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As Coleções Zoológicas Didáticas (CZD), quando contextualizadas, podem potencializar o ensino de zoologia e auxiliar os processos relativos à preservação e conservação das espécies. Este estudo relata uma experiência de Projeto de Ensino que, visando contribuir para ações de Educação Ambiental e o ensino e aprendizagem de zoologia, criou e implementou uma CZD em Escola Técnica do Município de São Vicente (SP). O material reuniu 30 espécies representativas da biodiversidade costeira do Litoral Centro de São Paulo, com potencial interdicisplinaridade a ser trabalhada nas aulas de ciências e biologia. Para implementar a CZD, foi oferecido um curso aos docentes da escola, além de material de apoio ao uso dessa coleção.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:32:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Brazilian endemic batoid elasmobranch populations have declined dramatically in the past 40 years due to anthropic activities (e.g., overfishing). The Brazilian guitarfish, Pseudobatos horkelii, included in the IUCN red list of endangered species [Critically Endangered (CR)], has been captured as by-catch by trawling fishing boats to the edge of extinction. Despite governmental conservation initiatives, the species is still caught and commercialized along the Brazilian coast. In this study, the authors report three rare aggregation events for the Brazilian coast of P. horkelii, inside the only nearshore no-entry Brazilian marine protected area. Strategies for its protection are also discussed. Laboratory of Ichthyology Department of Oceanography Federal University of Espírito Santo Marine Macroecology and Biogeography Laboratory Department of Ecology and Zoology Federal University of Santa Catarina Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM/UFRJ Avenida São José Barreto Biology of Teleosts and Elasmobranchs Laboratory (LABITEL) Department of Ecology and Zoology Federal University of Santa Catarina Elasmobranch Research Laboratory São Paulo State University Campus do Litoral Paulista Pça. Infante Dom Henrique Elasmobranch Research Laboratory São Paulo State University Campus do Litoral Paulista Pça. Infante Dom Henrique

The present study compares the trophic ecology of two guitarfishes (Pseudobatos percellens and Pseudobatos horkelii) from the continental shelf of the São Paulo State, Brazil, caught by the bottom pair trawls between 2007 and 2009. These two sympatric species are under different threat categories, "Vulnerable" and "Critically Endangered," respectively, according to Brazilian agencies. Thus, any study considering trophic ecology parameters is pivotal in understanding the trophic ecology role of such species in the ecosystem. The authors analysed 500 stomachs of P. percellens and 108 of P. horkelii, quantifying with dietary indexes: numerical (%N), gravimetric (%W), frequency of occurrence (%FO) and the prey-specific index of relative importance (%PSIRI). For P. percellens and P. horkelii, 26 and 14 different prey items were found, respectively. Crustacea and Teleostei were the most important prey items for both species, indicating a specialist feeding behaviour due to their low niche amplitude. The results provide evidence related to ontogenetic dietary shift in P. percellens and individual-level diet specialization in both species. These two benthic-demersal elasmobranchs are important mesopredators (3,7 for P. percellens, and 3,5 for P. horkelii) in the study area, with high trophic-level values.

The effects of fishing have been documented across coral reefs worldwide. No-take marine reserves do not only act as a conservation tool but also allow an opportunity to study impacts of fishing, by acting as control sites. In addition, well-planned and well-managed no-take marine reserves (NTRs) provide conservation benefits that are essential to marine biodiversity and ecosystem-based management. The Abrolhos Marine National Park, off the tropical Brazilian coast, protects part of the largest coral reef system in the South Atlantic. To investigate the effects of fishing on reef fish richness, abundance, biomass, and functional diversity of the fish assemblage, we compared sites across two protection levels considering the variation in habitats (Fringing Reefs—Protected; Pinnacles Reefs—Protected; and Coastal Reefs—Open Access), using Baited Remote Underwater Stereo-Video systems (stereo-BRUVs). We adjusted generalized additive mixed models of fish assemblage characteristics with protection levels and environmental variables, such as topographic complexity (mean relief and relief variation), visibility, and benthic cover percentage. Inside NTRs, we found higher total biomass and biomass of fishery target species and carnivores, specifically for the Carcharhinidae (sharks) and Epinephelidae (groupers) families, indicating direct fisheries effects on these groups. In contrast, the ecological parameters of non-target fish were positively correlated with habitat characteristics, including mean relief and variance of relief. Moreover, fish functional diversity was higher within NTRs, demonstrating an even distribution of functional entities. The presence of large mobile predators and the overall higher biomass of carnivores inside the NTR indicate the effect of fishing exclusion. Our results point to the value of NTRs to study the effects of fishing and achieve biodiversity conservation and suggest the importance of using remote sampling methods to assess large mobile predators.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:59:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-05-20 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) This study describes the fetal mummification process in two embryos of a 310 cm total length scalloped hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini caught in southeastern Brazil, in December 2017. Fourteen embryos were observed in total, in which two males in the left uterus presented different stages of mummification. Both mummified embryos were covered by an exudate (i.e., a mucous substance), indicating a hematic mummification process. All embryos were at the placentotrophic stage of development, indicating that they were close to parturition. An intrinsic characteristic is suggested as possible etiology for this condition, such as umbilical torsion, because both embryos were at different sizes and, therefore, at different development stages. In addition, the sample size did not allow the authors to presume any pollution effect once only one female was observed. Finally, fetal mummification and other embryonic development disorders might have populational impacts due to reduction in embryo survival and, consequently, recruitment. For this reason and considering that S. lewini is categorized as a critically endangered species, this study's results have conservational relevance. Univ Fed Rio Grande FURG, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Fisiol, Inst Ciencias Biol, Ave Italia Km 8, BR-96203900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Lab Pesquisas Elasmobranquios, Inst Biociencias, Sao Vicente, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Biol Zool, Inst Biociencias, Rio Claro, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Lab Pesquisas Elasmobranquios, Inst Biociencias, Sao Vicente, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Biol Zool, Inst Biociencias, Rio Claro, Brazil CAPES: 001 CNPq: 308430/2015-8

Este trabalho apresenta um guia de identificação simplificado das espécies de tubarões, raias e quimeras (conjuntamente chamados de peixes cartilaginosos) que ocorrem na costa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Esse trabalho é direcionado a pesquisadores, professores universitários, estudantes de biologia, oceanografia, veterinária, mergulhadores, pescadores, outros profissionais ligados ao mar, e mesmo o público em geral que se interesse pela vida marinha e pelos Chondrichthyes. As chaves de identificação são baseadas em caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos externos, de fácil conferência mesmo por leigos. Para cada ordem, família, gênero e espécie, são apresentados nomes populares, caracteres morfológicos distintivos, faixas de tamanho, distribuição espacial, hábitos e biologia, e outras observações quando pertinentes. Para a área estudada, são reconhecidas neste guia, tubarões: seis ordens, dezenove famílias, trinta e dois gêneros e sessenta e uma espécies; raias: quatro ordens, catorze famílias, vinte e quatro gêneros e trinta e oito espécies; quimeras: uma ordem, três famílias, três gêneros, quatro espécies e, finalmente, quimeras: uma ordem, três famílias, três gêneros e quatro espécies

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T20:09:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-08-15 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Nurse sharks are vulnerable of extinction in Brazil. Although its reproductive behavioral repertoire is already known, including indications that females are not passive to the attempts of males, no indication of proceptive behavior of females of this species is known. Considering that proceptive behavior is what initiates or increases the probability of a male exhibiting sexual behaviors directed at a female, the present study carried out behavioral observations in two groups of nurse sharks in reproductive period to identify possible proceptive behaviors. The present work identified a new behavior, here referred to as Body Movement (BM), as an indicator of proceptivity. This behavior corresponded on average to 47.68% of the reproductive behaviors performed by the females and its occurrence was positively correlated (r = 0.5143341 / p = 0.04152 - Spearman) with the occurrence of socio-reproductive behaviors of males. Being able to identify signs of proceptivity in animals is important to understand the reproductive context in which a group is found and to allow greater attention to animals that are able to reproduce, in order to create more efficient reproductive management programs to develop long-term sustainable population management. Sao Paulo State Univ, Biosci Inst, Elasmobranch Res Lab, Praca Infante Dom Henr S-N, BR-11330900 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil Aquario Sao Paulo, R Huet Bacelar 407, BR-04275000 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Vet Med & Husb, Dept Anim Reprod, Ave Prof Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, BR-05508010 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Biosci Inst, Elasmobranch Res Lab, Praca Infante Dom Henr S-N, BR-11330900 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001

The present study analysed the condition factor (K) and the hepato-somatic index (I H ) of the Brazilian sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii during its entire life cycle. Discontinuity of liver growth was observed after sexual maturity. High condition values were recorded in the length classes of 300-350 mm (neonates), when the livers represented about 8% of total mass, decreasing until the length classes of 400-450 and 450-500 mm in females and males, respectively. Seasonal analysis exhibited low I H values in the summer, while for K, low values were in spring, indicating greater investment for body growth during spring and for gonad maturation in summer. Such findings indicate that this small coastal shark species accumulates reserve substances in the liver that will be used during reproduction. The decline in I H values in juveniles suggests that reserves provisioned by the mother to the neonate liver can be used in the first months of life.

The night shark, Carcharhinus signatus, is a mesopelagic, semi‐oceanic shark species found only in the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most frequently caught sharks in pelagic longline fisheries and is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Despite their prevalence in commercial fisheries, the population genetic structure of the night shark has not been assessed. The present study investigated the genetic diversity, genetic connectivity, and phylogeography of the species throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, based on complete mitochondrial control region (mtCR) sequence data (n = 152) and genotypic data from nine nuclear microsatellites (n = 119). The mtCR sequence revealed 19 haplotypes, with overall haplotype and nucleotide diversities of 0.74 (±0.027) and 0.0034 (±0.0019), respectively, whereas the nuclear microsatellite observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.408 and 0.421, respectively. There was significant population structure (ФST = 0.429; P

Occurrence of multiple whitetip reef sharks Triaenodon obesus in the Atlantic Ocean is reported for the first time from near a sunken ferry off the Parana coast in south-eastern Brazil. This occurrence is hypothesized to have been caused by either a human introduction or a remarkably long oceanic displacement.

Many populations of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are experiencing severe declines due to the high demand for shark fins in Asia, the activities of unregulated fisheries, and increases in shark and ray catches. Recently, the effects of the decline in the populations of marine fish species on genetic diversity have drawn increasing attention; however, only a few studies have addressed the genetic diversity of shark and ray populations. Here, we report the results of a quantitative analysis of the genetic diversity of shark and ray species over the past 20 years and discuss the importance and utility of this genetic information for fisheries management and conservation policies. Furthermore, we suggest future actions important for minimizing the gaps in our current knowledge of the genetic diversity of shark and ray species and to minimize the information gap between genetic scientists and policymakers. We suggest that shark and ray fisheries management and conservation policies consider genetic diversity information, such as the management unit, effective population size (Ne), haplotype and nucleotide diversity, observed heterozygosity, and allelic richness, because the long-term survival of a species is strongly dependent on the levels of genetic diversity within and between populations. In addition, sharks and rays are a group of particular interest for genetic conservation due to their remarkable life histories.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:15:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-03-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Save Our Seas Foundation The silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis, is a large-bodied, oceanic-coastal, epipelagic species found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. Despite its commercial importance, concerns about overexploitation, and likely ecological significance of this shark as an upper trophic-level predator, understanding of its population dynamics remains unclear for large parts of its distribution. We investigated the genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history of the silky shark along the western Atlantic Ocean based on the use of 707 bp of the mitochondrial DNA control region (mtCR). A total of 211 silky sharks were sampled, originating from five areas along the western Atlantic Ocean. The mitochondrial sequences revealed 40 haplotypes, with overall haplotype and nucleotide diversities of 0.88 (± 0.012) and 0.005 (± 0.003), respectively. The overall population structure was significantly different among the five western Atlantic Ocean regions. Phylogenetic analysis of mtCR sequences from globally sourced silky shark samples revealed two lineages, comprising a western Atlantic lineage and western Atlantic—Indo-Pacific lineage that diverged during the Pleistocene Epoch. In general, tests for the demographic history of silky sharks supported a population expansion for both the global sample set and the two lineages. Although our results showed that silky sharks have high genetic diversity, the current high level of overexploitation of this species requires long-term, scientifically informed management efforts. We recommend that fishery management and conservation plans be done separately for the two western Atlantic matrilineal populations revealed here. Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP Instituto de Biociências de Rio Claro, Av. 24-A, 1515 Laboratório de Pesquisa de Elasmobrânquios Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP Campus do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante D. Henrique, s/n Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia., PO BOX 411 Save Our Seas Shark Research Center USA and Guy Harvey Research Institute Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive Laboratório de Oceanografia Pesqueira Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP Instituto de Biociências de Rio Claro, Av. 24-A, 1515 Laboratório de Pesquisa de Elasmobrânquios Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP Campus do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante D. Henrique, s/n FAPESP: #2009/59660-6 FAPESP: #2013/08675-7

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T20:13:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-11-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The age and growth of three endemic threatened guitarfish species were analysed using vertebrae of Pseudobatos horkelii, P. percellens and Zapteryx brevirostris. Edge and marginal-increment analyses were used to evaluate the periodicity of the formation of the band-pairs, suggesting deposition of one band-pair per year, from late winter to late spring. The von Bertalanffy growth model was used to describe the growth of these species with the following parameters, for pooled sexes: P. horkelii L-infinity = 126.93, k = 0.19 and t(0) = -1.51; P. percellens L-infinity = 109.31, k = 0.16 and t(0) = -1.78; Z. brevirostris L-infinity = 60.37, k = 0.24 and t(0) = -1.42. Our results are essential to understanding the resilience and vulnerability of these species to harvest, which can contribute to management and conservation actions of these species. Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Biol Sci, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Florida, Sch Forest Resources & Conservat, Fisheries & Aquat Sci Program, 427 McCarty Hall C,POB 110410, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Marine Ecol & Conservat Lab LABECMar, Santos, Brazil Moss Landing Marine Labs, Pacific Shark Res Ctr, Pob 450, Moss Landing, CA 95039 USA Sao Paulo State Univ, Biosci Inst, Elasmobranch Lab, Sao Paulo, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Biol Sci, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Biosci Inst, Elasmobranch Lab, Sao Paulo, Brazil FAPESP: #2010/02397-7 FAPESP: #2012/00713-4

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-04T12:37:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2019-10-09T18:34:06Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1679-62252019000100209.pdf: 3096853 bytes, checksum: b54e312f2e7cd9d539ef632adf7ef78f (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) This study provides information on the reproductive biology of the Brazilian blind electric ray Benthobatis kreffli, endemic to southern and southeastern Brazil. Individuals were caught by bottom trawl carried out in 2003 and 2007. at 492-501 m depth off the Sao Paulo State continental slope. A total of 152 females (115-299 mm) and 144 males (91-243 mm) were sampled. Maturity was first observed at 177 and 162 mm, with total length at 50% maturity of 191 and 176 mm in females and males respectively. Uterine fecundity ranged from 1-3 and was not related to female total length. Size at birth estimated from the largest near-term observed embryos and smallest free-swinuning ray was 91-100 nun. The low fecundity observed is typical of deepwater elasmobranch species, as well as late maturity in comparison with costal species. The relatively large size-atbirth suggests that this species invests more in length of each embryo than in litter size, increasing the offspring's survival chance. In this context, these parameters highlight the vulnerability of this and other deepwater species to non-natural death, mostly caused by deep-sea fisheries. Univ Fed Rio Grande, Inst Ciencias Biol, FURG, Av Italia Km 8, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Lab Pesquisa Elasmobranquios, Campus Litoral Paulista, BR-11380972 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil UNESP, Inst Biociencias, Campus Rio Claro,Av 24 A 1515, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Lab Pesquisa Elasmobranquios, Campus Litoral Paulista, BR-11380972 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil UNESP, Inst Biociencias, Campus Rio Claro,Av 24 A 1515, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001 CNPq: 308430/2015-8

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T20:09:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-08-20 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Owing to poorly mineralising structures, ageing deep-water elasmobranchs requires unconventional techniques. The aim of the present study was to develop an ageing method for the goblin sharkMitsukurina owstoni(Jordan, 1898) using Alcian blue staining of the vertebral column. One vertebral centrum from a male individual measuring 315.2-cm total length (TL) was aged with a minimum age of 27 years. Using a Bayesian von Bertalanffy growth model informed by back-calculated length at age, a literature search of maximum male TL, the TL of the smallest free-swimming individuals and informative priors, we estimated males grow to 374 cm TL, mature at 16 years and live up to 60 years. Our results provide useful life history information, with the aim of elucidating the cryptic biology of this deep-water shark. Oregon State Univ, Coastal Oregon Marine Expt Stn, 2030 SE Marine Sci Dr, Newport, OR 97365 USA Univ Florida, Sch Forest Resources & Conservat, Fisheries & Aquat Sci Program, 118 Newins Ziegler Hall,POB 110410, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA Moss Landing Marine Labs, Pacific Shark Res Ctr, 8272 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039 USA Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Marine Ecol & Conservat Lab, Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Biosci Inst, Elasmobranch Lab, Praca Infante Dom Henrique S-N,Parque Bitaru, BR-11380972 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Biosci Inst, Elasmobranch Lab, Praca Infante Dom Henrique S-N,Parque Bitaru, BR-11380972 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2010/02397-7

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:19:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-09-17 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The age and growth of subtropical populations of the Brazilian and Caribbean sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandiiandR. porosusrespectively) were determined by combining direct and indirect ageing methods, maximising the use of available information. Using vertebrae ageing forR. lalandii, the theoretical maximum length L-infinity and growth coefficientkwere 661.9 mm and 1.14 year(-1)for males and 751.7 mm and 0.59 year(-1)for females. Vertebrae were not sampled forR. porosus. Values ofL(infinity)andkfrom electronic length-frequency analyses (ELEFAN) were 762 mm and 0.71 year(-1)for maleR. lalandii, 791 mm and 0.67 year(-1) for femaleR. lalandii, 1040 mm and 0.41 year(-1)for maleR. porosusand 1165 mm and 0.31 year(-1) for female R. porosus. Growth during the first year of life in relation to birth size was 80.3% for R. lalandiiand 55% forR. porosus. Both species exhibit rapid growth, primarily in the first year of life. The growth estimates forR. lalandii and R. porosus are even faster than those reported in previous studies from tropical populations. Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Mar, Lab Ecol & Conservacao Marinha, Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Lab Pesquisa Elasmobranquios, Campus Litoral Paulista, BR-11330900 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil Oregon State Univ, Coastal Oregon Marine Expt Stn, 2030 SE Marine Sci Dr, Newport, OR 97365 USA Univ Florida, Sch Forest Resources & Conservat, Fisheries & Aquat Sci Program, 118 Newins Ziegler Hall,POB 110410, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA Inst Chico Mendes Conservacao Biodiversidade, Ctr Nacl Pesquisa & Conservacao Biodiversidade Ma, Ave Carlos Ely Castro,195 Ctr, BR-88301445 Itajai, SC, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Lab Pesquisa Elasmobranquios, Campus Litoral Paulista, BR-11330900 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2012/00713-4 FAPESP: 2010/02397-7

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:23:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-08-19 The movement and activity patterns of the nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, a vulnerable species off Brazil, were investigated using mark-recapture and acoustic telemetry at an oceanic insular Marine Protected Area, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. A total of 93 sharks were captured and tagged, ranging from 82 to 265 cm of total length (TL). Nurse sharks were captured throughout the year, and all life-stages used the insular shelf. Fifteen sharks (16% of the total) were recaptured after periods at liberty ranging from 3.5 h to 705 days, and the distances between tag and recapture locations ranged from 0.07 to 3.5 km. Site fidelity and movements of 10 sharks ranging from 107 to 265 cm TL were investigated for 18 months with an array of automated telemetry receivers. The mean period of detection of the monitored sharks was 66 days, ranging from 13 to 119 days. One individual 158 cm TL was monitored with active tracking for 17 days, with distances between daily locations ranging from 0.84 to 3.32 km, exhibiting movements similar to those of sharks monitored by automated telemetry. Despite remaining motionless or exhibiting short range movements for several hours or days, nurse sharks can be relatively wide-ranging, and protected areas alone cannot be the only conservation measure used to protect this species, which requires a set of protective measures, including fisheries management. Elasmobranch Research Lab, Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP, 11330-900 São Vicente, SP, Brazil Departamento de Botânica, Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970 Natal RN, Brazil College of Fishery Engineering, Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP, 11900-000 Registro SP, Brazil

Two defensive tactics of neonates of nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum, are reported based on underwater observations. Described as “hiding behaviour” and “substrate resemblance”, the defensive strategies were categorized according to the predominant habitat in which the individuals were found and to the behaviour displayed by the sharks in the presence of the observer. In structurally more complex habitats with a wide availability of shelters, the preferential behaviour displayed by neonates is to hide inside holes or crevices. When in open areas deprived of refuges, neonates tend to resemble arborescent coverings as seaweed banks or colonies of octocorals, which allows the use of more exposed habitats without increasing the susceptibility of capture by predators. Both aspects are relevant for a better understanding of the behaviour of neonates of G. cirratum and have important implications for identifying important habitat in nursery areas, and also for the management of this vulnerable species off South America.

In this paper we tested the hypothesis that potamotrygonid stingrays are expanding their distribution to novel areas via artificial passages constructed for river navigation in the Upper Parana River basin, Southeastern Brazil. Individuals of Potamotrygon falkneri and Potamotrygon motoro were captured, fitted externally with t-bar anchor tags, and released downstream of the Jupia Dam – a hydro power plant constructed in the 1970s that has no fish pass system, but had a navigation lock installed in 1998 for the movement of ships. A total of 182 stingrays were marked, and recaptures of individuals of both species occurred within a period of two to 12 months after the first capture, with recapture rates around 5% for P. falkneri (n=6) and 3% for P. motoro (n=2). Two individuals of P. falkneri were recaptured upstream of the Jupia Dam, about eight kilometers from the first capture site. This fact attests to the ability of stingrays to overcome artificial barriers such as hydro power plants through navigation locks. The Upper Parana River basin is densely populated, so the spread of potamotrygonids will increase the risk of injury from stingrays’ barbs. Their use of navigation locks is relevant for management actions, including reducing the risk of human-stingray interactions.

A new Southwestern Atlantic species of Parmaturus, P. angelae, new species, is described from two specimens captured off Brazil. It is distinguished from congeners by the following characters: origin of the first dorsal fin anterior to pelvic-fin origin, presence of well-developed upper and lower caudal crests of denticles, dorsal fins subequal, lateral denticles teardrop-shaped and lacking lateral cusplets, denticles evenly spaced, proportional dimensions, and vertebral counts. Parmaturus angelae, new species, is the second species of the genus reported from the Atlantic Ocean and only the third species outside of the Indo-West Pacific region. Parmaturus remains rather poorly defined as only two species have been studied anatomically in any detail.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-04T12:33:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 The Rio skate Rioraja agassizii is a threatened endemic skate species frequently caught as bycatch in the western South Atlantic. However, there is no biological information about its age and growth parameters, which would be necessary to provide science-based information for the development of management strategies for this species. The aim of the present study was to provide information about the age and growth parameters of R. agassizii. In all, 138 vertebrae from individuals ranging in size from 9.0 to 53.2-cm total length (TL) were analysed. The edge analysis indicated a trend for annual band deposition in the vertebrae. Maximum ages estimated for males and females were 6 and 10 years respectively. Akaike's information criterion indicated that the modified two-parameter form of the von Bertalanffy growth function (using length at birth L-0 = 9.0 cm TL) provided the best fit, with derived parameters of theoretical maximum length L-infinity = 49.6 cm TL and growth coefficient k = 0.27 for males and L-infinity = 59.0 cm TL and k = 0.22 for females. Our results are important to understanding the resilience of this skate species to harvest, which can contribute to the development of fisheries management strategies and conservation programs. Univ Florida, Florida Museum Nat Hist, Florida Program Shark Res, 1659 Museum Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA Fundacao Univ Fed Rio Grande, Inst Oceanog, Lab Ecol Paisagem Costeira, Ave Italia Quilometro 8, BR-96201900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Mar, Lab Ecol & Conservacao Marinha, Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonca,144 Encruzilhada, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Lab Pesquisa Elasmobranquios, Campus Litoral Paulista, BR-11380972 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Lab Pesquisa Elasmobranquios, Campus Litoral Paulista, BR-11380972 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil

Similar to many small, range-restricted elasmobranchs, the Brazilian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) is listed as ‘data deficient’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Data on stock assessment and sustainability are scarce, and there is no information on population structure. This constitutes a management problem because this shark comprises approximately 50% of the catch of small coastal sharks in Brazil. In this study, populations of R. lalandii distributed from the Caribbean to southern Brazil were investigated using sequences from the mitochondrial DNA control region. Analysis of molecular variance revealed strong structuring between population samples from the Caribbean and those from the Brazilian coast (ФST = 0.254, P

The reproductive biology of the guitarfish Rhinobatos percellens was studied from 751 specimens caught by bottom pair trawlers off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, between c. 24° 00' S; 45° 15' W and c. 25° 10' S; 47° 52' W, from September 2007 to August 2009. The total length (L(T)) and total mass (M(T)) relationship for males and females combined was M(T) = 1·29E-06 L(T) (3·15) (r = 0·99, n = 751). The mean L(T) of sexually mature specimens was 548 mm for males and 583 mm for females. Clasper growth was allometric and showed three distinct phases. Most claspers were calcified in specimens of c. 550 mm L(T). The mean diameter of the largest oocyte was 29·8 mm, the mean ovarian fecundity was seven oocytes and ovulation occurred between August and November. Uterine fecundity ranged from two to 13 embryos (mean of five embryos). Larger females had higher litter sizes and larger embryos; the size-at-birth was c. 200 mm L(T). The hepato-somatic index oscillated seasonally for males and females; the gonado-somatic index had little variation in males, but varied seasonally in females. The presence of many non-pregnant adult females and of encapsulated eggs during two consecutive seasons suggests a resting period between gestations and the possibility of diapause.

A cryptic lineage of hammerhead shark closely related to but evolutionarily distinct from the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) was recently documented in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Here, we demonstrate using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences that this cryptic lineage also occurs in the western South Atlantic Ocean, extending its distribution >7,000 km from its only previously reported location. Our results also further validate the existence of this evolutionarily distinct hammerhead shark lineage. The southern hemisphere cryptic individuals were 1.6 and 5.8% divergent from S. lewini (sensu stricto) for the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and mitochondrial control region loci, respectively, and formed a strongly supported, reciprocally monophyletic sister group to sympatric S. lewini. Coalescent analysis (ITS2 locus) yielded a divergence estimate of ~4.5 million years between S. lewini and the cryptic lineage. Given expanding concerns about overfishing of the large-bodied hammerhead sharks, this cryptic lineage needs to be formally recognized and incorporated into shark management and conservation planning to avoid the inadvertent, potential extirpation of a unique hammerhead lineage.

Sharks of the genus Rhizoprionodon are among the most important predators along the coastal marine ecosystems, and they represent an important economic resource for the small-scale fisheries. To properly manage and conserve exploited shark species, detailed analyses of their population structure are needed. To evaluate the gene flow and levels of the genetic diversity among populations of the Caribbean sharpnose shark R. porosus, we identified the nucleotide sequence based on collections (n = 321 specimens) from 10 different areas, including the Caribbean Sea and several locations along the entire Brazilian coast. The analysis of 802 nucleotides from the mitochondrial DNA control region revealed 53 distinct haplotypes. The majority of these haplotypes were restricted to their collection locales with a significant genetic structure detected among the overall populations (Φ ST = 0.237, P

Despite Springer’s (1964) revision of the sharpnose sharks (genus Rhizoprionodon), the taxonomic definition and ranges of Rhizoprionodon in the western Atlantic Ocean remains problematic. In particular, the distinction between Rhizoprionodon terraenovae and R. porosus, and the occurrence of R. terraenovae in South American waters are unresolved issues involving common and ecologically important species in need of fishery management in Caribbean and southwest Atlantic waters. In recent years, molecular markers have been used as efficient tools for the detection of cryptic species and to address controversial taxonomic issues. In this study 415 samples of the genus Rhizoprionodon captured in the western Atlantic Ocean from Florida to southern Brazil were examined for sequences of the COI gene and the D-loop and evaluated for nucleotide differences. The results on nucleotide composition, AMOVA tests, and relationship distances using Bayesian-likelihood method and haplotypes network, corroborates Springer’s (1964) morphometric and meristic finding and provide strong evidence that supports consideration of R. terraenovae and R. porosus as distinct species. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Nowadays, because of the constant increase in the capture and trade of sharks all over the world and reports of several species already showing important signs of over-exploitation, the establishment of registration mechanisms, evaluation and fishery control become urgent. Morphological identification of captured sharks is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, due to the removal of the animals’ parts. At this point, techniques of genetic identification through the molecular markers are considered essential tools for fishery monitoring. In this study, we present a method of multiplex-PCR, based on the gene Cytochrome Oxidase I, with species-specific primers developed for simultaneous identification of nine species of lamniform and carcharhiniform sharks, some of which are worldwide distributed.

The RFLP represents a fast and non-expensive tool to access species identification and can be used by fishery and law enforcement authorities to gather data from legal and illegal ray fisheries. In the present study, partial sequences of 16S and COI mitochondrial genes were submitted to RFLP analysis and the results showed that there is a high interspecific variability and no intraspecific polymorphism, making them an useful marker for guitarfish identification. All samples of Rhinobatidae: Rhinobatos percellens, R. horkelli, and Zapteryx brevirostris were positively identified. The main contribution of these forensic identification techniques is the possibility of evaluating population genetics of species status in order to improve conservation plans involving these species.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:42:51Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1676-06032009000300004.pdf: 336166 bytes, checksum: 494bad2e5b3c6a977bdeaf682399badf (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:42:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1676-06032009000300004.pdf: 336166 bytes, checksum: 494bad2e5b3c6a977bdeaf682399badf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-09-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:30:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1676-06032009000300004.pdf: 336166 bytes, checksum: 494bad2e5b3c6a977bdeaf682399badf (MD5) S1676-06032009000300004.pdf.txt: 28674 bytes, checksum: 03d5a4804db9746836ffdc9812c9a104 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-09-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:12:19Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1676-06032009000300004.pdf: 336166 bytes, checksum: 494bad2e5b3c6a977bdeaf682399badf (MD5) S1676-06032009000300004.pdf.txt: 28674 bytes, checksum: 03d5a4804db9746836ffdc9812c9a104 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:12:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1676-06032009000300004.pdf: 336166 bytes, checksum: 494bad2e5b3c6a977bdeaf682399badf (MD5) S1676-06032009000300004.pdf.txt: 28674 bytes, checksum: 03d5a4804db9746836ffdc9812c9a104 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-09-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Estômagos de 222 tubarões-azuis coletados ao longo da costa brasileira foram analisados, sendo 116 da região nordeste e 106 da região sul. Um total de 51 táxons de presas foram identificados. Os itens mais importantes na região sul foram baleias Mysticeti, teleósteos, o peixe gempilídeo Ruvettus pretiosus e o nomeídeo Arioma bondi. Cefalópodes foram mais diversos, com preferência pelas espécies migradoras verticais Histioteuthis spp., Cranchiidae e o polvo epipelágico Ocythoe tuberculata. Na região nordeste, o tubarão-azul consumiu principalmente teleósteos, incluindo o peixe alepisaurídeo Alepisaurus ferox e o gempilídeo Gempylus serpens. Entre os cefalópodes, Histioteuthis spp. e o polvo epipelágico Tremoctopus violaceus foram os itens principais. Predação sobre cardumes foi ocasional, como observada para Arioma bondi. Aves também foram consumidas em ambas as regiões. Puffinus gravis foi o quinto item mais freqüente na região nordeste. Durante o ciclo migratório reprodutivo, o tubarão-azul costuma predar nas adjacências da termoclina, que é mais profunda na região nordeste e mais perto da superfície na região sul. Stomachs from 222 blue sharks collected along the Brazilian coast were analyzed - 116 from the northeastern region and 106 from the southern region. A total of 51 prey taxa were identified. The most important prey items in the southern region were Mysticeti whales, teleosteans, the gempylid Ruvettus pretiosus and the nomeid Arioma bondi. Cephalopods were more diverse, with dominance of vertical migrants Histioteuthis spp., Cranchiidae and the epipelagic octopus Ocythoe tuberculata. In the northeastern region, blue sharks consumed mainly teleosteans, including the alepisaurid Alepisaurus ferox and the gempylid Gempylus serpens. Among cephalopods, Histioteuthis spp. and the epipelagic octopus Tremoctopus violaceus were the dominant items. Predation upon schooling prey was occasional, as observed on Arioma bondi. Birds also were consumed in both regions; Puffinus gravis was the fifth most frequent item in the northeastern region. During the reproductive migration cycle, blue sharks likely prey in the thermocline, which is deeper in the northeastern region and closer to the surface in the southern region. Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Biologia Marinha Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) Departamento de Pesca Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Biologia Marinha

Summary Size-related and seasonal evaluation of the dietary composition of fat snook (Centropomus parallelus Poey 1860) in the upper sector of an estuary of the southeastern coast of Brazil were carried out based on stomach analyses of specimens ranging from 40 to 170 mm standard length. Results reveal that C. parallelus is a carnivorous species feeding mainly on benthic crustaceans. Relatively high stomach replenishment suggests that this environment is an important feeding ground for fat snook juveniles. Multivariate analyses indicated that predator size effect is significantly more important than seasonal variation in determining dietary composition. Predator length was associated with increased consumption of palaemonid shrimps (Macrobrachium spp.) and grapsid crabs, and decreased foraging on tanaids (Kalliapseudes schubarti), thus showing a preference shift from smaller to larger prey. Predator length was also positively associated with an increase in the stomach repletion index. Additionally, allometric growth of both gape and head were consistently correlated with this ontogenetic dietary transition, suggesting that such changes might be related to an individual’s ability to capture and consume larger, more elusive prey. The digestive tube is short and grows isometrically, which is in accordance with the carnivorous habit of this estuarine fish and its maintenance through ontogeny.

A molecular approach based on nuclear 5S rDNA sequence variability was applied successfully to correctly identify samples from the two Rhizoprionodon species collected in the wild or sold in markets. The sequence of the non-transcribed spacer (NTS) of the 5S rDNA showed high interspecific variability and no intraspecific polymorphism, making it a useful marker for sharpnose shark identification. Polymorphisms in the NTS sequences of Rhizoprionodon sharks also created unique restriction patterns for each species after PCR-RFLP analysis. The 5S rDNA polymorphism represents a fast and non expensive tool to access species identification when rapid and unequivocal identification of shark products is needed, particularly for future management and other investigations.

Motta, F. S., Namora, R. C., Gadig, O. B. F., and Braga, F. M. S. 2007. Reproductive biology of the Brazilian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) from southeastern Brazil. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1829–1835. The reproductive biology of the Brazilian sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon lalandii, off southeastern Brazil was investigated using data from gillnet landings. The size-at-maturity for males and females was estimated to be 59 and 62 cm total length (LT), respectively. Ovarian fecundity ranged from 3 to 7 follicles (mean = 4.54), and uterine fecundity from 1 to 5 embryos (mean = 3.3). There was a slight positive relationship between female LT and the number of ovarian follicles, but uterine fecundity was not related to female LT. Embryonic growth is fast following fertilization during summer and autumn. Gestation requires 11–12 months, and peak parturition is between August and September. A comparison of size-at-maturity between animals from northeastern and southeastern Brazil suggests the existence of at least two stocks of R. lalandii along the Brazilian coast.

Although the Brazilian sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon lalandii (Muller and Henle, 1839), is an inshore species widely distributed in the Western Atlantic from Panama to Uruguay, there is little available information on its biology. During a long-term study of small coastal sharks caught by gill net fisheries in southeastern Brazil (PROJETO CACAO), 3643 specimens of R. lalandii were examined, comprising 61.3% of the total sharks, and including all sizes classes, from 30 to 78.5 cm TL, and weights from 100 to 2950 g. The length–weight relationships were not significantly different between sexes. Overall sex ratio favoured the males slightly at the rate of 1.3:1. Sex ratios, however, did differ significantly between season and size classes. This species occurred in this area all year long. Three seasonal size-class occurrence patterns were recognized: (1) between October and March, the juveniles were more frequent; (2) from April to July, adults were most common; and (3) from August to September, neonates were most numerically abundant. Such patterns were associated with reproductive tactics that may reduce intra-specific and inter-specific competition with hammerhead shark neonates ( Sphyrna lewini ), probably result in reduced natural mortality of the offspring during their first few months.

Summary This study reports the length–weight relationships (LWRs) for two elasmobranch species, Rhinobatos horkelii Muller & Henle, 1841 and Zapteryx brevirostris (Muller & Henle, 1841) collected from the southwestern Atlantic, off Brazil. Both are considered endangered species. The LWR data can be taken into consideration for further management and conservation plans.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-19T16:20:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-12-01Bitstream added on 2015-03-19T16:29:21Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1676-06032014000400402.pdf: 259839 bytes, checksum: 719b8758b554b3b61dffaf43829d4bbf (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) A pesca de pequena escala tem uma grande importância socioeconômica no Brasil. Diferenças regionais ao longo da costa, relacionadas principalmente aos locais de desembarque, artes de pesca e espécies- alvo tornam a sua avaliação e monitoramento difíceis. O objetivo do presente estudo foi apresentar uma lista das espécies de peixes ósseos capturadas pela pesca artesanal na costa de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil, com comentários sobre a sua abundância relativa e estado de conservação. Foram monitorados 315 desembarques da frota pesqueira, registrando 106 espécies, distribuídas em 38 famílias. As famílias Sciaenidae e Carangidae foram as mais representativas em número de espécies. A pescada amarela, Macrodon atricauda, foi a espécie mais abundante, correspondendo a 28,03% do número total de peixes capturados. Onze das espécies mais abundantes são classificadas como Sobre-explotadas no país ou Próximo de Ameaça de Extinção no estado de São Paulo. Esses resultados reforçam a relevância de avaliar e manejar as pescarias artesanais. Small-scale fisheries have a great socioeconomic importance in Brazil. Different regional characteristics along the coast, mostly related to landing sites, equipment used, and targeted species, renders its assessment and monitoring difficult. The aim of this paper is to present a list of species of bony fishes (Teleostei) caught by artisanal fisheries along the São Paulo coast, southeastern Brazil and to provide comments on the relative abundance and conservation status of those species. A total of 315 fishing fleet landings were surveyed, and 106 species distributed among 38 families were recorded. Sciaenidae and Carangidae were the most frequent families in species number. The southern king weakfish, Macrodon atricauda, was the most abundant species, representing 28.03% of the total number of specimens caught. Eleven of the most abundant species are classified as Overexploited in the country or as Near Threatened in the state of São Paulo. These findings reinforce the relevance of assessing and managing artisanal fisheries. Universidade Federal de São Paulo Departamento de Ciências do Mar Instituto Linha D′ Água Instituto de Pesca, Programa de Monitoramento da Atividade Pesqueira Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Laboratório de Pesquisa em Elasmobrânquios Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Laboratório de Pesquisa em Elasmobrânquios FAPESP: 1999/04085-1

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:08:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-01-01 This study presents the second worldwide report on abnormal embryos of the sharpnose sharks, Rhizoprionodon, based on the two species (Rhizoprionodon porosus and Rhizoprionodon lalandii) occurring on the Brazilian coast. For R. porosus two conjoined twin embryos showing complete duplication of the vertebral column, viscera and several external structures (head, first and second dorsal fins, pectoral fins), and scoliosis in both axis at the pelvic fin level are reported. The three embryos of R. lalandii exhibited numerous lordosis and kyphosis along the entire vertebral column. The possible relationship between anomalies and the human major threats to sharks is discussed based on previous reproductive, genetic and ecotoxicological studies on R. lalandii for southern Brazil. UNESP Campus de Rio Claro, Rua 24A no 1515 Laboratório de Pesquisa de Elasmobrânquios UNESP Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n UNESP Campus de Rio Claro, Rua 24A no 1515 Laboratório de Pesquisa de Elasmobrânquios UNESP Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n

A new species of Dasyatis is described from the southwestern Atlantic, off northeastern Brazil. It differs from its congeners by its relatively large eyes, presence of well-developed dorsal and ventral finfolds on tail ending approximately on the same vertical line, dorsal and ventral color patterns, and possession of distinct ventral markings on disc. Adults are apparently associated with coral or sandstone reefs. Uma nova especie de Dasyatis e descrita do Atlântico ocidental, da costa nordeste do Brasil. Ela difere de suas congeneres pelos olhos relativamente grandes, pela presenca de membranas dorsais e ventrais bem desenvolvidas na cauda, terminando aproximadamente na mesma linha vertical, pelo padrao de colorido dorsal e ventral, e por possuir manchas distintas ventrais no disco. Adultos sao aparentemente associados a recifes coralinos ou areniticos.

The authors report a spiny dogfish (Squalus cubensis/megalops group) sting of a professional fisherman. He was injured on the left hand by the spine anterior to the fish's dorsal fin and manifested local edema, erythema, and excruciating pain for 6 h. Sharks of the genus Squalus megalops/cubensis and Squalus acanthias are found throughout the world; they have two spines in front of their dorsal fins and channels with a whitish mass containing large vacuolated cells which secrete venom. The Squalus genus has a complex taxonomy; the species involved in this injury belongs to the megalops/cubensis group. A detailed taxonomic and toxinological study on the Squalus genus is important and would complement other work on these fish, especially as stings in humans are very rare and not fully understood.

The authors report an injury caused by a spiny dogfish (Squalus sp) in a professional fisherman that was got hurt in the left hand for a spine in the dorsal fin of the fish and felt excruciating local pain for 6 h and manifested local edema and erythema. The sharks of the Squalus gender, in a similar way to the gender Heterodontus, present two spines in position previous to the dorsal fins, with channels presenting a whitish mass, composed of great and vacuolated cells that produce venom. The Squalus gender has a complex taxonomy, with five nominal species mentioned in Brazil: S. acanthias, S. blainvillei, S. cubensis, S. megalops and S. mitsukurii. The species associated to the injury belongs to the group 'megalops/cubensis'. A detailed study on the taxonomy and toxinology of the Squalus gender in Brazil would be of vital importance in the resolution of those problems and it would serve as subsidy for any other works involving their representatives, besides with aspects of envenoming that this gender can cause and that has rare citations in the literature.

Two to 14 alleles were found to be segregating per locus (mean 5·2), with observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0·08 to 0·78 and 0·08 to 0·94, respectively. Cross-amplification of six of these microsatellite loci indicated that they are also polymorphic in three species of Carcharhiniformes and two species of Lamniformes. The newly developed primers reported here constitute a useful tool for genetic population analyses on Prionace glauca and, potentially, other related species.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:59:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-01-01 This paper reports the first well-documented specimen of the goblin shark, Mitsukurina owstoni in the south-western Atlantic, based on a mature male measuring 3152 mm total length, caught on 27 November 2008 off the Rio de Janeiro coast, south-east Brazil. Conepe-Conselho Nacional de Pesca e Aquicultura, Setor Hoteleiro sul, Edifício Brasil 21 UNESP, Campus Experimental Do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante Dom Henrique S/n UNESP, Campus Experimental Do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante Dom Henrique S/n

Three juvenile Brazilian sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) caught in gillnets in southeast Brazil, southwest Atlantic, were found with plastic debris rings around their gill or mouth region. The rings caused severe abrasion on the sharks' tissues as the animal grew, the collars probably hampering normal feeding and/or ventilation since two of the collared individuals were emaciated. The rings were identified as detachable lid parts from plastic bottles, likely thrown overboard by fishery and/or recreation boats. As several carcharhinid shark species dwells and reproduce in shallow waters, the impact of discarded plastic debris likely is greater on this shark type.

Rhizoprionodon lalandii and R. porosus are widely distributed along the Atlantic coast of the Americas, living close to coastal areas and therefore frequently captured by seaboard fisheries. However, morphological identification of species in this genus is very difficult, especially when sharks have their heads and fins removed, making information about fishing, trading, and the evaluation of fishery effects on species conservation very difficult. This study's main objective is to develop molecular tools to identify these species using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. Both techniques result in good low-cost markers and may be very useful in future studies about the exploitation of these species.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:42:33Z No. of bitstreams: 0 Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:42:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:29:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:12:19Z No. of bitstreams: 0 Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:12:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Foram estudados os hábitos alimentares da raia-viola-de-focinho-curto, Zapteryx brevisrostris, com base em 382 espécimes coletados no litoral norte de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. A dieta mostrou predominância de crustáceos (carídeos e anfípodes), anelídeos poliquetos e ocasionalmente pequenos peixes, sipunculídeos e cefalópodes. A dieta de machos e fêmeas mostrou-se similar, entretanto, juvenis, subadultos e adultos demonstraram diferenças na composição de presas. As frequências dos itens diferiram ao longo do ano, provavelmente influenciadas por fatores oceanográficos, embora, em geral, a espécie se alimente predominantemente de crustáceos e poliquetos. The feeding habits of the shortnose guitarfish, Zapteryx brevirostris, were studied based on 382 specimens from the northern São Paulo coast, southeast Brazil. The diet showed a predominance of crustaceans (carideans and amphipods), polychaete annelids, and occasionally small fish, sipunculids, and cephalopods. The diets of males and females were similar; however, differences in the proportion of prey items were found among juveniles, subadults, and adults. Differences in the ingestion of prey items were found during the year, probably influenced by oceanographic parameters, although in general, the species feeds mostly on crustaceans and polychaetes. Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Laboratório de Biologia e Taxonomia de Chondrichthyes Universidade de Taubaté Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Laboratório de Biologia e Taxonomia de Chondrichthyes

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:43:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1679-62252009000200012.pdf: 53246 bytes, checksum: 983cb8a455c97919ffd873566b9fde20 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:43:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1679-62252009000200012.pdf: 53246 bytes, checksum: 983cb8a455c97919ffd873566b9fde20 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T18:39:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1679-62252009000200012.pdf: 53246 bytes, checksum: 983cb8a455c97919ffd873566b9fde20 (MD5) S1679-62252009000200012.pdf.txt: 20133 bytes, checksum: 80313c566bf0c6239521867b2dfd614d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:52:30Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1679-62252009000200012.pdf: 53246 bytes, checksum: 983cb8a455c97919ffd873566b9fde20 (MD5) S1679-62252009000200012.pdf.txt: 20133 bytes, checksum: 80313c566bf0c6239521867b2dfd614d (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:52:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1679-62252009000200012.pdf: 53246 bytes, checksum: 983cb8a455c97919ffd873566b9fde20 (MD5) S1679-62252009000200012.pdf.txt: 20133 bytes, checksum: 80313c566bf0c6239521867b2dfd614d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Tubarões do gênero Rhizoprionodon são considerados predadores de grande importância ao longo da cadeia trófica nos ecossistemas costeiros e marinhos, também representando um importante recurso econômico para a pesca, especialmente no litoral brasileiro. A fim de analisar a estrutura populacional do tubarão Rhizoprionodon lalandii no litoral de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil, foram identificados os níveis de diversidade genética a partir da análise de sequências nucleotídicas da região controladora do DNA mitocondrial. Os dados obtidos neste estudo apresentam valores moderados de diversidade haplotípica e baixos índices de diversidade nucleotídica. Embora os testes de AMOVA (ΦST = 0,08394, P < 0,01) tenham revelado uma pequena diferença entre as amostras estudadas, evidências sobre a ocorrência de estruturação populacional não foram encontradas o que pode representar uma característica geral para tubarões vivendo em áreas costeiras. Sharks of the genus Rhizoprionodon can be considered some of the most important predators along the trophic coastal marine ecosystems and represent an important economic resource for the small-scale fisheries, especially on the Brazilian coastline. In order to analyze the population structure of the shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii of São Paulo, Southeastern coast of Brazil, levels of genetic diversity were identified by nucleotide sequence analyses of the mitochondrial DNA control region. The results obtained from this study present moderate values of haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. Although the AMOVA tests (ΦST = 0.08394, P < 0.01) had shown slightly differences among the studied samples, evidence for the occurrence of population structuring was not found, which may be a general feature of sharks living in coastal areas. Universidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu Departamento de Morfologia Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista Universidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu Departamento de Morfologia Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista

SummaryIn this study, we attempted a molecular characterization of the 5S rDNA in two closely related species of carcharhiniform sharks,Rhizoprionodon lalandiiandRhizoprionodon porosus, as well as a further comparative analysis of available data on lampreys, several fish groups and other vertebrates. Our data show thatRhizoprionodonsharks carry two 5S rDNA classes in their genomes: a short repeat class (termed class I) composed of ~185 bp repeats, and a large repeat class (termed class II) arrayed in ~465 bp units. These classes were differentiated by several base substitutions in the 5S coding region and by completely distinct non-transcribed spacers (NTS). In class II, both species showed a similar composition for both the gene coding region and the NTS region. In contrast, class I varied extensively both within and between the two shark species. A comparative analysis of 5S rRNA gene sequences of elasmobranchs and other vertebrates showed that class I is closely related to the bony fishes, whereas the class II gene formed a separate cartilaginous clade. The presence of two variant classes of 5S rDNA in sharks likely maintains the tendency for dual ribosomal classes observed in other fish species. The present data regarding the 5S rDNA organization provide insights into the dynamics and evolution of this multigene family in the fish genome, and they may also be useful in clarifying aspects of vertebrate genome evolution.

Summary Presented are the length-weight relationships for eight shark species (Families Carcharhinidae and Sphyrnidae) caught by the small-scale fishery in southeastern Brazil, from July 1996 to December 2003.

This paper reports the occurrence of the fifth species of Mobula in the western Atlantic, M. thurstoni, based on specimens caught by artisanal and driftnet fisheries in coastal waters off southern Brazil.