Growth and physiological response of proactive and reactive juvenile "tambaqui" (Colossoma macropomum) in a recirculating aquaculture system.

This study evaluated the growth and physiological response of proactive and reactive Colossoma macropomum juveniles in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). In Phase 1 of the experiment (50 days of cultivation), juveniles, weighing 2.16 ± 0.52 g, were stocked in 12 28-L tanks to test the following treatments: proactive (PT), reactive (RT) and mixed (MT) composed of reactive (MRT) and proactive (MPT) animals. In Phase 2 of the experiment (40 days of cultivation), the animals were transferred to 175-L tanks with the same treatments as Phase 1. The animals were fed twice a day with commercial diet during both phases. After Phase 1, MPT animals showed higher growth than MRT animals (P < 0.05), and higher weight gain and daily weight than PT animals (P < 0.05). After Phase 2, PT animals showed higher weight gain and daily weight gain than RT and MT animals (P < 0.05), as did MPT animals compared to PT animals. Performance for RT animals was superior (P < 0.05) to that of MRT animals. Glucose (P < 0.04) and cholesterol (P < 0.01) were higher for RT animals compared to PT animals. Cholesterol was higher for MPT animals compared to MRT animals (P < 0.01), while plasma protein was lower (P < 0.001). Glucose (P < 0.001) and cholesterol (P < 0.01) were higher for MPT animals compared to PT animals and for MRT animals compared to RT animals (glucose P < 0.02, cholesterol P < 0.01). After 90 days of cultivation, proactive animals cultivated separately presented better performance. When cultivated together, reactive animals experienced a decrease in performance and both stress coping styles showed more signs of stress.

Phylogeographic patterns of Cyphocharax from trans-Andean rivers and northward expansion to lower Central America (Teleostei, Curimatidae).

Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear data of 31 specimens of Cyphocharax from trans-Andean rivers support the presence of one lineage of Cyphocharax aspilos in Lago Maracaibo and three cryptic lineages of Cyphocharax magdalenae: (1) Cauca-Magdalena and Ranchería, (2) León and Atrato, and (3) Chucunaque-Tuira, Santa María, and Chiriquí basins of Central America. Results suggest that the Serranía del Perijá facilitated Late Miocene cladogenetic events, whereas post-Isthmian C. magdalenae expansion was enabled by gene flow across the lower Magdalena valley and Central American lowlands. Time-calibrated phylogenetics indicate that the C. magdalenae colonized lower Central America in the Pliocene (3.7 MYA; Ma), the divergence Atrato-Magdalena occurred in Late Pliocene (3.0 Ma) and the split Ranchería-Magdalena during the Middle Pleistocene (1.3 Ma). Updated geographic distribution data support the hypothesis that the Cordillera de Talamanca functions as a barrier to northward expansion of C. magdalenae in Central America.

Traceability of primordial germ cells in three neotropical fish species aiming genetic conservation actions.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are embryonic pluripotent cells that can differentiate into spermatogonia and oogonia, and therefore, PGCs are a genetic source for germplasm conservation through cryobanking and the generation of germline chimeras. The knowledge of PGC migration routes is essential for transplantation studies. In this work, the mRNA synthesized from the ddx4 3'UTR sequence of Pseudopimelodus mangurus, in fusion with gfp or dsred, was microinjected into zygotes of three neotropical species (P. mangurus, Astyanax altiparanae, and Prochilodus lineatus) for PGC labeling. Visualization of labeled PGCs was achieved by fluorescence microscopy during embryonic development. In addition, ddx4 and dnd1 expressions were evaluated during embryonic development, larvae, and adult tissues of P. mangurus, to validate their use as a PGC marker. As a result, the effective identification of presumptive PGCs was obtained. DsRed-positive PGC of P. mangurus was observed in the hatching stage, GFP-positive PGC of A. altiparanae in the gastrula stage, and GFP-positive PGCs from P. lineatus were identified at the segmentation stage, with representative labeling percentages of 29% and 16% in A. altiparanae and P. lineatus, respectively. The expression of ddx4 and dnd1 of P. mangurus confirmed the specificity of these genes in germ cells. These results point to the functionality of the P. mangurus ddx4 3'UTR sequence as a PGC marker, demonstrating that PGC labeling was more efficient in A. altiparanae and P. lineatus. The procedures used to identify PGCs in P. mangurus consolidate the first step for generating germinal chimeras as a conservation action of P. mangurus.

Social behaviors as welfare indicators in teleost fish.

Animal welfare is a key issue not only for aquaculture industry and food production, but also for daily husbandry practices in research topics related to physiology in wild and farmed animals. In this context, teleost fish constitute interesting models to assess alternative welfare indicators because of their wide diversity in reproductive and social structures. Any framework for assessing teleost fish welfare needs to account for the physiological mechanisms involved in each species as a first step. A comprehensive approach should also take into account how these physiological and behavioral parameters can be altered by environmental enrichment considering the specific requirements in each case and identifying intrinsic biological characteristics of individual species. This review will show how cortisol and sex steroids regulate social behavior in teleost fish, and how different aspects of social behavior can be employed as welfare indicators according to specific characteristics in each case. This article will consider evidence in teleost fish, including cichlids, characids and cyprinids with different reproductive strategies and social structures (e.g., territorial social hierarchies or shoaling behavior). Neotropical species will be particularly emphasized. The main laboratory-based animal welfare indicators are cortisol, a classical stress hormone, together with sex steroids. Considering that the endocrine landscape is intrinsically related to social behavior, reproductive and agonistic behavioral traits such as aggression, anxiety and courtship are key elements to assess welfare under housing and culture conditions. This review highlights the importance of assessing physiological mechanisms and identifying behavioral characteristics in teleost fish, especially in Neotropical species, as a baseline to understand which environmental enrichment can improve animal welfare in each individual species.

Revision of Prodontocharax and revalidation of Amblystilbe (Teleostei: Characidae: Cheirodontinae), with description of a new species

Abstract Prodontocharax species are revised and the genus Amblystilbe is revalidated based on analysis of type-material and additional specimens. Both genera are diagnosed based on unique synapomorphies among members of the Cheirodontinae related to shape, size, number and arrangement of teeth in the jaw bones. Prodontocharax melanotus, from the upper rio Madeira basin, Brazil and Bolivia, is redescribed, and a new species is described from the rio Huallaga basin, Peru. The genus Amblystilbe and its type-species, A. howesi, are redescribed from the Amazonas River basin, Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru, and Prodontocharax alleni is considered a junior synonym of A. howesi. The two species of Prodontocharax are distinguished by the color pattern, number of lamellae of the olfactory rosette in male and female and number of gill rakers, and differ from A. howesi by the number and shape of teeth, color pattern and number of branched anal-fin rays. According to recent studies, the species of Prodontocharax and A. howesi cluster into two distinct clades among the cheirodontines.

Resumo As espécies de Prodontocharax são revisadas e o gênero Amblystilbe é revalidado com base na análise do material-tipo e exemplares adicionais. Ambos os gêneros são diagnosticados com base em sinapomorfias únicas entre os membros de Cheirodontinae, relacionadas à forma, tamanho, número e disposição dos dentes das maxilas. Prodontocharax melanotus é redescrita para a bacia do alto rio Madeira, Brasil e Bolívia, e uma espécie nova é descrita para a bacia do rio Huallaga, Peru. O gênero Amblystilbe e sua espécie-tipo, A. howesi, são redescritos para a bacia do rio Amazonas, Bolívia, Brasil e Peru e Prodontocharax alleni considerado sinônimo júnior de A. howesi. As espécies de Prodontocharax se diferenciam pelo padrão de colorido, número de lamelas da roseta olfativa em machos e fêmeas e número de rastros branquiais, e diferem de A. howesi pelo número e forma dos dentes, padrão de colorido e número de raios ramificados da nadadeira anal. De acordo com estudos recentes, as espécies de Prodontocharax e A. howesi formam dois clados distintos dentre os queirodontíneos.

Genomic Resources for Salminus brasiliensis.

The Neotropical region bears the most diverse freshwater fish fauna on the planet and is the stage for dramatic conservation struggles. Initiatives aiming for conservation of a single emblematic fish, a flagship species, to which different onlookers relate on a cultural/personal level, holds promise towards engagement and conservation actions benefiting whole biological communities and ecosystems. Here, we present the first comprehensive genomic resources for Salminus brasiliensis, a potential flagship Neotropical species. This fish faces pressing conservation issues, as well as taxonomic uncertainty, being a main species relevant to angling and commercial fisheries. We make available 178 million Illumina paired-end reads, 90 bases long, comprising 16 Gb (≈15X coverage) of filtered data, obtained from a primary genomic library of 500-bp fragments. We present the first de novo genomic assembly for S. brasiliensis, with ∼1 Gb (N 50 = 10,889), as well as the coding genome annotation of 12,962 putative genes from assembled genomic fragments over 10 kb, most of which could be identified from the Ostariophysi GenBank database. We also provide a genome-wide panel for more than 80,000 predicted microsatellite loci for low-cost, fast and abundant DNA marker development for this species. A total of 47, among 52 candidates, empirically assayed microsatellites were confirmed as polymorphic in this fish. All genomic data produced for S. brasiliensis is hereby made publicly accessible. With the disclosure of these results, we intend to foster general biology studies and to provide tools to be applied immediately in conservation and aquaculture in this candidate flagship Neotropical species.

Evaluation of ichthyofauna in lotic and lentic environments in the Araguaia River basin, Cerrado Biome, Brazil

The Araguaia River is an important watercourse located in Central Brazil and well known for its diversity of fish fauna. Differences between landscape and resources in the distinct environments existing in a floodplain can determine the success of a species. This study presents a list of ichthyofauna species found in lentic and lotic environments in the floodplain of the Araguaia River basin, bordering Mato Grosso and Goiás States. We carried out sampling in July 2019, during the dry season, using diverse fish collection strategies, such as waiting nets, trawl, cast net and fishing rods. Were distributed 12 sampling points between lentic and lotic environments and we captured a total of 168 individuals of 42 species, 19 families and six orders. The predominant orders were Characiformes, Siluriformes and Cichliformes, while the families were Serrasalmidae, Characidae, Triportheidae, Curimatidae and Anostomidae. The genera Triportheus, Psectrogaster and Moenkhausia were the most abundant, while Pimelodus was the most dispersed. Results showed greater abundance and diversity in the lentic environment than in the lotic one, with top-of-the-chain species in both. The variance between environments and the presence of species that are endemic, recently described, of undefined taxonomic status, and bioindicators, highlight the importance of conserving and further studying the ichthyofauna in the Araguaia River basin.(AU)

Larval development of Characidium orientale (Actinopterygii: Crenuchidae) a small neotropical fish / Desenvolvimento larval de Characidium orientale (Actinopterygii: Crenuchidae)

The Characidium orientale Buckup & Reis, 1997 larvae development is described using specimens collected in the natural environment of Antas River, in the Taquari-Antas river basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Were considerate ontogenetic changes in morphology, pigmentation, fin morphology, and meristic characters. Thirty-six larvae (33 in the preflexion stage, two in flexion, and one in the postflexion stage), with a standard length between 4.24 and 11.26 mm were analyzed. The larvae of C. orientale are altricial and present fusiform body, subterminal mouth, long intestine with anal opening posterior to the vertical line over the median region of the body. Two chromatophores are evident in the interorbital region, as well pigments concentrated on the side of the body, forming a longitudinal stripe, and between the rays of the caudal fin, which intensify during the development. Also, a conspicuous remnant of the embryonic membrane (finfold) in front of the dorsal fin appears to be characteristic of species of the genus during larval development. The total number of myomeres varies from 32 to 35 (18-23 pre; 11-16 postanal). The main changes in morphometry occur during the preflexion stage and suggest physiological and behavioral changes.

O desenvolvimento das larvas de Characidium orientale Buckup & Reis, 1997 é descrito a partir de espécimes coletados no rio Antas, na bacia do rio Taquari-Antas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram consideradas mudanças ontogenéticas na morfologia, pigmentação, morfologia das nadadeiras e caracteres merísticos. Foram analisadas 36 larvas (33 na fase de pré-flexão, duas em flexão e uma em pós-flexão), com comprimento padrão entre 4,24 e 11,26 mm. As larvas de C. orientale são altriciais e apresentam corpo fusiforme, boca subterminal, intestino longo com abertura anal posterior à linha vertical sobre a região mediana do corpo. Dois cromatóforos são evidentes na região interorbital, bem como pigmentos concentrados na lateral do corpo, formando uma faixa longitudinal e entre os raios da nadadeira caudal, que se intensificam durante o desenvolvimento. Além disso, um remanescente conspícuo da membrana embrionária na frente da nadadeira dorsal parece ser característico de espécies do gênero durante o desenvolvimento larval. O número total de miômeros varia de 32 a 35 (18-23 pré; 11-16 pós-anal). As principais mudanças na morfometria ocorrem durante o estágio de pré-flexão e sugerem mudanças fisiológicas e comportamentais.

Fatty acid profile, omegas, and lipid quality in commercial cuts of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818) cultivated in ponds / Perfil de ácidos graxos, ômegas e qualidade lipídica em cortes comerciais de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomumCuvier, 1818) cultivado em tanques escavados

This study aimed to determine the fatty acid profile, omegas, and lipid quality indices in commercial cuts of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Samples were collected from two fish processing industries located in Rondônia state, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with processing performed in triplicate. Data were submitted for analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess differences between commercial cuts. If ANOVA was statistically significant (α = 0.05), the averages were compared using Tukey's test. In the composition of fatty acids, there was a difference (p < 0.05) between commercial cuts. The commercial cuts with the highest percentages of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) steak at 47.050%, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) fillet at 45.120%, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) band at 19.050%. In addition, the band expresses the highest values of omegas 3, 6, 7, and n-9. The indices prescribed ∑PUFAs/∑SFAs, ∑PUFAs (n-6/∑n-3), atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index, and ratio between hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids, indicating that commercial cuts have lipid quality. Nutritional information is important for conservation and processing processes, the development of new products on the market, and guidance on the form of preparation, thus providing commercial security for different market niches.

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar o perfil de ácidos graxos, ômegas e índices de qualidade lipídica em cortes comerciais de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). As coletas de amostras foram realizadas em duas indústrias de processamento de pescado localizadas no estado de Rondônia, Brasil. O delineamen-to experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com processamento realizado em triplicata. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) para avaliar diferenças entre cortes comerciais. Quando a ANOVA foi estatisticamente significativa (α = 0,05), as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Na composição dos ácidos graxos, houve diferença (p < 0,05) entre os cortes comerciais. O corte comercial com maiores percentagens de ácido graxo saturado (AGSs) foi a posta 47,050%, de ácido graxo monossaturado (AGMs) foi o filé 45,120% e de ácido graxo poli-insaturado (AGPs) foi a banda 19,050%. Esta também expressou os maiores valores de ômegas 3, 6, 7 e n-9. Os índices prescritos ∑AGPs/∑AGSs, ∑AGPs (n-6/∑n-3); índice de aterogenicidade; índice de trombogenicidade; razão entre ácidos graxos hipocolesterolêmicos e hipercolesterolêmicos mostram que os cortes comerciais possuem qualidade lipídica. As informações nutricionais são importantes para os processos de conservação e processamento e para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos no mercado, bem como orientam a forma de preparo, proporcionando assim segurança comercial para diferentes nichos de mercado.

Larval development of Characidium orientale (Actinopterygii: Crenuchidae) a small Neotropical fish

ABSTRACT The Characidium orientale Buckup & Reis, 1997 larvae development is described using specimens collected in the natural environment of Antas River, in the Taquari-Antas river basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Were considerate ontogenetic changes in morphology, pigmentation, fin morphology, and meristic characters. Thirty-six larvae (33 in the preflexion stage, two in flexion, and one in the postflexion stage), with a standard length between 4.24 and 11.26 mm were analyzed. The larvae of C. orientale are altricial and present fusiform body, subterminal mouth, long intestine with anal opening posterior to the vertical line over the median region of the body. Two chromatophores are evident in the interorbital region, as well pigments concentrated on the side of the body, forming a longitudinal stripe, and between the rays of the caudal fin, which intensify during the development. Also, a conspicuous remnant of the embryonic membrane (finfold) in front of the dorsal fin appears to be characteristic of species of the genus during larval development. The total number of myomeres varies from 32 to 35 (18-23 pre; 11-16 postanal). The main changes in morphometry occur during the preflexion stage and suggest physiological and behavioral changes.

RESUMO O desenvolvimento das larvas de Characidium orientale Buckup & Reis, 1997 é descrito a partir de espécimes coletados no rio Antas, na bacia do rio Taquari-Antas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram consideradas mudanças ontogenéticas na morfologia, pigmentação, morfologia das nadadeiras e caracteres merísticos. Foram analisadas 36 larvas (33 na fase de pré-flexão, duas em flexão e uma em pós-flexão), com comprimento padrão entre 4,24 e 11,26 mm. As larvas de C. orientale são altriciais e apresentam corpo fusiforme, boca subterminal, intestino longo com abertura anal posterior à linha vertical sobre a região mediana do corpo. Dois cromatóforos são evidentes na região interorbital, bem como pigmentos concentrados na lateral do corpo, formando uma faixa longitudinal e entre os raios da nadadeira caudal, que se intensificam durante o desenvolvimento. Além disso, um remanescente conspícuo da membrana embrionária na frente da nadadeira dorsal parece ser característico de espécies do gênero durante o desenvolvimento larval. O número total de miômeros varia de 32 a 35 (18-23 pré; 11-16 pós-anal). As principais mudanças na morfometria ocorrem durante o estágio de pré-flexão e sugerem mudanças fisiológicas e comportamentais.

Diversity of Nematoda and Digenea from different species of characiform fishes from Tocantins River, Maranhão, Brazil / Diversidade de Nematoda e Digenea coletados em diferentes espécies de Characiformes provenientes do rio Tocantins, Maranhão, Brasil

During a survey of the helminth fauna of characiform fishes from the Tocantins River, Brazil, 185 fish specimens from 22 species were studied. Twelve species of Nematoda and nine species of Digenea were collected. Some of these helminth species were reported for the first time in their hosts, thus representing new host records: Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sp. in Bivibranchia notata, Brycon pesu, Chalceus macrolepidotus, Hemiodus microlepis and Hemiodus unimaculatus; Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus in Triportheus elongatus; Goezia sp. (larva) in Boulengerella cuvieri; Rhabdochona acuminata in Brycon pesu and Triportheus trifurcatus; Raphidascaris sp. (larva) in Caenotropus labyrinthicus; Cosmoxynema vianai in Cyphocharax gouldingi; Rondonia rondoni in Leporinus fasciatus and Mylesinus paucisquamatus; Klossinemella iheringi in Mylesinus paucisquamatus; Cucullanidae gen. sp. in Myloplus rubripinnis; Rhabdochona sp. in Triportheus elongatus; Alphamphistoma sp. in Myleus setiger; Chalcinotrema sp. in Cyphocharax gouldingi; Pacudistoma guianense in Hemiodus unimaculatus and Myleus torquatus; Pseudocladorchis cylindricus in Hemiodus unimaculatus; Dadaytrema oxycephala in Mylesinus paucisquamatus; Travassosinia dilatata in Myloplus asterias; and Genarchella genarchella in Raphiodon vulpinus. Studies identifying new hosts and new localities for parasites have contributed to the knowledge of local biodiversity. A list of previous records of helminths included in the present study, providing hosts, localities, and references, is presented here.(AU)

Durante a pesquisa da fauna helmintológica de Characiformes do rio Tocantins, Maranhão, Brasil, 185 peixes pertencentes a 22 espécies foram estudados. Doze espécies de Nematoda e nove espécies de Digenea foram coletadas. Algumas espécies de helmintos estão sendo registradas pela primeira vez em seus hospedeiros, representando novos registros: Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sp. em Bivibranchia notata, Brycon pesu, Chalceus macrolepidotus, Hemiodus microlepis e Hemiodus unimaculatus; Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus em Triportheus elongatus; Goezia sp. (larva) em Boulengerella cuvieri; Rhabdochona acuminata em Brycon pesu e Tripotheus trifurcatus; Raphidascaris sp. (larva) em Caenotropus labyrinthicus; Cosmoxynema vianai em Cyphocharax gouldingi; Rondonia rondoni em Leporinus fasciatus e Mylesinus paucisquamatus; Klossinemella iheringi em Mylesinus paucisquamatus; Cucullanidae gen. sp. em Myloplus rubripinnis; Rhabdochona sp. em Triportheus elongatus; Alphamphistoma sp. em Myleus setiger; Chalcinotrema sp. em Cyphocarax gouldingi; Pacudistoma guianense em Hemiodus unimaculatus e Myleus torquatus; Pseudocladorchis cylindricus em Hemiodus unimaculatus; Dadaytrema oxycephala em Mylesinus paucisquamatus; Travassosinia dilatata em Myloplus asterias; e Genarchella genarchella em Raphiodon vulpinus. Estudos que identificam novos hospedeiros e novas localidades para parasitos têm contribuído para o conhecimento da biodiversidade local. Uma lista dos registros prévios dos helmintos incluídos no presente estudo, com hospedeiros, localidades e referências é apresentada.(AU)

Integrative taxonomy of a new species of Therodamas (Ergasilidae) infecting the Amazonian freshwater fish Leporinus fasciatus (Anostomidae).

Crustaceans of the subclass Copepoda are an important component of the invertebrate aquatic fauna. They occur in all aquatic environments and include some representatives that are free-living organisms and others that have a parasitic lifestyle. The genus Therodamas comprises marine and freshwater copepods whose females are parasites of fish in their adult phase, with only seven species described so far. During a field survey of fish parasites in the Jari River, a large tributary of the Amazon River system, in Brazil, we found a new species of the genus Therodamas infecting Leporinus fasciatus. Therodamas longicollum n. sp. is the second strictly freshwater species known. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the new species is grouped in the family Ergasilidae, and divergence estimates showed that T. longicollum n. sp. diverged from its ancestor at around 66.34 Ma, in the late Upper Cretaceous. Therodamas longicollum n. sp. differs from its congeneric in that it does not have lobes and/or expansion of the anterior neck region. Besides describing a new Therodamas species, thereby increasing the diversity of the genus to eight species, this study points out the existence of a lineage of these copepods that has adapted to the freshwater environment of the Amazon. This study also corroborates the genus Therodamas as part of the family Ergasilidae.

The influence of increased water temperature on the duration of spermatogenesis in a neotropical fish, Astyanax altiparanae (Characiformes, Characidae).

In view of the established climate change scenario and the consequent changes in global temperature, it is essential to study its effects on animal spermatogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the duration of spermatogenesis at different temperatures. For this purpose, 96 male and adult specimens of Astyanax altiparanae were kept in a closed circulation system with water temperature stabilized at 27 °C and 32 °C. Subsequently, the specimens received pulses of BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine) at a concentration of 100 mg/kg/day for 2 consecutive days, and the samples were collected daily for a period of 15 days. Their testes were removed, fixed, processed in historesin, and sectioned in 3 µm, submitted to hematoxylin/eosin staining and to bromodeoxyuridine immunodetection. Partial results of the optimum temperature experiments allowed the classification of A. altiparanae spermatogenic cells in Aund, Adiff, and type B spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The duration of spermatogenesis was determined as approximately 6 days for animals at a temperature of 27 °C and 1 day for animals at 32 °C. The elevated temperature was also responsible for increasing cell proliferation, resulting in an increase in the number of spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa, and cell death (cell pyknotic). The duration of spermatogenesis in A. altiparanae was directly affected by the elevated water temperature, causing a reduction in the estimated time of spermatogenesis.

Acoustic homogeneity in the piranha Serrasalmus maculatus.

Different studies suggest some social calls could be used in fish identification if their specificity is unambiguously assessed. Sounds of different populations of piranhas Serrasalmus maculatus Kner, 1858 were recorded to determine their homogeneity between rivers inside a single basin (Araguari and Grande River, upper Paraná River basin) and between separated basins (Amazon and Paraná basins). All fish from the different populations produced sounds with similar acoustic features. Consequently, the populations were not discernible based on individual sound characteristics. This high homogeneity between sounds from different populations indicates their usefulness for conservation projects using passive acoustic monitoring in piranhas. Moreover, it supports the use of acoustic features as complementary key characteristics in taxonomic studies.

Morphological and molecular analysis of Henneguya tietensis n. sp. (Cnidaria: Myxosporea), parasitizing the gill filaments of Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) from Brazil.

The present study describes Henneguya tietensis n. sp. parasitizing Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) from Brazil, through morphological and molecular analysis. Myxospores were found in the gill tissue of P. lineatus with a prevalence of 10%. The myxospores consisted of two elongate, elliptical shell valves each with a long, tapering caudal appendage. The morphology was consistent with Henneguya and the myxospore measured as follows (mean ± SD): total length 55.5 ± 2.1 µm, body length 16.2 ± 1.1 µm, body width 5.5 ± 0.1 µm, caudal appendages length 39.0 ± 2.0 µm. The polar capsules were 7.3 ± 0.2 µm long, 1.7 ± 0.2 µm wide and contained a polar filament coiled 11 to 13 turns. Histological analysis showed the plasmodia developing in the middle region of each gill filament and caused a focally extensive distension by forming a space-occupying mass within the gill filament. The ultrastructural analysis allowed the observation of the presence of mature myxospores throughout the plasmodium. Phylogenetic analysis with the SSU rDNA gene showed Henneguya tietensis n. sp. as a sister species of the subclade formed by Henneguya piaractus and Henneguya brachypomus that infect fishes of the genus Piaractus. The genetically closest species was H. piaractus, which showed a similarity of 82.4%. Using molecular and morphological characterization, the myxozoan parasite described herein represents a new species of the genus Henneguya.

Historical review on the type locality of Knodus victoriae (Steindachner 1907) (Teleostei: Characidae) and Loricaria parnahybae Steindachner 1907 (Teleostei: Loricariidae) / Revisão histórica sobre a localidade tipo de Knodus victoriae (Steindachner 1907) (Teleostei: Characidae) e Loricaria parnahybae Steindachner 1907 (Teleostei: Loricariidae)

Abstract: Based on the information and evidence on the zoological expedition led by the senior Austrian zoologist Franz Steindachner in 1903, the examination of original species descriptions using material collected in this expedition, the scientific literature on this expedition, examination of specimens of Knodus victoriae, and the consultation of State decrees modifying the name of localities and municipalities, we propose herein updated and accurate type localities for Knodus victoriae and Loricaria parnahybae. The accurate type locality for both species is at the mouth of a stream that flows into the Parnaiba River, Alto Parnaíba municipality in the State of Maranhão, upper Parnaiba River basin, northeastern Brazil. This update in the type locality aims to avoid doubts and confusion that hinder biogeographic and taxonomic studies.

Resumo: Com base em informações e evidências da expedição zoológica liderada pelo zoólogo sênior austríaco Franz Steindachner em 1903, exame das descrições originais das espécies que utilizaram material coletado nessa expedição, literatura científica sobre essa expedição, exame de exemplares de Knodus victoriae, e consulta a decretos estaduais que modificaram o nome de localidades e municípios, nós propomos a atualização com acurácia das localidades tipos de Knodus victoriae e Loricaria parnahybae. A localidade tipo acurada para ambas as espécies é na foz de um riacho que desagua no rio Parnaíba, no município de Alto Parnaíba no Estado do Maranhão, bacia do alto rio Parnaíba, nordeste do Brasil. Esta atualização na localidade tipo visa evitar dúvidas e confusões que podem atrapalhar estudos biogeográficos e taxonômicos.

Genome-wide association study reveals genes associated with the absence of intermuscular bones in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum).

The presence of intermuscular bones in fisheries products limits the consumption and commercialization potential of many fish species, including tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). These bones have caused medical emergencies and are an undesirable characteristic for fish farming because their removal is labor-intensive during fish processing. Despite the difficulty in identifying genes related to the lack of intermuscular bone in diverse species of fish, the discovery of individuals lacking intermuscular bones in a Neotropical freshwater characiform fish has provided a unique opportunity to delve into the genetic mechanisms underlying the pathways of intermuscular bone formation. In this study, we carried out a GWAS among boneless and wt tambaqui populations to identify markers associated with a lack of intermuscular bone. After analyzing 11 416 SNPs in 360 individuals (12 boneless and 348 bony), we report 675 significant (Padj  < 0.003) associations for this trait. Of those, 13 associations were located near candidate genes related to the reduction of bone mass, promotion of bone formation, inhibition of bone resorption, central control of bone remodeling, bone mineralization and other related functions. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we have successfully identified genes related to a lack of intermuscular bones using GWAS in a non-model species.

A new species of Characidium Reinhardt (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) with a unique mid-water behavior from the upper rio Madeira basin, Brazil.

A new species of Characidium is described from headwater tributaries of the upper rio Guaporé, Rio Madeira basin, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed from all congeners, except Characidium summus, for lacking the preorbital and postorbital stripes. It can be diagnosed from the latter species by having 12 circumpeduncular scales (vs. 14), by an adipose fin present (vs. adipose fin absent), and 10-12 bars along the body (vs. absence of bars), among other characters. The new species is so far only known from direct tributaries of the Rio Guaporé at the Serra da Borda, an isolated plateau 300-800 meters above sea level, and possess a behavior very uncommon within the genus, being a mid-water pelagic fish, instead of the benthic behavior of most congeners. Comments on the putative phylogenetic relationships of the new species, as well as some remarks on its unusual behavior within the genus, are presented.

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.

Anatomy and ontogenetic changes of the facial and gular musculature of the tetra Astyanax brucutu: A remarkable case of adaptation to durophagy.

Astyanax brucutu is a peculiar species of Neotropical tetra endemic from the Chapada Diamantina, a large plateau in northeastern Brazil. Individuals of this species undergo a dramatic ontogenetic shift in their diet that is accompanied by equally remarkable changes in their feeding apparatus. Whereas juveniles of A. brucutu feed mostly on algae, adults feed almost exclusively on an endemic species of hydrobiid snail and other associated living organisms that inhabit their dead shells (including infaunal invertebrates and algae). Skeletal adaptations associated with this change in diet were previously reported, but until now, the changes in the musculature remained mostly unknown. The present paper describes the facial and gular muscles, as well as the buccal ligaments of A. brucutu in different life stages, and identifies the major ontogenetic changes in these systems associated with the diet shift in the species. Such changes primarily involve expansions of specific portions of the adductor mandibulae and associated tendons and ligaments that likely represent adaptations to increase the biting power necessary to crush copious amounts of shells ingested by larger individuals of A. brucutu. Those adaptations are absent in specimens of any size of Astyanax cf. fasciatus, a sympatric congener lacking durophagous feeding habits. Anatomical comparisons and landmark-based principal components analysis (PCA) suggest that most specializations to durophagy in A. brucutu arose by peramorphosis. We also found that several of the muscular specializations of adults of A. brucutu are paralleled in species of Creagrutus and Piabina, two other characid genera distantly related to Astyanax, but that also feed on hard food items.