Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H' = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H' = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

Abstract This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H'=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H'=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more information’s regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline

Abstract The weakfishes, Cynoscion guatucupa and C. jamaicensis, are important demersal fishery resources and are targeted by multifleet operations in the Southwest Atlantic. This study describes the length-weight relationships between sagittae otoliths (length-OL, height-OH, thickness-OT, and weight-OWT) and the sizes of the fish (total length-LT, standard length-LS, and total weight-WT). The proportion between otolith length and height (aspect ratio-OAR) was also compared between species. The samples were obtained monthly from March 2017 to February 2018 from small-scale commercial fisheries from landings of bottom trawls and gillnets on the continental shelf in the Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern coast of Brazil. The ANCOVA did not indicate significant diferences in relative growth between sexes for both species (p > 0.05) while the length frequency was diferent (p < 0.001). Cynoscion guatucupa showed positive allometry, WT = 4E-06LT3.21 and C. jamaicensis negative allometry, WT = 2E-05LT2.90 (p < 0.05). Both species showed diferences in the condition factor between the sexes (p < 0.05). Significant diferences were observed in the measurements of the otoliths between the two species (p < 0.001). All regressions between fish measurements and otolith morphometry were highly significant (p < 0.001) for both species. The best estimates of fish size and weight were related to the otolith length: OL vs LT (r2 = 0.93; 0.96); OL vs LS (r2 = 0.92; 0.96); OL vs WT (r2 = 0.91; 0.93) for C. guatucupa and C. jamaicensis, respectively. This information adds useful biological data for multiple types of studies, e.g., food ecology (prey-predator), age and growth, reproduction, fisheries assessment and long-term landing monitoring. Our results confrmed the historical pattern of relative growth, supporting that otolith growth reflects the somatic growth of weakfishes in the study area, reinforcing the importance to determine these reference points.

Resumo As espécies de Sciaenidae (corvinas e pescadas) são conhecidas por especializações nos aparatos sensoriais, como otólitos e linha lateral. Nesta família, alguns membros de Stelliferinae permanecem com sua taxonomia não resolvida devido às características crípticas e baixas disparidades fenotípicas. Stellifer punctatissimus supostamente compreende um complexo formado por três espécies, mas os dados moleculares têm indicado apenas duas linhagens evolutivas. Aqui, testamos a hipótese de que esse complexo é composto por Stellifer gomezi (GM), S. menezesi (MN), e S. punctatissimus (PC), usando a forma e morfologia do otólito para diferenciá-las. Setenta e sete otólitos sagita (GM = 30, MN = 30, PC = 17) foram fotografados para delimitar o seu contorno pelos descritores Elípticos de Fourier. Dez otólitos, por grupo, foram usados para detectar a variação de forma no sulcus acusticus através dos semilandmarks. Foram registradas diferenças na forma do otólito entre as espécies através da PERMANOVA (Pseudo-F = 4,02, df = 2, p < 0,001) e pela análise discriminante linear, demonstrando três grupos parcialmente segregados com taxas de reclassificação satisfatórias. Também foram registrados um sulcus acusticus mais largo (GM e MN), projeção arredondada (PC) e padrões alométricos distintos no índice de retangularidade. Nossos resultados apoiam a hipótese morfológica; assim, contribuem na redução das lacunas taxonômicas em Sciaenidae.

Abstract Sciaenidae species (croakers and drums) are known for specializations in their sensory apparatus, such as otoliths and lateral line. Within this family, some Stelliferinae members remain taxonomically unresolved due to their cryptic aspects and low phenotypic disparities. Stellifer punctatissimus comprises a species complex putatively formed by three species on morphological grounds, but molecular data have indicated only two evolutionary lineages. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that this complex is composed of Stellifer gomezi (GM), S. menezesi (MN), and S. punctatissimus (PC), using the otolith shape and morphology to differentiate them. Seventy-seven sagittal otoliths (GM = 30, MN = 30, PC = 17) were photographed to outline the otolith contour by Elliptical Fourier descriptors. Ten otoliths for each group were used to detect shape variation in the sulcus acusticus through semilandmarks. Differences in otolith shape contour were recorded among the species by PERMANOVA (Pseudo-F = 4.02, df = 2, p < 0.001) and corroborated by the Linear Discriminant Analysis, which demonstrated three partially segregated groups with satisfactory re-classification rates. A larger sulcus acusticus (GM and MN), rounded projection (PC), and distinct rectangularity pattern were also recorded. Our results support the morphological hypothesis and thus contribute to narrowing the taxonomic gaps in Sciaenidae.

ABSTRACT We present the composition of the ichthyofauna (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) caught by small-scale fisheries off the coast of Jalisco in the Mexican Central Pacific, which has 170 species grouped into 15 orders, 52 families, and 113 genera. The families with the highest species richness were Carangidae (14.7%), Haemulidae (10.0%), Sciaenidae (9.4%), Serranidae (8.2%), Lutjanidae (5.8%), and Scombridae (5.8%). The relative abundance analysis indicated 13 relevant species in the artisanal fisheries of the coast of Jalisco, with six being the most representative (Lutjanus guttatus, L. peru, L. argentiiventris, Microlepidotus brevipinnis, Haemulon flaviguttatum, and Scomberomorus sierra). Fishers use the gill net (43.3%), the hand line (33.4%), and the harpoon (10.1%) as the main fishing gear in the catch off the coast of Jalisco. The zoogeographical analysis revealed a high affinity with the Mexican Province (24.9%), followed by the Panamic Province (23.4%), the Cortez Province (23.4%), Californian-Peruvian Province (15.6%), and the Galapagos Province (12.6%). The composition of the ichthyofauna recorded in the Jalisco coast by artisanal fisheries was most likely linked to the heterogeneity of the continental shelf bottom, variation in primary productivity, temperature, salinity, and the dynamics of marine currents in the Mexican Central Pacific. Therefore, this information will serve as a basis for future comparisons with other studies that allow the sustainable management of fishery resources in Mexican Pacific coastal fisheries.

ABSTRACT Menticirrhus americanus were sampled (n = 393) from two beaches (P1 is an estuarine beach near the mouth of the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, and P2 is a beach adjacent to the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex) in the subtropical region of the western South Atlantic waters between August 2015 and June 2016. This study aimed to identify the spawning season and the age structure for M. americanus using two sampling methods. For sampling at the P1 beach, seine, line, and pole were used, while samples from the P2 beach were obtained from the artisanal fishers. Females were numerically dominant in all sampling months at both sites except for February when the males became dominant. The species exhibited a protected reproductive season with multiple spawning peaks between August and December. Males and females were captured at all gonadal development stages and ages between 1 and 6 from both sites. At first maturity, the length of the females was 16.3 cm, and the mean age at first maturity was 1.3 years. Individuals aged between 1 and 3 years were dominant (68%). The results suggested that young and adults of the M. americanus use the same habitats throughout their ontogeny.

RESUMEN Entre 2006 y 2007 se realizaron muestreos mensuales de las capturas de peces obtenidas con chinchorro de arrastre tradicional, donde se registró una porción importante de la ictiofauna caribeña de la plataforma continentalː 10 114 individuos pertenecientes a 16 familias y 31 especies. Las familias Carangidae y Sciaenidae se mencionan entre las de mayor representación del Caribe, mientras que la especie más abundante fue Oligoplites saurus. Del listado de especies, siete se encuentran incluidas en el Libro Rojo de Peces Marinos de Colombia; cinco entre las categorías de En Peligro Crítico (CR) y Vulnerable (VU), y dos en la categoría Casi Amenazada (NT). Estos resultados son un soporte técnico y científico para la toma de decisiones, cumpliendo así con la misión y gestión de conservación para la cual ha sido creada esta área protegida.

ABSTRACT Monthly samplings of fish catches obtained by traditional beach seine were carried out between 2006 and 2007, recording an important portion of the Caribbean ichthyofauna of the continental shelf:10 114 individuals belonging to 16 families and 31 species. The families Carangidae and Sciaenidae are mentioned among the most widely represented in the Caribbean, while the most abundant species was Oligoplites saurus. From the list of species, seven are included in the Red Book of Marine Fishes of Colombia; five between the categories Critically Endangered (CR) and Vulnerable (VU), and two in the category Near Threatened (NT). These results are a technical and scientific input for decision making, to fulfill the conservation and management mission which was the aim when this protected area was created.

ABSTRACT The use of fish species uses as bioindicators is an important environmental monitoring tool. Histological biomarkers are adopted to assess the health conditions of different organisms and to indicate an environmental hazard. Histology can be applied as an effective method to analyze the effects of pollutants and other stressors. Accordingly, histological changes in the gill epithelium were analyzed to assess the adoption of fish species Menticirrhus americanus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) as a bioindicator to measure environmental quality in Paraty and Sepetiba bays, in Rio de Janeiro. A random sample of 58 fish was collected from the assessed bays. We found Paraty Bay to be in good conservation condition, whereas Sepetiba Bay is contaminated. The fish species collected from Sepetiba Bay showed lesions such as epithelial lifting, aneurysm, and necrosis in the gills; thus, it was possible to suggest that histological biomarkers be used bioindicators to measure the environmental impact in these bays.

RESUMEN Este estudio presenta la densidad, composición taxonómica, distribución espacial y temporal de larvas de peces en el golfo de Guayaquil, así como la relación con algunas variables físico-químicas. Se recolectaron muestras en 16 estaciones, tomadas en la primera milla náutica del estuario externo e interior del golfo, ubicadas frente a la provincia de Guayas y noroeste de la isla Puná, durante junio a diciembre de 2012. Se realizaron arrastres superficiales con una red cónica simple (ojo de malla: 300 μm; diámetro de boca: 0,3 m; largo: 1,2 m). La temperatura, salinidad y transparencia fueron medidas antes de cada arrastre. Se detectaron diferencias significativas entre zonas, registrando mayor temperatura, menor salinidad y transparencia en el estuario interior. Se colectaron 321 638 ind/100m3 de larvas de peces, pertenecientes a 13 familias y 36 especies entre la zona externa e interna. Engraulidae (58,9 %) fue la familia más abundante en las estaciones del estuario exterior, seguida de Sciaenidae (22,8 %) y Haemulidae (9,6 %). Las familias más frecuentes en el estuario interior fueron Engraulidae (74,4 %) y Gobiidae (16,1 %). El 85 % de la densidad total fue aportada por cinco especies, de las cuales Anchoa sp. y Bairdiella sp. fueron las más abundantes y dominantes, principalmente durante diciembre. La estructura y composición de la comunidad larvaria fue significativamente diferentes entre áreas (MW-U = 450; p < 0,05) y meses de muestreo (KW = 14,24; p < 0,05), con mayores registros en el estuario exterior durante diciembre. Con el análisis de redundancia (ADR) se observa que, en el área externa, las especies estuvieron asociadas con la transparencia del agua, mientras que las especies que concurrieron en la zona interna se relacionaron positivamente con la salinidad. En términos generales, la abundancia y riqueza de larvas de peces en el área externa del golfo de Guayaquil está relacionada con las condiciones de transparencia y salinidad local, las cuales favorecieron a la presencia larval.

ABSTRACT This study presents the density, taxonomic composition, spatial and temporal distribution of fish larvae in the Gulf of Guayaquil, as well as the relationship with some physical-chemical variables. Samples were collected at 16 stations, taken in the first nautical mile of the external and internal estuary of the gulf, located in front of the province of Guayas and northwest of the island of Puná, during June to December 2012. Surface trawls were carried out with a simple conical network (mesh eye: 300 μm; mouth diameter: 0.3 m; length: 1.2 m). Temperature, salinity, and transparency were measured before each drag. Significant differences were detected between zones, registering higher temperatures, lower salinity, and transparency in the interior estuary. 321 638 ind/100m3 of fish larvae were collected, belonging to 13 families and 36 species between the external and internal zone. Engraulidae (58.9 %) was the most abundant family in the exterior estuary stations, followed by Sciaenidae (22.8 %) and Haemulidae (9.6 %). Most frequent families in the interior estuary were Engraulidae (74.4 %) and Gobiidae (16.1 %). 85 % of the total density was contributed by five species, of which Anchoa sp. and Bairdiella sp. were the most abundant and dominant, mainly during December. Structure and composition of the larval community were significantly different between areas (MW-U = 450; p < 0.05) and months of sampling (KW = 14.24; p < 0.05), with higher records in the exterior estuary during December. With the redundancy analysis (ADR) it is observed that in the exterior area, the species were associated with the transparency of the water, while the species that concurred in the interior zone were positively related to salinity. In general terms, the abundance and richness of fish larvae in the external area of the Gulf of Guayaquil is related to the conditions of transparency and local salinity, which favored the larval presence.

Abstract Metacercariae of Diplostomidae are widely distributed in America and may cause diplostomiasis, an ocular disease in fishes. The aim of this study is to report the occurrence of metacercariae of Austrodiplostomum compactum in Plagioscion squamosissimus (non-native fish species) from Nova Avanhandava Reservoir, Tietê River, Brazil and an explanation for the high infection rates with this parasite in the Paraná River Basin is proposed. Eyes of 70 hosts were examined, the metacercariae were preserved and identified. The prevalence (P), mean intensity of infection (MII) ± standard deviation, mean abundance (MA) ± standard deviation, were calculated and a bibliographic review was performed. There was no difference in parasitism between male and female hosts. The values of P = 80%, MII = 21.55 ± 3.25 and MA = 17.24 ± 2.91 were high, as in most studies in areas where P. squamosissimus were introduced, while these values were low in areas of natural occurrence. This may be explained by the genetic susceptibility of the host to the parasite. The entire population of P. squamosissimus from the Upper Paraná has been founded by a few specimens, resulting in very low genetic variability. Consequently, the population may be highly susceptible to A. compactum.

Abstract In the province of Misiones (Argentina), the filling of the Yacyretá Reservoir (Argentina-Paraguay) to its final dimensions in 2011 formed new aquatic ecosystem, e.g., Garupá Stream was converted into a subreservoir. Reports have been made in this stream of adult individuals and spawning of the Family Sciaenidae, excellent colonizers of modified environments. The larvae of this family are morphologically similar, particularly among Pachyurus and Plagioscion species, making taxonomic differentiation difficult. In the present work, sciaenidae larvae were characterized molecularly at the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene in order to determine which species use this environment for reproduction. Additionally, genetic distances, Barcode Index Number (BIN) and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery method (ABGD) were estimated and phylogenetic trees were reconstructed. The results indicated the presence of Plagioscion ternetzi and Pachyurus bonariensis larvae, and for the first time in tributaries of the region, Plagioscion squamosissimus. The incorporation of P. bonariensis and P. squamosissimus to the faunistic assemblage of ichthyoplankton in the Garupá Stream supports better characterization of the species richness of this secondary watercourse modified by the Yacyretá Reservoir, and advancement in our understanding of use of this area for reproduction.

RESUMO As relações entre o tamanho corporal do peixe e as medidas do otólito sagitta foram calculadas pela primeira vez para 15 espécies pertencentes a seis famílias de peixes demersais da costa norte do Brasil. Um total de 220 peixes foi amostrado da captura acidental realizada pelo arrasto de fundo da frota pesqueira industrial de camarão entre agosto e setembro de 2016. Todas as espécies apresentaram fortes relações entre as medidas do otólito e o comprimento total do peixe, com o coeficiente de determinação (r 2) variando entre 0,71 e 0,99. A variável mais fortemente relacionada ao comprimento total dos peixes foi o comprimento do otólito sagital (OL) com 98% da variabilidade. Essas relações representam uma ferramenta útil para estimar o comprimento e a massa de peixes predados a partir dos otólitos encontrados no conteúdo estomacal de predadores marinhos.

ABSTRACT The relationships between fish size and sagitta otolith measurements were calculated for the first time for 15 species belonging to six families from the northern Brazilian coast. A total of 220 fish were sampled from the bycatch landed by the bottom-trawl industrial shrimp-fishing fleet between August and September 2016. All species had strong relationships between otolith measurements and fish total length with the coefficient of determination (r 2) ranging between 0.71 and 0.99. The variable most strongly related to fish total length was found to be the sagittal otolith length (OL) with 98% of the variability. These relationships are a useful tool to estimate length and mass of preyed fish from otoliths found in stomach contents of marine predators.

RESUMEN Introducción: Desde mediados del siglo XX el estuario del Golfo de Nicoya (10o N & 85o W) ha sido la fuente principal de numerosos recursos pesqueros, como los moluscos, crustáceos y peces. El estuario está actualmente bajo impactos crecientes locales, regionales y globales. Las expediciones a bordo de los buques científicos Skimmer (1979-1980) y Víctor Hensen (1993-1994) aportaron datos multidisciplinarios en apoyo de políticas de manejo. Sin embargo, actualmente se necesita información actualizada. Objetivos: Actualizar las listas publicadas de peces recolectados en ambas expediciones y sugerir nuevas áreas de investigación para una futura evaluación del estado del ecosistema. Métodos: En el buque Skimmer las capturas de peces cubrieron un ámbito de profundidad de 10 a 50 m, con una red tipo otter. En el buque V. Hensen las capturas se hicieron entre 10 y 240 m de profundidad, con redes tipo otter y beam. En ambos cruceros se hizo a bordo la identificación de las especies y la medición de sus longitudes totales. Para actualizar las listas de especies se procedió a la verificación de los nombres vigentes con base en literatura reciente y la página World Register of Marine Species (WORMS). Agregamos a la lista los nombres de las especies identificadas en años recientes para el estuario y catalogados en la Colección Ictiológica del Museo de Zoología, Universidad de Costa Rica. Resultados: El total de especies identificadas es de 268 para ambos buques. Una especie de Syacium está pendiente de identificación. Del total, 19 especies corresponden a peces cartilaginosos y 249 a peces óseos. Los Scianeidae (corvinas) y los lenguados estuvieron representados por 31 y 32 especies, respectivamente. El género Symphurus (lenguados) fue el más diverso, con 11 especies. Dieciocho especies fueron identificadas después de la publicación de las listas originales. Ocho especies fueron descritas con base en ejemplares recolectados por ambos buques: Gymnothorax phalarus, Notarius biffi, N. cookei, Ophicthus mecoptera, O. melope, Sphoeroides rosenblatti, Trinectes xanthurus y Urotrygon cimar. Las especies presentes en más del 50 % de las 20 estaciones del Skimmer, fueron: Prionotus horrens (16), Sphoeroides trichocephalus (14), Syacium ovale (13) y Synodus scituliceps (13). En las 12 estaciones del V. Hensen, fueron: Porichthys margaritatus (9), S. scituliceps (8), Bollmannia chlamydes (6), Symphurus callopterus (6), S. elongatus (6) y Synodus evermanni (6). Los cinco peces de mayor longitud capturados por ambos buques, fueron: la raya látigo Hypanus longus (117 cm), el congrio Cynoponticus coniceps (103 cm), el bagre Sciades dowii (87 cm), la raya Narcine brancroftii (80 cm) y la corvina reina Cynoscion albus (75 cm). La longitud total máxima promedio de 137 especies medidas en el Skimmer fue de 26 cm y de 29 cm para las 164 medidas en el V. Hensen. Conclusiones: En vista del incremento del número de usuarios de los recursos estuarinos, es urgente una evaluación multidisciplinaria del ecosistema en apoyo a la propuesta de nuevas políticas de manejo. Los resultados facilitarían actualizar el Modelo Trófico del Golfo de Nicoya, una herramienta de manejo disponible desde 1998 y basada principalmente en datos obtenidos durante los cruceros del Skimmer y V. Hensen. Tensores del ecosistema, como la extracción de recursos, el ingreso de contaminantes y su posible relación con la disrupción endocrina, así como la presencia de barreras naturales como la hipoxia en la boca del estuario, deben ser incluidos en esa futura evaluación.

Abstract Introduction: Since the middle of the XXth century the Gulf of Nicoya estuary (10o N & 85o W) has been the main source of numerous fishing resources, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. The estuary is presently under the increasing impact of local, regional and global stressors. The expeditions on board the R.V. Skimmer (1979-1980) and R.V. Hensen (1993-1994) research vessels provided multidisciplinary data on the estuary in support of management policies. However, updated information is still needed. Objectives: To update the published lists of fish species from both expeditions and make suggestions for new research areas for future evaluations of the ecosystem. Methods: The fish collections by the Skimmer covered a depth range of 10 to 50 m using an otter trawl net, and those aboard the Victor Hensen were made between 10 and 228 m depth using otter and beam trawl nets. The identification of the fish species and the measurement of its lenghts were made on board of both vessels. The species names were updated based on recent literature and the web page World Register of Marine Species (WORMS). The list of species identified in recent years based on voucher specimens from the estuary and deposited in the Ichthyology Collection of the Museum of Zoology, University of Costa Rica, was also included. Results: The total number of identified species from both vessels is 268. A species of Syacium is yet undescribed. Of the total, 19 are cartilaginous fishes and 249 are bony fishes. The Sciaenidae and the flatfishes were represented by 31 and 32 species, respectivley. The flatfish genus Symphurus was the most diverse, with 11 species. Eighteen species were identified after the publication of the original lists. Eight species were described based on specimens collected during the expeditions: Gymnothorax phalarus, Notarius biffi, N. cookei, Ophicthus mecoptera, O. melope, Sphoeroides rosenblatti, Trinectes xanthurus and Urotrygon cimar. The species present in more than 50% of the 20 Skimmer stations, were: Prionotus horrens (16 stations), Sphoeroides trichocephalus (14), Syacium ovale (13) and Synodus scituliceps (13). In the 12 stations of the V. Hensen there were: Porichthys margaritatus (9), S. scituliceps (8), Bollmannia chlamydes (6), Symphurus callopterus (6), S. elongatus (6), and Synodus evermanni (6). The five longer specimens collected by both vessels, were: the longtail sting ray Hypanus longus (117 cm), the pike conger Cynoponticus coniceps (103 cm), the brown sea catfish Sciades dowii (87 cm), the electric ray Narcine brancroftii (80 cm), and the queen corvina Cynoscion albus (75 cm). The average total length for 137 species measured during the Skimmer cruises was 26 cm, and 29 cm for the 164 measured during the V. Hensen survey. Conclusions: In view of the increasing number of users of the estuarine resources, it is urgent a multidisciplinary evaluation of the ecosystem in support of new management policies. The expected results may facilitate updating the Gulf of Nicoya Trophic Model, a management tool available for the estuary since 1998 and based mainly on information gathered during both expeditions. Ecosystem stressors, such as the extraction of resources, the input of pollutants and its possible link to endocrine disruption, as well as the presence of natural barriers such as hypoxia at deeper waters at the mouth of the estuary must be taken into account in a future evaluation.

Resumen La sonda de Campeche posee gran diversidad de especies, heterogeneidad de hábitats y fuerte incidencia de las industrias petrolera y pesquera. El objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener la distribución espacial de la ictiofauna y su relación con elementos del ambiente, así como implementar una línea base que sirva como referente para futuras contingencias que puedan ocasionar estas industrias. Se empleó una base de datos obtenida en 2010, con 54 localidades en la Sonda de Campeche que fueron muestreadas mediante arrastres camaroneros. Se colectaron 2 502 438 kg de material biológico y 33 315 peces de 2 clases (Chondrichthyes y Actinopterygii) con un total de 193 especies. De ellas, 17 fueron dominantes, asociadas a fondos arenosos y lodosos, aunque también hubo especies de ambientes estuarinos, de arrecife y de hábitos pelágicos. La diversidad (H’) promedio fue de 3.2 bits/individuos. Las familias más comunes fueron los Perciformes (84 species), Pleuronectiformes (23), Scorpaeniformes (15) and Tetraodontiformes (14); las riquezas de especies más altas fueron: Sciaenidae (15 especies), Paralichthyidae (12), Carangidae (10), y Triglidae y Synodontidae (7). Los géneros más comunes fueron: Prionotus (6 especies), Citharichthys and Sphoeroides (4 cada uno). Por cada localidad, la riqueza fluctuó entre 3 y 6 especies con un promedio de 46 kg. La composición de especies fue diferente entre hábitats y áreas. La ordenación comunitaria presenta una concordancia al identificar espacialmente cada zona. El análisis paisajístico define nódulos de alta densidad y diversidad que corresponden con áreas de desembocaduras de ríos, lagunas y de zonas arrecifales. De las relaciones entre las variables y los descriptores comunitarios, sólo el Carbono Orgánico fue significativo, tanto para la abundancia como para la biomasa, el REDOX para la riqueza de especies y las otras variables no fueron importantes.

Abstract: The Campeche Sound has a high heterogeneity of habitats, great fish species diversity, and a strong presence of oil and fishing industries. Our objective was to obtain updated information on a complete local fish species spatial distribution and their relationship with environmental elements, this will improve the baseline to evaluate the potential impact of future oil and fishing developments. For this, our approach used a database obtained in 2010, with a capture made in 54 sites with standard shrimp fishing trawls in the Campeche Sound. We collected a total of 33 315 fish, of 80 families, 138 genera and 193 species, that corresponded to 2 502 438 kg. The fish classes Chondrichthyes and Actinopterygii predominated. A total of 17 were dominant, associated to sandy and muddy bottoms, although were species of estuarine environments, reef and pelagic habitats. Averaged diversity (H’) was of 3.2 bits/individuals. In decreasing diversity order, the common fish belong to Perciformes (84 species), Pleuronectiformes (23), Scorpaeniformes (15) and Tetraodontiformes (14); in the same way, the higher richness families were Sciaenidae (15 species), Paralichthyidae (12), Carangidae (10), and Triglidae and Synodontidae (7). Most common genuses were Prionotus (6 species), Citharichthys and Sphoeroides (4 each). Per each station, richness varied between 3 and 56 species, with an average weight of 46 kg. Fish assemblage composition was different among habitats and areas, with divergent management strategies. Landscape analysis defines nodules of high density and diversity that corresponded to river mouths, lagoons and reef areas fish assemblages. Of the relation between variables and community descriptors, only the organic carbon was significant for both abundance and biomass, the REDOX for the species richness and the other variables were not important. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 438-456. Epub 2018 March 01.

We described and illustrated in detail the osteological differences of the neurocranium of Menticirrhus ophicephalus and Larimus acclivis, with biological material from the coastal area of the department of Piura, Peru. For the neurocranium of the specimens, the boiling method was applied, proposed by Martinez & Zelada (2001). The results were: M. ophicephalus and L. acclivis, with a lateroparietal skull, characteristic that typifies the Sciaenidae family. Anterior side of paretmoides in M. ophicephalus with wide vertical process and small internal lateral dorsal process; in L. acclivis the vertical process is small and ends in two divergent branches. Nasal of M. ophicephalus with longer osseous bridge, while in L. acclivis is smaller. Absence of frontal crest in both species, and presence of two longitudinal fossae and two longitudinal osseous bridges on the outer face of M. ophicephalus and L. acclivis. With six infraorbital, including the dermoesphenotic, in M. ophicephalus and L. acclivis. External border of the M. ophicephalus pterotic with three complete osseous bridges, and L. acclivis with two complete osseous bridges and two partially incomplete osseous bridges. The posterior border of the supraoccipital of M. ophicephalus is convex, and in L. acclivis it is straight tilted backwards. Vomer edentulous in M. ophicephalus and L. acclivis. Parietal of M. ophicephalus with a small longitudinal crest. In L. acclivis with two dissimilar extrascapular on each side, while in M. ophicephalus with one on each side of the neurocranium.

Se describen e ilustran con detalle las diferenciaciones osteológicas del neurocráneo de Menticirrhus ophicephalus y Larimus acclivis (Sciaenidae), con material biológico de la zona del litoral del departamento de Piura, Perú. Para los neurocráneos de los ejemplares, se aplicó el método de la cocción, propuesto por Martínez & Zelada (2001). Los resultados fueron: M. ophicephalus y L. acclivis, con cráneo láteroparietal, carácter que tipifica a la familia Sciaenidae. Cara anterior del paretmoides en M. ophicephalus con proceso vertical ancho y proceso dorso lateral interno pequeño; en L. acclivis el proceso vertical es pequeño y termina en dos ramas divergentes. Nasal de M. ophicephalus con puente óseo de mayor longitud, mientras que en L. acclivis es más pequeño. Ausencia de cresta en el frontal de ambas especies, y presencia de dos fosas longitudinales y dos puentes óseos longitudinales en la cara externa de M. ophicephalus y L. acclivis. Con seis infraorbitarios, incluido el dermoesfenótico, en M. ophicephalus y L. acclivis. Borde externo del pterótico de M. ophicephalus con tres puentes óseos completos, y L. acclivis con dos puentes óseos completos y dos puentes óseos parcialmente incompletos. Borde posterior del supraoccipital de M. ophicephalus es convexo, y en L. acclivis es recto inclinado hacia atrás. Vomer edéntulo en M. ophicephalus y L. acclivis. Parietal de M. ophicephalus con pequeña cresta longitudinal. En L. acclivis con dos extraescapulares disímiles a cada lado, mientras en M. ophicephalus con uno a cada lado del neurocráneo.

Resumo Listas abrangentes de espécies são essenciais para a implementação efetiva de medidas de preservação e devem avaliar o estado de conservação e o grau de vulnerabilidade das comunidades ecológicas. Esta lista foi compilada a partir de espécies de peixes registradas em pesquisas realizadas nos últimos 30 anos na plataforma continental interna rasa do Estado do Paraná. Foram fornecidas informações sobre biogeografia, estado de conservação, importância econômica e grau de vulnerabilidade das espécies. Um total de 272 espécies de peixes foram registradas, abrangendo 25 ordens e 88 famílias. A família com maior número de espécies foi Sciaenidae (25 espécies), seguida de Carangidae (23), Engraulidae (10), Carcharhinidae (9), Epinephelidae (9) e Paralichthyidae (9). A maioria das espécies registrada na plataforma continental interna do Paraná está limitada ao Atlântico Oeste. Em termos de importância econômica, 93% (253) das espécies incluídas nesta lista são comercialmente viáveis, seja na pesca, aquicultura ou aquariofilia. Uma fração notável (39%) das espécies registradas foi classificada como de vulnerabilidade moderada a muito alta. Em particular, 28 espécies (10%) estão listadas como ameaçadas de extinção em escala global, e 34 espécies (12%) estão listadas como ameaçadas de extinção no território brasileiro.

Abstract Comprehensive species checklists are essential to effectively implementing preservation and recovery measures, and should assess conservation status, vulnerability degree and anthropogenic threats. This checklist was compiled from fish species recorded in surveys conducted over the last 30 years in the shallow inner continental shelf in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Information on biogeography, conservation status, economic importance and degree of species’ vulnerability are provided. A total of 272 fish species were recorded, spanning 25 orders and 88 families. The most speciose family was Sciaenidae (25 species), followed by Carangidae (23), Engraulidae (10), Carcharhinidae (9), Epinephelidae (9) and Paralichthyidae (9). Most species occurring in Paraná’s shallow inner continental shelf are restricted to the West Atlantic. In terms of economic importance, 93% (253) of the species recorded were of fishery, aquaculture or aquaria interest. A notable fraction (39%) of the recorded species was classified as having moderate to very high vulnerability to extinction. In particular, 28 species (10%) were listed as globally endangered, and 34 species (12%) were listed as endangered in the Brazilian territory.