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The conservation of fish assemblages depends on the longitudinal and lateral connectivity between riverine habitats, in particular during the breeding season and the initial development. This study investigated the composition and spatio-temporal structure in the ichthyoplankton of the hydrographic basin of the Paraguay River in western Brazil to identify the local spawning grounds and the importance of the longitudinal connectivity of economically valuable migratory species. Data were collected at 10 sites between two breeding seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019). Were collected 8,635 larvae, representing 55 taxa in 25 families, including the migratory species Brycon hilarii, Hemisorubim platyrhynchos, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Prochilodus lineatus, Pseudoplatystoma spp., Salminus brasiliensis, Sorubim lima, and Zungaro jahu, which are important fishery resources, with the highest larval densities being recorded between November and January. The Sepotuba, Paraguay, Jauru, and Cabaçal rivers were the areas of greatest connectance, and should thus be considered critical for the conservation of the longitudinal connectivity of this fluvial system, indicating that the migratory species spawn upriver. More efficient fisheries management mechanisms are needed, respecting the spawning period of migratory species, maintaining quality and longitudinal connectivity between habitats, and characteristics necessary for successful larval recruitment. Resumo A conservação das assembleias de peixes depende da conectividade longitudinal e lateral entre habitats ribeirinhos, em especial durante o período reprodutivo e de desenvolvimento inicial. Objetivou-se avaliar a composição e a estrutura espaço-temporal do ictioplâncton da bacia hidrografia do rio Paraguai no oeste do Brasil para identificar as áreas de desova e a importância da conectividade longitudinal para a reprodução das espécies migradoras de interesse comercial. Os dados foram coletados em 10 pontos entre dois períodos reprodutivos (2017/2018 e 2018/2019). Capturaram-se 8635 larvas, pertencentes a 25 famílias e 55 táxons, incluindo espécies migradoras de interesse comercial, Brycon hilarii, Hemisorubim platyrhynchos, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Prochilodus lineatus, Pseudoplatystoma spp., Salminus brasiliensis, Sorubim lima e Zungaro jahu, que são importantes recursos pesqueiros, com maiores densidades larvais entre novembro e janeiro. Os locais com maiores interações e conectância foram os rios Sepotuba, Paraguai, Jauru e Cabaçal e, portanto, devem ser considerados áreas críticas para a conservação da conectividade longitudinal no sistema fluvial, indicando que as espécies migradoras têm desovado a montante dos locais amostrados. São necessários mecanismos de gestão pesqueira mais eficientes, respeitando o período de desova das espécies migradoras, mantendo a qualidade e conectividade longitudinal entre habitats, características necessárias ao sucesso do recrutamento larval.

Aim: To verify variations of early fish stages through density, species composition and ecological attributes in the lower Paranapanema River. Methods: The Canoas I and Canoas II reservoirs were sampled during three reproductive periods (RP´s) between 2012 and 2015. Eggs and larvae were collected using conical-cylindrical plankton nets and juveniles by seines and sieves. After euthanasia and fixation, the samples were identified at the lowest taxonomic level and grouped according to their reproductive strategy and life history. Variations in the eggs, larvae, and juvenile’s densities were tested by Kruskal-Wallis with post-hoc Dunn's test from RP´s, while Student T-test detected differences between reservoirs. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination (NMDS) with post-hoc analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) were employed to elucidate differences in species composition. Major results: We sampled 5,513 eggs, 3,137 larvae, and 187 juveniles in Canoas I Reservoir, and 2,709 eggs, 237 larvae, and 13 juveniles in Canoas II Reservoir. Fishes were identified in seven orders, 15 families, and 31 species, with Pimelodus maculatus, Anostomidae, and small-sized characids being the most abundant. There was a predominance of non-migratory reproductive strategy (46%) and periodic life history (60%), most of them opportunistic species. Differences in densities were observed between RP´s and reservoirs. A clustering of three groups were performed to larvae and juveniles, where the divergences were statistically confirmed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated the decrease of early fish stages density overtime and the dominance of opportunistic species, suggesting that these species complete their life cycle in the reservoirs. Thus, P. maculatus can be an important species for the health of ecosystems, in addition to serving as a fishing resource in reservoirs. However, the absence of critical sites for reproduction and the climatic events, along with human responses to this, may have impaired the conclusion of life cycle from many species.

Caffeine is a contaminant frequently detected in water bodies. Growth trends in both human population and caffeine consumption per capita are expected to exacerbate the occurrence of caffeine in freshwaters. Yet the effects of caffeine on native fish fauna are poorly understood. We exposed larvae of an endemic Neotropical catfish (Rhamdia quelen) to a range of caffeine concentrations for 30 days. We found that larvae exposed to the highest concentration (16 mg L−1) showed skeletal deformations and reduced growth. We further compiled measured environmental concentrations of caffeine in surface freshwater globally and performed a risk assessment. Our analysis points to a low risk to R. quelen and equally sensitive fish species in ~90% of the freshwater ecosystems considered in our analysis. The risk quotient is higher in freshwater ecosystems of South and Central America, where R. quelen is endemic. Although the ecotoxicological risk is currently low in most places, increased caffeine consumption, exacerbated by the lack of sanitation, is expected to increase caffeine concentrations in many parts of the world, posing a threat of sublethal morphological effects to local fish species.

The early ontogeny of Triportheus albus and T. angulatus, two fish species of Triportheidae, is described using morphological, meristic, and morphometric characters. These species are exploited by subsistence fisheries and have potential as an alternative source of fish, given the decline in the natural stocks of other commercially important fish species in the Amazon. The specimens were collected in the open water limnetic zone, under of the macrophyte stands, and in subsurface areas near sandbars in the Amazon basin. Intra and interspecific morphometric analyzes were performed to evaluate growth models between species. The combination of color pattern, body morphology, morphometric proportions and myomeres number distinguishes the species from each other and from other congeners. Some morphometric relationships related to head as snout length and eye diameter as well as length from the snout to the origins of anal and length from the snout to the origins of pelvic, related with standard length were different between the two species of Triportheus, reflecting different growth models between them. An identification key for larvae and juveniles of some species of Triportheus from the Eastern Amazon is presented. Resumo A ontogenia inicial de Triportheus albus e T. angulatus, duas espécies de peixes pertencentes a Triportheidae, é descrita usando caracteres morfológicos, merísticos e morfométricos. Essas espécies são exploradas pela pesca de subsistência e têm potencial como fonte alternativa de pescado, dado o declínio nos estoques naturais de outras espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes na Amazônia. Os espécimes foram coletados na zona limnética de águas abertas, sob bancos de macrófitas e em áreas subsuperficiais próximas a bancos de areia na bacia amazônica. Análises morfométricas, intra e interespecíficas, foram realizadas para avaliar modelos de crescimento entre as espécies. A combinação do padrão de coloração, morfologia corporal, proporções morfométricas e número de miômeros distingue as espécies entre si e de outras congêneres. Algumas relações morfométricas relacionadas à cabeça, como comprimento do focinho e diâmetro do olho, assim como o comprimento do focinho à origem da nadadeira anal e o comprimento do focinho à origem da nadadeira pélvica, relacionadas ao comprimento padrão foram diferentes entre as duas espécies de Triportheus, refletindo modelos distintos de crescimento entre elas. Uma chave de identificação para larvas e juvenis de algumas espécies de Triportheus da Amazônia Oriental é apresentada.

The Neotropical region hosts 4225 freshwater fish species, ranking first among the world's most diverse regions for freshwater fishes. Our NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set is the first to produce a large-scale Neotropical freshwater fish inventory, covering the entire Neotropical region from Mexico and the Caribbean in the north to the southern limits in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. We compiled 185,787 distribution records, with unique georeferenced coordinates, for the 4225 species, represented by occurrence and abundance data. The number of species for the most numerous orders are as follows: Characiformes (1289), Siluriformes (1384), Cichliformes (354), Cyprinodontiformes (245), and Gymnotiformes (135). The most recorded species was the characid Astyanax fasciatus (4696 records). We registered 116,802 distribution records for native species, compared to 1802 distribution records for nonnative species. The main aim of the NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set was to make these occurrence and abundance data accessible for international researchers to develop ecological and macroecological studies, from local to regional scales, with focal fish species, families, or orders. We anticipate that the NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set will be valuable for studies on a wide range of ecological processes, such as trophic cascades, fishery pressure, the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation, and the impacts of species invasion and climate change. There are no copyright restrictions on the data, and please cite this data paper when using the data in publications.

The formation of pharmacobezoars from suspensions of spray-dried amorphous solid dispersions (SD-ASDs) of new chemical entities (NCEs) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMC-AS) represents a non-compound related adverse effect in preclinical oral toxicity studies in rodents. Whereas the contribution of the insolubility of the carrier polymer to this process taking place in the acidic environment of the rodent stomach is conclusive, unawareness of the extent of in vivo pharmacobezoar formation is adverse. In order to evaluate the risk of pharmacobezoar formation before in vivo administration, we subsequently introduce an in vitro model to assess the agglomeration potential of solid dispersions. To verify that the pharmacobezoar formation potential can be assessed based on the observed agglomeration potential, we conducted a sequence of experiments with two HPMC-AS-based SD-ASD formulations. In vitro, we found their different in vivo pharmacobezoar formation potential reflected by a significantly increased agglomerated mass of formulation 1 per day compared to formulation 2. In order to find an approach to reduce the agglomeration potential of solid dispersion from suspensions, we further applied the model to investigate the impact of the viscosity of the vehicle used to prepare suspensions on agglomerate formation.

The larval development of Pachypops fourcroi from the lower Amazon River was described through morphological, meristic and morphometric features. Sixty-five larvae were examined and present a moderate body, slightly elliptical eyes and head ranging from moderate to large. The mouth is initially terminal and becomes subterminal throughout development with three barbels in the mentonian region. The larvae of P. fourcroi can be differentiated from other Sciaenidae in the Amazon basin by the pigmentation pattern, the presence of barbels, head depth, body depth and diameter, and shape of the eye.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:22:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-10-10 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) This study was conducted to investigate fish eggs and larvae dispersal in a river stretch influenced by small hydropower plants in Southeast Brazil. The main hypothesis is that the downstream dispersal of free-flowing eggs and larvae is likely to occur given the small size of the studied reservoirs and that passage through the dam may occur, with the fish ladder contributing to it. Eggs and larvae were collected fortnightly, between November 2016 and February 2017, from locations upstream of two dams, including lotic, transition and lentic zones. Additional samples were collected inside the fish ladders at each dam. Downstream dispersal of eggs and larvae was influenced by a combination of rainfall/flow variation and stage of the reproductive cycle, with the peak of rainfall during the summer coinciding with higher abundances. Under these conditions, eggs and larvae drifted downstream through the reservoirs and reached the dams. Once in the dam, they could pass through the fish ladder. This passage was correlated with larval density in the reservoir immediately upstream, although at very low densities compared with the other sampling sites located upstream of the fish ladders. Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Biol Zool, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Charles Sturt Univ, Inst Land Water & Soc, Albury, NSW, Australia Swiss Fed Inst Technol, Dept Civil Environm & Geomat Engn, Stocker Lab, Inst Environm Engn, Zurich, Switzerland Univ Estadual Maringa, Programa Posgrad Ecol Ambientes Aquat Continentai, Nucleo Pesquisas Limnol Ictiol & Aquicultura, Maringa, Parana, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Biol Zool, Botucatu, SP, Brazil

The Characidium orientale Buckup & Reis, 1997 larvae development is described using specimens collected in the natural environment of Antas River, in the Taquari-Antas river basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Were considerate ontogenetic changes in morphology, pigmentation, fin morphology, and meristic characters. Thirty-six larvae (33 in the preflexion stage, two in flexion, and one in the postflexion stage), with a standard length between 4.24 and 11.26 mm were analyzed. The larvae of C. orientale are altricial and present fusiform body, subterminal mouth, long intestine with anal opening posterior to the vertical line over the median region of the body. Two chromatophores are evident in the interorbital region, as well pigments concentrated on the side of the body, forming a longitudinal stripe, and between the rays of the caudal fin, which intensify during the development. Also, a conspicuous remnant of the embryonic membrane (finfold) in front of the dorsal fin appears to be characteristic of species of the genus during larval development. The total number of myomeres varies from 32 to 35 (18-23 pre; 11-16 postanal). The main changes in morphometry occur during the preflexion stage and suggest physiological and behavioral changes. RESUMO O desenvolvimento das larvas de Characidium orientale Buckup & Reis, 1997 é descrito a partir de espécimes coletados no rio Antas, na bacia do rio Taquari-Antas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram consideradas mudanças ontogenéticas na morfologia, pigmentação, morfologia das nadadeiras e caracteres merísticos. Foram analisadas 36 larvas (33 na fase de pré-flexão, duas em flexão e uma em pós-flexão), com comprimento padrão entre 4,24 e 11,26 mm. As larvas de C. orientale são altriciais e apresentam corpo fusiforme, boca subterminal, intestino longo com abertura anal posterior à linha vertical sobre a região mediana do corpo. Dois cromatóforos são evidentes na região interorbital, bem como pigmentos concentrados na lateral do corpo, formando uma faixa longitudinal e entre os raios da nadadeira caudal, que se intensificam durante o desenvolvimento. Além disso, um remanescente conspícuo da membrana embrionária na frente da nadadeira dorsal parece ser característico de espécies do gênero durante o desenvolvimento larval. O número total de miômeros varia de 32 a 35 (18-23 pré; 11-16 pós-anal). As principais mudanças na morfometria ocorrem durante o estágio de pré-flexão e sugerem mudanças fisiológicas e comportamentais.

Caffeine is a contaminant frequently detected in water bodies. Growth trends in both human population and caffeine consumption per capita are expected to exacerbate the occurrence of caffeine in freshwaters. Yet the effects of caffeine on native fish fauna are poorly understood. We exposed larvae of an endemic Neotropical catfish (Rhamdia quelen) to a range of caffeine concentrations for 30 days. We found that larvae exposed to the highest concentration (16 mg L

Neotropical Ichthyology promotes the Special Issue (SI) “Human impacts and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fish diversity” with the purpose of publishing relevant scientific articles on the current biodiversity crisis and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fishes in the Anthropocene. The SI is composed of 22 publications, being two review articles and 20 original articles. A total of 107 researchers contributed to these papers, involving 44 institutions based in Brazil and six other countries. Published articles investigated main anthropic activities and their impacts on fish diversity, with special focus on river regulation, mining, land use changes, aquaculture, and fisheries. Studies provided evidence about the loss of fish diversity in the Neotropics, including fish kill events, demographic changes, contamination, changes in assemblage structure, loss of taxonomic and functional diversity, besides the degradation of ecosystem functions and services, and the lack of effective protection and conservation. Studies were conducted in rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs from different Neotropical systems. The studies published in this SI represent a relevant sample of the current worrisome situation of freshwater fishes in the Neotropical region and call for urgent revision in environmental policies, management and conservation initiatives, and socioeconomic priorities. Resumo A revista Neotropical Ichthyology lança o Volume Especial (SI) “Human impacts and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fish diversity” com o objetivo de publicar artigos científicos relevantes sobre a atual crise da biodiversidade e a perda de diversidade de peixes de água doce Neotropicais no Antropoceno. O SI é composto por 22 publicações, sendo dois artigos de revisão e 20 artigos originais. Um total de 107 pesquisadores contribuíram com esses artigos, envolvendo 44 instituições sediadas no Brasil e em seis outros países. Os artigos publicados investigaram as principais atividades antrópicas e seus impactos sobre a diversidade de peixes, com foco especial na regulação dos rios, mineração, mudanças no uso do solo, aquicultura e pesca. Os estudos forneceram evidências sobre a perda de diversidade de peixes na região Neotropical, incluindo eventos de mortandade, alterações demográficas, contaminação, mudanças na estrutura das assembleias, perda de diversidade taxonômica e funcional, além da degradação de funções e serviços ecossistêmicos, e falta de ações efetivas de proteção e conservação. Os estudos foram conduzidos em rios, riachos, lagos e reservatórios de diferentes sistemas Neotropicais. Os estudos publicados neste SI representam uma amostra relevante da atual situação dos peixes de água doce na região Neotropical, reforçando a necessidade de revisão das políticas ambientais, ações de manejo e conservação, e prioridades socioeconômicas.

Diet and morphology of Serrapinnus notomelas and Serrapinnus sp.1 were investigated across ontogeny, as a way to elucidate the key elements linked to the resource partitioning (a main driver for species coexistence). Fish sampling was conducted monthly between October 2010 and March 2012. Individuals were captured, identified, and classified into juvenile or adult. Our results show ontogenetic and interspecific differences in feeding abilities and morphological traits. Differences in body shape (relative area of the dorsal fin, length of head, height of the caudal peduncle, the aspect ratio of the pectoral and pelvic fin) favored divergent swimming performances (more maneuverability in S. notomelas and continuous swimming to Serrapinnus sp.1). We also observed divergences in trophic apparatus traits and correlations with different diets. In this context, it is highlighted that understanding the relationship between morphology and diet can assist in elucidating the processes that permeate the coexistence between sympatric species, and between ontogenetic periods. Besides, the relevant contribution of the measures of the trophic apparatus (gill raker length, the number of teeth cuspids, and intestinal coefficient) in trophic segregation seems to be a strong evidence in favor of the proposed discriminatory and predictive capacities of these traits. Resumo Dieta e morfologia de Serrapinnus notomelas e Serrapinnus sp.1 foram investigadas ao longo da ontogenia, como forma de elucidar os principais elementos ligados à partição de recursos (principal fator para a coexistência entre espécies). Foram realizadas coletas de peixes mensalmente entre outubro de 2010 e março de 2012. Os indivíduos foram capturados, identificados e classificados em juvenis ou adultos. Nossos resultados mostram diferenças ontogenéticas e interespecíficas na alimentação e características morfológicas. Diferenças na forma corporal (área da nadadeira dorsal, comprimento da cabeça, altura do pedúnculo caudal, proporção das nadadeiras peitorais e pélvicas) favoreceram desempenhos de natação divergentes (maior manobrabilidade para S. notomelas e natação contínua para Serrapinnus sp.1). Também observamos divergências nas características do aparato trófico e correlações com diferentes dietas. Nesse contexto, destaca-se que compreender a relação entre morfologia e dieta pode auxiliar na elucidação dos processos que permeiam a coexistência entre espécies simpátricas e entre períodos ontogenéticos. Além disso, a relevante contribuição das medidas do aparato trófico (número de cúspide nos dentes, rastros branquiais e coeficiente intestinal) na segregação trófica parece ser uma forte evidência a favor das propostas de capacidades discriminatórias e preditivas dessas características.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a percepção de estudantes de enfermagem e as contribuições do ensino com simulação clínica ou aula prática convencional em laboratório de habilidades, na primeira experiência clínica hospitalar. Método Pesquisa descritiva, qualitativa, envolvendo estudantes de graduação em enfermagem de uma universidade pública do Brasil, submetidos à simulação clínica de alta fidelidade ou aula prática convencional, ocorrida entre 2015 e 2016. Para avaliação dos dados, utilizaram-se a nuvem de palavras e a análise de similitude do software IRAMUTEQ®. Resultados Participaram 54 estudantes, sendo 27 em cada grupo. As palavras mais evocadas pelo grupo simulação foram: “paciente real, não, mais e simulador”, relacionadas à capacidade de reflexão quanto ao seu conhecimento e preparo. As mais evocadas no grupo prática convencional foram: “mais, não, muito e sentir”, relacionadas com a percepção de que a aula convencional ajuda na aquisição de habilidades, contudo, é necessária maior frequência. Conclusão As duas estratégias contribuíram positivamente para a primeira experiência clínica hospitalar. Porém, a simulação proporcionou uma visão crítico-reflexiva sobre as competências, deficiências e maior autoconfiança em relação à prática convencional. Este estudo fortalece as evidências dos benefícios proporcionados pelo ensino baseado em simulação, e a importância de instituições de ensino fazerem uso adequado dessa estratégia. Resumen Objetivo Comparar la percepción de los estudiantes de enfermería y las contribuciones docentes con simulación clínica o clase práctica convencional en un laboratorio de habilidades, en la primera experiencia clínica hospitalaria. Métodos Investigación descriptiva y cualitativa con estudiantes universitarios de enfermería en una universidad pública de Brasil, sometidos a simulación clínica de alta fidelidad o clase práctica convencional, entre 2015 y 2016. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizo, una nube de palabras y el análisis de la similitud por el software IRAMUTEQ. Resultados Participaron 54 estudiantes, 27 en cada grupo. Las palabras mas evocadas por el grupo de simulación fueron: “paciente real, no, más y simulador” relacionadas con la capacidad de reflexionar sobre su conocimiento y preparación. Los más mencionados en el grupo práctica convencional fueron: “más, no, mucho y sentir”, relacionadas con la percepción de que la clase convencional ayuda en la adquisición de habilidades, sin embargo se necesita más frecuencia. Conclusion Ambas estrategias contribuyeron positivamente para la primera experiencia clínica hospitalaria. Sin embargo, la simulación proporcionó una visión crítica reflexiva de las habilidades, deficiencias y una mayor autoconfianza en comparación con la práctica convencional. Este estudio fortalece la evidencia de los beneficios proporcionados por la enseñanza basada en simulación y la importancia de que las instituciones educativas hagan uso adecuado de esta estrategia. Abstract Objective to compare the perception of nursing students and the contributions of teaching with clinical simulation or conventional practical classroom skills in the first clinical hospital experience. Method a descriptive, qualitative research involving undergraduate nursing students from a public university in Brazil, submitted to a high fidelity clinical simulation or conventional practical class, which took place between 2015 and 2016. For data evaluation, a word cloud and similarity analysis of the IRAMUTEQ® software were used. Results Altogether 54 students participated, 27 of them in each group. The words most evoked by the simulation group were: “real patient, no, more and simulator”, related to the capacity of reflection regarding their knowledge and preparation. The most evoked by the conventional practice group were: “more, no, much and feel”, related with the perception that the conventional class helps in the acquisition of skills, however, more frequency is needed. Conclusion Both strategies contributed positively to the first clinical hospital experience. However, the simulation provided a critical-reflexive view of skills, deficiencies and greater self-confidence in relation to conventional practice. This study strengthens the evidence of the benefits provided by simulation-based teaching, and the importance of teaching institutions making appropriate use of this strategy.

Resumo Objetivo: Traduzir para a língua portuguesa e adaptar transculturalmente para o Brasil o Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument. Métodos: Pesquisa metodológica que adotou o referencial de Beaton para o processo de tradução e adaptação transcultural, que ocorreu em seis etapas: tradução, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, submissão ao comitê de especialistas, pré-teste e parecer do autor original. Participaram dois tradutores, dois retrotradutores e oito membros no comitê de especialistas. O pré-teste foi realizado com 32 participantes. Resultados: Após ajustes linguísticos, a versão final obteve concordância de 100% pelo Índice de Validade de Conteúdo. A confiabilidade (Alfa de Cronbach) foi de 0,897, considerado um ótimo resultado. O instrumento foi classificado como de fácil utilização por 84,4% dos experts. Conclusão: A tradução e a adaptação transcultural disponibiliza para a comunidade acadêmica brasileira um instrumento objetivo e prático, com possibilidade de feedback imediato aos estudantes nas avaliações durante a atividade clínica simulada. Resumen Objetivo: Traducir al idioma portugués y adaptar transculturalmente para Brasil el Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument. Métodos: Investigación metodológica que adoptó el marco referencial de Beaton para el proceso de traducción y adaptación transcultural, realizada en seis etapas: traducción, síntesis de las traducciones, retrotraducción, presentación al comité de especialistas, prueba piloto y opinión del autor original. Participaron dos traductores, dos retrotraductores y ocho miembros del comité de especialistas. La prueba piloto fue realizada con 32 participantes. Resultados: Después de los ajustes lingüísticos, la versión final obtuvo una concordancia del 100 % mediante el Índice de Validez de Contenido. La fiabilidad (Alfa de Cronbach) fue de 0,897, considerado un excelente resultado. El instrumento fue clasificado como fácil de utilizar por el 84,4 % de los especialistas. Conclusión: La traducción y la adaptación transcultural pone a disposición de la comunidad académica brasileña un instrumento objetivo y práctico, con posibilidad de feedback inmediato a los estudiantes en las evaluaciones durante la actividad clínica simulada. Abstract Objective: To translate and adapt the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument for Brazil. Methods: A methodological research that adopted Beaton's framework for the process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation, which took place in six stages: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, submission to the expert committee, pre-test and opinion of the original author. Two translators, two back-translators and eight members of the expert committee participated. Pre-test was carried out with 32 participants. Results: After linguistic adjustments, the final version obtained 100% agreement by the Content Validity Index. Reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.897, which is considered an excellent result. The instrument was classified as easy to use by 84.4% of experts. Conclusion: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation provide the Brazilian academic community with an objective and practical tool, with the possibility of immediate feedback to students in assessments during simulated clinical activities.

Resumo Objetivo: Validar construto e avaliar a confiabilidade do Instrumento Creighton para Avaliação de Competências Clínicas, versão português, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo metodológico, realizado com 30 docentes/enfermeiros que utilizavam a metodologia de simulação. Foram elaborados dois cenários com temas iguais e atuações divergentes das estudantes com o objetivo de testar a capacidade do instrumento de diferenciá-los. Os cenários foram gravados e disponibilizados para os especialistas por um website que viabilizou a coleta. Para a validação de construto, utilizou-se as técnicas de experimentação e da correlação phi. Para a confiabilidade, analisou-se a equivalência, com coeficiente Fleiss Kappa, e a consistência interna, com coeficiente Kuder-Richardson (KR20). Resultados: Ao analisar a validade, 20 dos 23 itens apresentaram resultados significativos. Na análise, os domínios apresentaram correlações, classificadas de baixa a alta. Quando comparados os cenários, as correlações foram baixas, muito baixas ou negativas. Quanto à confiabilidade, o coeficiente Fleiss Kappa encontrado foi razoável (0,282) para o cenário 1 e moderado para o cenário 2 (0,408). A consistência interna medida com o KR20 foi de 0,717 para o cenário 1 e 0,805 para o cenário 2, classificadas como moderada e alta. Conclusão: O Instrumento Creighton para Avaliação de Competências Clínicas versão português, Brasil, foi considerado válido e confiável para uso em todo o território nacional.

Flow-dependent fish specialists require specific conditions for reproduction, so the success and reproductive intensity of these animals are determined by the flood regime. Thus, this study investigated the spatial and temporal reproductive patterns of fish, especially migratory Prochilodus species (flow-dependent specialists) in an unusual period of low flow in the Para River sub-basin, one of the main tributaries of the upper Sao Francisco River. For this, ichthyoplankton collections were carried out between November 2013 and February 2014. Data were analysed considering the spatial and temporal variations in density of eggs and larvae for the upper, middle, and lower portions of the Para River sub-basin, and correlating this to some environmental variables. The results showed that the small headwater stretch of the Para River is one relevant spawning area for migratory fish species. However, this area is isolated by the Cajuru reservoir, which makes it uncertain the recruitment of these embryos, due to interruption of natural drift between spawning/nursery areas caused for reservoirs. Larvae of newly hatched migratory species found in tributaries of the lower Para River sub-basin also indicate these species use these tributaries as spawning grounds and migratory routes. The period in which the research was conducted represented the most atypical low flow, one in the last 75 years, resulting in the low variability in the environmental parameters. Although few parameters increased briefly in this low flow period influenced by greater rainfall in December, this precipitation was possibly responsible for the final gonadal maturation and spawning of migratory species.

Aim This study aimed to assist in guiding research with eggs and larvae of continental fish in Brazil, mainly in the knowledge of the early development, as well as to present the state of the art and to point out the gaps and future directions for the development of researches in the area. Methods The literature review was carried out in the electronic platforms and studies were examined to investigate whether any addressed morphological description of fish eggs and/or larvae. Results We found 121 studies, including scientific articles, theses, dissertations, chapters of books and books. This bibliographic production characterized 140 species, representing only 4.1% of the total species present in the Brazilian basins. Most of the species studied belong to the orders Characiformes and Siluriformes, which are of commercial interest and native to the Paraná, Amazon, Paraguay and Uruguay basins. For some very species-rich families in the Brazilian rivers, such as Characidae and Loricariidade, only a fraction of their species was characterized for the early development (2.6% and 0.7% of the total, respectively) and 56% of the families did not present any study addressing the early ontogeny. Regarding the content of the descriptions, for 73 species, there is characterization of the embryonic period and for 62, there is description of the whole larval period. For only 41 species there were complete descriptions (embryonic and larval) of the early development. All of these studies were conducted mainly with material derived from induced spawning and material obtained in the field (regressive series). Conclusions The characterization of eggs and larvae, still presents few studies, limited mainly to species from the rivers of the Plata and Amazon basins, to studies of fish of commercial importance and the incompleteness of most of these studies is still outstanding.

This study describes the morphology, morphometry and meristic characters of larval and juvenile Tatia intermedia collected in the middle Tocantins River and some of its tributaries. Six larvae of T. intermedia were examined and they have a moderately elongate body, head slightly dorso-ventrally depressed with a convex snout, small and round eyes and a subterminal mouth. In five juvenile stages observed, the head and eye are relatively smaller than in the larval stage and the snout remains convex and mouth becomes terminal.

The diversity of fish larvae in floodplain environments exhibits spatial and temporal variations since fish have different ontogenetic requirements, and is influenced by their reproductive period. In order to evaluate how the diversity of fish larvae is structured in different temporal and spatial scales in the sub-basin of the Ivinhema River, Upper Parana River floodplain (MS, Brazil), we performed monthly samplings in two reproductive periods (2010/2011 and 2011/2012). Variation in alpha (α) diversity was evaluated through a nested ANOVA, while beta (β) diversity was evaluated with distance-based tests for the homogeneity of multivariate dispersions (PERMDISP). Additive partitioning of diversity was used to verify the relative contribution of each scale to gamma (γ) diversity. The first reproductive period showed higher intensity and duration of flooding, which favored a higher γ diversity. Alpha and beta diversities also varied among the different habitats, each one being occupied by species with distinct reproductive strategies. Components β1 (variation among months) and β3 (variation among habitats) significantly explained γ diversity in both reproductive periods, indicating that more intense floods favor reproduction and increase diversity of fish larvae. This study reinforces the importance of temporal and spatial scales in the maintenance of fish larvae diversity in floodplains.

The Paraíba do Sul River is affected by extensive water collection for supply, organic and industrial pollution, and dams. Nonetheless, the ichthyofauna maintains biodiversity and sustains artisanal fisheries. This study analyzes the composition, abundance and distribution of fish larvae, an important approach to determine the reproductive period and spawning sites. The sampling occurred from August 2011 through February 2013 in five sites at a transect between the banks on the lower reach of the Paraíba do Sul River. A total of 5,412 larvae belonging to 20 taxa was captured. The predominant order was Characiformes. Larvae of Prochilodus spp. and Leporinus spp. were the most abundant; larvae of Brycon insignis, an endangered species, were present. Fewer larvae were collected in the second reproductive cycle during a severe drought. The absence of eggs indicates that the study area is not used for spawning, and highlights the need for studies in the main channel and in the tributaries of the Paraíba do Sul River. Fish larvae need to have access to the marginal lagoons along the lower stretch of the river, an area which is the object of disputes between fishermen and farmers. RESUMO O rio Paraíba do Sul é afetado por retirada de água para abastecimento, poluição orgânica e industrial e barramentos, mas mantém a biodiversidade de peixes e sustenta a pesca artesanal. Este estudo apresenta a composição, abundância e distribuição de larvas de peixes, abordagem importante para determinar o período de reprodução e locais de desova. A amostragem ocorreu entre agosto de 2011 e fevereiro de 2013 em cinco pontos de um transecto de 500 m entre as margens no trecho inferior do rio Paraíba do Sul. Um total de 5.412 larvas de 20 táxons foi capturado. Predominaram Characiformes, sendo que larvas de Prochilodus spp. e Leporinus spp. foram as mais abundantes. Larvas de Brycon insignis, espécie em extinção, foram registradas. Larvas foram menos abundantes no segundo ciclo reprodutivo, coincidindo com o início de uma seca severa na região. A ausência de ovos nas amostras indica que a área estudada não é utilizada para desova e aponta a necessidade de estudos no canal principal a montante e nos afluentes. Ressaltamos a necessidade de acesso das larvas às lagoas marginais no trecho inferior do rio Paraíba do Sul, área objeto de desentendimentos entre pescadores e agricultores.

Fish reproduction in natural environments tends to occur in conditions, including extreme pH values, ideal for the survival of offspring. In this context, the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of pH on both survival and early development of two fish species, Astyanax lacustris (short-distance migrating fish) and Piaractus mesopotamicus (long-distance migrating fish), with different reproductive strategies. Our experiments were divided into two tests (incubation and larviculture) at five pH levels. First was incubation through a water recirculation system using 2 L incubators followed by larviculture using a 2.5 L aquarium. pH had no influence on the hatching rate of A. lacustris eggs, but affected the yolk-sac diameter, while the newly-hatched larvae had some skeletal disorders. For P. mesopotamicus, pH influenced the hatching rate and perivitelline space, while the newly-hatched larvae had several skeletal disorders. The larviculture of A. lacustris revealed no effect on the survival rate, but the analyzed morphometric variables indicated significant differences between the treatments. An acidic pH negatively influenced the survival rate of P. mesopotamicus, and all morphometric variables also varied significantly between the treatments. We concluded that both the survival and development of A. lacustris and P. mesopotamicus revealed different responses at pH levels during incubation and larviculture tests.

SANCHES, Paulo Vanderlei; NAKATANI, Keshiyu; BIALETZKI, Andréa; BAUMGARTNER, Gilmar; GOMES, Luiz Carlos; LUIZ, Elaine Antoniassi. Flow regulation by dams affecting ichthyoplankton: the case of the Porto Primavera Dam, Paraná River, Brazil. River Research and Applications, Chichester, v.22, no.5, p.555-565, 2006. The effects of a dam closure (Porto Primavera Dam) on reproduction of the main species that use the floodplain located below a nursery area were determined. Specifically, we examined, before and after the closure of the dam, the spatial distribution of larvae and the differences in density according to life strategy (migratory and non-migratory species). Fifteen points distributed along the channels of the Paraná, Ivinheima and Paranapanema rivers were sampled, between 1997 and 2001, (October 1997 to December 1998 pre; and between January 1999 to March 2001 post closure), during the spawning period of most fish species found in the region (October to March). Samplings were always conducted at night, using a conical-cylindrical plankton net (0.5mm mesh) with a flowmeter attached. There were significant differences in larvae densities between pre and post dam closure for several species. Also, there were significant differences between the pre and post-closure periods for densities of migratory and non-migratory species, and between sampling sites. These findings indicate decline in densities and number of taxa caught after the closure of the dam. Larvae of migratory species, formerly common in the entire study area, were registered only in points influenced by the non dammed rivers (such as the Ivinheima River), indicating that the closure of Porto Primavera caused negative impacts on fish reproduction downstream of the dam.

BIALETZKI, Andréa; BAUMGARTNER, Gilmar; SANCHES, Paulo Vanderlei; GALUCH, André Vieira; LUVISUTO, Marli Aparecida; NAKATANI, Keshiyu; CAVICCHIOLI-MAKRAKIS, Maristela; BORGES, Marta Eliane Echeverria. Caracterização do desenvolvimento inicial de Auchenipterus osteomystax (Osteichthyes, Auchenipteridae) da bacia do rio Paraná, Brasil. Acta Scientiarum, Maringá, v.23, n.2, p.377-382, 2001. The aim of the present study was to characterize the early development of Auchenipterus osteomystax (Ribeiro, 1918) (Osteichthyes, Auchenipteridae). Specimens were taken from plankton samples in the Upper Paraná river, Ivaí river, Upper Ivinhema river and Itaipu Reservoir. Seventy-four larvae and seven juveniles (with standard length ranging from 5.25 mm to 39.0 mm) were analyzed. Specimens were identified and separated according to their development and morphometric and meristic analyses were performed. The early development of A. osteomystax follows the pattern of other Siluriformes. However, individuals presented more pigmentation on the head and on fore part of the body. Number of myomeres ranged from 44 to 50. O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar o desenvolvimento inicial de Auchenipterus osteomystax (Ribeiro, 1918) (Osteichthyes, Auchenipteridae). O material analisado é proveniente de amostras coletadas no plâncton no alto rio Paraná, rio Ivaí, alto rio Ivinhema e reservatório de Itaipu. Foram analisadas 74 larvas e 7 juvenis, entre 5,25 mm e 39 mm de comprimento padrão. Os espécimes foram identificados e separados em diferentes estágios, e foram obtidas as variáveis morfométricas e merísticas. As larvas de A. osteomystax apresentam o desenvolvimento inicial semelhante ao de outros Siluriformes, no entanto são caracterizadas principalmente por apresentar um aglomerado de pigmentos na cabeça e na região anterior do corpo e número de miômeros variando de 44 a 50. Abstract: The aim of the present study was to characterize the early development of Auchenipterus osteomystax (Ribeiro, 1918) (Osteichthyes, Auchenipteridae). Specimens were taken from plankton samples in the Upper Paraná river, Ivaí river, Upper Ivinhema river and Itaipu Reservoir. Seventy-four larvae and seven juveniles (with standard length ranging from 5.25 mm to 39.0 mm) were analyzed. Specimens were identified and separated according to their development and morphometric and meristic analyses were performed. The early development of A. osteomystax follows the pattern of other Siluriformes. However, individuals presented more pigmentation on the head and on fore part of the body. Number of myomeres ranged from 44 to 50.

MAKRAKIS, Maristela Cavicchioli; NAKATANI, Keshiyu; BIALETZKI, Andréa; SANCHES, Paulo Vanderlei; BAUMGARTNER, Gilmar; GOMES, Luiz Carlos. Ontogenetic shifts in digestive tract morphology and diet of fish larvae of the Itaipu Reservoir, Brazil. Environmental Biology of Fishes, Dordrecht, v.72, no.1, p.99-107, 2005. We analyzed the ontogenetic shifts in digestive tract morphology and diets of the young of Iheringichthys labrosus, Hypophthalmus edentatus and Plagioscion squamosissimus, sampled in the Itaipu Reservoir, Brazil-Paraguay.We described the dental structures, the gill rakers and the digestive tract, and analyzed the diet of the young fish. We observed teeth in the jaws and pharynx in young of the three species. In H. edentatus, the gill rakers developed more rapidly, and were longer and more numerous on the first arch, related to their planktivorous feeding habit. I. labrosus and P. squamosissimus had long gill rakers only on the first arch, they were short and thick on the rest. The stomach was defined only in P. squamosissimus, with pyloric caeca. Their diets were mainly zooplankton. I. labrosus fed particularly on cladocerans and rotifers; H. edentatus consumed essentially cladocerans; and P. squamosissimus fed basically on copepods. We observed greater similarity in diet between the young of I. labrosus and H. edentatus, especially for the first length classes. The diet of I. labrosus became more diversified at the end of the larval period, indicating a transition in the feeding habit and habitat for this species. P. squamosissimus showed a very different diet from the others species. The differences in oral anatomy, allied to the morphology of the digestive tract, visual acuity, swimming hability, way of foraging, and especially mouth position, form and size, were determining factors in the diets of these species.

BAUMGARTNER, Gilmar; NAKATANI, Keshiyu; GOMES, Luiz Carlos; BIALETZKI, Andréa; SANCHES, Paulo Vanderlei; MAKRAKIS, Maristela Cavicchioli. Identification of spawning sites and natural nurseries of fishes in the upper Paraná River, Brazil. Environmental Biology of Fishes, Dordrecht, v.71, no.2, p.115-125, 2004. We studied the timing of migratory fish spawning in the last dam-free stretch of the upper Paraná River and in Itaipu Reservoir. Eggs were more common in the Amambai and Ivaí Rivers, while larvae predominated in the Paraná River and in Itaipu Reservoir. Both eggs and larvae were more abundant at night. The highest abundance of eggs was in October and that of larvae in November. Migratory species predominated in the Amambai and Paraná Rivers, and non-migratory species in the Ivaí River and Itaipu Reservoir. The predominance of eggs in the upper and middle portions, and larvae in the lower, infer that there are spawning sites in the former and nurseries in the latter. The high nocturnal abundance of eggs is associated with spawning at sunset and that of larvae with feeding, avoidance of predators and nocturnal disorientation. The presence of tributaries such as the Amambai and Ivaí Rivers in the last dam-free stretch of the Paraná River is extremely important to the maintenance of regional fish diversity and fish stocks in both the Paraná River and Itaipu Reservoir.

BIALETZKI, Andréa; NAKATANI, Keshiyu.; SANCHES, Paulo Vanderlei; BAUMGARTNER, Gilmar; GOMES, Luiz Carlos. Larval fish assemblage in the Baía River (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil): temporal and spatial patterns. Environmental Biology of Fishes, Dordrecht, v.73, no.1, p.37-47, 2005. We sampled the Baía River (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil) monthly, to survey taxonomic composition and temporal and spatial distribution of fish larvae. The ichthyoplankton was mainly composed by larvae of small and medium sized sedentary species and it was numerically dominated by six taxa: Plagioscion squamosissimus, Hypophthalmus edentatus, Hoplias aff. malabaricus, Bryconamericus stramineus, Serrasalmus spp. and Catathyridium jenynsii. These taxa present distinct temporal and spatial occurrence patterns: H. edentatus, B. stramineus and C. jenynsii are abundant between September and March in lentic areas; H. aff. malabaricus and Serrasalmus spp. were caught between October and February in lotic areas; whereas P. squamosissimus occurs in all sampled areas, with peak of capture in January. Hypophthalmus edentatus, H. aff. malabaricus, Serrasalmus spp. and B. stramineus were the taxa that most contributed to structure the assemblages temporally and spatially, and their abundances were influenced by the interaction of several environmental variables.

MAKRAKIS, Maristela Cavicchioli; NAKATANI, Keshiyu; BIALETZKI, Andréa; GOMES, Luiz Carlos; SANCHES, Paulo Vanderlei; BAUMGARTNER, Gilmar. Relationship between gape size and feeding selectivity of fish larvae from a Neotropical reservoir. Journal of Fish Biology, London, v.72, no.7, p.1690-1707, 2008. Larvae feeding selectivity of Iheringichthys labrosus, Hypophthalmus edentatus and Plagioscion squamosissimus was assessed, examining the role of mouth gape in prey selection. Fish larvae were sampled in the Itaipu Reservoir (Brazil Paraguay). Iheringichthys labrosus and H. edentatus larvae, with small and similar gape sizes, exhibited slightly different diets; I. labrosus preferred cladocerans (Bosmina hagmanni, Bosmina huauriensis and Bosminopsis deitersi) and the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus. Hypophthalmus edentatus, however, primarily ingested the cladocerans B. hagmanni, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, Daphnia gessneri and Diaphanosoma spinulosum. Plagioscion squamosissimus, with a greater gape size, preferred Calanoida. The mechanistic processes that determine food selectivity of fish larvae in temperate aquatic systems were similar in the Neotropical system. The trophic spectrum of these species is characterized by small- to intermediate-sized prey. Plagioscion squamosissimus larvae, which have larger mouths, exploit primarily larger prey differing from the most abundant species or size classes; consequently, their diet is quite different from I. labrosus larvae and modestly similar to H. edentatus larvae, opportunistic feeders that they eat more abundant prey.

Fish diversity loss is threatened by the construction of dams as they prevent the regular natural dispersal among populations. Thus, conservation of key riverine habitats for fish reproduction may be essential for the recruitment of new native species of fish. The present study aimed to identify key habitats for fish spawning and early development in the Paranapanema River basin, as well as to determine the taxonomic composition, reproductive and life-history strategy, and to report spatial distribution of eggs, larvae and juveniles. The importance of lagoons, tributaries, and sub-tributaries was evaluated in the Paranapanema River basin between October 2012 and March 2013. Eggs and larvae samples were collected at dawn and dusk with conical plankton nets (0.5 mm mesh size), whereas juveniles were captured during the day with seine and sieve (0.5 cm mesh size). A total of 547 eggs, 904 larvae and 1 228 juveniles were captured. We observed that 2 larvae and 288 juveniles of non-migratory species, parental care, and equilibrium life-history strategy, predominated in lagoons and tributaries. On the other hand, 13 larvae and 60 juveniles of short migratory distance, no parental care, and periodic life-history strategy predominated in sub-tributaries. The highest densities of eggs were recorded in tributaries and sub-tributaries (Tukey’s test, P = 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively), and the highest densities of larvae were recorded for lagoons and tributaries (P = 0.005 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Captures of eggs and larvae were higher at night; while the highest catches per unit effort of juveniles were recorded for tributaries and sub-tributaries. Fish species that adopt different life-history strategies can use diverse types of habitats during the early stages. Lagoons, tributaries and sub-tributaries of the Paranapanema River play different roles in the reproductive success of fish fauna in a heavily modified basin. The preservation of spawning and nursery areas trapped between reservoirs is necessary for Neotropical fish species recruitment and survival. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 605-621. Epub 2018 June 01. Resumen Los riesgos de pérdida de diversidad de peces aumentan con la construcción de represas, ya que impide la dispersión de individuos entre las poblaciones. Por lo tanto, la conservación del habitat ribereño clave para la reproducción de peces puede ser esencial para el reclutamiento de nuevos individuos de especies nativas. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo identificar hábitats clave para el desove y el desarrollo temprano de peces en la cuenca del río Paranapanema, así como determinar la composición taxonómica, la estrategia reproductiva y la historia de vida, y reportar la distribución espacial de huevos, larvas y juveniles. Se evaluó la importancia de lagunas, afluentes y subafluentes en la cuenca del río Paranapanema entre octubre de 2012 y marzo de 2013. Se recogieron muestras de huevos y larvas al amanecer y al atardecer con redes de plancton cónico (tamaño de malla de 0,5 mm), mientras que los juveniles fueron capturados durante el día con redes de cerco y tamiz (tamaño de malla de 0,5 cm). Se capturaron un total de 547 huevos, 904 larvas y 1 228 juveniles. Como resultado fue observado que 2 larvas y 288 juveniles de especies no migratorias, cuidado parental y estrategia de vida de equilibrio son predominantes en lagunas y afluentes. Por otro lado, 13 larvas y 60 juveniles de espécies migratorias de corta distancia, sin cuidado parental y estrategia de vida periódica predominaron en subafluentes. Se registraron las densidades más altas de huevos para afluentes y subafluentes (Prueba de Tukey, P = 0.001 y P = 0.03, respectivamente), y se registraron las densidades más altas de larvas para las lagunas y afluentes (P = 0.005 y P = 0.0001, respectivamente). Las capturas de huevos y larvas eran más altas por la noche. Las mayores capturas por unidad de esfuerzo de juveniles se registraron para los afluentes y subafluentes. Las especies de peces que adoptan diferentes estrategias de historia de vida pueden utilizar diversos tipos de hábitats durante las primeras etapas. Lagunas, afluentes y subafluentes del río Paranapanema desempeñan diferentes papeles en el éxito reproductivo de la fauna de peces en una cuenca fuertemente modificada. La preservación de áreas de desove y cría atrapadas entre el embalse es necesaria para el reclutamiento de especies de peces neotropicales.

Fish diversity loss is threatened by the construction of dams as they prevent the regular natural dispersal among populations. Thus, conservation of key riverine habitats for fish reproduction may be essential for the recruitment of new native species of fish. The present study aimed to identify key habitats for fish spawning and early development in the Paranapanema River basin, as well as to determine the taxonomic composition, reproductive and life-history strategy, and to report spatial distribution of eggs, larvae and juveniles. The importance of lagoons, tributaries, and sub-tributaries was evaluated in the Paranapanema River basin between October 2012 and March 2013. Eggs and larvae samples were collected at dawn and dusk with conical plankton nets (0.5 mm mesh size), whereas juveniles were captured during the day with seine and sieve (0.5 cm mesh size). A total of 547 eggs, 904 larvae and 1 228 juveniles were captured. We observed that 2 larvae and 288 juveniles of non-migratory species, parental care, and equilibrium life-history strategy, predominated in lagoons and tributaries. On the other hand, 13 larvae and 60 juveniles of short migratory distance, no parental care, and periodic life-history strategy predominated in sub-tributaries. The highest densities of eggs were recorded in tributaries and sub-tributaries (Tukey’s test, P = 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively), and the highest densities of larvae were recorded for lagoons and tributaries (P = 0.005 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Captures of eggs and larvae were higher at night; while the highest catches per unit effort of juveniles were recorded for tributaries and sub-tributaries. Fish species that adopt different life-history strategies can use diverse types of habitats during the early stages. Lagoons, tributaries and sub-tributaries of the Paranapanema River play different roles in the reproductive success of fish fauna in a heavily modified basin. The preservation of spawning and nursery areas trapped between reservoirs is necessary for Neotropical fish species recruitment and survival. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 605-621. Epub 2018 June 01.

Fish larvae and adults are morphologically distinct from each other and have different ecological requirements. Research on the dynamics of ichthyoplankton provides valuable information about the early stages of the life cycle of fish. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of the larval stages of three migratory species - Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816), Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) and Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Agassiz, 1829) - to identify possible spawning areas in the last lotic remnant of the upper Paraná River, in the Brazilian territory. A total of 26 points were sampled monthly from October 2003 to November 2004. The PERMANOVA detected significant differences between the months only for S. brasiliensis (Pseudo-F = 3.88, p = 0.0021) and P. corruscans (Pseudo-F = 3.35, p = 0.004). Among the environmental variables, temperature was the most important and the Mantel test detected a significant correlation between temperature and the densities, only for P. lineatus (r = 0.09, p = 0.03). The species in our data chose for spawning tributaries that are not dammed, of which most are outside conservation areas. Therefore, recruitment, maintenance and possible actions aiming to recover the stocks of these species are dependent on the conservation of tributaries and floodplain lakes in the region, in addition to monitoring to prevent fishing during the reproductive period.

The effect of fish larvae on the diel vertical migration of the zooplankton community was investigated in two tropical lakes, Finado Raimundo and Pintado lakes, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Nocturnal and diurnal samplings were conducted in the limnetic region of each lake for 10 consecutive months from April 2008 to January 2009. The zooplankton community presented a wide range of responses to the predation pressure exerted by fish larvae in both environments, while fish larvae showed a typical pattern of normal diel vertical migration. Our results also demonstrated that the diel vertical migration is an important behaviour to avoid predation, since it reduces the spatial overlap between prey and potential predator, thus supporting the hypothesis that vertical migration is a defence mechanism against predation.

Aim: To analyze temporal distribution of larvae and juveniles and the early development and of Moenkhausia cf. gracilima. Methods Samples were taken quarterly in twenty-five sites in the upper Paraná River floodplain between August 2013 and May 2015. The samples were taken under the water surface at night using 0.5 mm mesh plankton nets. In the laboratory, samples were sorted, identified and separated into larval (preflexion, flexion and postflexion) and juvenile periods. Results A total of 248 individuals was collected, mainly in the Saraiva Lagoon, suggesting that the entire life cycle of this species occurs in this environment. The reproductive period takes place between December and April, since the postflexion larvae were found until May. However, the occurrence of juveniles between February and May indicates probable batch spawning. Among the 95 individuals used for ontogenic description, 82 were larvae and 13 juveniles. Larvae may be characterized by irregular pigmentation in the upper region of the head, mouth, and body, increasing throughout development; upper lobe of the caudal fin more pigmented than the lower lobe, only visible in postflexion larvae; terminal mouth; anal opening located anterior to the median region of the body and total number of myomers ranging from 34 to 40 (15 to 20 pre and 16 to 23 postanal), while juveniles have characteristics similar to adults. The total number of fin rays is: P. 11-16, V. 7-11, D, 9-11 and A. 21-23. Conclusions According to the distribution of developmental periods it is possible to conclude that this species reproduces in the summer, preferably in lagoons. Growth analysis indicated important alterations in larval morphology (metamorphosis) that may be associated with the ecomorphological characteristics of the species. The morphological separation of larvae of M. cf. gracilima from other larvae of small characids, especially at preflexion and flexion stages may be complicated by the overlap of traits, suggesting the use of other variables, mainly morphometric, for the separation of the species. Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a distribuição temporal de larvas e juvenis e o desenvolvimento inicial de Moenkhausia cf. gracilima. Métodos Foram amostrados trimestralmente vinte e cinco estações distribuídas na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná entre agosto de 2013 e maio de 2015. As coletas foram na subsuperfície, no período noturno, utilizando redes de plâncton com malha 0,5 mm. Em laboratório, as amostras foram triadas, identificadas e separadas em períodos larval (pré-flexão, flexão e pós-flexão) e juvenil. Resultados Foram capturados 248 indivíduos, sendo a maioria na Lagoa Saraiva, sugerindo que todo o ciclo de vida desta espécie aconteça neste ambiente, e que o período reprodutivo ocorre entre dezembro e abril, uma vez que larvas em pós-flexão foram encontradas até maio. A ocorrência de juvenis entre fevereiro e maio indica provável desova parcelada. Entre os 95 indivíduos utilizados na descrição ontogênica, 82 eram larvas e 13 juvenis. As larvas podem ser caracterizadas pela pigmentação irregular na região superior da cabeça, na boca e no corpo, aumentando ao longo do desenvolvimento; lobo superior da nadadeira caudal mais pigmentado do que o inferior, só visível em larvas em pós-flexão; boca em posição terminal, abertura anal localizada anteriormente à região mediana do corpo e número total de miômeros variando de 34 a 40 (15 a 20 pré e 16 a 23 pós-anal), enquanto os juvenis apresentam características semelhantes ao adulto. O número de raios das nadadeiras é: P. 11-16, V. 7-11, D, 9-11 e A. 21-23. Conclusões De acordo com a distribuição dos períodos de desenvolvimento, é possível concluir que esta espécie se reproduz no verão, de preferência em lagoas. A análise do crescimento indicou alterações importantes na morfologia larval (metamorfoses) que podem estar associadas às características ecomorfológicas da espécie. A separação morfológica das larvas de M. cf. gracilima de outras larvas de caracteres pequenos, especialmente nos estágios de preflexão e flexão, pode ser complicado pela sobreposição de traços, sugerindo o uso de outras variáveis, principalmente morfométricas, para a separação das espécies.

Aim: This study uses the abundance of fish eggs and larvae to evaluate the importance of the main channel of the Paraná River and the adjacent areas of the floodplain, in the last dam-free stretch in the Brazilian territory, for the spawning and development of fish of different reproductive guilds, in order to obtain subsidies to assist in the management and conservation policies of this area, focusing on the maintenance of dam-free areas. Methods Data were taken quarterly from August 2013 to May 2015, in 25 sites, grouped into three biotopes: main channel, tributaries and lagoons. Possible spatial variations in fish spawning and development as well as composition and structure of larvae were evaluated. Results Higher densities of eggs were found in tributaries (Paracaí and Amambai rivers) and greater densities of larvae were observed in lagoons (Saraiva). Significant differences in composition and structure of larvae were detected only between sampling stations. As for taxonomic composition, 29 taxa were recorded, mostly non-migratory. However, long-distance migratory were also widely distributed, such as Brycon orbignyanus, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, Prochilodus lineatus, Piaractus mesopotamicus and Rhaphiodon vulpinus, as well as invasive species Platanichthys platana and Hemiodus orthonops. In turn, Salminus brasiliensis presented low occurrence. Conclusions This study evidenced that different species spawn in the region, mainly in tributaries, and their eggs and larvae are transported to the main channel of the Paraná River and adjacent lagoons, to complete their early development. The capture of larvae of important migratory species suggests that this environment still exhibits suitable conditions for their reproduction, mainly due to the presence of dam-free tributaries. Also, they emphasize the importance of the integrity of these environments for the maintenance of the regional fish fauna, and it is extremely important the monitoring of reproduction of the most endangered species, as well as of invasive species. Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo utiliza a abundância de ovos e larvas de peixes para avaliar a importância do canal principal do rio Paraná e as áreas adjacentes da planície de inundação, no último trecho livre de barramentos em território brasileiro, para a desova e desenvolvimento dos peixes de diferentes guildas reprodutivas, a fim de obter subsídios que auxiliem nas políticas de manejo e conservação desta área, focando na manutenção de áreas livres de represamentos. Métodos Os dados foram coletados trimestralmente entre agosto de 2013 a maio de 2015, em 25 estações, agrupadas em três biótopos: canal principal, tributários e lagoas. Foram avaliadas possíveis variações espaciais na desova e desenvolvimento dos peixes, assim como na composição e a estrutura das larvas. Resultados Maiores densidades de ovos foram registradas nos tributários (rios Paracaí e Amambai) e de larvas nas lagoas (Saraiva). Diferenças significativas na composição e estrutura das larvas foram observadas apenas entre as estações de amostragens. Quanto a composição taxonômica, registrou-se 29 táxons, sendo a maioria não migradores. Entretanto, também foram amplamente distribuídas as larvas de migradores de longa distância como Brycon orbignyanus, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, Prochilodus lineatus, Piaractus mesopotamicus e Rhaphiodon vulpinus, assim como as invasoras Platanichthys platana e Hemiodus orthonops. Já Salminus brasiliensis apresentou baixa ocorrência. Conclusões Neste estudo fica evidente que diferentes espécies desovam na região, principalmente nos tributários, e seus ovos e larvas são carreados para o canal principal do rio Paraná e lagoas adjacentes, para completarem seu desenvolvimento inicial. A captura de larvas de importantes espécies migradoras, sugerem que este ambiente ainda apresenta condições adequadas para sua reprodução, principalmente, pela presença de tributários livres de represamento. Ainda, reforçam a importância da integridade desses ambientes para a manutenção da ictiofauna regional, sendo de extrema relevância o monitoramento acerca da reprodução das espécies mais ameaçadas, bem como das espécies invasoras.

The early development of Tatia neivai (Ihering 1930) was analyzed (i) to characterize its morphological, morphometric and meristic development; and (ii) to examine its possible ontogenic variation as a result of the development of structures and organs necessary for survival. Samples were collected in the Baía River, basin Paraná River, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, between February 1999 and April 2000. After identification, the specimens were separated according to notochord development, and the morphometric and meristic characters were measured and counted. Forty-seven larvae and one juvenile with standard length ranging from 6.10 to 23.10 mm were analyzed. Larvae exhibit a cylindrical and highly pigmented body, small eyes, short intestine, terminal mouth, one pair of maxillary barbels and two pairs of mentonian barbels (relatively short). The juveniles presented a body shape similar to their adults. The total number of myomeres (33-35, 12 to 14 pre-anal and 20 to 23 postanal). Number of fin rays: dorsal I+4, anal I+9; pectoral I+5 and ventral six. During ontogeny, morphological changes observed in T. neivai have important ecological consequences, especially between flexion and postflexion stages (metamorphosis) when the larvae develop all necessary structures for its survival, such as locomotion and feeding.

The early development of Tatia neivai (Ihering 1930) was analyzed (i) to characterize its morphological, morphometric and meristic development; and (ii) to examine its possible ontogenic variation as a result of the development of structures and organs necessary for survival. Samples were collected in the Baía River, basin Paraná River, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, between February 1999 and April 2000. After identification, the specimens were separated according to notochord development, and the morphometric and meristic characters were measured and counted. Forty-seven larvae and one juvenile with standard length ranging from 6.10 to 23.10 mm were analyzed. Larvae exhibit a cylindrical and highly pigmented body, small eyes, short intestine, terminal mouth, one pair of maxillary barbels and two pairs of mentonian barbels (relatively short). The juveniles presented a body shape similar to their adults. The total number of myomeres (33–35, 12 to 14 pre-anal and 20 to 23 postanal). Number of fin rays: dorsal I+4, anal I+9; pectoral I+5 and ventral six. During ontogeny, morphological changes observed in T. neivai have important ecological consequences, especially between flexion and postflexion stages (metamorphosis) when the larvae develop all necessary structures for its survival, such as locomotion and feeding.

Freshwater fish reproduce annually in environments that provide favourable conditions for spawning and larval survival and growth. Thus, the aims of this study were to use long-term larval density data to evaluate the temporal distribution of the dourado Salminus brasiliensis, its habitat use for larval development and the effects of environmental variables on reproduction. S. brasiliensis larvae were mainly recorded in October and January in the Ivinheima River, and higher densities of larvae, primarily in the preflexion and flexion stages, were captured in the river and backwater biotopes. Water level, dissolved oxygen and temperature were the primary variables affecting the density of larvae, and this species can migrate over 200km to reproduce in the Ivinheima River and its tributaries. Therefore, S. brasiliensis is reproducing annually, indicating favourable local conditions for migration and spawning, and exhibits differential use of biotopes for reproduction, including rivers and backwaters (spawning) and lagoons (refuge and growth). Therefore, considering that the dourado is a key species for conservation, ensuring its reproductive success means maintaining a balanced ecological structure.

This work aimed to evaluate the capture success of early life stage fish using three sampling methods (hand net, plankton net, and quatrefoil light trap). The hand net presented better sampling efficiency in the studied lagoons, with the capture of 13 exclusive taxa. Young migratory species, such as Prochilodus argenteus, P. costatus and Salminus hilarii, were only collected in the hand net, suggesting its applicability and efficiency in studies of migratory species in nursery environments. On the other hand, the plankton net and quatrefoil light trap were less efficient related to the number of captured species. However, the latter method has captured a high abundance of Anchoviella vaillanti suggesting that this species is photoactive and that this method is highly selective. None of the methods used presented significant selectivity in the capture of individuals at specific stages of early development.

Aim: To analyze temporal distribution of larvae and juveniles and the early development and of Moenkhausia cf. gracilima. Methods Samples were taken quarterly in twenty-five sites in the upper Paraná River floodplain between August 2013 and May 2015. The samples were taken under the water surface at night using 0.5 mm mesh plankton nets. In the laboratory, samples were sorted, identified and separated into larval (preflexion, flexion and postflexion) and juvenile periods. Results A total of 248 individuals was collected, mainly in the Saraiva Lagoon, suggesting that the entire life cycle of this species occurs in this environment. The reproductive period takes place between December and April, since the postflexion larvae were found until May. However, the occurrence of juveniles between February and May indicates probable batch spawning. Among the 95 individuals used for ontogenic description, 82 were larvae and 13 juveniles. Larvae may be characterized by irregular pigmentation in the upper region of the head, mouth, and body, increasing throughout development; upper lobe of the caudal fin more pigmented than the lower lobe, only visible in postflexion larvae; terminal mouth; anal opening located anterior to the median region of the body and total number of myomers ranging from 34 to 40 (15 to 20 pre and 16 to 23 postanal), while juveniles have characteristics similar to adults. The total number of fin rays is: P. 11-16, V. 7-11, D, 9-11 and A. 21-23. Conclusions According to the distribution of developmental periods it is possible to conclude that this species reproduces in the summer, preferably in lagoons. Growth analysis indicated important alterations in larval morphology (metamorphosis) that may be associated with the ecomorphological characteristics of the species. The morphological separation of larvae of M. cf. gracilima from other larvae of small characids, especially at preflexion and flexion stages may be complicated by the overlap of traits, suggesting the use of other variables, mainly morphometric, for the separation of the species.

Esta dissertação tem como objetivo analisar e problematizar as produções no sentido em que pedagogizam os sujeitos para um mundo steampunk e para isso, como material de análise, foi escolhido o filme As Loucas Aventuras de James West (1999). Com base na vertente dos estudos culturais, considera-se que produtos midiáticos, como filmes, ensinam determinados modos de ser, estar e fazer, na relação aberta entre obra e espectador. No movimento inverso ao da produção cinematográfica, a escolha das cenas se deu identificando os sentidos que o filme produziu na pesquisadora, dentre os quais se destacou o conceito steampunk, que se tornou a ferramenta teórica da análise feita aqui. O steampunk coloca sobrasura diferentes conceitos e preconceitos que fluem por entre os grupos culturais, provocando pensamentos a respeito das informações que nos interceptam, das apropriações que fazemos, do que nos constituímos como participantes de uma geração profundamente afetada pela interrelação com os avanços tecnológicos e científicos. Deste modo, no processo de apropriação, entre lutas e desconfianças, em meio a processos de resistência, construímos/endereçamos de maneira negociada o significado de ciência, de homem, de máquina, conceitos que nos ensinam sobre um mundo steampunk, no qual relações de criação e interação formam um novo espaço. Por tais possibilidades entendemos que o material analisado pedagogiza e estabiliza modos de se viver e aceitar uma nova posição do homem, que já não é natureza em sua totalidade, que hibridizado se tornou ciborgue. Podemos, assim, apreender que o ato de assistir é um modo de apropriação e mediação cultural, de apropriação, pois nessa troca contrariam-se efeitos de homogeneização do cinema com relação ao grupo de espectadores que se pretende atingir. Encontramos neste trabalho subsídios para conjecturar que a educação pode ocorrer em diversos espaços da sociedade contemporânea, sendo a escola apenas um deles. Interpelados por filmes, propagandas, pela televisão, estamos a todo o momento sendo endereçados, particularmente neste caso, ensinados para a vida em uma sociedade tecnicista, uma vida steampunk. This dissertation has an objective of analyzing and problematizing the production in a way that teaches about or, that "pedagogys" the subjects of steampunk's world, for this analysis the chosen material was the movie Wild Wild West (1999). Grounded on cultural studies we believe media products, as movies, teach certain ways of being, feeling and acting, in an open relationship between the work and the viewer. In the opposite movement of movie production, the choice of the scenes occurred identifying the senses that the movie produced on the researcher, among these stands out steampunk concept that became the theoretical analysis tool here. The steampunk a theoretical tool that puts under-erasure different concepts and prejudices that flow through the cultural groups, teasing us to think about information we intercept, appropriations we make, that constitute ourselves as participants in a generation affected by interrelations with technological and scientific advances. Thus, in the process of appropriation, between fights and mistrust amid resistance processes built/address in a negotiated manner the meaning of science, man, machine, concepts that teach us about a world where stempunk creation and interaction relations form a new space. For these possibilities we understand that the material analyzed pedagogization and stabilizes ways to live and to accept a new position of man, it is no longer nature in its entirety, which hybridized became cyborg. We can thus learn that the act of watching is a mode of appropriation and cultural mediation, of ownership, as in this Exchange contradict homogenizing effects of cinema in relation to the Group of spectators to be achieved. We Found this job subsidies to conjecture that education can occur in several different spaces of contemporary society, being the school just one of them. Challenged by movies, television advertisements, we are all now being addressed, particularly in this case taught to life in a technical society, a life steampunk.

Natural and induced disturbances greatly influence the temporal distribution of ichthyoplankton abundance. This study assesses and compares the temporal variability of fish larvae assemblages in controlled and free environments to determine the influence of environment variables on the main taxa in these systems. The study was conducted at the Chapecó (without dam impact) and Ligeiro (with dam impact) river mouths, which are located in the upper Uruguay River. Samples were made between October 2001 and March 2004 during three reproductive periods. The larvae assemblages were composed of small and medium-sized Characiformes and Siluriformes. The variation in the distribution of larvae was mainly temporal (>85%). When the three reproductive periods were compared, it was observed in the second period, characterized by a larger water flow and a lower temperature, that there was a reduction in abundance, a lower number of taxa, an absence of stages in post-flexion and a high dissimilarity in larvae assemblage structure. In general, the environmental variables of water flow and temperature most influenced the distribution of egg and larvae abundance. In the studied area, a smaller temporal variability was observed in the structure of larvae assemblages at the sampling sites in the Chapecó River mouth than in in the Ligeiro River mouth under the influence of dams. Os distúrbios naturais e induzidos têm notável influência na distribuição temporal da abundância do ictioplâncton. Este estudo visa avaliar e comparar a variabilidade temporal das assembleias de larvas de peixes, entre ambientes regulados e ambientes livres, bem como, determinar a influência das variáveis ambientais sobre os principais táxons presentes nestes ambientes. O trabalho foi conduzido na foz dos rios Chapecó (sem impacto de barramento) e Ligeiro (impactado por barragens), ambos localizados no alto rio Uruguai. As coletas foram realizadas entre outubro de 2001 e março de 2004 durante três períodos reprodutivos. As assembléias de larvas estiveram compostas principalmente por Characiformes e Siluriformes de pequeno e médio porte. A variação na distribuição de larvas foi principalmente temporal (>85%). Quando comparados os três períodos reprodutivos, foi observado que no segundo período, caracterizado por uma maior vazão da água e menor temperatura, houve redução na abundância, menor número de táxons, ausência de estágios em pós-flexão e elevada dissimilaridade na estrutura da assembléia de larvas. Em geral, as variáveis ambientais vazão e temperatura da água foram as que mais influenciaram a distribuição da abundância de ovos e larvas. Nos ambientes estudados, foi observado que existe uma menor variabilidade temporal na estrutura das assembléias de larvas das estações presentes na foz do rio Chapecó do que naquelas presentes na foz do rio Ligeiro, o qual esta sob influência dos barramentos.

Fish, like other animals, choose environments for reproduction that are favorable for their offspring’s initial development. For example, these environments may be chosen to provide shelter and food. This study examined the fish larvae inhabiting the Ivinheima River sub-basin. The study aimed to (i) characterize the taxonomic composition of the larval fish fauna, (ii) analyze the structure of the larval assemblage, and (iii) verify the relationship between the larval assemblages and environmental variables. The sampling areas included three environments: the Ivinheima River, the Finado Raimundo Lagoon and the Patos Lagoon. Sampling was performed between October 2002 and March 2006 during four reproductive periods (RPs). The data were analyzed with correspondence analysis (CA) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA). A total of 120 619 larvae were collected. These larvae belonged to several species characterized by different reproductive strategies. Our results showed differences between the composition of the Ivinheima River’s assemblages, where there were more larvae of migratory fish, and the lagoons, where larvae of sedentary species were predominant. In addition, differences were found among the RPs evaluated in the Ivinheima River: the first and second RPs were characterized by milder floods and by a greater abundance of migratory piscivore larvae, whereas the third and fourth RPs had more outflow and a greater abundance of larvae of detritivore and omnivore species. We conclude that the Ivinheima River plays a significant role in the maintenance of native migratory fish stocks in the upper Parana River basin and that the environment shows a segregation of the spatial and temporal composition and abundance of larvae related to running and flooding/standing water.

Studies that assess reproduction dynamics and ichthyoplankton distributions are scarce for the upper Uruguay River, especially in environments such as tributary mouths. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate: (i) ichthyoplankton composition; (ii) spatial and temporal variation in ichthyoplankton abundance; and (iii) relationships between environmental variables and the abundance of ichthyoplankton during one annual cycle in this region. Monthly samples were collected from September 2001 to August 2002 in 48 h cycles at 6 h intervals between each sampling. Samples of eggs and larvae were collected from three of the main tributaries of the region (Ligeiro, Palomas and Chapeco rivers) and from three stretches of the Uruguay River near the confluence of these tributaries. Surface samples were collected with a 0.5 mm mesh cylindro-conical net. In general, reproductive seasonality was well-defined between October and February. It was most intense from November to January, when the photoperiod reached its highest values, flow was decreased, and the water temperature was increased. Based on egg and larval distributions, we found that spawning occurred mainly in the Ligeiro and Chapeco tributaries and in the Uruguay/Chapeco section. In contrast, fish spawning in the sites downstream of dams was more restricted. Finally, a difference was observed between the egg and larval distributions of the main river and its tributaries: the greatest reproductive activity in the tributaries occurred during periods of high flow and increased water temperature, while in the main river, more eggs and larvae were observed when the flow decreased and the water temperature increased.

In order to identify the ontogenetic changes in the food items assimilated by the larvae of Plagioscion squamosissimus and Hypophthalmus edentatus, we analyzed the stomach content and the nitrogen isotopic value (δ 15N) from the larvae. Samplings were performed monthly, from October 2002 to March 2003, and October 2003 to March 2004 in the subbasin of the Ivinheima River (Upper Parana River floodplain), Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. The food items assimilated by the larvae of P. squamosissimus changed with respect to the developmental stages. In the preflexion stage, we found a large contribution of phytoplankton, followed by zooplankton. During the flexion and post-flexion stages, we recorded a decrease in phytoplankton contribution, an increase in zooplankton contribution, and the presence of zoobenthos. In H. edentatus, phytoplankton made the greatest contribution, followed by zooplankton. Ontogenetic changes in δ 15N for this species were not detected. For both species, the food item predominantly...