Native Cichlid Research Articles

The complete mitochondrial DNA of the bay snook, Petenia splendida, a native Mexican cichlid.

The mitogenome of the tenguayaca, Petenia splendida (GenBank accession number KJ914664) has a total length of 16,518 bp, and the arrangement consist of 15 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Gene order was equal to the mitogenomes of other new world cichlids.

Interactions between native and non-native cichlid species in a Costa Rican river

The convict cichlid, Amatitlania siquia, is a serially monogamous, bi-parental cichlid species native to Costa Rican rivers. Numerous field studies conducted in the Rio Cabuyo (Lomas Barbudal, Costa Rica) have provided a wealth of information regarding the behavioral ecology of this species. Recently a cichlid species that was previously not found in the Rio Cabuyo was identified as Hypsophrys nematopus. This influx of this non-native species provides an interesting ability to study the interactions of this potentially invasive species and to monitor the changes made by the native cichlid species. Over the course of several field seasons, I investigated the interactions between the native convict cichlid and the non-native cichlid. I surveyed the distribution of breeding pairs of both species and conducted behavioral tests to examine the interactions between the native and non-native species. I found an overall decline breeding pairs of both species over the course of the study. I found that both species were more aggressive to conspecific intruders and that female convict cichlids were aggressive to juveniles but males were not. These results provide important information concerning how native species interact with non-native species. It appears that the A. siquia population may experience a change in its reproductive behaviors due to the influx of H. nematopus.

Parasites of native Cichlidae populations and invasive Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in tributary of Amazonas River (Brazil).

This study provides the first investigation on acquisition of parasites in invasive O. niloticus by parasite species of native Cichlidae from the Igarapé Fortaleza basin, Northern Brazil. There were examined 576 specimens of 16 species of native cichlids and invasive O. niloticus collected in the main channel and the floodplain area of this tributary of Amazon River. The invasive O. niloticus was poorly parasitized having only Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina centrostrigeata, Paratrichodina africana, Trichodina nobilis (Protozoa) and Cichlidogyrus tilapiae (Monogenoidea), and this host has not acquired any parasite species common to the native ichthyofauna region. In contrast, species of native cichlids showed rich fauna of parasites with predominance of Monogenoidea species, larvae and adults of Nematoda, Digenea, Cestoidea and Acanthocephala, besides four species of Protozoa and four Crustacea. However, only T. nobilis was acquired by native fish, the Aequidens tetramerus, which is a new host for this exotic Trichodinidae. In O. niloticus, well established in the region, the small number of helminth species may be associated with its rusticity, good adaptation in the new environment and also the presence of native parasites with relative specificity, but without ability to complete its life cycle in this invasive host of this ecosystem.

Oral shelling of Bulinus spp. (Mollusca: Planorbidae) by the Lake Malaŵi cichlid, Metriaclima lanisticola (Pisces: Cichlidae)

Metriaclima lanisticola (a native cichlid of Lake Malaŵi) was studied under laboratory conditions to evaluate its potential as an agent for the biological control of schistosome intermediate host snails (i.e., Bulinus globosus, Bulinus nyassanus, and Bulinus tropicus). Crushing resistance of the three snail species was evaluated. M. lanisticola orally shelled snails of all species. Although there was no preference among species, fish preferred small to large snails. Crushing resistance of snails revealed that B. nyassanus had the highest resistance.

Coupling stable isotope studies with food web manipulations to predict the effects of exotic fish: lessons from Cuatro Ciénegas, Mexico

1. Exotic species threaten native species worldwide, but their impacts are difficult to predict. 2. Stable isotope analysis was combined with field competition experiments to predict how an invasive African cichlid fish, Hemichromis guttatus, might affect native fish in the desert springs of Cuatro Ciénegas, Mexico. 3. Stable isotope analysis suggested diet overlap between the invader and juvenile endemic cichlids, and field experiments verified that the invader reduces growth rates of the juvenile endemics through competition, but has smaller effects on adults. 4. Competition between juvenile endemic cichlids and the invader was asymmetric, with the exotic out-competing the native, suggesting the potential for competitive exclusion if the invasion is not stopped. 5. These results suggest that exotic removal programmes in Cuatro Ciénegas should focus on removing/reducing populations of the exotic cichlid in habitats where juvenile native cichlids are concentrated. 6. This approach could help focus efforts to manage exotic species before populations of native species have crashed, when it is too late to intervene. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The culture of cichlids of southeastern Mexico

In Mexico, aquaculture is a growing sector, but it continues to be developed using non-native species. The natural ecosystems of the lowland humid tropics of southeastern Mexico have been well-described by ecologists and are host to a very high diversity of species, including a substantial ichthyofauna. Cichlid fish, commonly known in southeast Mexico as ‘mojarras’, are an important fish resource and are widely consumed. Several species are now under considerable pressure and consequently the generation of biotechnology for the culture of native fish species is necessary and worthwhile. This paper examines and describes the experiences and knowledge generated over recent years regarding the aquaculture of native cichlids in the southeast of Mexico. Although the scientific and technological capacity for research and development for native species culture exists, there is an evident lack of information on new technologies among producers, as scientific research is not translating fully into technical assistance. Research and extension should be emphasized in order to develop a comprehensive knowledge base on native species and to enable their cultivation.

Potential of Metriaclima lanisticola (Teleostei: Cichlidae) for biological control of schistosome intermediate host snails

ABSTRACT Metriaclima lanisticola, a native cichlid of Lake Malawi, was studied under laboratory conditions to evaluate its possible role as a predator of snails (Bulinus spp.). Bulinus globosus, B. nyassanus and B. tropicus were used as prey. B. globosus and B. nyassanus are intermediate hosts of human schistosomes in Lake Malawi. M. lanisticola orally shelled snails of all three species. Even when small snail sizes were offered, the fish shelled them. This suggests that M. lanisticola is entirely an oral sheller. Opercula of Melanoides species were commonly found in the stomach contents of wild-caught M. lanisticola, while whole snail shells or shell fragments were never observed, further suggesting that the fish is an oral sheller. M. lanisticola consumed more B. nyassanus in aquaria without substratum than in aquaria with a sandy substratum and apparently the fish is dependent on visual perception for prey detection.

Potential of Metriaclima lanisticola (Teleostei: Cichlidae) for biological control of schistosome intermediate host snails

Metriaclima lanisticola, a native cichlid of Lake Malawi, was studied under laboratory conditions to evaluate its possible role as a predator of snails (Bulinus spp.). Bulinus globosus, B. nyassanus and B. tropicus were used as prey. B. globosus and B. nyassanus are intermediate hosts of human schistosomes in Lake Malawi. M. lanisticola orally shelled snails of all three species. Even when small snail sizes were offered, the fish shelled them. This suggests that M. lanisticola is entirely an oral sheller. Opercula of Melanoides species were commonly found in the stomach contents of wild-caught M. lanisticola, while whole snail shells or shell fragments were never observed, further suggesting that the fish is an oral sheller.M. lanisticola consumed more B. nyassanus in aquaria without substratum than in aquaria with a sandy substratum and apparently the fish is dependent on visual perception for prey detection.

Tilapia (Teleostei: Cichlidae) status in Nicaraguan natural waters

We surveyed the watersheds covering more than 80% of the surface area of Nicaragua, and review the history of deliberate introductions and unintentional invasion of tilapias, Oreochromis spp., into the freshwater of Nicaragua. The species have become widely established, with a range of negative consequences for the rich natural fish fauna of this Central American country. Tilapias compete directly with native cichlids in a number of ways, and have also supplanted native species as food fish in local markets. We suggest that introduced tilapias may have been responsible for the outbreak of blindness in native cichlids. We make recommendations on the management of these exotic species and on further introductions.

Monogeneans in Introduced and Native Cichlids in Mexico: Evidence for Transfer

Monogeneans in Introduced and Native Cichlids in Mexico: Evidence for Transfer

Monogeneans in introduced and native cichlids in México: evidence for transfer.

We examined 2 cichlid fish species native to México, Cichlasoma callolepis and C. fenestratum, and 2 introduced African cichlids, Oreochromis aureus and O. niloticus, from 3 localities in southeastern México for monogeneans. Six monogenean species infected the African cichlids: Cichlidogyrus haplochromii, C. dossoui, C. longicornis longicornis, C. sclerosus, C. tilapiae, and Enterogyrus malmbergi. We found all these parasite species, except C. haplochromii and C. dossoui, on the native C. fenestratum and C. callolepis. Prevalences of Cichlidogyrus spp. were 3-10% and abundances ranged from 0.03 +/- 0.2 to 0.1 +/- 0.3 for native cichlids. We only recovered a single E. malmbergi from 1 C. callolepis. We found Sciadicleithrum bravohollisae, a monogenean of native Cichlasoma spp., on the gills of the introduced O. aureus from Lake Catemaco (prevalence 3%, abundance 0.03 +/- 0.2). Although prevalence and abundance in atypical hosts were fairly low, the present findings provide evidence of monogenean transfer from African to American cichlids and vice versa. This is the first record of exotic monogeneans in the genus Cichlidogyrus and Enterogyrus infecting native American cichlid fish. It is also the first record from southeastern México of a native American monogenean infecting introduced African cichlids.

The purpose, costs and benefits of fish introductions: With specific reference to the Great Lakes of Africa

AbstractFish introductions have been used to enhance fish production by filling a less utilized ecological niche, for aquaculture, sport and recreation, ornamental purposes and to control disease vectors and weeds. Introductions of the Nile perch Lates niliticus and the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus into Lakes Victoria and Kyoga, and the clupeid Limnothrissa miodon into Lakes Kariba and Kivu have led to increases in fish catches. Unfortunately, predation by the Nile perch and competition between native cichlids and introduced tilapiine species have caused a severe decline and in some cases total disappearance of many native fish species from Lakes Victoria and Kyoga. This has generated conflicting opinions on fish introductions. This paper reviews the outcomes of introductions in the Great Lakes region of Africa in relation to the need to conserve the native fish fauna and to produce protein food for people living in the region. It also suggests guidelines to be followed before fish are introduced, e...

Histopathology of vitamin C deficiency in a cichlid, Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Günther)

Abstract. This paper describes the histopathological changes observed in the Mexican native cichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Günther) when try with an initial weight of between 160 and 170 mg were fed with diets deficient in vitamin C for 90 days. The epidermis showed an extensive inflammatory response, with spongiosis and also degenerative changes in the basal cells. Muscle showed a range of pathological changes including inflammation, changes in the number and position of the nuclei, vacuolation and necrosis, granular degeneration, and fibre loss. Gills showed thickening of the primary lamellae, oedema, hyperplasia, telangiectasis and atrophy of the bony supporting structures. Ganglia and neurones of nervous tissue were abnormal with changes which ranged from slight inflammation to central chromatolysis. The hepalopanereas was also affected and focal necrosis of the hepatocytes was frequently observed. The pancreas showed major changes with shrinkage of the acinar cells and reduction of zymogen granule content. Fish fed diets containing 0 and 40 mg vitamin C kg‐1 of diet were infected with Mycobacterium sp. and miliary tuberculosis was found affecting kidney, spleen, choroid gland, stomach, heart and muscle. The association between fish tuberculosis and vitamin C deficiency is discussed.

Vitamin C requirement of the Mexican native cichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Gunther)

The dietary vitamin C requirement was determined for Cichlasoma urophthalmus, a particularly important Mexican native cichlid. Fry with initial weight of 160 to 170 mg were fed on diets containing 10 different levels of vitamin C ranging from 0 to 10 240 mg/kg of diet for 90 days. Fish fed the diet without vitamin C showed high mortality and significantly reduced growth ( P<0.01) as compared to the other treatments. Fish fed diets containing 0,40 and 78 mg vitamin C/kg of diet showed an external pathological appearance which was not observed with fish fed diets containing higher levels of vitamin C. The external signs of deficiency observed were dark coloration, short operculae, hemorrhages in the eyes, head and fins, erosion of the skin and fins, loss of scales, exophthalmia, swollen abdomen, iritis, scoliosis and changes in the head bones. The minimum level of vitamin C required for normal growth was 40 mg/kg diet, and the minimum level required to ensure healthy fish was 110 mg/kg.

&lt;i&gt;Tilapia&lt;/i&gt;属における耐鹹性の種間差異および腎組織の比較検討

1. African native cichlid T. mossabica showing 100% survival in the sea water of 75% concentration and a lesser survival in undiluted sea water without acclimation procedure was proved to better excel in salinity tolerance than T. nilotica and T. sparrmani (Fig. 1). 2. The kidney of Tilapia exhibits the structure of typical freshwater fish. The scanty interstitial connetive tissue of kidney is characteristic of the fishes Genus Tilapia. 3. A pomacentrid Abudefduf vaigiensis which is provided with the kidney of typical marine fish (lacking in the distal convoluted segment), shows the approximate half value of the size in each component of the kidney. A South American cichlid Pterophyllum eimekei exhibiting freshwater fish type in terms of kidney-structure is the intermediate values between Tilapia and A. vaigiensis (Table 1 and Fig. 2).