Population dynamics of shrimpPleoticus muelleriin an upwelling region and new implications for latitudinal gradient theories

Abstract

The population dynamics of shrimp Pleoticus muelleri was used as a model to verify if the trend of continuous reproduction periodicity, shorter body size and longevity, and early sexual maturity found in tropical regions is corroborated in upwelling regions. Shrimps were sampled in a region under the influence of upwelling (northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil). Characteristics of bottom water were registered, and shrimps were measured (carapace length – CL) and classified by sex and gonadal development stages. Reproduction was seasonal, from September to December, and favoured by water mass intrusions of low temperatures and high chlorophyll concentrations. The greatest number of reproductive females preceded periods with the highest chlorophyll concentrations in the water column (cross-correlation; P < 0.05, lag (month) = −3, r = 0.50), suggesting greater developmental success of larval stage due to increase of food availability. Von Bertalanffy growth models resulted in asymptotic carapace length estimates of CL∞ = 40.21 mm and CL∞ = 36.78 mm for females and males, respectively. The reproductive and growth characteristics of the P. muelleri population studied herein were similar to that of populations from higher latitudes, demonstrating that the latitudinal pattern rule cannot be applied in regions influenced by an upwelling phenomenon.

Growth parameters, longevity, and mortality of the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus spp. (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in four important fishing regions of southeastern Brazil

“…As indicated in the present study and corroborated by results found by Davanso et al (2017) for the same taxon, shrimp in this region reach larger sizes, grow slower, and live longer than those from other regions studied, highlighting subtropical/temperate characteristics in Macaé. Similar results have been reported for Pleoticus muelleri (Spence Bate, 1888) (Sancinetti et al, 2019), Artemesia longinaris Spence Bate, 1888 (Carvalho‐Batista, Pantaleão, et al, 2019), and Exhippolysmata oplophoroides (Holthuis, 1948) (Pescinelli et al, 2018).…”

“…Also, the SBB is influenced by three distinct water masses: Coastal Water (CW), Tropical Water (TW), and South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) (Silveira et al, 2000; Valentin et al, 1987). TW carries warm and nutrient‐poor water, while SACW carries colder and nutrient‐rich water (Sancinetti et al, 2019).…”

“…Recent studies have shown that the Macaé region in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil (Figure 1) is distinct from other tropical regions to the south due to the direct influences of upwelling, with abiotic and biotic characteristics similar to higher latitudes (Carvalho‐Batista, Pantaleão, et al, 2019; Pantaleão et al, 2016; Pescinelli et al, 2018; Sancinetti et al, 2019). Upwelling in this region occurs mainly during spring and summer (October to March) (Acha et al, 2004; Castro‐Filho et al, 1987).…”

Bathymetric distribution of brachyuran crabs: Alpha and beta diversity variation in an upwelling area

“…Silva et al (2014) and Costa et al (2016) evaluated how bottom water temperature variations modulate the diversity of shrimp (Penaeoidea and Caridea) and Decapoda assemblages, respectively. Sancinetti et al (2014) and Sancinetti et al (2019) evaluated the abundance and distribution of Artemesia longinaris Spence Bate, 1888 and Pleoticus muelleri (Spence Bate, 1888) throughout a depth gradient (5-45 m). Herrera et al (2017) pointed out that the physical and chemical features of the SACW contributed to an increase in abundance of Exhippolysmata oplophoroides (Holthuis, 1948) and a decrease of Nematopalaemon schmitti (Holthuis, 1950).…”