Abstract This study presents the first record of the cordiform echinoid Plagiobrissus grandis (Gmelin, 1791) (Echinoidea: Spatangoida: Brissidae) in Paraná’s shallow inner shelf, in addition to a brief description of its location, body measurements, sex determination, and reproductive status. Two specimens were recorded between 2015 (bycatch by artisanal fishing) and 2016 (observed by scuba diving). The only specimen - with severe signs of weakness - captured was donated to Associação MarBrasil and kept in an aquarium for rehabilitation (8 days), where it was possible to observe digging movements, burying skills (partially), and camouflage or covering behavior. The organism was sent to the UNESPAR campus of Paranaguá and was photographed, measured (length: 155.65 mm, width: 118.93 mm, and maximum test height: 41.31 mm), fixed, and properly preserved. Digitized images of the histological preparation showed that it was a female in the recovery stage (or nutritional reserve) of the reproductive cycle. Regardless of their limitations, the current records for the Brissidae family in South Atlantic are still concentrated on the Brazilian coast, contributing to the understanding of zoogeographic, ecological, morphophysiological, and behavioral aspects of the spatangoid echinoids.

Abstract Exotic species are those that occur in an area beyond their natural limit and they are considered invasive when they cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. In coastal environments, ballast water and inlays on the hull and other parts of vessels are the main ways of introducing invasive aquatic alien species. Nassarius foveolatus (Dunker, 1847) is native from the Central and East Indian Ocean to the East China Sea. The first specimens (empty shells) of N. foveolatus were collected manually on November 11, 2017 on the Rocio footbridge, located in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, on the coast of the State of Paraná, southern Brazil. Posteriorly, live specimens were collected in other localities of this bay. It is already possible to infer that the specimens of N. foveolatus occur together with the native specimens of N. vibex (Say, 1822), having the same niche. As previously only N. vibex existed in that place, at least a displacement of this native species has been occurred. However, certainly future ecological studies may confirm this displacement and additional consequences to the local ecosystem, as nassariids can be predators and scavengers. Control procedures should be also greatly implemented.

Geometric morphometric techniques were applied for a better comprehension of inter- and intra-specific morphological variability of freshwater aeglid crabs. Carapace morphological patterns were used to address hypothesis regarding 1) the simple existence of local adaptations or 2) actual stable evolutionary features within the lineages studied. Two clades were included in this analysis: the former encompassing the closely related species Aegla castro, A. parana, A. schmitti, and the latter including the closely-related species A. ligulata, A. longirostri and A. inconspicua. Overall, distinct carapace shapes were found not only between species but also among different populations of same species. In some cases, species belonging to distinct, distantly related clades were more similar in carapace morphology than to closely related species of the same clade. This meant that there was no stable carapace morphology pattern for each major lineage. Results suggest that carapace of these crabs is plastic within lineages, although has a stable, unchangeable component readily recognizable by the geometric morphometric analysis at the species level, plus a more plastic component that may change according to the environment in which they inhabit.

Técnicas de morfometría geométrica se aplicaron para una mejor comprensión de la variabilidad morfológica inter e intra-específica de los cangrejos aeglídeos de agua dulce. Se utilizaron patrones morfológicos de los caparazones para hacer frente a la hipótesis sobre 1) la simple existencia de adaptaciones locales o 2) características evolutivas estables dentro de los linajes estudiados. En este análisis, se incluyeron dos clados estrechamente relacionados entre sí: el primero abarca las especies Aegla castro, A. parana, A. schmitti, y el segundo incluyó a A. ligulata, A. longirostri y A. inconspicua. Se encontraron diferencias en la forma del caparazón no solo entre especies, sino también entre las distintas poblaciones de una misma especie. En algunos casos, especies pertenecientes a clados distintos y alejados, fueron más similares en morfología del caparazón que especies estrechamente relacionadas del mismo clado. Esto significó que no hubo un patrón estable de morfología del caparazón para cada linaje. Los resultados sugieren que el caparazón de estos cangrejos exhibe plasticidad dentro de los linajes, aunque tiene un componente estable fácilmente reconocible por el análisis morfométrico geométrico a nivel de especie, más un componente más plástico que puede cambiar de acuerdo con el entorno en que habitan.

Segregações sazonais entre espécies sintópicas podem ser interpretadas como táticas utilizadas para a coexistência, diminuindo processos competitivos. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho buscou interpretar a estrutura da assembléia formada por aves do gênero Turdus (Turdidae) para averiguar a possibilidade de padrões distintos de ocorrência em função da variação sazonal em um fragmento florestal situado no Centro-sul do Estado do Paraná. Foram utilizadas redes ornitológicas para a captura das aves, com um esforço amostral anual de 7488 h.m². Por meio das capturas quinzenais foi possível a obtenção do índice de frequência de ocorrência, constância e classes de dominância das espécies, bem como, de parâmetros ecológicos utilizados em estudos de comunidades. Um total de 162 indivíduos pertencentes a cinco espécies foram capturados. Turdus rufiventris foi a espécie mais frequente e constante durante o estudo. Turdus amaurochalinus e T. leucomelas foram capturadas com frequências e constâncias variáveis entre as estações do ano, sendo que, para T. amaurochalinus houve evidências de sobreposição de populações migrantes e não migrantes durante a primavera. Turdus albicollis foi considerada acessória, enquanto T. subalaris foi registrada somente durante a temporada reprodutiva. Desta forma, foi possível observar que ocorrem modificações sazonais, tanto na frequência de ocorrência, quanto na constância e dominância das espécies. Tais resultados indicam a possibilidade de menor intensidade do uso do ambiente durante o período reprodutivo, assim como a presença de um maior número de espécies no verão e aumento da abundância de T. rufiventris e T. leucomelas durante o outono e inverno.

Seasonal segregation among syntopic species can be viewed as one of the available strategies for coexistence, reducing competitive process. The present work therefore aimed to interpret the assemblage structures comprising birds of the genus Turdus (Turdidae), through the analysis of seasonal variation in the species occurrence in a forest remnant located in the southcenter State of Paraná. Mist-netting was employed twice a month for capturing birds, totalling an annual effort of 7488 h.m². The frequency of occurrence, constancy and class of species dominance was determined, together with the parameters generally used in studies of ecological communities (richness, abundance, diversity and evenness). A total of 162 individuals were captured, representing five species. Turdus rufiventris was the most constant and frequent species. Turdus amaurochalinus and Turdus leucomelas were captured with variable constancies and frequencies along the seasons. Turdus amaurochalinus was also very common and may present an overlapping process between migrant and non-migrant individuals during spring. Turdus albicolis was considered accessory, whereas Turdus subalaris was only registered during the reproductive period. Hence, it was possible to observe that seasonal modifications occurred both in the frequency of occurrence and in the constancy and dominance of species. These results indicated the possibility of a lower use of the environment during the breeding season, as well as the presence of a higher number of individuals in summer and increased abundance of Turdus rufiventris and T. leucomelas during autumn and winter.

Three species of Sidneioides Kesteven, 1909 were known until now, all of them from the western Pacific. Sidneioides peregrinus is a new species we found in Paranaguá Bay, southern Brazil. Diagnostic characteristics of the species are: colonies with 1-5 lobes, closely clumped, and attached by the entire basal area or by a common smaller area; seven to ten thin longitudinal fiber muscles (some branched) along the anterior two thirds of the thorax; no transverse muscle fibers; more than 30 tentacles of three orders forming one circle; pharynx with 10 to 12 rows of stigmata with 13 to 15 stigmata in each half row; bilobed anus at the level of the fourth or fifth row of stigmata; posterior abdomen not very elongated, oval, and joined to the abdomen by a narrow neck; numerous (> 30) testicular follicles; ovary with about 15 oocytes at about the ninth or tenth row of stigmata in the thorax; large number of embryos incubated in the atrial cavity in the right side of the thorax; larvae oval with a 0.65 mm long trunk, four club-shaped ectodermal ampullae in each side and three, linear and evenly spaced, adhesive papillae with thin stalks, two clusters of ectodermal vesicles, one postero-ventral (around 15 vesicles) and another antero-dorsal (around eight vesicles) between the ampullae and the oral siphon. This paper describes this new species and reports its occurrence in Brazil, where it is most likely introduced. The hypothesis that it is introduced is based on 1) it was never found in previous surveys, 2) in Brazil, it has a restricted and local distribution, 3) its type locality is near a major international port, and 4) the genus, prior to this description, had never been found in the Atlantic Ocean. Considering the great abundance found on the underside of natural boulders, it is imperative that S. peregrinus population growth be studied to evaluate the possibility of rapid distribution expansion.

Neste trabalho foram investigadas algumas das estratégias que tornam possíveis a coexistência de duas espécies sintópicas e congenéricas (Turdus leucomelas e Turdus rufiventris), em um fragmento urbano de floresta com araucárias. Os parâmetros amostrados foram a abundância média, estrato florestal utilizado pelas aves, ambientes florestais, aspectos morfológicos, e a dieta. Tais parâmetros foram obtidos através de capturas com redes ornitológicas no sub-bosque, constatação da abundância através de transecções, e obtenção de regurgitos. Foi possível estimar que as espécies possuem padrões similares de ocorrência nos ambientes amostrados - borda exposta, transição e interior. Existe uma sobreposição morfológica de 98,67 (índice de Bray-Curtis) sendo que um teste de variáveis canônicas (F6, 88 = 25,39; p < 0,01) demonstrou uma diferença significativa para um conjunto de sete variáveis morfológicas. Apesar de existir certa semelhança entre as espécies, T. rufiventris apresentou maiores valores extremos e maior variação morfológica. A sobreposição de nicho trófico foi elevada (Ojk = 0,76) e as espécies se apresentaram generalistas com amplitude de nicho trófico superior para T. rufiventris. Não é muito evidente uma exclusão competitiva baseada na alimentação, no entanto os itens consumidos divergiram quando analisados por presença/ausência. Desta forma, o mínimo de divergência morfológica e variação nos recursos consumidos podem explicar parcialmente a coexistência, já que a segregação entre ambientes e estrato florestal ocupado não foi claramente observada, apesar de perceptível em relação ao interior e borda do fragmento florestal.

We investigated the strategies which make possible the coexistence of two congeneric and relatively similar species that share habitat (Turdus leucomelas and Turdus rufiventris) in an urban forest fragment with araucárias. The parameters applied were average abundance, forest stratum used by birds, forest environments, morphological aspects, and diet between the species. These parameters were assessed through samplings with mist nets in the understory, verification of abundance using transects, and acquisition of regurgitation. The species showed similar patterns of occurrence in the surveyed environments - exposed border, transition, and inner forest. There was a morphological overlap of 98.67 (Bray-Curtis index), andt a test of canonical variables (F6, 88 = 25.39; p < 0.01) pointed significant difference for a set of seven morphological variables. Although there is certain similarity between species, T. rufiventris showed higher extreme values and higher morphological variation. The overlap of trophic niche was elevated (Ojk = 0.76) and the species were considered as generalists, with higher extent of trophic niche for T. rufiventris. A competitive exclusion based on feeding is not quite evident. Yet, the consumed items diverged when analyzed for presence/absence, the minimum of morphological evidence and variation on the consumed resources may partially explain the coexistence. Segregation between environments and occupied forest strata was not clearly demonstrated, despite detectable when regarding interior and border of the forest fragment.

O caráter coeso é um atributo característico de horizontes subsuperficiais de solos que apresentam consistência muito dura a extremamente dura, quando secos, passando a friável ou firme, quando umedecidos. A formação desses horizontes, entretanto, ainda é um assunto polêmico, não estando completamente esclarecida. Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar e identificar os possíveis mecanismos envolvidos na formação dos horizontes coesos de solos dos Tabuleiros Costeiros, buscando entender sua gênese e definir propriedades que possam complementar a definição do caráter coeso no Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Solos. Quatro perfis de solos da região dos Tabuleiros Costeiros de Alagoas foram estudados: um Argissolo Amarelo, um Argissolo Acinzentado e dois Latossolos Amarelos. Os solos foram descritos morfologicamente, e amostras dos horizontes coesos e não coesos foram coletadas para execução de análises físicas e químicas. A caracterização morfológica constatou a presença de horizontes com caráter coeso tanto nas áreas sob floresta quanto nas áreas sob cultivo, confirmando sua natureza pedogenética. A morfologia e a densidade do solo, aliadas à determinação da superfície específica, mostraram-se eficientes na identificação dos horizontes coesos dos solos estudados.

The cohesive character is an attribute of subsurface soil horizons with hard to extremely hard consistency when dry, and friable or firm when wetted. Despite the agricultural importance, the formation of these horizons is not yet completely understood. The objective of this study was to characterize and assess the possible mechanisms involved in the formation of cohesive horizons in soils of the Coastal Tablelands of Northeast Brazil, in order to understand their pedogenesis and to identify physical and chemical parameters that can be used for the definition of the cohesive character in the Brazilian System of Soil Classification. Four soil profiles were morphologically characterized: a Yellow Argisol (Ultisol), a Gray Argisol (Ultisol) and two Yellow Latosols (Oxisols). Samples from cohesive and non-cohesive horizons were taken for physical and chemical analysis. The morphological description revealed the presence of the cohesive character both under forest as well as under cultivation, confirming its pedogenetic nature. Soil morphology and soil density, together with the specific surface area efficiently identified the cohesive character in the studied soils.

A Reserva Biológica Marinha de Arvoredo compreende uma extensa área (17.800 ha), onde se elevam as ilhas do Arvoredo, Galé, Deserta e calhau de São Pedro. O levantamento de espécies de ascídias foi realizado por meio de mergulho autônomo m águas rasas (5-17 m de profundidade). Vinte e seis espécies são aqui registradas, entre as quais Lissoclinum perforatum (Giard, 1872), L. verrilli (Van Name, 1902) e Leptoclinides latus Monniot, 1983 representam novos registros para o Brasil, e outras 19 espécies representam novos registros para o Estado de Santa Catarina. Com este resultado, 34 espécies de ascídias já foram registradas em Santa Catarina, das quais 22 são marcadamente tropicais. Este cenário não representa a diversidade total da Reserva, uma vez que três espécies novas serão descritas em outra publicação e os locais mais expostos e profundos das ilhas não foram amostrados.

The Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve covers an extensive area including the islands Arvoredo, Galés and Deserta and a small rocky outcrop called São Pedro. The survey of ascidians was accomplished with scuba dive, only in shallow water (5-17 m deep). Twenty-six species are here registered, among which Lissoclinum perforatum (Giard, 1872), L. verrilli (Van Name, 1902) and Leptoclinides latus Monniot, 1983 represent new reports to Brazil, and other 19 species represent new reports to the State of Santa Catarina. Together with the results of the present work, 34 ascidian species have already been reported from Santa Catarina, of the which 22 are remarkably tropical. This scenery doesn't represent the total diversity of the Reserve, since three new species will be described in another publication and the most exposed and deep places of the islands were not sampled.

Foi realizado um estudo no cultivo de mexilhões Perna perna no município de Penha, SC para testar alguns tratamentos de limpeza da fauna associada e qual seu efeito no crescimento dos mexilhões. A abundância da mesma foi reduzida por meio de: a) exposição das cordas de cultivo ao ar por 6h e b) abrasão das conchas por fricção entre elas. Competição intraespecífica foi testada de duas maneiras: a) reduzindo a densidade de mexilhões pela metade e b) dobrando-se a densidade de mexilhões em cada corda. Três cordas foram mantidas no mar como controle. Os tratamentos foram realizados duas vezes, em cordas de 2 meses e 4 meses. Tanto no quarto como no sétimo mês de cultivo, foram coletados mexilhões em cada corda, pesados e medidos (comprimento, largura, e espessura). A análise de variância mostrou que nenhum dos tratamentos resultou em maior crescimento ou ganho de peso dos mexilhões em relação aos controles. Assim, sugere-se aos cultivadores desta região que não há necessidade de nenhum tipo de manutenção nas cordas anterior à retirada dos mexilhões para comercialização.

Cultivated mussels (Perna perna) were studied to test for the effects of cleaning on their growth. These effects were examined by experimentally cleaning mussels and by changing mussel density. Treatment was performed twice, at two and four months after immerging the ropes. Two months after the first treatment and three months after the second treatment, mussels were harvested and measured (weight, length, width and thickness). Analysis of variance showed that none of the treatments resulted in increased growth of the mussels, nor did increased density result in decreased growth when compared with the control. It was concluded that it was not necessary to clean the shells to increase harvest.