Orientador: Cesar Martins / Banca: Antonio Carlos Bertollo / Banca: Claudio Oliveira / Resumo: Os ciclídeos são considerados peixes secundários adaptados à água doce e distribuídos principalmente pela África, América Central e América do sul. Nesse trabalho foram realizados estudos citogenéticos em 24 espécies representantes das principais subfamílias de ciclídeos sul-americanos com o objetivo de fornecer contribuições ao entendimento das tendências que governam a evolução cromossômica no grupo. Para isto foram realizadas análises da macroestrutura cariotípica através de coloração convencionais com Giemsa, localização das regiões organizadoras de nucléolo (RONs) através de coloração com Nitrato de Prata e identificação de regiões heterocromáticas através de bandamento C. A análise da macroestrutura cariotípica revelou que, embora eventos de rearranjos cromossômicos ocorreram no grupo, os ciclídeos mantém ainda as características basais do cariótipo dos Perciformes composto por 48 cromossomos subtelo-acrocêntricos. As RONs estiveram presentes em um único par cromossômico, porém em posições variáveis, caracterizando a ocorrência de rearranjos envolvendo estes cromossomos. Embora blocos de heterocromatina tenham sido identificados principalmente no centrômero de todas as espécies analisadas, algumas espécies apresentaram grandes segmentos heterocromáticos intersticiais caracterizando eventos de ganhos de heterocromatina que levaram a diferenciação de cariótipos específicos. As análises citogenéticas realizadas mostram que, embora aparentemente conservada, a estrutura cariotípica dos ciclídeos tem sofrido inúmeros rearranjos ao longo da sua história evolutiva. / Abstract: Cichlids are considered secondary fish adapted to the freshwater and distributed mainly in Africa, Central America and South America. Cytogenetic studies in 24 representative species of the main subfamilies of South American cichlids were conducted with the objective to supply informations about the chromosome evolution in the group. The karyotype macrostructure was analized through Giemsa stainning an localization of the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) through silver staining technique and the identification of heterochromatic regions through C-banding. The analysis of the karyotype macrostructure showed that although events of chromosome rearrangements occurred in the group, the cichlids still mantain the basic karyotype structure of Perciformes with 48 subtelocentric and acrocentric chromosomes. The NORs were observed in only one chromosome pair, however in different positions, characterizing the occurrence of rearrangements involving the NOR-bearing chromosomes. Although heterochromatic blocks have been mainly identified in centromeres of all analyzed species, some species presented large interstitial heterochromatin segments characterizing events of heterochromatin accumulation that had lead to the differentiation of specific karyotypes. Although the cytogenetic data obtained showed an apparently conserved chromosome structure, the cichlid karyotipes have suffered rearrangements throughout its evolutionary history. / Mestre

Orientador: Elisa Helena Giglio Ponsano / Banca:Rachel Cristina Prehl Alves / Banca: Silvia Helena Venturoli Perri / Resumo: O tom avermelhado de alguns peixes age como um fator distintivo em relação ao pescado convencional de carne branca, agregando valor e propiciando o surgimento de um novo produto. Por esse motivo, o estudo de fontes pigmentantes para utilização em dietas de peixes de importância econômica é assunto de considerável interesse para a aquicultura e a indústria de alimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes de carotenoides adicionados à ração de tilápias sobre o desempenho zootécnico e as características de qualidade dos filés. Novecentas e sessenta tilápias (Oreochromis niloticus) pesando entre 10 - 30 g foram distribuidas em 24 tanques e, após um período de adaptação, receberam as rações experimentais durante 80 dias. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de um grupo controle, correspondente a uma dieta basal sem aditivos pigmentantes, um grupo contendo astaxantina e quatro grupos contendo diferentes concentrações da biomassa de Rubrivivax gelatinosus como aditivo pigmentante. As variáveis analisadas incluíram consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar aparente das tilápias e pH, composição centesimal, concentração de carotenoides e cor dos filés. Os índices zootécnicos não diferiram estatisticamente, indicando que o uso dos pigmentantes não causou prejuízo ao desempenho produtivo. Os teores de umidade dos grupos que receberam pigmentantes foram inferiores aos encontrados nos filés do grupo controle, sendo este resultado relevante para a estabilidade microbiológica. O teor proteico dos filés dos grupos suplementados com biomassa bacteriana foi superior ao do grupo controle e os valores de pH, cinzas e lipídeos não variaram entre os tratamentos. A luminosidade e a intensidade de amarelo dos filés não diferiram entre os grupos e todos os tratamentos contendo pigmentantes provocaram aumento na intensidade...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The reddish hue of some fish acts as a distinctive factor from traditional white flesh, adding value to the product and providing a new product to consumer market. Because of that, the investigation on pigmenting sources for the diets of fish with economic importance is a matter of great interest for aquaculture and food industry. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of different carotenoids sources in tilapia fish diets on animals' performance and fillets characteristics. Nine hundred sixty tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) weighing 10 - 30 g were distributed in 24 tanks and, after an adaptation time, they received the experimental diets for 80 days. Treatments consisted of one control group receiving a basal diet with no pigment, one group receiving asthaxanthin and four groups receiving different concentrations of Rubrivivax gelatinosus biomass as the pigmenting ingredient. Variables analyzed included feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion for the animals and pH, proximate composition, carotenoids content and color for the fillets. Productive parameters did not differ statistically, showing that the use of the pigments did not cause any damage to animals' performance. Moisture contents of the fillets from the groups that received pigments were lower than those in the fillets from control group, what represents an important factor for the product conservation. The protein contents of the fillets from diets supplemented with the bacterial biomass were higher than those in control group while pH, ash and lipids did not vary among treatments. Lightness and yellowness did not differ among the groups but redness and carotenoids contents were higher for the fillets from all groups that received the pigments than for the control group. So, it can be concluded that the use of the pigmenting ingredients did not alter productive parameters but increased...(Complete abstract eletronic access below) / Mestre

Allopatric populations of Pseudocrenilabrus philander were found to differ in male breeding coloration. These colours are described and attention is drawn to the possibility that male coloration might prevent population hybridisation. Behaviour of the allopatric populations was studied in the laboratory. The execution of behaviour patterns of the various populations was found to be indistinguishable, and very similar to that of Haplochromis. Behaviour of P. philander was recorded in three morphologically different natural water bodies. Diurnal activities were found to follow a set rhythm. Though P. philander was shown to have adapted to a variety of habitats they retained their behavioural Components in an unchanged form. Field and laboratory observations are used to propose a behavioural mechanism for the natural regulation of population density. Although aggression between conspecific territorial Sarot herodon mossambicus habituated so that neighbours could live close to one another, it was found that P.philander are intolerant of their neighbours and are consequently forced apart. Though the execution of behaviour patterns was apparently identical for all populations of P. philander, field observations indicated that the frequency of performance differed. An experimental procedure was established to quantitatively compare the behaviour of various populations. As a result of comparative and choice chamber investigations, it is suggested that one of the four populations of P. philander would be unlikely to hybridise with the others if they were to become sympatric. These popUlations would be kept apart because of colour and behavioural differences. Differences of egg-size, fry-size, developmental and interbrood periods were also found, providing further evidence of incipient speciation. Evolutionary divergence of the allopatric populations of P. philander is discussed against a background of geological and geographical evidence. Consideration is given to the role of male coloration, ethological barriers and the importance of ethological differences to taxonomy. Behavioural evidence suggests that P. philander has closer affinities with the haplochromids than was initially realised. It is concluded that the clinal populations of P. philander should not be taxonomically separated, and it is argued that it would be premature to give the Kuruman population an elevated taxonomic status.

No description available.

Thesis advisor: Daniel Kirschner / Thesis advisor: Caroly Shumway / Species-specific differences in visual acuity have been demonstrated across species of cichlids differing in social and habitat complexity. What is the role of plasticity? A visual acuity assay on two species of fish reared in different habitat and social complexity was used to study brain plasticity in Xenotilapia flavipinnis and Asprotilapia leptura juveniles. The X. flavipinnis lives in sandy habitats and schools as juveniles. These fry were raised in an impoverished social environment in one case and an enriched habitat environment in another. The A. leptura lives in rocky habitats naturally. These fry were raised in an impoverished habitat environment. All conditions were compared to control groups with natural social and habitat conditions. I found that a change in social complexity had a plastic effect on visual acuity but a change in habitat complexity in both cases did not. / Thesis (BS) — Boston College, 2006. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Biology. / Discipline: College Honors Program.

Thesis (doctoral)--Wageningen Agricultural University, 1998. / Summary and conclusion also in Dutch. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc. (Ichthyology & Fisheries Science))--Rhodes University, 2004.

The feeding of the cichlid fish Sarotherodon mossambicus in Lake Sibaya, KwaZulu, was studied in relation to various biotic and abiotic features of the l ake environment from January, 1973 to July, 1975. The primary goal of the study was to determine the cause of stunting and poor condition of adults in this population. Juvenile and adult S. mossambicus feed on a mixture of detritus, bacteria and diatoms that occurs as a flocculent layer on sand substrates throughout the lake. Concentrated gastric acid, commonly at pH values of 1.5 and lower, lyses diatoms and bacteria which are subsequently digested in the intestine. This is the first report of digestion of bacteria by a fish, and the nutritional significance of the finding is discussed. Juveniles feed predominantly on shallow sand terraces found along the margin of much of the lake, while adults usually feed in offshore waters at depths of 3 m and greater. Benthic floc from feeding areas of juveniles and adults have similar concentrations of organic matter, total carbohydrate, soluble carbohydrate and calories, but differ markedly in respect to diatom and protein concentration. Diatom concentrations are generally high in terrace floc but are consistently low in floc from deep water. Protein concentration of benthic floc decreases with increasing depth from 0 - 5 m. Partial correlation analysis shows that protein and diatom concentrations have no correlation independent. of their common relationship to depth, and the evidence implicates detrital bacteria as the primary source of protein in benthic floc. Probable causes of the observed distributions of diatoms and protein are discussed. The protein content of benthic floc profoundly influences its nutritional value. A comparison with available data on animal nutrition shows that the ratio of digestible protein to digestible energy in floc in the shallows is high enough that this food resource would be expected to support good growth, but the ratio for deep water floc is so low that it would be expected to result in conspicuous malnutrition. Thus, inadequate dietary protein is identified as the principal cause of stunting and poor condition of adult S· mossambicus in Lake Sibaya; It is argued that the ratio of digestible protein to digestible calories can be expected to determine the food value of particulate organic matter that includes amorphous detritus in other ecosystems. Despite stunting and poor condition of adults, S. mossambicus are abundant in Lake Sibaya. The precocious breeding of this population is discussed as an adaptation that allows it to maximize reproductive output given the limited resources available to adults. Juvenile S. mossambicus perform daily movements from deep water onto the terraces where they feed and then back into deep water. During periods of relatively low lake level when terrace waters were usually less than 1.5 m deep (1-73 to 1-74), juveniles were present on the terrace throughout daylight hours. At relatively high lake levels (7-74 to 8-75), juveniles were present on the terraces for only about five hours following sunset. Periods of heavy wave action interrupt feeding activity and result in reduced numbers of fish in terrace waters. The possible roles of predator avoidance and temperature in determination of daily feeding behavior are discussed. Daily energy assimilation by juveniles, estimated by a field technique, is approximately 115 cal per g fish dry weight.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-03-30Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:28:26Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ribeiro_hb_me_botib.pdf: 818945 bytes, checksum: 0dcdc893d82479fdd59b8e9e10c78d34 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Os ciclídeos são considerados peixes secundários adaptados à água doce e distribuídos principalmente pela África, América Central e América do sul. Nesse trabalho foram realizados estudos citogenéticos em 24 espécies representantes das principais subfamílias de ciclídeos sul-americanos com o objetivo de fornecer contribuições ao entendimento das tendências que governam a evolução cromossômica no grupo. Para isto foram realizadas análises da macroestrutura cariotípica através de coloração convencionais com Giemsa, localização das regiões organizadoras de nucléolo (RONs) através de coloração com Nitrato de Prata e identificação de regiões heterocromáticas através de bandamento C. A análise da macroestrutura cariotípica revelou que, embora eventos de rearranjos cromossômicos ocorreram no grupo, os ciclídeos mantém ainda as características basais do cariótipo dos Perciformes composto por 48 cromossomos subtelo-acrocêntricos. As RONs estiveram presentes em um único par cromossômico, porém em posições variáveis, caracterizando a ocorrência de rearranjos envolvendo estes cromossomos. Embora blocos de heterocromatina tenham sido identificados principalmente no centrômero de todas as espécies analisadas, algumas espécies apresentaram grandes segmentos heterocromáticos intersticiais caracterizando eventos de ganhos de heterocromatina que levaram a diferenciação de cariótipos específicos. As análises citogenéticas realizadas mostram que, embora aparentemente conservada, a estrutura cariotípica dos ciclídeos tem sofrido inúmeros rearranjos ao longo da sua história evolutiva. / Cichlids are considered secondary fish adapted to the freshwater and distributed mainly in Africa, Central America and South America. Cytogenetic studies in 24 representative species of the main subfamilies of South American cichlids were conducted with the objective to supply informations about the chromosome evolution in the group. The karyotype macrostructure was analized through Giemsa stainning an localization of the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) through silver staining technique and the identification of heterochromatic regions through C-banding. The analysis of the karyotype macrostructure showed that although events of chromosome rearrangements occurred in the group, the cichlids still mantain the basic karyotype structure of Perciformes with 48 subtelocentric and acrocentric chromosomes. The NORs were observed in only one chromosome pair, however in different positions, characterizing the occurrence of rearrangements involving the NOR-bearing chromosomes. Although heterochromatic blocks have been mainly identified in centromeres of all analyzed species, some species presented large interstitial heterochromatin segments characterizing events of heterochromatin accumulation that had lead to the differentiation of specific karyotypes. Although the cytogenetic data obtained showed an apparently conserved chromosome structure, the cichlid karyotipes have suffered rearrangements throughout its evolutionary history.

M.Sc. (Zoology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract