Early larval development of the rock shrimps Sicyonia dorsalis Kingsley, 1878 and S. typica (Boeck, 1864) (Dendrobranchiata) with remarks of larval morphology of Sicyoniidae Ortmann, 1898 / Desenvolvimento larval inicial dos camarões-pedra Sicyonia dorsalis Kingsley, 1878 e S. typica (Boeck, 1864) (Dendrobranchiata) com observações sobre a morfologia larval de Sicyoniidae Ortmann, 1898

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe and illustrate the early larval stages, i.e., the complete naupliar development and the first protozoea (PZI) of Sicyonia dorsalis and S. typica obtained under laboratory conditions. We also provide remarks from a comparative analysis of the morphology of these stages among representatives of the genus and furnish morphological characteristics to distinguish them from another penaeoidean in the plankton. Our results indicate that the naupliar development of Sicyonia is composed of five stages (NI to NV). No differences were found in the morphology of the naupliar and PZI stages of the two studied species, even though they are considered phylogenetically distant into the genus. We suspect that morphological differences arise later during ontogenetic development. The comparisons with larval descriptions of congeners revealed that naupliar stages and PZI were very similar, nevertheless, some morphological differences were observed. As illustrated here, there is a clear need of new descriptions of the studied group and generalizations and conclusions of larval morphology patterns at this point need to be made with caution, because data of a still insufficient number of species is available.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e ilustrar os estágios larvais iniciais, ou seja, o desenvolvimento naupliar completo e a primeira protozoea (PZI) de Sicyonia dorsalis e S. typica obtidos em laboratório. Também fornecemos observações a partir de uma análise comparativa da morfologia desses estágios entre representantes do gênero e as características morfológicas para distingui-los de outros Penaeoidea no plâncton. Nossos resultados indicam que o desenvolvimento naupliar de Sicyonia é composto por cinco estágios (NI a NV). Não foram encontradas diferenças na morfologia dos estágios naupliares e PZI das duas espécies estudadas, apesar de serem consideradas filogeneticamente distantes dentro do gênero. Nossa hipótese é que as diferenças morfológicas surgem mais tarde durante o desenvolvimento ontogenético. As comparações com as descrições larvais de congêneres revelaram que os estágios naupliares e PZI são muito semelhantes, no entanto, algumas diferenças morfológicas foram observadas. Conforme ilustrado aqui, há uma clara necessidade de novas descrições do grupo estudado e generalizações e conclusões de padrões na morfologia larval neste momento precisam ser feitas com cautela, pois dados de um número ainda insuficiente de espécies estão disponíveis.

The first larval stage (Zoea I) description of the caridean shrimp Ogyrides occidentalis (Ortmann, 1893) (Alpheoidea: Ogyrididae) reveals congruence with taxonomic status / Descrição do primeiro estágio larval (Zoea I) do camarão carídeo Ogyrides occidentalis (Ortmann, 1893) (Alpheoidea: Ogyrididae) revela congruência com o status taxonômico

Abstract: A complete and detailed description of the first zoeal stage of Ogyrides occidentalis is provided. Larvae were obtained in the laboratory from a female with embryos collected in Ubatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The morphological characters are compared with previous description of the close related O. alphaerostris. Despite of some similarities (number of appendages, pleonites, and setae on the majority of appendages) substantial differences were found between the two species, as the size of larvae and rostrum and segmentation of some structures (antenna exopod, first maxilliped coxa and basis). However, these differences must be interpreted carefully because larval description of O. alphaerostris was conducted before the proposed standardization for decapod larval morphology descriptions. The present larval description furnished additional information to corroborate the recent resurrection of O. occidentalis and will be useful for future comparative and ecological research.

Resumo: Foi realizada uma descrição completa e detalhada da primeira zoea de Ogyrides occidentalis. As larvas foram obtidas em laboratório a partir de uma fêmea com embriões coletada em Ubatuba, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os caracteres morfológicos são comparados com a descrição anterior da espécie proximamente relacionada O. alphaerostris. Apesar de algumas semelhanças (número de apêndices, somitos abdominais e cerdas na maioria dos apêndices) foram encontradas diferenças substanciais entre as duas espécies, como o tamanho das larvas e do rostro, e segmentação de algumas estruturas (exopodito da antena e entre coxa e base do primeiro maxilípede). No entanto, essas diferenças devem ser interpretadas com cuidado porque a descrição larval de O. alphaerostris foi realizada antes da padronização proposta para as descrições da morfologia larval de decápodes. A presente descrição larval forneceu informações adicionais para corroborar a recente ressurreição de O. occidentalis e será útil para futuros estudos ecológicos e comparativos.

Do hydroelectric dams affect the abundance and population structure of freshwater shrimps?

Freshwater shrimps play an important role in many ecological processes since they are epibenthic detritivores but also prey on other invertebrates and are predated by fishes. The knowledge about their biology allow the development of management strategies to improve the use of natural resources by avoiding overfishing and enhancing productivity. Here we evaluated the population structure of the shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum in the river Rio Grande, upstream of the Água Vermelha hydroelectric dam. They were captured monthly from October 2017 until March 2018, in six sites along the river. The first site was ∿1000 m distant from the dam and the sixth was ∿4000 m distant. A sac-like sieve and traps were used to capture the shrimps. The sieve was dragged three times for 180o. The traps were left by the river margins for six hours. In the laboratory, the shrimps were sexed and measured (carapace length; CL). In total, 6455 individuals were captured: 4499 females (294 breeding), 1445 males, and 217 juveniles. Female mean size was 7.50 ± 3.47 mm, male mean size was 7.44 ± 2.40 mm, and juvenile mean size was 3.24 ± 1.10 mm. The smallest individual was found in site III and it was a juvenile of 1.08 mm. The largest had 20 mm and was found in site II. The smallest breeding female had 3.8 mm CL. The largest individuals were more abundant in the sites near the dam, whereas the smallest were more abundant in the farthest sites. The highest abundance was seen in sites III and IV, and the lowest, in site VI. Unlike males and juveniles, females (both breeding and non-breeding) were more abundant (Anova, p < 0.01) near the dam. By knowing the population structure of M. amazonicum it is possible to understand how they are being affected by the environmental changes caused by the hydroelectric dam

Influence of environmental factors on the bathymetric distribution of the flecked box crab Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) (Crustacea: Aethroidea) in the Southeastern Brazilian coast / Influência de fatores ambientais na distribuição batimétrica do caranguejo de baú Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) (Crustacea: Aethroidea) na costa sudeste do Brasil

Abstract: This study evaluated the relationships between environmental factors and the spatio-temporal distribution of H. pudibundus, with the hypothesis of differential occupation in coastal areas of southeastern Brazil. The samplings took place monthly in January-December 2000 period, along nine transects from 2 to 40 m of depth, in Ubatuba region, northern coast of São Paulo. We collected 1808 individuals of H. pudibundus. The highest abundance was recorded in winter in the transects 10-25 m deep. Abundance was positively correlated with organic matter content and texture sediment (phi values). With the retreat of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) in autumn and winter, the sediment swirls, suspending the detritivore and filter-feeding macrofauna, increasing the food availability. Sites characterized by finer sediment offer higher food availability, besides facilitating H. pudibundus burying behavior. Due to its opportunistic predatory behavior, this species feeds on a variety of organisms, including mollusks, annelids and foraminifera, which are preys more abundant in the studied area and in sediments of finer grain size.

Resumo: Este estudo avaliou as relações dos fatores ambientais e a distribuição espaço-temporal de H. pudibundus, com a hipótese de ocupação diferencial em uma região do litoral sudeste do Brasil. As amostragens ocorreram mensalmente no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2000, ao longo de nove transectos de 2 a 40 m de profundidade, na região de Ubatuba, litoral norte de São Paulo. Foram coletados 1808 indivíduos de H. pudibundus. A maior abundância foi registrada no inverno nos transectos 10 a 25 m de profundidade. A abundância foi positivamente correlacionada com o teor de matéria orgânica e a textura do sedimento (valores de phi). Durante o outono e inverno com a retração da ACAS ocorre o revolvimento do sedimento e a supensão da macrofauna detritívora e filtradora, aumentando a disponibilidade de alimento. Locais caracterizados por sedimentos mais finos oferecem maior disponibilidade de alimentos, além de facilitar o comportamento de H. pudibundus se enterrar. Devido ao comportamento predatório oportunista, esta espécie se alimenta de uma grande variedade de organismos, incluindo moluscos, anelídeos e foraminíferos, que são as presas mais abundantes nas áreas estudadas, principalmente em locais com grãos menores.

Abundance and spatial-temporal distribution of Macrobrachium surinamicum Holthuis, 1948 (Palaemonidae) in the Amazon estuary, north of Brazil / Abundância e distribuição espaço-temporal de Macrobrachium surinamicum Holthuis, 1948 (Palaemonidae) em um estuário Amazônico, norte do Brasil

Abstract Macrobrachium surinamicum is a small shrimp that inhabits rivers of low salinity. It is mainly caught as bycatch in Amazon shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum fisheries, which is widely exploited by artisanal fisheries for food and economic needs of the riverside population. This study aimed to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of the freshwater shrimp M. surinamicum in the Guajará Bay and on Mosqueiro Island, correlating the abundance of this species with abiotic factors (temperature and salinity). Samples were taken from May 2006 to April 2007 in six locations: Mosqueiro Island (Furo das Marinhas and Porto do Pelé); Icoaraci district; Arapiranga Island, edge of the city of Belém; and Combu Island, using traps named 'matapis'. A total of 361 shrimps were caught. The abundance was higher in December and lower in July 2006. The biggest catch occurred on Arapiranga Island and the lowest on Mosqueiro Island. The abundance differed significantly in December 2006 and no variable studied had significant influence on M. surinamicum abundance. In Guajará Bay, particularly the more sheltered places, as Arapiranga and Combu islands, favor the development of M. surinamicum, indicating that this species has preference for less disturbed areas.

Resumo Macrobrachium surinamicum é um camarão de pequeno porte que habita a foz de rios e águas de baixa salinidade. Sua captura na Amazônia ocorre principalmente como fauna associada à pesca do camarão-da-Amazônia Macrobrachium amazonicum que é largamente explorado pela pesca artesanal atendendo as necessidades alimentícias e econômicas da comunidade ribeirinha. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a distribuição espaço-temporal do camarão dulcícola M. surinamicum na Baía do Guajará e Ilha de Mosqueiro, correlacionando a abundância desta espécie com fatores abióticos (temperatura e salinidade). Os exemplares foram capturados no período de maio/06 a abril/07 em seis locais: Ilha de Mosqueiro (Furo das Marinhas e Porto do Pelé), Distrito de Icoaraci, Ilha do Arapiranga, orla de Belém e Ilha do Combu com armadilhas (matapis). Um total de 361 camarões foi capturado, sendo a maior abundância em dezembro e a menor em julho de 2006. A maior captura foi na Ilha de Arapiranga e a menor na Ilha de Mosqueiro. A abundância diferiu significativamente em dezembro/06 e nenhuma variável estudada teve influência significativa na abundância de M. surinamicum. A Baía do Guajará, especialmente os locais mais abrigados como a Ilha de Arapiranga e do Combu, propiciam o desenvolvimento de M. surinamicum, o que indica que esta espécie tenha preferência para áreas menos antropizadas.

Reproductive biology of Sodhiana iranica (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from Southern Iran / Biología reproductiva del cangrejo de agua dulce Sodhiana iranica (Brachyura: Gecarcinidae) del sur de Irán

Abstract:Freshwater crab, Sodhiana iranica, is an endemic gecarcinucid crab that has been recently reported from Southern Iran. This research examined some reproductive aspects of S. iranica from Eelood freshwater spring, Southern Iran. Crabs were haphazardly sampled from April 2012 to April 2013, on a bimonthly basis. Measurements of Gonado-Somatic Index (GSI), Hepato-Somatic Index (HSI), oocyte diameter, and other aspects such as carapace width (CW) and total body weight (TW) were made in the captured specimens. Results showed a single seasonal reproductive cycle. Maturation and spawning occurred from December 2012 to April 2013 during the study period. The peaks of HSI were observed in April 2012 and February 2013. The oocyte diameter showed its most significant increase between August 2012 and February 2013. Considering the single seasonal breeding of S. iranica, a correct management, during the reproductive cycle, is necessary to support a healthy stock of this crab. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 365-373. Epub 2017 March 01.

ResumenEl cangrejo agua dulce Sodhiana iranica es un cangrejo gecarcinucido que ha sido recientemente encontrado en el sur de Irán. Este trabajo examina algunos aspectos de la reproducción del cangrejo de agua dulce S. Iranica en el manantial Eelood del sur de Irán. Los cangrejos se muestrearon al azar entre abril 2012 y abril 2013 cada dos meses. Las mediciones del índice gonadosomático, el hepatosomático (HSI), el diámetro de los ovocitos y las observaciones de las etapas de maduración de los especímenes capturados, revelaron un único ciclo reproductivo estacional. La maduración y el desove se produjeron entre Diciembre 2012 y Abril 2013. El pico del índice hepatosomático se observó en Abril 2012 y Febrero 2013, respectivamente, y resultó más significativo el incremento en la media del diámetro de los ovocitos, que se produjo entre Agosto 2012 y Febrero 2013. En este estudio, se encontró que S. iranica se reproduce una vez al año estacionalmente. Por lo anterior, la gestión correcta durante el ciclo reproductivo de esta especie es necesaria para mantener la naturaleza y salud del stock de cangrejo.

Liposoluble vitamins in Crustacean feed: Metabolic and Histological responses.

Vitamins are vital for normal growth and survival of living organisms and they are distributed in feedstuffs in small quantities. This review is focused on the liposoluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) in the diets and metabolic responses of the Argentine penaeoid shrimps Pleoticus muelleri and Artemesia longinaris, distributed along the South American coast line. Growth, survival and histological analyses serve as indicators of the nutritional value derived from vitamin deficiency. Liposoluble vitamins are also related to stress, antioxidant defense and immune response of shrimps. Effective diet for shrimp culture that provide not only macronutrients including protein and lipid but also micronutrients such as vitamins for optimal growth is an ever improving subject. This review may help formulating suitable feeds for shrimps.

New records of the striped cleaner shrimp Lysmata grabhami (Gordon, 1935) from Brazil, Southwestern Atlantic / Novos registros do camarão limpador Lysmata grabhami (Gordon, 1935) no Brasil, Atlântico Sul Ocidental

Abstract New records for Lysmata grabhami (Gordon, 1935) in Brazilian waters are presented. Four adult individuals from coastal waters off the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo coast and one adult from Trindade Island were collected during scuba diving in depths between 20-40 meters. These two records represent the southernmost published finding of this species in the Atlantic and the record for Vitória, Espirito Santo is the first from Brazilian coastal waters.

Resumo Novos registros de ocorrência de Lysmata grabhami (Gordon, 1935) em águas brasileiras são apresentados. Quatro indivíduos foram coletados próximo à costa da cidade de Vitória, Espírito Santo, e um na Ilha da Trindade, por mergulhadores autônomos em profundidades entre 20-40 metros. O presente registro é a ocorrência mais meridional conhecida para esta espécie no Atlântico e o registro em Vitória é o primeiro para águas costeiras brasileiras.

Presencia de Munidopsis robusta en el Caribe colombiano (A. Milne Edwards, 1880) (Crustacea: Anomura: Munidopsidae / Presence of Munidopsis robusta in the Colombian Caribbean (A. Milne-Edwards, 1880) (Crustacea: Anomura: Munidopsidae) / Presença de Munidopsis robusta no Caribe Colombiano (A. Milne Edwards, 1880) (Crustacea: Anomura: Munidopsidae)

Se presenta el primer registro para Colombia de Munidopsis robusta. Los ejemplares fueron recolectados frente a los departamentos de La Guajira y Bolívar a 500 m de profundidad mediante arrastre con una red tipo semi-balón. En cubierta fueron enjuagados con agua de mar y preservados en etanol al 95 %. Las características de la columna de agua fueron evaluadas con una sonda multiparámetros CTDO. Los sedimentos fueron recolectados por medio de un nucleador de caja y se realizó el análisis granulométrico de los mismos. Se incluye la diagnosis de la especie y comentarios sobre distribución y ámbito batimétrico y geográfico. Con este nuevo registro se aumenta a 23 el número de especies de Munidopsis para Colombia. Además, se amplía la distribución de esta especie en el Caribe.

The first record of M. robusta in Colombia is presented. The specimens were collected by demersal trawling at 500 m depth in front of the departments of La Guajira and Bolívar using a semi-ballon net. Collected specimens were washed onboard with seawater and preserved in 95 % ethanol. The characteristics of the water column were measured with a multi-parameter CTDO instrument. Sediments were collected using a Box-corer and a granulometric analysis was performed. A species diagnosis is presented together with comments regarding its distribution and bathymetric and geographic ranges. With this new record, the number of Colombian species of Munidopsis increases to 23. Moreover, the distribution of this species for the Caribbean is extended.

É apresentado o primeiro registro de Munidopsis robusta na Colômbia. Os espécimes foram coletados em frente dos departamentos de La Guajira e Bolívar por arrasto a 500 m de profundidade com uma rede semi-balão. Foram lavados com água do mar a bordo e preservados em álcool a 95 %. As características da coluna de água foram medidas com um instrumento multi-parâmetro CTDO. Os sedimentos foram coletados por meio de um Box-corer e foi realizada uma análise granulométrica. Um diagnóstico da espécie é apresentado juntamente com comentários sobre sua distribuição, batimétrica e áreas geográficas. Com este novo registro, o número de espécies colombianas de Munidopsis aumenta para 23. Além disso, a distribuição desta espécie para o Caribe é aumentada.

Population and reproductive features of the freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium jelskii (Miers, 1877) from São Paulo State, Brazil / Aspectos populacionais e reprodutivos do camarão de água doce Macrobrachium jelskii (Miers, 1877) do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The aim of this study was to describe the population structure and reproduction of Macrobrachium jelskii from a stream in the central region of São Paulo State. A total of 1,215 specimens was collected monthly during one year (February 2008 to January 2009), being 535 males, 578 females and 102 juveniles. The overall sex-ratio was not significantly different from the expected 1:1, but has significantly differed in some months. A total of 136 ovigerous females were collected and the reproductive period was continuous with peak of occurrence on the hottest months. An increase in juveniles following the highest frequency of ovigerous females was observed and characterized the recruitment period. The fecundity was low and varied from 1 to 56 eggs per female. The biological profile observed here matched, in general aspects, with the pattern developed by tropical and subtropical inland populations, with some particularities related with environmental characteristics.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a estrutura populacional e a reprodução de Macrobrachium jelskii de um ribeirão na região central do Estado de São Paulo. Um total de 1215 espécimes foi coletado mensalmente durante o período de um ano (fevereiro de 2008 a janeiro de 2009), sendo 535 machos, 578 fêmeas e 102 juvenis. A razão sexual total não foi significantemente diferente da esperada 1:1, mas diferiu significativamente em alguns dos meses coletados. Um total de 136 fêmeas ovígeras foi coletado e o período reprodutivo foi considerado contínuo com pico de ocorrência nos meses mais quentes. Um aumento no número de juvenis foi identificado após a mais alta frequência de fêmeas ovígeras e caracterizou o período de recrutamento. A fecundidade foi baixa e variou de 1 a 56 ovos por fêmea. O perfil biológico observado aqui correspondeu, em aspectos gerais, com o padrão desenvolvido por populações continentais tropicais e subtropicais, com algumas particularidades relacionadas com as características do ambiente.

Invertebrados asociados al coral constructor de arrecifes Pocillopora damicornis en Playa Blanca, Bahía Culebra, Costa Rica / Invertebrates associated with the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis at Playa Blanca, Bahía Culebra, Costa Rica

Invertebrates associated with the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis at Playa Blanca, Bahía Culebra, Costa Rica. The coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the planet, not only because their reef-building species but also because of the species that live above, on, inside and below them. Corals of the genus Pocillopora are recognized globally by harboring an important fauna of invertebrates among their branches, many of those considered obligate symbionts. The present investigation describes the fauna of invertebrates associated with the reef-building coral P. damicornis in Bahía Culebra, Costa Rica, their densities, frequencies, richness and diversities from 2003 to 2004. Five coral colonies were collected every 3-4 months at Playa Blanca within Bahía Culebra. A total of 448 individuals in 35 species were found: Harpiliopsis depressa, Trapezia ferruginea, Alpheus lottini, Fennera chacei, and Petrolisthes haigae, and the bivalve Lithophaga aristata, the predominant species. November was the month with the highest richness, diversity and taxonomic distinctiveness, while August had the lowest values. In general terms, the rainy season showed greater richness of species than the dry season. The species collected and their densities and abundances were similar to other sites along the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Bahía Culebra has been losing coral cover, which could have consequences on the diversity and abundances of associated corals organisms. These consequences include loss in the fertility of those organisms, a reduction in its function as cleaners and protection from coral predators, putting in risk their diversity, affecting the stocks of predatory fish that depends on them. Carrying out permanent monitoring of the associated cryptofauna of the coral Pocillopora is crucial to quantify losses or recoveries in the composition of associated invertebrates, and therefore in the functions that they perform in this ecosystem.

Los arrecifes coralinos son uno de los ecosistemas más diversos en el planeta, tanto por los organismos constructores como por aquellos que viven encima, sobre, dentro y debajo de ellos. Los corales del genero Pocillopora son reconocidos mundialmente por albergar una importante fauna de invertebrados entre sus ramas, los cuales son considerados como simbiontes obligatorios en una gran cantidad de casos. La presente investigación describe la fauna de invertebrados asociados al coral Pocillopora damicornis en Bahía Culebra, Costa Rica, describiendo sus densidades, frecuencias, riquezas y diversidades a través del tiempo. Para esto se colectaron 5 colonias cada 3-4 meses en Playa Blanca, Bahía Culebra. En total se encontraron 448 individuos en 35 especies, siendo Harpiliopsis depressa, Lithophaga aristata, Trapezia ferruginea, Alpheus lottini, Fennera chacei, y Petrolisthes haigae las especies predominantes. Noviembre fue el mes en el que se encontraron los mayores valores en los índices de riqueza, diversidad y diferenciación taxonómica, mientras que agosto fue el que presento los valores más bajos de todos. En términos generales, la época lluviosa mostro mayor riqueza de especies que la época seca. Así mismo, las especies colectados y los valores obtenidos son muy similares a otras zonas del Pacifico Oriental Tropical. Culebra ha venido sufriendo una perdida en la cobertura coralina, que podría tener consecuencias en la diversidad y abundancia de organismos asociados a corales. Estas consecuencias incluyen perdida en la fecundidad de estos organismos, una reducción en su función como limpiadores y protectores de depredadores del coral, poniendo en riesgo su diversidad, lo que puede afectar los stocks de peces depredadores que depende de ellos. Realizar monitoreos permanentes de la criptofauna asociada al coral Pocillopora va a ser determinante para cuantificar perdidas o recuperaciones en la composición de invertebrados asociados, y por ende en las funciones que estos desempeñan en este ecosistema.

The invasion of five alien species in the Delta do Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area, Northeastern Brazil

Marine biological invasions have been regarded as one of the major causes of native biodiversity loss, with shipping and aquaculture being the leading contributors for the introductions of alien species in aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, five aquatic alien species (one mollusk, three crustaceans and one fish species) were detected during dives, shore searches and from the fisheries on the coast of the Delta do Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area, in the States of Piauí and Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil. The species were the bicolor purse-oyster Isognomon bicolor, the whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, the giant river prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the Indo-Pacific swimming crab Charybdis hellerii and, the muzzled blenny Omobranchus punctatus. Ballast water (I. bicolor, C. hellerii, and O. punctatus) and aquaculture activities (L. vannamei and M. rosenbergii) in adjacent areas are the most likely vectors of introduction. All exotic species found have potential impact risks to the environment because they are able to compete against native species for resources (food and habitat). Isognomon bicolor share the same habitat and food items with the native bivalve species of mussels and barnacles. Litopenaeus vannamei share the same habitat and food items with the native penaeids such as the pinkspot shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis, the Southern brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus subtilis, and the Southern white shrimp Litopenaeus schmitti, and in the past few years L. vannamei was responsible for a viral epidemics in the cultivation tanks that could be transmitted to native penaeid shrimps. Charybdis hellerii is also able to cause impacts on the local fisheries as the species can decrease the populations of native portunid crabs which are commercialized in the studied region. Macrobrachium rosenbergii may be sharing natural resources with the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum. Omobranchus punctatus shares habit with the native redlip blenny Ophioblennius atlanticus and other fishes, such as the frillfin goby Bathigobius soporator. Some immediate remedial measures to prevent further introductions from ballast water and shrimp farm ponds should be: (i) to prevent the release of ballast water by ship/vessels in the region; (ii) to reroute all effluent waters from shrimp rearing facilities through an underground or above-ground dry well; (iii) to install adequate sand and gravel filter which will allow passage of water but not livestock; (iv) outdoor shrimp pounds located on floodable land should be diked, and; (v) to promote environmental awareness of those directly involved with ballast water (crews of ship/vessels) and shrimp farms in the region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (3): 909-923. Epub 2010 September 01.

En el Área de Protección Ambiental del Delta Del Río Parnaíba, noreste de Brasil fueron detectadas cinco especies acuáticas invasoras (un molusco, tres crustáceos y un pez): la ostra de dos colores Isognomon bicolor, el camarón patiblanco Litopenaeus vannamei, el camarón gigante de río Macrobrachium rosenbergii, el cangrejo nadador del Indo-Pacifico Charybdis hellerii y el blenio hocicudo Omobranchus punctatus. El agua de lastre (I. bicolor, C. hellerii, y O. punctatus) y la acuicultura (L. vannamei y M. rosenbergii) en áreas adyacentes son los vectores de introducción más probables. Todas las especies exóticas encontradas son potencialmente riesgosas para el ambiente ya que son aptas para competir con las nativas por recursos como alimento y hábitat. Charybdis hellerii también podría causar impacto en el recurso pesquero local, al reducir las poblaciones de cangrejos portúnidos nativos, comercializados en el área de estudio.

Análise comparativa da criação dos camarões-rosa Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis e FarfantePenaeus paulensis criados em gaiolas em ambiente estuarino / Comparative analysis of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and FarfantePenaeus paulensis reared in estuarine cage culture system

A análise da criação de Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis e Farfantepenaeus paulensis em gaiolas, na Lagoa dos Patos, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), foi realizada a partir de juvenis produzidos em cativeiro com peso médio inicial de aproximadamente 1,2g. O experimento foi realizado em seis gaiolas (três gaiolas/tratamento), com abertura de malha de 5mm, área de fundo de 4m² durante 65 dias. A distribuição dos indivíduos nos tratamentos (F. brasiliensis e F. paulensis) foi aleatória, mantendo-se a densidade de 20 camarões m-2 nas unidades experimentais. A cada 15 dias foram realizadas biometrias para ajuste da quantidade de ração fornecida e avaliação do crescimento dos camarões. Ao final do experimento, foi realizada a biometria total dos camarões para avaliação da sobrevivência. Não houve diferença significativa entre a sobrevivência de F. brasiliensis (94,17 ± 9,04) e F. paulensis (98,50±0,71). O peso médio final foi significativamente maior para o F. brasiliensis (7,98± 0,94g); porém, não foram observadas diferenças significativas na produção de biomassa (127,81±17,93 e 126,65±1,74g m-2) e conversão alimentar aparente (1,39±0,27 e 1,57±0,09) de F. brasiliensis e F. paulensis, respectivamente. Os resultados indicam que F. brasiliensis apresenta potencial para produção em estruturas alternativas e incentivam que novas pesquisas sejam realizadas para o desenvolvimento de um pacote tecnológico de produção dessas espécies.

The cage culture of Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and Farfantepenaeus paulensis was analyzed in the Patos Lagoon estuary using juveniles produced in captivity. Mean initial weight of the juveniles was approximately 1.2g. The experiment was conducted in 6 cages (3 per treatment), with mesh size of 5mm and bottom area of 4m², during 65 days. The individuals were randomly distributed into two treatments (F. brasiliensis e F. paulensis), keeping the stocking density of 20 shrimps m-2 in the experimental units (cages). Each 15 days shrimps were weighted to adjust the amount of feed and to evaluate growth. In the end of the experiment, all the shrimp were weighed and counted to determine the survival. Survival did not differ significantly between F. brasiliensis (94.17±9.04) and F. paulensis (98.50±0.71). Although the mean final weight was significantly higher for F. brasiliensis (7.98±0.94g), there were no significant differences in terms of total biomass production (127.81±17.93 e 126.65±1.74g m-2) and apparent feed conversion ratio (1.39±0.27 e 1.57±0.09) between F. brasiliensis and F. paulensis, respectively. The results indicate that F. brasiliensis show potential to be cultured in alternative systems and motivate the development of the technological package for culture of this species in the Patos Lagoon estuary.

Histoarchitectural features of the hepatopancreas of the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum / Histoarquitectura del hepatopáncreas del camarón de la Amazonia Macrobrachium amazonicum

In decapod crustaceans, the digestive gland is concerned with the digestion, absorption of nutrients, the storage of reserves and excretion. The metabolism and the histological and histochemical changes of the hepatopancreas are observed in response to physiological demands as moult, reproduction, digestive process. Thus the hepatopancreas structure should be recognized to provide important morphological information to future studies involving the nutrition requirements of freshwater prawn culture. In this study, second-generation Macrobrachium amazonicum produced from wild broodstock collected in the state of Para in Brazil were used. Thirty adult male and female M. amazonicum were selected and randomly transferred to five experimental units for macroscopic and microscopic studies. The hepatopancreas of M. amazonicum is a large, yellowish-brown, compact organ, which occupies much of the cephalothoracic cavity. It has right and left halves that are enclosed together in a laminar connective tissue capsule, and at the same time they are separated by an interstitial connective tissue. The two halves are thereby called the right and left hepatopancreatic lobes. The principal tubule gives rise to four secondary tubules at each hepatopancreatic lobe. The morphological and functional unit consists of a blind-ended hepatopancreatic tubule, considered in the present study as the hepatopancreatic lobule. Each hepatopancreatic tubule can be subdivided into distal, medial and proximal zones. The hepatopancreatic tubule is lined by a pseudostratified epithelium that consists of five different cell types, which include the E-cell (embryonic), F-cell (fibrillar), B-cell (blister-like), R-cell (resorptive) and M-cell (midgut or basal). It is important to emphasize that the function of each cell type in the hepatopancreas during the digestive cycle is not yet established for decapods.

La glándula digestiva en los crustáceos decápodos asume las funciones de digestión, absorción de nutrientes, almacenamiento de las reservas energéticas y excreción de metabolitos. El metabolismo y las alteraciones histológicas e histoquímicas son observados como respuesta a necesidades fisiológicas, tales como: muda, reproducción y procesos digestivos. Por lo tanto, se requiere conocer la estructura histológica del hepatopancreas con el fin de reunir información morfológica para futuros estudios que consideren las necesidades nutricionales para el cultivo de los camarones de agua dulce. Fueran utilizados 30 animales, machos y hembras de Macrobrachium amazonicum, producidos a partir de reproductores colectados en el Estado de Para, Brasil. Las observaciones macro y microscópicas permitieron concluir que el hepatopancreas del M. amazonicum es un órgano grande y compacto de color amarillo tendiendo a marrón, que ocupa la mayor parte de la cavidad céfalo-torácica. El órgano presenta dos mitades, derecha y izquierda, las cuales están envueltas por una cápsula de tejido conjuntivo, y al mismo tiempo, separadas por tejido conectivo intersticial. Las dos mitades del órgano son identificadas como lobos derecho e izquierdo. Cada lobo presenta un túbulo principal que origina cuatro túbulos secundarios. Por lo tanto, la unidad morfofuncional del hepatopancreas consiste en un túbulo hepatopancreático de fondo ciego, considerado en esta investigación como lóbulo hepatopancreático. Cada lóbulo hepatopancreático puede ser dividido en 3 regiones: distal, media y proximal, y en su totalidad, se observa revestido por epitelio seudo estratificado que reúne cinco tipos celulares: célula E (embrionaria), célula F (fibrilar), célula B (globosa), célula R (reabsortiva) y célula M (basal). Es importante enfatizar que la función de cada tipo celular del hepatopancreas no está todavía aclarada para los decápodos.

Registro da família Eiconaxiidae Sakai & Ohta, 2005 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Thalassinidea) no Brasil, com redescrição de Eiconaxius carinatus (Bouvier 1925) / First record of family Eiconaxiidae Sakai & Ohta, 2005 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Thalassinidea) in Brazil, with redescription of Eiconaxius carinatus (Bouvier 1925)

Eiconaxius carinatus (Bouvier 1925) caracteriza-se, principalmente, por apresentar carenas laterais do rostro lisas, mero da quela maior com carena dorsal lisa, palma da quela maior exibindo carena dorsal bem nítida e dedos da quela menor de comprimento inferior ao da palma. Um exemplar foi coletado ao largo do Estado do Maranhão (00º 08' N e 44º 32' W) a 247 m de profundidade. A área de ocorrência anteriormente conhecida abrangia a Flórida e Antilhas (Santa Cruz e São Vicente), entre 161 e 339 m. Este trabalho registra pela primeira vez a família para o Brasil.

Eiconaxius carinatus (Bouvier 1925) is characterized, mostly, by smooth rostral lateral carinae, merus of major chela with smooth dorsal carina, palm of major chela with dorsal carina evident and length of fingers of minor chela less than the palm length. One specimen was collected off the state of Maranhão (00º 08' N and 44º32'W) in a depth of 247 m; this species was known previously from Florida and West Indies (Saint Croix and Saint Vincent), in depths between 161 and 339 m. This record is the first record of this family for Brazil.

Formación inicial de los espermatofóros en el testículo del cangrejo Uca uruguayensis (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) / Initial formation of spermatophores in the testicles of the crab Uca uruguayensis (Brachyura: Ocypodidae)

The functional anatomy of the male reproductive system of Uca uruguayensis from Mar Chiquita lagoon, (37º45' S, 57º26' W), Argentina, was known only from optical icroscopy. The present study describes the participation of vas deferens regions in spermatophore formation. A detailed description of the functional morphology of the different regions of the testicular lobes was carried out using both light and scanning electron microscopy. Spermatophore formation begins at the base of the testicular lobe. In most brachyuran species, the spermatophore starts formation when spermatozoa move from the collecting ducts of the testis to the vas deferens. However, in U. uruguayensis observations suggest that the formation of the spermatophore walls occurred in the terminal region of the testis, and that the spermatophore was formed at the junction of the testis and the vas deferens.

La anatomía funcional del sistema reproductor de los machos de Uca uruguayensis de la población de la laguna de Mar Chiquita (37º45' S, 57º26' W), Argentina, ha sido previamente estudiada empleando microscopía óptica. En el presente estudio se demostró la intervención del vaso deferente, en sus distintas regiones, en la formación del espermatóforo y la inclusión del fluido espermático. Se amplía la descripción de la morfología funcional de las regiones de los lóbulos testiculares (empleando también microscopía electrónica de barrido). La formación de los espermatóforos se inicia en la base del lóbulo testicular. El mecanismo descrito hasta el momento para la mayor parte de las especies de braquiuros postula que los espermatóforos comienzan a formarse cuando los espermatozoos pasan de los colectores del testículo al vaso deferente. Nuestras observaciones sugieren sin embargo, que en esta especie la formación de la pared del espermatóforo se inicia en la base de los lóbulos testiculares, y que los espermatóforos están completamente formados en la unión de los testículos y el vaso deferente anterior.

Functional morphology of the hepatopancreas of Palaemonetes argentinus (Crustacea: Decapoda): influence of environmental pollution

We analyzed the morphological and functional state of hepatopancreas in Palaemonetes argentinusfrom two environments with different pesticide concentrations. Los Padres lagoon (Argentina) is an area subjectedto contamination due to the slow exchange of water, the shallow depth and the input of contaminatedwater. Prawns living in this lagoon accumulate high amounts of organochlorine pesticides in their tissues. Hepatopancreas of prawns from Canal 5, an adjacent shallow stream where the amount of pesticides is belowtoxic levels, and from Los Padres lagoon were processed by standard histological techniques with light microscopyand transmission electronic microscopy. At Los Padres lagoon, we found important tissular alterations,such as intertubular infiltration of haemocytes and connective tissue, epithelial retraction in some tubules, anda folded basal lamina. Important necrotic desquamation, with cariolysis, cariorrexis and lack of cellular detailswere also observed. Numerous tubules presented an enlarged and irregular lumen with the epithelium atrophiedor completely absent. In general, the lesions were particularly located in the medullar region of the organ. Atthe ultrastructural level, R and F cells were the most damaged. Both cell types had nuclear retraction, chromatincondensation and cytoplasmic lysis. Some R cells also had dilated mitochondria and numerous lysosomes, and the basal cytoplasm was nearly completely lysed. The hepatopancreas of prawns from Canal 5 did not evidenceany alterations. The histopathological study of the hepatopancreas is a highly sensitive tool to evaluate thephysiological condition of prawns and water quality. Other environmental conditions were similar, so it can beassumed that pollutants were the main cause of organ deterioration.

Analizamos el estado morfológico y funcional del hepatopáncreas de Palaemonetes argentinus de dosambientes con diferentes concentraciones de plaguicidas. La laguna Los Padres (Argentina) es un área sujeta a contaminación debido al lento intercambio del agua, la escasa profundidad y el influjo de agua contaminada. Las gambas acumulan aquí grandes cantidades de plaguicidasorganoclorados en sus tejidos. Los hepatopáncreas de gambas del Canal 5 y de la laguna Los Padres fueronprocesados mediante técnicas histológicas estándar para microscopía óptica y electrónica de transmisión. Loshepatopáncreas de los individuos recolectados en Los Padres tenían alteraciones tisulares importantes, comoinfiltración intertubular de hemocitos y tejido conectivo, retracción epitelial en algunos túbulos y láminas basalesplegadas. También se observó descamación necrótica importante, con cariolisis, cariorrexis y falta de detallescelulares. Vimos muchos túbulos con un lúmen irregular y agrandado, con el epitelio atrofiado o completamenteausente. En general las lesiones se localizaron en la región medular del órgano. Ambos tipos celulares mostraronretracción del núcleo, condensación de la cromatina y ruptura del citoplasma. Algunas células R también teníanmitocondrias y numerosos lisosomas dilatados, y el citoplasma basal casi completamente desintegrado. Nohallamos alteraciones en los hepatopáncreas de gambas deCanal 5. El estudio histopatológico del hepatopáncreas es una herramienta muy apropiada para evaluar la condiciónfisiológica de las gambas y la calidad del agua. Por la semejanza de otras condiciones ambientales, suponemosque los contaminantes fueron la causa principal del deterioro de los órganos.

The Brachyura and Anomura fauna (Decapoda; Crustacea) in the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve on the southern brazilian coast

Eight species of Brachyura and two species of Anomura were registered for the first time on the Santa Catarina coast, in the waters around the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve. The animals were collected by scuba divers, between 3 and 22 meters depth, from September 2001 to February 2003. A total of 31 decapod species were collected, and most of the new occurrences had already been registered in the adjacent northern waters.

Oito espécies de Brachyura e duas espécies de Anomura foram registradas pela primeira vez na costa de Santa Catarina, em águas no entorno da Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo. Os animais foram coletados por meio de mergulho autônomo, entre 3 e 22 metros de profundidade, de setembro 2001 a fevereiro de 2003. Um total de 31 espécies de Decapoda foram coletadas e a maioria das novas ocorrências já haviam sido registradas em águas adjacentes ao norte da Reserva.

Biologia reprodutiva do Camarão Macrobrachium brasiliense (Heller, 1862) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae) em Igarapés de terra firme da Amazônia Peruana

The reproductive biology of Macrobrachium brasiliense (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) was studied based on 2,604 specimens collected from October 1994 to August 1995, in two forest streams along the Iquitos-Nauta, highway in Loreto (Peruvian Amazon).The female: male sex ratio was 1.7:1. M. brasiliense showed sexual dimorphism in the cephalotorax length, females being slighthly smaller than males. Reproduction was contínuos with a reproductive peak between April and June. Fecundity ranged from 15 to 168 eggs per female. A significant relationship was observed between fecundity and cephalotoraxic length and the weight. Egg volume presented no significant relationship with cephalotoraxic length or fecundity.

Foi estudada a biologia reprodutiva de Macrobrachium brasiliense (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) com base em 2604 indivíduos coletados entre outubro de 1994 e agosto de 1995, em dois igarapés de terra firme da estrada Iquitos-Nauta, Loreto (Amazônia peruana). A proporção sexual fêmea: macho foi de 1,7:1 sendo que as fêmeas foram um pouco mais abundantes que os machos durante todo o período de coleta. M. brasiliense apresentou dimorfismo sexual no comprimento cefalotorácico, sendo as fêmeas ligeiramente menores que os machos. A reprodução foi contínua, com o pico reprodutivo entre abril e julho. A fecundidade variou de 15 a 168 ovos por fêmea, observando-se uma relação significativa entre a fecundidade e o comprimento cefalotorácico e o peso. O volume do ovo não apresentou relação significativa com o comprimento cefalotorácico e a fecundidade.