Bioaccumulation, genotoxicity, and risks to native fish species from inorganic contaminants in the Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense, Brazil.

The Aquidauana River is one of the most important rivers in the Pantanal region, Brazil. However, its waters have been contaminated by nearby anthropogenic activities, threatening native fish species. In this study, our objectives were: 1) to determine the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in water and sediment samples from the Aquidauana River and to assess the risks posed to aquatic biota; 2) to quantify the concentration of these elements in muscle and liver tissue samples from four native fish species; 3) to evaluate the potential bioaccumulation of inorganic elements in the muscles and liver; and 4) to investigate genotoxicity biomarkers and their association with the inorganic element concentrations present in the muscle tissue. Water and fish samples were collected in November 2020. The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Pb in the water samples were in disagreement with the Brazilian legislation and presented risks to the aquatic biota. In terms of mixtures of inorganic elements, there was a great increase in the risk to biota. The As concentration did not meet the Brazilian standard for sediments in the sample collected at sampling site 6. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in the muscle tissue of Hypostomus regani, Prochilodus lineatus, Brycon hilarii, and Mylossoma duriventre exceeded the Brazilian standards for human consumption. H. regani showed greater genotoxic damage, and the higher the Al and Fe concentrations in the muscle tissue, the higher the frequencies of lobulated nuclei and nuclear invaginations. Together, our results demonstrate the negative impacts on native fish species from the Aquidauana River contamination and indicate risks to Pantanal biodiversity.

Acute Exposure to Biogenic Nanosilver Produced from Fusarium oxysporum in a Neotropical Fish.

Biogenic nanosilver (bNAg) has emerged as a potentially less toxic alternative to synthetic nanosilver. However, no studies have evaluated its effects on a fish species from the Neotropical region. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the effects of a bNAg on the Neotropical fish Prochilodus lineatus. For this purpose, after 24 h of exposure to 100 µg L-1 of bNAg, blood samples were collected to evaluate hematological, genotoxic, and plasma parameters. Gills and liver were sampled to evaluate biomarkers of oxidative stress and brain samples were used to assess neurotoxicity. The fish presented hyperglycemia, an increased number of erythrocytes, a reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity in both tissues evaluated, and a decrease in lipid peroxidation in the gills. We concluded that P. lineatus is a sensitive species to this nanoparticle, since it presented alterations in several biomarkers after an acute exposure.

Morphological and cytochemical characterization of the peripheral blood cells of farmed streaked prochilod Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes, Prochilodontidae) / [Caracterização morfológica e citoquímica das células do sangue periférico do curimatã Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes, Prochilodontidae) em cultivo]

Morphological and cytochemical studies of peripheral blood cells of fish have improved the understanding of their functions and cell types. The present study performed the Morphological and cytochemical analysis of the peripheral blood of Prochilodus lineatus, Characiform native to South America, which has been gaining space in local aquaculture and as a species introduced in Asia. Our analysis provided information on the morphological and cytochemical characteristics of the leukocytes, for the formulation of hypothesis about their role in the immune system of the species. It was found that Prochilodus lineatus has morphological and cytochemical features in common with other fish species, mainly of the Characiformes order. However, we detected the presence of heterophils and PAS positive granulocytes simultaneously with neutrophils. We also found that heterophils and PAS positive granulocytes are very similar, both morphologically and cytochemically.(AU)

O estudo da morfologia e da citoquímica das células do sangue periférico dos peixes tem sido eficaz para o entendimento de suas funções e dos tipos celulares. Este estudo realizou a análise morfológica e citoquímica do sangue periférico de Prochilodus lineatus, caracídeo nativo da América do Sul que vem ganhando espaço na aquicultura local e como espécie introduzida na Ásia. Essa análise forneceu informações sobre a morfologia e as características citoquímicas dos leucócitos, visando a hipóteses sobre suas funções. Verificou-se que estas são semelhantes em vários aspectos a outras espécies, principalmente da ordem Characiformes. No entanto, neste estudo detectou-se a presença dos heterofilos e da célula granulocítica especial, simultaneamente à presença dos neutrófilos. Ainda, foi verificado que os heterofilos e a célula granulocítica especial são muito semelhantes morfológica e citoquimicamente.(AU)

Exposure to environmental concentrations of fipronil induces biochemical changes on a neotropical freshwater fish.

Fipronil is a broad-use insecticide with severe toxicity to fish. Biomarkers responses and bioaccumulation were evaluated on Prochilodus lineatus after exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of fipronil (0.5 µg L-1, 9 µg L-1, and 100 µg L-1) in a prolonged flow-through assay and ex vivo gills short-term exposition. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), oxidatively modified proteins (PO), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the content of reduced glutathione (GSH), antioxidant capacity against peroxyles (ACAP), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were evaluated. Besides, levels of fipronil and metabolites were analyzed by GC-ECD. At the end of the flow-through assay, fipronil, Fp. sulfone and Fp. desulfinyl were detected in fish, being liver the target organ. Fipronil prolonged exposition promoted oxidative damage in lipids and proteins, alterations in the defense system and low-antioxidant capacity in organs of P. lineatus. The brain AChE activity was affected after prolonged exposition. Ex vivo gills exposition to fipronil promoted changes in antioxidant capacity and damage to lipids, providing a fast and suitable test to assess the pesticide exposure in fish. The results revealed that fipronil at environmental concentrations would be an inducer of oxidative stress in this fish, becoming a vulnerable species to the effects of fipronil in aquatic environments.

Biochemical and morphological biomarker responses in the gills of a Neotropical fish exposed to a new flavonoid metal-insecticide.

The flavonoid metal-insecticide [Mg(hesp)2(phen)], denominated MgHP, has high potential for controlling agricultural pests. If applied in large scale, it may reach aquatic ecosystems and be harmful to the biota. This study evaluated the effects of MgHP in the gills of the Neotropical fish, Prochilodus lineatus by determining the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione s-transferase (GST), and the levels of glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) after 24 and 96 h exposure to 0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 µg L-1. The histopathological changes with emphases to mitochondria-rich cells (MRC) were evaluated as well. After 24 h exposure the enzyme activities and the GSH and LPO levels were unchanged however, after 96 h exposure to high MgHP concentration (1000 µg L-1), the GST activity and GSH levels increased. Oxidative stress measured as LPO levels did not occur after MgHP exposure in both periods. Gill tissue alterations increased after MgHP exposure to 10, 100 and 1000 µg L-1. Cellular atrophy, pillar cells changes, filament epithelium hyperplasia and hypertrophy, lamellar epithelium hyperplasia were the most frequent histopathology. MRC in the filament epithelium decreased after exposure to 24 h and increased after 96 h indicating possible transitory osmo-ionic disruption. P. lineatus exhibited high tolerance to MgHP. The increased GST activity and GSH levels after 96 h exposure suggested possible MgHP accumulation and concentration- and time-dependent response. Histopathology in the gills of exposed fish occurred at high MgHP concentrations. These results suggested that the MgHP into water, at high concentrations, affect the gills by changing GST activity, GSH levels and histology being useful biomarkers for MgHP water contamination.

Drifting in a free-flowing river: Distribution of fish eggs and larvae in a small tributary of a Neotropical reservoir / À deriva em um rio de fluxo livre: Distribuição de ovos e larvas de peixes em um pequeno afluente de um reservatório Neotropical

Abstract: We investigated spatial and temporal variations in the distribution of fish eggs and larvae in the Guareí River, a free-flowing tributary located in the upper section of the Jurumirim Reservoir, Paranapanema River, Brazil. Fish eggs and larvae were sampled ~ fortnightly from November 2017 to March 2018 (Cycle 1), and from November 2018 to March 2019 (Cycle 2), at three sites distributed along the entire course of the Guareí River. We collected 859 fish eggs and 1,340 larvae, comprising 19 taxa. We found reproductive activity of several fish species in the Guareí River, including long-distance migrants. However, there was no spatial differences in the assemblage structure and densities of fish eggs and larvae along the channel of Guareí River. We recorded temporal differences in larvae density only in Cycle 2. The consistent capture of fish eggs and larvae in two reproductive cycles is strong evidence that this river is a spawning site for a variety of fish species. Thus, we recommend maintaining its natural flow regime.

Resumo: Investigamos as variações espaciais e temporais na distribuição de ovos e larvas de peixes no rio Guareí, um afluente de fluxo livre localizado na parte superior do Reservatório de Jurumirim, bacia do rio Paranapanema, Brasil. Ovos e larvas de peixes foram amostrados ~ quinzenalmente de novembro de 2017 a março de 2018 (Ciclo 1), e de novembro de 2018 a março de 2019 (Ciclo 2), em três locais distribuídos ao longo de todo o curso do rio Guareí. Foram coletados 859 ovos de peixes e 1.340 larvas, compreendendo 19 táxons. Nós encontramos atividade reprodutiva de várias espécies no rio Guareí, incluindo espécies migradoras de longa distância. Contudo, não houve diferenças espaciais na estrutura das assembleias e nas densidades de ovos e larvas e ao longo do canal do rio Guareí. Diferenças temporais foram significativas apenas para densidade de larvas no Ciclo 2. A captura consistente de ovos e larvas de peixes em dois ciclos reprodutivos é uma forte evidência de que este rio é um local para a reprodução de várias espécies de peixes. Assim, recomendamos a manutenção do seu regime de fluxo natural.

Radiotagging a long-distance migratory Characiform fish: reproduction after surgery, tag losses, and effects in weight

Although biotelemetry studies bring useful information, tagging is a highly invasive procedure. For this reason, we assess if intracoelomic tagging alters survivorship, weight gain and/or reproductive capacity of a neotropical migratory fish. In August 2016, 60 fish were equally and randomly distributed among 3 treatments: Control (anesthesia), sham surgery (anesthesia and surgery), and true surgery (anesthesia, surgery and tagging). Surveys for weight and tag expulsion were performed periodically from surgery through spawning (November/2016), with a final survey occurring in May/2017. Mortality was higher in true surgery (25% died) and for males. Twenty percent expelled tags, and initial weight loss followed by gain were verified for all treatments. Females of all treatments spawned, and fecundity and fertility were not different. Then, future studies should consider the losses due to death and tag expulsion when defining the sample number. We also encourage further investigations about differences in mortality between sex and weight variation, as well as any other factor that leads to increase in mortality. This is the first study that investigated tagging effects in reproduction of neotropical fishes, and since the methods and tags used are not species-specific, we infer that similar effects could occur in other species.(AU)

Embora estudos de biotelemetria gerem informações úteis, processos de marcação são invasivos. Por isso, avaliamos se a marcação intracelomática altera sobrevivência, ganho de peso e/ou capacidade reprodutiva de um peixe migrador neotropical. Em agosto de 2016, 60 peixes foram distribuídos igualmente e aleatoriamente entre os tratamentos controle (anestesia), cirurgia-falsa (anestesia e cirurgia) e cirurgia-verdadeira (anestesia, cirurgia e marcação). Vistorias para pesagem e observação de expulsão de marcas foram realizadas periodicamente da cirurgia até a desova (novembro/2016), com uma vistoria final em maio/2017. A mortalidade foi maior nos peixes marcados (25% morreram) e entre machos. Vinte por cento expulsaram as marcas e, para todos os tratamentos, foi observado perda de peso inicial com posterior recuperação. Fêmeas de todos os tratamentos desovaram; fecundidade e fertilidade não foram diferentes. Novos estudos devem considerar as perdas de marcas por mortalidade e rejeição na definição do número amostral. Também recomendamos estudos que investiguem a mortalidade diferencial entre sexos e variação de peso, bem como fatores causadores de mortalidade. Este é o primeiro estudo que investigou efeitos da marcação na reprodução de peixes neotropicais e, uma vez que métodos e marcas utilizadas não são espécie-específicos, inferimos que efeitos similares podem ocorrer em outras espécies.(AU)

Digestive aspartic proteases from sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus): Characterization and application for collagen extraction.

Acid proteases from sábalo stomach mucosa were recovered using salting-out procedure. This single step produced an enzyme extract purified 1.8-fold over the crude extract with a recovery of 45.1% of its initial proteolytic activity. Sábalo proteases exhibited the highest activity at 45 °C-pH 2.0, showed pH stability between 2.0 and 5.0 and retained more than 70% of its activity after incubation at pH 7.0 for 2 h. Fish extract was unstable at temperatures greater than 45 °C. Its activity was inhibited by pepstatin A but not by PMSF, while EDTA and SDS showed partial inhibitory effects. Presence of CaCl2 and MgCl2 increased the proteolytic activity, while increasing concentrations of NaCl strongly decreased it. In addition, compared to the acid extraction method, the use of sábalo enzymatic extract increased 1.7 times the yield of collagen extraction.

Diet of fish (Characiformes: Characidae) during early developmental stages in the Upper Paraná river basin, Brazil / Alimentação de peixes (Characiformes: Charicidae) nas fases iniciais de desenvolvimento da bacia do Alto rio Paraná, Brasil

This study analyzed the diet during early developmental stages of Astyanax lacustris (AA), Piaractus mesopotamicus (PM), Megaleporinus obtusidens (MO) and Prochilodus lineatus (PL), under experimental conditions. Fish larvae, 350 of each species, were stocked separately in 16 fiber-cement tanks (500 L), from which, three larvae of each species were collected every three days, for 36 days. Tanks were fertilized (1.5 g NPK-7: 14: 8) and had 50% of the surface with macrophytes. Larvae were grouped in age classes = I: 5 to 11, II: 14 to 20, III: 23 to 29 and IV: 32 to 38 days and, dissected for analysis of the digestive tract. Methodologies of dominance, frequency of occurrence and points of food items were used. For AA and PM larvae, measurements were taken for the number and size of organisms to determine the percent participation in biovolume. Changes in diets of larvae in different age classes were found as well as between different species, with the same age. Rotifers were dominant in the content of digestive tracts of all species at Class I, and the larvae diets became more distinct with increasing age, in which AA consumed mainly rotifers, PM, larger organisms (mainly cladocerans), PL, algae (diatoms as the main item) and PP with a more diversified diet (rotifers, ostracodes and algae) . In conclusion, early stages of these species presented distinct diets, undergoing remarkable changes in the first 38 days of life.

Estudou-se a alimentação dos estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento de Astyanax lacustris (AA), Piaractus mesopotamicus (PM), Megaleporinus obtusidens (MO) e Prochilodus lineatus (PL) em condições experimentais. As larvas, 350 cada espécie, foram estocadas separadamente, em 16 tanques de fibrocimento (500 L) dos quais foram coletados três indivíduos de cada um, a cada três dias, por 36 dias. Os tanques foram fertilizados (1,5 g de NPK-7:14:8) e tinham 50% da superfície com macrófitas. As larvas foram agrupadas em classes de idade = I: 5 a 11, II: 14 a 20, III: 23 a 29 e IV: 32 a 38 dias e, dissecadas para a abertura do trato digestório. Foram empregadas as metodologias de dominância, frequência de ocorrência e pontos dos itens alimentares. Para as larvas de AA e PM, foram contados e tomadas medidas das dimensões dos organismos para determinar a participação percentual do biovolume. Observaram-se mudanças nas dietas das larvas em diferentes classes de idade e também entre larvas de espécies diferentes, com mesma idade. Houve predomínio de rotíferos nos conteúdos dos tratos digestórios de todas as espécies na classe I, as dietas das larvas passaram a ser mais distintas com o incremento da idade, com AA consumindo principalmente rotíferos, PM organismos maiores (principalmente cladóceros), PL tendo algas (diatomáceas como item principal) e PP com uma dieta mais variada (rotíferos, ostracodes e algas). Conclui-se que as formas jovens destas espécies apresentaram dietas distintas, passando por nítidas alterações nos primeiros 38 dias de vida.

Impact of Brazilian fish species at early developmental stages on plankton communities and water chemical parameters / Impacto de espécies de peixes brasileiros em estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento sobre a comunidade planctônica e parâmetros químicos da água

Effect of larvae of Astyanax altiparanae (AA), Piaractus mesopotamicus (PM), Leporinus obtusidens (LO) and Prochilodus lineatus (PL) on plankton communities and water quality were evaluated. Twenty 500 L tanks were used into a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications, containing 350 individuals of each species per tank. One treatment control had no larvae (CT). Every six days, were collected periphyton and water to determine the concentrations of chlorophyll and total phosphorus. Plankton samples (20 µm mesh net) were taken every three days. Fish affected plankton communities, which showed lower densities of total zooplankton in AA tanks than in LO tanks. Increased density of rotifers and reduced density of copepods were found in AA, PM and PL tanks in relation to the CT. Higher density of testate amoebae was observed in AA, PM and LO tanks. As to biovolume, higher values for total plankton were registered in the CT and LO tanks compared with AA, PM and PL tanks; higher values for rotifers were observed in PL tanks than in the CT. Copepod biovolume was higher in CT and LO tanks. Biovolume of cladoceran and testate amoebae were not affected. Plankton´s chlorophyll concentration was higher in tanks with fish. Higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen were found in AA and PM tanks. It can be concluded that juveniles of these fish species differently affect the plankton community and chemical parameters of the water.

Avaliou -se o efeito das fases iniciais de desenvolvimento de Astyanax altiparanae (AA), Piaractus mesopotamicus (PM), Leporinus obtusidens (LO) e Prochilodus lineatus (PL) nas comunidades planctônicas e a qualidade da água. Foram utilizados 20 tanques (500 L) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, onde foram estocados 350 indivíduos de cada espécie por tanque. Foi mantido um tratamento sem larvas (CT). A cada seis dias, foram retiradas amostras do perifíton e da água para determinar as concentrações de clorofila e do fósforo total. Foram realizadas coletas de plâncton (rede 20 µm) a cada três dias. Houve efeito dos peixes sobre a comunidade planctônica com menores densidades de zooplâncton total nos tanques com AA do que naqueles com LO. Observou-se aumento das densidades de rotíferos e redução das de copépodes nos tanques com AA, PM e PL em relação ao CT. Observaram-se maiores densidades de tecamebas nos tanques com AA, PM e LO. Observaram -se também valores superiores do biovolume para o plâncton total no CT e LO em comparação a AA, PM e PL, constatando-se maiores índices de rotíferos nos tanques com PL em relação ao CT. O biovolume dos copépodes foi mais elevado nos tanques CT e LO. O biovolume de cladóceros e tecamebas não foi afetado. A concentração de clorofila do plâncton foi maior nos tanques com peixes. Maiores teores de oxigênio dissolvido foram obtidos com AA e PM. Conclui-se que a presença das formas jovens dessas espécies de peixe afeta de forma diferenciada a comunidade planctônica e os parâmetros químicos da água.

Development of the vertebral column and caudal skeleton in Prochilodus lineatus larvae under laboratory conditions / Desarrollo de la columna vertebral y del esqueleto caudal en larvas de Prochilodus lineatus en condiciones de larvicultura intensiva

For successful fish larviculture thorough studies describing the development of fish in different morphological aspects are required, as they are crucial for larval survival and growth. The present study described in Prochilodus lineatus larvae the osteological development of the vertebral column and caudal skeleton 30 days after hatching (dah). Larvae were obtained by artificial induction of adults. The beginning of formation of the spine occurs between 10 to 12 dah (8.3 mm standard length, SL) simultaneously to the first neural and hemal processes and the pre-caudal vertebral bodies. The ossification of the vertebral column occurred in cranio-caudal direction and was completed at 28 dah (22.6 mm SL). The development of the caudal skeleton elements started between 6 and 8 dah with the formation of the hypurals (H), the parahipural (PH) and the primary and secondary caudal rays. H 1 to H 3 were formed as cartilaginous primordia on the ventral side of the distal portion of the notochord, while the PH and H 4 to H 6 were formed subsequently. The first rays of the caudal fin were observed in correspondence with the formation of H 2 and H 3, while complete formation of the caudal fin was observed at 28 dah. The epurals, three in number, were evident as cartilaginous elements located both dorsal and distal in the notochord. Central ural complex (CUC) was formed by the fusion of three structures, the center preural 1 and urals 1 and 2. Development of the vertebral column and the caudal skeleton in P. lineatus larvae showed similar patterns to those described for other teleosts.

Se describe el desarrollo osteológico de la columna vertebral y del esqueleto caudal en larvas de sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus) bajo condiciones controladas hasta los 30 días posteriores a la eclosión (dpe). El inicio de la formación de la columna vertebral fue observado entre los 10-12 dpe (8,3 mm de longitud estándar, LE) con la aparición de los primeros procesos neurales, hemales y cuerpos vertebrales pre-caudales. La osificación de la columna vertebral ocurrió en sentido cráneo-caudal y fue completa a los 28 dpe (22,6 mm LE). El esqueleto caudal inició su desarrollo entre los 6 y 8 dpe con la formación de los hipurales (H), parahipural (PH) y los radios caudales principales y secundarios. Los H 1 al 3 se formaron como primordios cartilaginosos en la cara ventral de la porción distal de la notocorda, mientras que posteriormente se formaron los H 4 al 6 y el PH. Los primeros radios de la aleta caudal fueron observados en correspondencia con la formación de los H 2 y 3, mientras que a los 28 dpe se observó la completa formación de los mismos, existiendo 10 radios en el lóbulo dorsal y 9 en el lóbulo ventral. Los epurales, en número de tres, fueron evidentes como elementos cartilaginosos en dorsal de la notocorda y distalmente a los arcos neurales, permaneciendo sin osificarse hasta los 25 dpe. El complejo centro ural se constituyó por la fusión de tres estructuras, el centro preural 1, el ural 1 y 2. El desarrollo de la columna vertebral y del esqueleto caudal muestran patrones similares a los descriptos en otros teleósteos.

Diet-tissue discrimination factors (Δ(13) C and Δ(15) N) and turnover rate in somatic tissues of a neotropical detritivorous fish on C3 and C4 diets.

In this study, diet-tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates were determined from the somatic tissues of a detritivorous fish Prochilodus lineatus. The carbon (Δ(13) C) and nitrogen (Δ(15) N) diet-tissue discrimination factors varied for all feed rations with a range of Δ(13) C values between -1·9 and 3·6‰ and Δ(15) N between 3·3 and 5·7‰. Carbon turnover rate in the blood was 23·1 days for the C3 ration and 34·7 days for the C4 ration, in the liver was 9·9 days under the C3 ration and nitrogen turnover rate was the same (23·1 days) in the liver for both C4 and C3 -C4 rations, and 13·9 days in the muscle for C3 -C4 ration.

Isolation and characterization of 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the migratory freshwater fish Leporinus obtusidens (Characiformes: Anostomidae) using 454 shotgun pyrosequencing.

Twenty polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for the Neotropical fish Leporinus obtusidens using a next generation sequencing approach and tested in two other characifomes species, Schizodon platae and Prochilodus lineatus. Microsatellite loci alleles in L. obtusidens ranged between 2 and 20 alleles per locus (mean = 5·7), with expected heterozygosity values ranging from 0·097 to 0·956 (mean = 0·578) and observed heterozygosity values ranging from 0·000 to 0·800 (mean = 0·400) in a sample of 20 specimens from the lower Paraná River (Argentina). Most of these markers will be a valuable tool for captive breeding and stocking programmes, as well as for analyses of population connectivity and genetic structure in this broadly distributed Neotropical migratory fish.

The effect of structural enrichment in hatchery tanks on the morphology of two neotropical fish species

Reared fish differ from wild fish in several aspects, including morphology, because they are adapted to captive conditions that are totally different from natural conditions. To minimize the influence of the hatchery environment on the morphology of fish, the use of environmental enrichment through the incorporation of natural designs in captivity, has been proposed. In the present study, we performed the physical structuring of fish farming tanks to verify the enrichment effect on the morphology of two species of neotropical fishes: Prochilodus lineatus and Brycon orbignyanus. Each species was subjected to four different treatments over two months: tanks with submersed logs, with artificial aquatic plants, with both structures and without any structure. Results showed that the structural enrichment had a strong effect on the morphology of the cultured fish, which varied with each species analyzed and with the type of structural complexity added to the tanks. There was an increase of morphological variability in the population of P. lineatus and an increase of the average length in the population of B. orbignyanus. This shows that the environmental enrichment is capable to induce morphological differentiation through phenotypic plasticity, probably generating phenotypes more adapted to exploiting a complex environment. Peixes cultivados diferem de peixes selvagens em vários aspectos, incluindo morfologia, pois são adaptados às condições de cativeiro, que são totalmente diferentes das condições naturais. Para minimizar a influência do meio de cultivo sobre a morfologia dos peixes, o enriquecimento ambiental, através da incorporação de 'designs' naturais em cativeiro, tem sido proposto. No presente estudo, foi realizada a estruturação física de tanques de piscicultura para verificar o efeito deste tipo de enriquecimento ambiental sobre a morfologia de duas espécies de peixes neotropicais: Prochilodus lineatus e Brycon orbignyanus. Cada espécie foi submetida ao longo de dois meses a quatro diferentes tratamentos: tanque com troncos submersos, tanque com plantas aquáticas artificiais, tanque com ambas as estruturas e tanque sem qualquer estrutura. Os resultados demonstraram que o enriquecimento estrutural teve forte efeito sobre a morfologia dos peixes cultivados, o que variou de acordo com a espécie analisada e com o tipo de complexidade estrutural adicionada aos tanques. Houve aumento da variabilidade morfológica na população de P. lineatus e aumento do comprimento médio na população de B. orbignyanus. Isto mostra que o enriquecimento do ambiente de cultivo é capaz de induzir a diferenciação morfológica através de plasticidade fenotípica, provavelmente gerando fenótipos mais adaptados à exploração de um ambiente complexo.

Phylogeny, ultrastructure and histopathology of Myxobolus lomi sp. nov., a parasite of Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) from the Peixes River, São Paulo State, Brazil.

This paper presents the morphological, histological, molecular and ultrastructural data on Myxobolus lomi sp. nov., a parasite of the gill filaments of Prochilodus lineatus from the Peixes River (48º06'38″W; 22º 49'53.1″S), São Paulo State, Brazil. From 20 P. lineatus specimens examined, 90.0% (n=18) were infected. The plasmodia were white and round, measuring 250 to 300µm in diameter and the development occurred in the base of the gill filament. The spores showed symmetrical and smooth valves, with the polar filament having 8 to 11 coils. A thorough comparison with all the Myxobolus species described so far is provided. A partial sequencing of the 18S rDNA gene revealed approximately 1600-bp. The Myxobolus species parasite of P. lineatus did not match any of the Myxozoa available in GenBank. In the phylogenetic analysis, M. lomi sp. nov. is clustered with ten other species and only four of these parasites were from gills. Histological analysis of P. lineatus gills infected by M. lomi sp. nov. revealed numerous well-delimited cysts at the base of the primary lamella, between connective tissue and bone, next to the gill arteries. However no pronounced inflammatory response was found at the infection site.

Apedunculata discoidea gen. n., sp. n. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) parasitic on Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) from southeastern Brazil / Apeduncullata discoidea gen. n., sp. n. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) parasito de Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) do sudeste do Brasil

A new species of dactylogyrid monogenean, Apedunculata discoidea gen. n., sp. n. is described and illustrated from the gills of the freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) in pisciculture ponds from Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. Diagnostic characters of the new genus and species are: 1) vagina dextrolateral slightly sclerotised, opening anteriorly at level of copulatory complex; 2) copulatory organ coiled with two counterclockwise rings; 3) Accessory piece distal and not articulated; 4) body disk-shaped, lacking a peduncle.

Uma espécie nova de monogenético dactilogirídeo, Apedunculata discoidea gen. n., sp. n. parasita das brânquias do peixe de água doce Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837) proveniente de pisciculturas de Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brasil, é descrita e ilustrada. As características diagnósticas do novo gênero e da nova espécie são: 1) vagina dextrolateral levemente esclerotizada, com abertura ao nível do complexo copulatório; 2) órgão copulatório em espiral com duas voltas no sentido anti-horário; 3) peça acessória distal e não articulada; 4) corpo com formato de disco e sem pedúnculo.

Statistical distribution models for migratory fish in Jacuí basin, South Brazil

The aim of the present study was to identify the distribution patterns of migratory fishes in the Jacuí river basin (Rio Grande do Sul, South Brazil), proposing a statistical model of presumed distribution based on geomorphologic environmental data. Through maps of occurrence probability, we hope to contribute to decisions regarding basin environmental management. The analyzed species were: Salminus brasiliensis (dourado), Leporinus obtusidens (piava), Prochilodus lineatus (grumatã) and Pimelodus pintado (pintado). Samples were made through interviews with fishermen and local inhabitants, covering the main channel and tributaries of the rivers Jacuí, Taquari-Antas, Vacacaí, Vacacaí-Mirim, Pardo, Pardinho, Sinos, and Caí. The sampling program resulted in 204 interviews, being 187 considered as valid in 155 different sampling points. The probability of migratory fish occurrence was adjusted through the LOGIT routine of the Idrisi Andes Software: P = e(b0 + b1 . altitude + b2 . basin area) . (1 + e(b0 + b1 . altitude + b2 . basin area))-1, where P is the occurrence probability of the species (0-1) and b0, b1 and b2 are the equation parameters. Model accuracy, for estimating presence, ranged from 82 percent to 93 percent. Pimelodus pintado was cited to occur in 121 points among the 155 sampled (78.06 percent), Prochilodus lineatus in 72 (46.45 percent), L. obtusidens in 62 (40.00 percent) and S. brasiliensis in 58 (37.42 percent). Equation parameters were estimated (± standard error) as follow: S. brasiliensis: b0 = -2.8762 ± 0.2597; b1 = 1.3028 ± 0.0332; b2 = 1.1487 ± 0.0301; L. obtusidens: b0 = -0.8364 ± 0.2213; b1 = -1.5564 ± 0.0462; b2 = 0.9947 ± 0.0206; Prochilodus lineatus: b0= 0; b1= -1.3067 ± 0.0544; b2= 0.8128 ± 0.0177; Pimelodus pintado: b0= -0.9487 ± 0.3688; b1= -0.8269 ± 0.0496; b2= 0.9255 ± 0.0304.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar o padrão de distribuição de peixes migradores da bacia hidrográfica do rio Jacuí (Rio Grande do Sul, Sul do Brasil), propondo um modelo matemático de distribuição presumida baseado em parâmetros ambientais geomorfológicos. Através de mapas de probabilidade de ocorrência, espera-se contribuir para a tomada de decisões relacionadas ao gerenciamento desta bacia hidrográfica. As espécies analisadas foram: Salminus brasiliensis (dourado), Leporinus obtusidens (piava), Prochilodus lineatus (grumatã) e Pimelodus pintado (pintado). As amostras foram obtidas a partir de entrevistas com pescadores e moradores locais, percorrendo-se a calha principal dos rios Jacuí, Taquari-Antas, Vacacaí, Vacacaí-Mirim, Pardo, Pardinho, Sinos e Caí. O programa de amostragens resultou em 204 entrevistas, sendo 187 consideradas como válidas em 155 pontos diferenciados. A probabilidade de ocorrência de peixes migradores foi ajustada utilizando-se a rotina LOGIT do software Idrisi Andes: P = e(b0 + b1 . altitude + b2 . área de bacia) . (1 + e(b0 + b1 . altitude + b2 . área de bacia))-1; onde P é a probabilidade de ocorrência da espécie (0-1) e b0, b1 e b2 são os parâmetros da equação. Pimelodus pintado foi citado como presente em 121 pontos dentre os 155 amostrados (78.06 por cento), Prochilodus lineatus em 72 (46.45 por cento), L. obtusidens em 62 (40.00 por cento), e S. brasiliensis em 58 pontos (37.42 por cento). A precisão do modelo, para a presença estimada, ficou entre 82 por cento e 93 por cento. Os parâmetros estimados da equação são descritos a seguir: S. brasiliensis: b0= -2.8762 ± 0.2597; b1= -1.3028 ± 0.0332; b2= 1.1487 ± 0.0301; L. obtusidens: b0 = -0.8364 ± 0.2213; b1 = -1.5564 ± 0.0462; b2 = 0.9947 ± 0.0206; Prochilodus lineatus: b0 = 0; b1 = -1.3067 ± 0.0544; b2 = 0.8128 ± 0.0177; Pimelodus pintado: b0 = -0.9487 ± 0.3688; b1 = -0.8269 ± ...(AU)

Selective feeding of food organisms by fish larvae of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v29i2.523 / Seletividade alimentar de organismos-alimento por formas jovens de pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) e curimba Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v29i2.523

The objective was to evaluate the feeding selection of food organisms for two species of fish larvae (pacu and curimba) at different ages (6, 12, 19 and 26 days after eclosion), in the presence or absence of Pistia stratiotes. Four treatments were used (T1 = pacu + P. stratiotes; T2 = pacu; T3 = curimba + P. stratiotes; T4 = curimba) and four replications. Every seven days, 24 fish larvae of each species were collected, and kept without food for 24 hours. After being distributed in the aquariums with plankton, the larvae stayed for three hours, and were collected and prepared for analysis, along with the water samples. The digestive tract of the fish larvae were removed and analyzed under an optic microscope. Statistic differences in selective feeding of plankton organisms were reported for larvae of the same species, of different age groups and also among larvae of different species of the same age. There were no observed differences as for the presence or absence of P. stratiotes. The fish larvae of pacu and curimba selected similar organisms at six days old, with changes until the 26th day. As they developed, the pacu larvae began to select cladocerans and ostracods, and the curimba selected protozoans and algae.

Objetivou-se avaliar a seleção alimentar de organismos-alimento por formas jovens de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) e curimba (Prochilodus lineatus) com diferentes idades (6, 12, 19 e 26 dias), na presença e ausência de Pistia stratiotes. Foram utilizados quatro tratamentos (T1 = pacu + P. stratiotes; T2 = pacu; T3 = curimba + P. stratiotes; T4 = curimba) e quatro repetições. A cada sete dias, foram coletadas 24 larvas de cada espécie de peixe dos tanques, sendo estas mantidas em jejum por 24 horas. Depois de distribuídas nos aquários com plâncton, as larvas permaneceram por três horas, sendo coletadas e fixadas para análise, juntamente com as amostras de água. Os tratos digestórios das larvas foram retirados e analisados sob microscópio óptico. Observaram-se diferenças estatísticas na seletividade alimentar de organismos planctônicos por larvas de mesma espécie, em diferentes idades e também entre larvas de espécies diferentes, com mesma idade, não diferindo quanto à presença ou ausência de P. stratiotes. As formas jovens de pacu e curimba selecionaram organismos similares aos seis dias de idade, passando por alterações até o 26º dia. À medida que se desenvolveram, as larvas de pacu passaram a selecionar cladóceros e ostrácodos e as de curimba, protozoários e algas.

Extração de DNA genômico em tecidos sólidos de peixes teleósteos / Extraction of genomic DNA from solid tissues of teleoestei fish

O objetivo deste trabalho foi extrair o DNA genômico de tecidos sólidos de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), piau (Leporinus sp.) e curimba (Prochilodus lineatus), utilizando os métodos Proteinase K (PK) e Brometo de Cetiltrimetilamônio (CTAB). O DNA extraído das amostras de fígado, rim, nadadeira caudal, coração, músculo e brânquias foi quantificado em espectrofotômetro para determinação da concentração e da pureza por meio da razão A260nm/A280nm. Os dados foram estatisticamente analisados e não se observou efeito significativo para a interação entre espécies e tecidos em relação à pureza e concentração do DNA obtido a partir do CTAB, porém para PK houve interação em relação à concentração. Utilizando o método CTAB verificou-se que a concentração média do dna no rim de curimba foi significativamente (p<0,05) inferior (106,98 ug/mL) à observada em pacu (1727,90 ug/mL), porém não diferiram das encontradas em piau (497,20 ug/mL) e tilápia (234,50 ug/mL). Para o método PK, a concentração média de DNA utilizando o músculo de tilápia do Nilo apresentou o menor valor (117,35 ug/mL) em relação aos demais tecidos e espécies analisadas (p<0,05). A razão A260nm/A280nm variou de 1,7 a 2,0 e 1,6 a 2,1 para os métodos PK e CTAB, respectivamente. Conclui-se que a pureza do DNA foi alcançada nos diferentes tecidos estudados, demonstrando que o método PK pode ser utilizado para essas quatro espécies de peixes.

The object of this work was to extract the genomic DNA of solid tissue from Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), piau (Leporinus sp.) and curimba (Prochilodus lineatus),using the methods Proteinase K (PK) and Cetyltrimethylammiun Bromide (CTAB). The DNA extractedfrom samples of liver, kidney, tail fin, heart, muscle and gills were quantified in spectrophotometer todetermine the concentration and purity through the ratio A260nm/A280nm. The data were statisticallyanalyzed and there were no significant effect of interaction between species and tissues about the purityand concentration of the DNA obtained with CTAB, but for the PK there were interaction about theconcentration. Using the CTAB method was verified that the mean quantity of DNA in the curimbakidney was significantly (p<0.05) lower (106.98 µg/mL) than the value observed in pacu, whereas, did notdiffer from the variables found in piau (497.20 µg/mL) and tilapia (234.50 µg/mL). For the PK method, themean quantity of DNA using the muscle of Nile tilapia presented the lowest value (117.35 µg/mL) withreference to the other tissues and analyzed species (P<0.05). The ratio A260nm/A280nm changed from 1.7to 2.0 and 1.6 to 2.1 for the PK and CTAB methods, respectively. It may be concluded that the DNA puritywas satisfactory for the different tissues on the four species of fish

Migration of the curimbatá Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) (Pisces, Prochilodontidae) at the waterfall "Cachoeira de Emas" of the Mogi-Guaçu river - São Paulo, Brazil

In this paper, we counted the ascending curimbatás at the fish ladder at the Cachoeira de Emas from October, 1992 to September, 1993 in one whole day (24 h period) per month at different observation points in the dam for 5 min every hour. Most of the fish (80%) were counted not in the fish ladder itself, but in two adjacent spillways at its left, perhaps due to the comparatively increased flow as they are narrower than the ladder. The bulk of the migration occurred in September/October. We inspected the degree of injury of the fish in order to examine the hypothesis that larger fish are less injured, however no conclusion was reached. The degree of injury varied between different points and in different months of the year.

Neste artigo, contamos os curimbatás na escada de peixes da Cachoeira de Emas, de Outubro/92 a Setembro/93, num dia durante 24h por mês, em diferentes pontos de observação da barragem, durante 5 min a cada hora. A maioria dos peixes (80%) foi observada e contada não na escada de peixes, mas em dois vertedouros adjacentes à sua esquerda, talvez devido ao maior fluxo de água, pois são mais estreitos que a escada. O pico da migração ocorreu em Setembro/Outubro. Inspecionamos o grau de injúria dos peixes a fim de examinar a hipótese de que peixes maiores estariam menos feridos, porém não chegamos a uma conclusão clara. O grau de injúria variou entre diferentes pontos e entre diferentes meses do ano.