Feeding behaviour and ecosystem role of the red mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803) (Decapoda, Grapsoidea) in a subtropical estuary on the brazilian coast

This study provides information concerning the feeding behaviour of Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803), through analysis of stomach contents according to demographic categories. Collections were carried out monthly from May 2005 through April 2006 in a subtropical estuary on the southeastern Brazilian coast (23 degrees 29'24 '' S 45 degrees 10'12 '' W). The crabs were collected by hand, with a 2-hour sampling effort by three people. In the laboratory, the crabs were sexed and measured for greatest carapace width, and grouped into demographic categories: adult males, juvenile males, adult females, juvenile females, and ovigerous females. For the fullness analysis, the stomachs were grouped into two categories: (1) E = Empty, with no food; and (2) F = Full, whether partially filled or totally. The frequency-of-occurrence method was used to characterize feeding behaviour, and the demographic categories recognired were compared. We obtained stomachs from 171 adult males, 69 juvenile males, 136 adult females, 72 juvenile females, and 41 ovigerous females, of which 85.6% were full. of the eight food items recorded, sediment was the most frequent, and unidentified material was the least. Goniopsis cruentata can be characterized as a generalist feeder, exploiting most of the food items available in the mangrove swamps. In spite of this generalist behaviour, the dominant presence of sediment suggests that G. cruentata is primarily a detritivore that exploits particulate organic matter from microbial biodegradation, one of the most important mangrove functions. The trophic role of this crab in the ecosystem showed no significant differences among the demographic categories, and seems to be wider than those observed for sesarmid and ocypodid mangrove crabs. These ecosystem engineers may occupy different positions in the trophic chains of estuarine environments.

Physiological maturity and relationships of growth and reproduction in the red mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille) (Brachyura, Grapsidae) on the coast of São Paulo, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Biomarkers in mangrove root crab Goniopsis cruentata for evaluating quality of tropical estuaries

The present study reports the use of biomarkers analyzes in mangrove root crab Goniopsis cruentata tissues to assess the environmental quality of two tropical estuarine areas. Animals from Ceará River estuary presented inhibition of ChE and GST enzymatic activities and higher rates of DNA damage with respect to those sampled in a pristine environment. G. cruentata appears to represent a proper species to monitor the quality of tropical estuaries. Since Ceará River is a legally protected area, this survey highlight the needs to implement actions to control pollution loads and improve the protection of natural ecosystems and resources. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dietary copper absorption and excretion in three semi-terrestrial grapsoid crabs with different levels of terrestrial adaptation

Three species of phylogenetically related semi-terrestrial crabs (Superfamily Grapsoidea - Sesarma rectum, Goniopsis cruentata and Neohelice granulata (formerly: Chasmagnathus granulatus) with different degrees of terrestriality were studied to quantify the accumulation of copper (Cu) in hemolymph, gills, hepatopancreas and antennal gland, and its excretion through the faeces. These crabs were fed for 15 days practical diets containing 0 (A), 0.5 (B), 1.0 (C), and 1.5% (D) of added CuCl2 (corresponding to 0, 0.2, 0.5 and 0.7% of Cu2+, respectively). The amount of food ingested was directly proportional to the degree of terrestriality: S. rectum, the most terrestrial species, ate around 2-3 times more than the other crabs, whereas G. cruentata ate 1.5-2 times more than N. granulata, the least terrestrial. The amount of Cu excreted in the feces was proportional to Cu ingestion, and was 76.8% and 64.2% higher for Sesarma fed diet D compared to G. cruentata and N. granulata, respectively. Sesarma also displayed higher Cu concentration in the haemolymph, gills and antennal glands, but not in the hepatopancreas. A detoxifying mechanism followed by elimination was probably present at this last organ, preventing Cu accumulation. More terrestrial crabs, such as Sesarma, may accumulate more Cu in hemolymph and tissues, showing a correlation between metal accumulation and increased terrestriality. In this aspect, contaminated feed sources with Cu may have more impact in conservation of terrestrial crabs. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The first zoeal stage of two species of Grapsidae (Decapoda, Brachyura) and a key to such larvae from the Brazilian coast

First zoeal stages of the grapsinid Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803) and the sesarminid Aratus pisonii (H. Milne Edwards, 1837), are described and illustrated. Grapsinae zoeae can be distinguished from the other grapsid larvae by the absence of lateral spines on the carapace and the reduction of the antennal exopod to a small seta. A key to the first zoeal stage of the Brazilian coast Grapsidae is provided.

Caracterização de micro-habitats do guaxinim (Procyon cancrivorus) em remanescentes de vegetação na região de Campinas, São Paulo (Mammalia: Carnivora)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efeitos da diversidade funcional de detritos sobre a estrutura de comunidades e o funcionamento de ecossistemas de fitotelmatas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Dopplerfluxometria e avaliação morfométrica do fígado, baço, rins e grandes vasos abdominais de onças pardas (Puma concolor) da região Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia Animal - FMVZ

Dermatologia ambiental: Manifestações dermatológicas de acidentes por animais aquáticos (invertebrados)

Contact between humans and coastal areas has increased in recent decades, which has led to an increase in injuries from aquatic animals. The majority of these present dermatological manifestations, and some of them show typical lesions. The highest percentages of injuries that occur in marine environments are associated with invertebrates such as sea urchins, jellyfish and Portuguese men-of-war (echinoderms and cnidarians). In this review, we discuss the clinical, therapeutic and preventive aspects of injuries caused by marine and freshwater invertebrates, focusing on first aid measures and diagnosis for dermatologists and professionals in coastal areas. © 2013 by Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.

Caracterização da comunidade de microcrustáceos e avaliação de potenciais predadores vertebrados e invertebrados em dois reservatórios na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação do efeito do extrato hidroalcóolico de Myrcia bella cambess na dor aguda e na inflamação em modelos experimentais de roedores

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Avaliação da reatividade peritoneal de equinos submetidos à enterotomia de cólon menor e tratados com heparina pela via subcutânea

Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - FMVZ

Eicosanóides no aumento de permeabilidade vascular e componente celular da inflamação aguda em Piaractus mesopotamicus

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Lipídios e parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae para tilápia de Nilo na inflamação e no desempenho produtivo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito de alterações do nível da água do reservatório Salto Grande, usadas para o controle de macrófitas, na estrutura e estabilidade da fauna de invertebrados fitófilos em uma lagoa marginal ao Rio Paranapanema

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)