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Freshwaters are among the most vulnerable ecosystems regarding biological invasions. Reservoirs built after the last half century in Sao Paulo State have been continuously subjected to the introduction and establishment of alien species, both exotic and allochtonous. Here we present a short historical and the present status of some recent, still going on, biological invasion processes, for both, invertebrate and vertebrates, with emphasis on Tiete River basin. Among reservoir communities, the zooplankton has the lowest number of established exotic species, with 4 species: the cladocerans Ceriodaphnia dubia and Daphnia lumnholtzi, the cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops ogunnus and the rotifer Kellikotia bostoniensis. Among the macroinvertebrate communities there is a fast ongoing invasion by three exotic species of mollusks, the Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, the African-Asian gastropod, Melanoides tuberculata, and the golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, this latter a cause of greatest concern. However by far the community most affected by introduction of alien species is the ichthyofauna. In reservoirs of Tiete, Paranapanema and Rio Grande rivers, the main tributaries of the Upper Parana basin, the relative proportion of alien species vary approximately between 10 and 25% of the total number of species. Most introductions were derived from anthropic activities, either from direct local introduction, the so called peixamento or by accidental escape from nearby fish farming installations. Some species have profound effects on the structure of the fish community, as recently happened in Lobo (Broa) reservoir after the introduction of the Cichla kelberi. The African Sarotherodon niloticus and Tilapia rendalli and the allochtonous Plagioscion squamosissimus became the dominant species in many Sao Paulo state reservoirs. The complex interaction between biological invasions, water pollution and eutrophication, is the possible cause for many native species extinction going on in Sao Paulo State rivers and cascade of reservoirs. At short time and local scale, management actions are urgently required to eradicate or minimize the impact of exotic species in the reservoirs, especially in the small ones, and at longer time and larger scales, education and law enforcement are essential tools for both prevention of new introductions and management to the already existing problems.

The introduction of allochthonous fish species happens constantly in large bodies of freshwater, like as the reservoirs of Parana Basin, located in Brazilian southeast, representing a threat for local biodiversity. The fish species Plagioscion squamosissimus and Cichlaocellaris were introduced from the 1970s in several water bodies of this basin and had successfully established themselves in all six reservoirs located in the middle and lower Tiete River (SP, Brazil), particularly. After six decades from the first recorded species introduction, this hydrographic system remains open to the invasion of further fish species, owing to widespread fish-farming activity and by the channels opened between this system and other reservoirs and river basin. This study was an effort to confirm the Geophagus proximus occurrence in the six Tiete River reservoirs, verifying the actual introduction status and analyzing its potential environmental impacts on local species by the analysis of the population structure (abundance, body dimensions and feeding habits). By the results, this species was confirmed in the Ibitinga, Nova Avanhandava and Tres Irmaos reservoirs. The abundance and feeding analysis shows, respectively, it is successfully established in the Tres Irmaos reservoir with the same feeding habitats of local species, such as Geophagus brasiliensis. It was further shown to be very likely that G. proximus would spread throughout the reservoir system of the middle and lower Tiete River, in the manner of P. squamosissimus and C. ocellaris, and the competition pressure for food resources between G. proximus and the local species which represents a potential environmental impact system. These scientific evidences fortifies the knowledge basin for the implantation of a fish management system, to control and reduce the abundance of the invader and to prevent its becoming established in all the Tiete River Basin, avoiding the disastrous consequences for the native species of Parana River Basin.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of the sediments of the Monjolinho River (São Carlos - São Paulo/Brazil), through partial chronic toxicity bioassays with juveniles of D. rerio and P. reticulata. Histological analyses of the gills and biometric measurements were conducted to detect the possible deleterious effects that caused the death. In all points the sampled the alterations were found in the gills (hyperplasia, fusion of secondary lamellas and dilation of blood vessels), with the most intense lesions (second stage) occurring at the point two. The biometric analysis pointed to inadequate conditions for the growth of the test-organisms when exposed to the sediment samples. These results showed that the conditions of these environments were not suitable for the survival and growth of these fishes.Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade dos sedimentos do rio Monjolinho (São Carlos - São Paulo/Brasil), por meio de bioensaios de toxicidade crônicos parciais com juvenis de D. rerio e P. reticulata. Foram realizadas análises histológicas das brânquias dos organismos para detectar possíveis efeitos deletérios que antecedam a mortalidade. Em todos os pontos amostrados, foram verificadas alterações nas brânquias (hiperplasia, fusão de lamelas secundárias e dilatação de vasos sanguíneos), sendo no ponto dois foram encontradas lesões mais acentuadas (segundo estágio). A análise biométrica dos indivíduos expostos em amostras de sedimento demonstrou condições inadequadas para o crescimento e desenvolvimentos dos organismos-teste em todo o ambiente estudado. Os sedimentos apresentaram maior toxicidade no período chuvoso, sendo estes resultados confirmados por meio das análises histológicas das brânquias dos organismos expostos, as quais demonstraram lesões mais acentuadas no mesmo período. Tal situação possivelmente decorre dos impactos antrópicos os quais o sistema está suscetível (efluentes domésticos, industriais e agrícolas), que foram constatados pelas análises físicas e químicas dos sedimentos.

Evaluation of toxicity endosulfan sulfate on Danio rerio juvenilis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of endosulfan sulfate toxicity (the most persistent form) in Danio rerio juveniles, considering the mortalities, in exposition of 96 hours, and survive and microscopic gill morphology in toxicity test partial chronic (7 days) in concentrations of 0.003 µg L ‐1 , 0.3 µg L ‐1 and 3.0 µg L ‐1 , near the levels detected in the upper Jacare-Guacu river basin (Sao Paulo, Brazil). The result of the mortality was detected CL50, 96 h of the 7.29 µg L ‐1 . Considering the survival, only the higher concentration (3 µg L ‐1 ) promoted toxicity to the test organisms. However, the histological analyses revealed gill changes such as hyperplasia, fusion between some secondary lamellae and thickening of the apex of some secondary lamellae. These alterations compromised the gases exchange and consequently the vital functions of the biological system. The obtained alterations were of first and second level, but these changes can either to return to normal conditions when chemistry conditions improve, or to progress to a third stage degree, which are irreversible, provoking the death of the individual. This results prove the importance of the histology as a tool to evaluate toxicity of chemical products, giving evidences that endosulfan sulfate is toxic to this fish specie at concentrations found in aquatic environments.

Astyanax bimaculatus (Linnaeus, 1758) e Tetragonopterus chalceus Spix & Agassiz, 1829 são duas importantes espécies de peixes forrageiros da bacia do São Francisco. Espécimes destas duas espécies foram submetidos à indução da desova através de hipofisação, para observação de aspectos reprodutivos e obtenção de subsídios para definição de protocolo de reprodução artificial. Machos e fêmeas receberam dose única de extrato bruto de hipófise de carpa comum (6 mg/kg de peixe). A extrusão de ovócitos foi realizada cerca de 12,8 e 11 h após a aplicação da injeção de hipófise, respectivamente para A. bimaculatus e T. chalceus, com a temperatura da água a 26ºC. Mais de 70% das fêmeas das duas espécies responderam positivamente ao tratamento e as taxas médias de fertilização dos ovos foram acima de 70%. Os ovócitos de A. bimaculatus e T. chalceus são esféricos, opacos, demersais, levemente adesivos, de coloração amarela ou parda, e contendo em média respectivamente 4774 e 2563 ovos por grama de ova. O desenvolvimento embrionário nas duas espécies foi rápido, com duração de menos de um dia, estando a temperatura da água entre 24 e 25ºC. Astyanax bimaculatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Tetragonopterus chalceus Spix & Agassiz, 1829 are two important foraging species occurring at the São Francisco River basin. Specimens from both species were submitted to spawning induction through hypophysation, to study some reproductive features and to obtain subsidiary information for the definition of the artificial reproduction protocol. Males and females were treated with a single dose of crude carp pituitary extract (6 mg/kg). In water at 26ºC, the extrusion of the oocytes was made 12,8 and 11 hours after the hypophisis injection, for A. bimaculatus and T. chalceus respectively. More than 70% of the females of both species showed a positive response to the treatment and mean egg fertilization rates were above 70%. The eggs of A. bimaculatus and T. chalceus are yellow or medium brown, spherical, opaque, demersal, and slightly adhesive. The ova contained 4774 and 2563 eggs (mean values per gram) respectively. The embryonic development in both species was fast, lasting less than a day when water temperature was between 24 and 25ºC.

Twenty-two species were registered in the Ubatiba system with a predominance of Characiformes and Siluriformes followed by Cyprinodontiformes, Perciformes and Synbranchiformes. Among these species four were occasional with one or two sampled individuals and restricted to one or two of the nine studied sites; the other 18 species were constant with high densities in at least one site. Most of the sampled sites presented between 11 and 18 species, all largely distributed; except for the uppermost site, located right over a waterfall 4m high, which showed at least four species and for the confluence site that presented 18 species. Canonical Correspondence Analysis indicated that environmental variables explained a great part of the density and distribution patterns of the fish species, showing that community structure of each locality was independent from the longitudinal succession, theoretically expected by the River Continuum Concept, and hardly explained by local environmental characteristics.Vinte e duas espécies foram registradas no sistema fluvial do Ubatiba com predominância de Characiformes e Siluriformes seguidos de Cyprinodontiformes, Perciformes e Synbranchiformes. Dentre essas espécies 4 foram ocasionais com 1 ou 2 exemplares amostrados e restritas a 1 ou 2 das nove localidades estudadas; as demais 18 espécies foram constantes com altas densidades em pelo menos 1 localidade. A maioria das localidades estudadas apresentou entre 11 e 18 espécies, todas amplamente distribuídas; como exceção tem-se a localidade mais alta, localizada acima de um queda dágua de 4m, onde foram registradas apenas 4 espécies e a localidade mais próxima da desembocadura que apresentou 18 espécies. A Análise Canônica de Correspondência indicou que as variáveis ambientais explicaram grande parte dos padrões de densidade e distribuição das espécies de peixe e mostrou que a estrutura das comunidades de cada localidade é independente da sucessão longitudinal, teoricamente esperada pelo River Continuum Concept, e fortemente explicada pelas características ambientais.

The objective of this work was to assess the toxicity of sediment samples from six cascade reservoirs in Tietê river system, in São Paulo State, Brazil, through chronic-partial toxicity bioassays with Danio rerio larvae as test-organisms. Histology of gills and biometric measurements were used to determine the existence of toxicity problems. The alterations on gill morphology here detected were considered of first stage (hyperplasia, lamellar junction and excess of mucous cells) in the first reservoirs and very slight in the last ones. The biometric analysis pointed to inadequate conditions for the growth of the test-organisms when exposed to the sediment of the rivers and upstream reservoirs and also indicated an improvement of environmental conditions along the system.Os bioensaios de toxicidade com amostras ambientais avaliam as respostas dos organismos teste frente a possíveis poluentes. Ocorrem em complementação às análises limnológicas da água e sedimento, uma vez que estas apenas identificam e quantificam as diferentes substâncias nestes compartimentos aquáticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a toxicidade das amostras de sedimentos dos seis reservatórios em cascata do sistema Tietê (SP) - Brasil, através de bioensaios de toxicidade crônico-parciais utilizando como organismos-teste larvas de Danio rerio. A histologia das brânquias e as medidas biométricas foram as ferramentas utilizadas para averiguar o problema ambiental. As alterações branquiais detectadas foram de primeiro grau (hiperplasia, junção lamelar e excesso de células mucosas) e pouco acentuadas nos últimos reservatórios. As análises biométricas demonstraram condições inadequadas ao desenvolvimento dos organismos testes frente a possíveis poluentes biodisponíveis nos sedimentos dos rios e primeiros reservatórios, confirmando a melhoria das condições ambientais ao longo da cascata. Isto também pode ser confirmado através das análises químicas dos sedimentos deste sistema.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar a eficiência de duas rações 1 (NUTRAVIT) e 2 (IP), ambas com 40% de proteína bruta, contendo o andrógeno sintético 17 a-metiltestosterona (MT), e analisar a dosagem mais efetiva desse hormônio na reversão sexual da Tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus, por intermédio da análise histológica das gonadas e da sexagem dos exemplares. Foram utilizadas 9600 larvas de tilápia do Nilo, com 7 dias de vida, recebendo os seguintes tratamentos, por um período de 45 dias: A - 30 mg MT/kg de ração 1; B - 60 mg MT/kg de ração 1; C - 30 mg MT/kg ração 2; D - 60 mg MT/kg ração 2 e dois grupos controle: E e F, rações 1 e 2, respectivamente, sem hormônio. Os resultados dos testes qui-quadrado das freqüências de indivíduos machos e fêmeas analisados histológica e macroscopicamente mostram que o número de machos obtidos nos tratamentos A, B, C e D foi maior que o dos grupos controle e a dosagem de 60 mg MT/kg de ração, nas rações 1 e 2, foi mais eficiente, resultando em 98% de machos. Entre as rações, o tratamento com a ração 1 apresentou o melhor resultado, para a dosagem de 30 mg MT/ kg de ração, não havendo, pois, diferença entre rações para a dose de 60 mg MT/kg de ração. The objectives of the present study were to compare the efficiency of two diets: 1 (NUTRAVIT) and 2 (IP), both with 40% of crude protein, containing the synthetic androgen hormone 17 a-methyltestosterone (MT) and to analyze the most effective dose of this hormone on the sex reversal of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, throughout histological analysis of the gonads and sex determination of the samples. A total of 9600 Nile tilapia fries with seven days posthatching received the following treatments, per 45 days period: A- 30 mg MT/kg diet 1; B- 60 mg MT/kg diet 1; C- 30 mg MT/kg diet 2; D- 60 mg MT/kg diet 2 and two control groups, E and F with diets 1 and 2 hormone free, respectively. The results of chi-square tests of the frequency data of males and females after the treatments and of analysis of histological and macroscopic characteristics showed that the numbers of males obtained by A, B, C and D treatments was higher than the control groups and the dose of 60 mg MT/kg of diet, as for the diets 1 and 2, was more efficient, resulting in 98% of males. Among diets, the treatment A with diet 1 was better than the treatment C with diet two, for the dose of30 mg MT/kg of diet. There was no difference among diets for the dose of 60 mg MT/kg of the diet.

The composition, diversity and similarity of fish communities associated with macrophytes of two oxbow lakes of Mogi-Guacu River, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, were evaluated in the wet and dry seasons of 1994–1995. Fish species composition and relative abundance values were similar for both lakes, despite their difference in connection time to the river and the abundance of macrophytes. The fish communities were predominantly composed by small sized species typical of lentic environments (Characidae), juveniles of large non-migratory species (Erythrinidae and Gymnotidae) and a few juveniles of migratory species (Anostomidae and Curimatidae). These lakes are not characterized as nurseries for the young of migratory species and the zooplankton does not have an important role as food in the ontogenetic development of migratory species of fish.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar a eficiência de duas rações 1 (NUTRAVIT) e 2 (IP), ambas com 40% de proteína bruta, contendo o andrógeno sintético 17 a-metiltestosterona (MT), e analisar a dosagem mais efetiva desse hormônio na reversão sexual da Tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus, por intermédio da análise histológica das gonadas e da sexagem dos exemplares. Foram utilizadas 9600 larvas de tilápia do Nilo, com 7 dias de vida, recebendo os seguintes tratamentos, por um período de 45 dias: A - 30 mg MT/kg de ração 1; B - 60 mg MT/kg de ração 1; C - 30 mg MT/kg ração 2; D - 60 mg MT/kg ração 2 e dois grupos controle: E e F, rações 1 e 2, respectivamente, sem hormônio. Os resultados dos testes qui-quadrado das freqüências de indivíduos machos e fêmeas analisados histológica e macroscopicamente mostram que o número de machos obtidos nos tratamentos A, B, C e D foi maior que o dos grupos controle e a dosagem de 60 mg MT/kg de ração, nas rações 1 e 2, foi mais eficiente, resultando em 98% de machos. Entre as rações, o tratamento com a ração 1 apresentou o melhor resultado, para a dosagem de 30 mg MT/ kg de ração, não havendo, pois, diferença entre rações para a dose de 60 mg MT/kg de ração.The objectives of the present study were to compare the efficiency of two diets: 1 (NUTRAVIT) and 2 (IP), both with 40% of crude protein, containing the synthetic androgen hormone 17 a-methyltestosterone (MT) and to analyze the most effective dose of this hormone on the sex reversal of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, throughout histological analysis of the gonads and sex determination of the samples. A total of 9600 Nile tilapia fries with seven days posthatching received the following treatments, per 45 days period: A- 30 mg MT/kg diet 1; B- 60 mg MT/kg diet 1; C- 30 mg MT/kg diet 2; D- 60 mg MT/kg diet 2 and two control groups, E and F with diets 1 and 2 hormone free, respectively. The results of chi-square tests of the frequency data of males and females after the treatments and of analysis of histological and macroscopic characteristics showed that the numbers of males obtained by A, B, C and D treatments was higher than the control groups and the dose of 60 mg MT/kg of diet, as for the diets 1 and 2, was more efficient, resulting in 98% of males. Among diets, the treatment A with diet 1 was better than the treatment C with diet two, for the dose of30 mg MT/kg of diet. There was no difference among diets for the dose of 60 mg MT/kg of the diet.

Experiments on induced spawning of the anostomid fish Leporinus elongatus Val. 1849, an important neotropical migratory fish, were carried out at Tres Marias Fish Hatchery Station, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to develop a reliable protocol for inducing breeding in this species. L. elongatus matures reliably in earthen ponds to a point at which final maturation can be induced with carp pituitary extract. The following data were recorded: number of extruded eggs (g ova−1) = 2444 ± 740; stripped ova weight:body weight = 13.1 ± 2.9%; retained (ovulated but not stripped) ova weight:body weight = 5.8 ± 2.6%; initial fertility = 318.7 × 103± 149.2 × 103; final fertility = 229.3 × 103± 129.3 × 103; egg fertilization rate = 63.8 ± 16.4% and ≈ 229 000 larvae per female. The relationships between stripping time and water temperature and between hatching and water temperature were given by the same exponential equation t= ae–bT. The relationships between body weight (Wt) and initial (IF) and final fertility (FF) were expressed by the equations: IF =−9382 + 322 047 × Wt (r2= 0.84); FF =−40 780 + 265 062 × Wt (r2= 0.75).

Pimelodus maculatus Lacepede, 1803 is an important fish of the Säo Francisco river basin, where it is economically significant in both professional and sports fisheries. The fish, maintained in captivity, was subjected to hypophysation with crude caip pituitary extract. Approximately 70% of the females treated spawned viable eggs. The eggs were opaque, demersal, yellow and free. Egg stripping was performed at 213 hour-degrees (duration = 8.3 h) after the second dose injection, at water temperature of 25-26ºC. Hatching occurred at 394 hour-degrees (duration = 16.3 h) after egg fertilization, at water temperature of 24-25ºC. Egg fertilization rate was 64.8%. The relationship between absolute fecundity (AF), initial fertility (IF) and final fertility (FF) and body weight are expressed, respectively, by AF = - 331 + 181717 Wt (r² = 0.62), IF = - 16839+ 158123 Wt (r² = 0.65), and FF = -9874 + 100365 Wt (r² = 0.63).

AIM: Artificial sediments with simple formulations were used to assess the toxicity of Cr to C. xanthus, D. rerio and P. reticulata. METHODS: The organisms were exposed to two sediment formulations: one without organic matter (S0) and one with 1% organic matter (SIII), both contaminated with Cr at concentrations of 90, 180, 360, 720 and 1440 mg/kg for the assays with C. xanthus, and 375, 750, 1500 and 3000 mg/kg for those with the two fish species. Chromium was obtained from the potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). RESULTS: The results of the acute toxicity tests demonstrated a reduction of up to four times in toxicity with the presence of OM, consisting of biodegradable detritus, even at the low concentration used (1%), and that C. xanthus was most sensitive to the metal. The reduction in the chromium toxicity was indicated by the LC50 values, which were higher in SIII (1234.43 mg/kg; 2263.54 m/kg; 2244.48 mg/kg) than in S0 (340.56 mg/kg; 1731.04 mg/kg; 1733.55 mg/kg) for C. xanthus, D. rerio and P. reticulata, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the repeatability of the results obtained, the artificial sediments with simple formulations were satisfactory to assess toxicity and can thus provide reliable results in ecotoxicological studies OBJETIVO: Sedimentos artificiais com formulações simples foram utilizados para avaliar a toxicidade do Cr em C. xanthus, D. rerio e P. reticulata. MÉTODOS: Os organismos foram expostos a duas formulações: sem matéria orgânica (S0) e com 1% de matéria orgânica (SIII), contaminadas com Cr nas concentrações de 90; 180; 360; 720 e 1440 mg/kg para os ensaios com C. xanthus e 375; 750; 1500 e 3000 mg/kg para os ensaios com peixes. RESULTADOS: Os resultados dos ensaios agudos demonstraram uma redução de até quatro vezes na toxicidade frente à presença de matéria orgânica detrital biodegradável (MO). C. xanthus apresentou maior sensibilidade ao metal em relação aos peixes. A redução na toxicidade do Cr frente à presença de MO foi verificada nos valores de CL50, que estiveram mais elevados nos em SIII (C. xanthus = 1234,43 mg/kg ; D. rerio = 2263,54 m/kg e P. reticulata = 2244,48 mg/kg) em relação à S0 (C. xanthus = 340,56 mg/kg; D. rerio = 1731,04 mg/kg e P. reticulata = 1733,55 mg/kg). CONCLUSÕES: Os sedimentos artificiais com formulações simples foram satisfatórios na avaliação da toxicidade e asseguram resultados confiáveis em estudos ecotoxicológicos

In forensic medical work, in cases with homicide suspicion, it is important to be able to determine with the greatest possible precision when injuries occurred and whether during vital, or post-mortem conditions. Although several markers of vitality can be employed, it has been attested that components of the extra-cellular matrix, such as fibrin, are among the earliest to be evidenced. In the present study, the histological-histochemical Mallory's Trichrome staining method, previously selected was tested to determine the presence of vital reaction in Wistar rats through fibrin accumulation by testing three short reaction time intervals: 15, 30 and 60 minutes after the skin wound infliction. For all time intervals tested, including the shortest (15 minutes), the presence of fibrin at the edges of the skin wound was evidenced. The accumulation of fibrin was, nevertheless, more pronounced at 30 and 60 minutes after the wound. It could be concluded that fibrin is a good marker for vital reaction and that it can be detected very early, within a few minutes after the injury. It is proposed that histological method coupled to the histochemical staining technique here tested can be incorporated into routine forensic work as a tool for evidencing the existence or not of vital reaction. No trabalho médico-forense, um aspecto importante em casos de suspeita de homicídios é a determinação, com a maior precisão possível, de quando ocorreram os ferimentos e se em condições de plena vitalidade ou se post-mortem. Embora diversos marcadores possam ser utilizados para o diagnóstico de vitalidade das lesões, alguns componentes da matriz extracelular, como a fibrina, podem ser os primeiros sinais de reação vital a serem evidenciados. No presente estudo, o método de coloração histológica-histoquímica Tricrômio de Mallory, previamente selecionado, foi testado para determinar a presença de reação vital em ratos Whistar por meio do acúmulo da fibrina, testando-se três tempos curtos de reação: 15 , 30 e 60 minutos após a realização de ferimento na pele. Para todos os tempos testados, inclusive no tempo mais curto (15 minutos) foi evidenciado o acúmulo da fibrina na região próxima à borda do ferimento. O acúmulo de fibrina foi, no entanto, mais intenso 30 e 60 minutos após a ocorrência da lesão. Pôde-se concluir que a fibrina é um bom marcador para a reação vital, podendo ser detectada muito cedo, poucos minutos após a ocorrência do ferimento. Propõe-se que a técnica histológica acoplada à técnica histoquímica da coloração pelo Tricrômio de Mallory poderia ser facilmente incorporada à rotina do trabalho médico forense, como ferramenta para evidenciar a existência ou não de reação vital.

During studies carried out with a small characid (Astyanax scabripinnis), from the Brazilian streams located in Cerrado biome, some gonads of fishes exhibited sparse oocytes in perinucleolar stage embedded in normally developing testicular tissues. Another pattern of gonad intersex with vitellogenic oocytes and mature lobules was observed in the gonads of fishes collected from a reservoir supplied by the Atlantic Forest stream. These gonads in different stages of maturation were examined histologically. The results revealed the patterns occurring in fishes of the same species, from four different populations.Durante estudos efetuados com pequenos caracídeos (Astyanax scabripinnis) de riachos do Cerrado brasileiro, localizados nos Estados de Minas Gerais e de São Paulo, foram encontrados alguns peixes com gônadas exibindo oócitos em estágio perinucleolar dispersos, embebidos em tecidos testiculares em desenvolvimento. Em exemplares da mesma espécie, provenientes de um riacho situado na Mata Atlântica do Estado de São Paulo, outro padrão de gônadas intersexuadas foi registrado, mostrando oócitos vitelogênicos e lóbulos maduros presentes na mesma gônada. As gônadas em diferentes estágios de maturação foram submetidas a análises histológicas. Os resultados obtidos mostram os padrões morfológicos e as freqüências de ocorrência dos intersexos encontrados em peixes do " complexo" A. scabripinnis provenientes de quatro diferentes populações. São discutidas as prováveis causas ambientais responsáveis por estas alterações.

1. 1. The patterns of expression of the lactate dehydrogenase loci in the differentiated adult tissues and in the early embryonic stages (0.8–180 hr post-fertilization) of curimbata, Prochilodus scrofa, were investigated. 2. 2. As in other Characiformes species, only two bidirectionally divergent LDH loci—LDH-A∗ and B ∗ were differentially expressed among the tissues and sequentially during the embryogenesis of this species. The LDH-A∗ locus was expressed predominantly in white skeletal muscle, and the B ∗ locus in all other tissues examined. 3. 3. LDH-B4 was present throughout embryogenesis and was the unique LDH isozyme until 20 hr post-fertilization (post-hatching). Ldh-A subunit activity, however, was detected only 34 hr post-fertilization (stage 7) and then, only as heterotetramers containing Ldh-B subunits. This later development detection of A subunits and the appearance of both subunits under heteropolymeric forms suggest the concomitant synthesis of these two subunits at this time of development. 4. 4. The A subunits, which predominate in skeletal muscle where they presumably play an important biochemical role in anaerobic energy production, are first detected when curimbata larvae show more accentuate swimming motions. 5. 5. Three allelic variants for LDH-A∗ locus, A ∗ 300 , A ∗ 1000 and A ∗ -400 were detected in adult curimbata. In heterozygous embryos (offspring from matings type II, III and IV), heteropolymers with maternal and/or paternal A100 and A1000 subunits are synchronously expressed 34 hr post-fertilization.

1. 1. The patterns of expression of the glucose-6-phosphate isomerase loci in the differentiated adult tissues and in the early embryonic stages (1.30–180 hr post-fertilization) of curimbata, Prochilodus scrofa, were investigated. 2. 2. As in other teleost species, two bidirectionally divergent GPI loci, GPI-A ∗ and GPI-B ∗ were differentially expressed among the tissues and sequentially during the embryogenesis of this species. The GPI-B ∗ locus was expressed predominantly in white skeletal muscle, and the A ∗ locus in all other tissues examined. 3. 3. GPI-A 2 was present throughout embryogenesis and it was the only GPI isozyme until 12 hr and 30 min after fertilization (pre-hatching). The GPI-B subunits were first detected only later in development, varying in the different mating types in their first appearance from stage 5 to 7 (12 hr 30 min–34 hr after fertilization), mainly as a very low activity heterotetramer form suggesting the concomitant synthesis of both subunits at this time. 4. 4. The timing of the appearance of the B subunits which predominate in adult skeletal muscle coincided with the first visible muscular contributions of the curimabata larvae. 5. 5. One genetic variant at GPI-A ∗ locus, A ∗ 87 , and three at the B ∗ locus, B ∗ 500 , B ∗ - 200 and B ∗ - 400 were detected in adult curimbata. In the A1002 B100/-200 and A100/87 B100/-200 heterozygous embryos (offspring from mating type II and III, respectively) both paternal alleles were asynchronously expressed. 6. 6. Following stage 6 (hatching) there was a marked increase in total GPI activity and its maximal levels were obtained 60–105 hr post-fertilization, when the yolk sacs of the larvae were reduced (60 hr) or totally reabsorbed (105 hr), and the larvae were free swimming and feeding.

A estrutura populacional e aspectos reprodutivos de Atherinella brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) foram analisados mensalmente de maio de 2000 a abril de 2001, em oito pontos de ambientes rasos do eixo norte-sul do complexo estuarino de Paranaguá. As análises ambientais das variáveis pH, oxigênio dissolvido, transparência e salinidade da água sugerem a existência de um gradiente ambiental crescente no sentido norte-sul do estuário. A temperatura da água evidenciou a variação temporal no sistema estudado, mostrando-se intimamente relacionado com o processo reprodutivo. O pico de atividade reprodutiva foi determinado para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente, nos meses de outubro e setembro, período em que se verificou a proporção de duas fêmeas para um macho. O predomínio de indivíduos jovens no estuário ocorreu no final da primavera e durante o verão, após o período reprodutivo. As análises sazonais de comprimento e de massa corporal sugerem a existência de um padrão cíclico de crescimento ao longo do ano, o qual reflete o período reprodutivo e o recrutamento. Assim, conclui-se que A. brasiliensis é uma espécie estuarina residente, mostrando-se amplamente distribuída nas áreas rasas estuarinas, podendo ser considerada chave em avaliações de impacto ambiental e/ou em ações de planos de manejo e conservação em ambientes estuarinos. The population structure and reproductive aspects of Atherinella brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) had been analyzed monthly from May 2000 to April 2001 in eight points of shallow areas of the estuarine complex Paranaguá. The environment analyzes of the parameters pH, dissolved oxygen, transparency and salinity of the water suggest the existence of an increasing environment gradient in the direction North-South highway of the estuary. The temperature of the water evidenced the seasonal variation in the studied system, revealing related with the reproductive process. The peak of reproductive activity was determined for females and male, respectively, in the months of October and September, period where if it verified the ratio of two females for a male. The predominance of young individuals in the estuary occurred in the end of the spring and during the summer, after the reproductive period. The seasonal analyses of length and mass suggest the existence of a cyclical standard of growth to the long of the year, which reflects the reproductive period and the entrance of young individuals in the environment. Thus, it is concluded that A. brasiliensis is a resident estuarine species, revealing widely distributed in the estuarine shallow areas, being able to be considered key in evaluations of environmental impact and/or action of handling plans and conservation in estuarine environments.

With the objective of evaluating the effects of organochlorine pesticides (aldrin and heptachlor) on the survival, growth and gill morphology of juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio), four partial chronic toxicity bioassays were conducted (seven days' duration) with both compounds in a semi-static system with renewal every 24 h. The results did not show any effects on the fish's survival, but did on their growth and gill morphology. Aldrin was more toxic than heptachlor, since the chronic value (CV) for growth was nearly 8.7 times less, a result confirmed by analyzing the histology of the gills, in which the changes detected were considered more severe for the former substance. In general, they were found branchial lesions of first stage, in other words, cell proliferation between the secondary lamellae, hyperplasia, lifting of respiratory epithelial cells; fusion of several secondary lamellae and dilation of blood vessels. Aneurysms (alterations of second stage) they were verified in the exposed organisms to the aldrin, which also presented about 10% of reduction in the standard length and 30% of reduction in the total weight in relation to the exposed organisms to the control. For heptachlor these values were of 8% and 25%, respectively. The intensity of the gill lesions and growth of the fish did not depend on the pesticide concentration, suggesting different modes of action of the products.

In eutrophic waters during cyanobacterial bloom lysis, a blend of cyanobacterial toxins and other compounds are released into the water, affecting aquatic communities. This research investigated the effect of a simulated cyanobacterial lysis event. For this purpose, intact cells from a natural cyanobacterial bloom from Barra Bonita Reservoir (Tietê River basin, Brazil) were taken, and the cells were broken by repeated freeze/thaw cycles. The toxicity of the crude cyanobacterial extract was investigated using cladocerans (Daphnia similis and Ceriodaphnia silvestrii), and the hepatotoxicity of the cyanobacterial lyophilized material was confirmed by mouse bioassay. The results obtained using D. similis and C. silvestrii acute bioassays indicated 24-h LC(50) values of 186.61 and 155.11 mg L(-1), respectively. The 24-h LD(50) determined by intraperitoneal injection into mice was 445.45 mg dry kg(-1). Microcystin content was 311 microgg(-1) dry wt freeze-dried cyanobacteria. The acute tests with cladocerans were effective in indicating the toxicity of the crude cyanobacterial extract and in prognostiating the toxic effects of cyanobacterial blooms, at least on some usual components of the aquatic community, such as microcrustaceans.

Estudos de reprodução induzida da piabanha, Brycon insignis, foram realizados em janeiro-fevereiro/96 e fevereiro/97, utilizando-se exemplares de 3 a 5 anos de idade, mantidos em cativeiro na Estação Experimental da Seção de Hidrobiologia e Aqüicultura, pertencente à CESP (Companhia Energética de São Paulo), localizada na cidade de Paraibuna, SP. As fêmeas selecionadas para indução da reprodução apresentaram ventre abaulado, papila genital saliente e avermelhada e 60% dos ovócitos com núcleo em posição excêntrica. Trinta e três fêmeas foram induzidas à reprodução com dose única de hCG de 5 UI/g (gonadotropina coriônica humana); 17 receberam duas aplicações de extrato bruto de hipófise de carpa, de 0,5 e 5,0 mg/kg, com intervalo de 10 horas entre as aplicações; 18 receberam 0,5 mg/kg de extrato bruto de hipófise de carpa e, após 10 horas, 5 UI/g de hCG; 5 fêmeas receberam dose única de solução salina a 0,9%. Cerca de 10 horas após a última aplicação hormonal, 43 fêmeas responderam positivamente aos tratamentos hormonais liberando óvulos por extrusão. A distribuição de freqüência porcentual dos diâmetros dos ovócitos da amostra inicial apresentou tendência unimodal, com moda em 1250 µm. Entre os hormônios testados, o mais eficiente foi o hCG, em dose única, e o menos eficiente, o de hipófise de carpa, com aplicação de duas doses. Os machos receberam dose única de 3 UI de hCG/g. Cada fêmea liberou, em média, 24.690 óvulos, que, após a fertilização e hidratação, se apresentaram esféricos, demersais e não adesivos, com diâmetro médio de 3785 a 3900 µm, grande espaço perivitelínico e córion resistente. A taxa de fertilização oscilou entre 20 e 96% e a de eclosão, entre 0 e 85%. A temperatura da água foi de 26ºC ± 1ºC. Studies of induced spawning of piabanha, Brycon insignis, were developed from January to February/96 and February/97, with 3 to 5 years old individuals maintained in captivity. The selected females presented swollen abdomen and red genital papilla, 60% of oocytes with eccentric germinal vesicle. Thirty-three females were induced to spawning through a single dose of 5 IU/g of hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin); 17 females received two application: 0.5 and 5 mg/kg of crude carp pituitary extract in an interval of 10 hours; 18 received one application of 0.5 mg/kg of crude carp pituitary extract and, after 10 hours, 5 IU/g of hCG; and 5 females received a single dose of 0.9% saline solution. About 10 hours after the last hormonal application, 43 females responded positively to the hormonal treatment releasing eggs by extrusion. The percent frequency distribution of the oocytes diameter in the initial sample presented unimodal tendency, with mode in 1250 µm. Considering the different hormones utilized, the most efficient was hCG in a single dose and the less efficient was the hormone of carp pituitary applicated in two doses. The males received one dose of 3 IU/g of hCG. The females released a mean of 24,690 eggs, wich after fertilization and hydration presented an sphere form, were demesal and non-adhesive, with mean diameter from 3785 to 3900 µm, and had an expressive perivitelin space and a hard chorion. The rate of fertilization ranged from 20 to 96% and that of hatching, from 0 to 85%. The water temperature was 26ºC ± 1ºC.

Electrofishing adequacy was tested as a technique to obtain quantitative data of coastal stream fish populations and communities in the Southeast of Brazil. Seven field trips, between July/94 and July/95, were done in 5 localities of the Ubatiba fluvial system (Maricá, RJ). Seventeen species, among the 22 collected, had their numbers estimated through the Zipping method, the model used to test the sampling methodology. At each field trip, three removals with electrofishing were done in each locality and, according to the number of obtained species at each locality/field trip, we analysed 315 cases. Nineteen cases, among 315, showed failure condition. Estimates were significant (p < 0.01) in 96% of the studied cases. Non-significant cases were obtained for rare species due to over and randomly efficient electrofishing in 63.3% and 36.4% of the cases, respectively. No correlation was found between catchability and the estimated number of individuals and/or environmental characteristics. High values for sampling efficiency (> 85%) were found for all estimates. An experimental analyses were done for one locality and, the comparison between the estimates for 3 and 6 successive removals showed a mean error and a standard deviation of 5.5% and 2.1% respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that electrofishing was an efficient method for quantitative data analysis of fish populations and communities in the Ubatiba fluvial system. Foi testada a adequacidade da pesca elétrica como técnica para a obtenção de dados quantitativos de populações e comunidades de peixes de riachos do sudeste do Brasil. Para isso, realizamos sete campanhas, entre julho/94 e julho/95, em cinco localidades do sistema fluvial do Ubatiba (Maricá, RJ). Das 22 espécies coletadas, 17 tiveram suas abundâncias estimadas pelo método de Zippin, que foi o modelo escolhido para testar a eficiência da metodologia de coleta. Em cada campanha, três remoções, com pesca elétrica, eram realizadas para cada localidade e, considerando o número (variável) de espécies obtidas por localidade/campanha, totalizaram-se 315 casos analisados. Dezenove casos, entre os 315, apresentaram condição de falha. As estimativas foram significativas (p < 0.01) em 96,2% dos casos analisados. Os casos não significativos ocorreram para as espécies raras e tiveram como causa a pesca supereficiente em 63,3% dos casos e randomicamente-eficiente em 36,4%. Não foram observadas correlações entre a capturabilidade e a abundância estimada de indivíduos e/ou as características ambientais das diferentes localidades. Altos valores de eficiência amostral (> 85%) foram registrados para todas as estimativas. Uma análise experimental foi realizada em uma localidade selecionada e a comparação entre as estimativas para 3 e 6 remoções sucessivas apontaram um erro médio e desvio-padrão de 5,5% e 2,1%, respectivamente. Concluímos que a pesca elétrica mostrou-se eficiente na obtenção de dados quantitativos das populações e comunidades de peixes do sistema fluvial do Ubatiba.

This study describes at ultrastructural level the germ cells in the testis of matrinxa (Brycon cephalus) raised in captivity. The specimens ‘matrinxa’ were maintained in four breeding tanks of 200 m2, at the Aquaculture Research Center at Vale do Ribeira–CEPAR, from Fishery Institute, in Pariquera-Acu City, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The samples were collected from March 1994 to February 1996. The testis has been classified as tubular unrestricted spermatogonial type, in which four stages of germ cells can be distinguished as follows: spermatogonia, spermatocytes (primary and secondary); spermatids and spermatozoa.

Rhinelepis aspera is the largest Loricariidae species found in the São Francisco river basin where it is now rarely caught. Brooders kept in tanks were hypophysed with crude carp pituitary extract (CCPE). Approximately 82% of the females responded positive to the treatment. The egg was opaque, demersal, round, yellow and adhesive. Egg stripping was done at 212 hour-degrees (= 8.2 h) after application of the second dose of CCPE (water temperature = 25-26 ºC). Hatching of the larvae occurred at 1022 hour-degrees (= 42.2 h), after fertilization of the eggs (water temperature =24-25 ºC). Fertilization rate of the eggs was 72%. Absolute fecundity (AF), initial fertility (IF) and final fertility (FF) in relation to the females' body weight are expressed, respectively, by the equations: AF = - 33993 + 122308 Wt (r² = 0.88), IF = - 14823 + 58619 Wt (r² = 0.71) and FF = - 6553 + 29741 (r² = 0.61)Rhinelepis aspera é a espécie que atinge maior porte dentre os Locariidae da bacia do rio São Francisco onde é hoje raramente capturada. Reprodutores mantidos em viveiros foram hipofisados com extrato bruto de hipófise de carpa (EBHC). Aproximadamente 82% das fêmeas responderam positivamente ao tratamento. Seus ovos eram opacos, demersais, arredondados, amarelados e adesivos. A extrusão dos ovos foi feita a 212 horas-graus (= 8,2 h) após a aplicação da segunda dose de EBHC (temperatura da água = 25-26 ºC). A eclosão das larvas ocorreu a 1022 horas-graus (= 42,2 h) após a fertilização dos ovos (temperatura da água = 24-25 ºC). A taxa de fertilização dos ovos foi de 72%. Fecundidade absoluta (AF), fertilidade inicial (IF) e fertilidade final (FF) em relação ao peso corporal das fêmeas foram expressa, respectivamente, pelas equações: AF = - 33993 + 122308 Wt (r² = 0,88), IF = - 14823 + 58619 Wt (r² = 0,71) e FF = - 6553 + 29741 (r² = 0.61).

Pristigasterids are predominantly coastal marine sardines of tropical and subtropical seas, with some species being found in fresh water. Two species of the genus Pellona, P. castelnaeana Valenciennes, 1847 and P. flavipinnis (Valenciennes, 1837), inhabit fresh waters of the neotropical region, with the latter occurring in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, in the Paraguay River basin of central Brazil. The development of P. flavipinnis larvae and early juveniles was characterized from an ontogenic series of 27 specimens (6.3–35 mm SL), based on morphological and meristic characters. The larval and juvenile development of this freshwater sardine are typical of most clupeiforms. Exact hatching size is unknown, but it is less than 6 mm standard length (SL) and the yolk is absorbed under 10 mm. Transformation to the flexion stage occurs at about 11 mm, to the postflexion stage between 16 and 19 mm, and to the juvenile stage after 26 mm. The ventral scutes begin to form between 25 and 31 mm, with the full complement of scutes (32 to 37) formed between 32 and 35 mm. Total myomere count averages 42. As the dorsal fin and origin of the anal fin and vent migrate anteriorly, the preanal myomere count ranges from 29 in the flexion larvae to 24 in early juveniles up to 35 mm. Corresponding preanal lengths range from 85 to 61%, respectively.

Curimbata, Prochilodus scrofa , were examined and selected for induced spawning with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Intra-ovarian eggs were sampled and size composition was analyzed. With 21 females, two doses of HCG were applied at 10-h intervals, 5 IU and 10 IU per gram of total weight. According to response, three distinct groups were identified. For the groups where eggs were successfully fertilized, followed by embryonic development, the percent frequency distribution of egg diameter was unimodal with a constant mode of 1111.15 μm. It is suggested that for P. scrofa , selection of recipient females can be made on egg frequency-diameter distribution.

The Ubatiba river is a coastal stream subject to stochastic spates all over the year and, Characidium sp.n. is among the twenty-two species that compose its ichthyofauna. In this study we analyse some traits of its reproductive biology and discuss whether the adopted strategy has causal relationship with the environmental variables. Specimens were collected in the upper Ubatiba river. Samplings, were carried out monthly by electrofishing, between Oct./94 and Sep./95. Some differences between male and female strategies were observed. Females were significantly (p < 0.05) bigger than males; length -- weight relationship was different (p < 0.05) between sexes with the onset of sexual maturity occuring at smaller sizes among males. Reproductive investment is high for both males and females but higher for males, maximum Gonadosomatic Index for females and males were 40.97% and 44.90%, respectively. Reproductive specimens were registered all over the year, suggesting continuous reproduction. High values of fecundity were also registered varying from 1342 to 5535 eggs for ripe females of 4.4 and 7.0 cm, respectively and an amount of 1105 oocytes per grams of fish. We suggest that differences in the reproductive strategy, between sexes, determine the observed patterns in the size structure; the absence of males in the higher SL classes could be a consequence of high mortality rates and/or reduction in the growth rates as a precocity consequence in the onset of reproduction and/or high reproductive investment. Relationship between continuous reproduction and environmental condition could be explained as an adaptation to maximise supervivency of the young fishes that is: guarantee the species maintenance in a stochastic environment. O rio Ubatiba é um riacho costeiro sujeito a chuvas torrenciais imprevisíveis e Characidium sp.n. é uma das 22 espécies que compõem sua ictiofauna. Neste estudo, são analisados alguns aspectos de sua reprodução e discutidas possíveis relações de causalidade entre a estratégia adotada e a situação ambiental. Os exemplares estudados são provenientes do trecho superior do rio Ubatiba. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente, por pesca elétrica, entre out./94 e set./95. Foram registradas algumas diferenças nas estratégias de machos e fêmeas. As fêmeas foram significativamente (p < 0,05) maiores que os machos; a relação peso/comprimento é significativamente diferente (p < 0,05) entre os sexos; e na primeira maturação também há diferenças entre os sexos. O investimento reprodutivo é alto para ambos os sexos, mas levemente superior para os machos, sendo o Índice Gônado Somático máximo de fêmeas e machos de 40,97% e 44,90%, respectivamente. Exemplares reprodutivos foram freqüentes ao longo de todo o ano, sugerindo que a reprodução da população é contínua. A fecundidade variou de 1.342 a 5.535 ovócitos para fêmeas maduras de 4,4 a 7,0 cm, respectivamente, sendo produzidos 1.105 ovócitos por grama de peixe. Sugerimos que as diferenças na estratégia reprodutiva de machos e fêmeas determinam o padrão observado na estrutura de tamanho, sendo a ausência de machos nas maiores classes de SL conseqüência da precocidade da 1ª maturação e/ou do alto investimento reprodutivo. A relação entre a reprodução contínua da população e as condições ambientais poderiam ser explicadas como uma adaptação para maximizar a sobrevivência de jovens, isto é, garantir a manutenção da espécie em um ambiente imprevisível.

As cidades e as atividades industriais e agrícolas geram uma infinidade de substâncias, muitas vezes desconhecidas, que quando lançadas nos corpos de água receptores podem por em risco a biota local e até mesmo a saúde humana. O presente trabalho avaliou o estado de degradação ambiental nas bacias dos rios Piracicaba, Mogi Guaçu (ambas no estado de São Paulo) e Tibagi (estado do Paraná), tendo como ferramentas os testes de toxicidade de sedimentos com peixes, em laboratório e in situ, análises histopatológicas dos animais expostos e análises físicas e químicas da água e do sedimento. Foram realizadas, ainda, análises das alterações histológicas em peixes expostos ao efluente final de indústria de papel e celulose, atividade presente nas três bacias estudadas. Os organismos-teste selecionados foram a espécie nativa de peixe Serrapinnus notomelas (Characiformes, Characidae) e a espécie padronizada, exótica, Danio rerio (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae). As preparações histológicas foram realizadas com os peixes inteiros, possibilitando a análise dos órgãos-alvo brânquias, rim e fígado, em um mesmo corte. Nenhum organismo morreu após 96 horas de exposição às amostras de sedimento. No entanto, as análises histológicas revelaram alterações importantes, as quais foram sistematizadas para o cálculo do Índice de Alterações Histológicas (IAH) e do Valor Médio de Alterações (VMA), por órgão e por espécie, para cada localidade estudada. Os sedimentos provenientes das localidades de Sumaré (rio Atibaia) e de Piracicaba (rio Piracicaba) foram os mais tóxicos a ambas as espécies, de acordo com os índices calculados, seguidos pelos sedimentos de Campinas (rio Atibaia), Limeira (rio Jaguari) e Americana (rio Piracicaba). Os sedimentos da bacia do rio Mogi Guaçu foram menos tóxicos, mas aqueles provenientes das localidades Mogi Guaçu e Luiz Antônio (ambos a jusante de indústrias de papel e celulose) provocaram alterações renais e hepáticas significativas em D. rerio. Apesar de terem sido observadas alterações importantes nos peixes de ambas as espécies, expostas aos sedimentos da bacia do rio Tibagi, estas não foram tão intensas e freqüentes como aquelas observadas nos peixes expostos aos sedimentos das localidades das outras bacias hidrográficas. As análises físicas e químicas comprovaram a crítica situação de degradação do ambiente aquático na bacia do rio Piracicaba e alertam para os cuidados que deverão ser tomados com relação a esta e às bacias dos rios Mogi-Guaçu e Tibagi, cujos recursos estão sendo cada dia mais explorados. As graves alterações observadas nas brânquias, rim e fígado dos peixes expostos ao efluente de indústria de papel e celulose indicaram que o monitoramento da toxicidade desse tipo de efluente deve ser realizado por ferramentas mais sensíveis, tais como as análises histopatológicas em peixes. Urban and industrial activities generate a large number of substances, frequently unknown, that if discharged into water body receptors can put at risk the whole aquatic biota, as well as human health. The present work evaluated the state of environmental degradation in the basins of rivers Piracicaba, Mogi Guaçu (both in São Paulo state) and Tibagi (Paraná state), using as tools the toxicity tests with sediments and fishes as test-organisms, for both laboratory and in situ evaluations, together with histopathological analyses of exposed animals and chemical and physical analysis of sediments and water. Also, histological alterations in fishes exposed to the final pulp-mill effluent were analyzed. The species selected as test-organisms were the native species of fish Serrapinnus notomelas (Characiformes, Characidae) and the standard exotic species Danio rerio (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae). Hystological preparations were performed with whole fish specimens, what allowed the analysis of the target-organs: gills, kidney and liver in the same section. No fish mortality was found after 96 hours exposition to the sediment samples. Nevertheless histological analyses revealed important alterations, which were used to calculate the histological alteration index (IAH) and the mean value of alterations (VMA), for each organ and species, in each locality evaluated. Sediments coming from Sumaré (Atibaia river) and Piracicaba (Piracicaba river) were the most toxic to both species, according to the calculated index, followed by the sediments from Campinas (Atibaia river), Limeira (Jaguari river) and Americana (Piracicaba river). The sediments of Mogi Guaçu riber basin had a lower toxicity, but those coming from Mogi Guaçu and Luiz Antônio (both localities placed downstream pulp-mill plants) have caused significant alterations in kidney and liver of D. rerio. Although important alterations were found for both species of fish exposed to the sediments from Tibagi river basin, these were not as intense and frequent as those observed in the fishes exposed to the sediment from the other localities studied. Physical and chemical analysis corroborated the critical degree of environmental degradation of Piracicaba river basin and must be considered as an early warning for the measures that must be taken in relation to this and also to Mogi-Guaçu and Tibagi basins, where resources are increasingly being overexploited. The severe damage found in gills, kidney and liver of fishes exposed to the pulp-mill effluent suggest that monitoring this type of effluent must include a high sensibility tool, as the histopatological analysis on fish.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade da água e o grau de contaminação por metais na água, sedimento e peixes no trecho médio da Bacia do rio Doce, no Estado de Minas Gerais. Para tanto, em fevereiro e setembro de 2001, foram feitas análises físicas, químicas e biológicas de amostras de água e sedimento, testes de toxicidade e análises dos tecidos branquiais de peixes. As amostras de água apresentaram concentrações de amônio e fósforo total mais elevadas que o limite estabelecido pela resolução Conama 20/86 em todos os pontos e períodos de coleta. Maiores valores de condutividade elétrica e de compostos nitrogenados e fosfatados foram verificados no ribeirão Timotinho. Neste local, também foram encontradas as maiores concentrações de material em suspensão, carbono e fenóis totais. Em geral, as amostras de sedimento apresentaram baixos teores de matéria orgânica e maior porcentagem de areia dentre as frações granulométricas, tendo sido verificados os maiores valores de nitrogênio total e fósforo total nas amostras de sedimento do ribeirão Timotinho. As concentrações de metais na água estiveram geralmente acima dos limites máximos estabelecidos pela resolução CONAMA 20/86 para águas classe 2, sendo que os pontos de coleta no ribeirão Timotinho e rio Doce/Cenibra apresentaram concentrações muito acima do estabelecido para a maioria dos metais analisados, nos dois períodos de amostragem. Nas amostras de sedimento, as concentrações de Cr estiveram acima de valores encontrados em regiões não impactadas, em ambos os períodos de amostragem. Nos peixes também foram observadas elevadas concentrações de metais, sendo que Geophagus brasiliensis, Oligosarcus argenteus, Hoplias lacerdae e Loricariichthys castaneus; Leporinus sp e Geophagus brasiliensis apresentaram respectivamente níveis de Cr, Pb e Ni acima do permitido pela legislação, indicando processos de bioconcentração e bioacumulação. Os testes de toxicidade aguda e crônica com amostras de sedimento à Daphnia similis, Chironomus xanthus e Ceriodaphnia silvestrii mostraram maiores efeitos de toxicidade no ribeirão Timotinho e rio Doce/Cenibra. Além disso, foram também verificados efeitos de toxicidade crônica no ribeirão do Turvo, rio Matipó e reservatório de Guilmam-Amorim. As análises dos tecidos branquiais revelaram alterações histopatológicas em Tilapia rendalli (aneurismas) e Rhamdia quelen (fusão lamelar) coletados no ribeirão Timotinho e rio Doce/Cenibra, demonstrando que estas e outras espécies estão seriamente expostas à poluentes. The present study aimed to evaluate water quality and metals contamination levels in water, sediment and fishes of different sampling sites in the middle Doce river basin in Minas Gerais State. Therefore, in February and September of 2001, physical, chemical and biological analyses of water and sediment samples, toxicity tests and branchial tissues analyses of fishes were carried out. The water samples showed higher ammonium and total phosphorus concentrations than the limit established by CONAMA 20/86 in all sites and sampling periods. Higher electric conductivity and nitrogenous and phosphorus compounds were found in Timotinho stream, where were also found the highest concentrations of suspended matter, carbon and total phenols. In general, the sediment samples presented low organic matter values and higher sand percentage among granulometric fractions, with higher values of total phosphorus and nitrogen being found at Timotinho stream. The concentrations of metals in water were generally above the maximum limit established by CONAMA 20/86 for class 2 waters, with much higher values being found at Timotinho stream and Doce river/Cenibra for most metals determined, in both sampling periods. In the sediment samples, the chromium concentrations were above the values found in unimpacted areas, in both sampling periods. High concentrations of metals were also detected in the fishes. Geophagus brasiliensis, Oligosarcus argenteus, Hoplias lacerdae e Loricariichthys castaneus; Leporinus sp and Geophagus brasiliensis respectively presented chromium, lead and nickel values above the established by legislation, indicating bioconcentration and bioaccumulation processes. The acute and chronic toxicity tests with sediment samples to Daphnia similis, Chironomus xanthus and Ceriodaphnia silvestrii showed more toxicity effects at Timotinho stream and Doce river/Cenibra. Moreover, chronic toxicity effects were also detected at Turvo stream, Matipó river and Guilmam-Amorim reservoir. The branchial tissues analyses revealed histopathological alterations in Tilapia rendalli (aneurisms) and Rhamdia quelen (lamellar fusion) collected at Timotinho stream and Doce river/Cenibra, demonstrating that these and other species are seriously exposed to pollutants.

As introduções de espécies exóticas têm significantemente modificado a estrutura das comunidades levando à extinção muitas espécies nativas. A crescente invasão, nas águas doces brasileiras pelo gastropoda Melanoides tuberculata, de origem africano-asiática, é preocupante. No presente estudo foram analisados diversos aspectos referentes ao ciclo de vida, à tolerância a variáveis abióticas e à sensibilidade a substâncias tóxicas de referência e aos sedimentos contaminados de três reservatórios do estado de São Paulo (Rasgão, Barra Bonita e Promissão). Testou-se a eficácia do látex de Euphorbia splendens e de Asclepias curassavica como moluscicida. Os moluscos foram coletados em tanques de piscicultura, em Pirassununga, SP, e cultivados em laboratório, determinando-se a taxa de crescimento e a tolerância à temperatura e à salinidade. Os resultados evidenciaram que esta espécie tolera temperaturas entre 16 e 37 'graus' C e tem ampla tolerância à salinidade (0,968 a 17,138 g/L). As 'CL IND.50' para substâncias de referência foram: 0,734 mg/L para o dicromato de potássio; 0,701 g/L para o cloreto de potássio e de 9,053 g/L para o cloreto de sódio. Em relação ao látex de plantas tóxicas, obtiveram-se 'CL IND.50' entre 2,924 ppm e 3,308 ppm para Euphorbia splendens, enquanto o látex de Asclepias curassavica não foi tóxico até o limite máximo de 20,0 ppm. Os sedimentos dos reservatórios de Barra Bonita e Promissão (rio Tietê) não foram tóxicos, enquanto o sedimento de Rasgão foi extremamente tóxico a este molusco. Concluiu-se que a alta tolerância de M. tuberculata a elevadas temperaturas e à salinidade corroboram sua ampla e rápida dispersão pelas águas doces tropicais e que o látex de Euphorbia splendens pode ser utilizado como moluscicida natural em baixas concentrações em programas integrados de controle da invasão desta espécie invasora The introduction of exotic species have marcantly altered the structure of communities, leading to the extinction of many native species. The progressive invasion of brazilian freshwaters by the gastropoda Melanoides tuberculata, with afro-asian origin, is quite worrying at the moment. In the present study some aspects of the life cycle of M. tuberculata, its tolerance to abiotic variables and its sensibility to both toxic reference substances and contaminated sediments from São Paulo state reservoirs (Barra Bonita, Promissão and Rasgão) were evaluated. It was also tested the efficiency of the latex of Euphorbia splendens and Asclepias curassavica as natural moluscicids. Moluscs were collected from fish ponds in Pirassununga, SP, and cultured in the laboratory, in order to determine their individual growth rate and tolerance to temperature and salinity. The results have evidenced that this species can tolerate temperatures between 16 and 37 degrees C and have a wide tolerance to salinity (0.968 to 17.138 g/L). The 'LC IND.50' for reference substances were: 0.734 mg/L for potassium dichromate; 0.701 g/L for potassium chloride and 9.053 g/L for sodium chloride. In relation to the latex of toxic plants, a 'LC IND.50' of 2.924 ppm and 3.308 ppm was found for Euphorbia splendens, whereas the latex of Asclepias curassavica was not toxic up to the maximum of 20.0 ppm tested. Sediments from the reservoirs Barra Bonita and Promissão (rio Tietê) were not toxic, whereas the sediment of Rasgão was extremely toxic to this molusc. It was concluded that M. tuberculata can tolerate high temperatures and salinity, what is in accordance to its wide and rapid dispersion throughout tropical waters, and that the latex of Euphorbia splendens can be used as natural moluscicid in low concentrations in integrated control programs of this invader species

A introdução de espécies nos ecossistemas pode levar a conseqüências difíceis de serem controladas, sendo que a competição por recursos alimentares talvez seja o principal meio pelo qual uma espécie introduzida possa afetar as espécies nativas, podendo ocasionar a extinção. Neste sentido, os estudos de alimentação tornam-se importantes ao fornecerem subsídios para compreender o funcionamento trófico de um ecossistema. Considerando estes aspectos, o objetivo da pesquisa foi conhecer a ecologia trófica das espécies introduzidas (Plagioscion squamosissimus e Cichla cf. ocellaris) e da espécie nativa (Geophagus brasiliensis), avaliando as possíveis interações entre elas. Para o estudo da dieta das espécies escolhidas, foram utilizados os exemplares capturados durante o desenvolvimento do projeto PROBIO 2. As coletas foram realizadas nos seis reservatórios do Médio e Baixo rio Tietê, no período de novembro de 2002 a fevereiro de 2004. Foram realizadas análises quantitativas (freqüência de ocorrência, método volumétrico e método gravimétrico) dos itens encontrados, caracterizando a preferência alimentar das espécies. Neste trabalho o acará (Geophagus brasiliensis), apresentou um hábito alimentar onívoro, consumindo principalmente larvas de Diptera, insetos aquáticos e microcrustáceos. A espécie (Cichla cf. ocellaris) apresentou um hábito alimentar piscívoro, consumindo principalmente peixes e crustáceos. A corvina (P. squamossisimus) foi considerada piscívora, apresentando um amplo espectro alimentar, consumindo principalmente peixes, insetos aquáticos e crustáceos. A ampla distribuição da espécie P. squamosissimus nos seis reservatórios do médio e baixo rio Tietê e a plasticidade alimentar evidenciada pela análise de conteúdo estomacal sugerem que a corvina exerce uma forte pressão sobre as espécies nativas, cuja dinâmica populacional pode ser alterada. The species introduction into the ecosystems may lead to difficult consequences hard to be controlled and the competition for food resources being the main factor by which introduced species can affect the native species, even causing their extinction. In this sense, the feeding studies are important by supplying subsidies to understand the trophic functioning of an ecosystem. Considering these aspects, the objective of this research was to know the trophic ecology of the introduced species Plagioscion squamosissimus and Cichla cf. ocellaris and of the native species (Geophagus brasiliensis), evaluating the possible interactions between them. For the diet study of the chosen species, were used the samples collected during the development of the project PROBIO 2. Sampling was carried out in six reservoirs of the Middle and Low Tietê river, between November 2002 and February 2004. Qualitative analysis was done (occurrence frequency, volumetric method e gravimetric method) on the found items, characterizing the species feeding preference. In this work, the acará (Geophagus brasiliensis) presented an omnivorous feeding habit, mainly consuming Dipteral worms, aquatic insects and micro crustaceans. The species (Cichla cf. ocellaris) presented a piscivorous feeding habit, mainly consuming fishes and crustaceans. The curvina (P. squamossisimus) was considered piscivorous, presenting an ample feeding spectrum, mainly consuming fishes, aquatic insects and crustaceans. The ample distribution of the specie P. squamosissimus in the six reservoirs of the Middle and Low Tietê river and the plasticity revealed by the stomach content analysis, suggests that the curvina exercises a strong pressure over the native species, in which population dynamics can be changed.

A construção dos reservatórios implica em alterações de caráter social, econômico e biológico, que podem interferir de maneira espacial e/ou temporal sobre o ecossistema. Neste contexto, as características das comunidades ícticas têm sido utilizadas para avaliação da degradação ambiental, por serem sensíveis indicadoras de estresses diretos ou indiretos de todo ecossistema. Desta forma, com o intuito de analisar a comunidade íctica do reservatório de Bariri segundo a composição, a diversidade, a dominância das espécies e os aspectos reprodutivos das mesmas, fez-se necessário: 1. Calcular o índice de diversidade (Shannon), a riqueza e a abundância das trinta e sete espécies de peixes coletadas; 2. Aplicar o índice ponderal de dominância; 3. Determinar a estrutura das populações de peixes em relação à composição em tamanho, sexo e proporção sexual; 4. Determinar a relação peso x comprimento e os fatores de condição das espécies; 5. Estabelecer uma escala de maturação e verificar, através da curva de maturação, o período reprodutivo e o tamanho do menor indivíduo em 1ª maturação para cada espécie dominante; 6. Identificar quais as espécies exóticas presentes neste sistema e se a introdução de Plagioscion squamosissimus e Cichla cf. monoculus, em especial, exerciam algum impacto sobre a dinâmica populacional das demais espécies e 7. Verificar quais os fatores ambientais que propiciaram o sucesso reprodutivo das espécies dominantes e de Plagioscion squamosissimus e Cichla cf. monoculus. Assim sendo, concluiu-se que a diversidade ictiofaunística revelou homogeneidade entre as quatro épocas de coleta e que as espécies parecem sofrer influência direta de algumas variáveis limnológicas. Verificou-se ainda, que a ictiofauna é composta por seis espécies dominantes, as quais foram classificadas em três estádios de maturação gonadal, possibilitando verificar que o crescimento era do tipo isométrico para todas as espécies dominantes, sem dimorfismo sexual. Até o presente momento não se pode considerar que, para este reservatório, a introdução das espécies Plagioscion squamosissimus e Cichla cf. monoculus tenham causado efeito aparente sobre as espécies nativas, diminuindo o tamanho da população destas ou ainda alterando a estrutura etária das demais espécies. The construction of reservoirs cause changes of social, economic and biological alterations, that can interfere spatially and/or temporally upon the ecosystem. In this context, the characteristics of fish communities have been used in order to evaluate environmental degradation, because they are good indicators of direct and indirect stresses in the whole ecosystem. Therefore, aiming to analyze the fish community of Bariri reservoir regarding the species composition, diversity and dominance of species and also their reproductive aspects, it was necessary: 1. Calculate the diversity index (Shannon), the species richness and the abundance of the 37 species collected; 2. Apply the ponderal dominance index; 3. To determine fish population structure regarding size structure, sex and sex ratio; 4. To determine length-weight relationships and their condition factor; 5. Establish a scale of maturation and to verify using the maturation curve, the reproductive period and the minimum individual size in the first reproduction, for each dominant species; 6. Identify which are the exotic species present in the system and to verify if the introduction of Plagioscion squamosissimus and Cichla cf. monoculus, especially had some impact on the population dynamics of other species, and 7. Verify which environmental factors have determined the reproductive success of the dominant species and Plagioscion squamosissimus and Cichla cf. monoculus. It was concluded that fish diversity was homogeneous among the four sampling periods and that the species seem to suffer the direct influence of some limnological variables. It was also verified that the fish community was composed by six dominant species, which were classified in three gonad maturation stages, allowing to verify that growth was isometric for all the dominant species, without sexual dimorphism. Up to now, for this reservoir, it was not possible to consider that the introduction of the species Plagioscion squamosissimus and Cichla cf. monoculus had an apparent effect on the native species of fish, decreasing their population size or changing the age structure of the other species.

O município de Bom Repouso, região da nascente do rio Mogi-Guaçu, está localizado a sudoeste do Estado de Minas Gerais, sendo reconhecido nacionalmente pela produção de morango - o município é responsável por 40% da produção nacional - e batata inglesa - o Estado é o primeiro produtor nacional desta cultura. Esses cultivos, porém, geram impactos ambientais em função do uso excessivo de agrotóxicos. Considerando que tais produtos podem se acumular no solo e serem carreados para o ambiente aquático, cujos efeitos danosos podem se estender aos organismos aquáticos, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os impactos causados pelos agrotóxicos em sistemas naturais, por meio de análises físicas e químicas e da realização de bioensaios ecotoxicológicos com amostras de solo provenientes das duas principais culturas desenvolvidas na região (morango e batata), utilizando-se como organismos-teste juvenis da espécie Danio rerio (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae). Os resultados mostram que a região sofre com o impacto das lavouras em função não apenas da utilização de agrotóxicos, mas também pelo uso de fertilizantes. Os bioensaios revelaram baixa toxicidade das amostras, porém efeitos sobre o crescimento e alterações histolpatológicas nas brânquias foram observados nos organismos submetidos aos testes. As alterações histológicas foram, em geral, relacionadas à proliferação celular, dilatação de capilares, deslocamento de epitélio branquial, além de aneurismas e fusão de lamelas. Bom Repouso, region of Mogi-Guaçu river riverhead, is located in the southwest of Minas Gerais State, in Brazil, is widely recognized by the production of strawberry - the municipality is responsible for 40% of the national production - and potato - the State is the first national producer of this culture. However, the intensive use of pesticides in these cultures creates several environmental impacts. Considering that such products can be accumulated in the soil and carried into the aquatic environment, with hazardous effects being extended to the aquatic organisms, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts caused by these pesticides in natural systems. Physical and chemical analysis were made, as well as bioassays with soil samples proceeding from the two main cultures (strawberry and potato), using Danio rerio (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) juveniles as test-organisms. The results showed that the Mogi-Guaçu basin suffers not only due pesticides applications, but also due to the fertilizer use. The bioassays revealed low toxicity of the samples. Despite of it, some negative effects in the growth and histopathological alterations in the gills were observed in the organisms submitted to the tests.