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Faced with the global crisis of loss of biodiversity and deterioration of ecosystems, protected natural areas have a preponderant role as a management tool. However, most of these are based on terrestrial criteria, while freshwater organisms are the most threatened and vulnerable in terms of their conservation. This paper analyzes the protective effect of El Rey National Park and a summer flood on conspicuous fish (dorado [Salminus brasiliensis], sábalo [Prochilodus lineatus] and boga [Megaleporinus spp.]) in the Popayán River, Bermejo River basin. Abundance and size estimates were made through visual censuses before and after the flood event, as well as within and on the limits of the protected area in the context of fishing pressure from poachers. We found no significant effect of the flood on the species under study, but a significant effect of the protected area: inside it, all three species were found to be very abundant, with the dorado reaching much larger sizes. The results shows that the protected area plays an essential role in supporting the studied species, especially in the case of the dorado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ante la crisis global de pérdida de biodiversidad y deterioro de los ecosistemas, las áreas naturales protegidas tienen un rol preponderante como herramienta de manejo. Sin embargo, la mayoría se basa sobre criterios terrestres, mientras que los organismos de agua dulce son los más amenazados en cuanto a su conservación. En este trabajo se analiza el efecto de protección del Parque Nacional El Rey y de una crecida estival del río Popayán, de la cuenca del río Bermejito, sobre las poblaciones de peces de interés pesquero (el dorado [Salminus brasiliensis], el sábalo [Prochilodus lineatus] y la boga [Megaleporinus spp.]). Se realizaron estimaciones de abundancia y de talla mediante censos visuales antes y después al evento de crecida, y también dentro y en los límites del área protegida, en un contexto de presión de pesca por parte de pescadores furtivos. No se registró un efecto significativo de la crecida sobre las especies en estudio, pero sí del efecto del área protegida: en su interior se registró que las tres especies eran muy abundantes y que el dorado poseía tallas mucho mayores. Los resultados muestran que el área protegida cumple un rol esencial como sostén de las especies en estudio, sobre todo en el caso del dorado.

The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn (TE) in four juvenile fishes (Acestrorhynchus pantaneiro, Salminus brasiliensis, Brycon orbignyanus, and Megaleporinus obtusidens) and associated sediment water from the Lower Paraná River were measured. For muscle, gills, and liver fishes, the TE accumulation in the muscle, gills, and liver was evaluated. The TE concentration was measured by quadrupolar inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). Cadmium (0.25 ± 0.07 μg L−1), Cu (3.00 ± 1.44 μg L−1), Fe (612 ± 69 μg L−1), and Pb (1.92 ± 1.20 μg L−1) in water and As (4.1–6.9 μg g−1), Cr (20.1–31.4 μg g−1), Cu (10.7–19.2 μg g−1), Mn (351.3–482.2 μg g−1), and Ni (24.5 ± 10.9 μg g−1) in sediments exceeded the guide values for the conservation of aquatic life. In general, muscle of omnivorous species (B. orbignyanus and M. obtusidens) showed higher values of elements than those of carnivorous species (A. pantaneiro and S. brasiliensis). However, TE concentrations varied with fish species and organs. Independently of the examined species, the highest concentrations of Cr and Pb were in the muscle and gills, respectively. Cadmium, Cu, and Fe concentrations were higher in the liver than in gills and muscle in all four fish species. These results were consistent with the tissue selectivity index analyzed. For the four species, major essential elements showed the highest accumulation. However, the accumulation of toxic elements in omnivorous fish was higher than in carnivorous fish. The individual pollution load index indicated that sediment was very polluted with As and Pb, but based on the combined ecological indexes, low elemental sediment pollution in the Espinillo Lake was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at determining the attractiveness and palatability of liquid protein hydrolysates for Dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) fingerlings. Six experimental diets were formulated containing either 10% inclusion level of fishmeal (FM; positive control), 5% of a swine mucous liquid hydrolysate (SPH), 5% of a poultry hydrolysate (PPH), 5% of a blend between poultry and swine mucous hydrolysates (SPH + PPH), 5% of the commercial hydrolysate Scanbio (CHS) or 5% of the commercial hydrolysate VNF (CHV). Twelve fingerlings (5.51 ± 0.41 g) were distributed in 12 tanks (22 L) and fed six times a day, with a previous random drawing of the diets offered. Feeding events were filmed for 3 min, during which eight pellets were offered and the following behaviours were verified: time to capture the first pellet, number of rejections, number of approximations without capturing the pellet and number of pellets consumed. It was verified that the diet SPH had a positive palatability index of 8.22%, whereas the VNF (CHV) displayed an index of 0.61%, in relation to FM. Conversely, all other diets had negative indexes of −0.78% for CHS, −3.16% for PPH and −3.32% for SPH + PPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change threatens freshwater fish by severely modifying water quality and hydrological dynamics, hence altering the species distribution. We assessed the climate change effects on the geographical distribution of Salminus brasiliensis, a keystone species of economic interest in the La Plata River basin. Using ecological niche models, we estimated the species range in the present time and assessed the range shift phenomena through climatically suitable areas in the future. We also quantified the predictive uncertainty from niche models, atmosphere–ocean general circulation models, and carbon emission scenarios. Our predictions indicated a great range contraction of S. brasiliensis in the future. The south-central portion of the basin should retain the climate refuge function for the species at 2050. Nonetheless, the segregation of this climate refuge in two smaller parts was predicted at the end of the century. Our study also revealed that the greatest source of uncertainty in forecasts of species range shifts arises from using alternative niche algorithms in modeling process. Our results contribute to more effective measures for conservation of S. brasiliensis, thus helping to ensure the ecosystem processes and socioeconomic activities in the basin dependent on this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As usinas hidrelétricas são responsáveis por gerar a maioria da energia elétrica utilizada no Brasil, entretanto, suas construções podem gerar entraves ambientais, entre eles a interrupção da migração de peixes. O presente estudo foi realizado no período anterior a construção da UHE São Domingos sobre o eixo da cachoeira Branca, no rio Verde – Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil), e teve como objetivo avaliar a diversidade genética de duas populações naturais de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) localizadas à jusante (População A - PopA) e montante (População B - PopB) da cachoeira. Foram utilizados oito iniciadores para analisar 56 indivíduos (PopA: 26; PopB: 30). Observaram-se um total de 102 fragmentos, dos quais 86 foram polimórficos (84,3%). Foram identificados fragmentos de baixa frequência (PopA: 2; PopB: 1), três fragmentos limitantes (PopA) e três fragmentos exclusivos (PopB). A variabilidade genética intra-populacional calculada com o índice de Shannon e pela porcentagem de fragmentos polimórficos mostrou altos valores de variabilidade dentro de cada população (PopA: 0,300 e 60,80% e PopB: 0,411 e 79,40%, respectivamente). A distância e identidade genética mostraram uma alta diferenciação genética (0,076 e 0,927, respectivamente). As duas populações apresentaram alta variabilidade genética intra-populacional e alta diferenciação e distância genética entre si, com baixo fluxo gênico. Conclui-se que a UHE São Domingos deve realizar uma transposição controlada dos peixes para manter a variabilidade genética entre as populações.

Objective. The aim of this study was evaluate the genetic diversity of the following broodstocks: piapara (Leporinus elongatus), dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) and cachara (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) already useful for restocking programs in the Paranapanema, Iguaçu and Paraná Brazilian Rivers. Materials and methods. Samples from the caudal fin of 122 fish were analyzed. DNA was extracted by NaCl protocol. PCR products were separated by a horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis. The fragments were visualized by staining with ethidium bromide. Results. The amplification of 25 primers generated different fragments in studied species that allowed characterizing 440 fragments of 100-2900 bp. High percentage of polymorphic fragments (66.67 to 86.29), Shannon index (0.365 to 0.486) and genetic diversity of Nei (0.248 to 0.331) were detected. Conclusions. The level of genetic variability in the broodstocks was adequate for allowing their use in restocking programs in the studied Rivers. However, periodical monitoring studies of genetic variability in these stocks, the mating system, reproductive system and general management must be made to guarantee the preservation of wild populations.

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

In regions where there is intense polluting activity, a greater availability of metals in water impounded by dams increases the availability and contamination of the fauna and flora. Thus, we assessed the accumulation of metals in muscle and gills of fish of different trophic levels in the area of influence of Foz do Chapecó hydroelectric plant on the Uruguai river. We analyzed the metals Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Fe in Hypostomus isbrueckeri (cascudo), Pimelodus maculatus (mandi), and Salminus brasiliensis (dourado). We collected specimens from both upstream and downstream of the reservoir in February and March 2014. We also measured the allometric condition factor of the fish to determine their physiological status. Physical and chemical variables of the water were measured to determine the influence of these abiotic variables on the bioavailability of metals and on the condition factor of the fish. Gills had a higher concentration of metals than muscle. Hypostomus isbrueckeri and Pimelodus maculatus possessed high concentrations of metals, indicating greater bioaccumulation in benthic species. Only chromium in muscle varied significantly between upstream and downstream, with higher concentrations in H. isbrueckeri and P. maculatus upstream. Chromium contamination, however, did not change the condition factor, which did not vary between upstream and downstream for any of the studied species. We found no influence of abiotic variables of the water on the bioavailability of the metals in the environment. Although the data do not indicate trophic magnification, the different species react differently to environmental changes and their trophic plasticity makes it difficult to assign them to specific guilds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Salminus brasiliensis is a potamodromous fish species that occurs in southern South American rivers. In spite of its ecological and economic relevance, information regarding the reproductive biology of S. brasiliensis is still scarce. This study used data from 18 years of continuous sampling in the Upper Uruguay River Basin, analyzing 718 adult fish (307 males, 243 females, 168 undefined) captured at different months of the year. The results showed that the reproductive timing for S. brasiliensis is wide in the Upper Uruguay River, with the occurrence of mature fish between the month of August and March and spawned individuals between July and May of the next year. These results were sustained by the increase of gonadal somatic relationship (GSR) from August. The reproductive timing of S. brasiliensis in the Upper Uruguay River may start between the middle winter and early spring (from late July to late September), and may extend until the late summer and middle fall (from the middle February to early May). These findings contribute to information on the general biology of S. brasiliensis and provide valuable knowledge to management programs and to conservation efforts of this fisheries resource.

Besides the immunological benefits of colostrum consumption, this lacteal secretion has a great concentration of biological molecules that can affect gut physiology and fish healthy. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential in the gut of juvenile pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, and dourado, Salminus brasiliensis, fed twice a day with diets containing 0, 10 or 20% of lyophilized bovine colostrum (LBC). The whole medium and posterior intestine was collected after 30 or 60 experimental days and the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase was determined as one international unit per milligram of protein, and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity as μM of equivalent Trolox per milligram of protein. Only the juvenile pacu were affected by the diet containing LBC (P < 0.05). The juvenile fed 10% LBC showed higher oxygen absorbance capacity than the juveniles fed 20% LBC (P < 0.05). Interaction between diet and period was observed to superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P < 0.05), juvenile pacu fed 0% LBC and 10% LBC did not change enzyme activity at 30 and 60 days, whereas juvenile fed 20% LBC showed higher value at 60 days compared to 30 days (P < 0.05). The present result reveal that the consumption of diet containing LBC improved SOD activity in the gut of juvenile pacu indicating a possible protective action of this lacteal secretion in an omnivorous fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth and the stress levels of juvenile dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) cultivated in cages. Fish stocked at densities of 15 (D15) and 30 (D30) fish per square meter were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Fish were fed twice a day with extruded ration (42% crude protein). Density influenced only biomass and daily food intake, and glucose and lactate concentrations increased over time. D15 and D30 did not influence the growth of dourado. However, the increase of glucose and lactate levels over time indicates that cultivation in cages is a stressful condition for this species.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different cryoprotectants on the viability of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) embryos. Ten cryoprotectant solutions were tested. For each solution, 300 embryos were selected at the closing of the blastopore stage, and 300 more embryos were used as a negative control. After cooling (-8ºC for 6 hours), the embryos were rehydrated directly in the incubator until hatching. The best result is obtained with the cryoprotectant solution containing 9% methanol associated with 17% sucrose, resulting in a larvae hatching rate of 67.06%.

This study aimed to evaluate whether mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil) extract would change lipid and color stability of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) fillets during frozen storage. Fish fillets were dipped (1 min) in distilled water (control) or in aqueous extract of mate (0.1g mL-1, w/v) and were stored at -7°C for up to 12 months. Conjugated dienes (CD) increased in control fillets after 6 months of storage and then decreased, whereas thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value increased along the whole experimental period. Mate treatment reduced CD and TBARS values of fillets. Dourado fillets tended to yellow along the whole experimental period (average H*= 72.55) Although the mate treatment had increased the yellowness of fillets at the start of storage, this treatment reduced the increase in luminosity (L*) and in yellowness (H*) triggered by frozen storage. Results indicate that mate extract inhibits lipid oxidation and some color changes caused by the frozen storage of fish fillets.

Um experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de estimar a concentração espermática das espécies dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), curimba (Prochilodus lineatus), jundiá (Rhamdia quelen), cascudo-preto (Rhinelepis aspera) e tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) pelo método de espermatócrito. Utilizaram-se 19, 58, 51, 43 e 85 reprodutores de dourado, curimba, jundiá, cascudo-preto e tilápia-do-nilo, respectivamente. Com exceção da tilápia-do-nilo, os reprodutores foram submetidos ao processo de indução hormonal e posteriormente submetidos a coleta de sêmen. Foram comparadas as técnicas de mensuração da concentração espermática do sêmen por contagem em câmara hematimétrica de Neubauer e por espermatócrito. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de regressão a 5% de probabilidade. As concentrações espermáticas mensuradas por ambas as técnicas apresentaram relação linear, para curimbas, jundiás e tilápias-do-nilo, com equações y = 6,6624 × 10(9) + 3,68553 × 10(8)x; y = 2,153 × 10(9) + 4,426 × 10(8)x e y = -9,0897 × 10(8) + 6,0167 × 10(8), respectivamente. O método de espermatócrito pode ser utilizado para estimar a concentração espermática do sêmen de curimbas, jundiás e tilápias-do-nilo.The objective of this experiment was estimate sperm concentration of "dourado" (Salminus brasiliensis), "curimba" (Prochilodus lineatus), "jundiá" (Rhamdia quelen), "cascudo-preto" (Rhinelepis aspera) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by the method of spermatocrit. It was used 19, 58, 51, 43 and 85 brood fish of "dourado", "curimba", "jundia", "cascudo-preto" and Nile tilapia, respectively. Except for the Nile tilapia, the fishes were subjected to the hormonal induction process and then submitted to the semen collection. The measurement techniques of the sperm concentration by sperm count in Neubauer chamber (CSPZ) and by spermatocrit (ESPMT) were compared. The results were submitted to the regression analysis at 5% of probability. It was observed that the variables CSPZ and ESPMT presented linear relationship to the "curimba", "jundia" and Nile tilapia with equations y = 6.6624 × 10(9) + 368553 × 10(8)x; y = 2.153 × 10(9) + 4.426 × 10(8)x and y = -9.0897 × 10(8) + 6.0167 × 10(8), respectively. The method of spermatocrit can be used to estimate the sperm concentration of "curimba", "jundiá" and Nile tilapia.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade genética de um estoque de Salminus brasiliensis utilizado em programas de repovoamento do rio Paranapanema, por meio do marcador RAPD. Dez reprodutores (cinco machos e cinco fêmeas) e sua progênie (40 larvas e 40 alevinos) foram analisados. Os oito iniciadores analisados produziram 96 fragmentos, dos quais 81,2% foram polimórficos. Houve diferença significativa na frequência de 32 dos 96 fragmentos, com a presença de um fragmento exclusivo nos alevinos. O índice de Shannon, a percentagem de fragmentos polimórficos e a distância e a identidade genética mostraram menor divergência genética entre os reprodutores e as larvas, além de diminuição da variabilidade nos alevinos. A divergência genética foi menor nos alevinos em comparação às larvas e aos reprodutores. A análise de variância molecular mostrou que a maior parte da variação está dentro de cada grupo (90,05%) e não entre os grupos (9,95%). O estoque de reprodutores apresenta alta variabilidade genética e houve diferenciação genética entre a fase de larva e alevino.

Objetivou-se determinar a dose inseminante adequada para uso na fertilização artificial de ovócitos de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis). Os ovócitos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, e fertilizados com uma das relações espermatozoides/ovócito 6,0×10³; 6,0×10(4); 6,0×10(5); 6,0×10(6) ou 3,0×10(7), cada uma com quatro repetições. Considerou-se unidade experimental uma incubadora de volume útil de 2,5 L, contendo 2,0 mL de ovócitos não-hidratados. As taxas de fertilização foram mensuradas 8 horas após o início da fertilização. Com intuito de verificar possíveis efeitos da diluição seminal na movimentação dos espermatozoides, realizou-se a mensuração do tempo de duração da motilidade espermática dos espermatozoides de dourado, ativados por meio de diferentes relações de diluição: 6,8×10-5; 6,8×10-4; 6,8×10-3; 6,8×10-2; 3,4×10-1 e 1,0 mL de sêmen por mL de água. O tempo de duração da motilidade foi avaliado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto de seis tratamentos e três repetições. As taxas de fertilização apresentaram relação quadrática com o número de espermatozoides por ovócito. As relações de diluição do sêmen tiveram efeito inversamente proporcional sobre a duração da motilidade espermática. A relação que proporcionou melhores taxas de fertilização artificial de ovócitos de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) foi de 30.722 espermatozoides por ovócio.The objective of the present study was to determine the proper insemination dose of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) oocytes. The oocytes were placed in a randomized complete design and fertilized with one of the spermatozoa.oocytes-1 ratio, 6.0×10³, 6.0×10(4), 6.0×10(5), 6.0×10(6), 3.0×10(7) SPZ:OOC, each one with four replications. An experimental unit was considered to be an incubator with a 2.5L useful volume containing 2.0 mL non-hydrated oocytes. The fertilization rates were measured eight hours after the start of fertilization. In order to ascertain the possible effects of seminal dilution on the spermatozoa motility, the duration time of the spermatic motility of the dourado spermatozoa was measured when activated by different dilution ratios 6.8×10-5; 6.8×10-4; 6.8×10-3; 6.8×10-2; 3.4×10-1 and 1.0 mL semen.mL water-1. The motility duration time was assessed in a randomized complete design, with six treatments and three repetitions. The fertilization rates showed a quadratic relationship with the number of spermatozoids per oocyte. The semen dilution ratios had an inversely proportional affect on the spermatic motility time. The spermatozoa:oocytes ratio that provided the best artificial fertilization rates of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) oocytes was 30,722 spermatoids per oocyte.

Em três experimentos, avaliou-se a sensibilidade dos espermatozoides de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) a diferentes soluções crioprotetoras. No experimento 1, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:10, em 12 soluções (quatro diluidores x três crioprotetores - dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), metilglicol ou glicerol). Metade de cada amostra foi resfriada por uma hora e a outra, criopreservada. A motilidade espermática foi avaliada imediatamente após a diluição e após o resfriamento em todas as amostras e, após o descongelamento, apenas nas amostras criopreservadas em DMSO. No experimento 2, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:5, em cinco soluções contendo DMSO e resfriado, criopreservado e avaliado como no experimento 1. No experimento 3, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:5, em quatro soluções contendo DMSO e criopreservado e avaliado quanto à motilidade e à fertilidade. Quando o sêmen foi diluído 1:10, observou-se motilidade acima de 58% em todas as amostras resfriadas em DMSO e em NaCl-tris-metilglicol. Baixa motilidade foi observada nas amostras resfriadas nas outras combinações com metilglicol (5-32%) ou glicerol (0-8%) e naquelas criopreservadas (16-20%). Todas as amostras diluídas 1:5 apresentaram motilidade de 65-72% após o resfriamento e de 45-66% após o descongelamento (experimentos 2 e 3). As taxas de eclosão produzidas com sêmen criopreservado, entretanto, foram baixas (17-23%) em relação ao sêmen fresco (60%).The sensitivity of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) spermatozoa to different cryoprotectant solutions was evaluated in three experiments. In experiment 1, semen was diluted, 1:10, in 12 solutions (four extenders x three cryoprotectants - dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), methyglycol, or glycerol). Half of each sample was refrigerated for one hour while the other half was cryopreserved. Sperm motility was immediately assessed after dilution and after refrigeration in all samples, and after thawing in those cryopreserved in DMSO. In experiment 2, semen was diluted, 1:5, in five solutions containing DMSO, refrigerated, cryopreserved, and analyzed as in experiment 1. In experiment 3, semen was diluted, 1:5, in five solutions containing DMSO, cryopreserved and evaluated for motility and fertility. When semen was diluted 1:10, motility higher than 58% was observed in all samples refrigerated in DMSO and in NaCl-tris-methylglycol. Low motility was observed in samples refrigerated in the other combinations of methylglycol (5-32%) or glycerol (0-8%) and in those cryopreserved (16-20%). All samples diluted 1:5 yielded motility of 65-72% after refrigeration, and 45-66% after thawing (experiments 2 and 3). The hatching rates produced with cryopreserved semen, however, were lower (17-23%) compared to fresh semen (60%).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito e a interação entre a suplementação de palmitato de ascorbil e acetato de tocoferol, na alimentação de larvas de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), durante o seu desenvolvimento inicial. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas: nas parcelas, em arranjo fatorial (2x3) com seis rações constituídas pela combinação de duas concentrações de acetato de tocoferol (0 e 250 mg kg-1) e três concentrações de palmitato de ascorbil (0, 100 e 1.000 mg kg-1); e, nas subparcelas, com dois períodos de coletas (5 e 15 dias de alimentação). Nas larvas, foram determinadas as concentrações do palmitato de ascorbil, ácido ascórbico e ácido deidroascórbico, comprimento total, peso e altura da cabeça. O palmitato de ascorbil proporcionou aumento no comprimento total e no peso das larvas após 15 dias de alimentação. Foi observada, quanto à altura de cabeça, diferença entre as três dosagens de palmitato de ascorbil testadas. A suplementação de palmitato de ascorbil aumentou todas as concentrações de vitamina C, e apesar de a vitamina E não ter influenciado as medidas de desempenho, ela atuou como pró-oxidante metabólico o que aumentou o ácido deidroascórbico.The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect and interaction between supplementation of tocopherol acetate and ascorbyl palmitate, in the diet of dourado larvae (Salminus brasiliensis), during its initial development. The experimental design was completely randomized in split plot, as follows: in the plot, a factorial arrangement (2x3) with six diets, constituted by the combination between two concentrations of tocopherol acetate (0 and 250 mg kg-1) and three concentrations of ascorbyl palmitate (0, 100 and 1,000 mg kg-1); and in the subplot, with two periods of sampling (5 and 15 days of feeding). In the larvae, determinations were performed for the concentrations of the ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid, total length, weight and height of the head. Ascorbyl palmitate provided an increase in the total length and in the weight of the larvae after 15 days of feeding. For head height, differences were observed among the three doses of tested ascorbyl palmitate. The supplementation of ascorbyl palmitate increased the vitamin C concentrations. Although vitamin E has not influenced the development sizes, it acted as a metabolic pro-oxidant, which increased the dehydroascorbic acid.

O presente estudo avaliou o óleo de cravo como anestésico para juvenis de dourado em cinco diferentes concentrações (20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 mg L-1), utilizando como critério para determinação da concentração ideal os tempos de indução e de recuperação ao efeito do anestésico. Em relação aos tempos de indução, verificou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre as concentrações de 20, 30, 40 e 60 mg L-1 de óleo de cravo. No entanto, a concentração de 50 mg L-1 não diferiu estatisticamente dos níveis de 40 e 60 mg L-1. Quantoà recuperação, o menor tempo foi verificado para a concentração de 20 mg L-1. O óleo de cravo é eficiente e seguro como anestésico para juvenis de dourado, quando utilizado entre 40 a 60 mg L-1.The present study evaluated five different concentrations (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg L-1) of clove oil as an anesthetic for dourado juveniles, using induction and recovery time to determine the ideal concentration. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed among 20, 30, 40 and 60 mg L-1 levels of clove oil. However, 50 mg L-1 concentrati on did not show significant difference in comparison to 40 and 60 mg L-1. Regarding recovery time, the shortest time was verified in the concentration of 20 mg L-1. Clove oil is effective and safe as an anesthetic for dourado juveniles in levels between 40 and 60 mg L-1.

The alimentary tract of Salminus brasiliensis shows anatomic adaptations to its carnivorous, ichthyophagous feeding habit, particularly regarding the distensible esophagus and stomach, especially the caecal region, and the relatively short intestine. The great distensibility of the wall of the anterior intestine is due mainly to the pattern of the mucous membrane, which exhibits thick longitudinal folds. In the anterior intestine the transport of the food is facilitated by the longitudinal pattern of the mucous folds. In the esophagus and pyloric region, related to the propulsion of food to the net organ, the muscular tunica is more developed than in the rest of the alimentary tract. The pyloric constriction regulates the food flux to the middle intestine. Due to the pattern of mucous membrane of the middle and posterior intestines, in net form, the material being processed can be retained for a greater length of time. The intestinal effective absorption area is amplified due to the tubular structure of the middle intestine, of the mucous intestinal folds, and the pyloric caeca. The alimentary tract of S. brasiliensis is similar in structure to that of other Salmininae and to the majority of the piscivorous Characiformes such as Acestrorhynchus britskii and A. lacustris, although in these two the ileum-rectal valve is found. It also differs from the alimentary tracts of Hoplias malabarius and H. lacerdae, in that the esophagus has variable caliber, the stomach possesses a wider cardia, and the intestinal arrangement is different from “N”, besides the presence of the ileum-rectal valve.

The stress in dorado fingerlings (Salminus brasiliensis) caused by transportation at densities of 5, 10, and 15g/l after 4, 8, and 12h was evaluated by the concentration of tissue cortisol measured by ELISA. The conditions of transportation were simulated on an orbital table shaker with horizontal movements, inside 15 litres plastic bags filled with 4 litres of water and pure oxygen. Cortisol concentrations increased in all densities after 4h of transportation converging to a common concentration at the end of the tested times. Electrical conductivity of water increased with density and transportation time. The transportation caused stress on fish, but the increase on density and in times of transportation did not cause mortality to fingerlings. The transportation of S. brasiliensis fingerlings can be done without mortality or apparent injuries to animals until the maximum analyzed density of 15g/l and up to 12h.O estresse em alevinos de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) causado pelo transporte nas densidades 5, 10 e 15g/l após 4, 8 e 12h, foi avaliado por meio dos níveis de cortisol tecidual quantificado por ELISA. O transporte foi simulado em uma mesa agitadora com movimento orbital, em sacos plásticos de 15 litros, contendo 4 litros de água e oxigênio puro. As concentrações de cortisol aumentaram em todas as densidades após 4h de transporte e convergiram para uma mesma concentração ao final dos tempos de transporte. A condutividade elétrica da água aumentou com a densidade e com os tempos de transporte. O transporte causou estresse aos peixes, mas o aumento da densidade e do tempo de transporte não causou mortalidade nos alevinos. O transporte de alevinos de S. brasiliensis pode ser realizado até a densidade máxima avaliada de 15g/l e o tempo máximo de 12h sem que haja mortalidade ou danos aparentes aos animais.

Para que las medidas de conservación y manejo sean efectivas es necesario el entendimiento del origen y destino de la energía por las cuales compiten los organismos en los diferentes ambientes. Con la hipótesis de que existen diferencias en la energía contenida en los músculos durante el desenvolvimiento gonadal de Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816), fueron realizadas colectas entre octubre de 2002 a septiembre de 2003, en el reservatório del río Manso. Después de la obtención de los datos biométricos, de cada individuo se tomaron muestras de la musculatura, las cuales fueron secadas a 60ºC y el contenido calórico (cal/g de peso seco) determinado en una bomba calorimétrica. Los valores del factor de condición y de la Relación Gónada Somática (RGS) fueron comparados con los contenidos calóricos. No fueron identificadas diferencias significativas entre los valores calóricos de machos y hembras de S. brasiliensis. Sin embargo, se pudo constatar diferencias calóricas significativas en los diferentes estados de maduración gonadal tanto en machos como en hembras. Se observaron tendencias diferentes entre los sexos cuando las gónadas de los individuos se encontraban en maduración: para las hembras, la energía aumentó, mientras que para los machos ésta se mantuvo, indicando una mayor variación energética relacionada mas con la maduración gonadal que con el proceso de migración. En ambos sexos, el estado maduro mostró mayor contenido energético en relación con los demás estados. Los valores del factor de condición, para las hembras, fueron mayores que para los machos, siendo que los mayores valores fueron constatados para hembras maduras y para machos esgotados. La RGS fue más elevado para las hembras, que para los machos en los estados maduración y maduro. Se concluye que debido a las variaciones intraespecíficas asociadas a la maduración gonadal, es importante que se tenga información sobre todos los estados del desenvolvimiento gonadal, para ambos sexos. Las condiciones abióticas en que se encuentran los principales cuerpos de agua brasileños también pueden conducir a alteraciones en las concentraciones de energía presentes en los tejidos de los peces. Estudios sobre el uso de la energía pueden ser útiles a las evaluaciones de impacto, sobre todo en lo que respecta a las interferencias antrópicas en el medio acuático, así como a las medidas de administración racional de los recursos a ser explotados.

O tubo digestivo de Salminus brasiliensis (dourado) mostra adaptações anatômicas ao hábito alimentar carnívoro, ictiófago: esôfago e estômago, em especial a região cecal, apresentam-se consideravelmente distensíveis e o intestino relativamente curto. A grande distensibilidade da parede do intestino anterior deve-se, principalmente, ao padrão da mucosa, que apresenta pregas longitudinais. No intestino anterior, a condução do alimento é facilitada pelo padrão longitudinal das pregas da mucosa. No esôfago e na região pilórica, relacionados com a propulsão do alimento para o órgão seguinte, a túnica muscular é mais desenvolvida do que no restante do tubo digestivo. O esfíncter pilórico regula o fluxo do alimento para o intestino médio. Em função do padrão da mucosa dos intestinos médio e posterior, em rede, o material em processamento pode perma- necer neles retido por um período maior. A área efetiva de absorção intestinal é ampliada em função da estrutura tubular do intestino médio, das pregas da mucosa e dos cecos pilóricos. O tubo digestivo de S. brasiliensis assemelha-se em estrutura ao de outros Salmininae e ao da maioria dos Characiformes ictiófagos como Acestrorhynchus britskii e A. lacustris, embora nestes dois seja encontrada a valva ileorretal; e difere do tubo digestivo de Hoplias malabarius e H. lacerdae, em que o esôfago tem calibre variável, o estômago possui a cárdica mais ampla e o arranjo intestinal é diferente de “N”, além da presença da valva ileorretal.

The effect of food and photoperiod on dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) post-larvae growth and survival was investigated using the following treatments: LD (Light: Dark) 24:0 + Artemia nauplii (A), LD 24:0 + fish prey (F), LD 14:10 + A, LD 14:10 + F, LD 0:24 +A and LD 0:24 + F. Prochilodus lineatus larvae were used as fish prey. Higher survival rates were registered in fish prey treatments (PO efeito da alimentação e do fotoperíodo sobre o crescimento e a sobrevivência de pós-larvas de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) foi investigado utilizando-se os seguintes tratamentos: LE (Luz: Escuro) 24:0 + náuplios de Artemia (A), LE 24:0 + larva forrageira (L), LE 14:10 + A, LE 14:10 + L, LE 0:24 +A e LE 0:24 + L. Larvas de Prochilodus lineatus foram utilizadas como larva forrageira. Taxas de sobrevivência mais elevadas foram registradas nos tratamentos que utilizaram larvas forrageiras (P

The genetic variability of four fish species (Pimelodus maculatus, Prochilodus lineatus, Salminus brasiliensis and Steindachneridion scripta) collected in the upper Uruguay River basin was analyzed using the RAPD technique. A total of 118 amplified fragments was obtained, 11 for P. maculatus, 29 for P. lineatus, 45 for S. brasiliensis and 33 for S. scripta. Amplified fragments with monomorphic profile were not found in the studied species, except for S. brasiliensis, which presented seven monomorphic bands for Saltinho population. All species showed high levels of genetic variability among individuals.A diversidade da vida se expressa de modo extraordinário nos ecossistemas aquáticos. A bacia do alto rio Uruguai é um exemplo desta condição, onde há registro de mais de 100 espécies de peixes. A compreensão das diferenças genéticas entre as diversas populações nativas é fundamental para a manutenção de seus estoques. A variabilidade genética de quatro espécies de peixes (Pimelodus maculatus, Prochilodus lineatus, Salminus brasiliensis e Steindachneridion scripta) coletadas na bacia do alto rio Uruguai foi analisada utilizando-se a técnica de RAPD. Obteve-se um total de 118 fragmentos amplificados, sendo 11 para P. maculatus, 29 para P. lineatus, 45 para S. brasiliensis e 33 para S. scripta. Fragmentos de caráter monomórfico não foram encontrados para as espécies estudadas, com exceção de S. brasiliensis de Saltinho que apresentou sete bandas monomórficas para estes indivíduos. As análises estatísticas mostraram altos níveis de variabilidade genética entre os indivíduos das espécies estudadas.

The dourado, Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816) is a freshwater piscivorous Characin native to South American rivers. Owing to the high quality of its flesh and its fast growth, it is the object of both capture fisheries and fish farming. However, very little is known about the endocrine regulation of feeding and metabolism of dourado. In this study, cDNAs for orexin, CART and CCK were isolated in dourado, and their mRNA tissue distributions examined. In order to assess the role of these peptides in the regulation of feeding of dourado, the effects of fasting and feeding on mRNA expression levels of orexin, CART and CCK in the brain as well as CCK in the intestine were assessed. Whereas orexin and CCK have widespread mRNA distributions in the brain and peripheral organs, CART seems to be mostly limited to the brain. Orexin brain expression increased with fasting and displayed periprandial changes, suggesting it is involved in both long- and short-term regulation of feeding and appetite. CART and CCK hypothalamic expressions were not affected by fasting, but displayed periprandial changes with post-feeding decreases, suggesting roles in short-term satiation. CCK expression in the anterior intestine was not affected by fasting and did not display periprandial changes. Overall, our results suggest that orexin, CART and CCK are involved in the physiology of feeding of dourado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides being a dietary source of essential nutrients, colostrum contains important biologically active molecules. This study investigated enteric, muscle and hepatic tissue development of juvenile dourado Salminus brasiliensis fed with diets containing 0, 10 or 20 % of lyophilized bovine colostrum (LBC). Juveniles (13.3 ± 0.9 g; 10.8 ± 0.3 cm) were distributed into 18,300-L cages and fed with experimental diets for 30 or 60 days. Insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) serum concentration and total protein (TP), DNA, RNA concentration in the intestine, muscle and liver of fish were assessed. The consumption of diets containing LBC did not influence IGF-I concentration, regardless of the presence of LBC in the diet and tissue IGF-I content was higher at 60 days. Furthermore, the indicators of intestinal and muscular cellular activity were not influenced by LBC consumption. Regardless of this result, between periods, muscle RNA and RNA/DNA was lower at 60 days, while TP/RNA was higher in the same period. Interaction between diet and period influenced concentration of the liver DNA: 0 > 10 > 20 % LBC at 30 days, while 0 = 10 < 20 % LBC at 60 days. Considering the results of the present study, diets consuming S. brasiliensis containing LBC showed proper development of enteric, muscle and hepatic tissue, since no differences were observed in relation to juveniles consuming a diet without colostrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bucco-pharyngeal cavity of Salminus brasiliensis, an ichthyophagous species of fresh water, is anatomically adapted to predation. The wide buccal rift, the oral-aboral enlargement of the buccal cavity and the reduced thickness of the pharyngeal mastigatory apparatus favor the capture and deglutition of larger prey. In function of the oral and pharyngeal dentition type, pre-digestive food preparation does not occur. The pointed and curved teeth, together with the tongue which is relatively mobile, prevent the prey’s escape from the buccopharyngeal cavity. The passage of the food is facilitated by the absence of pronounced folds in the mucous membrane of this cavity and by the disposition of the oral and pharyngeal teeth. The characteristics of flat and thin lips, developed oral dentition, relatively mobile tongue, mucous membrane without folds, pharynx with denticules disposed in dentigerous areas and plates, and short and sharp gill-rackers are anatomical adaptations which are shared by S. brasiliensis and other ichthyophagous Characiformes species such as Salminus maxillosus, Salminus hilarii, Hoplias malabaricus, Hoplias lacerdae, Acestrorhynchus lacustris and Acestrorhynchus britskii. However, different to the mentioned species, except other Salmininae, S. brasiliensis possesses oral teeth of an unique type, present only in the jawbones and distributed in two series.

Objective. The aim of this study was evaluate the genetic diversity of the following broodstocks: piapara (Leporinus elongatus), dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) and cachara (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) already useful for restocking programs in the Paranapanema, Iguaçu and Paraná Brazilian Rivers. Materials and methods. Samples from the caudal fin of 122 fish were analyzed. DNA was extracted by NaCl protocol. PCR products were separated by a horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis. The fragments were visualized by staining with ethidium bromide. Results. The amplification of 25 primers generated different fragments in studied species that allowed characterizing 440 fragments of 100-2900 bp. High percentage of polymorphic fragments (66.67 to 86.29), Shannon index (0.365 to 0.486) and genetic diversity of Nei (0.248 to 0.331) were detected. Conclusions. The level of genetic variability in the broodstocks was adequate for allowing their use in restocking programs in the studied Rivers. However, periodical monitoring studies of genetic variability in these stocks, the mating system, reproductive system and general management must be made to guarantee the preservation of wild populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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