Temporal and spatial toxicogenetic damage in estuarine catfish Cathorops spixii from a marine protected area with evidence of anthropogenic influences.

Taking action to contribute to the preservation of the natural coastal environment, which maintains a diversity of life, is important in today's world. In estuarine ecosystems that are included in marine protected areas (MPA), it is important to conduct biomonitoring over time to monitor the effects of xenobiotics on bioindicator species such as the catfish Cathorops spixii. This study aims to evaluate the toxicogenetic signals in C. spixii from a MPA (Cananéia-Iguape region, Brazilian coast). These genotoxic signals are demonstrated by the presence of micronuclei (MN) and abnormalities in erythrocytes (AE). This study also takes into account the environmental differences signaled by the water's properties (temperature, salinity, pH, DO, dissolved nutrients, and particulate material) over time (2009, 2014, 2017, and 2018). The results show that in the northern region of the estuary, and mainly in 2009, the water properties reveal the influence of the river in the form of the lowest levels of salinity and pH and the highest levels of nutrients. The most significant levels of suspended particulate material and chlorophyll-a are found in the southern region of the estuary, mainly in 2017 and 2018. In general, the C. spixii from the northern region had better well-being than catfish from the more preserved (southern) region. The data on MN and AE show evidence of toxicogenetic damage occurring over time and clastogenic/aneugenic effects mainly in fish sampled in 2018. The presence of a new AE, first recorded in C. spixii sampled in 2018, and named here as double bubbled, is another indicator of toxicogenetic effects. Finally, although the southern region of the estuary has better abiotic properties and conditions for primary production, the obtained toxicogenetic data for C. spixii reinforces the need for - and encourages the implementation of - monitoring actions in this marine protected area using bioindicator species of contamination.

Natural history study of an understudied sea catfish species from Panama (Siluriformes: Ariidae)

The semi-anadromous sea catfish species Cathorops tuyra (Ariidae, Besudo sea catfish) from the Tropical Eastern Pacific has been found reproductively active in the freshwater rivers and lakes of the Panama Canal. Despite growing concerns for biodiversity, reports on natural history are lacking for many Neotropical sea catfishes. We aimed to provide data on the diet and seasonal timing of spawning of C. tuyra for an autochthonous, semi-anadromous, brackish water population from Rio Santa Maria and an allochthonous freshwater non-migrating population from Rio Chagres, an affluent to the Panama Canal, to understand how changing from semi-anadromous to residential lifestyle affects the natural history of a species. Fish from both sampling sites were dissected and information on stomach content, size, weight, parasitic load, sex, maturity, and number of eggs were recorded. In Rio Chagres, there was a female bias and individuals were larger and in pre-spawning mode compared to Rio Santa Maria. Parasite prevalence was low in Rio Chagres and zero in Rio Santa Maria. The diets were very similar between populations: gastropods, bivalves, and insects were the most important prey items in both rivers representing a diverse omnivorous diet that is similar to that of other catfishes.(AU)

El bagre de mar semi-anádromo Cathorops tuyra (Ariidae, Bagre besudo) del Pacífico Oriental Tropical se encuentra reproductivamente activa en los ríos y lagos del Canal de Panamá. A pesar de la creciente preocupación por la biodiversidad, faltan informes sobre la historia natural de muchos de los bagres Neotropicales. Nuestro objetivo es proporcionar datos básicos sobre la dieta y el momento del desove estacional de C. tuyra para una población autóctona semi-anádroma de agua salobre de Río Santa María y una población alóctona residente de agua dulce de Río Chagres para comprender cómo el cambio de un estilo de vida semi-anádromo a residencial afecta la historia natural de una especie. Se disecaron peces de ambos sitios de muestreo y se registró la información de contenido del estómago, tamaño, peso, carga parasitaria, sexo, madurez y número de huevos. En Río Chagres hubo un sesgo femenino y los individuos eran más grandes y estaban en modo pre-desove que en Río Santa María. La prevalencia de parásitos fue baja en el Río Chagres y cero en Río Santa María. Las dietas fueron muy similares entre poblaciones: gasterópodos, bivalvos e insectos fueron las presas más importantes en ambos ríos, lo que representa una dieta omnívora diversa, que es similar a la de otros bagres.(AU)

The first report of abnormal age rings in otoliths Lapillus of ariids catfish / Primeiro registro de aneis etários anormais em otólitos Lapillus de bagres arídeos

The present work aimed to record the first presence of abnormal age rings in Cathorops spixii lapillusotoliths from Cananeia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex (CIELC), Southern region of Brazilian coast. In August 2018, 59 specimens of C. spixii (Siluriformes, Ariidae) were collected during one station sampling in the northern (n = 25) and another in the southern sector (n = 33) of CIELC. In general, among the otoliths that presented age ring alterations, this divergent zone was observed in opaque and translucent layers, on the right side, between the fifth and seventh age rings.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo apresentar o primeiro relato de anéis etários anormais nos otólitos lapillus de Cathorops spixii do Complexo estuarino-lagunar de Cananéia-Iguape (CELCI), região sul do litoral brasileiro. Em agosto de 2018, 59 espécimes de C. spixii (Siluriformes, Ariidae) foram coletados durante uma estação de amostragem no setor norte (n = 25) e outra no setor sul (n = 33) do (CELCI). Em geral, entre os otólitos que apresentavam alterações nos anéis de idade, essa zona divergente foi observada em camadas opacas e translúcidas, do lado direito, entre o quinto e o sétimo anéis de idade.

The first report of abnormal age rings in otoliths Lapillus of ariids catfish / Primeiro registro de aneis etários anormais em otólitos Lapillus de bagres arídeos

The present work aimed to record the first presence of abnormal age rings in Cathorops spixii lapillusotoliths from Cananeia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex (CIELC), Southern region of Brazilian coast. In August 2018, 59 specimens of C. spixii (Siluriformes, Ariidae) were collected during one station sampling in the northern (n = 25) and another in the southern sector (n = 33) of CIELC. In general, among the otoliths that presented age ring alterations, this divergent zone was observed in opaque and translucent layers, on the right side, between the fifth and seventh age rings.(AU)

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo apresentar o primeiro relato de anéis etários anormais nos otólitos lapillus de Cathorops spixii do Complexo estuarino-lagunar de Cananéia-Iguape (CELCI), região sul do litoral brasileiro. Em agosto de 2018, 59 espécimes de C. spixii (Siluriformes, Ariidae) foram coletados durante uma estação de amostragem no setor norte (n = 25) e outra no setor sul (n = 33) do (CELCI). Em geral, entre os otólitos que apresentavam alterações nos anéis de idade, essa zona divergente foi observada em camadas opacas e translúcidas, do lado direito, entre o quinto e o sétimo anéis de idade.(AU)

Natural history study of an understudied sea catfish species from Panama (Siluriformes: Ariidae)

The semi-anadromous sea catfish species Cathorops tuyra (Ariidae, Besudo sea catfish) from the Tropical Eastern Pacific has been found reproductively active in the freshwater rivers and lakes of the Panama Canal. Despite growing concerns for biodiversity, reports on natural history are lacking for many Neotropical sea catfishes. We aimed to provide data on the diet and seasonal timing of spawning of C. tuyra for an autochthonous, semi-anadromous, brackish water population from Rio Santa Maria and an allochthonous freshwater non-migrating population from Rio Chagres, an affluent to the Panama Canal, to understand how changing from semi-anadromous to residential lifestyle affects the natural history of a species. Fish from both sampling sites were dissected and information on stomach content, size, weight, parasitic load, sex, maturity, and number of eggs were recorded. In Rio Chagres, there was a female bias and individuals were larger and in pre-spawning mode compared to Rio Santa Maria. Parasite prevalence was low in Rio Chagres and zero in Rio Santa Maria. The diets were very similar between populations: gastropods, bivalves, and insects were the most important prey items in both rivers representing a diverse omnivorous diet that is similar to that of other catfishes.(AU)

El bagre de mar semi-anádromo Cathorops tuyra (Ariidae, Bagre besudo) del Pacífico Oriental Tropical se encuentra reproductivamente activa en los ríos y lagos del Canal de Panamá. A pesar de la creciente preocupación por la biodiversidad, faltan informes sobre la historia natural de muchos de los bagres Neotropicales. Nuestro objetivo es proporcionar datos básicos sobre la dieta y el momento del desove estacional de C. tuyra para una población autóctona semi-anádroma de agua salobre de Río Santa María y una población alóctona residente de agua dulce de Río Chagres para comprender cómo el cambio de un estilo de vida semi-anádromo a residencial afecta la historia natural de una especie. Se disecaron peces de ambos sitios de muestreo y se registró la información de contenido del estómago, tamaño, peso, carga parasitaria, sexo, madurez y número de huevos. En Río Chagres hubo un sesgo femenino y los individuos eran más grandes y estaban en modo pre-desove que en Río Santa María. La prevalencia de parásitos fue baja en el Río Chagres y cero en Río Santa María. Las dietas fueron muy similares entre poblaciones: gasterópodos, bivalvos e insectos fueron las presas más importantes en ambos ríos, lo que representa una dieta omnívora diversa, que es similar a la de otros bagres.(AU)

Seasonal patterns of infection by Kudoa sp. (Myxozoa) in the catfishes in the Brazilian Amazon region / Variação sazonal de infecção por Kudoa sp. (Myxozoa) em bagres na região amazônica brasileira

The myxosporidians of the genus Kudoa cause post mortem myoliquefaction in fishery products and may potentially transmit zoonoses. The present study describes the infection of the skeletal musculature by Kudoa sp. in two sea catfish species, Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829) and Cathorops agassizii (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888), captured monthly in an estuary of the municipality of Vigia de Nazaré, in Pará, northern Brazil between March, 2015, and August, 2016. The morphological features of the spores are described, and the influence of the seasonal variation on the occurrence of the parasite is discussed. The specimens were taken to the laboratory for analysis using a hand lens and light microscopy. When parasites were identified in the musculature, small fragments of the tissue were removed for histological processing and staining by the Hematoxylin-Eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen, May Grunwald-Giemsa, and Gomori techniques. The pseudocysts were found in the muscle fibers, and the spores were star-shaped with elongated extremities and 4 piriform/rounded polar capsules of equal size. No infections were observed in the fish specimens collected during the rainy season, whereas all (100%) of the Cathorops specimens examined during the dry season were infected. This indicates that the ecology and infection patterns of the parasite (identified as a species of the genus Kudoa, on the basis of its morphological features) is influenced by salinity levels.

Os mixosporídios do gênero Kudoa são causadores de mioliquefação pós-morte em pescado e apresentam potencial zoonótico. O presente trabalho apresenta infecção por Kudoa sp. em musculatura esquelética em duas espécies de bagres, Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829) and Cathorops agassizii (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888) capturados em estuário amazônico, destacando aspectos morfológicos do esporo e a influência da sazonalidade em sua ocorrência. No estuário do Município de Vigia de Nazaré, Pará, Brasil, foram capturados 160 espécimes de Cathorops sp. no período de março de 2015 a agosto de 2016 em coletas mensais. Os exemplares foram transportados até o laboratório, utilizando lupa e microscópio de luz. Constatada a presença de parasito na musculatura, pequenos fragmentos do tecido foram retirados para processamento histológico e coloração por Hematoxilina-Eosina, Ziehl-Neelsen, May Grunwald‑Giemsa e Gomori. Os pseudocistos encontravam-se dentro das fibras musculares e os esporos apresentavam forma estrelada com extremidades prolongadas, com 4 cápsulas polares de formato piriforme/arredondadas de tamanhos iguais. Durante os meses que apresentaram maiores índices pluviométricos, não foi observada infecção parasitária, entretanto, nos meses com menor índice pluviométrico, a taxa de infecção foi de 100%, dados que sugerem influência da salinidade nos aspectos ecológicos e infecciosos do parasito, identificado pelos dados morfológicos como pertencente ao gênero Kudoa.

Seasonal patterns of infection by Kudoa sp. (Myxozoa) in the catfishes in the Brazilian Amazon region / Variação sazonal de infecção por Kudoa sp. (Myxozoa) em bagres na região amazônica brasileira

The myxosporidians of the genus Kudoa cause post mortem myoliquefaction in fishery products and may potentially transmit zoonoses. The present study describes the infection of the skeletal musculature by Kudoa sp. in two sea catfish species, Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829) and Cathorops agassizii (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888), captured monthly in an estuary of the municipality of Vigia de Nazaré, in Pará, northern Brazil between March, 2015, and August, 2016. The morphological features of the spores are described, and the influence of the seasonal variation on the occurrence of the parasite is discussed. The specimens were taken to the laboratory for analysis using a hand lens and light microscopy. When parasites were identified in the musculature, small fragments of the tissue were removed for histological processing and staining by the Hematoxylin-Eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen, May Grunwald-Giemsa, and Gomori techniques. The pseudocysts were found in the muscle fibers, and the spores were star-shaped with elongated extremities and 4 piriform/rounded polar capsules of equal size. No infections were observed in the fish specimens collected during the rainy season, whereas all (100%) of the Cathorops specimens examined during the dry season were infected. This indicates that the ecology and infection patterns of the parasite (identified as a species of the genus Kudoa, on the basis of its morphological features) is influenced by salinity levels.(AU)

Os mixosporídios do gênero Kudoa são causadores de mioliquefação pós-morte em pescado e apresentam potencial zoonótico. O presente trabalho apresenta infecção por Kudoa sp. em musculatura esquelética em duas espécies de bagres, Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829) and Cathorops agassizii (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888) capturados em estuário amazônico, destacando aspectos morfológicos do esporo e a influência da sazonalidade em sua ocorrência. No estuário do Município de Vigia de Nazaré, Pará, Brasil, foram capturados 160 espécimes de Cathorops sp. no período de março de 2015 a agosto de 2016 em coletas mensais. Os exemplares foram transportados até o laboratório, utilizando lupa e microscópio de luz. Constatada a presença de parasito na musculatura, pequenos fragmentos do tecido foram retirados para processamento histológico e coloração por Hematoxilina-Eosina, Ziehl-Neelsen, May Grunwald‑Giemsa e Gomori. Os pseudocistos encontravam-se dentro das fibras musculares e os esporos apresentavam forma estrelada com extremidades prolongadas, com 4 cápsulas polares de formato piriforme/arredondadas de tamanhos iguais. Durante os meses que apresentaram maiores índices pluviométricos, não foi observada infecção parasitária, entretanto, nos meses com menor índice pluviométrico, a taxa de infecção foi de 100%, dados que sugerem influência da salinidade nos aspectos ecológicos e infecciosos do parasito, identificado pelos dados morfológicos como pertencente ao gênero Kudoa.(AU)

Biochemical changes in the liver and gill of Cathorops spixii collected seasonally in two Brazilian estuaries under varying influences of anthropogenic activities.

In order to understand environmental health by the use of a bioindicator species in estuaries, biochemical responses observed in the catfish Cathorops spixii such as catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were evaluated in liver and muscle. Furthermore, histological changes were also verified in liver and gills preparations. Fish were collected in three sites of the Santos-São Vicente estuary located at São Paulo (Brazil), subjected to varying levels of inputs of pollutants. For a reference site, specimens were sampled at Cananéia estuary at southern coast of São Paulo, a region with low anthropogenic influence. In general, no significant seasonal differences in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation responses were found in the organisms from the Cananéia estuary. However, in the polluted estuary (Santos-São Vicente), biochemical responses were observed by increases in GST hydroperoxides and decreases in AChE activities in the summer. Inhibition of AChE expression in fish from different areas of the Santos-São Vicente estuary in the summer was also found and can indicate neurotoxic effects in these organisms. Histopathological observation of gill and liver showed severe lesions, such as lamellar fusion and necrosis.

Revision of the species of the genus Cathorops (Siluriformes: Ariidae) from Mesoamerica and the Central American Caribbean, with description of three new species

The ariid genus Cathorops includes species that occur mainly in estuarine and freshwater habitats of the eastern and western coasts of southern Mexico, Central and South America. The species of Cathorops from the Mesoamerica (Atlantic slope) and Caribbean Central America are revised, and three new species are described: C. belizensis from mangrove areas in Belize; C. higuchii from shallow coastal areas and coastal rivers in the Central American Caribbean, from Honduras to Panama; and C. kailolae from río Usumacinta and lago Izabal basins in Mexico and Guatemala. Additionally, C. aguadulce, from the río Papaloapan basin in Mexico, and C. melanopus from the río Motagua basin in Guatemala and Honduras, are redescribed and their geographic distributions are revised.

O gênero de ariídeos Cathorops inclui espécies que habitam principalmente águas doces e estuarinas das plataformas orientais e ocidentais do sul do México, Américas do Sul e Central. Neste estudo, se apresenta uma revisão das espécies de Cathorops da Mesoamérica (bacias do Atlântico) e Caribe centroamericano, incluindo a descrição de três espécies novas: C. belizensis, de áreas de manglar em Belice; C. higuchii, de águas costeiras rasas e rios costeiros do Caribe centroamericano, desde Honduras até o Panamá; e C. kailolae, das bacias do rio Usumacinta e lago Izabal no México e Guatemala. Adicionalmente, se redescrevem C. aguadulce, da bacia do rio Papaloapan no México, e C. melanopus, da bacia do rio Motagua na Guatemala e Honduras, apresentando-se uma revisão de suas distribuições geográficas.

Revalidação de Cathorops arenatus e Cathorops agassizii (Siluriformes, Ariidae), bagres marinhos das regiões norte e nordeste da América do Sul

Nominal species from north and northeast South America, traditionally recognized in the literature as synonymous of Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829), have their specific status redefined. Type specimens of Arius arenatus Valenciennes, 1840, Arius fissus Valenciennes, 1840, Tachisurus agassizii Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888 and Arius pleurops Boulenger, 1897 were examined. Cathorops arenatus and Cathorops agassizii are considered valid, Cathorops fissus is a junior synonym of Cathorops arenatus and Cathorops pleurops a junior synonym of Cathorops agassizii. The morphometric characters traditionally used in descriptions and keys in the family Ariidae are redefined and new characters are used.

As espécies nominais das regiões norte e nordeste da América do Sul, reconhecidas na literatura como sinônimos júnior de Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829) têm seu status específico revisto. Os tipos de Arius arenatus Valenciennes, 1840, Arius fissus Valenciennes, 1840, Tachisurus agassizii Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888 e Arius pleurops Boulenger, 1897 foram examinados. Cathorops arenatus e Cathorops agassizii são espécies válidas, Cathorops fissus é sinônimo júnior de Cathorops arenatus e Cathorops pleurops sinônimo júnior de Cathorops agassizii. Os caracteres morfométricos tradicionalmente usados em descrições e chaves de identificação para espécies da família Ariidae são redefinidos e novos caracteres são utilizados.

Revalidação de Cathorops arenatus e Cathorops agassizii (Siluriformes, Ariidae), bagres marinhos das regiões norte e nordeste da América do Sul

Nominal species from north and northeast South America, traditionally recognized in the literature as synonymous of Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829), have their specific status redefined. Type specimens of Arius arenatus Valenciennes, 1840, Arius fissus Valenciennes, 1840, Tachisurus agassizii Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888 and Arius pleurops Boulenger, 1897 were examined. Cathorops arenatus and Cathorops agassizii are considered valid, Cathorops fissus is a junior synonym of Cathorops arenatus and Cathorops pleurops a junior synonym of Cathorops agassizii. The morphometric characters traditionally used in descriptions and keys in the family Ariidae are redefined and new characters are used.

As espécies nominais das regiões norte e nordeste da América do Sul, reconhecidas na literatura como sinônimos júnior de Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829) têm seu status específico revisto. Os tipos de Arius arenatus Valenciennes, 1840, Arius fissus Valenciennes, 1840, Tachisurus agassizii Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888 e Arius pleurops Boulenger, 1897 foram examinados. Cathorops arenatus e Cathorops agassizii são espécies válidas, Cathorops fissus é sinônimo júnior de Cathorops arenatus e Cathorops pleurops sinônimo júnior de Cathorops agassizii. Os caracteres morfométricos tradicionalmente usados em descrições e chaves de identificação para espécies da família Ariidae são redefinidos e novos caracteres são utilizados.