Parachromis Managuensis Research Articles

Early Ontogeny of Cichlids Using Selected Species as Examples.

The purpose of this study was to characterize in detail the reproductive strategy, course of embryogenesis, and development of larvae in three species of fishes of the genus Cichlasoma: the green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus), the red discus (Symphysodon discus), and the jaguar cichlid (Parachromis managuensis). Eggs for the study were obtained from five pairs of each species (300 eggs from each female) and incubated at 26 °C. The developing eggs were observed under a microscope (Carl Zeiss Stereo Discovery. V12 and Nikon 2000SE software (NIS-Elements F 4.30.01 64-bit) from fertilization to larval hatching until complete yolk-sac resorption. The largest average number of eggs per female was found in the jaguar cichlid (x¯ = 2991 eggs), a smaller average number of eggs was shown in the green terror (x¯ = 922 eggs), and the red discus showed the smallest average number of eggs (x¯ = 300 eggs). There were significant differences in the sizes of the eggs of the studied species: jaguar cichlid eggs were the smallest (1.060 ± 0.05 mm3), red discus eggs were larger (1.070 ± 0.07 mm3), and green terror eggs were the largest (1.365 ± 0.16 mm3). The embryogenesis time in the red discus was 2132 °H (82 Hpf), in the green terror it was 2158 °H (83 Hpf), and the longest in the jaguar cichlid was 2470 °H (87 Hpf). At the end of embryogenesis, the average size of the larvae after hatching was measured (red discus x¯ = 4.346 mm, green terror x¯ = 5.203 mm, and jaguar cichlid x¯ = 5.301 mm) and the time of yolk-sac resorption from the moment of hatching to the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding was determined (jaguar cichlid 5 days, green terror 6 days, and red discus 3 days). The results of this study may contribute to the development of reproductive biotechnology for the studied fishes that could be used in aquaculture and, thus, help protect them in their natural habitats.

Growth of two invasive cichlids (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in a natural thermal water habitat of temperate Central Europe (Lake Hévíz, Hungary)

The outflow of the natural thermal Lake of Hévíz is habitat of several fish species, with conservation relevance. In the past few years, numerous thermophile (tropically originated) fishes were reported in this waterbody, from which two species Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867), Vieja melanurus (Günther, 1862) characterized with strong, self-sustaining population. The aim of our research was to provide basic population data and to study their individual growth. The standard length of jaguar cichlid ranged from 37 to 283 mm (mean SL = 110.21 ± 65.4 mm), the redhead cichlid standard length varied between 30 and 203 mm (mean SL = 93.91 ± 40.0 mm). Slightly positive allometry (b > 3) was found in the case of both species. The von Bertalanffy Growth Function can be described as the following Lt = 343.6[1 − e−0.196(t+0.973)] in jaguar cichlid and Lt = 298.9[1 − e−0.113(t+0.997)] in the case of redhead cichlid. The Bertalanffy growth equations show slow growth for both species. Fulton’s condition factor (K) values varied between 1.376 and 2.11 (mean K = 1.701 ± 0.17) in the case of jaguar cichlid, and between 1.391 and 3.033 (mean K = 2.237 ± 0.24) for redhead cichlid. These baseline population biology data from the first known self-sustaining, temperate-zone populations of two tropical cichlids provide information e.g., for future ecological risk assessments or comparative growth analyzes.

Unique structures and material properties of the skin in different body regions of three species of fish.

Benefitting from its unique helically arranged fiber structures, fish skin is a superior biological protective tissue. Reported here is a study of the microscopic morphological characteristics and mechanical properties of the skin of three species of fish, that is, Taihu white fish (Erythroculter ilishaeformis), grouper (Cichlasoma managuense), and yellowfin seabream (Ditrema temminckii Bleeker), revealing the special protective mechanisms of fish skin. Experiments involving scanning electron microscopy show that the stratum compactum is the main part of fish skin and comprises helically stacked fibers, with the helical ply angles of the fibrous layers differing significantly for the different fish species and in different regions of their bodies. Tension and penetration experiments show that fish skin provides a fish's body with considerable mechanical protection from lacerations and bites inflicted by its natural enemies. Moreover, the mechanical tests show that fish skin has two different defensive mechanisms against tension and penetration loads, thereby offering a novel idea for designing body armor that is both flexible and tough.

The First Record of Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867) (Cichliformes, Cichlidae) and an Analysis of its Feeding Habits in Jamaica

The first official record of Parachromis managuensis in Jamaica is reported in the Large Cockpit Spring, Clarendon. This species is native to Central America. It was introduced into Jamaica to control the growth of aquaculture species. A total of 104 specimens were captured between December 2017 and March 2020 using seine nets. Morphometric and meristic descriptions are provided. Specimens captured had total lengths of 3.663–11.797 cm and weighed 0.787–36.810 grams. All specimens were classified as juveniles. Gut content analyses were conducted, which revealed that Parachromis managuensis mainly fed on invertebrates which include insects, ostracods, and gastropods. Ostracods were ranked as the most important food item. Other food items include algae and plant matter.

First integrative study of the diversity and specificity of metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum Dubois, 1936 from native and introduced fishes in the Caribbean.

Metacercariae of the genus Posthodiplostomum are often recorded in freshwater fish hosts. While the diversity and taxonomy of this genus are receiving increasing attention in molecular phylogenetic studies, available data remain geographically biased. Most molecular studies of Posthodiplostomum and morphologically similar (neascus) worms originate in North America and Europe and Asia (more than 60% of DNA sequences are from USA and Canada), with few data currently available from the Neotropics, where high host diversity suggests high and under-sampled parasite diversity. In this study, we report molecular and morphological data from metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum in fish in Puerto Rico, where only a single species has been previously reported. Partial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 from metacercariae from Dajaus monticola (native to Puerto Rico) and the introduced fishes Poecilia reticulata, Parachromis managuensis, Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides revealed 7 genetically distinct species-level lineages, of which 4 were novel. We report novel molecular life-cycle linkages in Posthodiplostomum macrocotyle (metacercariae in muscle of the cichlid Pa. managuensis), a species previously known only from adults in birds from South America; and in Posthodiplostomum sp. 23 (metacercariae in poeciliids), which has recently been found in Ardea herodias in Georgia, USA. We also report the first molecular data from Posthodiplostomum sp. 8 in M. salmoides in the Caribbean. Metacercariae of most species were morphologically distinguished and all displayed narrow specificity for fish hosts, with no indication of parasite sharing among introduced and native fishes.

Length–weight relation for seven Neotropical freshwater fish species (Actinopterygii) endemic to Central America

In the presently reported study, we estimated length–weight relation (LWRs) for seven species of freshwater fishes from Central America. Samples were collected using seines from 60 sites across Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama during field expeditions conducted between 1997 and 2012. The fishes were preserved and transported to the lab, where their total weight (W) was measured (to nearest 0.0001 g) and standard lengths were taken (to nearest 0.01 mm). Data were collected from four livebearers (Poeciliidae), Alfaro cultratus (Regan, 1908), Phallichthys amates (Miller, 1907), Poecilia gillii (Kner, 1863), and Priapichthys annectens (Regan, 1907); the cichlids (Cichlidae), Parachromis dovii (Günther, 1864) and Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867); and a silverside (Atherinopsidae), Atherinella hubbsi (Bussing, 1979). Estimates of parameter b ranged from 2.936 (A. hubbsi) to 3.696 (P. gillii), while estimates of parameter a ranged from 1.7 × 10−6 (P. gillii) to 1.9 × 10−5 (P. managuensis). Parameter b estimates were greater than three, consistent with allometric growth, with the exception of P. annectens, P. managuensis, and A. hubbsi, for which t-tests failed to reject the null hypothesis of isometric growth. Our results provide the first LWR information for five (71%) of these species and may prove useful for data imputation or estimating the biomass of poeciliid, cichlid, and atheriniform fishes in Central American rivers in the future.

Non-native freshwater fishes in Guatemala, northern Central America: introduction sources, distribution, history, and conservation consequences

Non-native freshwater fishes have been introduced to Guatemalan freshwater ecosystems since the beginning of the last century without prior risk assessment or subsequent evaluation of their impacts. We synthesized historical records, and distributional data from a literature review, online databases and museum records of non-native freshwater fishes in Guatemala. We found records for 22 non-native freshwater fishes with the oldest records dating back to 1926. Non-native freshwater fishes were recorded in 64% of the river sub-basins in Guatemala and we identified that at least 12 species have established populations. The Jaguar guapote (Parachromis managuensis) and Tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) are the most widespread non-native fishes. The species of non-native freshwater fishes introduced indicates that they are human selected (e.g., for farming purposes). Our work shows that aquaculture has been the major driver of introductions in the country, but aquarium release has become an important source in the last 20 years. Given the potential impact of non-native freshwater fishes on native fauna and ecosystems, we highlight an urgent need to assess their ecological effects, as well as to establish a fish fauna monitoring program in Guatemala to detect new introductions. Government and non-governmental agencies should promote the use of native species to supply fish demands in alignment with environmental policies and the objectives of the fishing agency in Guatemala.

Parachromis managunesis (Günther, 1867): Keberadaan Ikan Predator Asing di Pulau Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat

The entry of foreign predatory fish into Indonesian open waters had the potential as a disease vector, predation, and damaging food webs that would have a systemic impact on the local ecosystem. In this study, we report the presence of the foreign predatory fish Jaguar cichlid Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867) from Central America in the Lingsar River, West Lombok Regency. This record is the first time for this species in Lombok, where previously this fish was found in Java. A description of the morphological characters of the captured specimens is provided in the discussion.

Distant hybridization and gynogenesis between Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and Jaguar cichlid Parachromis managuensis

To investigate the distant hybridization and gynogenesis between Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and Jaguar cichlid Parachromis managuensis, reciprocal crossing was first performed between the two species. No offspring, however, were viable when there were these hybridizations. Gynogenesis was induced in O. niloticus and P. managuensis using ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated spermatozoa from P. managuensis and O. niloticus, respectively. The morphology during embryonic development indicated gynogenetic offspring of both O. niloticus and the P. managuensis were normal and deformed, and the results from flow cytometric analysis indicated normal fry were diploid and deformed fry were haploid. Gynogenetic O. niloticus and P. managuensis had the same DNA content and chromosome number as their species of origin, indicating that gynogenetic individuals were produced in both species. The presence of only females for both gynogenetic P. managuensis and O. niloticus was indicative of an XX genotype in the female P. managuensis and O. niloticus. Results from studies on genetic diversity indicated the average heterozygosity of the gynogenetic diploid population of O. niloticus were less than that of the cultured population, but the genetic homozygosity of the gynogenetic diploid population of O. niloticus was greater than that of the cultured population after one generation of gynogenesis, which achieved the goal of rapidly establishing genetic homozygosity.

Fish community structure in Sermo Reservoir, Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Initial study on invasive fish species

Invasive species are becoming issues in freshwater ecosystems throughout the world including Indonesia. Sermo Reservoir is located in Yogyakarta, Centra Java, was indicated to have invasive species identified as Cichlidae family. The study aimed to assess fish communities’ structure and identified invasive fish in Sermo Reservoir. The research was conducted in Sermo Reservoirs, Yogyakarta, Indonesia on March-October 2019. In total, about 3,084 individuals of 10 fish species belonging to 3 families and 8 genera were captured using a experimental gillnets (mesh size 0.75; 1; 1.5; 2; 2.5; 3 inch) at five stations. The fish community in Sermo Reservoir was dominated by Cichlid fish (98.66%). Red devil (Amphilophus labiatus) and Midas cichlid (A. citrinellus) were dominant species founded in Sermo Reservoir (58.82% and 37.00%, respectively). Another species of cichlid that caught consist of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), mozambique tilapia (O. mossambicus), and jaguar cichlid (Parachromis managuensis). The study showed that Amphilophus spp. have high dispersal (One-way ANOSIM revealed Amphilophus spp. was not significantly different for spatio-temporal (p>0.05)). SIMPER analysis (p < 0.05) showed that A. citrinellus and A. labiatus had spread throughout the waters and were concentrated in Tegiri station which had more littoral zones.

Marsela Fishing Habits (Parachromis managuensis) In Penjalin Reservoir Brebes, Central Java

Abstract. The presence of introduced fish populations in the Penjalin Reservoir is increasing, one of the dominant ones being caught is Marsela (Parachromis managuensis). It is feared that this fish population will continue to increase and will have a negative impact on other organisms, especially native fish communities. This study aims to determine the eating habits of Marsela fish, the composition of the type of food and its relationship to the abundance of plankton in the waters. This research was conducted in September-October 2018. The method used was CPUE with a sampling technique that is Simple Random Sampling. Sampling of fish in one day is done 6 times, namely at 05:00, 11:00, 17:30, 21:00, 00:00, and 03:00. Fish samples obtained are then grouped according to length and then an analysis of the contents of the stomach. The results showed that in the Penjalin Reservoir the percentage of phytoplankton presence was 96% with the highest abundance found in the Bacillariophyta group. Marsela is an omnivorous fish with popular foods are Chlorophyta and Charophyta. However, in adulthood Marsela fish also eat animals.Keywords: Marsela Fish (Parachromis managuensis), Fish Eating Habits, Penjalin Reservoir

A new record of the exotic Guapote jaguar, Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867) (Cichliformes, Cichlidae) in a tropical coastal lagoon of the Mexican Pacific slope

The presence of Parachromis managuensis has been reported for the first time in the Tres Palos Lagoon, State of Guerrero, on the coastal Lagoon of the Mexican Pacific slope. Two specimens (189 mm and 215 mm standard length) were caught by local fishermen from the community of San Pedro de Las Playas. A description of the morphological and meristic characters of the specimens is provided. The natural distribution of the species is from Honduras to Costa Rica and, as it is predatory and highly territorial, in conjunction with other introduced species, it can present a risk to native species and alter the biological dynamics in the lagoon system.

RANGE EXPANSION OF Parachromis managuensis (GÜNTHER, 1867) (PERCIFORMES, 4 CICHLIDAE) IN JAVA, INDONESIA

The Jaguar cichlid, Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867), is native to Central America, with introduc­tions reported from West Java and Central Java Provinces of Indonesia. On 7-8 January 2019, sixteen specimens of P. managuensis were collected from Karangkates, the largest hydropower reservoir in East Java Province of Indonesia. A description of the morphological characters of specimens is provided.

RANGE EXPANSION OF Parachromis managuensis (GÃœNTHER, 1867) (PERCIFORMES, CICHLIDAE) IN JAVA, INDONESIA

The Jaguar cichlid, Parachromis managuensis (Gunther, 1867), is native to Central America, with introduc­tions reported from West Java and Central Java (Indonesia). On 7-8 January 2019, sixteen specimens of P. managuensis were collected from Karangkates, the largest hydropower reservoir in East Java, Indonesia. A description of the morphological characters of specimens is provided.

Length‐weight relationships of eight reservoir fish species in Puerto Rico

Length-weight relationships (LWR) of eight fish species, Lepomis auritus (Linnaeus, 1758), Amphilophus labiatus (Günther, 1864), Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852), Cichla ocellaris Bloch & Schneider, 1801, Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867), Vieja melanura (Günther, 1862), Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855), and Gobiomorus dormitor Lacepède, 1800, collected by electrofishing and gillnetting from ten reservoirs in Puerto Rico were determined using 3,557 individual fish records collected between 1998 and 2014. All LWRs were significant with r2 values ranged from 0.900 for A. labiatus (Günther, 1864) to 0.996 for C. ocellaris Bloch & Schneider, 1801. The LWR parameter b ranged from 2.807 for P. pardalis (Castelnau, 1855) to 3.180 for C. ocellaris Bloch & Schneider, 1801. Data presented herein expand the knowledge base for these species as they have limited or no LWR data available. Also, our samples provide a new maximum length data for P. pardalis (Castelnau, 1855).

Acusicola margulisae n. sp. (Copepoda: Ergasilidae) from freshwater fishes in a Nicaraguan crater lake based on morphological and molecular evidence.

The ergasilid copepod Acusicola margulisae n. sp. is described based on material from three species of cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus (Günther), Parachromis managuensis (Günther), and Oreochromis sp., and from the poecilid Poecilia mexicana (Steindachner), in the crater Lake Asososca León, Nicaragua. This constitutes the 15th species described in the genus Acusicola Cressey, 1970. The new species differs from all its congeners by the relatively longer first endopodal segment of leg 1, and the size and number of setae on second endopodal segment of leg 1. We provide the first gene sequence for a species of Acusicola. To examine the intraspecific genetic variation of the new species collected from different host species, sequences of the mitochondrial barcode region cox1 were generated. In addition, partial regions of the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes were sequenced and used to infer the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Acusicola within the family Ergasilidae Burmeister, 1835. The phylogenetic trees yielded the isolates of Acusicola margulisae n. sp. as a reciprocally monophyletic lineage, and as the sister taxa of five genera of ergasilid copepods. The genus Ergasilus von Nordmann, 1832 was recovered as a paraphyletic group. These analyses indicate that phylogenetic relationships are not yet well resolved and more representative species and genera of the family are required to provide a robust classification of this highly diverse group of copepods.

Maturity, growth and natural mortality rate of the introduced fish Parachromis managuensis (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in the semiarid region of Brazil

Abstract: Aim The present study aimed to estimate the sexual maturity, growth and mortality rates of the jaguar guapote, Parachromis managuensis, an introduced fish species in the Brazilian semiarid region. Methods Specimens were collected between December 2015 and November 2016, in a dam at Serra Talhada municipality, Pernambuco, where the species was abundant. Results In total, 520 individuals were analyzed, with total lengths (TL) varying between 23 and 240 mm. Length at sexual maturity varied between 130.87 and 140.68 mm TL (Mean = 135.78 mm TL). Through the modal progression of monthly frequency distributions, the following growth parameters were obtained according to the von Bertalanffy model: L∞ = 341.40 mm, k = 0.840 and t0 = -0.035 year-1. Ages varied from 0.05 to 1.41 year, and an age at first maturity between 0.48 and 0.53 year (Mean = 0.51 year), with the largest part of the sample (72.64%) made of adult individuals. Natural mortality rates (M) were estimated from three different methods, varying between 1.53 and 3.04, with a mean of 2.27. Conclusions P. managuensis shows fast growth and maturation and high natural mortalities, which grants it biological advantages when compared to native species from the same trophic level in the area.

Evidence of naturalisation of the invasive jaguar cichlid Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867), in Queensland, Australia

The introduction and spread of non-native species poses a significant threat to the health of freshwater ecosystems, and has recently been identified as the single biggest danger to threatened species survival in Australia. Notwithstanding, the importation, trade and keeping of exotic and potentially invasive freshwater fishes in Australia is significant, resulting in greater propagule pressure and higher risk for deliberate or incidental release into native waterways. The jaguar cichlid (Parachromis managuensis) is an invasive cichlid that has established non-native populations in many countries throughout the world. In December 2014, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Queensland was notified of an incursion of jaguar cichlids in a stormwater retention dam in the Pioneer River Catchment, Mackay, Queensland. Rotenone was applied to the dam in January 2015, and around 200 jaguar cichlid specimens at various life history stages were destroyed. Follow up surveys into mid-2015 did not detect the presence of any jaguar cichlid in the dam or in nearby creeks. In September 2017, the Department was notified of a wild capture of a mature jaguar cichlid in Fursden Creek, 1.5 km from the original incursion site. Follow up surveys in 2018/19 have also detected jaguar cichlid juveniles in surrounding tributaries, indicating successful establishment and naturalisation of the species in Australia for the first time. © Holmes et al.

Evidence for natural selection of immune genes from Parachromis managuensis by transcriptome sequencing

Parachromis managuensis is a native cichlid fish from Central America that has been recently introduced to Southern China. The present study aimed to identify the adaptive evolution of P. managuensis using transcriptome data and provided genetic information regarding this novel fish in China. We obtained the transcriptome sequences from a mixed cDNA library of P. managuensis. A total of 19,419,739 raw reads were obtained from the cDNA library. The de novo assembly generated a total of 102,977 unigenes. The genomic data of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were used to identify orthologs by phylogenetic analysis. Based on the phylogeny, we detected 105 positively selected genes in P. managuensis from 6197 orthologous unigenes. The GO annotation revealed that the T-box protein 20 (TBX20) in the category ‘Immune system process’ was positively selected and four positively selected genes were found in the ‘Immune system’ pathway by KEGG analysis. Among them, the genes encoding for phosphoinositide 3-kinase adapter protein 1, ras-related protein Rap-1b, complement factor I and probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DHX58 were associated with immune adaptation. These findings can provide additional information regarding the natural selection of P. managuensis and can be used as a representative example for future comparative transcriptome and immunological studies.

Novelty on the market, novelty in the environment: The invasion of non-native fish jaguar guapote (Perciformes) in northeastern Brazil

In Brazil, more than 150 non-native fish species have been introduced either intentionally or unintentionally, mainly due to aquaculture, fishery improvement and ornamental trade. The non-native jaguar guapote Parachromis managuensis was recorded in two artificial ponds, four rivers, one stream and two reservoirs, ecosystems belonging to the Una, Ipojuca, Capibaribe and Pajeu River basins, Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. The sampling period was between October 2006 and July 2015. A total of 376 individuals of P. managuensis was captured by seines, casting nets and gillnets. This species may have been introduced in the study sites by accidental release during pond drainage in fish farms, stocking for the purpose of animal protein production or by aquarium dumping. The presence of various ontogenetic life stages in all studied environments is a strong evidence that the species is established. Seven management actions are proposed to prevent further introductions of P. managuensis in other environments of the region.Keywords: exotic, bioinvasion, introduction, aquarism, freshwater fish.