Producción de huevos en Austropandalus grayi (Decapoda, Caridea, Pandalidae) proveniente de la región Magallánica, América del Sur

Austropandalus grayi is one of three pandalid shrimp species reported from Chilean waters. Here we describe fecundity, reproductive output, and chemical composition of the incubated embryos of A. grayi, providing the first account of such information for a pandalid species inhabiting the southern hemisphere. Ovigerous females (n = 96) were collected during October - November 1994 with an Agassiz trawl in waters off Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, South America. Both egg production (between 50 and 1858 embryos) and early egg volume (x- = 0.069 mm3) of A. grayi were low when compared to values reported from other pandalids. Clutch size increased with maternal size, however, the size of recently-spawned eggs was not linked to female size. Although the egg mass volume remained almost stable during the incubation period, females lost on average 51.1% of their initially-laid embryos; however, this loss was more than compensated by an 88.4% increase of the egg volume during embryogenesis. Mean reproductive output was relatively low (0.133) and not related to maternal size. The RO-data of A. grayi and other pandalids seem to indicate an increasing energy allocation for reproduction towards higher latitudes, a trend which would be contrary to the results of studies with other crustaceans. Water was the predominant constituent of the chemical composition of developing embryos and increased from 62.2% to 70.2% during the incubation period. At the same time, organic matter declined and mineral content augmented. Generally, our results are in agreement with previous findings with regard to the chemical composition of developing decapod embryos.Austropandalus grayi es una de las tres especies de camarones pandálidos citadas en aguas chilenas. Se describen fecundidad, rendimiento reproductivo y composición química de los embriones de A. grayi incubados, representando ésta la primera descripción sobre la biología reproductiva de un pandálido del hemisferio sur. Se recolectaron hembras ovígeras (n = 96) durante octubre-noviembre de 1994 mediante una red de Agassiz en aguas adyacentes a la Patagonia y Tierra del Fuego, América del Sur. La producción de huevos (entre 50 y 1858 embriones) y el volumen de huevos recién puestos (x– = 0,069 mm3) de A. grayi fueron bajos comparados con los valores de otros pandálidos. El número de huevos aumentó con el tamaño de la hembra, sin embargo, el tamaño de los huevos recién puestos no mostró relación con el tamaño de la hembra. Aunque el volumen de la masa de huevos permaneció casi estable durante el período de incubación, las hembras perdieron en promedio un 51,1% de los huevos incialmente producidos. Sin embargo, esta pérdida fue más que compensada por un incremento de un 88,4% del volumen del huevo durante la embriogénesis. El rendimiento reproductivo (“reproductive output”; RO) promedio fue relativamente bajo (0,133) y no relacionado con el tamaño de la hembra. El valor de RO de A. grayi y los de otros pandálidos parece que indican un incremento de la asignación energética para la reproducción hacia altas latitudes, tendencia que sería contraria a los resultados en otros decápodos. El contenido de agua en la composición química de los embriones aumentó desde el 62,2% hasta el 70,2% durante el período de incubación. Al mismo tiempo disminuyó la materia orgánica y aumentó el contenido mineral. En general, nuestros datos corroboran resultados

El camarón de agua dulce Macrobrachium cacinus (decapada, Palaemonida) y su potencial para la acuacultura en Costa Rica.

El objetivo del estudio es conocer aspectos básicos acerca el ciclo de vida de macrobrachium carcinus, un langostino que por su gran tamaño tiene potencial para la comercialización en la región.Universidad de Costa Rica/[111-A4-147]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Biologí

Microplastics in feed cause sublethal changes in the intestinal microbiota and a non-specific immune response indicator of the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae)

Microplastics (MP) are a hazardous pollutant of global concern that threatens aquatic ecosystems and public health. We used the invasive, cosmopolitan, and environmentally versatile red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii as a model to study the effects of MP on the intestinal microbiome. Crayfish collected from the environment were compared with specimens exposed to recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) MP in feed (30%) for 96 h in the laboratory and a control group. We analyzed the 16S rRNA of the intestinal bacteria by PCR-DGGE and high-throughput sequencing. MP exposure caused dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota, with an increase in Alphaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria. We detected higher abundance of opportunistic genera such as Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Hydromonas, Pseudomonas, Gemmobacter, and Enterobacter on MP fed organisms. Moreover, MP exposure reduced the abundance of Clostridia and Bateroidetes, which are important for immune system development and pathogen prevention. Furthermore, MP exposure decreased the phenoloxidase (PO) immune response in crayfish. There was a significant difference in the richness of intestinal bacterial communities after consumption of food contaminated with MP, likely increasing the abundance of opportunistic bacteria in the intestinal microbiota. Our results suggest that MP alter the gut microbial composition and impair the health of P. clarkii

Morfología de la primera zoea de Portunus acuminatus (Stimpson, 1871) obtenida en el laboratorio

Larvae of Portunus acuminatus (Stimpson, 1871) from one female, collected by trawling at a depth of 12 m in the Gulf of Nicoya, Pacific Costa Rica, Central America (090°48.899’N, 084°40.498’W) were hatched in the laboratory. The morphology of zoea I is described and illustrated for the first time and compared with known zoeae of other portunid species belonging to the subfamily Portuninae. We present a combination of three features which allows zoea I larvae of P. acuminatus to be distinguished from other described larvae of the genus. Descriptions are based on dissected larvae analysed by SEM and light microscopy.Se describe el primer estadio larvario del cangrejo Portunus acuminatus. Las larvas se obtuvieron en el laboratorio a partir de una hembra ovígera capturada en el Golfo de Nicoya (090°48.899’N, 084°40.498’W), Pacífico de Costa Rica. La descripción se ha realizado con la ayuda del microscopio electrónico de barrido y el microscopio óptico. Los caracteres morfológicos son comparados con los de otras especies de la subfamilia Portuninae. Presentamos una combinación de tres caracteres que permiten distinguir la primera zoea de P. acuminatus de otras larvas del género

Inventory of macroalgal epiphytes on the seagrass Thalassia testudinum (Hydrocharitaceae) in Parque Nacional Cahuita, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

Seagrass epiphytes play an important role in seagrass habitats; however, available information from Central America is scarce. The present study focuses on macroalgal epiphytes on leaves of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum in the seagrass meadows at Punta Cahuita, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, and it is the first one of its kind in Costa Rica. A representative amount for each algal epiphyte species found was collected, preserved and identified to the lowest possible taxon. Preserved samples of each species were deposited in the Herbarium of the Universidad de Costa Rica. A total of 26 species of macroalgae were found: 15 species belonging to Rhodophyta, four to Chlorophyta, six to the class Phaeophyceae, and one diatom species which could not be identified. The present inventory reports three species that are new for the phycological flora of Costa Rica, four species are reported for the first time for the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, and 17 are new reports for the Parque Nacional Cahuita area. Epiphyte species number might further rise if sampling efforts and the study area increased. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (Suppl. 4): 163-174. Epub 2009 June 30.Los epífitos de pasto marino juegan un papel impor- tante en el hábitat de pastos marinos. Sin embargo, la información disponible sobre este tema en América Central es muy limitada. Este estudio se enfoca en las macroalgas epífitas de hojas del pasto marino Thalassia testudinum en las praderas de pasto marino de Punta Cahuita, costa Caribe de Costa Rica y es el primero de su tipo para Costa Rica. Una cantidad representativa para cada especie de epífito algal encontrada se colectó, preservó e identificó al menor taxon posible. Muestras preservadas para cada especie fue- ron depositadas en el Herbario de la Universidad de Costa Rica (USJ). Se encontró un total de 26 especies de macroal- gas: 15 especies de Rhodophyta, cuatro de Chlorophyta, seis pertenecientes a la clase Phaeophyceae y una especie de diatomea que no fue posible identificar. El inventario reporta tres especies por primera vez para la flora fico- lógica de Costa Rica, cuatro especies son reportadas por primera vez para el Caribe de Costa Rica y 17 especies son nuevos reportes para el Parque Nacional Cahuita. Se comparan nuestros resultados con aquellos obtenidos en estudios similares en la región y se especula que el número de especies de epífitos podría aumentar de ser ampliado el esfuerzo de recolecta y el área de estudio.Universidad de Costa Rica/[]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de BiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR

Crustacean fauna (Stomatopoda: Decapoda) associated with the deepwater fishery of Heterocarpus vicarius (Decapoda: Pandalidae) along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Commercial bottom trawling is a successful and commonly used method to catch marine shrimps. However, the shrimp fishing gears are poorly selective, and in addition to the target species they catch and retain large quantities of non-target species (bycatch). This study presents data concerning species composition and depth distribution of the crustacean fauna (stomatopods and decapods) associated with Heterocarpus vicarius catches from Pacific Costa Rica. A total of 74 samples (three to five 20 min-tows each month) were taken between January 2004 and December 2005 with commercial shrimp trawlers at depths varying between 192 and 350 m. In all depth ranges analyzed, total catch of crustaceans was significantly higher than that of fishes. A total of 28 decapods and two stomatopod species were identified. In comparison to other bycatch composition of comparable fisheries in Latin America, the crustacean fauna of the H. vicarius fishery in Costa Rica is highly diverse. Most common species were Solenocera agassizii (Solenoceridae), Squilla biformis (Squillidae), Plesionika trispinus (Pandalidae), and Pleuroncodes sp. (Galatheidae), reaching total catch percentages of 57.2 %, 81.5 %, 91.8 %, and 99.6 % of individual catches, respectively. The results presented herein may contribute to the development of responsible management strategies for the deepwater fisheries in Costa Rica and Central America.Universidad de Costa Rica/[111-A4-508]/UCR/Costa RicaMinisteriumfür wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit undEntwicklung/[]/BMZ/AlemaniaRistic AG/[]//AlemaniaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de BiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR

Does Petrolisthes armatus (Anomura, Porcellanidae) form a Species Complex or Are We Dealing with Just One Widely Distributed Species?

Fernando L. Mantelatto, Leonardo G. Pileggi, Ivana Miranda, and Ingo S. Wehrtmann (2011) Does Petrolisthes armatus (Anomura, Porcellanidae) form a species complex or are we dealing with just one widely distributed species? Zoological Studies 50(3): 372-384. Petrolisthes armatus has the widest distribution known among members of the family Porcellanidae and is one of the most ubiquitous and locally abundant intertidal decapods along the Atlantic coast of the Americas. Considering its geographical distribution and morphological plasticity, several authors postulated the existence of a P. armatus species complex. In the present study we used genetic data from the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal gene to determine the genetic variability of P. armatus from selected locations within its eastern tropical Pacific and western Atlantic distributions. Our phylogenic analysis included 49 specimens represented by 26 species of the genus Petrolisthes and 16 specimens from 10 species and 4 related genera. Genetic distances estimated among the analyzed Petrolisthes species ranged from 2.6%-22.0%; varied between 0%-5.7% for 16S. Additionally, the revision of P. armatus specimens from Pacific Costa Rica and Brazilian Waters showed no geographically significant morphological variations among the analyzed specimens. Therefore, our morphological and genetic data do not support the hypothesis of a P. armatus complex within the specimens studied herein from the Americas, but convincingly confirm the monophyly and non-separateness of the members assigned as P. armatus. http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/50.3/372.pdfCNPq-Brazil[Proc. 491490/2004-6]CNPq-Brazil[490353/2007-0]CONICIT-Costa Rica[CII-001-08]Univ. de Costa Rica[808-A8-209]CNPq[PQ 301261/04-0]CNPq[301359/07-5]CNPq[140677/08-9]FAPESP[2010/15588-8]FAPESP[05/50651-1]CAPES-Sandwich[1467/09-3]CAPES[02630/09-5]Universidade de São Paulo - FFCLRP/USPUniversidade de São Paulo - Centro de Biologia Marinha (CEBIMar/USP

First confirmed report of a primary freshwater crab (Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) associated with bromeliads in the Neotropics

Bromeliads can hold water in their axils, which can harbor an astonishing diversity of macro invertebrates, including decapod crustaceans. Except of a casual report from Trinidad, true freshwater crabs in these phytotelmata have been found exclusively in the Old World, and observations in the New World of crabs associated with bromeliads have been limited to sesarmid crabs, non-primary freshwater crabs that generally do not breed in freshwater. Here we report the presence of a true, or primary, freshwater crab in water-filled axils of a bromeliad in the Neotropics. Immature specimens of the pseudothelphusid crab provisionally identified as Epilobocera cf. gilmanii (Smith, 1870) were collected from inside the bromeliad Hohenbergia penduliflora (A. Richard) Mez. in western Cuba. Pseudothelphusid crabs have developed additional respiratory structures, which make them suitable candidates for a life in phytotelmic microhabitats. It is still uncertain whether in Cuba these crabs actually breed in phytotelmata or only use this microhabitat during their early life stages. © 2016 by The Crustacean Society. Published by Brill NV, Leiden

Neotropical freshwater crabs (Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae) shred leaves

Freshwater crabs are macroconsumers that are commonly found in Neotropical headwater streams that may play a key role in energy flow and nutrient cycling in detrital food webs. Although studies have examined the feeding habits of trichodactylid crabs, little is known of this behavior in pseudothelphusid species, and specifically whether they actually consume leaf material. We conducted three nine-day laboratory trials with pseudothelphusid crabs (Ptychophallus tumimanus (Rathbun, 1898)) and leaves (Koanophyllon pittieri) to investigate whether crabs shred leaves. We hypothesized that leaf mass loss would be faster with crabs present relative to control tanks with only leaves. Leaf mass loss was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in tanks with crabs (0.49 ± 0.07 g, mean ± 1 SD) compared to control tanks (0.31 ± 0.05 g). We observed crabs manipulating, shredding, and consuming leaves, with leaf fragments and egesta present in tanks with crabs but not in control tanks. Their consumption and egestion activity may affect nutrient availability and transformation by stimulating microbial activity during leaf breakdown and converting coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) to fine particulate organic matter (FPOM). Therefore, freshwater crabs need to be considered when studying energy flow and nutrient cycling in detrital food webs of Neotropical headwater streams.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Biologí