ABSTRACT: The production chain of Penaeus vannamei require detailed quality evaluation from farm to processing plant, to maintain the quality standards. We evaluated the impact of production chain steps in main defects of P. vannamei as red hepatopancreas, detached cephalothorax and post-mult. Red hepatopancreas and detached cephalothorax exhibited the highest defect incidence, which are related to capture method and post-harvest handling procedures. Red hepatopancreas showed a positive correlation (r = 0.56; P = 0.008) with post-molts. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained 53.91% of total data variance, where the second principal component (PC2) contributed with 19.39% separating shrimp defects and management steps based on square cosines of red hepatopancreas and transport time. These results suggested that steps of production chain as well as post mortem process are directly related to shrimp defects, and the knowledge of these factors can contribute to improve the product quality.

RESUMO: A cadeia produtiva do Penaeus vannamei exige avaliações detalhadas quanto à qualidade do produto desde o campo até a planta de processamento, considerando a importância da manutenção dos padrões de qualidade. Foi avaliado o impacto das etapas da cadeia produtiva nos principais defeitos do P. vannamei como hepatopâncreas vermelho, cefalotórax desprendido e pós-mudas. Hepatopâncreas e o cefalotórax desprendido foram os defeitos de maior incidência, e estão relacionados ao método de despesca e manuseio pós-abate. O hepatopâncreas vermelho apresentou correlação positiva (r = 0,56; P = 0.008) com pós-muda. A Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP) explicou 53,91% da variância total dos dados, onde o segundo componente principal (PC2) contribuiu com 19,39% separando os defeitos do camarão e as etapas de manejo com base nos cossenos quadrados do hepatopâncreas vermelho e tempo de transporte. Esses resultados sugerem que as etapas da cadeia produtiva bem como o processo post mortem estão diretamente relacionados aos defeitos dos camarões, e o conhecimento desses fatores pode contribuir para a melhoria da qualidade do produto.

Keywords The productive performance of Clarias gariepinus, fed with by-products from the pulp extraction process of the lobster cephalothorax (Panulirus argus), was evaluated. An amount of 240 young fish of 10.16 ± 0.07 g initial mean weight were used, placed according to a completely randomized design in four treatments with three repetitions. The treatments were: control (100 % fish by-products), TI (75 % fish by-products and 25 % lobster by-products), TII (50 % fish by-products and 50 % lobster by-products) and TIII (100 % lobster by-products). Animals were fed for 45 days and feed was provided at 15 % of the biomass. The increase in lobster by-products in the rations decreased the amount of feed supplied per animal (137.15, 120.38, 109.72 and 86.53 g). Similarly, growth indicators (74.51, 52.91, 43.01 and 20.51 g) and feed conversion (2.41, 3.18, 3.78 and 9.81) were unfavorable when increasing the levels of these by-products, due to lower feed intake and, therefore, of proteins. Survival was 100 % for all treatments. The negative results were related to the high concentrations of chitin in natural form and calcium, present in these by-products. It is concluded that fresh lobster by-products were not feasible for feeding Clarias gariepinus. Its transformation into products with high added value, such as chitin, chitosans and protein concentrates, is recommended for subsequent evaluation as growth enhancers in this species.

Palabras Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de Clarias gariepinus, alimentados con subproductos del proceso de extracción de pulpa del cefalotórax de langosta (Panulirus argus). Se utilizaron 240 alevines de 10.16 ± 0.07 g de peso medio inicial, ubicados según diseño completamente aleatorizado en cuatro tratamientos con tres repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron: control (100 % de subproductos de pescado), TI (75 % de SP y 25 % de subproductos de langosta), TII (50 % subproductos de pescado y 50 % subproductos de langosta) y TIII (100 % de subproductos de langosta). Los animales se alimentaron durante 45 días y se suministró el alimento al 15 % de la biomasa. El incremento de los subproductos de langosta en las raciones disminuyó la cantidad de alimento suministrado por animal (137.15, 120.38, 109.72 y 86.53 g). De igual forma, los indicadores de crecimiento (74.51, 52.91, 43.01 y 20.51 g) y la conversión alimentaria (2.41, 3.18, 3.78 y 9.81) se desfavorecieron al incrementar los niveles de estos subproductos, por los menores consumos de alimento y por tanto, de proteínas. La supervivencia fue de 100 % para todos los tratamientos. Los resultados negativos se relacionaron con las altas concentraciones de quitina en forma natural y calcio, presentes en estos subproductos. Se concluye que los subproductos de langosta frescos no fueron factibles para la alimentación de Clarias gariepinus. Se recomienda su transformación en productos de alto valor añadido, como quitina, quitosanos y concentrados proteicos, para su posterior evaluación como potenciadores de crecimiento en esta especie.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-bacterial and antimycobacterial potential of the by-products of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The following extracts were obtained: exoskeleton hexanic, methanolic and acqueous extracts (ExHex, ExMe, ExAc); and cephalothorax hexanic, acetonic and methanolic extracts (CeHex, CeAce, CeMe). Antibacterial effect was determined by the broth microdilution method against Gram-positive bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 51299, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293, and Staphylo-coccus epidermidis; Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, and Salmonella typhimurium; and Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (M. bovis BCG) Danish strain. CeHex resulted active against all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC50= 400 µg mL-1) and against M. bovis BCG (MIC100= 250 µg mL-1). Gas chromatography (GC) of CeHex identified oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, behenic, palmitoleic and linolenic fatty acids. The strong antibacterial activity of CeHex and the identification of its main chemical constituents justify further studies on the clinical applications of this marine by-product.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el potencial antibacteriano y antimicobacteriano de los sub-productos del camarón blanco (Litopenaeus vannamei). Fueron obtenidos los siguientes extractos: extracto hexánico, metanólico y acuoso del exoesqueleto (ExHex, ExMe, ExAc); y extracto hexánico, acetónico y metanólico del cefalotórax (CeHex, CeAce, CeMe). El efecto antibacteriano fue evaluado mediante el método de microdilución en caldo contra las bacterias Gram-positivas: Enterococcus faecalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 51299, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293, y Staphylococcus epidermidis; bacterias Gram-negativas: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, y Salmonella typhimurium; y Mycobacterium bovis bacilo Calmette-Guérin (M. bovis BCG) cepa Danesa. CeHex resultó activo contra todas las bacterias Gram-positivas y Gram-negativas (MIC50= 400 µg mL-1) y contra M. bovis BCG (MIC100= 250 µg mL-1). Mediante cromatogra-fía de gases (GC) de CeHex se identificaron los ácidos grasos: oleico, linoleico, palmítico, esteárico, behénico, palmitoleico y linolénico. La fuerte actividad antibacteriana de CeHex y la identificación de sus principales components químicos justifican estudios posteriores en las aplicaciones clínicas de este sub-producto marino.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de diferentes niveles de dureza total del agua en la muda, calcificación del exoesqueleto, crecimiento y supervivencia de Cryphiops caementarius. Los camarones machos fueron colectados del río Pativilca (Lima, Perú) y cultivados en recipientes individuales dentro de acuarios (55 L). Se emplearon cuatro niveles de dureza total del agua (100, 200, 300 y 400 mg CaCO3 L-1), con tres repeticiones, respectivamente. Los camarones cultivados en agua con dureza de 300 mg L-1 tuvieron menor periodo de muda (26,7 días) y mayor frecuencia de mudas (tres mudas). El contenido de calcio del exoesqueleto del camarón incrementó (p < 0,05) de 25 a 31 % en agua con dureza de 100 y 400 mg L-1, respectivamente. El mayor grosor del exoesqueleto (144 |jm en cefalotórax y 131 μm en abdomen) fue obtenido en agua con dureza de 400 mg L-1 y el menor grosor (93 |jm en cefalotórax y abdomen) en 100 mg L-1. El crecimiento en longitud fue mayor (p < 0,05) en agua con durezas de 200 y 300 mg L-1. El crecimiento en peso fue similar (p > 0,05) entre tratamientos. La mayor supervivencia (> 94,4 %) se mantuvo en agua con durezas de hasta 300 mg L-1 y la menor supervivencia (77,8 %) fue con 400 mg L-1. La dureza total del agua de 200 y 300 mg L-1 es conveniente para el cultivo del camarón, pero dureza del agua mayor o menor a este rango afectan la muda, el crecimiento y la supervivencia por deficiencia o exceso de calcio acumulado, respectivamente en el exoesqueleto del camarón.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of different levels of total hardness on the molting, calcification of exoskeleton, growth and survival of Cryphiops caementarius prawn. Male prawns were collected from Pativilca river (Lima, Peru) and cultivated in individual containers inside aquariums (55 L). Four levels of the total hardness of water (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg CaCO3 L-1) were used, with three repetitions, respectively. Prawns cultured in water with hardness of 300 mg L-1 has a shorter molting period (26.7 days) and a higher frequency of molts (three molts). The calcium content of the prawn exoskeleton increased (p < 0.05) from 25 to 31 % in water with hardness of 100 and 400 mg L-1, respectively. The greatest thickness of the exoskeleton (144 |jm cephalothorax and 131 |jm abdomen) was obtained in water with a hardness of400 mg L-1 and the smallest thickness (93 |jm in the cephalothorax and abdomen) in 100 mg L-1. The growth in length was greater (p < 0.05) in water with hardness of 200 and 300 mg L-1. The weight growth was similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. The highest survival (> 94.4 %) was maintained in water with hardness up to 300 mg L-1 and the lowest survival (77.8 %) was at 400 mg L-1. The total hardness of 200 and 300 mg L-1 is suitable for prawn farming, but hardness high or lower than this range affects the molting, growth and survival due to deficiency or excess of accumulated calcium, respectively, in the prawn exoskeleton.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize the microplastics (MP) in the hairy crab Romaleon setosum (Molina, 1782) (Cancridae), a species of importance for human consumption. In total, 15 individuals of R. setosum acquired between December 2020 and January 2021 at the Ventanilla Fisheries Wholesale Market, Callao, Peru were evaluated. The muscle, gill and digestive tract of each crab was digested with 10% KOH, followed by a filtration process to search for MP. All individuals presented MP in muscle, gills and digestive tract. Blue MP fibres were most abundant in muscle, blue and red fibres in the gill, and black and blue in the digestive tract. In the case of film-type PM, white was the dominant colour in the muscle and digestive tract, while green was observed in the gills. For the fragments, the blue colour was the most abundant in the gill and in the digestive tract, not being observed in the muscle. The number of PM particles were present with the following sequence: digestive tract > gill > muscle and in relation to its shape it was fibre > fragment > film. The blue and black MPs were the dominant ones. The length of the cephalothorax was related to the number of total PM particles, to muscle and to the blue colour.

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar los microplásticos (MP) en el cangrejo peludo Romaleon setosum (Molina, 1782) (Cancridae), especie de importancia para el consumo humano. Se evaluaron 15 individuos de R. setosum adquiridos entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021 en el Mercado Mayorista Pesquero de Ventanilla, Callao, Perú. El músculo, branquia y tracto digestivo de cada cangrejo fue sometido a digestión con KOH al 10%, seguido por un proceso de filtración para la búsqueda de los MP. Todos los individuos presentaron MP en músculo, branquias y tracto digestivo. Las fibras azules de MP fueron más abundantes en el músculo, las azules y rojas en la branquia, y el negro y azul en el tracto digestivo. En el caso del MP tipo film, el color blanco fue el dominante en el músculo y en el tracto digestivo, en tanto que el verde se observó en las branquias. Para los fragmentos, el color azul fue el más abundante en la branquia y en el tracto digestivo, no siendo observado en el músculo. El número de partículas de MP se presentó con la siguiente secuencia: tracto digestivo > branquia > músculo y con relación a su forma fue fibra > fragmento > film. Los MP de color azul y negro fueron los dominantes. La longitud del cefalotórax se observó relacionada con el número de partículas de MP totales, con el músculo y con el color azul.

Abstract Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Latreille, 1817) and Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Pérez Farfante, 1967), commonly known as pink shrimps, are two commercially important penaeid species caught by artisanal and industrial fisheries in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The currently known southern distribution for F. brasiliensis extends to Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), while F. paulensis reaches the coastal waters of Buenos Aires (Argentina), although Uruguay represents the southern limit of commercial captures for the latter. In the shrimp season of 2019 (February-May) the presence of F. brasiliensis was recorded together with F. paulensis in the brackish coastal lagoons of Uruguay (34º30’ to 34º50’S). A total of 143 specimens of F. brasiliensis and 152 of F. paulensis were analyzed evaluating morphological, morphometric and genetic differences. The presence of both species was validated based on morphological differences and sequencing the Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial gene. Significant morphometric differences were found between both species, particularly, the larger rostral length in relation to the carapace and cephalothorax length in F. paulensis compared to F. brasiliensis. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed record and commercial catch of F. brasiliensis in Uruguayan waters. This southwards expansion could be explained by extending climatic variability events associated with prolonged periods of positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the region. Given the potential commercial relevance of the species, a better understanding of the southward expansion of F. brasiliensis into Uruguayan waters would be helpful in developing efficient management and conservation strategies under a scenario of increasing water temperatures.

Abstract From January to June 2021, mark-recapture and biometric data were collected from a population of blue crab, Cardisoma crassum Smith, 1870, from Ponuga, in Veraguas, Panama. Recapture histories of 163 crabs indicate strong burrow fidelity. During the dry season (January-March) burrow fidelity was 73.2 %, while in the rainy season (April-June) it was 50.7 %. Population was estimated at 2,569 crabs in 10.93-ha with a density of 0.024 ind. m-2. Cephalothorax width averaged 63.62 ± 6.37 mm for males (50.95-78.01 mm, N = 83) and 61.90 ± 5.47 mm for females (53.21-77.78 mm, N = 80). Blue crab reproductive season was traditionally known to take place just during the rainy season. Here, we report ovigerous females in February and March (dry season), suggesting reproduction may occur throughout the year in Panama. This is the first report of burrow fidelity and continuous biometry measurements in natural conditions for C. crassum. Burrow fidelity seems to be closely related to abiotic factors and is different between dry and rainy seasons.

Abstract The new genus Maxiclavella is proposed to accommodate Clavella simplex Castro Romero and Baeza Kuroki, 1985, which differs from Clavella species, including long and narrow cephalothorax, small bulla, and simple armature of the antenna and antennule. Praeclavella nasalis, new genus and species, was found parasitizing the olfactory sacs of Isacia conceptionis. Praeclavella nasalis could be differentiated from other Clavella species by a biramous antenna with an exopod shorter than the endopod, the base of the cephalothorax with a large lobular and suborbicular projection on each side, a suborbicular bulla, mandibles without secondary teeth, and a suboval male body type. Males of both genera fit well in the Clavella-clade male type, although they differ from each other in many aspects, mainly in the position of the buccal area, which is oriented ventrally in Maxiclavella and distally in Praeclavella nasalis, and in a genital process, which is present in the latter and absent in the former. Genetic distances of mtDNA COI and 28S rDNA supported the validity of the two new genera parasitizing the same host, I. conceptionis. Also Clavella-branch (Clavellinae Wilson), a key based genera on female specimens is presented.

Abstract In the present study, pentastomids belonging to the order Cephalobaenida were isolated from the lungs of Berber skinks Eumeces schneideri (Famiy: Scincidae), which were morphologically described by light and scanning electron microscopy and taxonomically justi- fied by 18s rDNA molecular analyses of the parasites. Seventeen host specimens were collected from well-vegetated wadis at high altitudes, Jizan, Saudi Arabia as new type locality; twelve specimens (70.59%) were infected. All of the recovered parasites were adults, possessed small broadly triangular cephalothorax flattened on the ventral surface and merged smoothly with a uniformly thick and squat abdomen and terminated in a pair of divergent lobes. The results obtained indicated that the parasites belong to the sharp-tipped posterior-hook Raillietiella spp. distinguished from other raillietiedids of the same group some important characteristic fea- tures including annulus number, shape and dimensions of the buccal cadre, copulatory spicules, and anterior and posterior hooks. The anterior hook of the female specimens (n = 5) had a blade length (AB) of 135±5 (110-146) ^m and shank length (BC) 158±5 (150-169) ^m while the posterior hook was much larger with AB measuring 221 ±5 (200-236) m and BC 286 ±6 (280-289) |o.m. For the male specimens (n = 5), the anterior hook had an AB of 73 ±3 (72-75) |j.m and a BC 102±5 (100-103) ^m. The posterior hook was much larger with AB 190.6±5 (190-191).

Resumen En el presente estudio se aisló un pentastómido perteneciente al orden Cephalobaenida del pulmón de un eslizón bereber (Eumeces schneideri, Familia: Scincidae). Se efectuó su descripción morfológica basada en observación por microscopía óptica y de bar rido y se justificó su ubicación taxonómica mediante análisis molecular del gen 18S del ADNr. Se recolectaron 17 especímenes del citado huésped en valles ubicados a elevadas altitudes, en la región de Jizan (Arabia Saudí); 12 de ellos (70,59%) estaban infectados. Todos los parásitos recuperados eran adultos y poseían un pequeño cefalotórax triangular, aplanado en la super ficie ventral, que se fusionaba con un abdomen abultado y terminado en un par de lóbulos divergentes. Los resultados indicaron que este parásito pertenece a Raillietiella spp., que agrupa especies con gancho posterior puntiagudo; estas se distinguen de otros miembros de la Familia Raillietiella por algunos rasgos característicos, como el número de anillos y la forma y dimensiones del cuadro bucal, las espículas copulatorias y los ganchos anterior y posterior. La caracterización morfológica demostró que el parásito recuperado era muy similar a R. aegypti, previamente aislada del mismo huésped. El alineamiento de secuencias mediante el método de probabilidad máxima basado en el análisis del gen 18s del ADNr detectó identidades del 88-95% con los géneros de pentastómidos disponibles en GenBank. Dentro del árbol filogenético se pudo incluir este parásito dentro del clado monofilético pentastómido con máxima identidad con las especies de Raillietiella. Las secuencias obtenidas fueron depositadas en GenBank, con número de acceso MK970649.1. El presente análisis molecular confirma por primera vez la posición taxonómica de Raillietiella aegypti, anteriormente aislado del mismo huésped.

Abstract A putative new species of tantulocaridan is reported parasitizing a species of typhlotanaid (Tanaideacea) from the Gulf of Mexico at depths up to 2767 m. The tantulocaridan belongs to Microdajus Greve, 1965, species of which are all known from tanaid hosts in the superfamily Paratanoidea. Tantulocaridan samples included newly settled tantulus larvae, early stages of trunk development and developing males; parasites were found attached to anterior appendages (antennules and pereopods) or bodies of hosts. This material likely represents a new species but the condition and number of available specimens precludes a formal description. The putative new species is most similar to Microdajus aporosus Grygier and Sieg, 1988 and Microdajus tchesunovi Kolbasov and Savchenko, 2010 in having an endopodal seta on each of the sixth thoracopods (lacking in other species). Microdajus tchesunovi is the only described species of Microdajus with males bearing unsegmented sixth thoracopod protopods; this character is also found on the present specimens. Males of the newly reported tantulocaridan can be distinguished from those of M. tchesunovi based on protopod 1-5 morphology and setation of the pits on the cephalothorax (fewer setae in males of the western Atlantic specimens compared to M. tchesunovi). This is the first species of Microdajus reported from the western Atlantic and the first tantulocaridan known from the Gulf of Mexico or northwestern Atlantic.

Abstract Plesionika edwardsii (J.F. Brandt in von Middendorf, 1851) is a cosmopolitan species that inhabits cold temperate and subarctic waters between 50 and 680 m. In the Azorean region, this is the second most abundant shrimp species and populations remain unexploited. To provide insights into a pristine state that can be useful for comparisons across regions and serve as a benchmark for a potential fishery in the future, we analyzed data collected during shrimp trap surveys in the Azores between 1999 and 2000. Plesionika edwardsii were caught between 100 and 600 m depth, with the biggest catches between 200 and 400 m. Sizes varied from 8.3 to 31.3 mm cephalothorax length (CL). Females were bigger and more abundant than males and predominated at depths up to 300 m. Ovigerous females were caught throughout most of the year, with a peak of abundance during the winter. The size at 50 % maturity was 25 mm CL. High variability in distributional patterns and life-history traits has been observed in our study and when compared with literature from other regions, it is difficult to distinguish which differences are potentially fishing-induced. Future studies should investigate the oceanographic processes associated with P. edwardsii ecology and commercial fisheries should be made on a precautionary basis.

RESUMO O conhecimento acerca da dieta de uma determinada espécie é essencial para fornecer informações sobre o crescimento e manutenção das populações em ambiente natural. Macrobrachium brasiliense (Heller, 1862) é uma espécie de camarão de água doce com ampla distribuição no Brasil, ocorrendo frequentemente em ambientes aquáticos inseridos no bioma Cerrado. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dieta natural de uma população de M. brasiliense, comparando os itens alimentares consumidos em função do sexo, sazonalidade e tamanho corporal dos indivíduos. Foram realizadas coletas mensais entre setembro de 2018 a agosto de 2019. Os indivíduos coletados tiveram seu sexo identificado e o comprimento do cefalotórax mensurado. O conteúdo estomacal foi avaliado a partir do grau de repleção, método de pontos e de frequência de ocorrência. Verificou-se elevada frequência de detrito vegetal no conteúdo estomacal e uma frequência menor de insetos aquáticos, porém significativa. Não houve diferenças significativas quanto à dieta de machos e fêmeas e entre as estações seca e chuvosa. Foi observado um aumento do consumo total de insetos com aumento de tamanho de machos e fêmeas de M. brasiliense. Uma preferência de dieta por Trichoptera foi registrada em ambos os períodos de amostragem para machos e fêmeas.Os resultados obtidos confirmam uma dieta onívora para a espécie e sugerem que a composição e a proporção de itens podem variar em função do tamanho dos indivíduos e da disponibilidade dos itens no ambiente.

ABSTRACT Knowledge about the diet of a given species is essential to provide information on the growth and maintenance of populations in a natural environment. Macrobrachium brasiliense (Heller, 1862) is a species of freshwater prawn widely distributed in Brazil, being frequent in aquatic environments inserted in the Cerrado biome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural diet of a population of M. brasiliense, comparing the consumed food items according to sex, seasonality and body size of individuals. Monthly collections were carried out between September 2018 and August 2019. The individuals collected had their sex identified and the length of the cephalothorax measured. Stomach content was assessed based on the degree of repletion, the method of points and the frequency of occurrence. There was a high frequency of plant material in the stomach contents and a smaller but significant frequency of aquatic insects. There were no significant differences regarding the diet of males and females and between the dry and rainy seasons. It was observed an increase in total insect consumption with the increase in size of males and females of M. brasiliense. A diet preference for Trichoptera was recorded in both sampling periods for males and females. The results obtained confirm an omnivorous diet for the species and suggest that the composition and proportion of items may vary depending on the size of the individuals and the availability of the items in the environment.

Abstract The shape of the secondary sexual characters is, traditionally, used to discriminate the marine shrimps at the species level. However, the qualitative evaluation of structures that are morphologically variable in the taxonomy of species can favor misunderstandings and misidentifications. These possibilities of taxonomic inaccuracies are especially alarming when there is a need to evaluate the invasion of introduced species. The present study used geometric morphometric analyses to identify differences in the cephalothorax shape that would help discriminate the native and non-native species of Litopenaeus of the South American coast. The comparative morphology analysis was conducted using the right profile of adult males’ cephalothorax of L. schmitti, captured in the natural environment, and L. vannamei captured in the natural environment or grown in shrimp farms. In intraspecific evaluation, it was not possible to distinguish the specimens of L. vannamei that were grown in shrimp farms from those acclimated to the natural environment. However, significant interspecific differences in shape were found in the shape of this body structure. Additionally, the base position of the first rostral spine to the tip of the hepatic spine is indicated as a characteristic that can be used to distinguish these two species by eye in the field.

Resumo O presente trabalho trata de uma nova forma de disponibilizar o camarão, visando sua aplicação na indústria alimentícia ou na culinária, em que se deseje agregar o sabor de camarão, como molhos, temperos, patês, sopas desidratadas, salgadinhos, entre outros. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do uso da goma arábica como adjuvante de secagem nas características físicas e químicas do pó de camarão obtido pelo processo de secagem por atomização. O camarão fresco foi submetido às etapas: lavagem, pré-aquecimento, eliminação do cefalotórax e trituração do abdômen em liquidificador. À pasta de camarão resultante foi adicionada goma arábica nas concentrações de 2, 4 e 8% e desidratada em spray de aquecimento utilizando as temperaturas de entrada de 120 e 150 º C. O pó obtido foi avaliado quanto às suas características químicas, físicas e físico-químicas. A adição de goma arábica não alterou significativamente as características químicas, físicas e físico-químicas em relação à amostra controle. O aumento da temperatura de 120 para 150ºC, amostras controle, não teve efeito significativo (p ≤ 0.05) sobre a umidade do produto. O uso da temperatura de entrada de 120 º C no spray-dryer foi mais indicado para a secagem do camarão, apresentando um produto final de alto valor proteico.

Abstract The aim of this study was to find a new method to improve shrimp availability in the culinary and food industry, especially for products in which the flavour of shrimp must be preserved, such as sauces, seasonings, dehydrated soups, and snacks. The approach involved the use of arabic gum as a drying adjuvant on powdered shrimp obtained by spray drying. The effects of the arabic gum on the physicochemical characteristics of the powdered shrimp were then evaluated. The fresh shrimp was processed using the following steps: washing, pre-baking, cephalothorax elimination, and grinding of the abdomen in a blender. Arabic gum was added to the shrimp paste at concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 8% and dehydrated in a spray dryer with input temperatures of 120 ºC and 150 ºC. The chemical, physical, and physicochemical characteristics of to cite in the article page. the control treatment, the addition of arabic gum did not cause any significant alterations to the chemical, physical, and physicochemical characteristics. The temperature increase from 120 ºC to 150 ºC in the control samples had no significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the moisture of the product. The input temperature of 120 ºC was found to be the most efficient for drying the shrimp, given that the final product had a high protein content.

ABSTRACT The relationship between color and size supports the hypothesis that color is an important signal for some crab species during mating rituals or agonistic interactions. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the color variation of D. pagei and its relationship with sex and sexual maturity. The crabs were placed on a surface for photographic recording of the body parts: cephalothorax, chelipeds, abdomen and pereiopods using a digital camera installed on a photographic table. Images were converted to the spectrum of red, green, blue and also of them combined (RGB). The values of each spectrum revealed that the color variation of the cephalothorax and chelipeds were different between adults and juveniles. The abdomen and pereiopods showed color variation in both sexes and at developmental stages. The pattern of color variation observed in juveniles ranged from light to dark brown and adults are from orange to intense red. The change in color of the cephalothorax and chelipeds could be used as a character to determine the onset of sexual maturity. The high color variation of the abdomen and pereiopods in both sexes and at developmental stages, though, indicates individual variation which probably is associated with other factors, such as molt stage or even the quality of food available.