Reproductive Peak Research Articles

Reproduction of the internal inseminatorTrachelyopterus galeatus(Linnaeus, 1766) (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae)

Studied was the reproductive activity of Trachelyopterus galeatus using microscopic analyses of gonads and biological indices. To evaluate the reproductive biology of T. galeatus, which is an important species in the Jequitinhonha River basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 254 males and 372 females were captured between May 2012 and April 2013 from the Irapé Reservoir using gillnets with meshes of various sizes. Average total length of males was 13.3 ± 2.1 and 14.3 ± 2.3 cm for females. Females were more abundant than males (1.4 females:1 male) in all total length classes. The reproductive peak of T. galeatus occurred between November and February, when the biological indices related to reproduction were highest and the physical-chemical water parameters were most favourable for reproduction in this Neotropical environment. Trachelyopterus galeatus reproduces throughout the year and is a partial spawner.

Reproductive biology of Philodryas patagoniensis (Snakes: Dipsadidae) in south Brazil: male reproductive cycle

AbstractThe male reproductive cycle of Philodryas patagoniensis in south Brazil was described through morpho‐anatomical and histological analysis of individuals deposited in zoological collections. Spermatogenesis occurred during late autumn–winter (June–September) and spermiogenesis occurred in spring–summer (October–March). The volume of the testes was smaller (quiescent) in winter, while the tubular diameter and the epithelial height of the seminiferous tubule were larger in summer (January–March). The ductus deferens presented spermatozoa all over the year and had no seasonal variation in diameter. The length of the kidney was larger in winter–spring (July–December), although the tubular diameter and epithelium height of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) were larger only in winter (July–September). Total testicular regression was observed in late autumn (May), simultaneously with the peak in SSK. Therefore, at the individual level, males exhibit a discontinuous cyclical reproduction. Considering the population level, the reproductive cycle is seasonal semisynchronous, with most of the individuals showing a reproductive peak in spring–summer (October–March). Here, we present evidence to support the importance of the microscopic approach to reproductive cycle studies. Finally, we discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing P. patagoniensis reproductive patterns.

Are embryonic developing modes determinant in the acquisition and levels of photoprotective compounds in slipper limpets of the Crepipatella genus?

The type of embryonic development (mixed and direct) and its influence on the accumulation and translocation of photoprotective compounds from the mother to the encapsulated embryo was studied in the intertidal gastropods Crepipatella peruviana and Crepipatella dilatata during their reproductive peak. HPLC/MS was used to determine type and levels of sunscreen compounds (total carotenoids; TC/and mycosporine-like amino acid; MAA) in brooding females, capsule walls and early and pre-hatching embryos of both species. Photoprotective compounds were only quantified in nurse eggs of C. dilatata. Our results indicate that females of both species can accumulate TC and MAA at different levels, and they are able to transfer them selectively to capsule walls, embryos and nurse eggs. Palythine-serine (MW=244Da; λmax=320nm) and MAA-330 (MW=234Da; λmax=330nm) constitute total MAA pool in brooding females, whereas brooded embryos incorporate palythine (MW=244Da; λmax=320nm) to the MAA pool. Although TC was transferred from the mother to the embryo through the yolk in both species, MAA trespass showed differences. Females of C. peruviana transfer MAA to their embryos through the embryonic yolk; C. dilatata can transfer MAA only through their nurse eggs, which are consumed by embryos during the terminal stages of intracapsular development. Differences between mixed and direct embryonic development, as well as environmental UV-R levels, which the recently hatched larvae and juveniles of C. peruviana and C. dilatata are exposed to, would determine levels of sunscreen compounds in each species. Higher TC and MAA levels in pre-hatching larvae of C. peruviana compared to C. dilatata, indicate a necessity of C. peruviana for protection against UV-R radiation during approximately 15days when their veliger larvae remain in the water column before metamorphosis is complete. Conversely, low photoprotective levels in pre-hatching juveniles of C. dilatata could be related to low UV-R exposure levels due to the direct incorporation to the benthos and the presence of a protective shell.

Nipped in the bud: mesograzer feeding preference contributes to kelp decline.

Small invertebrate grazers can disproportionately reduce plant fitness by discriminately consuming valuable tissues, but the context and attendant consequences of this activity at higher levels of ecological organization rarely are considered. To assess the impact of a gastropod mesograzer Lacuna vincta on fecundity and potential reproductive output of the habitat-forming kelp Saccharina latissima, we measured the intensity and distribution of grazing damage on kelp blades at five sites of varying kelp density, during the annual reproductive peak (October-November) in Nova Scotia. We found most grazing damage on reproductive individuals consisted of superficial excavations, and was concentrated on the central sorus (region where sporangia develop) compared to the vegetative blade margins. Grazing intensity on sori (percent grazed) averaged 29.6% across sites and sampling periods. The distribution of grazing on non-reproductive individuals was opposite to that of reproductive ones, indicating that snails shift feeding from blade margins to the center as sori develop. Choice and no-choice feeding assays in the laboratory revealed that focused grazing on sori is likely due to an active feeding preference for sporogenous over vegetative tissue. This preference was correlated with the distribution of chemical defense between tissues (phlorotannin content was ~2.5 times higher in vegetative tissue than sori), but not nutritional quality (no difference in C/N ratio). We deduce, with support from histological observations, that consumption of sorus tissue by L. vincta reduces fecundity of S. latissima. Extrapolating our results to estimate potential reproductive output within kelp beds suggests that spore supply and recruitment limitation may be predominantly imposed by the scarcity of reproductive individuals in the most degraded kelp beds. However, loss of reproductive output to grazing could extend recruitment limitations that impede recovery of waning kelp populations in Nova Scotia.

Estrutura populacional de Macrobrachium amazonicum em dois lagos de várzea da Amazônia

Macrobrachium amazonicum é uma espécie de camarão amplamente consumida pelas comunidades tradicionais da Bacia Amazônica, sendo capturada de forma artesanal ao longo de todo ano e especialmente no perí­­odo de seca amazônica, quando se concentra no interior dos lagos de várzea. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a estrutura populacional deste crustáceo nos lagos do Macurany e do Catispera, ambos situados no municí­­pio de Parintins/Amazonas, a partir dos seguintes aspectos: comprimento total, razão sexual, distribuição temporal, fecundidade e perí­­odo reprodutivo. Espécimes de M. amazonicum foram coletados mensalmente, de setembro de 2009 a abril de 2010, utilizando-se artes de pesca regionais (camaroeiras). Considerando os dois lagos, os tamanhos médios de machos e de fêmeas e a fecundidade total foram significativamente maiores no lago do Catispera. A maior fêmea oví­­gera foi registrada no lago do Catispera (56,2 mm de CT) e a menor, no lago do Macurany (18,3 mm de CT). Indiví­­duos sexualmente indiferenciados foram capturados ao longo de todo o perí­­odo de coletas nos dois lagos. Na população estudada, verificou-se maior proporção de fêmeas, sendo o maior desvio registrado no lago do Macurany (1:2,6). O perí­­odo de enchente-cheia (dezembro-abril) foi identificado como o de ocorrência do pico reprodutivo desta espécie na região. Possivelmente, o momento de maior vazão do rio e transbordamento da água dos lagos favorece a dispersão das larvas.

Effects of fluctuating temperature and food availability on reproduction and lifespan

Experimental studies on energetics and aging often remove two major factors that in part regulate the energy budget in a normal healthy individual: reproduction and fluctuating environmental conditions that challenge homeostasis. Here we use the cyclical parthenogenetic Daphnia pulex to evaluate the role of a fluctuating thermal environment on both reproduction and lifespan across six food concentrations. We test the hypotheses that (1) caloric restriction extends lifespan; (2) maximal reproduction will come with a cost of shortened lifespan; and (3) at a given food concentration, relative to a metabolically equivalent constant temperature environment a diel fluctuating thermal environment will alter the allocation of energy to reproduction and lifespan to maintain homeostasis. We did not identify a level of food concentration that extended lifespan in response to caloric restriction, and we found no cost of reproduction in terms of lifespan. Rather, the individuals at the highest food levels generally had the highest reproductive output and the longest lifespans, the individuals at the intermediate food level decreased reproduction and maintained lifespan, and the individuals at the three lower food concentrations had a decrease in reproduction and lifespan as would be predicted with increasing levels of starvation. Fluctuating temperature had no effect on lifespan at any food concentration, but delayed time to reproductive maturity and decreased early reproductive output at all food concentrations. This suggests that a fluctuating temperature regimen activates molecular pathways that alter energy allocation. The costs of fluctuating temperature on reproduction were not consistent across the lifespan. Statistical interactions for age of peak reproduction and lifetime fecundity suggest that senescence of the reproductive system may vary between temperature regimens at the different food concentrations.

State-dependent capital and income breeding: a novel approach to evaluating individual strategies with stable isotopes.

BackgroundSpecies-specific strategies for financing the costs of reproduction are well understood, forming a continuum ranging from high to low reliance on stored nutrients. Animals relying mostly on stored reserves are termed ‘capital breeders’, whereas ‘income breeders’ rely mostly on concurrent intake when financing the costs of reproduction. The role and adaptive value of individual variation in these strategies remain elusive. Life-history theory posits that capital breeding should be favoured when offspring reproductive value peaks, typically occurring early in the season, and that current income should increasingly be used with progressing season. Because resource limitation may hamper flexible resource allocation, a corollary prediction is that only good-condition individuals may show the expected seasonal shift in resource use. To test this prediction, we examined stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in blood and lipid-free egg yolk of breeding eider females (Somateria mollissima) from the Baltic Sea to assess the role of individual variation in the use of proteins from local diet vs. stored reserves.ResultsWe show for the first time that individuals from a single population differ in their utilization of stored reserves and concurrent intake to finance the costs of reproduction. Consistent with our prediction, heavy females predominantly used stored reserves for producing egg yolks early in the season, increasingly relying on local feeding with later onset of breeding, whereas light females showed no seasonal change in allocation strategy.ConclusionsStable isotope profiling at the individual level is a powerful tool for monitoring relative changes in investment strategies through time, showing promise as an early warning indicator of ecological change in food webs.

Ecological mismatches are moderated by local conditions for two populations of a long‐distance migratory bird

Ecological mismatches between reproductive events and seasonal resource peaks are frequently proposed to be a key driver of population dynamics resulting from global climate change. Many local populations are experiencing reduced reproductive success as a consequence of mismatches, but few mismatches have led to species‐level population declines. To better understand this apparent paradox, we investigated the breeding phenology and chick survival of two disjunct populations of Hudsonian godwits Limosa haemastica breeding at Churchill, Manitoba and Beluga River, Alaska. Only one population experienced a mismatch: godwits bred nearly one week after the onset of the invertebrate peak at Churchill because of asynchronous climatic change occurring throughout their annual cycle. However, chicks were not uniformly affected by the mismatch — growth rates and survival of young chicks were not correlated with invertebrate abundance, but older chicks tended to suffer lower survival rates on days of low invertebrate abundance. Ecological mismatches thus resulted in a complex array of consequences, but nonetheless contributed to reductions in chick survival. In contrast, godwits at Beluga River hatched their chicks just before the invertebrate peak, such that the period of highest energetic need coincided with the period of highest invertebrate abundance. As a result, growth rates and survival of godwit chicks were unaffected by invertebrate abundance. Godwits at Beluga River were able to properly time their reproduction because of predictable rates of climatic change and strong selection imposed by high predation on late‐hatched chicks. Taken together, our results suggest that population‐specific, local‐scale selection pressures play a critical role in determining the degree and severity of ecological mismatches. The potential for global climate change to induce species‐level population declines may therefore be mediated by the spatial variation in the selection pressures acting across a species’ range.

Macromedusae of Southern Brazil: temporal variation, population structure and biochemical composition

Abstract The objectives of this study were to record the macromedusae species on the north coast of Santa Catarina, and to estimate their population dynamics and variations in their biochemical composition, based on the specimens obtained in the by-catch of artisanal shrimp fishing between January 2012 and October 2014. Cohort analysis was performed to evaluate the population dynamic of the most frequent species. Biochemical analyses of the umbrellas were conducted on their water, carbohydrate, protein, lipid, ash and metals contents. Six species of macromedusae were found: Chiropsalmus quadrumanus and Tamoya haplonema (Cubozoa); Olindias sambaquiensis and Rhacostoma atlanticum (Hydrozoa), and Chrysaora lactea and Lychnorhiza lucerna (Scyphozoa). The species with the highest occurrence, and typical of the region, were Olindias sambaquiensis and Rhacostoma atlanticum. These species showed high inter-year variability, the highest densities being observed between autumn and winter 2014, associated with a less severe winter and coastal water with higher salinity. The distribution of size classes of O. sambaquiensis suggests two well-defined cohorts in spring/summer and in autumn/winter. R. atlanticum showed continuous reproduction and inter-year variation but a high value for protein content related to the reproductive peak in autumn. However, the Cubozoa species showed higher organic matter and metal content than the other classes.

Reproduction of Saccodon dariensis (Teleostei: Parodontidae) in Guatapé River tributaries, Magdalena River basin, Colombia

The Andean mountain region of Colombia has a high diversity of fish, with high number of endemic species. To promote their protection and conservation, the knowledge of their general and reproductive biology is necessary. With this aim, the reproductive biology of Saccodon dariensis, in the Peñoles and El Cardal creeks, Guatape River mid-basin, Magdalena River Basin, was studied, to determine reproductive differences between individuals with different oral polymorphism (morpho I vs. morpho IV, according to Roberts, 1974), and to define a possible spatial or temporal reproductive isolation. Ten field samplings were carried out between October 2007 and February 2012, in periods of rain (October and November 2007, May 2008 and November 2011), dry (January and March 2010, February 2012), transition from rain to dry (June 2011) and transition from dry to rain (March 2008 and September 2011). Samples were caught using electrofishing equipment and cast nets (10 mm between knots). A total of 468 specimens were analyzed, 268 of which were females and 200 males. The average catch size for the total number of individuals studied was 109.6 mm SL (65.5-174.0 mm), with 108.0 mm SL for females (67.7-174.0) and 111.9 mm SL (65.5-149.4) for males. Females predominated in the catches, and the sex ratio of 1.0:1.34 significantly deviated from the theoretical distribution 1:1. Similarly, morpho IV predominated in the catches, and morphs ratio was 1.00:1.48. Based on the monthly evolution of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the proportion of mature specimens, the spawning season occurs during periods of transition from dry to rainy season when water level begins to raise. The lowest values of the condition factor that match the maximum values of GSI, indicates that this species accumulated body energy reserves that are used during the gonadal maturation and spawning. The mean size at sexual maturity (L50) was 88.8 mm SL in females and 109.3 mm SL in males. The fecundity of S. dariensis fluctuated between 1 137 and 39 303 (mean = 8 309, SD = 9 021) and the relative fecundity between 144 and 1 131 oocytes/g of total weight (mean = 439 ± 212). The diameter of the oocytes was 0.54 mm (SD = 0.07). Different development in oocytes was not observed, suggesting massive spawning. The coexistence of the two morphs, external fertilization and simultaneous occurrence of reproductive peaks found in this study did not provide support for a possible spatial or temporal reproductive isolation of morphotypes.

Ecology of nonnative Siberian prawn (Palaemon modestus) in the lower Snake River, Washington, USA

We assessed the abundance, distribution, and ecology of the nonnative Siberian prawn Palaemon modestus in the lower Snake River, Washington, USA. Analysis of prawn passage abundance at three Snake River dams showed that populations are growing at exponential rates, especially at Little Goose Dam where over 464,000 prawns were collected in 2015. Monthly beam trawling during 2011–2013 provided information on prawn abundance and distribution in Lower Granite and Little Goose Reservoirs. Zero-inflated regression predicted that the probability of prawn presence increased with decreasing water velocity and increasing depth. Negative binomial models predicted higher catch rates of prawns in deeper water and in closer proximity to dams. Temporally, prawn densities decreased slightly in the summer, likely due to the mortality of older individuals, and then increased in autumn and winter with the emergence and recruitment of young of the year. Seasonal length frequencies showed that distinct juvenile and adult size classes exist throughout the year, suggesting prawns live from 1 to 2 years and may be able to reproduce multiple times during their life. Most juvenile prawns become reproductive adults in 1 year, and peak reproduction occurs from late July through October. Mean fecundity (189 eggs) and reproductive output (11.9 %) are similar to that in their native range. The current use of deep habitats by prawns likely makes them unavailable to most predators in the reservoirs. The distribution and role of Siberian prawns in the lower Snake River food web will probably continue to change as the population grows and warrants continued monitoring and investigation.

Timing of reproduction and paternal cares in the crested porcupine

Old World porcupines are elusive, nocturnal rodents who pair for life, exhibiting frequent socio-sexual behaviour also outside the breeding period. Only anecdotal observations on captive individuals are available on the reproductive behaviour of the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata, a Sub-Saharan and North African large rodent probably introduced to Italy over 1500 years ago. Our work reports the first data on reproductive biology and paternal behaviour of free-living crested porcupines in Europe. A total of 44 litters was recorded at 4 den systems, over 3 years: 59% singletons, 32% twins, 9% triplets. Reproduction occurs throughout the year, but two significant birth peaks have been detected on February and October. The reproductive peak in October falls in the period of short rains in Sub-Saharan Africa, and coincides with the start of Autumn rains in Italy, thus preceding the vegetation regrowth in both areas, but especially in Africa. On the other hand, porcupines are unusual, as their “spring” peak of births in Central Italy falls actually in mid-winter (i.e. February), when snowfalls and the coldest temperatures tend to occur. By contrast, births in February anticipate the long rains in Sub-Saharan Africa by c. 30 days, when cubs leave the natal den for the first time and vegetation starts sprouting. Haphazard observations of cubs over 12 years (N=72) have confirmed this pattern. Both partners (N=2 radio-tagged pairs) share parental duties: alternation of cub guarding in den occurs in the first two months of life, i.e. when quills are still soft and relatively short, thus making cubs an easy prey for small and mesocarnivores.

Health Economic Burden of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Surgically Treated in a Referral Center

Purpose This retrospective study aimed to describe patient characteristics of women with deep infiltrating endometriosis [DIE] affecting the bowel and bladder treated in a referral center in Germany, and to calculate direct costs during inpatient stay for surgery. Methods Patient characteristics and cost-relevant factors of women with DIE of the bladder or bowel surgically treated during 2008-2012 in a referral center were gathered from medical records. Patient economic data were retrieved from the hospital's finance and accounts department. Results One hundred and forty-eight cases with clinical information and cost data were analyzed retrospectively. Most cases had bowel endometriosis (91%) and were classified as severe (66%). The women analyzed were in their reproductive peak years (34 years; SD 6.3 years), of normal weight (body mass index [BMI] 23; SD 4.0) and most of them were employed (80%). Nearly all women (95%) were affected by multiple symptoms at hospital admission and the majority had a prior diagnosis of endometriosis (76%). Mean total costs per case were €11,458 (95% CI: €10,589-€12,326). Forty-four percent of the total costs were mean staff costs (€5,039), 30% were mean infrastructure costs (€3,425) and 26% mean material costs (€2,993). Conclusions This study is the first to estimate the surgery-related direct costs of DIE in Germany from a hospital's perspective based on data from a specialized center. Resource utilization and total costs of DIE are substantial.

The effects of seasonal processes on size spectrum dynamics

The recent advent of dynamic size spectrum models has allowed the analysis of life processes in marine ecosystems to be carried out without the high complexity arising from interspecies interactions within dense food webs. In this paper, we use “mizer”, a size spectrum modelling framework, to investigate the consequences of including the seasonal processes of plankton blooms and batch spawning in the model dynamics. A multispecies size spectrum model is constructed using 12 common North Sea fish species, with growth, predation, and mortality explicitly modelled, before simulating both seasonal plankton blooms and batch spawning of fish (using empirical data on the spawning patterns of each species). The effect of seasonality on the community size spectrum is investigated; it is found that with seasonal processes included, the species spectra are more varied over time, while the aggregated community spectrum remains fairly similar. Growth of seasonally spawning mature individuals drops significantly during peak reproduction, although lifetime growth curves follow nonseasonal ones closely. On analysing properties of the community spectrum under different fishing scenarios, seasonality generally causes more varied spectrum slopes and lower yields. Under seasonal conditions, increasing fishing effort also results in greater temporal variability of fisheries yields due to truncation of the community spectrum towards smaller sizes. Further work is needed to evaluate robustness of management strategies in the context of a wider range of seasonal processes and behavioural strategies, as well as longer term environmental variability and change.

Biologia Reprodutiva da Pescada Amarela (Cynoscion acoupa) Capturada na Baía de São Marcos, Maranhão, Brasil

This study aimed to determine the reproductive period, fecundity and the spawning type of acoupa weakfish ( Cynoscion acoupa ) from artisanal fisheries conducted in Bay of Sao Marcos, State of Maranhao. The specimens were collected bimonthly, from May 2007 to March 2008. Were obtained biometric and maturation of gonads data to determine the reproductive period. To determine fecundity was counting of the oocytes. The spawning type was found from analysis of the relative frequency of diameter classes of oocytes. The results showed two moments of spawning for C. acoupa from Bay of Sao Marcos, one between the months of November/December (early rains) and another between March/April (rainy season). The fecundity ranged between 9,832,960 and 14,340,373 oocytes. Spawning is the asynchronous type and split with reproductive peaks in the rainy season. Such findings are as expected for tropical and subtropical species. Keywords: Cynoscion acoupa ; reproduction; fecundity; spawning.

A model for sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) dynamics in a seasonally changing environment

Sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) are a significant source of monetary losses on salmon farms. Sea lice exhibit temperature-dependent development rates and salinity-dependent mortality, but to date no deterministic models have incorporated these seasonally varying factors. To understand how environmental variation and life history characteristics affect sea lice abundance, we derive a delay differential equation model and parameterize the model with environmental data from British Columbia and southern Newfoundland. We calculate the lifetime reproductive output for female sea lice maturing to adulthood at different times of the year and find differences in the timing of peak reproduction between the two regions. Using a sensitivity analysis, we find that sea lice abundance is more sensitive to variation in mean annual water temperature and mean annual salinity than to variation in life history parameters. Our results suggest that effective sea lice management requires consideration of site-specific temperature and salinity patterns and, in particular, that the optimal timing of production cycles and sea lice treatments might vary between regions.

Variations in Plasma Sex Steroid Hormones of the Wild Caspian Cyprinid Fish, Kutum (Rutilus frisii Kutum)

Steroid hormones in plasma play an important role in reproductive cycles of animals especially during the final maturation stages. Steroid hormones synchronize gonad developments depending to fish species reproductive strategies. The wild Cyprinid fish, Kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) is an ecologically and economically important fish species which inhabit in southern coastline of the Caspian Sea in Iran. Over the past few decades, natural reproduction of this species dramatically impaired due to the urbanization, civilization close to the land and shallow water in south western of the Caspian Sea. Therefore annual sex steroid hormones and gonads development were measured to assess the annual reproductive biology of female Kutum. In this study for the first time, our aims were to determine the annual variations in sex steroid hormones; 17 β Estradiol (E2), Progesterone (P) and testosterone (T) and gonad development of female Kutum. Our results showed that plasma steroid levels in females manifested in two phases in annual reproductive cycle; the resting phase (June - February) being characterized with the lowest level of steroid hormones and the peak reproduction activity phase (March–May) with simultaneously a significant increase in level of E2, P and T in plasma. Interestingly, comparing with other Teleost fish species the baseline level of E2 in plasma of Kutum during the resting phase to some extent was also huge. Increase in concentration of plasma E2 was in accordance with an increase of gonadosomatic index during spawning season. Our results contribute to our knowledge about the reproductive biology of Kutum and calls further long-term investigation.

Reproductive biology of Poecilia sphenops Valenciennes, 1846 (Cyprinidontiformes: Poeciliidae) at the Emiliano Zapata Reservoir in Morelos, Mexico

ABSTRACT Poecilia sphenops is a native species recently recorded in the Balsas basin and the Amacuzac River in Morelos (Mexico), in which it is abundant and widely distributed. This study analyzed some aspects of the reproductive biology of Poecilia sphenops from the Emiliano Zapata Reservoir, in Central Mexico. Specimens were collected using a 20 m-long seine with a 5 mm mesh size, from January to December 2006. A total of 581 specimens were collected: 407 females (70.0%), 83 males (14.3%) and 91 individuals with no differentiated sex (15.7%). Fish ranged from 20 to 96 mm in total length and 0.01 to 13.07 g in body weight. The female to male sex ratio (4.9:1) deviated significantly from the unity (χ2= 214.2, p<0.05). Monthly variations in gonadosomatic (GSI) and hepatosomatic (HSI) indexes and ovarian development stages showed that P. sphenops spawning season occurred between July and October, concurring with the rainy season. Another reproduction peak was registered in February. The largest length registered for males and females was 96 mm and 83 mm, respectively.

PARÁMETROS BIOLÓGICO-PESQUEROS DEL STRIPED CHUB (KYPHOSUS INCISOR) RELEVANTES PARA SU MANEJO Y CONSERVACIÓN EN EL PARQUE NACIONAL NATURAL OLD PROVIDENCE McBEAN LAGOON

Some parameters of the fiheries biology of Kyphosus incisor (yellow chub) were estimated from fiheries monitoring and a hand line and hook size selectivity experiment carried out in the Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park from 2006 to 2012. Both monitoring and fihing experiment were conducted to obtain scientifi information for management and conservation of K. incisor, including the active participation of islander fiherman, which favored outcomes of interest to the management of the Park. Size range for fihes was 26.5-58.0 cm total length (TL), showing allometric growth [W (g) = 0.02 LT (cm) 2.95]. There was no statistically signifiant deviation from the 1:1 sex ratio. The mean size at maturity (MSM) for females was estimated at 47.4 cm TL (95% CI, 47.1 - 47.6 cm), whereas the proportion of advanced stages of maturity increased during the second half of year, which suggests that spawning peaks occur between December and March. Size composition of catch time series suggested that this species is harvested in sizes close to the MSM; however, the indicator (mean catch size /MSM) trend was growing. The selectivity experiment aimed at comparing the fih size caught by three different J-style hook sizes, standardizing other sources of variation, in order to determine the hook size that maximizes the probability of catching fih above the MSM (9 hook). Management and conservation measures of K. incisor obtained from this study are as follow: I) in the hypothetical case of a ban, it must be established consistent with the reproductive peak of the species, i.e. between December and March; II) minimum capture legal size should be between 47 and 48 cm total length, III) restrict the use of small hooks (10 or lower); IV) increase in fihing effort with the entry of new fihermen should not be allowed; V) process of management measures by fihing agreements with resource users should continue.

Biology and phenology of three leaf beetle species (Chrysomelidae) in a montane forest in southeast Brazil.

The population phenology of the cassidines, Coptocycla arcuata and Omaspides trichroa, and the chrysomeline, Platyphora axillaris, was studied at Serra dos Órgãos National Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Monthly surveys of larvae and adults were conducted between 2008 and 2011 at approximately 1000 m altitude on their respective host plants, Cordia polycephala (Boraginaceae), Ipomoea philomega (Convolvulaceae) and Solanum scuticum (Solanaceae). This is the first observation of larviparity and host record for Platyphora axillaris. Although having different life history traits, all species showed similar phenologies. They were abundant from October to March, months of high temperatures and intense rainfall, with two distinct reproductive peaks in the same season. Abundance dropped abruptly during the coldest and driest months, from May to August. Frequently none of these species were recorded during June and July. This phenological pattern is similar to other Chrysomelidae living in subtropical areas of Brazil. Temperature and rainfall appear to be the major factors influencing the fluctuation of these three species.