Nuno Simões

Assessment of fluorescent-labeled bacteria for evaluation of in vivo uptake of bacteria (Vibrio spp.) by crustacean larvae

Available methods to study crustacean digestive tract colonization by bacteria are laborious, time-consuming, and do not permit in vivo assays and observation. This paper reports on a rapid and consistent technique to apply a fluorescent label to bacteria, which can then be presented to filter-feeding crustacea such as Artemia and penaeid larvae for later in situ bacterial distribution observation. Three luminescent Vibrio spp. were stained and observed inside Artemia nauplii, shrimp zoea and mysis stages, Vibrio harveyi type strain ATCC 14126, M(1) (pathogenic) and Ea (non-pathogenic). Factors such as dye (DTAF) concentration, exposure time/temperature and sonication time were evaluated. Viability of the dye and stained bacteria were tested at 4, -20 and -70 degrees C storage temperatures for up to 81 days. Results show that 4 and -20 degrees C storage temperatures are not recommended. At -70 degrees C, both bacteria and dye are optimally preserved. Monodispersed fluorescent-labeled bacterial cells can be observed inside the digestive tract of crustacean larvae at a density of inoculation as high as 5.2 x 10(6) CFU ml(-1). After 2 to 4 h, some leaching occurs, increasing difficulty in observation, although after 24 h, it is still possible to observe monodispersed FLB inside the digestive tract of crustacean larvae. Autofluorescence may complicate observation when filter-feeding crustacean larvae are co-fed with microalgae.

Size-selective foraging behaviour of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun), when feeding on mobile prey: Active and passive components of predation

Size-selective predation by small (30-50 mm carapace width) and large (90-110 mm) Callinectes sapidus when feeding on three different size classes of Litopenaeus setiferus was investigated. Laboratory experiments using no-choice and multiple-choice designs were carried out. Active and passive components of predation were evaluated by comparing the probability of attacking (active) and capturing (passive) shrimp. Small C. sapidus consumed shrimp of all size classes in similar frequencies during multiple and no-choice experiments, and the probability of attacking and capturing shrimp of all size classes was similar. Large crabs consumed large shrimp with a significantly higher frequency during multiple than during no-choice experiments, and the probability of capturing large shrimp was significantly higher than medium and small ones. Results in the present study suggest that size-specific consumption rates of C. sapidus are mainly the result of a passive mechanism associated with the salience of shrimp to predation. However, an active component of foraging behaviour related to the decision to attack an alternative prey whilst consuming one that has already been captured, helps to explain the differences in shrimp consumption between multiple and no-choice experiments. The complex interaction between active, passive components and satiation is discussed.

Intertidal habitats and decapod faunal assemblages (Crustacea: Decapoda) of Socotra Island, Republic of Yemen

The Socotra Archipelago, situated in the north-western part of the Indian Ocean at the entrance of the Gulf of Aden, has a unique zoogeographical position, as the transition between the Arabian and Red Seas and East African shores. The Socotran marine environment, however, is as yet poorly studied, with only sparse and incomplete reference to the field of crustaceans. The current work presents results from a survey of the intertidal decapod assemblages of Socotra Island conducted in spring 1999.The information from 185 sites sampled around the island is summarized in a map with short descriptions of representative intertidal habitats, their relative area and distribution. Both rocky shores and cobble beaches have the largest diversity of decapods. Sandy beaches are dominated mainly by Ocypode saratan and Coenobita scaevola, whilst rocky shores are dominated by Grapsus albolineatus, G. tenuicrustatus, Plagusia tuberculata, Pachygrapsus minutus, Metopograpsus messor and Eriphia smithii. In cobble beaches, Pseudozius caystrus, Leptodius exaratus, Xanthias sinensis, Clibanarius signatus and Clibanarius virescens are the most common species. Cardisoma carnifex and Uca inversa are common bordering mud flats and coastal lagoons. As fishing pressure is low, mud flats surrounding wadis and coastal lagoons host small undisturbed populations of Scylla serrata and Fenneropenaeus indicus. There is only a reduced number of mangrove trees and area of mangrove, most of which is already destroyed or under severe human and environmental pressure. The largest and most representative stand has an unusual structure: species diversity is strikingly low, it is disconnected from the sea by a sand bar or dune, and is completely dry.Interesting zoogeographical findings are detailed, and a list of intertidal decapod fauna, relating each species to its common habitat is presented. This list is compared with previous studies, and other intertidal decapod assemblages from the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and East Africa.

The Effect of Copper on the Color of Shrimps: Redder Is Not Always Healthier

The objective of this research is to test the effects of copper on the color of pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in vivo. Forty-eight shrimps (L. vannamei) were exposed to a low concentration of copper (1 mg/L; experimental treatment) and forty-eight shrimps were used as controls (no copper added to the water). As a result of this experiment, it was found that shrimps with more copper are significantly redder than those designated as controls (hue (500–700 nm): P = 0.0015; red chroma (625–700 nm): P<0.0001). These results indicate that redder color may result from exposure to copper and challenge the commonly held view that highly pigmented shrimps are healthier than pale shrimps.

Morphological and molecular variability of the sea anemone Phymanthus crucifer (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria, Actinoidea)

The shallow water sea anemone Phymanthus crucifer exhibits three distinct morphotypes, characterized by the presence or absence of protuberances on the marginal tentacles, as well as intermediate forms. The taxonomic status of the different morphotypes and the diagnostic value of protuberances on the tentacles have been debated for this species and the family Phymanthidae. We analysed the external and internal anatomy, cnidae and three mitochondrial molecular markers for representatives of each of the three morphotypes. In addition, we address the putative monophyly of the family Phymanthidae based on molecular data. With the exception of the protuberances, our morphological and molecular results show no differences among the three morphotypes; thus, we consider this feature to be intraspecific variability within P. crucifer . Furthermore, molecular data reveal that the family Phymanthidae is not monophyletic. In addition, we discuss several diagnostic morphological features of the family Phymanthidae.

Intertidal and shallow water amphipods (Amphipoda: Gammaridea and Corophiidea) from Isla Pérez, Alacranes Reef, southern Gulf of Mexico

Tropical coral reefs are known to exhibit high levels of biodiversity. Amphipod crustaceans are successfully adapted to a wide range of marine habitats in coral reefs, but some regions, such as the Campeche Bank in southern Gulf of Mexico, are poorly studied or even unsurveyed for amphipods. To begin to address this paucity of information, the present study records amphipod species from Isla Perez, an island of the Alacranes Reef National Park, southern Gulf of Mexico. Twenty sites were sampled in the intertidal zone and shallow water adjacent to the island. Thirty-one species of amphipod were identified, 15 of which represented a geographical range extension to the northern Yucatan Peninsula, with four new records for the Mexican south-east sector of the Gulf of Mexico; nine for the Gulf Coast of Mexico; and two for the entire Gulf of Mexico. Significantly, a difference in faunal composition between windward and leeward areas of the intertidal zone was found.

Physiological and immunological characterization of Caribbean spiny lobsters Panulirus argus naturally infected with Panulirus argus Virus 1 (PaV1)

The present study compares 13 physiological and immunological variables between a group of healthy Panulirus argus lobsters and a group of lobsters naturally infected with Panulirus argus Virus 1 (PaV1). Viral infection was determined through histopathology and PCR. Ten of the 13 variables differed significantly between the 2 groups. Using these variables, a principal component analysis yielded 2 separate clusters: one corresponding to the healthy group and the other corresponding to the infected group. In particular, infected lobsters exhibited significantly lower levels of osmotic pressure, total hemocyte counts, plasmatic proteins, and total phenoloxidase (PO) activity in plasma, as well as significantly higher levels of cholesterol and acylglycerides. These features are consistent with metabolic wasting, hyperlipidemia, and presumed immune suppression. Infection with PaV1 appears to increase the susceptibility of lobsters to some other opportunistic pathogens, as 61.1% of infected lobsters presented infestations of ciliate epibionts (Epystilis and Zoothamniun) in the gill chamber compared with 11.5% lobsters in the healthy group. Infected lobsters also showed significantly higher levels of total PO activity in degranulated hemocytes and trypsin inhibitor activity, potentially indicating activation of immune response by the PO system during the systemic infection with PaV1.

Sea anemones (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria) from coral reefs in the southern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Seven sea anemone species from coral reefs in the southern Gulf of Mexico are taxonomically diagnosed and images from living specimens including external and internal features, and cnidae are provided. Furthermore, the known distribution ranges from another 10 species are extended. No species records of sea anemones have been previously published in the primary scientific literature for coral reefs in the southern Gulf of Mexico and thus, this study represents the first inventory for the local actiniarian fauna.

New records of ‘opisthobranchs’ (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) from Arrecife Alacranes National Park, Yucatan, Mexico

We report 37 species of heterobranch sea slugs from the National Park Alacranes reef, located in the Campeche Bank, at the south-eastern Gulf of Mexico, of which 18 species are reported for the first time in this reef. With this contribution, the species richness in this national park increases to up to 67. The species Nakamigawaia felis, Petalifera sp., Elysia flava, Elysia pratensis and Bulbaeolidia sp. are reported in the Gulf of Mexico for the first time. The geographical distribution ranges for Oxynoe azuropunctata, Elysia ornata, Placida kingstoni, Aphelodoris antillensis and Tritonia hamnerorum are extended westward. Those for Elysia flava, Pleurobranchus areolatus and Felimare ruthae are extended both northward and westward.

Chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) from Alacranes Reef, Yucatan, Mexico

Abstract This study represents the first comprehensive chiton study from Alacranes Reef, the largest reef system in the Gulf of Mexico. Nine chiton species were found in seven localities within the area, in the intertidal and subtidal to 12 m depth. SEM examination of C. janeirensis, A. hemphilli, T. schrammi and C. floridanus, showed variations in the sculpture and radular teeth morphology when compared to specimens of the same species from Florida Keys, Bahamas and Puerto Rico. The distribution ranges of T. schrammi, L. liozonis and S. floridana are extended into the south-western area of the Gulf of Mexico. Altogether, combining previous literature and the present survey, reports eleven chiton species which have now been recorded within the Alacranes reef area.