Reproduction of the non-native fish Lepomis gibbosus (Perciformes: Centrarchidae) in Brazil

Minas Gerais is the fourth largest Brazilian state, and has an estimate of 354 native fish species. However, these fish species may be threatened, as this state has the highest rank of fish introductions reported for Brazil and South America. As one from the total of 85 non-native species detected, Lepomis gibbosus was introduced in the 60s to serve both as foragefish and to improve sport fishing. In this study, we evaluated the establishment of L. gibbosus in a shallow lake in the city of Ouro Preto, Doce River basin, state of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. We collected fish with fishing rods every two months from March 2002-February 2003. Fragments of gonads from a total of 226 females and 226 males were obtained and processed following standard histological techniques; then 5-7μm thickness sections were taken and stained in hematoxylin-eosin. Besides, for each specimen, the biometric measurements included the standard length (SL) and body weight (BW); and the sex ratio was obtained. The reproductive cycle stages were confirmed by the distribution of oocytes and spermatogenic cells. The type of spawning was determined by the frequency distribution of the reproductive cycle stages and ovarian histology. Based on the microscopic characteristics of the gonads, the following stages of the reproductive cycle were determined: one=Rest, two=Mature, three=Spawned for females or Spent for males; males and females in reproduction were found throughout the study period. Post-spawned ovaries containing oocytes in stages one (initial perinucleolar), two (advanced perinucleolar), three (pre-vitellogenic), four (vitellogenic) and post-ovulatory follicles indicated fractionated-type spawning in this species. The smallest breeding male and female measured were 4.6 and 4.9cm standard length, respectively, suggesting stunting. The sex ratio did not vary between males and females along the year and bimonthly, being 1:1. Moreover, L. gibbosus appears to be at stage three of biological invasion: establishment through reproduction. We suggest to deliver information about “non-native species” through lectures in schools, colleges/ universities, NGOs, government and environmental agencies in the cities and villages, in order to try to prevent environmental degradation by the introduction of non-native fish such as L. gibbosus in the region. We also recommend high fines for redhanded, and the import ban of non-native fish species to the region. Se analiza el establecimiento del pez introducido Lepomis gibbosus en una laguna natural de la ciudad de Ouro Preto, Cuenca del Rio Doce, provincia de Minas Gerais, región sureste de Brasil. Cada dos meses se realizaron muestreos con anzuelo y línea, entre marzo 2002-febrero 2003 y se capturaron 226 hembras y 226 machos. Se encontraron hembras y machos en actividad reproductiva durante todo el muestreo. Ovarios con signos de desove con oocitos de diferentes tallas y folículos post-ovulatorios indicaron la puesta parcial para L. gibbosus. La hembra y macho en reproducción más pequeños tenían entre 4.6cm y 4.9cm de longitud, que caracteriza el enanismo. La proporción sexual fue 1:1 y no presentó diferencias bimensuales ni anuales. De las cinco fases del proceso de bioinvasión, se confirmó que L. gibbosus se encuentra en la fase tres, llamada establecimiento a través de la reproducción. Se sugiere aclaración sobre la temática “especie foránea” para evitar la degradación del ambiente con la introducción de peces foráneos en la región.