RESUMEN La pesca de arrastre de camarón afecta directamente a la especie de interes y a otras que no lo son, pero tambien quedan atrapadas, alterando los micro-hábitats y las vías tróficas marinas. Así, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los hábitos alimentarios de Paralonchurus brasiliensis, como herramienta para evaluar el impacto de la pesca de arrastre sobre las cadenas alimentarias en ambientes marinos, en el Atlántico sur de Brasil. Se disecaron 1219 estómagos de P. brasiliensis capturados con "bycatch" del camarón Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, en Penha, litoral centro-norte de Santa Catarina, Brasil. El número de estómagos fue suficiente para la descripción de los hábitos alimentarios de P. brasiliensis, caracterizándola como una especie carnívora, predominantemente invertívora. Los resultados revelaron además que esta especie posee una dieta diversificada y constante, con mayor consumo de poliquetas, crustáceos y ofiuroides, entre otros componentes del macrobentos, todos íntimamente relacionados al sedimento. Se constató también que la especie de interes X. kroyeri no es una presa importante en la dieta de P. brasiliensis, a pesar de ocupar el mismo hábitat. De acuerdo con el presente estudio, P. brasiliensis puede ser caracterizada como una especie demersal bentónica, predadora, oportunista y de amplio espectro trófico. Este trabajo contribuye a la comprensión de las cadenas tróficas de los ecosistemas costeros, utilizando el caso de P. brasiliensis como modelo.

ABSTRACT Shrimp trawling directly impacts target species and non-target species, altering micro-habitats and marine trophic webs. Thus, the objective of the present research was to analyze the feeding habits of Paralonchurus brasiliensis as a tool to evaluate the impact of trawling on the food chains in marine environments, in the South Atlantic of Brazil. One thousand and nineteen stomachs of P. brasiliensis were dissected after being captured as bycatch of shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, in Penha, on the north central coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The number of stomachs was enough to describe the feeding habits of P. brasiliensis, characterizing it as a carnivorous species and predominantly invertivorous. They also revealed that this species has a diversified and constant diet, with greater consumption of polychaetes, crustaceans, and ofiuroides, among other components of the macrobentos, all closely related to the sediment. It was also found that the target species X. kroyeri is not an important prey in the diet of P. brasiliensis, despite occupying the same habitat. According to the present study, P. brasiliensis can be characterized as a demersal-benthic species, predator, opportunistic and broad trophic spectrum. This work contributes to the understanding of trophic chains of the coastal ecosystems, using the P. brasiliensis as a model.

Abstract The Land uses and occupations around small watersheds generate negative impacts such as deterioration of water quality, environmental simplification, reduced availability of habitats for species, and loss of biodiversity. Benthic macroinvertebrates are an important aquatic community and are widely used in environmental monitoring actions in aquatic ecosystems, including urban streams, which are still little studied in Brazil. In our study, an urban headwater basin (Monjolinho River Basin) was studied on the benthic community structure, together with the physical and chemical variables of the water, as an environmental monitoring tool calculated by RHDEP, TSI, BMWP indexes and abundance-biomass curves. The results showed a gradient of environmental quality, where the best environments are a consequence of preserving the vegetation cover. These environments (Espraiado and Canchim) present groups sensitive to environmental degradation (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera), greater diversity and a better structure in the respective benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. Among the streams sampled, one is very clean, four are moderately polluted, and one is severely polluted. Thus, considering that these streams’ waters are essential for public supply, actions to clean up and recover degraded environments are urgent and a priority.

Os fatores de condição relativo (Kn) de Astyanax paranae, Phalloceros harpagos e Poecilia reticulata foram utilizados como ferramenta para avaliar a influência da qualidade ambiental sobre o bem estar de sub-populações destas espécies, visando utilizá-las como bioindicadoras de distúrbios em córregos afluentes do rio Monjolinho, no município de São Carlos - SP. A curva potencial gerada pela relação peso-comprimento indicou um crescimento do tipo alométrico positivo para as três espécies estudadas. No geral, a análise de correspondência canônica (CCA) correlacionou positivamente o Kn médio da espécie A. paranae com ambientes bem oxigenados e oligotróficos, característicos de áreas preservadas ou próximas do estado natural. Para o valor médio do Kn obtido para a espécie Phalloceros harpagos, não ocorreram diferenças significativas entre áreas naturais e perturbadas. Entretanto, a CCA correlacionou positivamente o Kn médio da espécie Poecilia reticulata a ambientes impactados, com maior grau de trofia, o que sugere que o fator de condição relativo desta espécie pode ser utilizado como indicador de distúrbios, neste caso, ocasionado pela poluição orgânica.

The relative condition factors (Kn) of the fishes Astyanax paranae, Phalloceros harpagos and Poecilia reticulata were used as a means of assessing the influence of environmental conditions on the well-being of sub - populations of these species, with the eventual aim of using them as bioindicators of disturbance in tributary streams of the Monjolinho River, in São Carlos - SP. The power-law curve generated by the length-weight relationship indicated a positive allometric growth for the three species studied. Overall, the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) positively correlated average Kn of A. paranae with well oxygenated and oligotrophic environments, typical of conserved areas or near the natural state. For the average value of Kn obtained for Phalloceros harpagosspecies, there was no significant difference between natural and disturbed areas. However, the CCA positively correlated the mean Kn of the speciesP. reticulata from similar environments with higher trophic level, suggesting that this species is indicative of disturbance.

A Planície Costeira do Rio Grande do Sul é formada por uma série de corpos d’água, dispostos em seqüência ao longo da costa. A lagoa da Fortaleza pertence ao subsistema lagunar Tramandaí-Sul que é composto por lagoas, dispostas linearmente no sentido norte-sul. O do presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever alguns aspectos relacionados à composição da comunidade de peixes da Lagoa da Fortaleza. As amostragens foram realizadas, mensalmente, no período de novembro de 1998 a outubro de 1999. Os exemplares foram capturados em 4 pontos da lagoa previamente determinados e classificados em 5 ordens, 11 famílias e 22 espécies. As espécies Cyphocharax voga, Hyphessobrycon luetkenii, Oligosarcus jenynsii, Oligosarcus robustus e Loricariichthys anus mostraram-se as mais abundantes. Entre as espécies coletadas apenas duas não caracterizam espécies de água doce: Centropomus sp (marinha) and Lycengraulius grossidens (estuarina). A ictiofauna da lagoa caracterizou-se por uma predominância de espécies constantes.

The Fortaleza Lagoon belongs to the Southern Tramandaí subsystem, formed by lagoons disposed linearly on the north-south direction (30º 08’S, 50º 13’W). The objective of this study was to describe some aspects related to the composition of the fish community of Fortaleza Lagoon. Samples were collected monthly from November 1998 to October 1999. The specimens were captured at four previously determined points in the lagoon, and classified in five orders, 12 families and 22 species. Cyphocharax voga, Hyphessobrycon luetkenii, Oligosarcus jenynsii, Oligosarcus robustus and Loricariichthys anus were more abundant species. Amongst the sampled species only two could not be characterised as freshwater species: Centropomus sp (marine) and Lycengraulius grossidens (estuarine). The ichthyofauna of the lagoon was predominantly composed by constant species.

Platanichthys platana é uma das espécies constantes nas lagoas costeiras Cabiúnas e Imboassica, as quais se caracterizam por diferentes intensidades de contatos com o mar e por distintos graus de influência antropogênica. A análise dos conteúdos estomacais de exemplares de P. platana capturados entre Julho de 1991 e Julho de 1993 revelou como itens alimentares preferenciais, na lagoa Imboassica, as algas filamentosas, detrito, ovos de organismos bentônicos, larvas de quironomídeos e de bivalves. Cladóceros de pequeno porte, copépodos e larvas de camarão foram os itens predominantes na dieta dos espécimes da lagoa Cabiúnas. Variações sazonais na dieta foram observadas para os peixes da lagoa Imboassica. Diferenças nas dietas dos espécimes com menos de 40 mm de comprimento padrão foram observadas para a lagoa Imboassica e atribuídas a maior influência marinha resultante das aberturas artificiais da barra de areia. Para os espécimes da lagoa Cabiúnas, foram notadas diferenças no consumo de larvas de invertebrados entre as classes de comprimento.

Platanichthys platana is considered a constant species in both Cabiúnas and Imboassica lagoons that are characterised by different marine and freshwater inputs, and anthropogenic influences. The stomach content analysis of P. platana captured between July 1991 and July 1993 revealed filamentous algae, detritus, eggs of benthic invertebrates, larvae of chironomids and bivalves as the main food sources in Imboassica lagoon. Small-sized cladocerans, copepods and shrimp larvae were the prevailing items in Cabiúnas lagoon. Seasonal food variations were noted for the fishes of Imboassica lagoon. Diet differences were highlighted within specimens lesser than 40 mm standard length in Imboassica lagoon, and were related to the increase of marine influence due to artificial sand barrier openings. Dissimilarities among size classes in relation to invertebrate larvae consumption were observed in fishes from Cabiúnas lagoon.

Alimentação natural de Callinectes ornatus Ordway, 1863 (Decapoda, Portunidae) na Armação do Itapocoroy, Penha, SC - Brasil. No período de janeiro a dezembro de 1995, foram coletados 332 indivíduos de Callinectes ornatus, procedentes da Armação do Itapocoroy (Penha, SC). Foi estudada a alimentação natural da espécie e as variações sazonais da dieta. Os resultados mostram um espectro trófico diversificado, com estratégia alimentar generalista, sendo Algas, Macrófitas, Foraminiferida, Mollusca, Polychaeta, Crustacea, Echinodermata, Osteichthyes e matéria orgânica não identificada, os grupos que compõem sua dieta.

From January to December 1995, 332 individuals of the Callinectes ornatus species were collected from the Itapocoroy inlet in Penha, Sta. Catarina, Brazil to study its natural diet and the seasonal variations of diet. Results showed a diversified trophic spectrum with a generalized dietary strategy comprising the algae, macrophyta, foraminiferida, mollusca, polychaeta, crustacea, echinodermata, Osteichthyes and NIOM (Nonidentified Organic Matter) groups.

A atividade de Maricultura surgiu como um complemento de renda para os pescadores artesanais do litoral de Santa Catarina, causando alterações significativas na paisagem costeira e criando um novo substrato para as aves marinhas. Durante o período de março/98 a fevereiro/99 foram realizados 48 censos entre os quatros horários de amostragens, registrando-se a ocorrência média anual de 4448.7 exemplares, distribuídos em cinco espécies de aves marinhas. Os Laridae dominaram em diversidade e abundância, contribuindo com 98.1% das aves registradas. O número de aves por flutuador variou em função do horário e época do ano, sendo em média de 2.09/1. As aves marinhas utilizam a área de maricultura como local de repouso, manutenção das penas e pernoite.

Mariculture has emerged as a complementary income for small fishermen along the coast of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, causing significant alterations in the coastal landscape and creating a new substratum seabirds. From March 1998 to February 1999, 48 censuses were carried out at four sample times, registering an average annual occurrence of 4448.7 birds, distributed among five seabird species. Laridae dominated in diversity and abundance, contributing with 98.1% of the birds recorded. The number of birds per float varied depending on the time of day and season of the year, showing an average of 2.09/1. Seabirds use the mariculture area as a place to rest, to clean their feathers and to overnight.

Características da estrutura da população e o fator de condição de Pseudotothyris obtusa foram comparados em três rios costeiros na região sul do Brasil. Os peixes foram coletados mensalmente através de pesca elétrica e medidos quanto ao comprimento total. Quinze peixes de cada rio foram dissecados e identificados quanto ao sexo. A estrutura da população em tamanho, a proporção sexual e a relação jovem/adultos foram analisadas e foi obtida a relação peso/comprimento. O fator de condição (K1) e o fator de condição relativo (Kn) foram calculados em cada rio. Os peixes foram agrupados em 11 classes de comprimento de 3mm. As classes de tamanho maiores e intermediárias foram preponderantes nos rios Mergulhão e Colônia Pereira, e as classes menores e intermediárias no rio Ribeirão. Fêmeas prevaleceram nas maiores classes de comprimento, atingiram maiores comprimentos que os machos, e foram preponderantes em todos os rios. Os valores dos fatores de condição (K1 and Kn) foram diferentes nos três rios, indicando melhor condição e maiores valores de peso total para os dos rios Mergulhão e Colônia Pereira.

Population structure features and condition factor of Pseudotothyris obtusa were compared between three coastal streams in southern Brazil. Fishes were monthly collected through electric fishing and measured in the total length. Fifteen fishes from each stream were dissected to identify their sex. The structure in size, sex ratio and young/adults ratio of populations were analysed and the length-weight relationship was obtained. The condition factor (K1) and the relative condition factor (Kn) were calculated for each stream. Fishes were grouped in 11 lenght classes of 3mm. The intermediate and bigger size classes were preponderant in the "Mergulhão" and "Colônia Pereira" streams, and the smaller and intermediate ones in the "Ribeirão" stream. Females prevailed in bigger size classes, reached bigger lengths than males, and were preponderant in all streams. The condition factors (K1 and Kn) were different in all streams, indicating better condition and higher weight values in fishes from the "Mergulhão" and "Colônia Pereira" streams.

Pimelodus maculatus Lacepede, 1803 is an important fish of the Säo Francisco river basin, where it is economically significant in both professional and sports fisheries. The fish, maintained in captivity, was subjected to hypophysation with crude caip pituitary extract. Approximately 70% of the females treated spawned viable eggs. The eggs were opaque, demersal, yellow and free. Egg stripping was performed at 213 hour-degrees (duration = 8.3 h) after the second dose injection, at water temperature of 25-26ºC. Hatching occurred at 394 hour-degrees (duration = 16.3 h) after egg fertilization, at water temperature of 24-25ºC. Egg fertilization rate was 64.8%. The relationship between absolute fecundity (AF), initial fertility (IF) and final fertility (FF) and body weight are expressed, respectively, by AF = - 331 + 181717 Wt (r² = 0.62), IF = - 16839+ 158123 Wt (r² = 0.65), and FF = -9874 + 100365 Wt (r² = 0.63).

The factors involved in the induction of resting eggs development and hatching are poorly understood for Brachionus calyciflorus populations of South Hemisphere. The role of some abiotic factors in controlling the hatching rates of B. calyciflorus resting eggs was investigated. Determination of optimum hatching conditions would be important in developing the use of this species as food for fish larvae in aquaculture. Resting eggs were exposed to different treatments in the laboratory, and monitored for hatching over a period of five days. Optimum hatching conditions were: pH 5-9, water ionic concentrations from 220 to 880 mg.l-1 of selected salts, temperature 25 - 30ºC, photoperiod eight or more hours light per day, and light intensity equal to or greater than 850 lux.

The Custódias lagoon has a great importance in the Tramandaí system, because it works as reproduction area, feeding and nursery grounds to several fish species. The aim of this work is the study of aspects related to the reproduction of Oligosarcus jenynsii (Günther, 1864) as such as reproductive period, sexual ratio, fecundity and size of the first gonadal maturation. The specimens were sampled monthly from October/1994 to October/1995. For each sex, maturation curves were established, based on the monthly variation of the gonadossomatic index mean values, as well as, the relative frequencies of the sexual maturity stages. Breeding seasons took place during the winter and spring. The sex ratio was significanthly different from 1:1, with more females than male in almost all month. The species had a average fecundity of 9.694 ovocytes. The estimated size of first sexual maturation was 114 mm for male and 131 mm for females.

In the time period between May/92 to April/93, 2693 (1243 males and 1450 females) specimens of Penaeus paulensis Pérez Farfante, 1967 were collected. The shrimps were captured by night using a hand net in äreas between 30 to 150 cm deep. The abundance of P. paulensis is regulated mainly by the temperature, the summer being the season of greater profusion. The major recruiting period takes place in the Spring with shrimps measuring between 1,0 to 3,0 cm and approximately 2,0 months old. The population reaches the pre-adult in the Fall-Winter period with average length between 8,8 cm (females) and 9,3 cm (males). The migration to the ocean occurs during the Winter. The artisanal fishing in the Conceição Lake is predatory, acting upon the young and pre-adult shrimps, which may jeopardize the marine reproducer stock.

The aim of this study was to analyse the reproductive period, fecundity and the size of the first gonadal maturation of Cyphocharax voga (Hensel, 1869) of Custódias Lagoon, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The specimens (293 males and 247 females) were collected monthly, during the period between October 1994 and September 1995. The reproductive period took place from early winter until the end of spring. The average absolute fecundity was 36608 oocytes. The size of the first gonadal maturation was estimated in 121 and 128 mm for males and females respectively.

In the time period between May/92 to Abril/93, 602 (267 males and 335 females) specimens oi P. brasiliensis Latreille, 1817 were collected. The shrimps were captured by night using a hand net in áreas between 30 to 150 cm deep. The amplitude of length ranged from 1,3 to 13,7 cm, the highest frequencies of capture were registered during the Fali between the classes of 7,0 and 10,0 cm. The males present isometric growth and the females negative allometric one. The size of the pre-adult ranged from 8,8 cm for the females and 9,2 cm for the males. The recruiting occurs chiefly in the Summer with intense growth during the Fall-Winter period, reaching a climax with the migration of pre-adults to the ocean in midwinter.

Rhinelepis aspera é a espécie que atinge maior porte dentre os Locariidae da bacia do rio São Francisco onde é hoje raramente capturada. Reprodutores mantidos em viveiros foram hipofisados com extrato bruto de hipófise de carpa (EBHC). Aproximadamente 82% das fêmeas responderam positivamente ao tratamento. Seus ovos eram opacos, demersais, arredondados, amarelados e adesivos. A extrusão dos ovos foi feita a 212 horas-graus (= 8,2 h) após a aplicação da segunda dose de EBHC (temperatura da água = 25-26 ºC). A eclosão das larvas ocorreu a 1022 horas-graus (= 42,2 h) após a fertilização dos ovos (temperatura da água = 24-25 ºC). A taxa de fertilização dos ovos foi de 72%. Fecundidade absoluta (AF), fertilidade inicial (IF) e fertilidade final (FF) em relação ao peso corporal das fêmeas foram expressa, respectivamente, pelas equações: AF = - 33993 + 122308 Wt (r² = 0,88), IF = - 14823 + 58619 Wt (r² = 0,71) e FF = - 6553 + 29741 (r² = 0.61).

Rhinelepis aspera is the largest Loricariidae species found in the São Francisco river basin where it is now rarely caught. Brooders kept in tanks were hypophysed with crude carp pituitary extract (CCPE). Approximately 82% of the females responded positive to the treatment. The egg was opaque, demersal, round, yellow and adhesive. Egg stripping was done at 212 hour-degrees (= 8.2 h) after application of the second dose of CCPE (water temperature = 25-26 ºC). Hatching of the larvae occurred at 1022 hour-degrees (= 42.2 h), after fertilization of the eggs (water temperature =24-25 ºC). Fertilization rate of the eggs was 72%. Absolute fecundity (AF), initial fertility (IF) and final fertility (FF) in relation to the females' body weight are expressed, respectively, by the equations: AF = - 33993 + 122308 Wt (r² = 0.88), IF = - 14823 + 58619 Wt (r² = 0.71) and FF = - 6553 + 29741 (r² = 0.61)