Marine Catfish Research Articles

Complex patterns of genetic population structure in the mouthbrooding marine catfish, Bagre marinus, in the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Atlantic.

Patterns of genetic variation reflect interactions among microevolutionary forces that vary in strength with changing demography. Here, patterns of variation within and among samples of the mouthbrooding gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus, Family Ariidae) captured in the U.S. Atlantic and throughout the Gulf of Mexico were analyzed using genomics to generate neutral and non-neutral SNP data sets. Because genomic resources are lacking for ariids, linkage disequilibrium network analysis was used to examine patterns of putatively adaptive variation. Finally, historical demographic parameters were estimated from site frequency spectra. The results show four differentiated groups, corresponding to the (1) U.S. Atlantic, and the (2) northeastern, (3) northwestern, and (4) southern Gulf of Mexico. The non-neutral data presented two contrasting signals of structure, one due to increases in diversity moving west to east and north to south, and another to increased heterozygosity in the Atlantic. Demographic analysis suggested that recently reduced long-term effective population size in the Atlantic is likely an important driver of patterns of genetic variation and is consistent with a known reduction in population size potentially due to an epizootic. Overall, patterns of genetic variation resemble that of other fishes that use the same estuarine habitats as nurseries, regardless of the presence/absence of a larval phase, supporting the idea that adult/juvenile behavior and habitat are important predictors of contemporary patterns of genetic structure.

Local Ecological Knowledge of the Whitemouth Croaker, Micropologias furneri among the Caiçaras in the Sepetiba Bay, SE Brazil

Local Ecological Knowledge of artisanal fishers (Caiçaras) was employed to investigate various biological aspects of the Whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) in the Sepetiba Bay, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. This included migration patterns, reproduction, feeding habits, and interactions such as parasitism. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 40 fishers in two communities using the “snowball” technique. It was found that the fisher’s information coincides with the academic literature for some aspects of the biology and ecology of the species. Furthermore, the fishers provided descriptions of novel patterns, which contributed to a deeper understanding of the species' natural history. These included observations of reproduction occurring almost throughout the entire year, the influence of east and north winds on the species' entry into the bay, interactions with marine catfish (Ariidae), and notable records of the isopod Cymothoidae as an important parasite of the Whitemouth croaker. This study contributes new insights to the ecological understanding of this fish species, which holds significant socio-environmental importance. It also documents changes in the livelihoods of artisanal Caiçaras communities resulting from the increasing anthropogenic activities in the region. Finally, it highlights the species' significance in terms of its sale and consumption within these communities, owing to its relative abundance in the area, despite the environmental impacts.

Evolutionary morphology of haptoral anchors in monogenoids (Dactylogyridae) of marine catfish (Siluriformes: Ariidae) from the Atlantic coast of South America.

Exploring the phylogenetic signal of morphological traits using geometric morphometry represents a powerful approach to assess the relative weights of convergence and shared evolutionary history in shaping species' forms. We evaluated the phylogenetic signal in shape and size of ventral and dorsal haptoral anchors of 10 species of monogenoids (Hamatopeduncularia, Chauhanellus and Susanlimocotyle) occurring in marine catfish (Siluriformes: Ariidae) from the Atlantic coast of South America. The phylogenetic relationships among these species were mapped onto the morphospaces of shape and size of dorsal and ventral anchors. Two different tests (squared change-parsimony and Kmult) were applied to establish whether the spatial positions in the phylomorphospace were influenced by phylogenetic relationships. A significant phylogenetic signal was found between anchor form and parasite phylogeny. Allometric effects on anchor shape were non-significant. Phylogenetically distant species on the same host differed markedly in anchor morphology, suggesting little influence of host species on anchor form. A significantly higher level of shape variation among ventral anchors was also found, suggesting that the evolutionary forces shaping ventral anchor morphology may operate with differing intensities or exhibit distinct mechanisms compared to their dorsal counterparts. Our results suggest that phylogenetic relationships were a key driver of changes in shape (but not size) of anchors of monogenoids of South American ariids. However, it seems that the emergence of the digitiform haptor in Hamatopenducularia and in some species of Chauhanellus played an important role in the reduction in anchor size and may cause secondary losses of anchors in other groups of monogenoids.

Chemotherapeutic and Antiproliferative Effect of Purified Protein from Marine Catfish Tachysurus Dussumieri on Human Colon Cancer Cell Line.

The present study aimed to investigate the purified protein from the epidermal mucus of marine catfish Tachysurus dussumieri on the human colon cancer cell line. The bioactive protein was purified with the Anion exchange chromatography and the collected fractions were then tested to assess cell viability in HT 29 cells through the MTT assay. The most responding active purified protein fraction (PPF III) was characterized with the MALDI-TOF/MS it shared a similar homology and sequence with 90% of antimicrobial peptides from external secretions of amphibians. Typical morphological changes of apoptotic cells, including cell shrinkage and detachment, DNA damage, and nuclear condensation were observed after the treatment of bioactive protein. PPF III triggered ROS, increasing the LDH activity, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulation of Cleaved caspase 3/9, Cytochrome-c, Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2 protein and gene expression on HT 29 cells.

Impact of Seasonal Variation on the Growth Dynamics of the Marine Catfish, Arius maculatus (Siluriformes: Ariidae) Collected from Karachi Fish Harbour

Impact of Seasonal Variation on the Growth Dynamics of the Marine Catfish, Arius maculatus (Siluriformes: Ariidae) Collected from Karachi Fish Harbour

Description of eight new mitochondrial genomes for the genus Neoarius and phylogenetic considerations for the family Ariidae (Siluriformes).

The genus Neoarius, known as marine catfish, is a group of the family Ariidae, composed of 10 species found in Oceania. None of the species in this genus have their mitochondrial genome described, which is highly valuable in phylogenetic and molecular evolution studies. For the present work, eight species from the Neoarius genus were selected: Neoarius utarus, Neoarius midgleyi, Neoarius graeffei, Neoarius leptaspis, Neoarius berenyi, Neoarius paucus, Neoarius pectoralis, and Neoarius aff. graeffei. DNA sequences of the eight species were obtained through the NCBI Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database, and the mitochondrial genomes were assembled using the NOVOplasty tool on the Galaxy platform, subsequently annotated with the MitoAnnotator tool. We then utilized the protein-coding genes from the mitogenomes to estimate the phylogenetic relationships within the group, including seven additional mitogenomes available in the NCBI. In all species, the mitochondrial genomes presented 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 1 D-loop.

A multiplex PCR forensic protocol for the molecular certification of sea catfishes (Ariidae – Siluriformes) from coastal Amazon, Brazil

The marine catfishes (family Ariidae) are important fisheries resources, particularly along the Amazon coast in northern Brazil. Whole fresh specimens and fish fillets are commercialized in both national and international markets, including several records of species substitution and frauds in the trade of processed products. In addition, the life traits of marine catfish species make them particularly vulnerable to overexploitation. Therefore, we developed a molecular certification system for the authentication of these species based on DNA markers. Specific and universal primers were used for the amplification of the mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cytb) gene and combined with primers for the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (control marker) to provide the first forensic molecular protocol based on multiplex PCR for marine catfishes from Brazilian Amazon coast. Accordingly, distinct band profiles were obtained for each of the most exploited species along this region: Bagre bagre, Notarius grandicassis, Sciades couma, Sciades herzbergii, Sciades parkeri, Sciades passany, and Sciades proops. To amplify the band pattern required for species identification, a concentration of 20 ng/ul was required. In the cross-amplification assay, other fish species were discriminated from the Ariidae bands. The multiplex PCR was about 35x cheaper and saved 13 h of labor to identify the seven species of Ariidae when compared to DNA sequencing. Thus, this protocol represents a viable and efficient tool to the certification of processed products by inspection agencies and to assure the consumer’s rights, eventually leading to an improved management in fisheries. The fishing industry might benefit from the multiplex protocol for the authentication of commercial products, adding market value to them based on DNA certification labels.

Purification and characterization of metallothionein protein in marine catfish, Arius arius, on exposure to cadmium

Purification and characterization of metallothionein protein in marine catfish, Arius arius, on exposure to cadmium

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Chauhanellus Bychowsky & Nagibina, 1969 (Monogenoidea) parasitizing marine catfish (Ariidae) from the Atlantic coast of South America: a new species, supplementary taxonomic information and new insights.

In this study, a new dactylogyrid species is described from the gills of two ariid fish species of the Brazilian coast, Genidens barbus and Genidens genidens, by combining morphological characters with partial 18S rDNA sequences. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following morphological characteristics: a male copulatory organ (MCO), a coiled tubular shaft of around one counterclockwise ring, base with a sclerotized cap; MCO with tapered distal region; a T-shaped accessory piece; a vagina, a cup-shaped vaginal vestibule, slightly sclerotized; and a pharynx comprising a muscular, glandular bulb. Supplementary taxonomic data for Chauhanellus velum from Sciades couma (type-host) are also presented and new 18S rDNA sequences of Chauhanellus spp. from other ariid fish from South America are provided. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial 18S rDNA gene sequences placed Chauhanellus riograndinensis n. sp. and Chauhanellus velum as two early divergent lineages within Chauhanellus from South America. Finally, a way to test the monophyly of Chauhanellus and Hamatopeduncularia is also discussed, which may be useful for future studies.

Morphology of sagitta, lapillus and asteriscus of Patagonian Genidens barbus

Otoliths are calcium carbonate structures, deposited as aragonite, located in the inner ear of bony fish. In recent years, they have become a useful tool for the determination of fish species, trophic content, age studies, and the identification of fish stocks. The objective of this work was to describe the morphology of the three pairs of otoliths of the marine catfish Genidens barbus of Patagonian distribution. Otoliths of specimens obtained at four sampling points in the Negro River were analyzed. It was observed that otoliths presented the general morphological pattern proposed for Siluriforms, where lapilli are the largest and most robust of the three. Lapillus presented a rounded shape, a pronounced elevation in the central position, a delimited sulcus, but not very evident, without evidence of a minor sulcus. The sagitta is claviform, with an elongated conical posterior region, dorsal wings that continue as lateral expansions called basal wings, and the presence of a fissure. The asteriscus has an ear shape, a median opening, a short pointed rostrum, a poorly developed anti-rostrum and a slightly curved acoustic fossa. In this work, sagitta and asteriscus otoliths were described for the first time for G. barbus, thus completing the description of the three pairs.

Diversification processes between monogenoids (Dactylogyridae) and their marine catfish (Siluriformes: Ariidae) from the Atlantic coast of South America.

Due to their high specificity, monogenoids from fish provide an interesting model to study historical associations of hosts and parasites. High agreement between host and parasite phylogeny is often interpreted as evidence of cospeciation. However, cophylogenetic signal may also arise from other, either adaptive or non-adaptive, processes. We applied the recently developed Cophylospace Framework to better understand the evolutionary relationship between monogenoids and marine catfish from the Atlantic coast of South America. The associations between 12 marine catfish and 10 monogenoid species were assessed. Molecular data of host and parasite species were used for phylogenetic reconstruction. We used anchor morphology based on Procrustes coordinates to evaluate whether closely related hosts are associated with morphologically similar parasites. To assess the association between parasite phylogeny and host morphology, we produced a distance matrix based on morphological characters of catfishes. Agreement between phylogenies and between phylogeny and morphology was measured using Procrustes R2 computed with PACo. The parasite phylogeny obtained in this study represents the first complete phylogenetic hypothesis of monogenoids parasitizing ariids from South America. The Cophylospace analysis suggested that phylogenetic and morphological distance of monogenoids contributes similarly to explain the pattern of host–parasite associations, whereas parasite phylogeny is more strongly associated with the morphological traits of the hosts than with host phylogeny. This evidence suggests that cospeciation is not a major force accounting for diversification in the monogenoids studied. Rather host morphological traits seem to be a more important driver, which conforms with evidence from other host‒monogenoid systems.

Evaluation of Anticancer, Antibacterial and Haemolytic Activities of Crude Mucus from Marine Catfish Tachysurus Dussumieri

Marine organisms are one of the diverse groups of animals that are highly specialized for their aquatic existence. The skin mucus share protective activities against environment that are rich in infectious agents. The current study aims to analyses the anticancer, antibacterial and haemolytic properties of crude epidermal mucus from marine catfish Tachysurus dussumieri. Cell viability and Cytotoxcity was assessed by MTT method on HT 29 (human colon carcinoma) and Vero (kidney epithelial cells of African Green Monkey) cell line. In Vero up to 1000 µg/ml of crude mucus shows cell viability of 80% and hence mucus concentration for treatment of HT 29 cells was fixed between100 to 1000 µg/ml. The proliferation inhibition on HT 29 at a concentration of 400µg/ml mucus from T. dussumieri at 24 h. Cellular and nuclear morphological variations was observed in different concentration of mucus, followed by DNA fragmentation to confirm the induction of apoptosis. Moreover, mucus sample was tested against Gram positive and negative bacteria, The maximum zone of inhibition was observed in S. aureus (15.61 ± 0.7 mm), followed by B. subtilis (8.32 ± 0.32 mm) and E. coli (8.14 ± 0.08 mm). Interestingly mucus from T. dussumieri showed haemolytic activity on different blood samples of goat, rat, sheep, buffalo, rabbit , cow, hen and human. Mucus showed maximum haemolytic activity against goat, rat, sheep and buffalo when compared to other RBCs. All these results showed that the epidermal mucus has more efficacy on therapeutic application in near future..

Energy dispersive X-Ray microanalysis in conjunction with scanning electron micrography to establish nematodes as bioindicators in marine fish environment.

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis has been used as the non-invasive technique on Indian helminthes to explore the role of nematode parasites as bioindicators in the marine ecosystem of Central West coast of India for the first time. The accumulation of sulphur and iron were analysed from a raphidascaridoid roundworm, Rostellascaris spinicaudatum (Malhotra and Anas) parasitizing marine catfish, Arius maculatus from the Central West coast of India at Goa. Quantitatively, the cuticle on oral armature comprised as much as ten times more sulphur than iron content in the roundworm under study. However, only carbon and oxygen were detected over caudal papillae, where no metals or other elements were recorded. The utility of a raphidascaridoid nematode to act as a bioindicator, that had the potential of a bioaccumulator effector, is highlighted.

An ariid catfish (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes) from marine Middle Miocene beds of Patagonia. Recent ariid biogeography in southern South America.

The first record is given of a marine catfish from the Cenozoic of southern South America. The material comes from the Middle Miocene marine Puerto Madryn Formation at the Valdes Penfnsula, in east-central Patagonia. The southernmost geographic range of the family Ariidae in the West Atlantic coastal area is the San Matfas Gulf (northern Patagonia). Ariids are only occasionally reported from southern Patagonia. The ariids represent the southernmost living record of the order Siluriformes.

Determining the influence of abiotic factors on spatial–temporal patterns of marine catfish (family: Ariidae) within the Apalachicola Bay System, Florida

Determining the influence of abiotic factors on spatial–temporal patterns of marine catfish (family: Ariidae) within the Apalachicola Bay System, Florida

Fish otolith microchemistry as a biomarker of the world's largest mining disaster

The Fundão dam collapse occurred in late 2015, resulting in the largest disaster in the world involving mine tailings, releasing at least 50 million m3 of iron ore tailings into the Doce river basin (Brazil). Studies realized along the Doce river after the disaster showed high concentrations of some elements above recommended Brazilian standards in different environmental matrices such as Al, Ba, Co, Fe, Hg, Mn, and Ni. This study aims to test the hypothesis that otolith microchemistry can be used as a pollution biomarker over time, that is, the otoliths sampled in the directly impacted area (Doce estuary) will present higher concentrations of the chemical elements in relation to the two other indirectly impacted estuaries (Ipiranga and São Mateus). The marine catfish Genidens genidens was chosen as a sentinel species, as this species presents several features that characterize it as a key species of the estuarine environment. The hypothesis was tested from a comparison between estuaries of the element/Ca ratios (Ba, Fe, and Mn) from the otolith edge (representing more recent deposition) and through the elemental composition profile, from core to edge of otolith. For the otolith edge analyses, it was possible to determine significant differences between estuaries in all three element:Ca ratios (Ba, Fe, and Mn). For the profile analysis (from core to edge), the Doce river showed consistent concentrations of Fe:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios higher than those of the Ipiranga and São Mateus estuaries throughout the life of the fish. In otoliths sampled in the Doce estuary, the possible identified peak of the Ba:Ca and Mn:Ca ratios, was probably associated with the Fundão Dam disaster. The present study showed that otolith microchemistry can be used as a sclerochronological biomarker of metallic aquatic pollution.

Reproductive biology of hardhead catfish Ariopsis felis: evidence for overwintering oocytes.

Hardhead catfish Ariopsis felis are a common marine catfish in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The low economic value of this species has depressed interest and research, and although the species is known for its extremely low fecundity and large oocytes, little else is known about this catfish species. A total of 1230 samples across all months of the year from 2016 to 2018 resulted in 681 females, and analysis of gonado-somatic index (IG ) revealed 1% to be a clear cut-off indicating maturity. Females are considered capable of spawning from April to June when IG averaged 4-8%. Both atresia and post-ovulatory follicles were present in July, suggesting that spawning ends in July in the northern GOM. The 1% IG cut-off was used to designate maturity, and from that an L50 of 253 mm was estimated. Batch fecundity from 41 females estimated a mean batch size of 36 oocytes. Perhaps the most interesting finding was the presence of secondary growth stage oocytes (e.g., cortical alveoli) from July through November, well outside the spawning capable period. Furthermore, 78% of females had some early vitellogenic oocytes present during the non-spawning season, and the distribution of these relatively large (2-5 mm) oocytes did not change over time. The results here are not only important as reproductive biology information for a common and abundant species, but also present interesting and unusual patterns of non-spawning season oocyte development that is not commonly seen in Western Hemisphere subtropical fish species.

Production of Protein Hydrolysates Using Marine Catfish Bagre panamensis Muscle or Casein as Substrates: Effect of Enzymatic Source and Degree of Hydrolysis on Antioxidant and Biochemical Properties.

Protein hydrolysates from fishery byproducts have resulted to be nutraceutical ingredients with potential to be applied in human nutrition; however, critical quality attributes are dependent on some process parameters such as enzyme source and degree of hydrolysis. This study analyzed the biochemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activity (using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), of protein hydrolysates at 10, 20, and 30% degree of hydrolysis (DH), measured by pH-STAT and prepared from sea catfish (Bagre panamensis) muscle and casein as protein sources by treatment with alcalase (ALC) and a semi-purified protease extract (SPE) from B. panamensis intestinal tissues as enzyme sources. With SPE, the DH was reached faster than ALC regardless of the protein substrate used. Sea catfish muscle (MUSC) hydrolysate made with SPE at 30% DH showed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 118.8 μmoles TE/mg; ABTS: EC50 of 1.5 mg/mL). In FRAP assay, the MUSC hydrolysates produced with SPE or ALC at 20% DH showed the higher activity (0.38 and 0.40 μmoles TE/mg, respectively). MUSC hydrolysates made with SPE contained the highest proportion of peptides with MW < 1.35 kDa and had a high protein content (72 to 78%), and almost 50% of the amino acids were essential. These results suggest that intestinal proteases and muscle of marine catfish represent a potential source to elaborate antioxidant protein hydrolysates. Our results promote the full utilization of this fish species and offer a biotechnological strategy for the management and valorization of its byproducts.

Río de la Plata voyagers: Deciphering the migration ecology of a vulnerable marine catfish (Genidens barbus) in a large subtropical river (lower Uruguay River)

Abstract Genidens barbus is a vulnerable marine migrant catfish with low fecundity, a complex life cycle (i.e. mouth breeding), and is the target of industrial and artisanal fisheries of several countries. This species regularly migrates from marine to freshwater environments of the south‐western Atlantic. The aim of this work was to delve deeper into the migration ecology of G. barbus, characterizing both its timing and potential environmental drivers. Furthermore, aspects of the population structure and reproduction of migrants in the lower Uruguay River were studied and the presence of juveniles in the adjacent estuarine recruitment area was evaluated. Data from 11 years (2008–2018) of records of adult G. barbus captured by artisanal fisheries were used alongside relevant environmental variables that were recorded monthly. Reproductive biology (i.e. sex ratio, gonadosomatic index, fecundity, and oocyte size) was analysed for a period of 3 years (2016–2018). The juvenile abundance in the Río de la Plata estuary was evaluated seasonally. A total of 935 adult individuals of G. barbus were captured, representing a total biomass of 3,123 kg. The migration timing was from early spring to early summer. The abundance of migrants strongly increased with river discharge, suggesting that this variable regulates the upriver migration. Furthermore, pre‐ and post‐spawn females and males displaying mouth breeding were recorded during the study period, confirming G. barbus reproduction in the lower Uruguay River. The results obtained suggest that G. barbus ascend to spawn in the freshwater environments upstream from the mouth of the Uruguay River. Then, adult males incubate and carry the embryos downstream, releasing juveniles in the Río de la Plata estuary. This relevant information will help with the implementation of effective management polices (e.g. fishing restrictions during the reproductive period) for the presently unregulated fishery of this vulnerable species in the lower Uruguay River.

Cellular alterations and damage to the renal tissue of marine catfish Arius arius following Cd exposure and the possible sequestrant role of Metallothionein

Cd is a non-degradable heavy metal pollutant with no known biological role. When taken up by living organisms from the environment, it causes extensive tissue damage. Here, we studied the effects of exposure to 20 mg/L−1CdCl2for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h on the renal tissue of marine catfish Arius arius. Cd uptake, metallothionein (MT) induction, microarchitectural alterations, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity were studied. Cd and MT levels were time-dependent and positively correlated. The diameter of the Bowman's capsule and tubules was significantly increased. Meanwhile, the density, diameter, and volume of the glomerulus as well as the density and volume of tubules decreased. Cd induced apoptosis though elevatedcaspase-3 activity. These results support the notion that exposure to sublethal Cd levels induces oxidative stress, leading to structural and functional impairment of the kidneys. Cd uptake and MT induction can serve as useful environmental biomarkers.