Salt-water recirculation systems using automatic feeders are a new frontier for marine aquaculture. The definition of the feed frequency is fundamental for the correct use of automatic feeders. Different feeding frequencies (1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 times a day) using automatic feeders were evaluated in two experiments on the performance of the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) in salt-water recirculation system. In the first experiment, three feeding frequencies were evaluated: feeding once a day; three times a day and six times a day. In the second experiment, three feeding frequencies were evaluated: feeding six times a day; 12 times a day and 18 times a day.Waters parameters (temperature, salinity, oxygen level, total ammonia, pH and oxidation-reduction potential) were maintained at specific ranges for the species. Among all the evaluated frequencies, 12 times a day provided the best productive performance, obtaining superior results for final weight, final biomass, specific growth rate and daily weight gain. For juveniles of the dusky grouper, the ideal feeding frequency is regular feedings every 2 hours, which is impractical to run without the use of automatic feeders.

The registration of reproductive processes of elasmobranchs is rare and little documented in public aquariums. The present work registers the first case of dystocia in cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus), (Mitchill, 1815). The ray maintained in captivity by 16 years, it presented a gestation of 14 months. There was not occurrence of the natural childbirth, being necessary the human intervention through obstetric maneuvers for the retreat of the fetus. The described procedures can be used as reference in other cases of dystocia with the species.

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Due to the decline of fishing stocks, aquaculture has been expanding throughout the world. Taking into account the possibility of conflicts of aquacultural activities in areas of environmental protection, this study aims at assessing the effects of mariculture upon the local ichthyofauna of Itaguá Bay in Ubatuba, São Paulo state, Brazil, which is within a marine protection area. In order to do so, the fish community was analyzed in areas with mussels and macroalgae farms and in areas without any maricultural activities. After six months of sampling efforts, 230 individuals were captured from 19 different species and 15 families. There was no difference in catchability, richness, diversity, and evenness among the areas. Nevertheless, the species composition was distinct in areas where mussels were farmed. These areas have presented twice as much fish biomass than the others. Based on these results, we can observe that the environmental alterations caused by mussel farming, are sources of habitat complexity, hence able to enrich the marine fauna of the region. Thus, we conclude that mariculture, specifically mussel farming, has a positive impact on ichthyofauna, contributing to biodiversity maintenance in protected areas.

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