ABSTRACT Bycatch species are as important as target species in the challenge of comprehensive fishery management. This is especially the case for vulnerable species such as elasmobranchs in offshore areas of the Colombian Pacific Ocean (CPO), for which information is scarce and long-term databases are used. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the bycatch in tuna purse-seine fishery with an elasmobranch species approach using fishery data from 2000 to 2019. A total of 59 bycatch species were identified, including 27 bony fishes, 22 elasmobranchs, two mollusks, four sea turtles, and four dolphins. The total bycatch percentage was 20.8%, with elasmobranchs accounting for less than 5%. Fish aggregating devices (FADs) and class 6 vessels recorded the highest percentage of bycatch. Bony fish bycatch was mainly obtained from the border of Ecuador until 4° N across the CPO. Elasmobranchs were captured throughout the CPO, showing differences by vessel class and fishing method. The silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis was the most caught species. Elasmobranch spatial abundance and capture hotspots showed the highest values towards the northern coast, in offshore areas of Gorgona Island, southwards in offshore areas, and around Malpelo Island. FADs captured the highest number of bycatch species compared with other fishing methods, such as Tuna Associated with Dolphins (DEL), Natural Floating Objects (NAT), and Tuna not Associated (NoAs). Management recommendations for bycatch species in this fishery are provided in the CPO. management CPO , (CPO) longterm long term used Therefore purseseine purse seine 200 2019 5 identified 2 fishes mollusks turtles dolphins 208 20 8 20.8% 5% (FADs 4 method coast Island methods DEL, DEL (DEL) NAT, NAT (NAT) NoAs. NoAs . (NoAs) (CPO 201 20.8 (DEL (NAT (NoAs 20.

Abstract This paper describes the fishing profile and the temporal variation in the commercial landings of elasmobranchs in a global hotspot for their conservation and investigates the variables that influenced the landings. Census data on commercial catches were obtained between April 2008 and October 2010 from nine landing sites in Bragança (Pará, northern Brazil). Five vessel types, four fishing gears, and eight fishing techniques engaged with elasmobranch capture were identified. A total of 2,357 landings were recorded, with a total production of 354 t. The highest yields were recorded in 2009, with sharks being harvested mostly by small and medium-sized vessels, and batoids, by small vessels and canoes. Drifting nets and longlines played a prominent role in elasmobranch fisheries. The results show that the landings were influenced by days at sea, which is common in tropical fisheries. The elasmobranch data series is discontinuous as statistics are absent for most fishing sites albeit imperative for proper management, as well as relevant for decision-makers focusing on their conservation. 200 201 Pará, Pará (Pará Brazil. Brazil . Brazil) types gears identified 2357 2 357 2,35 35 t 2009 mediumsized medium sized batoids canoes fisheries sea management decisionmakers decision makers 20 235 2,3 3 23 2,

Abstract Stingrays genus Hypanus currently encompasses nine valid species from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, though the phylogenetic relationships amongst some of them were based on a single mitochondrial gene and did not involve all putative Hypanus species. To address the monophyly of the genus and its relationship to other Dasyatinae genera, we sequenced the whole mitochondrial genomes of all species that supposedly belong to this genus and representatives of Dasyatinae, Neotrygoninae, and, as an outgroup, Fontitrygon (Urogymninae). Based on phylogenetic analyses, Hypanus is the sister-genus to all other Dasyatinae, and this subfamily is closely-related to Neotrygoninae within the family Dasyatidae. The species F. geijskesi is closely related to H. guttatus rather than to its congeners and should be allocated to Hypanus as H. geijskesi for the genus monophyly. After lineage delimitation analyses, we identified three species complexes composed of H. americanus, H. guttatus, and H. say, with two distinct evolutionary lineages within each, leaving the genus with 13 evolutionary units, of which six are currently under threat and only H. sabinus is of least concern. The urgency in identifying these new lineages lies in the fact they might already be under threat before being formally described. oceans genera outgroup Urogymninae. Urogymninae . (Urogymninae) analyses sistergenus sister closelyrelated Dasyatidae F H americanus say each 1 units concern described (Urogymninae

Resumo As raias com ferrão do gênero Hypanus atualmente compreendem nove espécies válidas nos oceanos Atlântico e Pacífico, embora as relações filogenéticas entre algumas delas tenha sido baseada em apenas um gene mitocondrial e não envolvia todas as possíveis espécies de Hypanus. Para avaliar o monofiletismo do gênero e sua relação com outros Dasyatinae, sequenciamos os genomas mitocondriais de todas as espécies que supostamente compõem o gênero e representantes de Dasyatinae, Neotrygoninae e, como grupo externo, Fontitrygon (Urogymninae). Baseados em análises filogenéticas, Hypanus é o gênero-irmão de todos os outros Dasyatinae e essa subfamília é proximamente relacionada à Neotrygoninae dentro da família Dasyatidae. A espécie F. geijskesi é mais relacionada a H. guttatus que a outras congêneres e deve ser alocada em Hypanus como H. geijskesi para que o gênero seja monofilético. Após análises de delimitações de linhagens, identificamos três complexos de espécies formados por H. americanus, H. guttatus e H. say, com duas linhagens evolutivas distintas em cada, deixando o gênero com 13 unidades evolutivas, das quais seis estão atualmente sob risco de extinção e somente o estado de H. sabinus é pouco preocupante. A urgência na identificação dessas linhagens reside no fato que podem já estar ameaçadas antes de serem formalmente descritas. Pacífico externo Urogymninae. Urogymninae . (Urogymninae) gêneroirmão irmão Dasyatidae F H monofilético americanus say cada 1 preocupante descritas (Urogymninae

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o tamanho na primeira maturidade sexual (Lm) para 36 espécies pertencentes a 24 famílias do hábitat marinho do Baluchistão e Sindh, no Mar Arábico, Paquistão, por meio de modelo empírico e logístico com base no comprimento máximo usando captura comercial, durante junho de 2020 e maio de 2021. O comprimento total individual (TL) foi anotado até 0,1 cm usando medição ampla. O Lm foi calculado por duas fórmulas; (i) log (Lm) = - 0,1246 + 0,9924 * log (Lmax) para elasmobrânquios; e (ii) log (Lm) = - 0,1189 + 0,9157* log (Lmax) para peixes com nadadeiras raiadas. O Lm mínimo foi de 10,27 cm de TL para Caranx malabaricus, e o máximo, de 108,38 cm de TL para Isurus oxyrinchus. Em 58,33% das espécies com Lm foram encontradas faixas de 19,00 cm a 25,00 cm de TL. Este estudo estimou que 16 espécies com Lm estão globalmente ausentes e as 20 espécies restantes com Lm estão ausentes no Mar Arábico (hábitats costeiros do Paquistão). Portanto, os resultados serão úteis para o manejo sustentável e a conservação desses peixes marinhos por meio do estabelecimento da malhagem das redes de arrasto com base no tamanho na primeira maturidade sexual (Lm).

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the size at first sexual maturity (Lm) for 36 species belonging to 24 families from the marine habitat of Balochistan and Sindh in Arabian Sea, Pakistan through maximum length based an empirical and logistic model using commercial catch during June 2020 to May 2021. Individual total length (TL) was noted up to 0.1 cm using measuring broad. The Lm was calculated using two formulae; (i) log (Lm) = - 0.1246 + 0.9924 * log (Lmax) for Elasmobranchs and (ii) log (Lm) = -0.1189 + 0.9157* log (Lmax) for ray-finned fishes. The minimum Lm was recorded as 10.27 cm TL for Caranx malabaricus and 108.38 cm TL for Isurus oxyrinchus, respectively. Around Lm with 58.33% species were ranges from 19.00 cm to 25.00 cm TL. This study was estimated 16 newly Lm which is globally absent and rest 20 Lm are absent in the Arabian Sea (Pakistan coastal habitats). Therefore, the results will be helpful for the sustainable management and conservation of these marine fishes through the establishment of mesh size of trawl nets based on the size at sexual maturity (Lm).

Resumen Este artículo analiza los factores biológicos de los elasmobranquios más comunes en Bahía Santa Elena, en el Área de Conservación Guanacaste en el Pacifico norte de Costa Rica. Debido a un vacío de información científica marino-costera que origina un fallo del sistema de manejo, no hay enfoque de resiliencia en las poblaciones sujeto de conservación. Se utilizó el método de muestreo mensual desde septiembre de 2015 hasta agosto de 2016. Mediante censo subacuático, uso de un trasmallo y visita en los puestos de recibo de pescado de Cuajiniquil se determinó la diversidad, abundancia relativa, distribución de las especies, aspectos biométricos, biología reproductiva y estructura de tallas de captura; también se aplicó una encuesta a 120 pescadores para conocer la percepción social en factores del desarrollo sostenible. Se trabajó con una muestra de 289 individuos que dio como resultado que los meses de mayor precipitación se relacionan con picos de los índices de diversidad, con poca distribución espacial, donde se presenta un remplazo estacional de especies, entre las que destaca el arribo de Rhinopterasteindachneri, Mobulamunkiana, durante los meses lluviosos y Mustelushenlei junto con Sphyrnalewini durante los vientos alisios. El periodo de desove principal para Myliobatiformes se ubica antes de diciembre, pero Urotrygonnana presenta un segundo periodo en julio. Se concluye que la biometría indica un mayor número de organismos juveniles para tiburones y adultos para rayas. La pesca con trasmallo de fondo se caracterizó por bajo rendimiento económico, lo que incide en la captura de juveniles de S. lewini, y este ingreso económico no se beneficia de los bienes naturales intangibles presentes en BSE que son patrimonio del Estado.

Abstract This article analyzes the biological factors of the most common elasmobranchs in Bahía Santa Elena, in the Guanacaste Conservation Area in the north Pacific of Costa Rica. Due to a lack of marine-coastal scientific information there is a system failure of management, leaving without a resilience approach to the populations subject to conservation. The monthly sampling method was used from September 2015 to August 2016, diversity, relative abundance, species distribution, biometric aspects, reproductive biology and catch size structure were determined by means of an underwater census, the use of a trammel net and a visit to the Cuajiniquil fish reception posts. A survey was applied to 120 fishermen to know the social perception regarding the factors of sustainable development. I worked with a sample of 289 individuals, among the main results, it was obtained that the months with the highest rainfall are related to peaks of the diversity indices, with little spatial distribution. A seasonal replacement of species is presented, highlightingthe arrival of Rhinopterasteindachneri, Mobulamunkiana, during the rainy months and Mustelushenlei and Sphyrnalewini during the Trade Winds. The main spawning period for Myliobatiformes is located before December, however Urotrygonnana presents a second period in July. It is concluded that biometry indicates a greater number of juvenile organisms for sharks and adults for rays, bottom gillnet fishing was characterized by low economic performance, which affects the capture of juveniles of S. lewini, this economic income does not benefit from the intangible natural assets present in BSE that are State assets.

Abstract Biodiversity baselines are essential subsidies to evaluate how environmental changes and human impacts affect the special and temporal patterns of communities. This information is paramount to promote proper conservation and management for historically impacted environments such as Guanabara Bay, in southeastern Brazil. Here, we propose an ichthyofaunal baseline for this bay using gathered past data from 1889 to 2020, including literature records, scientific collections, biological sampling, and fisheries landing monitoring. A total of 220 species (203 teleosts and 17 elasmobranchs), distributed in 149 genera (136 teleosts and 13 elasmobranchs) and 72 families (61 teleosts and 11 elasmobranchs) were recorded, including the first record of a tiger-shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, in Guanabara Bay. Although the employed sampling effort was sufficient to represent the ichthyofauna in the middle and upper estuary, the Chao2 estimator indicates an even greater richness regarding the bay as a whole. Evidence of reduced abundance and probable local extinction over the decades was found, supporting the importance of implementing management and conservation strategies in the area. The ichthyofaunal distribution analyses revealed that areas close to conservation units are richer compared to their surroundings, indicating that this is an effective strategy to mitigate human impacts in the bay. communities Bay Brazil Here 188 2020 records collections monitoring 22 203 (20 1 elasmobranchs, elasmobranchs , 14 136 (13 7 61 (6 recorded tigershark, tigershark tiger shark, shark tiger-shark cuvier estuary Chao whole found area surroundings 18 202 2 20 (2 (1 6 (

Resumo Esforços de caracterização da biodiversidade são subsídios essenciais para avaliar como mudanças ambientais e impactos antrópicos afetam os padrões espaciais e temporais das comunidades. Essas informações são essenciais para promover conservação e manejo adequados em ambientes historicamente impactados como a Baía de Guanabara, no sudeste do Brasil. Aqui, nós propomos uma linha de referência da ictiofauna dessa baía utilizando dados pretéritos de 1889 a 2020, incluindo registros de literatura, coleções científicas, coletas biológicas e monitoramento de desembarque pesqueiro. Um total de 220 espécies (203 teleósteos e 17 elasmobrânquios), distribuídas em 149 gêneros (136 teleósteos e 13 elasmobrânquios) e 72 famílias (61 teleósteos e 11 elasmobrânquios) foram registradas, incluindo o primeiro registro de tubarão-tigre, Galeocerdo cuvier, na Baía de Guanabara. Apesar do esforço amostral empregado ter sido suficiente para representar a ictiofauna do médio e alto estuário, o estimador Chao2 indicou uma riqueza ainda maior para a baía como um todo. Evidências de redução de abundância e de provável extinção local de táxons ao longo das décadas foram encontradas, corroborando a importância da implantação de medidas de manejo e conservação para a área. A análise da distribuição da ictiofauna revelou que áreas próximas a unidades de conservação são mais ricas em comparação ao seu entorno, indicando que essa é uma estratégia efetiva para mitigar os impactos antrópicos na baía. comunidades Guanabara Brasil Aqui 188 2020 literatura científicas pesqueiro 22 203 (20 1 elasmobrânquios, elasmobrânquios , 14 136 (13 7 61 (6 registradas tubarãotigre, tubarãotigre tubarão tigre, tigre tubarão-tigre cuvier estuário Chao todo encontradas área entorno 18 202 2 20 (2 (1 6 (

Abstract Sharks are among the marine organisms most impacted by intense fisheries, a worrying fact since they are key components in the trophic structure of ecosystems. In this context, fish landing data can help managers in shark conservation. This study characterized the landings of Carcharhinus acronotus, Mustelus cf. canis, and Sphyrna mokarran in the Mucuripe Embayment, Ceará, Brazil, along three study periods (1998–1999, 2006–2008, and 2015–2016). A total of 223 specimens were recorded from 227 site visits. Carcharhinus acronotus specimens measured from 50 to 139 cm in total length (TL), with a 1.3:1 sex ratio in favor of males. Most of the specimens recorded were adults (55.1% of males and 62.9% of females). Mustelus cf. canis varied from 64 to 133 cm in TL, with a sex ratio in favor of females (3.1:1). Most of the specimens recorded were adults (50% of males and 68% of females). Sphyrna mokarran specimens varied from 116 to 380 cm in TL, with a sex ratio of 7:1 in favor of males. Most of the specimens recorded were juveniles. This is the first fishery-dependent study to provide information on size and sex composition of these species for most of the southwestern equatorial Atlantic. fisheries ecosystems context conservation cf Embayment Ceará Brazil 1998–1999, 19981999 1998 1999 (1998–1999 20062008 2006 2008 2006–2008 2015–2016. 20152016 2015–2016 . 2015 2016 2015–2016) 22 visits 5 13 TL , (TL) 1.31 131 1.3 1 3 1.3: 55.1% 551 55 (55.1 629 62 9 62.9 females. females) 6 3.11. 311 3.1 (3.1:1) 50% (50 68 11 38 71 7 7: juveniles fisherydependent fishery dependent Atlantic 1998–1999 1998199 199 (1998–199 2006200 200 2006–200 2015201 2015–201 201 2 (TL 31 1. 55.1 (55. 62. 3.11 3. (3.1:1 (5 1998–199 199819 19 (1998–19 200620 20 2006–20 201520 2015–20 55. (55 (3.1: ( 1998–19 19981 (1998–1 20062 2006–2 20152 2015–2 (3.1 1998–1 (1998– 2006– 2015– (3. 1998– (1998 (3 (199 (19 (1

Resumo Os tubarões estão entre os organismos marinhos mais impactados pela pesca intensa, fato preocupante uma vez que são componentes fundamentais na estrutura trófica dos ecossistemas. Nesse contexto, dados de desembarques pesqueiros podem auxiliar gestores na conservação dos tubarões. Este estudo caracterizou os desembarques de Carcharhinus acronotus, Mustelus cf. canis e Sphyrna mokarran na enseada do Mucuripe, Ceará, Brasil, ao longo de três períodos de estudo (1998–1999, 2006–2008 e 2015–2016). Um total de 223 espécimes foi registrado em 227 visitas ao local. Espécimes de Carcharhinus acronotus mediram de 50 a 139 cm de comprimento total (CT), com razão sexual de 1,3:1 a favor dos machos. A maioria dos espécimes registrados era adulta (55,1% dos machos e 62,9% das fêmeas). Mustelus cf. canis variou de 64 a 133 cm em CT, com razão sexual a favor das fêmeas (3,1:1). A maioria dos espécimes registrados era adulta (50% dos machos e 68% das fêmeas). Espécimes de Sphyrna mokarran variaram de 116 a 380 cm em CT, com razão sexual de 7:1 a favor dos machos. A maioria dos espécimes registrados era juvenil. Este é o primeiro estudo dependente da pesca a fornecer informações sobre tamanho e composição sexual dessas espécies para a maior parte do sudoeste do Atlântico Equatorial. intensa ecossistemas contexto cf Mucuripe Ceará Brasil 1998–1999, 19981999 1998 1999 (1998–1999 20062008 2006 2008 2006–200 2015–2016. 20152016 2015–2016 . 2015 2016 2015–2016) 22 local 5 13 CT , (CT) 1,31 131 1,3 1 3 1,3: 55,1% 551 55 (55,1 629 62 9 62,9 fêmeas. fêmeas) 6 3,11. 311 3,1 (3,1:1) 50% (50 68 11 38 71 7 7: juvenil Equatorial 1998–1999 1998199 199 (1998–199 2006200 200 2006–20 2015201 2015–201 201 2 (CT 31 1, 55,1 (55, 62, 3,11 3, (3,1:1 (5 1998–199 199819 19 (1998–19 200620 20 2006–2 201520 2015–20 55, (55 (3,1: ( 1998–19 19981 (1998–1 20062 2006– 20152 2015–2 (3,1 1998–1 (1998– 2015– (3, 1998– (1998 (3 (199 (19 (1

Abstract Reviews can be useful to provide an overview of specific knowledge areas to facilitate research guidelines and the comparison of study results. Therefore, we aimed to detect regions, environments, and taxonomic groups of elasmobranch that lack information on their feeding ecology and consequently need further attention. Using specific keywords on diet and feeding studies, we searched for articles on the trophic and feeding ecology of elasmobranchs. We found an increase in studies over the last 24 years, with an emphasis on stomach contents and stable isotopes. The USA, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil were the countries with the highest number of published articles. Australia, the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Uruguay and India were the countries with the highest number of species studied. Estuarine and freshwater environments seem to need more attention, since studies on species in these environments were scarce (~3%). The total number of shark and ray species studied showed no significant differences (164 and 186, respectively), but most of the articles reviewed concerned sharks (67.5%). The larger elasmobranch families also need more attention, especially demersal species such as Rajidae, Dasyatidae, Arhynchobatidae, and Sycliorhinidae. Feeding studies only analyze some of the data deficient (DD) species (~7%) included in the IUCN Red List, pointing to the need to obtain more information about them. results Therefore regions attention elasmobranchs 2 years isotopes USA Australia Mexico Argentina Africa Spain ~3%. 3 ~3% . (~3%) 164 (16 186 respectively, respectively , respectively) 67.5%. 675 67.5% 67 5 (67.5%) Rajidae Dasyatidae Arhynchobatidae Sycliorhinidae DD (DD ~7% 7 (~7% List them ~3 (~3% 16 (1 18 67.5 6 (67.5% ~7 (~7 ~ (~3 1 ( 67. (67.5 (~ (67. (67 (6

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the concentrations of zinc and copper in the muscle (n = 14) and liver (n = 72) of Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, a shark species with the highest capture and consumption rate in the coast of Campeche, México. According to the total length (TL), the organisms analyzed were adults (TL= 89.8 ± 13.7 cm). The highest concentrations (mg/kg of wet weight) of trace elements were in liver: zinc (16.23 ± 8.45) > copper (2.32 ± 0.84); while in muscle: zinc (6.48 ± 2.89) > copper (0.39 ± 0.14). No significant differences were found in concentrations of trace elements by tissue between sexes, nor a significant correlation with the TL of the organisms. Both metals were positively correlated in each tissue. A biodiminution of 0.22 mg/kg in copper and 9.58 mg/kg in zinc was registered in the liver from 2015 to 2019, probably due to an increase of metallothioneins. The concentrations of both trace elements in muscle were below the maximum limits established by International Standards. In conclusion, the levels of zinc and copper currently do not imply risks for the health of R. terraenovae (liver), nor its consumption (muscle) for society.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las concentraciones de zinc y cobre en músculo (n = 14) e hígado (n = 72) de Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, especie de tiburón de mayor captura y consumo en el litoral de Campeche, México. De acuerdo con la longitud total (LT), los organismos analizados fueron adultos (LT = 89.8 ± 13.7 cm), quienes presentaron las mayores concentraciones (mg/kg de peso húmedo) de oligoelementos en hígado: zinc (16.23 ± 8.45) > cobre (2.32 ± 0.84); mientras que en músculo: zinc (6.48 ± 2.89) > cobre (0.39 ± 0.14). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de oligoelementos por tejido entre sexos, ni una correlación significativa con la LT de los organismos. Ambos metales se correlacionaron positivamente en cada tejido. Se registró una biodisminución de 0.22 mg/kg en cobre y 9.58 mg/kg en zinc en el hígado del año 2015 al 2019, probablemente por incremento de metalotioneínas. Las concentraciones de ambos oligoelementos en músculo estuvieron por debajo de los límites máximos establecidos por normas internacionales. En conclusión, los niveles de zinc y cobre, actualmente, no implican riesgos para la salud de R. terraenovae (hígado), ni para la de la sociedad en caso de consumo (músculo).

ABSTRACT. We present information about new records of 11 species of chondrichthyans in the southern Gulf of Mexico, adding information about new specimens and occurrence of the species in Mexican waters. The second record of the Bathytoshia centroura, Mustelus sinusmexicanus, Mobula hypostoma and Squalus clarkae species for Mexico is presented, as well as new records in marine areas and the Lagoon Alvarado system corresponding to Hexanchus vitulus, Heptranchrias perlo, Scyliorhinus retifer and Squalus cubensis. In this paper increase the number of records for species of elasmobranchs to the southwestern region of the Gulf of Mexico, increase the distribution range and knowledge about the chondrichthyofauna of Mexico.

ABSTRACT The isopods of the family Cymothoidae are ectoparasites crustaceans that infest a wide variety of saltwater fish. This paper documented the first occurrence of Nerocila acuminata (Schiödte & Meinert, 1881) parasitizing the shortnose guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) (Rhinobatiformes, Rhinobatidae) in the southern Atlantic Ocean. This report can be an available tool to create a parasitology database for a species of conservation interest. It will also provide scientific data that can help the understanding of the biological factors acting in healthy populations and thus support the efforts made to preserve and conserve the species.

Resumo A informação de referência hematológica e bioquímica do sangue é importante para estabelecer o estado fisiológico das populações de arraias de água doce e melhorar os protocolos de cuidado e manejo em ambientes artificiais. Aqui, usamos uma espécie comercial de arraia de água doce com elevadas taxas de mortalidade no mercado (Potamotrygon magdalenae) como espécie exemplo para compreender de que modo os ambientes artificiais e os protocolos de manipulação influenciam o estado fisiológico das arraias de água doce em cativeiro. Para este fim, foi coletado sangue de cinco machos adultos e seis fêmeas adultas para realizar contagens completas de células sanguíneas e análises bioquímicas de sangue. Todos os animais amostrados mostraram boa condição corpórea, sem diferenças entre os sexos. Diferenças entre os sexos foram encontradas só na contagem diferencial de linfócitos. Os resultados de células sanguíneas vermelhas foram consistentes com potamotrigonídeos previamente estudados, enquanto o leucograma revelou valores mais elevados de leucócitos, trombócitos, heterófilos e linfócitos em P. magdalenae, em comparação com outros potamotrigonídeos. Todos os tipos de leucócitos descritos para elasmobrânquios foram encontrados, exceto para neutrófilos e basófilos. Todos os tipos de leucócitos descritos para elasmobrânquios foram encontrados, exceto para neutrófilos e basófilos. Os metabólitos do sangue mostraram influência da dieta ex situ nas proteínas totais, triglicerídeos e colesterol. Os resultados da glicose foram consistentes, enquanto a ureia mostrou níveis mais baixos do que os registrados para outras espécies de arraias de água doce. Os resultados da glicose foram consistentes, enquanto a ureia mostrou níveis mais baixos em P. magdalenae. Estes resultados enfatizam a importância da análise física, fisiológica e de saúde em arraias de água doce como parte da avaliação do bem-estar para melhorar os protocolos de monitoramento e as taxas de sobrevivência em aquários públicos ou privados.

Abstract Hematological and blood biochemical reference information is important to establish physiological status of freshwater stingray populations and improve care and management protocols in artificial environments. Here, we used a commercial freshwater stingray with high mortality rates in the market (Potamotrygon magdalenae), as an example to understand how artificial environments and handling protocols influence physiological status of captive freshwater stingrays. To this purpose, blood from five adult males and six adult females was collected to perform complete blood counts and blood chemistry analyses. All sampled animals showed good body condition with no differences between sexes. Differences between sexes were only found for the differential count of lymphocytes. Red blood results were consistent with previously studied potamotrygonids while white blood results showed higher values of leukocytes, thrombocytes, heterophils and lymphocytes in P. magdalenae compared to other Potamotrygonids. All types of leukocytes described for elasmobranchs were found except neutrophils and basophils. Blood metabolites showed an influence of ex situ diet in total protein, triglycerides and cholesterol. Glucose results were consistent while urea showed lower levels than those recorded for other freshwater stingrays. These results highlight the importance of physical, physiological and health analysis in freshwater stingrays as a part of welfare assessment to improve monitoring protocols and survival rates in public or private aquaria.

Abstract Elasmobranchs are long-lived predatory fish that show high Hg concentrations generally reflecting environmental levels, notwithstanding they are widely consumed in Brazil increasing Hg exposure to humans. This study reports on Hg concentrations in largely consumed sharks (Rhizoprionodon porosus) and rays (Hypanus guttatus) from the Pernambuco coast, NE Brazil and the risk associated with their consumption. Muscle tissue concentrations of Hg in H. guttatus and R. porosus varied from 40 to 1,020 ng.g-1 w.w. (median = 125; mean = 124 ± 48 ng.g-1 w.w.) in sharks and from 129 to 2,130 ng.g-1 w.w. (median = 976; mean = 919 ± 139 ng.g-1 w.w.) in rays. Concentrations of Hg positively correlated with size in sharks, but not in rays. Concentrations reflect the local environmental contamination of a large urban center and industrial park concentrated in a short extension of mangrove-dominated coastline (50 km) and are higher compared to other Brazilian sites where Hg concentrations in these species have been reported. Sharks had a risk coefficient (HQ) range of 0.04 to 1.1, not surpassing the reference level of exposure. On the other hand, rays’ HQ ranged from 0.14 to 2.3, and exceeds the reference level of exposure and suggests adverse effects to consumers.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to describe the parasitic fauna of Triakis maculata (Kner y Steindachner, 1867), a species of shark sold for human consumption, to determine the possible presence of parasites of implication in public health. In total, 14 T. maculata individuals acquired at the Chorrillos Fishing Terminal, Lima, Peru was evaluated. Seven species of parasites were found, including monogeneous (Erpocotyle sp), nematodes (Proleptus sp), cestodes (Paraorygmatobothrium sp and Callitetrarhynchus sp.) and copepods (Achtheinus sp, Caligus sp and Lernaeopoda sp). A higher prevalence of the Paraorygmatobothrium sp cestode (64.3%) was found. None of the parasites found is zoonotic.

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente trabajo fue describir la fauna parasitaria de Triakis maculata (Kner y Steindachner, 1867), especie de tiburón destinado al consumo humano, para determinar la posible presencia de parásitos de implicancia en la salud pública. Se evaluaron 14 individuos T. maculata adquiridos en el Terminal Pesquero de Chorrillos, Lima, Perú. Se encontraron siete especies de parásitos, entre los que se mencionan monogeneos (Erpocotyle sp), nematodos (Proleptus sp), cestodos (Paraorygmatobothrium sp y Callitetrarhynchus sp.) y copépodos (Achtheinus sp, Caligus sp y Lernaeopoda sp). Se encontró una mayor prevalencia del cestodo Paraorygmatobothrium sp (64.3 %). Ninguno de los parásitos hallados tiene carácter zoonótico.

ABSTRACT The southern banded guitarfish, Zapteryx xyster, and the Velez ray, Raja velezi, are two endemic elasmobranchs in the eastern Tropical Pacific that are commonly caught by the bottom-trawl fishery. Reproductive cycles of these batoids were inferred from the hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indexes (males and females) and the oviductal gland width and the yolk follicle diameter (females) of mature specimens collected along the Pacific of Costa Rica between 2010 and 2011. Z. xyster females have a partially defined annual cycle with one reproductive peak in June and July, with most neonates and gravid females occurring during December and January (beginning of the dry season). The gestation period of Z. xyster can range between four and six months; males are probably capable of mating continuously throughout the year. Females and males of R. velezi have a continuous reproductive cycle with no clear peaks. Management and conservation measures of these batoids should consider their reproductive ecology, which may be linked to the degree of vulnerability to fishing. Based on our findings, we recommend reducing fishing pressure when mating (June-July) and pupping (December-January) of Z. xyster occur. In contrast, a reduction of fishing pressure on previously identified nursery grounds of R. velezi in the southern Pacific of Costa Rica may benefit their population.