Genomic Differences Between the Sexes in a Fish Species Seen Through Satellite DNAs.

Neotropical fishes have highly diversified karyotypic and genomic characteristics and present many diverse sex chromosome systems, with various degrees of sex chromosome differentiation. Knowledge on their sex-specific composition and evolution, however, is still limited. Satellite DNAs (satDNAs) are tandemly repeated sequences with pervasive genomic distribution and distinctive evolutionary pathways, and investigating satDNA content might shed light into how genome architecture is organized in fishes and in their sex chromosomes. The present study investigated the satellitome of Megaleporinus elongatus, a freshwater fish with a proposed Z1Z1Z2Z2/Z1W1Z2W2 multiple sex chromosome system that encompasses a highly heterochromatic and differentiated W1 chromosome. The species satellitome comprises of 140 different satDNA families, including previously isolated sequences and new families found in this study. This diversity is remarkable considering the relatively low proportion that satDNAs generally account for the M. elongatus genome (around only 5%). Differences between the sexes in regards of satDNA content were also evidenced, as these sequences are 14% more abundant in the female genome. The occurrence of sex-biased signatures of satDNA evolution in the species is tightly linked to satellite enrichment associated with W1 in females. Although both sexes share practically all satDNAs, the overall massive amplification of only a few of them accompanied the W1 differentiation. We also investigated the expansion and diversification of the two most abundant satDNAs of M. elongatus, MelSat01-36 and MelSat02-26, both highly amplified sequences in W1 and, in MelSat02-26's case, also harbored by Z2 and W2 chromosomes. We compared their occurrences in M. elongatus and the sister species M. macrocephalus (with a standard ZW sex chromosome system) and concluded that both satDNAs have led to the formation of highly amplified arrays in both species; however, they formed species-specific organization on female-restricted sex chromosomes. Our results show how satDNA composition is highly diversified in M. elongatus, in which their accumulation is significantly contributing to W1 differentiation and not satDNA diversity per se. Also, the evolutionary behavior of these repeats may be associated with genome plasticity and satDNA variability between the sexes and between closely related species, influencing how seemingly homeologous heteromorphic sex chromosomes undergo independent satDNA evolution.

Digestive tube of an herbivorous fish (Rhytiodus microlepis) from the Amazonian floodplain lakes: A morphological and histochemical study.

This study describes the morphology and histochemistry of the digestive tube of the herbivorous fish Rhytiodus microlepis, which is commonly found in the Amazonian floodplain lakes, Brazil. Thirty-eight fish were used in this study. The digestive tube was measured and dissected for anatomical description, and stained with (i) haematoxylin and eosin, for histological analyses; (ii) periodic acid-Schiff, for detected neutral mucins; and (iii) Alcian Blue (AB) pH 1.0 and 2.5 for acid and sulphated acid mucins. The oesophagus, with its secretory cells and taste buds, is adapted for lubrication of vegetable matter, resistance to friction and reception of stimuli. The stomach is U-shaped and rich in gastric glands, particularly in cardiac and fundic regions, which are adapted to receive large amounts of food, and promotes the digestion. The intestine comprises more than 70% of the digestive tube. All portions of the intestine, except the rectum, have the same pattern of mucosal folds, and the goblet cells reacted positively to all histochemical methods (PAS, AB 1.0 and 2.5), while rodlet cells reacted only to periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Neutral mucins and sulphated acid mucins predominated in the anterior portion of the intestine and a high concentration of carboxylated acid mucosubstances were present in the other portions. The rectum showed a strong reaction to all histochemical methods. The muscular layer of the intestine consists of three layers, which showed features presumably related to the rigid nature of the food. A simple squamous epithelium constitutes the serous layer over the entire length of the tube.

Developmental plasticity reveals hidden fish phenotypes and enables morphospace diversification.

The establishment of a given phenotype is only one expression from a range of hidden developmental possibilities. Developmental plasticity at hidden reaction norms might elicit phenotypic diversification under new developmental environments. Current discussion benefits from empirical analyses that integrate multiple environmental stimuli to evaluate how plastic responses may shape phenotypic variation. We raised Megaleporinus macrocephalus fish in different environmental settings to address contributions of developmental plasticity for emergence of new phenotypes and subsequent morphospace diversification. Plastic morphotypes were evaluated at two complementary scales, the M. macrocephalus morphospace and the higher taxonomic level of Anostomidae family. Morphospace analyses demonstrated that developmental plasticity quickly releases distinct head morphotypes that were hidden in the parental monomorphic population. Plastic morphotypes occupied discrete and previously unfilled morphospace regions, a result obtained from comparisons with a control population and in analyses including several Anostomidae species. Plastic responses involved adjustments in shape and relative position of head bonesets, and fish raised under specific environmental combinations rescued phenotypic patterns described for different genera. Therefore, developmental plasticity possibly contributes to adaptive radiation in Anostomidae. Results illustrate how plastic responses enable morphospace diversification and contribute to evolution.

An integrative approach assesses the intraspecific variations of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, a common parasite in Neotropical freshwater fishes, and the phylogenetic patterns of Camallanidae.

Integrative taxonomy was used to evaluate two component populations of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus in Brazil and the phylogeny Camallanidae. Parasite populations were collected in the characiform Anostomoides passionis from River Xingu (Amazon basin) and Megaleporinus elongatus from River Miranda (Paraguay basin). Morphology was analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Genetic characterization was based on partial sequences of the 18S and 28S rDNA, and COI mtDNA. Phylogenies were based on 18S and COI due to data availability. Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC), Poisson Tree Process (PTP) and *BEAST were used for species delimitation and validation. SEM revealed for the first time the presence of minute denticles and pore-like structures surrounding the oral opening, phasmids in females and confirmed other important morphological aspects. Statistical comparison between the two-component populations indicated morphometric variations, especially among males. The different component population of P. (S.) inopinatus showed variable morphometry, but uniform morphology and were validated as conspecific by the GMYC, PTP and *BEAST. Some camallanid sequences in GenBank have incorrect taxonomic labelling. Host, environment and geographic aspects seem to be related to some lineages within Camallanidae; however, their real phylogenetic meanings are still unclear.

Seven new species of Urocleidoides (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from Brazilian fishes supported by morphological and molecular data.

Seven new species of Urocleidoides from the gills and skin of nine Neotropical fish hosts (Anostomidae, Parodontidae, and Gymnotidae) are described: Urocleidoides digitabulum n. sp. on Leporinus friderici, Leporinus octofasciatus, and Megaleporinus elongatus (Anostomidae); Urocleidoides solarivaginatus n. sp. on L. friderici, L. octofasciatus, and Leporinus striatus (Anostomidae); Urocleidoides falxus n. sp. and Urocleidoides sapucaiensis n. sp. on M. elongatus; Urocleidoides tenuis n. sp. on Apareiodon piracicabae and Apareiodon affinis (Parodontidae); Urocleidoides sinus n. sp. on L. striatus, Schizodon nasutus, and Schizodon intermedius (Anostomidae); and Urocleidoides uncinus n. sp. on Gymnotus sylvius (Gymnotidae). Urocleidoides paradoxus was also found in this study on L. friderici and included in the phylogenetic analysis. Molecular data (partial 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I) were obtained for U. digitabulum n. sp., U. tenuis n. sp., U. sinus n. sp., and U. uncinus n. sp. The identification of Urocleidoides is amended herein to include all taxonomic modifications observed in this genus over time and add new characteristics observed in the species in the present study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Urocleidoides digitabulum n. sp. and Urocleidoides sinus n. sp. (parasites of anostomids) closely related in the tree topologies. Furthermore, the new species described herein parasitized phylogenetically distant host species (Characiformes and Gymnotiformes), suggesting the effect of the dynamic process of ecological fitting.

New species of Urocleidoides (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) from the gills of two species of Anostomidae from the Brazilian Amazon / Novas espécies de Urocleidoides (Dactylogyridae) das brânquias de duas espécies de Anostomidae da Amazônia brasileira

Three species (2 new) of Urocleidoides are described and/or reported from the gills of Schizodon fasciatus and Laemolyta proxima (Anostomidae) from the Jari River in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. Urocleidoides jariensis n. sp. presents a sclerotized, tubular, spiral male copulatory organ (MCO) with one counterclockwise coil, a circular sclerotized tandem brim associated with the base of the MCO; a heavily sclerotized, funnel-shaped vaginal vestibule; and a broadly V-shaped ventral bar with anteromedial constriction and enlarged ends. Urocleidoides ramentacuminatus n. sp. has a sclerotized, tubular, spiral MCO with one counterclockwise coil; an accessory piece with a hook-shaped distal portion; and a dorsal anchor with a short, straight shaft; anchor point with ornamentation as sclerotized shredded filaments. Urocleidoides paradoxus is reported for the first time parasitizing S. fasciatus.(AU)

Três espécies (2 novas) de Urocleidoides são descritas e/ou reportadas das brânquias de Schizodon fasciatus e Laemolyta proxima (Anostomidae) da bacia do Rio Jari, na Amazônia oriental brasileira. Urocleidoides jariensis n. sp. apresenta um órgão copulatório masculino (OCM) convoluto, com uma volta no sentido anti-horário, uma borda em tandem esclerotizada circular, associada à base do OCM; um vestíbulo vaginal fortemente esclerotizado e em forma de funil; um canal vaginal esclerotizado na porção proximal; e uma barra ventral em forma de V com constrição anteromedial e ampliações terminais. Urocleidoides ramentacuminatus n. sp. tem um OCM convoluto com, aproximadamente, uma volta no sentido anti-horário; uma peça acessória com uma porção distal em forma de gancho; uma âncora dorsal com haste curta e reta; e ponta da âncora com ornamentação como filamentos desfiados esclerotizados. Urocleidoides paradoxus é relatada pela primeira vez parasitando S. fasciatus.(AU)

New species of Urocleidoides (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) from the gills of two species of Anostomidae from the Brazilian Amazon / Novas espécies de Urocleidoides (Dactylogyridae) das brânquias de duas espécies de Anostomidae da Amazônia brasileira

Abstract Three species (2 new) of Urocleidoides are described and/or reported from the gills of Schizodon fasciatus and Laemolyta proxima (Anostomidae) from the Jari River in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. Urocleidoides jariensis n. sp. presents a sclerotized, tubular, spiral male copulatory organ (MCO) with one counterclockwise coil, a circular sclerotized tandem brim associated with the base of the MCO; a heavily sclerotized, funnel-shaped vaginal vestibule; and a broadly V-shaped ventral bar with anteromedial constriction and enlarged ends. Urocleidoides ramentacuminatus n. sp. has a sclerotized, tubular, spiral MCO with one counterclockwise coil; an accessory piece with a hook-shaped distal portion; and a dorsal anchor with a short, straight shaft; anchor point with ornamentation as sclerotized shredded filaments. Urocleidoides paradoxus is reported for the first time parasitizing S. fasciatus.

Resumo Três espécies (2 novas) de Urocleidoides são descritas e/ou reportadas das brânquias de Schizodon fasciatus e Laemolyta proxima (Anostomidae) da bacia do Rio Jari, na Amazônia oriental brasileira. Urocleidoides jariensis n. sp. apresenta um órgão copulatório masculino (OCM) convoluto, com uma volta no sentido anti-horário, uma borda em tandem esclerotizada circular, associada à base do OCM; um vestíbulo vaginal fortemente esclerotizado e em forma de funil; um canal vaginal esclerotizado na porção proximal; e uma barra ventral em forma de V com constrição anteromedial e ampliações terminais. Urocleidoides ramentacuminatus n. sp. tem um OCM convoluto com, aproximadamente, uma volta no sentido anti-horário; uma peça acessória com uma porção distal em forma de gancho; uma âncora dorsal com haste curta e reta; e ponta da âncora com ornamentação como filamentos desfiados esclerotizados. Urocleidoides paradoxus é relatada pela primeira vez parasitando S. fasciatus.

Redescription of Schizodon dissimilis and appraisal of the dark barred species of the genus (Characiformes: Anostomidae)

Schizodon dissimilis is redescribed on the basis of syntypes and non-type specimens from the Parnaíba, Jaguaribe and Mearim rivers, and lectotype and paralectotypes are designated. Schizodon dissimilis is distinct from the Amazonian and southeastern Brazil congeners by having four dark brown vertical bars without a midlateral dark brown stripe or a dark blotch on caudal peduncle. When compared with the northeastern Brazilian Schizodon and those from the São Francisco river, and with the remaining dark barred species S. australis, S. borellii, S. corti, S. fasciatus and S. intermedius, it is diagnosed by a combination of lateral line scale counts, color pattern and body proportions. The color pattern distinguishes S. dissimilis from S. fasciatus and the meristic and morphometric data are important in separating S. dissimilis from S. intermedius and S. borellii. Schizodon dissimilis and S. fasciatus have disjunct distributions, with the first occurring in northeastern basins, and the second widely distributed through the Amazon basin and rivers draining northward from the Guyana Shield. Schizodon intermedius and S. borellii are respectively native to the upper Paraná and Paraguay river basins while S. australis is known from the Paraná-Uruguay system and S. corti was described from Maracaibo, Venezuela.(AU)

Schizodon dissimilis é redescrita com base em síntipos e outros espécimes coletados nos rios Parnaíba, Jaguaribe e Mearim, e um lectótipo e paralectótipos são designados. Schizodon dissimilis é distinta das espécies Amazônicas e de seus congêneres do sudeste do Brasil por possuir quatro barras transversais castanho-escuras sem uma listra longitudinal mediana ou mácula escura no pedúnculo caudal. Quando comparada com as espécies de Schizodon do nordeste brasileiro e do rio São Francisco, assim como com as demais espécies com barras transversais escuras S. australis, S. borellii, S. corti, S. fasciatus e S. intermedius, se distingue pela combinação da contagem de escamas da linha lateral com padrão de colorido e proporções corporais. O padrão de colorido separa definitivamente S. dissimilis de S. fasciatus, enquanto os dados merísticos e morfométricos são importantes para distinguir S. dissimilis de S. intermedius e S. borellii. Schizodon dissimilis e S. fasciatus têm distribuição disjunta, a primeira nativa dos rios da região nordeste e a segunda amplamente distribuída pela Bacia Amazônica e Guiana. Schizodon intermedius e S. borellii são nativas das bacias do alto rio Paraná e do rio Paraguai respectivamente, enquanto e S. australis é conhecida da bacia Paraná-Uruguai e S. corti foi descrita do Lago Maracaibo na Venezuela.(AU)

Redescription of Schizodon dissimilis and appraisal of the dark barred species of the genus (Characiformes: Anostomidae)

Schizodon dissimilis is redescribed on the basis of syntypes and non-type specimens from the Parnaíba, Jaguaribe and Mearim rivers, and lectotype and paralectotypes are designated. Schizodon dissimilis is distinct from the Amazonian and southeastern Brazil congeners by having four dark brown vertical bars without a midlateral dark brown stripe or a dark blotch on caudal peduncle. When compared with the northeastern Brazilian Schizodon and those from the São Francisco river, and with the remaining dark barred species S. australis, S. borellii, S. corti, S. fasciatus and S. intermedius, it is diagnosed by a combination of lateral line scale counts, color pattern and body proportions. The color pattern distinguishes S. dissimilis from S. fasciatus and the meristic and morphometric data are important in separating S. dissimilis from S. intermedius and S. borellii. Schizodon dissimilis and S. fasciatus have disjunct distributions, with the first occurring in northeastern basins, and the second widely distributed through the Amazon basin and rivers draining northward from the Guyana Shield. Schizodon intermedius and S. borellii are respectively native to the upper Paraná and Paraguay river basins while S. australis is known from the Paraná-Uruguay system and S. corti was described from Maracaibo, Venezuela.(AU)

Schizodon dissimilis é redescrita com base em síntipos e outros espécimes coletados nos rios Parnaíba, Jaguaribe e Mearim, e um lectótipo e paralectótipos são designados. Schizodon dissimilis é distinta das espécies Amazônicas e de seus congêneres do sudeste do Brasil por possuir quatro barras transversais castanho-escuras sem uma listra longitudinal mediana ou mácula escura no pedúnculo caudal. Quando comparada com as espécies de Schizodon do nordeste brasileiro e do rio São Francisco, assim como com as demais espécies com barras transversais escuras S. australis, S. borellii, S. corti, S. fasciatus e S. intermedius, se distingue pela combinação da contagem de escamas da linha lateral com padrão de colorido e proporções corporais. O padrão de colorido separa definitivamente S. dissimilis de S. fasciatus, enquanto os dados merísticos e morfométricos são importantes para distinguir S. dissimilis de S. intermedius e S. borellii. Schizodon dissimilis e S. fasciatus têm distribuição disjunta, a primeira nativa dos rios da região nordeste e a segunda amplamente distribuída pela Bacia Amazônica e Guiana. Schizodon intermedius e S. borellii são nativas das bacias do alto rio Paraná e do rio Paraguai respectivamente, enquanto e S. australis é conhecida da bacia Paraná-Uruguai e S. corti foi descrita do Lago Maracaibo na Venezuela.(AU)

Remarkable Geographic Structuring of Rheophilic Fishes of the Lower Araguaia River.

Rapids and waterfalls, and their associated fauna and flora are in peril. With the construction of each new hydroelectric dam, more rapids and waterfalls are destroyed, leading to the disappearance of associated fauna and flora. Areas of rapids harbor distinct, highly endemic rheophilic fauna and flora adapted to an extreme environment. Rheophilic habitats also have disjunct distribution both within and across rivers. Rheophilic habitats thus represent islands of suitable habitat separated by stretches of unsuitable habitat. In this study, we investigated to what extent, if any, species of cichlid and anostomid fishes associated with rheophilic habitats were structured among the rapids of Araguaia River in the Brazilian Amazon. We tested both for population structuring as well as non-random distribution of lineages among rapids. Eight of the nine species had multiple lineages, five of these nine species were structured, and three of the eight species with multiple lineages showed non-random distribution of lineages among rapids. These results demonstrate that in addition to high levels of endemicism of rheophilic fishes, different rapids even within the same river are occupied by different lineages. Rheophilic species and communities occupying different rapids are, therefore, not interchangeable, and this realization must be taken into account when proposing mitigatory/compensatory measures in hydroelectric projects, and in conservation planning.

Systematic assessment of the Leporinus desmotes species complex, with a description of two new species

Members of the Leporinus desmotes species complex can be distinguished from other barred or banded congeners by the combination of nine distinct black bars across the head and trunk and long, pointed, laterally compressed and upward curving symphyseal dentary teeth. A taxonomic reassessment of this complex revealed two new species, one from the Orinoco and Negro rivers of Venezuela and Brazil, and the other from the Xingu and Tapajós rivers of Brazil. Both species are similar to L. desmotes and L. jatuncochi, but differ significantly in body shape morphology, coloration, and/or circumpeduncular scale counts. Genetic evidence also contributes to the recognition of both new species. This contribution also maps the geographic distribution of the four known species, and highlights the presence of an unusual meristic polymorphism within Leporinus desmotes sensu stricto that may suggest the presence of even more unrecognized diversity.(AU)

As espécies do complexo Leporinus desmotes diferem da maioria dos congêneres com base nas nove barras transversais escuras ao redor da cabeça e do corpo, e do dente sinfisiano do dentário alongado, comprimido lateralmente e ligeiramente curvado para cima. Uma revisão taxonômica desse complexo revelou a existência de duas espécies novas, uma dos rios Orinoco e Negro na Venezuela e Brasil, e outra das drenagens dos rios Xingu e Tapajós, no Brasil. As duas espécies novas são similares à L. desmotes e L. jatuncochi, das quais diferem significativamente por uma combinação de forma do corpo, coloração e número de séries de escamas ao redor do pedúnculo caudal. Dados genéticos também corroboram o reconhecimento das duas espécies novas. Esta contribuição ainda traz novos dados sobre a distribuição geográfica de cada uma das espécies do complexo, e discute a presença de um incomum polimorfismo no número de escamas ao redor do pedúnculo caudal em Leporinus desmotes stricto sensu, que sugere a presença de uma diversidade ainda maior de espécies não descritas.(AU)

Systematic assessment of the Leporinus desmotes species complex, with a description of two new species

Members of the Leporinus desmotes species complex can be distinguished from other barred or banded congeners by the combination of nine distinct black bars across the head and trunk and long, pointed, laterally compressed and upward curving symphyseal dentary teeth. A taxonomic reassessment of this complex revealed two new species, one from the Orinoco and Negro rivers of Venezuela and Brazil, and the other from the Xingu and Tapajós rivers of Brazil. Both species are similar to L. desmotes and L. jatuncochi, but differ significantly in body shape morphology, coloration, and/or circumpeduncular scale counts. Genetic evidence also contributes to the recognition of both new species. This contribution also maps the geographic distribution of the four known species, and highlights the presence of an unusual meristic polymorphism within Leporinus desmotes sensu stricto that may suggest the presence of even more unrecognized diversity.(AU)

As espécies do complexo Leporinus desmotes diferem da maioria dos congêneres com base nas nove barras transversais escuras ao redor da cabeça e do corpo, e do dente sinfisiano do dentário alongado, comprimido lateralmente e ligeiramente curvado para cima. Uma revisão taxonômica desse complexo revelou a existência de duas espécies novas, uma dos rios Orinoco e Negro na Venezuela e Brasil, e outra das drenagens dos rios Xingu e Tapajós, no Brasil. As duas espécies novas são similares à L. desmotes e L. jatuncochi, das quais diferem significativamente por uma combinação de forma do corpo, coloração e número de séries de escamas ao redor do pedúnculo caudal. Dados genéticos também corroboram o reconhecimento das duas espécies novas. Esta contribuição ainda traz novos dados sobre a distribuição geográfica de cada uma das espécies do complexo, e discute a presença de um incomum polimorfismo no número de escamas ao redor do pedúnculo caudal em Leporinus desmotes stricto sensu, que sugere a presença de uma diversidade ainda maior de espécies não descritas.(AU)

Egg incubation and larval rearing of piava, Leporinus obtusidens: effect of pH / Incubação de ovos e larvicultura da piava, Leporinus obtusidens: efeito do pH

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the pH of the water during Leporinus obtusidens egg incubation and larval rearing. During incubation of the eggs pH 5.0, 7.0 and 9.0 were tested. pH 7.0 produced the best results for fertilization rate, hatching, and weight of hatched larvae (29.62 ± 6.01%, 23.57 ± 2.81% and 0.63 ± 0.01 mg, respectively). As pH 5.0 caused total mortality of eggs, the pH range was expanded in larval rearing that used pH 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. pH 5.0 and 6.0 were lethal to the larvae at 24 and 72 h, respectively. At pH 9.0, higher survival (87.22 ± 3.47%) and final weight (3.82 ± 0.19 mg) were registered, whereas the final length of the larvae was the same (P>0.05) for pH 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0. Incubation at extreme pH values was harmful to the development of the L. obtusidens eggs, while at neutral pH (7.0), the best hatching rate and weight of hatched larvae were obtained. During larval rearing, the acidic pH was lethal to the larvae within just a few hours of exposure, whereas higher larvae survival and final weight were registered at pH 9.0.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do pH da água durante a incubação dos ovos e a larvicultura de Leporinus obtusidens. Durante a incubação dos ovos foram testados os pH 5,0, 7,0 e 9,0. Em pH 7,0 foram obtidas as maiores taxas de fertilização e de eclosão e o maior peso das larvas eclodidas (29,62 ± 6,01%, 23,57 ± 2,81% e 0,63 ± 0,01 mg, respectivamente). Como o pH 5,0 causou mortalidade total de ovos, a faixa de pH testada na larvicultura foi ampliada, tendo sido testados os pH 5,0, 6,0, 7,0, 8,0 e 9,0. Os pH 5,0 e 6,0 foram letais para as larvas em 24 e 72 h, respectivamente. Em pH 9,0 foram registrados os maiores valores de sobrevivência (87,22 ± 3,47%) e peso final (3,82 ± 0,19 mg), enquanto o comprimento final das larvas foi o mesmo (P>0,05) em pH 7,0, 8,0 e 9,0. A incubação em valores extremos de pH foi prejudicial ao desenvolvimento dos ovos de L. obtusidens, enquanto em pH neutro (7,0) foram obtidas as maiores taxas de eclosão e peso das larvas eclodidas. Durante a larvicultura, o pH ácido foi letal para as larvas após poucas horas de exposição, enquanto a maior sobrevivência e peso final foram registrados em pH 9,0.

Egg incubation and larval rearing of piava, Leporinus obtusidens: effect of pH / Incubação de ovos e larvicultura da piava, Leporinus obtusidens: efeito do pH

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the pH of the water during Leporinus obtusidens egg incubation and larval rearing. During incubation of the eggs pH 5.0, 7.0 and 9.0 were tested. pH 7.0 produced the best results for fertilization rate, hatching, and weight of hatched larvae (29.62 ± 6.01%, 23.57 ± 2.81% and 0.63 ± 0.01 mg, respectively). As pH 5.0 caused total mortality of eggs, the pH range was expanded in larval rearing that used pH 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. pH 5.0 and 6.0 were lethal to the larvae at 24 and 72 h, respectively. At pH 9.0, higher survival (87.22 ± 3.47%) and final weight (3.82 ± 0.19 mg) were registered, whereas the final length of the larvae was the same (P>0.05) for pH 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0. Incubation at extreme pH values was harmful to the development of the L. obtusidens eggs, while at neutral pH (7.0), the best hatching rate and weight of hatched larvae were obtained. During larval rearing, the acidic pH was lethal to the larvae within just a few hours of exposure, whereas higher larvae survival and final weight were registered at pH 9.0.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do pH da água durante a incubação dos ovos e a larvicultura de Leporinus obtusidens. Durante a incubação dos ovos foram testados os pH 5,0, 7,0 e 9,0. Em pH 7,0 foram obtidas as maiores taxas de fertilização e de eclosão e o maior peso das larvas eclodidas (29,62 ± 6,01%, 23,57 ± 2,81% e 0,63 ± 0,01 mg, respectivamente). Como o pH 5,0 causou mortalidade total de ovos, a faixa de pH testada na larvicultura foi ampliada, tendo sido testados os pH 5,0, 6,0, 7,0, 8,0 e 9,0. Os pH 5,0 e 6,0 foram letais para as larvas em 24 e 72 h, respectivamente. Em pH 9,0 foram registrados os maiores valores de sobrevivência (87,22 ± 3,47%) e peso final (3,82 ± 0,19 mg), enquanto o comprimento final das larvas foi o mesmo (P>0,05) em pH 7,0, 8,0 e 9,0. A incubação em valores extremos de pH foi prejudicial ao desenvolvimento dos ovos de L. obtusidens, enquanto em pH neutro (7,0) foram obtidas as maiores taxas de eclosão e peso das larvas eclodidas. Durante a larvicultura, o pH ácido foi letal para as larvas após poucas horas de exposição, enquanto a maior sobrevivência e peso final foram registrados em pH 9,0.(AU)

O desenvolvimento embrionário da Piapara, Leporinus elongatus (Pisces, Anostomidae), utilizando técnicas de histologia, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e imunológicas empregando marcadores ósseos / The embryonic development of Piapara, Leporinus elongatus (Pisces, Anostomidae), using histological techniques, electron microscopy and immunological techniques using bone markers

O desenvolvimento embrionário dos peixes é de grande importância para a piscicultura e na reintrodução de espécies ameaçadas de extinção em seus ambientes, e seu conhecimento constitui uma importante maneira para minimizar doenças e mortalidades dessas espécies. Com o auxílio de técnicas como a Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e a imuno-histoquimica para identificar proteínas ósseas, foi possível avaliar as fases de desenvolvimento com mais riqueza de detalhes, facilitando a compreensão de hábitos e da biologia da espécie. Neste trabalho pudemos observar a ontogenia e osteogênese da Piapara (Leporinus elongatus), desde a fecundação até a fase juvenil, sendo evidenciadas estruturas importantes como o tamanho do vitelo, essencial para a nutrição do embrião; o fechamento do blastóporo, evento principal da embriogênese, que indica as taxas de fertilização; a metamorfose, que indica a formação dos primeiros e principais órgãos do animal e a formação de sua estrutura óssea. As Proteínas Ósseas Morfogenéticas (BMP-2 e BMP-4), moléculas essenciais reguladoras no desenvolvimento embrionário e na formação óssea, foram observadas apenas no estádio larval até o período juvenil, não sendo evidenciadas nos estágios anteriores. Os resultados desse trabalho trouxeram novas informações quanto à biologia do desenvolvimento dessa espécie, que certamente poderão auxiliar no aprimoramento de técnicas reprodutivas visando uma melhora na sua produção seja para fins comerciais ou de repovoamento.(AU)

The embryonic development of fishes has great importance in fish culture and on reintroduction of species at risk of extinction into their environment; its knowledge constitutes an important way to minimize diseases and mortality of these species. By using techniques like electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for bone markers identification, it was possible to evaluate the developmental stages of Leporinus elongatus in more details, helping to clarify the habits and biology of this species. Results showed the ontogeny and ostheogenesis of of Leporinus elongatus this species from fecundation to juvenile, evidencing important structures as size of the yolk, essential to embryo nutrition, the blastopores closure, important event in embryogenesis because it indicates fertilization indexes, and the metamorphosis, which shows the main organs' development including bones. Bone morphogenetic markers 1 and 4, essential regulatory molecules for bone development, had their expression restricted from larva to fry stages, and were not observed in their previous stages. In sum, these results provided new data that may improve reproductive techniques for L. elongatus, and will support commercial and repopulation purposes.(AU)

O desenvolvimento embrionário da Piapara, Leporinus elongatus (Pisces, Anostomidae), utilizando técnicas de histologia, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e imunológicas empregando marcadores ósseos

Abstract: The embryonic development of fishes has great importance in fish culture and on reintroduction of species at risk of extinction into their environment; its knowledge constitutes an important way to minimize diseases and mortality of these species. By using techniques like electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for bone markers identification, it was possible to evaluate the developmental stages of Leporinus elongatus in more details, helping to clarify the habits and biology of this species. Results showed the ontogeny and ostheogenesis of of Leporinus elongatus this species from fecundation to juvenile, evidencing important structures as size of the yolk, essential to embryo nutrition, the blastopores closure, important event in embryogenesis because it indicates fertilization indexes, and the metamorphosis, which shows the main organs' development including bones. Bone morphogenetic markers 1 and 4, essential regulatory molecules for bone development, had their expression restricted from larva to fry stages, and were not observed in their previous stages. In sum, these results provided new data that may improve reproductive techniques for L. elongatus, and will support commercial and repopulation purposes.

Resumo O desenvolvimento embrionário dos peixes é de grande importância para a piscicultura e na reintrodução de espécies ameaçadas de extinção em seus ambientes, e seu conhecimento constitui uma importante maneira para minimizar doenças e mortalidades dessas espécies. Com o auxílio de técnicas como a Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e a imuno-histoquimica para identificar proteínas ósseas, foi possível avaliar as fases de desenvolvimento com mais riqueza de detalhes, facilitando a compreensão de hábitos e da biologia da espécie. Neste trabalho pudemos observar a ontogenia e osteogênese da Piapara (Leporinus elongatus), desde a fecundação até a fase juvenil, sendo evidenciadas estruturas importantes como o tamanho do vitelo, essencial para a nutrição do embrião; o fechamento do blastóporo, evento principal da embriogênese, que indica as taxas de fertilização; a metamorfose, que indica a formação dos primeiros e principais órgãos do animal e a formação de sua estrutura óssea. As Proteínas Ósseas Morfogenéticas (BMP-2 e BMP-4), moléculas essenciais reguladoras no desenvolvimento embrionário e na formação óssea, foram observadas apenas no estádio larval até o período juvenil, não sendo evidenciadas nos estágios anteriores. Os resultados desse trabalho trouxeram novas informações quanto à biologia do desenvolvimento dessa espécie, que certamente poderão auxiliar no aprimoramento de técnicas reprodutivas visando uma melhora na sua produção seja para fins comerciais ou de repovoamento.

Length-weight relationship and reproductive activity of the Leporinus piau Fowler, 1941 captured in a small deactivated hydropower plant / Relação peso-comprimento e atividade reprodutiva do Leporinus piau Fowler, 1941, capturados em uma pequena usina hidrelétrica desativada

Reproductive activity of piau gordura Leporinus piau was studied using biometric, macroscopic and microscopic analysis. A total of 74 specimens of L. piau were collected quarterly from January to December 2005 in a small deactivated  hydropower plant located at Jorge Pequeno Stream and preserved in a fixative solution until analysis. The alterations after fixation were evaluated. The stages of gonadal maturation were determined by histology and gonadosomatic index (GSI). The females and males in the spawning capable and regressing stage were registered from October to December. L. piau is total spawning and the HSI (hepatossomatic index), SRI (stomach repletion index) and CFI (coelomic fat index) of females and males did not showed a statistical difference. However they were numerically different between the stages of maturation. For both sexes, the smallest specimens captured during the reproductive activity have measured around 8.3 cm in total standard. The length-weight relationship observed for the parameter b was 3.01 and the parameter a was 0.02. This study demonstrates the importance of Jorge Pequeno Stream in the reproductive activity of migratory fish in the upper São Francisco river.(AU)

A atividade reprodutiva do piau-gordura Leporinus piau foi estudada, utilizando análises biométricas, macroscópicas e microscópicas. Um total de 74 exemplares de L. piau foram capturados trimestralmente de janeiro a dezembro de 2005 em uma pequena usina hidrelétrica desativada localizada no Ribeirão Jorge Pequeno e fixados até as análises biométricas e histológicas. As alterações após fixação foram avaliadas. Os estádios de maturação gonadal foram determinados por histologia e índice gonadossomático (IGS). As fêmeas e os machos capazes de desovar foram registrados de outubro a dezembro. L. piau possui desova total e os índices IHS (índice hepatossomático), IRS (índice de repleção estomacal) e IGC (índice de gordura celômica) de fêmeas e machos não apresentaram diferença estatística apesar de numericamente serem diferentes entre os estádios de maturação. Os menores exemplares capturados em atividade reprodutiva mediram 8,3 cm de comprimento total para ambos os sexos. Na análise da relação peso-comprimento, o parâmetro b foi 3,01 e o parâmetro a foi de 0,02. Este estudo fornece importantes informações sobre L. piau e sugere o papel do Ribeirão Jorge Pequeno na atividade reprodutiva de peixes na região do alto rio São Francisco.(AU)

Length-weight relationship and reproductive activity of the Leporinus piau Fowler, 1941 captured in a small deactivated hydropower plant / Relação peso-comprimento e atividade reprodutiva do Leporinus piau Fowler, 1941, capturados em uma pequena usina hidrelétrica desativada

Reproductive activity of 'piau gordura' Leporinus piau was studied using biometric, macroscopic and microscopic analysis. A total of 74 specimens of L. piau were collected quarterly from January to December 2005 in a small deactivated hydropower plant located at Jorge Pequeno Stream and preserved in a fixative solution until analysis. The alterations after fixation were evaluated. The stages of gonadal maturation were determined by histology and gonadosomatic index (GSI). The females and males in the spawning capable and regressing stage were registered from October to December. L. piau is total spawning and the HSI (hepatossomatic index), SRI (stomach repletion index) and CFI (coelomic fat index) of females and males did not showed a statistical difference. However they were numerically different between the stages of maturation. For both sexes, the smallest specimens captured during the reproductive activity have measured around 8.3 cm in total standard. The length-weight relationship observed for the parameter 'b' was 3.01 and the parameter 'a' was 0.02. This study demonstrates the importance of Jorge Pequeno Stream in the reproductive activity of migratory fish in the upper São Francisco river.

A atividade reprodutiva do 'piau-gordura' Leporinus piau foi estudada, utilizando análises biométricas, macroscópicas e microscópicas. Um total de 74 exemplares de L. piau foram capturados trimestralmente de janeiro a dezembro de 2005 em uma pequena usina hidrelétrica desativada localizada no Ribeirão Jorge Pequeno e fixados até as análises biométricas e histológicas. As alterações após fixação foram avaliadas. Os estádios de maturação gonadal foram determinados por histologia e índice gonadossomático (IGS). As fêmeas e os machos capazes de desovar foram registrados de outubro a dezembro. L. piau possui desova total e os índices IHS (índice hepatossomático), IRS (índice de repleção estomacal) e IGC (índice de gordura celômica) de fêmeas e machos não apresentaram diferença estatística apesar de numericamente serem diferentes entre os estádios de maturação. Os menores exemplares capturados em atividade reprodutiva mediram 8,3 cm de comprimento total para ambos os sexos. Na análise da relação peso-comprimento, o parâmetro 'b' foi 3,01 e o parâmetro 'a' foi de 0,02. Este estudo fornece importantes informações sobre L. piau e sugere o papel do Ribeirão Jorge Pequeno na atividade reprodutiva de peixes na região do alto rio São Francisco.

Chromosomal evidence of population subdivision in the freshwater fish Leporinus elongatus in the Upper Paraná River basin

Cytogenetic analyses performed in populations of the Neotropical freshwater fish Leporinus elongatus of the Upper Paraná River basin showed a chromosome polymorphism involving heterochromatic segments of the nucleolar organizing pair in this species. The NOR-bearing chromosome pair was characterized by two phenotypes identified by the absence (CÕ) or presence (C²) of a heterochromatic segment located in an interstitial position of the long arm in this pair. The meiotic segregation of these variations results in three distinct cytotypes, CÕCÕ, CÕC² and C²C². Both populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Sex-related cytotype divergence was identified and multivariate analyses revealed that the C²C² individuals presented morphometric differentiation relative to body height in relation to the other cytotypes. A chromosome differentiation and a cytotype proportion difference observed between both populations suggest the occurrence of population subdivision within this species along the Upper Paraná River basin. These findings might contribute to the knowledge of the population biology of this fish and for its conservation.

Natural triploidy in Leporinus cf. elongatus bearing sex chromosomes

Although several cases of natural triploidy in fish have already been described, spontaneous polyploidy in species with differentiated sex chromosomes are rare. We report the occurrence of a triploid fish (3n = 81) Leporinus cf. elongatus, a species characterized by a highly differentiated ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system, from the São Francisco river. The occurrence of a ZZZ triploid adult indicates the viability of this chromosome constitution in this fish.