First record of dark leathery surface of geoduck clams in Panopea globosa.

Dark Leathery Surface of Geoduck Clams (LSGC) is an alteration that affects the periostracum of the mantle and siphon of Panopea generosa from the northwest coast of Canada and Mexico. This alteration affects commercialization and possibly the survival of the clams. The cause of LSGC is unknown but has been correlated with presence of fungi and protozoans. We detected a similar alteration in Panopea globosa from Baja California, Mexico and the histophagous ciliate Uronema marinum was isolated from affected siphon tissue. U. marinum was identified by its morphology and by genetic analysis of the gene 18S rRNA. This is the first record of LSGC in P. globosa and the first identification of a histophagous protozoan associated with it.

Effect of stocking density on the growth and survival of Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791) (Bivalvia: Veneridae) post-larvae / Efeito da densidade de estocagem sobre o crescimento e sobrevivência de pós-larvas de Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791) (Bivalvia: Veneridae)

Anomalocardia brasiliana post-larvae were cultured for 28 days to evaluate the effect of stocking density on their growth and survival rate. Three stocking densities were tested 40, 80 and 160 post-larvae cm-2, in experimental units (2-L) with static cultivation system and total water renewal at each 48 hours. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and three repetitions each. Stocking density of 40 post-larvae cm-2 reached 1 mm length within 24 days, while only 18% of the post-larvae at density of 80 post-larvae cm-2 reached 1 mm length in the same time. The density of 40 post-larvae cm-2 had the highest specific growth rate, 4.98±0.08% day-1. The survival rates of post-larvae at lower densities were significantly higher (53.24±4.60% and 52.95±3.32%, on 40 and 80 post-larvae cm-2, respectively) compared to higher stocking density (31.54±0.70%). In the cultivation of A. brasiliana post-larvae, stocking density must be managed during growth. The density of 160 post-larvae cm-2 can only be used until the post-larvae reach 600μm in length, then they should be at 40 post-larvae cm-2 density to keep the maximum daily growth rate.(AU)

Pós-larvas de Anomalocardia brasiliana foram cultivadas por 28 dias para avaliar o efeito da densidade de estocagem no crescimento e taxa de sobrevivência. Três densidades de estocagem foram testadas: 40, 80 e 160 pós-larvas cm-2, em unidades experimentais (2 L) com sistema de cultivo estatístico e renovação total de água a cada 48 h. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos em triplicata. A densidade de estocagem com 40 pós-larvas cm-2 alcançou 1 mm de comprimento após 24 dias, enquanto apenas 18% das pós-larvas estocadas a 80 pós-larvas cm-2 atingiram 1 mm de comprimento no mesmo período. A densidade de 40 pós-larvas cm-2 apresentou a maior taxa de crescimento específico 4,98±0,08% dia-1. As taxas de sobrevivência de pós-larvas em baixas densidades foram significativamente maiores (53,24 ± 4,60% e 52,95 ± 3,32%, em 40 e 80 pós-larvas cm-2, respectivamente) em comparação com a maior densidade de estocagem (31,54 ± 0,70%). Os resultados sugerem que na criação de pós-larvas de A. brasiliana, a densidade populacional deve ser ajustada durante o crescimento. A densidade de 160 pós-larvas cm-2 só pode ser usada até que as pós-larvas atinjam o comprimento de 600µm; em seguida deve ser alterada para a densidade de 40 pós-larvas cm-2 para manter a taxa máxima de crescimento diário.(AU)

Metal Concentrations in Age-Groups of the Clam, Megapitaria squalida, from a Coastal Lagoon in Mexico: A Human Health Risk Assessment.

The present study shows the human health risk of Cd, Cu, Hg and Zn by consumption of clams Megapitaria squalida from Northwest Mexico, collected in 2013. The mean concentration for each metal in the soft tissue was: Zn > Cu > Cd > Hg; and mean values of 68.89 ± 37.59-30.36 ± 27.19, 8.77 ± 1.35-6.80 ± 0.36, 4.47 ± 0.21-3.18 ± 0.63 and 0.99 ± 0.81-0.52 ± 0.16 µg/g, respectively. Clam age was significantly negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with soft tissue Zn concentrations. For all metals there is a low level of human health risk associated with the consumption of M. squalida, but it is necessary to determine the specific characteristics of the human population of the study site.

Effect of stocking density on the growth and survival of Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791) (Bivalvia: Veneridae) post-larvae / Efeito da densidade de estocagem sobre o crescimento e sobrevivência de pós-larvas de Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791) (Bivalvia: Veneridae)

Anomalocardia brasiliana post-larvae were cultured for 28 days to evaluate the effect of stocking density on their growth and survival rate. Three stocking densities were tested 40, 80 and 160 post-larvae cm-2, in experimental units (2-L) with static cultivation system and total water renewal at each 48 hours. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and three repetitions each. Stocking density of 40 post-larvae cm-2 reached 1 mm length within 24 days, while only 18% of the post-larvae at density of 80 post-larvae cm-2 reached 1 mm length in the same time. The density of 40 post-larvae cm-2 had the highest specific growth rate, 4.98±0.08% day-1. The survival rates of post-larvae at lower densities were significantly higher (53.24±4.60% and 52.95±3.32%, on 40 and 80 post-larvae cm-2, respectively) compared to higher stocking density (31.54±0.70%). In the cultivation of A. brasiliana post-larvae, stocking density must be managed during growth. The density of 160 post-larvae cm-2 can only be used until the post-larvae reach 600μm in length, then they should be at 40 post-larvae cm-2 density to keep the maximum daily growth rate.

Pós-larvas de Anomalocardia brasiliana foram cultivadas por 28 dias para avaliar o efeito da densidade de estocagem no crescimento e taxa de sobrevivência. Três densidades de estocagem foram testadas: 40, 80 e 160 pós-larvas cm-2, em unidades experimentais (2 L) com sistema de cultivo estatístico e renovação total de água a cada 48 h. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos em triplicata. A densidade de estocagem com 40 pós-larvas cm-2 alcançou 1 mm de comprimento após 24 dias, enquanto apenas 18% das pós-larvas estocadas a 80 pós-larvas cm-2 atingiram 1 mm de comprimento no mesmo período. A densidade de 40 pós-larvas cm-2 apresentou a maior taxa de crescimento específico 4,98±0,08% dia-1. As taxas de sobrevivência de pós-larvas em baixas densidades foram significativamente maiores (53,24 ± 4,60% e 52,95 ± 3,32%, em 40 e 80 pós-larvas cm-2, respectivamente) em comparação com a maior densidade de estocagem (31,54 ± 0,70%). Os resultados sugerem que na criação de pós-larvas de A. brasiliana, a densidade populacional deve ser ajustada durante o crescimento. A densidade de 160 pós-larvas cm-2 só pode ser usada até que as pós-larvas atinjam o comprimento de 600µm; em seguida deve ser alterada para a densidade de 40 pós-larvas cm-2 para manter a taxa máxima de crescimento diário.

Presence of enteric viruses, bioaccumulation and stability in Anomalocardia brasiliana clams (Gmelin, 1791).

Bivalve mollusks are filter feeders and may accumulate human pathogens in their tissues. Many studies demonstrated human diseases associated with bivalve consumption, especially oysters. Anomalocardia brasiliana clams are distributed along the Brazilian coastal area and are an exotic ingredient for some typical dishes in Brazil. Even though there are several reports describing the contamination of oysters and mussels with human pathogens, there is a lack of studies reporting contamination of A. brasiliana with human pathogens. An evaluation of natural microbiological contamination in A. brasiliana samples over a period of 18months (November 2014 to April 2016) showed that the bacteria indices were in accordance with Brazilian regulations (E. coli<230MPN and Salmonella sp. absent in 25g of meat). However, the enteric viruses evaluated were detected throughout the analysis period, with the highest result for the hepatitis A virus (HAV); followed by Rotavirus-A (RVA); Human Adenovirus (HAdV) and Norovirus GI (NoV GI). The bioaccumulation of enteric viruses by A. brasiliana during a period of 24h was performed using NoV GI and GII, HAV, RVA and HAdV as models. Interestingly the mollusk demonstrated different uptake behaviors in relation to these viruses throughout the time period. NoV GI was the most adsorbed virus after 24h. HAV concentration was <1% at 3h, but it increased to <10% at 8h, remaining unchanged until 12h, and decreasing to <3% at 24h; HAdV reached its highest concentration at 12h, being released by the animals and lowering to <3% at 24h. RVA bioaccumulation was unstable over time, reaching its highest values after 24h (<5%); NoV GII bioaccumulation remained <1%. Thermal inactivation of HAdV-2 in A. brasiliana was also evaluated. After the usual gentle cooking procedure using different times (0, 1, 1.5, 3 and 5mins), viral infectivity was evaluated using ICC-et-RT-qPCR. The temperature inside the DT remained <80°C over time and after 5min of cooking the HAdV reached a decay of 90% (1 log10). The results showed a real warn to the consumers that can be exposed to infectious human viruses if they eat these clams improperly cooked. HAV was the most detected virus in these animals, which may lead to outbreaks. A. brasiliana exhibited distinct behavior in NoV GI bioaccumulation and persistence, pointing to the need for further studies about the cellular ligands used by these viruses to become attached to these clams.

Reproductive periods of Lucina pectinata (BIVALVE; LUCINIDAE) in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, Paraná - Brazil / Período reprodutivo de Lucina pectinata (BIVLAVE; LUCINIDAE) no Complexo Estuarino de Paranaguá, PR - Brasil

Abstract The objectives of the present study is to describe the size for exploitation and gonadal maturation of L. pectinata in Peças Island in Paraná coast. Twenty two individuals were sampled every month, from an intertidal flat of the Peças River, Municipality of Guaraqueçaba, during two periods – summer/autumn and winter of the 2009. Environmental parameter data was obtained at the same time of the biological sampling: temperature, salinity and seawater transparency at the Peças River mouth. The animals’ height, length, width, gross weight, wet weight of meat and dry weight of meat were measured at the lab. The gonad development stages (GDS), condition index (CI) and yield index (Y) were calculated. Sex identification was conducted by direct observation of the gonads and gametes under an optic microscope. Individuals were classified as males (M), females (F) or undetermined (U). The medium height observed was of 49.62 ± 6.84 mm. Period of more expressive gonad repletion were observed in summer when water temperature was higher. Results of GDS in both periods showed a predominance of partially filled gonad stages. This may be related with the fact that L. pectinata has intense gametogenesis activity, that is, the organisms do not have a resting interval, but go back to gonad restructuring rapidly after releasing the gametes. The continuity of the reproductive cycle of the specimens found in both studied periods could demonstrate a possible continuous reproduction of the species and a size for exploitation above 40.00 mm of height.

Resumo O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever o tamanho de exploração e a maturação gonadal de L. pectinata na Ilha das Peças no litoral do Paraná. Vinte e dois indivíduos foram amostrados mensalmente na região entre-marés no Rio das Peças, Município de Guaraqueçaba, durante 2 períodos – verão/outono e inverno de 2009. Paralelamente às amostragens, foram obtidos dados dos parâmetros ambientais: temperatura, salinidade e transparência da água do mar na foz do Rio das Peças. A altura, comprimento, largura, peso bruto, peso úmido da carne e peso seco da carne dos animais foram medidos no laboratório. Foram calculados os estágios de desenvolvimento gonadal (EDG), índices de condição (IC) e de rendimento (R). A Identificação do sexo foi realizada por observação direta das gônadas e gametas sob microscópio óptico. Os indivíduos foram classificados como: machos (M), fêmeas (F) ou indeterminados (I). A altura média observada foi de 49,62 ± 6,84 mm. O período de maior repleção gonadal foi observado no verão, quando a temperatura da água foi mais elevada. Resultados dos EDG em ambos os períodos mostrou um predomínio de gônadas parcialmente cheias. Isso pode estar relacionado com o fato de que L. pectinata tem atividade gametogênese intensa, ou seja, os organismos não têm um intervalo de repouso, mas voltam a reestruturação das gônadas rapidamente após liberação dos gametas. A continuidade do ciclo reprodutivo dos espécimes encontrados em ambos os períodos estudados, pode demonstrar possível reprodução contínua da espécie e tamanho de exploração superior a 40,00 mm de altura.

Reproductive periods of Lucina pectinata (BIVALVE; LUCINIDAE) in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, Paraná - Brazil / Período reprodutivo de Lucina pectinata (BIVLAVE; LUCINIDAE) no Complexo Estuarino de Paranaguá, PR - Brasil

Abstract The objectives of the present study is to describe the size for exploitation and gonadal maturation of L. pectinata in Peças Island in Paraná coast. Twenty two individuals were sampled every month, from an intertidal flat of the Peças River, Municipality of Guaraqueçaba, during two periods summer/autumn and winter of the 2009. Environmental parameter data was obtained at the same time of the biological sampling: temperature, salinity and seawater transparency at the Peças River mouth. The animals height, length, width, gross weight, wet weight of meat and dry weight of meat were measured at the lab. The gonad development stages (GDS), condition index (CI) and yield index (Y) were calculated. Sex identification was conducted by direct observation of the gonads and gametes under an optic microscope. Individuals were classified as males (M), females (F) or undetermined (U). The medium height observed was of 49.62 ± 6.84 mm. Period of more expressive gonad repletion were observed in summer when water temperature was higher. Results of GDS in both periods showed a predominance of partially filled gonad stages. This may be related with the fact that L. pectinata has intense gametogenesis activity, that is, the organisms do not have a resting interval, but go back to gonad restructuring rapidly after releasing the gametes. The continuity of the reproductive cycle of the specimens found in both studied periods could demonstrate a possible continuous reproduction of the species and a size for exploitation above 40.00 mm of height.(AU)

Resumo O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever o tamanho de exploração e a maturação gonadal de L. pectinata na Ilha das Peças no litoral do Paraná. Vinte e dois indivíduos foram amostrados mensalmente na região entre-marés no Rio das Peças, Município de Guaraqueçaba, durante 2 períodos verão/outono e inverno de 2009. Paralelamente às amostragens, foram obtidos dados dos parâmetros ambientais: temperatura, salinidade e transparência da água do mar na foz do Rio das Peças. A altura, comprimento, largura, peso bruto, peso úmido da carne e peso seco da carne dos animais foram medidos no laboratório. Foram calculados os estágios de desenvolvimento gonadal (EDG), índices de condição (IC) e de rendimento (R). A Identificação do sexo foi realizada por observação direta das gônadas e gametas sob microscópio óptico. Os indivíduos foram classificados como: machos (M), fêmeas (F) ou indeterminados (I). A altura média observada foi de 49,62 ± 6,84 mm. O período de maior repleção gonadal foi observado no verão, quando a temperatura da água foi mais elevada. Resultados dos EDG em ambos os períodos mostrou um predomínio de gônadas parcialmente cheias. Isso pode estar relacionado com o fato de que L. pectinata tem atividade gametogênese intensa, ou seja, os organismos não têm um intervalo de repouso, mas voltam a reestruturação das gônadas rapidamente após liberação dos gametas. A continuidade do ciclo reprodutivo dos espécimes encontrados em ambos os períodos estudados, pode demonstrar possível reprodução contínua da espécie e tamanho de exploração superior a 40,00 mm de altura.(AU)

Reproductive periods of Lucina pectinata (BIVALVE; LUCINIDAE) in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, Paraná - Brazil

Abstract The objectives of the present study is to describe the size for exploitation and gonadal maturation of L. pectinata in Peças Island in Paraná coast. Twenty two individuals were sampled every month, from an intertidal flat of the Peças River, Municipality of Guaraqueçaba, during two periods summer/autumn and winter of the 2009. Environmental parameter data was obtained at the same time of the biological sampling: temperature, salinity and seawater transparency at the Peças River mouth. The animals height, length, width, gross weight, wet weight of meat and dry weight of meat were measured at the lab. The gonad development stages (GDS), condition index (CI) and yield index (Y) were calculated. Sex identification was conducted by direct observation of the gonads and gametes under an optic microscope. Individuals were classified as males (M), females (F) or undetermined (U). The medium height observed was of 49.62 ± 6.84 mm. Period of more expressive gonad repletion were observed in summer when water temperature was higher. Results of GDS in both periods showed a predominance of partially filled gonad stages. This may be related with the fact that L. pectinata has intense gametogenesis activity, that is, the organisms do not have a resting interval, but go back to gonad restructuring rapidly after releasing the gametes. The continuity of the reproductive cycle of the specimens found in both studied periods could demonstrate a possible continuous reproduction of the species and a size for exploitation above 40.00 mm of height.

Resumo O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever o tamanho de exploração e a maturação gonadal de L. pectinata na Ilha das Peças no litoral do Paraná. Vinte e dois indivíduos foram amostrados mensalmente na região entre-marés no Rio das Peças, Município de Guaraqueçaba, durante 2 períodos verão/outono e inverno de 2009. Paralelamente às amostragens, foram obtidos dados dos parâmetros ambientais: temperatura, salinidade e transparência da água do mar na foz do Rio das Peças. A altura, comprimento, largura, peso bruto, peso úmido da carne e peso seco da carne dos animais foram medidos no laboratório. Foram calculados os estágios de desenvolvimento gonadal (EDG), índices de condição (IC) e de rendimento (R). A Identificação do sexo foi realizada por observação direta das gônadas e gametas sob microscópio óptico. Os indivíduos foram classificados como: machos (M), fêmeas (F) ou indeterminados (I). A altura média observada foi de 49,62 ± 6,84 mm. O período de maior repleção gonadal foi observado no verão, quando a temperatura da água foi mais elevada. Resultados dos EDG em ambos os períodos mostrou um predomínio de gônadas parcialmente cheias. Isso pode estar relacionado com o fato de que L. pectinata tem atividade gametogênese intensa, ou seja, os organismos não têm um intervalo de repouso, mas voltam a reestruturação das gônadas rapidamente após liberação dos gametas. A continuidade do ciclo reprodutivo dos espécimes encontrados em ambos os períodos estudados, pode demonstrar possível reprodução contínua da espécie e tamanho de exploração superior a 40,00 mm de altura.

First report of Perkinsus beihaiensis in wild clams Anomalocardia brasiliana (Bivalvia: Veneridae) in Brazil.

This is the first report of Perkinsus sp. (Bivalvia: Veneridae) infecting wild clams of the species Anomalocardia brasiliana in Brazil. The gill lamellae and rectum of 150 specimens of A. brasiliana collected in the Timonha river estuary (Ceará, Northeastern Brazil) in March 2012 were incubated in Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) for detection of Perkinsus sp. In RFTM, the prevalence of Perkinsus sp. was 14.7% (22/150) and the intensity of infection ranged from very light (1-10 cells across the slide) to light (12-100 cells). The presence of Perkinsus sp. was confirmed by PCR in seven (31.8%) out of 22 RFTM-positive specimens. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of the genus Perkinsus and the phylogenetic analysis strongly indicated Perkinsus beihaiensis as the species responsible for the infection.