Stellifer Brasiliensis Research Articles

Ingestion of microplastic by ontogenetic phases of Stellifer brasiliensis (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) from the surf zone of tropical beaches

Microplastics (<5 mm) are present in marine ecosystems worldwide where they can be ingested by a wide range of organisms from different trophic levels. In this study we analyzed the gastrointestinal tract of 443 specimens of Stellifer brasiliensis (124 juveniles, 254 subadults, and 65 adults) sampled in tropical beaches adjacent to the Paraíba River estuary. We found 1–3 microplastics in 42 fishes (9.48%), averaging 1.31 ± 0.52 microplastics per fish. The number of ingested microplastics by the different ontogenetic stages was statistically similar, but the adults had a higher ingestion frequency (13.8%). Among subadults, the condition factor of fishes that ingested microplastics was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than those that had not ingested them. The ingestion of microplastics by the different ontogenetic stages of S. brasiliensis reflects the availability of this pollutant in the studied environment and highlights the vulnerability of fishes and other organisms through food webs.

Eating trash: ingestion of anthropogenic fragments by fish and crabs in Brazilian waters

Eating trash: ingestion of anthropogenic fragments by fish and crabs in Brazilian waters

Composition, density and biomass of fish community from the surf zone as a function of the lunar cycle at Miramar Beach in Cabedelo, Paraíba

ABSTRACT The influence of the moon cycles on the ichthyofauna has been little studied in the surf zone. In this study, the number of species, density and biomass were evaluated as a function of the moon. A total of 49 species distributed in 24 families were captured in two areas of Miramar beach. The mean density was significant high in the weaning and low in the new moon, while density and biomass together showed differences for areas. The most abundant species were Anchoa tricolor and Trachinotus falcatus (new moon), and Anchovia clupeoides showed significant differences in the waning moon. The RDA indicates that turbidity influenced significantly the presence of two species group. The group I were represented by Stellifer brasiliensis, Trachinotus goodei, A. clupeoides, Chilomycterus spinosus and Conodon nobilis that occurred on the waning and new phases in both areas, while the group II were represented by Polydactylus virginicus and Haemulopsis corvinaeformis in the full moon. The surf zones may also be strongly governed by the lunar phases. Therefore, the results found in this study, showed that the biological interactions between the species with turbidity and moon might explain the density and biomass variations for some species in the surf zone.

Closely Related Fishes Inhabiting Different Ecosystems Exhibit the Same Oocyte Production and Recruitment Pattern.

Information on oocyte production and recruitment in phylogenetically related species can help in understanding the evolution of reproductive life-history traits in fish of indeterminate fecundity. The present study compared, for the first time, oocyte production and recruitment patterns between two closely related species: Stellifer brasiliensis and Stellifer rastrifer (Perciformes, Sciaenidae), in the southwestern Atlantic, Brazil. Specimens of S. brasiliensis were sampled from the coastal waters of Ubatuba, and samples of S. rastrifer were taken from the Cananéia Lagoon Estuarine System. Ovaries were investigated using histology and model-based stereology. The total number of oocytes per individual (N) and stage-specific oocyte packing density did not differ significantly between S. brasiliensis and S. rastrifer The number of pre-vitellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes were positively correlated with female total weight and length, and ovary weight in both species. Analysis of oocyte recruitment across their development stages revealed that approximately 5.9% of the standing stock oocytes larger than 50 μm in S. brasiliensis and 5.0% in S. rastrifer were recruited to form the next batches. Females of S. brasiliensis and S. rastrifer, in spawning-capable phase, exhibit the same oocyte production and recruitment patterns, showing no influences of the ecosystems on primary and secondary oocyte production.

Fecundity of fishes inhabiting coastal and estuarine environments in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to estimate the fecundity of six marine fish species from the southwest Atlantic off the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. In particular, the number of oocytes in the most advanced vitellogenic stage (NDO), batch fecundity and the number of batches that will be produced were estimated. Specimens of longfinger anchovy Anchoa filifera, atlantic anchoveta Cetengraulis edentulus, bay whiff Citharichthys spilopterus, Stellifer brasiliensis, rake stardrum S. rastrifer and southern kingcroaker Menticirrhus americanus were captured bimonthly, from June (2012) to May (2013). The mature ovaries were removed, weighed, fixed in formalin solution and histologically analysed. All histological sections were photographed and the images analysed using advanced image processing techniques. The estimated number of batches that will be recruited to the germinal vesicle migration/hydrated stock ranged from one to four batches. NDO is positively related to ovarian and female size. Small females with low ovary weight produce low NDO. The NDO in A. filifera, C. edentulus and M. americanus may represent the final number of oocytes to be spawned in the next spawning event, which could be used for batch fecundity estimation. This study contributes to a better understanding of the reproduction of species inhabiting shrimp fishery grounds which are caught as by-catch in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Information on the maturity and fecundity of these populations is an important element in assessing stock status and the degree of fishing pressure these populations are experiencing.

Feeding habits of the congeneric species Stellifer rastrifer and Stellifer brasiliensis (Acanthopterygii: Sciaenidae) co-occurring in the coast of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the feeding habits allowing the occurrence of the congeneric species Stellifer rastrifer and Stellifer brasiensis, collected on a seasonal basis, in the operating area of the artisanal seabob-shrimp trawl fishery in Porto Belo, an important fishing area on the southern Brazilian coast. Fish were collected seasonally from November 2009 to August 2010, in isobaths of 10, 20 and 30 m. Of the 450 stomachs analyzed, 194 belonged to Stellifer rastrifer and 242 to Stellifer brasiliensis. From the totality of analyzed stomachs 33.49% were empty and 66.52% had some content. Crustacea were the predominant food category in the diet of S. rastrifer and S. brasiliensis, and the shrimp Acetes americanus was the most frequent crustacean in stomachs of both studied species. The overlapping in the diet of the species was high, however when analyzing the overlap in each season it was found that it occurred only during spring and winter. Although the most important items in the diet of these species are the same, the intake of each alternates in time, suggesting a difference in predation pressure, which leads to less direct competition in a given time.

A new species of philichthyid copepod (Crustacea: Cyclopoida) parasitic on Stellifer spp. (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) from southeastern Brazil.

A new species of copepod, Colobomatus stelliferi n. sp., belonging to the cyclopoid family Philichthyidae Vogt, 1877 is proposed based on female specimens collected from the mandibular canals of three species of sciaenid teleosts: Stellifer brasiliensis (Schultz) (type-host), S. rastrifer (Jordan) and S. stellifer (Bloch), collected in Caraguatatuba Bay, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from its closest congeners by the absence of lateral processes in the genital somite, the presence of one cephalic process in the cephalosome and one pair of dorso-lateral processes on the fused pedigerous somites. This is the first species of Colobomatus Hesse, 1873 described as parasites of species of the teleost genus Stellifer.

Feeding ecology and seasonal diet overlap between Stellifer brasiliensis and Stellifer stellifer in a tropical estuarine ecocline.

Seasonal freshwater discharge was important for defining habitat utilization by different ontogenetic phases of Stellifer brasiliensis and Stellifer stellifer along the estuarine ecocline. The middle estuary was important as a nursery and feeding ground for young-of-the-year, and a feeding ground for sub-adults and adults of both species. These species are zoobenthivorous, but during their life cycle and between different habitats and seasons, their trophic guild can change to opportunist and zooplanktivore. During the late rainy season in the lower estuary, all phases of both species, except juveniles of S. brasiliensis and adults of S. stellifer, showed a niche overlap indicating similarity in prey utilization. The diet composition was qualitatively similar, showing an evident niche overlap of intra and interspecific competition among the Stellifer spp. Although the niches of these species appeared to significantly overlap, some resource partitioning patterns were apparent. The niche overlap was significantly reduced due to the seasonal difference in habitat use and prey consumption along the ecocline of the estuary by different ontogenetic phases. The ingestion of blue nylon fragments by both species was observed and quantified.

Ictiofauna acompanhante na pesca artesanal do camarão sete-barbas (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) no litoral sul do Brasil

A pesca artesanal dirigida ao camarão sete-barbas (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri), usando o método de arrasto motorizado com portas, tem sido praticada na costa de Santa Catarina, onde ele gera emprego e renda, e ajuda a manter a tradição cultural tradicional açoriana viva, desde 1960. Com o objectivo de analisar a qualidade e a quantidade das capturas acidentais da ictiofauna, efetuou-se sazonalmente, dois arrastos por isóbata (10-20‑30 m) entre novembro/2009 e agosto/2010, duração de 20 min/cada, velocidade média dois nós e, registrados temperaturas e salinidades da água de fundo. As capturas totalizaram 10868 peixe (208.34 kg), distribuídos em 31 famílias e 62 espécies, com uma proporção de peixe/camarão de 5,19/1 kg. A família mais abundante foi Sciaenidae (86.13%), seguido por Batrachoididae (2.70%) e Trichiuridae (2,44%). Os índices de diversidade e equabilidade apresentaram padrões similares de variação, os maiores valores ocorreram na Primavera na profundidade de 30 m e a mais baixa no inverno, a 20 m. A análise de Cluster formou quatro agrupamentos, sendo um deles, pequeno e dominante de Sciaenidae Stellifer brasiliensis, S. rastrifer, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Isopisthus parvipinnis e Larimus breviceps. Os exemplares jovens dessas espécies e de outras, com pouco ou sem valor comercial, camarões miúdos e demais macro-invertebrados acompanhantes capturados são descartados ao mar, geralmente mortos. Além do impacto nas cadeias tróficas, essa prática contínua, pode agravar ainda mais a situação do pescador artesanal com o declínio desses recursos nas capturas futuras

The influence of population structure and reproductive aspects of the genus Stellifer (Oken, 1817) on the abundance of species on the southern Brazilian coast

The differences between abundance and the relationship with aspects of population and reproductive Stellifer rastrifer, Stellifer stellifer and Stellifer brasiliensis were analysed. Data were collected monthly trawl directed for capture of seabob shrimp in Armação do Itapocoroy, an important fishing area on the southern Brazilian coast. The chi-square test showed that the population of S. rastrifer presented values of capture significantly higher than others in all evaluated periods. The frequency distribution of total length curves combined with records of the size at first maturity (L50) showed that S. rastrifer is a species with a majority of the adults effectively participating in the reproductive period. The frequency of occurrence of individuals in reproduction monthly examined together with changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the reproductive activity index indicated that spring was the main breeding season for the three species. However, it was observed that the reproductive period of S. rastrifer was more pronounced and more extensive than that of its congeners, apparently providing it with ecological advantages and enabling a more effective population balance given the pressure exerted by fishing in the study area.

The seasonal and spatial patterns of ingestion of polyfilament nylon fragments by estuarine drums (Sciaenidae)

Artisanal fisheries in tropical estuaries are an important economic activity worldwide. However, gear (e.g. ropes, nets, buoys, crates) and vessels are often in use under dangerous conditions. Polyfilament nylon ropes are used until they are well beyond human and environmental safety limits. Severe wear and tear results in the contamination of the environment with micro-fragments. The spread of these fragments in the marine environment and their ingestion by the biota are documented in the scientific literature and are increasing concerns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ingestion of plastic fragments by two fish (drum) species in relation to seasonal, habitat and fish size-class variation. The stomach contents of 569 individuals of Stellifer brasiliensis and Stellifer stellifer from the main channel of the Goiana Estuary were examined to identify variation in the number and the weight of plastic fragments and relate this variation to differences among the seasons (early dry, late dry, early rainy and late rainy), the habitats within the estuary (upper, middle and lower) and the size classes of the fish (juveniles, sub-adults and adults). Plastic fragments were found in 7.9% of the individuals of these two drum species captured from December 2005 to August 2008. Nylon fragments occurred in 9.2% of S. stellifer and 6.9% of S. brasiliensis stomachs. The highest number of nylon fragments ingested was observed in adults during the late rainy season in the middle estuary. Blue polyfilament nylon ropes are used extensively in fisheries and can be lost, inappropriately discarded or damaged during use in the estuary. These fragments were the only type of plastic detected during this study. The ingestion of nylon fragments by fish probably occurred during the animals' normal feeding activities. During the rainy season, the discharge of freshwater transports nylon fragments to the main channel and makes the fragments more available to fish. Fishery activities are responsible for a significant amount of the marine debris found in the estuary. The ingestion of fragments of nylon threads by fish is a demonstrated form of pollution in the Goiana Estuary. The physiological and toxicological consequences of the ingestion of this type of debris are unknown, as is the actual extent of the problem worldwide. The solutions to the problem are in the hands of authorities and communities alike because the good care and timely replacement of gear requires education, investment and effective policies.

Variação espaço-temporal da assembleia de peixes demersais em uma área de pesca do camarão sete-barbas no sul do Brasil

The temporal and spatial variability of demersal fish assemblage in a sea-bob-shrimp fishing area at the coast of northern Santa Catarina was examined over a sampling period of one year. Monthly samplings were conducted by bottom trawl tows during day and night hours in nine stations between October 2003 and September 2004. 8,967 specimens of 72 species representing 31 families were captured. Larimus breviceps, Stellifer rastrifer, Stellifer brasiliensis, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Menticirrhusamericanus and Isopisthus parvipinnis were predominant among the fish caught. The average number of species and individuals varied significantly over time and space. A smaller number of fish and species seem to occupy the area in the spring. There was a negative gradient in terms of abundance and species diversity between inner and outer areas. The time of the year and of the day significantly affected the use of the area by the fish, but no significant effects of depth on the fish assemblage were found. This monitoring has contributed to the expansion of knowledge and conservation of fish fauna in the area studied.Key words: spatial variability, temporal variability, demersal fish.

Temporal and spatial changes of demersal fish assemblage in a sea-bob-shrimp fishing area in south Brazil

The temporal and spatial variability of demersal fish assemblage in a sea-bob-shrimp fishing area at the coast of northern Santa Catarina was examined over a sampling period of one year. Monthly samplings were conducted by bottom trawl tows during day and night hours in nine stations between October 2003 and September 2004. 8,967 specimens of 72 species representing 31 families were captured. Larimus breviceps, Stellifer rastrifer, Stellifer brasiliensis, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Menticirrhus americanus and Isopisthus parvipinnis were predominant among the fish caught. The average number of species and individuals varied significantly over time and space. A smaller number of fish and species seem to occupy the area in the spring. There was a negative gradient in terms of abundance and species diversity between inner and outer areas. The time of the year and of the day significantly affected the use of the area by the fish, but no significant effects of depth on the fish assemblage were found. This monitoring has contributed to the expansion of knowledge and conservation of fish fauna in the area studied. Key words: spatial variability, temporal variability, demersal fish.

Length-weight relationships for fishes caught by shrimp trawl in southern Bahia, Brazil

Length–weight relationships (TW = a TLb) were estimated for fish species caught by bottom shrimp trawl in southern Bahia (Brazil) from March 2003 to February 2005. The results indicate that all 21 estimated relationships had a ‘b’ within the usual range (2.5–3.5). Two new maximum size records were established: 19.2 cm for Odontognathus mucronatus and 16.1 cm for Stellifer brasiliensis.

Composição e estrutura da ictiofauna demersal na Baía dos Pinheiros, Paraná

Between May of 2003 and April of 2004 the temporal changes were monitored in the structure of the demersal ichthyofauna of the Bay of Pinheiros (Parana), through three bottom trawls accomplished monthly in each one of the four areas between the access bar and the most internal areas. In the 144 accomplished trawls 58 species belonging to 25 families were collected, totaling 18154 fishes. The families that presented larger wealth of species were Sciaenidae (15 species), Ariidae (5), Tetraodontidae (4), Engraulidae (4), Carangidae (4), Paralichthyidae (3) and Haemulidae (3). The species Stellifer rastrifer, Cathorops spixii, Chirocentrodon bleekerianus, Cynoscion leiarchus, Stellifer brasiliensis, Achirus lineatus and Micropogonias furnieri dominated in number of individuals, representing 91,4% of the total capture. Significantly, there was larger capture of number of fishes in April. Between the indexes of diversity of Shannon-Wiener and eveness of Pielou differences were not observed. Through the grouping analyses and ordination of the dominant species two groups were formed in the level of 70% of similarity. The first was composed by the dominant species S. rastrifer, C. spixii and C. leiarchus, and the second was formed by C. jamaicensis and P. harroweri, presents almost exclusively in the summer and autumn.

Hábito alimentar do peixe-espada adulto, Trichiurus lepturus, na costa norte do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil

Feeding habits of the cutlassfish, Trichiurus lepturus, in northern Rio de Janeiro. The aim of the present study was to describe the diet of the adult cutlassfish, Trichiurus lepturus, in northern Rio de Janeiro, through stomach content analysis. The sampling included 350 specimens measuring between 100 and 163cm in total length, collected from 2004 to 2006. For each prey species, the frequency of occurrence, density and biomass, body length and weight, and Index of Relative Importance (IRI) were calculated. The cannibalistic feeding behavior of the cutlassfish was also recorded. According to the IRI, the preferential prey species were the fishes T. lepturus, Pellona harroweri, Chirocentrodon bleekerianus, Lycengraulis grossidens, Peprilus paru, Chloroscombrus chrysurus, Odontognathus mucronatus, Stellifer brasiliensis and Isophisthus parvipinnis, and the crustacean Pleoticus muelleri. The cephalopods Loligo sanpaulensis and L. plei occurred occasionally in the stomach contents analyzed. The diet of T. lepturus in northern Rio de Janeiro was composed of pelagic and demersal prey species, associated with estuarine and coastal areas. The fish species and one crustacean species were the most representative items in its diet.

Atividade reprodutiva de peixes (Teleostei) e o defeso da pesca de arrasto no litoral norte de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Desembarques de arrasto visando à pesca do camarão sete-barbas, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, foram acompanhados de 2005 a 2007 no município de São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina. Setenta e seis espécies de teleósteos foram registradas como captura incidental e seus indivíduos foram avaliados quanto ao estádio de maturação e Índice de Atividade Reprodutiva. Constatou-se que indivíduos de metade das espécies são capturados com gônadas maduras, em estações que variaram conforme a espécie. Em Isopisthus parvipinnis a atividade enquadrou-se na categoria "muito intensa" na primavera de 2005 e no verão de 2007; em Menticirrhus americanus, Stellifer sp., Pomadasys corvinaeformis, Stellifer brasiliensis, Syacium papillosum, Larimus breviceps, Diapterus rhombeus, Symphurus tessellatus, Chirocentrodon bleekerianus, Pellona harroweri, Anchoa tricolor e Selene setapinnis apenas em uma estação, dependendo da espécie. O verão de 2007, seguido da primavera de 2005, foram as estações em que o arrasto incidiu sobre maior número de espécies em atividade reprodutiva "intensa" ou "muito intensa". No verão de 2007 o arrasto camaroeiro incidiu sobre um conjunto de espécies em atividade reprodutiva maior que na mesma estação em 2006. Atribui-se esse fato à proibição legal do arrasto de camarão no trimestre de outubro-dezembro de 2006, favorecendo a atividade reprodutiva das espécies na estação subseqüente. Recomenda-se que a gestão da pesca camaroeira na região mantenha o defeso de arrasto na primavera, assim beneficiando não apenas as espécies de peixes que desovam nesta estação, mas também aquelas que se preparam para a desova no verão.

Allometric changes and shape differentiation of sagitta otoliths in sciaenid fishes

Abstract The sagitta otoliths are sound transducers that play an important role in the hearing of fishes. The shape of these structures is known to be affected by a number of genetic and environmental factors, such as depth, water temperature and substrate type. Ontogenetic allometry has also been considered an important factor in otolith shape determination. In this study, we analyzed allometric and interspecific shape variation in sagitta otoliths of five sciaenid species that occur sympatrically in northern Rio de Janeiro State (Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus, Larimus breviceps, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Stellifer brasiliensis and S. rastrifer), a group of fish known to have sound communication and distinctively large otoliths. The methods used are a combination of geometric and multivariate techniques, which allow for the inclusion of reference points along the otolith contour (semilandmarks) and points that are biologically correspondent among individuals and species (landmarks). The fish size and otolith size variables explained small but significant amounts of intraspecific shape variation (8–25%). The general allometric trends observed correspond to a relative increase of the ostium area and localized growth in the posterior margin, which decreases the relative width of the otoliths. These allometric shape differences might be related to environmental differences experimented by juvenile and adult individuals. The interspecific shape differences were large compared to within-species variation, even when comparing species in the same genus. The ordination of shape differences was in part related to an independent phylogenetic hypothesis but could not be related to any particular environmental variable.

Os Sciaenidae (Teleostei: Perciformes) da Baía de Santos (SP), Brasil

The purpose of this study was to describe the occurrence and the spatial partitioning of the most abundant juvenile sciaenid fishes in the Bay of Santos, based upon the variability in the occurrence and abundance and influence of environmental factors. Monthly diurnal beach seine haul and bottom trawl samples were made between March 1985 and May 1986. Twenty species of sciaenid fishes were collected in the region, all occurrying in bottom trawls and nine of them in beach seine hauls. Among them, Stellifer rastrifer, Isopisthus parvipinnis, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Micropogonias furnieri, Stellifer brasiliensis, Menticirrhus americanus and Menticirrhus littoralis were found year-round and constituted more than 90 % of total catches from the Bay of Santos and adjacent beach region; their coexistence was possible due to seasonal and spatial differences in relative abundance and due to water temperature and salinity influence. S. rastrifer occurred mainly in bottom trawls, during winter, in colder waters with medium depth and salinity and in all strata. /. parvipinnis, P. brasiliensis and S. brasiliensis occurred mainly in bottom trawls, during winter, spring and fall, respectively, in colder, deeper and saltier waters and in outer strata. M. furnieri and M. americanus occurred in bottom trawls and beach seine hauls and, mainly, during summer, in warmer, shallower and with less salinity waters and in inner strata. A/, littoralis occurred mainly in beach seine hauls, during winter, in colder waters and in all sample stations.