Hyphessobrycon Eques Research Articles

A New Species of Creptotrematina (Trematoda: Allocreadiidae) from the Red Minor Tetra, Hyphessobrycon eques (Steindachner, 1882) (Characidae) from Brazil, with Comments on the Genetic Divergence of C. Aguirrepequenoi Jiménez-Guzmán, 1973 across a Wide Geographical Range in Middle America.

Allocreadiids are relatively small digeneans that appear to be restricted to freshwater systems distributed across the world. Allocreadiids are highly diverse in the Americas, particularly in the Neotropical biogeographical region. Their taxonomic history has been rather controversial, with several taxonomic reassessments and the description of new genera and species. We sampled Creptotrematina specimens from a characid collected in the Pardo River, Paranapanema River basin in Brazil, and specimens of C. aguirrepequenoi, from Astyanax spp. in several localities between northern Mexico and Costa Rica. The specimens were studied through integrative approaches using morphological and molecular analyses of the 28S rDNA gene and two different regions of the COI mtDNA gene. We describe a new species of Creptotrematina which is differentiated from other congeners by the overall body size, but in particular by the size and position of the cirrus-sac, distribution of the vitelline follicles, and extension of uterine loops in the posterior end of body. Phylogenetic analyses of the 28S rDNA and COI mtDNA genes placed the new species in a monophyletic clade together with all other sequenced species of Creptotrematina, and as a sister species of C. batalhensis. Genetic divergences between the new species and other Creptotrematina spp. varied from 1.1 to 1.2% for the 28S rDNA and 12.4-14.3% for the COI mtDNA. Phylogenetic analysis based on COI mtDNA showed the isolates of C. aguirrepequenoi grouped in four monophyletic clades representing populations geographically separated along a wide geographical range spanning between northern Mexico and Costa Rica, with an estimated genetic divergence between 3.9% and 8.9%. Our findings based on integrative analyses recognize Creptotrematina saltograndensis n. sp. from a characid collected in the Pardo River, Paranapanema River basin in Brazil and provide validation of the wide geographical distribution of C. aguirrepequenoi across Middle-America parasitizing Astyanax spp.; the genetic divergence of the species through the analysis of two regions of COI mtDNA points towards considering it represent a species complex, although we refrain at the moment on describing a new species, awaiting for further verification using other molecular markers, and obtaining fresh material for a more detailed taxonomic analyses. This study increases the known diversity of allocreadiids and contributes to the understanding of evolutionary relationships, host-parasite relationships, and biogeographic history of the group.

Aquicultura ornamental como caminho para a introdução de peixes não nativos na drenagem costeira do nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: Aim We present the first record of the introduction of three non-native ornamental fish species, resulting from ornamental aquaculture escapes on the Northeast Mata Atlântica hydrographic ecoregion, with information on the reproductive activity. Methods The specimens were collected bimonthly between 2018 and 2019 using seine and sieve nets, and analyzed for determination of reproductive phases. Results A total of 830 specimens were collected, corresponding to the species Hyphessobrycon eques (N= 311), Poecilia reticulata (N= 500), and Xiphophorus maculatus (N= 19). We used 250 specimens for reproductive analysis. Hyphessobrycon eques and P. reticulata were reproductively active throughout the sampling period. Among the species, the smallest reproductive female measured 22.26 mm (H. eques), 12.53 mm (P. reticulata), and 17.58 mm (X. maculatus). The smallest males measured 20.64 mm (H. eques), 10.71 mm (P. reticulata), and 17.17 mm (X. maculatus). Conclusions The presence of reproductive specimens of H. eques and P. reticulata throughout the year supports the hypothesis of their establishment. We hypothesize that the introduction of X. maculatus is a recent event.

Host-Parasite Interaction and Phylogenetic of a New Cnidarian Myxosporean (Endocnidozoa: Myxobolidae) Infecting a Valuative Commercialized Ornamental Fish from Pantanal Wetland Biome, Brazil.

Myxozoans are a diverse group of parasitic cnidarians of wide distribution. A new species, Myxobolus matogrossoensis n. sp., is herein described infecting wild specimens of tetra mato-grosso Hyphessobrycon eques, caught in the Pantanal biome, the world’s largest tropical wetland area. Cysts were found in 3 of the 30 examined fishes. Mature myxospores were ovoid in shape in frontal and measured 6.6 ± 0.4 µm (6.2–7.0 µm) in length and 3.5 ± 0.2 µm (3.3–3.7 µm) in width. The two polar capsules were elongated in shape, equal in size and occupying almost half of the myxospore body. They measured 3.3 ± 0.2 µm (3.1–3.5 µm) in length and 1.8 ± 0.1 µm (1.7–1.9 µm) in width. The polar tubules presented three to four turns. Phylogenetic analysis placed the new species within a clade containing myxobolid species from South American characiforms fish and appears as a close species of Myxobolus piraputangae and Myxobolus umidus. Nevertheless, the sequences of the new species and P. umidus and P. piraputangae have a large genetic divergence of 12 and 12.2% in their 18S rDNA gene, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a Myxobolus species parasitizing the tetra fish mato-grosso, thus increasing our knowledge of cnidarian myxosporean diversity from South America.

Inclusion of β-1,3/1,6-glucan in the ornamental fish, Jewel tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques), and its effects on growth, blood glucose, and intestinal histology

Inclusion of β-1,3/1,6-glucan in the ornamental fish, Jewel tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques), and its effects on growth, blood glucose, and intestinal histology

Artemia as a sustainably cultured live feed for ornamental fish in zoological institutions with immunostimulant properties when bioencapsulated with spirulina (Arthrospria platensis).

Sustainable in-house cultures of bio-enriched live feeds for ornamental fish can enhance development, nutrition and welfare of the animal by improving immunity while further reducing economical costs to zoological institutions. Artemia is an easily harvestable feed with its nutritional profile highly dependent on its diet which is easily manipulated through bioencapsulation. This study evaluates the effects of two types of commonly used feeds for Artemia: spirulina and yeast, and how this affects the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate, immunity and colour intensity of ornamental fish, compared to a commercial pellet (control) diet. A total of 198 mature, mixed sex serpae tetra Hyphessobrycon eques were subjected to the three different diet treatments conducted in duplicate. There was no significant difference in growth weight, FCR, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase between treatments. Protease index of activity was significantly lower in fish fed with Artemia bio-enriched with spirulina (71.48%) and highest in the control diet (95.48%). The colour intensity and redness of the fish also significantly increased when fed Artemia bio-enriched with spirulina versus Artemia bio-enriched with yeast or a control diet.

Interactions between a planktivorous fish and planktonic microcrustaceans mediated by the biomass of aquatic macrophytes

AbstractHabitat complexity is recognized to mediate predator–prey relationships by offering refuge or not. We investigated the availability of planktonic microcrustaceans and the diet of a planktivorous fish (Hyphessobrycon eques) at different levels (low, intermediate and high) of aquatic macrophyte biomass. Sampling was carried out in a river with low flow speed, located in a Neotropical floodplain. We collected fish and microcrustaceans in macrophyte stands with variations in biomass. There were no differences in microcrustacean density in the water among the levels of macrophyte biomass, but microcrustacean richness and diet composition of H. eques differed. Microcrustacean richness and trophic niche breadth of the planktivorous fish were higher in high biomass stands. There was high consumption of a small cladoceran species in low macrophyte biomass, which was replaced by larger species, such as copepods, in intermediate and high biomass. Thus, the selection of some species was different among the biomass levels. These results suggest that plant biomass plays an important role in the interaction between fish and microcrustaceans, and prey characteristics such as size, escape ability and energy value make them more or less subject to predation by fish according to habitat structuring.

Aquarium trade and fish farms as a source of non-native freshwater fish introductions in French Guiana

Rivers of French Guiana are still little invaded by non-native fish, but several fish introductions were recently recorded through the development of aquarium fish trade and fish farms. Here we report records of 11 non-native fish species. Among them, four (Cichla monoculus,Heros efasciatus,Mesonauta guyanaeandPoecilia reticulata) are established and one of them (Heros efasciatus) is rapidly increasing its spatial range. Two species (Hyphessobrycon equesandPterophyllum scalare) were not retrieved in recent records and are probably extinct from French Guiana. The establishment status of the five other species (Arapaima gigas,Colossoma macropomum,Cyprinus carpio,Oreochromis mossambicusandOsteoglossum bicirrhosum) is uncertain and only a few specimens were observed in the wild. Nevertheless, these species, intensively reared in nearby countries, belong to highly invasive species able to cause detrimental impacts on recipient ecosystems. Those first occurrences of invasive fish species in French Guiana should therefore act as an early warning for both researchers and environmental managers.

Evaluation of a panel of microsatellite markers to study their applications in Serrapinnus notomelas and to reveal the genetic diversity in Hyphessobrycon eques

Jewel tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) is a freshwater fish found in several rivers and basins in South America. The present study is the first study to create a panel of microsatellite markers for detecting genetic diversity in H. eques and evaluating the application of these markers in Serrapinnus notomelas. In total, 44 individuals were genotyped from the natural (WIL, n = 20) and stock in captivity (CAP, n = 24) population. Moreover, 19 microsatellite markers were obtained, of which only 8 loci presented a high degree polymorphism. In total, 45 alleles were detected, ranging from 126 bp (Hype2G2) to 420 bp (Hype2E2). The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.05) revealed significant difference in one locus in WIL (Hype1G4) and three loci in CAP (Hype1F4, Hype2C3, and Hype2G2). Null alleles (p < 0.05) were present in only one locus (Hype1G4). The WIL and CAP populations revealed high genetic diversity during FST analysis. The cross-amplification test for S. notomelas revealed that only two loci (Hype2C3 and Hype2G2B) presented satisfactory transferability results. The developed microsatellite primers will be useful in studying the genetic diversity and population structure of H. eques in wild populations and fish farms in the Brazilian and other South American basins.

Chemical exposure hazardous for fish Hyphessobrycon eques through the incorrect release of oil in Amazon region

Incorrect discard of oil used by fishing ship in the brazilian north region has become a common activity. Despite the possible hazard to the aquatic organisms, still missing scientific data about their toxicity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the stress and lethality caused by lubricant oil (FSAOLU) on fish Hyphessobrycon eques. Therefore, it was used six different concentration diluted in water (0, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32% of oil) and three replaces during 96 hours. At the end or during the experiment (with dying fish), it was collected blood samples (cutting the caudal fin) to determine physiological changes. The FSAOLU showed mean lethal dose (LD50-96h) of 27.36%, classified as toxic causing alterations in glucose values from the 26%. The greater dilution of FSAOLU (32%) increased 115% in glucose values when compared to the control. Thus, lubricant oil when discarded in water, it present hazard to the aquatic organisms causing stress and mortality for fish being necessary adequate management to discard of this residue.

Fipronil and 2,4-D effects on tropical fish: Could avoidance response be explained by changes in swimming behavior and neurotransmission impairments?

Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane, a crop largely dependent on chemical control for its maintenance. The insecticide fipronil and herbicide 2,4-D stand out among the most commonly used pesticides and, therefore, environmental consequences are a matter of concern. The present study aimed to investigate the toxicity mechanisms of Regent® 800 WG (a.i. fipronil) and DMA® 806 BR (a.i. 2,4-D) pesticides using forced and non-forced exposures through an integrative approach: firstly, to assess whether contamination by fipronil and 2,4-D can trigger the avoidance behavior of the fish Danio rerio (zebrafish) and Hyphessobrycon eques (serpae tetra or mato-grosso). Additionally, the effects on fish were analyzed considering the swimming behavior together with a biomarker of neurotoxicity, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In avoidance tests with pesticide gradients, D. rerio avoided the highest concentrations of the two compounds and H. eques avoided only the highest concentration of 2,4-D. The swimming behavior (distance moved) was reduced and AChE was inhibited when D. rerio was exposed to fipronil. The 2,4-D affected the swimming (maximum speed) of H. eques, but AChE was not altered. Avoidance response seemed not to have been affected by possible effects of contaminants on swimming behavior and Ache activity. This study showed the importance of knowing the avoidance capacity, swimming behavior and neurotoxic effects of pesticides on fish in an integrated and realistic context of exposure in environments contaminated with pesticides and can be useful as ecologically relevant tools for ecological risk assessment.

The Hyphessobrycon eques (Steindachner, 1882) coloration influenced by the addition of Attalea Phalerata Mart. ex spreng crude oil

Bacuri pulp oil (Attalea phalerata Mart. Ex Spreng) has medicinal properties due to a high concentration of carotenoids and palmitoleic acid from the Omega-7 group that can benefit the health and well-being of fish. The objective was to evaluate the benefits of including bacuri oil in the development and coloring of Mato Grosso (Hyphessobrycon eques Steindachner, 1882). 51 specimens of coarse forest were used, distributed in four units of 10L in individual recirculation system and thermostated water at 28 ° C. During the 60-day trial the fish were fed with commercial diets (DC) and commercial diet plus essential oil of bacuri (5g.kg-1) (DB). At the end of the experimental period, survival, growth, color and thermogenicity were evaluated. The data were analyzed using the Duncan test (P&gt; 0.05). The use of bacuri oil provided a low growth rate, however it is noteworthy that it was longer in relation to the DC group. Consumption was not affected by the addition of bacuri oil, having no effect on the palatability of the diet. However, the trial survival was 73% for DB and 88% for DC. There was no change in the color and thermogenicity of the fish with the inclusion of bacuri oil. The condition factor of DB fish was superior to DC, which demonstrates the ability to promote fish welfare. It was concluded that in the dose used, bacuri essential oil is not recommended for thick bush as a supplement to improve color.

Chromosomal mapping of repetitive sequences in Hyphessobrycon eques (Characiformes, Characidae): a special case of the spreading of 5S rDNA clusters in a genome.

Cytogenetic data showed a variation in diploid chromosome number in the genus Hyphessobrycon ranging from 2n = 46 to 52, and studies involving repetitive DNA sequences are scarce in representatives of this genus. The purpose of this paper was the chromosomal mapping of repetitive sequences (rDNA, histone genes, U snDNA and microsatellites) and investigation of the amplification of 5S rDNA clusters in the Hyphessobrycon eques genome. Two H. eques populations displayed 2n = 52 chromosomes, with the acrocentric pair No. 24 bearing Ag-NORs corresponding with CMA3+/DAPI-. FISH with a 18S rDNA probe identified the NORs on the short (p) arms of the acrocentric pairs Nos. 22 and 24. The 5S rDNA probe visualized signals on almost all chromosomes in genomes of individuals from both populations (40 signals); FISH with H3 histone probe identified two chromosome pairs, with the pericentromeric location of signals; FISH with a U2 snDNA probe identified one chromosome pair bearing signals, on the interstitial chromosomal region. The mononucleotide (A), dinucleotide (CA) and tetranucleotide (GATA) repeats were observed on the centromeric/pericentromeric and/or terminal positions of all chromosomes, while the trinucleotide (CAG) repeat showed signals on few chromosomes. Molecular analysis of 5S rDNA and non-transcribed spacers (NTS) showed microsatellites (GATA and A repeats) and a fragment of retrotransposon (SINE3/5S-Sauria) inside the sequences. This study expanded the available cytogenetic data for H. eques and demonstrated to the dispersion of the 5S rDNA sequences on almost all chromosomes.

Knowing biodiversity: Fishes from the Guareí River basin, a tributary of the Jurumirim reservoir, Paranapanema River, Brazil

Abstract: The Guareí River is a tributary of the Paranapanema River (Brazil), located in the upper portion of the Jurumirim Reservoir. Fish fauna studies in this watershed began in the 2000s, but they were restricted to a few waterbodies. This work conducted a broad survey of the fish fauna in tributary streams and the main channel of the Guareí River. Sampling occurred between February 2017 and November 2018 at 36 sites and using different collection methods. We captured 2,169 specimens belonging to 50 species, 16 families and 6 orders. The species accumulation curve tended to stabilize but indicated that species richness is underestimated. Almost all species are native (46); only three were non-native (Hyphessobrycon eques, Oreochromis niloticus and Poecilia reticulata) and one was undefined (Gymnotus pantanal). Among the native species, two are unknown to science (Bryconamericus aff. iheringii and Hypostomus sp. n.) and three are migratory (Leporinus friderici, Megaleporinus obtusidens and Pimelodus maculatus). In this paper, we provide images of species collected. Results indicate that the Guareí River basin is a hotspot of fish diversity in the Upper Paranapanema River, stressing the need for adequate management and conservation actions.

Embryonic and larval development of serpae tetra Hyphessobrycon eques (Steindachner, 1882)

In this study, the embryonic and larval development stages of one of the most important ornamental fish serpae tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) are described. The early life stage is documented from fertilization until the beginning of the juvenile period. The fertilized eggs (the average diameter = 938.55 ± 35.20 µm) were incubated at a water temperature of 26 ± 0.5°C. The cleavage finished in 1:10 hr (=h) and the early blastula stage occurred at 1:26 hr post fertilization (hpf). The gastrulation started at 3:05 hpf, and 50% epiboly was observed at 3:25 hpf. Segmentation stage was monitored at 7:26 hpf. Embryonic developmental stage was completed and hatching occurred 20–21 hpf. The total length (TL) of newly hatched larvae was 2.64 ± 0.21 mm. The larval development of serpae tetra was divided into four different periods: Yolk-sac larva (1–4 DAH, TL = 2.77 ± 0.09 mm - 3.85 ± 0.11 mm), preflexion larva (5–12 DAH), flexion larva (13–15 DAH, TL = 5.78 ± 0.46 mm on the 15th day) and post-flexion larva (16–30 DAH, TL = 10.7 ± 0.27 mm on the 28th–30th days). The mouth and anus are closed at 1 DAH. The mouth and anus opened at 4 DAH. Exogenous feeding started on the 4th day. The first gulping of the swim bladder was on days 3. The larva begins to swim freely, and the yolk sac was completely consumed at 4 DAH. Histological structures of the eye and brain of new hatched larva were clearly identified at 1 day after hatching (DAH). According to histological findings, the digestive system (stomach, intestine) started to develop and the liver could be seen on the ventral side of the swim bladder at 5 DAH. No histological difference was observed between the anterior intestine and the posterior intestine at 15–16 DAH. The larval metamorphosis was completed, and the larvae transformed into juveniles at 28–30 DAH.

Toxicity of Diflubenzuron and Temephos on Freshwater Fishes: Ecotoxicological Assays with Oreochromis niloticus and Hyphessobrycon eques

Diflubenzuron (DFB) is a larvicide widely used to control Aedes aegypti populations as an alternative to organophosphates (OPs), with a specific mechanism of action for insects by inhibiting their chitin synthesis. However, DFB is used extensively in urban and rural environments, having the aquatic environment as the major receptor. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the toxicity of DFB-based formulation and compare it with the toxicity of the OP temephos (TMP)-based formulation, a larvicide still used to control A. aegypti, on freshwater fishes Oreochromis niloticus and Hyphessobrycon eques. Organisms were submitted to acute (48 h) and prolonged (7 days) exposures, in the presence and absence of organic sediment, seeking interactions between chemical and sediment. Histopathological analyses were performed on O. niloticus gills and liver. According to 48-h median lethal concentration (LC50), DFB- and TMP-based formulations were classified as harmful and toxic to fish, respectively, following the Globally Harmonized System of Classification (GHS). After prolonged exposure to sublethal concentrations, DFB-based formulation decreased H. eques body weight at concentrations 272-fold lower than its LC50. Ultrastructural responses of O. niloticus indicated edemas and aneurisms on gills, and hepatocyte hypertrophy and vascular congestion of the liver. TMP-based formulation also induced pyknotic nuclei, which may lead to irreversible necrosis. The addition of organic sediment did not alter the larvicide toxicity, suggesting that larvicides remained available to the organisms. Altogether, these results suggest that as an insect-specific pesticide, DFB still induces mortality and tissue damage in fishes; thus, both larvicides pose risks to fishes.

Toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles to Neotropical species Ceriodaphnia silvestrii and Hyphessobrycon eques

The increase of production and consumption of copper oxide nanostructures in several areas contributes to their release into aquatic ecosystems. Toxic effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), in particular, on tropical aquatic organisms are still unknown, representing a risk for biota. In this study, the effects of rod-shaped CuO NPs on the Neotropical species Ceriodaphnia silvestrii and Hyphessobrycon eques were investigated. We also compared the toxicity of CuO NPs and CuCl2 on these species to investigate the contribution of particles and cupper ions to the CuO NPs toxicity. Considering the low copper ions release from CuO NPs (<1%), our results revealed that the toxicity of CuO NPs to C. silvestrii and H. eques was mainly induced by the NPs. The 48 h EC50 for C. silvestrii was 12.6 ± 0.7 μg Cu L−1 and for H. eques the 96 h LC50 was 211.4 ± 57.5 μg Cu L−1 of CuO NPs. There was significant decrease in reproduction, feeding inhibition and increase in reactive oxidative species (ROS) generation in C. silvestrii exposed to CuO NPs. In fish H. eques, sublethal exposure to CuO NPs caused an increase in ROS generation in gill cells and an increase in cells number that were in early apoptotic and necrotic stages. Our results showed that CuO NPs caused toxic effects to C. silvestrii and H. eques and ROS play an important role in the toxicity pathway observed. Data also indicated that C. silvestrii was among the most sensitive species for CuO NPs. Based on predicted environmental concentration in water bodies, CuO NPs pose potential ecological risks for C. silvestrii and H. eques and other tropical freshwater organisms.

South American characids share very similar ionoregulatory characteristics

We examined ionoregulatory characteristics of four Characids from diverse locations in South America, emperor tetras (Nematobrycon palmeri), penguin tetras (Thayeria boehlkei), serpae tetras (Hyphessobrycon eques), and rosy tetras (Hyphessobrycon rosaceous). When held in 100 μmol L−1 Na+ water, tetras had Jmax values over 1100 nmol g−1 h−1, and Km values below 60 μmol L−1. When held in 1 mmol L−1 Na+ water kinetic parameters were unchanged. Low pH had no effect on Na+ uptake (JinNa). At pH 3.25, Na+ loss (JoutNa) was stimulated 35–85% in two of the four species. To test the linkage of JinNa to NH3 and H+ extrusion we measured JinNa during exposure to 1 mmol L−1 NH4Cl (HEA) and 100 μmol L−1 Acetazolemide (AZ). HEA stimulated JinNa of emperor tetras by 40%, but inhibited JinNa of penguin tetras by 50%; the two remaining species were unaffected. AZ (an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase) inhibited JinNa of serpae tetras by 40%, but had no effect on the others. All tetras displayed ionoregulatory characteristics that are very similar to each other, which supports the argument that these physiological traits may be ancestral for this group and pre-date colonization of the Rio Negro. The novel finding that, Jmax and Km did not change after acclimation to 1 mM Na+ water indicates that, unlike in other species examined uptake is not plastic. The HEA and AZ results, along with pH insensitivity suggest Na+ uptake is not coupled to H+ extrusion or NH3 excretion and leaves the exact mechanism involved unclear.

&lt;b&gt;Sensitivity of aquatic organisms to ethanol and its potential use as bioindicators

The aim of this research was to evaluate the feasibility for the use of the organisms Lemna minor , Azolla caroliniana , Hyphessobrycon eques , Pomacea canaliculata and Daphnia magna as exposure bioindicators for ethanol (lethal and effective concentration 50% - LC50(I)/EC50(I)). Thus, the following concentrations were used 5.0; 10.0; 20.0; 30.0; 40.0 and 50.0 mg L -1 ethanol on L. minor; 25.0; 50.0; 75.0; 100.0; 150.0 and 200.0 mg L -1 on A. caroliniana ; 0.3; 0.5; 1.0; 2.0 and 3.0 mg L -1 on H. eques ; 0.05; 0.10; 0.20; 0.40 and 0.80 mg L -1 on P. canaliculata ; and 40.0; 60.0; 80.0; 100.0; 120.0 and 140.0 mg L -1 on D. magna . An untreated control was also kept for all organisms, with three repetitions. The increase in the ethanol concentration elevated the electrical conductivity and decreased the water dissolved oxygen and pH. The ethanol LC50 for L. minor and A. caroliniana were 12.78 and 73.11 mg L -1 , respectively, and was classified as slightly toxic; 1.22 mg L -1 for H. eques (moderately toxic); 0.39 mg L -1 for P. canaliculata (highly toxic) and 98.85 mg L -1 for D. magna (slightly toxic). Thus, H. eques and P. canaliculata have showed good potential for the use as ethanol exposure bioindicators on water bodies.

Pathological and histometric analysis of the gills of female Hyphessobrycon eques (Teleostei:Characidae) exposed to different concentrations of the insecticide Dimilin®

Female individuals of Hyphessobrycon eques were exposed to Diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) in order to determine whether exposure to sublethal levels of this insecticide causes changes in gill morphology. Fish were exposed to 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mgL−1 for 96h and 17 days and then submitted to pathological and histometric evaluation. Pathological lesions, such as hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, vascular congestion, secondary lamellar disarray, vasodilatation, hemorrhage and increased lamellar epithelium, were significantly more common in the gills of fish exposed to Dimilin® than the control. Histometric analysis documented significant changes in blood vessel diameter, primary lamellae width and secondary lamellae length, and the appearance of hemorrhage foci in all concentrations tested. Even at low Dimilin® concentrations, the histopathological alteration index was mild to moderate, thereby indicating that the function of this tissue was compromised. These findings indicate that indiscriminate use of Dimilin® can adversely affect the structural integrity of the gills of H. eques, which can cause numerous problems for fish farming systems.

English

The aim of this research was to evaluate neotropical fish sensitivity (Piaractus mesopotamicus, Phallocerus caudimaculatus, Hyphessobrycon eques, and Brachydanio rerio) to a reference substance (potassium chloride); to estimate the lethal concentration (LC50; 96 h) for glyphosate, formulated as Rodeo® alone and in association with 0.5 and 1.0% Aterbane® BR surfactant and to evaluate the histopathology of the gills, liver, and kidney from the fish after acute exposure. P. caudimaculatus and H. eques are good bioindicators like B. rerio because they have similar sensitivity. The LC50;96 h for glyphosate alone and in association with 0.5% Aterbane® BR was similar (>975.0 mg L-1) for all the fish. Aterbane® BR alone was the most toxic substance to P. caudimaculatus (5.81 mg L-1 LC50;96 h) and glyphosate associated to 1.0% Aterbane® BR was more toxic to H. eques (411.91 mg L-1 LC50;96 h). The glyphosate alone and in association with Aterbane® BR was classified as practically non-toxic, whereas Aterbane® BR alone was considered moderately toxic for the tested organisms. The histopathological effects caused by glyphosate exposure on gills, liver, and kidneys are reversible, except for the liver necrosis on P. caudimaculatus. H. eques, P. caudimaculatus, and P. mesopotamicus present great potential to be used as standard organisms for herbicides monitoring and the use of glyphosate without surfactant addition is enough to cause histological alterations on H. eques and P. caudimaculatus, which makes them possible to be applied on environmental monitoring studies as biomarkers. Key words: Bioindicator, pesticide, histology, biomarker, gill, herbicide.