Abstract: Aim Paracetamol (PCM), or acetaminophen, is one of the most used drugs for human treatment of pain and fever. Since it has often been found in the aquatic environment, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PCM on the reproductive axis of male Rhamdia quelen catfish. Methods Different biomarkers were evaluated in hypothalamus, liver and gonads, as well as the plasma sexual hormone quantification. The fish were exposed to three PCM concentrations: 0.25, 2.5 and 25 µg.L-1 and to a control group (solvent acetone 0.0003%). After 14 days of exposure, fish were anesthetized, for blood sampling and biometrics, and after euthanasia, the tissues were sampled. Plasma was used for 11- keto testosterone and 17β - estradiol quantification. The hypothalamus was collected for brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) gene expression; the liver for the vitellogenin (vtg) gene expression and biochemical biomarkers; and gonad for the biochemical and histological biomarkers analyses. Results No alterations were observed in the hormone’s levels, sexual maturation level or in cyp19a1b and vtg gene expression. In the liver the non-protein thiols concentration increased at 2.5 µg.L-1 of PCM, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced at 0.25 µg.L-1 of PCM. In gonads, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity decreased and SOD activity increased at 25 µg.L-1 of PCM, while the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity reduced after exposure to both PCM concentrations. Conclusion The results showed that environmental concentrations of PCM can cause alterations in the antioxidant system, mainly in the gonads of R. quelen males. However, without significant change in the hormones levels or in the expression of genes related to the reproduction axis. These alterations occurred at concentrations already found in aquatic environment, including in Brazil. Abstract , (PCM) acetaminophen fever environment catfish quantification 025 0 2 5 2. µg.L1 µgL1 µgL µg.L 1 µg L µg.L- solvent 0.0003%. 00003 0.0003% . 0003 0.0003%) anesthetized biometrics euthanasia sampled 11 β cypab cyp b (cyp19a1b (vtg analyses s nonprotein non protein (SOD 0.2 Stransferase S transferase GST (GST GPx (GPx system R males However Brazil (PCM 02 L1 0000 0.0003 000 0. 0.000 00 0.00 0.0

Resumo: Objetivo O paracetamol (PCM), ou acetaminofeno, é um dos medicamentos mais utilizados no tratamento humano da dor e da febre. Por ser frequentemente encontrado no ambiente aquático, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do PCM no eixo reprodutivo de machos do bagre Rhamdia quelen. Métodos Diferentes biomarcadores foram avaliados no hipotálamo, fígado e gônadas, bem como a quantificação de hormônios sexuais. Os peixes foram expostos a três concentrações de PCM: 0,25, 2,5 e 25 µg.L-1 e ao grupo controle (solvente acetona 0,0003%) e após 14 dias foram anestesiados para coleta de sangue e biometria, e a eutanásia foi feita para coleta de tecidos. Do sangue foi obtido plasma para quantificação de 11- keto testosterona e 17β - estradiol. O hipotálamo foi coletado para a expressão do gene da aromatase cerebral (cyp19a1b); o fígado para a expressão do gene da vitelogenina (vtg) e biomarcadores bioquímicos; e gônadas para os biomarcadores bioquímicos e histológicos. Resultados Não foram observadas alterações nos níveis hormonais, no nível de maturação sexual ou na expressão dos genes cyp19a1b e vtg. No fígado, a concentração de tióis não protéicos aumentou em 2,5 µg.L-1 de PCM, e a atividade da superóxido dismutase (SOD) foi reduzida em 0,25 µg.L-1 de PCM. Nas gônadas, a atividade da glutationa S-transferase (GST) diminuiu e a atividade da SOD aumentou em 25 µg.L-1 de PCM, enquanto a atividade da glutationa peroxidase (GPx) diminuiu após a exposição a ambas as concentrações de PCM. Conclusões Esses resultados mostraram que concentrações ambientais de PCM podem causar alterações no sistema antioxidante, principalmente nas gônadas de machos de R. quelen, porém sem alterar significativamente os níveis hormonais ou a expressão de genes relacionados ao eixo reprodutivo. Essas alterações podem ocorrer em concentrações já encontradas em ambientes aquáticos, inclusive no Brasil. Resumo , (PCM) acetaminofeno febre aquático quelen sexuais 025 0 2 5 2, µg.L1 µgL1 µgL µg.L 1 µg L µg.L- solvente 0,0003% 00003 0003 biometria tecidos 11 β estradiol cypab cyp b (cyp19a1b) vtg (vtg histológicos (SOD 0,2 Stransferase S transferase GST (GST GPx (GPx antioxidante R aquáticos Brasil (PCM 02 L1 0,0003 0000 000 (cyp19a1b 0, 0,000 00 0,00 0,0

Resumo A variabilidade da estrutura de assembleia de peixes em relação à sazonalidade da salinidade e produtividade ainda não foi elucidada para muitos estuários Neotropicais. Neste estudo, testamos a hipótese de que um conjunto de variáveis relacionadas à produtividade e ao gradiente de salinidade estuarino determina a estrutura da ictiofauna de habitats rasos do eixo norte-sul do Complexo Estuarino de Paranaguá (litoral sul brasileiro). As amostras foram obtidas mensalmente com “picaré”, entre maio de 2000 e abril de 2001. Corroborando com a hipótese, riqueza e abundância aumentaram em águas mais turvas e quentes nas estações chuvosas e produtivas de verão, favorecendo reprodução, bem como recrutamento e crescimento juvenil que são mais intensos neste período. Abundância foi maior nas zonas internas, devido à maior oferta de alimento e habitat. Riqueza foi maior em águas mais salinas, devido à proximidade da ictiofauna marinha, que é mais rica. Sugerimos que intervenções humanas locais (como dragagem) sejam evitadas nas estações chuvosas que são críticas para o ciclo de vida das espécies. Salinização, redução da produtividade estuarina e águas mais quentes, esperadas com a mudança climática global e impactos humanos na bacia hidrográfica local, poderão afetar a integridade da ictiofauna local.

Abstract The variability of fish assemblage structure with respect to seasonality in salinity and productivity remains to be elucidate to many Neotropical estuaries. In this study, we hypothesized that salinity gradient and a set of variables related to ecosystem productivity drive community parameters in the shallow-water fish assemblage of the north-south axis of the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (Southern Brazilian coast). Samples were taken with beach seine monthly from May 2000 to April 2001. Supporting our hypothesis, richness and abundance increased with turbidity, warmer waters of the rainier summer seasons, which are more productive. This environmental setting favors reproduction, as well as juvenile recruitment and growth, whose intensities are highest in this period. Highest abundance was found in inner areas, which may be explained by greater food and habitat availability. Richness was higher in more saline waters, due to the proximity of the rich pool of marine fish species. We suggest that local human interventions (e.g., dredging) should be avoided during the rainy seasons that are critical for species life cycles. Salinization, low estuarine productivity, and warmer waters, which are expected with climate change and human impacts in the local watershed, could affect the integrity of the local fish assemblage.

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.

Abstract Histological effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were observed in Chironomus sancticaroli larvae which underwent acute exposure. 2,2′,4-triBDE (BDE-17), 2,2′,4,4′-tetraBDE (BDE-47) and 2,2′,4,4′,5-pentaBDE (BDE-99) were evaluated at 0.5, 2.0 and 20 μg L-1. Cytoplasm vacuolisation of oenocytes was observed in the larvae exposed to BDE-17 and BDE-47. Cuénot cells were disrupted at the brush border as an effect of the three evaluated congeners highlighting BDE-47 at 2.0 μg L-1; 60% of larvae displayed this disruption. The midgut showed changes in the morphology of apex cells located next to the lumen of region I exposed to BDE-17 and BDE-47, while BDE-99 induced a narrowing of the lumen diameter. Significant cytoplasm vacuolisation of the larvae exposed to BDE-47 and BDE-99 was observed in region II of the midgut. Salivary glands showed acidophilic granules in the cytoplasm exposed to BDE-17 and BDE-47. The results showed that the tissues of C. sancticaroli were sensitive to flame retardants; these histopathologies can compromise the health and physiology of this organism, highlighting the concern with the presence of PBDEs in freshwater sediments.

Abstract This study aimed to verify variations in the form of the sagitta otolith of Menticirrhus americanus as to their ontogeny, sex and stage of such structure. Ontogenetically were found significant differences (p < 0.05) for all shape indices (aspect ratios, shape factor, rectangularity, ellipticity, relative surface of sulcus acusticus) and also in the wavelet of the otolith. The CVA presented a 98.6% correct reclassification of the otolith between interval class. Sexual variations were found in the wavelet and in the relative surface of sulcus acusticus index. Between adult females and young females, differences were not detected in the wavelet and rectangularity, but significant differences were found in all other shape indices. The CVA presented a 79.6% correct reclassification of the otolith of the sexes and stages of life sampled. Young females and adults females showed highest correct percentage of classification. The results of this study demonstrate for the first time the influence of the ontogenetic variation and sexual in the form of the otoliths.

RESUMO Estudos de idade e crescimento são fundamentais para o sucesso da gestão pesqueira. Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) distribui-se pela plataforma continental brasileira, sendo classificada como “Vulnerável” no livro vermelho da IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar informações previamente desconhecidas sobre a idade e o crescimento de Z. brevirostris que podem ser utilizados para sua gestão, conservação e pescas. No total foram amostrados 162 espécimes, com comprimento total (CT) variando de 35.7 cm a 56 cm. As vértebras foram incluídas em resina e seccionadas num corte com cerca de 0.5 mm de espessura, e as bandas de crescimento das vértebras foram lidas com microscópio de luz transmitida branca. Na área estudada, Z. brevirostris possui idades estimadas entre os 4 a 10 anos de idade, de acordo com seu padrão de vértebras. A espécie atinge seu Linf (comprimento máximo assintótico) em torno dos 56 cm (56 cm para fêmeas e 50.37 cm para machos). Essa é a primeira estimativa dos parâmetros de idade e crescimento para uma espécie do gênero Zapteryx, e os resultados obtidos corroboram a hipótese de que a espécie requer uma gestão de conservação adequada, devido sobretudo à sua lenta taxa de crescimento e consequente suscetibilidade à sobre-exploração.

ABSTRACT Age and growth studies are fundamental to successful fisheries management. Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) is distributed off the Brazilian continental shelf and this species is assessed as “Vulnerable” in the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Thus, the objective of this study was to present previously unknown information about the age and growth of Z. brevirostris that can be used for its management, conservation, and fisheries. A total of 162 specimens were sampled, with total lengths (TL) varying between 35.7 cm and 56 cm. The vertebrae were embedded in resin, sectioned in cuts with 0.5 mm thickness and the growth bands of the vertebrae were read under a light microscope. In the studied area, Z. brevirostris ages were estimated from 4 to 10 years according to vertebrae patterns. The species reaches its maximum asymptotic size (Linf) around 56 cm (56 cm for females and 50.37 cm for males). This is the first estimate of age and growth for a species of the Zapteryx genus, and the results support the hypothesis that this ray requires future management conservation, particularly due to its slow growth rate and consequent susceptibility to overexploitation.

Resumo Este é o primeiro relato de anomalias morfológicas em embriões de Zapteryx brevirostris, espécie comum no Brasil. As brânquias estiveram ausentes, e as nadadeiras peitorais mostraram-se assimétricas e não totalmente formadas e fundidas à cabeça. A nadadeira esquerda, a maior, se projetou destacadamente em direção à cabeça, quase alcançando a altura dos olhos. A nadadeira pélvica esteve ausente, não foi possível a determinação do sexo do animal. A causa da deformidade morfológica é incerta, mas sugere-se que possa estar relacionada a problema nutricional durante o desenvolvimento do embrião.

Abstract This is the first report of morphological anomaly in embryos of Zapteryx brevirostris (Lesser guitarfish), a very common species in Brazil. The gills were absent, and the pectoral fins were not fully formed nor were they completely fused to the head. They were asymmetrical, with the larger left pectoral fin projecting more toward the head (almost at the height of the eyes). The pelvic fin was absent, making sexing impossible. The cause of the morphological deformity is uncertain, although a nutritional problem of the embryo is evoked.

ABSTRACTChironomidae immature are used as bioindicators of sediment quality in aquatic ecosystems and ecotoxicological assays. Histological descriptions for this family are outdated and limited and there are no studies with Neotropical species. The aim of this study was to describe the tissue architecture of several organs of the larva of Chironomus sancticaroli. For the description of the histological pattern, the larvae were fixed in Duboscq solution for insects at 56 °C, followed by routine histologic processing, infiltration in paraffin, and the sections were stained with Hematoxylin–Eosin. After examining the slides, the tube digestive, salivary gland, excretory, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, and integumentary systems and fat body were histologically characterized. The histology allows evaluation of cell morphology, and for being not expensive and easily accessible can be routinely used in biomonitoring. In addition, is a useful tool in ecotoxicological assays and allow to evaluate biomarkers at tissue and cell levels.

Neste trabalho foi testado o efeito do gradiente de salinidade do eixo-leste oeste do sistema subtropical Complexo Estuarino da Baía de Paranaguá na estrutura dos peixes de águas rasas, determinado de acordo com as métricas taxonômica (famílias e espécies) e de composição funcional. Um total de 152 espécies foi registrado. As famílias com maior número de espécies foram Sciaenidae, Carangidae, Haemulidae e Gobiidae. As espécies mais abundantes foram A. brasiliensis, H. clupeola, A. januaria e A. tricolor. Os visitantes marinhos dominaram em número de espécies, seguidos pelos migrantes marinhos e estuarinos. A maioria das espécies são zoobentívoras, seguidas pelas piscívoras e zooplanctívoras. As famílias e espécies mais relacionadas com condições estuarinas dominaram no setor mesohalino e aquelas mais relacionadas com condições marinhas dominaram no setor euhalino. A métrica taxonômica foi mais eficiente na caracterização das assembleias de peixes ao longo do gradiente estuarino de salinidade do que a funcional. Isso ocorreu principalmente porque indivíduos de todos os grupos funcionais estiveram presentes ao longo de todos os setores de salinidade, invalidando o emprego dessa métrica na diferenciação das assembleias nos diversos setores. Nosso resultado foi diferente do encontrado em outros estuários tropicais e subtropicais, que enfatizaram a importância dos grupos funcionais na estruturação das assembleias de peixes ao longo de um gradiente de salinidade.

Here we test the effects of the east-west salinity gradient in the subtropical Paranaguá Bay Estuarine Complex (PEC) on the structure of shallow water fish fauna, determined according to taxonomic (families and species) and functional composition metrics. A total of 152 species were observed. The families with the largest number of species were the Sciaenidae, Carangidae, Haemulidae and Gobiidae. The most abundant species were Atherinella brasiliensis, Harengula clupeola, Anchoa januaria and Anchoa tricolor. Marine stragglers dominated in number of species, followed by marine migrants and estuarine species. Most species were zoobenthivores, followed by piscivores and zooplanktivores. Families and species more frequently associated with estuarine conditions dominated in the mesohaline sector, and those more frequently associated with marine conditions dominated in the euhaline sector. The fish assemblages along the estuarine salinity gradient were found to be better characterized by taxonomic metrics than by functional ones. This is most likely because individuals of all functional groups inhabit all salinity sectors, and thus these metrics are not useful for differentiating assemblages along salinity gradients. Our results differ from those of other studies in tropical and subtropical estuaries, which have emphasized the importance of functional groups in determining fish assemblages along salinity gradients.

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma lista de espécies atualizada a partir do conhecimento atual dos peixes no Complexo Estuarino de Paranaguá (CEP), com comentários sobre o status de conservação das espécies. Nós utilizamos um grande conjunto de dados derivados de diversos estudos conduzidos na região ao longo dos últimos 30 anos. Cada estudo foi baseado em amostragens mensais realizadas em diferentes habitats estuarinos. Dessa forma, os dados abrangem praticamente todos os habitats estuarinos e leva em conta o ciclo sazonal no sistema. A ictiofauna do CEP representa uma mistura entre a fauna típica da costa tropical brasileira e da fauna com afinidade com as zonas temperadas argentinas e uruguaias. O CEP abriga 213 espécies, inseridas em famílias que são comuns ao longo da costa brasileira. Apenas uma pequena parte (8%) das espécies foi avaliada quanto ao status de conservação, principalmente por causa da falta de informações biológicas e ecológicas básicas para a maioria das espécies. Apesar de parte das diferenças entre estuários ser devido a diferentes e incompletos esforços amostrais, a riqueza do CEP é surpreendentemente elevada em comparação com outros sistemas do Brasil e ao redor do mundo, o que enfatiza a importância da região para a conservação da biodiversidade global.

The objective of this work was to present an updated checklist of the currently known fishes in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC) and provides comments on conservation status for the treated species. We used a large dataset derived from a pool of studies which have been conducted within there along the last 30 years. Each study was based on monthly samplings and conducted in several estuarine habitat; thus, the pool covers practically all estuarine habitats and takes into account the seasonal cycle in the system. The PEC ichthyofauna represents a mixture between that fauna typical from the tropical Brazilian coast and that with affinities of temperate Argentinean and Uruguayan zones. The PEC harbors a rich fish fauna of 213 species, inserted in the families that are common along the Brazilian coast. Only a minor part (8%) of the PEC fish fauna was evaluated as regards the conservation status, mostly because of the lack of basic biological and ecological information for most species. Despite part of the among-estuaries differences are due to different and incomplete sampling efforts, the richness in the PEC is surprisingly higher than other systems in Brazil and around world, which emphasize the importance of the region for global biodiversity conservation.

The present study characterizes the oogenesis and the ovarian maturation scale, and determines the reproductive period, type of spawning, recruitment period, and population variations in the reproductive process of the flatfish Achirus lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758). Specimens were sampled on a monthly basis in the shallow near shore area of the Paranaguá Bay, state of Paraná, Brazil, from March 2006 to February 2007. The specimens collected were measured for morphometric data (total length and total weight) and their gonads were exposed for macroscopic evaluation. The gonads were subsequently removed, weighed and processed for microscopic analyses. Six phases of the ovarian follicle development were defined, as well as five ovarian development stages. Growth patterns differed between the sexes: negative allometry for females and positive allometry for males. Based on the seasonal assessments of the distribution of individual GSI values, the distribution of stages of gonadal development, individual body size, sex ratio, the ratio of juveniles to adults, and histological examination of the ovaries, reproduction was found to occur in the spring (spawning in batches), and recruitment in the autumn. These results show that A. lineatus is an estuarine-resident species that uses the study area for reproduction and recruitment, providing an argument in favor of the need to conserve the estuarine environment in order to preserve stocks.

A espécie Astyanax aff. fasciatus foi investigada quanto a diferenças nas táticas reprodutivas em três reservatórios de diferentes idades (Iraí, Piraquara e Passaúna), localizados em uma mesma região geográfica. O material biológico foi obtido através de coletas mensais realizadas de julho/2006 a junho/2007. Evidenciou-se maior atividade reprodutiva nos períodos mais quentes do ano. O valor médio do IGS no reservatório do Passaúna apresentou-se significativamente maior em relação aos valores obtidos nos outros reservatórios. A desova foi caracterizada do tipo total no reservatório do Iraí e do tipo parcelada nos outros reservatórios. A espécie apresentou crescimento alométrico negativo no reservatório do Iraí e alométrico positivo nos reservatórios do Passaúna e Piraquara. O maior valor do fator de condição foi estimado no reservatório do Iraí, seguido pelos reservatórios do Piraquara e Passaúna, respectivamente. Durante o período de estudo as fêmeas predominaram sobre os machos em todos os reservatórios. A análise da proporção sexual por classe de comprimento evidenciou, para os três reservatórios, o predomínio de machos nas menores classes de comprimento. Através destes resultados constatou-se que a espécie utiliza táticas reprodutivas distintas para os reservatórios analisados e que estas táticas parecem refletir o grau de estabilização de cada ambiente.

The species Astyanax aff. fasciatus was investigated as regards differences in reproductive tactics in three reservoirs with different ages (Iraí, Piraquara and Passaúna) located in the same geographic region. The biological material was obtained through monthly collections carried out from july/2006 to june/2007. The average value of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) in Passaúna reservoir was significantly higher in relation to the values obtained in the other reservoirs. Spawning was total in Iraí reservoir and partial in the others. Allometric growth of the species was negative in Iraí reservoir and positive in the others. The highest condition factor value was estimated in Iraí reservoir, followed by Piraquara and Passaúna reservoirs, respectively. Females predominated in all of the reservoirs during the study period. The sex ratio per length class showed, for the three reservoirs, the predominance of males in the smaller length classes. These results verified that the species uses distinct reproductive tactics in the analyzed reservoirs and that these tactics seem to reflect the degree of stabilization of each environment.

A distribuição espacial e temporal de Sphoeroides greeleyi e Sphoeroides testudineus foram estabelecidas a partir de coletas (material biológico e dados ambientais) realizadas mensalmente de maio/2000 a abril/2001 em áreas intertidais, no eixo norte-sul, do complexo estuarino de Paranaguá, Estado do Paraná. A variação dos fatores abióticos coletados, além de caracterizar um gradiente espacial, no sentido norte-sul, que varia sazonalmente, possibilitou a divisão do estuário em três regiões: norte, central e sul. Espacialmente, verificou-se para ambas as espécies que o número de indivíduos decresce, significativamente, no sentido norte-sul estuarino. Ainda, foram encontradas diferenças significativas no porte dos indivíduos entre as regiões do estuário, no norte ocorreram os maiores indivíduos de S. greeleyi e os menores de S. testudineus. As maiores capturas dos baiacus ocorreram do final da primavera ao início do outono, coincidindo com a ocorrência de exemplares de menor tamanho e de menor massa corporal média. Os resultados indicam que as variações espaciais e temporais do ambiente afetam os padrões de distribuição de ambas as espécies de baiacus, sugerindo que a co-ocorrência de espécies aparentadas age como um fator modulador nesta distribuição.

The spatial and temporal distribution of Sphoeroides greeleyi and Sphoeroides testudineus were established from collections (biological material and environmental data) conducted on a monthly basis from May 2000 to April 2001 in intertidal areas along the north-south axis of the estuarine complex of Paranaguá, Paraná State. In addition to characterizing a north-south spatial gradient, which fluctuates seasonally, the variation in the abiotic factors made possible the division of the estuary into three regions: north, central and south. Spatially, it was found that the number of individuals declines significantly for both species in the north-south direction of the estuary. Moreover, significant differences were found in the size of individuals across the estuarine regions. The largest S. greeleyi individuals were caught in the north, as well as the smallest S. testudineus individuals. The catches with the highest numbers of puffer fish occurred from late spring to early autumn, coinciding with the occurrence of specimens of smaller size and lower mean body mass. The results indicate that spatial and temporal variations in the environment impact the distribution patterns of both puffer fish species, suggesting that the co-occurrence of closely related species functions as a modulating factor in that distribution.