Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Abstract Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Resumo Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan

Abstract Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Resumo Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Preliminary investigation of multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from blood cockles (Anadara granosa) and green lipped mussel (Perna viridis)

Aims@#Bivalve molluscs are filter feeders that tend to accumulate and concentrate any suspended particles or bacteria from the water environment. Although they have been proven to accumulate heavy metals, investigation on the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is still lacking. Therefore, this study examines the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from bivalve shellfish, namely, blood cockles (Anadara granosa) and green-lipped mussel (Perna viridis) purchased from markets in Johor, Malaysia.@*Methodology and results@#Samples purchased were homogenized and then diluted. Viable cell count and bacterial isolation were performed using diluted samples followed by an antibiotic susceptibility test (ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline) conducted on the pure isolates. The total viable count of bacterial colonies for cockle and mussel samples ranged from 1.1 × 107 to 4.4 × 109 CFU/mL and 1.2 × 109 to 4.3 × 109 CFU/mL. The numbers of colonies isolated from respective bivalves were 11 and 6. Generally, cockles isolates revealed higher resistance towards all three antibiotics at or above the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) threshold value. Meanwhile, mussel isolates showed full susceptibility to any ciprofloxacin concentration and tetracycline but exhibited resistance to ampicillin at a concentration exceeding the CLSI value. The number of drug resistance isolates in cockle and mussel samples decreased with increasing antibiotic concentration. The maximum number of antibiotics the mussel isolates were resistant to was two, whereas cockle isolates achieved three.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The outcome of this study concludes that some isolates from cockle and mussel samples can resist antibiotic concentration above the CLSI threshold value. Resistance of more than the CLSI threshold level revealed that these isolates could pose significant health risks especially when the bivalves are ingested raw or undercooked.

Qualidade microbiológica da água e dos mexilhões Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758) cultivados em Piúma, Espírito Santo, Brasil / Microbiological quality of water and Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758) mussels cultivated in Piúma, Espírito Santo, Brazil

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou verificar a qualidade microbiológica da água e dos mexilhões cultivados pela Associação dos Maricultores de Piúma (AMPI), Espírito Santo, Brasil. Foram realizadas sete coletas de água e mexilhões, mensalmente, entre outubro de 2016 e maio de 2017. Os mexilhões foram coletados nos long lines da AMPI, e em cada mês foram coletados 40 mexilhões Perna perna e 100 mL de água do local. O material coletado foi destinado ao laboratório para a realização das análises microbiológicas em duplicata, número mais provável de coliformes totais (CT) e termotolerantes (Ctt), presença ou ausência de Salmonella sp e número de unidades formadoras de colônias de Staphylococcus aureus. Os resultados mostraram que o número de Ctt nas amostras de água no mês de janeiro estavam acima do permitido pela Resolução n° 357 do Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (CONAMA). Já os níveis de Ctt e Staphylococcus aureus na carne dos mexilhões mostraram-se dentro do limite aceitável pela RDC n° 12 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Entretanto, foram encontradas bactérias com características do gênero Salmonella sp nos meses de dezembro e março nos mexilhões, impossibilitando sua comercialização e seu consumo. Durante esses meses, a cidade tem alto fluxo de turistas. Por fim, recomenda-se a realização das análises microbiológicas continuamente, principalmente no período do verão, época que tem grande fluxo de turistas no município de Piúma e que registrou presença de Salmonella na carne dos mexilhões e níveis de Ctt na água acima do permitido pelas legislações vigentes.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the microbiological quality of water and mussels cultivated by the Piúma Farmers Association (Associação dos Maricultores de Piúma — AMPI), Espírito Santo, Brazil. Seven samples of water and mussels were collected monthly from October 2016 to May 2017. The mussels were collected from the long lines of the AMPI, and in each month 40 mussels Perna perna and 100 mL of water were sampled from the site. The collected material was sent to the laboratory for duplicate microbiological analysis, Most Probable Number of Total (CT) and Thermotolerant (Ctt) coliforms, presence or absence of Salmonella sp and number of Staphylococcus aureus colony forming units. The results showed that the number of Ctt in the water samples in January was higher than that allowed by Resolution 357 of the National Environment Council (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente — CONAMA). The levels of Ctt and Staphylococcus aureus in mussel meat were within the acceptable range by the Brazilian National Environment Council (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária — ANVISA) Resolution RDC No. 12. However, colonies with characteristics of Salmonella sp were found in December and March in the mussels, making it impossible to sell and consume. This period coincides with a high flow of tourists in the municipality. Finally, it is recommended to perform microbiological analyzes continuously, especially in the summer, where there are a lot of tourists in the city of Piúma, period that showed the presence of Salmonella in the meat of mussels and Ctt levels in water above the allowed current legislation.

New record of the invasive snail Melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda, Thiaridae) - Ceará State, Brazil / Novo registro do gastropode invasor Melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda, Thiaridae) - Estado do Ceará, Brasil

Abstract Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater gastropod native to Africa and Asia, and currently presents distributed worldwide. The first record of Melanoides tuberculata in South America occurred in Brazil, in the city of Santos, state of São Paulo, in 1967. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to report the occurrence of Melanoides tuberculata for Banana Lagoon and to characterize the current population situation. The gastropods were collected through direct visualization of shells, morphometric measurements of Melanoides tuberculata shells were determined using a digital caliper. After identifying the gastropod and its first distribution in the area, a preliminary descriptive analysis of the population was carried out. The gastropods were classified by grouping the individuals into four classes according to the shell width (mm). This is the first record of the occurrence of Melanoides tuberculata, in Banana Lagoon, Caucaia municipality, Ceará state, Northeast Brazil, being the largest specimen cited in the literature (33.77 mm) and 92.65% of the gastropods present in sizes above the first reproduction stages.

Resumo Melanoides tuberculata é um gastrópode de água doce nativo da África e da Ásia e atualmente apresenta-se distribuído mundialmente. O primeiro registro de Melanoides tuberculata na América do Sul ocorreu no Brasil, na cidade de Santos, estado de São Paulo, em 1967. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo é relatar a ocorrência de Melanoides tuberculata para Lagoa do Banana, caracterizando a situação atual da população no local. Os gastrópodes foram coletados através da visualização direta de conchas, e as medidas morfométricas das conchas de Melanoides tuberculata foram determinadas por meio de um paquímetro digital. Após identificar o gastrópode e constando sua primeira distribuição na área, realizou-se uma análise preliminar descritiva da população. Os gastrópodes foram classificados agrupando os indivíduos em quatro classes de acordo com a largura da concha (mm). Este é o primeiro registro da ocorrência de Melanoides tuberculata, na Lagoa da Banana, município de Caucaia, estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil, sendo o maior exemplar citado na literatura (33,77 mm) já registrado e 92,65% dos gastrópodes apresentam-se em tamanhos acima do primeiro estágios de reprodução.

Strongylides in Achatina(Lissachatina)fulica (Mollusca, Achatinidae) in Havana, Cuba / Strongylides in Achatina(Lissachatina)fulica (Mollusca, Achatinidae) in Havana, Cuba

ABSTRACT Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica was introduced in Cuba in 2014 for african religious purposes and nowadays, mainly by human activity, it is widespread all over the country and, where besides a general nuisance for people it is a pest and also a public health concern, since it is one of the natural intermediate host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, ethiological agent of the meningoencephalitis. As in Havana is experiencing the explosive phase of the invasion, LABCEL has been receiving samples of these molluscs for identification and search for Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae. While examining samples of A. fulica different larvae were obtained, as strongylides found in the interior of the pallial cavity of A. fulica.This is the first report in San Miguel del Padron and Regla municipalities of the development of larvae in A. Fulica evidencing the health importance of this mollusc in the potential transmission of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. Since the spread of A. fulica is pointed out in the literature as one of the main causative spread of the meningoencephalitis caused by A. cantonensis the authors emphasize the need of sanitary vigilance of snails and rats from vulnerable areas for A. cantonensis introduction as the port side areas like these municipalities.

RESUMEN Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica se introdujo en Cuba en 2014 con fines religiosos africanos y hoy en día, principalmente por actividad humana, está muy extendida en todo el país y, además de una molestia general para las personas, es una plaga y también un problema de salud pública, ya que es uno de los huéspedes intermedios naturales de Angiostrongylus cantonensis, agente etiológico de la meningoencefalitis. Como en La Habana está experimentando la fase explosiva de la invasión, LABCEL ha estado recibiendo muestras de estos moluscos para su identificación y búsqueda de larvas de Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Mientras se examinaban muestras de A. fulica, se obtuvieron diferentes larvas, como strongylides encontrados en el interior de la cavidad paliar de A. fulica. Este es el primer informe en los municipios de San Miguel del Padrón y Regla sobre el desarrollo de larvas en A. Fulica evidenciando La importancia para la salud de este molusco en la transmisión potencial de la meningoencefalitis eosinofílica. Dado que la propagación de A. fulica se señala en la literatura como una de las principales causas de la meningoencefalitis causada por A. cantonensis, los autores enfatizan la necesidad de vigilancia sanitaria de caracoles y ratas de áreas vulnerables para la introducción de A. cantonensis como zonas de babor como estos municipios.

Demography of the land snail Tikoconus (Tikoconus) costaricanus (Stylommatophora: Euconulidae) in tropical low montane and premontane forests, Costa Rica

Introduction: Ecology and natural history of neotropical land snails is almost unknown. Objetive: In this paper, I analyse the population dynamics of Tikoconus (Tikoconus) costaricanus Barrientos, an understory endemic euconulid. Methods: I compared T. costaricanus' demography patterns in tropical montane forests in central Costa Rica in three habitats with different restoration techniques: a mature forest, a secondary forest and a Cuppressus lusitanica plantation. I collected data in three month periods during a year. I analysed population size in relation with habitat, sampling date, leaf litter humidity, depth and quantity; and specimen size in relation with habitat and sampling date. I also kept some specimens in terraria and described part of their natural history. Results: The species is more abundant in mature forest (Ø = 0.174 ind/m2). The number of specimens in each habitat was constant throughout the year (Kruskall-Wallis = 2.0118, p = 0.57, NS) and hatching occurs in the middle and last months of the rainy season (Kruskall-Wallis = 17.3061, P = 0.00061, **). Number of specimens is related with leaf litter humidity (Spearman correlation, r = 0.3524, n = 232, P < 0.001, **), quantity (Spearman correlation, r = 0.3922, n = 232, P < 0.001, **) and depth (Spearman correlation, r = 0.2543, n = 232, P < 0.001, **). This relationship is explained by the high and stable humid environment provided by leaf litter. Some specimens migrate from foliage to leaf litter during the drier months. Eggs (Ø = 1mm) are laid on moss or soil and the young spend the first 2 or 3 weeks of their life on moss. Egg masses are small (Ø = 4 eggs), and shells look bubbly. Egg development time (20 days) was longer than in other tropical species. Adult pigmentation appears around two months after hatch. In the only case observed, egg laying began 5 months after hatching and the specimen lived 9 months. Conclusions: Restorations techniques should consider leaf litter features in order to protect endemic neotropical humid dependent diversity.

Introducción: La ecología y la historia natural de los moluscos terrestres neotropicales es casi desconocida. Objetivo: En este artículo analicé la dinámica poblacional de Tikoconus (Tikoconus) costaricanus Barrientos, una especie endémica que habita el sotobosque del centro de Costa Rica. Métodos: Comparé los patrones demográficos de la especie en un bosque tropical montano en tres hábitats con diferentes estrategias de restauración: un bosque maduro, un bosque secundario y una plantación de Cuppressus lucitanica. Recolecté datos en periodos de tres meses durante un año. Analicé el tamaño de la población en relación : hábitat, fecha de muestreo, humedad, profundidad y cantidad de la hojarasca. También analicé el tamaño de los especímenes en relación al hábitat y fecha de muestreo. Mantuve algunos especímenes en terrarios y describí parte de su historia natural. Resultados: La especie fue más abundante en el bosque maduro (Ø = 0.174 ind/m2). La cantidad de especímenes en cada hábitat fue constante a lo largo del año (Kruskall-Wallis= 2.0118, P = 0.57, NS) y la eclosión se presenta en la mitad y últimos meses de la estación lluviosa (Kruskall-Wallis = 17.3061, P = 0.00061, **). La cantidad de especímenes estuvo relacionada con la humedad del ambiente que provee la hojarasca. Durante los meses más secos algunos especímenes migran del follaje a la hojarasca. Los huevos (Ø = 1 mm) son depositados en el musgo y en el suelo y los jóvenes pasan las primeras 2 o 3 semanas de su vida en el musgo. Las masas de huevos son pequeñas (Ø = 4 huevos) y los huevos se ven como construidos de burbujas. El tiempo de desarrollo de los huevos (20 días) fue más prolongado que en otras especies tropicales. La pigmentación del adulto aparece alrededor de dos meses después de la eclosión. En el único caso observado la ovoposición empezó a los 5 meses después de la eclosión y el espécimen vivió hasta los 9 meses. Conclusiones: Las técnicas de restauración deben considerar las características de la hojarasca con el fin de proteger la biodiversidad neotropical endémica dependiente de la humedad del ambiente.

Synopsis of the knowledge on the Brazilian aplacophorans (Mollusca: Caudofoveata & Solenogastres) / Sinopse do conhecimento sobre os aplacóforos brasileiros (Mollusca: Caudofoveata & Solenogastres)

Aplacophorans are well known as exclusively marine benthic molluscs with a vermiform body covered by aragonitic sclerites (also called spicules), whose species are widely distributed from the sublittoral down to the abyss. Currently, only nine species are known from Brazil (one Solenogastres and eight Caudofoveata), but these very few records are no longer a reflection of an existing low diversity. Sampling in deep waters has been conducted recently in oil-rich areas of the Brazilian coast, and the museum collections have now many aplacophoran lots. There is a need to learn about and/or install some microscopical facilities in Brazilian institutions, to form expertise for the investigations on these generally small animals. With studies on taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography and ecology, important questions will be surely answered about the diversity, distribution, and the relationship among the deep-sea fauna from Brazil and from other places.

Os aplacóforos são bem conhecidos como moluscos bentônicos exclusivamente marinhos, que possuem um corpo vermiforme coberto por escleritos de aragonita (também chamados de espículas), e cujas espécies são amplamente distribuídas desde o sublittoral a até profundidades abissais. Atualmente, apenas nove espécies são conhecidas para o Brasil (uma de Solenogastres e oito de Caudofoveata), mas esses poucos registros não são um reflexo de uma baixa diversidade existente no nosso litoral. Recentemente, amostragens em águas profundas têm sido feitas em áreas da costa brasileira ricas em petróleo, e as coleções de museus possuem agora muitos lotes de aplacóforos. Há uma necessidade de aprender sobre e/ou instalar algumas condições de infraestrutura nas instituições brasileiras, com o intuito de formar competência para as investigações sobre estes animais geralmente pequenos. Com estudos sobre taxonomia, filogenia, biogeografia e ecologia, questões importantes serão certamente respondidas sobre a diversidade, distribuição e relação entre as faunas de grande profundidades do Brasil e de outros locais do mundo.

Synopsis of the knowledge on the Brazilian aplacophorans (Mollusca: Caudofoveata & Solenogastres) / Sinopse do conhecimento sobre os aplacóforos brasileiros (Mollusca: Caudofoveata & Solenogastres)

Abstract: Aplacophorans are well known as exclusively marine benthic molluscs with a vermiform body covered by aragonitic sclerites (also called spicules), whose species are widely distributed from the sublittoral down to the abyss. Currently, only nine species are known from Brazil (one Solenogastres and eight Caudofoveata), but these very few records are no longer a reflection of an existing low diversity. Sampling in deep waters has been conducted recently in oil-rich areas of the Brazilian coast, and the museum collections have now many aplacophoran lots. There is a need to learn about and/or install some microscopical facilities in Brazilian institutions, to form expertise for the investigations on these generally small animals. With studies on taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography and ecology, important questions will be surely answered about the diversity, distribution, and the relationship among the deep-sea fauna from Brazil and from other places.

Resumo: Os aplacóforos são bem conhecidos como moluscos bentônicos exclusivamente marinhos, que possuem um corpo vermiforme coberto por escleritos de aragonita (também chamados de espículas), e cujas espécies são amplamente distribuídas desde o sublittoral a até profundidades abissais. Atualmente, apenas nove espécies são conhecidas para o Brasil (uma de Solenogastres e oito de Caudofoveata), mas esses poucos registros não são um reflexo de uma baixa diversidade existente no nosso litoral. Recentemente, amostragens em águas profundas têm sido feitas em áreas da costa brasileira ricas em petróleo, e as coleções de museus possuem agora muitos lotes de aplacóforos. Há uma necessidade de aprender sobre e/ou instalar algumas condições de infraestrutura nas instituições brasileiras, com o intuito de formar competência para as investigações sobre estes animais geralmente pequenos. Com estudos sobre taxonomia, filogenia, biogeografia e ecologia, questões importantes serão certamente respondidas sobre a diversidade, distribuição e relação entre as faunas de grande profundidades do Brasil e de outros locais do mundo.

Molecular cloning and characterisation of scavenger receptor class B in pearl oyster Pinctada fuctada martensii

Background: Molluscs can accumulate carotenoids in their body tissues by predominantly feeding on aquatic plant sources. Carotenoid transport and absorption are determined by the regulation of various proteins such as Scavenger receptor class B(SR-BI). We report the identification and characterisation of pearl oyster Pinctada fuctada martensii SR-BI (PmSR-BI). The correlation between total carotenoid content (TCC) and gene expression was also estimated. Results: The full-length cDNA of PmSR-BI was 1828 bp, including an open-reading frame encoding of 1518 bp with a pI value of 5.83. PmSR-BI protein contains a hydrophobic CD36 domain and four centrally clustered cysteine residues for the arrangement of disulphide bridges. The deduced amino acid sequence had an identity of 30% to 60% with the SR-B of other organisms. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that mRNA transcripts were expressed in multiple tissues of adult pearl oyster. A higher expression of PmSR-BI gene was observed in the hepatopancreas than in the adductor muscle, gill and mantle. The TCC and gene expression of PmSR-BI were significantly correlated (P b 0.05), with a correlation coefficient of 0.978. Conclusions: The results suggested that PmSR-BI is involved in the absorption of carotenoids in the pearl oyster P. fuctada martensii.

Molecular characterization of CHST11 and its potential role in nacre formation in pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii

Background: C4ST-1 catalyzes the transfer of sulfate groups in the sulfonation of chondroitin during chondroitin sulfate synthesis. Chondroitin sulfate consists of numerous copies of negatively charged sulfonic acid groups that participate in the nucleation process of biomineralization. In the present study, we obtained two CHST11 genes (PmCHST11a and PmCHST11b) which encoded the C4ST-1 and explored the functions of these genes in the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate and in the formation of the nacreous layer of shells. Results: Both PmCHST11a and PmCHST11b had a sulfotransferase-2 domain, a signal peptide and a transmembrane domain. These properties indicated that these genes localize in the Golgi apparatus. Real-time PCR revealed that both PmCHST11a and PmCHST11b were highly expressed in the central zone of the mantle tissue. Inhibiting PmCHST11a and PmCHST11b via RNA interference significantly decreased the expression levels of these genes in the central zone of the mantle tissue and the concentration of chondroitin sulfate in extrapallial fluid. Moreover, shell nacre crystallized irregularly with a rough surface after RNA interference. Conclusions: This study indicated that PmCHST11a and PmCHST11b are involved in the nacre formation of Pinctada fucata martensii through participating in the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate.

Freshwater gastropods in the Northern littoral mesoregion of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Gastrópodes de água doce da mesorregião Litoral Norte do Espírito Santo, Brasil

Studies on the distribution of molluscs in Brazil have been conducted since the beginning of the twentieth and the knowledge of the species distributed in the country represent important findings, which contribute to the understanding of human diseases and those of veterinary importance, transmitted by them. In order to verify the distribution of freshwater gastropods in Espírito Santo, a malacological surveywas carried out in nine municipalities that comprise the Northern mesoregion of the State, between January 2010 and February 2015. Initially the water collections occurring in the municipality were verified and the lotic systems at different levels of use and conservation were determined. Molluscs were collected monthly using a hand net adapted to a stick steel. An individual sample effort of 30 minutes was applied, by scanning, at about ten meters in each one of the selected habitats. A total of 6,000 specimens were collected, represented by genera Melanoides, Drepanotrema, Physa, Biomphalaria and Pomacea. Among the molluscs, some specimens were positive for flatworm larvae of medical and veterinary importance. The results contributed to the knowledge of the current distribution of freshwater gastropods in the Northern region of Espírito Santo whose the only record for the region dates back to 1983.

Estudos sobre a distribuição de moluscos no Brasil vêm sendo realizados desde os primórdios do século XX e o conhecimento das espécies distribuídas no país representam achados importantíssimos ao entendimento das doenças humanas e de importância veterinária. Com o objetivo de verificar a distribuição dos gastrópodes de água doce no Espírito Santo, realizou-se um levantamento malacológico em nove municípios que compõem a mesorregião Norte do Estado, entre janeiro de 2010 e fevereiro de 2015. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma verificação das coleções hídricas ocorrentes nos municípios e os sistemas lóticos em diferentes níveis de utilização e conservação foram determinados. Os moluscos foram coletados mensalmente, utilizando-se de uma rede de mão (puçá), adaptada a um cabo de madeira. Foi aplicado um esforço amostral individual de 30 minutos, por varredura, em cerca de dez metros de extensão, em cada um dos habitats selecionados. Foram coletados 6.000 espécimes de moluscos, representados pelos gêneros Melanoides, Drepanotrema, Physa, Biomphalaria e Pomacea. Alguns exemplares apresentaram-se positivos para larvas de trematódeos de importância médico -veterinária. Os resultados contribuíram para o conhecimento da atual distribuição dos gastrópodes de água doce da região Norte do estado do Espírito Santo, cujo único registro para a região data do ano de 1983.

Abundance of the reef-building Petaloconchus varians (Gastropoda: Vermetidae) on intertidal rocky shores at Ilha Grande Bay, southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT The reef-building vermetid Petaloconchus varians occurs in the western Atlantic Ocean, from the Caribbean Sea to the southern coast of Brazil. The present study evaluated the abundance of P. varians on intertidal rocky shores in Ilha Grande Bay (Rio de Janeiro State), and characterized their reefs, describing the species density, besides the weight and the belt width of the reefs. Petaloconchus varians reefs were recorded at 25 sites, with rocky shores exposed to different wave action (very sheltered, sheltered, semi-exposed and exposed) and slopes (10° to 46°). Clusters of individuals constructed large reefs along the middle intertidal zone, creating a wide belt (38 cm to 2 m). The density of P. varians and the weight of the reefs ranged from 620 to 2,559 ind.100 cm-2 and from 100 to 1,500 g.100 cm-2, respectively. Considering that the species was last reported from the area in the mid-20th century, the present study suggests that P. varians reefs are becoming dominant in the intertidal zone of rocky shores in Ilha Grande Bay. This is a contribution to knowledge of this ecosystem in Ilha Grande Bay, in view of local or global ecological changes.

Enterococcus spp. Resistant to Multiple Antimicrobial Drugs and Determination of Fecal Contamination Levels in Mangrove Oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae)

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine and compare the Most Probable Number (MPN) of Total Coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. and to characterize the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus spp. isolated from oysters collected in the Barra de Guaratiba Mangrove, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The enumeration of E. coli has been used to indicate fecal contamination and hygienic-sanitary conditions of bivalve molluscs. Enterococci are capable to transfer several antimicrobial resistance genes to pathogenic bacteria, including those from Gram-negative group. The oysters were bought from local fishermen and a total of 123 individuals were analyzed. The TC, E. coli and Enterococcus spp. MPN mean were 26,300/100 g, 3,260/100 g and 2,820/100 g, respectively. The only correlation found was between TC and E. coli. Two strains of Enterococcus spp. were resistant to three different antimicrobial categories, including a high level resistance to streptomycin. One strain presented intermediate resistance to vancomycin. The E. coli levels exceeded the limits established by international legislation. This microbiological contamination in oysters reflects the water pollution and indicates a probable contamination of other seafood species from this mangrove, which can represent a risk for consumers and a threat to the environment and public health.

New record of the invasive snail Melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda, Thiaridae) - Ceará State, Brazil

Abstract Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater gastropod native to Africa and Asia, and currently presents distributed worldwide. The first record of Melanoides tuberculata in South America occurred in Brazil, in the city of Santos, state of São Paulo, in 1967. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to report the occurrence of Melanoides tuberculata for Banana Lagoon and to characterize the current population situation. The gastropods were collected through direct visualization of shells, morphometric measurements of Melanoides tuberculata shells were determined using a digital caliper. After identifying the gastropod and its first distribution in the area, a preliminary descriptive analysis of the population was carried out. The gastropods were classified by grouping the individuals into four classes according to the shell width (mm). This is the first record of the occurrence of Melanoides tuberculata, in Banana Lagoon, Caucaia municipality, Ceará state, Northeast Brazil, being the largest specimen cited in the literature (33.77 mm) and 92.65% of the gastropods present in sizes above the first reproduction stages.

Resumo Melanoides tuberculata é um gastrópode de água doce nativo da África e da Ásia e atualmente apresenta-se distribuído mundialmente. O primeiro registro de Melanoides tuberculata na América do Sul ocorreu no Brasil, na cidade de Santos, estado de São Paulo, em 1967. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo é relatar a ocorrência de Melanoides tuberculata para Lagoa do Banana, caracterizando a situação atual da população no local. Os gastrópodes foram coletados através da visualização direta de conchas, e as medidas morfométricas das conchas de Melanoides tuberculata foram determinadas por meio de um paquímetro digital. Após identificar o gastrópode e constando sua primeira distribuição na área, realizou-se uma análise preliminar descritiva da população. Os gastrópodes foram classificados agrupando os indivíduos em quatro classes de acordo com a largura da concha (mm). Este é o primeiro registro da ocorrência de Melanoides tuberculata, na Lagoa da Banana, município de Caucaia, estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil, sendo o maior exemplar citado na literatura (33,77 mm) já registrado e 92,65% dos gastrópodes apresentam-se em tamanhos acima do primeiro estágios de reprodução.

The population density of Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) (Mollusca, Lymnaeidae) an intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Caparaó microregion, ES, Brazil / Densidade populacional de Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) (Mollusca, Lymnaeidae) hospedeiro intermediário de Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) na Microrregião do Caparaó, ES, Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to monitor the population density of Lymnaea columella, an intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica, in various aquatic habitats and in drinking water in the area of the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, on Caparaó Microregion, municipality of Alegre, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Monthly samplings were performed at certain points between drainage areas and drinking water in cattle and goat production systems during the years 2010 to 2013. The mean temperature, precipitation and the frequency of samples of L. columella were analysed graphically according the monthly average during the study period. A total of 2,038 molluscs were collected, 1558 of which were L. columella, that predominated in all sampled points. The highest average of specimens observed for L. columella was in the years 2010 and 2013 (51.0), and occurred decreased in 2011 (19.8). The temperature and precipitation averaged is 23.7 °C and 141 mm/year, respectively. Rainfall peak occurred in March (2011, 2013) and November (2012), during these periods the population of L. columella growth. There was no significant difference in the relationship between the specimens observed with seasons (dry-wet), thus the population of L. columella remained stable and can be found throughout the year.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi acompanhar a variação da densidade populacional de Lymnaea columella, hospedeiro intermediário de Fasciola hepatica, em diferentes tipos de coleções hídricas e bebedouros na área do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, na microrregião do Caparaó, município de Alegre, estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Foram realizadas coletas mensais em pontos determinados entre áreas de drenagem e bebedouros de animais nos setores de bovinocultura e caprinocultura durante os anos de 2010 a 2013. As médias de temperatura, precipitação e a frequência de exemplares de L. columella foram analisadas graficamente de acordo com a média mensal ao longo do período avaliado. Foram coletados 2.038 moluscos, sendo 1558 de L. columella, espécie predominante em todos os pontos amostrados. A maior média de espécimes observadas para L. columella foi nos anos de 2010 e 2013 (51,0), ocorrendo um decréscimo em 2011 (19,8). A temperatura apresentou média de 23,7°C e precipitação de 141 mm/ano. Picos de precipitação ocorreram em Março (2011, 2013) e Novembro (2012), nestes períodos foi observado aumento populacional de L. columella. Não houve diferença significativa na relação entre as espécimes observadas com as estações do ano (seca-chuvosa), dessa forma, a população de L. columella se mostrou estável, podendo ser encontrada durante todo ano.

Lista anotada de los bivalvos marinos del Perú / Checklist of the marine bivalves from Peru

Se presenta una lista taxonómica actualizada de 401 especies de bivalvos marinos del Perú, distribuidas en 62 familias y 195 géneros. Se considera la nomenclatura y clasificación en el contexto de los cambios recientes, incluyendo los trabajos de Bernard (1983) y Coan & Valentich-Scott (2012). Cada especie de la lista es comentada, teniendo en cuenta la distribución geográfica y el hábitat.

A checklist of the marine bivalve species from Peru is presented, this list has 401 species which are distributed in 65 families and 195 genera. The taxonomical classification and nomenclature is based on classical and current bibliography including Bernard (1983) and Coan & Valentich-Scott (2012). We give distribution and hábitat information about every species.

Fauna y flora intermareal de las costas rocosas de Quintana Roo, México

as costas rocosas de origen calizo, son ecosistemas comúnes en el estado de Quintana Roo en México. En el verano del 2012, se realizó una investigación de campo de comunidades inter-mareales rocosas en 10 sitios del Estado, tanto en la Riviera Maya como en la Gran Costa Maya, con el objetivo de conocer si existe algún patrón en la abundancia y diversidad de los grupos que las componen. En cada sitio se realizaron tres transecciones perpendiculares a la costa con un número variable de muestras que dependió de la longitud de la playa, en cada nivel se obtuvo una muestra de 25 cm2, realizando un total de 593. Las pendientes de las playas fueron variables (0.4-1 m); sin embargo, como patrón recurrente, la parte sur de cada playa fue más extensa que la norte. La fauna estuvo representada por los siguientes grupos: equinodermos (15 especies-11 géneros), moluscos (84-50), anélidos (10-9), crustáceos (23-22), sipunculidos (1-1) peces (1-1), algas (53-34), estableciendo un total de 187 especies pertenecientes a 128 géneros. Los resultados muestran que los moluscos dominaron en todas las zonas intermareales. Otros grupos tuvieron preferencias hacia las zonas intermareales bajas. Los patrones geográficos regionales de la abundancia, riqueza de especies y biodiversidad, son poco claros para algunos grupos. El sitio con mayor riqueza y diversidad fue Osho Oasis en la Riviera Maya. El agrupamiento de los sitios a un nivel de similitud del 50 %, presentan uniones fuertes entre sitios de la Riviera Maya y de la Costa Maya indistintamente, con excepción de los equinodermos que identifican y separan a ese nivel de similitud ambas zonas. Utilizando un análisis monotético de contenido de información de orden 2, se obtuvieron las especies responsables de las mayores caídas de información de cada grupo, se tienen los siguientes resultados: Algas- Padina santaecrucis, Moluscos-Tectarius antonii, Crustáceos- Maera inaequipes, Equinodermos- Tripneutes ventricosus y Annelidos- Pseudonereis variegata, estas especies se consideran indicadoras de cambios en la estructura de las comunidades de cada grupo y podrían ser objeto de una investigación más profunda que sirva de apoyo y soporte a programas de manejo en esas áreas.

ocky shores of limestone origin are common ecosystems in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. In the summer of 2012, a field investigation of rocky intertidal communities was performed in 10 sites in the state, both in the Riviera Maya and the Grand Costa Maya in order to know if there are any patterns in the abundance and diversity groups that compose them. In each site, three perpendicular transects were evaluated; transects had a variable number of levels, depending on the length of the beach. For each level, a sample of 25 cm2 was obtained, making a total of 593 samples. The slopes of the beaches were variable (0.4-1 m); however, as a recurring pattern, the Southern part of each beach was more extense than the Northern part. The fauna was represented by the following groups: echinoderms (15 species-11 genera), mollusks (84-50), annelids (10-9), crustaceans (23-22), sipunculids (1-1) chordates (1-1), algae (53-34), establishing a total of 187 species belonging to 128 genera. The results showed that mollusks dominated in all tidal flats; other groups were mostly found towards low intertidal areas. Regional geographical patterns of abundance, richness and biodiversity were unclear for some groups. The site with the highest richness and diversity was Osho Oasis in the Riviera Maya. Sites assemblages to a level of similarity of 50 %, had strong bonds between sites of the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya interchangeably, except echinoderms, identified and adjusted to that level of similarity among both areas. Using a monotetic content information analysis of order 2, with the aim to obtain the species responsible for the largest declines of information from each group, we have obtained the following results: Algae-Padina santae-crucis, Mollusks-Tectarius antonii, Crustacean-Maera inaequipes, Echinoderms Tripneutes ventricosus and Annelida-Pseudonereis variegata, these species are considered indicative of changes in community structure of each group and could be subject of further investigations to support management programs in the area. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (4): 943-958. Epub 2015 December 01.

First record of Corbicula largillierti (Philippi 1844) in the Paraíba River Basin and potential implications from water diversion of the São Francisco River / Primeiro registro de Corbicula largillierti (Philippi 1844) na bacia do Rio Paraíba e implicações potenciais com a transposição das águas do Rio São Francisco

Corbicula largillierti is a native mollusk from China. In Brazil, this species was first recorded in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso. This short communication reports the occurrence of C. largillierti for the first time in the Paraíba river basin (Brazilian semi-arid), and also considers the risk of introduction of other molluscs invaders in this basin due to the diversion of water from the São Francisco River. Densities of individuals ranged from 33 to 65 ind.m-2 (maximum values of 484 ind.m-2) in coarse sediment (gravel, 2-4 mm). The diversion of waters from the São Francisco river can lead to the introduction of new species, enhancing ecological problems in the Paraiba river basin.

Corbicula largillierti é um molusco nativo da China. No Brasil esta espécie foi registrada primeiramente no Pantanal do Mato Grosso. Esta nota registra a primeira ocorrência de C. largillierti na bacia do Rio Paraíba (semiárido brasileiro). Considera também os riscos potenciais de introdução de outros moluscos invasores nesta bacia devido è transposição das águas do Rio São Francisco. As densidades do molusco variaram de 33 a 65 ind.m-2 (atingindo valor máximo de 484 ind.m-2) em sedimentos grossos (cascalho, 2-4 mm). A transposição das águas do Rio São Francisco pode ocasionar a introdução de novas espécies exóticas potencializando problemas ecológicos na bacia do Rio Paraíba.