No presente trabalho, parasitos associados à ostra-do-mangue Crassostrea rhizophorae foram estudados em uma unidade de cultivo no estuário do rio Graciosa em Taperoá, Bahia. Mensalmente, entre abril de 2011 e março de 2012, 20 ostras foram coletadas, mensuradas e fixadas em formol a 10%. Para a identificação dos parasitos, foram utilizadas técnicas histológicas de rotina, com inclusão em parafina e obtenção de cortes com 7µm, corados com hematoxilina de Harris e eosina e examinados em microscopia de luz. Os parâmetros analisados para a qualidade da água mostraram que a temperatura variou de 23,9 °C a 29,3 °C, a salinidade de 0,4 a 24,2 PSU e a pluviometria de 80 mm a 406,4 mm/mês. Nas análises parasitológicas foram observadas infestações do poliqueta Neanthes succinea em 41% das ostras. A partir das técnicas histológicas foram identificados os seguintes parasitos: colônias de organismos assemelhados a Rickettsiae (RLOs); os protozoários Nematopsis sp. e Ancistrocoma sp.; o turbelário Urastoma sp.; o metacestóide Tylocephalum sp. e um platelminto não identificado. Os dados obtidos mostraram baixa intensidade de infecção e prevalência de parasitos, exceto para Nematopsis sp., atestando a boa condição de saúde das ostras no cultivo.

In this work, parasites associated with the mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae were studied at a cultivation unit in the estuary of the Graciosa River in Taperoá, Bahia. On a monthly basis, between April 2011 and March 2012, 20 oysters were collected, measured and fixed in 10% formaldehyde. In order to identify the parasites, routine histological techniques were used. The specimens were embedded in paraffin and sections, 7 µm thick, were cut. These were then stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin and were examined using an optical microscope. The parameters analyzed to investigate water quality showed that the temperature ranged from 23.9 °C to 29.3 °C, water salinity from 0.4 to 24.2 Practical Salinity Units PSU and recorded rainfall from 80 mm to 406.4 mm/month. During the parasitological analyses, infestation of the polychaete Neanthes succinea was observed in 41% of the oysters. Through histological techniques, the following parasites were identified: colonies of Rickettsia-like organisms (RLOs); the protozoa Nematopsis sp. and Ancistrocoma sp.; the turbellarian Urastoma sp.; the metacestode Tylocephalum sp. and an unidentified tapeworm. The data collected showed that there was low-intensity infection with and prevalence of parasites, except for Nematopsis sp., thus attesting that these cultivated oysters were in a healthy condition.

Este estudo investigou a saúde de ostras da espécieCrassostrea rhizophorae de estoques naturais do Litoral Sul do Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil, durante o verão e o inverno de 2010, em três pontos amostrais distribuídos nos estuários dos rios Maraú (Baía de Camamu) e Graciosa. Um total de 180 ostras (30/ponto amostral/período) foram examinadas macroscopicamente para a presença de patógenos e alterações anatômicas e posteriormente fixadas em solução de Davidson, processadas para inclusão em parafina, seccionadas e coradas com hematoxilina de Harris e eosina. A análise histológica evidenciou a presença de organismos com características similares a Rickettsia(RLOs), Ancistrocoma, Trichodina,Sphenophrya, Nematopsis,Urastoma, Bucephalus em fase esporocística, metacercária inespecífica e metacestóide de Tylocephalum. As prevalências de infecção foram baixas, com exceção do parasitismo por Nematopsis sp., o qual também causou alterações histopatológicas. A presença deBucephalus sp. causou castração parasitária. Esses dois patógenos têm interferência significativa na saúde de C. rhizophorae.

This study investigated the health of natural stocks of the oysterCrassostrea rhizophorae on the southern coast of Bahia in northeastern Brazil, during summer and winter 2010, at three localities (sampling points) in the estuaries of the Maraú (Camamu Bay) and Graciosa rivers. A total of 180 oysters (30/sampling point/season) were examined macroscopically for the presence of pathogens and anatomical changes. The specimens were subsequently fixed in Davidson solution, processed for paraffin embedding, sectioned and stained with Harris' hematoxylin and eosin. Histological analysis revealed the presence of Rickettsia-like organisms (RLOs), Ancistrocoma,Trichodina, Sphenophrya,Nematopsis, Urastoma,Bucephalus in the sporocyst phase, a nonspecific metacercaria, and a metacestode of genus Tylocephalum. The prevalence of infection was low except for parasitism byNematopsis sp. which also caused histopathological changes. The presence of Bucephalus sp. caused parasitic castration. These two pathogens significantly affect the health of C. rhizophorae.

Neste estudo foram investigados os parasitos de três espécies de bivalves de interesse econômico (Crassostrea rhizophorae, Mytella guyanensis e Lucina pectinata) da Bahia. Foram analisados 540 exemplares, obtidos em duas coletas (agosto-2009 e fevereiro-2010), em três localidades. Os bivalves foram medidos quanto ao seu maior eixo, abertos e examinados macroscopicamente quanto à presença de parasitos ou sinais de enfermidades. Depois disso, foram fixados em solução de Davidson e processados por rotina de histologia, com inclusão em parafina e coloração com H&E. O material foi examinado ao microscópio de luz. Nenhum parasito esteve associado a L. pectinata. Bactérias do tipo RLOs (organismos assemelhados a Rickettsia), Sphenophrya sp. (Ciliophora), Nematopsis sp. (Apicomplexa), Urastoma sp. (Turbellaria) e Bucephalus sp. (Digenea) foram observados tanto em C. rhizophorae quanto em M. guyanensis, sendo que a primeira apresentou ainda Ancistrocoma sp. (Ciliophora) e Tylocephalum sp. (Cestoda). Nematopsis sp. ocorreu em alta prevalência, porém, aparentemente, não causou danos aos bivalves. Bucephalus sp. causou destruição de tecidos, com castração, mas foi pouco prevalente. Os demais parasitos ocorreram em baixa prevalência e intensidade de infecção e sem causar danos.

This study investigated the parasites of three commercially important bivalve species (Crassostrea rhizophorae, Mytella guyanensis and Lucina pectinata) from the southern coast of Bahia, Brazil. A total of 540 specimens were collected in August 2009 and February 2010, at three localities. The bivalve specimens were measured on their longest axis, opened, and macroscopically examined for the presence of parasites or signs of disease. They were then fixed in Davidson' solution and subjected to routine histological processing, with paraffin embedding and H&E staining; next, the specimens were examined under a light microscope. No parasites were observed associated with L. pectinata. Rickettsia-like organisms (RLOs), Sphenophrya sp. (Ciliophora), Nematopsis sp. (Apicomplexa), Urastoma sp. (Turbellaria) and Bucephalus sp. (Digenea) were observed in both C. rhizophorae and M. guyanensis, as well as Ancistrocoma sp. (Ciliophora) and Tylocephalum sp. (Cestoda) in the former. A high prevalence of Nematopsis sp. was seen, but caused no apparent damage to the host. Bucephalus sp. caused the destruction of tissues, with castration, but showed low prevalence. The other parasites occurred in low prevalence and intensity, without causing significant damage.

We analyzed the composition and spatial distribution of macrobenthos in the Cachoeira River estuary, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. Samples were taken bimonthly from July 2008 to May 2009 at six stations along the estuary. In total, 613 individuals belonging to 71 taxa were collected. Molluscs showed the highest richness and abundance, followed by polychaetes. The spatial distribution of macrobenthos was influenced by salinity and by sediment characteristics. In the outer area microgastropods, the bivalve Donax gemmula, and the polychaete Drilonereis sp., were conspicuous. In the river mouth, the carnivorous gastropods Olivella minuta and Anachis obesa and the algal grazers Neritina virginea and Littorina ziczac predominated. In the middle estuary, there was a predominance of the polychaete Hemipodia californiensis. The euryhaline bivalves Tellina sp., Anomalocardia brasiliana, and Tagelus plebeius and the deposit-feeding polychaetes Heteromastus filiformis and Capitella cf. capitata were predominant in the inner estuary. Salinity, sediment characteristics, and dietary habits were important in the composition and distribution of organisms in this estuary.

En este estudio se analizó la composición y la distribución espacial del macrobentos en el estuario del río Cachoeira, Ilhéus, Bahía, Brasil. Las muestras fueron recolectadas cada dos meses desde julio de 2008 a mayo de 2009 en seis estaciones de muestreo. En total, se recogieron 613 individuos pertenecientes a 71 taxa. Los gasterópodos mostraron la mayor riqueza y abundancia, seguidos por los poliquetos. La distribución del macrobentos fue influenciada por la salinidad y los parámetros de sedimentos. En la parte externa del estuario fueron abundantes los microgastrópodos, el bivalvo Donax gemmula y el poliqueto Drilonereis sp. En la desembocadura predominaron gasterópodos carnívoros Olivella minuta y Anachis obesa y pastoreadores Neritina virginea y Littorina ziczac. Predominaron en la zona intermedia el poliqueto Hemipodia californiensis y en el sector interno bivalvos eurihalinos Tellina sp., Anomalocardia brasiliana y Tagelus plebeius y los poliquetos depositívoros Heteromastus filiformes y Capitella cf. capitata. Características de salinidad, sedimentos, y hábitos alimentarios son importantes en la composición y distribución de los organismos en este estuario.

El ostión de manglar es un importante recurso pesquero que se distribuye por toda la costa brasileña y una de las especies nativas con mayor potencial para maricultura. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer las características reproductivas del ostión de manglar Crassostrea rhizophorae en el estero del Río Maraú, Bahía de Camamu, Bahia, Brasil. Las muestras fueran recolectadas mensualmente, entre agosto de 2006 y septiembre de 2007, en dos sitios. Las metodologías utilizadas fueron el análisis histológico de las gónadas y el cálculo de rendimiento de carne. La temperatura del agua durante el período de estudio varió de 23.5°C a 30°C y la salinidad osciló entre 15 y 35ups. La altura de los ostiones examinados varió de 27 a 102mm (n=437). Hubo predominancia de hembras en las poblaciones de ambos sitios. Los análisis de estadios gonádicos demostraron que el proceso de reproducción de C. rhizophorae en el estero del Río Maraú es continuo durante el año, sin período de reposo sexual. El rendimiento de carne (R) fue de 8.0% a 17.7% (n=669). Los resultados de este estudio proveen informaciones para la captación de semilla e implantación de la ostricultura en la Bahía de Camamu.

Reproductive cycle of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae (Bivalvia: Ostreidae) in Camamu Bay, Bahia, Brasil. The mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae is important fishery resource along the entire Brasilian coast with excellent potential for marine culture. The purpose of this paper was to examine the reproductive characteristics of the oyster of the Maraú river estuary in Camamu Bay, Bahia, Brasil. The samples were collected monthly, from September 2006 to August 2007, at two points (I and II) in Camamu Bay. At each site 20 oysters were collected for histological analysis, fixed in Davidson’s solution, embedded in paraffin, dehydrated in an ethanol series, sectioned (7μm thick) and stained with Harris hematoxylin and Eosin (HE). Additionally, 30 oysters were sampled, at each point, for a condition index analysis. The water temperature ranged from 23.5°C to 30°C and the salinity from 15 to 25 ups at Point I (Maraú) and from 25 to 35 at Point II (Tanque Island). The oyster’s height ranged from 30 to 92mm at Point I and from 27 to 102mm at Point II, with an average of 49.0mm±9.1 (n=230) and 49.9mm±9.9 (n=237), respectively. Among the sampled oysters at Point I, 59.1% were females, 31.3% males, 1.3% hermaphrodites and 8.2% of the oysters of undetermined sex. At Point II, 66.2% were females, 30.4% males, 0.8% hermaphrodites and 2.5% (n=237) of undetermined sex. The gonadic stage analysis indicated that the reproduction period of the C. rhizophorae in the Maraú Peninsula was continuous all year, without any regressive phase. The condition index (R) ranged from 8.0% to 17.7%. The peak periods of R coincided with the expressive oyster’s percentage in the maturation and liberation gametic stages. The results of these findings will contribute information for the oyster spat collection and to the process installation of the oyster culture in Camamu Bay. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 137-149. Epub 2011 March 01.

The objective of this study was to determine the taxonomic composition and ecological aspects of decapods crustacean species belonging to the infraorders Anomura and Brachyura in shallow marine and estuarine waters from southern Bahia, a coastline about 640 km in extent, corresponding to approximately 7% of the Brazilian coast. Sixteen species of the infraorder Anomura and 68 of the infraorder Brachyura are reported for the study area. The most important families in terms of number of species were the Panopeidae with 11 species, and the Ocypodidae and Portunidae with 9. Among the Brachyura, the southern distribution of the species Austinixa leptodactyla Coelho, 1997 (Pinnotheridae), endemic to Brazil, is extended from the coast of Sergipe to Bahía (Prado, Cumuruxatiba Beach, 17°06'18.6"S, 39°10'50.4"W). The ocypodid Uca (Leptuca) cumulanta Crane, 1943 and also the pinnotherids Austinixa aidae (Righi, 1967) and Fabia byssomiae (Say, 1818) are reported for the first time from the Bahia coast. The specimen of F. byssomiae examined was collected in the mantle cavity of the clam Macoma constrict (Bruchiére, 1792) (Bivalvia: Tellinidae), a new host record for the species.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la composición taxonómica y aspectos ecológicos de los crustáceos decápodos pertenecientes a los infraórdenes Anomura y Brachyura, en aguas someras, marinas y estuarinas del sur de Bahia, Brasil, una línea costera con cerca de 640 km de extensión, que corresponde aproximadamente al 7% de la costa brasileña. Para esta area de estudio se registraron 16 especies del infraorden Anomura y 68 del infraorden Brachyura. Las familias más representativas en términos de número de especies fueron Panopeidae, con 11 especies, y Ocypodidae y Portunidae, ambas con nueve especies. Entre los Brachyura, la distribución meridional de Austinixa leptodactyla Coelho, 1997 (Pinnotheridae), endémica del Brasil, se extiende desde la costa de Sergipe hasta la costa de Bahia (Municipalidad de Prado, Playa de Cumuruxatiba, 17°06'18.6"S, 39°10'50.4"W). Se reportó por primera vez para Bahia el ocipódido Uca (Leptuca) cumulanta Crane, 1943, al igual que los pinotéridos Austinixa aidae (Righi, 1967) y Fabia byssomiae (Say, 1818). El único espécimen de F. byssomiae fue recolectado al interior de la cavidad paleal del molusco Macoma constricta (Bruchiére, 1792) (Bivalvia: Tellinidae), representando un nuevo huésped para esta especie.

Berbigões, Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791), de bancos naturais da Ilha de Santa Catarina e região continental adjacente (SC, Brasil), foram examinados quanto a presença de simbiontes. Holothuriophilus tomentosus (Ortmann, 1894) (Brachyura), Sphenia antillensis Dall & Simpson, 1901 (Bivalvia) e poliquetos espionídeos (Polychaeta) foram observados macroscopicamente. A análise das secções histológicas evidenciou esporocistos de trematódeos (Digenea), um metacestóide (Cestoda) e dois ciliados (Ciliophora).

Pointed venus, Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791), from natural beds of Santa Catarina Island and adjacent continental region (SE Brazil) were examined in respect of symbiotic associations. Holothuriophilus tomentosus (Ortmann, 1894) (Brachyura), Sphenia antillensis Dall & Simpson, 1901 (Bivalvia), and polychaete worms (Polychaeta) were found by macroscopic diagnosis. By analysis of histological sections, it was noted trematode sporocysts (Digenea), a metacestode (Cestoda) and two ciliates (Ciliophora).

Dois machos e uma fêmea de Holothuriophilus tomentosus (Ortmann, 1894) comb. nov. foram coletados na Enseada de Ratones, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. Desde sua descrição original, como Pinnaxodes tomentosus, esta espécie somente foi coletada recentemente no Pontal da Daniela, também em Florianópolis. O macho, ainda desconhecido, é descrito e a fêmea é redescrita. As características do material estudado nos leva a acreditar que Pinnaxodes tomentosus deve ser transferido para Holothuriophilus Nauk, 1880.

Two males and one female of Holothuriophilus tomentosus (Ortmann, 1894) comb. nov. were collected in Enseada de Ratones, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. Since its original description, as Pinnaxodes tomentosus, this species has only been collected recently, from the Pontal do Daniela, also in Florianópolis. The previously unknown male is described and the female is redescribed herein. The characteristics of this material lead us to believe that Pinnaxodes tomentosus should be transferred to the genus Holothuriophilus Nauk, 1880.