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This work aimed to evaluate the inclusion of jabuticaba peel flour (JPF) in skin color and productive performance, biochemical, blood, and enzymatic parameters of Carassius auratus. 72 fish (weight 9.67 ± 0.37 g, length 7.38 ± 0.18 cm) were distributed into four treatments (0.00; 1.00; 1.50 and 2.00% JPF), in a completely randomized design with three replications with six fish per box. After 60 days, to evaluate the performance of the fish. To assess the skin color of the fish, a portable photo colorimeter was used using the Hunter coordinate system, where the coordinates of L*, a*, and b*. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis regarding glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The analysis of ALT and AST, albumin and triglycerides in liver tissue, and amylase, lipase, nonspecific protease, and alkaline phosphatase in the intestine. Results obtained showed that there was a significant difference about feed intake and specific growth rate with the inclusion of JPF. It was observed that fish fed with 1.00 and 1.50% JPF obtained an increase in brightness represented by the L coordinate and shades of yellow represented by the b coordinate. Glucose increased with 2.00% of JPF. AST activity was higher with 1.00% JPF and ALT was reduced with the inclusion of JPF, demonstrating an ability to protect against possible liver damage. The inclusion of JPF is effective at levels of up to 1.5% to increase the brightness of the skin of Carassius auratus.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the composition of the hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark (Hylocereus guatemalensis) and its effects on the diet of male blue Betta splendens concerning the content of digestive enzymes, liver metabolism, and activity antioxidant. The fish were supplemented with hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark (HEPB) at the concentrations of 0.24, 0.45, and 0.90 mg kg −1 of feed for 21 days. The inclusion of 0.24 and 0.45 mg kg −1 HEPB promoted the best results of zootechnical performance. The digestive activity showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity only when 0.45 mg kg −1 HEPB. The inclusion of 0.45 and 0.90 mg kg −1 HEPB promoted a decrease in hepatic ALT activity. An increase in CAT activity was observed in the skin of fish fed diets with added HEPB. Conclusion addition of HEPB is benefic for performance and have hepatoprotective.

The production of native oysters Crassostrea rhizophorae and Crassostrea gasar is expanding in northeastern Brazil, where reports of bivalve pathology are scarce. Recently, Perkinsus marinus was detected for the first time infecting C. rhizophorae in the state of Paraiba, in northeastern Brazil. Thus, more information on factors affecting the health of oysters is needed, especially concerning the pathogens listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The current study evaluated the health status of wild and cultured C. gasar mangrove oysters from the estuary of the Rio Sao Francisco, Sergipe state, northeastern Brazil. Results show that C. gasar oysters cultivated in the Rio Sao Francisco estuary had a greater prevalence of diseases and pathogens than oysters from a natural population in the same estuary, including maladie du pied (shell disease), Rickettsia—like organisms in gills, Steinhausia sp. oocyte infections, and Polydora sp. valve infestations. Of the two OIE notifiable diseases investigated, perkinsosis occurred at variable levels of prevalence that were always greater among cultured oysters (50.8%) than wild oysters (25.8%), and the intensity was predominantly low, suggesting low mortality impact. Bonamiosis was not detected.

Crassostrea rhizophorae and C. gasar oysters are cultivated in the northeast region. Perkinsus parasites infect bivalves, and their effects on oysters from tropical regions are poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of Perkinsus infection on the productive traits of native oysters. Oysters were sampled bimonthly during 7 months, from July 2010 to February 2011, to evaluate growth rate, mortality and shell color patterns (white and dark-gray) (n = 500), and to determine the prevalence and intensity of Perkinsus (n = 152). Perkinsus and Crassostrea species were determined using molecular tools. Results showed that most dark-gray (90%, n = 20) and white (67%, n = 18) oysters were C. gasar and C. rhizophorae, respectively. Oysters showed a high growth rate and moderate cumulative mortality (44%). C. gasar oysters grew better and showed lower mortality and lower incidence of Perkinsus compared to C. rhizophorae. The mean prevalence of Perkinsus was moderate (48%), but the infection intensity was light (2.2). Perkinsosis affected very small oysters (19.4 mm). In conclusion, native oysters, especially C. gasar, have a great potential for culture, mortality is not associated with perkinsosis, and the shell color of oysters can be used to improve selection for spats with better performance. Resumo Crassostrea rhizophorae e C. gasar são cultivadas na região Nordeste. Parasitas Perkinsus infectam bivalves e seus efeitos em ostras de regiões tropicais são pouco compreendidos. Este estudo avaliou o impacto da infecção por Perkinsus em parâmetros de produção de ostras nativas. Ostras foram coletadas bimestralmente durante 7 meses, de julho de 2010 a fevereiro de 2011, para avaliar crescimento, mortalidade e padrão de coloração da concha (branca e cinza-escura) (n = 500); além da presença e intensidade de Perkinsus (n = 152). Perkinsus e Crassostrea foram identificados por abordagem molecular. Os resultados mostraram que as ostras cinza-escuras (90%, n = 20) e brancas (67%, n = 18) eram C. gasar e C. rhizophorae, respectivamente. As ostras mostraram uma boa taxa de crescimento e mortalidade acumulada moderada (44%). C. gasar cresceu melhor com menor mortalidade e menor incidência de Perkinsus que C. rhizophorae. A prevalência média de Perkinsus foi moderada (48%), mas a intensidade de infecção foi leve (2,2). A perkinsiose afetou ostras pequenas (19,4 mm). Em conclusão, ostras nativas, especialmente C. gasar, têm grande potencial de produção; sem mortalidade associada à perkinsiose; e, a cor da concha pode ser usada para melhorar a seleção de sementes com melhor desempenho.

During a parasitological survey of the brown mussel Perna perna from highly productive culture fields in the southern sector of Brazil, monstrilloid copepods were discovered in the mantle of this mytilid bivalve. Numerous specimens of endoparasitic copepods were found within nodules in the mantle of the host; they belong to an undetermined species of Monstrilla. Monstrilloid copepods were known to be endoparasitic in polychaetes and in one species of prosobranch mollusc only; their occurrence as parasites of bivalve molluscs has not been previously documented. This is also the first record of these crustaceans infecting commercial molluscs. The prevalence of Monstrilla sp. infecting the brown mussel was 25.6%. At the histological level, it was observed that the larvae induced a strong haemocytic infiltration resulting from the complete larval encapsulation within the host mantle. The effect of this monstrilloid in the cultured populations of P. perna deserves further study.

Brazilian production of bivalve molluscs is small but expanding, especially in the northeastern region where the native oysters Crassostrea rhizophorae and C. gasar are abundant, and tropical weather promotes their rapid growth. Studies on bivalve pathology are scarce in Brazil, with only a few employing techniques for detecting protozoan pathogens listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). In 2008, a Perkinsus sp. was reported for the first time in Brazil, infecting C. rhizophorae oysters from a wild population in Ceara state, NE Brazil. Recently P. marinus was detected in the same oyster species in nearby Paraiba state. These findings highlighted the need to expand knowledge on the presence and impacts of Perkinsus spp. on Brazilian oyster populations. The current investigation evaluated Perkinsus sp. infections among wild and cultured C. gasar mangrove oysters from the estuary of the Rio Sao Francisco, Sergipe state, NE Brazil. Our results show that Perkinsus sp. infections occurred commonly in oysters of both groups, at prevalences that were frequently higher among cultured oysters. Prevalences varied seasonally, with maximum values during summer (January) of 57% and 80% for wild and cultured oysters respectively, and minimum values during winter (July). Results of DNA sequencing, in situ hybridization assays, and phylogenetic analyses showed dual- and single-pathogen infections by P. marinus and/or P. olseni in the tested oysters.