Fish are sensitive to temperature, but the intergenerational consequences of maternal exposure to high temperature on offspring behavioural plasticity and underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we show that a thermal maternal stress induces impaired emotional and cognitive responses in offspring rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Thermal stress in mothers triggered the inhibition of locomotor fear-related responses upon exposure to a novel environment and decreased spatial learning abilities in progeny. Impaired behavioural phenotypes were associated with the dysregulation of several genes known to play major roles in neurodevelopment, including auts2 (autism susceptibility candidate 2), a key gene for neurodevelopment, more specifically neuronal migration and neurite extension, and critical for the acquisition of neurocognitive function. In addition, our analysis revealed the dysregulation of another neurodevelopment gene (dpysl5) as well as genes associated with human cognitive disorders (arv1, plp2). We observed major differences in maternal mRNA abundance in the eggs following maternal exposure to high temperature indicating that some of the observed intergenerational effects are mediated by maternally-inherited mRNAs accumulated in the egg. Together, our observations shed new light on the intergenerational determinism of fish behaviour and associated underlying mechanisms. They also stress the importance of maternal history on fish behavioural plasticity.

ABSTRACT. Transportation of live fish is routinely done in aquaculture; therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the water quality and survival rate of Rhamdia quelen fry (2.55±0.44 g) following 4, 8 and 12h of simulated transportation, at stock densities of 30 and 60 fry 5 L -1 and temperatures 15, 20 and 25 o C. Dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, total ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, turbidity, total alkalinity and survival were analyzed. Temperature and time had a significant influence on ammonia, pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen levels, and fish died after 12 hours of transportation simulation when kept at 20 and 25ºC. The density directly affected the water quality parameters, such as the increase in electrical conductivity and turbidity, and decrease in dissolved oxygen and pH at the density of 60 fish 5 L -1 . In conclusion, the transportation of R. quelen fry should be carried out at temperatures between 15 and 25°C, for periods of less than 12 hours, and at stock density of up to 6 fish per liter of water so as not to impair the homeostasis of the fry, and consequently, their survival.Keywords: aquaculture; ammonia; loading densities; management; mortality.Qualidade de água e sobrevivência de alevinos de Rhamdia quelen submetidos a transporte simulado em diferentes densidades e temperaturas RESUMO. O transporte de peixes vivos é uma prática comum na aquicultura. Por isso, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar a qualidade de água e sobrevivência de alevinos Rhamdia quelen (2,55±0,44 g) seguindo 4, 8 e 12h de transporte simulado, em densidades de 30 e 60 peixes 5 L -1 e em temperaturas de 15, 20 e 25 o C. Foram analisados: oxigênio dissolvido, pH, condutividade elétrica, amônia, nitrito, nitrato, turbidez, alcalinidade e sobrevivência. A temperatura e o tempo tiveram influência significativa nos níveis de amônia, pH, condutividade elétrica e oxigênio, e verificou-se mortalidades após 12 horas de simulação de transporte nos peixes mantidos a 20 e 25ºC. A densidade influenciou diretamente nos parâmetros de qualidade de água, tais como o aumento da condutividade elétrica e turbidez e a diminuição de oxigênio dissolvido e pH na densidade de 60 peixes 5 L -1 . Em conclusão, recomenda-se o transporte de alevinos de R. quelen em temperaturas entre 15 e 25°C, em períodos inferiores a 12 horas. E a densidade de seis peixes por litro de água não compromete a homeostase dos alevinos, e consequentemente sua sobrevivência.

The Steindachneridion parahybae is an endangered catfish from Brazil and strategies applied for gametes optimization are necessary. The aim of this study was to assess inseminating doses and water volume upon the fertilization, hatching rates and percentage of normal larvae in S. parahybae. Was used a randomized design in factorial scheme (4×4) with four inseminating doses: 1.0×10 4 , 1.0×10 5 , 1.0×10 6 , 1.0×10 7 spermatozoa oocyte -1 and four volumes of water: 1, 35, 65 and 95mL of water g -1 of oocytes. The combination of doses and volumes were performed in triplicates (n=48). Each incubator (1.5L of useful volume) with 1g of oocytes was considered as an experimental unit. Significant interaction between inseminating doses and volumes of water to the values of the fertilization rates and quadratic effect of doses and volume for the values of hatching rates were observed. The doses and volumes did not influence the percentage of normal larvae (87.70±5.06%). It is recommended the use of 5.5×10 6 spermatozoa oocyte -1 and 1mL of water g -1 of oocytes during in vitro fertilization procedure. These results allowed us to develop new biotechnological strategies applied to the conservation of S. parahybae.O Steindachneridion parahybae é um bagre ameaçado de extinção no Brasil e estratégias aplicadas para a otimização de gametas são necessárias. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar doses inseminantes e volume de água sobre os valores das taxas de fertilização, eclosão e larvas normais em S. parahybae. Utilizando-se um delineamento experimental casualizado em esquema fatorial (4×4), com quatro doses inseminantes: 1,0×10 4 ; 1,0×10 5 ; 1,0×10 6 ; 1,0×10 7 espermatozóides ovócito -1 e quatro volumes de água: 1; 35; 65 e 95mL de água g -1 de ovócitos. As combinações de doses e volumes foram realizadas em triplicatas (n=48). Cada incubadora (1,5L de volume útil) contendo 1g de ovócitos foi considerada como uma unidade experimental. Interações significativas entre doses inseminantes e volumes de água para os valores das taxas de fertilização e efeito quadrático das doses e do volume para os valores das taxas de eclosão foram verificadas. As dosagens e os volumes aplicados não influenciaram no percentual de larvas normais (87,70±5,06). Recomenda-se a aplicação de 5,5×10 6 espermatozoides ovócito -1 e a utilização de 1mL de água.g -1 de ovócitos no procedimento de fertilização artificial in vitro. Estes resultados permitiram desenvolver novas estratégias biotecnológicas aplicadas na conservação do S. parahybae.

Steindachneridion parahybae is an endemic catfish to the Paraiba do Sul river basin classified as critically endangered. Little is known about the reproductive management of this species in captivity, adopting for this practice empirical measures. The objectives were to:(1) determine suitable Accumulated Thermal Units (ATUs) at the moment of ovulation in January 2011 and 2012; (2) follow initial larvae rearing in 180, 240 and 300 degreehours. Nine selected females were divided into three experimental groups of three specimens each (replications), distributed at pre-established times: 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280 and 300 degree-hours. The females were induced with two doses of 0.5 and 5.0 mg kg -1 of dry carp pituitary, respectively, at an interval of 12 h. The extruded oocytes were kept at average water temperature of 22.35 ± 0.53°C (2011) and 21.88 ± 0.15°C (2012). Fertilization and hatching rates were: 84.22 and 71.33 % at 174.2 ATUs in 2011, and 55.58 % and 36.13 % at 251.0 ATUs in 2012. In January 2012, 900 larvae were distributed in three replications (triplicate) consisting of 100 larvae each and were fed: 120 (second day), 300 (thirdfourth day), 600 (fifth-eighth day), and 1,200 Artemia salina nauplii per larva (ninth-15th day), six times a day. The larvae exhibited mean weight of 523.67 ± 54.42, 496.67 ± 61.98 and 475.00 ± 22.83 mg, length of 17.75 ± 0.57, 17.58 ± 0.51 and 17.45 ± 0.25 cm and survival of 63.95 ± 24.50, 71.71 ± 6.61 and 79.65 ± 0.82 %, when hatched in 180, 240 and 300 ATUs, respectively. The larvae body parameters did not show significant differences at these degree-hours.

For the first time was characterized the semen of Pimelodus britskii, hormonally induced and noninduced induced, during the reproductive period. The experiment 1 was conducted with 12 fish per month, divided into: (i) induced with Carp Pituitary Extract (CPE), and (ii) without hormonal induction (testes macerated). The experiment 2 was conducted, with 30 fish, divided into groups for comparison of different doses of CPE and human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG; T1: control; T2: 3.0 mg kg À1 CPE; T3: 0.5 mg kg + 3.0 mg kg À1 CPE; T4: 0.5 mg kg À1 + 7.0 mg kg À1 CPE; T5: 200 UI kg À1 hCG), the same fish were used every month, and the semen was collected by abdominal massage. In both, experiments were assessed the sperm motility and velocity by means of the CASA software. In experiment 1, the concentration of spermatozoids was significantly increase by application of CPE compared untreated males. The volume and motility decreased gradually until the end of the experiment, the highest values were recorded for treatment induced (0.49 AE 0.25 mL and 62.18, respectively). The same occurred to Gonadosomatic Index, showing the smallest value at the end of the reproductive period. The fish from experiment 2 released reduced volume of watery semen (0.1 mL). The values of sperm concentration, motility velocity decreased gradually throughout the months. For P. britskii, the reproductive period influenced the production and sperm quality. Despite small seminal volume released the dose of 7.5 mg kg À1 of CPE proved effective.

ABSTRACT. This work evaluated five classes of weight of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) seeking to define the ideal slaughter weight for the species. We used 79 bullfrogs, distributed in a completely randomized design (class 1 < 100 g (n = 10); class 2 from 101 to 150 g (n = 17); class 3 from 151 to 200 g (n = 24); class 4 from 201 to 250 g (n = 14); and class 5 >251 g (n = 14)), which were euthanized, weighted and gutted. For the carcass yield, we weighed the clean torso, thighs, liver, skin and head. The clean torso was subjected to chemical composition analysis. The carcass yield was, on average, 49% with no difference between weight classes (p > 0.05). The yield of posterior thighs was significantly higher for the lower weight class, which also presented higher percentage of paws (28.37 ± 0.63 and 9.33 ± 0.21, respectively) (p < 0.05). The percentages of visceral fat and skin showed a progressive increase along with the weight of the animals; the class with individuals weighing 201-250 grams showed the higher values (p < 0.05). The chemical composition indicated that individuals above 251 grams showed lower values of ether extract and higher values of crude protein (0.99 ± 0.14 and 15.80 ± 0.64, respectively) (p < 0.05). So, it is recommended the slaughter of bullfrogs weighing more than 201 grams, because of better yield and meat quality.Keywords: exotic species, meat processing, raniculture. Rendimento de carcaça e composição centesimal da rã-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus)RESUMO. O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar cinco diferentes classes de peso de rã-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus), buscando definir o peso ideal de abate para a espécie. Foram utilizados 79 exemplares de rãs-touro, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado (classe 1 <100 g (n = 10); classe 2 de 101 a 150 g (n = 17); classe 3 de 151 a 200 g (n = 24); classe 4 de 200 a 250 g (n = 14), e classe 5 > 251 g (n = 14)), que foram eutanaziados, pesados e eviscerados. Para o rendimento da carcaça foram pesados: tronco limpo, coxas, fígado, patas, pele e cabeça. O tronco limpo foi submetido à análise de composição centesimal. O rendimento de corpo limpo foi em média 49%, sem diferença entre classes (p > 0,05). O rendimento das coxas posteriores foi significativamente maior para a menor classe de peso, e essa classe também apresentou maior porcentual de patas (28,37 ± 0,63 e 9,33 ± 0,21, respectivamente) (p < 0,05). As porcentagens de gordura visceral e pele apresentaram um aumento progressivo concomitante ao peso dos animais, sendo que a classe com indivíduos de 201 a 250 g apresentou os maiores índices (p < 0,05). Na composição centesimal observou-se que indivíduos acima de 251 g, apresentaram menores valores de extrato etéreo e maior valor de proteína (0,99 ± 0,14 e 15,80 ± 0,64, respectivamente) (p < 0,05). Para melhor aproveitamento é recomendado que rãs-touro sejam abatidas com peso superior a 201 g, pois apresentam melhores rendimentos e características da carne.Palavras chave: espécie exótica, processamento de carne, ranic...

-The objective of this work was to evaluate the reproductive performance of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) fed diets containing sorghum, as a replacement for corn, supplemented or not with phytase. The experiment was carried out with 360 fish, with 16.02±0.58 g mean initial weight, fed diets in which low-tannin sorghum replaced corn at 0, 50, and 100%, with or without phytase supplementation (1,500 FTU per kilogram of feed). Diets supplemented with phytase or with 100% sorghum led to a reduction of visceral fat deposition and hepatic mass in males. In females, similar results were observed for diets containing phytase. Females fed sorghum-only diets, supplemented or not with phytase, had bigger oocytes. Males and females at the developing and final stages of gonadal maturation were found in all treatments. The replacement of corn by sorghum affects neither semen quality nor the fertilization rate of gametes. Therefore, complete replacement of corn with low-tannin sorghum in the diet can be performed without compromising the reproductive performance or the somatic indexes of silver catfish.Index terms: Rhamdia quelen, alternative food, breeding nutrition, histology, quality of gametes. Desempenho reprodutivo de jundiá alimentado com dietas com sorgo suplementadas com fitaseResumo -O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) alimentado com dietas contendo sorgo em substituição ao milho, suplementadas ou não com fitase. O experimento foi realizado com 360 jundiás, com peso médio inicial de 16,02±0,58 g, alimentados com dietas compostas por 0, 50 e 100% de sorgo de baixo tanino, em substituição ao milho, com ou sem a suplementação de fitase (1.500 UFA por quilograma da dieta). Dietas com suplementação de fitase ou com 100% de sorgo reduziram a deposição de gordura visceral e a massa hepática nos machos. Nas fêmeas, o mesmo efeito foi observado quanto às dietas com suplementação de fitase. As fêmeas alimentadas com dietas apenas com sorgo, suplementadas ou não com fitase, apresentaram ovócitos maiores. Foram encontrados machos e fêmeas nas fases finais de desenvolvimento e maturação gonadal, em todos os tratamentos. A substituição do milho pelo sorgo não afeta a qualidade seminal nem a taxa de fertilização dos gametas. Portanto, a substituição completa do milho pelo sorgo de baixo tanino pode ser efetuada sem afetar os parâmetros reprodutivos e os índices somáticos do jundiá.Termos para indexação: Rhamdia quelen, alimento alternativo, nutrição de reprodutores, histologia, qualidade de gametas.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to assess the L-lysine effect in silver catfish, Rhamdia voulezi female reproduction. Four hundred fish were used distributed in a random in 16 net cages (25 fish each × 4 replicates = 100 fish per treatment). The treatments consisted in four diets, isoproteic and isoenergetic (30% crude protein and 3,500 kcal kg -1 digestible energy) with different L-lysine levels: T1: 1.30; T2: 1.40; T3: 1.60 and T4: 1.95%. After 185 days of experiment 18 females per treatment were weighed, measured, and submitted to hormonal induction (0.5 and 5.0 mg kg -1 Carp Pituitary Extract). The females were then sacrificed and had their ovaries, liver and fat removed and the respective organosomatic indices were estimated. With regard to the reproductive parameters, the released oocytes, absolute fecundity and remaining ovaries were influenced (P < 0.05) by the diet, and the highest mean values were observed in the treatment with 1.95% L-lysine. Among the organosomatic indices, only the visceral fat was influenced (P < 0.05). The estradiol levels and the composition of essential amino acid in oocytes were not affected (P > 0.05). We can conclude that L-lysine affects the reproductive parameters and accumulation of visceral fat in R. voulezi.