High levels of metacercarial infestation (family: Diplostomidae) do not affect host energetics and swimming performance in the Epaulette goby (Coryogalops sordidus,Gobiidae)

Parasites have deleterious effects on their hosts, often resulting in altered host behavior or increased energy expenditure. When organisms are exposed to suboptimal environments, parasite loading may increase. Microbialite pools along the warm temperate South African coastline have been hypothesized as refugia for Epaulette gobies (Coryogalops sordidus, Gobiidae) when they are outside of their previously known subtropical distribution. The aim of this study was to determine if C. sordidus individuals infected with metacercarial cysts display higher metabolic rates or different swimming behavior compared to noninfected individuals. We measured each goby's swimming performance using a critical station-holding speed (U_crit) test (n = 60) and visually scored their swimming behavior (n = 52) during these measurements. Also, we measured the metabolic rate of gobies using an intermittent flow respirometer system to determine standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR) from gobies at 21°C before and after swimming trials. Metacercarial load carried by infected gobies seemingly had no impact on the host's energetics (SMR or MMR), swimming ability (as repeated U_crit tests), or swimming behavior compared to noninfected gobies. Thus, the metacercarial intensity observed in gobies in the current study appeared to have no impact on host swimming performance or behavior. Furthermore, the swimming capacity observed for C. sordidus, in general, suggests that this goby is a poor swimmer compared to other gobiid species.     

Laboratory Comparison of the Effectiveness of Several Algicides on Isolated Swimming Pool Algae

The most frequently encountered species of algae found in swimming pools in the Phoenix metropolitan area were used to evaluate the laboratory effectiveness of five commercially available pool chemicals used for algal control. The pool algae used were the xanthophyte Pleurochloris pyrenoidosa, the chlorophyte Oocystis sp., and the cyanophytes Phormidium minnesotense and Plectonema sp. Pad Algae Kill (a chlorine derivative) was effective in the control of all test organisms. Algaedyn, a silver-containing algicide, was effective on P. minnesotense and Plectonema sp., but caused only a slight inhibition in the growth of P. pyrenoidosa and Oocystis sp. Quarternary ammonium (Padicide) was more effective in controlling the growth of Phormidium and Plectonema than Pleurochloris and Oocystis. Algimycin (herbicide) only reduced the growth of Oocystis and was ineffective on the other species. Bio-Gard (copper) reduced the growth of Pleurochloris, but had no effect on the other test organisms. The technique used to quantify the influence of algicides on isolated pool algae appears to be adaptable to those algae that form distinct colonies on an agar substratum.     

Ecology of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi in swimming pools and polluted and unpolluted streams

The biodiversity and richness of keratinophilic fungal communities including dermatophytes were assessed in three stream sites and three swimming pools in the Nablus district in Palestine, using hair baiting (HBT) and surface dilution plate (SDP) techniques, over 8- and 6-month periods, respectively. The effect of waste water effluent and selected ecological factors on these fungi in relation to species diversity and population densities were also considered. Fifty keratinophilic fungal species were recovered from the aquatic habitats studied, of which 42 were recovered from stream sites and 22 from swimming pools. Of these fungi 6 were either dermatophytes (Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) or dermatophyte related species (Chrysosporium merdarium, Ch. tropicum, Ch. keratinophilum and T. terrestre). The most frequently isolated species in the three pools were Acremonium strictum and Cladosporium cladosporioides, using Sabouraud dextrose agar medium (SDA). The most abundant species were Acr. strictum, and Aspergillus flavus. However, only 4 species were isolated using the SDA medium amended with 5-flurocytosine (5-FC). The most frequent and abundant species in the three stream sites using SDA medium were Geotricum candidum, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The most frequent species in the three sites using the 5-FC medium, was Paecilomyces lilacinus. Using HBT, the most abundant and frequent species in the three stream sites were G. candidum, and Pa. lilacinus, on SDA medium, and Pa. lilacinus, and Gliocladium nigrovirens on the 5-FC medium. The 5-FC medium was more suitable for the isolation of dermatophytes and closely related species than the SDA medium; 6 were recovered on 5-FC, whereas only one on the SDA medium. Variation in the levels of keratinophilic fungal populations from the three stream sites sampled 5 times over an 8-month period, followed comparable fluctuation patterns. Waste water affected fungal population densities with the highest levels in the un-polluted stream sites, and lowest in the heavily polluted sites. Swimming pools, polluted and un-polluted stream sites were found to be rich in pathogenic and potentially pathogenic fungi.This revised version was published online in October 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Characterization of a Small Cryptic Plasmid,pPFl, from Phormidium foveolarum and Vector Construction

The 1509 bp cryptic plasmid, pPFl, from Phormidium foveolarum, a strain of filamentous cyanobacteria of the LPP group, was completely sequenced. The pPFl nucleotide sequence had 97.8% overall similarity with that of a small plasmid from Plectonema boryanum. The structural organization of pPFl and vector construction are discussed.     

Swimming patterns and behaviour of upriver-migrating adult pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and sockeye (O. nerka) salmon as assessed by EMG telemetry in the Fraser River,British Columbia,Canada

Little is known about the behaviour patterns and swimming speed strategies of anadromous upriver migrating fish. We used electromyogram telemetry to estimate instantaneous swimming speeds for individual sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and pink salmon (O. gorbuscha) during their spawning migrations through reaches which spanned a gradient in river hydraulic features in the Fraser River, British Columbia. Our main objectives were to describe patterns of individual-specific swim speeds and behaviours, identify swimming speed strategies and contrast these between sexes, species and reaches. Although mean swimming speeds did not differ between pink salmon (2.21 BL s^–1) and sockeye salmon (1.60 BL s^–1), sockeye salmon were over twice as variable (mean CV; 54.78) in swimming speeds as pink salmon (mean CV; 22.54). Using laboratory-derived criteria, we classified swimming speeds as sustained (<2.5 BL s^–1), prolonged (2.5–3.2 BL s^–1), or burst (>3.2 BL s^–1). We found no differences between sexes or species in the proportion of total time swimming in these categories – sustained (0.76), prolonged (0.18), burst (0.06); numbers are based on species and sexes combined. Reaches with relatively complex hydraulics and fast surface currents had migrants with relatively high levels of swimming speed variation (e.g., high swimming speed CV, reduced proportions of sustained speeds, elevated proportions of burst speeds, and high rates of bursts) and high frequency of river crossings. We speculate that complex current patterns generated by river constrictions created confusing migration cues, which impeded a salmon's ability to locate appropriate pathways.     

Viruses in recreational water‐borne disease outbreaks: a review

Viruses are believed to be a significant cause of recreationally associated water‐borne disease. However, they have been difficult to document because of the wide variety of illnesses that they cause and the limitations in previous detection methods. Noroviruses are believed to be the single largest cause of outbreaks, which have been documented in the published literature 45% (n = 25), followed by adenovirus (24%), echovirus (18%), hepatitis A virus (7%) and coxsackieviruses (5%). Just under half of the outbreaks occurred in swimming pools (49%), while the second largest outbreak occurred in lakes or ponds (40%). The number of reported outbreaks associated with noroviruses has increased significantly in recent years probably because of better methods for virus detection. Inadequate disinfection was related to 69% (n = 18) of swimming pool outbreaks. A lack of required reporting and nonuniform water quality and chlorination/disinfection standards continues to contribute to water‐borne recreational disease outbreaks.     

Interspecific variation in sustained swimming ability of late pelagic stage reef fish from two families (Pomacentridae and Chaetodontidae)

 Characteristics of the pelagic stages of reef fishes have generally been investigated at the family level, which may mask important differences among species. Here the variation in sustained swimming ability of the late pelagic stages is examined among species, within two families (Pomacentridae and Chaetodontidae). The pomacentrids displayed a 7.5-fold difference in sustained swimming ability across 24 species, while the chaetodontids displayed a 2-fold difference across 10 species. The variation within the Pomacentridae was not related to pelagic larval duration, post-settlement habitat or taxonomy. There was, however, a significant correlation between sustained swimming ability and total length (TL) of individuals (r=0.435, P<0.0001). Differences in the mean distance swum by pomacentrid species, however, was most strongly related to differences in mean wet weight (r=0.814, P<0.0001). When the mean distance swum by species was scaled with respect to mean TL there was still a strong correlation with mean wet weight (r=0.644, P<0.005). Among chaetodontid individuals TL and sustained swimming ability were not correlated (r=−0.004, P=0.978). Furthermore, sustained swimming ability was not significantly related to the trans-oceanic distribution of species in either family. The variation in sustained swimming ability, however, may contribute to explanations of the observed levels of gene flow within populations. Accepted: 24 November 1997     

Benthic freshwater cyanobacteria as indicators of anthropogenic pressures

Freshwater cyanobacteria are hardly used as biological indicators of anthropogenic pressures, possibly for two main reasons: (a) their response to anthropogenic pressures is often poorly known; (b) reliably identifying cyanobacteria species is a challenge for technicians and researchers. We assessed the usefulness of cyanobacteria species as biological indicators of two human stressors: the high orthophosphate input from urban wastewaters; the high nitrate concentration produced by agricultural land use. We analysed variation in benthic cyanobacterial assemblages at 85 sites in South-Central Spain as a response to eight environmental variables: pH, conductivity, temperature, altitude, nitrate, orthophosphate, irrigation land use and non-irrigation land use.Results revealed that conductivity was the main environmental factor that contributed to differences between assemblages. Orthophosphate was more influential for community composition than nitrate. Changes in species composition related to human pressures suggested that some cyanobacteria species (e.g. Nostoc verrucosum, Phormidium autumnale, Plectonema tomasinianum, Rivularia haematites, Tolypothrix distorta) could be useful tools for the bioindication of anthropogenic pressures; while others species provide more information about natural physicochemical reference conditions (Nostoc caeruleum, Phormidium fonticola). Further research into cyanobacteria and macroalgae assemblages in different impacted scenarios could help improve macrophyte indices.     

VOLVOX BARBERI,THE FASTEST SWIMMER OF THE VOLVOCALES (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

Volvox barberi W. Shaw is a volvocalean green alga composed of biflagellated cells. Vovocales with 16 cells or more form spherical colonies, and their largest members have germ‐soma separation (all species in the genus Volvox). V. barberi is the largest Volvox species recorded in terms of cell number (10,000–50,000 cells) and has the highest somatic to reproductive cell ratio (S/R). Since they are negatively buoyant, Volvocales need flagellar beating to avoid sinking and to reach light and nutrients. We measured V. barberi swimming speed and total swimming force. V. barberi swimming speeds are the highest recorded so far for volvocine algae (～600 μm · s^?1). With this speed, V. barberi colonies have the potential to perform daily vertical migrations in the water column at speeds of 2–3 m · h^?1, consistent with what has been reported about Volvox populations in the wild. Moreover, V. barberi data fit well in the scaling relationships derived with the other smaller Volvox species, namely, that the upward swimming speed V_up∝N^0.28 and the total swimming force F_S∝N^0.77 (N = colony cell number). These allometric relationships have been important supporting evidence for reaching the conclusion that as size increases, colonies have to invest in cell specialization and increase their S/R to increase their motility capabilities to stay afloat and motile.     

Diversity,taxonomy and autecology of autochtonous epipelic cyanobacteria of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Komvophoron</Emphasis> (Borziaceae,Oscillatoriales): a study on populations from the Czech Republic and British Isles

Epipelic cyanobacteria were studied in bottom sediments from ponds and lakes in the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, covering a trophic gradient from deep, oligotrophic, glacial lakes to shallow, eutrophic, urban manmade ponds. Although many planktic species were observed, the most frequently occurring cyanobacteria were the motile filamentous genera Oscillatoria, Phormidium, Pseudanabaena and Komvophoron. These genera represent autochtonous epipelic assemblages, occurring in upper surface layers of the sediments throughout the year and exhibiting seasonal variation in their abundancy. The occurrence of individual Komvophoron species was influenced by sediment quality, particularly the proportions of fine mud and organic detritus. A new species Komvophoron hindakii sp. nov. is described. Morphological features, autecology and occurrence of all the Komvophoron-like morphospecies found are discussed.     

Suppression of Rice Immunity by Xanthomonas oryzae Type III Effector Xoo2875

Single-stranded plasmid DNA of pPF1 from Phormidium foveolarum that was specifically degraded by S1 nuclease was detected by Southern hybridization. This is also the case of the homologous plasmid pPBl from Plectonema boryanum. These observations suggest that such small cryptic plasmids as pPF1 and pPB1, both from Gram-negative and filamentous cyanobacteria, replicate by a rolling circle mechanism in their living cells.     

Host re-identification of cyanophage PP and its implications for host range and specificity

Dear Editor, In this study,we re-identified the hosts of cyanophage PP.Twenty-three candidate algal strains were tested,and the results indicated that seven strains belonging to Plectonema and Phormidium are the hosts of cyanophage PP,including two previously reported filamentous cyanobacteria,Plectonema boryanum and Phormidium foveolarum (Zhao et al.2002).However,several species or strains within the two genera were found not to be hosts of cyanophage PP,implying that the host range is relatively specific.     

THE CAROTENOIDS OF FOUR BLUE-GREEN ALGAE1

The carotenoids of 4 species of blue-green algae, Anabaena variabilis, Phormidium persicinum, P. ectocarpi, and P. fragile, were investigated. In each, ft-carotene was a major pigment and the only carotene detected. The xanthophylls present in Anabaena variabilis were echinenone, canthaxanthin, and myxo-xanthophyll. Each of the Phormidium species contained zeaxanthin as the major xanthophyll. In each, this was accompanied by trace amounts of echinenone and isocryptoxanthin. In addition, 2 new xanthophylls, spectrally resembling ^-carotene, were found in Phormidium persicinum and P. ectocarpi, while another, with a spectrum similar to that of myxoxanthophyll, was found in P. fragile.     

THE EVOLUTION OF THE SEXUALLY SELECTED SWORD IN XIPHOPHORUS DOES NOT COMPROMISE AEROBIC LOCOMOTOR PERFORMANCE

Sexual selection can increase morphological diversity within and among species. Little is known regarding how interspecific variation produced through sexual selection affects other functional systems. Here, we examine how morphological diversity resulting from sexual selection impacts aerobic locomotor performance. Using Xiphophorus (swordtail fish) and their close relatives (N = 19 species), we examined whether the evolution of a longer sexually selected sword affects critical swimming speed. We also examined the effect of other suborganismal, physiological, and morphological traits on critical swimming speed, as well as their relationship with sword length. In correlation analyses, we found no significant relationship between sword length and critical swimming speed. Unexpectedly, we found that critical swimming speed was higher in species with longer swords, after controlling for body size in multiple regression analyses. We also found several suborganismal and morphological predictors of critical swimming speed, as well as a significant negative relationship between sword length and heart and gill mass. Our results suggest that interspecific variation in sword length is not costly for this aspect of swimming performance, but further studies should examine potential costs for other types of locomotion and other components of Darwinian fitness (e.g., survivorship, life span).     

Divergence in physiological factors affecting swimming performance between anadromous and resident populations of brook charr Salvelinus fontinalis

In this study, an anadromous strain (L) and a freshwater‐resident (R) strain of brook charr Salvelinus fontinalis as well as their reciprocal hybrids, were reared in a common environment and submitted to swimming tests combined with salinity challenges. The critical swimming speeds (U_crit) of the different crosses were measured in both fresh (FW) and salt water (SW) and the variations in several physiological traits (osmotic, energetic and metabolic capacities) that are predicted to influence swimming performance were documented. Anadromous and resident fish reached the same U_crit in both FW and SW, with U_crit being 14% lower in SW compared with FW. The strains, however, seemed to use different underlying strategies: the anadromous strain relied on its streamlined body shape and higher osmoregulatory capacity, while the resident strain had greater citrate synthase (FW) and lactate dehydrogenase (FW, SW) capacity and either greater initial stores or more efficient use of liver (FW, SW) and muscle (FW) glycogen during exercise. Compared with R_♀L_♂ hybrids, L_♀R_♂ hybrids had a 20% lower swimming speed, which was associated with a 24% smaller cardio‐somatic index and higher physiological costs. Thus swimming performance depends on cross direction (i.e. which parental line was used as dam or sire). The study thus suggests that divergent physiological factors between anadromous and resident S. fontinalis may result in similar swimming capacities that are adapted to their respective lifestyles.     

DIFFERENTIAL SURVIVAL OF SEXUAL AND ASEXUAL POECILIOPSIS DURING ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS

According to the Frozen Niche-Variation model, coexisting clones of an asexual species can freeze and faithfully replicate ecologically relevant genetic variability that segregates in the sexual ancestors. The present experiments with fish of the genus Poeciliopsis provide further evidence in support of this model. Sexual and clonal forms of Poeciliopsis live in the desert streams of Sonora, Mexico, and are exposed to environmental extremes ranging from flash floods to hot, desiccating, residual pools. We examined coexisting members of the monacha complex to see whether the fish types differed with respect to survival during stress and swimming endurance in an artificial flume. The two coexisting clones of the triploid gynogenetic fish P. 2 monacha–lucida differed dramatically: clone MML/II had the best survival during heat and cold stress and the worst survival during hypoxic stress, whereas clone MML/I had the best survival during hypoxic stress and the worst during heat stress. Poeciliopsis monacha, the sexual species with which these clones coexist, had intermediate survival during heat and hypoxic stress and very poor swimming endurance in the flume. The physiological differences seen in this study are consistent with the Frozen Niche-Variation model and provide some insights into environmental factors that affect the distribution and abundance of these fish.     

Observation of microplasmodesmata in both heterocyst-forming and non-heterocyst forming filamentous cyanobacteria by freeze-fracture electron microscopy

Structures which may establish cytoplasmic continuity between adjacent cells of filamentous cyanobacteria have been observed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. They are visible in the septum region of the plasma membrane as pits on the E-face (EF) and corresponding protrusions on the P-face (PF). Between 100 and 250 of these structures, termed microplasmodesmata, were present between adjacent vegetative cells in all four strains of heterocyst-forming filamentous cyanobacteria, Anabaena cylindrica Lemm, A. variabilis (IUCC B377), A. variabilis Kütz. (ATCC 29413) and Nostoc muscorum, examined. Only 30–40 microplasmodesmata were observed between adjacent cells in two species, Phormidium luridum and Plectonema boryanum, that do not form heterocysts. The results suggest that in species that form heterocysts a greater degree of cytoplasmic continuity is established, presumably to facilitate the exchange of metabolites. In species capable of forming heterocysts, the number of microplasmodesmata per septum between two adjacent vegetative cells remained constant whether the filaments were grown in the presence of NH₄ and lacked heteroxysts or under N₂-fixing conditions and contained heterocysts. When a vegetative cell differentiates into a heterocyst, about 80% of the existing microplasmodesmata are destroyed as the poles of the cell become constricted into narrow necks leaving smaller areas of contact with the adjacent vegetative cells.     

Effects of Acute Swimming Exercise on Some Elements in Rats

The objective of the present study is to explore the effects of acute swimming exercise on plasma levels of some elements in rats, immediately after the exercise, and 24 and 48 h later. The study included 40 adult male rats of Spraque Dawley species, which were equally allocated to four groups. Group 1: General Control Group; Group 2: Swimming Group, the group that was decapitated immediately after 30-min acute swimming exercise; Group 3: Swimming Group, the group that was decapitated 24 h after 30-min acute swimming exercise; Group 4: Swimming Group, the group that was decapitated 48 h after 30-min acute swimming exercise. Plasma copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) levels were determined according to atomic emission method in the blood samples collected from the animals by decapitation method. Measurements conducted immediately after acute swimming exercise (group 2) showed a significant decrease in Se and Zn levels (p < 0,01) and a significant increase in P levels (p < 0,01), when compared to group 1. Measurements carried out 24 h after the exercise (group 3) demonstrated a significant increase in all parameters except for Mg, in comparison to groups 1 and 2 (p < 0,01). It was seen in the measurements made 48 h after the exercise (group 4) that all parameters were restored to control values. The results of our study show that acute swimming exercise significantly changes plasma Cu, Fe, P, Se, and Zn levels.     

Effects of extreme low flows on freshwater shrimps in a perennial tropical stream

• 1 Long-term data on rainfall suggests that perennial rainforest streams rarely are subject to drying of riffles or pools in the wet, non-seasonal Caribbean climate of Puerto Rico. Unusually low rainfall in 1994 caused some headwater riffles to dry out completely, resulting in isolated pools, reduced pool volumes and loss of access to microhabitats by benthic invertebrates.
• 2 From 1992 to 1998, shrimp populations were sampled bimonthly using baited traps in six pools along 1200 m (from 305 to 480 m in altitude) of Quebrada Prieta, a second-order headwater stream in the Luquillo Experimental Forest (Caribbean National Forest).
• 3 Following contraction of the smaller and shallower pools in the most upstream section of the stream, mean densities of the dominant shrimp (Atya lanipes) increased from 22 to 75 shrimp m⁻² of pool area during the 1994 drought year. A second common species (Xiphocaris elongata) increased from 5 to 14 shrimp m⁻². A smaller percentage of adults of both species was gravid during the drought.
• 4 Following the 1994 drought (1995–1998), densities of both shrimp species and reproductive activity of Atya returned to predrought (1990–1993) levels. However, the reproductive activity of Xiphocaris remained lower than in the predrought period.
• 5 It is suggested that prolonged droughts, even in tropical rainforest biomes, may significantly alter aquatic communities through localised crowding effects resulting from habitat contraction, and lead to prolonged decreases in reproductive output. Consequently, major alterations in aquatic populations and communities would be predicted by current climate change scenarios of decreased total rainfall and increased variability.