Macrobrachium Acanthurus Research Articles

Exploring the pharmacological potential of Macrobrachium acanthurus hemocyanin: preliminary biological activity studies

Hemocyanin (Hc) is a copper-containing hemoprotein found in the hemolymph of invertebrates such as mollusks and arthropods. It plays essential roles in oxygen transport, immune defense, and molting processes. Due to their antiviral, antimicrobial, and phenoloxidase (PO) activities, Hcs hold significant potential in biotechnology. This study aims to obtain the Hc from the shrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus and perform preliminary biological activity tests (PO and antimicrobial activity) of this Hc. The results will serve as a basis for future structural and biological investigations of this unique protein. HcMac was purified using ultracentrifugation and size exclusion liquid chromatography (SEC). PO activity was induced by the surfactant SDS in the presence of dopamine hydrochloride, monitored by optical absorption at 475 nm using a spectrophotometer. Tests were performed to evaluate the inhibitory activity against Candida neoformans, Candida albicans and some fish pathogens. The results demonstrated that the surfactant SDS induced PO activity, with optimal formation observed at an SDS concentration of 1.0 mmol L-1. However, HcMac did not exhibit antimicrobial activity in the tests performed. Despite this, we cannot rule out the hypothesis that this Hc has biological activity and an immunological role, since it showed PO activity.

Spatial distribution and fecundity of the cinnamon shrimp, Macrobrachium acanthurus (Wiegmann, 1836) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from Jequitinhonha River (BA), Brazil

ABSTRACT Macrobrachium acanthurus is an amphidromous palaemonid shrimp exploited by artisanal fishing in Brazil that presents limited published information on its population biology. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and fecundity of M. acanthurus in the Jequitinhonha River (BA). Collections occurred at four points in the river downstream of the Itapebi Hydroelectric Powerplant (P1–P4). The abundance and size of the demographic categories analysed (male morphotypes, non-ovigerous females, and ovigerous females) and fecundity were compared among points. We also examined the relationship between female body size and fecundity. A total of 938 individuals were collected during the sampling period. The highest abundances were observed downstream (P3 and P4). The sizes of males and ovigerous females were greater at points farthest upstream. Three male morphotypes were identified, and their proportions varied among points. Fecundity was higher upstream, and there was a positive correlation between female size and number of eggs. All population parameters indicate a longitudinal gradient towards the estuary, with strong evidence of amphidromy. This is the first study with a polymorphic species to consider morphotypes as a population structure component. The results represent an important contribution to a better understanding of the amphidromous life cycle of palaemonid shrimp.

Growth performance and gene expression of FAS, CPT1, G6P, and HK in juveniles of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium acanthurus, fed diets with different levels of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates

AbstractA feeding trial with Macrobrachium acanthurus juveniles was performed to determine growth performance and utilization of diets varying in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate level. Twelve diets were formulated with three levels of protein (P) and supplemented with different proportions of lipids (L) and carbohydrates (C): P30‐L20‐C8, P30‐L15‐C19, P30‐L12‐C25, P30‐L10‐C31, P35‐L20‐C3, P35‐L15‐C15, P35‐L10‐C26, P35‐L5‐C38, P40‐L15‐C8, P40‐L10‐C19, P40‐L5‐C31, and P40‐L1‐C40. Lipids and carbohydrates were added allowing an overall energy content limit of 400 kcal per 100 g of diet. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of juveniles with an initial weight of 60.9 ± 10.9 mg (mean ± SD) for 60 days. Overall growth performance and gene expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6P), and hexokinase (HK) in the hepatopancreas were assessed. Highest weight gain values and specific growth rates were observed in prawns fed diets with 35% of protein inclusion. Expression of FAS was downregulated when fed 30% of protein. Results indicate M. acanthurus use protein as their primary source of energy and when this is low in the diet, lipids are used to spare the energy from proteins. Suggested inclusion of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates in diets for M. acanthurus should be 35%, 15%, and 15%, respectively.

Effect of dietary protein, lipid and carbohydrate ratio on growth, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activity of prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus postlarvae

Effect of dietary protein, lipid and carbohydrate ratio on growth, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activity of prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus postlarvae

Acute toxicity of the herbicide karmex (diuron) in Macrobrachium acanthurus and M. olfersii prawns

Farmers have increased the production of food by using chemical substances such as diuron; however, these components affect the water quality and the species found in these ecosystems. Macrobrachium acanthurus and M. olfersii postlarvae present in the estuary of Río Jamapa, Veracruz were collected to measure the LC50 and LD50 using the herbicide Karmex (diuron: (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea [DCMU]). The captures of the prawns were made with light traps. Acute toxicity bioassays were carried out at 96 h to determine the mean lethal concentration (LC50). In the experimental design, a geometric series was used considering the control and five concentrations of the herbicide (1.75, 3.5, 6.99, 14, and 28 mg/L). The data analysis was carried out with the Probit method. A maximum LC50 of 10.233 mg/L and LD50 of 8.221 mg/L of Karmex were obtained for M. acanthurus and a maximum LC50 of 9.242 mg/L and LD50 of 7.504 mg/L of Karmex were obtained for M. olfersii. The average lethal concentration was consistent with those of other crustaceans, such as Artemia salina and Daphnia. Based on the response in the bioassays, Macrobrachium acanthurus and M. olfersii postlarvae can be used in toxicology studies.

Acute toxicity of diuron and glyphosate in megalopae of Callinectes sapidus from the Jamapa River Estuary, Veracruz

The objective of this work was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the commercial herbicides Karmex® (diuron: DCMU 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) and Herbipol® (glyphosate: N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) on the megalopae of Callinectes sapidus and measure their relative abundance in the association of larval and postlarval species of crustaceans from the estuary of the Jamapa River, Veracruz. Collections were made overnight using white light traps. Likewise, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, and salinity were measured in situ. It was found that the association of larvae and postlarvae consisted of Macrobrachium acanthurus, M. olfersii, Potimirim mexicana, megalopae of C. sapidus and Armases ricordi, and zoeas of Brachyura. In total, 559 and 1057 C. sapidus megalopae were collected in November and March 2019, respectively. Dissolved oxygen was 6 and 7 mg L-1, pH was 7 and 8, the temperature was 26 and 27°C, total dissolved solids were 700 and 1500 ppm, and salinity was 0.70 and 16 in November and March, respectively. Using Probit analysis, a 96 h LC50 of diuron (Karmex®) was 7.69 ± 1.07 mg L-1 in March and 6.64 ± 0.93 mg L-1 in November. The LC50 for glyphosate (Herbipol®) was 247.83 ± 34.54 mg L-1 in March and 288.18 ± 38.66 3 mg L-1 in November. The blue crab C. sapidus is tolerant to a wide range of physicochemical factors; however, it is sensitive in the postlarval stages, like other species of crustaceans, to the herbicides diuron and glyphosate, for which the megalopae can be used in ecotoxicological studies.

Diversity, distribution and new records of freshwater and estuarine shrimp in the state of Amap, eastern Brazilian Amazon region.

This study presents the freshwater and estuarine shrimp species that occur in the state of Amap, in the eastern region of the Brazilian Amazon. The data were obtained through information contained in the Brazilian crustacean collections of the Institute of Scientific and Technological Research of the State of Amap (IEPA) and the National Institute for Research in the Amazon (INPA) and the detailed examination of the listed specimens. All information contained in the log book and specimen labels were noted for the identification and mapping of occurrence areas in the region. A survey in the literature of the species previously recorded for Amap was carried out. The diversity of freshwater and estuarine shrimp was composed of 21 species distributed in the following families: Alpheidae (Alpheus nuttingi), Euryrhynchidae (Euryrhynchus amazoniensis, Euryrhynchus burchelli, Euryrhynchus tomasi and Euryrhynchus wrzesniowskii), Lysmatidae (Exhippolysmata oplophoroides), Palaemonidae (Macrobrachium acanthurus, Macrobrachium amazonicum, Macrobrachium brasiliense, Macrobrachium carcinus, Macrobrachium jelskii, Macrobrachium inpa, Macrobrachium olfersii, Macrobrachium surinamicum, Nematopalemon schmitti, Palaemon carteri, Pseudopalaemon amazoniensis, Pseudopalaemon chryseus, Leander tenuicornis), Penaeidae (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri and Sergestidae) (Acetes marinus and Acetes paraguayensis). Alpheus nuttingi and L. tenuicornis were new records for the state of Amap. This study contributes to the knowledge of the diversity and geographic distribution of decapod crustaceans in Amap and highlights areas where there are gaps in collection, thus contributing to a better understanding of these invertebrates in the region.

Histological and Histochemical Dynamism of Oogenesis in the Cinnamon River Prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus (Caridea: Palaemonidae) Induced by Eyestalk Ablation

Macrobrachium acanthurus is a caridean prawn native to Brazil, and studying techniques to assist in its cultivation is important due to economic interest in it. Eyestalk ablation is commonly used to promote ovarian development and maturation of captive crustaceans, but it can have possible consequences on fertility and brood quality. Histological and histochemical dynamism of oogenesis was analyzed under control (non-ablated females) and unilateral eyestalk ablated females. Females with ovaries in the spent stage of gonadal development were divided into two treatments: unilaterally ablated and non-ablated. A second experiment with the same treatments was conducted using females with mature gonads. Histological and histochemical analyses of the ovaries indicated that the ablation did not affect oogenesis based on ovarian structure, oocyte size, histochemical properties, and atretic oocytes. Ovarian maturation was not accelerated by ablation, either. Survival, nuptial molting, and spawning were also unaffected. From an applied point of view, unilateral eyestalk ablation is not needed in M. acanthurus farming because it does not improve reproductive performance.

Spatio-temporal variation in the density and diversity of decapods captured with artisanal traps in an Amazon estuary

Abstract: Aim The variability in density and species diversity of decapod crustaceans was investigated on four islands with different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance around the city of Belém, State of Pará. Methods Samples were obtained from 15 creeks using artisanal traps, every three months between October 2013 and May 2014 on Combu, Onças, Cotijuba and Mosqueiro islands. Results Salinity and temperature little varied, which is common for a tropical Amazon estuary strongly influenced by freshwater inflow. A total of 8,367 decapods were captured, with one record of an exotic species Penaeus monodon. In all seasons, decapod density and richness tended to increase from Combu to Mosqueiro, with increasing proximity to the sea and higher salinity and pH. Except for Combu, species richness and Margalef diversity tended to be slightly greater in the wet season at all islands, especially Onças. Eveness and Shannon diversity did not vary greatly between seasons but were lowest at Onças in the dry season and highest at Combu, decreasing to Mosqueiro, in the wet season. In general, ecological indices are similar in the dry and transition dry to wet seasons, and in the wet season, dominance occurs at Mosqueiro Island. Macrobrachium acanthurus, C. bocourti and P. gracillis were associated with the wet season, whereas M. surinamicum prefers the dry season. M. amazonicum and Macrobrachium sp. have no well-defined seasonal pattern of occurrence at all the islands. Conclusions Despite anthropogenic disturbances and proximity to large human populations, especially on Mosqueiro Island, the density and diversity of decapod crustaceans appear to be reasonably unaffected for the moment.

Occurrence of male morphotypes in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus Wiegmann, 1836 (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)

ABSTRACT This study tested the hypothesis of the existence of male morphotypes in Macrobrachium acanthurus, a species of recognized economic potential, with an extensive geographic distribution. The collections occurred on eight occasions between July 2016 and March 2018 at seven points along the Jequitinhonha River, state of Bahia, Brazil. The identification of male morphotypes occurred through morphological and morphometric analyses. In total, 297 males were collected. The carapace length (CL) ranged from 4.6 to 41.81 mm, with a size at onset of maturity estimated at 11.85 mm. The morphological and morphometric analyses confirmed our hypothesis with the distinction of three morphotypes: M1, M2, and M3. M1 was characterized by males with chelipeds similar to those of females: relatively small, with tiny spines and without pubescence in the dactylus; M2 males had chelipeds larger than those of M1, as well as larger and denser spines, with little pubescence in the dactylus; and M3 individuals had considerably more robust chelipeds, very prominent spines and a thick layer of pubescence when compared to those of the previous morphotype. Our results suggest a social hierarchy where M1 is subordinate, M2 subdominant, and M3 the dominant morphotype. However, behavioural studies are needed to confirm this.

Osmoregulatory power influences tissue ionic composition after salinity acclimation in aquatic decapods

Decapod crustaceans show variable degrees of euryhalinity and osmoregulatory capacity, by responding to salinity changes through anisosmotic extracellular regulation and/or cell volume regulation. Cell volume regulatory mechanisms involve exchange of inorganic ions between extra- and intra-cellular (tissue) compartments. Here, this interplay of inorganic ions between both compartments has been evaluated in four decapod species with distinct habitats and osmoregulatory strategies. The marine/estuarine species Litopenaeus vannamei (Lv) and Callinectes danae (Cd) were submitted to reduced salinity (15‰), after acclimation to 25 and 30‰, respectively. The freshwater Macrobrachium acanthurus (Ma) and Aegla schmitti (As) were submitted to increased salinity (25‰). The four species were salinity-challenged for both 5 and 10days. Hemolymph osmolality, sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium were assayed. The same inorganic ions were quantified in muscle samples. Muscle hydration (MH) and ninhydrin-positive substances (NPS) were also determined. Lv showed slight hemolymph dilution, increased MH and no osmotically-relevant decreases in muscle osmolytes; Cd displayed hemolymph dilution, decreased muscular NaCl and stable MH; Ma showed hypo-regulation and steady MH, with no change in muscle ions; As conformed hemolymph sodium but hypo-regulated chloride, had stable MH and increased muscle NPS and ion levels. Hemolymph and muscle ions (especially chloride) of As were highly correlated (Pearson, +0.83). Significant exchanges between hemolymph and muscle ionic pools were more evident in the two species with comparatively less AER regulatory power, C. danae and A. schmitti. Our findings endorse that the interplay between extracellular and tissue ionic pools is especially detectable in euryhaline species with relatively lower osmoregulatory strength.

Effects of mannan oligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides on the growth and nonspecific immune responses of juvenile freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus

The freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus represents a valuable resource for fishermen's communities in Mexico, although the information of its culture conditions and nutrition is still scarce. Prebiotics are defined as non-digestible components that are metabolized by specific health-promoting bacteria in the host's digestive system, improving the health status and growth performance of cultured aquatic organisms. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) are among the most used prebiotics in aquaculture. The present work aimed to determine the effects of dietary FOS and MOS in the growth performance, immune responses, and sexual maturity of juvenile freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus. Juveniles (0.06 ± 0.001 g) were fed with diets supplemented with a 3 g kg-1 diet of commercial FOS and MOS for 80 days. At the end of the feeding trial, the following indices were calculated: weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion efficiency, as well as superoxide dismutase and lysozyme activities in hepatopancreas tissue. The growth performance, survival, juveniles' protein contents did no show significant differences among the groups. No differences were detected in superoxide dismutase and lysozyme activities among experimental groups. Around day 60 of the feeding trial, the females fed with the prebiotics maturated, and by the end of the trial, several of them were carrying eggs. It seems that prebiotics might have a role in sexual maturation, but further research is necessary to establish if prebiotics influences the early maturation of M. acanthurus.

Macrobrachium/ Spence Bate, 1868 (Decapoda: Palaemonidae): New records, range extension and geographic distribution in the Northeastern Caatinga amp; Coastal Drainages, and São Francisco hydrographic ecoregions, Northeast of Brazil.

This study constitutes the most comprehensive effort ever done to assess the faunal diversity of the Macrobrachium genus within two ecoregions that encompass part of the northeastern Brazil: the Northeastern Caatinga Coastal Drainages, and the São Francisco (Lower-middle and Lower portions). Through sampling in several of their hydrographic basins, bibliographic research, and consulting scientific collections, our results reveal the occurrence of five species along these ecoregions: Macrobrachium acanthurus, M. amazonicum, M. carcinus, M. jelskii and M. olfersii. We also provide the first record of these species for several river basins in both ecoregions. Additionally, we confirm the occurrence of M. carcinus from Rio Grande do Norte State and provide updated distribution maps for each species in the studied area. This carcinofauna survey may form the basis for future evaluations of eventual anthropic impacts on biological diversity resulting from projects being implemented in these regions, which involve the São Francisco interbasin water transfer.

Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation

AbstractThe present study investigated the effects of eyestalk ablation on the reproductive performance of females from the native caridean shrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus. The reproduction parameters fertility, fecundity, egg volume, larvae size, loss of embryos and number of females with viable eggs/larvae were evaluated. Females presenting carapace length of 12–15 mm and spent stage of gonadal development were divided into two groups, one undergoing unilateral eyestalk ablation and the other remaining intact. The specimens were kept in aquarium until ovarian maturation, then brought together with males for mating (proportion of two females for each male). Fecundity and fertility were greater in intact females (1,741 eggs and 1,045 larvae) than in ablated ones (1,373 eggs and 741 larvae). Ablation also reduced the percentage of females with viable eggs (68% intact versus 49% ablated) and larvae (82% intact versus 64% ablated), besides increasing the loss of embryos. Egg volume and shape (ellipsoid) and larvae size were similar, as was the duration of embryonic development. The results of this study suggest that, although ablated females exhibit a high rate of survival, their reproductive performance is reduced; therefore, the ablation technique is not recommended in M. acanthurus farming, so as to protect the animals from physiological stress.

Swimming behavior of newly hatched larvae of six decapod species (Crustacea: Decapoda)

Abstract Crustacean decapod larvae have developed several adaptations to maximize their survival, including swimming behavior. Swimming improves larvae dispersal and contributes to their response to environmental stresses, including variations in abiotic factors, presence of predators, and search for food. Data on larval behavior can also assist in studies on conservation and in species management in aquaculture. Unfortunately, swimming behavior remains unstudied in many species. The present work aims to analyze the swimming behavior in newly hatched larvae of six common decapod crustaceans in coastal Southeast Brazil (Macrobrachium acanthurus, Macrobrachium olfersii, Emerita brasiliensis, Ucides cordatus, Minuca rapax, and Callinectes danae). The analysis included tests with larval responses to four isolated stimuli: gravity (geotaxis), vertical salinity gradients, low-pressure zones, and presence of the planktivorous fish, Atherinella brasiliensis (only for C. danae and M. rapax). The first two and the last two stimuli were used as indicators of dispersal and defensive behaviors, respectively. All larvae preferred water depth with higher salinity levels. Additionally, negative geotaxis was observed in M. olfersii, M. acanthurus, U. cordatus, and C. danae, being stronger in the last. Both Macrobrachium larvae responded to low-pressure zones, promptly moving away. Callinectes danae and M. rapax larvae avoided contact with the predatory fish by creating avoidance zones around it, even in the absence of light. This is an active defensive behavior that has never been reported for the newly hatched larvae of these two species.

First record of parasitism by Probopyrus pandalicola (Isopoda, Bopyridae) on the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) and ecological interactions.

In this study, we aimed to record, for the first time, parasitic infestation by the isopod Probopyrus pandalicola on the prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus, as well as to register some ecological interactions. We hypothesized that the parasitic infection is able to negatively affect the prawn's nutritional condition and that this interaction can modify growth relationships in male individuals. We collected both parasitized (n = 25) and parasite-free (n = 25) individuals in several locations of the Contas River, state of Bahia, Brazil, which had their morphometric characteristics determined, including of the parasites. Relative growth models were constructed for both groups in order to compare slopes and intercepts and determine if the growth patterns are modified by the parasite. We also determined the body condition of the prawns, which was also compared between the two groups. Our results clearly demonstrated that the parasitic infection is able to induce modifications in relative growth patterns in male individuals and that this isopod is capable of reducing the nutritional condition of the prawns. This study indicates that this parasite can induce deleterious effects in the prawn, but individually. Further studies should be conducted to assess the relevance of our findings in conservation and management.

Biomarkers of homeostasis, allostasis, and allostatic overload in decapod crustaceans of distinct habitats and osmoregulatory strategies: an empirical approach

The term "allostasis", meaning the assumption that homeostasis may not be as static as the term implies, has been vastly employed for mammals, and other vertebrates, for which the degree of internal stability is maximal, according to their higher complexity. We have here investigated how these states of homeostasis, allostasis, and allostatic overload could be diagnosed in decapod crustaceans, upon acute salinity challenges. Decapods of distinct lineages and habitats have been submitted to 3 salinity levels for 6 and 12 h. The first salinity was the habitat salinity (control), considered as the one that allows the homeostatic condition. The next salinity represented a mild challenge, that would potentially lead to allostasis, and the third salinity was intended to represent an overload, albeit not lethal. Species used were: the marine crab Hepatus pudibundus (Hp, osmoconformer, salinities 33, 25, and 20‰), the marine/estuarine swimming crab Callinectes danae (Cd, weak regulator, salinities 30, 20, and 10‰), and the diadromous freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus (Ma, strong regulator, salinities <0.5, 15, and 30‰). These 3 species follow a sequence of growing regulatory capacity (Hp<Cd<Ma), and euryhalinity (Hp<Ma<Cd). The biomarker of allostatic overload in Hp was the dramatic build-up of hemolymph lactate in 10‰; Cd was so euryhaline that had its homeostasis barely disturbed by the treatments, and the overload biomarker for Ma was low reduced muscle hydration in 30‰. The concept of allostasis can be successfully applied to comparative osmoregulation of decapods, with potential implications in areas of applied physiology such as aquaculture.

Diets for Macrobrachium acanthurus breeders: Sperm evaluation

Abstract The application of biotechnology in animal reproduction has enabled the production of young forms in both quantity and quality. Increasing the number of viable gametes produced by reproducers, among other factors, through an ideal diet, can ensure higher production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of three diets on the sperm survival of Macrobrachium acanthurus. To this end, 24 M. acanthurus males were used, distributed randomly and equally among treatments. Their diets were composed of 100% fresh food (fish and squid muscle - 14% protein), 100% dry feed (commercial feed - 50% protein) and a mixture of these diets containing 30% protein. Spermatophores were extracted through electrical stimulation every 15 days, and the controls consisted of spermatophores obtained directly from nature. No significant difference between diets was observed comparing shrimp and spermatophore weights. The 100% fresh diet provided the best sperm survival performance.

First reported occurrence of a heteromorph antennule in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus (Wiegmann, 1836) (Decapoda, Caridea)

First reported occurrence of a heteromorph antennule in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium acanthurus (Wiegmann, 1836) (Decapoda, Caridea)

Polyculture of curimata pacu (Prochilodus argenteus) and canela shrimp (Macrobrachium acanthurus) feed with dehydrated cassava leaf meal

Polyculture systems are integrated cultivation systems where two or more aquatic species are maintained at the same place using locally available ecological resources. The purpose of this study was to analyze the zootechnical performance of curimata-pacu ( Prochilodus argenteus ) when polyculture with canela shrimps ( Macrobrachium acanthurus ) and with dehydrated cassava leaf bran comparatively with monoculture. 96 curimata-pacu fishes ( P. argenteus ) and 72 canela shrimps ( M. acanthurus ) were cultivated. At the beginning of the experiment, their average body masses were 10.77 ± 1.29 and 3.68 ± 0.74 g, respectively, randomly distributed in a factorial scheme with a full random experimental design in 24 polyethylene water tanks (70 L) in water recirculation system, comprising two simultaneous factors: curimata pacu monoculture (4 fishes: 0 shrimps per tank) and curimata pacu and canela shrimp polyculture (4 fishes: 6 shrimps per tank), was added dehydrated cassava leaf meal (DCLM) to the monocultures and polycultures in different percentages: 0% (treatment 1, T1), 10% (T2) and 20% (T3), with four replicas each. The results indicated that presence of shrimps and the higher concentration of DCLM (20%) had a negative impact on the fish development regarding final total biomass (BF), absolute growth rate (AGR), and feed conversion rate (FCR). However, the diet with the addition of up to 10% DCLM in P. argenteus in monoculture systems, obtained a zootechnical performance similar to control, thereby reducing the feed costs for this species.