Reproduction and fecundity of invader of internal insemination Trachelyopterus galeatus in a Neotropical floodplain

After the formation of Itaipu Reservoir, the invader Trachelyopterus galeatus colonized the upper Paraná River. Light microscopy was used to describe gametogenesis and the reproductive phases of females and males. The following data were verified: diameter of the oocytes, spawning type, batch fecundity by ovary weight, standard length, and total weight of the fish, along with the regions where this species reproduced in the upper Paraná River floodplain. A total of 470 specimens were collected quarterly in 2016, 2018 and 2019, and bimonthly in 2017. The gonads were fixed in a Karnovsky solution, dehydrated, infiltrated, and embedded in historesin. The histological slides were stained using PAS + iron hematoxylin + metanil yellow, analyzed and photographed under an image-capturing microscope. As regards diameter of the oocytes and fecundity estimates, ovaries whose oocytes were measured under a stereomicroscope were sampled. In the oogenesis, undifferentiated and differentiated oogonia, early primary growth oocytes, secondary growth oocytes, full-grown oocytes and maturing oocytes were recorded. In the spermatogenesis, primary and secondary spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa were recorded. The reproductive phases found for females and males were: immature, early development, late development, spawning/sperm-releasing capable, regression, and regeneration. Trachelyopterus galeatus prefers to occupy and reproduce in the Ventura, Patos, Guaraná, Fechada, Garças, and Pau Véio lagoons. The diameter of the oocytes varied from 0.4 to 2.9 mm. Females spawn, on average, 113 oocytes per batch. Batch fecundity variation shows that the larger the ovary, standard length, and total weight, the larger the number of oocytes to be spawned. This invader possesses reproductive success in the upper Paraná River floodplain, especially in lagoons.

Reproductive biology of Bryconamericus stramineus Eigenmann, 1908 (Ostariophysi: Characidae) from the Rio Ibicuí, RS, Brazil

Reproduction of Bryconamericus stramineus was described based on the analysis of 208 females and 166 males collected monthly in the Rio Ibicuí, from April 2001 through March 2002. Reproduction occurred between September and December, with a lower peak in February. The mean absolute fecundity was 371.3 (± 244.6) oocytes and the mean relative fecundity was 0.35 (± 0.08) oocytes/mg of total weight and the fish was a multiple spawner. A weak correlation between GSI of males and day length was observed. Other parameters (stomach repletion and hepatosomatic index, rainfall and temperature) did not show any correlation with GSI. However, some of these factors might act as "starters" of gonadal maturation. The presence and frequency of fin ray hooks on the males was compared with the gonadal maturation stages, months and standard length classes. Well-developed hooks were found mainly in the mature males during the reproductive period and in the largest individuals.

A reprodução de Bryconamericus stramineus é descrita baseada na análise de 208 fêmeas e 166 machos coletados mensalmente no rio Ibicuí, RS, de abril/2001 a março/2002. A reprodução ocorreu entre setembro e dezembro, com um pico menor em fevereiro. A fecundidade absoluta média é de 371.3 (± 244.6) ovócitos e a fecundidade relativa média é de 0.35 (± 0.08) ovócitos/mg de peso total e a espécie tem desova parcelada. Foi observada uma fraca correlação entre IGS de machos e fotoperíodo; os índices de repleção estomacal e hepatossomático, a pluviosidade e temperatura não mostraram nenhuma correlação. Porém, sugerimos que alguns destes fatores possam agir como "desencadeadores" da maturação gonadal. A presença e freqüência de ganchos nas nadadeiras de machos foi comparada com as fases de maturação gonadal, meses e classes de comprimento padrão. Ganchos bem-desenvolvidos foram encontrados principalmente em machos maduros, durante o período reprodutivo e nos indivíduos maiores.