Laboratory of Aquaculture and Marine Ecophysiology

Studies on the brain–pituitary–gonadal (BPG) axis, aromatases, gonadotropins, steroid hormones, social behavior, and the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction.

1. HONJI, R. M.; Araújo, B. C.; Mello, P. H.; Ramallo, M. R.; Morandini, L.; Caneppele, D. & Moreira, R. G. 2024. Arginine-vasotocin neuronal system in Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) and its influence on artificially induced spawning in captivity. Fishes, 9: 235. (Link).

2. HONJI, R. M.; Araújo, B. C.; Caneppele, D.; Lo Nostro, F. L. & Moreira, R. G. 2022. Dynamics of ovarian maturation during the annual reproductive cycle of the endangered fish Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in captivity. Journal of Fish Biology, 101: 55-68. (Link).

3. Fagundes, K. R. C.; HONJI, R. M. (co-first author); Rojas, M. E.; Garcia, C. E. O. & Moreira, R. G. 2021. Seasonal morphophysiological changes during the reproductive cycle of the tripletail fish Lobotes surinamensis (Perciformes: Lobotidae) in the western South Atlantic. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 104: 779-796. (Link).

4. Perez-Sirkin, D. I.; Yorio, M. P.; Delgadin, T. H.; HONJI, R. M.; Moreira, R. G.; Somoza, G. M. & Vissio, P. G. 2021. Post-spawning feed deprivation effects on testicular and ovarian maturation in the neotropical cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 47: 1527-1540. (Link).

5. Zubizarreta, L.; Quintana, L.; Hernández, D.; Mello, F. T.; Meerhoff, M.; HONJI, R. M.; Moreira, R. G. & Silva, A. C. 2020. Seasonal and social factors associated with spacing in a wild territorial electric fish. PlosOne, 15: e0228976. (Link).

6. Brambila-Souza, G.; Gomes, A. D.; HONJI, R. M.; Hilsdorf, A. W. S. & Moreira, R. G. 2019. Distinctive reproductive tactics between sympatric specimens of Astyanax aff. fasciatus in wild and in captivity. Environmental Biology of Fish, 102: 1179-1191. (Link).

7. Moreira, R. G. Mello, P. H.; Araújo, B. C & HONJI, R. M. 2019. Sex inversion in hermaphrodite teleosts. Examines in Marine Biology & Oceanography, 3: 1-2. (Link).

8. HONJI, R. M.; Amaral, J. S.; Borella, M. I.; Batlouni, S. R. & Moreira, R. G. 2019. Dynamics of testicular maturation during the reproductive cycle of Salminus hilarii (Teleostei, Characidae) in a natural habitat. Revista da Biologia, 19: 31-40. (Link).

9. HONJI, R. M.; Caneppele, D.; Pandolfi, M.; Lo Nostro, F. L. & Moreira, R. G. 2019. Characterization of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone system in the Neotropical teleost, Steindachneridion parahybae during the annual reproductive cycle in captivity. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 273: 73-85. (Link).

10. Nóbrega, R. H.; De Jesus, L. W. O.; HONJI, R. M. & Borella, M. I. 2017. Characterization of gonadotropic cells during continuous and seasonal spermatogenesis of two freshwater fish species: a histochemical and immunohistochemical study. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 43: 51-63. (Link).

11. HONJI, R. M. & Moreira, R. G. 2017. Controle neuroendócrino da ovogênese em peixes teleósteos. Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal, 41: 86-93. (Link).

12. Ramallo, M. R.; HONJI, R. M.; Birba, A.; Morandini, L.; Varela, M. L.; Genovese, G.; Moreira, R. G.; Somoza, G. M. & Pandolfi, M. 2017. A game of two? Gene expression analysis of brain (cyp19a1b) and gonadal (cyp19a1a) aromatase in females of a Neotropical cichlid fish through the parental care period and removal of the offspring. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 252: 119-129. (Link).

13. Ramallo, M. R.; Birba, A.; HONJI, R. M.; Morandini, L.; Somoza, G. M.; Moreira, R. G. & Pandolfi, M. 2015. A multidisciplinary study on social status and the relationship between inter-individual variation in hormone levels and agonistic behavior in a Neotropical cichlid fish. Hormones and Behavior, 69: 139-151. (Link).

14. Moreira, R. G.; HONJI, R. M.; Melo, R. G; Narcizo A. M.; Amaral, J. S.; Araújo, R. C. & Hilsdorf, A. W. S. 2015. The involvement of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids in the ovulatory dysfunction of the potamodromous Salminus hilarii (Teleostei: Characidae) in captivity. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 41 (6): 1435-1447. (Link).

15. HONJI, R. M.; Caneppele, D.; Pandolfi, M.; Lo Nostro, F. L. & Moreira, R. G. 2015. Gonadotropins and growth hormone family characterization in an endangered Siluriform species, Steindachneridion parahybae (Pimelodidae): relationship with annual reproductive cycle and induced spawning in captivity. The Anatomical Record: advances in integrative anatomy and evolutionary biology, 298: 1644-1658. (Link).

16. Morandini, L.; HONJI, R. M.; Ramalho, M. R.; Moreira, R. G. & Pandolfi, M. 2014. The interregnal gland in males of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus: relationship with stress and the establishment of social hierarchies. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 195: 88-98. (Link).

17. HONJI, R. M.; Nóbrega, R. H.; Pandolfi, M.; Shimizu, A.; Borella, M. I. & Moreira, R. G. 2013. Immunohistochemical study of pituitary cells in wild and captive Salminus hilarii (Characiformes: Characidae) females during the annual reproductive cycle. SpringerPlus, 2: 460-473. (Link).

18. Alonso, F.; HONJI, R. M.; Moreira, R. G. & Pandolfi, M. 2012. Dominance hierarchies and social status ascent opportunity: anticipatory behavioral and physiological adjustments in a Neotropical cichlid fish. Physiology & Behavior, 106: 612-618. (Link).

Assessment of the effects of environmental contaminants (PAHs, pharmaceuticals, metals, organic pollutants, and environmental changes) on oxidative biomarkers, the neuroendocrine axis, social behavior, and reproductive success in teleost fishes.

1. Faria, N. P. V. M.; Guerreiro, A. S.; Branco, G. S.; Campos, M. F.; Moreira, R. G.; Lozano, I. E. & HONJI, R. M. 2026. Impacts of phenanthrene on juveniles of dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Perciformes: Serranidae): Behavioral, endocrine and oxidative effects. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 121: 104910. (Link).

2. Guerreiro, A. S.; Aguiar, G.; Assis, C. B.; Godoi, F. G. A.; Branco, G. S.; HONJI, R. M.; Caminhas, L.; Rath, S. & Moreira, R. G. 2025. Multi-biomarker approach to assess the toxicity of carbamazepine, a neuropharmaceutical, in the female fish Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characidae). Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 114: 104653. (Link).

3. Faria, N. P. V. M.; Araújo, B. C.; Kida, B. M. S.; Abdalla, R. P.; Brito, D. S.; Moreira, R. G. & HONJI, R. M. 2024. Can aluminum affect social behavior and cortisol plasma profile in the Neotropical freshwater teleost Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characidae)? Life-Basel, 14: 1697. (Link).

4. Ferreira, M. F.; Lo Nostro, F. L.; HONJI, R. M.; Ansaldo, M. & Genovese, G. 2019. Endocrine and reprductive endpoints of Notothenia rossii and N. coriiceps: a baseline study for ecotoxicological monitoring in Antartic waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 145: 418-428. (Link).

5. Tolussi, C. E.; Gomes, A. D.; Kumar, A.; Ribeiro, C. S.; Lo Nostro, F. L.; Bain, P.; Souza, G. B.; Da Cuña, R. H.; HONJI, R. M. & Moreira, R. G. 2018. Environmental pollution affects molecular and biochemical responses during gonadal maturation of Astyanax fasciatus (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 147: 926-934. (Link).

6. Gomes, A. D.; Tolussi, C. E.; HONJI, R. M.; Ribeiro, C. S. & Moreira, R. G. 2015. The role of ovarian steroids in reproductive plasticity in Hoplias malabaricus (Teleostei: Characiformes: Erythrinidae) in tropical reservoirs with different degrees of pollution. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 222: 1-10. (Link).

Induced reproduction, embryonic and larval development, reproductive management, and applications in threatened species and species of aquaculture interest.

1. HONJI, R. M.; Guerreiro, A. S.; Araújo, B. C.; Caneppele, D.; Batlouni, S. R. & Moreira, R. G. 2026. Unveiling Embryonic Development of the Threatened Neotropical Fish Prochilodus vimboides (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae). Animals, 16: 852. (Link).

2. HONJI, R. M.; Mello, P. H. & Araújo, B. C. 2025. Reproduction and development in fish: Solving bottlenecks in modern aquaculture. Animals, 15: 145. (Link).

3. Araújo, B. C.; Mello, P. H.; Moreira, R. G.; Hilsdorf, A. W. S.; Marques, V. H. & HONJI, R. M. 2020. Spawning induction and embryonic development of Salminus hilarii (Characiformes: Characidae). Zygote, 28: 1-11. (Link).

4. HONJI, R. M.; Araújo, B. C. & Moreira, R. G. 2020. Reproductive physiology applied to neotropical fish rearing. Ciencia Animal (UECE), 30: 123-137. (Link).

5. Tolussi, C. E.; Gomes, A. D.; Ribeiro, C.; Caneppele, D.; Moreira, R. G. & HONJI, R. M. 2018. Mobilization of energetic substrates in the endangered catfish Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae): changes in anual reproductive cycle in captivity. Neotropical Ichthyology, 16 (2): e170120. (Link).

6. HONJI, R. M.; Caneppele, D.; Pandolfi, M.; Lo Nostro, F. L. & Moreira, R. G. 2016. A case of intersex occurrence in Steindachneridion parahybae (Steindachner, 1877) (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) under captivity condition: a cytogenetic and morphological study. Neotropical Ichthyology, 14: e160077. (Link).

7. De Souza, T. G.; Hainfellner, P.; Kuradomi, R. Y.; HONJI, R. M.; Moreira, R. M. & Batlouni, S. R. 2015. Inappropriate management conditions, especially for the regressed class, are related to sperm quality in Prochilodus lineatus. Theriogenology, 83: 797-807. (Link).

8. HONJI, R. M.; Caneppele, D. & Moreira, R. G. 2013. Caracterização macroscópica das gônadas e reprodução induzida em cativeiro de Steindachneridion parahybae (Teleostei), uma espécie ameaçada de extinção. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, 48 (8): 1110-1114. (Link).

9. HONJI, R. M.; Tolussi, C. E.; Mello, P. H.; Caneppele, D. & Moreira, R. G. 2012. Embryonic development and larval stages of Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae): implications for the conservation and rearing of this endangered Neotropical species. Neotropical Ichthyology, 10(2): 313-327. (Link).

10. Araújo, B. C.; HONJI, R. M.; Mello, P. H. & Moreira, R. G. 2012. The influence of captive breeding on the fatty acid profiles of Salminus hilarii (Characiformes: Characidae) eggs and larvae. Aquaculture International, 20: 1161-1181. (Link).

11. HONJI, R. M.; Mello, P. H.; Araújo, B. C.; Rodrigues-Filho, J. A.; Hilsdorf, A. W. & Moreira, R. G. 2011. Influence of spawning procedure in gametes fertilization success in Salminus hilarii Valenciennes, 1850 (Teleostei: Characidae): implications for conservation of this species. Neotropical Ichthyology, 9(2): 363-370. (Link).

12. Andrade, V. X. L.; HONJI, R. M. & Romagosa, E. 2010. Processo de maturação das gônadas de pintado (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) alimentados com dois níveis protéicos e suplementados com óleo de milho. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 62: 332-342. (Link).

13. HONJI, R. M.; Narcizo, A. M.; Borella, M. I.; Romagoza, E. & Moreira, R. G. 2009. Patterns of oocyte development in natural habitat and captive Salminus hilarii Valenciennes, 1850 (Teleostei: Characidae). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 35: 109-123. (Link).

14. Caneppele, D.; HONJI, R. M.; Hilsdorf, A. W. & Moreira, R. G. 2009. Induced spawning of the endangered Neotropical species Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae). Neotropical Ichthyology, 7(4): 759-762. (Link).

Hepatic metabolism, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), gene expression, productive performance, and nutritional physiology in marine and freshwater species.

1. Costa, S. V. F.; Araújo, B. C.; Moreira, R. G.; HONJI, R. M.; Siqueira, J. S.; Mello, P. H.; Hilsdorf, A. W. S. & Zaminhan-Hassemer, M. 2026. Physiological and metabolic responses of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) juveniles fed fish oil-free diets with different LC-PUFA/C18 PUFA ratios. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 341: 116800. (Link).

2. Oliveira, E. F.; Araújo, B. C.; Marques, V. H.; Mello, P. H.; Moreira, R. G. & HONJI, R. M. 2023. Influence of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid ratio, and temperature on the growth performance, fatty acid profile and liver morphology of dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) (Teleostei: Serranidae) juveniles. Animals, 13: 3212. (Link).

3. Araújo, B. C.; Barbosa, D. A.; HONJI, R. M.; Branco, G. S.; Menegidio, F. B.; Marques, V. H.; Moreira, R. G.; Kitahara, M. V.; Rombenso, A. N.; Mello, P. H. & Hilsdorf, A. W. S. 2023. Post-feeding molecular responses of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum): RNA-sequencing as a tool to evaluate postprandial effects in hepatic lipid metabolism. Marine Biotechnology, 25: 358-371. (Link).

4. Mello, P. H.; Araújo, B. C.; Marques, V. H.; Branco, G. S.; HONJI, R. M.; Moreira, R. G.; Rombenso, A. N. & Portella, M. C. 2022. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 (n-3 LC-PUFA) as phospholipids or triglycerides influence on Epinephelus marginatus juvenile fatty acid profile and liver morphophysiology. Animals, 12: 951. (Link).

5. Araújo, B. C.; Rodriguez, M.; HONJI, R. M.; Rombenso, A. N.; Rio-Zaragoza, O. B.; Cano, A.; Tinajero, A.; Mata-Sotres, J. A. & Viana, M. T. 2021. Arachidonic acid modulated lipid metabolism and improved productive performance of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) juvenile under sub- to optimal temperatures. Aquaculture, 530: 735939. (Link).

6. Marques, V. H.; Moreira, R. G.; Branco, G. S.; HONJI, R. M.; Rombenso, A. N.; Viana, M. T.; Mello, P. H.; Mata-Sotres, J. A. & Araújo, B. C. 2021. Different saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids levels in fish oil-free diets to cobia (Rachycentron canadum) juveniles: effects in growth performance and lipid metabolism. Aquaculture, 541: 736843. (Link).

7. Araújo, B. C.; Flores-Galvez, K.; HONJI, R. M.; Barbosa, V. M.; Viana, M. T.; Tinajero, A. & Mata-Sotres, J. A. 2020. Arachidonic acid effects on the overall performance, fatty acid profile, hepatopancreas morphology and lipid-relevant genes in Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles. Aquaculture, 523: 735207. (Link).

8. Araújo, B. C.; HONJI, R. M.; Rombenso, A. N.; Souza, G. B.; Mello, P. H.; Hilsdorf, A. W. S. & Moreira, R. G. 2019. Influences of different arachidonic acid levels and temperature on the growth performance, fatty acid profile, liver morphology and expression of lipid genes in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) juveniles. Aquaculture, 511: 734245. (Link).

9. Gomes, A. D.; Tolussi, C. E.; Boëchat, I. G.; Pompêo, M. L. M.; Cortez, M. P. T.; HONJI, R. M. & Moreira, R. G. 2016. Fatty acid composition of tropical fish depends on reservoir trophic status and fish feeding habit. Lipids, 51: 1193-1206. (Link).

Conservation physiology, threatened species, Neotropical ichthyofauna, and fisheries resources.

1. Vaga, C. F.; Migotto, A. E.; Santos, M. E. A.; HONJI, R. M.; Reimer, J. & Kitahara, M. V. 2021. An integrative approach reveals a new species of Zoantharia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa), Terrazoanthus silveirai, in the South-western Atlantic Ocean. Marine Biology Research, 17: 603-614. (Link).

2. HONJI, R. M.; Tolussi, C. E.; Caneppele, D.; Polaz, C. N. M.; Hilsdorf, A. W. S. & Moreira, R. G. 2017. Biodiversidade e conservação da ictiofauna ameaçada de extinção da bacia do rio Paraíba do Sul. Revista da Biologia, 17: 18-30. (Link).

3. Rodrigues-Filho, J. A.; HONJI, R. M.; Mello, P. H.; Borella, M. I.; Hilsdorf, A. W. S. & Moreira, R. G. 2017. Reproductive biology of Pseudotocinclus tietensis (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae), a threatened fish species. International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 5: 218-227. (Link).

4. Vaz-dos-Santos, A. M.; Rossi-Wongtschowski, C. L. D. B.; HONJI, R. M. & Bannwart, D. 2014. Reproduction of the silver John dory Zenopsis conchifer (Actinopterygii: Zeiformes) based on virgin stock condition. Biota Neotropica, 14(3): 1-11. (Link).

5. HONJI, R. M.; Caneppele, D.; Hilsdorf, A. W. & Moreira, R. G. 2009. Threatened fishes of the world: Steindachneridion parahybae (Steindachner, 1877). Environmental Biology of Fishes, 85: 207-208. (Link).

6. Mello, P. H.; Venturieri, R. L. L.; HONJI, R. M. & Moreira, R. G. 2009. Threatened fishes of the world: Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Agassiz, 1829) (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae). Environmental Biology of Fishes, 85: 359-360. (Link).

7. HONJI, R. M.; Vaz-dos-Santos, A. M. & Wongtschowski, C. L. D. B. R. 2006. Identification of the stages of ovarian maturation of the Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933 (Teleostei: Merlucciidae): advantages and disadvantages of the use of the macroscopic and microscopic scales. Neotropical Ichthyology, 4(3): 329-337. (Link).

8. Vaz-dos-Santos, A. M.; HONJI, R. M. & Wongtschowski, C. L. D. B. R. 2005. Comprimento e idade de primeira maturação gonadal de fêmeas de merluza Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933 na região Sudeste-Sul do Brasil. Boletim do Instituto de Pesca, 31(2): 109-117. (Link).