Incorporación de Tecnología Tridimensional mediante Tomografía Microcomputarizada en el Estudio de la Anatomía de Salmónidos: Una Evaluación de Utilidad / Integration of Three-Dimensional Technology through Microcomputed Tomography in the Study of Salmonid Anatomy: A Utility Evaluation

Los salmónidos, durante su desarrollo, pueden experimentar ocasionalmente deformaciones esqueléticas. Para su diagnóstico se emplean diversas metodologías, entre las que se incluyen radiografías, técnicas histológicas, diafanización con tinciones de alizarina y azul de alcián, así como el uso del microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM), cada una con sus inherentes ventajas y desventajas. Este estudio tuvo como finalidad evaluar y comparar la eficacia de la tomografía microcomputarizada (Micro-CT) para el análisis anatómico, reconstruyendo tridimensionalmente las imágenes y contrastándolas con los resultados obtenidos mediante la técnica de diafanización. Se analizaron las aletas caudales de cinco ejemplares de salmón Oncorhynchus kisutch: dos sujetos a diafanización y tres procesados para análisis mediante Micro-CT utilizando el equipo BRUKER SkyScan 1272. La técnica de Micro-CT demostró superioridad en la resolución de las estructuras óseas, facilitando una exploración detallada de las variaciones morfológicas y la distribución de la densidad mineral. Este enfoque permitió identificar anomalías en la morfología y crecimiento de las últimas vértebras y lepidotriquias dorsales, así como una densidad incrementada en lepidotriquias dorsales malformadas. La mayor resolución proporcionada por la Micro-CT no solo potencia nuestra comprensión de la ontogenia piscícola y su adaptación a ambientes diversos, sino que además inaugura perspectivas innovadoras para el estudio de la evolución de las estrategias locomotoras y las respuestas adaptativas frente a cambios ambientales a través del tiempo.

SUMMARY: During their development, some species of salmonids may occasionally experience skeletal deformations. Several methodologies are currently being used for the diagnosis of such malformations, among which X-rays, histological techniques, diaphanization coupled either with Alizarin Red or Alcian Blue stains, as well as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) can be mentioned. Each one of those methods presents inherent advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this study was twofold: Firstly, to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT) technology for anatomical analysis, three-dimensionally reconstructing the obtained images; and secondly, to contrast those images with the results obtained through the diaphanization technique. The caudal fins of five specimens of the Oncorhynchus kisutch salmon were analyzed: Two specimens were subjected to diaphanization and three were processed for Micro-CT analysis, using the BRUKER SkyScan 1272 equipment. The Micro-CT technology demonstrated superiority in the resolution of bone structures, facilitating a detailed exploration of morphological variations, as well as the distribution of mineral density. This experimental approach allowed us to identify anomalies in the morphology and growth of the last vertebrae and dorsal lepidotrichiae, as well as an increased mineral density in the malformed dorsal lepidotrichiae. The higher resolution provided by Micro-CT not only enhances our understanding of the fish ontogeny and its adaptation to diverse environments, but also opens innovative perspectives for the study of the evolution of locomotor strategies and adaptive responses to environmental changes.

Bioestructura de la piel de la aleta caudal del salmón del atlántico, en estado smolt y sus interacciones con el estado chalimus del Caligus rogercresseyi / Biostructure of the atlantic salmon skin of the caudal fin, in the smolt stage and its interactions with the chalimus stage of Caligus rogercresseyi

RESUMEN: Caligus rogercresseyi es un copépodo que representa uno de los principales desafíos de la industria del cultivo de salmónidos en Chile, ya que afecta profusamente a la piel. Es preciso destacar que los peces en agua dulce y estuario no son afectados, a diferencia del salmón, que desde el post-smolt resulta muy parasitado cuando es trasladado al mar. Se han realizado múltiples estudios sobre el ciclo de vida del parásito y desarrollado tratamientos químicos, físicos y mecánicos para eliminarlos. Sin embargo, a la fecha, los tratamientos no han sido eficaces, lo que produce un problema permanente para el bienestar del animal. El propósito de este estudio fue el de reconocer la bioestructura de la piel de la aleta caudal del salmón del atlántico en los sitios de la interacción con chalimus. Para esto, se utilizaron 15 post-smolt infectados con Caligus y 5 post-smolt controles, sin Caligus. Los salmones fueron aportados por Fundación Chile y la experiencia se realizó en su propio centro experimental. Una vez realizada la eutanasia, mediante sobredosis del anestésico benzocaína, se obtubieron muestras de las aletas caudales, las cuales fueron fijadas en formalina al 10%, incluidas en paraplast para realizar cortes de 5 µm de espesor y teñidas con Tricrómico de Masson y PAS. Los resultados indicaron que la piel de la aleta caudal de los post-smolt afectados presentan mayor altura de la epidermis, escasa células secretoras de mucus y solución de continuidad en la epidermis. Además, la membrana basal se descontinúa y ocurre un aumento de melanomacrófagos en la dermis.

SUMMARY: Caligus rogercresseyi is a copepod that represents one of the main challenges of the salmon farming industry in Chile, since it profusely affects the skin. It should be noted that fish in freshwater and estuaries are not affected, unlike salmon, which from post-smolt is highly parasitized when transferred to the sea. Multiple studies have been carried out on the life cycle of the parasite and chemical, physical and mechanical treatments have been developed to eliminate them. However, to date, the treatments have not been effective, which produces a permanent problem for the welfare of the animal. The purpose of this study was to recognize the biostructure of Atlantic salmon caudal fin skin at sites of interaction with chalimus. For this, 15 post-smolt infected with Caligus and 5 post-smolt controls, without Caligus, were used. The salmon were provided by Fundación Chile and the experience was carried out in its own experimental center. Once the euthanasia was carried out, by means of an overdose of the anesthetic benzocaine, samples of the caudal fins were obtained, which were fixed in 10 % formalin, included in paraplast to make 5 µm-thick sections and stained with Masson's Trichrome and PAS. The results indicated that the skin of the caudal fin of the affected post-smolt presented a greater height of the epidermis, few mucus-secreting cells and a solution of continuity in the epidermis. In addition, the basement membrane is discontinued and an increase in melanomacrophages occurs in the dermis.

Towards a complete classification of the Neotropical thorny catfishes (Siluriformes: Doradidae)

We propose a revised classification of Doradidae based on phylogenetic analyses of sequence data for one nuclear (rag1) and two mitochondrial (co1, 16s) genes, and corroborated by caudal-fin morphology. The molecular dataset comprises 174 doradid specimens representing all 31 valid genera, 83 of the 96 valid extant species and 17 species-level taxa that remain undescribed or nominally unassigned. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of molecular data support six major lineages of doradids assigned here to three nominal subfamilies (Astrodoradinae, Doradinae, Wertheimerinae) and three new ones (Acanthodoradinae, Agamyxinae, Rhinodoradinae). The maximum parsimony topology of Doradidae was sensitive to ingroup density and outgroup age. With the exceptions of Astrodoradinae and Doradinae, each subfamily is diagnosed by caudal-fin characteristics. The highest degree of fusion among skeletal elements supporting the caudal fin is observed in Acanthodoradinae and Aspredinidae, lineages that are sister to the remaining doradids and aspredinoids (i.e., Auchenipteridae + Doradidae), respectively. Fusion among caudal-fin elements tends to be higher in taxa with rounded, truncate or emarginate tails and such taxa typically occupy shallow, lentic habitats with ample structure. Caudal-fin elements are more separated in taxa with moderately to deeply forked tails that occupy lotic habitats in medium to large river channels.(AU)

Propomos uma classificação revisada de Doradidae baseada na análise filogenética de dados moleculares dos genes rag1, co1 e 16s, e suportada pela morfologia da nadadeira caudal. A matriz molecular inclui 174 espécimes de doradídeos representando os 31 gêneros válidos, 83 das 96 espécies viventes e 17 táxons não descritos ou nominalmente não designados. As análises de parcimônia e bayesiana suportam seis linhagens principais de doradídeos atribuídas a três subfamílias nominais (Astrodoradinae, Doradinae, Wertheimerinae) e três novas subfamílias (Acanthodoradinae, Agamyxinae, Rhinodoradinae). A árvore de máxima parcimônia de Doradidae é sensível à densidade de grupo interno e a idade do grupo externo. Com exceção de Astrodoradinae e Doradinae, cada subfamília é diagnosticada por características da nadadeira caudal. Dentro da família Doradidae e da superfamília Aspredinioidea (Aspredinidae, Auchenipteridae e Doradidae), o maior grau de fusão entre os elementos da nadadeira caudal é observado nas linhagens mais antigas, Acanthodoradinae e Aspredinidae, respectivamente. A fusão entre os elementos da nadadeira caudal é maior em táxons com a caudal arredondada, truncada ou emarginada e esses táxons normalmente ocupam habitats lênticos rasos. Os elementos da nadadeira caudal são mais separados em táxons com a cauda bifurcada ocupando habitats lóticos em canais de rios médios a grandes.(AU)

A new species of Bryconops (Characiformes: Iguanodectidae) from Atlantic coastal drainages of Suriname and French Guiana

ABSTRACT A new species of Bryconops is described based on its unique caudal-fin color pattern, with a dark blotch occupying the mid-basal region of the caudal-fin dorsal lobe, and a combination of 29-32 branched anal-fin rays, 44-47 perforated scales in the lateral line, six rows of scales above the lateral line, and a deep body (30.3-31.7 % SL). The new species belongs to the subgenus Bryconops based on its edentulous and short maxilla, with the posterior extension of that bone not reaching the junction between the second and third infraorbitals. The new species was previously reported in the literature as B. caudomaculatus. However, these species differ from each other in morphometric and meristic characters, as well as in color pattern. Comments on distribution of Bryconops species in coastal drainages of Suriname and French Guiana additional support for biogeographic hypotheses in this area.

RESUMO Uma nova espécie de Bryconops é descrita com base no colorido único da nadadeira caudal, com uma mancha escura ocupando a região médio-basal do lobo superior da nadadeira caudal, e uma combinação de 29-32 raios ramificados na nadadeira anal, 44-47 escamas perfuradas na linha lateral, seis séries de escamas acima da linha lateral e corpo alto (30,3-31,7 % CP). A nova espécie pertence ao subgênero Bryconops com base na maxila edêntula e curta, com extensão posterior deste osso não atingindo a junção entre segundo e terceiro infraorbitais. A nova espécie foi reportada anteriormente na literatura como B. caudomaculatus. Contudo, essas espécies diferem uma da outra em caracteres merísticos e morfométricos, bem como no padrão de coloração. Comentários sobre a distribuição das espécies de Bryconops em drenagens costeiras do Suriname e Guiana Francesa fornecem suporte adicional para as hipóteses biogeográficas nesta área.

Deformación de la aleta caudal en alevín de salmón del atlántico (Salmo salar), en etapa de saco vitelino / Deformation of the caudal fin in atlantic salmon fry (Salmo salar), in the yolk sac stage

RESUMEN: En este estudio se analiza una deformación que afectó la aleta caudal de los alevines de salmón del Atlántico (Salmo salar) y que les proporcionó un aspecto de "cola aguzada". Al momento de la eclosión se observaron completamente normales pero la deformación se detectó con posterioridad. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir los cambios anatómicos e histológicos de la aleta caudal deformada del alevín de salmón del Atlántico (Salmo salar). Para esto se utilizaron 60 alevines para realizar análisis de laboratorio y descartar la presencia de patógenos virales o bacterianos. Otros 60 alevines con un estado de desarrollo entre 600 y 700 Unidades térmicas acumuladas (UTAs) fueron anestesiados con Benzocaína 5 %, fijados en formalina al 10 % pesados y medidos. De estos un grupo de 30 alevines (15 normales y 15 deformes) fueron sometidos a la técnica de Hanken y Wassersug para evaluar Lepidotriquias. Los otros 30 alevines (15 normales y 15 deformes), fueron procesados mediante las técnicas histoquímicas: H&E/azul de Alcián para evaluar las características histológicas generales. Adicionalmente se utilizó técnicas inmunohistoquímicas para reconocer la ubicación y la presencia de los centros de señales Sonic hedgehog (Shh) para la formación de Lepidotriquias. A los valores obtenidos para las variables cuantitativas peso y longitud de cuerpo, largo y ancho de aleta caudal, se les realizó estadística descriptiva y fueron sometidos a prueba de normalidad de Shapiro-Wilk. Las diferencias observadas entre peces normales y deformes, fueron analizadas mediante prueba t de Student o U de Mann Whitney, utilizando el paquete estadístico IBM SPSS 20.0. La deformación se observó desde las 600 UTA. El peso de los alevines deformes fue similar al de los peces normales (p>0,05), lo mismo sucedió con la longitud de la aleta (p>0,05). Por el contrario, el ancho de la aleta de los deformes fue muy reducida (p<0,05). El fenotipo de aleta aguzada presentó un cambio en la integridad de los bordes, fracturas de Lepidotriquias. La epidermis de la aleta caudal de los alevines deformados presentó sus centros de señalización Shh activos, pero el blastema interrayos presentó vasodilatación, congestión y hemorragias. La presentación de este caso se relacionó con incrementos bruscos de temperatura peri eclosional.

SUMMARY: This study analyzes the deformity of Atlantic salmon fry (Salmo salar) caudal fin, which gives it a "pointed tail" appearance. Although at hatching specimens were normal, the deformities were detected later. The objective of this work is to describe the anatomical and histological changes of the deformed caudal fin of the Atlantic salmon fry (Salmo salar). In this analysis we used 60 specimens for laboratory analyses, to rule out the presence of viral or bacterial pathogens. Another 60 fry, developmental stage between 600 and 700 Accumulated Thermal Units (UTAs) were anesthetized with 5 % Benzocaine, fixed in 10 % formalin, weighed and measured. Of these, a group of 30 fry (15 normal and 15 deformed) underwent the Hanken and Wassersug technique to evaluate lepidotrychia or dermal rays. The remaining 30 fry (15 normal and 15 deformed) were processed using H & E / Alcián blue histochemical techniques to evaluate general histological characteristics. Additionally, immunohistochemical techniques were used to determine the location and presence of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signal centers for lepidotrychia development. The values obtained for the quantitative variables body weight, length and width of the tail fin were described using the arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The deformity was observed from 600 UTA. Weight of deformed fry was less than normal fish, length of the fin was similar in normal and deformed fish. In contrast, width of the deformed fin was significantly reduced. The sharp fin phenotype presented a change in the conformity of the edges, lepidotrychia fractures. The epidermis presented active Shh signaling centers, but the interray blastema showed vasodilation, congestion and hemorrhages. The presentation of this case was related to sudden increases in perieclosional temperature.

Numerical simulation of a self-propelled fish-like swimmer with rigid and flexible caudal fins

Aim: In this paper, numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the swimming performances, hydrodynamics performances and wake structures of a self-propelled swimmer with rigid and flexible caudal fins.Methodology: The kinematics model of the swimmer was constructed using thunniform swimming. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, the systematic study of swimmer with rigid and flexible caudal fins was carried out. Results: The results showed that the caudal fin flexibility is beneficial to the fast-start of fish but not conducive to the fast cruising of fish. The fish with rigid caudal fin has larger cruising velocity inquasi-steady swimming and smaller forward acceleration in fast-start stage. In addition, the caudal fin flexibility is also beneficial to the heading stability of fish’s self-propelled swimming. The pressure distribution on the fish surface indicates that most of the thrust is generated by the leading-edge region of the caudal fin. The visualization of wake structures showed the existence of the attached leading-edge vortex (LEV) in thunniform swimming. Interpretation: Based on the present simulations, the hydrodynamic performance of tuna during self-propelled swimming was analyzed in detail. Researchers can use these findings to design bionic robot fish with rigid and flexible tails.

Desarrollo de la aleta caudal del salmón (Salmo salar) / Salmon caudal fin development (Salmo salar)

Las patologías y traumas de la aleta caudal afectan la natación, dificultan la alimentación y la eficiencia de escape de los peces, además aumentan la susceptibilidad a las infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas. Los salmones adultos pueden regenerar rápida y completamente su aleta si esta es amputada. Sin embargo, se han reportado en el sur de Chile, alevines que expresan defectos anatómicos en la aleta caudal asociados a un alto índice de mortalidad donde no ocurre regeneración. Existen múltiples estudios sobre la aleta caudal de peces adultos pero esta descripción no concuerda con la morfología de la fase de alevín. Nuestro objetivo es describir la anatomía e histología de la aleta caudal del salmón de 15 mm, 30 mm y 60 mm para facilitar el diagnóstico de las patologías tempranas de la aleta caudal. Se trabajó con 60 salmones divididos en tres grupos de 20 en etapas de 15, 30 y 60 mm. Diez salmones de cada grupo fueron procesados con técnicas anatómicas de Hanken & Wassersug . Otros 10 alevines de cada grupo fueron procesados mediante técnicas H&E/azul de Alcian pH 2,5: para glicosaminoglicanos y técnica Histoquímica Picrosirius de Junqueira para colágeno I y III. Al momento de la eclosión de los peces (grupo 1) la aleta caudal no tiene su forma definitiva pero ha iniciado la formación de lepidotriquias. En el grupo 2, la aleta caudal comprende entre 19-20 lepidotriquias y se constituyen dos lóbulos uno dorsal y otro ventral, ambos bajo la notocorda. Los rayos de cada lóbulo crecen más rápido que los rayos que se encuentran entre los lóbulos y se forma un surco entre ellos. En el grupo 3 se observa claramente la aleta bilobulada, se mantienen 19 lepidotriquias que ahora están en proceso de calcificación. Cada lepidotriquia crece distalmente mediante la formación de articulaciones y segmentos. En el grupo 2 se consignó un promedio de 4­5 articulaciones por lepidotriquia y en el grupo 3 han aumentado a 6­10 articulaciones. Esta descripción de la aleta del alevín normal facilita el diagnóstico de la aleta deformada y aporta conocimientos para comparar el desarrollo ontogenético con las fases de la regeneración después de la amputación de la aleta caudal.

Caudal fin pathologies and traumas can affect swimming, impede food and exhaust efficiency, and also increase susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. Adult salmon can regenerate their fin quickly and completely if it is amputated. However, yolk sac fry expressing anatomical defects in the caudal fin have been reported in southern Chile and are associated to a high mortality rate where regeneration does not occur. There are many studies on adult salmon but this description does not match the morphology of the juvenile phase. We describe the anatomy and histology of the caudal fin in salmon 15mm, 30 mm and 60 mm to facilitate the early diagnosis of diseases of the caudal fin. We worked with 60 salmon divided into three groups of 20 in steps of 15, 30 and 60 mm. 10 salmon from each group were processed with Hanken & Wassersug anatomical techniques. Another 10 fry from each group were processed using H&E/Alcian blue pH 2.5 techniques: for glycosaminoglycans and technical histochemistry Picrosirius Junqueira for collagen I and III. Upon hatching of fish (group 1) the caudal fin has no definitive form but has commenced training ray or lepidotriquias. In group 2, the caudal fin comprises from 19 to 20 lepidotriquias and two lobes one dorsal and one ventral, both are constituted under the notochord. Each lobe ray grows faster than the rays that lie between the lobes and a groove is formed between them. In group 3clearly shows the bilobed flap, 19 lepidotriquias that are now in the process of calcification are maintained. Each lepidotriquia grows distally by forming joints and segments. In group 2 an average of 4­5 lepidotriquia joints were recorded and in group 3 there was an increase at 6­10 joints. This description of normal fry flap facilitates comparative study of the deformed fin.

Dexamethasone action on caudal fin regeneration of carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) / Estudo da ação da dexametasona na regeneração da nadadeira caudal de Cyprinus carpio (carpa) (Linnaeus, 1758)

Studies have demonstrated that the prolonged use of corticoids can delay the healing process, affecting re-epithelialization, neovascularization and collagen synthesis. As the fins of teleost fish contain a large amount of collagen, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory and glucocorticoid steroid widely used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases) during the regeneration process in the caudal fin of specimens of carp (Cyprinus carpio). For such, two glass aquaria were used – one for a group of fish treated with dexamethasone (Henrifarma) in a 20 mg/L concentration and the other for the control group. The caudal fins were amputated transversally and fish remained in their respective aquaria until regeneration occurred. Samples of regenerating fins were collected on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 after amputation. The fins in the control group regenerated normally and grew within the expected in time course. The fins in the group treated with dexamethasone were significantly smaller in comparison to the control group at every evaluation time. Thus, it was possible to verify that, at this concentration of dexamethasone, the regeneration of the caudal fins was delayed, but not completely inhibited. The results show that the caudal fin is a good model for histological studies on regeneration and the action of drug toxicity, but it’s also of great importance the interaction with further studies for a better knowledge and understanding of all the changes in all the phases.

Estudos mostram que corticóides usados por longos períodos podem atrasar o processo de cicatrização, influenciando na reepitelização, na neovascularização e na síntese do colágeno. Os constituintes das nadadeiras dos peixes teleósteos contêm grande quantidade de colágeno e assim o objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar o efeito da dexametasona (um antiinflamatório e glicocorticóide esteróide bastante utilizado no tratamento de doenças reumáticas) durante o processo regenerativo das nadadeiras caudais das carpas (Cyprinus carpio). Para isso, foram montados dois aquários de vidro, um para o grupo controle e outro para o grupo tratado com a dexametasona (Henrifarma) na concentração de 20mg/L. Os peixes distribuídos nesses aquários tiveram suas nadadeiras caudais amputadas transversalmente e permaneceram nos respectivos aquários para que ocorresse a regeneração. Foram feitas coletas das nadadeiras em regeneração em intervalos de 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10 dias após a amputação. Foi observado que nos peixes do grupo controle, as nadadeiras regeneraram normalmente e cresceram o esperado em cada intervalo de tempo. No entanto, foi verificado que nos peixes do grupo tratado com dexametasona, em cada intervalo analisado, as nadadeiras regeneradas dos peixes expostos à droga eram menores que a medida das nadadeiras dos peixes do grupo controle. Assim, foi possível verificar que, nessa concentração de dexametasona, a regeneração das nadadeiras caudais foi mais lenta, mas não ocorreu a total inibição da regeneração. Dessa forma, os resultados comprovam que a nadadeira caudal é um bom modelo para estudos histológicos sobre a regeneração e a ação da toxicidade de drogas, mas, também, é de grande importância a interação com estudos mais aprofundados para se conhecer e compreender melhor todas as alterações em todas as fases.

Hemigrammus tocantinsi: a new species from the upper rio Tocantins basin, Central Brazil (Characiformes: Characidae)

Hemigrammus tocantinsi is described from the upper rio Tocantins basin, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás State, Central Brazil. The new species differs from its congeners by the presence of 15-17 branched anal-fin rays, longitudinal stripe relatively narrow anteriorly and wider posteriorly, and one or two maxillary teeth. Sexual dimorphism of the new species is characterized by differences among the color in life, adipose-fin origin, body measurements, in addition to presence of bony hooks in the anal and pelvic fins of males.

Hemigrammus tocantinsi é descrito da bacia do alto rio Tocantins, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brasil Central. A espécie nova difere de seus congêneres por apresentar 15-17 raios ramificados da nadadeira anal, faixa longitudinal relativamente estreita anteriormente e ampla posteriormente e um ou dois dentes no maxilar. O dimorfismo sexual da nova espécie é caracterizado por diferenças no colorido em vida, origem da nadadeira adiposa, medidas corporais, além de ganchos nas nadadeiras anal e pélvica dos machos

The regeneration of the tail fin actinotrichia of carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus, 1758) under the action of naproxen / A regeneração das actinotriquias da nadadeira caudal da carpa (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus, 1758) sob a ação do naproxeno

A conglomerate of small, rigid, fusiform spicules known as actinotrichia sustains the edge of tail fins of teleost. After amputation, these structures show an extremely fast regenerative capacity. In this study we observed the effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, naproxen, used in the treatment of degenerative articular diseases, during the process of actinotrichia regeneration. For this purpose, regenerating tissue from animals in contact with the drug was submitted to histochemical and ultrastructural analysis in comparison to tissue from animals under normal conditions, i.e., not in contact with the drug in question. Actinotrichia regeneration was similar in both animals, indicating that naproxen, at the dose used in the present study, did not interfere with actinotrichia synthesis during the regenerative process of the tail fin. This could be because naproxen did not influence the expression of the genes required for the regeneration process, such as the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) gene, which is involved in actinotrichia formation.

A borda da nadadeira caudal de teleósteo é sustentada por um conglomerado de espículas pequenas, rígidas e fusiformes chamadas actinotriquias. Essas estruturas, após a amputação, apresentam uma capacidade regenerativa extremamente rápida. Neste trabalho estudamos o efeito de uma droga anti-inflamatória não esteroide, o naproxeno, utilizada no tratamento de doenças articulares degenerativas, durante o processo de regeneração da actinotriquia. Para isso foram feitas análises histoquímicas e ultraestruturais do tecido em regeneração de animais em contato com a droga comparada com animais em condições normais, ou seja, sem contato com a droga em questão. Os animais em contato com a droga apresentaram a regeneração da actinotriquia de modo semelhante ao dos animais mantidos em condições normais, indicando que o naproxeno, na dose utilizada neste trabalho, não interferiu na síntese das actinotriquias durante o processo regenerativo da nadadeira caudal. Isto talvez seja porque o naproxeno não tenha influenciado a expressão dos genes necessários para o processo de regeneração, tal como o gene Sonic hedgehog (Shh), que está envolvido na formação da actinotriquia.

Astyanax ajuricaba: a new species from the Amazon basin in Brazil (Characiformes: Characidae)

A new Astyanax species is described from several localities in the rio Negro, rio Solimões and lower rio Tapajós basins, Amazon basin, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all remaining characids by its unique color pattern consisting of the combination of presence of a conspicuous, narrow dark midlateral stripe, a well-developed vertically-elongated dark humeral spot, and upper caudal-fin lobe and middle caudal-fin rays dark, with a rounded clear ocellated spot present at anterior third of caudal-fin lobe.

Uma nova espécie de Astyanax é descrita de diversas localidades nas bacias dos rios Negro, Solimões e baixo Tapajós, bacia Amazônica, Brasil. A nova espécie pode ser distinguida de todos os demais Characidae por um padrão de colorido único, que consiste na combinação da presença de uma linha médio-lateral estreita e escura, uma mácula umeral escura bem desenvolvida e verticalmente alongada e o lobo superior da nadadeira caudal e raios medianos escuros, com uma mancha ocelada clara presente no terço anterior do lobo.