Mapeamento citogenético de sequências histônicas e ribossomais revelam conservação e divergência cromossômica em populações de peixes da espécie Astyanax bockmanni (Teleostei, Characidae)

In the present work we performed molecular cytogenetic studies in two different populations of Astyanax bockmanni from streams of Botucatu, SP: one from Capivara river, on Tietê river basin and one from Água da Madalena river, on Paranapanema river basin. The results showed that the population of Astyanax bockmanni from Capivara river have a diploid number of 50 chromosomes, with karyotype consisting of 8 methacentric, 14 submethacentric, 12 subtelocentric and 16 acrocentric, while the individuals of the population from Água da Madalena river have 50 diploid chromosomes but with karyotype organized in 8 metacentric, 14 submetacentric, 16 subtelocentric and 12 acrocentric. Also, the rDNA 18s sequences are widely dispersed throughout the genome of two populations, with intra and interindividual variations. On the other hand, the sequences for rDNA 5S and Histone H1 remained chromosomally conserved in these two samples and sites located in pairs 2 and 19 (rDNA 5S) and the pairs 2 and 15 (Histone H1). The low dispersion of structural genes and a functional dynamic independence between sequences of rDNA 5S and rDNA 18S may be related to the process of karyotype maintenance and differentiation in these populations of Astyanax bockmanni

Helminth fauna of Astyanax fasciatus Cuvier, 1819, in two distinct sites of the Taquari River, São Paulo State, Brazil

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

Transplante interespecífico de espermatogônias-tronco de Brycon orbignyanus em Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characidae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Chromosomal Microstructure Diversity in Three Astyanax (Characiformes, Characidae) Species: Comparative Analysis of the Chromosomal Locations of the 18S and 5S rDNAs

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

New Insights into Karyotypic Relationships Among Populations of Astyanax bockmanni (Teleostei, Characiformes) of Different Watersheds

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

The effects of temperature and busulfan (Myleran) on the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae (Pisces, Characiformes) spermatogenesis

We aimed to standardize a protocol to suppress spermatogenesis in the characiform fish, Astyanax altiparanae, for future use as a host in germ cell transplant research, opening opportunities for a range of studies, such as spermatogenesis analyses and transgenesis because this species presents livestock characteristics to be used as a biological model. The effects of the chemotherapeutic busulfan (formulated as Myleran), which is used as medicine, therefore not as toxic to humans manipulation as analytical grade busulfan (Fluka) used in previous studies, were evaluated at physiological temperature of 28 °C, ideal for growth and reproduction of A altiparanae, and also at increased temperature 35 °C. The temperature groups were divided into three treatment groups: busulfan, DMSO only, and an untreated control. Macroscopic, histologic, stereological, and ultrastructure analysis showed that, at 28 °C, busulfan did not cause depletion of germ cells in A altiparanae. However, at 35 °C, sterilization was observed 3 weeks after the initial application. Similar results were obtained with maintenance of fish at 35 °C for a longer period with no accompanying Myleran treatment. This procedure allows reduction in stress and lower mortality resulting from manipulation during busulfan injection and is also suitable for mass treatment because large numbers of fish can be incubated in warm water.

Desempenho zootécnico e caracterização da linhagem germinativa de peixes diploides e triploides de lambari (Astyanax altiparanae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of the inclusion of fish residue oils in diets on the fatty acid profile of muscles of males and females lambari (Astyanax altiparanae)

This study evaluated the effects of two lipids sources of fish residue (tilapia and salmon) compared with a vegetable oil source (soybean oil) on the fatty acid profiles of male and female lambari. This experiment was developed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement, totaling 6 treatments resulting from the combination of the three experimental diets for both sexes, with four replications for each treatment. This study involved 120 male (2.58 +/- 0.13 g) and 72 female lambari (4.00 +/- 0.09 g), fed the experimental diets twice a day until apparent satiation for a period of 60 days. Oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids were found at higher concentrations in all experimental oils and diets, as well in the muscle of male and female lambari. The low amounts of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in the experimental diets and subsequent greater concentrations in muscle tissue, suggested that lambari are able to desaturate and elongate the chain of fatty acids with 18 carbons. The fish of both sexes that received the diet with soybean oil showed high levels of n-6 fatty acids, especially of C18: 2n-6 and low levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The diet with salmon residue oil promoted higher levels of fatty acids of the n-3 series and resulted in the best n-3/n-6 ratio in the muscle of male and female lambari. The oils from fish residues can be a substitute for traditional fish oil and its use in the lambari diets does not impair its growth.

Diet of Astyanax paranae (Characidae) in streams with different riparian land covers in the Passa-Cinco River basin, southeastern Brazil

An analysis of the diet of Astyanax paranae Eigenmann, 1914 in nine streams located in the Passa-Cinco River basin (upper Parana River system) was performed to investigate the feeding habits of this species, check for possible spatial variations in diet and to investigate the influence of riparian vegetation in the composition of the diet. Stomach contents of 243 specimens were analyzed by the methods of relative frequency of occurrence and volume, and the diet was characterized by the alimentary index (AI(i)). The species showed insectivorous feeding habits, with a predominance of terrestrial and aquatic insects in the diet, varying by location. In most streams, resources of allochthonous origin were the most consumed. The participation of aquatic insects and terrestrial plants were high in most streams, while terrestrial insects and invertebrates were highest in streams with a greater presence of riparian forest. The two streams located draining pasture fields were the only places were A. paranae consumed algae and macrophyte fragments. These results were corroborated by the analysis of similarity (ANOSIM): the descriptor "percentage of riparian forest" was the highest environmental influence on the diet of A. paranae. The study shows that riparian forest percentage on the stream reach determines the species diet composition, but A. paranae is also able to gather enough food resources in a variety of severely degraded environments.

Ecologia alimentar e reprodutiva da piaba-do-rabo-amarelo, Astyanax cf. lacustris (Reinhardt, 1874) (Osteichthyes: Characidae) na Lagoa do Piató, Assu, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

The feeding habits and biological aspects of the reproductive cycle of two-spot astyanax, Astyanax cf. lacustris (Reinhardt, 1874) were investigated. Fish samples were captured on a monthly basis, using gillnets of 4 cm mesh size, from the Piató Lake, Assu, Rio Grande do Norte, during the period of September, 2006 to August, 2007. Physico-chemical parameters, such as, temperature, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen of the lake were registered. The monthly values of rainfall also were obtained. The 360 individuals captured, were measured, weighed, dissected, and stomach weight and the stage of gonadal maturity were registered. The stomach contents analyses were carried out based on volumetric method, points, frequency of occurrence and applying the Index of Relative Importance. The degrees of repletion of the stomachs were determined besides the Index of Repletion relating to feeding activity variations and frequency of ingestion with limnological parameters and rainfall. The food items identified were separated into distinct groups according to their origin. Sex ratio and Gonadosomatic Relation of females were verified to determine the spawning period and fecundity. The physico-chemical parameters presented the following annual mean values: temperature = 28.8ºC, electrical conductivity = 992.5 µS.cm-1; dissolved oxygen = 4.9 mg.L-1 during the study period. The annual mean of the rainfall was 63.5 mm. The results indicate that this species present an omnivorous feeding habit with a tendency towards insectivory, with an increase in feeding activity during the dry season. The aquatic oxygen to interfere very importance in the feeding activity than the others factors physico-chemicals of water and rainfall. There was a predominance of females, with a sex proportion of 1M:7F. The macroscopic characteristics of the ovaries and testicles revealed four stages of gonadal development: immature, maturing, mature and spent. A temporal variation was observed for the gonadal development of males and females. There was reproductive activity through out the year, with peaks in the months of February, April and June to correspond with the rain of precipitation of the region. The mean fecundity was 7.681 mature oocytes, varying from 4.476 to 12.036, with mean of 7.681. There was positive relation between fecundity and body mass. Condition Factor is not an efficient indicator of the reproductive period of this species. The species A. cf. lacustris is an opportunist and is well adapted to the conditions of the semi-arid Caatinga Biome

Efeito do fungo Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. (Deuteromycetes) para Astyanax scabripinnis (Jenyns, 1842) (Pisces: Characidae).

Avaliou-se o efeito de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) para Astyanax scabripinnis (Jenyns, 1842)(Pisces, Characidae), em condições de laboratório. Suspensões aquosas de conídios recémproduzidos, viáveis (viabilidade mínima 90%) e inviabilizados por meio de autoclavagem (121º C, 20 minutos, a 1 atm), na concentração de 6,5 x 1010 conídios/aquário (equivalente a 5 x 1015 conídios/ ha, que representa 1.000 vezes a concentração recomendada para o controle de cigarrinhas de pastagens, principal praga-alvo deste entomopatógeno no Brasil), foram aplicadas em aquários contendo A. scabripinnis. Foram analisadas amostras de água e dos peixes, dos quais foram dissecados as brânquias e o estômago, em diferentes intervalos de tempo, a fim de se avaliar a presença dos conídios. Observaram-se diariamente o comportamento e a mortalidade de peixes em ambos os tratamentos. Avaliou-se nos peixes sobreviventes a morfologia das células das brânquias e do fígado. Verificou-se que nas brânquias não houve alteração no número de conídios ao longo de 16 dias de contato, sendo que no estômago houve um ligeiro acréscimo inicial seguido de redução constante. A viabilidade dos conídios em todos os locais avaliados decresceu após 24 horas da aplicação. Constatou-se que não houve morte ou quaisquer alterações comportamentais após 30 dias de contato, indicando a ausência de efeitos adversos associados à capacidade do fungo em provocar infecção ou exercer efeitos tóxicos em ambos os organismos-teste.

Hematological alterations in Astyanax altiparanae (Characidade) caused by Lernaea cyprinacea (Copepoda: Lernaeidae).

This study describes the hematological alterations in Astyanax altiparanae associated with infestation with Lernaea cyprinacea. The study was carried out in a lagoon of the Mogi- Guaçu River, in the municipality of Pirassununga, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Of 46 fish examined, 45.6% had their integument infested by L. cyprinacea, with a mean intensity of 4.9 parasites per fish and a mean abundance of 2.2, giving a total of 139 recovered crustaceans. The abundance of L. cyprinacea correlated positively with the length and weight of the hosts, and the intensity of infestation was higher in female hosts. Macroscopic observation of lesions associated with the parasite showed a severe inflammatory reaction around the site of attachment of L. cyprinacea, associated with a lower relative condition factor and blood parameters. The hematocrit, number of red blood cells and thrombocytes were higher in non-parasitized than in parasitized fish. However, the hemoglobin concentration, hematimetric indices and the number of white blood cells were not influenced by infestation.

Ecologia alimentar e reprodutiva da piaba-do-rabo-amarelo, Astyanax cf. lacustris (Reinhardt, 1874) (Osteichthyes: Characidae) na Lagoa do Piató, Assu, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

The feeding habits and biological aspects of the reproductive cycle of two-spot astyanax, Astyanax cf. lacustris (Reinhardt, 1874) were investigated. Fish samples were captured on a monthly basis, using gillnets of 4 cm mesh size, from the Piató Lake, Assu, Rio Grande do Norte, during the period of September, 2006 to August, 2007. Physico-chemical parameters, such as, temperature, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen of the lake were registered. The monthly values of rainfall also were obtained. The 360 individuals captured, were measured, weighed, dissected, and stomach weight and the stage of gonadal maturity were registered. The stomach contents analyses were carried out based on volumetric method, points, frequency of occurrence and applying the Index of Relative Importance. The degrees of repletion of the stomachs were determined besides the Index of Repletion relating to feeding activity variations and frequency of ingestion with limnological parameters and rainfall. The food items identified were separated into distinct groups according to their origin. Sex ratio and Gonadosomatic Relation of females were verified to determine the spawning period and fecundity. The physico-chemical parameters presented the following annual mean values: temperature = 28.8ºC, electrical conductivity = 992.5 µS.cm-1; dissolved oxygen = 4.9 mg.L-1 during the study period. The annual mean of the rainfall was 63.5 mm. The results indicate that this species present an omnivorous feeding habit with a tendency towards insectivory, with an increase in feeding activity during the dry season. The aquatic oxygen to interfere very importance in the feeding activity than the others factors physico-chemicals of water and rainfall. There was a predominance of females, with a sex proportion of 1M:7F. The macroscopic characteristics of the ovaries and testicles revealed four stages of gonadal development: immature, maturing, mature and spent. A temporal variation was observed for the gonadal development of males and females. There was reproductive activity through out the year, with peaks in the months of February, April and June to correspond with the rain of precipitation of the region. The mean fecundity was 7.681 mature oocytes, varying from 4.476 to 12.036, with mean of 7.681. There was positive relation between fecundity and body mass. Condition Factor is not an efficient indicator of the reproductive period of this species. The species A. cf. lacustris is an opportunist and is well adapted to the conditions of the semi-arid Caatinga Biome

Adaptive evolution of color vision as seen through the eyes of butterflies

Butterflies and primates are interesting for comparative color vision studies, because both have evolved middle- (M) and long-wavelength- (L) sensitive photopigments with overlapping absorbance spectrum maxima (lambda(max) values). Although positive selection is important for the maintenance of spectral variation within the primate pigments, it remains an open question whether it contributes similarly to the diversification of butterfly pigments. To examine this issue, we performed epimicrospectrophotometry on the eyes of five Limenitis butterfly species and found a 31-nm range of variation in the lambda(max) values of the L-sensitive photopigments (514-545 nm). We cloned partial Limenitis L opsin gene sequences and found a significant excess of replacement substitutions relative to polymorphisms among species. Mapping of these L photopigment lambda(max) values onto a phylogeny revealed two instances within Lepidoptera of convergently evolved L photopigment lineages whose lambda(max) values were blue-shifted. A codon-based maximum-likelihood analysis indicated that, associated with the two blue spectral shifts, four amino acid sites (Ile17Met, Ala64Ser, Asn70Ser, and Ser137Ala) have evolved substitutions in parallel and exhibit significant d(N)/d(S) >1. Homology modeling of the full-length Limenitis arthemis astyanax L opsin placed all four substitutions within the chromophore-binding pocket. Strikingly, the Ser137Ala substitution is in the same position as a site that in primates is responsible for a 5- to 7-nm blue spectral shift. Our data show that some of the same amino acid sites are under positive selection in the photopigments of both butterflies and primates, spanning an evolutionary distance >500 million years.