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We comprehensively assessed marine recreational fishing of threatened guitarfishes (Pseudobatos percellens, Pseudobatos horkelii, and Zapteryx brevirostris) in Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil. A dual‐method approach integrated social media reports and in‐person interviews to explore practices, challenges, and conservation implications of recreational fishing for these species. Seasonal capture of guitarfishes required the promotion of catch‐and‐release, especially during gestational periods, and the development of best angling practices manuals and accessible identification guides. With a focus on land‐based activities and engagement with fishers, our findings underscored the importance of collaboration among researchers, recreational fishers, and conservationists to map and monitor recreational capture and contribute to guitarfish research and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent advances in the molecular knowledge of amphistome trematodes, most genera known from fish remain to be genetically characterized. This is the case for Kalitrema, a genus of the speciose family Cladorchiidae and the type of Kalitrematinae. The type and only species of this genus, Kalitrema kalitrema Travassos, 1933, was originally proposed based on two specimens found in an armored suckermouth catfish from Brazil, and its phylogenetic position has not been evaluated. In this study, paramphistomes found in Hypostomus alatus (2/9; 22.2%) and Hypostomus francisci (4/143; 2.8%) from the Paraobepa River (São Francisco River basin), Minas Gerais, Brazil, between December 2019 and November 2021, were subjected to morphological study. The parasites were identified in low intensity of infection [1.2 (1–2)] and redescribed as K. kalitrema. This species exhibits unique features such as a linguiform body with a circular ridge near the anterior end and a deep, median notch present at the posterior extremity of the body, apparently dividing the body into two lobes. A subset of specimens was further subject to phylogenetic analyses based on the most densely sampled markers, the nuclear ribosomal RNA (28S and ITS2) and mitochondrial cox1, which revealed the inclusion of K. kalitrema in a Neotropical clade of fish paramphistomes. The most comprehensive phylogenetic tree, based on the 28S dataset, confirmed K. kalitrema as an independent, early diverging lineage among Neotropical fish cladorchiids. However, the monophyly of Kalitrematinae was not sustained, given that species of the other kalitrematine genera Pseudocladorchis and Iquitostrema included in the phylogenetic analysis fell in a distinct clade with other fish cladorchiids. As a result, we propose here a narrower concept for Kalitrematinae sensu stricto, accommodating only Kalitrema (type genus) until a more natural subfamilial or familial classification is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report on new data on the occurrence and distribution of rare deep‐sea fishes (Teleostei) collected from off north‐eastern Brazil, including seamounts and oceanic islands of the Fernando de Noronha Ridge (Rocas Atoll and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago). Collections were made by the French RV Antea during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions between 29 September and 21 October 2015, and 9 April and 10 May 2017. Occurrences of Photostylus pycnopterus (Alepocephalidae), Gigantura chuni (Giganturidae), Ahliesaurus berryi (Notosudidae), Benthalbella infans, Rosenblattichthys hubbsi, Scopelarchoides danae (Scopelarchidae), Scopelengys tristis (Neoscopelidae), Zu cristatus (Trachipteridae), Stylephorus chordatus (Stylephoridae) and Pseudoscopelus cordilluminatus (Chiasmodontidae) are reported for the first time or confirmed in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. Photostylus pycnopterus and G. chuni are also recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic, whereas records of P. cordilluminatus are the first in the western Atlantic. Other records of rare species of those families are also reported and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delimitation of conservation units may be supported by information on compositional (taxonomic), functional, and phylogenetic diversity of a given locality or region. In this context, systematic conservation planning and key biodiversity areas are promising approaches for biodiversity protection.Factors such as species representativeness and exclusivity may be used to identify geographical distribution patterns and select relevant areas for conservation at a local scale.This study aims to identify areas with rare and restricted fish species in mountain streams in Southern Brazil, using a method that unites ecological and biogeographical approaches.Seven river basins and 152 mountain streams in Southern Brazil were sampled to obtain data on the occurrence and abundance of 115 fish species. The rarity status of each species was determined and endemicity analysis was used to find areas of restricted species (ARS) with three cell sizes.Using larger cells, continuous areas were identified and supported by a higher proportion of rare fish species. Using smaller cells, discontinuous areas were identified within each of the river basins, where rare and endemic fish species occur. Most of the smaller areas relevant for protecting fish fauna were located outside of conservation units.Fundamental areas were selected for the protection of fish species in mountain streams in Southern Brazil. Both the method proposed and the areas with rare and restricted fish species identified may be used to support systematic conservation planning and to delimit new priority areas for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a bibliometric analysis in order to quantify and characterize the scientific knowledge about threatened freshwater fish species in Brazil based in studies published in peer-reviewed journals from Web of Science database from Clarivate Analytics. We verified an increase in the number of papers for threatened freshwater fish species in Brazil, especially in the last eleven years of studied period. The journals with the most papers were Neotropical Ichthyology, Environmental Biology of Fishes, and Journal of Fish Biology. The number of publications among the Brazilian regions and states is not homogeneous. The most studied threatened fish was piracanjuba Brycon orbignyanus. Some important gaps in scientific knowledge need to be addressed, such as the relatively small number and/or lack of studies conducted Brazilian states and with threatened freshwater fish species in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate glyphosate (GLY) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) toxicity at 65, 650, and 6500 μg L−1 to the initial stages of development of Steindachneridion melanodermatum , an endangered endemic species from the Iguaçu River, assessing hatching, survival, total larval length, deformities, oxidative stress biochemical biomarkers, and neurotoxicity. Overall, looking at the sum of responses through the integrated biomarker response, the species was more sensitive to AMPA than GLY, especially at the lower concentration of 65 μg L−1, which induced mortality, deformities, underdevelopment, and oxidative stress. Considering the risk of exposure and the importance of conservation of the highly endemic ichthyofauna of this basin, it is urgent to investigate and regulate both GLY and AMPA levels at the Iguaçu River to protect not only this species, but the entire ecosystem. • GLY and AMPA induce mortality in endangered Brazilian fish embryos and larvae. • AMPA at low level increases deformities and reduces body size. • GLY and AMPA trigger antioxidant response at lower levels. • Higher GLY concentrations impair antioxidants and cause neurotoxicity. • AMPA induces higher toxicity than GLY at lower concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paiva's blenny Lupinoblennius paivai is redescribed and its range redefined along the Brazilian coast. It differs from its congeners by the presence of three cephalic pores between the dorsal-fin base and lateral line, dorsal-fin elements XII, 12, anal-fin elements II, 16, pectoral-fin rays 14 and 10 + 20 vertebrae. It is here reported from Amazon estuaries (Marajó and Mosqueiro islands, Pará State), increasing its range by c. 3000 km. Lupinoblennius paivai is one of the few blenniid species able to tolerate low salinities. New data about its meristics and morphometrics are presented, as well as a new habitat type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new record for Elacatinus figaro, an endangered Brazilian species, is documented for Pedra do Sal, Piauí coast. We present new data about its distribution, discussing on the limits of the Brazilian Province and commenting on the IUCN criteria for evaluation on threatening status. Results: Five specimens of E. figaro were collected about 550 km northward from its previously known boundary, overtaking the expectations around its real distribution as presented in the original description. Conclusions: Results from E. figaro range expansion and new records of species in Brazilian coast fit the hypothesis presented in Floeter et al. (J Biogeogr 35: 22-47, 2008) of a Brazilian Zoogeographic Province, also assigned by Briggs & Bowen (J Biogeogr 39: 12-30, 2012) on a review of Marine Zoogeographic Provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is currently facing one of the worst environmental crises in history. The over-exploitation of natural resources, unrestrained expansion of fisheries, and mostly ineffective conservation policies impose great difficulty in regulating and supervising fishing activities, whether commercial or recreational. Unreported and unregulated recreational fisheries are largely carried out along the Brazilian coast; however, their potential for exploitation of fish stocks remain unknown. To obtain data regarding this popular and poorly known leisure activity, we compiled information on catches posted by recreational anglers on a social media platform between 2008 and 2013. Photographic records of fish caught on the continental shelf off the southern Atlantic Ocean in Brazil were downloaded and assessed, and species were identified and quantified (trophies and total captures) for each fishing trip (day), including the number of anglers, totaling 788 fishing days, with an average of 4.2 anglers/day. A total of 50 species were recorded: eight elasmobranchs and 42 teleosteans. Regarding conservation status, 25 species were categorized as threatened (25.5%) and one as data deficient (25.5%) at the global level according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Notably, elasmobranchs, dolphinfishes, bluefishes, croakers, triggerfishes, Atlantic bigeyes, and sharks showed high capture frequencies. Our results indicate the need for an efficient system to monitor recreational fishing, as well as co-management plans discussed with all stakeholders to control and reduce the worrying rate of capture of threatened species. • Unreported and unregulated fisheries are largely carried out along the Brazilian coast. • Social media platforms can be a complementary tool to obtain (local and nationwide) data on endangered species. • Estimated catches of threatened species were substantial, especially elasmobranchs. • Participatory research has also become a crucial ally in data collection and ca be associated with fishing monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights a study that aims to determine the use and commercialization of Tucuxi dolphin Sotalia fluviatilis for medicinal and magic/religious purposes in Northern Brazil. The study was conducted in the City of Belém and in the fishing community of Pesqueiro Beach, both located in the state of Pará. Results suggest that the use of the products or parts of S. fluviatilis is widespread in the area, both in urban and rural areas, reflecting the cultural importance of the species in the region. Researchers conclude that conservation and management plans are urgently required, but these will have to discern the cultural aspects of human communities that use dolphins for food, medicines or for magic/religious purposes.

Studies on local ecological knowledge (LEK) of small-scale fishers can provide new information on fishing dynamics, biology, ecology and conservation status of exploited fish. The groupers (Epinephelidae family) include reef fish of high commercial value, which have been threatened by overfishing, due to their large body size and slow growth. This study aimed to record and to analyze fishers' LEK on the biology, ecology, perceptions on management rules and temporal changes on abundance and size of five grouper species (Mycteroperca bonaci, Epinephelus adscensionis, E. itajara, E. morio and Cephalopholis fulva) in the northeastern Brazilian coast. Another goal was to compare LEK with available scientific data on these grouper species. A total of 64 fishers were interviewed in three fishing communities, about biology and conservation status (size and abundance trends) of the studied groupers. Overall, there was a high agreement between LEK and scientific data on fish diet and migration of the studied fishes, but low agreement and less knowledge by fishers about fish reproduction. According to fishers' LEK, all the studied species showed a decline on abundance, besides declines in size (length or biomass), when comparing fisheries nowadays and when each fisher started fishing (past situation). The threatened fish E. itajara showed the largest decreases in size over time, according to fishers' LEK. Fishers mentioned that they know and agree with management rules that prohibit fishing of certain aquatic species, especially E. itajara. The information from fishers' LEK provided useful and new data for some of the studied reef fishes in the highly diverse, but relatively poorly known northeastern Brazilian coast. These results from LEK can thus contribute to fill current knowledge gaps in the scientific literature, to suggest new hypotheses to be investigated and to improve conservation and management of this commercially important and threatened group of reef fishes. [Display omitted] • We analyze fishers' ecological knowledge on five species of reef fish (groupers). • Interviews provided new data on biology, ecology and fishing of these threatened fish. • Fishers indicated temporal changes on abundance and size of these fish. • Fishers know and agree with rules related to fishing bans for threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present note extends the distribution of annual killifish Austrolebias periodicus, a endangered species, endemic of the Pampas region, in Ibicuí River basin, state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. This information is needed to develop conservation strategies for this species and its habitat, which are at high risk due to the expansion of rice production and exotic forests in southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report the second record for Leporinus tigrinus in the Upper Paraná River basin, based on two specimens collected during field studies at Sucuriú River, Mato Grosso do Sul State and two specimens from Claro River, Goiás State. These records extend the species' distribution in approximately 500 km southwards from the first record in Corumbá dam area, Goiás State. Moreover, we discuss whether the species is native in the Upper Paraná River basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Black grouper (mycteroperca bonaci), an endangered fish that are included in commercially extinct marine species list in São Paulo, Brazil. It states that the fish features 7 or 8 rectangular dark gray blotches column and exist on coral reefs of at least 75 meters deep in western Atlantic. It adds that black grouper is a protogynous hermaphrodite species. Meanwhile, it says that Brazil conservation provides minimum of 45 cm capturing size to address the threat.

The article provides information on the Steindachneridion parahybae, a migratory freshwater species endemic in Paraiba do Sul River Basin, Brazil. The species, which is also known as Surubim do Paraiba, is described having a light grayish color with large dark brown blotches irregularly distributed over head and trunk in an irregular dotted pattern. In addtion, the author denotes that the said species are considered to be critically endangered under the Brazilian Red List in 2005 and regionally extinct in São Paulo State in 2008.

The article features the Crenicichla jupiaensis, known as joaninha or joana-listrada, and one of the endangered species of fish in the world. It notes the physical identification of Crenicichla jupiaensis and its endemic distribution in Paraná River basin in Brazil. It suggests that constructions of dams and destruction of lotic habitats have caused the decline of the population of Crenicichla jupiaensis.

The article focuses on the first record of a pughead Spanish hogfish Bodianus rufus. A pughead B. rufus is characterized by abnormal upper jaw and anterior head bones that result in a shorter upper jaw compared to the lower jaw. It was first sighted at 10 meter depth on December 28, 2006 at Ilha Rasa de Dentro, one of the two small rocky islands of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Based on the estimated size of the specimen the fish was probably an adult male. Other than its pughead appearance, general morphology, body condition and swimming mode were normal for the specimen.