Early development of Brycon orthotaenia (Pisces: Characidae)

The larval attachment organ of the bowfin Amia ocellicauda Richardson, 1836 (Amiiformes: Amiidae) and its phylogenetic significance

Larval attachment organs (LAOs) are unicellular or multicellular organs that enable the larvae of many actinopterygian fishes to adhere to a substrate before yolk-sac absorption and the free-swimming stage. Bowfins (Amiiformes) exhibit a sizable LAO on the snout, which was first described in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this study, we document the LAO of Amia ocellicauda (Richardson, 1836) using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy, and histochemistry. We examined material representing three stages with SEM ranging in size from 5.8 to 11.2 mm in notochord length and one stage histochemically. We compare the LAO of A. ocellicauda to that of the lepisosteid Atractosteus tropicus Gill, 1863 and show that although the LAOs of A. ocellicauda and A. tropicus are both super-organs, the two differ in the ultrastructure of the entire organ. A. ocellicauda possesses two distinct lobes, with the organs arranged on the periphery with none in the middle, whereas A. tropicus also possesses two lobes, but with the organs scattered evenly across the super-organ. The individual organs of A. ocellicauda possess adhesive cells set deep to support cells with the adhesive substance released through a pore, whereas A. tropicus possesses both support cells and adhesive cells sitting at a similar level, with the adhesive substance released directly onto the surface of the organ. We additionally provide a table summarizing vertebrate genera in which attachment organs have been documented and discuss the implications of our study for hypotheses of the homology of attachment organs in the Holostei.

Influence of temperature on larval ontogenesis of Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Pisces: Cichlidae)

Studies on the larval development of fish are essential for conservation and improvements in cultivation techniques. Geophagus brasiliensis popularly known as Cará has potential as a fish of interest in ornamental aquaculture. Wild adults of G. brasiliensis were kept in an aquarium for spontaneous reproduction. Newly hatched larvae were transferred to 5-litre aquaria at 22, 26 and 30°C until total yolk sac resorption. Histological slides were used for biometric analysis and monitoring of larval ontogenesis at different temperatures. Histologically, from the first to the fourth days it was possible to identify myomeres, optic vesicle, yolk syncytial layer, brain, heart and differentiation of the eye layers. From the fourth to the seventh days, it was possible to identify mandibular and gill cartilages, swim bladder, liver, prismatic epithelium with striated border in intestine and renal epithelium. All biometric measurements increased over the days, except height and length of the yolk sac, which gradually decreased until the complete resorption of the yolk sac that occurred on the fifth day at a temperature of 30°C, the sixth day at 26°C and the seventh day at 22°C. Morphological events at 30°C such as the reabsorption of the yolk sac, the appearance of cartilage in the branchial arches and differentiation of the layers of the eyes occurred faster compared with the other temperatures tested. Opening of the mouth and digestive tract occurred at a similar time on the fourth day in all temperatures.

Induced reproduction and early development in dourado, Salminus franciscanus Lima & Britski, 2007 (Pisces: Characiformes)

Our study aimed to establish the response of Salminus franciscanus to hypophysation and describe the main morphological events of its embryonic process. Wild fish were captured in São Francisco River and selected broodstock (females: 66.4 ± 11.1 cm and 4.04 ± 2.32 kg; males: 58.3 ± 10.2 cm and 3.62 ± 1.12 kg) were kept at 26.1 ± 0.6°C for induction of final maturation/gamete release via the hypophysation technique. In females, two doses (0.8 and 5.6 mg/kg body weight) of crude pituitary extract of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were administered with a 14 h interval. For males, a single dose (2.7 mg/kg body weight) of crude pituitary extract was applied at the same time as the females' second dose. Oocytes and sperm were manually stripped 8 h after a females' second hormonal dose. Fertilization was carried out using the dry method. Eggs were kept in funnel-type 60 L incubators at 24.3 ± 0.3°C and were analyzed and photographed every 10 min. After hormonal induction, 60% of females and 100% of males reacted positively and no broodstock mortality was recorded. The females released an average of 385.2 ± 78.4 g of oocytes and the fertilization rate observed was 50.4 ± 12.3%. The blastopore closure occurred at 7.5 h, somite formation at 12 h and hatching at 20 h post-fertilization. In general, the results of this study improve the understanding of the reproductive biology of dourado and confirm its potential for fish farming in the neotropical region.

Relaciones alométricas en estadios tempranos de la especie Brycon moorei Steindachner (Characidae), en condiciones controladas

Para Brycon moorei, los datos sobre morfometría, en estados iniciales del desarrollo, son inexistentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer las principales relaciones alométricas en los estadios tempranos de B. moorei. Se analizaron 12 variables merísticas en un tiempo experimental que transcurrió desde la eclosión hasta los 15 días post-eclosión. En el estadio larval vitelino (LV) se registró, en promedio: longitud total (LT) de 4,74 ± 0,05 mm; longitud estándar (LE) de 4,21 ± 0,07 mm; longitud del hocico (SnL) 0,3 ± 0,01; diámetro del ojo (ED) 0,37 ± 0,007 mm; longitud de la cabeza (HL) 1,02 ± 0,04 mm; altura de la cabeza (HH) 0,88 ± 0,069 mm; altura del cuerpo (BH) 1,26 ± 0,01 mm; longitud hocico-aleta pectoral (SnPF) 1,35 ± 0,034; ausencia de aletas pélvicas, anales y dorsal y el peso fue de 1,8 ± 0,2 mg. En la etapa juvenil (J), las medidas fueron: LT de 25,66 ± 0,64 mm; LE de 21,49 ± 0,63 mm; SnL de 1,69 ± 0,059 mm; ED de 1,71 ± 0,048 mm; HL de 6,33 ± 0,21 mm; HH de 4,89 ± 0,47 mm; BH de 6,13 ± 0,17 mm; SnPF de 6,48 ± 0,19 mm; SnPeF de 10,83 ± 0,28 mm; SnDF de 11,16 ± 0,33 mm; Sn-AF de 3,68 ± 0,34 mm; el peso fue de 221,6 ± 15,84 mg. Para LV, el número de miómeros pre-anales fue 28,65 ± 4,7; los post-anales fueron 23,85 ± 4,27, con un total de 52,47 ± 8,34; para J los miómeros no fueron visibles. Esta información es fundamental para fines ecológicos y productivos en B. moorei.

Ontogeny of the digestive tract of Brycon amazonicus (Teleostei, Bryconidae) under culture conditions: from hatching to juvenile stage

In the present study, the morphological development of the Brycon amazonicus digestive tract is described to provide basic knowledge for nutritional studies and, therefore, increase the survival of this species during larviculture. Samples were collected from hatching up to 25 days of age, measured, processed and observed under a stereomicroscope and light microscopy. Newly hatched larvae presented their digestive tract as a straight tube, dorsal to the yolk sac, lined with a single layer of undifferentiated cells. At 24 h post-hatching (hPH), the buccopharyngeal cavity was open, but the posterior region of the digestive tube remained closed. At 25 hPH, the digestive tube was completely open and could be divided into buccopharyngeal cavity, oesophagus and intestine. At 35 hPH, the intestine presented a dilatation in the proximal region, which had the function of storing food. Differentiation of the stomach started at 83 hPH, and mucous cells were observed in the epithelium. These cells are important in the production of mucus, whose function is to protect the organ against acidity, although the gastric glands began developing only from 171 hPH, when three stomach regions were observed: cardiac, fundic and pyloric. The gastric glands were observed in the cardiac region, indicating that this organ already had digestive functionality. From 243 hPH, the absorption and assimilation of nutrients were already possible but, only from 412 hPH, the digestive tract was completely developed and functional.

Ultrastructure aspects of Brycon gouldingi (Teleostei, Characidae) related to swimming ability and feeding during larval development

The larval ultrastructure of Brycon gouldingi related to swimming and feeding from hatching to total yolk absorption is described from scanning electron micrographs. Newly hatched larvae (time zero) had no mouth opening, undefined optic vesicles, an olfactory plate visible as a shallow depression, rudimentary gill arches, neural groove, embryonic fin and a primary neuromast in the dorsal region of the head. At the time of yolk absorption, 55 h post hatching, the larvae presented an optic vesicle comprising an optic cup and crystalline lens; a mouth with tongue, tapered teeth and taste buds; a ciliated olfactory cavity; branched gill arches; filled neural groove signalling central nervous system development; caudal, pectoral, dorsal and anal fins; and neuromasts distributed throughout the head and body. These characters are related to prey capture and swimming ability, key aspects of survival during the larval stage. The results of this study provide important information for exploitation and aquaculture of B. gouldingi.

Embryonic development and larval growth of Brycon nattereri Günther, 1864 (Characidae) and its implications for captive rearing

The aim of this study was to describe, for the first time, the embryogenesis and larval growth of the Paraitinga Brycon nattereri Günther, 1864 reared in captivity. After artificial fertilization, eggs were incubated at constant temperature (~19°C) and collected every 15 min during the first 3 h and then every 3 h until hatching. Five larvae were collected daily over 15 days for evaluation of the length, yolk sac volume and specific growth rate. The following stages of embryonic development were identified: zygote, cleavage, gastrula, segmentation and larval. The hatching occurred after 50–54 h, with larvae poorly developed and fully depigmented, devoid of mouth and swimming capacity, presenting 6.32 mm total length and 3.64 mm3 yolk sac volume. The mouth opening was observed between days 3–4 after hatching. The yolk sac absorption was slow during the first 3 days, increasing sharply after this period, being completed on the day 11. During this period there was a decrease in the larval growth rate. After yolk sac absorption, an increase in the growth rate was observed that coincided with the start of exogenous feeding. Cannibalism was not observed during the 15 days of evaluation. The initial development of B. nattereri was slow and poorly developed larvae in relation to other Brycon species, certainly due to the lower temperature required for egg incubation and larval rearing. Other studies are needed in order to develop techniques to improve the methods of incubating eggs and feeding larvae.

The effect of temperature on the initial development of Brycon amazonicus Spix & Agassiz, 1829 as tool for micromanipulation of embryos

Primordial germ cell (PGC) transplant is a promising tool in aquaculture; however, successful use of this technique requires in depth knowledge of the early stages of embryo and larval development. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of different temperatures (22, 26, and 30°C) on the early development of B. amazonicus. The newly fertilized eggs were distributed into tanks with controlled temperature and oxygenation. Samples were collected at pre-established times and analysed under light and fluorescence microscopy. Temperature influenced the speed and duration of each stage of early development, including hatching time. The highest pronuclei fusion rate was observed 8 min post-fertilization (mpf) at 22 and 26°C, and 6 mpf at 30°C. The duration of the 512–1000 blastomeres phase during in the blastocyst stage was 1 h 30 min at 22°C, and 25 min at 26 and 30°C. Hatching occurred at 24 h 30 mpf at 22°C, 16 h post-fertilization (hpf) at 26°C, and 11 h 30 mpf at 30°C. The rate of morphologically normal larvae was 88.34% at 22°C, 90.49% at 26°C, and 73% at 30°C. Malformations of the head, yolk sac, heart, and tail were observed in all temperatures. Nevertheless, B. amazonicus embryos were able to develop satisfactory in all three temperatures tested. These results enable embryo manipulation at different temperatures to optimize the micromanipulation time of embryos and larvae for biotechnological studies.

Initial development of Prochilodus hartii (Pisces: Prochilodontidae) submitted to induced reproduction

The Prochilodontidae prepare for reproduction in captivity, but neither ovulation nor spawning occurs, thus requiring induced reproduction for breeding and restocking. This study analyzed for the first time the embryogenesis and larval ontogeny of P. hartii submitted to induced reproduction by hypophysation with crude common carp pituitary extract. The extrusion of oocytes and sperm was performed manually and fertilization was done using the dry method. After fertilization, the eggs were kept in incubators at 23°C. A stereomicroscope was used to measure egg diameter and to monitor embryo development. Samples of larvae were collected daily for 7 days for histological and biometric analyses. The recently extruded oocytes, non-hydrated, are spherical, grey, and non-adhesive with a diameter of 1480 ± 39 μm and after hydration, have a diameter of 2860 ± 120 μm. The positive response to hypophysation was 100% for females and 80% for males. Spawning occurred 7 h after the third hormonal dosage. The fertilization rate was 77% at 23°C. Blastopore closure occurred at 6 h 45 min and embryonic development was completed 36 h 10 min after fertilization. After 204 h post fertilization (hpf) the larvae reached a standard length of 6.56 ± 0.14 mm with the yolk sac completely resorbed. In P. hartii, the oral cavity opening occurred 132 hpf. The results of this study provide knowledge to better understand induced reproduction, breeding, and management of P. hartii, a species with a high potential for pisciculture, and which is commercially important in the Jequitinhonha River basin.

Embryonic and Morphological Development of Larvae and Juvenile of the Buenos Aires Tetra, Hyphessobrycon anisitsi (Pisces Characidae) Characidae Fishes

We have launched an investigation for Embryonic Development, Larvae and Juvenile Morphology, of Buenos aires tetra in order to build basic data of Characidae and fish seeding production. We brought 50 couples of Characidae from Bizidduck aquarium in Yeosu-si, Jeollanamdo, from Korea on March of 2015. We put them in the tetragonal glass aquarium (50×50×30 cm). Breeding water temperature was 27.5~28.5°C (mean 28.0±0.05°C) and being maintained. The shape of fertilized egg was round shape, and it was adhesive demersal egg. The egg size was 0.63~0.91 mm (mean 0.74±0.07 mm, n=20). After getting fertilized egg, the developmental stage was gastrula stage, and embryo covered almost two-thirds of Yolk. Incubation was happened after 16 hours 13 minutes from gastrula stage, and the tail of juvenile came out first with tearing egg capsule. Immediately after the incubation, prelarvae had 3.78~3.88 mm length (mean 3.84±0.04 mm, n=5), and it had no mouth and anus yet. 34 days after hatching from the incubation, juvenile had 8.63~13.1 mm (mean 10.9±1.66 mm), and it had similar silver-colored body shape with its mother.

Spawning Behavior, Egg Development, Larvae and Juvenile Morphology of Hyphessobrycon eques (Pisces: Characidae) Characidae Fishes

Hyphessobrycon eques is a famous fish for ornamental fish market and aquarium. They are inhabit in regions of Amazon and Paraguay River basin. Serpae fishs were investigated 2-3 males are chased to female, and then males attempted to simulate the females abdomen. After fertilization, eggs were kept in incubators at 28°C. The fertilized eggs had adhesive and demesal characteristics and had a mean diameter of 0.92 ± 0.01 mm. Larvae hatched at 16 hrs post fertilization. The hatched larvae averaged 2.90 ± 0.16 mm in total length (LT ). Complete yolk sac resorption and mouth opening occurred on the third day post hatching. At 45 days post hatching, the larvae were 12.5 ± 1.60 mm LT and had reached the juvenile stage.

Spawning Behavior, Egg Development, Larvae and Juvenile Morphology of Hyphessobrycon eques (Pisces: Characidae) Characidae Fishes

Hyphessobrycon eques is a famous fish for ornamental fish market and aquarium. They are inhabit in regions of Amazon and Paraguay River basin. Serpae fishs were investigated 2-3 males are chased to female, and then males attempted to simulate the females abdomen. After fertilization, eggs were kept in incubators at 28°C. The fertilized eggs had adhesive and demesal characteristics and had a mean diameter of 0.92 ± 0.01 mm. Larvae hatched at 16 hrs post fertilization. The hatched larvae averaged 2.90 ± 0.16 mm in total length (LT ). Complete yolk sac resorption and mouth opening occurred on the third day post hatching. At 45 days post hatching, the larvae were 12.5 ± 1.60 mm LT and had reached the juvenile stage.

Ontogenetic development of Heterocharax macrolepisEigenmann (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae) with comments on the form of the yolk sac in the Heterocharacinae

Fishes in early developmental stages frequently have morphological features that differ from those of adult stages, and many characters found later in ontogeny are not available in initial stages. Hence, morphological descriptions of early stages are useful to provide information for the identification of eggs and larvae, a knowledge still restricted among Neotropical fishes. We studied the development of Heterocharax macrolepis, a heterocharacine whose adult specimens from the aquarium trade were kept and spawned at around 23-24ºC. A developmental series of 51 specimens was preserved, ranging from 3.2 mm notochord length to 18.6 mm standard length, covering approximately the first 73 days post-hatching. We described the development of main morphological features emphasizing those useful in the identification of H. macrolepislarvae (i.e., appearance of preopercle spine and development of the pseudotympanum). We also compared H. macrolepis with photographs taken of live larval specimens of Gnathocharax steindachneri, recently included in the Heterocharacinae. Both species have a yolk sac with a small rounded projection directed posteroventrally. Although this information is not yet available for all pertinent taxa, the different yolk sac shape in other representatives of the Characiformes may indicate that this peculiar yolk sac represents an additional synapomorphy of the Heterocharacini.

Oocyte adhesiveness and embryonic development of Astyanax bimaculatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Characidae)

This study shows for the first time the presence of a jelly coat on oocytes of neotropical Characiformes fish. This structure could be responsible for the adhesiveness of Astyanax bimaculatus oocytes, a species widely distributed in South America including in the São Francisco River basin in Brazil. Adult specimens of A. bimaculatus were submitted to artificial reproduction in order to analyse the egg morphology and embryonic development. The eggs were fertilised and kept in incubators with a water temperature of 24°C so that embryogenesis could be monitored. Ovulated and unfertilised oocytes were also collected and submitted to routine histological techniques. Astyanax bimaculatus oocytes were found to be spherical, yellowish, and covered by a thin jelly coat with a slightly adhesive surface. The mean oocyte diameter was 1.03 ± 0.03 mm, the perivitelline space was 0.21 ± 0.02 mm and the jelly coat's thickness was 0.04 ± 0.01 mm. Positive periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain and Alcian blue stain pH 2.5 indicated the presence of neutral glycoproteins, and carboxylated acid glycoconjugates on the jelly coat that formed mucosubstances that may be associated with egg adhesiveness. At a water temperature of 24°C, blastopore closure and hatching occurred at 5 h and 17 h after fertilisation, respectively. The results of this study provide essential information for phylogenetic studies and for a better understanding of the reproductive strategy of A. bimaculatus, currently included in the incertae sedis group of the Characidae family due to the lack of monophyly among the families of the group.