Digestibilidad aparente de materia seca, proteína y carbohidratos de la dieta con ensilado biológico de harina de maíz en Cryphiops (C.) caementarius / Apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein and carbohydrate of the diet with biological corn meal silage in Cryphiops (C.) caementarius

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la digestibilidad aparente de la materia seca, proteína y carbohidratos de la dieta con ensilado biológico de harina de maíz en Cryphiops (C.) caementarius. Camarones adultos (4.50 a 7.20 cm de longitud total), se colectaron del río Pativilca (Lima, Perú) y en laboratorio se mantuvieron en recipientes individuales instalados dentro de seis acuarios (cuatro camarones por acuario). La dieta control fue sin ensilado y para la dieta experimental se reemplazó el 75% de la harina de maíz por el ensilado biológico de harina de maíz; ambas dietas tuvieron 1% de óxido crómico como marcador inerte. Los camarones fueron alimentados dos veces por día (40% a las 08:00 h y 60% a las 18:00 h) con el 6% del peso húmedo, durante 10 días. Para la colección de heces, los camarones fueron trasladados a un sistema de caja cribada (12 compartimentos) instalada dentro de un acuario. La digestibilidad aparente se determinó en base seca. Los camarones alimentados con la dieta con ensilado biológico de harina de maíz tuvieron altos coeficientes de digestibilidad aparente de carbohidratos (95.69%), proteína cruda (80.02%) y materia seca (76.19%), que aquellos alimentados con la dieta sin ensilado (p<0.05) que fue de 93.48, 78.21 y 74.36%, respectivamente. Los camarones adultos digieren con eficiencia los carbohidratos de la dieta con ensilado biológico de harina de maíz, en vez de la proteína de dicha dieta.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein and carbohydrates of the diet with biological corn meal silage in Cryphiops (C.) caementarius. Adult prawn (4.50 to 7.20 cm total length) was collected from the Pativilca river (Lima, Peru) and in the laboratory each shrimp was kept in individual containers set up in six aquaria (four prawn per aquarium). The experimental diet was supplemented with corn meal biological silage and the control diet was without silage; both diets had 1% chromic oxide. Each diet had three replicates. Prawn was fed twice a day (40% at 08:00 h and 60% at 18:00 h) at 6% of wet weight for 10 days. For feces collection, the prawn was transferred to a system of sieved boxes (12 compartments) installed inside an aquarium. Apparent digestibility was determined on a dry basis. Prawn fed the diet with corn meal biological silage had higher apparent digestibility coefficient for carbohydrates (95.69%), crude protein (80.02%) and dry matter (76.19%) than those fed the diet without silage (p<0.05), which was 93.48, 78.21 and 74.36%, respectively. The adult prawn digested efficiently the carbohydrates of the corn meal biological silage diet, instead of the protein of this diet.

Anesthetic potential of different essential oils for two shrimp species, Farfantepenaeus paulensis and Litopenaeus vannamei (Decapoda, Crustacea) / Potencial anestésico de diferentes óleos essenciais para duas espécies de camarões, Farfantepenaeus paulensis e Litopenaeus vannamei (Decapoda, Crustacea)

ABSTRACT: The use of anesthetics in aquaculture ensures better animal welfare and survival during transport and the production cycle. The present study evaluated the anesthetic efficacy of essential oils (EOs) of Lippia alba (EOLA) and Ocimum gratissimum (EOOG) for pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis, and EOs of Origanum majorana (EOO) and Cymbopogon citratus (EOC) for white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. shrimp were exposed to (i) 500, 750 or 1000 µL L-1 of EOLA or (ii) 50, 100, 150 or 250 µL L-1 of EOOG, and L. vannamei were exposed to (iii) 150, 300 or 500 µL L-1 of EOC or (iv) 400 or 800 µL L-1 of EOO. The induction times were concentration dependent, with a decrease in induction time with the increase of the EOs concentration, but for EOLA, this pattern was observed only for anesthesia. Induction times for sedation and anesthesia were significantly shorter for shrimp exposed to EOC and EOO. The highest concentration of EOOG (250 µL L-1) resulted in 30% mortality. The recovery time was significantly longer for shrimp exposed to 800 µL L-1 of EOO compared to the other EOs. Overall, the action of EOs significantly differed between the two shrimp species. In conclusion, the tested EOs effectively anesthetized F. paulensis and L. vannamei.

RESUMO: O uso de anestésicos em procedimentos aquícolas pode garantir melhor bem-estar e sobrevivência dos animais durante o transporte e ciclo de produção. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia anestésica dos óleos essenciais (OEs) de Lippia alba (EOLA) e Ocimum gratissimum (EOOG) para o camarão rosa Farfantepenaeus paulensis, e Origanum majorana (EOO) e Cymbopogon citratus (EOC) para o camarão branco Litopenaeus vannamei. Os camarões foram expostos à: (i) 500, 750 ou 1000 µL L-1 EOLA e (ii) 50, 100, 150 ou 250 µL L-1 de EOOG para F. paulensis, e (iii) 150, 300 ou 500 µL L-1 EOC, e (iv) 400 ou 800 µL L-1 de EOO para L. vannamei. Os tempos de indução foram dependentes da concentração. Houve diminuição do tempo de indução, mas para EOLA esse padrão foi observado apenas na anestesia. Os tempos de indução para sedação e anestesia foram significativamente mais rápidos para os grupos EOC e EOO. A concentração de 250 µL L-1 de EOOG resultou em 30% de mortalidade. O tempo de recuperação foi significativamente maior a 800 µL L-1 de EOO em comparação aos outros OEs. No geral, a ação dos OEs foi significativamente diferente entre as duas espécies de camarões. Em conclusão, ambos os OEs anestesiaram efetivamente o F. paulensis e L. vannamei.

Characterization and evaluation for wound healing of chitosan extracted from the exoskeleton of freshwater crab Potamonautes niloticus

The freshwater crab Potamonautes niloticus (Potamonautidae: Decapoda: Crustacea) is common in River Nile andits tributaries but has no commercial value as edible crab for human beings. Therefore, the present study aims toevaluate the role of chitosan extracted from its exoskeleton for wound healing process as a medical application. Thestructure of chitosan has been physically investigated by using fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy to reveal thevibrational frequencies of different structural functional groups, such as primary amine groups, hydroxyl groups andamide groups. The efficiency of the extracted chitosan was assessed by morphological and histological examinationof wound healing in albino rats. Sections of isolated wounds were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate thehistological changes during the wound healing process. Chitosan was yielded 30.64% from the crab shells and theresults of wound healing assessments showed that the chitosan treated group (Ch 1%) was more efficient and fasterthan other groups (Ch 2, 3%) versus control groups. Also, the total leucocyte counts showed shortened inflammatoryphase in chitosan-treated groups. The present results showed the efficiency of extracted chitosan in wound healingprocess and can be used in medical applications.

Biotechnological recovery of chitin from crustacean waste / Recuperación biotecnológica de quitina de residuos de crustáceos

Abstract Reviews on biotechnological recovery of chitin from crustacean waste and other sources are acknowledged in the present review. Most of the reviews conclude that although important results on chitin recovery have been achieved, there is still a need for better approaches to improve operational conditions of deproteinization and demineralization processes, such as time, carbon source, pH (initial and during fermentation), volume of inoculum, temperature, among others, in order to apply at industrial level, a bioprocess commercially and environmentally cost/effective viable. The present review aims to gather the most updated available information about research on biotechnological methods to recover chitin from crustacean waste, studied during the past 10 years, focussing on conditions applied to deproteinization (DP) and demineralization (DM), particularly on bioprocessing times and microbial species.

Resumen Revisiones sobre recuperación de quitina a partir de residuos de crustáceos y otras fuentes usando biotecnología son reconocidas en el presente artículo. La mayoría de las revisiones concluyen que aunque se han logrado resultados importantes en la recuperación de quitina, todavía existe la necesidad de mejorar las condiciones operativas de los procesos de desproteinización y desmineralización, tales como el tiempo, la fuente de carbono, el pH (inicial y durante la fermentación), el volumen de inóculo y la temperatura, entre otros, para aplicar a nivel industrial un bioproceso que sea comercial y ambientalmente costo-beneficio viable. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo reunir la información más actualizada disponible sobre la investigación en métodos biotecnológicos para recuperar la quitina de los residuos de crustáceos, estudiada durante los últimos 10 años, centrándose en las condiciones aplicadas a la desproteinización (DP) y la desmineralización (DM), particularmente en los tiempos de bioprocesamiento y las especies microbianas involucradas.

Sleep in the crustacean crayfish

Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness, reduced locomotive activity and rapid awakening, and is well established in mammals, birds, reptiles and teleosts. Commonly, it is also defined with electrical records (electroencephalogram), which are only well established in mammals and to some extent in birds. However, sleep states similar to those of mammals, except for electrical criteria, appear to occur in some invertebrates. Currently, the most compelling evidence of sleep in invertebrates has been obtained in the crayfish. In mammals, sleep is characterized by a brain state that is different from that of wakefulness, which includes a change to slow waves that has not been observed in insects. Herein, we show that the crayfish enters a brain state with a high threshold to vibratory stimuli, accompanied by a form of slow wave activity in the brain, quite different from that of wakefulness. Therefore, the crayfish can enter a state of sleep that is comparable to that of mammals.

Notas sobre taxonomía, biología y pesquería de Ucides occidentalis (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) con énfasis en el Golfo de Guayaquil, Ecuador / Notes on taxonomy, biology and fishery of Ucides occidentalis (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) with emphasis in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador

La información científica sobre Ucides occidentalis es escasa y parte de estos estudios no han logrado una difusión adecuada, lo cual restringe la disponibilidad de conocimiento sobre esta especie comercial. En este trabajo se revisan diversos estudios sobre U. occidentalis y se presenta información obtenida de observaciones directas realizadas entre 2011-2014 en los manglares del Golfo de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Se muestran notas sobre cambios en la taxonomía de U. occidentalis, sus características biológicas, ecológicas y pesqueras. Se discuten características del interés pesquero como la densidad poblacional y períodos de reproducción. Finalmente, se discute el manejo de las pesquerías de U. occidentalis en el Golfo de Guayaquil debido a que, en los últimos años, se ha evidenciado una disminución en los niveles de desembarques y a la vez, un aumento en la talla media comercial; aquello sugiere que se deben considerar ambos factores en la evaluación del stock, para tener una mejor aproximación sobre el estado poblacional del recurso y sus niveles de explotación.

Scientific information on Ucides occidentalis is scarce, and part of these studies have not adequate diffusion, this situation restricts the availability of knowledge about this commercial species. In this work, on the one hand, diverse studies on U. occidentalis are reviewed, and on the other, information obtained from direct observations made since 2011 to 2014 in the Gulf of Guayaquil mangroves, is presented. Notes on changes in the taxonomy of U. occidentalis, its biology, ecological and fishery characteristics are presented. Characteristics to fishing interest such as density data and reproduction periods are discussed. By last, it is discussed the management of fisheries of U. occidentalis in the Gulf of Guayaquil, because in recent decades, U. occidentalis has evidenced a decrease in the landing levels and at the same time, an increase in the average commercial size; this suggest that both factors should be considered in the evaluation of stock, and thereby to have a better approximation on the population status of the resource.

New species of Temnocephala (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalida) ectosymbiont on vulnerable species of aeglids (Crustacea, Anomura) from the Neotropical Region / Nova espécie de Temnocephala (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalida) ectosimbionte sobre espécies vulneráveis de eglídeos (Crustacea, Anomura) da Região Neotropical

Abstract: A new species of the genus Temnocephala Blanchard, 1849 from southern Brazil was found on two species of anomuran crustaceans, Aegla spinipalma Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 and Aegla grisella Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994, the latter classified as a vulnerable species by the "Lista de Referência da Fauna Ameaçada de Extinção no Rio Grande do Sul. Decreto no 41.672, de 11 junho de 2002". The crustaceans were collected from a tributary creek of the Forqueta river, Perau de Janeiro, Arvorezinha and a tributary creek of the Fão river, Pouso Novo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; both localities belong to the Sub-Basin of Forqueta River. The new species differs from seven other temnocephalans epibionts on Aegla Leach, 1820, by having the following characters: 1. a long and slightly curved cirrus, 2. two vaginal sphincters, one proximal, big and asymmetric, and one distal, smaller and symmetric, and; 3. longer than wide, elongated epidermal 'excretory' syncytial plates (EPs), with a almost horizontally central excretory pore, displaced to the anterior portion of the plate. The new species' EP is the largest in total length among epibionts temnocephalans in crustaceans already registered. Regarding the similarities with the male reproductive system of Temnocephala axenosMonticelli, 1898, the new species has important differences in the female reproductive system. It has a larger proximal vaginal sphincter, located in the middle of the vagina, while the smaller distal one is at the extreme end of the organ. Besides that, the vaginal portion between the proximal and distal sphincters is conspicuous, with a strong muscular wall. This is the first record of a species of Temnocephala in the Taquari Valley, as well in the 'Perau de Janeiro', which is an area with a rich endemic fauna.

Resumo: Uma nova espécie do gênero Temnocephala Blanchard, 1849 da região sul do Brasil foi encontrada sobre duas espécies de crustáceos anomuros, Aegla spinipalma Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 e Aegla grisella Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994, a última classificada como uma espécie vulnerável pela Lista de Referência da Fauna Ameaçada de Extinção no Rio Grande do Sul. Decreto no 41.672, de 11 junho de 2002. Os crustáceos foram coletados em um arroio tributário do Rio Forqueta, Perau de Janeiro, Arvorezinha e em um arroio tributário do Rio Fão, Pouso Novo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; ambas localidades pertencem a Sub-Bacia do Rio Forqueta. A nova espécie se diferencia dos outros sete temnocefalídeos epibiontes sobre Aegla Leach, 1820 pelos caracteres a seguir: 1. cirro longo e levemente curvo, 2. dois esfíncteres vaginais, um proximal, grande e assimétrico e um distal, menor e simétrico, e, 3. placas sinciciais epidérmicas 'excretoras' (PEs) alongadas, mais longas do que largas, com poro excretor quase central horizontalmente e deslocado para a porção anterior da placa. A PE da nova espécie é a maior em comprimento total entre os temnocefalídeos epibiontes sobre crustáceos registrados até o momento. Embora haja similaridades com o sistema reprodutor masculino de Temnocephala axenosMonticelli, 1898, a nova espécie apresenta diferenças importantes no sistema reprodutor feminino. O esfíncter vaginal proximal é maior, localizado no meio da vagina, enquanto o distal é menor e se localiza no final do órgão. Além disso, a porção da vagina entre os esfíncters proximal e distal é conspícua, com uma forte parede muscular. Esta é a primeira espécie de Temnocephala registrada para o Vale do Taquari, assim como para o Perau de Janeiro, área com uma fauna endêmica rica.

Composición y abundancia del zooplancton en la laguna El Morro, Isla de Margarita, Venezuela / Composition and abundance of the zooplankton in lagoon El Morro, Margarita Island, Venezuela

Se analizó la composición y abundancia del zooplancton de la laguna El Morro en la isla de Margarita, Venezuela, durante el periodo de surgencia (marzo-mayo 2011) y de relajación (junio-agosto 2011). Las muestras fueron recolectadas en 6 estaciones de las diferentes zonas de la laguna. Se realizaron calados con una red de plancton de 333 µm durante 10 minutos. Se midió in situ la temperatura, salinidad y oxígeno disuelto, además de nutrientes. Se registraron valores medios de temperatura de 29.7 ºC, salinidad de 36 ups, oxígeno disuelto de 5.9 mg.L-1. La concentración de nutrientes fue baja (medias de 0.12; 0.04; 0.03 mg.L-1 para nitrato, nitrito y fosfato, respectivamente). Se detectaron diferencias significativas temporales con mayores registros en la temporada de relajación, mientras que espacialmente no mostró diferencias, a pesar que en las estaciones internas (Est. 4,5,6) se obtuvo mayor abundancia. Se identificaron quince grupos zooplanctónicos, determinándose nueve especies del grupo Copepoda, dos de Cladocera, una de Decapoda, Tunicada y Rotifera y diferentes formas larvarias de distintos taxa. Las larvas de crustáceos presentaron la abundancia media y relativa más alta (47738 ind.m-3 y 46.83%, respectivamente), seguido del copépodo Oithona nana (31740 ind.m-3 y 25.94%, respectivamente) y Paracalanus quasimodo (12958 ind.m-3 y 8.47%, respectivamente). Esta laguna involucra la estacionalidad surgencia-relajación como un efecto importante en la distribución y abundancia del zooplancton.

The composition and abundance of the zooplankton of El Morro lagoon on the island of Margarita, Venezuela, during the upwelling period (March-May 2011) and relaxation (June-August 2011) were analyzed. Samples were collected at 6 stations in different areas of the lagoon. Sampling was performed with a 333 μm plankton net for 10 minutes. Water Temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ, in addition to nutrients. Average water temperature values of 29.7 °C, a salinity of 36 ups, and dissolved oxygen of 5.9 mg.L-1 were found. The concentration of nutrients was low (averages of 0.12, 0.04, 0.03 mg.L-1 for nitrate, nitrite and phosphate, respectively). Significant seasonal differences were detected with greater records in the relaxation season, whereas spatially did not show differences, although in the internal stations a greater abundance was recorded. Fifteen zooplankton groups were identified, identifying nine species of Copepoda, two of Cladocera, one of Decapoda, Tunicada and Rotifera and different larval forms of different taxa. Crustacean larvae showed the highest average and relative abundance (47738 ind.m-3 y 46.83%, respectively), followed by copepod O. nana (31740 ind.m-3 and 25.94%, respectively) and P. quasimodo (12958 ind.m-3 and 8.47%, respectively). This lagoon involves the emergence-relaxation seasonality as an important effect on the distribution and abundance of zooplankton.

Asynchronous Hatching and Extended Parental Care in Aegla schmitti (Decapoda, Anomura)

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to describe the behavior of newly-hatched juveniles and maternal care in Aegla schmitti. The experiment was conducted using seven ovigerous females with eggs at different stages of embryonic development and 12 eggs that had been placed in a separate aquarium. We observed asynchronous hatching in all females, with a mean of 66 hatched juveniles per female. The females also exhibited extended maternal care, allowing the juveniles to remain inside their abdominal chamber or on other parts of their body in the first few days after hatching. The juveniles that hatched in a separate aquarium fed on the remaining eggs, despite food being available. The incubation period and number of hatched eggs are highly variable between species with direct development, with no clear pattern being evident. However, asynchrony in hatching time is apparently common among freshwater anomurans, most likely due to the environmental conditions in which they live. Parental care is an important trait for crustaceans that live in osmotically unfavorable environments, such as freshwater, increasing the survival rate of juveniles.

Rocinela signata (Isopoda: Aegidae) parasitizing the gills of the spotted goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus (Actinopterygii: Mullidae) in Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Parasitic isopods of fishes usually show wide distribution and low host specificity. This study investigated the occurrence of gill parasites in 120 specimens of spotted goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus, marine fish of great economic importance for fishery community. The fish were captured monthly in the Coast of Pernambuco State, Northeast Brazil, between October 2012 and September 2013. Eleven isopods were found and identified as Rocinela signata. We observed lower infections in the gills of P. maculatus (prevalence 8.3%, mean intensity 1.6±0.3 and mean abundance 0.1±0.3) when compared to other studies of different host fishes from geographically close locations. This parasite has been reported from a wide variety of fish species, not only in Brazil, but also in the eastern Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. This is the first report of R. signata in spotted goatfish.

Zooplankton community responses to the mixture of imazethapyr with imazapic and bispyribac-sodium herbicides under rice paddy water conditions / Respostas da comunidade de zooplâncton à mistura dos herbicidas imazetapir com imazapique e bispiribaque-sódico em áreas de arroz irrigado

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of concentrations of imazethapyr, imazapic, and bispyribac-sodium herbicides on zooplankton community (Cladocer, Copepod and Rotifer) in rice paddy fields. The decrease of half-life dissipation (DT50) of the herbicides under study in water was: imazethapyr, imazapic, and bispyribac-sodium with an average of 3.75, 3.73 and 1.91 days, respectively. The mixture of imazethapyr with imazapic caused change in the analyzed zooplankton, with an increase in the densities of Cladocer and adult Copepod groups, while bispyribac-sodium caused a reduction of density in Copepod group, both adults and nauplii, in the initial samples. Among the groups, Rotifer was slightly sensitive to the herbicides.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito das concentrações dos herbicidas imazetapir, imazapique e bispiribaque-sódico na comunidade zooplanctônica (Cladocera, Copepoda e Rotifera) na lavoura de arroz. A diminuição da dissipação de meia-vida (DT50) desses herbicidas em estudo na água foi: imazetapir, imazapique e bispiribaque-sódico, com uma média de 3,75, 3,73 e 1,91 dias, respectivamente. A mistura de imazetapir com imazapic provocou alteração no zooplâncton analisado, com incremento nas densidades dos grupos Cladocera e Copepoda adultos, enquanto que bispiribaque-sódico causou redução de densidade no grupo Copepoda, tanto adulto quanto náuplio, nas amostragens iniciais. Dentre os grupos, Rotifera foi pouco sensível aos herbicidas.

Occurrence of Braga cigarra (Cymothoidae) parasitizing Galeocharax knerii (Characidae) from affluents of Jurumirim reservoir, Brazil / Ocorrência de Braga cigarra (Cymothoidae) parasitando Galeocharax knerii (Characidae) de afluentes da represa de Jurumirim, Brasil

The occurrence of the cymothoidae Braga cigarra is reported parasitizing the oral cavity of freshwater fish Galeocharax knerii from Veados, Paranapanema and Taquari Rivers, affluent of the Jurumirim Reservoir, State of São Paulo, Brazil is reported. The isopod species were identified based on the multilaminar pleopods, narrow pleon and short pleotelson in females. The overall prevalences of isopods were 31.7%, 7.7% and 5.7%, respectively, in the Paranapanema, Veados and Taquari Rivers. This note contributes to the knowledge of the geographical distribution and fauna of parasite crustaceans known to date in these important ecosystems.

Foi registrada a ocorrência do cymothoidae Braga cigarra parasitando a cavidade bucal do peixe de água doce Galeocharax knerii capturado nos rios Veados, Paranapanema e Taquari, afluentes da represa de Jurumirim, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. As espécies de isópodas foram identificadas com base nos pleópodos multilaminares, abdômen estreito e pleotelson curto nas fêmeas. As prevalências totais de isópodos foram 31,7%, 7,7% e 5,7%, respectivamente, nos rios Paranapanema, Veados e Taquari. Essa nota contribui com o conhecimento da distribuição geográfica e da fauna de crustáceos parasitas conhecidas até a presente data nesses importantes ecossistemas aquáticos.

Biotechnological processes for chitin recovery out of crustacean waste: a mini-review

Background: Chitin is an important natural resource. The annual worldwide production is estimated in approximately 10(10)-10(12) ton. It is produced by arthropods (insects and crustaceans), molluscs and fungi. Its main biological function is structural. Crustacean shells are the most important chitin source for commercial use due to its high content and ready availability. Chitin and its derivatives have great economical value because of their numerous applications: food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textile industries, waste water treatment and agriculture. In nature, chitin is closely associated with proteins, minerals, lipid and pigments, which have to be removed. Results: Several techniques to extract chitin from different sources have been reported. The most common method for recovery of chitin from crustacean shells is the chemical procedure. It involves two mayor steps: elimination of inorganic matter (demineralization) and extraction of protein matter (deproteination) using strong acids and bases. However, these processes may cause depolymerization affecting the polymer properties such as molecular weight, viscosity and degree of acetylation. In addition, the chemical purification of chitin is hazardous, energy consuming and threatening to the environment. As an alternative to the chemical process, different biological processes have been investigated: microbiological fermentation and methodologies using enzymatic crude extracts or isolated enzymes. Conclusions: The results reported are extremely variable; however, they offer new perspectives for the production of chitin with the concomitant reduction of the environmental impact.

Perulernaea gamitanae (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) parasitizing tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) (Characidae) and the hybrids tambacu and tambatinga, cultured in northern Brazil / Perulernaea gamitanae (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) parasitando tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) (Characidae) e seus híbridos tambacu e tambatinga cultivados no norte do Brasil

The infestation rate in Colossoma macropomum, hybrid tambacu (C. macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) and hybrid tambatinga (C. macropomum x Piaractus brachypomum) with Perulernaea gamitanae Thatcher and Paredes, 1985 from two fish farms in Amapá State, Brazil was studied. Lernaeid parasites (n=2887) were collected mainly on the tongue and the mouth cavity and also on cartilage of gill arches and filaments. Inflammation and fibrous nodules were observed on the attachment sites of the parasites. The infestation rate varied according to the fish farm and host. The prevalence of P. gamitanae was of 100 percent in hosts from one fish farm and was lower in the other fish farm. Higher intensity of P. gamitanae occurred in hybrids tambacu and tambatinga, but despite the high prevalence its intensity was moderate. This is the first report on epidemiology of P. gamitanae in cultured fishes from Brazilian Amazonia, and the occurrence of this crustacean parasite in two new hosts, the hybrids tambacu and tambatinga.

Estudou-se as taxas de infestação pelo crustáceo Perulernaea gamitanae Thatcher & Paredes, 1985 em tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) e seus híbridos tambacu (C. macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) e tambatinga (C. macropomum x Piaractus brachypomum) de duas pisciculturas no estado do Amapá, Brasil. Os lerneídeos parasitos (n=2.887) foram coletados principalmente na língua e na boca das espécies estudadas. Os crustáceos foram encontrados também nos filamentos e cartilagem dos arcos branquiais. Nos locais parasitados foram observados inflamação e nódulos fibrosos. As taxas de infestações variaram entre espécies e entre pisciculturas. Na piscicultura um a prevalência de P. gamitanae foi 100 por cento, e na piscicultura dois, foi menor. A maior intensidade de infestação por P. gamitanae ocorreu nos híbridos tambacu e tambatinga. Apesar da elevada prevalência de P. gamitanae a intensidade de infestação foi moderada. Este é o primeiro relato sobre níveis epidemiológicos de P. gamitanae em peixes de cultivo da Amazônia brasileira, e amplia a ocorrência deste parasito crustáceo para dois novos hospedeiros, os híbridos tambacu e tambatinga.

Occurrence of the Indo-Pacific freshwater prawn Macrobrachium equidens Dana 1852 (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) on the coast of Brazilian Amazonia, with notes on its reproductive biology

The freshwater prawn Macrobrachium equidens, which is native species of the Indo-Pacific Region, was recorded for the first time on the Amazon coast of Brazil. This species was found to inhabit the same environment as two native Macrobrachium species, M. amazonicum and M. acanthurus, and is morphologically very similar to the latter. The identification of the species was confirmed by the genetic analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase (COI) gene. A detailed description of the morphological features and reproductive biology of M. equidens in this new environment is presented.

O camarão de água doce Macrobrachium equidens, nativo da região do Indo-Pacífico, foi registrada pela primeira vez na costa da Amazônia Brasileira. Esta espécie foi encontrada habitando o mesmo ambiente que duas espécies nativas do gênero Macrobrachium: M. amazonicum e M. acanthurus, e é morfologicamente muito similar à última. A identificação dessa espécie foi confirmada pela análise da seqüência genética do gene mitocondrial Citocromo Oxidase (COI). Uma descrição detalhada das características morfológicas e biologia reprodutiva de M. equidens neste novo ambiente é apresentada.

Diversity and changes in the horizontal distribution of crustaceans and rotifers in an episodic wetland of the central region of Argentina / Diversidad y cambios en la distribución horizontal de los crustáceos y rotíferos en un humedal episódico de la región central de Argentina

Although episodic wetlands are very frequent environments in Argentina, the knowledge about their ecology is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the diversity and changes in the horizontal distribution of crustaceans and rotifers in the episodic wetland El Guanaco, Province of La Pampa, Argentina, during the hydroperiod that took place between December 2003 and March 2004. After three years during which it was dry, torrential rains made it reach a depth of 0.42 m. After 48 hours, ovigerous females and males of Metacyclops mendocinus (Wierzejeski 1892), juveniles of Moina wierzejskii (Richard 1895), and larvae of Triops longicaudatus (LeConte 1846) were recorded. The conductivity was reduced, the ionic content was dominated by bicarbonates and sodium and the concentrations of nutrients were high. The samplings were carried out in three stations, which at first were in open waters. The stations presented a homogeneous horizontal distribution of microcrustaceans and rotifers, with a predominance of limnetic species. Later, two of the stations were surrounded by Eleocharis macrostachya Britton plants, which allowed us to determine changes in the taxonomic composition and the appearance of species associated with the presence of vegetation. We recorded 35 taxa, being Moina micrura Kurz 1874 constantly present and highest in numbers. Among rotifers, the genus Brachionus was the predominant one. The species richness was higher in the station which was covered by E. macrostachya plants. After a period of high temperatures, we observed that the richness and abundance of microcrustaceans decreased, whereas those of rotifers increased.

El conocimiento sobre la ecología de los humedales episódicos de Argentina es escaso, a pesar de que son ambientes muy frecuentes. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la diversidad y los cambios en la distribución horizontal de los crustáceos y rotíferos que ocurrieron durante el hidroperíodo que tuvo lugar entre diciembre de 2003 y marzo de 2004 en El Guanaco, un humedal episódico, alimentado por precipitaciones, de la provincia de La Pampa. Luego de tres años en los que permaneció seco, lluvias torrenciales hicieron que alcanzara una profundidad de 0,42 m. A las 48 horas del llenado se registraron hembras ovígeras y machos de Metacyclops mendocinus (Wierzejeski 1892), juveniles de Moina wierzejskii Richard 1895 y larvas de Triops longicaudatus (LeConte 1846). La conductividad fue reducida, el contenido iónico estuvo dominado por bicarbonatos y sodio y las concentraciones de nutrientes fueron elevadas. Los muestreos se hicieron en tres estaciones, que al inicio estaban en agua abierta, y presentaron una distribución horizontal de microcrustáceos y rotíferos homogénea, con predominio de especies limnéticas. Posteriormente, dos estaciones quedaron ubicadas en un juncal de Eleocharis macrostachya Britton, a partir de lo cual se verificaron cambios en la composición taxonómica, con la aparición de especies asociadas a la vegetación. Se registraron 35 taxa, siendo Moina micrura Kurz 1874 de presencia constante y la más numerosa. Entre los rotíferos predominó el género Brachionus. La riqueza específica fue mayor en la estación que quedó cubierta por las plantas. Luego de un período de altas temperaturas se verificó que la riqueza y abundancia de microcrustáceos disminuyeron mientras que las de los rotíferos aumentaron.

Illustrated record of the freshwater copepod Leptodiaptomus dodsoni (Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from central Mexico with comments on the distribution of the genus / Registro ilustrado del copépodo dulceacuícola Leptodiaptomus dodsoni (Calanoida, Diaptomidae) del centro de México con comentarios acerca de la distribución del género

The freshwater planktonic calanoid copepod Leptodiaptomus dodsoni Elías-Gutiérrez, Suárez-Morales & Romano, 1999, a rare species known only from western Mexico, is here recorded from the State of Aguascalientes, central Mexico. This species has a uniquely large, sinuous spine on segment 13 of the right male antennule, reaching the distal margin of segment 15. There are subtle differences between these two known populations; the morphological range of the species is complemented with data from the new specimens. This is the first record of L. dodsoni after its original description; it is probably restricted to a latitudinal fringe in central Mexico. Of the 22 nominal species of Leptodiaptomus currently recognized, up to 7 are known from the Neotropical region and some appear to be true endemics. Apparently, this primarily Nearctic genus radiated in North America and some species reached the Neotropical region where they diversified. A key for the identification of the species of the genus known from the Neotropical region is also provided.

El copépodo calanoide planctónico de aguas continentales Leptodiaptomus dodsoni Elías-Gutiérrez, Suárez-Morales & Romano, 1999, una rara especie conocida sólo en la zona occidental de México, se registra aquí para el estado de Aguascalientes, en el centro de México. Esta especie tiene una espina sinuosa distintivamente larga en el segmento 13 de la anténula derecha del macho, la espina alcanza el margen distal del segmento 15. Existen differencias sutiles entre estas dos poblaciones; se complementa el espectro morfológico de la epecie con datos de los nuevos especímenes. Este es el primer registro de L. dodsoni después de su descripción original; probablemente está restringida a una franja latitudinal del centro de Mexico. De las 22 especies nominales de Leptodiaptomus reconocidas, 7 se conocen en la zona Neotropical y algunas parecen ser verdaderos endémicos. Aparentemente, este género primariamente Neártico radió en América del Norte y estas especies alcanzaron la región Neotropical donde se diversificaron. Se presenta una clave para la identificación de las especies del género conocidas en la región Neotropical.

Calidad biológica y bioquímica de la población de Artemia (Anostraca: Artemiidae) localizada en las salinas de Real de Salinas, Calkiní, Campeche, México / Biological and biochemical quality of the Artemia (Anostraca: Artemiidae) population from Real de Salinas saltworks, Calkiní, Campeche, Mexico

Cysts of Artemia spp. collected from February 1997 to February 2000 in the Real de Salinas solar saltworks, Campeche, Mexico, were compared with Artemia franciscana (batch number 8,131 Microfeast Artemia Cysts, Texas, USA). The variables determined in these two populations were: number of cysts per gram, hatching percentage, hatching efficiency, hatching rate, hatching synchrony and hatching biomass, as well as diameter of the cysts and length of the nauplii (instar I). For Salinas, the average diameters of the encapsulated and decapsulated cysts were 230.5 +/- 4.14 and 221.8 +/- 3.39 microm, respectively. The thickness of the cyst shell was 4.35 +/- 0.68 microm and the length of the nauplii was 388.11 +/- 4.39 microm, this last value is among the smallest reported in the literature. For the commercial population of A. franciscana, the average diameters of the encapsulated and decapsulated cysts were 230.21 +/- 12.49 and 216.96 +/- 13.71, respectively. With respect to the corion thickness and length of the nauplii the values were 6.62 +/- 2.72 and 424.70 +/- 30.08, respectively. The protein value of the cysts (47.91 %) and nauplii (50.5 %) of Artemia population from Real de Salinas, are considered adequate to be used as food in aquaculture. The results indicate that the population from Real de Salinas presents positive features for its use in aquaculture in the region.

Se utilizaron quistes de Artemia recolectados en períodos de febrero de 1997 a febrero del 2000 en las salinas de Real de Salinas, Campeche, México y como especie de comparación Artemia franciscana (lote No. 8131 Microfeast Artemia Cysts, Texas, EEUU.). Se determinó el número de quistes por gramo, porcentaje de eclosión (%H), eficiencia, tasa, sincronía y biomasa de eclosión, así como diámetro de quistes y longitud de los nauplios (instar I) de ambas poblaciones. Para la población de Real de Salinas, el diámetro de quistes capsulados y descapsulados en promedio fue de 230.5±4.14 y 221.8±3.39 [mi]m, respectivamente. El grosor del corion de 4.35±0.68 [mi]m y la longitud del nauplio de 388.11±4.39 [mi]m, siendo este último de los más pequeños que se hayan publicado en la literatura. Para la población de A. franciscana comercial, el diámetro del quiste capsulado y descapsulado presentó valores promedio de 230.21±12.49 y 216.96±13.71 [mi]m, respectivamente. Respecto al grosor del corion y longitud del nauplio, los valores fueron de 6.62±2.72 y 424.70±30.08 [mi]m, respectivamente. El valor proteico de los quistes (47.91 %) y nauplios (50.5 %) de Artemia de la población de Real de Salinas, se considera adecuado para uso como alimento en acuicultura. La población de Real de Salinas presenta bondades para su aprovechamiento en la acuicultura regional.

Specific IgE determination to shrimp (Metapenaeus joyneri) and identification of its allergen / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Shrimp is one of the major causative crustacean food allergen. An investigation has been reported that tropomyosin belonged to muscle protein is a major allergen within shrimp. But there have been a few investigations on shrimp allergen in Korea. The aim of this study is to evaluate skin reactivity and specific IgE sensitization to Metapenaeus joyneri which is one of the major shrimp in this country, and to identitify IgE binding components and evaluate allergenic relationship with other species. METHODS: We performed skin prick test with M. joyneri extract in 1,738 patients. ELISA was performed for detection of serum specific IgE antibody. To evaluate the cross allergenecity between M. joyneri and other crustaceans (crab, lobster, crayfish), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt), triton shell, abalone and buckwheat. ELISA inhibition tests were performed with each four patient's sera showing high specific IgE antibody. To identify IgE binding components, SDS-PAGE followed by IgE-Immunoblot were applied. RESULTS: 211 patients (12.2%) showed positive responses (A/H >or=2+) on skin prick test. Serum specific IgE antibodies were detected in 61 patients (37.2%) of 164 sensitzed patients. ELISA inhibition test using four patient's sera showed significant inhibitions by M. joyneri. and other crustaceans including lobster, crab and crayfish, partial inhibitions were noted by Dpt, triton shell, buckwheat and abalone. SDS-PAGE and IgE-imunoblot with patients' individual sera sensitized to M. joyneri showed 12 IgE binding components (31, 32, 38-44, 57, 70, 81 kDa) and two (31, 32 kDa) were bound to IgE in more than 50% of sera tested. Five (43, 44, 57, 70 and 81 kDa) were bound to IgE in more than 25% of sera tested. CONCLUSION: Specific IgE was detected in 37.2% of allergy patients sensitized to M. joyneri. Twelve IgE binding components and two (31, 32 kDa) major allergens were indentified. Cross allergenecity was noted with other crustaceans.

Purification and partial characterization of a type V like collagen from the muscle of marine prawn, Penaeus indicus.

The muscle collagen of marine prawn, Penaeus indicus, was isolated by limited pepsin digestion. Based on selective salt precipitation, amino acid composition and gel electrophoretic pattern, the major collagen was found to be a homotrimer of á 1 chain, similar to type V collagen of vertebrates. Electron microscopy of reconstituted fibrils, made for the first time from a crustacean species, revealed a characteristic 64 nm periodicity. Biochemical studies indicate a less than normal amount of associated carbohydrates and an increased alanine content The major collagen had a denaturation temperature of 37°C with an intrinsic viscosity of 11·3 dl/g. Spectral characteristics of the major collagen were studied. Results suggest the presence of genetically distinct collagen types and acid resistant cross links in crustacean muscle.