RESUMO
The aim of study is to feature the microbiological quality of two neotropical fish species from the quilombola area of Maranhão State, Brazil. In order to do so, 21 samples of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus and 21 samples of Cichlasoma bimaculatum were captured in flooded environment. Collected fish were euthanized in laboratory environment; muscle fragments were removed for microbiological analyses focused on enumerating molds and yeasts, viable strict and facultative mesophilic microorganisms and coagulase-positive staphylococci; on counting total and thermotolerant coliforms; and on investigating Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. Microbiological results were compared to the Brazilian legislation, which establishes the list of microbiological standards for food products. Among the assessed fish, 9.52% were classified as non-acceptable for human consumption, based on the Salmonella parameter. Enumerated coagulase-positive staphylococci ranged from < 10 to 3.9 x 104 CFU/g; 9.52% of assessed fish were classified as having intermediate standard for human consumption, whereas 4.76% were classified as non-acceptable for such a purpose. E. coli counting ranged from 3.6 to > 1,100MPN/g; 4.76% of assessed fish were classified as having intermediate standard for human consumption, whereas 4.76% were classified as non-acceptable for such a purpose. Total and thermotolerant coliforms' counting and the enumeration of viable strict and facultative aerobic microorganisms, as well as of molds and yeasts, have evidenced high microbial population rates; this finding suggests poor hygienic conditions at capture site, contaminated raw material and risk of incidence of enteropathogens. This finding has evidenced imbalance in the investigated environment, as well as compromised aquatic biodiversity.(AU)
Objetivou-se caracterizar a qualidade microbiológica de duas espécies de peixes neotropicais oriundas de área qui-lombola maranhense, Brasil. Para isso, foram capturadas 21 amostras de Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus e 21 amostras de Cichlasoma bimaculatum de ambiente alagável. No laboratório, os peixes foram eutanasiados, procedida a retirada dos fragmentos mus-culares e realizada as análises microbiológicas: enumeração de bolores e leveduras, micro-organismos mesófilos aeróbios estri-tos e facultativos viáveis e de estafilococos coagulase positiva, quantificação de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, pesquisa de Escherichia coli e Salmonella sp. Os resultados microbiológicos obtidos foram comparados com a legislação brasileira que estabelece a lista de padrões microbiológicos para alimentos. Dos peixes avaliados, 9,52% foram considerados inaceitáveis para consumo humano para o parâmetro Salmonella. A enumeração de estafilococos coagulase positivavariou de <10 a 3,9 x 104 UFC/g, sendo 9,52% dos peixes considerados com padrão intermediário e 4,76% inaceitáveis para consumo. A quanti-ficação de E. coli variou de 3,6 a >1.100 NMP/g, sendo 4,76% considerados com padrão intermediário e 4,76% inaceitáveis para consumo. A quantificação de coliformes totais e termotolerantes e a enumeração de micro-organismos aeróbios estritos e facultativos viáveis e bolores e leveduras revelou elevadas populações microbianas o que sugere más condições higiênicas do local de captura, matéria-prima contaminada e risco da presença de enteropatógenos, demonstrando desequilíbrio no ambiente estudado com comprometimento da biodiversidade aquática.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Perciformes/microbiologia , Técnicas Microbiológicas/veterinária , Caraciformes/microbiologia , Brasil , Biomarcadores AmbientaisRESUMO
The research investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with Artemia sp. enriched with the autochthonous probiotic Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, microbiota modulation, intestinal morphology, and resistance to pathogenic bacteria of Megaleporinus macrocephalus larvae. The study evaluated four treatments (C: without probiotics; T1: 1 × 104; T2: 1 × 106; and T3: 1 × 108 CFU·mL-1) in quadruplicates. The larvae (n = 160; weight = 5.3 ± 2.3 mg and length = 3.73 ± 0.4 mm) were distributed in 16 L containers at a density of 10 larvae·L-1 for 20 days. The productive performance, survival, gut microbiology, and histology were measured. The larvae were also submitted to acute challenge against the pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila. The results showed that supplementation with 1 × 108 CFU·mL-1 promotes greater gain in length (13.78 ± 0.40 cm) and total weight (0.08 ± 0.002 g), higher counts of lactic acid bacteria and lower total heterotrophic in the intestines (7.11 ± 0.30; 0.12 ± 0.09 log CFU·g-1, respectively) and larger villi (0.26 ± 0.03 µm). Diets containing probiotics influenced the animals' resistance to acute infection, with a lower accumulated mortality in T3 (33% ± 11.54%) and a higher one in C+ (93% ± 11.54%). Thus, probiotic supplementation with the autochthonous bacterium E. faecium (1 × 108 CFU·mL-1) provides zootechnical improvement, villus increase and greater resistance to infections.(AU)
A pesquisa investigou o efeito da suplementação dietética com Artemia sp. enriquecida com o probiótico autóctone Enterococcus faecium no desempenho do crescimento, modulação da microbiota, morfologia intestinal e resistência a bactérias patogênicas em larvas de Megaleporinus macrocephalus. O estudo avaliou quatro tratamentos (C: sem probióticos; T1: 1 × 104; T2: 1 × 106; e T3: 1 × 108 UFC·mL-1) em quadruplicata. As larvas (n = 160; peso = 5,3 ± 2,3 mg e comprimento = 3,73 ± 0,4 mm) foram distribuídas em recipientes de 16 L na densidade de 10 larvas·L-1 por 20 dias. Desempenho produtivo, sobrevivência, microbiologia e histologia intestinal foram medidos. As larvas também foram submetidas a desafio agudo contra a bactéria patogênica Aeromonas hydrophila. Os resultados mostraram que a suplementação com 1 × 108 UFC·mL-1 promoveu maior ganho de comprimento (13,78 ± 0,40 cm) e peso total (0,08 ± 0,002 g), maior contagem de bactérias lácticas e menor de heterotróficos totais nos intestinos (7,11 ± 0,30; 0,12 ± 0,09 log UFC·g-1, respectivamente) e maiores vilosidades (0,26 ± 0,03 µm). As dietas contendo probióticos influenciaram a resistência dos animais à infecção aguda, com menor mortalidade acumulada em T3 (33,33% ± 11,54%) e maior em C+ (93,33% ± 11,54%). Assim, a suplementação probiótica com a bactéria autóctone E. faecium(1 × 108 UFC·mL-1) proporciona melhora zootécnica, aumento de vilosidades e maior resistência a infecções.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Artemia/fisiologia , Comportamento Alimentar/fisiologia , Caraciformes/microbiologia , ProbióticosRESUMO
The study aimed to isolate, identify, and apply in vitro tests on bacteria with autochthonous probiotic potential isolated from fifteen healthy specimens of Megaleporinus macrocephalus. The strains were selected from the intestinal tract of fish and inoculated in the Petri plate containing Sharp Man Rogosa Agar (MRS) for (48 hours at 35ºC). They were isolated based on a test of catalase, Gram stain, tolerance to different gradients NaCl (1, 2 and 3%), pH (4, 5, 6, 8 and 9) values and bile salts (2.5 and 5%), in addition to the inhibition zone against pathogens. Of the 42 strains isolated, ST1 and ST9 had higher values (p<0.05) for total viable cells (31.80±0.07 and 32.51±0.05 CFU/mL × 108) respectively. In the resistance tests, strains ST1 and ST9 presented the best results, with emphasis on ST9 in the gradients of pH, high values of bile salts and larger inhibition zones against Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas jandaei. The strains with the best results in the tests, ST1 and ST9, were identified by the MALDI-TOF-MS method as Enterococcus faecium. Thus, the isolated E. faecium bacteria, may be recommended as for probiotic use in farming the M. macrocephalus.
O presente estudo visou isolar, identificar e aplicar testes in vitro em bactérias com potencial probiótico, autóctones, isoladas de 15 espécimes saudáveis de Megaleporinus macrocephalus. As cepas foram selecionadas do trato intestinal dos peixes e inoculadas em placas de Petri contendo Man Rogosa Sharped Agar (MRS), por 48 horas, a 35ºC. Foram isoladas com base em teste de catalase, coloração de Gram, tolerância a diferentes gradientes de NaCl (1, 2 e 3%), valores de pH (4, 5, 6, 8 e 9) e sais biliares (2,5 e 5%), além do halo de inibição contra patógenos. Das 42 cepas isoladas, ST1 e ST9 apresentaram maiores valores (P<0,05) para células viáveis totais (31,80±0,07 e 32,51±0,05 UFC/mL × 108), respectivamente. Nos testes de resistência, as cepas ST1 e ST9 apresentaram os melhores resultados, com destaque para ST9 nos gradientes de pH, altos valores de sais biliares e maiores halos de inibição contra Aeromonas hydrophila e Aeromonas jandaei. As cepas com melhores resultados nos testes, ST1 e ST9, foram identificadas pelo método de MALDI-TOF-MS como Enterococcus faecium. Assim, a bactéria isolada Enterococcus faecium, pode ser recomendada para uso probiótico na criação do M. macrocephalus.
Assuntos
Animais , Enterococcus faecium/isolamento & purificação , Probióticos/isolamento & purificação , Probióticos/uso terapêutico , Caraciformes/microbiologia , AquiculturaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) is one of the most important Neotropical aquaculture species from South America. Disease outbreaks caused by Aeromonas hydrophila infection have been considered significant contributors to the declining levels of pacu production. The current implementation of genomic selection for disease resistance has been adopted as a powerful strategy for improvement in fish species. This study aimed to investigate the genetic architecture of resistance to A. hydrophila in pacu via Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), the identification of suggestive Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) and putative genes associated with this trait. The genetic data were obtained from 381 juvenile individuals belonging to 14 full-sibling families. An experimental challenge was performed to gain access to the levels of genetic variation for resistance against the bacteria using the following trait definitions: binary test survival (TS) and time of death (TD). RESULTS: The analyses of genetic parameters estimated moderate heritability (h2) for both resistance traits: 0.20 (± 0.09) for TS and 0.35 (± 0.15) for TD. A linkage map for pacu was developed to enable the GWAS, resulting in 27 linkage groups (LGs) with 17,453 mapped Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). The length of the LGs varied from 79.95 (LG14) to 137.01 (LG1) cM, with a total map length of 2755.60 cM. GWAS identified 22 putative QTLs associated to A. hydrophila resistance. They were distributed into 17 LGs, and were considered suggestive genomic regions explaining > 1% of the additive genetic variance (AGV) for the trait. Several candidate genes related to immune response were located close to the suggestive QTLs, such as tbk1, trim16, Il12rb2 and lyz2. CONCLUSION: This study describes the development of the first medium density linkage map for pacu, which will be used as a framework to study relevant traits to the production of this species. In addition, the resistance to A. hydrophila was found to be moderately heritable but with a polygenic architecture suggesting that genomic selection, instead of marker assisted selection, might be useful for efficiently improving resistance to one of the most problematic diseases that affects the South American aquaculture.
Assuntos
Caraciformes/genética , Resistência à Doença , Doenças dos Peixes/genética , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/genética , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , Aeromonas hydrophila/patogenicidade , Animais , Caraciformes/imunologia , Caraciformes/microbiologia , Doenças dos Peixes/imunologia , Doenças dos Peixes/microbiologia , Ligação Genética , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/imunologia , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/microbiologia , Locos de Características QuantitativasRESUMO
Teleost fish represent an invaluable repertoire of host species to study the factors shaping animal-associated microbiomes. Several studies have shown that the phylogenetic structure of the fish gut microbiome is driven by species-specific (e.g., host ancestry, genotype, or diet) and habitat-specific (e.g., hydrochemical parameters and bacterioplankton composition) factors. However, our understanding of other host-associated microbial niches, such as the skin mucus microbiome, remains limited. The goal of our study was to explore simultaneously the phylogenetic structure of the fish skin mucus and gut microbiome and compare the effect of species- and habitat-specific drivers on the structure of microbial communities in both tissues. We sampled 114 wild fish from 6 populations of 3 ecologically and phylogenetically contrasting Amazonian teleost species. Water samples were collected at each site, and 10 physicochemical parameters were characterized. The skin mucus, gut, and water microbial communities were characterized using a metabarcoding approach targeting the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA. Our results showed a significant distinction between the phylogenetic profile and diversity of the microbiome from each microbial niche. Skin mucus and bacterioplankton communities were significantly closer in composition than gut and free-living communities. Species-specific factors mostly modulated gut bacterial communities, while the skin mucus microbiome was predominantly associated with environmental physicochemistry and bacterioplankton community structure. These results suggest that the variable skin mucus community is a relevant target for the development of microbial biomarkers of environmental status, while the more conserved gut microbiome is better suited to study long-term host-microbe interactions over evolutionary time scales.IMPORTANCE Whether host-associated microbiomes are mostly shaped by species-specific or environmental factors is still unresolved. In particular, it is unknown to what extent microbial communities from two different host tissues from the same host respond to these factors. Our study is one of the first to focus on the microbiome of teleost fish to shed a light on this topic as we investigate how the phylogenetic structure of microbial communities from two distinct fish tissues are shaped by species- and habitat-specific factors. Our study showed that in contrast to the teleost gut microbiome, skin mucus communities are highly environment dependent. This result has various implications: (i) the skin mucus microbiome should be used, rather than the gut, to investigate bacterial biomarkers of ecosystem perturbance in the wild, and (ii) the gut microbiome is better suited for studies of the drivers of phylosymbiosis, or the coevolution of fish and their symbionts.
Assuntos
Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Caraciformes/microbiologia , Ciclídeos/microbiologia , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Interações entre Hospedeiro e Microrganismos , Pele/microbiologia , Animais , Bactérias/classificação , Brasil , Ecossistema , Mucosa/microbiologia , Filogenia , RNA Bacteriano/análise , RNA Ribossômico 16S/análise , Especificidade da EspécieRESUMO
Aloe vera is a traditional medicinal plant; however, its use in fish is fairly recent. We evaluated the effects of dietary A. vera on stress, innate immunity, and energy metabolism in pacu inoculated with Aeromonas hydrophila. For 7 days, 192 fish were fed with diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% of the plant extract and then inoculated with bacteria and sampled 3, 6, and 24 h later. All concentrations of A. vera reduced basal levels of cortisol, and 1.0% reduced cortisol levels more intensely 3 h after inoculation. A. vera increased the basal respiratory activity of leukocytes/RAL (0.5 and 1.0%), increased the serum levels of lysozyme (1.0 and 2.0%) 6 h after inoculation, and increased the activity of the complement system after 3 h. Spleen somatic index/SSI increased with 1.0 and 2.0% A. vera. A. vera also promoted metabolic effects. It increased basal levels of lipids in the liver and muscle, as well as hepatosomatic index (1.0%) and, 3 h after inoculation, prevented the reduction of serum triglyceride (1.0%) and reduced the mesenteric fat (1.0%). Bacterial inoculation increased RAL from 3 to 24 h and lysozyme levels at 24 h, increased serum cholesterol at 24 h, and decreased serum triglyceride from 3 to 24 h, regardless of A. vera. We concluded that A. vera offered for only 7 days had stress-reducing effects, stimulated innate immunity, protected triglyceride levels in blood, lipid depots in the liver and muscle, and directed the energy mobilization to visceral depots.
Assuntos
Aeromonas hydrophila/patogenicidade , Aloe/química , Caraciformes/microbiologia , Doenças dos Peixes/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/veterinária , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Animais , Glicemia/análise , Colesterol/sangue , Metabolismo Energético/efeitos dos fármacos , Doenças dos Peixes/dietoterapia , Doenças dos Peixes/microbiologia , Glicogênio/análise , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/dietoterapia , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/tratamento farmacológico , Hidrocortisona/sangue , Imunidade Inata/efeitos dos fármacos , Leucócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Leucócitos/fisiologia , Lipídeos/análise , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/metabolismo , Muramidase/sangue , Músculos/efeitos dos fármacos , Músculos/metabolismo , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Distribuição Aleatória , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Estresse Fisiológico/efeitos dos fármacos , Triglicerídeos/sangueRESUMO
The edible coating of chitosan with clove essential oil (CEO) was studied for its ability to reduce the microbial growth of pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7 CDCEDL933, Listeria monocytogenes CERELA, Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC13076, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853) in Tambaqui fillets kept under refrigeration. In in vitro tests, chitosan showed higher antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes (MIC 0.5%), and CEO for L. monocytogenes (MIC 0.08%). Based on the antimicrobial activity of chitosan and CEO, Tambaqui fillets were subjected to different treatments, T1: chitosan 2%; T2: chitosan 2% + CEO 0.16%, and T3: chitosan 0.5% + CEO 0.08%, kept at 4 ºC for 72 h. The chitosan coating, incorporated with CEO, inhibited microorganisms in Tambaqui fillets and enhanced coating efficiency (p < 0.05). It was most effective against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus at the lowest CEO concentration (0.08%). Chitosan coating in combination with CEO enhanced the antimicrobial effect of pathogens on Tambaqui fillets, increased their shelf life under refrigeration, and was more effective against Gram-positive pathogens than Gram-negative pathogens.(AU)
O revestimento comestível de quitosana com óleo essencial de cravo (OEC) foi estudado por sua capacidade em reduzir o crescimento microbiano de patógenos (Escherichia coli O157:H7 CDCEDL933, Listeria monocytogenes CERELA Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853) em filés de tambaqui mantidos sob refrigeração. Nos testes in vitro, a quitosana apresentou maior atividade antimicrobiana para S. aureus e L. monocytogenes (CIM 0,5%) e o OEC para L. monocytogenes (CIM 0,08%). Com base na atividade antimicrobiana da quitosana e OEC, os filés de Tambaqui foram submetidos a T1: quitosana a 2%; T2: quitosana 2% + OEC 0,16% e T3: quitosana 0,5% + OEC 0,08%, mantidos a 4 ºC por 72 h. O revestimento de quitosana, incorporado ao OEC, inibiu os micro-organismos nos filés de Tambaqui aumentando a eficiência do revestimento (p< 0,05); e foi mais eficaz para L. monocytogenes e S. aureus na menor concentração do OEC (0,08%). O revestimento de quitosana quando combinado ao OEC aumentou o efeito antimicrobiano de patógenos nos filés de Tambaqui, aumentando sua vida útil sob refrigeração, sendo mais eficaz contra patógenos Gram positivos do que os patógenos Gram negativos.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Salmonella enteritidis/patogenicidade , Óleos Voláteis , Syzygium , Quitosana , Caraciformes/microbiologia , Listeria monocytogenes/patogenicidadeRESUMO
Aeromonas bacteria can cause an infection characterized by septicemia and is one of the most common pathogens in tropical fish. This disease is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates, causing considerable losses in aquaculture. Thus, the understanding of its pathophysiology is crucial to develop control strategies of this bacterial infection in farmed fish. This study aimed to characterize early pathological aspects of acute sepsis in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. A total of 160 juvenile pacus were inoculated intraperitoneally with A. hydrophila (1.78 x 109 CFU/mL) and at 0 (control), 1, 3, 6, and 9 hours post-inoculation (hpi), animals were anesthetized and samples were collected for microbiological, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyzes. The results showed the occurrence of hemodynamic alterations, such as hemorrhage and congestion, which were observed mainly after 6 and 9 hpi. It was possible to re-isolate Aeromonas at all sampling times except in control group. However, just after 9 hpi it was possible to find the bacteria in all fish and tissues. Light microscopy analyses revealed a degenerative process, necrosis and vascular damage mainly at 6 and 9 hpi. According to the ultrastructural examination, areas of cellular death were identified in all examined tissues, especially at 6 and 9 hpi. However, the most severe, related to necrosis, were observed after 6 and 9 hpi. The findings suggested that this bacterium spreads in the first hpi through the fish organs, mainly affecting spleen, liver and kidney, causing irreversible lesions at the molecular level.
Assuntos
Aeromonas hydrophila , Caraciformes/microbiologia , Doenças dos Peixes/microbiologia , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/veterinária , Sepse/veterinária , Animais , Doenças dos Peixes/patologia , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/microbiologia , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/patologia , Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão/veterinária , Sepse/microbiologia , Sepse/patologiaRESUMO
Brycon orbignyanus is an endemic species from La Plata basin whose stocks have been presenting significant reductions throughout the Paraná River. Brycon orbignyanus is categorized as an endangered species. This study evaluated aspects of the bio-ecology of this species that may be related to this threat, highlighting its distribution, abundance, and diet as well as the corresponding relationships between its recruitment and flood regimes. Data were obtained from different parts of the upper Paraná River (stretches free and regulated by dams) from 1986 to 2010 with more detailed data collected from the free remnant of this basin. The results indicate that no records for species exist at more than half of the sampling points located in dam-regulated sections of the Paraná River, whereas specimens were collected from 75% sites in the free plain remnant. We observed a remarkable effect of the hydrological regime on recruitment as well as distinct food demands during ontogenetic development, with adults almost exclusively consuming fruits and seeds, revealing that these individuals are supported by riparian vegetation. Thus, it is concluded that changes in the natural flood regime as well as riparian vegetation removal threaten B. orbignyanus populations in the Paraná River basin.(AU)
Brycon orbignyanus é uma espécie endêmica da bacia do rio da Prata, cujos estoques vêm apresentando redução relevante em todo o rio Paraná, e está classificada como espécie ameaçada. Este estudo avaliou aspectos da bio-ecologia da espécie, relacionados a essa ameaça, destacando sua distribuição, abundância, dieta e relação entre o recrutamento e o regime de inundação. Os dados foram obtidos em diferentes partes da bacia do alto rio Paraná (trechos regulados por barragens e trechos livres) de 1986 a 2010, com detalhes no remanescente livre desse segmento (planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná). Os resultados indicam que não existem registros da espécie em mais da metade dos pontos de amostragem localizados nos trechos da bacia do rio Paraná reguladas por barragens, enquanto a espécie foi capturada em 75% dos locais amostrados na planície (remanescente livre de barragem). Foi observado um efeito marcante do regime hidrológico sobre o recrutamento de B. orbignyanus, bem como o uso de diferentes alimentos durante seu desenvolvimento ontogenético, com adultos consumindo quase exclusivamente frutos e sementes, revelando que esses indivíduos são sustentados pela vegetação ripária. Assim, conclui-se que mudanças no regime natural de inundação, bem como a remoção da vegetação ripária, ambas decorrentes de ações antropogênicas, ameaçam B. orbignyanus na bacia do rio Paraná.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Caraciformes/genética , Caraciformes/microbiologia , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais/tendênciasRESUMO
The Neotropical migratory (piracema) fish species Brycon orbignyanus (Valenciennes, 1850), commonly known as piracanjuba, was once considered one of the most conspicuous resources for fisheries in the La Plata River Basin, the second largest in South America, but today is considered a threatened species, almost extinct in the wild ( Machado et al., 2008 ; Oliveira et al., 2017 ). It suffers from several pressures such as intense hydroelectric exploitation in the basin, pollution, deforestation of riverine vegetation and introduction of species ( Oliveira et al., 2017 ). Its omnivorous habits and fast growth curve under domestication ( Sipaúba-Tavares et al., 2008 ; Nogueira et al., 2014 ) makes this fish a good candidate for the development of aquaculture programs, which could guarantee its ex situ cultivation and help in situ conservation initiatives. Hatchery production of this species, targeting stocking efforts in areas affected by dam introduction, is presumed to be important in helping maintaining small population remnants in some isolated points in the basin, but this is still unaddressed in rigorous scientific studies. Such scenario brings about the importance of the development of tools for the rapid assessment of genetic diversity and structure, in order to identify the impacts over dwindling stocks and to evaluate the efficiency of fish stocking activities, in this important species.(AU)