Larval morphology and reproductive potential of two non-indigenous species Athanas nitescens Leach, 1813 and Athanas dimorphus Ortmann, 1894, (Caridea: Alpheidae) on the southeast coast of Brazil

• Grant number: 24/00532-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Morphology of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Rogério Caetano da Costa
• Grantee: Nádia de Moraes Sanches
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/13685-5 - Integrative analysis of the Brazilian fauna of decapod crustaceans: taxonomy, phylogenetic systematics, spermiotaxonomy, morphology of post-embryonic development, ecology and conservation, AP.BTA.TEM

Abstract

The family Alpheidae, notable for its diversity, comprises 62 genera, including Athanas, with Athanas nitescens and A. dimorphus being non-indigenous in Brazil. Due to be alien species, they raise an alert regarding potential impacts on the Brazilian coast. Considering the importance of understanding the larval development and reproductive potential of non-indigenous species in comprehending invasion success and the dispersal capacity of larval stages, this study aims to describe the larval morphology of A. nitescens and A. dimorphus, as well as analyze the reproductive potential of these species. Bi-monthly collections will be conducted in Araçá Bay and at the Transpetro Pier in the port region of São Sebastião, SP. Ovigerous females will be maintained in the laboratory to obtain post-embryonic stages. Reproductive potential will be assessed through the estimation of fecundity, egg volume, fertility, reproductive investment, and morphometric analysis of pleonal structures. Detailed data analysis can be found in the methodology section. The study will contribute to the taxonomy of post-embryonic stages and the evaluation of the reproductive potential of both species. In addition to these important biological parameters, the results will provide an overview of the presence of both species in the port region of São Sebastião and the potential of this coastal area to supply larvae that may be transported with meroplankton to other coastal areas. The execution of this study represents the most comprehensive biological investigation of A. nitescens and A. dimorphus on the Brazilian coast since their first records, also holding significant ecological importance.