Research | ASP

The Research Department of the São Paulo Aquarium promotes technical and scientific development for students and researchers in animal care, health, and welfare. To support these efforts, the Aquarium establishes multiple research partnerships and welcomes student projects, provided they comply with our Institutional Research Policy [link for access]. Institutional data collection, whether through simple observation, interviews, or surveys, can only be conducted after being reviewed and approved by the São Paulo Aquarium Research Committee. If you are interested in working with the São Paulo Aquarium on a research project, please review our research guidelines [link for access] and send your proposal to our department. More information by email: pesquisa@aquariodesaopaulo.com.br

RESEARCH BY THE TECHNICAL TEAM

The São Paulo Aquarium’s team is a benchmark in the treatment and welfare of wildlife and aquatic animals. The extensive experience and expertise of professionals in veterinary medicine, biology, environmental education, and oceanography contribute to the generation of significant scientific knowledge. Here, you can find scientific articles published by our team. If you are interested in any of these publications, please send a request email to: pesquisa@aquariodesaopaulo.com.br

PUBLICATIONS

Kato, C.E.; Costa, B.N.; Cabral, J.N.; Cardoso, R.C.; Pizzutto, C.S.; Sgai, M.G.F.G.; Reisfeld, L.; Moura, L.I. Enhancing the environment for longsnout seahorses. The Shape of enrichment, v. 19, n°4, 2010.

Pereira, T.S.M.; André. F.L.; Cardoso, R.C.; Reisfeld, L.; Moura, L.I.; Sgai, M.G.F.G.; Pizzutto, C.S. Introducing nutrias with the help of enrichment. The Shape of enrichment, v. 20, n° 4, 2011.

Vanstreels, R.E.T.; Serafini, P.P.; Cristiane, K.; Catão-Dias, J.L.; Hurtado, R.; Reisfeld, L.; Adornes, A.; Canabarro, P.; Silva-Filho, R.; Dantas, G.P.M; Ruoppolo, V.; Groch, K.R.; Cabana, A.L.; Araujo, J.; Brandao, M.L; Xavier, M.O.; Vieira, O.A.G.; Campos, S.D.E.; Niemeyer, C. ; Baldassin, P. Manual de campo para a colheita e armazenamento de informações e amostras biológicas provenientes de pinguins-de-Magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus). 2011. Manual Técnico.

Reisfeld, L.; André, F.L.; Pereira, T.S.M.; Gutierrez, R.C. Criação artificial de filhotes de lontra neotropical (Lontra longicaudis) em cativeiro: relato de dois casos. Revista Clínica Veterinária, v. 17, nº 99, 2012.

Reisfeld, L.; Barbirato, M.; Ippolito, L.; Cardoso, R.C.; Nichi, M.; Sgai, M.G.F.G.; Pizzutto, C.S. Reducing bumblefoot lesions in a group of captive Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) with the use of environmental enrichment. Revista Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, v. 33, nº 6, 2013.

Reisfeld, L.; Moraes, K.; Spaulussi, L.; Cardoso, R.C.; Ippolito, L.; Gutierrez, R.; Silvatti, B.; Pizzutto, C.S. Behavioral responses of Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) (Foster) to Saltwater versus Freshwater. Zoo Biology, v. 32, nº 5, 2013.

Reisfeld, L.; Silvatti, B.; Soares, A.C.; Reisfeld, A. Occurrence of bacterial urinary tract infection in hand reared lesser anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla): Case report. Revista Brasileira de Ciência Veterinária, v. 20, nº 2, 2013.

Carmo, T.L.L.; Amaral, R.S.; Rosas, F.C.W.; D’Affonsêca Neto, J.A.; Reisfeld, L.; Da Silva, V.M.F. Changes in the blood parameters of the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) after long-distance transportation. Acta Scientiarum, v. 35, nº 4, 2013.

Reisfeld, L.; Henrique, P.C. ; Ribeiro, B.S.; Moura, L.I.; Coutinho, S.D. Alopecia due to Malassezia pachydermatis in a sub-antartic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) – case report. Revista Clínica Veterinária, v. 20, nº 116, p. 92-96, 2015.

Reisfeld, L.; Ikuta, C.Y.; Ippolito, L.; Silvatti, B.; Ferreira Neto; J.S.; Catão-Dias, J.L.; Rosas, F.C.W.; Neto, J.A.; Da Silva, V.M.F. Cutaneous mycobacteriosis in an Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) under human care. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 127, nº 3, p. 231-236, 2018.

Ikuta, C.Y.; Reisfeld, L.; Silvatti, B.; Salvagni, F.A., De Paula, C.D.; Pessier, A.P.; Catão-Dias, J.L.; Ferreira Neto, J.S. Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis infection in a captive-bred American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana). BMC Veterinary Research, v. 14, p. 1-4, 2018.

Hurtado, R.; Nicolai, A.; Vanstreels, R.E.T.; Dutra, G.H.P.; REISFELD, L. Manual de Terapia Intensiva para Pinguins Recolhidos na Costa Brasileira. Cariacica, ES: Instituto de Pesquisa e Reabilitação de Animais Marinhos (IPRAM), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres (CEMAVE), 2018 (Manual/Livro).

Colbachini, H.; Pizzutto, C.S.; Gutierrez, R.C.; Gadig, O.B.F. A new report on the clasper movements of a captive Sand Tiger Shark Carcharias Taurus (Lamniformes: Odontaspididae) and a possible reason for the behaviour. Journal Of Threatened Taxa, v. 10, nº 11, p. 12577-12581, 2018.

Reisfeld, L.; Sacristán, C.; Canedo, P.; Schwarz, B.; Ewbank, A.C.; Esperón, F.; Catão-Dias, J.L. Fusariosis in a Captive South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens): A Case Report. Mycopathologia, v. 184, nº 1, p. 187-192, 2019.

Katz, H.; Reisfeld, L.; Franco-Trecu, V. Chemical immobilization protocols in free-ranging South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) and adult female South American sea lion (Otaria byronia). Marine Mammal Science, v. 35, nº 1, p. 327-335, 2019.

Reisfeld, L.; Sacristán, C.; Ferreira Machado, E.; Sánchez-Sarmiento, A.M.; Costa-Silva, S.; Ewbank, A.C.; Navas-Suárez, P.E.; Guerra, J.M.; Barrel, J.S.P.; Réssio, R.A.; Favero, C.M.; Gastal, S.; Kolesnikovas, C.K.; Marigo, J.; Ruoppolo, V; Catão-Dias, J.L. Toxoplasmosis and Sarcocystis spp. infection in wild pinnipeds of the Brazilian coast. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 136, nº 3, p. 235-241, 2019.

Reisfeld, L.C.; Sacristán, C.; Sánchez-Sarmiento, A.M.; Costa-Silva, S.; Díaz-Delgado, J.; Groch, K.R.; Marigo, J.; Ewbank, A.C.; Favero, C.M.; Guerra, J.M.; Réssio, R.A.; Cremer, M.J.; Esperón, F.; Catão-Dias, J.L. Fatal pulmonary parafilaroidiasis in a free-ranging subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) coinfected with two gammaherpesviruses and Sarcocystis sp.. Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária, v. 28, p.499, 2019.

Peixoto, F.B.G.; Ambrózio, M.T.G.; Colbachini, H.; Padilha, F.L.A.; Costa, F.R. Enriquecimento ambiental aplicado a tamanduás-mirins (Tamandua tetradactyla) no Aquário de São Paulo: estudo de caso. Pesquisa e Ensino em Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, v. 3, nº 2, p. 119–124, 2019.

Reisfeld, L.; Hurtado, R. Biossegurança e Uso de Equipamento de Proteção Individual. In: Kolesnikovas, C.K.M. et al. Reabilitação de Procellariiformes (Albatrozes, Petréis e Pardelas). Santos, SP: Editora Comunnicar, 2020 (Capítulo de Manual/Livro).

Colbachini, H.; Pizzutto, C.S.; Jorge-Neto, P.N.; Gutierrez, R.C.; Gadig, O.B.F. Body movement as an indicator of proceptive behavior in nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum). Environmental Biology of Fishes, p. 1-7, 2020.

Silvatti, B.; Granato, T.M.; Jorge-Neto, P.N.; Luppi, M.M.C.P.; Reisfeld, L.C.; Henrique, P.C.; Padilha, F.L.A.; Leite, R.F.; Losano, J.D.A.; Kawai, G.K.V.; Nichi, M.; Pizzutto, C.S. Sperm evaluation and morphological description of male genitalia of meerkats (Suricata suricatta). Animal Reproduction Science, v. 221, p. 1-10, 2020.

Padilha, F.L.A.; Colbachini, H.; Ramos, S.D.; Reisfeld, L.C.; Henrique, P.C.; Leite, R.F.; Losano, J.D.d.; Nichi, M.; Souza, R.G.B.; Gutierrez, R.C.; Jorge-Neto, P.N.; Pizzutto, C.S. Validation of manual semen collection methods and sperm evaluation in living freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygon falkneri) kept in ex-situ conditions. Environmental Biology of Fishes, v.104, p. 1–7, 2021.

Colbachini, H.; Pizzutto, C.S.; de Souza Mesquita, L.M.; Gadig, O.B.F. Environmental enrichment effects on the reproductive behavior of captive nurse sharks Ginglymostoma cirratum. Environmental Biology of Fishes, v. 104, p. 1-18, 2021.

Ippolito, L.; Colbachini, H. Economia circular, você já ouviu falar?. Revista Clínica Veterinária, v. 152, p. 82-85, 2021.

Pizzutto, C.S.; Colbachini, H.; Jorge-Neto, P.N. One Conservation: The integrated view of biodiversity conservation. Animal Reproduction, v. 18 (2), p. 1-7, 2021.

Colbachini, H.; Padilha, F.L.A.; Silva, T.C.; Reisfeld, L.C.; Henrique, P.C.; Jorge-Neto, P.N.; Pizzutto, C.S. Behavioural evaluation of a meerkat Suricata suricatta group after insertion of deslorelin contraceptive implant in the dominant female. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, v. 10 (1), p. 1-7, 2022.

SUMMARIES

(May, 2010) – 41st Annual Conference of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine – Vancouver, Canada.

Long Distance Transportation and monitoring of hematological and biochemical parameters of an Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis).

Reducing bumblefoot lesions in a group of captive magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) employing environmental enrichment.

(August/September, 2010) – 7th International Penguin Conference – Boston, USA.

Environmental enrichment techniques used for magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the Aquário de São Paulo, Brazil.

A synthesis of clinical cases observed in magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the São Paulo Aquarium, Brazil, from july 2008 to february 2010.

Bumblefoot treatment alternatives used for magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the São Paulo Aquarium, Brazil.

(August, 2010) – Sociedade Paulista de Zoológico – São Paulo, Brazil.

The molting process in Magellanic Penguin at the São Paulo Aquarium.

(October, 2010) – 2nd Brazilian Conference on Environmental Enrichment – São Paulo, Brazil.

Evaluation of the use of environmental enrichment techniques to provide welfare in red-bellied piranhas (Pygacentrus nattereri) in captivity.

The reduction of bumblefoot through environmental enrichment techniques for a group of Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in captivity.

Environmental enrichment techniques for Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Application of environmental enrichment techniques for a group of large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) in captivity at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Use of environmental enrichment techniques to facilitate the pairing of two nutria couples (Myocastor coypus – Rodentia: Mammalia) in the São Paulo Aquarium exhibit.

Operant conditioning of the neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis – Olfers – 1818) at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Enhancing the environment for longsnout seahorses.

Operant conditioning with positive reinforcement as a management tool for a group of large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) at the São Paulo Aquarium

Types of environmental enrichment used for a collared anteater pup (Tamandua tetradactyla) at the São Paulo Aquarium.

(April 2011) – 35th Congress of the Brazilian Society of Zoos – Gramado, Brazil.

Pairing of a male and female neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) in captivity.

Evaluation of marine fish feeding in captivity.

Pairing and co-habitation of a green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) and a large Asian python (Python reticulatus) in a single exhibit.

Birth of large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) in captivity in Brazil – Case report.

Stomach prolapse in a spiny butterfly ray (Gmynura altivelis) at the São Paulo Aquarium – Case report.

Alternatives used for the treatment of bumblefoot in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the São Paulo Aquarium.

(October 2011) – 29th Annual Meeting of Ethology – Uberlândia, Brazil.

Environmental enrichment techniques for fish at the São Paulo Aquarium.

(October, 2011) – American Association of Zoo Veterinarians – Kansas City, USA.

Occurrence of bacterial urinary tract infection in a lesser anteater (Tamandua tatradactyla), at the São Paulo Aquarium, Brazil – Case report.

(March, 2012) – 36th Congress of the Brazilian Society of Zoos – Belém, Brazil.

Environmental enrichment techniques used as reptile welfare tools at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Application of environmental enrichment in a group of brown howler monkeys (Alouatta fusca) at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Behavior of the nutria (Myocastor coypus) during the training period: conditioning as a facilitator of management routine.

Preliminary studies on operant conditioning of nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) at the São Paulo Aquarium.

(August 2012) – 18th Congress of the Sociedade Paulista de Zoológicos – São Paulo, Brazil.

Behavioral responses of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) to freshwater vs. saltwater and its relevance in captivity.

Management and maintenance of sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus – Rafinesque, 1810, LAMNIFORMES: ODONTASPIDIDAE) at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Diet and supplementation for Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818 – CARNIVORA: MUSTELIDAE) in captivity.

Comparison of visitor observation time at the São Paulo Aquarium for enclosures with and without environmental enrichment.

Evaluation of the efficiency of management techniques applied to the American cichlid aquarium at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Treatment of injuries and infection control from bites among individuals of Pogona vitticeps species (Ahl, 1926 – SAURIA: AGAMIDAE)

(September 2012) – 2nd Latin American Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference – Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Behavioral responses of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) to freshwater vs. saltwater and its relevance in captivity.

Challenges of drug therapy for the treatment of chronic aspergillosis in Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus).

(September 2012) – International Wildlife Tuberculosis Conference – Skukuza, South Africa.

Detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection in a Bull frog (Rana Catesbeiana) in a Brazilian zoo.

(September 2012) – 3rd Brazilian Conference on Environmental Enrichment – São Paulo, Brazil.

Comparison of visitor observation time at the São Paulo Aquarium for enclosures with and without environmental enrichment.

Operant conditioning of a South American fur seal pup (Arctocephalus australis) with visual impairment.

Behavior study applying environmental enrichment techniques in red-breasted toucans (Ramphastos dicolorus) under human care.

(November 2012) – 30th Annual Meeting of Ethology – Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

Operant conditioning of a South American fur seal pup (Arctocephalus australis) with visual impairment.

Behavior of the nutria (Myocastor coypus) during the training period: conditioning as a facilitator of management routine.

(March 2013) – 37th Congress of the Brazilian Society of Zoos – Santa Catarina, Brazil.

The reduction of bumblefoot through environmental enrichment techniques for a group of Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in captivity.

Operant conditioning of a South American fur seal pup (Arctocephalus australis) with visual impairment.

Comparison of three biological substrates commonly used in freshwater aquariums, analyzing the best surface for the attachment of Nitrosomonas sp and Nitrobacter sp.

Observation of growth rate in three individuals of brownbanded bamboo sharks Chiloscyllium punctatum (Orectolobiformes: Hemiscylliidae) in an aquarium.

Monitoring tooth loss in a specimen of sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus (Lamniformes: Odontaspididae) in captivity.

(June 2013) – XX Congress of the Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums – ALPZA, São Paulo, Brazil.

Challenges of drug therapy for the treatment of chronic aspergillosis in Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus).

Use of praziquantel in treating Benederia sp. in Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Use of acupuncture to treat scoliosis and kyphosis in Yacare Caiman (Caiman crocodilus yacare).

Environmental enrichment for stingrays of the Potamotrygon genus – preliminary results.

Environmental enrichment program for fish.

(October 2014) – XXIII Benjamin Eurico Malucelli Scientific Week – São Paulo, Brazil.

Detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection in American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana).

(September 2015) – II Conferencia Bienal de la Wildlife Disease Association (WDA) Latinoamerica: salud y enfermedades de la vida silvestre en Latinoamérica – Bogotá, Colombia.

Neurological signs followed by the death of inconclusive etiology in neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis): challenges for diagnosis and implications for species’ health.

(July 2016) – 2016 Joint American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) / European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) / Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) Conference – Georgia, USA.

Dental fracture in a Bennet’s Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus): Case progression and diagnostic challenges.

Challenges of medical therapy in the treatment of corneal abcess in a Subantartic furseal (Arctocephalus tropicalis).

(November 2016) – XXXIV Annual Meeting of Ethology – São Paulo, Brazil.

Preliminary analysis of the influence of environmental enrichment applications on kangaroo behavior at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Analysis of the effects of environmental enrichment application on the behavior of specimens of Tamandua tetradactyla.

(April 2018) – Latin American Veterinary Conference – Lima, Peru.

Intraocular Pressure in Captive Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) Measured by Rebound Tonometry.

Ocular Ecobiometry in Captive Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus).

(July 2018) – XXVIII Brazilian Congress of Anatomy – Paraíba, Brazil.

Morphological and Imaging Aspects of Male Genitalia in Meerkats (Suricata suricatta).

(November, 2018) – 26th International Symposium on Scientific and Technological Initiation at USP (SIICUSP) – São Paulo, Brazil.

Analysis of Opportunism in Subordinate Males of Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) Maintained in Ex-Situ Conditions Aiming for Mating with Females.

(May 2019) – 43rd Congress of the Brazilian Association of Zoos & Aquaria – Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Effects of Olfactory Enrichment on the Reproductive Behavior of Nurse Sharks.

Implementation of the Environmental Management Program of the São Paulo Aquarium.

Behavioral Response of Three Primate Species (Colobus guereza, Alouatta guariba, and Lemur catta) to Environmental Enrichment Implemented at the São Paulo Aquarium.

Analysis of Socio-Sexual and Reproductive Behavior in Red Kangaroos Maintained in Ex-Situ Conditions.

(July 2019) – XIV Open Congress for Biology Students – São Paulo, Brazil.

Environmental Enrichment and Time Management by Meerkats.

(September 2019) – 10th Brazilian Congress of Mammalogy – São Paulo, Brazil.

Space Used by Meerkats in a Controlled Environment.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

(September 2012) – 2nd Latin American Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference – Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Isolation of Mycobacterium abscessus and M. fortuitum from a skin lesion on Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) in captivity.

(October 2012) – 3rd Brazilian Conference on Environmental Enrichment – São Paulo, Brazil.

Operant conditioning of nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum).

(March 2013) – 37th Congress of the Brazilian Society of Zoos – Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Maintenance of large freshwater fish.

(April 2016) – IX Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Elasmobranch Studies (SBEEL) – Alagoas, Brazil.

Swimming behavior of sand tiger sharks in captivity: analysis of animal welfare and importance of ex-situ studies.

(May 2019) – XXVI ALPZA Congress – Asociación Latinoamericana de Parques Zoológicos e Acuarios – Santiago, Chile.

Efectos del Enriquecimiento Olfativo en los Comportamientos Reproductivos del Tiburón Nodriza.

(September 2019) – IV Meeting of Environmental Educators – Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Using Theater as a Tool to Raise Awareness about Waste.