RCAAP Repository

This paper analyses some aspects on the length/weight relation ship of Sardinella brasiliensis and its variations as a function of their reproductive cycle and displacements along the Brazilian coast between 23ºS and 28ºS. The area surveyed was divided into five sub-areas, each one covering one degree of latitude. The relationship and its variations between shoals were studied for each sub-area at different seasons and for the sub-areas at the same season. The absence of a variation pattern for the length/weight relationship has shown to be the result of seasonal changes in the physiological aspects of fish (as a function of their reproductive cycle) as well as result of behaviour of individuals in two main areas: 23ºS-25ºS and 26ºS-28ºS, which are spawning areas, spawning occuring during spring and summer at the first and only during spring at the latter. After spawning the young (from both areas) more at different times to a common trophic area where they find suitable conditions (25ºS26ºS), returning to their original sub-areas at different occasions, following their first sexual maturation. Although spawning takes place at different times and sites, with the convergence of young to a common nursery, mixing might occur. Further studies on meristics and body proportions are being developed regarding the existence of different populations.

The biological aspects of incubating females of Janaira gracilis Mbreira & Pires, are described. The marsupium is formed by 4 pairs of oostegites arising from pereopods I-IV. The oostegites appear for the first time at the post-marsupial stage 7 (preparatory stage 1), growing successively at each moult until stage 9 (brooding stage 1), when they reach fully development. The sizes of the eggs increase with the body size of the females. The number of eggs, per female, is a linear function of the body volume, i.e., the fecundity increases with the female's body size. The number of eggs, embryos and juveniles decrease during the marsupial development. This decrease in brood number is higher between the last two marsupial stages, i.e., from stage C to D, than between the preceding marsupial stages. The average and overall brood mortality rate is of 38.95%.

The life cycle and seasonal population changes of Janaira gracilis Moreira & Pires, is studied in detail. J. gracilis is the most common isopod of the phytal fauna of Sargasswn cymosum from Praia do Lamberto, Ubatuba, State of São Paulo (23º30'S and 45º07'W). The samples were collected once a month from January 1972 to January 1973. The data show a reproductive period continuous throughout the year with two peaks of major reproductive intensity. It is also discussed the populations characteristics and the sex ratio fluctuations.

Data on distribution and abundance of larvae of the Brazilian sardine, Sardinella brasiliensis, are presented based on samples collected in waters off southern Brazil during 1969 to 1971. The distribution pattern and relative abundance of sardine larvae during three spawning seasons are discussed. Relative abundance, using regional census estimates, was calculated each year. In general, larval abundance in each subarea coincided with that of eggs, although the area of distribution of larvae was larger than the spawning area. Estimates of larval abundance showed that the 1970-71 spawning season was the poorest, both in larval and egg abundance, despite the enlarged size of the area surveyed. The average temperature at stations where sardine larvae occurred was 23.4º C, ranging from 14.6 to 27.4º C, and the average salinity was 35.6º /oo, ranging from 35.0 to 36.7º /oo. Distribution of the larvae in different depth zones was analysed. Larvae usually were most abundant in the 51-100 m depth zone. No tendency for a unidirectional transport of larvae was observed; apparently they move from the spawning ground in all possible directions, spreading over the continental shelf. An estimate of survival rate of larvae, based on length frequency data pooled from the three years, was calculated. Undersampling of larvae during daytime was observed. The mean night-day catch ratio, based on larvae from all length classes sampled, was 3.93.

Registros contínuos da temperatura e da salinidade, em função de distâncias horizontais, foram obtidos para as águas de superfície existentes ao redor da Ilha Grande, em 21 de junho de 1975. Foi detectado um fluxo de água com baixa salinidade (S ~ 33,10º /oo) e temperatura ligeiramente maior do que a das águas adjacentes, na região entre a Ponta de Castelhanos e a Ponta Grossa da Marambáia. A interação entre este fluxo e as águas costeiras mais salinas (S ~ 35,4 a 35,6º /oo) se apresentou de forma visível, como uma frente salina. Os valores de salinidade, registrados à leste da Ilha Grande sugerem, que a origem dessa agua de baixa salinidade ê a descarga fluvial na Baía de Sepetiba.

This paper reports on part of the species of Serolis Leach, 1818 (Crustacea, Flabellifera, Serolidae) collected from benthic stations performed during cruises of the Brazilian Navy Oc/S "Almirante Saldanha" along southern South America. The species studied are Serolis schythei Lütken, 1858, Serolis polaris Richardson, 1911, Serolis foresti Bastida & Torti, 1970, Serolis uaperta Moreira, 1971, Serolis exigua Nordenstam, 1933 and Serolis elliptica Sheppard, 1933. New localities of occurrence are reported, as well as it is given a com plete synonymy for each species treated, and for Serolis schythei and Serolis exigua also its main distinctive characteristics.

The problem of daytime undersampling of larvae observed at two fixed stations made in the spawning ground of the Brazilian sardine is discussed. The size frequency composition of sardine is also discussed. The predominant species on the stations was the larvae of Sardinella brasiliensis. The larvae of Harengula spp., Scombridae, Bregmacerotidae, Ophidiidae were also collected, but not so abundantly. When compared to other larvae, the undersampling of sardine larvae during daytime was extremely high. Because the sampling was done both vertically and horizontally at one fixed station and marked undersampling was observed at both stations, it was concluded that the undersampling was caused by avoidance. It was necessary to take this problem into careful consideration for computation of larval abundance.

The majority of polychaetous annelids are free living and the parasite occurrences are not very commom. Labrorostratus, a parasitic Arabellidae, occurs in the celoma of many polychaeta. The 33 individuals here examined were found in the celoma of one single specimen of Perinereis cultrifera, from the northern coast of São Paulo. As many as five developmental stages were distinguished, characterized by well difined differences, such as length and number of segments. Stage V corresponds to the most advanced, characterized by the presence of eyes and well developed mouth apparatus. The presence of a "stolon like" budding on Labrorostratus prolificus posterior end justifies the specific name.

This paper discuss the vertical and horizontal distribution of the marine isopod Rocinela signata Schiödte & Meinert, 1879, along Brazil. Published records and new data gathered in recent years were used. The species, widely distributed along Brazil, has its most southern limit of occurrence considerably extended to off State of Santa Catarina (27º08'S, 48º11'W) . It is typically a shelf species. So far it was recorded off Brazil at a maximum depth of 73 m, while particularly in southern Brazil at 53 m. The species has been collected free living on the bottom or as a fish parasite, and a few times has been reported attacking and sucking swimmers. Available data suggest any host specificity. R. signata seems a facultative and not an obligate fish parasite.

The study of algae culture collected in Brazilian waters was proposed due to the lack of literature on the subject: an attempt was made to develop a methodology to obtain algae culture and its purification. Several species were isolated from samples collected a Ubatuba and Cananéia (São Paulo) (Lat. 23º30'S - Long. 45º06'W and Lat. 25º01'S - Long. 47º54'W) by means of phytoplankton net and Van Dorn bottle. The following isolation techniques were employed after washing and concentration: glass capillary, inoculation of mixed cultures on Petri dishes with solid medium and positive phototropism. The isolated algae were kept in five different mediuns. Washing techniques were tested (centrifugation, "filter tubes" and re-isolation) , antibiotics and ultra violet radiation to obtain unialgal bacteria-free cultures were employed to obtain pure cultures. Five différents antibiotics, mixed in différents concentrations, were employed during several periods of expositions. The re-isolation proved to be the best method to obtain the purification of the cultures.

Four years data of temperature from the coastal areas of Santos and Cananeia are analysed in continuation of part I of this work. Earlier tidal wave theories for coastal areas and some basic processes on the determination of Nz are summarized. Seasonal variations of temperature are found to obey approximately a general harmonic law of propagation with depth and from it estimates of the mean annual values of N are obtained. These estimates (preliminaries) seem to indicate that mixing at the coastal areas of Santos is smaller than in the ones of Cananéia.

Measurements of the standing-crop and height of Spartina alterniflora on a Cananeia (SP) salt-marsh are presented. The standing- crop was 816 ± 187 g dry weight m-2 or 699 ± 164 g organic weight m-2 at the peak of the growing season. In the desnudated area the maximum grass height was found in July, when Spartina reached 130 cm. Spring, summer and winter were the beginning, the peak and the end of the growing season, respectively. Ash, Mg, Ca and Fe showed higher concentrations in dead rather than in living Spartina.

The salinity and temperature tolerances of some species of medusae were studied in the laboratory. The results showed the following order of tolerances in diluted seawater: Cirrholovenia tetranema, Clytia cylindrica and Eucheilota duodecimalis >; Proboscidactyla ornata and Obelia spp. >; Euphysora gracilis, Ectopleura dumortieri, Liriope tetraphylla and Cunina octonaria. In relation to the decrease of temperature, the following results were obtained: Ectopleura dumortieri, Euphysora gracilis, Obelia spp. and Proboscidactyla ornata >; Liriope tetraphylla >; Cunina octonaria >; Clytia cylindrica and Eucheilota duodecimalis. The results obtained in laboratory were discussed in relation to the distribution of the species in nature.

Six species of tetraxonid sponges occurring in southern Brazil are studied: Jaspis johnstoni (Schmidt, 1862); Geodia eosaster (Sollas, 1888); Erylus oxyaster Lendenfeld, 1910; Pachastrella monilifera Schmidt, 1868; Sphinctrella cribrifera (Sollas, 1886) and Coscinospongia typus (Schmidt, 1870) . Data are also given on the temperature and salinity for the oceanographie stations where the specimens were collected in the South Atlantic coast at Rio Grande do Sul (Lat. 30º60'S - 33º29'S and Long. 49º13'W - 50º44'W). The collections were made by R/V. "Prof . W. Besnard", from 150-284 m depth, during the period of June to December, 1968. All species are recorded for the first time for the coast of Rio Grande do Sul. Morphological characteristics and spicular structure of the specimens are described and illustrated. Spicular measures are also given for the material studied.

In the South Atlantic nearly the Brazilian coast, at low latitudes, the layer of minimum oxygen concentration shows distinct values between the Equatorial region (7ºS) and the region limited by latitudes of 18-22ºS. In the vicinity of the Equator the minimum concentration is remarkably clear (2,0 ml/l at 7ºS) and at 22ºS the minima values raise up to 4.0-4.5 ml/l. The minimum oxygen layer follows the isopynics surfaces (σt = 26.8-27.2) in depths of 300-400 m (7ºS) and 600-800 m (22ºS) . The oxygen concentration in this area results from a biochemical and physical processes, due to the presence of poor water Brazil Current southward and the rich one Intermediate Antartic water flowing northward.

This annotated bibliography is an attempt to bring together all available published records on the parasitic isopods of Chondrichthian fishes as a basic reference source. An effort was made to synonymise old names according to the presently accepted scientific names.

This paper is a survey of the main spectral methods potentially useful in Oceanography. These methods are applied to the analysis of tides, seasonal variations and ocean geophysical oscillations. Further topics on the Response Method, the Maximum Entropy method and Rotary Components are briefly summarized. Examples of successful appli cations are presented.

Polychaeta were used as indicator organisms for the study of some physical and biological conditions of the beaches of the northern coast of São Paulo, Samples were taken in 191 stations at different levels of the tidal zone, on 11 sandy beaches situated along Flamengo Bay (continent) and Palmas Bay (Anchieta Island). Sediment was analyzed for grain size distribution, porosity, organic matter and calcareous content. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Polychaeta fauna and measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity of the interstitial water were made. Macrofauna was found to be completely absent from the beaches of clean coarse sand which may be due to the quite unstable condition of the sand, intensively revolved by waves action. The fine sand of many beaches offers more consistent protection for a number of burrowing animals. The Enseada and Grande beaches (respectively on the continent and on Anchieta Island) show the same very fine and homogeneous sand, and as we could expect are inhabited by the same species of Polychaeta. Nerine agilis, Arenicola brasiliensis and also Diopatra cf. cuprea are frequently found on those fine sand beaches. The most selective factors were salinity and organic matter content. The euryhaline species Laeonereis culveri and Nerine agilis, have a wide distribution along the intertidal belt. Their highest density was recorded in areas of salinity below 10‰. The muddy sand of Saco da Ribeira beach showed the highest number of Polychaeta species, the abundance of Laeonereis culvert and Diopatra cf. cuprea contributing significantly to the biomass of this area. The occurrence of high levels of hydrogen sulphide is a characteristic on the Saco da Ribeira beach, where the sand a few centimeters below the surface is almost quite black. The corresponding very low concentrations of dissolved oxygen seems to be insufficient for many species living inside the sediment. We assume that the Polychaeta species found in those spots probably migrate to surface layers where the diffusion could supply oxygen. The Saco da Ribeira and Enseada beaches showed some degree of pollution, which may have affected che selective distribution of the Polychaeta fauna.

Multiple range tests according to Kramer, 1956 were performed on 3 meristic and 15 morphometric characters of "pescada-foguete" (Macrodon ancylodon) samples collected off coast near Conceição da Barra (Espirito Santo State), Atafona, Macaé, Ubatuba cities, Bom Abrigo Island and Rio Grande do Sul State coast. It was also observed morphological differences in otoliths collected at each region. The number of statistical differences among samples and different morphological characteristics presented by otoliths suggested the existence of four populations along the studied area: (1) along Espírito Santo State coast; (2) near the region between Atafona and Macaé coasts; (3) along São Paulo, Paraná and north Santa Catarina States coasts and (4) along Rio Grande do Sul State coast. Probably the differentiation was caused by different environmental conditions observed among regions. Other papers about life history corroborate these results except for the Espírito Santo population about which there is no biological information up to the moment.

Ninety-two samples taken during four océanographie cruises (January/February, April, August, October/November, 1972) provided material to study the bionomics and life history of Umbrina canosai. As many as 1477 specimens were examined to determine individual total length and weight, age (through otoliths readings) sex and maturity. A certain number of ovaries was examined to estimate their fecundity and determine spawning periodicity. Spatial distribution pattern of the species was obtained graphically for the different seasons using demographic isolines. Salinity, temperature and oxygen content of the bottom waters and depth related to the number of individuals caught by unit effort provided information to conclude that U. canosai migrates seasonally under the influence of the displacement of Subantarctic waters along the Southern Brazilian coast. A rather different spatial distribution was observed between immature and mature individuals. Spawning occurs throughout August/November and individuals spawn more than once during each spawning season. The recruitment of young specimens occurs during summer-autumn. There is no significant difference in the growth rate for both sexes. The weight/length relationship was significantly different for female and male values. It seems that U. canosai is closely associated with the presence of cold waters (below 16ºC).