Geophagus Brasiliensis Research Articles

Active eDNA Is More Cost‐Effective Than Fyke Nets or Passive eDNA Collection When Monitoring the Invasion of an Alien Freshwater Fish

ABSTRACTMonitoring alien species is critical to their management. However, early detection of invading alien freshwater fish can be challenging due to the difficulty of observing fish in low abundance. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a new and potentially more sensitive method for sampling invasive species as compared to conventional methods, but the comparative financial cost is not often assessed. Adoption of eDNA by managers requires studies that showcase its cost‐effectiveness relative to conventional approaches. Here we use eDNA to assist in the management of an aggressive alien fish, the pearl cichlid (Geophagus brasiliensis), that is invading an urban river in south‐western Australia. We applied an occupancy model to survey data collected 6 years apart (2015, 2021) to assess how the species' distribution had changed and to evaluate whether an instream barrier had the potential to limit upstream invasion. To understand the effectiveness of eDNA, we used our model to quantify the relative efficiency (capture probability) of two eDNA sampling methods (active eDNA and passive eDNA) and fyke netting, as well as the number of replicate samples required per site to deliver >95% detection. We coupled the number of replicates needed with the cost per replicate to determine the cost‐efficiency of each method. We found that G. brasiliensis abundance was higher in downstream reaches in both survey years, and there was no evidence that its distribution had changed through time. However, G. brasiliensis was present above the instream barrier. Active eDNA sampling was considerably better at detecting G. brasiliensis than the other methods, making it the most cost‐effective method. Fyke nets came in a close second, and passive eDNA was a very distant third. Our results directly inform management in the study river and broadly highlight the cost‐effectiveness of active eDNA as a freshwater biosecurity tool.

The application of fish species as bioindicator in mesohabitats of streams inserted into the upper Paraná River system, Brazil

The objective of this study was to explore the presence of fish species as potential environmental quality indicators in tributaries belonging to the Paranapanema River basin, Upper Parana River System. We also sought to verify the possible occurrence of species associated with mesohabitats that indicate good or poor environmental quality, using the Indicator Value (IndVal) method for such verification. The sample units were distributed in 28 stretches of streams, and 3,103 individuals were collected, distributed in five orders and 33 species, so that Astyanax bockmanni was the most abundant species. Regarding the potential bioindicator, only a total of 13 species showed that they are possible indicators of at least one environmental variable (significance of p <0.05), so that Phalloceros harpagos and Geophagus brasiliensis were associated with high values of Salinity and Total Solids Dissolved, allowing us to observe, in a cautious way, that these species may be associated to environments with high amount of organic and inorganic particles suspended in water, indicating poor environmental quality.

Influence of trophic overlaps and trophic niche amplitude on microplastic intake of fish species in shallow areas of a neotropical coastal lagoon

Plastic pollution is a global challenge that affects all marine ecosystems, and reflects all types of uses and activities of human society in these environments. In marine ecosystems, microplastics and mesoplastics interact with invertebrates and become available to higher predators, such as fish, which can ingest these contaminants. This study aimed to analyze how ecological food interactions (diet overlap and trophic niche amplitude) among fish species contribute to the ingestion of plastic particles. The gastrointestinal contents of six fish species (Atherinella brasiliensis, Eucinostomus melanopterus, Eucinostomus argenteus, Genidens genidens, Coptodon rendalli, and Geophagus brasiliensis) were analyzed to identify prey items and plastic ingestion. Based on the ontogenetic classification, A. brasiliensis, E. melanopterus, and G. genidens were divided into juveniles and adults, and the six fish species analyzed were divided into nine predator groups. Most of the plastics ingested by the fish species were blue microplastic (MP) fibers (< 0.05 mm) classified as polyester terephthalate, polyethylene, and polybutadiene. Considering all the analyzed predators, the average number and weight of plastics ingested per individual were 2.01 and 0.0005 g, respectively. We observed that predators with a high trophic overlap could present a relationship with the intake of MP fibers owing to predation on the same resources. In addition, we observed the general pattern that when a species expands its trophic diversity and niche, it can become more susceptible to plastic ingestion. For example, the species with the highest Levin niche amplitude, E. argenteus juveniles, had the highest mean number (2.9) of ingested MP fibers. Understanding the feeding ecology and interactions among species, considering how each predator uses habitats and food resources, can provide a better understanding of how plastic particle contamination occurs and which habitats are contaminated with these polluting substances.

First report of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) in two native cichlids cultured in Brazil

Peacock bass (syn.: tucunaré, Cichla ocellaris) and the pearl cichlids (syn.: acará, Geophagus brasiliensis) are South American cichlids that are highly valued in both the ornamental and sport fish industries. Since 2017, a number of outbreaks of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) have been reported on Brazilian food and ornamental fish farms. In this study, we detected ISKNV in farmed peacock bass and pearl cichlid by PCR and sequence analysis of the partial major capsid protein (MCP) gene. Moribund peacock bass (n=10) and pearl cichlids (2) from a farm experiencing elevated mortality among juveniles and adults of these species, were submitted for bacteriological and molecular diagnostics. Spleen, liver, brain, and kidney tissues were cultured on 5% sheep blood agar and cystine heart agar with 1% glucose and bovine haemoglobin. No bacteria were isolated from the 12 fish. Additionally, DNA extracts from the liver and spleen of all animals were tested for ISKNV using two conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) assays and two nested PCR (nPCR) assays. ISKNV DNA was amplified in all 12 fish DNA extracts tested, in two or more of the PCR assays. Selected ISKNV amplicons were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The nucleotide sequences derived from these animals were identical to ISKNV strains previously detected in food (e.g., tilapia and carp) and ornamental species, including strains previously detected in fish from Brazil. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of ISKNV in these native Brazilian cichlids.

Prolactin protects against mercury-induced toxicity in the Amazonian fish Geophagus brasiliensis (Perciformes, Cichlidae)

Prolactin protects against mercury-induced toxicity in the Amazonian fish Geophagus brasiliensis (Perciformes, Cichlidae)

Exposure of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to SARS-CoV-2 at predicted environmentally relevant concentrations: Outspreading warns about ecotoxicological risks to freshwater fish

While the multifaceted social, economic, and public health impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are known, little is known about its effects on non-target aquatic ecosystems and organisms. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the potential ecotoxicity of SARS-CoV-2 lysate protein (SARS.CoV2/SP02.2020.HIAE.Br) in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) at predicted environmentally relevant concentrations (0.742 and 2.226 pg/L), by 30 days. Although our data did not show locomotor alterations or anxiety-like or/and anxiolytic-like behavior, we noticed that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 negatively affected habituation memory and social aggregation of animals in response to a potential aquatic predator (Geophagus brasiliensis). An increased frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities was also observed in animals exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, our data suggest that such changes were associated with a redox imbalance [↑ROS (reactive oxygen species), ↑H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), ↓SOD (superoxide dismutase), and ↓CAT (catalase)], cholinesterasic effect [↑AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity], as well as the induction of an inflammatory immune response [↑NO (nitric oxide), ↑IFN-γ (interferon-gamma), and ↓IL-10 (interleukin-10)]. For some biomarkers, we noticed that the response of the animals to the treatments was not concentration-dependent. However, principal component analysis (PCA) and the “Integrated Biomarker Response” index (IBRv2) indicated a more prominent ecotoxicity of SARS-CoV-2 at 2.226 pg/L. Therefore, our study advances knowledge about the ecotoxicological potential of SARS-CoV-2 and reinforces the presumption that the COVID-19 pandemic has negative implications beyond its economic, social, and public health impacts.

Influence of different types of margins in the fish assemblage from an urban river

The presence or absence of a fish species may be associated with the physical and chemical characteristics of the water, in addition to the state of preservation of the riparian zone. This study examined whether the taxonomic fish composition in an urban river varies along three riparian zone preservation conditions: preserved, intermediate preservation and degraded. Six urban stretches of the Sorocaba/São Paulo River were selected for this study, with monthly sampling being carried out from June 2019 to February 2020. The samplings were carried out with the aid of a sieve, dip net, and trawl. Regarding the types of margins and environmental variables, the Principal Component Analysis explained 97.49% of the data variation, axis 1, which explained 91.85% of the total variation, was formed by the variables conductivity and total dissolved solids. Axis 2, which explained 5.64% of the variation, was formed by Sun Rays% and Siltation%, being inversely proportional to Riparian Forest%. For the ichthyofauna, the samples consisted in 50,983 fish distributed in 5 orders, 8 families, and 12 species. Cyprinodontiformes had the highest abundance, with 96.96% of the total number of individuals, followed by Siluriformes (2.39%), and the sum of the other orders did not reach 1% of the total collected. According to each type of margin, it was possible to register 11,592 individuals for the Margin A í preserved, with S=8 species, being 2 exclusive (Corydoras flaveolus and Hoplosternum littorale) and 3 exotic (Coptodon rendalli, Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii, and Poecilia reticulata), the latter was dominant in all types of margins. For Margin B í intermediate preservation, 19,645 individuals were sampled, with S=5 species, no exclusive species, only exotic and more tolerant native species such as Hoplias malabaricus and Hypostomus ancistroides. For Margin C í degraded, 19,746 individuals were recorded, the largest number of species (S=10), 3 were exclusive to this type of margin (Psalidodon fasciatus, Rhamdia Quelen, and Geophagus brasiliensis). The pairwise comparison (similarity percentage) showed that the assemblage structure was different for the types of margins. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis explained 92.46% of the total data variation, showing the relationship of species to environmental data. It is evident the importance of preservation of micro-habitats still present in the locals sampled, since different anthropic pressures cause great loss of diversity, especially for native and more sensitive species.

The Cichlidae fish Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy &amp; Gaimard, 1824) has suitability as a sentinel species for changes caused by xenobiotics?

Industrial wastewater and agricultural practices are among the main activities discharging organic pollutants, such as Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and organochlorine insecticides (e.g. DDT - dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane), to the environment. In this study, we used the native Cichlidae fish species Geophagus brasiliensis as a sentinel to evaluate the hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase EROD activity, a biomarker of exposure to CYP1A-inducing pollutants, to assess the bioavailability of xenobiotics in two reaches of a large lotic system in Southeast Brazil: a less disturbed area (site 1) in the upper stretch, and an area in the middle stretch, which receives various industrial and agricultural effluents from upstream cities (site 2). In addition, G. brasiliensis were exposed to a single dose of 50 mg kg-1 beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) or of 50 mg kg-1 dimethylbenzoanthracene (DMBA) to test the effects on, respectively, the hepatic EROD activity in S9 supernatant fraction, and the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes three days after the i.p. treatments, and compared to an unexposed group, to test its potential as a sentinel for biomonitoring studies. The EROD activity was approximately two-fold higher in fish from the impacted stretches than in fish from the less disturbed stretches (p &lt; 0.05). Micronuclei (MN) frequency was also significantly different (p &lt; 0.01) in DMBA-treated fish. The induced EROD activity in the impacted site suggests that organochlorinated pollutants are reaching the biota of the Paraíba do Sul River, confirming the suitability of Geophagus brasiliensis as a useful sentinel species to detect changes caused by xenobiotics

Lessons learned from the use of rotenone to eradicate feral fish in two irrigation lakes in Western Australia

SummaryAn eradication program using rotenone was implemented primarily targeting a localised population of the feral Pearl Cichlid (Geophagus brasiliensis), and as a secondary objective to also remove the widespread Eastern Gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) in two artificial lakes used for irrigation purposes in Byford, Western Australia (WA). Rotenone, applied at the approved rate (i.e. 0.25 ppm), failed to eradicate all Eastern Gambusia, and possibly all of the Pearl Cichlids in the first attempt, but at a higher dose rate (i.e. 1 ppm) it eradicated both species on the second attempt. We attributed the initial failure partially to the low dose rate of rotenone approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Pearl Cichlids are present in multiple public ponds and lakes, and waterways in the greater Perth metropolitan area (www.abc.net.au/news/2012‐06‐27/feral‐fish‐overtake‐wa‐native‐species/4096580), and needs to be more aggressively managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

Influence of different types of margins in the fish assemblage from an urban river

The presence or absence of a fish species may be associated with the physical and chemical characteristics of the water, in addition to the state of preservation of the riparian zone. This study examined whether the taxonomic fish composition in an urban river varies along three riparian zone preservation conditions: preserved, intermediate preservation and degraded. Six urban stretches of the Sorocaba/São Paulo River were selected for this study, with monthly sampling being carried out from June 2019 to February 2020. The samplings were carried out with the aid of a sieve, dip net, and trawl. Regarding the types of margins and environmental variables, the Principal Component Analysis explained 97.49% of the data variation, axis 1, which explained 91.85% of the total variation, was formed by the variables conductivity and total dissolved solids. Axis 2, which explained 5.64% of the variation, was formed by Sun Rays% and Siltation%, being inversely proportional to Riparian Forest%. For the ichthyofauna, the samples consisted in 50,983 fish distributed in 5 orders, 8 families, and 12 species. Cyprinodontiformes had the highest abundance, with 96.96% of the total number of individuals, followed by Siluriformes (2.39%), and the sum of the other orders did not reach 1% of the total collected. According to each type of margin, it was possible to register 11,592 individuals for the Margin A – preserved, with S=8 species, being 2 exclusive (Corydoras flaveolus and Hoplosternum littorale) and 3 exotic (Coptodon rendalli, Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii, and Poecilia reticulata), the latter was dominant in all types of margins. For Margin B – intermediate preservation, 19,645 individuals were sampled, with S=5 species, no exclusive species, only exotic and more tolerant native species such as Hoplias malabaricus and Hypostomus ancistroides. For Margin C – degraded, 19,746 individuals were recorded, the largest number of species (S=10), 3 were exclusive to this type of margin (Psalidodon fasciatus, Rhamdia Quelen, and Geophagus brasiliensis). The pairwise comparison (similarity percentage) showed that the assemblage structure was different for the types of margins. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis explained 92.46% of the total data variation, showing the relationship of species to environmental data. It is evident the importance of preservation of micro-habitats still present in the locals sampled, since different anthropic pressures cause great loss of diversity, especially for native and more sensitive species.

Comparative analysis of the small and large intestines of Acará Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy &amp; Gaimard, 1824) (Pisces: Cichlidae)

Geophagus brasiliensis, popularly known as acará, is a common fish in lentic freshwater environments in South America. This species has a detritivorous-iliophagous or omnivorous feeding habit, with high food plasticity; however, there are no studies describing its intestinal tract histologically. Therefore, the present study analysed through histological and histochemical techniques the intestines of the acará. Adult specimens were collected with gillnets, anaesthetized and euthanized. Then, the fish were submitted to biometry and dissection to remove fragments of intestines. The samples were fixed in Bouin liquid for 12hours and subjected to histological and histochemical techniques. Histologically, all samples of intestines were organized into four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular and serosa. The small intestine (foregut and midgut) was characterized by the presence of intestinal villi covered by simple prismatic epithelium with a striated border and goblet cells supported by the connective lamina propria. In the large intestine (hindgut), there was an absence of villi and an abundance of goblet cells. Positive reaction to Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue (AB) pH 2.5 reactions were detected in goblet cells, indicating the presence of mucosubstances. No lipids were detected in the intestine cells due to the negative reaction to the Sudan Black B. The results of the present study provide subsidies for a better understanding of the intestinal morphology of teleosts and provide valuable information for phylogenetic studies.

HYDROCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND BIOMETRIC DATA OF FISH SPECIES FROM THE BORORÉ, BILLINGS RESERVOIR, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

The artisanal fishing is an important activity in Billings Reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil) and there is a paucity of biometric data about the fish in this region. Thereby, it is important to provide data about ichthyofauna that can be used for future management actions. The aim of this study was to present some data about the water quality and biometric data on fish species collected at the Bororé site (Billings Reservoir). In general, the obtained hydrochemical data raised a concern about the water quality because some parameters were above the established limit for body water class 2. A total of 170 fish were captured, corresponding to seven species and one genus. Geophagus brasiliensis was the most representative species (36%), followed by Astyanax bimaculatus (25%) and A. eigenmanniorum (20%). The hepatosomatic index (HSI) data showed differences in energy displacement between the species; the highest HSI values were observed in Hoplias malabaricus (HSImale = 1.33 ± 0.20; HSIfemale = 1.17 ± 0.82) while the smallest HSI was observed in A. fasciatus (HSImale = 0.47 ± 0.14; HSIfemale = 0.68 ± 0.35).

Assessment of the cultivation parameters of the pearl cichlidGeophagus brasiliensisin biofloc and clear water systems

Geophagus brasiliensis is a species native from Brazilian continental waters and it is distributed in several aquatic ecosystems. Despite its importance to artisanal fishing, mainly for riverside communities, and fishkeeping, this species is an unusual resource for aquaculture. Fish farming can be carried out in different systems, as in biofloc system (BFT), which has some advantages comparing to traditional semi-intensive systems: high densities, maximizing the use of water and food provided. The objective was to evaluate the rearing of the G. brasiliensis in a BFT comparing with a clean water system (CW), considering the zootechnical performance, water quality and microorganisms community. The experiment lasted 40 days and was carried out in tanks with a useful volume of 200 L, with three repetitions for each treatment. To compare the two systems, the fish conditions (weight-length ratio, condition factor and zootechnical performance) and the conditions of the environment (water quality and composition of microorganisms in the BFT treatment) were evaluated. BFT animals showed higher zootechnical performance (final weight, weight gain and feed conversion) when compared to treatment CW. The water quality showed a difference between BFT and CW for all levels except temperature and N-ammoniacal; however, it was within the acceptable limits for cichlids in the two treatments. Eight rates of microorganisms, potential food for the fish, were found in the BFT treatment during the experiment. The species G. brasiliensis showed a higher zootechnical performance in a biofloc system compared to the clear water system, indicating the potential for cultivation in intensive production systems.

Genotoxic effects of urban pollution in the Iguaçu River on two fish populations

Environmental impacts on water resources and discharges of pollutants are some of the main problems of aquatic ecosystems. Currently, the Iguaçu River is considered the second most polluted river in Brazil, therefore, given the importance of understanding the effects of water pollution on living organisms, this study aimed to analyze the possible genotoxic effects in Astyanax bifasciatus (Characiformes; Characidae) and Geophagus brasiliensis (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in response to the water quality of the Iguaçu River. Four sampling points were determined on the Iguaçu River, with different levels of environmental impact. The micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities were quantified by counting 2000 erythrocytes from each specimen. There was a statistical difference in the frequency of nuclear abnormalities both for A. bifasciatus (Kruskal-Wallis 3;30 = 10.9; p = 0.01) and for G. brasiliensis (Kruskal-Wallis 3;26 = 12.27; p = 0.006), with point 1 (critically degraded) showing a higher frequency of nuclear abnormalities and point 4 (moderately degraded) showing a lower frequency of nuclear abnormalities for both species, showing genotoxic potential in fish erythrocytes. This result demonstrates the need for further discussion on the conservation of the Iguaçu River as well as broadening the discussion on its potability.

Metal contamination in omnivores, carnivores and detritivores fish along the Tramandaí River Basin, RS, Brazil

Heavy metals are different from other toxic agents because they are not metabolized, destroyed and excreted. They reach water resources mainly through anthropic action, be it agricultural, industrial, occupational, among others. Fish, often exposed to such contamination, are an important source of food in the Tramandaí River Basin (TRB) and stand out for their commercial importance. Increased action and anthropic occupation in this region, and studies that demonstrate the contamination of water and sediments in the coastal lagoons of the region, it is important to quantify these metals in fish of different trophic levels. Thus, the study was carried out in nine lagoons of the TRB with monthly sampling between May 2011 and April 2012, using waiting nets of 5 to 9 mm to collect juvenile specimens of Geophagus brasiliensis, Oligosarcus spp., Hoplias malabaricus and Loricariichthys anus. Heavy metals were transported in the suppliers' liver by AAS obtaining distribution with non-normal distribution, with medians for cadmium, chromium, mercury and lead of 0.356; 0.752; 0.437; 0.000 µg/g, respectively. There was no correlation between the indications of metals from different sources. The correlation between eating habits and differentiated metals differed only for cadmium, greater among detritivores. Based on Anvisa, 100% exceeded the limits for cadmium and chromium, 40% for mercury and 3% for lead. The accumulated mean was higher in detritivore and lower in carnivore. The average accumulation prevailed in freshwater fish, however with no significant difference between sub-basins, which is unrelated to the population issue.The results showed regional fish with heavy metal accumulation exceeding the established limits and unrelated to biomagnification by trophic levels, as well as a preferential accumulation in fish of the freshwater systems.

Assessment of changes in the ichthyofauna in a tropical reservoir in south‐eastern Brazil: Consequences of global warming?

AbstractIncreases in temperatures over the last century, more intensively after the eighties, were recorded in several databases for the south‐eastern Brazil. These increases are likely to change fish communities in aquatic systems by decreasing abundances, biomass and sizes of some species more sensitive to climate change. Reservoirs may be particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, as they isolate previously connected areas limiting fish dispersal and migration, as well as increasing water temperature and thermal stratification. We assessed temporal changes in the abundance and biomass of the ichthyofauna in an isolate reservoir (inflowing waters from small tributaries in a highland region) aiming to associate changes with climate effects over three decades (1990, 2000, 2010). Two abundant native species, a loricariid Loricariichthys castaneus (Castelnau, 1855) and a cichlid Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy &amp; Gaimard, 1824), were selected to assess eventual response to climate changes in their geographical distribution in the Southeast Atlantic Hydrographic Region, considering different carbon emission scenarios using ecological niche models. A decrease in the densities and biomass of the ichthyofauna and of the two selected species were observed in both summer and winter over the three decades, coinciding with increases in temperatures. These decreases were correlated with increases in positive anomalies of temperature, which may be an indicator of climatic changes, although with low explanation of the data variation. The mean size of L. castaneus decreased between the nineties and 2010, whereas no significant trend was found for the size of G. brasiliensis. Our predictions of new area for future adequacy indicated a loss in the distribution area for both species (mainly for G. brasiliensis), considering the most pessimistic scenario for 2050 and 2070, possibly due to climatic changes. Both hydroelectric dams and global warming pose threats to freshwater fish diversity, and both will interact. Changes observed in the fish assemblage over the last decades were essential for an assessment of the consequences of global warming in this type of reservoir combining larger scale studies with future projections.

Eugenol and tricaine methanesulfonate as anhestesics for the pearl cichlid

Anesthesia reduces the handling process duration and prevent fish injuries. The anesthetic effect and ideal concentrations of eugenol and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) were tested for pearl cichlid (Geophagus brasiliensis) juveniles with an average weight of 4.4 g in water at 24ºC. The criterion for determining the optimal dose considered an induction time of one minute. Experiment 1 tested the concentrations of 25, 75, 150 and 300 mg L-1 of eugenol. The best results were obtained at doses of 150 and 300 mg L-1. Experiment 2 aimed to establish a more accurate result by testing the concentrations of 180, 210, 240 and 270 mg L-1, and led to an estimation of 217 mg L-1 of eugenol to induce anesthesia in one minute. Experiment 3 evaluated 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 mg L-1 of tricaine, of which the concentration of 294 mg L-1 was estimated to induce anesthesia in one minute. No significant differences were observed for recovery times when using either of the anesthetics. No mortality was observed within 24 hours after the experiments for any concentration of the anesthetics. The present study recommends 217 mg L-1 of eugenol or 394 mg L-1 of tricaine for anesthesia of the pearl cichlid.

ICHTHYOFAUNA OF TRIBUTARY STREAMS OF THE CINZAS RIVER BASIN, PARANAPANEMA RIVER, BRAZIL

Streams are environments that are very affected by human activities such as pollution, deforestation of riparian forests and introduction of exotic species. In this context, it is important to know its biodiversity for monitoring and conservation. The present study inventoried the fish fauna of three tributary streams of the Jacarezinho River (Cinzas River basin, Paranapanema River) with different environmental characteristics: Água dos Anjos, Monjolinho and Ubá streams. Quarterly collections were performed in the period between October 2012 and July 2013 at the headwaters, in the middle and at the mouth of each stream, using electrofishing. We analyzed the parameters of species richness, total abundance, relative abundance, capture constancy, rarefaction curves of Coleman, and richness estimators ACE and ICE. We captured a total of 7102 individuals, distributed in six orders, 12 families and 33 species. The most abundant order was Characiformes (76.15 %), while the most abundant species were: Bryconamericus iheringii (39.5 %), Astyanax bockmanni (19.36 %), and Geophagus brasiliensis (7.52 %). The highest species richness was found in Água dos Anjos stream (26), followed by Monjolinho stream (25), and the Ubá stream (15). We recorded the occurrence of four non-native species (Bryconamericus exodon, Gymnotus inaequilabiatus, Poecilia reticulata and Oreochromis niloticus), which represent a risk to the biodiversity of the studied streams. The Ubá stream was considered the most conserved, but the presence of P. reticulata shows that it has also suffered from anthropic impacts. This non-native species is constantly associated to degraded environments, mainly when it occurs in high abundance. Our results suggest that the fish assemblages studied present different structures, probably due to the interaction among historical, abiotic, biotic, and anthropic factors. This study has been carried out for the first time in the Cinzas River basin and can help provide theoretical input for the elaboration of monitoring and conservation plans.

Seasonal factors driving biochemical biomarkers in two fish species from a subtropical reservoir in southern Brazil: An integrated approach

Reservoirs are lentic man-made waterbodies resulting from river damming processes. Pollutants coming from adjacent areas can accumulate in the water and sediment of these modified freshwater environments. Fish are often found in reservoirs occupying several trophic niches. Biochemical biomarkers are early warning signals of environmental disturbance to an organism. It is essential to understand how pollutants, abiotic variables and biochemical biomarker responses behave throughout the seasons to implement biomonitoring programs. Loricariichthys anus and Geophagus brasiliensis were collected, and abiotic variables were seasonally measured for one year, at six sampling sites in Passo Real reservoir, in a subtropical region of Southern Brazil. Biochemical biomarkers were analyzed in four tissues of both fish species, as well as metal and pesticide concentrations in the reservoir’s water and sediment. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was carried out to find the temporal relationship between biomarkers and environmental variables. RDA has clearly shown the separation of seasons for both species. Azoxystrobin, simazine and propoxur were the pesticides mostly contributing to the variation, whereas metals had lesser contribution to it. Seasonality appears to be the main factor explaining biomarkers’ variability. PERMANOVA has confirmed the effect of temperature and dissolved oxygen on biomarkers of both fish species. Thus, it is hard to differentiate if the fluctuation in biomarkers’ responses only reflects the normal state of organisms or it is a biological consequence from negative effects of fish exposure to several types of pollution (sewage, pesticides, and fertilizers) entering this aquatic system. In this study, to circumvent the seasonality issue on biomonitoring, the analysis of biomarkers on these fish should not be carried out in organs directly affected by temperature (such as liver and gills), or during reproduction periods (mainly in Spring).

Toxicity and trophic transfer of polyethylene microplastics from Poecilia reticulata to Danio rerio

The potential transfer of microplastics (MPs) between vertebrates belonging to the same taxonomic group, and the impact of such a transfer on higher trophic levels remains little explored. An experimental food chain with two fish species was installed to test the hypothesis that polyethylene MPs (PE MPs) can accumulate in animals and cause behavioral, mutagenic and cytotoxic changes at upper trophic levels. Poecilia reticulata fry were exposed to MPs for 48 h and, subsequently, offered (as food) to Danio rerio adults for 10 days to simulate an upper level food chain. PE MPs quantification in fry and in different Danio rerio tissues evidenced their accumulation at the two assessed trophic levels. This finding suggested their absorption, adherence and translocation from one organism to another. The accumulation seen in D. rerio directly exposed to MPs was associated with behavioral disorders at upper trophic level. These animals presented behavior suggestive of anti-predatory response deficit when they were confronted with a potential aquatic predator (Geophagus brasiliensis). This finding was inferred through lower school cohesion, shallower school depth and shorter distance from the potential predator. In addition, animals exposed to MPs recorded higher nuclear abnormality rates and changes in the size and shape of erythrocytes and in their nuclei; this outcome has suggested mutagenic and cytotoxic effects, respectively. Based on the current results, MPs are transferred through a food chain that only involves two vertebrates. MPs enter the vertebrates' organs, change their behavior and induce mutagenic and cytotoxic processes in animals, which can cause significant ecological consequences in freshwater ecosystems.