CAPTURE FISHERY IN NORTHERN TODOS OS SANTOS BAY, TROPICAL SOUTHWESTERN ATLANTIC, BRAZIL

Information on marine and estuarine capture fishery activity in northern Todos os Santos Bay, northeastern Brazil, based on daily data collected between September 2003 and June 2005 is presented. Small-scale artisanal fishery in this area includes the use of traditional vessels both non-motorized and motorized for locomotion, being carried out mainly by canoe or on foot, and involves many different kinds of gear, including gillnet, hook and line, seine nets, and traps. A total of 113 taxa were grouped into 77 resources, including 88 fish, 10 crustaceans, and 15 mollusks. Data on nominal catches of fish, crustaceans and mollusks are presented by month and location. A total of 345.2 tonnes of fishery resources were produced (285.4 tonnes of fish, 39.2 tonnes of fresh invertebrates, and 20.6 tonnes of processed invertebrates). Temporal variation in the fish catch was associated with the life cycle of the species or with the hydrographic conditions. The first-sale value of this catch amounted to around US$ 615,000.00, fishes representing 71.3% of it. A table of the average price of each fishery resource is presented. The results produced in this study may be considered a reference for future monitoring programs of fishery resources in the area.

Gastrotricha: A Marine Sister for a Freshwater Puzzle

Background: Within an evolutionary framework of Gastrotricha Marinellina flagellata and Redudasys fornerise bear special interest, as they are the only Macrodasyida that inhabit freshwater ecosystems. Notwithstanding, these rare animals are poorly known; found only once (Austria and Brazil), they are currently systematised as incertae sedis. Here we report on the rediscovery of Redudasys fornerise, provide an account on morphological novelties and present a hypothesis on its phylogenetic relationship based on molecular data. Methodology/Principal Findings: Specimens were surveyed using DIC microscopy and SEM, and used to obtain the 18 S rRNA gene sequence; molecular data was analyzed cladistically in conjunction with data from 42 additional species belonging to the near complete Macrodasyida taxonomic spectrum. Morphological analysis, while providing new information on taxonomically relevant traits (adhesive tubes, protonephridia and sensorial bristles), failed to detect elements of the male system, thus stressing the parthenogenetic nature of the Brazilian species. Phylogenetic analysis, carried out with ML, MP and Bayesian approaches, yielded topologies with strong nodal support and highly congruent with each other. Among the supported groups is the previously undocumented clade showing the alliance between Redudasys fornerise and Dactylopodola agadasys; other strongly sustained clades include the densely sampled families Thaumastodermatidae and Turbanellidae and most genera. Conclusions/Significance: A reconsideration of the morphological traits of Dactylopodola agadasys in light of the new information on Redudasys fornerise makes the alliance between these two taxa very likely. As a result, we create Anandrodasys gen. nov. to contain members of the previously described D. agadasys and erect Redudasyidae fam. nov. to reflect this novel relationship between Anandrodasys and Redudasys. From an ecological perspective, the derived position of Redudasys, which is deeply nested within the Macrodasyida clade, unequivocally demonstrates that invasion of freshwater by gastrotrichs has taken place at least twice, in contrast with the single event hypothesis recently put forward.

Taxonomic revision of doubtful Brazilian freshwater shrimp species of genus Macrobrachium (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)

The freshwater prawns of the genus Macrobrachium Spence Bate, 1868 are widely distributed in rivers of tropical and subtropical regions and represent an interesting group with controversial taxonomy. The morphological characters traditionally used to separate species have shown a high intraspecific variation. Doubts about the status of M. birai Lobao, Melo & Fernandes, 1986, M. holthuisi Genofre & Lobao, 1978 and M. petronioi Melo, Lobao & Fernandes, 1986 have been arisen due to the high resemblance of the former two species with M. olfersi (Wiegmann, 1836), and the latter one with M. potiuna (Muller, 1880). Therefore, we performed a detailed morphological analysis of these species, including new characters not usually used in the species recognition. The present results here with molecular data lead us to conclude that M. birai and M. holthuisi are junior synonyms of M. olfersi, and M. petronioi is a junior synonym of M. potiuna. Considering these synonymies, 17 valid species are now reported for the Brazilian territory.

Length-weight relationship for seven freshwater fish species from Brazil

The present study reports length-weight relationships for seven native freshwater fish species (Triportheus angulatus, Psectrogaster rhomboides, Prochilodus brevis, Leporinus piau, Cichlasoma orientale, Crenicichla menezesi, and Pimelodella gracilis) captured in a semiarid Brazilian reservoir located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.

Evaluation of the Sensitivity of Freshwater Organisms Used in Toxicity Tests of Wastewater from Explosives Company

Explosives industries are a source of toxic discharge. The aim of this study was to compare organisms sensitivity (Daphnia similis, Danio rerio, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida) in detecting acute toxicity in wastewater from two explosives, 2,4,6-TNT (TNT) and nitrocellulose. The samples were collected from an explosives company in the Paraiba Valley, So Paulo, Brazil. The effluents from TNT and nitrocellulose production were very toxic for tested organisms. Statistical tests indicated that D. similis and D. rerio were the most sensitive organisms for toxicity detection in effluents from 2,4,6-TNT and nitrocellulose production. The P. putida bacteria was the organism considered the least sensitive in indicating toxicity in effluents from nitrocellulose.

Permeability of riparian forest strips in agricultural, small subtropical watersheds in south-eastern Brazil

If riparian buffer zones are ineffective in preventing C-4 plant carbon from upland areas reaching the stream sediment, the composition of stream fauna can be significantly altered. The permeability of riparian forest strips in agricultural, small subtropical watersheds in south-eastern Brazil was measured in nine watersheds categorised according to the predominant land cover of the legally required 30-m buffer riparian zone. Four watersheds with well preserved riparian forest along the 30-m buffer zone were designated as FOREST watersheds; three watersheds, with a predominance of C-4 grasses from sugarcane to pasture, mixed with preserved riparian forests, were designated MIXED watersheds; and two watersheds were termed PASTURE-SUGAR because their entire 30-m buffer zone was covered by C-4 plants. Stable carbon (delta C-13) isotopes were used as tracers of upland C-4 carbon in sediments, suspended particulate organic carbon, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates and two species of neotropical fish. Although the intact 30-m buffer zone of riparian forests did not entirely prevent the input of C-4 to the river environment and food web, there was a significant increase in C-4 carbon in those watersheds where the buffer zone was not covered by riparian forests. These findings emphasise the importance of riparian forests in mitigating disturbance in streams and support efforts to preserve such riparian corridors.

Egg surface structure of the freshwater toadfish Thalassophryne amazonica (Teleostei: Batrachoididae) with information on its distribution and natural habitat

The egg surface structure of Thalassophryne amazonica, a freshwater toadfish from the Amazon basin is described. Eggs of this species show a remarkable, highly unusual system of parallel ridges and intermittent grooves that originate at the equator of the egg and lead to the micropylar pit, at which they end in a spiralling pattern. A similar egg surface structure has so far been described only from a group of Asian anabantoid percomorphs, obviously not closely related to Thalassophryne. This egg surface pattern may enhance fertilization success by guiding sperm to the micropyle. We review museum records for T amazonica, present an updated map of its occurrence in the Amazon basin, and provide information on its habitat.

Feeding ecology of the American freshwater goby Ctenogobius shufeldti (Gobiidae, Perciformes) in a sub-tropical estuary

The feeding ecology of the American freshwater goby Ctenogobius shufeldti in a low salinity salt-marsh habitat in the Paranagua Bay estuarine complex (Brazil) was assessed through the gut analysis of 632 individuals. The effects of a set of abiotic factors (type of sediment, salinity, temperature and estuarine reach), season and body size on dietary composition were analysed. Seasonal and size-related changes in feeding strategy, feeding intensity and trophic level were assessed. The effects of gape and body size on prey size use were also analysed. The results showed that C. shufeldti is a typical omnivorous, generalized benthic predator of low trophic levels throughout the seasons and size classes, feeding on 56 dietary items; tanaids, chlorophyte algae, ostracods, gastropods, detritus and benthic diatoms made up the bulk of its diet. The tanaid Kalliapseudes schubarti was the main prey item in both numerical and volumetric terms. The gut fullness was persistently high across the seasons. As expected for a typical generalized, opportunistic omnivorous feeder: (1) seasonal and spatial-temporal variability of abiotic factors had a significant effect on diet structure, (2) season accounted for most of the dietary variation and (3) diet composition and the size of prey consumed did not vary across the size classes.

USING THE FRESHWATER BIVALVE Anodontites tenebricosus (LEA, 1834) AS A BIOMONITOR OF METALS IN THE RIBEIRA DE IGUAPE RIVER

USING THE FRESHWATER BIVALVE Anodontites tenebricosus (LEA, 1834) AS A BIOMONITOR OF METALS IN THE RIBEIRA DE IGUAPE RIVER. This study investigated the contamination of the Ribeira de Iguape River - RIR by Cd, Zn, Cr and Pb, using the bivalve Anodontites tenebrieosus as a biomonitor. Metal concentrations in tissue samples were measured by HR-ICPMS. Bivalve tissues exhibited mean levels of 1.00 mu g/g Cd: 152.89 mu g/g Zn; 14.79 mu g/g Cr and 4.40 mu g/g Pb. Lead concentrations were comparable to those reported for moderately contaminated sites. The results showed that Pb is bioavailable to the bivalves, exhibiting high concentrations and exceeding both natural and reference values for human consumption. The freshwater bivalve Anodontites tenebricosus is a suitable biomonitor of contamination by metals.

Reproductive biology of the ghost shrimp Lepidophthalmus bocourti (A. Milne-Edwards, 1870) (Decapoda: Axiidea: Callianassidae): A tropical species with a seasonal reproduction

Based on the hypothesis that reproduction is a continuous process in tropical habitats, we analysed reproductive periodicity and egg production in the callianassid ghost shrimp Lepidophthalmus bocourti, one of the most common species in mangrove systems along the Pacific coast of Central America. During one year (May 2008 to April 2009), individuals of L. bocourti (N = 499) were collected nearshore Gulf of Nicoya, Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Observations were made on presence or absence of incubated embryos, and gonad activity of females was analysed as gonadosomatic index (GSI). Our results revealed that L. bocourti has a marked seasonal breeding period, which contradicts previous reports regarding coastal marine decapods from the tropics. Ovigerous females were found only from June to August, while high GSI values were obtained from March to July. The increase of GSI and appearance of ovigerous females were associated with a concomitant decrease of salinity, but not with temperature. We assume that reproduction of L. bocourti is adapted to local changes of environmental conditions, and that a decrease in salinity during rainy season may serve as a triggering factor for ovarian development. Compared to other ghost shrimps, L. bocourti produced on average more (2002 +/- 1365) and smaller (0.87 +/- 0.109 mm) eggs, which seems to suggest that this species does not have an abbreviated larval development as reported for other species of genus. The deviation from the generalization of constant reproduction in the tropics for shallow water marine invertebrates and its probable cause are adequately discussed.

A trophic study of the sympatric Amazonian freshwater turtles Podocnemis unifilis and Podocnemis expansa (Testudines, Podocnemidae) using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses

The Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis Troschel, 1848) and the South American River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812)) are two turtles species that are widely distributed and have ecological, economic, and cultural importance in the Amazon basin. Although sympatric regarding most of their distribution, few studies have addressed the coexistence of these two species. To examine this, we analyzed the trophic level and the primary carbon source from the diets of both species in Baixo Araguaia, Tocantins, Brazil, using stable isotope analyses of carbon (delta C-13) and nitrogen (delta N-15). We also verified possible intraspecific variations (related to sex and body mass) in the trophic levels and primary carbon sources of their diets. Podocnemis unifilis had higher values of delta N-15 than P. expansa, averaging 7.59 parts per thousand and 5.06 parts per thousand, respectively, a difference which may indicate a possible trophic change owing to exploiting different food resources. No differences were found between the two species in relation to delta C-13 (mean values of -26.2 parts per thousand and -26.1 parts per thousand, respectively). The similarity between delta C-13 values suggests that the sources of their basal feeding are the same, consisting mainly of C-3 plants. There was no intraspecific variation in the values of delta C-13 and delta N-15.

Signaling Events During Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Regulated Pigment Aggregation in Freshwater Shrimp Chromatophores

Crustacean color change results partly from granule aggregation induced by red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH). In shrimp chromatophores, both the cyclic GMP (3', 5'-guanosine monophosphate) and Ca2+ cascades mediate pigment aggregation. However, the signaling elements upstream and downstream from cGMP synthesis by GC-S (cytosolic guanylyl cyclase) remain obscure. We investigate post-RPCH binding events in perfused red ovarian chromatophores to disclose the steps modulating cGMP concentration, which regulates granule translocation. The inhibition of calcium/calmodulin complex (Ca2+/CaM) by N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulphonamide (W7) induces spontaneous aggregation but inhibits RPCH-triggered aggregation, suggesting a role in pigment aggregation and dispersion. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition by N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) strongly diminishes RPCH-induced aggregation; protein kinase G inhibition (by rp-cGMPs-triethylamine) reduces RPCH-triggered aggregation and provokes spontaneous dispersion, disclosing NO/PKG participation in aggregation signaling. Myosin light chain phosphatase inhibition (by cantharidin) accelerates RPCH-triggered aggregation, whereas Rho-associated protein kinase inhibition (by Y-27632, H-11522) reduces RPCH-induced aggregation and accelerates dispersion. MLCP (myosin light chain kinase) and ROCK (Rho-associated protein kinase) may antagonistically regulate myosin light chain (MLC) dephosphorylation/phosphorylation during pigment dispersion/aggregation. We propose the following general hypothesis for the cGMP/Ca2+ cascades that regulate pigment aggregation in crustacean chromatophores: RPCH binding increases Ca2+ (int), activating the Ca2+/CaM complex, releasing NOS-produced nitric oxide, and causing GC-S to synthesize cGMP that activates PKG, which phosphorylates an MLC activation site. Myosin motor activity is initiated by phosphorylation of an MLC regulatory site by ROCK activity and terminated by MLCP-mediated dephosphorylation. Qualitative comparison reveals that this signaling pathway is conserved in vertebrate and invertebrate chromatophores alike.

Secondary production of sandy beach macrofauna: An evaluation of predictive models

During the last three decades, several predictive models have been developed to estimate the somatic production of macroinvertebrates. Although the models have been evaluated for their ability to assess the production of macrobenthos in different marine ecosystems, these approaches have not been applied specifically to sandy beach macrofauna and may not be directly applicable to this transitional environment. Hence, in this study, a broad literature review of sandy beach macrofauna production was conducted and estimates obtained with cohort-based and size-based methods were collected. The performance of nine models in estimating the production of individual populations from the sandy beach environment, evaluated for all taxonomic groups combined and for individual groups separately, was assessed, comparing the production predicted by the models to the estimates obtained from the literature (observed production). Most of the models overestimated population production compared to observed production estimates, whether for all populations combined or more specific taxonomic groups. However, estimates by two models developed by Cusson and Bourget provided best fits to measured production, and thus represent the best alternatives to the cohort-based and size-based methods in this habitat. The consistent performance of one of these Cusson and Bourget models, which was developed for the macrobenthos of sandy substrate habitats (C&B-SS), shows that the performance of a model does not depend on whether it was developed for a specific taxonomic group. Moreover, since some widely used models (e.g., the Robertson model) show very different responses when applied to the macrofauna of different marine environments (e.g., sandy beaches and estuaries), prior evaluation of these models is essential.

Bryozoan biodiversity in Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, Brazil

Among the marine invertebrate groups recorded from oceanic islands, bryozoans stand out because they can live and reproduce in suboptimal habitats, which may enhance their dispersal capabilities. This study aimed to update the checklist of bryozoans known from the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (ASPSP) and discusses their distribution. During the five expeditions conducted between 2007 and 2009, 22 species were found, of which 16 were new occurrences for the archipelago. The bryozoans were collected from different biotic (algae and invertebrates) and abiotic (rocks, rubble and wrecks) substrata. The bryozoan community in ASPSP includes: eight new and probably endemic species, five species that belong to widespread species complexes, three species known only from the Brazilian coast, two species reported from the Western Atlantic and one species recorded from oceanic islets in the Atlantic. Additionally, three species are widespread in tropical to subtropical waters. Margaretta buski can be highlighted as the most conspicuous and abundant species between 1045 m deep and acts as an "ecosystem engineer".

CLONING AND EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF ALLOGRAFT INFLAMMATORY FACTOR TYPE 1 IN COELOMOCYTES OF ANTARCTIC SEA URCHIN (STERECHINUS NEUMAYERI)

We have cloned and characterized for the first time an allograft inflammatory factor 1 (Sn-AIF-1) from the Antarctic sea urchin. We report the cloning of Sn-AIF-1 cDNA and the characterization of its expression in coelomocytes after a bacterial challenge. The cDNA Sn-AIF-1 has a size of 608 bp and encodes a polypeptide of 151 aa. The deduced amino acid sequence has a putative size of 17.430 Da, an isoelectric point of 4.92, and shows 2 elongation factor handlike motifs that normally bind calcium ions. BLAST analysis revealed close matches with other known AIF-1. The deduced amino acid sequence of Sn-AIF-1 showed high homology with AIF-1 in vertebrates such as fish, mice, and humans; and in the case of invertebrates, the major degree of identity (55%) was with a predicted sequence of the purple sea urchin AIF-1, and 52% corresponded to a sponge. Expression of Sn-AIF-1 mRNA was analyzed by qPCR. Sn-AIF-1 mRNA expression was measured from coelomocytes after a bacterial challenge using RT-PCR and revealed that the gene was upregulated after 24 h. Sn-AIF-1 could participate in the inflammatory response, particularly in the activation of coelomocytes and their survival.