Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) aquarium: Diving in to learn DMEK surgical concepts

A novel simulation model (without using human corneas) has been described for understanding the surgical concepts and developing tactile reflexes of Descemet membrane (DM) endothelium scroll manipulation and orientation in the anterior chamber, which are necessary for performing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Termed the “DMEK aquarium,” this model helps facilitate the understanding of different maneuvers of the DM graft needed inside the fluid-filled anterior chamber, like unrolling or unfolding, flipping or inversion, and checking orientation and centration in the host cornea. A stepwise plan for surgeons starting to learn DMEK utilizing various available resources is also suggested.

How can an infaunal brooding echinoid be maintained in the laboratory? A case study with Cassidulus mitis (Echinoidea: Cassiduloida) / ¿Cómo se puede mantener un equinoide infantil en el laboratorio? Un estudio de caso con Cassidulus mitis (Echinoidea: Cassiduloida)

Introduction: Cassiduloids play a prominent role in echinoid evolutionary history because they probably are the ancestral group of clypeasteroids. Some extant species are brooding and rare in the environment. Consequently, there are no studies on their maintenance in the laboratory. Objective: Establish an efficient aquarium system for C. mitis, endemic to Brazil, for ontogenetic studies. Methods: Four aquarium systems were built, with 3 replicates each one: (1) with seawater flow [F]; (2) with seawater flow and air injection into sediment [FA]; (3) without seawater flow but with air injection into the sediment [A]; and (4) without both seawater flow and air injection into the sediment [C]. Each experimental aquarium (three per treatment) had two adults. Each of the two sets of experiments lasted about 60 days. Results: We observed low mortality in the first 30 days in all systems and, after 30 days, it was higher in those with air-pumped into the sediment (system A in the first set of experiments, and system FA in the second one). Conclusions: For experiments lasting 30 days, our four systems are suitable. For longer periods, we recommend aquaria with seawater flow and without air-pumps into the sediment.

Introducción: Los casiduloides desempeñan un papel destacado en la historia evolutiva de los equinoides porque probablemente son el grupo ancestral de clipeasteroides. Algunas especies existentes son inquietantes y raras en el medio ambiente. En consecuencia, no existen estudios sobre su mantenimiento en laboratorio. Objetivo: Establecer un sistema de acuario eficiente para C. mitis, endémica de Brasil, para estudios ontogenéticos. Métodos: Se construyeron cuatro sistemas de acuarios, con 3 réplicas cada uno: (1) con flujo de agua de mar [F]; (2) con flujo de agua de mar e inyección de aire en el sedimento [FA]; (3) sin flujo de agua de mar pero con inyección de aire en el sedimento [A]; y (4) sin flujo de agua de mar ni inyección de aire en el sedimento [C]. Cada acuario experimental (tres por tratamiento) tenía dos adultos. Cada uno de los dos conjuntos de experimentos duró aproximadamente 60 días. Resultados: Observamos una baja mortalidad en los primeros 30 días en todos los sistemas y, después de 30 días, fue mayor en aquellos con aire bombeado al sedimento (sistema A en el primer conjunto de experimentos y sistema FA en el segundo). Conclusiones: Para experimentos de 30 días, nuestros cuatro sistemas son adecuados. Para períodos más largos, recomendamos acuarios con flujo de agua de mar y sin bombas de aire en el sedimento.

Biotic differentiation in headwater creeks after the massive introduction of non-native freshwater aquarium fish in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, Brazil

This study evaluated fish beta diversity in six headwater creeks located in the area affected by the largest ornamental aquaculture center implemented in the Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil. We sampled fish assemblages in 2017 and 2018 to investigate changes in assemblage structure (species richness and beta diversity), comparing these data with the historic species pool. We recorded 60 fish species, of which 16 were native and 44 non-native with 19 translocated, and 25 exotic. The exotics Poecilia reticulata, Xiphophorus maculatus, X. variatus, Danio rerio, and Misgurnus anguillicaudatus were the most widely distributed in the headwater creeks. The Contamination Index showed that most creeks had high proportional contamination by exotic species (above 60%). Beta diversity increased from historical to contemporary periods in all creeks due to the introduction and differential colonization pressure of several non-native translocated and exotic species, indicating biotic differentiation. Temperature and number of ponds were the main preditors of change in beta diversity in the headwater creeks during the contemporary period. In summary, we observed that invaders have induced substantial changes to fish communities under influence of environmental filters. Our results support the hipothesis that aquaculture is a main driver of fish non-native fish introduction and native biodiversity loss in the Neotropics.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a diversidade beta de peixes em seis riachos de cabeceira localizados em uma área afetada pelo maior centro de aqüicultura ornamental do Brasil, localizado em Minas Gerais. Amostramos assembleias de peixes em 2017 e 2018 para investigar mudanças na estrutura (riqueza de espécies e diversidade beta), comparando esses dados com tendências históricas de composição de comunidades. Registramos 60 espécies de peixes, sendo 16 nativos e 44 não nativos: 19 translocados e 25 exóticos. Os exóticos Poecilia reticulata, Xiphophorus maculatus, X. variatus, Danio rerio e Misgurnus anguillicaudatus foram os mais distribuídos nos riachos. O Índice de Contaminação mostrou que a maioria dos riachos apresentou alta contaminação proporcional por espécies exóticas (acima de 60%). A diversidade beta aumentou do período histórico para o contemporâneo em todos os riachos devido à introdução e pressão de colonização de várias espécies não-nativas translocadas e exóticas, indicando diferenciação biótica. Temperatura da água e número de tanques de piscicultura foram os principais fatores de mudança na diversidade beta dos riachos no período contemporâneo. Os não-nativos induziram mudanças em nível de comunidades e sob influência de variáveis ambientais. Os resultados mostram que a aquicultura é um dos principais vetores da introdução de peixes não-nativos e perda de biodiversidade nativa nos Neotrópicos.(AU)

Aquarium granuloma: a diagnosis based on history

Mycobacterium marinum infections are rare but well described in literature. It causes an infection known as aquarium granuloma or swimming pool granuloma since its transmitted through contaminated water. We describe a case of aquarium granuloma in a male patient with skin nodules over his dominant hand whose occupational history helped clinch the diagnosis.

Native species exploited by marine aquarium trade in Brazil / Espécies nativas explotadas pela aquariofilia marinha no Brasil

Abstract: Brazil has an important role in marine ornamental trade, exploiting native species for both international and domestic market. A few works have previously assessed wild species exploited by the Brazilian marine aquarium industry and most of them focused solely on fish. Hence, the present paper intends to address an information gap regarding the species currently traded in the country, as well as concerning their conservation statuses. Thus, different sources of information were investigated and each species was categorized in accordance with existing lists of threatened species. A wide variety of native species was identified in Brazilian marine aquarium trade, including not only fish but also invertebrates, seaweeds and macrophytes. Some of these species were legally protected, but are still commerced anyway. Such illegal exploitation of native species causes increasing concerns about the sustainability of the activity. Therefore, in order to reduce environmental impacts caused by marine ornamental trade, Brazilian authorities should encourage the implementation of eco-fees, the purchase of eco-labeled aquarium products, the development of sustainable ornamental aquaculture and ecosystem-based management initiatives.

Resumo: O Brasil possui um papel importante no comércio de ornamentais marinhos, utilizando espécies tanto para exportação como para o mercado interno. Poucos trabalhos anteriores descreveram as espécies nativas utilizadas pela indústria brasileira de aquarismo marinho, e a maioria deles era focada exclusivamente no uso de peixes. Assim, o presente trabalho almeja preencher a falta de informação em relação às espécies atualmente exploradas no país, bem como relativas às suas categorias de conservação. Dessa forma, diferentes fontes de informação foram investigadas e cada espécie foi categorizada de acordo com as listas de espécies ameaçadas existentes. Uma grande variedade de espécies foi identificada no comércio do aquarismo marinho brasileiro, o que inclui não somente peixes, mas também invertebrados, macroalgas e macrófitas. Algumas dessas espécies não poderiam ser exploradas, mas mesmo assim seguem sendo comercializadas. Essa utilização ilegal de espécies nativas provoca preocupações frequentes acerca da sustentabilidade dessa atividade. Desse modo, para reduzir os impactos ambientais causados pelo aquarismo marinho, as autoridades brasileiras deveriam incentivar a implementação de taxas-ecológicas, a aquisição de produtos de aquário com selos ecológicos, o desenvolvimento sustentável da aquacultura ornamental e iniciativas de manejo baseadas no ecossistema.

Small size today, aquarium dumping tomorrow: sales of juvenile non-native large fish as an important threat in Brazil

Informal sales of large-bodied non-native aquarium fishes (known as "tankbusters") is increasing among Brazilian hobbyists. In this study, we surveyed this non-regulated trade on Facebook® from May 2012 to September 2016, systematically collecting information about the fishes available for trading: species, family, common/scientific names, native range, juvenile length, behavior, number of specimens available in five geographical regions from Brazil. We also assessed the invasion risk of the most frequently sold species using the Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST). We found 93 taxa belonging to 35 families. Cichlidae was the dominant family, and most species were native to South America. All species are sold at very small sizes (< 10.0 cm), and most display aggressive behavior. The hybrid Amphilophus trimaculatus × Amphilophus citrinellus, Astronotus ocellatus, Uaru amphiacanthoides, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, Cichla piquiti, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Datnioides microlepis and Cichla kelberi were the main species available. The southeast region showed the greatest trading activity. Based on biological traits, the FIST indicated that Arapaima gigas, C. kelberi and C. temensis are high-risk species in terms of biological invasions via aquarium dumping. We suggest management strategies such as trade regulations, monitoring, euthanasia and educational programs to prevent further introductions via aquarium dumping.(AU)

A venda de juvenis de peixes não-nativos de grandes dimensões, chamados de "peixes jumbo", está aumentando entre aquaristas no Brasil. Neste trabalho, pesquisou-se este comércio informal pelo Facebook® de maio/2012 a setembro/2016, coletando-se informações sobre espécies, família, nomes vulgares/científicos, origem, tamanho juvenil, comportamento e número/frequência de exemplares disponíveis nas cinco regiões geográficas do Brasil. Também avaliou-se o risco de invasão das espécies mais vendidas usando o protocolo Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST). Foram encontradas 93 espécies pertencentes a 35 famílias. Cichlidae foi a família dominante, e a maioria das espécies é nativa da América do Sul. Todas as espécies foram vendidas como juvenis (< 10.0 cm), e a maioria exibe comportamento agressivo. O híbrido Amphilophus trimaculatus × Amphilophus citrinellus, Astronotus ocellatus, Uaru amphiacanthoides, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, Cichla piquiti, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Datnioides microlepis e Cichla kelberi foram as espécies mais comercializadas. A região sudeste apresentou a maior porcentagem de vendas, e o FIST mostrou que Arapaima gigas, C. kelberi e C. temensis foram consideradas de alto risco para desencadear invasões biológicas mediadas por descarte de aquários. Recomendações como a regulação do comércio, monitoramento, sacrifício das espécies e campanhas educacionais para os aquaristas são sugeridas para evitar futuras introduções de peixes via descarte de aquários.(AU)

Isolation of a zoonotic pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila from freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) kept in a Korean aquarium with ricefish (Oryzias latipes)

In the present study, Aeromonas (A.) hydrophila was isolated from a captive-bred adult freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) reared at a commercial aquarium in Korea. The stingray had bites on its fins, hemorrhages on the ventral part, and congested internal organs. A bacterium was isolated from kidney and subsequently identified as A. hydrophila. Based on phylogenetic analysis results, the isolate in the present study (SNUAh-LA1) was most closely related to A. hydrophila AH10 (China) and A. hydrophila AKR1 (Korea). It is most likely that the pathogen infection resulted from Potamotrygon motoro cohabiting with ricefish (Oryzias latipes).

Isolation and molecular identification of Vibrio harveyi from the look down fish (Selene vomer)

Gradual mortality of look down fish (Selene vomer) was observed in a private aquarium in Seoul, showing abnormal swimming behavior and lethargy. A bacterial pathogen from kidney was cultured, identified, and confirmed as Vibrio harveyi using Vitek System 2 and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A predominant bacterial strain, SNUVh-LW2 was proved to be most closely related to isolates from China by phylogenetic analysis with minimum evolution method. Also, tetracycline was considered as the most sensitive antibiotic agent via antibiotic usceptibility test. The group of fish was treated according to the diagnostic result and no more mortality was observed.

Isolation and identification of Vibrio harveyi from chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus)

For several days, there was a series of mortalities of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) that were reared for public exhibition in a private aquarium in Seoul, Korea. As part of the diagnosis of the dead fish, a bacterial isolate from the kidney was cultured, identified, and confirmed to be Vibrio (V.) harveyi using Vitek System 2 and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was also performed by the neighbor-joining method. As a result, the V. harveyi isolated from chub mackerels of a private aquarium in Korea, called as SNUVh-LW1, was clustered in the same group with V. harveyi ATCC33843.

Invasion risks posed by ornamental freshwater fish trade to southeastern Brazilian rivers

A model was developed to assess the risk of invasion of ornamental non-native fishes to six rivers in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, with focus on species popularity. Thirty-nine aquarium shops, in six cities, were visited monthly from January to December 2007. In each city, fish species were identified, and their biology and invasion history information was obtained from the literature. We calculated the annual frequency of occurrence and average number of specimens monthly available in stores. Quarterly water temperature and dissolved oxygen data from 1997 to 2007 were obtained for the Velhas, Muriaé, Uberabinha, Sapucaí-Mirim, Doce and Todos os Santos Rivers from public databases. The invasion risk of each species was assessed through a model comprising nine parameters grouped in four variables: (i) Invasiveness (thermal and dissolved oxygen ranges, diet, parental care or fecundity), (ii) History of invasions (establishment), (iii) Propagule pressure (commercial success, comprising annual frequency of occurrence and number of specimens available monthly at stores), and (iv) Invasibility (water temperature and dissolved oxygen in the target river compatible with the species ranges). Of the 345 ornamental fish species for sale, 332 are non-native to either Minas Gerais (n = 151) or Brazil (n = 194). Based on the proposed cutting values, in particular the compatibility between species and recipient thermal ranges, five ornamental non-native species (Cyprinus rubrofuscus, Carassius auratus, Xiphophorus hellerii, Poecilia reticulata, and P. latipinna) can potentially invade the Velhas and Muriaé Rivers, four species (Cyprinus rubrofuscus, Carassius auratus, X. helleri, and P. reticulata) the Uberabinha River, four species (Cyprinus rubrofuscus, Carassius auratus, X. maculatus, and P. reticulata) the Sapucaí-Mirim River, three species (Carassius auratus, X. hellerii, and P. reticulata) the Doce River, and three species (Cyprinus rubrofuscus, P. reticulata, and Amatitlania nigrofasciata) can potentially invade the Todos os Santos River. Six recommendations are suggested to reduce the invasion risk of non-native fish on the rivers surveyed posed by aquarium trade.

Um modelo foi desenvolvido para avaliar o risco de invasão de peixes ornamentais não-nativos em seis rios do estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil, com foco na popularidade das espécies. Trinta e nove lojas de aquário em seis cidades foram visitadas mensalmente de janeiro a dezembro de 2007. Em cada cidade, as espécies foram identificadas e suas biologias e histórias de invasão foram obtidas da literatura. Calculou-se a frequência de ocorrência anual e quantidade média mensal de exemplares disponíveis nas lojas. Foram obtidas temperaturas trimestrais da água e dados de oxigênio dissolvido de 1997 a 2007 dos rios Velhas, Muriaé, Uberabinha, Sapucaí-Mirim, Doce e Todos os Santos a partir de bases de dados públicas. O risco de invasão de cada espécie foi avaliado através de um modelo composto por nove parâmetros agrupados em quatro variáveis: (i) Invasividade (limite de alcance térmico/oxigênio dissolvido, dieta, cuidado parental ou fecundidade), (ii) Histórico de invasões (estabelecimento), (iii) Pressão de propágulos (sucesso comercial, composto pela frequência de ocorrência anual e número de exemplares disponíveis mensalmente nas lojas), e (iv) Invasibilidade (temperatura da água/oxigênio dissolvido dos rios compatível com o limite de alcance térmico/ oxigênio dissolvido das espécies). Das 345 espécies de peixes ornamentais para venda, 332 são não-nativos para Minas Gerais (n = 151) ou Brasil (n = 194). Com base nos valores de corte propostos, cinco espécies de peixes ornamentais não-nativos (Cyprinus rubrofuscus, Carassius auratus, Xiphophorus hellerii, Poecilia reticulata e P. latipinna) podem potencialmente invadir os rios Velhas e Muriaé, quatro espécies (C. rubrofuscus, C. auratus, X. helleri, P. reticulata) podem ...

Requerimientos nutricionales de peces ornamentales de agua dulce: una revisión / Nutritional requirements of freshwater ornamental fish: a review

The knowledge of nutritional requirements in ornamental fish species is essential to improve the productive development; however, the nutritional information of these species is scarce and sometimes this information is extrapolated from results obtained from non-ornamental fish species. In ornamental fish, a correct formulation of the diet improve the nutrient digestibility and supply the metabolic needs, reducing the maintenance cost and at the same time the water pollution. Inert food such as meal powder, flakes, milk powder, bovine heart and liver, tubifex worms, as well as live food including Artemia sp., rotifers and Moina have been used extensively in ornamental fish feeding with a diverse range of nutritional values and productive properties. In contrast with farmed fish, skin pigmentation is a mandatory characteristic in ornamental fish and the use of dietary supplements with carotenoids is recommended. The aim of this document is to review the specific nutritional requirements which are indispensable to improve economical and productive potential of freshwater ornamental fish.

Two new ornamental loricariid catfishes of Baryancistrus from rio Xingu drainage (Siluriformes: Hypostominae)

Two new species of the hypostomine genus Baryancistrus are described from the rio Xingu drainage. Baryancistrus xanthellus is distinguished from all other Baryancistrus species by the presence of yellow spots along the entire body and conspicuous yellow marks on distal tip of dorsal and caudal fins. Baryancistrus chrysolomus is distinguished from its congeners by its uniform dark body coloration and presence of yellow bands on dorsal and caudal fins. Despite the lack of formal description, these species are very popular in the international aquarium trade. We expect that these formal descriptions might contribute to the improvement of Brazilian regulations in the international trade of ornamental loricariids.

Duas espécies novas de hipostomíneos do gênero Baryancistrus são descritas da bacia do rio Xingu. Baryancistrus xanthellus se diferencia de todas as outras espécies de Baryancistrus pela presença de pontos amarelos em todo o corpo e presença de manchas conspícuas amarelas nas pontas das nadadeiras dorsal e caudal. Baryancistrus chrysolomus se distingue de seus congêneres pela sua coloração escura uniforme e presença de uma faixa amarela nas nadadeiras dorsal e caudal. Apesar de não estarem formalmente descritos, esses peixes são muito populares no comércio aquariofilista internacional. Esperamos que essas descrições formais contribuam para melhorar a regulamentação brasileira no comércio internacional de loricariídeos ornamentais.

Effect of three different types of culture conditions on Spirulina maxima growth

Growth of Spirulina maxima was studied in three types of culture conditions with four replicates each: 1) manual aeration with natural sunlight; 2) manual aeration with artificial light; and 3) constant aeration with an aquarium compressor and artificial light. After 185 days of incubation, growth declined in the first two treatments, while in the third treatment, higher growth was observed with average optical density of 3.7 against 1.8 and 1.9 in the first and second treatment, respectively. This was probably due to the fact that under constant aeration the salts were suspended avoiding the crystallization what could cause a decrease in the availability of the necessary nutrients for the growth. Also, the constant stirring allowed all the cells to receive the same amount of light promoting photosynthesis and consequently, a larger growth and characteristic green coloration. Culture with constant aeration under artificial light should be used for S. maxima cultivation because, besides reducing labor hours, it could be a more effective method for improving the economic income.

O crescimento de Spirulina máxima foi estudado em três condições de cultivo: 1) agitação manual com iluminação natural; 2) agitação manual com iluminação artificial e; 3) agitação constante feita por compressor de aquário e iluminação artificial. O maior crescimento foi observado nesta última condição, onde após 185 dias foram observados valores médios de densidade ótica de 3,7 enquanto, valores de 1,8 e 1,9 foram obtidos no primeiro e segundo experimento, respectivamente. Diferentemente do ocorrido com os outros tratamentos, não foi observado declínio no crescimento após 185 dias, o que foi atribuído ao fato de que, sob constante agitação os sais ficam suspensos e não cristalizam, fato que acarretaria diminuição da disponibilidade de nutrientes necessários ao crescimento. Também a agitação constante permite que todas as células recebam a mesma iluminação, promovendo fotossíntese e consequentemente um maior crescimento e coloração verde característica. Conclui-se que o emprego do compressor de aquário é não somente viável, mas recomendável, pois além de diminuir a mão de obra ainda se mostrou mais eficaz, melhorando o rendimento.

Detection of betanodaviruses in apparently healthy aquarium fishes and invertebrates

Betanodaviruses are the causative agents of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in cultured marine fish. A total of 237 apparently healthy aquarium fish, marine (65 species) and freshwater (12 species) fishes and marine invertebrates (4 species), which were stocked in a commercial aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, were collected from November 2005 to February 2006. The brains of the fish and other tissues of the invertebrates were examined by reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR to detect betanodavirus. Positive nested PCR results were obtained from the brains of 8 marine fish species (shrimp fish Aeoliscus strigatus, milkfish Chanos chanos, three spot damsel Dascyllus trimaculatus, Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus, pinecone fish Monocentris japonica, blue ribbon eel Rhinomuraena quaesita, look down fish Selene vomer, yellow tang Zebrasoma flavesenes), 1 marine invertebrate species (spiny lobster Pamulirus versicolor), and 2 freshwater fish species (South American leaf fish Monocirrhus polyacanthus and red piranha Pygocentrus nattereri). The detection rate in nested PCR was 11/237 (4.64%). These subclinically infected aquarium fish and invertebrates may constitute an inoculum source of betanodaviruses for cultured fishes in the Korean Peninsula.