes/Ariidae) como bioindicadores de qualidade ambiental em ecossistemas estuarinos amazônicos. Os peixes foram capturados nos canais das marés em uma área impactada - IA, próxima ao porto de São Luís, e uma área de referência - RA, no estuário do Caeté, Bragança. A influência do local de captura e sazonalidade na abundância do parasita, variáveis ambientais e dados biométricos dos hospedeiros foram verificados. Um total de 416 espécimes de S. herzbergii foram analisados. O peso e o comprimento total dos peixes da RA foram maiores do que os dos IA. O fator de condição relativo foi influenciado pela sazonalidade. Um total de 4.265 espécimes de monogenóideos das seguintes espécies foram identificados: Chauhanellus boegeri, C. susamlimae, C. velum, Calceostomella herzbergii e Dactylogyridae gen. sp. A abundância parasitária média sazonal de C. susamlimae foi significativamente diferente, com os maiores valores registrados durante a estação seca. A abundância média de C. herzbergii foi influenciada pela sazonalidade e pelo local de captura. Durante o período chuvoso, os índices parasitários na RA foram superiores aos da IA. C. herzbergii é um bioindicador sensível à baixa qualidade da água, principalmente em relação à turbidez da água em estuários amazônicos.

Domestication strategies for the endangered catfish species Pseudopimelodus mangurus Valenciennes, 1835 (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) / Estratégias de domesticação das espécies ameaçadas de peixe-gato Pseudopimelodus mangurus Valenciennes, 1835 (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae)

Wild fish domestication can be considered a strategic approach to endangered species conservation, supporting studies and reducing economic and environmental costs. Three of the most important strategies in the domestication processes of fish are the adaptation of wild fish to captivity, the reproduction of the adapted fish and the production and maintenance of the young individuals. That being said, the present study is divided in three experiments: the 1st aimed to adapt wild Pseudopimelodus mangurus to captivity environment using different feeding approaches and a prophylactic strategie; the 2nd aimed to reproduce the adapted individuals from the 1st experiment; and the 3rd aimed to train the P. mangurus juveniles to accept commercial diets. The 1st and 2nd experiments were successful at the maintenance and artificial reproduction of P. mangurus kept in tanks between the reproductive seasons. The results suggest that the reproductive performance of animals kept in captivity (initial relative fertility-IRF = 609.25 ± 36.6 eggs/g) was similar (p > 0,05) to the performance found in wild individuals (IRF = 679.21 ± 45.66 eggs/g). Feed training of P. mangurus juveniles (3rd experiment) was also conducted, evaluating three feeding treatments with different concentrations of bovine heart and ration. At the end of the experiment, the treatment containing half bovine heart and half commercial feeding resulted in the highest values of weight gain (0.10 ± 0.16 g), specific growth rate (0.37 ± 0.11 mm), length (47.78 ± 2.35 mm) and growth (2.15 ± 2.27 mm), suggesting reasonable acceptability to artificial diets in the cultivation of this species. As conclusion, the present study contributes with the development of techniques for the domestication of fresh water fish species with commercial value or andangered of extinction, showing the domestication and reproduction of wild P. mangurus in captivity. However, more studies have to be conducted in order to improve the acceptance of artificial feeding by juveniles and to increase their survival rate.

A domesticação de peixes selvagens pode ser considerada uma abordagem estratégica para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas, apoiando estudos e reduzindo custos econômicos e ambientais. Três das estratégias mais importantes para o processo de domesticação de peixes são a adaptação dos peixes ao cativeiro, a reprodução dos peixes adaptados e a produção e manutenção dos indivíduos jovens. O presente estudo está dividido em três partes: a 1ª objetivou adaptar Pseudopimelodus mangurus selvagens ao ambiente de cativeiro usando diferentes abordagens alimentares e uma estratégia profilática; o 2º objetivou reproduzir os indivíduos adaptados do 1º experimento; e o 3º teve como objetivo treinar os juvenis de P. mangurus para aceitar dietas comerciais. O 1o e 2o experimento obteveram sucesso na manutenção e reprodução artificial de P. mangurus mantidos em tanques entre as estações reprodutivas. Os resultados sugerem que o desempenho reprodutivo dos animais mantidos em cativeiro (fertilidade inicial relativa-FIR = 609,25 ± 36,6 ovos / g) foi similar (p> 0,05) ao dos indivíduos selvagens (FIR = 679,21 ± 45,66 ovos / g). O treinamento alimentar de P. mangurus juvenis (3º experimento) também foi realizado avaliando-se 3 tratamentos alimentares com diferentes concentrações de coração bovino e ração. Ao final do experimento, o tratamento contendo metade coração bovino e metade ração gerou os maiores valores de ganho de peso (0,10 ± 0,16 g), taxa de crescimento específico (0,37 ± 0,11 mm), comprimento (47,78 ± 2,35 mm) e crescimento (2,15 ± 2,27 mm), sugerindo razoável aceitabilidade para dietas artificiais no cultivo desta espécie. Como conclusão, o presente estudo contribui com o desenvolvimento de técnicas para a domesticação espécies de peixes de água doce, de interesse comercial ou ameaçados de extinção, mostrando a domesticação e reproduçao de em cativeiro P. Mangurus selvagens. No entanto, mais estudos devem ser conduzidos no intuito de aumentar a aceitação de dietas comerciais pelos juvenis e melhorar sua taxa sobrevivência.

Evidence for the true type-locality of Rhamdia quelen (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae), and the geographical origin and invalid neotype designation of four of its synonyms

Historical information on the probable type-locality of Pimelodus quelen and of its four junior synonyms that share the same neotype, Pimelodus namdia, Pimelodus sebae, Heterobranchus sextentaculatus, and Silurus rivularis, is presented and discussed. The neotype designation for those four species is deemed invalid for not complying with the provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, making it technically possible to revalidate any of the four taxa from the synonymy of Rhamdia quelen without having to address the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature. The type-locality of both Curimata gilbert and Callichthys asper are also restricted to rio Macacu at the village of Japuíba, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AU)

São apresentadas e discutidas informações históricas sobre as prováveis localidades-tipo de Pimelodus quelen e seus quatro sinônimos juniores que compartilham o mesmo neótipo, Pimelodus namdia, Pimelodus sebae, Heterobranchus sextentaculatus e Silurus rivularis. A designação do neótipo para essas quatro espécies é considerada inválida por não estar em conformidade com as disposições do Código Internacional de Nomenclatura Zoológica, tornando tecnicamente possível revalidar qualquer um dos quatro táxons da sinonímia de Rhamdia quelen sem ter que apelar à Comissão Internacional de Nomenclatura Zoológica. As localidades-tipo de Curimata gilbert e Callichthys asper também são restringidas ao rio Macacu na vila de Japuíba, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.(AU)

Morphometry and meristics of two species of Ictalurus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae), native catfishes of Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico / Morfometría y merística de dos especies de Ictalurus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae), bagres nativos de la Sierra Madre Occidental, México

Introduction: Morphotypes of native catfish of the genus Ictalurus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) are known to occur in allopatry in the northern Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico, with only the Yaqui catfish (Ictalurus pricei) taxonomically described. Recent genetic analysis of these morphotypes has revealed the monophyly of the I. pricei complex, which indicates Ictalurus sp. from the Culiacán River and San Lorenzo River basins as its nearest genetic relative and recognizes as an evolutionarily significant unit the Culiacán River and San Lorenzo River morphotypes. Objective: To compare the meristic and morphometric characteristics of the catfish of the Culiacán River basin with its nearest genetic relative, the Yaqui catfish, in order to determine the presence of distinctive morphological characters that support genetic evidence previously reported for these morphotypes. Methods: Catfish specimens were collected during various field expeditions (1990-2012) to remote sites of the Sierra Madre Occidental and conducted in the Yaqui River and Culiacán River basins with the purpose of morphological comparison. Forty-five morphological characters (40 morphometric and five meristic) were examined in 76 adult specimens - 52 Ictalurus sp. and 24 Ictalurus pricei. Three groups were subject to a discriminant function analysis (DFA), including two Ictalurus sp. groups from the Humaya River and Tamazula River sub-basins, representing the Culiacán River basin, and one I. pricei group representing the Yaqui River basin. The standardized measurements and meristic data of the catfish morphotypes were compared by means of DFA. Results: The DFA revealed 12 characters to be significantly different (P< 0.01) among the groups compared. The morphological characters separating the Ictalurus sp. (Culiacán River basin) from the Yaqui catfish were associated with lower anal, pelvic and pectoral fin ray numbers, shorter head and predorsal lengths, shorter longest lateral barbel and longest dorsal ray lengths and a narrower premaxilar dentary plate; and finally longer distances in Ictalurus sp. for dorsal-fin origin to last anal-fin ray base and dorsal-fin origin to posterior end of the adipose fin base. The standardized coefficients for canonical variables 1 and 2 accounted for 85.6 % and 14.4 % of the total variation, respectively. Conclusions: The distinctive morphological characters of the Ictalurus sp. found in the Culiacán River basin, combined with the known mitochondrial evidence for this morphotype, identify it as an evolutionarily significant unit that requires description as a new species based on taxonomical protocols.

Introducción: Morfotipos de bagres nativos del género Ictalurus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) se distribuyen de manera alopátrica en el norte de la Sierra Madre Occidental, de los cuales solo el bagre Yaqui (Ictalurus pricei) ha sido taxonómicamente descrito. Análisis genéticos recientes de esos morfotipos han revelado la monofilia del complejo I. pricei, que incluyó a Ictalurus sp. de las cuencas de los ríos Culiacán y San Lorenzo como su pariente genético más cercano, además del reconocimiento de los morfotipos de los ríos Culiacán and San Lorenzo como una unidad evolutivamente significativa. Objetivo: Comparar características merísticas y morfométricas del bagre de la cuenca del río Culiacán con su pariente genético más cercano, el bagre Yaqui, con el propósito de determinar la presencia de caracteres morfológicos distintivos en apoyo a evidencia genética previamente reportada para esos morfotipos. Métodos: Especímenes de bagres fueron recolectados durante varias expediciones de campo (1990-2012) en sitios remotos de la Sierra Madre Occidental en las cuencas de los ríos Yaqui y Culiacán para comparación morfológica. Cuarenta y cinco caracteres morfológicos (40 morfométricos y cinco merísticos) fueron examinados en 76 especímenes adultos (52 de Ictalurus sp. y 24 de Ictalurus pricei). Medidas corporales estandarizadas y datos merísticos de los morfotipos de bagres estudiados fueron comparados por medio de un análisis de función discriminante (AFD). Resultados: El AFD arrojó 12 caracteres significativamente diferentes (P< 0.01) entre los grupos comparados. Los caracteres morfológicos que distinguen al bagre del río Culiacán del bagre Yaqui, estuvieron asociados con un menor número de radios anales, pélvicos y pectorales, así como dimensiones más pequeñas para la longitud de la cabeza, longitud predorsal, longitud de la barbilla lateral más larga, longitud del radio dorsal más largo y una menor anchura de la placa dentaria premaxilar; y finalmente, dimensiones mayores en Ictalurus sp. (cuenca del río Culiacán) para distancias como origen de aleta dorsal a la base del último radio anal y origen de aleta dorsal a conexión posterior de aleta adiposa. Los coeficientes estandarizados para las variables canónicas 1 y 2 explicaron el 85.6 y 14.4 % de la variación total, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Los caracteres morfológicos distintivos de Ictalurus sp. de la cuenca del río Culiacán, en combinación con la evidencia mitocondrial conocida para este mismo morfotipo, permite reconocerlo como una unidad evolutivamente significativa y que requiere ser descrita como una especie nueva bajo los protocolos taxonómicos.

A new species of Parotocinclus with reduced adipose fin (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae), from the rio Jacuípe basin, Bahia State, Brazil

A new species of Parotocinclus, apparently endemic to the rio Jacuípe basin, Bahia State, Brazil, is described. The new species is distinguished from congeners, except P. bidentatus, P. cabessadecuia, P. dani, P. halbothi, P. muriaensis, P. pentakelis, P. seridoensis, and P. spilurus, by the presence of a reduced adipose fin. The new species differs from the aforementioned species by the absence of unicuspid accessory teeth, abdomen with broad naked areas between lateral and medial patches of plates, and snout tip completely covered by plates and odontodes. The adipose fin of the new species is restrict solely to the adipose-fin spine, lacking the adipose-fin membrane, a reduction pattern previously described to P. halbothi, a congener from rivers of the Amazonas and Marowijne basins.(AU)

Uma espécie nova de Parotocinclus, aparentemente endêmica da bacia do rio Jacuípe, Estado da Bahia, Brasil, é descrita. A espécie nova se distingue de suas congêneres, exceto P. bidentatus, P. cabessadecuia, P. dani, P. halbothi, P. muriaensis, P. pentakelis, P. seridoensis e P. spilurus, pela presença de nadadeira adiposa reduzida. A nova espécie difere das espécies mencionadas anteriormente pela ausência de dentição acessória unicúspide, abdômen com amplas áreas nuas entre o grupo de placas laterais e o grupo de placas medianas e ponta do focinho completamente coberta por placas e odontódeos. A nadadeira adiposa da nova espécie é restrita somente ao espinho, sem a membrana da adiposa, um padrão de redução descrito para P. halbothi, uma congênere de rios da bacia Amazônica e da bacia do rio Marowijne.(AU)

A histopathological and biometric comparison between catfish (Pisces, Ariidae) from a harbor and a protected area, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Histopathological lesions and biometric variations in catfish species are statistically associated with chemical contaminant exposure. A histopathological and biometric database for the catfish Sciades herzbergii and Bagre bagre from São Luís Island (Port Area) and Caranguejos Island (Reference Area) is presented. Branchial and hepatic lesions were classified into three reaction patterns: 1) circulatory or inflammatory disturbances; 2) regressive changes; 3) progressive changes. This paper summarizes research efforts aimed at characterizing the biomonitoring potential of catfish from two islands in Brazil, which exhibit great habitat diversity and different levels of human intervention. RESULTS: The weights and lengths of the catfish caught at the Port Area were smaller than those from the Reference Area. No histopathological lesions were observed in S. herzbergii examined at the reference site (Caranguejos Island). In contrast, 90% of S. herzbergii from sites located in the Port Area (São Luís Island) had one or more types of branchial and hepatic lesions. One or more of the five lesions were observed on 16 B. bagre from São Luís Island and Caranguejos Island. CONCLUSION: The utility of histopathological lesions and biometric data as sensitive indicators of the health of wild catfish populations has been demonstrated. Sciades herzbergii proved to be a better species for biomonitoring because it was more sensitive to the impacted site (Port Area) compared with the region relatively free of contaminants (Reference Area).

Ensayo de reproducción inducida en Ariopsis seemanni / Induced spawning trial with Ariopsis seemanni / Ensajo de reprodução induzida em Ariopsis seemanni

Resumen El bagre marino Ariopsis seemanni es aprovechado como pez de consumo en la alimentación de pescadores y pobladores de la región pacifica colombiana y como pez ornamental (5 a 10 cm -longitud total), a nivel comercial nacional e internacional. En Colombia esta especie ha sido priorizada en la agenda nacional de investigación en acuicultura de 2011-2012, como una de las especies marinas potenciales en actividades acuícolas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de la gonadotropina coriónica humana (HGC) y el extracto pituitario de carpa (EPC) sobre la maduración final y el desove en hembras adultas de la especie. Se utilizaron 24 parejas de peces silvestres capturadas del medio, con un peso promedio de 263.6±42.2 g y 174.4±30.4 g para hembras y machos, respectivamente. Se utilizaron cuatro tratamientos hormonales: T1: 5 mg EPC/kg; T2: 7 mg EPC/kg; T3: 2000 UI HGC/kg y T4: 1000 UI HGC/kg. Se identificaron tres tipos de oocitos en maduración, no se presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p>0,05) entre los tratamientos utilizados y la cantidad de oocitos en maduración; no se obtuvo desove espontaneo en ninguna de las hembras inducidas con las dosis hormonales empleadas.

Abstract The tete sea catfish Ariopsis seemanni is a fish used for human consumption by fishermen and residents along the coast of Colombia and as ornamental fish (5 to 10 cm -total longitude), at national and international comercial level. In Colombia, this species has been prioritized in the national aquaculture research agenda 2011-2012, as one of the potential marine species for aquaculture activities. This research was aimed at evaluating the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HGC) and carp pituitary extract (EPC) on final maturation and spawning adult females of the species. 24 pairs of wild fish were used, with an average weight of 263.6±42.2 g and 174.4±30.4 g for females and males, respectively. Four hormonal treatments was be used: T1: EPC 5 mg/kg; T2: EPC 7 mg/kg; T3: HGC 2000 IU/kg and T4: HGC 1000 IU/kg. Identify three types of maturation oocytes was. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0,05) between treatments used and the number of oocytes achieving maturation. No spontaneous spawning was obtained in any of the females induced with the hormonal doses used.

Resumo O bagre marino Ariopsis seemanni é aproveitado como peixe de consumo na alimentação de pescadores e moradores da região pacifica colombiana e como peixe ornamental (5 a 10 cm de comprimento), a nível comercial nacional e internacional. Na Colômbia A. seemanni tem sido priorizado na agenda nacional de pesquisa na aquicultura de 2011-2012, como uma das espécies marinhas potenciais em atividades aquícolas. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da gonadotrofina coriónica humana (GCH) e o extrato pituitário de carpa (EPC) sobre a maduração final e o desove em fêmeas adultas desta espécie. Utilizaram-se 24 casais de peixes retirados do meio natural, com um peso médio de 263,6 ± 42,2 g e 174,4 ± 30,4 g para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente. Empregaram-se quatro tratamentos hormonais: T1: 5 mg EPC/kg; T2: 7 mg EPC/kg; T3: 2000 UI HGC/kg e T4: 1000 UI HGC/kg. Identificaram-se três tipos de oócitos em maduração, não houve diferencias estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos utilizados e a quantidade de oócitos em maturação; não foi possível obter desove espontâneo em nenhuma das fêmeas induzidas com as doses hormonais empregadas.

Accidentally catching of the catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri (Steindachner, 1876) larvae in aquariums with different colors / Interferência de cores de aquários nas larvas do bagre Lophiosilurus alexandri (Steindachner, 1876) e seu tratador

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different colors in development and survival of catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri larvae, as well as over the visual ability of the handler. Larvae were placed in 5 L-aquariums at a density of 7 larvae L-1 , and aquariums had different colors, and were: green and blue (light colors); brown and black (dark colors). The final development; survival, total and standard length, weight and biomass of the larvae were similar in all colored aquaria. The highest mortality occurred during the first days after hatching, declining over the period, when it is observed the larval development, indicating that care should be necessary in the first few days. During cleaning handling, the accidental catch of larvae was higher in black aquariums. In the first days of life, due to the fragility of the larvae, it is possible to verify that between the second and third day occur the greatest mortalities. The number of accidentally captured larvae was lower than the mortality, suggesting that the high mortality in early larval life is not influenced by the handler management. The catfish L. alexandri larvae should be cultivated in aquariums that allow a good contrast between the larvae and the background, to avoid accidental capture of larvae by the handler. It is suggested to avoid the use of dark and black aquariums.

Resumo O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes cores de aquários no desempenho e sobrevivência das larvas do bagre Lophiosilurus alexandri , bem como sobre a capacidade visual do tratador. As larvas foram colocadas em estocadas em 5 L-aquários na densidade de 7 larvas L-1, e aquários apresentaram cores diferentes e foram distribuídos a seguir: verde e azul (cores claras); marrom e preto (cores escuras). O desempenho final; a sobrevivência, comprimento total e padrão, peso e biomassa das larvas foram semelhantes entre os aquários coloridos. A maior mortalidade ocorreu durante os primeiros dias após a incubação, em declínio ao longo do período, quando se observa o desenvolvimento larval, indicando que os cuidados devem ser redobrados nos primeiros dias. Durante o manejo de limpeza, a captura acidental de larvas foi maior nos aquários pretos. Nos primeiros dias de vida, devido à fragilidade das larvas, é possível verificar que entre o segundo e o terceiro dia ocorrem as maiores mortalidades. O número de larvas capturadas acidentalmente foi menor do que a mortalidade, sugerindo que a alta mortalidade na vida larval não é influenciada pelo manejo do manipulador. As larvas de bagre L. alexandri devem ser cultivadas em aquários que permitem um bom contraste entre as larvas e o fundo, para evitar a captura acidental de larvas pelo manipulador. Sugere-se que evite o uso de aquários escuros e pretos.

An external tag for fish: tagging effects in different fish size classes and its influence on growth performance and hematology of Lophiosilurus alexandri (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae)

This study tested an external tag for juveniles of Lophiosilurus alexandri and measured the effects of tagging in different size classes of fishes. Experiment 1 evaluated the retention rate and influence of the tag on survival and growth of three hundred fishes divided Small, Medium and Large size classes. After 90 days of experiment the fishes had 100% survival and the tag had a higher retention rate for animals of the Large size class. Experiment 2 evaluated the tag's influence on hematology parameters of forty-two fishes at 5, 10 and 30 days post-tagging. In this experiment both tagged and untagged animals experienced 9.4% mortality. The hematocrit was higher on the 30th day for tagged animals than for untagged animals. No difference was observed for leukocytes, plasma protein, erythrocytes and mean corpuscular volume. It was concluded from Experiment 1 that the tag reduced growth performance when applied to small sized juvenile L. alexandri, and that the tag retention rate increased with increasing animal size. Among the hematological parameters studied for juveniles on the Experiment 2 the tag only influenced the hematocrit parameters, which shows that the tag can be used without considerable influence on the hematological parameters of juvenile L. alexandri.(AU)

Esse estudo testou a utilização de marcadores externos em juvenis de Lophiosilurus alexandri, assim como o tamanho mínimo ideal do peixe para marcação. No experimento 1 foi avaliado a taxa de retenção e a influência do marcador sobre a sobrevivência e crescimento dos peixes divididos por tamanho nas classes: Pequeno, Médio e Grande. Após 90 dias, os peixes apresentaram 100% de sobrevivência e uma taxa de retenção mais elevada para os animais classificados como grandes. O segundo experimento avaliou a influência do marcador sobre os parâmetros hematológicos dos animais após 5, 10 e 30 dias da marcação. Neste experimento, foram observados valores mais elevados para o hematócrito no 30º dia para os animais marcados, enquanto nenhuma diferença foi observada para leucócitos, proteína plasmática, eritrócitos e volume corpuscular médio. Concluiu-se o que o marcador reduziu a taxa de crescimento dos animais menores, e que a taxa de retenção aumentou com o aumento do tamanho do animal. Dos parâmetros hematológicos avaliados, o marcador influenciou apenas no valor do hematócrito, o que mostra que o marcador pode ser usado sem considerável influência nos parâmetros hematológicos do L. alexandri.(AU)

Using otolith weight to predict the age of different stocks of Sperata aor (Siluriformes: Bagridae) from the River Ganga

Estimation of accurate fish age is considered as an essential step for the understanding of life history characteristics, population dynamics, and the management of the fisheries resources. The otolith weight keeps on increasing because of continuous deposition of material on the otolith surface; therefore, otolith measurements are successfully used to infer fish age. The present study was conducted to estimate the relationship between otolith weight and observed age (estimated by counting annuli on the sectioned otoliths) for the stocks of Sperata aor. A total of 315 samples were collected from January 2016 to April 2017 from three different stocks of S. aor i.e. Narora-Kanpur, Varanasi and Bhagalpur from the River Ganga. Linear regression analysis was applied between otolith weight and observed age to predict the age of the fish of each stock from otolith weight. Significant relationships between otolith weight and fish age were observed for the three stocks of the selected fish species from the River Ganga (R2 > 0.9, P 0.05). Overall, 88.5, 88.8, and 87.2 % of the predicted ages were correctly classified to their observed ages for Narora-Kanpur, Varanasi, and Bhagalpur stock, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that the relationship between otolith weight and fish age can provide a surrogate method of age estimation, and can be used to examine the age structure of the three stocks of S. aor from the River Ganga.

La estimación precisa de la edad de peces es considerada un paso esencial para la evaluación de su historia natural, dinámica de población y manejo de pesquerías. El otolito sigue creciendo debido a la continua deposición de material en la superficie; por lo tanto, las medidas del otolito son un buen indicador para inferir la edad del pez. En este estudio se evaluó la relación entre el peso de los otolitos y la edad observada (estimada contando los anillos de los otolitos seleccionados) de individuos de Sperata aor. En total se recolectaron 315 muestras entre enero 2016 y abril 2017 en tres zonas de S. aor en el Río Ganga (Narora-Kanpur, Varanasi y Bhagalpur). Se aplicó un análisis de regresión lineal entre el peso de los otolitos y la edad observada para predecir la edad de los peces de cada zona a partir del peso de los otolitos. Se observaron relaciones significativas entre el peso de los otolitos y la edad de los peces de las zonas del Río Ganga (R2 > 0.9, P 0.05). En general, 88.5, 88.8 y 87.2% de las edades predichas se clasificaron correctamente con respecto a las edades observadas para Narora-Kanpur, Varanasi y Bhagalpur, respectivamente. Se puede concluir que la relación entre el peso de los otolitos y la edad de los peces puede proveer un método para la estimación de la edad y puede ser usado para examinar la estructura de edades en tres stocks de S. aor en el Río Ganga.

Quantitative and qualitative variables of semen from surubim do Iguaçu, Steindachneridion melanodermatum Garavello, 2005 (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) / Variáveis quantitativas e qualitativas de sêmen de Surubim do Iguaçu Steindachneridion melanodermatum Garavello, 2005 (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)

Abstract The objective of the present work was to assess the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of semen from the surubim do Iguaçu (Steindachneridion melanodermatum). Induced spermiation was achieved in eleven males with mean weight of 1.76 ± 0.48 kg and average age of two years and semen was collected by stripping. The average volume was 1.34 ± 0.73 mL. The duration of sperm motility was 154.4 ± 72.6 and 149.0 ± 77.5 seconds after activation with hatchery water and distilled water, respectively. The sperm concentration estimated by hemocytometer was 5.423 ± 2.155 x 1010 spermatozoa/mL. The results indicate that S. melanodermatum semen is easily obtained during the spawning season and the seminal characteristics are adequate insemination and subsequent in vitro fertilization.

Resumo O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar características qualitativas e quantitativas do sêmen de surubim do Iguaçu (Steindachneridion melanodermatum). Para as análises, utilizaram-se onze machos com peso médio de 1,76±0,48 kg e idade média de dois anos, submetidos ao tratamento de hipofisação. O volume médio de sêmen coletado foi de 1,34 ± 0,73 mL. O tempo médio de motilidade dos espermatozoides após a coleta foi de 154,4 ± 72,6 e 149,0 ± 77,5 segundos para ativação com água do tanque e água destilada, respectivamente. Para a concentração espermática, a média foi de 5,423 ± 2,155 x1010 espermatozoides/mL. Os resultados indicam que o sêmen de S. melanodermatum é facilmente obtido no período reprodutivo analisado, e que as características seminais avaliadas são adequadas para reprodução induzida.

Sunflower meal with and without phytase supplementation in diets for silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) juveniles / Harina de girasol con y sin suplementación de fitasa en dietas para juveniles de bagre (barbudo, Col.; Rhamdia quelen) / Farelo de girassol com e sem suplementação de fitase em dietas para juvenis de jundiá ( Rhamdia quelen)

Abstract Background: The cost of feed in fish farming can exceed 70% of the total costs. Thus, the feed industry have sought to formulate balanced diets including low-cost by-products. Objective: To evaluate sunflower meal as a partial substitute (0, 10, and 20%) for soybean meal, with or without phytase supplementation (1,500 FTU/kg) in isoproteic (27% crude protein (CP)) and isoenergetic diets (3,400 kcal/ED/kg of feed) for silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) juveniles. Methods: A total of 360 fish (weight: 15.77 ± 0.56 g) were randomly distributed in 24 tanks in a completely randomized design following a factorial scheme (3x2) with 4 replicates. The fish were evaluated on the following variables after 90 days: productive performance, hematological variables, histology of intestinal tissue, bromatological composition of carcass, and composition of bone mineral matter. Results: 20% dietary inclusion of sunflower meal improved weight gain and protein efficiency. No difference was observed in the other treatments and no interactions were observed between the other factors. Conclusion: 20% sunflower meal can be included in the feed of silver catfish as a substitute for soybean meal. Phytase inclusion (1,500 FTU/kg) did not improve the nutritional value of the treatments.

Resumen Antecedentes: El costo de la alimentación en piscicultura pueden superar el 70% del costo total. Las industrias de alimentos para peces han intentado formular dietas balanceadas con subproductos de menor valor en el mercado para minimizar costos. Objetivo: Evaluar la harina de girasol como sucedáneo parcial (0, 10 y 20%) de la torta de soya, suplementada o no con fitasa (1.500 FTU/kg) en dietas isoprotéicas (27% de PB) e isoenergéticas 3400 kcal / ED / kg de ración) para bagre (barbudo, Col.; Rhamdia quelen). Métodos: Los peces, 360 juveniles (15,77 ± 0,56 g), se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en 24 unidades experimentales, en un diseño completamente al azar, en esquema factorial (3x2) y 4 repeticiones. A los 90 días se evaluó: desempeño productivo, variables hematológicas, histología de tejido intestinal y composición bromatológica de la carcasa y de la materia mineral de los huesos. Resultados: La inclusion de 20% de harina de girasol mejoró la ganancia de peso de los peces y la tasa de eficiencia proteica de la ración, sin diferencia para las otras evaluaciones ni interacción entre los demás factores evaluados. Conclusión: La harina de girasol se puede utilizar en un 20% de la ración del bagre (barbudo, Col.) como sucedáneo a la harina de soja. La inclusión de fitasa (1.500 FTU/kg) no mejoró el valor nutritivo de estas raciones.

Resumo Antecedentes: Os custos relativos a alimentação na piscicultura pode ultrapassar 70% do custo final, neste sentido, as indústrias de rações têm procurado formular dietas balanceadas com subprodutos de menor valor de mercado para minimizar estes custos. Objetivo: Esse estudo objetivou avaliar o farelo de girassol como sucedâneo parcial (0, 10 e 20%) do farelo de soja, suplementado ou não com a fitase (1.500 FTU/kg), em dietas isoprotéicas (27% de PB) e isoenergéticas (3400 kcal/ED/kg de ração) para o jundiá (Rhamdia quelen). Métodos: Os peixes, 360 juvenis (15,77 ± 0,56 g) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 24 unidades experimentais, num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (3x2) e 4 repetições. Após 90 dias foram avaliados: desempenho produtivo, variáveis hematológicas, histologia de tecido intestinal, composição bromatológica da carcaça e de matéria mineral dos ossos. Resultados: O emprego de 20% de farelo de girassol melhorou o ganho de peso dos peixes e a taxa de eficiência protéica da ração, sem diferença nas outras avaliações, ou para a interação entre os demais fatores avaliados. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que o farelo de girassol pode ser utilizado em 20% da ração do jundiá, como sucedâneo ao farelo de soja e, que a inclusão de fitase (1,500 FTU/kg) não melhorou o valor nutritivo destas rações.