Marcelo Fulgêncio Guedes Brito

Establishment of the non-native fish Metynnis lippincottianus (Cope 1870) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) in lower São Francisco River, northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Alterations in the hydrologic regime downstream from hydroelectric dams create a high invasibility to non-native species. This study aims to analyze the establishment of non-native Metynnis lippincottianus downstream of the Xingó Dam, lower São Francisco River, Brazil. Adults in reproduction were found throughout the study. Gonadosomatic index was higher in the reproductive phases and the species produces a large number of small oocytes. Hydrometric level and water flow data after the construction of Xingó Dam showed decrease in both parameters, facilitating the establishment of M. lippincottianus. Management actions are suggested to reduce the threat on the native biota.

Small size today, aquarium dumping tomorrow: sales of juvenile non-native large fish as an important threat in Brazil

Informal sales of large-bodied non-native aquarium fishes (known as “tankbusters”) is increasing among Brazilian hobbyists. In this study, we surveyed this non-regulated trade on Facebook® from May 2012 to September 2016, systematically collecting information about the fishes available for trading: species, family, common/scientific names, native range, juvenile length, behavior, number of specimens available in five geographical regions from Brazil. We also assessed the invasion risk of the most frequently sold species using the Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST). We found 93 taxa belonging to 35 families. Cichlidae was the dominant family, and most species were native to South America. All species are sold at very small sizes (< 10.0 cm), and most display aggressive behavior. The hybrid Amphilophus trimaculatus × Amphilophus citrinellus, Astronotus ocellatus, Uaru amphiacanthoides, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, Cichla piquiti, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Datnioides microlepis and Cichla kelberi were the main species available. The southeast region showed the greatest trading activity. Based on biological traits, the FIST indicated that Arapaima gigas, C. kelberi and C. temensis are high-risk species in terms of biological invasions via aquarium dumping. We suggest management strategies such as trade regulations, monitoring, euthanasia and educational programs to prevent further introductions via aquarium dumping.

Life-history features of a rapids-dwelling loricariid catfish from Atlantic forest streams, Brazil

Spatial distribution, suitable spawning sites, and sexual dimorphism were investigated in armored catfish Neoplecostomus microps in the Macae River from March 2004 to March 2005. Individuals of N. microps (n=290) were limited to fast-flowing stretches, and the distribution was related to ontogenetic development. Larvae in post-flexion occurred in the marginal vegetation, and adults only in gaps between boulders and stones in the river channel. Juveniles occurred in both environments. Spawns were found in the natural habitat in rapid stretches, with the eggs attached to the lower surface of stones in openings formed in the riverbed. The number of eggs per stone ranged from 62 to 375, with significant differences among the mean sizes of the eggs. Sexual dimorphism was noticed to N. microps. The anal and urogenital papillae are separated in males and merged in females and there is an epidermal growth along the pectoral-fin spine of males.

Influence of food type, amount, and frequencies on the larviculture of pacamã catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri

ABSTRACT This study assessed the performance of L. alexandri postlarvae (2 days after hatching) with different diets (Artemia and Panagrellus redivivus), food amounts (C300-C500-C700), and feeding frequencies (F1-F3-F6) in two experiments lasting 10 days. The best performing food type, Artemia and Artemia with P. redivivus, presented the highest survival rates as well as fish with the greatest weight, length, and specific growth rate (SGR). In the second experiment with Artemia, the weight, length, and SGR presented significant differences, increasing with higher amounts of prey. The best performance was obtained from a daily diet (F1) with the greatest amount of prey (C700).

The ichthyofauna in the influence area of the Lajeado reservoir, Tocantins state, Brazil

Five rivers and 13 streams in the influence area of the Lajeado reservoir (upper-middle Tocantins River) were sampled in 5 expeditions. A total of 194 fish species were recorded and with the Characiformes and Siluriformes predominant, following the observed pattern for the Neotropical region. As expected, the families with greater richness were Characidae, Loricariidae and Cichlidae. Three species listed as Endangered were collected: Mylesinus paucisquamatus Jegu & Santos, 1988, Melanorivulus litteratus (Costa, 2010) and Paratrygon aiereba (Muller & Henle, 1841).

New records and distribution extension of Hyphessobrycon itaparicensis Lima & Costa, 2001 (Characiformes: Characidae) in coastal drainages of Sergipe State, northeastern Brazil

The present study reports the first record of the small characid fish Hyphessobrycon itaparicensis Lima and Costa, 2001 in two coastal drainages of Sergipe State, Brazil. This species was collected in three sampling sites from Piaui and Sergipe river basins, both in the hydrographic ecoregion of Northeastern Mata Atlantica. Aspects of habitat, diet composition, phenotypic variation, molecular identification and distribution of H. itaparicensis are herein discussed.

Poecilia sphenops Valenciennes, 1846 (Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae): new record in rio Sergipe basin, northeastern Brazil

The present paper reports the first record of non-native species Poecilia sphenops Valenciennes, 1846 in northeastern Brazil in rio Sergipe basin, a coastal drainage of the Sergipe state. This species was collected at seven sites in the Caatinga biome. The cause of the introduction is not known, but we believe it is a direct impact of the aquarium trade through the aquarium dumping performed by hobbyists. The presence of P. sphenops in natural waterbodies increases concerns for interference with native ecosystems, and the risk of eggs predation in native species with low fecundity and absence of parental care such as Astyanax lacustris and Serrapinnus heterodon , competition and hybridization with the native poeciliid Poecilia vivipara .

Brazil naturalizes non-native species

Brazils national policies are putting the countrys megadiversity at risk ([ 1 ][1]–[ 3 ][2]). After passing a 2016 law that will put constraints on biodiversity research ([ 3 ][2]), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply has taken another controversial action: A new ordinance

Phylogeny of the subfamily Stelliferinae suggests speciation in Ophioscion Gill, 1863 (Sciaenidae: Perciformes) in the western South Atlantic

Phylogenies based on morphological and molecular data confirm the monophyly of the subfamily Stelliferinae; however, there is no consensus on the intergeneric and interspecific relationships in the group. Previous studies suggested the non-monophyly of Ophioscion and Stellifer, and possible cryptic species in Ophioscion punctatissimus. Therefore, we used mitochondrial (16S rDNA and COI) and nuclear (Rhodopsin, EGR1, and RAG1) regions to examine phylogenetic relationships among species of this subfamily. Our results confirmed the monophyly of Stelliferinae and supports the close relationship among Bardiella, Corvula and Odontoscion, which form a sister group to Stellifer and Ophioscion. Notwithstanding, all the results support the non-monophyly of Stellifer and Ophioscion and we suggest that a taxonomic revision should consider Ophioscion as a junior synonym of Stellifer. Moreover, O. punctatissimus was grouped into two clades, with the O. punctatissimus lineage I (LI) being closer to O. scierus from the eastern Pacific than to the O. punctatissimus lineage II (LII). The most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for the O. scierus and O. punctatissimus LI and O. punctatissimus LII clade dates from 7.2 (HPD: 4.3-10.5) Ma, whereas TMRCA for the O. scierus and O. punctatissimus LI clade dates from 5.3 (HPD: 2.4-8.6) Ma, indicating that speciation processes may be related to the rise of the Isthmus of Panama. Phylogeographic analyses corroborate the hypothesis of speciation in O. punctatissimus. These results suggest that lineages of O. punctatissimus originated from distinct ancestors and, by morphological similarity, were considered the same taxon. A taxonomic revision should be performed to validate the species status of such lineages.

Ontogenetic allometry conservatism across five teleost orders

Geometric morphometrics were used to analyse ontogenetic trajectories in representatives of the Characiformes, Cichliformes, Cyprinodontiformes, Siluriformes, and Tetraodontiformes. It was not possible to differentiate any allometric growth patterns across groups, indicating that a phylogenetically conserved developmental pattern is widespread throughout Teleostei.