A new species of viviparous brotula genus Pseudogilbia (Ophidiiformes: Dinematichthyidae) from Brazilian reefs, with an updated diagnosis of the genus.

In this study, a new species of Pseudogilbia Møller, Schwarzhans & Nielsen 2004 is described based on two male specimens (40-44 mm LS ) from shallow reefs of Bahia, Brazil. Pseudogilbia australis sp. nov. is distinguished from its only congener, Pseudogilbia sanblasensis Møller, Schwarzhans & Nielsen 2004 from Caribbean Panama, by having: two lower preopercular pores (vs. one); dorsal-fin rays 65-67 (vs. 69); anal-fin rays 51-53 (vs. 56); pectoral-fin rays 18 (vs. 20); caudal vertebrae 27-28 (vs. 30); pectoral-fin length 15.0%-15.9% LS (vs. 14.3); pelvic-fin length 13.5% LS (vs. 16.4) and a different morphology of the male copulatory organ. Pseudogilbia australis sp. nov. is the only dinematichthyid so far recorded in the South Atlantic. An updated diagnosis for the genus is also provided.

Assessing urban microplastic pollution in a benthic habitat of Patagonia Argentina.

Plastic pollution in the oceans has become a global problem, but its documentation is disparate around the world. We assess the abundance and type of microplastics in three benthic matrices: mussels, small fishes, and bottom water; in three sites nearby Puerto Madryn city (Patagonia, Argentina). Microplastics were present in the three matrices for all sites sampled. The average amounts of items observed were 1.6 and 0.3 per total wet weight in fishes and mussels, respectively, and 10.5 per liter in bottom water. Mussels and fishes presented a difference of microplastics size comparing with the surrounding bottoms waters; fishes also presented color discrimination, suggesting the necessity of more than one bioindicator to perform microplastic pollution monitoring. Moreover, small fishes had more MPs in their gastrointestinal tracts than bigger ones. The present study is the first one about the interaction between MPs and small aquatic organisms in coastal marine environments from Patagonia.

Fouling assemblage of marine debris collected in a temperate South-western Atlantic coastal lagoon: A first report.

In the South-western Atlantic, studies dealing with the impacts of debris on marine species are focused mainly on vertebrates, being scarce the studies conducted to determine the association of fouling species to marine debris. A total of 33 marine debris items with fouling specimens were collected in Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, Argentina. Species richness varied between one and five species per debris item, and dominant species included the barnacle Amphibalanus improvisus (93.94%), followed by the bryozoan Membranipora sp. (72.73%), undetermined polychaetes (36.36%), the mollusc Ostrea sp. (15.15%), the hydrozoan Amphisbetia operculata and the mollusc Brachidontes rodriguezii (3.45%, in both cases). We concluded that marine debris constitutes a suitable settlement site for sessile species inhabiting the lagoon, where hard-substratum are absent; while buoyancy analysis suggested that the initial colonization occurred both on marine debris suspended in the water column or at the sea surface, and in those laying on the seafloor.

BRUVS reveal locally extinct shark and the way for shark monitoring in Brazilian oceanic islands.

Here we present records of sharks obtained using baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVS) at two Brazilian oceanic islands. Fourteen of the 60 deployments recorded 19 sharks in Trindade Island. In Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (SPSPA), two pelagic and two demersal deployments recorded two and one shark, respectively, including the locally extinct Galapagos shark Carcharhinus galapagensis. Stereo-BRUVS should be considered as adjuncts to other non-invasive methods to monitor shark populations.

Linking the scientific knowledge on marine frontal systems with ecosystem services.

Primary production hotspots in the marine environment occur where the combination of light, turbulence, temperature and nutrients makes the proliferation of phytoplankton possible. Satellite-derived surface chlorophyll-a distributions indicate that these conditions are frequently associated with sharp water mass transitions named "marine fronts". Given the link between primary production, consumers and ecosystem functions, marine fronts could play a key role in the production of ecosystem services (ES). Using the shelf break front in the Argentine Sea as a study case, we show that the high primary production found in the front is the main ecological feature that supports the production of tangible (fisheries) and intangible (recreation, regulation of atmospheric gases) marine ES and the reason why the provision of ES in the Argentine Sea concentrates there. This information provides support to satellite chlorophyll as a good indicator of multiple marine ES. We suggest that marine fronts could be considered as marine ES hot spots.

New records of the snow bass Serranus chionaraia (Perciformes: Serranidae) confirm an established population in the Brazilian Province.

The snow bass Serranus chionaraia is a small-bodied reef fish presumed to be restricted to the Caribbean Province, with a single specimen captured south of the Amazon River mouth. Recent surveys with baited remote underwater stereo-video systems detected the species c. 1900 km southward. Meristic and morphometric characters of two specimens examined in this study confirmed the species identity, which greatly extends the species' range southward on the eastern coast of Brazil and indicates the presence of an established population of S. chionaraia in the Brazilian Province.

Dual influence of terrestrial and marine historical processes on the phylogeography of the Brazilian intertidal red alga Gracilaria caudata.

In this study, we explored how past terrestrial and marine climate changes have interacted to shape the phylogeographic patterns of the intertidal red seaweed Gracilaria caudata, an economically important species exploited for agar production in the Brazilian north-east. Seven sites were sampled along the north-east tropical and south-east sub-tropical Brazilian coast. The genetic diversity and structure of G. caudata was inferred using a combination of mitochondrial (COI and cox2-3), chloroplast (rbcL) and 15 nuclear microsatellite markers. A remarkable congruence between nuclear, mitochondrial and chloroplast data revealed clear separation between the north-east (from 03° S to 08° S) and the south-east (from 20° S to 23° S) coast of Brazil. These two clades differ in their demographic histories, with signatures of recent demographic expansions in the north-east and divergent populations in the south-east, suggesting the maintenance of several refugia during the last glacial maximum due to sea-level rise and fall. The Bahia region (around 12° S) occupies an intermediate position between both clades. Microsatellites and mtDNA markers showed additional levels of genetic structure within each sampled site located south of Bahia. The separation between the two main groups in G. caudata is likely recent, probably occurring during the Quaternary glacial cycles. The genetic breaks are concordant with (i) those separating terrestrial refugia, (ii) major river outflows and (iii) frontiers between tropical and subtropical regions. Taken together with previously published eco-physiological studies that showed differences in the physiological performance of the strains from distinct locations, these results suggest that the divergent clades in G. caudata correspond to distinct ecotypes in the process of incipient speciation and thus should be considered for the management policy of this commercially important species.

Heterophyid trematodes (Digenea) from penguins: A new species of Ascocotyle Looss, 1899, first description of metacercaria of Ascocotyle (A.) patagoniensis Hernández-Orts et al. (2012), and first molecular data.

Two species of heterophyid trematodes were found in the Magellanic penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus (Forster), from Patagonia, Argentina. Ascocotyle (Ascocotyle) patagoniensis Hernández-Orts et al. (2012) is re-described based on new, properly fixed specimens (original material from South American sea lion, Otaria flavescens Shaw, was from frozen hosts). Metacercariae of this species are reported and described for the first time from the heart of the silversides, Odontesthes argentinensis (Valenciennes) and O. smitti (Lahille), from Patagonia. Ascocotyle (Phagicola) cameliae n. sp. is described from the intestine of S. magellanicus. The new species is placed into the subgenus Phagicola Faust, 1920 because of the presence of a single row of circumoral spines and uterine loops and vitelline follicles being confined posterior to the ventral sucker. However, it differs distinctly from other members of this subgenus by the number (19-24) and length (23-31 µm) of massive circumoral spines and by the morphology of the ventrogenital sac with a large, simple gonotyl devoid of refractile bodies. Molecular data (partial 28S rDNA sequences) for both species are also provided. Matching sequences from metacercarial and adult stages helped elucidate partially the life-cycle of A. (A.) patagoniensis. The interspecific relationships and phylogenetic position of Ascocotyle were further assessed on a broad phylogeny on the Opisthorchioidea Looss, 1899. Ascocotyle (P.) ornamentata Shalaby et al. (1993) described from decomposed worms (all circumoral spines were detached) found in a dog in Egypt, with no type-specimens of this species deposited in a repository collection, is considered to be species inquirenda.

La efectividad de una ley de protección al servicio de la conservación de un recurso marino: El ejemplo del camarón fantasma Callichirus major (Decapoda, Callianassidae) de la costa de Brasil / The effectiveness of a protection law in favor of conservation of an marine resource: The example of the ghost shrimp Callichirus major (Decapoda, Callianassidae) of the coast of Brazil

La mortalidad por pesca ha sido pocas veces estudiada aislando el efecto causado por las capturas. En este estudio se analizó este aspecto usando como modelo biológico al camarón fantasma Callichirus major (Say, 1818), el cual es colectado intensamente en varias regiones de la costa de Brasil. Para ello, la densidad de las galerías y la demografía poblacional de C. major fue analizada en las playas de Gonzaga e Itararé, dos playas contiguas del Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. La playa de Gonzaga fue considerada como control debido a que desde 1992 una ley municipal impide las capturas de C. major, mientras que Itararé fue considerada como tratamiento ya que en este lugar este camarón es recolectado durante todo el año. Los resultados mostraron que la densidad de las galerías y el tamaño de las hembras fueron significativamente mayores en la playa de Gonzaga que en Itararé. En Itararé, la proporción sexual no mostró diferencias significativas de la relación 1:1, lo cual no se ajustó a lo observado en el área sin mortalidad por pesca y al patrón general reportado en otras especies de camarones fantasma del mundo en donde las hembras predominan sobre los machos. El potencial reproductivo fue significativamente menor en Itararé, como efecto del menor número de hembras presentes en esta área sometida a la pesca intensiva de camarones. De acuerdo con una estimativa inicial, un 71% de los individuos murieron por efecto de la pesca en Itararé. Esto hace inviable el sostenimiento ambiental de C. major en esta área dada la actual presión de extracción. La presencia de C. major en la playa de Itararé y probablemente en otras áreas próximas donde es capturada, estaría favorecida por el permanente suministro de larvas procedentes de la playa de Gonzaga, en Santos, que está protegida por ley y fiscalización municipal.(AU)

Studies on mortality due to fishing based on isolating the effect caused by catches are scarce. The present study analyzed this aspect using the ghost shrimp Callichirus major (Say, 1818) as a biological model, which is heavily harvested along the Brazilian coast. For that purpose, density of burrows and population structure of C. major was examined at two adjacent beaches, Gonzaga and Itararé, from the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Gonzaga beach was considered as control because since 1992 a municipal law prevents the capture of C. major, whereas Itararé as treatment since in this place the species is harvested throughout the year. Burrow density and female CL size were significantly higher in Gonzaga than that Itararé. Sex-ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 in Itararé, differing from the observed in the area without fishing mortality and also to the general pattern reported in other species of ghost shrimps in which females outnumbered than males. Reproductive potential was significantly smaller in Itararé than Gonzaga, as result of the reduced number of females present in this area relative to Gonzaga. A preliminary estimation indicates that 71 % of shrimps in Itararé died as result of fishing. This information suggests non-viability of C. major in this area given the current pressure of fishing. Presence of C. major in the beach of Itararé and probably in other nearby areas where exploitation occurs would be favored by the permanent supply of larvae from Gonzaga beach where the species is protected by and municipal surveillance.(AU)

La efectividad de una ley de protección al servicio de la conservación de un recurso marino: El ejemplo del camarón fantasma Callichirus major (Decapoda, Callianassidae) de la costa de Brasil / The effectiveness of a protection law in favor of conservation of an marine resource: The example of the ghost shrimp Callichirus major (Decapoda, Callianassidae) of the coast of Brazil

La mortalidad por pesca ha sido pocas veces estudiada aislando el efecto causado por las capturas. En este estudio se analizó este aspecto usando como modelo biológico al camarón fantasma Callichirus major (Say, 1818), el cual es colectado intensamente en varias regiones de la costa de Brasil. Para ello, la densidad de las galerías y la demografía poblacional de C. major fue analizada en las playas de Gonzaga e Itararé, dos playas contiguas del Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. La playa de Gonzaga fue considerada como control debido a que desde 1992 una ley municipal impide las capturas de C. major, mientras que Itararé fue considerada como tratamiento ya que en este lugar este camarón es recolectado durante todo el año. Los resultados mostraron que la densidad de las galerías y el tamaño de las hembras fueron significativamente mayores en la playa de Gonzaga que en Itararé. En Itararé, la proporción sexual no mostró diferencias significativas de la relación 1:1, lo cual no se ajustó a lo observado en el área sin mortalidad por pesca y al patrón general reportado en otras especies de camarones fantasma del mundo en donde las hembras predominan sobre los machos. El potencial reproductivo fue significativamente menor en Itararé, como efecto del menor número de hembras presentes en esta área sometida a la pesca intensiva de camarones. De acuerdo con una estimativa inicial, un 71% de los individuos murieron por efecto de la pesca en Itararé. Esto hace inviable el sostenimiento ambiental de C. major en esta área dada la actual presión de extracción. La presencia de C. major en la playa de Itararé y probablemente en otras áreas próximas donde es capturada, estaría favorecida por el permanente suministro de larvas procedentes de la playa de Gonzaga, en Santos, que está protegida por ley y fiscalización municipal.

Studies on mortality due to fishing based on isolating the effect caused by catches are scarce. The present study analyzed this aspect using the ghost shrimp Callichirus major (Say, 1818) as a biological model, which is heavily harvested along the Brazilian coast. For that purpose, density of burrows and population structure of C. major was examined at two adjacent beaches, Gonzaga and Itararé, from the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Gonzaga beach was considered as control because since 1992 a municipal law prevents the capture of C. major, whereas Itararé as treatment since in this place the species is harvested throughout the year. Burrow density and female CL size were significantly higher in Gonzaga than that Itararé. Sex-ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 in Itararé, differing from the observed in the area without fishing mortality and also to the general pattern reported in other species of ghost shrimps in which females outnumbered than males. Reproductive potential was significantly smaller in Itararé than Gonzaga, as result of the reduced number of females present in this area relative to Gonzaga. A preliminary estimation indicates that 71 % of shrimps in Itararé died as result of fishing. This information suggests non-viability of C. major in this area given the current pressure of fishing. Presence of C. major in the beach of Itararé and probably in other nearby areas where exploitation occurs would be favored by the permanent supply of larvae from Gonzaga beach where the species is protected by and municipal surveillance.

La efectividad de una ley de protección al servicio de la conservación de un recurso marino: El ejemplo del camarón fantasma Callichirus major (Decapoda, Callianassidae) de la costa de Brasil

RESUMEN La mortalidad por pesca ha sido pocas veces estudiada aislando el efecto causado por las capturas. En este estudio se analizó este aspecto usando como modelo biológico al camarón fantasma Callichirus major (Say, 1818), el cual es colectado intensamente en varias regiones de la costa de Brasil. Para ello, la densidad de las galerías y la demografía poblacional de C. major fue analizada en las playas de Gonzaga e Itararé, dos playas contiguas del Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. La playa de Gonzaga fue considerada como control debido a que desde 1992 una ley municipal impide las capturas de C. major, mientras que Itararé fue considerada como tratamiento ya que en este lugar este camarón es recolectado durante todo el año. Los resultados mostraron que la densidad de las galerías y el tamaño de las hembras fueron significativamente mayores en la playa de Gonzaga que en Itararé. En Itararé, la proporción sexual no mostró diferencias significativas de la relación 1:1, lo cual no se ajustó a lo observado en el área sin mortalidad por pesca y al patrón general reportado en otras especies de camarones fantasma del mundo en donde las hembras predominan sobre los machos. El potencial reproductivo fue significativamente menor en Itararé, como efecto del menor número de hembras presentes en esta área sometida a la pesca intensiva de camarones. De acuerdo con una estimativa inicial, un 71% de los individuos murieron por efecto de la pesca en Itararé. Esto hace inviable el sostenimiento ambiental de C. major en esta área dada la actual presión de extracción. La presencia de C. major en la playa de Itararé y probablemente en otras áreas próximas donde es capturada, estaría favorecida por el permanente suministro de larvas procedentes de la playa de Gonzaga, en Santos, que está protegida por ley y fiscalización municipal.

ABSTRACT Studies on mortality due to fishing based on isolating the effect caused by catches are scarce. The present study analyzed this aspect using the ghost shrimp Callichirus major (Say, 1818) as a biological model, which is heavily harvested along the Brazilian coast. For that purpose, density of burrows and population structure of C. major was examined at two adjacent beaches, Gonzaga and Itararé, from the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Gonzaga beach was considered as control because since 1992 a municipal law prevents the capture of C. major, whereas Itararé as treatment since in this place the species is harvested throughout the year. Burrow density and female CL size were significantly higher in Gonzaga than that Itararé. Sex-ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 in Itararé, differing from the observed in the area without fishing mortality and also to the general pattern reported in other species of ghost shrimps in which females outnumbered than males. Reproductive potential was significantly smaller in Itararé than Gonzaga, as result of the reduced number of females present in this area relative to Gonzaga. A preliminary estimation indicates that 71 % of shrimps in Itararé died as result of fishing. This information suggests non-viability of C. major in this area given the current pressure of fishing. Presence of C. major in the beach of Itararé and probably in other nearby areas where exploitation occurs would be favored by the permanent supply of larvae from Gonzaga beach where the species is protected by and municipal surveillance.

Spatial distribution and egg production in squat lobsters (Decapoda: Munididae, Munidopsidae) from the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil

Se examinó la distribución espacial y la producción de huevos de langostillas depositados en la colección del Museu de Zoologia de la Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Brasil. Para ello, se analizaron 1.346 ejemplares, de los cuales 169 correspondieron a hembras ovígeras. Las hembras ovígeras estuvieron distribuidas en diez especies de Munididae y tres de Munidopsidae. Once de las trece especies estudiadas se distribuyeron en la costa brasilera, mientras que dos en otras regiones marinas. El análisis de la distribución batimétrica reveló la presencia de cuatro especies de langostillas sobre la plataforma continental ( 200 m: M. spinifrons, M. pusilla, M. irrasa, M. flinti), dos en la primera franja del talud continental (200-500 m: Munida forceps, A. longipes) y cinco distribuidas entre 500 y 1048 m de profundidad (M. erinacea, M. constricta, M. valida, M. microphthalma, M. transtridens). En general, las especies de Munididae produjeron una alta cantidad de huevos (554 ± 619 huevos) de pequeño tamaño (0,48 ± 0,120 mm) comparado con las especies de Munidopsidae (13 ± 10 huevos; 1,12 ± 0,337 mm, respectivamente). Esta tendencia es consistente con la filogenia de ambos clados cuyo origen en común se refleja en similitudes morfológicas tanto en las formas larvales como en las adultas, pero no así en la estrategia reproductiva que claramente separa las especies pertenecientes a estas familias. Nuestros resultados también demuestran que el tamaño del huevo en langostillas está correlacionado con la profundidad, sugiriendo una estrecha relación entre el hábitat y la duración del desarrollo larval de estas especies.(AU)

Spatial distribution and egg production of squat lobsters is examined from specimens deposited in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Brazil. A total of 1,346 specimens of squat lobsters were analyzed, out of which 169 were ovigerous females. Ovigerous females contained ten species of Munididae (n = 165) and three of Munidopsidae (n = 4). Eleven of the thirteen studied species were distributed along the Brazilian coast, while two of the remaining species in other marine regions. The analysis of bathymetric distribution revealed the presence of four species on the continental shelf ( 200 m depth: M. spinifrons, M. pusilla, M. irrasa, M. flinti), two on the first layer of the continental slope (200-500 m: Munida forceps, A. longipes) and five distributed between 500 and 1,048 m (M. erinacea, M. constricta, M. valida, M. microphthalma, M. transtridens). Overall, species belonging to Munididae produced a higher number of eggs (554 ± 619 eggs) but of minor size (0.48 ± 0.120 mm) than species of Munidopsidae (13 ± 10 eggs; 1.12 ± 0.337 mm, respectively). Such tendency is consistent with the phylogeny of both clades whose common origin is reflected in morphological similarities both in larval and adult forms, but not in terms of the reproductive strategy that clearly separates the species belonging to these families. Results also demonstrated that egg size in squat lobsters is strongly associated with depth, which suggests the strong influence of habitat on the duration of larval development of these species.(AU)

Spatial distribution and egg production in squat lobsters (Decapoda: Munididae, Munidopsidae) from the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil

Se examinó la distribución espacial y la producción de huevos de langostillas depositados en la colección del Museu de Zoologia de la Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Brasil. Para ello, se analizaron 1.346 ejemplares, de los cuales 169 correspondieron a hembras ovígeras. Las hembras ovígeras estuvieron distribuidas en diez especies de Munididae y tres de Munidopsidae. Once de las trece especies estudiadas se distribuyeron en la costa brasilera, mientras que dos en otras regiones marinas. El análisis de la distribución batimétrica reveló la presencia de cuatro especies de langostillas sobre la plataforma continental ( 200 m: M. spinifrons, M. pusilla, M. irrasa, M. flinti), dos en la primera franja del talud continental (200-500 m: Munida forceps, A. longipes) y cinco distribuidas entre 500 y 1048 m de profundidad (M. erinacea, M. constricta, M. valida, M. microphthalma, M. transtridens). En general, las especies de Munididae produjeron una alta cantidad de huevos (554 ± 619 huevos) de pequeño tamaño (0,48 ± 0,120 mm) comparado con las especies de Munidopsidae (13 ± 10 huevos; 1,12 ± 0,337 mm, respectivamente). Esta tendencia es consistente con la filogenia de ambos clados cuyo origen en común se refleja en similitudes morfológicas tanto en las formas larvales como en las adultas, pero no así en la estrategia reproductiva que claramente separa las especies pertenecientes a estas familias. Nuestros resultados también demuestran que el tamaño del huevo en langostillas está correlacionado con la profundidad, sugiriendo una estrecha relación entre el hábitat y la duración del desarrollo larval de estas especies.

Spatial distribution and egg production of squat lobsters is examined from specimens deposited in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Brazil. A total of 1,346 specimens of squat lobsters were analyzed, out of which 169 were ovigerous females. Ovigerous females contained ten species of Munididae (n = 165) and three of Munidopsidae (n = 4). Eleven of the thirteen studied species were distributed along the Brazilian coast, while two of the remaining species in other marine regions. The analysis of bathymetric distribution revealed the presence of four species on the continental shelf ( 200 m depth: M. spinifrons, M. pusilla, M. irrasa, M. flinti), two on the first layer of the continental slope (200-500 m: Munida forceps, A. longipes) and five distributed between 500 and 1,048 m (M. erinacea, M. constricta, M. valida, M. microphthalma, M. transtridens). Overall, species belonging to Munididae produced a higher number of eggs (554 ± 619 eggs) but of minor size (0.48 ± 0.120 mm) than species of Munidopsidae (13 ± 10 eggs; 1.12 ± 0.337 mm, respectively). Such tendency is consistent with the phylogeny of both clades whose common origin is reflected in morphological similarities both in larval and adult forms, but not in terms of the reproductive strategy that clearly separates the species belonging to these families. Results also demonstrated that egg size in squat lobsters is strongly associated with depth, which suggests the strong influence of habitat on the duration of larval development of these species.

Spatial distribution and egg production in squat lobsters (Decapoda: Munididae, Munidopsidae) from the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil

RESUMEN: Se examinó la distribución espacial y la producción de huevos de langostillas depositados en la colección del Museu de Zoologia de la Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Brasil. Para ello, se analizaron 1.346 ejemplares, de los cuales 169 correspondieron a hembras ovígeras. Las hembras ovígeras estuvieron distribuidas en diez especies de Munididae y tres de Munidopsidae. Once de las trece especies estudiadas se distribuyeron en la costa brasilera, mientras que dos en otras regiones marinas. El análisis de la distribución batimétrica reveló la presencia de cuatro especies de langostillas sobre la plataforma continental ( 200 m: M. spinifrons, M. pusilla, M. irrasa, M. flinti), dos en la primera franja del talud continental (200-500 m: Munida forceps, A. longipes) y cinco distribuidas entre 500 y 1048 m de profundidad (M. erinacea, M. constricta, M. valida, M. microphthalma, M. transtridens). En general, las especies de Munididae produjeron una alta cantidad de huevos (554 ± 619 huevos) de pequeño tamaño (0,48 ± 0,120 mm) comparado con las especies de Munidopsidae (13 ± 10 huevos; 1,12 ± 0,337 mm, respectivamente). Esta tendencia es consistente con la filogenia de ambos clados cuyo origen en común se refleja en similitudes morfológicas tanto en las formas larvales como en las adultas, pero no así en la estrategia reproductiva que claramente separa las especies pertenecientes a estas familias. Nuestros resultados también demuestran que el tamaño del huevo en langostillas está correlacionado con la profundidad, sugiriendo una estrecha relación entre el hábitat y la duración del desarrollo larval de estas especies.

ABSTRACT: Spatial distribution and egg production of squat lobsters is examined from specimens deposited in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Brazil. A total of 1,346 specimens of squat lobsters were analyzed, out of which 169 were ovigerous females. Ovigerous females contained ten species of Munididae (n = 165) and three of Munidopsidae (n = 4). Eleven of the thirteen studied species were distributed along the Brazilian coast, while two of the remaining species in other marine regions. The analysis of bathymetric distribution revealed the presence of four species on the continental shelf ( 200 m depth: M. spinifrons, M. pusilla, M. irrasa, M. flinti), two on the first layer of the continental slope (200-500 m: Munida forceps, A. longipes) and five distributed between 500 and 1,048 m (M. erinacea, M. constricta, M. valida, M. microphthalma, M. transtridens). Overall, species belonging to Munididae produced a higher number of eggs (554 ± 619 eggs) but of minor size (0.48 ± 0.120 mm) than species of Munidopsidae (13 ± 10 eggs; 1.12 ± 0.337 mm, respectively). Such tendency is consistent with the phylogeny of both clades whose common origin is reflected in morphological similarities both in larval and adult forms, but not in terms of the reproductive strategy that clearly separates the species belonging to these families. Results also demonstrated that egg size in squat lobsters is strongly associated with depth, which suggests the strong influence of habitat on the duration of larval development of these species.

Morphological, molecular, and toxin analysis of field populations of Alexandrium genus from the Argentine Sea.

In the Argentine Sea, blooms of toxigenic dinoflagellates of the Alexandrium tamarense species complex have led to fish and bird mortalities and human deaths as a consequence of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Yet little is known about the occurrence of other toxigenic species of the genus Alexandrium, or of their toxin composition beyond coastal waters. The distribution of Alexandrium species and related toxins in the Argentine Sea was determined by sampling surface waters on an oceanographic expedition during austral spring from ~39°S to 48°S. Light microscope and SEM analysis for species identification and enumeration was supplemented by confirmatory PCR analysis from field samples. The most frequent Alexandrium taxon identified by microscopy corresponded to the classical description of A. tamarense. Only weak signals of Group I from the A. tamarense species complex were detected by PCR of bulk field samples, but phylogenetic reconstruction of rDNA sequences from single cells from one station assigned them to ribotype Group I (Alexandrium catenella). PCR probes for Alexandrium minutum and Alexandrium ostenfeldii yielded a positive signal, although A. minutum morphology did not completely match the classical description. Analysis of PSP toxin composition of plankton samples revealed toxin profiles dominated by gonyautoxins (GTX1/4). The main toxic cyclic imine detected was 13-desMe-spirolide C and this supported the association with A. ostenfeldii in the field. This study represents the first integrated molecular, morphological and toxinological analysis of field populations of the genus Alexandrium in the Argentine Sea.

Species occurrence of the potentially toxigenic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia and the associated neurotoxin domoic acid in the Argentine Sea.

The marine diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia, the major known producer of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) responsible for the amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) syndrome in humans and marine mammals, is globally distributed. The genus presents high species richness in the Argentine Sea and DA has been frequently detected in the last few years in plankton and shellfish samples, but the species identity of the producers remains unclear. In the present work, the distribution and abundance of Pseudo-nitzschia species and DA were determined from samples collected on two oceanographic cruises carried out through the Argentine Sea (∼39-47°S) during summer and spring 2013. Phytoplankton composition was analysed by light and electron microscopy while DA was determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The genus Pseudo-nitzschia was recorded in 71 and 86% of samples collected in summer and spring, respectively, whereas DA was detected in only 42 and 21% of samples, respectively. Microscopic analyses revealed at least five potentially toxic species (P. australis, P. brasiliana, P. fraudulenta, P. pungens, P. turgidula), plus putatively non-toxigenic P. dolorosa, P. lineola, P. turgiduloides and unidentified specimens of the P. pseudodelicatissima complex. The species P. australis showed the highest correlation with DA occurrence (r=0.55; p<0.05), suggesting its importance as a major DA producer in the Argentine Sea. In the northern area and during summer, DA was associated with the presence of P. brasiliana, a species recorded for the first time in the Argentine Sea. By contrast, high concentrations of P. fraudulenta, P. pungens and P. turgidula did not correspond with DA occurrence. This study represents the first successful attempt to link toxigenicity with Pseudo-nitzschia diversity and cell abundance in field plankton populations in the south-western Atlantic.

Reproductive biology of Sympterygia bonapartii (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae) in San Matías Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina

ABSTRACT This study estimates and analyses the reproductive parameters and cycle of Sympterygia bonapartii in San Matías Gulf, northern Patagonia, Argentina. A total of 827 males and 1,299 females were analysed. Males ranged from 185 to 687 mm of total length (TL) and females from 180 to 742 mm TL. Sexual dimorphism was detected; females were larger, heavier, exhibited heavier livers, wider discs and matured at lager sizes than males. Immature females ranged from 180 to 625 mm TL, maturing females from 408 to 720 mm TL, mature ones from 514 to 742 mm TL and females with egg capsules from 580 to 730 mm TL. Immature males ranged from 185 to 545 mm TL, maturing ones from 410 to 620 mm TL and mature males from 505 to 687 mm TL. Size at which 50% of the skates reached maturity was estimated to be 545 mm TL for males and 594 mm TL for females. According to the reproductive indexes analysed, S. bonapartii exhibited a seasonal reproductive pattern. Mating may occur during winter-early spring and the egg-laying season, during spring and summer.

RESUMEN El presente estudio estima y analiza los parámetros reproductivos y el ciclo reproductivo de Sympterygia bonapartii en el Golfo San Matías, Patagonia norte, Argentina. Se analizaron 827 machos y 1.299 hembras. Los machos midieron entre 185 y 687 mm de largo total (LT) y las hembras entre 180 y 742 mm LT. Se detectó dimorfismo sexual; las hembras fueron más grandes y pesadas que los machos y presentaron anchos de disco, pesos de hígado y tallas de madurez sexual mayores a los de los machos. Las hembras inmaduras midieron entre 180 y 625 mm LT, las hembras en maduración entre 408 y 720 mm LT, las maduras entre 514 y 742 mm LT y las hembras con cápsulas entre 580 y 730 mm LT. Los machos inmaduros midieron entre 185 y 545 mm LT, los machos en maduración entre 410 y 620 mm LT y los maduros entre 505 y 687 mm LT. La talla media de madurez sexual fue estimada en 545 mm LT para los machos y 594 mm LT para las hembras. De acuerdo con los índices reproductivos analizados, S. bonapartii se reproduce estacionalmente. El apareamiento ocurriría durante el invierno y la primavera y la temporada de puesta durante la primavera y el verano.

Reproductive biology of the cockfish, Callorhinchus callorynchus (Chondrichthyes: Callorhinchidae), in coastal waters of the northern Argentinean Sea

The cockfish, Callorhinchus callorynchus, is a widely distributed holocephalan in the south-western Atlantic and an important resource for Argentinean fisheries. The reproductive characteristics of this species were studied in northern Argentinean coastal waters, where specimens arrive seasonally (winter-spring). Sexual dimorphism in maximum precaudal length (PCL) and total body mass (TM) was found, being females (PCL=630 mm; TM=3330 g; n=167) larger and heavier than males (PCL=482 mm; TM=1630 g; n=19). Maturity size for females was 466.22 mm PCL, representing 74% PCL of the largest female sampled. The mean number of ovarian follicles was 8.37 (± 4.84). The highest values of ovarian follicles diameter, gonadosomatic and oviducalsomatic indices were found in spring. A high proportion of mature females (44%) had atretic ovarian follicles, suggesting that they were in the resting stage of their reproductive cycle. The low number of mature males recorded and the absence of mature females with spermatophore masses or egg cases indicate that the study area would not be a reproductive zone. The seasonal presence of C. callorynchus in this region could be related to trophic movements. These results, obtained in an area with high fishing pressure on chondrichthyans, will be useful for implementing conservation and management measures.(AU)

El pez gallo, Callorhinchus callorynchus, es un holocéfalo con amplia distribución en el Atlántico Sudoccidental y un recurso importante para las pesquerías en Argentina. Las características reproductivas de esta especie fueron estudiadas en aguas costeras al norte del Mar Argentino, adonde se acercan estacionalmente (invierno-primavera). Se observó dimorfismo sexual en los valores máximos de longitud precaudal (LPC) y masa corporal total (MT), siendo las hembras (LPC=630 mm; MT=3330 g; n=167) más grandes y pesadas que los machos (LPC=482 mm; MT=1630 g; n=19). La talla de maduración para las hembras fue de 466,22 mm LPC, representando el 74% de la LPC máxima observada. El número promedio de folículos ováricos fue 8,37 (± 4,84). Los valores más altos del diámetro de los folículos ováricos, índice de la glándula oviductal e índice gonadosomático fueron hallados durante primavera. Una gran proporción de hembras maduras (44%) presentaron folículos ováricos atrésicos, sugiriendo que se encontraban en la etapa de reposo de su ciclo reproductivo. El bajo número de machos maduros registrados y la ausencia de hembras maduras con espermatóforos o cápsulas de huevos indican que las aguas costeras del norte de Argentina no serían una zona reproductiva. La presencia de C. callorynchus en el área de estudio podría estar relacionada con movimientos tróficos. Los resultados, obtenidos en un área con una gran presión pesquera sobre los condrictios, serán útiles para implementar adecuados planes de manejo y conservación de esta especie.(AU)

Reproductive biology of the cockfish, Callorhinchus callorynchus (Chondrichthyes: Callorhinchidae), in coastal waters of the northern Argentinean Sea

The cockfish, Callorhinchus callorynchus, is a widely distributed holocephalan in the south-western Atlantic and an important resource for Argentinean fisheries. The reproductive characteristics of this species were studied in northern Argentinean coastal waters, where specimens arrive seasonally (winter-spring). Sexual dimorphism in maximum precaudal length (PCL) and total body mass (TM) was found, being females (PCL=630 mm; TM=3330 g; n=167) larger and heavier than males (PCL=482 mm; TM=1630 g; n=19). Maturity size for females was 466.22 mm PCL, representing 74% PCL of the largest female sampled. The mean number of ovarian follicles was 8.37 (± 4.84). The highest values of ovarian follicles diameter, gonadosomatic and oviducalsomatic indices were found in spring. A high proportion of mature females (44%) had atretic ovarian follicles, suggesting that they were in the resting stage of their reproductive cycle. The low number of mature males recorded and the absence of mature females with spermatophore masses or egg cases indicate that the study area would not be a reproductive zone. The seasonal presence of C. callorynchus in this region could be related to trophic movements. These results, obtained in an area with high fishing pressure on chondrichthyans, will be useful for implementing conservation and management measures.(AU)

El pez gallo, Callorhinchus callorynchus, es un holocéfalo con amplia distribución en el Atlántico Sudoccidental y un recurso importante para las pesquerías en Argentina. Las características reproductivas de esta especie fueron estudiadas en aguas costeras al norte del Mar Argentino, adonde se acercan estacionalmente (invierno-primavera). Se observó dimorfismo sexual en los valores máximos de longitud precaudal (LPC) y masa corporal total (MT), siendo las hembras (LPC=630 mm; MT=3330 g; n=167) más grandes y pesadas que los machos (LPC=482 mm; MT=1630 g; n=19). La talla de maduración para las hembras fue de 466,22 mm LPC, representando el 74% de la LPC máxima observada. El número promedio de folículos ováricos fue 8,37 (± 4,84). Los valores más altos del diámetro de los folículos ováricos, índice de la glándula oviductal e índice gonadosomático fueron hallados durante primavera. Una gran proporción de hembras maduras (44%) presentaron folículos ováricos atrésicos, sugiriendo que se encontraban en la etapa de reposo de su ciclo reproductivo. El bajo número de machos maduros registrados y la ausencia de hembras maduras con espermatóforos o cápsulas de huevos indican que las aguas costeras del norte de Argentina no serían una zona reproductiva. La presencia de C. callorynchus en el área de estudio podría estar relacionada con movimientos tróficos. Los resultados, obtenidos en un área con una gran presión pesquera sobre los condrictios, serán útiles para implementar adecuados planes de manejo y conservación de esta especie.(AU)

Reproductive biology of Sympterygia bonapartii (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae) in San Matías Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina

This study estimates and analyses the reproductive parameters and cycle of Sympterygia bonapartii in San Matías Gulf, northern Patagonia, Argentina. A total of 827 males and 1,299 females were analysed. Males ranged from 185 to 687 mm of total length (TL) and females from 180 to 742 mm TL. Sexual dimorphism was detected; females were larger, heavier, exhibited heavier livers, wider discs and matured at lager sizes than males. Immature females ranged from 180 to 625 mm TL, maturing females from 408 to 720 mm TL, mature ones from 514 to 742 mm TL and females with egg capsules from 580 to 730 mm TL. Immature males ranged from 185 to 545 mm TL, maturing ones from 410 to 620 mm TL and mature males from 505 to 687 mm TL. Size at which 50% of the skates reached maturity was estimated to be 545 mm TL for males and 594 mm TL for females. According to the reproductive indexes analysed, S. bonapartii exhibited a seasonal reproductive pattern. Mating may occur during winter-early spring and the egg-laying season, during spring and summer.(AU)

El presente estudio estima y analiza los parámetros reproductivos y el ciclo reproductivo de Sympterygia bonapartii en el Golfo San Matías, Patagonia norte, Argentina. Se analizaron 827 machos y 1.299 hembras. Los machos midieron entre 185 y 687 mm de largo total (LT) y las hembras entre 180 y 742 mm LT. Se detectó dimorfismo sexual; las hembras fueron más grandes y pesadas que los machos y presentaron anchos de disco, pesos de hígado y tallas de madurez sexual mayores a los de los machos. Las hembras inmaduras midieron entre 180 y 625 mm LT, las hembras en maduración entre 408 y 720 mm LT, las maduras entre 514 y 742 mm LT y las hembras con cápsulas entre 580 y 730 mm LT. Los machos inmaduros midieron entre 185 y 545 mm LT, los machos en maduración entre 410 y 620 mm LT y los maduros entre 505 y 687 mm LT. La talla media de madurez sexual fue estimada en 545 mm LT para los machos y 594 mm LT para las hembras. De acuerdo con los índices reproductivos analizados, S. bonapartii se reproduce estacionalmente. El apareamiento ocurriría durante el invierno y la primavera y la temporada de puesta durante la primavera y el verano.(AU)