Electric Ray Narcine Brasiliensis Research Articles

Growth and derived life‐history characteristics of the Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis

The majority of batoids are listed as Threatened (20.4%) or Data Deficient (41%) by the IUCN Red List. A key challenge to assessing Data-Deficient species is obtaining estimates of key life-history characteristics. Here, a Bayesian approach was used to estimate derived life-history characteristics from a growth model applied to the Data-Deficient Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis. The age of 170 specimens (107 females, 63 males) was estimated from vertebral centra, and total length, disc width, total weight and birth size were used in a joint estimation of sex-specific length-weight models and two-dimensional von Bertalanffy growth models. Estimates of age at length zero, age at maturity, longevity and mortality at age were derived simultaneously. The Bayesian joint modelling approach was robust to small sample sizes by adding a likelihood to constrain L0 and sharing parameters, such as Brody growth coefficient between length measurements. The median growth parameter estimates were a shared L0 = 38.8 mm, female L∞ = 515 mm, 𝑘 = 0.125 and male L∞ = 387 mm, 𝑘 = 0.194. Age at maturity was estimated to be 7.40-7.49 years for females and 4.45-4.47 years for males, whereas longevity was 22.5-22.6 years for females and 14.2 years for males depending on length measurement. Age-1 natural mortality was estimated to be 0.199-0.207 for females and 0.211-0.213 for males. The derived life-history characteristics indicate N. brasiliensis is earlier maturing, but slower growing relative to other Torpediniformes. These characteristics along with the species' endemism to southern Brazil and high by-catch rates indicate that one of the IUCN Red List threatened categories may be more appropriate for the currently Data-Deficient status. The Bayesian approach used for N. brasiliensis can prove useful for utilizing limited age-growth data in other Data-Deficient batoid species to inform necessary life characteristics for conservation and management.

Records of morphological abnormalities in the Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers, 1831) (Chondrichthyes: Narcinidae) in the southwestern Atlantic

This study provides the first record of external morphological deformities in Chondrichthyes of the family Narcinidae. We report here abnormalities in two individuals of Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers, 1831), in which one of them had its pectoral fins not fused with the head and the other presented anophthalmia, with the left eye absent. Possible causes, including the high concentration of pollutants in the region, are briefly discussed.

Toxic and essential metals in Narcine brasiliensis (Elasmobranchii: Narcinidae): A baseline ecotoxicological study in the Southeast Atlantic and preliminary maternal transfer implications

Abstract The electric ray Narcine brasiliensis is captured as by-catch along the Brazilian coast and is considered data deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the present study, toxic and essential metals in adult and embryonic N. brasiliensis specimens from Southeastern Brazil were assessed by ICP-MS. The possibility of maternal metal transfer to embryos was evaluated. Several toxic elements were detected, including in the electric organ and gonads, leading to potential behavioral and reproductive concerns. Extremely high As levels were detected, probably a direct effect of the Mariana dam rupture ocurred in 2015, where mine tailings were transported throughout the Doce River basin in Southeastern Brazil, contaminating the entire water body. Statistically significant correlations was observed for both Mn and Ag between Size Class 2 embryos and mother tissues, evidencing maternal transfer for these elements. Although no other significant associations were observed, probably due to the low sample number, several toxic metals were also detected in the assessed embryos. This baseline data will aid in future biomonitoring efforts and conservation measures.

Ecomorphology of the digestive tract of the brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers, 1831) (Torpediniformes: Narcinidae)

AbstractElasmobranchii shows particular characteristics that make them susceptible to the impacts caused by fishing pressure, especially bottom trawling, which mostly affect rays, as they have demersal habits. Based on food availability and feeding ability, Polychaeta and Sipunculiforme are the bases of Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis diet. Morphologically, the digestion starts in the oesophagus with acid mucines action. The existence of acid and neutral mucines in the posterior intestine prevents lesions in the mucosa and favours the passage of faeces and shell residues. Thus, this study shows the interaction between their habitat, the organisms and their morphophysiology.

Distribution and abundance of the Lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers, 1831) (Elasmobranchii: Narcinidae) in southern Brazil in relation to environmental factors

The distribution and abundance of the lesser electric ray, Narcine brasiliensis, was assessed based on bottom-trawl survey data collected off the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Between 1980 and 1984 and in 2005, 416 bottom trawl hauls were carried out at depths of 10-100 m. Narcine brasiliensis occurred mainly in waters with bottom temperature between 20 and 25ºC. Density of the species was higher between the depths of 10 and 20 m, during the summer and autumn. The seasonal pattern of N. brasiliensis in the shallow coastal water of Rio Grande do Sul reflects a southward migration in summer. This is conditioned by the southward advance of warmer and high-salinity Tropical Water of the Brazil Current In winter, the return or northward migration is a response to seasonal cooling of the coastal waters and to the northward advance of cold Coastal Water of lower salinity. The latitudinal gradient in density of N. brasiliensis was related to the latitudinal gradient in salinity of the bottom waters. This was caused by the freshwater runoff from the Patos Lagoon establishing a physical barrier to the occurrence of the species farther south than the city of Rio Grande.

First record of Torpedo puelcha (Chondrichthyes, Torpedinidae) in an Argentinean coastal lagoon

Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 24, Issue 3 p. 348-350 First record of Torpedo puelcha (Chondrichthyes, Torpedinidae) in an Argentinean coastal lagoon M. Belleggia, M. Belleggia Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorS. A. Barbini, S. A. Barbini Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, Argentina Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas del Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC), Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorL. B. Scenna, L. B. Scenna Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, Argentina Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorD. E. Figueroa, D. E. Figueroa Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorJ. M. Díaz de Astarloa, J. M. Díaz de Astarloa Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, Argentina Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero, Mar del Plata, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this author M. Belleggia, M. Belleggia Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorS. A. Barbini, S. A. Barbini Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, Argentina Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas del Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC), Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorL. B. Scenna, L. B. Scenna Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, Argentina Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorD. E. Figueroa, D. E. Figueroa Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this authorJ. M. Díaz de Astarloa, J. M. Díaz de Astarloa Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Mar del Plata, Argentina Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero, Mar del Plata, ArgentinaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 18 February 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2007.01046.xCitations: 3 Author’s address: Lic. Mauro Belleggia, Dpto. de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, B7602AYL, Mar del Plata, Argentina.E-mail: [email protected] Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume24, Issue3June 2008Pages 348-350 RelatedInformation

Tooth reorientation affects tooth function during prey processing and tooth ontogeny in the lesser electric ray, Narcine brasiliensis

The dental anatomy of elasmobranch fishes (sharks, rays and relatives) creates a functional system that is more dynamic than that of mammalian dentition. Continuous dental replacement (where new teeth are moved rostrally to replace older ones) and indirect fibrous attachment of the dentition to the jaw allow teeth to reorient relative to the jaw over both long- and short-term scales, respectively. In this study, we examine the processing behavior and dental anatomy of the lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Ölfers, 1831) to illustrate that the freedom of movement of elasmobranch dentition allows a functional flexibility that can be important for complex prey processing behaviors. From static manipulations of dissected jaws and observations of feeding events in live animals, we show that the teeth rotate during jaw protrusion, resulting in a secondary grasping mechanism that likely serves to hold prey while the buccal cavity is flushed free of sediment. The function of teeth is not always readily apparent from morphology; in addition to short-term reorientation, the long-term dental reorientation during replacement allows a given tooth to serve multiple functions during tooth ontogeny. Unlike teeth inside the mouth, the cusps of external teeth (on the portion of the tooth pad that extends past the occlusal plane) lay flat, such that the labial faces act as a functional battering surface, protecting the jaws during prey excavation.

Husbandry Notes on the Lesser Electric Ray

AbstractThe lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis is a small member of the electric ray order Torpediniformes (Elasmobranchii: Batoidea). Although common circumglobally in the wild, this genus does not traditionally fare well in captivity. This study expands on methods previously published for captive maintenance of the lesser electric ray in large recirculating systems and outlines the husbandry of this species in displays equivalent to those in public aquaria. Once conditioned, rays will feed readily on polychaetes and shrimp; however, this species is prone to monogenean infestation and subsequent bacterial infections. As a result of parasitic infestation, these rays must be monitored carefully for anorexia. Common warning signs and administration of medication are outlined. Prophylactic treatment with the antihelminthic Praziquantel is required if the animals are to be maintained for any length of time in a closed recirculating system. To reduce ventral abrasion and facilitate capture of natural prey (in which polychaetes are excavated with the jaws), we recommend using fine sand or silt sediment for aquaria substrate.

Feeding behavior and kinematics of the lesser electric ray, Narcine brasiliensis (Elasmobranchii: Batoidea)

Jaw protrusion is a major functional motif in fish feeding and can occur during mouth opening or closing. This temporal variation impacts the role that jaw protrusion plays in prey apprehension and processing. The lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis is a benthic elasmobranch (Batoidea: Torpediniformes) with an extreme and unique method of prey capture. The feeding kinematics of this species were investigated using high-speed videography and pressure transduction. The ray captures its food by protruding its jaws up to 100% of head length (∼20% of disc width) beneath the substrate and generating negative oral pressures (⩽31kPa) to suck worms into its mouth. Food is further winnowed from ingested sediment by repeated, often asymmetrical protrusions of the jaws (>70° deviation from the midline) while sand is expelled from the spiracles, gills and mouth. The pronounced ram contribution of capture (jaw protrusion) brings the mouth close enough to the food to allow suction feeding. Due to the anatomical coupling of the jaws, upper jaw protrusion occurs in the expansive phase (unlike most elasmobranchs and similar to bony fishes), and also exhibits a biphasic (slow-open, fast-open) movement similar to tetrapod feeding. The morphological restrictions that permit this unique protrusion mechanism, including coupled jaws and a narrow gape, may increase suction performance, but also likely strongly constrain dietary breadth.

Acanthobothrium electricolum sp. n. and A. lintoni Goldstein, Henson, and Schlicht 1969 (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers) (Chondrichthyes: Torpedinidae) in Colombia

Acanthobothrium lintoni and a new species of Acanthobothrium are reported from the lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis in Colombia. The new species resembles all other members of the genus parasitizing torpedinids by having a relatively small scolex, long and spinose cephalic peduncle, fewer than 75 testes per proglottid, an indistinct genital atrium, and V-shaped ovaries with ovarian lobes of equal length which do not reach the posterior margin of the cirrus sac. The new species differs from all known species by having bothridial hooks only 46 to 64 ,um in total length. A key to the species of Acanthobothrium parasitizing torpedinids is presented. Species of tetraphyllidean cestodes belong- ing to the genus Acanthobothrium Beneden 1849 and parasitizing elasmobranchs of the family Torpedinidae possess relatively small scolices, extremely long cephalic peduncles covered with spines, fewer than 75 testes per proglottid, indistinct genital atria, and V- shaped ovaries with equal-length lobes which do not reach anteriorly to the posterior margin of the cirrus sac. Examination of 14 specimens of the lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers) captured in the vicinity of Cartagena, Colombia, revealed infections of two species of Acanthobothrium: A. lintoni Goldstein, Hen- son, and Schlicht 1969, and a new species described herein. Rays were collected with beach seines and kept in holding tanks until examined. Helminths were removed from the