Xiphopenaeus Kroyeri Research Articles

AVALIAÇÃO DA PESCA DE CAMARÕES NO NORDESTE DO BRASIL 2000-2016

The aim of this article was to reevaluate the total catch data and provide indicators for fisheries management that will help to ensure the sustainability of the marine shrimp resource in Sergipe. Marine shrimp fisheries are generally important for Brazil, but particularly for the state of Sergipe. This article makes use of the historical catch data from 2000 to 2016 for analyzing the state of marine shrimp fisheries in Sergipe. The assessments were carried out using the CMSY++ model, a method that uses the Bayesian/state-space approach, to estimate fish stocks for which available data are limited. The results of the analysis with the Bayesian of Shaefer model (BSM) for the grouped shrimp stock were: MSY 1.42, 95% CL = 1.24 – 1.66; Fmsy 0.394, 95% CL = 0.272 – 0.536; Bmsy3.59, 95% CL = 2.54 - 5.53; Biomass (last year) 4.6, 2.5th perc=3.11, 97.5 perc=7.09 B/Bmsy (last year) 1.28, 2.5th perc=1.05, 97.5 perc=1.48; Fishing mortality (last year) 0.235, 2.5th perc=0.138, 97.5 perc=0.387; Exploitation F/Fmsy 0.599, 2.5th perc=0.416, 97.5 perc=0.878. The results for the Xiphopenaeus kroyeri stock were: MSY 1.13, 95% CL = 0.984 - 1.31; Fmsy 0.417, 95% CL = 0.283 – 0.552; Bmsy 2.71, 95% CL = 1.98 – 4.21; Biomass (in the last year) 3.5, 2.5th perc=2.39, 97.5 perc=5.37; B/Bmsy (last year) 1.29, 2.5th perc=1.06, 97.5 perc=1.5; Fishing mortality (last year) 0.247, 2.5th perc=0.147, 97.5 perc=0.401; Exploitation F/Fmsy OPEN ACCESS ActaPesca Araújo et al. (2024), ActaPesca News 12(1):23-47 DOI 10.46732/actafish.2024.12.1.23-47 Acta of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 24 0.594, 2.5th perc=0.409, 97.5 perc=0.882. All the biological reference points obtained with BSM showed that the grouped shrimp stock and, particularly, the Atlantic seabob shrimp stock (X. kroyeri), do not indicate overfishing, suggesting that both stocks were exploited during the analysed period (2000-2016) at a level compatible with maximum sustainable yield.

Marine and estuarine crustacean diversity and assemblage structure in eastern Brazil three years after the Fundão mining dam failure

The present study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of species richness and assemblage structure of decapod and stomatopod crustaceans in the area impacted by the Fundão dam collapse (Rio Doce basin, Brazil) in November 2015. From October 2018 to September 2019, monthly bottom-trawl samples were collected in estuarine and marine waters of the Rio Doce (directly impacted area) and three other localities. Forty-one crustacean species were recorded, with the overall community structure dominated by six species. The seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri was the most common species, with the coastal marine area near to the Rio Doce mouth being an important fishery ground. Species composition changed significantly among localities, habitats, and seasons, with marine and estuarine assemblages shaped by freshwater discharge. Distribution patterns of species were significantly influenced by the environmental variables potentially altered by tailings, such as turbidity and pH. Species richness and abundance differed among localities; as expected, they were generally higher on the inner shelf than in estuaries and higher during the dry season than the rainy season. Due to the lack of information before the disaster, the low number of species found in the Rio Doce estuary cannot be solely attributed to the disaster but also its freshwater condition. This is the first broad study of the estuarine and coastal marine decapod and stomatopod crustaceans in the region, and we suggest the need for long-term monitoring considering that the effects of this disaster are not easy to detect and probably need multi-year study to be evidenced.

Reconstruction of shrimp catches in Brazil based on generalized linear models

Catch data comprises important information for assessing the status of several fisheries. However, it is not always available. A modeling approach using generalized linear models was performed to rebuild catch data supported by environmental variables. Catch information was provided by fisheries’ statistical bulletins about pink (Farfantepenaeus subtilis, F. brasiliensis, and F. paulensis), white (Litopenaeus schmitti), and seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri). Sea surface temperature and rainfall information were collected from open-access databases by meteorological agencies. Due to low species discrimination over time, a general shrimp catch category was added to the models to help disaggregate quantities for each species. The general category was the most relevant variable, whereas temperature indices showed reduction patterns in catches over time, which may indicate the likely effects of temperature increase on shrimp fisheries. Beyond that, extreme peaks and falls testedthrough residual analysis indicate low reliability mainly in the 1970s and ’80s reports. Information gain varied according to the discrimination ability. States that took longer to discriminate the species presented predictions far from the reports, so the information gains were greater than 100%. Accordingly, reconstructions can be an alternative to restore outdated or missing information and help judge the reliability of official data.

Integrating research and fishing extension approaches to engage small-scale fishers in the participatory evaluation and voluntary use of bycatch reduction devices

The main strategy for reducing discards in shrimp trawl fisheries has been the development and use of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs). Research has focused on the performance of BRD in biological and technological terms, undermining the importance of the human dimensions, such as fishers’ perceptions. On the other hand, a better comprehension of which methodological approach enables fishers volunteer adoption of BRDs is required. This paper analyzed the performance of BRD through a combination of interaction activities and conventional scientific experiments. Four interaction activities were conducted with shrimp trawlers from 12 fishing sites at the coast of Paraná, South Brazil. Adapted from previous research and after fishers’ suggestion in the interaction activities, a Nordmore grid was tested against a control net to evaluate differences in shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) and bycatch weight, and total length of X. Kroyeri. Interaction activities stressed the importance of dialogue and participation and showed that fishers perceived a high diversity of parameters, expanding the understanding of BRD performance. Also, the methodological approach provided room for collective learning and fishers’ engagement, with reports of voluntary initiatives to reduce bycatch. The results showed that the dialog is improved with diversification and integration of communication methods, as well as timing is crucial for fishers to process information and to build knowledge. An analysis of the methodological approach used in this paper provide insights on how to increase voluntary BRD adoption as well as to engage fishers more consistently in being stewards for the responsible fishing.

Ovarian morphology and oocyte development in the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri: a histological and histochemical approach for the study of penaeid reproduction

Histological and histochemical changes during oocyte development were evaluated in order to establish a model for better understanding nutrient dynamics throughout vitellogenesis and overall penaeid reproduction. Samples of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri females (n = 587) at different stages of gonadal maturation were subjected to histological and histochemical analysis for the identification of neutral polysaccharides, total proteins, and tissue differentiation. We observed that the ovarian structure was composed of collagen fibers and oviducts were lined by three layers of epithelium separated by muscular tissue. Oogenesis was classified into six distinct phases: chromatin nucleolar oocytes, chromatin perinucleolar oocytes, oocytes in primary vitellogenesis, oocytes in secondary vitellogenesis, mature oocytes, and atretic oocytes. Histochemical observations suggested that during the previtellogenesis phase, proteins and neutral polysaccharides were not present. However, a progressive increase in these substances occurred from vitellogenic oocytes until their final maturation stage. Follicular cells composed the follicular complex forming an external epithelium in vitellogenic oocytes, and are probably involved in protein transfer during maturation process. Collagen and glycoprotein vesicles were identified in the cytoplasm of mature oocytes of X. kroyeri. Taken together, the present findings contribute to the current knowledge on the ovarian morphology and maturation process of penaeids, supporting future studies on reproductive biology and breeding performance in captivity.

Diversity, distribution and new records of freshwater and estuarine shrimp in the state of Amap, eastern Brazilian Amazon region.

This study presents the freshwater and estuarine shrimp species that occur in the state of Amap, in the eastern region of the Brazilian Amazon. The data were obtained through information contained in the Brazilian crustacean collections of the Institute of Scientific and Technological Research of the State of Amap (IEPA) and the National Institute for Research in the Amazon (INPA) and the detailed examination of the listed specimens. All information contained in the log book and specimen labels were noted for the identification and mapping of occurrence areas in the region. A survey in the literature of the species previously recorded for Amap was carried out. The diversity of freshwater and estuarine shrimp was composed of 21 species distributed in the following families: Alpheidae (Alpheus nuttingi), Euryrhynchidae (Euryrhynchus amazoniensis, Euryrhynchus burchelli, Euryrhynchus tomasi and Euryrhynchus wrzesniowskii), Lysmatidae (Exhippolysmata oplophoroides), Palaemonidae (Macrobrachium acanthurus, Macrobrachium amazonicum, Macrobrachium brasiliense, Macrobrachium carcinus, Macrobrachium jelskii, Macrobrachium inpa, Macrobrachium olfersii, Macrobrachium surinamicum, Nematopalemon schmitti, Palaemon carteri, Pseudopalaemon amazoniensis, Pseudopalaemon chryseus, Leander tenuicornis), Penaeidae (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri and Sergestidae) (Acetes marinus and Acetes paraguayensis). Alpheus nuttingi and L. tenuicornis were new records for the state of Amap. This study contributes to the knowledge of the diversity and geographic distribution of decapod crustaceans in Amap and highlights areas where there are gaps in collection, thus contributing to a better understanding of these invertebrates in the region.

Interspecific and intraspecific comparison of the isotopic niche of shrimps targets of fishing in south-eastern Brazil

AbstractThe study compares the isotopic niche (δ13C–δ15N) of three species of penaeid shrimps (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Artemesia longinaris and Litopenaeus schmitti) that are targets of fishing in south-eastern Brazil. The two hypotheses raised are based on the niche theory, in which the coexistence between organisms that have similar dietary demands is possible due to trophic partitioning: (i) shrimp species that share the habitat have segregated isotopic niches; and (ii) stages of maturity and genders vary with the trophic habitat (δ13C) and/or trophic position (δ15N). In multispecific fishing grounds, the isotopic niches of the shrimp species were segregated or had low overlap, indicating trophic partitioning. The intraspecific comparison of δ13C and δ15N showed a similar trend in all species. For δ13C, the values were more enriched in adult individuals than in juveniles, but similar between males and females. For δ15N, adult individuals also had more enriched values, and males were more enriched than females. The results confirm the hypotheses raised, and the assumptions of niche theory apply to these penaeid shrimps.

Greenhouse gas emissions, consumption, and fuel use intensity by an artisanal double-rig trawl fleet in southern Brazil

In Brazil, most national marine production is captured by artisanal fisheries. The present study was conducted in a traditional trawl fishing area for the capture of the Atlantic seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in southern Brazil between 1996 and 2015 to obtain initial estimates of direct fuel inputs and greenhouse gas emissions. The data includes vessel characteristics, total and seabob shrimp production, and trawl duration. Approximately four million liters of fuel were consumed for an estimated catch of around 148,000 kg of fish (26.4 liters/kg captured), of which 19,000 kg were seabob shrimp (206 liters/kg captured) or 13% of total production. The carbon emitted by this fleet was almost three million GgC, between 401 and 666 tons per year. Although the number of vessels has increased over the years, catches, especially of seabob shrimp, have declined sharply, indicating over-exploitation of this resource, and reinforcing the urgent need to create management programs and selective technologies for this modality.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Atlantic seabob shrimpXiphopenaeus kroyeriHeller, 1862 (Decapoda: Dendrobranchiata: Penaeidae), with insights into the phylogeny of Penaeidae

AbstractThe Atlantic seabob shrimp, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) (Penaeidae), is commonly found on western Atlantic coasts and of high commercial importance in Brazil, Suriname, and Guyana. Current genetic resources on X. kroyeri are scarce and no genomic studies are available. This study reports the complete mitochondrial genome of X. kroyeri. Using the pipeline NOVOPlasty, we assembled and circularized the complete mitochondrial genome of X. kroyeri with an average coverage of 68x per nucleotide. The AT-rich mitochondrial genome of X. kroyeri is 15,999 bp in length and comprised of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. A single 1,030 bp long intergenic space is assumed to be the D-loop/Control region (CR). Selective pressure analysis indicated that the PCGs were under purifying selection. The KA/KS ratios observed for cox1, cox2, atp6, cox3, and cob were found to be much lower than the ratios observed in the other PCGs, suggesting strong purifying selection upon the former genes. The secondary structures of the tRNA genes exhibited a standard ‘cloverleaf’ structure, with the exception of trnS1. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on all PCGs indicated that X. kroyeri is more closely related to penaeids (Penaeidae) belonging to the genera TrachypenaeusAlcock, 1901, PenaeopsisSpence Bate, 1881, and MierspenaeopsisK. Sakai & Shinomiya, 2011. This study contributes new genomic resources for this commercially important species which may aid in distinguishing cryptic species and elucidating phylogeographic patterns.

Bycatch of Asteroidea from shrimp trawl fishery in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean – Brazil

Shrimp trawling is considered a significant negative impact on the marine ecosystem, especially on the benthic community. Sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) are one of the most affected groups by unintentional catches. This study was performed at the Santana Archipelago, a Marine Protected Area in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, between 2008-2009. Sea stars accidentally caught by trawling were collected during open and closed season of the shrimp fisheries (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) at depths of 5-60 m. A generalized linear zero-inflated model was applied to test for differences in capture between fishing seasons and depths. A total of 158 sea star specimens were captured. These specimens were identified as Asterina stellifera, Astropecten acutiradiatus, Astropecten brasiliensis, Astropecten cingulatus, Luidia alternata alternata, Luidia clathrata, Luidia ludwigi scotti, Luidia senegalensis. The sea stars A. brasiliensis and L. senegalensis are currently considered as vulnerable species in the Brazilian official list of threatened species. The higher capture of sea stars was shown in deepest areas, and there was no significant difference in the number of specimens between seasons. This is the first study about asteroids accidentally captured by shrimp trawling.

Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (sea bob shrimp)

This datasheet on Xiphopenaeus kroyeri covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Environmental Requirements, Uses, Management, Genetics and Breeding, Economics, Further Information.

Ovarian development of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Crustacea: Penaeidae) from Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil.

This study aimed to describe and characterize the stages of gonadal development of females of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri caught by artisanal fishers in Espírito Santo state, southeastern region of Brazil. All females (n= 1,831) were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic morphological analysis (n= 333) of the ovaries. From the morphology, coloration and degree of turgidity of the fresh ovary, macroscopic analysis determined five stages of gonadal development. The macroscopic analysis showed difficulties in differentiating the immature and spawning stages due to the similarity between the colors of the ovaries, which confirms the need to perform the macroscopic and histological analysis simultaneously for fisheries management studies. Microscopic observations allowed us to analyze the following six stages of cell development: oogonia, previtellogenic oocytes, primary vitellogenic oocytes, secondary vitellogenic oocytes, mature oocytes and atretic oocytes. From this, five stages of gonadal development were defined, i.e., immature, early development, advanced development, mature and spawned. The presence of peripheral bodies was not observed in this species. These results help to clarify and better understand the reproductive and population aspects of the Atlantic Seabob, which are fundamental for the establishment of management and conservation measures of this resource.

Influences of environmental variables on the weight-length relationship of the shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri: Do variations occur along time?

This study analyzes the influences of environmental variables on the weight-length relationship of the penaeid shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri during nine consecutive years (2005 to 2013) in northern Rio de Janeiro State. The main questions raised are: i) Does species relative growth vary along time? and ii) How are the environmental variables sea surface temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and/or organic matter related to the relative growth? For males, the long-term mean of the allometric coefficient stayed <3 (immature: 2.49; mature: 2.91), whereas for females they were >3 (immature: 3.08; mature: 3.10). The sine-consine models highlighted the wave T period in which the allometric coefficient values complete one cycle of increase-decrease: 4.72 years and 14.72 years for immatures female and male, respectively; and 9.08 years and 9.98 years for matures male and females, respectively. The relative growth behavior varies in a predictable time scale; however, none of the environmental variables strongly supported the variation. Changes in the relative growth behavior are probably drive by intrinsic mechanisms to maintain the population locally.

Atlantic seabob shrimp as biomonitor of Cu and Zn near port activities: is it really a suitable choice?

The trace elements concentration in the muscle of the Atlantic seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) caught in coastal fishing highlighted copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), both related to antifouling systems, as the main elements related to the intensity of port activities of southeast Brazil (~20—to 22ºS). The aim of this study is to analyze if the behavior of Cu and Zn in the muscle of this shrimp species is constant among different sampling sites, verifying if the species is suitable as biomonitor for these elements. The shrimps came from fisheries done in 2017 in Vitória, Anchieta, and Farol de São Tomé, southeast Brazil. After sampling, each individual was categorized for gender and maturity stage, measured, and weighted. Bulk muscle samples were freeze-dried for determination of Cu, Zn, and ratios of stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). The data analysis verified if the concentration of Cu and Zn in male and female shrimps vary among maturity stages and sampling sites, and how the concentration of Cu and Zn is related to shrimps foraging area and/or trophic position. Both bioaccumulation and growth dilution occurred, but not in the same way for genders and sampling sites, with Cu showing more variability. Relationships between elements and shrimps foraging area and trophic position did not show a clear trend among the sampling sites. Regression models indicated moderate relationships, explaining 51% (Cu) and 60% (Zn) of the association with the foraging area in Anchieta, but up to 8% in Vitória and Farol de São Thomé. For the trophic position, the models explained 33% (Cu) and 34% (Zn) in Anchieta and up to 14% in Vitória and Farol de São Thomé. The results showed that the utilization of this shrimp species as biomonitor of marine coastal environments near port activities to monitoring the levels of Cu and Zn is not a suitable choice, at least in the spatial scale considered by this study.

Assessment of the stock status of two penaeid shrimps in the Northeastern Brazil Marine Ecoregion and implications for their management

Shrimp fisheries is one of the most profitable fishery activities in tropical regions, highlighting the need of assessing the status of those resources more thoroughly. Then, this study aimed to provide a comprehensible stock assessment of two highly exploited marine penaeid shrimps (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri and Penaeus schmitti) in two important fishing grounds within the Northeastern Brazilian Marine Ecoregion (NBME) in the state of Alagoas. In addition, the hypothesis of different stocks between areas is also tested by checking for possible between-area heterogeneity in population parameters. We found remarkably similar patterns of growth and mortality between the two fishing grounds for both species, with homogeneous parameters indicating an absence of regional structuration. Then, the two fishing grounds contain a single stock for both species, which will respond similarly to the same fishing pressures and management scenarios. We also indicate that the seabob shrimp is close to the limit of full exploitation in both regions based on Yield per Recruit analysis. Meanwhile, the white shrimp is overexploited in one of them. Potential management tools to allow sustainable and productive exploitation in these fisheries are effort control and spatial restrictions to conserve nursery habitats and maintain sustainable rates of population growth.

FEEDING HABITS OF Paralonchurus brasiliensis (PERCIFORMES: SCIAENIDAE) FROM SOUTH OF BRAZIL

Shrimp trawling directly impacts target species and non-target species, altering micro-habitats and marine trophic webs. Thus, the objective of the present research was to analyze the feeding habits of Paralonchurus brasiliensis as a tool to evaluate the impact of trawling on the food chains in marine environments, in the South Atlantic of Brazil. One thousand and nineteen stomachs of P. brasiliensis were dissected after being captured as bycatch of shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, in Penha, on the north central coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The number of stomachs was enough to describe the feeding habits of P. brasiliensis, characterizing it as a carnivorous species and predominantly invertivorous. They also revealed that this species has a diversified and constant diet, with greater consumption of polychaetes, crustaceans, and ofiuroides, among other components of the macrobentos, all closely related to the sediment. It was also found that the target species X. kroyeri is not an important prey in the diet of P. brasiliensis, despite occupying the same habitat. According to the present study, P. brasiliensis can be characterized as a demersal-benthic species, predator, opportunistic and broad trophic spectrum. This work contributes to the understanding of trophic chains of the coastal ecosystems, using the P. brasiliensis as a model.

Can stable isotopes be applied to determine shrimp stocks origin in SE Brazil? An approach for utilization in fishery management

Stable isotopes of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) are chemical markers used to trace the geographic origin of species targeted by commercial fisheries, helping in fishery management strategies. Considering the extension of Brazilian coastline, approaches for shrimp stock discrimination may assist local fisheries. This study characterizes the isotopic composition in natural stocks of the penaeid shrimps Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Artemesia longinaris e Litopenaeus schmitti, targets of small-scale coastal fisheries in SE Brazil. Shrimps were obtained from six fishing ports located on Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo coastline (from 18°S to 23°S). δ13C-δ15N distinguished stocks from fishing ports and δ13C had higher variability when compared to δ15N, explaining most of the differences between stocks for all species. This study presents a participatory planning for local fishery management with stakeholders (fishers, public managers and researchers) working together. The planning aims to minimize possible conflicts between near fishing communities through the identification of fishery boundaries, maintaining the fishing territories, and to promote the fishery production from a particular community, valuing the local economy. The proposed actions can establish an identity to local fisheries and improve small-scale fisheries governance in SE Brazil.

Artisanal fishers' local ecological knowledge and attitudes toward conservation about the shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) on the Brazilian central coast.

In order to contribute to the management of small-scale trawling fishing of the Xiphopenaeus kroyeri shrimp, the aim of this study was to evaluate the local ecological knowledge (LEK) and the conservationist attitudes of artisanal fishers in four fishing communities along the central Brazilian coast. This study was based on 80 ethnographic interviews conducted in two communities are in the state of Bahia (Santa Cruz Cabrália and Barra de Caravelas) and two communities in the state of Espírito Santo (Barra Nova and Anchieta). The fishers present knowledge compliance with literature, except in aspects reproductive of the shrimp and are willing to exchange knowledge with researchers. The mean attitude index of the fishers was 0.65. Education activities should focus on the reproductive biology of shrimp to include fishing communities in the drafting of legislation about closed season period, as this issue is directly related to possible divergences between fishers do not adhere to them. The results suggest that, dialogue and knowledge exchange is necessary among the stakeholders, including the fishers, scientists and managers, who are responsible for the elaboration of management measures.

CRECIMIENTO Y ASPECTOS TROFICOS DEL PEZ LEON ROJO PTEROIS VOLITANS (SCORPAENIFORMES: SCORPAENIDAE) EN EL PARQUE NACIONAL SISTEMA ARRECIFAL VERACRUZANO (PNSAV), VERACRUZ, MÉXICO

&lt;p&gt;The lionfish &lt;em&gt;Pterois volitans&lt;/em&gt;, is an predator in coral system, whose diet is composed of small fish and crustaceans, impacting species of ecological and commercial importance. &lt;em&gt;P. volitans&lt;/em&gt; is an exotic species in the Gulf of Mexico with high colonization capacity. The present study describes its population structure, type of growth and trophic dynamics. 97 organisms of the PNSAV were obtained, 64 females (185±6,7 mm LP; 257,6±27,8 g) and 22 males (183±15,8 mm of LP; 273,5±62,6 g). Whit the Battacharya model, four size classes were obtained for females (15,3; 25,3; 28,2, and 31,8 cm) and six for males (9,87; 17,95; 22,95; 26,95; 30,95 and 33,95), being the size class 1 for both sexes the most abundant. The length-weight relationship was of the potential type (r&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;=0,9643, b=3,1574 females, and r&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;=0,9843 and b=3,1089 males), and growth of allometric type for both sexes. The growth model that best adjusted to the data was that of Gompertz, (L&lt;sub&gt;∞&lt;/sub&gt;=324 mm, k=0,99, t&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt;=0,694 females and L&lt;sub&gt;00&lt;/sub&gt;=379,4, k=0,468, t&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt;=0,719 males). The families of fish identified in the stomach contents were Ophididae, Serranidae, Haemulidae, Pomacentridae, Beloniidae, Achiridae, and crustaceans Portunidae, Penaeidae, Squillida&lt;em&gt;e&lt;/em&gt; and Diogenidae. Being &lt;em&gt;Haemulon aurolineatum&lt;/em&gt; (Haemulidae) and &lt;em&gt;Xiphopenaeus kroyeri&lt;/em&gt; (Penaeidae) the most important prey. The presence of lionfish in the PNSAV is recent, so the information presented in this research will allow us to understand its population dynamics and its adaptation to the PNSAV, contributing to its management and control.&lt;/p&gt;

Mercury in raw and cooked shrimp and mussels and dietary Brazilian exposure

Seafood is the main source of dietary mercury (Hg) exposure and it can be affected by species, origin, tissue, and processing. The objective of this study was to investigate total Hg in shrimp and mussels from the retail market, compare species, body tissue distribution and cooking time, and to estimate dietary exposure. A total of 126 samples (whiteleg and Atlantic seabob shrimp and South American mussel) were analyzed. Total mercury was quantified by combustion atomic absorption spectrometry with gold amalgamation. Every sample had total Hg lower than maximum legislation levels. Higher mean levels were found in mussels compared to shrimp; and whiteleg shrimp had higher mean Hg levels compared to Atlantic seabob (p < 0.05). Mercury levels in the muscle were higher than in the exoskeleton. Boiling for up to 4 and 6 min did not affect Hg levels in shrimp and mussels, respectively. The estimated methylmercury (MeHg) mean intake from the consumption of shrimp and mussels (0.04–0.09 μg/kg bw for 3 portions/week consumption) was low, less than 6% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake – PTWI.