Abstract We estimated the growth patterns, age at the onset of sexual maturity, longevity, and natural mortality of the snapping shrimp Alpheus brasileiro Anker, 2012. The sampling occurred monthly from April 2015 to March 2016 in the estuarine intertidal zone of Cananéia, São Paulo, Brazil. To estimate the growth parameters, all cohorts were adjusted to the Bertalanffy growth model. Longevity was estimated by the inverse growth equation. Natural mortality was calculated following the decrease in abundance over time of each cohort. We obtained the following estimates: CL∞ = 9.49 mm, k = 0.0077 day-1 (1.64 year-1), t0 = - 0.7628 for males, and CL∞ = 9.31 mm, k = 0.0095 day-1 (1.32 year-1), t0 = 0.0374 for females. The estimated age at the onset of morphological sexual maturity was 94 and 74 days for males and females, respectively. Females take 89 days to reach functional maturity, and have a higher mortality (4.35 year-1) than males (3.67 year-1). We rejected the hypothesis that males and females of A. brasileiro have the same growth patterns, longevity, mortality and, reaches sexual maturity at the same age. Our results suggest that physiological aspects and energy allocation strategies modulate the growth, longevity, and mortality of these snapping shrimps.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of Exhippolysmata oplophoroides and relate its abundance to various environmental variables (bottom water temperature and salinity, texture of sediment and percentage of dissolved organic matter). The sampling of shrimp and abiotic factors was carried out monthly from July 2012 to June 2014, in seven trawling stations (S1-S7), four of them in the marine area and three in the estuary (southern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil). The distribution of individuals showed significant differences between stations and between the two years of study (ANOVA, p < 0.05), but not among seasons (p > 0.05). A total of 2005 shrimp were collected, with the highest abundance being found in S4 (n= 937). Bottom salinity and sediment texture were the environmental factors with significant influence on the distribution of the species in the studied region. The low salinity values at S6 and S7, and the low capacity for osmoregulation of E. oplophoroides limit its distribution in the marine environment. High concentrations of silt+clay found at S4 contributed to the accumulation of organic matter, which influenced the high abundance of shrimp there. The information gathered in our study provides valuable results for the knowledge of this species in its area of distribution and contributes to a better understanding of the life history.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the population dynamics of Persephona punctata with emphasis on population structure, sex-ratio, spatial distribution, maturity and reproductive period. Crabs and environmental factors (i.e., water temperature and salinity, and sediment texture and organic matter content) were collected monthly, from July 2012 to June 2014 in four sites within the Federal Environmental Protection Area of Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe: located in the oceanic area adjacent to the Cananéia region. The population had a female-biased sex-ratio. Persephona punctata had a seasonal reproduction and the higher percentage of ovigerous females (OF) occurred in spring and summer. There was a positive correlation (“lag 0”) between temperature and number of OF (cross-correlation, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation between salinity and OF (“lag-2”), suggesting that periods of higher salinity may be favorable to larval hatching. The estimated size (carapace width - CW50) at the onset of gonadal maturity of males (35.0 mm) was larger than that of females (30.1 mm), which is a common feature of Brachyura. Our results extend the knowledge on the life history of P. punctata and may be useful for the development of future mitigation measures aimed at its conservation.

Resumo: Os caranguejos Persephona são intensamente capturados na pesca do camarão como fauna acompanhante, inclusive na região de Cananéia no litoral do estado de São Paulo, no Brasil. A avaliação da distribuição espaço-temporal pode, consequentemente, fornecer informações sobre variações na abundância de Persephona punctata e Persephona mediterranea, bem como as variáveis ambientais que afetam suas distribuições e uma possível partilha de habitat desses congêneres. Com um barco de pesca de camarão equipado com redes de arrasto duplo, os indivíduos foram coletados mensalmente de julho de 2012 a junho de 2014 em sete locais: quatro na área costeira adjacente à região de Cananéia e três na área estuarina Mar Pequeno. A abundância dessas espécies foi comparada de acordo com a distribuição espacial (entre sítios) bem como entre anos e estações. Um total de 396 indivíduos de P. punctata e de 64 de P. mediterranea foram capturados. A abundância de ambas as espécies foi maior no segundo ano de coleta (julho de 2013 a junho de 2014). A abundância de ambas as espécies foi maior na área costeira, e apenas um indivíduo de cada espécie foi capturado na área estuarina devido à baixa salinidade neste local (27.7‰ aproximadamente). A temperatura foi o fator ambiental que afetou significativamente a distribuição das espécies, com maiores abundâncias em períodos mais quentes. A variação temporal da abundância foi modulada pela temperatura, enquanto a salinidade modulou a distribuição espacial de P. punctata e P. mediterranea. Em Cananéia as espécies não apresentaram diferenças na distribuição espaço-temporal, o que nos permite assumir elas habitam a área de uma forma muito similar.

Abstract: Crabs of the genus Persephona are intensely captured in shrimp fisheries as bycatch in the Cananéia region off the coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of Persephona punctata and Persephona mediterranea could provide information about variation in the abundance of these species, as well as the environmental variables affecting their distribution and the existence of a possible habitat partitioning. Using a shrimp fishery boat equipped with double-rig nets, crabs were monthly captured from July 2012 to June 2014 in seven sites: four in the coastal area adjacent to the Cananéia region and three in the Mar Pequeno estuarine area. The abundances of both species were compared according to spatial (among sites) and temporal (years and seasons) scale distribution. A total of 396 individuals of P. punctata and 64 of P. mediterranea were captured. The abundance of both species was higher in the second sampling year (July 2013-June 2014) and in coastal areas; only one individual of each species was captured in the estuarine area due to the low salinity at this location (approximately 27.7‰). The temperature was the environmental variable that most affected the distribution of both species, which was more abundant in warmer periods. The temporal variation in abundance was modulated by temperature, while salinity modulated the spatial distribution of P. punctata and P. mediterranea. The spatial-temporal distribution of both species differered in Cananéia, pointing to a similar use of the environment's resources.

Abstract During the ontogenetic development of crustaceans, the relative growth of some structures may change, especially during the transition from juvenile to adult. This study describes the relative growth of body structures of Macrobrachium iheringi, and provides information on its population dynamics, such as structure, fecundity, and morphological sexual maturity. The sampling of M. iheringi was carried out in “Ribeirão da Hortelã”, in Botucatu (SP, Brazil). The length of the carapace (CL), abdomen (AL), and ischium (IL), merus (ML), carpus (CrL), propodus (PpL), and dactyl (DcL) of the second right pereopod were measured. In addition, the width of the second abdominal pleura (PW) and propodus height (PpH) were included in analyses. The relationships that best demonstrated the changes in the allometric coefficient were CL vs PpL in males and females. The CL, in which males and females reach morphological sexual maturity, was estimated as 13.3 mm and 11.1 mm, respectively. The sex-ratio differed from the expected 1:1 and was skewed towards females. Precipitation and temperature influenced the abundance of different demographic classes. Macrobrachium iheringi has few but large eggs, which is expected since this species has an abbreviated larval development. Based on these results, we conclude that the propodus are good indicators of the size at onset of morphological sexual maturity. In addition, important information was obtained on the biology of M. iheringi, including its life cycle pattern, reproduction and influence of abiotic factors.

Regions affected by upwelling show environmental characteristics that may change the distribution of the species. This study evaluated the influence of environmental factors on the spatiotemporal distribution of two caridean shrimps, Nematopalaemon schmitti and Exhippolysmata oplophoroides, in a region of the Brazilian coast affected by Cabo Frio upwelling. Shrimps were collected monthly from July 2010 through June 2011 off Macaé off the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, at six locations: three at 5 m, and the other three at 15 m depth. Shrimp abundance was compared among seasons and sampling sites. Nematopalaemon schmitti (n = 1200) was more abundant at 5 m depth while E. oplophoroides (n = 2176) occurred predominately at 15 m. There were significant seasonal fluctuations in the distribution of the species in the region, resulting from variation in bottom temperature. The presence of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) favors the decrease in the abundance of N. schmitti and highest abundance of E. oplophoroides. The abundance of E. oplophoroides and the percentage of organic matter were significantly and positively correlated. The organic matter content in the sediment and water temperature was among the most important variables affecting seasonal distribution of the species. The distinct environmental characteristic between the bathymetric regions were a determinant factor in their spatial distribution.

ResumoFoi investigada a dinâmica populacional de Acetes americanus, enfocando a razão sexual, crescimento dos indivíduos, longevidade, recrutamento e a relação da abundância com dos fatores ambientais na região de Macaé, a qual é fortemente influenciada pela ressurgência costeira. Foram realizadas coletas de julho de 2010 a junho de 2011, em dois pontos (5 m e 15 m), utilizando uma rede otter trawl. Cerca de 19.500 indivíduos foram capturados com predominância de fêmeas (77,15%) e essas foram maiores que os machos indicando dimorfismo sexual. Houve inversão do paradigma latitudinal, onde os camarões apresentaram maiores tamanhos e longevidade quando comparados a outras regiões de maiores latitudes e isso provavelmente se deve às baixas temperaturas e alta produtividade primária. Apesar de não apresentar correlação estatística entre a abundância e os fatores ambientais, a espécie foi mais abundante em temperaturas próximas aos 20,0º C e nos meses com alta concentração de clorofila-a. Devido às características peculiares da região, os espécimens de A. americanus apresentarem diferenças em relação a tamanho e longevidade quando comparados aos indivíduos amostrados em outros estudos realizados na plataforma continental do sudeste brasileiro.

AbstractThe population dynamics of Acetes americanus was investigated, focusing on the sex ratio, individual growth, longevity, recruitment and relationship between abundance and environmental factors in the region of Macaé, strongly influenced by coastal upwelling. Otter trawl net samplings were performed from July 2010 to June 2011 at two points (5 m and 15 m). Nearly 19,500 specimens, predominantly females (77.15%), were captured. Their sizes, larger than that of males, indicated sexual dimorphism. Shrimps at lower latitudes present larger sizes and longer longevity than those from higher latitudes. This difference is probably due to low temperatures and high primary productivity. Though no statistical correlation was found between abundance and environmental factors, the species was more abundant in temperatures closer to 20.0º C and in months with high chlorophyll-a levels. Due to the peculiar characteristics of this region, A. americanusshowed greater differences in size and longevity than individuals sampled in other studies undertaken in the continental shelf of Southeast Brazil.

A variação diuturna na abundância e no tamanho de Pleoticus muelleri foi investigada na região de Ubatuba durante o ano de 2000. Em cada estação do ano, as coletas foram realizadas no período diurno e noturno em 8 profundidades, de 5 a 40 m. O número estimado de camarões foi de 955 indivíduos, 272 coletados durante o dia e 683 à noite. Houve diferença na abundância de P. muelleri entre o dia e a noite (χ², p=2.33E-40). A abundância durante o dia e à noite diferiu por estação com exceção da primavera (χ², p=0.06). A abundância em ambos os períodos também diferiu por profundidade, exceto nos 15 e 30 metros (χ², p=0.84 e 0.06, respectivamente). Os camarões capturados à noite foram geralmente menores do que os capturados durante o dia (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, p<0.01). Os juvenis de Pleoticus muelleri foram encontrados principalmente à noite e tal tendência pode ter influenciado no menor tamanho médio obtido nesse período. O tipo de sedimento e a temperatura de fundo parecem influenciar o comportamento da espécie em questão e, consequentemente, a taxa de captura durante os períodos analisados.

Diel variation in the abundance and size of Pleoticus muelleri in the Ubatuba region was investigated during 2000. During each season of the year, sampling was conducted during the day and at night at 8 depths, from 5 to 40 m. The estimated number of shrimp was 955 individuals, 272 collected during the day and 683 at night. There was a difference in the abundance of P. muelleri between day and night (χ², p=2.33E-40). The abundance during the day and at night differed by season with the exception of the spring (χ², p=0.06). The abundance during both periods also differed by depth, except at 15 and 30 m, where it was not significant (χ², p=0.84 and 0.06, respectively). The shrimp caught at night were generally smaller than those caught during the day (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, p<0.01). Pleoticus muelleri juveniles were found primarily at night. This tendency could have influenced the lower mean size for this period. The sediment type and the bottom temperature appear to influence the behavior of this species and consequently the catch rate during the periods analyzed.

This study evaluated the spatial-temporal distribution of the abundance of Caridean and Penaeid shrimps during the period of two years in the coastal region of Macaé, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, using ecological indices (Shannon-Wiener diversity and Pielou's equitability). Monthly samples were carried out from March 2008 to February 2010 distributed in six stations located Inner Area (5, 10 and 15 m depth) and Outer Area (25, 35 and 45 m depth) using a commercial fishery boat equipped with an otter-trawl net. Water samples were taken for determination of temperature and salinity, and sediment samples for determination of texture and organic matter content. Ten species of Decapoda, including Penaeids and Carideans, have been identified, from a total of 49.941 collected individuals. There was a strong correlation between Penaeid and Caridean shrimps abundance and the bottom temperature and sediment. It could be inferred that Artemesia longinaris acted as a keystone species regulating the shrimps community in the coast of Macaé, given that both species diversity and equitability were controlled by the migratory events of A. longinaris following the variations in temperature caused by the SACW. These results provide as a basis for management actions to prevent significant losses of population stocks since it is an important marine area considering of its peculiar relevance to the fishery.

Este estudo analisa a ecologia de Lucifer faxoni Borradaile, 1915 em Ubatuba, São Paulo. Os indivíduos foram coletados mensalmente de julho de 2005 a dezembro de 2006, com uma rede de Renfro, arrastada por uma distância de 50 m, totalizando um esforço amostral de 50 m² em cada ponto de coleta. Nove pontos foram amostrados, variando de 1 a 15 m de profundidade. Cada 3 pontos foram agrupados em 3 zonas (Z1, Z2 e Z3). Os valores de salinidade, temperatura e pluviosidade foram registrados mensalmente em cada transecto. Os espécimes foram medidos quanto ao comprimento do somito pré-bucal (SL). Os resultados mostram que nas zonas mais rasas (Z1 e Z2) foram coletados 6306 indivíduos, enquanto que na mais profunda (Z3) obteve-se 3808 espécimes, não havendo diferença estatística entre as zonas (ANOVA, p=0.25). A abundância não diferiu estatisticamente entre as estações do ano (Tukey, p=0.02), exceto para a primavera. Em todas as estações amostradas, o sex ratio diferiu estatisticamente (χ², p< 0.05). Os fatores ambientais aqui analisados apresentaram relação estreita com a distribuição espaço-temporal de L. faxoni. A pluviosidade influenciou diretamente a salinidade, que provocou o deslocamento dos camarões L. faxoni para áreas mais profundas.

Luciferid shrimps have short life spans and a rapid turnover of generations, engage in sequential spawning, and protect their eggs during incubation. This study investigates the ecology of Lucifer faxoni Borradaile, 1915 in the littoral zone, Ubatuba region, São Paulo. Sampling was conducted monthly from July 2005 to December 2006 using a Renfro net trawled over a distance of 50 m for a total sampling effort of 50 m² at each station. Nine stations were sampled, ranging from 1 to 15 m deep. Three stations each were grouped into zones 1, 2 and 3 (Z1, Z2 and Z3). Monthly values of salinity, temperature and rainfall were recorded at each station. The pre-buccal somite length (SL) of each specimen was measured. The results showed that in shallower zones (Z1 and Z2), 6306 individuals were captured, whereas in the deeper zone (Z3), 3808 specimens were captured, but no significant differences in SL was detected between the specimens from Z1 and Z2 and those from Z3 (ANOVA, p=0.25). The abundance of shrimps did not differ significantly between seasons (Tukey's test, p=0.02) except in the spring. The sex ratio differed significantly over the seasons (χ², p<0.05). The results were closely associated with environmental factors with respect to the spatial and seasonal distribution of L. faxoni. Rainfall affected salinity directly, and contributed to the displacement of these shrimps to deeper areas.

The relationship between species abundance and environmental factors such as the bottom water temperature and salinity, the texture and organic matter content of the sediment and the distribution of Pleoticus muelleri and Artemesia longinaris were investigated. Specimens and samples of abiotic factors were collected monthly from May 2008 to April 2010 at 4 locations in Santos Bay on the southern coast of the State of São Paulo. A shrimp boat equipped with an otter-trawl net with an 8 m mouth aperture and a mesh size of 20 mm tapering to 18 mm at the cod end was used for sampling. Shrimp abundances were compared with an analysis of variance (ANOVA). However, when the data did not follow a normal distribution, we used the Kruskal-Wallis test. The relationship between environmental factors and the abundance of individuals was assessed with a Pearson's correlation. The largest catches of individuals of both species occurred in the late spring of 2008. The greatest abundance occurred at the outer part of the bay (collection point 4). The greatest abundance of P. muelleri was associated with lower temperatures and sediments with higher clay and organic matter content, whereas for A. longinaris, there was no significant correlation with any of the abiotic factors recorded. However, the occurrence of both species was related to lower bottom temperatures associated with the intrusion of the South Atlantic Central Water in the region.

In this paper, we describe and illustrate the morphology of the first larval stage of the prawn Macrobrachium brasiliense. Two ovigerous females were obtained in a stream environment, which belongs to Paraná River Basin, Southeastern of Brazil, and were maintained in laboratory until the time of hatching. The newly-hatched larva bears very advance morphological features, with benthic habits. They had sessile eyes and all appendages, except for the uropods; however, most of the appendages were not fully formed. The description given here is compared with the first larval stage of Macrobrachium species with abbreviated larval development from other localities.