Exemplares de Macrobrachium potiuna (Müller, 1880) foram coletados mensalmente no Rio do Moinho, no período de julho/2001 a junho/2002, com o objetivo de fornecer informações sobre a estrutura populacional dessa espécie. No laboratório os camarões foram separados por sexo, mensurados e classificados de acordo com o estágio de desenvolvimento: maturos, imaturos e sexualmente indiferenciados. Foi capturado um total de 1162 indivíduos, sendo 52% imaturos, 46% maduros e 2,6% sexualmente indiferenciados. Os indivíduos imaturos mostraram correlação positiva com a temperatura da água, ocorrendo com maiores freqüências até 21 °C. O comprimento total variou de 9,5 a 49,1 mm, sendo os machos os maiores indivíduos da população. A distribuição de freqüência de tamanho foi caracterizada por duas modas. A razão sexual observada foi de 1:1. Um maior número de machos foi registrado na primavera e de fêmeas ovígeras na primavera e verão. O recrutamento dos juvenis ocorreu durante o outono, registrando-se um atraso de quatro meses entre o pico de fêmeas ovígeras e a entrada dos recrutas.

Samples of Macrobrachium potiuna (Müller, 1880) were collected in the Moinhos' River from July 2001 to June 2002. The aim of this study was providing some information about the population structure of this species. In the laboratory, the shrimps were sexed, measured and classified according to developmental stages: mature, immature and sexually undifferentiated. A total of 1162 shrimps was collected, being 52% immature, 46% matures and 2.6% sexually undifferentiated. The immature individuals showed a positive correlation with the water temperature, occurring with greater frequency until 21 °C. The total length varied from 9.5 to 49.1 mm, with males being the largest ones of the population. The size frequency distribution was characterized by two modes. The sex ratio of 1:1 was observed. A larger number of males was recorded in the spring and ovigerous females in the spring and summer. The juvenile recruitment took place in the autumn, by registering a time lag of four months between the peak of ovigerous females and the entrance of recruits.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar uma nova espécie para a criação em cativeiro na região amazônica, visando atender não somente a demanda do mercado local, mas os anseios de um mercado consumidor ávido por novos produtos de qualidade. Para tanto, foi utilizado como ponto de partida o banco de dados do Projeto Manejo dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis de 2001 a 2004. Fazendo uma ligação destes dados com os obtidos junto ao Núcleo de Recursos Pesqueiros do Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis e da Secretaria Especial de Aqüicultura e Pesca da Presidência da República/AM, possibilitou-se identificar o aruanã Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Vandelli, 1829) como um pescado com potencial para a criação em cativeiro. Foram analisados ainda os valores de mercado e realizadas análises da composição centesimal e do rendimento de carcaça, que creditaram ao aruanã uma carne magra (0,08% de gordura) e protéica (15,19%), com um rendimento de 29,15 ± 1,48% de filé.

The present work had as objective to identify a new species for creation in captivity in the Amazon region, aiming not only the demand of the local market, but also a consuming market interested in new products and with quality. It was used as starting point the data base of the Projeto Manejo dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis of 2001 the 2004. Making a link of this data with the Nucleus of Resources the Fishing of the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and the Natural resources and the Special Secretariat of Aqüicultura and Fishing of the Presidency of the Republic/AM database, it was made possible to identify the arawana Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Vandelli, 1829) as a fish with potential for the creation in captivity. Market values were analyzed and carried through analyses of the centesimal composition and the income of carcass, that they had credited the arawana a lean meat (0,08% of fat) and proteic (15,19%), with an meat yield of 29,15 ± 1,48% of filet.

O desempenho das larvas de Macrobrachium rosenbergii submetidas a quatro diferentes regimes alimentares foi verificado utilizando a observação diária dos subestádios larvais e as primeiras metamorfoses. As larvas foram estocadas em densidade de aproximadamente 100 larvas.l-1, em 16 tanques retangulares, com capacidade de 33 litros. O experimento foi dividido em quatro unidades experimentais (blocos), nos quais foram testados quatro regimes alimentares na larvicultura em circuito aberto, com quatro repetições por tratamento. Os regimes alimentares substituindo progressivamente náuplio de Artemia sp. (nas) pelo rotífero Brachionus plicatilis (rots) foram os seguintes tratamentos: 100% Brachionus plicatilis (30 rots/mL) (T1); 100% Artemia (5 nas/ mL) (T2), 60% Artemia (3 nas/mL) + 40% Brachionus plicatilis (12 rots/ mL) (T3) e 40% Artemia (2 nas/mL) + 60% Brachionus plicatilis (18 rots/ mL) (T4), sendo adicionada a estes tratamentos ração úmida. Os resultados da mudança dos subestádios larvais demonstraram que não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos T2, T3 e T4. No tratamento T1 (100% Brachionus plicatilis) houve mortalidade total no 14º dia do experimento. O efeito da ocorrência das primeiras metamorfoses para pós-larvas, ocorreu ao 27º dia nos tratamentos T2, T3 e T4. Conseqüentemente, o ciclo de larvicultura até a metamorfose de 90% para pós-larva (PL1) foi o mesmo nos tratamentos (35 dias). Portanto, a utilização do rotífero enriquecido e congelado no regime alimentar das larvas permitiu desempenho satisfatório em termos de desenvolvimento larval de M. rosenbergii até a passagem para o estádio de pós-larva.

The feeding is one of the most important factors to larval development and the sucess of the commercial cultivation of decapod crustacean larvae depends on the efficient and economic utilization of the available food. The performance of Macrobrachium rosenbergii larva submitted to four different feeding systems was tested by using the daily observation of the larval substages and the first metamorphoses. The larvae were stocked in a density of approximately 100 larvas.l-1, in 16 tanks, with 33 liters capacity. The experiment was divided in four experimental units (blocks). Four feeding systems were tested in the hatchering in an open circuit, with four replicates for treatment. The feeding systems in which progressive substitutions of the nauplii of Artemia sp. (nas) were accomplished, for the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis (rots), the following treatments were tested: 100% Brachionus plicatilis (30 rots/mL) (T1); 100% Artemia (5 nas/mL) (T2), 60% Artemia (3 nas / mL) + 40% Brachionus plicatilis (12 rots/mL) (T3) and 40% Artemia (2 nas/mL) + 60% Brachionus plicatilis (18 rots/mL) (T4), Humid ration was added to all treatments. The results of the change of the larval stage demonstrated that there was not significant difference among the treatments T2, T3 and T4. The treatment T1 (100% Brachionus plicatilis) had total mortality in the 14th day of the experiment. The effect of the occurrence of the first metamorphoses for post-larvae, ocurred at 27th day in the treatments T2, T3 and T4. Consequently, the hatchering cycle to the metamorphosis of 90% for post-larvae (PL1), was the same in the respective treatments (35 days). Therefore, the use of the enriched rotifer and frozen in the feeding systems of the larvae allowed a satisfactory performance in terms of larval development of M. rosenbergii until the passage for the post-larvae stage.

Conduziu-se o presente trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da substituição dos náuplios de Artemia sp. pelo rotífero enriquecido e congelado (Brachionus plicatilis, O.F. Müller, 1786) sobre a sobrevivência e peso seco das larvas. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados, sendo testados quatro regimes alimentares na larvicultura do camarão M. rosenbergii, com quatro repetições por tratamento. Nos regimes alimentares, realizaram-se substituições progressivas de náuplios de Artemia sp. (nas) pelo rotífero Brachionus plicatilis (rots) e testaram-se os seguintes tratamentos: 100% B. plicatilis (30 rots/mL) (T1); 100% Artemia sp. (5 nas/mL) (T2), 60% Artemia sp. (3 nas/mL) + 40% B. plicatilis (12 rots/mL) (T3) e 40% Artemia sp. (2 nas/mL) + 60% B. plicatilis (18 rots/mL) (T4), adicionando-se a estes tratamentos ração úmida. Os resultados da sobrevivência final em pós-larvas foram analisados pelo teste do X² e demonstraram não haver diferenças significativas do tratamento T2 (68,36%) sobre os tratamentos T3 (68,76%) e T4 (64,60%). O tratamento T1 (100% B. plicatilis) apresentou mortalidade total no 14º dia do experimento. O peso seco médio das pós-larvas foi analisado estatisticamente pela ANOVA, não apresentando diferenças significativas entre os valores de 3,29 mg (T2), 3,08 mg (T3) e 3,38 mg (T4). A taxa de mortalidade baseada no número de larvas encontradas mortas diariamente, em relação ao número de larvas estocadas inicialmente, foi maior para todos os tratamentos nos primeiros 15 dias do experimento. Portanto, os resultados demonstraram que a substituição total de rotíferos enriquecidos e congelados acarretou a mortalidade total das larvas, mas a substituição parcial de 40% e 60% dos náuplios de Artemia sp. pelo B. plicatilis foi viável, não apresentando prejuízos significativos em termos de sobrevivência e peso seco das pós-larvas.

This work was carried out to identify the replacement of the nauplii Artemia sp. for the enriched and frozen rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis O.F. Müller, 1786) on the larval development and survival of the freshwater prawn M. rosenbergii. The experiment was developed according to the following treatments: 100% B. plicatilis (30 rots/ mL) (T1); 100% Artemia sp. (5 nas/ mL) (T2), 60% Artemia sp. (3 nas/ mL) + 40% B. plicatilis (12 rots/ mL) (T3) e 40% Artemia sp. (2 nas/ mL) + 60% B. plicatilis (18 rots/ mL) (T4). Humid ration was added to all treatments. The results of the final survival in post-larvae were analyzed by the X² test and demonstrated no significant differences from treatment T2 (68.36%) to T3 and T4: 68.76% and 64.60%, respectively. T1 treatment (100% B. plicatilis) presented total mortality at 14th day of the experiment. Average dry weight of the pos-larvae was analyzed statistically by ANOVA and showed no significant differences in values: 3.29 mg (T2), 3.08 mg (T3) and 3.38 mg (T4). No significant differences among treatments T2, T3 and T4 were observed. The best mortality rate was observed from 1 to 15 day of hatchery based on the number of dead larval stored in the daily material siphoned. Therefore, these results suggest that the total substitution of the enriched and frozen rotifer is not recommended due to a total mortality of larvae, whereas the partial replacement of 40% and 60% of the Artemia sp nauplii by the enriched and frozen rotifer is possible, with no significant damages to survival and post-larval growth.

Exemplares de Macrobrachium potiuna (Müller, 1880) foram coletados mensalmente de julho/2001 a junho/2002. No laboratório os camarões foram separados por sexo e mensurados. Fêmeas ovígeras foram separadas e seus ovos contados e mensurados. Foram capturados um total de 1162 indivíduos, dos quais 50% eram fêmeas, 47% machos e 3% juvenis. O período reprodutivo ocorreu durante a primavera-verão. Fêmeas ovígeras apresentaram comprimento total variando de 25,9 a 40,3 mm. A fecundidade média foi de 24,0 ± 9,0 ovos. A primeira maturação sexual ocorreu aos 25,9 mm de comprimento total. As dimensões médias dos ovos foram iguais a 1,56 e 2,08 mm para os eixos menor e maior, respectivamente, durante o estágio inicial de desenvolvimento embrionário e 1,70 e 2,46 mm, respectivamente, para os eixos menor e maior durante o estágio final de desenvolvimento.

Samples of Macrobrachium potiuna (Müller, 1880) were collected monthly from July/2001 to June/2002. At the laboratory, shrimps were separated by sex and measured. The ovigerous females were separated and theirs eggs measured and counted. A total of 1162 shrimps were collected, 50% was females, 47% was males and 3% juveniles. The reproductive period occurred during the spring-summer. The ovigerous female showed total length from 25.9 to 40.3 mm. The mean fecundity was 24,0 ± 9,0 eggs. The first sexual maturation occurred at 25.9 mm total length. The eggs showed means dimensions from 1.56 and 2.08 mm, respectively, for the short and the long axis during the initial stage of development and from 1.70 and 1.89 mm, respectively, for the short and long axis during the final stage of development.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes fotoperíodos sobre o peso, comprimento e a metamorfose de girinos de rã-touro (Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802). Foram utilizados 720 animais de uma mesma desova, no estágio 25, segundo Gosner (1960), distribuídos em 24 caixas de polietileno, com 30 litros de volume d'água, resultando em uma densidade de 1 girino por litro. Os tratamentos consistiram em seis fotoperíodos [0L:24D; 8L:16D; 12L:12D; 14L:10D (natural, como testemunho); 16L:8D e 24L:0D] e quatro repetições, sob temperatura ambiente, sendo observados durante os meses de dezembro de 2000 a abril de 2001. O fotoperíodo foi programado utilizando-se cobertura das caixas com plástico preto, exceto para o fotoperíodo natural (plástico incolor), e três programadores para as lâmpadas fluorescentes de 21watts referentes aos fotoperíodos 8L:16D, 16L:8D e 12L:12D. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas split-plot (coletas no tempo). O experimento foi analisado, utilizando-se o melhor modelo de regressão. Os girinos apresentaram ganhos de comprimento e de peso com tendência cúbica para maioria dos tratamentos, exceto para o comprimento referente ao fotoperíodo 24L:0D, que apresentou tendência quadrática. Para avaliar a metamorfose, foram realizadas análises estatísticas pela ANOVA (Análise de Variância) e teste de Duncan, em nível de 5%. O melhor tratamento deu-se com os animais submetidos ao fotoperíodo 12L:12D, aos 120 dias, que apresentaram o maior peso (1,80 g) e melhor taxa final de metamorfose, com cerca de 50% da população neste processo. O pior resultado foi obtido com os animais que receberam 24L:0D de fotoperíodo, apresentando aos 135 dias maior peso (2,0 g), com 4% de taxa metamórfica. Este resultado demonstrou que este fotoperíodo inibiu o desenvolvimento do girino. O pior resultado seguinte foi obtido para o tratamento 16L:8D. Os tratamentos 0L:24D, 8L:16D e natural apresentaram resultados intermediários quanto à metamorfose.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of the bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802) under different photoperiods. Seven hundred and twenty animals from the same spawn were used, on the stage 25, according to Gosner (1960). The fishes were allotted to 24 polyethylene 30 L boxes, with a density of one tadpole per liter. The treatments consisted of six photoperiods [0L:24D; 8L:16D; 12L:12D; 14L:10D (natural as witnessed); 16L:8D and 24L:0D] and four replicates, using environment temperature. The experiment was developed from December 2000 to April 2001. The photoperiods were programmed using the black plastic covering the boxes, except for natural photoperiod (colorless plastic). Three timers with 21 watts fluorescent lamps, to photoperiods of 8L:16D; 16L:8D and 12L:12D, were also used. The statistical analyses were performed by a complete randomized split-plot design. The experiment was analyzed managing best regression model. Tadpoles presented length and weight gain with cubic tendency for most of the treatments, except for length for 24L:0D photoperiod, that showed quadractic tendency. For metamorphosis evaluation, statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA and Duncan test at 5% level. The best result was obtained in a 12L:12D photoperiod, as in 120 days the bullfrog tadpoles showed the greatest weight (1.80 g) and the best metamorphic rate with about 50% of the population on this process. After 120 days, the animals showed smaller weight, that characterized the complete metamorphic process. The worst result occurred in the 24L:0D photoperiod. Higher weight (2.0 g) was obtained with 4% of metamorphic rate. This result showed that the photoperiod inhibited the development of tadpoles. The following worst result was obtained for the treatment 16L:8D. The photoperiods 0L:24D, 8L:16D and the natural process showed the intermediate results.

The objective of this work is to get knowledge about the "guaiamum" crabs reproduction. Two hundred and twenty four crabs were caught from August'96 to July'97. Their sex carapace color and morphometric data were obtained. The stages of gonadal development were macroscopically determined and the eggs diameter was measured. Three colors patters for the carapace for males, and four patters for females. Five stages of gonadal development were observed in female crabs, and two stages were observed for males. The first sexual maturity was estimated 53,0 mm carapace width for the females and 52,0 mm for the males. The ovigerous females occurred from March to May. The individual fecundity varied from 103.300 to 366.400 eggs. The eggs mean diameter was 0,39 mm.

The objective of this work has to get knowledge about the reproductive aspect of the tree crab Aratus pisonii (H. Milne Edwards, 1837). The sampling were made monthly from April, 2000 to April, 2001, in the Itacurucá's mangrove (22º54'S and 43º33'W), Rio de Janeiro. The crabs were collected handly, using an effort of 50 minutes with three collectors. In laboratory, the specimens were separated by sex and had measured the carapace width and lenght. The ovigerous females were separated and the mass of eggs was removed for a mensurament of size and count of eggs. Afterwards, the animals were conservad in 70% alcohol. A total of 783 individuals were caught among 59% males and 41% females among these 8% were ovigerous. The ovigerous females were found almost during the whole year, except in the winter showing major plenty on February and March, demonstrating the reproductive period. The ovigerous females presented size between 14.0 and 23.6 mm of carapace width and the average fecundity estimated to the specie was 9081 ± 3684 eggs. The mean size of the eggs was 0.27 mm varied from 0.24 to 0.29 mm and the size at onset of egg production was verified from 13.1 to 15.0 mm of the carapace width.

The reproductive aspects of the freshwater shrimp Potimirim glabra (Kingsley, 1878) were studied from September 1997 to February 1999. Monthly, samples were collected with sieves, on the river edge, under the edging vegetation or in small pools. At the laboratory, shrimps were sexed and measured in their total lenght, from the tip of the rostrum to the end of telson with precision callipers. The ovigerous shrimps were separated and counted for fecundity determination. The eggs diameter was measured with calibrated stereomicroscope. A total of 3281 shrimps were collected, among which, 47% male, 46% female (13.4% ovigerous females) and 7% young shrimps. The Sex ratio was 1:1. Ovigerous females were present during all seasons, but the reproductive peak occurred in spring. The ovigerous female showed total lenght from 9.5 to 26.0 mm and carapace lenght from 1.6 to 7.3 mm. The mean fecundity was 545 eggs per female, with a minimun of 223 eggs and a maximum of 860 eggs. The first sexual maturation probably occur at 9.5 mm total lenght. The mean diameter of the eggs size was 0.32 mm (minor) and 0.53 mm (major).

The growth of the crab Goniospis cruentata (Latreille. 1803), was studied in the laboratory, through of the molt increment and intermolt period. A total of 86 crabs (48 males and 38 females) were collected in the ltacuruçá's Mangrove in Mangaratiba's county. Rio de Janeiro. The crabs were maintened in the laboratory in four 1000 l tanks, with continuous water circulation during fifteen months. They were fed each two days with pieces of fish and fruits. The crabs varied in size from 19.3 to 56.0 mm in males and 23.3 to 48.8 mm in females. The males presented until four molts during the experiment and the females until six molts. The molts oceurred during ali the months. The mean percentage of molt increment was 6.1 ± 2.7%, for both sexes and it decreased with the animal growth. The relation between the molt increment and the carapace width can be expressed by the equation IM = -0.32LC + 18.26 (r = -0.82). This relation didn't show any significative difference between the sexes. The mean intermolt period was of 87.6 + 37.3 days in male crabs and 97.3 ± 27.6 days in females. The growth was contiguous, through successive molts, although the increment was reduced with animal size. The intermolt period was proportional to the animal size increase, however males with autotomy of limbs had the intermolt period reduced.

The objective of this study was to get some knowledge about the reproductive aspects of Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803), concerning through sex ratio, morphological sexual maturity, reproductive period, fecundity and eggs size. The crabs were collected monthly in Itacuruçá's Mangroves from November, 1997 to November, 1998. Four hundred and seven crabs were caught and they were 47% males, 36% females and 17% ovigerous females. The sex ratio was 1:1.13 (male:female) (X²= 1.54, p > 0.05). The relation of abdomen width (AW) and carapace width (CW) in females showed a positive allometric grow (b = 1.36), it suggests the size onset of maturity occur from 26.0 a 29.0 mm (CW) in females. The ovigerous females occured during all the research period, except for the winter months (June to August). The size of these ovigerous females varied from 26.0 to 48.8 mm with mean size 35.1 + 5.2 mm. Individual fecundity varied from 29,975 to 142,050 eggs and mean fecundity was 74,751 ± 27 eggs. The mean diameter of the eggs was 300 ± 20 µm.

The reproductive aspects of the freshwater shrimp Palaemon pandaliformis (Stimpson, 1871) were studied from March, 1998 to February, 1999. Monthly, samples were collected with sives, on the river edge, under the edging vegetation or in small pools. At the laboratory, shrimps were sexed and measured in their total lenght, from the tip of the rostrum to the of telson with precision callipters. The ovigerous shrimps were separated and counted for fecundity determination. The eggs diameter was measured with calibrated stereomicroscope. A total of 872 were collected among which, 46% female, 29% male and 25% juvenil. The sex ratio was 1:1.57. Ovigerous females were present during all seasons, but the reproductive peak accurred in Spring. The ovigerous female showed total lenght from 23.0 to 39.6 mm. The mean fecundity was 137 eggs per female, with a minimum of 40 eggs and a maximum of 270 eggs. The first sexual maturation probably occur at 23.0 mm total lenght. The mean diameter os the eggs size was 0.51 mm (minor) and 0.73 mm (major).

RESUMO - O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a aplicabilidade da técnica de eletroejaculação para manejos de inseminação artificial, bem como o potencial ejaculatório de cada um dos tipos morfológicos de machos adultos do Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Estímulos elétricos foram aplicados em 48 exemplares de camarão-de-água-doce, recém capturados em viveiros de engorda, para melhor compreensão do comportamento reprodutivo de cada um: os de quela azul (BC), sexualmente ativos e dominantes; os de quela laranja (OC), sexualmente inativos; e os pequenos (SM), com comportamento oportunista, os quais somente realizam a cópula, caso a corte da fêmea tenha sido previamente realizada por um macho BC. Não houve diferença entre as freqüências de ejaculação observadas para machos OC e BC, que foram 85 e 100%, respectivamente, demonstrando que os primeiros possuem potencial fisiológico para a cópula. A freqüência de 46,2%, nos testes de eletroejaculação bem sucedidos para os indivíduos SM, foi mais baixa em relação aos outros dois morfotipos. A freqüência de 79,2% de ejaculações, obtida entre o total de animais usados, demonstrou o potencial dessa técnica para a obtenção de espermatóforos em quantidade suficiente para a manutenção de fêmeas ovadas em épocas de baixas temperaturas.

ABSTRACT - The objective of this work was to evaluate the electroejaculation applicability for artificial insemination as well as the ejaculatory potential of each Macrobrachium rosenbergii adult male morphotype. Electrical stimuli were applied to 48 newly pond - reared individuals of freshwater prawn for a better comprehension of each one's reproductive behavior: the blue claw males (bc), sexually active and dominant; the orange claw (OC), sexually inactive, and the small ones (SM), with opportunist behavior, succeeding to copulate only if a bc male has made the courtship first. There was no difference among the ejaculation frequencies for OC and BC males, which were 85 and 100%, respectively, demonstrating that the former morphotype has physiological potential for mating. The frequency of 46.2% of successful eletroejaculation tests observed for SM individuals was lower in relation to the two other morphotypes. The frequency of 79.2% of ejaculations observed for all used animals demonstrated the technique potential for the attainment of a sufficient amount of spermatophores prior to the maintenance of gravid females during cold temperature seasons.