ABSTRACT We described a new association of 10 morphospecies of crinoid columnar ossicles from eight different morphogenera. The biota includes Cylindrocauliscus fiski, Cyclocaudex cf. plenus, Cyclocaudex costatus, Preptopremnum cf. rugosum, Preptopremnum leave, Heterostelechus jeffordsi, Cycloscapus laevis, Cyclocaudiculus regularis, Nothrosterigma merum, and Cyclogrupera minor. The specimens were located in rocks from the Grupera Formation of Asselian-Sakmarian age (lower Permian). The lithostratigraphic unit belongs to the Carboniferous-Permian succession that outcrops in the Chicomuselo region in southeastern Mexico. It is recorded the first occurrence of C. costatus, P. rugosum, C. laevis, and N. merum for the Cisuralian of North America. Likewise, it highlights the first record of N. merum in Mexico, which along with P. rugosum are reported for the first time in the Cisuralian of North America. Despite controversy over the usefulness of crinoid ossicles as index fossils, it was possible relating the rocks of the locality studied to an approximate Asselian-Sakmarian age (early Cisuralian), previously suggested for the formation. Furthermore, the find of ossicles associated with other filtering marine invertebrates such as bryozoans and brachiopods, as well as preservation and lithological features of the rocks, allowed establishing that the depositional paleoenvironment was related to shallow water facies of high energy, well-illuminated, and with an important terrigenous supply. Regarding paleobiogeography, the distribution of crinoids was associated with the region’s geologic history, which was influenced by oceanic and continental changes that occurred during the formation of the Pangea supercontinent in the Late Pennsylvanian. This favored the emergence of generic and specific provincialisms in North America.

RESUMEN Se describe una nueva asociación, compuesta por 10 morfoespecies de osículos columnares de crinoideos pertenecientes a ocho morfogéneros diferentes. La biota está compuesta por Cylindrocauliscus fiski, Cyclocaudex cf. plenus, Cyclocaudex costatus, Preptopremnum cf. rugosum, Preptopremnum laeve, Heterostelechus jeffordsi, Cycloscapus laevis, Cyclocaudiculus regularis, Nothrosterigma merum y Cyclogrupera minor. Los ejemplares se encontraron en rocas de la Formación Grupera del Asseliano-Sakmariano (Pérmico inferior), perteneciente a la sucesión del Carbonífero-Pérmico que aflora en la región de Chicomuselo, al sureste del territorio mexicano. Del material descrito, se detectó la primera ocurrencia de C. costatus, P. rugosum, C. laevis y N. merum para Chiapas. Asimismo, destaca el primer registro de N. merum para México, el cual junto con P. rugosum son reportados por primera vez para el Cisuraliano de Norteamérica. Pese a la controversia sobre la utilidad de los osículos de crinoideos como fósiles índice, por sus amplios alcances estratigráficos, fue posible denotar que los taxones descritos, en conjunto, señalaban una edad aproximada del Asseliano-Sakmariano (Cisuraliano temprano), sugerida previamente para la formación. El hallazgo de los osículos, asociados a otros invertebrados marinos filtradores como briozoos y braquiópodos, aunado al tipo de conservación y las características litológicas de las rocas portadoras permitieron establecer que el paleoambiente de depósito se relacionaba con facies de aguas someras de alta energía, bien iluminadas y con un aporte constante de terrígenos. Respecto a la paleobiogeografía, se observa que la distribución de los crinoideos estuvo relacionada con la historia geológica de la región, la cual estuvo influenciada por los cambios oceánicos y continentales ocurridos a raíz de la formación del supercontinente Pangea a finales del Pensilvánico. Esto favoreció el surgimiento de provincialismos genéricos y específicos en Norteamérica.

The periodic flooding in large rivers basin favors that the organisms colonize the floodplain. Colonization events can occur in days or weeks and many species through their resistance structures can remain in the soil after a flood event. The objective of this work was to analyze the succession of microconsumers from soil samples taken from the floodplain of the El Pescado stream (Buenos Aires). Five treatments were performed with three replicates each exposed to different waterlogging times. Temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH and turbidity were measured in each experimental unit. Likewise, the concentration of total phosphorus, total dissolved phosporus, chlorophyll “a” were estimated and the quantitative analysis of the organisms was carried out. Thirty taxa were recorded and ciliates (9), testate amoebas (8) and rotifers (8) were better represented. The ciliates had their maximum density in the initial stage with Urocentrum turbo as dominant. The testate amoebas dominated in the final stage with Arcella and Difflugia species. The bdelloid rotifers were always present and the monogononta reached their maximum density (Lecane lunaris and Plationus patulus) towards the end of the experiment. The copepods were observed from the initial stage with larval stages and, in the final stage, with cyclopoid and harpacticoid adults (Attheyella sp. and Cletocamptus sp.). Bacterivores predominated in the initial stage, filter feeders and grazers intermediate, and detritivores to the end. The presence of the different groups in the treatments was related to their generational times and to the simulated hydroperiod.

Las inundaciones periódicas de los grandes ríos favorecen el desarrollo de organismos que colonizan la llanura de inundación. Los eventos de colonización pueden ocurrir en días o semanas y muchas especies surgen de estructuras de resistencia que quedan en el suelo luego de un evento de inundación. El objetivo fue analizar la sucesión de organismos consumidores a partir de muestras de suelo de la planicie de inundación del Aº El Pescado (Buenos Aires). Se realizaron cinco tratamientos con tres réplicas, expuestos a diferentes tiempos de anegamiento. Se midieron temperatura, conductividad, oxígeno disuelto, pH y turbidez. Se estimó la concentración de fósforo total, fósforo total disuelto, clorofila “a” y se realizó el análisis cuantitativo de los organismos. Se registraron 30 taxones siendo ciliados (9), amebas testáceas (8) y rotíferos (8), los grupos con más representantes. Los ciliados tuvieron su densidad máxima en la etapa inicial con Urocentrum turbo como dominante. Las amebas testáceas dominaron en la etapa final con especies de Arcella y Difflugia. Los rotíferos bdelloideos estuvieron siempre presentes y los monogononta alcanzaron su máxima densidad (Lecane lunaris y Plationus patulus) hacia el final del experimento. Los copépodos se observaron desde la etapa inicial con estadios larvales y, en la etapa final con adultos de harpacticoideos (Attheyella sp. y Cletocamptus sp.) y ciclopoideos. En la etapa inicial predominaron los bacterívoros, en las intermedias los filtradores y pastoreadores y hacia el final los detritívoros. La presencia de los grupos en los tratamientos se relacionó con sus tiempos generacionales y con el hidroperíodo simulado.

Resumen Las quebradas están fuertemente influenciadas por su vegetación ribereña y la deforestación afecta a la comunidad acuática. Se estudiaron los efectos de la deforestación sobre la diversidad taxonómica y funcional del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en cuatro quebradas Andinas colombianas. El estudio incluyó 12 sitios, siete de ellos con cobertura arbórea en sus márgenes en áreas boscosas no perturbadas por la deforestación (estaciones de referencia) y los otros cinco sin cobertura arbórea en áreas deforestadas (estaciones alteradas). Se realizaron cuatro muestreos de campo entre junio 2011 y febrero 2012 y se recolectaron muestras de macroinvertebrados bentónicos utilizando el método D-net con malla de 500 μm y recolección manual, y se midieron diferentes variables fisicoquímicas in situ. Se calcularon los índices de Shannon-Wienner (H ‘) y Simpson (D). Se aplicaron análisis unidireccionales de varianza ANOVAs a cada variable ambiental y análisis canónicos discriminantes (CDA). Se recolectaron un total 8 370 individuos correspondientes a 80 taxones durante el estudio. La abundancia y diversidad fue mayor en las estaciones localizadas en áreas boscosas no perturbadas. Thraulodes, Anacroneuria y Rhagovelia, se asociaron con valores más altos de Calidad de Bosque de Ribera Andina (QBR-And), Índice de Hábitat Fluvial (IHF), Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia (BMWP/Col) y temperatura en estaciones de referencia, mientras que Leptonema, Baetodes y Mayobaetis se asociaron con mayores valores de pH y altura sobre nivel del mar en estaciones alteradas. Los principales grupos funcionales tróficos (GFT) en las estaciones de referencia fueron colectores-recolectores/raspadores (27.2 %), raspadores (25.4 %) y depredadores (24.4 %), mientras que en estaciones alteradas fueron: Colectores filtradores (27.5 %), colectores-recolectores/raspadores (17.4 %) y raspadores (15.7 %). Los hábitos de vida más abundantes en las estaciones de referencia fueron agarradores (50.5 %), taxones con tres o más hábitos (28.7 %) y patinadores (16.1 %), mientras que en las estaciones alteradas fueron agarradores (68.1 %), taxones con tres o más hábitos (13.7 %) y excavadores (5.2 %). El conocimiento de las variables que determinan la estructura taxonómica y funcional de los ensamblajes de macroinvertebrados, y cómo responden a impactos como la deforestación, puede ayudar a determinar acciones de protección o restauración de las condiciones ambientales y ecológicas de las quebradas Andinas y los hábitats riparios.

Abstract The creeks are strongly influenced by their riparian vegetation, and the deforestation affect the aquatic community. The effects of deforestation on taxonomic and functional diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblage in four Colombian Andean creeks were evaluated. The study included 12 sites, seven of them with arboreal coverage at their margins in forested areas undisturbed by deforestation (reference stations) and the other five without tree cover in deforested areas (altered stations). Four field samplings were carried out between June 2011 and February 2012, and samples of benthic macroinvertebrates were collected using the D-net method with 500 μm mesh and manual collection, and different physicochemical variables were measured in situ. The Shannon-Wienner (H′) and Simpson´s index (D) were calculated. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) to each environmental variable, and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) to establish differences in environmental variables, taxonomic and functional diversity between references and altered stations were applied. 8 370 macroinvertebrate individuals corresponding to 80 taxa were collected in the study, with 6 758 individuals and 75 taxa in references stations and 1 612 individuals and 50 taxa in altered stations. The reference stations had higher values of diversity and the taxa that made major contributions to the variance between reference and altered stations were Thraulodes, Anacroneuria and Rhagovelia, which were associated with the highest values of Index of Andean riparian vegetation Quality (QBR-And), fluvial habitat index (IHF), Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia BMWP/Col, EPT index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) and temperature in reference stations, whereas Leptonema, Baetodes and Mayobaetis were associated with higher pH and elevation above sea level in altered stations. The main functional feeding groups (FFG) at the reference stations were collectors-gatherers/scrapers CG / SC (27.2 %), scrapers SC (25.4 %) and predators PR (24.4 %), and for altered stations were collectors-filterers CF (27.5 %), collectors-gatherers/scrapers CG / SC (17.4 %) and scrapers SC (15.7 %). The most abundant life habits were clingers Cg (50.5 %), taxa with three or more habits (28.7 %) and skaters Sk (16.1 %), in the reference stations, and clingers Cg (68.1 %), taxa with three or more habits (13.7 %) and burrowers Bu (5.2 %) in the altered stations. The knowledge of the variables that determine the taxonomic and functional structure of the macroinvertebrate assemblages, and how they respond to impacts such as deforestation, can help to determine actions of protection or restoration of the environmental and ecological conditions of the Andean streams and the riparian habitats.

Abstract Background In the marine environment of San Cruz Island, no published references exist regarding the ecology of soft-bottom mollusks. Thus, it is important to carry out research that broadens and deepens the knowledge of this marine area and contributes to proposals of management methods and alternatives for the sustainable use of insular marine resources. Goals This study seeks to characterize the community composition and structure of soft-bottom mollusks of the infralitoral zone of Santa Cruz Island, and describe some of the characteristics associated with their habitat. Methods During August 2010, 32 samples were collected: 16 were biological samples and 16 were sediment samples. The composition, abundance, and diversity of the malacological community were analyzed using ecological indexes. Results 695 individuals were recorded and grouped in two classes: Gastropoda with 446 organisms (5 orders, 11 families, and 19 species); the most abundant species was Siphonaria maura (18%); the class Bivalvia included 249 organisms (8 orders, 14 families, and 25 species); the most abundant species was Tellina eburnea (10%). The Gastropoda class were more abundant than the Bivalvia, i.e., 64.17% and 35% respectively. The species with major abundances and relative frequencies were the gastropods Siphonaria maura (18%) and the bivalve Septifer seteki (69%). Four trophic categories were identified: filterers (73%), herbivores (20%), carnivores (5%), and ectoparasites, the latter of which were the rarest group (2 %). Conclusions At this site, the specific richness (44 taxa) was lower compared to other sites from different latitudes of the western Gulf of California, likely derived from the higher energy environment of the study area that allowed only juvenile mollusks and micromollusks to be collected.

Resumen Antecedentes Respecto al ambiente marino de la isla Santa Cruz, no existen trabajos publicados de ecología de las especies de moluscos de fondos blandos, por lo que es importante realizar investigaciones que amplíen y profundicen el conocimiento de la zona marina y contribuyan a plantear métodos de manejo y alternativas de uso sustentable de los recursos marinos insulares. Objetivos El presente trabajo pretende caracterizar la composición y estructura de la comunidad de los moluscos de fondos blandos de la zona infralitoral de la isla Santa Cruz y describir algunas características asociadas con su hábitat. Métodos En agosto de 2010 se recolectaron 32 muestras, 16 biológicas y 16 de sedimentos. Se analizó la composición, abundancia y diversidad de la comunidad béntica malacológica mediante indicadores ecológicos. Resultados Se registraron 695 ejemplares agrupados en dos clases, Gastropoda: 446 organismos (cinco órdenes, 11 familias y 19 especies), entre los cuales la especie más abundante fue Siphonaria maura (18%); y Bivalvia: 249 organismos (ocho ordenes, 14 familias y 25 especies), donde la especie más abundante fue Tellina eburnea (10%). La clase Gastropoda fue mayor (64.17%) que Bivalvia (35.82%). Las especies con mayor abundancia y frecuencia relativa fueron el gastrópodo Siphonaria maura (18%) y el bivalvo Septifer zeteki (69%). Se encontraron cuatro categorías tróficas: filtradores (73%), herbívoros (20%), carnívoros (5%) y ectoparásitos (2%). Conclusiones En este sitio, la riqueza específica (44 taxones) fue menor en comparación con otros sitios de diferente latitud en el golfo de California occidental, posiblemente debido a que la zona de estudio es un ambiente de alta energía donde sólo se encontraron juveniles de moluscos y micromoluscos.

RESUMO Clupeiformes (apapás, sardinhas e manjubas) são um clado globalmente distribuído com quase 400 espécies marinhas, de água doce e diádromas. Embora mais conhecida pela presença de peixes filtradores formadores de cardumes, este grupo apresenta uma diversidade de guilda e habitats tróficos. A teoria sugere que a riqueza de espécies em clados é modulada por limites ecológicos, o que resulta em um crescimento dependente da diversidade, um padrão que a maioria dos clados exibem. Como um clado que sofreu repetidas transições entre águas marinhas e as águas doces, os clupeiformes são um excelente grupo para investigar a interação entre a diversidade ecológica e a dinâmica macroevolutiva. Neste estudo, revisamos a sistemática de Clupeiformes e exploramos a discordância nas relações filogenéticas e os tempos de divergência entre loci mitocondriais e nucleares. Em seguida, utilizamos métodos comparativos para testar se os limites ecológicos regulam a diversidade em Clupeiformes. Encontramos discordância nas relações filogenéticas em várias escalas taxonômicas, mas também considerável concordância entre os genomas. Nossos resultados sugerem que clados que sofreram sucessivas transições entre águas marinhas e águas doces são capazes de contornar os limites ecológicos do crescimento durante a sua diversificação em escala global, mas não localmente. Nosso estudo demonstra que as filogenias apresentam um vínculo crítico entre a ecologia e a dinâmica macroevolutiva, e sugere que as transições de hábitats podem desempenhar um papel fundamental na modelagem dos padrões de diversidade, particularmente no neotrópico.

ABSTRACT Clupeiformes (herring, sardines, shad, anchovies and allies) are a globally distributed clade with nearly 400 marine, freshwater, and diadromous species. Although best known as filter feeding fishes that form large schools, this group occupies a diverse array of trophic guilds and habitats. Theory suggests that species richness in clades is modulated by ecological limits, which results in diversity-dependent clade growth, a pattern that most clades exhibit. As a trans-marine/freshwater clade that has undergone repeated transitions between marine and freshwaters, Clupeiformes are an excellent system for investigating the interplay between ecological diversity and macroevolutionary dynamics. In this study we review the systematics of Clupeiformes and explore discordance in phylogenetic relationships and divergence times between mitochondrial and nuclear loci. We then use comparative methods to test whether ecological limits regulate diversity in Clupeiformes. We find discordance in phylogenetic relationships at various taxonomic scales, but also considerable agreement between genomes. Our results suggest that trans-marine/freshwater clades are able to circumvent ecological limits on clade growth at regional, but not on local scales. Our study demonstrates that phylogenies are a critical link between ecology and macroevolutionary dynamics, and suggests habitat transitions can play a key role in shaping diversity patterns, particularly in the neotropics.

Resumo Dentre os diversos consumidores de bactérias nas teias alimentares de ambientes dulcícolas, os cladóceros ocupam uma posição relevante, sendo filtradores relativamente não seletivos que podem exercer forte impacto na redução populacional microbiana. Avaliamos o potencial bacterívoro de três espécies de cladóceros de ocorrência tropical e subtropical (Ceriodaphnia silvestrii, Ceriodaphnia cornuta e Daphnia gessneri) em diferentes fases de vida, através do estudo microscópico de suas estruturas filtradoras e da quantificação de suas taxas de ingestão em experimentos de bacterivoria utilizando-se bactérias marcadas fluorescentemente (FLB). As espécies estudadas mostraram ter uma rede de malhas filtradoras suficientemente estreitas para reter bactérias. A maior distância entre as sétulas foi encontrada em primíparas de C. cornuta, e a menor em neonatos de D. gessneri. As menores Taxas de Ingestão (TI) e Remoção (TR) foram observadas em primíparas de C. silvestrii e as maiores em adultas de D. gessneri. Concluímos que as bactérias podem ser consideradas um importante suplemento alimentar, principalmente para neonatos, que apresentaram pequenas distâncias intersetulares e altas taxas de ingestão comparadas aos outros estágios de vida.

Abstract Cladocerans occupy an important position among the bacterial consumers in freshwater food webs, being relatively non-selective filter feeders that can exert a strong impact on microbial populations. We evaluated the bacterivory potential of three cladocerans species of subtropical and tropical occurrence (Ceriodaphnia silvestrii, Daphnia gessneri and Ceriodaphnia cornuta) at different life stages, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by the quantification of their bacterial consumption rates using fluorescently labeled bacteria (FLB). All species showed filter mesh sizes sufficiently narrow to retain bacteria. The largest distance between setules was found in primiparous C. cornuta, and the smallest in neonate D. gessneri. The lowest ingestion (IR) and removal (RR) rates were observed in primiparous C. silvestrii and the highest values were observed in adults of D. gessneri. We conclude that bacteria may be considered an important food supplement, particularly for neonates who presented smaller intersetular distances and higher filtration rates than the other life stages.

Resumo O conhecimento da composição da dieta do molusco de água doce Diplodon enno é de extrema importância para a sua cultura e propagação, permitindo desta forma a recuperação de populações em perigo de extinção no Brasil. As microalgas são a principal fonte de alimento para moluscos filtradores e os uniónidos sendo selecionadas por estes com base nas suas características celulares. O principal objectivo deste trabalho é analisar a composição fitoplanctônica da água e do conteúdo gastrointestinal do molusco D. enno, de forma a desenvolver uma dieta apropriada ao seu cultivo. Para isso, amostras de água e espécimes de bivalves foram recolhidos do rio São Francisco, cidade de Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brasil. A composição de microalgas encontrada na água e no conteúdo do estômago/intestino foi muito diversa, sendo representada pelas seguintes divisões: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Dinophyta e Heterokontophyta (diatomáceas). Atendendo à abundância relativa de cada divisão de microalgas, podemos afirmar que na água e no trato gastrointestinal Cyanophyta representa 15% e 14%, Chlorophyta 54% em ambos, Heterokontophyta 31% e 27% e Dinophyta 0% and 5%, respectivamente. De acordo com o critério CETESB de classificação de espécies de fitoplâncton, 50% das espécies de Cyanophyta e 15% das de Chlorophyta observadas nas amostras de água foram classificadas como “muito frequentes”, tal como aconteceu para 68% das espécies de Heterokontophyta e 33% das de Chlorophyta nas amostras do conteúdo do trato gastrointestinal. Realçando as espécies presentes, apesar de apenas Coelastrum sp. e Chroococcus sp. terem sido observadas em 100% e 75% das amostras de água, respectivamente, nas amostras de trato gastrointestinal Staurastrum sp., Aulacoseira sp., Scenedesmus sp. e Fragilaria crotonensis foram identificadas em entre 80% e 100% das amostras. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que D. enno se alimenta não apenas de pequenas microalgas clorófitas, devido ao seu pequeno tamanho que possibilita maiores taxas de filtração, como também de diatomáceas maiores, devido a uma possível vantagem nutricional para os bivalves. Assim sendo, uma dieta composta por diatomáceas e pequenas clorófitas poderá ser considerada a mais indicada para a manutenção de populações de D. enno.

Abstract The knowledge on diet composition of the freshwater mussel Diplodon enno (Ortmann) would aid in its culture and propagation allowing, this way, the replacement of natural endangered populations in Brazil. Microalgae are the main food source for captive mussels and unionids have displayed an ability to sort algae based on the cellular characteristics prior to ingestion. The main objective of the present work is to analyze the phytoplankton composition of the water from and of the gastrointestinal contents of the mussel D. enno, as an initial step for development of a suitable rearing diet. Therefore, water samples and bivalve specimens were collected from S. Francisco River, city of Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brazil. The microalgal composition found in water and stomach/gut content samples was very diverse being represented by the following divisions: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Dinophyta and Heterokontophyta (Diatoms). Concerning the relative abundance of microalgae divisions, it is possible to state, for the water and gastrointestinal contents, that Cyanophyta represents 15% and 14%, Chlorophyta 54% in both, Heterokontophyta 31% and 27% and Dinophyta 0% and 5%, respectively. According to the Brazilian CETESB criteria for phytoplankton species classification, 50% of Cyanophyta and 15% of Chlorophyta species observed in the water samples were classified as “very frequent”, as were 68% of Heterokontophyta and 33% of Chlorophyta species in the gut/stomach tract samples. Focusing at a species level, although in the water only Coelastrum sp. and Chroococcus sp. were observed in 100% and 75% of the samples, respectively, in the gastrointestinal tract the species Staurastrum sp., Aulacoseira sp., Scenedesmus sp. and Fragilaria crotonensis occurred in 80% to 100% of the samples. The present results showed that D. enno feeds not only on small chlorophytes microalgae, due to their convenient size that facilitates higher feeding rates, but also on large size diatoms, due to a possible nutritional advantage for the bivalves. Thus, a diet composed by large diatoms and small chlorophytes microalgae may be considered as the most reasonable for the maintenance of D. enno populations.

ResumoObjetivo: A tilápia do Nilo - Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus 1758) - é um peixe exótico com alimentação onívoro-filtradora que tem sido estocado por três décadas em lagos artificiais do Nordeste do Brasil. A maioria dos experimentos manipulando peixes onívoro-filtradores em lagos e reservatórios eutrofizados mostra que sua presença tende a aumentar a biomassa fitoplanctônica e a produção primária. Neste estudo, testou-se a hipótese de que a tilápia interage sinergicamente com o enriquecimento de nutrientes, de modo que os efeitos de peixes onívoros sobre o fitoplâncton tornam-se mais intensos com o aumento da concentração de nutrientes.MétodosUm experimento de campo com delineamento fatorial 2×3 foi realizado durante quatro semanas em 24 mesocosmos (0,25 m3), nos quais seis tratamentos foram aleatoriamente alocados: adição de peixes alevinos (F), adição de tilápia juvenil (J), adição de nutrientes (NP), adição de nutrientes e alevinos (NPA), nutrientes e tilápia juvenil (NPJ) e um tratamento controle, sem tilápias ou nutrientes (C). Uma ANOVA bifatorial com medidas repetidas foi realizada para testar os efeitos do tempo (t), da tilápia e dos nutrientes, além da interação entre tilápias e nutrientes sobre as concentrações de fósforo total, nitrogênio total e clorofila a.ResultadosOs resultados mostraram um efeito positivo da adição de nutrientes sobre as concentrações de fósforo total, nitrogênio total e clorofila; e um efeito positivo das tilápias sobre a concentração de clorofila a. Como esperado, verificou-se uma interação sinérgica entre o efeito positivo da tilápia do Nilo e do enriquecimento por nutrientes na biomassa fitoplanctônica.ConclusõesOs resultados sugerem que o controle da abundância de tilápias, através do manejo da pesca, é uma ferramenta potencial para melhorar a qualidade da água e mitigar os efeitos da eutrofização em lagos e reservatórios.

Aim: The Nile tilapia - Oreochromis niloticus(Linnaeus 1758) - is an exotic omnivorous filter-feeding fish that has been stocked for three decades in man-made lakes of Northeastern Brazil. Most experiments manipulating omnivorous filter-feeding fish in eutrophic lakes and reservoirs shows that their presence tends to increase phytoplankton biomass and primary production. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tilapia interact synergistically with nutrient enrichment so that the effects of omnivorous fish on phytoplankton biomass becomes more intense with increasing nutrient concentration.MethodsA field experiment with a 2×3 factorial design was performed during four weeks in twenty-four mesocosms (0.25 m3) to which six treatments were randomly allocated: fingerling addition (F), juvenile tilapia addition (J), nutrient addition (NP), nutrient and fingerling addition (NPF), nutrient and juvenile tilapia addition (NPJ) and a control treatment with no tilapia or nutrients addition (C). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was done to test for time (t), tilapia and nutrients effects and their interaction on total phosphorus, total nitrogen and chlorophyll-a concentrations.ResultsThe results showed a positive effect of nutrient addition on total phosphorus, total nitrogen and chlorophyll-a concentrations and a positive effect of tilapia on the concentration of chlorophyll-a. As expected, we found a synergistic interaction between the positive effect of Nile tilapia and nutrient enrichment on phytoplankton biomass.ConclusionsThe above results suggest that controlling tilapia abundance through fisheries management is a potential tool to improve water quality and mitigate the effects of lake and reservoir eutrophication.

Chilean sub-Antarctic Channels region is one of the most diverse regions in molluscs species of the South Pacific Ocean in South America. This region exhibit intertidal zones with a high environmental heterogeneity at a local scale, including seasonal changes in photoperiod, rocky substrate diversity, salinity and temperature gradients. This study characterized molluscs assemblages in Róbalo bay 54°55'S (Beagle Channel), identifying spatial-temporal changes in assemblage composition, species richness, abundance, functional groups, and diversity of molluscs species. We registered 34 species comprising 4 functional groups, being mobile herbivores the most diverse group (21 species). The most abundant molluscs were Mytilus edulis platensis and Perumytilus purpuratus. Considering the mobile species only, the most abundant were Laevilitorina caliginosa and Siphonaria lessonii. In seasonal terms, species richness and abundance of mobile herbivores showed an increase during the austral summer. While the abundance of M. edulis platensis and mobile carnivores remained stable during the seasons. Regarding vertical zonation within the intertidal, we found that L. caliginosa is mainly associated with high intertidal, Pareuthria plumbea to the mid-zone, and N. deaurata to the low intertidal zone. Róbalo Bay high beta molluscs diversity was associated to the spatial variability of intertidal zones. These changes can be detected in between sites separated only by hundreds of meters, where local environmental heterogeneity likely plays a role structuring ecological assemblages and communities Sub-Antarctic channels.

Los canales subantárticos de Chile son una de las regiones con mayor diversidad de moluscos del océano Pacífico en el sur de Sudamérica. Esta región presenta extensas zonas intermareales sujetas a una marcada estacionalidad con cambios en el fotoperiodo y una alta heterogeneidad ambiental, que incluye diversidad de sustratos, gradientes de salinidad y temperatura. El presente estudio caracterizó el ensamble de moluscos de bahía Róbalo 54°55'S (canal Beagle) y evaluó los cambios espacio-estacionales de la composición, riqueza y diversidad de moluscos. Se registraron 34 especies de moluscos, y se caracterizaron 4 grupos funcionales, siendo el más diverso los herbívoros móviles (21 especies). Los moluscos más abundantes fueron los filtradores sésiles, Mytilus edulis platensis y Perumytilus purpuratus. Las especies móviles más abundantes fueron Laevilitorina caliginosa y Siphonaria lessonii. En términos estacionales, la riqueza de especies y abundancia de los herbívoros móviles presentaron un aumento durante el verano austral. Mientras que la abundancia de M. edulis platensis y los carnívoros móviles se mantuvieron estables durante las estaciones. Respecto a la zonificación vertical dentro del intermareal, se encontró que L. caliginosa está asociada principalmente al intermareal alto, Pareuthria plumbea a la zona media y N. deaurata al intermareal bajo. En bahía Róbalo se registró una alta diversidad beta de moluscos, asociada a la variabilidad espacial de las zonas intermareales. Estos cambios se pueden detectar entre sitios separados por centenas de metros, donde la heterogeneidad ambiental local probablemente juega un rol ecológico en la estructuración de ensambles y comunidades en canales subantárticos.

A growth rate model is developed based on the assumption that food offer is the growth limiting factor of filter feeding in culture. For which the ingested food, defined at steady sate conditions through an energy balance, expressed as Scope for Growth terms is correlated to Specific Growth Rate through Monod model. Model give the specific growth rates as a function of environmental (seston concentration, water flow rates, fouling load), physiological (assimilation efficiency, metabolic expenditure, maintenance ration) and technological (stock density and retention efficiency of the culture system) variables. The growth rate model obtained is used to describe the growth of Venerupis pullastra seeds from data obtained under controlled conditions and simulate their behavior to changing scenarios. A full, logic and consistent description of the growth process obtained in agreement with mathematical, physiological and productive principles contribute a theoretic sustenance to aquacultural business and feasible to be applied to other species.

Se desarrolla un modelo simple para la tasa de crecimiento de organismos filtradores en cultivo bajo el supuesto de que la oferta de alimento es el factor que limita el crecimiento. Para ello la ración ingerida, definida en condiciones de equilibrio a través de un balance energético y expresada como Potencial para el Crecimiento, se correlaciona con la Tasa de Crecimiento a través del modelo de Monod logrando asociar variables ambientales (oferta de alimento, carga de fouling, recambio de agua), fisiológicas (eficiencia de asimilación, costo metabólico, ración de mantención) y tecnológicas (eficiencia del sistema de cultivo, densidad) entre otras a las tasas de crecimiento. El modelo obtenido es utilizado para describir el crecimiento de semillas de Venerupis pullastra a partir de datos obtenidos bajo condiciones controladas y simular su comportamiento ante escenarios variables. Finalmente, se obtiene una descripción completa, lógica y consistente del proceso de crecimiento, concordante con principios fisiológicos, matemáticos y productivos que aportan sustento teórico a la actividad acuícola factible de aplicarse a cualquier especie.

We studied the effect of volcanic ash on the crustacean zooplankton (mainly cladocerans) in the Andean North-Patagonian lakes that were affected by the eruption of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle complex. The study was carried out at three different scales: sub cellular, population and ecosystemic. Cladocerans are filter feeding organisms that cannot distinguish between food (algae less than 30 µm) and suspended ash, therefore when feeding they ingest this material. The ash affected negatively the individuals at a biochemical level, increasing the oxidative stress reacting enzymes like Glutation-S-transferase and the biomarker Acetyl cholinesterase. At the population level, we recorded a decrease in survival and fecundity, in particular, when ash concentration exceeded 8 mg/L, we observed that individuals did not reach adulthood. At the ecosystem level, we recorded a significant decrease of the intermediate trophic level (primary consumers) although producers were positively enhanced by the eruption. The absence of these primary consumers may affect upper trophic levels like fishes. Later, in the year following the eruption, we observed the resurgence of zooplankton populations suggesting a fast recovery from the initial conditions.

Efecto de la erupción del Complejo Volcánico Puyehue-Cordón Caulle en el zooplancton crustáceo de los lagos andinos: En este trabajo analizamos el efecto de las cenizas en el zooplancton crustáceo (cladóceros en particular) de lagos andinos norpatagónicos afectados por la erupción volcánica del Complejo Puyehue-Cordón Caulle. Los estudios se llevaron a cabo en tres escalas diferentes, subcelular, poblacional y ecosistémica. Los cladóceros son organismos filtradores que no pueden discriminar eficientemente entre el alimento (algas de tamaño menor a 30 µm) y la presencia de cenizas, por lo cual éstas son ingeridas. Las cenizas en suspensión impactaron negativamente en los individuos a nivel bioquímico incrementando el estrés oxidativo, provocando cambios en enzimas como la Catalasa y Glutatión-S-transferasa así como en el biomarcador Acetilcolinesterasa. A nivel poblacional se registró una disminución en la supervivencia y en la fecundidad con concentraciones crecientes de cenizas. En particular con valores de concentración de cenizas superiores a los 8 mg/L se observó que los individuos no llegaban a la edad de primera reproducción. A escala ecosistémica se verifica una disminución significativa del nivel trófico intermedio de consumidores primarios a pesar del incremento del nivel de los productores. La ausencia de este nivel trófico podría redundar en cambios en niveles tróficos superiores como los peces. Por último, la recuperación de las poblaciones del zooplancton fue verificada al año subsiguiente de la erupción, lo que sugirie una restauración rápida de las condiciones originales.

Con el fin de determinar el efecto del incremento de nutrientes sobre la red trófica de un río de montaña andino, se realizó un experimento en donde se analizaron las proporciones de isotopos estables (δ15N y δ13C) para analizar los siguientes compartimientos tróficos: 1) Nivel basal: CPMO y Biofilm; 2) Consumidores primarios - macroinvertebrados: colectores - recolectores (Heterelmis sp., Thraulodes sp., yTrichorythodes sp.) y colectores - filtradores (Simulium sp.); 3) Depredadores - peces (Oncorhynchus mykiss y Trichomycterus bogotensis). La fracción promedio de nitrógeno entre los consumidores primarios con respecto a CPOM fue de 4.7 ‰, y de 1.7 ‰ con respecto al biofilm. Los depredadores incrementaron en un 5.9 % la señal δ15N con respecto a los consumidores primarios. Después de la fertilización, se observó en diferentes compartimientos (biofilm, Heterelmis, Simulium yTricorythodes) del tramo impacto un agotamiento de δ15N con respecto al control, mientras que el agotamiento no fue significativo para los depredadores superiores. En la mayoría de los casos la señal δ13C del biofilm se sobrepuso con la de los consumidores primarios pero un claro enriquecimiento fue observado con respecto a CPOM. Los macroinvertebrados referidos fueron seleccionados para analizar su contenido estomacal y los resultados nos mostraron que el detritus fino es el alimento más abundante para los invertebrados, y únicamente, Heterelmis mostró, después de la adición de nutrientes, diferencias significativas en el detritus fino y el material vegetal entre el tramo control y el impactado.

In order to define the effect of nutrient enrichment on trophic webs in an Andean mountain stream we performed an experiment using stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C) to analyze different trophic compartments: 1) basal level: CPOM and biofilm; 2) primary consumers - macroinvertebrates: collector-gatherers (Heterelmis sp., Thraulodes sp. and Trichorythodes sp.), and collectorfilterers (Simulium sp.); 3) predators - fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Trichomycterus bogotensis). The average fractionation of nitrogen among the primary consumers with respect to CPOM was 4.7 ‰, and 1.7 ‰ with respect to biofilm. Predators incremented their δ15N signal by 5.9 % with respect to primary consumers. A depletion of δ15N was observed in Impact with respect to Control reach after fertilization in different compartments (biofilm, Heterelmis, Simulium andTricorythodes), while depletion was not significant for top predators. In most cases, the δ13C signal of biofilm overlapped with that of primary consumers, but a clear enrichment was observed with respect to CPOM. Macroinvertebrate gut contents showed fine detritus to be their most abundant food, and that in general there were no changes in diet as a consequence of nutrient enrichment. The only exception was Heterelmis, who increased its consumption in the Impact reach.

Se determinó la abundancia de salpas y doliólidos en ocho estaciones costeras alrededor de Isla Gorgona (Pacífico colombiano), entre septiembre 2005 y agosto 2006. Se hicieron arrastres oblicuos desde 50m hasta la superficie; se midió la biomasa zooplanctónica total, el número de salpas y doliólidos por arrastres, y la frecuencia de ocurrencia por estación y por mes. Se registró la temperatura superficial y de fondo, la salinidad superficial y de fondo, así como la concentración de clorofila a en cada estación. Se observaron picos de abundancia de tunicados en septiembre 2005 y marzo 2006. Las altas abundancias en marzo fueron probablemente debidas a una intrusión de agua fría a la zona de estudio, la cual resultó en aguas más frías y saladas, y en una termoclina más somera. Los tunicados fueron probablemente advectados hacia el área por corrientes provenientes del suroeste, y la topografía subacuática causó una agregación de estos organismos. En septiembre, la influencia de las descargas de los ríos continentales, así como aportes por la precipitación sobre la isla pudieron haber provisto mayor cantidad de nutrientes y resultado en mayores abundancias. Los grandes vertebrados marinos filtradores que se alimentan de tunicados incluyen tortugas verdes juveniles, las cuales usan las aguas de Isla Gorgona como zona de forrajeo, como parte de su ruta de migración en el Pacífico Oriental Tropical. Estas tortugas podrían estar utilizando los tunicados oportunistamente, como un recurso esporádico que está disponible en ciertas épocas del año.

Gorgona National Park protects fertile waters that support large vertebrates, including green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), and for them, gelatinous zooplankton constitute a food resource that can be found year-round in Gorgona Island´s coastal waters. This study was carried out to determine the abundance of salps and doliolids around Gorgona Island over a year, and to determine whether this is a resource that could be used reliably year-round by green turtles and other large plankton-feeding predators. The monthly abundance of salps and doliolids at eight coastal stations around Gorgona Island (Colombian Pacific) was determined between September 2005 and August 2006. Oblique tows were carried out from 50m to the surface, total zooplankton biomass was measured and the number of salps and doliolids per tow, and frequency of occurrence per station and month were determined. Superficial and bottom sea temperature, superficial and bottom salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration were recorded at each station. There were tunicate abundance peaks in September 2005 and March 2006. The high abundances in March were probably due to a cold water intrusion into the study area, which resulted in colder saltier water and a shallower thermocline. Tunicates were probably advected to the area by currents from the southwest and aggregated due to the underwater topography. In September, the influence of continental river discharge as well as inputs from rainfall over the island could have provided increased nutrients and resulted in higher abundances. The large filter-feeding vertebrates that feed on tunicates include green sea turtle juveniles, which use coastal waters of Gorgona Island as feeding grounds, as part of their migration route in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. These turtles could be using tunicates opportunistically, as a sporadic resource that is available at certain times of the year. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 149-159. Epub 2014 February 01.

El desarrollo industrial y económico de Colombia se ha expandido en la búsqueda de nuevos recursos minerales hacia los límites del mar territorial. La prospección y construcción de infraestructuras en el mar plantean nuevos retos para el desarrollo sostenible del país. Este estudio de línea base se realizó con el fin de conocer las especies de invertebrados marinos que se han establecido sobre las únicas plataformas permanentes para la explotación de gas ubicadas mar afuera en La Guajira, al norte del Caribe colombiano: plataformas A y B, construidas sobre fondos de 18 y 33 m de profundidad, respectivamente. Por medio de buceo autónomo Scuba, se recolectaron e identificaron 116 especies de invertebrados marinos. Los crustáceos presentaron la mayor riqueza de especies (50 especies), con el infraorden Brachyura como el mejor representado con 10 familias y acumulando 44% de las especies. Los moluscos comprendieron el segundo grupo con 29 especies, seguidos de anélidos con 14, esponjas con 12, cnidarios con 7 y finalmente equinodermos con 4. Los organismos sésiles filtradores dominaron en número de individuos, mientras las formas móviles presentaron un mayor número de especies. Los balanos (Balanus spp.), el octocoral Carijoa riisei y las esponjas fueron los principales constituyentes de la fauna fouling asociada a las estructuras. Aunque no existen estudios previos para el área de estudio ni para el Caribe sur, se considera que la comunidad de invertebrados marinos que ha colonizado las estructuras de las plataformas de gas de La Guajira exhibe una alta riqueza de especies e individuos asociados.

The industrial and economic development of Colombia has expanded its limits towards the territorial sea in the search for new resources. The prospection and construction of infrastructures in the sea challenge new alternatives for the sustainable development of the country. The main goal of this study was to build a baseline inventory of the marine invertebrates associated to two gas platforms located offshore in La Guajira, at the northeastern Colombian Caribbean Sea: platforms A and B, sitting on sandy bottoms at 18 and 33 m depth, respectively. This inventory includes a total of 116 species of marine invertebrates that were collected by Scuba diving. Crustaceans had the greatest richness with 50 species, from which the infraorder Brachyura was the best represented with 10 families including approximately 44% of species. Mollusks comprised the second largest group with 29 species, followed by annelids with 14 species, sponges with 12 species, cnidarians with 7 species, and finally echinoderms with 4 species. Filter-feeding and sessile organisms dominated in abundance, while mobile species showed a larger number of species. The barnacles complex (Balanus spp.), the octocoral Carijoa riisei and sponges were the main components of the fouling fauna on the structures. Although there are no previous studies for the study area and the southern Caribbean, it is considered that the invertebrates community associated to gas platforms in La Guajira exhibit both high species richness and a large abundance of organisms.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do cultivo de Oreochromis niloticus em tanques rede sobre os valores de δ13C e δ15N em tecidos Corbicula fluminea (Mollusca; Bivalvia) e no sedimento da cadeia alimentar aquática. As amostragens foram realizadas em períodos prévios e posteriores a instalação de tanques redes no reservatório de Rosana (Rio Paranapanema, PR-SP). As amostras de espécimes de bivalves filtradores exóticos e as de sedimento foram coletadas utilizando uma versão modificada do pegador tipo Petersen. Todas as amostras foram secas em estufa (60 °C) durante 72 horas, maceradas até obtenção de pó fino e homogêneo e enviadas para determinação do carbono (13C) e do nitrogênio (15N) em espectrofotômetro de massa. Houve diferenças significativas nos valores δ13C e δ15N do invertebrado C. fluminea entre o início e o fim do experimento. Entretanto, não foram evidenciadas diferenças nos valores δ13C e δ15N presente no sedimento. Estes resultados demonstram que a instalação dos tanques rede promoveram impactos na composição isotópica do invertebrado, que podem influenciar as espécies nativas e o ecossistema.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Oreochromis niloticus cage culture promoted variations in the δ13C and δ15N in Corbicula fluminea (Mollusca; Bivalvia) and in the sediment of an aquatic food web. Samples were taken before and after net cage installation in the Rosana Reservoir (Paranapanema River, PR-SP). Samples of specimens of the bivalve filterer C. fluminea and samples of sediment were collected using a modified Petersen grab. All samples were dried in an oven (60 °C) for 72 hours, macerated to obtain homogenous fine powders and sent for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic value analysis in a mass spectrometer. There were significant differences in the δ13C and δ15N values of the invertebrate C. fluminea between the beginning and the end of the experiment. There were no differences between the δ13C and δ15N values of sediment. These results indicate that the installation of fish cage culture promoted impacts in the isotopic composition of the aquatic food web organisms, which could exert influence over the native species and the ecosystem.