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In spite of the utility of DNA barcoding in discriminating marine fish species, few studies using this technique are available along the Brazilian coast, which encompasses nearly 9000 km, distinct biogeographic regions and endemism rates. Therefore, in the present work, we provided the first DNA barcode library based on sequencing of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) for Actinopterygii fish from northeastern coast of Brazil. The database included 459 specimens from 54 genera, 31 families and 13 orders, with mean interspecific genetic distance of and mean intraspecific distance of 0.15%. As a result, the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree resulted in the molecular identification of 78 taxa. Cryptic species were indicated in Eucinostomus (mojarras) since the 82 specimens morphologically identified as Eucinostomus melanopterus or Eucinostomus sp. formed five clusters with intraspecific genetic distances up to 0.31% and lowest interspecific distance of 11.14%. Eucinostomus jonesii and Eucinostomus harengulus were identified for the first time in ichthyofauna inventories from northeastern Brazil. The present work has also added new records to the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), thereby favoring the identification of other specimens at different life stages or in forensic studies. The present dataset reinforces the reliability of DNA barcoding to estimate the overlooked richness of marine fish in Brazilian coast with application in conservation, ecology, systematics and fisheries.

Top-down control is an important force modulating the abundance of prey and structuring marine communities. The harvested trigonal clam Tivela mactroides is hypothesized to be part of the diet of a variety of marine organisms, with its stock influencing predator abundance and being influenced by them. Here we analyzed the diet of potential predators of T. mactroides in Caraguatatuba Bay, northern coast of Sao Paulo State, Brazil, to identify the main consumers of this marine resource, and also to address the importance of this clam in the diet of each predator. Samples were taken year-round by trawls; all specimens collected were identified and measured and the food items identified and quantified. Twenty-one species consumed T. mactroides , whose importance in the diet varied greatly in both the volume ingested and the frequency of occurrence (pompano Trachinotus carolinus > blue crab Callinectes danae > starfish Astropecten marginatus ). Top-down influence on T. mactroides was also dependent on the abundance of consumers (yellow catfish Cathorops spixii > rake stardrum Stellifer rastrifer > barred grunt Conodon nobilis > A . marginatus ). Considering the mean volume ingested, the frequency of occurrence of T. mactroides in the diet, and the relative abundance of consumers, the predators that most influenced T. mactroides were T . carolinus , A. marginatus , and C . danae , in decreasing order. Large numbers of small-sized individuals of T . mactroides ( A . marginatus , which may have a stronger effect on clam abundance in comparison to C . danae and T . carolinus , which preyed upon larger clams. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that predators' consumption of T. mactroides in Caraguatatuba Bay can influence its stocks, mainly due to the type and/or abundance of predator species, the volume and number of individuals of T. mactroides preyed upon, and the temporal variations in the abundance of predators.

The population biology, life history parameters and diet of the shorthead drum Larimus breviceps were assessed in Caraguatatuba Bight, a shallow non-estuarine environment. Two homogeneous areas, South and North, were selected, avoiding major sources of continental waters. Monthly from October 2003 to October 2004, three random samples were taken by trawling from 800 to 1600 m outward from the waterline. Larimus breviceps was the third most abundant species during the study period, and was considerably more abundant from February to May 2004. Smaller individuals were also more abundant during this period, which we therefore considered the main recruitment period of the species. The predominance of individuals of a limited size range (6–12 cm total length) seems to indicate that the area functions as a nursery for L. breviceps, sheltering late-juvenile individuals. This feature complicated the estimation of life history parameters, but by taking into account the peculiarities of the area and the identification of similar modal progressions during the sampling period, we obtained reasonable values for the parameterization of the von Bertalanffy Growth Model (L∞ = 32.25 cm, K = 0.72, tmax 4.38 y, Z = 12.104). The total mortality index does not reflect mortality rates only, but also the migration of older individuals to other, probably deeper, areas. The diet was based mainly on Crustacea, specifically Decapoda shrimps, with slight seasonal alterations.

This study describes the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology, and diet of the puffer fish Lagocephalus laevigatus in Caraguatatuba Bay, south-eastern Brazil. Monthly samples were taken between August 2003 and October 2004 by trawls in two areas, south and north, at depths of 1 to 4 m. The fish were measured and their sex and reproductive stage determined. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months, and the items in the diet were identified and quantified. Lagocephalus laevigatus was rare in Caraguatatuba Bay, where only 199 small individuals (4.8 to 15.4 cm) were obtained in the entire study period, suggesting that this species uses the estuary as a nursery. None of the specimens of L. laevigatus captured in Caraguatatuba Bay were sexually mature. Higher densities of L. laevigatus in the bay were recorded in the south area and between October and December 2003, i.e. in the spring, suggesting that spawning may occur from late winter to spring (August through to November). The diet items consumed by L. laevigatus in Caraguatatuba Bay were, as expected from the current literature, crustaceans, mainly amphipods, and fish. However, the most-consumed item was the sea whip Leptogorgia setacea (Cnidaria). This feeding habit may be related to the presence of toxins (tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin) that are frequently found in the skin and viscera of L. laevigatus, which may be sequestered from the sea whip, which possibility still needs to be specifically evaluated.

Objetivou-se investigar a possível presença de fatores estressores no ambiente de convívio de cães por meio de aplicação de questionário aos tutores. Foi utilizada amostra de conveniência constituída por 50 cães atendidos de forma recorrente no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU). Os dados foram coletados por dois veterinários submetidos a treinamento prévio e as respostas transferidas para banco de dados (software EpiInfo-6.04) e apresentadas de forma descritiva. A maioria dos tutores mantinha seus animais dentro de casa (16%, n = 8) e no quintal (22%, n = 11), porém, em 70% (n = 35) dos casos o ambiente de convivência dos cães passou por transformação nos últimos seis meses. Quanto aos fatores sociais, 16% (n = 8) tiveram a adição de um novo animal ao convívio e 30% (n = 15) tiveram o lazer reduzido. Tutores (64%, n = 32) relataram repreender seus cães quando estes demonstram comportamentos indesejados, sendo a tentativa de cópula com objetos e pessoas o mais citado, e 46% (n = 23) afirmaram puni-los com agressões diretas. Os cães avaliados têm constante comportamento de medo (74%, n = 37) e têm preferido ficar isolados nos últimos dias (60%, n = 30). Conclui-se que os tutores de animais podem fornecer informações válidas acerca de possíveis fatores estressantes em cães, auxiliando os médicos veterinários no diagnóstico.

Pomadasys corvinaeformis inhabits sandy and rocky bottoms in coastal waters, and is common in trawl samples taken from beaches. The species is very abundant on the Brazilian coast, and is of high economic and ecological importance. This study examined the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology and diet of P. corvinaeformis in Southeastern Brazil. Samples were taken by trawling monthly from August 2003 to October 2004, in two previously selected areas. The Northern area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the Southern area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The length of the specimens was measured, and the sex and gonadal stage were macroscopically identified. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months. The diet was analyzed seasonally by the frequency of occurrence, the percent volume, and the index of alimentary importance. P. corvinaeformis occurred in unequal proportions in the two study areas (86% in the Northern area and 14% in the Southern area) and was found most abundant in May 2004, followed by June 2004. The proportion of mature and in-maturation individuals increased gradually from autumn to summer. Nine major groups of food items were recorded in the diet of P. corvinaeformis, and crustaceans comprised five of the categories: unidentified crustacean fragments, zoea larvae, amphipods, copepods and shrimps. In both, fish stomach and intestine, crustacean fragments were the most frequent item. The second most frequent items were shrimp in the stomach, and amphipods in the intestine (mainly represented by their tubes). These results demonstrate that P. corvinaeformis can be considered a carnivore, with a preference on benthic organisms.

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the population biology of Conodon nobilis (Perciformes, Haemulidae) in Caraguatatuba Bight, southeastern Brazil. Monthly trawls were performed from October 2003 through October 2004 in two areas of the bight that are similar to but distant from each other, South and North. For all specimens, the size was measured and the sex and reproductive stage identified. Abundance and size were compared over areas and months. Body growth parameters were parameterized according to the Von Bertalanffy growth function. The stomach contents were identified and quantified. C. nobilis occurred mainly in the North area and showed an erratic pattern of abundance over time. Several cohorts entered in different periods, but very few large and mature individuals were observed. The results indicate a preference for shallow, ocean-influenced habitats and some degree of segregation between young and older individuals. The species showed a distribution consistent with an r-strategist species, with high abundance and a high growth constant (K = 0.68 year−1 and L max = 34.2 cm). Both the relative length of the digestive tube and the prey items indicated a carnivorous feeding habit; mysids were the main item of the diet throughout the study period, indicating that this grunt is a specialist feeder. Other frequently observed items were amphipods and fish fragments. Ingestion of scales is possibly intentional.

Pomadasys corvinaeformis inhabits sandy and rocky bottoms in coastal waters, and is common in trawl samples taken from beaches. The species is very abundant on the Brazilian coast, and is of high economic and ecological importance. This study examined the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology and diet of P. corvinaeformis in Southeastern Brazil. Samples were taken by trawling monthly from August 2003 to October 2004, in two previously selected areas. The Northern area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the Southern area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The length of the specimens was measured, and the sex and gonadal stage were macroscopically identified. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months. The diet was analyzed seasonally by the frequency of occurrence, the percent volume, and the index of alimentary importance. P. corvinaeformis occurred in unequal proportions in the two study areas (86% in the Northern area and 14% in the Southern area) and was found most abundant in May 2004, followed by June 2004. The proportion of mature and in-maturation individuals increased gradually from autumn to summer. Nine major groups of food items were recorded in the diet of P. corvinaeformis, and crustaceans comprised five of the categories: unidentified crustacean fragments, zoea larvae, amphipods, copepods and shrimps. In both, fish stomach and intestine, crustacean fragments were the most frequent item. The second most frequent items were shrimp in the stomach, and amphipods in the intestine (mainly represented by their tubes). These results demonstrate that P. corvinaeformis can be considered a carnivore, with a preference on benthic organisms.

Population Biology and Diet of the Pompano Trachinotus carolinus (Perciformes: Carangidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, Southeastern Brazil This study evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology, and diet of the pompano Trachinotus carolinus in Caraguatatuba Bay. Samples were taken monthly from August 2003 through October 2004, by trawling in two previously selected areas (South and North). The North area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the South area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The fish were measured for length, and the sex and reproductive stage identified. The abundance of pompano was compared between areas and among months. The diet was identified and quantified. T. carolinus showed a very irregular temporal distribution during the study period, with 90.5% of the individuals occurring during the summer (December to March).

The madamango sea catfish, Cathorops spixii (Siluriformes: Ariidae), is often among the most abundant fishes on the South American Atlantic coast. In the present study, conducted in shallow, non-estuarine coastal areas of Caraguatatuba Bight in southeastern Brazil, collections of this species, the most abundant member of the ichthyofauna, included primarily medium-sized individuals, indicating that the area may play a specific role in their development. Although studies of the local ichthyofauna have been much neglected, the area is economically important and its ecological significance is undervalued. This study primarily treats habitat use by C. spixii, assessing certain population parameters and the dietary composition. Monthly samples were taken from August 2003 through October 2004, with three trawls in two areas, corresponding to depths of about 1 to 4 m. The catfish showed two main peaks of abundance in the area, in April/May and July 2004. A mode around 9 cm SL persisted through time, and the entrance of younger recruits peaked from January to April. The low estimate for body-growth parameters (K = 0.16) corroborates some K-strategist characteristics of the species. The asymptotic length was 27.3 cm SL and total mortality (Z) was 1.01 yr(-1). Cathorops spixii showed an omnivorous feeding habit, preying mainly upon polychaetes, copepods and bivalves, with considerable seasonality in its diet.

This study evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution, reproduction and diet of the catfishes Genidens genidens, G. barbus and Aspistor luniscutis in Caraguatatuba Bay. Their sizes were recorded and the sex and reproductive stage identified. The abundance was compared between areas (South and North) and among months (August 2003 - October 2004). The species had different spatial distributions, allowing them to coexist. The temporal distribution reflected their tendencies to migrate in the reproductive period, as evidenced by the dominance of small immature individuals in the bay. G. genidens tended to reproduce in winter, and A. luniscutis in spring. The diet of G. genidens consisted of crustaceans, mollusks (shells), fish scales, ostracods, and bivalve siphons. G. barbus consumed a high proportion of mysids, followed by fish (bones and scales). For A. luniscutis, the diet was based on fish scales and crustaceans. High quantities of particulate organic matter were observed in the diet of all three species, as previously known for estuarine catfishes. The consumption of fish scales may reflect a lepidophagic habit. A small overlap was observed among the diets, reflecting differences in their environments as well as in the proportions of each item ingested.

This study evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology and diet of Menticirrhus americanus in Caraguatatuba Bay. Samples were taken monthly between August 2003 and October 2004, by trawling in two previously selected areas. The northern area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the southern area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The fishes' length was measured, and the sex and gonadal stage macroscopically identified. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months. The diet was identified and quantified. M. americanus occurred in equal proportions in the two study areas, being most abundant in April 2004, followed by December 2003 and January 2004. The population was dominated by small immature individuals. The few individuals in maturation or mature that were captured showed no seasonal pattern of distribution. This species had a varied diet, feeding on worms (nemerteans, sipunculans and echiurans), mollusks (bivalves and cephalopods), polychaetes, crustaceans and fish. The presence of intact nematodes in the intestine suggests that these are parasites. The results demonstrated that M. americanus has a homogeneous spatial and temporal distribution in Caraguatatuba Bay, being uniformly distributed between the south and north areas as well as across the months. This species can be considered a carnivorous predator, showing a preference for consuming benthic sandy-beach species such as glycerids and other polychaetes, crustaceans, and bivalve siphons.Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a distribuição espaço-temporal, biologia populacional e dieta de Menticirrhus americanus da baía de Caraguatatuba. Foram realizadas coletas mensais entre agosto de 2003 a outubro de 2004, utilizando redes de arrasto em duas áreas previamente selecionadas. A área norte é mais expostas à atividade de onda e é influenciada por um rio, constituindo um pequeno estuário. Por outro lado, a área sul é relativamente protegida da energia das ondas e sofre pouca influência dos rios. Os indivíduos coletados foram medidos e identificados macroscopicamente quanto ao sexo e o estádio gonadal. A abundância da espécie foi comparada entre as áreas e entre os meses de coleta. Para a dieta os itens alimentares encontrados foram identificados e quantificados. M. americanus apresentou proporções equivalentes nas duas áreas de estudo, sendo mais abundante em abril de 2004, seguido por dezembro de 2003 e janeiro de 2004. A população região é composta por indivíduos imaturos, e os poucos indivíduos maduros ou em maturação capturados não apresentaram padrão de distribuição ao longo do ano. A espécie mostrou uma dieta variada, alimentando-se de vermes (nemertideos, sipúnculos e equiúros), moluscos (bivalves e cefalópodes), poliquetas, crustáceos e peixes. A presença de nematóides intactos na porção do intestino sugere uma relação parasitária. Os resultados demonstraram que os indivíduos de Menticirrhus americanus estiveram uniformemente distribuídos nas áreas norte e sul e também ao longo do ano. A espécie pode ser considerada predadora e carnívora, mostrando preferência na alimentação por espécies bentônicas de fundos não consolidados, tais como geicerídeos e outros poliquetas, crustáceos e sifões de bivalves.

Labrisomus nuchipinnis is a diurnal bottom-dwelling sit-and-wait carnivorous fish that inhabits holes and rifts of rocky areas in tropical shallow waters. Here we report on the courtship behavior and spawning of this hairy blenny in southeastern Brazil, with a detailed description and comparison with other Blennioidei. Labrisomus nuchipinnis is a territorial species that was observed courting with more than one female, and presenting a well defined pattern cycle related to reproductive behavior and paternal egg care. Adhesive demersal eggs are laid on small algae-covered rocks at sites with increased current velocity within the male's territory, which may enable higher egg survivorship and shorter developmental time. Labrisomus nuchipinnis é um peixe bentônico e carnívoro de hábitos diurnos, que espreita suas presas e que habita tocas e frestas de ambientes rochosos em águas rasas tropicais. Registramos o comportamento de corte e desova deste amborê no sudeste do Brasil, descrevendo-o em detalhe e comparando-o com os de outros Blennioidei. Labrisomus nuchipinnis é uma espécie territorial que foi observada em corte com mais de uma fêmea, apresentando uma seqüência cíclica padrão relacionada ao comportamento reprodutivo, e cuidado paternal para com os ovos. Os ovos demersais adesivos são depositados em pequenas rochas cobertas por algas, em locais de elevada hidrodinâmica, localizados dentro do território do macho, o que deve proporcionar uma maior taxa de sobrevivência dos filhotes e menor tempo de desenvolvimento dos embriões.

Activity, habitat utilization, feeding behaviour, and diet of the sand moray Gymnothorax ocellatus (Anguilliformes, Muraenidae) in the South western Atlantic. The sand moray Gymnothorax ocellatus is a nocturnal predator from the western South Atlantic that actively forages on the bottom, preying mostly on crustaceans (mainly shrimps and crabs) and ray-finned fishes, which are located primarily by the sense of smell. The individuals stay stationary during the day, almost always being hidden in individual tunnels dug by animals other than the morays in the muddy sand bottom. Atividade, utilização do habitat, comportamento alimentar, e dieta da moréia-de-areia Gymnothorax ocellatus (Anguilliformes, Muraenidae) no Atlântico sudoeste. A moréia-de-areia Gymnothorax ocellatus é um predador noturno do Atlântico ocidental que forrageia ativamente o fundo, predando principalmente crustáceos (em especial camarões e siris) e peixes actinopterígios, os quais são localizados principalmente pelo olfato. Os indivíduos permanecem inativos durante o dia, quase sempre escondidos em túneis individuais escavados por outros animais, que não moréias, em substrato areno-lodoso.