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There is currently innumerable evidence showing that the lunar cycle affects various reproductive aspects in farm animals. However, there is very little information on the effect of the lunar cycle on productive traits in these species. A retrospective study was conducted (2015-2018) to evaluate the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive and productive traits in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) production system in the southern Andean region of Ecuador. A total of 7352 productive and reproductive records of guinea pig females housed in 3 m2 cages with a breeding male were analyzed. The following variables were considered: offspring sex ratio, litter size per cage, number of weaned guinea pigs, mortality, individual and litter weaning weight of guinea pigs, and calving frequency. The lunar cycle was split into eight periods of ~3.7-d length each. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and general linear model, and means were compared by the least mean squares method of the SAS. The offspring sex ratio was not correlated to the lunar cycle. The lunar cycle at mating and calving influenced the litter size per cage, number of weaned, and mortality of guinea pigs. The individual and litter-weaning weights were influenced by the lunar cycle at calving. The frequency of calving was greater around the new and full moon than in the remaining periods of the lunar cycle. In conclusion, the lunar cycle influenced several productive and reproductive traits in guinea pigs, such as litter size, mortality, number of pups weaned, and individual and litter weaning weights. This valuable information may have practical applications in management of guinea pig production systems.

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The tropical Celebes eel, Anguilla celebesensis, has a short migration between its spawning and growth habitats. Its spawning areas were hypothesized to be in Tomini Bay and the Celebes Sea after collecting their small leptocephali. However, there is no information about the silver eel oceanic spawning migration behavior of A. celebesensis. To better understand their short-distance spawning migration behavior, four large female silver eels (Eel 1-4) were equipped with pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) and released near the mouth of the Poso River in Tomini Bay of Sulawesi Island on 22 February (Eel 1-3) and 11 March 2010 (Eel 4). All PSATs ascended in Tomini Bay and transmitted their data. Eel 3 and 4 provided clear records of consistent diel vertical migration (DVM: eight days-Eel 3, 13 days-Eel 4) with daytime dives to mean depths of 444.7 m (Eel 3) and 539.0 m (Eel 4), where mean temperatures were 9.1°C (Eel 3) and 7.7°C (Eel 4), and nighttime ascents to mean depths of 132.8 m (Eel 3) and 112.4 m (Eel 4), where mean temperatures were 20.6°C (Eel 3) and 23.4°C (Eel 4). Eel 3 and 4 started to dive to deeper water around nautical dawn and swam up to shallower water around sunset. During nighttime, both eels swam in deeper and colder water during nights with moonlight than during nights without moonlight, and there was a negative linear relationship between experienced water temperatures with the moon in the sky and the lunar age for the eels. The A. celebesensis daily rhythm of DVM behaviors was similar to spawning-migration DVM behaviors of other anguillid species. Essential life history characteristics of A. celebesensis appear to be a short migration between freshwater growth habitat and ocean spawning habitat, and high GSI values with advanced gonadal development in downstream-migrating silver eels.

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Lunar cycle modulates the rhythmic activity patterns of many animals, including fish. The effect of the moonlight cycle on daily melatonin and metabolic parameters was evaluated in matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) subjected to external natural lighting. Eighty juvenile were distributed in 4 tanks of 1m3 (20 fish/tank) and divided into two groups. One group was exposed to the full moon and the other group to the new moon for 30 days, which corresponds to the duration of the lunar period. At the end of the lunar phase, 6 fish from each group were anesthetized to collect blood, tissue and eye samples at midday and midnight. The comparison between the light and dark periods revealed a significant increase in plasma and ocular melatonin in the last period. However, there was no significant difference for plasma melatonin between moons. Ocular melatonin presented higher concentrations during the new moon. Glucose, total proteins, cortisol, liver glutathione and gill lipid peroxidation were higher in the full moon compared to in the new moon. Plasma triglyceride was higher during the night for the full moon, and the opposite was found for the new moon. Total cholesterol values were higher at night regardless the moon phase. Glutathione in the gills and lipid peroxidation in the liver showed no significant differences. These results highlight the importance of considering both the day and lunar cycles for melatonin and metabolic parameters in species of commercial interest and susceptible to stressful situations in rearing conditions.

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A Lua é o satélite natural da Terra e sua participação em diversos aspectos da sociedade tem sido descrito há muitos anos. Nesse quesito, existe uma crença popular que afirma que esse astro possui influência direta sobre o ciclo reprodutivo de diversas espécies. Baseado nisso, estudos averiguaram que as mulheres apresentam maior número de partos durante determinadas fases da Lua. Porém, não há trabalhos com relação a estes aspectos na reprodução de pequenos animais. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar se as fases da Lua influenciam no parto de cadelas e gatas. Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo coletando-se os dados de 100 fêmeas que passaram por acompanhamento gestacional no hospital veterinário da instituição. Utilizou-se a data do parto para posterior classificação da fase da Lua correspondente, bem como se o parto ocorreu em uma mudança de fase da Lua. Obteve-se maior incidência de partos durante a Lua crescente (porém sem significância estatística) e na transição entre as fases da Lua. Assim, conclui-se que a influência da Lua sobre os partos de pequenos animais ainda é uma incógnita, devendo-se considerar outros fatores para identificar se essa relação existe.

The Moon is the Earth's natural satellite and its participation in various aspects of society has been described for many years. In this regard, there is a popular belief that this star has a direct influence on the reproductive cycle of various species. Based on this, studies have shown that women give birth more often during certain phases of the Moon. However, there are no studies that analyze this in the reproduction of small animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify whether the moon phases influence births in female dogs and cats. A retrospective study was carried out, collecting data from 100 females that underwent gestational monitoring at the veterinary hospital of the institution. The date of parturition was used for further classification of the corresponding Moon phase, as well as whether the parturition occurred during a Moon phase change. We found a higher incidence of births during a crescent Moon (but without statistical significance) and during the transition between Moon phases. Thus, we conclude that the influence of the Moon on births in small animals is still unknown, and other factors should be considered to identify if this relationship exists.

La Luna es el satélite natural de la Tierra y desde hace muchos años se ha descrito su participación en diversos aspectos de la sociedad. Existe la creencia popular de que la Luna influye directamente en el ciclo reproductivo de varias especies. Basándose en ello, algunos estudios han demostrado que las mujeres dan a luz con más frecuencia durante determinadas fases de la Luna. Sin embargo, no existen estudios que analicen este hecho en la reproducción de pequeños animales. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar si las fases lunares influyen en el nacimiento de perras y gatitos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo recogiendo los datos de 100 hembras que se sometieron a seguimiento gestacional en el hospital veterinario de la institución. La fecha del parto se utilizó para clasificar posteriormente la fase lunar correspondiente, así como si el parto se produjo durante un cambio de fase lunar. Se obtuvo una mayor incidencia de partos durante la luna creciente (pero sin significación estadística) y durante la transición entre fases lunares. Por lo tanto, se puede concluir que la influencia de la Luna en los partos en pequeños animales es aún desconocida y que deben considerarse otros factores para identificar si existe esta relación.

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A robust body of evidence has demonstrated that the lunar cycle plays an important role in the reproduction of fish living in natural environments. However, little is known about the influence of the moon on tilapia reproductive activity in intensive fish farming systems. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the lunar cycle on the reproductive performance of tilapias in an intensive outdoor tropical production system in Latin America. Records of two tilapia strains (Nile tilapia [Oreochromis niloticus; n = 75] and Red tilapia [Oreochromis spp.; n = 1335]) reared in concrete tanks in a commercial fish farm were analyzed. Over a 3-year period, 60,136 captures were made in intervals of 12 to 14 days and 6,600 females were manually spawned. The number of females spawned and the volume of eggs collected from each tank (n = 9) were recorded. Data was analyzed by the general linear model and means were compared by least squares means method. A very slight or no variation was observed when the lunar cycle was split into two halves (crescent and waning). The proportions of females spawned and the volume of eggs per spawned female and per female in the tank varied considerably across the eight periods of the lunar cycle, with greater values in the waning than in the crescent phase. A significantly greater proportion of tilapia spawned and yielded more eggs around the full moon than around the new moon and remaining days of the lunar cycle. The moon cycle affected the reproductive activity of tilapia, which were more reproductively active around the full moon and most of the waning phase.

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South American night monkeys (genus Aotus) are the only nocturnal simian primates. Early activity recordings in North Colombian A. griseimembra monkeys kept under semi-natural conditions and extensive chronobiological studies carried out in laboratory settings revealed a strictly nocturnal behavior and strong activity enhancing (disinhibiting) effects of moonlight or corresponding luminosities during the dark time. To check whether the results from captive individuals correspond to the behavior of wild monkeys, we carried out long-term activity recordings of a wild female A. griseimembra in a tropical rainforest near San Juan de Carare, Northern Colombia. Our data from about 150 days of continuous activity records with an "Actiwatch Mini" (CamNtech, UK) accelerometer-data logger device, confirmed: (1) strictly nocturnal behavior, (2) a pronounced bimodal activity pattern with prominent peaks during dusk and dawn, and (3) a lunar periodic modulation (masking) of the night monkey's circadian activity rhythm due to distinct activity inhibiting effects of the absence of moonlight throughout the night. The results from this wild-living tropical night monkey are consistent with those from captive conspecifics studied decades earlier.

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The influence of the lunar cycle on the feeding habits, feeding success and selectivity was tested in situ on larval stages of the clingfish Gobiesox marmoratus (Gobiesocidae). Gobiesox marmoratus larvae and their prey were collected in the water column during the lunar cycle in austral spring 2015 and 2016, in shallow waters (<30 m depth) of El Quisco, central Chile. Feeding incidence was high (80-100%) throughout the moon cycle. The diet was composed of 32 prey items, being gastropod larvae and invertebrate eggs the most important. Prey composition varied among lunar phases with the lowest prey richness during new moon. During 2016, G. marmoratus larvae ingested the lowest number, but the largest prey during new moon. In spring 2015, there were no significant changes in the abundance of each prey taxon in the water column among moon phases, but in spring 2016 there were significant differences in the abundance of cypris and copepod nauplii, particularly between full and new moon. Feeding selectivity index showed that gastropod larvae were positively selected throughout the lunar cycle during spring 2015. In spring 2016, invertebrate eggs were selectively ingested in full moon and third quarter, but at a new moon G. marmoratus larvae selected gastropod larvae. Mean temperature of the water column and its vertical gradient and nocturnal cloud cover influences the feeding success of larval G. marmoratus. Lunar illumination favoured only an increase of richness of prey items. Therefore, nocturnal cloud cover precludes a greater influence of lunar illumination in the larval trophic ecology of this crypto-benthic fish.

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O ciclo lunar sempre foi alvo de crenças populares, principalmente relacionado a ocorrência de maior número de nascimentos durante a fase de lua cheia. Influências externas como baixa pressão atmosférica estão ligadas à rotura de membrana corioamniótica e parece existir um mecanismo biológico para o desencadeamento do trabalho de parto prematuro. Este estudo tem como objetivo estudar a influência do ciclo lunar e da sazonalidade na ocorrência de rotura prematura de membranas e de trabalho de parto prematuro. Realizado um estudo transversal envolvendo dados do livro de partos de uma maternidade localizada no sul do Brasil por um período de 4 anos, totalizando 13.291 nascimentos. Utilizados dois sites, um para estimativa do ciclo lunar à época do nascimento e outro para determinar o dia da semana. Um banco de dados foi criado e exportado para o SPSS18.0 onde foi analisado. Utilizada a análise de Poisson. As variáveis que apresentaram p < 0,25 foram incluídas em uma análise multivariada para observar a independência das associações. A significância estatística estabelecida foi p < 0,05. Houveram maior prevalência de nascimentos durante a fase de lua crescente, meses de novembro e junho, estação de verão e terças-feiras. Encontrada associação estatisticamente significativa entre rotura prematura de membranas, mês de outubro e sexta-feira. Não encontrou-se associação entre a fase do ciclo lunar com rotura prematura de membranas e prematuridade, assim como, fatores sazonais e prematuridade. Observou-se menor prevalência de rotura prematura de membranas no mês de outubro e na sexta feira.

The lunar cycle has always been the target of popular beliefs, mainly related to the occurrence of more births during the full moon phase. External influences such as low atmospheric pressure are associated with rupture of the chorioamniotic membrane and there seems to be a biological mechanism for the onset of preterm labor. This study aims to study the influence of the lunar cycle and seasonality on the occurrence of premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving data from the birth book of a maternity unit located in the south of Brazil for a period of 4 years, totaling 13,291 births. Two sites were used, one to estimate the lunar cycle at the time of birth and another to determine the day of the week. A database was created and exported to SPSS18.0 where it was parsed. Poisson analysis was used. The variables that presented p <0.25 were included in a multivariate analysis to observe the independence of the associations. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. There was a higher prevalence of births during the growing moon phase, months of November and June, summer season and Tuesday. We found a statistically significant association between premature rupture of membranes, from October to Friday. There was no association between the lunar cycle phase with premature rupture of membranes and prematurity, as well as seasonal factors and prematurity. It was observed a lower prevalence of premature rupture of membranes in the month of October and on Friday.

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Lunar influence on the distribution of fish larvae, zooplankton and plastic debris in mangrove creeks of the Goiana Estuary, Brazil, was studied over a lunar cycle. Cetengraulis edentulus, Anchovia clupeoides and Rhinosardinia bahiensis were the most abundant fish larvae (56·6%), independent of the moon phase. The full moon had a positive influence on the abundance of Gobionellus oceanicus, Cynoscion acoupa and Atherinella brasiliensis, and the new moon on Ulaema lefroyi. The full and new moons also influenced the number of zoeae and megalopae of Ucides cordatus, protozoeae and larvae of caridean shrimps, and the number of hard and soft plastic debris, both <5 and >5 mm. Micro and macroplastics were present in samples from all 12 creeks studied, at densities similar to the third most abundant taxon, R. bahiensis. Cetengraulis edentulus and R. bahiensis showed a strong positive correlation with the last quarter moon, when there was less zooplankton available in the creeks and higher abundance of microplastic threads. Anchovia clupeoides, Diapterus rhombeus, U. lefroyi and hard microplastics were positively associated with different moon phases, when calanoid copepods, Caridean larvae and zoeae of U. cordatus were highly available in the creeks. Cynoscion acoupa, G. oceanicus and A. brasiliensis were strongly associated with the full moon, when protozoeae of caridean shrimps and megalopae of U. cordatus were also highly available, as were hard and soft macroplastics, paint chips (<5 mm) and soft microplastics. The results reinforce the role of mangrove creeks as nursery habitats. The moon phases influenced the distribution of fish larvae species, zooplankton and plastic debris by changing their compositions and abundances in the mangrove creeks of the Goiana Estuary when under the influence of different tidal current regimes.

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O presente estudo buscou descrever se o ciclo lunar influencia alguns aspectos reprodutivos de éguas.Foram analisados 233 ciclos estrais de 111 matrizes para avaliação do momento de ovulação; 348 gestações paraavaliação da proporção macho:fêmea fetal (avaliadas aos 60-70 dias de gestação) e 356 partos para avaliações domomento do parto e incidência de partos de acordo com o gênero do feto. Foram formados grupos de acordocom a fase lunar e comparados pelo teste qui-quadrado (P < 0,05). A fase lunar não influenciou na incidência deovulações (22,7; 26,6; 27,3 e 23,4% para as fases lunares nova, crescente, cheia e minguante, respectivamente);na proporção macho:fêmea (1,1:1,0; 0,9:1,0; 1,0:1,0 e 1,4:1,0 para as fases lunares nova, crescente, cheia eminguante, respectivamente) nem na incidência de partos (25,0; 23,4; 20,6 e 31,0% para as fases lunares nova,crescente, cheia e minguante, respectivamente). Entretanto, houve influência da fase lunar na proporção demacho:fêmea ao nascimento (0,6:1,0; 0,6:1,0; 0,7:1,0 e 1,4:1,0 para as fases lunares nova, crescente, cheia eminguante, respectivamente). Conclui-se que o ciclo lunar influencia no momento do parto diferentemente parafetos masculinos e femininos.(AU)

The study aimed to describe if the lunar cycle interferes with some reproductive aspects of mares. It wasanalyzed 233 estrous cycles of 111 mares for evaluation of ovulation time; 348 pregnancies for the assessmentof fetal male:female proportion (60-70 days of pregnancy); and 356 births for influences in the moment ofparturition and parturition incidence according to fetal gender. Groups were formed acording to the phase ofthe moon and compared by Qui-square test (P < 0.05). The lunar phase did not influenced the incidence ofovulation (22.7; 26.6; 27.3 e 23.4% for new, waxing, full and waning lunar phases, respectively), themale:female proportion (1.1:1.0; 0.9:1.0; 1.0:1.0 e 1.4:1.0 for new, waxing, full and waning lunar phases,respectively), and the parturition incidence (25.0; 23.4; 20.6 e 31.0% for new, waxing, full and waning lunarphases, respectively). However, it influenced the male:female proportion at birth (0.6:1.0; 0.6:1.0; 0.7:1.0 e1.4:1.0 for new, waxing, full and waning lunar phases, respectively). We conclude that the lunar cycle influencesthe moment of parturition differently for male and female fetuses.(AU)

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O presente estudo buscou descrever se o ciclo lunar influencia alguns aspectos reprodutivos de éguas.Foram analisados 233 ciclos estrais de 111 matrizes para avaliação do momento de ovulação; 348 gestações paraavaliação da proporção macho:fêmea fetal (avaliadas aos 60-70 dias de gestação) e 356 partos para avaliações domomento do parto e incidência de partos de acordo com o gênero do feto. Foram formados grupos de acordocom a fase lunar e comparados pelo teste qui-quadrado (P < 0,05). A fase lunar não influenciou na incidência deovulações (22,7; 26,6; 27,3 e 23,4% para as fases lunares nova, crescente, cheia e minguante, respectivamente);na proporção macho:fêmea (1,1:1,0; 0,9:1,0; 1,0:1,0 e 1,4:1,0 para as fases lunares nova, crescente, cheia eminguante, respectivamente) nem na incidência de partos (25,0; 23,4; 20,6 e 31,0% para as fases lunares nova,crescente, cheia e minguante, respectivamente). Entretanto, houve influência da fase lunar na proporção demacho:fêmea ao nascimento (0,6:1,0; 0,6:1,0; 0,7:1,0 e 1,4:1,0 para as fases lunares nova, crescente, cheia eminguante, respectivamente). Conclui-se que o ciclo lunar influencia no momento do parto diferentemente parafetos masculinos e femininos.

The study aimed to describe if the lunar cycle interferes with some reproductive aspects of mares. It wasanalyzed 233 estrous cycles of 111 mares for evaluation of ovulation time; 348 pregnancies for the assessmentof fetal male:female proportion (60-70 days of pregnancy); and 356 births for influences in the moment ofparturition and parturition incidence according to fetal gender. Groups were formed acording to the phase ofthe moon and compared by Qui-square test (P < 0.05). The lunar phase did not influenced the incidence ofovulation (22.7; 26.6; 27.3 e 23.4% for new, waxing, full and waning lunar phases, respectively), themale:female proportion (1.1:1.0; 0.9:1.0; 1.0:1.0 e 1.4:1.0 for new, waxing, full and waning lunar phases,respectively), and the parturition incidence (25.0; 23.4; 20.6 e 31.0% for new, waxing, full and waning lunarphases, respectively). However, it influenced the male:female proportion at birth (0.6:1.0; 0.6:1.0; 0.7:1.0 e1.4:1.0 for new, waxing, full and waning lunar phases, respectively). We conclude that the lunar cycle influencesthe moment of parturition differently for male and female fetuses.

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Este estudo avaliou as características reprodutivas de uma população do ouriço do mar Lytechinus variegatus e a influência do ciclo lunar na liberação de gametas. Foram realizadas oito coletas para avaliação do índice gonadossomático (IG) e dos parâmetros populacionais relacionados com a reprodução. Para avaliação do efeito da Lua na liberação de gametas foram realizadas coletas em três ciclos lunares completos. Ao todo foram coletados 295 indivíduos, sendo 156 machos e 131 fêmeas (proporção 1,19:1), porém não houve diferença significativa na proporção sexual da população. O peso dos machos foi significativamente maior que o das fêmeas, porém não houve diferença significativa no IG, peso gonadal e diâmetro entre os sexos. Com a amplitude no diâmetro dos animais coletados (5,5-8,7 cm) foram estabelecidas cinco classes de tamanho. Não houve diferenças significativas no IG entre as classes de tamanho. Houve efeito da periodicidade lunar na liberação de gametas, com menor IG na lua nova, indicando que esta ocorre no primeiro quarto lunar e em marés de sizígia.

This work evaluated the spawning of sea urchin Lytechinus variegates based on lunar cycle and population characteristics. Eight monthly collections were realized to estimate the gonadosomatic index (GI) and population parameters regarding reproduction. To evaluate the effect of the lunar cycle on spawning, samples were taken for each moon phase of three lunar cycles. In the entire work 295 individuals were collected, 156 males and 131 females (1.19:1 ratio). However, there was no significant difference in the sex ratio of the population. The weight of males was significantly greater than that of females. There were no differences between males and females in gonadosomatic index (GI), gonad weight and diameter. There was an effect of the lunar periodicity on spawning, with lower GI in new moon, indicating that spawning occurs on the first lunar quarter in spring tide.

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Este estudo avaliou as características reprodutivas de uma população do ouriçodo mar Lytechinus variegatus e a influência do ciclo lunar na liberação de gametas. Foramrealizadas oito coletas para avaliação do índice gonadossomático (IG) e dos parâmetrospopulacionais relacionados com a reprodução. Para avaliação do efeito da Lua na liberaçãode gametas foram realizadas coletas em três ciclos lunares completos. Ao todo foramcoletados 295 indivíduos, sendo 156 machos e 131 fêmeas (proporção 1,19:1), porém nãohouve diferença significativa na proporção sexual da população. O peso dos machos foisignificativamente maior que o das fêmeas, porém não houve diferença significativa no IG,peso gonadal e diâmetro entre os sexos. Com a amplitude no diâmetro dos animaiscoletados (5,5-8,7 cm) foram estabelecidas cinco classes de tamanho. Não houve diferençassignificativas no IG entre as classes de tamanho. Houve efeito da periodicidade lunar naliberação de gametas, com menor IG na lua nova, indicando que esta ocorre no primeiroquarto lunar e em marés de sizígia.(AU)

This work evaluated thespawning of sea urchin Lytechinus variegates based on lunar cycle and populationcharacteristics. Eight monthly collections were realized to estimate the gonadosomatic index(GI) and population parameters regarding reproduction. To evaluate the effect of the lunarcycle on spawning, samples were taken for each moon phase of three lunar cycles. In theentire work 295 individuals were collected, 156 males and 131 females (1.19:1 ratio).However, there was no significant difference in the sex ratio of the population. The weightof males was significantly greater than that of females. There were no differences betweenmales and females in gonadosomatic index (GI), gonad weight and diameter. There was aneffect of the lunar periodicity on spawning, with lower GI in new moon, indicating thatspawning occurs on the first lunar quarter in spring tide.(AU)

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Influence of lunar cycle on catches of spiny lobster Panulirus argus (Decapoda: Palinuridae) in the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba. Many biological processes such as reproductive and migratory behaviours have been associated with moon cycles. In this study, the nocturnal light levels associated with lunar cycle (INT) were correlated with daily catch rate of lobster P. argus, during seven lunar months of 2002 fishing period, to determine a possible relationship between these variables. The lobster catches were obtained from three fishing companies that develop their activities in the Gulf of Batabanó: EPICOL that fishes in Coloma area; PESCAHABANA in Batabanó area and PESCAISLA in Isla area. Daily catch per boat (CDB) was used as a measurement of daily catch variations (catch rate). The correlation was analyzed showing it in chronological graphs based on average of CDB per lunar phases, comparing lobster catch rate per lunar phases -with the Kruskal-Wallis test-. Spearman rank correlation coefficient and cross correlation techniques were also applied. Similarities between lobster catch rate and the lunar cycle were not found. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was modularly smaller than 0.1 in all cases and demonstrated quantitatively that correlation between CDB and INT does not exist. Kruskal-Wallis test detected differences only in Batabanó area but not when making the analyses for the whole Gulf of Batabanó. Finally, the cross correlations do not detected significance in any zone, as well. It is concluded that, in opposition to what other authors have reported, the catch rates of P. argus and the lunar cycle did not show significant correlation in the Gulf of Batabanó. This trend was independent of the fishing art, which varied according to the time of the year that was analyzed. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 207-216. Epub 2011 March 01.

Muchos procesos biológicos tales como los comportamientos reproductivos y migratorios se han asociado con los ciclos de la luna. Con el objetivo de determinar la relación entre las capturas de langosta espinosa Panulirus argus (Decapoda: Palinuridae) y el ciclo lunar, en la zona del Golfo de Batabanó, se correlacionaron los niveles de iluminación nocturna del ciclo lunar (INT) con la captura diaria por barco (CDB) durante siete meses lunares correspondientes al período de pesca del 2002. Los datos de captura provinieron de las tres empresas pesqueras que realizan su actividad en la zona del Golfo de Batabanó. La relación entre el ciclo lunar y las capturas de langostas fue examinada mediante varios procedimientos estadísticos. Los primeros gráficos realizados, cualitativos, mostraron que no existe relación entre las tasas de captura y el ciclo lunar. Los coeficientes de Spearman calculados, modularmente menores que 0.1 en todos los casos, demostraron cuantitativamente que no existe correlación entre las mencionadas variables. La prueba de Kruskal-Wallis detectó diferencias sólo en una de las tres áreas estudiadas. Las correlaciones cruzadas no detectaron significación en ninguna de las zonas, con coeficientes de correlación cruzada modularmente inferiores a 0.1. A diferencia de lo reportado por otros autores, las capturas de P. argus y el ciclo lunar no presentan correlación significativa en el Golfo de Batabanó.

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