Intercalibration of hydroacoustic and mark–recapture methods for assessing the spawning population size of a threatened fish species

Hydroacoustic counting and a three-year mark–recapture study with passive integrated transponders (PIT tags) were used to estimate the size of a spawning population of nase Chondrostoma nasus , a threatened potamodromous cyprinid that undertakes annual spawning migrations into a tributary of the Danube River. In 2005, the estimates of the size of the spawning population from the hydroacoustic counts ( N = 2234, 95% CL 1929–2538) and from the Jolly–Seber model ( N = 1198, 95% CL 461–5842) corresponded well. Estimates from the jackknife-estimator based on the hydroacoustic counts yielded slightly higher values ( N = 2783, 95% CL 2529–3037), but were still in the same order of magnitude as those from the hydroacoustic and mark–recapture approach. At low run-size, hydroacoustic counting was more time consuming and technically demanding than mark–recapture studies. At the same time, it was non-invasive, provided real-time data on a fine temporal scale, and estimates showed less variability than the Jolly–Seber model. Mark–recapture of fish in spawning streams involved substantial disturbance at a sensitive stage of the life cycle. Hence, hydroacoustics is highly suited for population estimates of threatened potamodromous fishes, where interference needs to be minimized.     

河流鱼类产卵场紊动能计算与分析

通过对鱼类产卵场地形分析,认为水流能量损失是鱼类产卵场形成的重要原因之一,这种能量损失主要是由于特殊河道地貌形成的水流紊动而产生的.在此基础上探索性地推导了考虑这种河道水流能量损失的明渠非恒定流方程.以中华鲟为例,对产卵场河段进行了三维水流数值模拟,计算了产卵河段紊动能的分布,探讨了中华鲟产卵行为与水流紊动之间的关系,结果表明产卵区因紊动产生的能量损失明显大于非产卵区.以期为保护中华鲟和其他鱼类产卵场水力学环境提供参考.     

Optimum conditions for the activation of the alternative complement pathway of a cyprinid fish (Tinca tinca L.). Seasonal variations in the titres

The present work describes the existence of a haemolytic activity in the serum of tench, Tinca tinca, against rabbit red blood cells (RRBC) which was identified as belonging to the alternative complement pathway from the following findings: haemolytic activity disappeared when the serum was heated to 45°C for 20 min; 10 mM EDTA, which chelates Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, induced a complete loss of haemolysis; Mg²⁺, but not Ca²⁺, was required for the activity, and the use of sheep red blood cells (SRBC), which have a high content of sialic acid, resulted in the serum activity falling to a very low degree of haemolysis. The ACH50 value (units ml^-1 serum) was defined as the reciprocal of the serum dilution necessary to lyse 50% of 4 × 10⁷ RRBC in a buffered medium of normal ionic strength (μ=0·15) containing 10 mM EGTA and optimum concentrations of Mg²⁺. The optimum conditions for the ACH50 assay were: pH 7·2-7-7; reaction temperature, 15°C; concentration of Mg²⁺, 5 mM; and reaction time, 90 min. Under these conditions, the values of ACH50 in spring, summer, autumn and winter for male tench were 69±13, 91±22, 90±36 and 137±41, and for female tench 100±11, 108±13, 82±12 and 145±17. The highest serum activity was found in the winter, suggesting the importance of this pathway during cold periods when the specific immune response is depressed in ectothermic vertebrates.     

Crevice spawning behavior in Dionda dichroma,with comments on the evolution of spawning modes in North American shiners (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

The crevice spawning behavior of Diondadichroma is described for the first time, andcompared to spawning behavior in the genusCyprinella. The evolution of crevice spawningwith respect to other spawning behaviors ofNorth American shiners is examined usingexplicitly phylogenetic hypotheses for thisgroup. We present evidence that broadcastspawning is plesiomorphic and all otherspawning behaviors are independently derived. There is evidence that crevice spawning hasevolved independently at least three timeswithin the shiner clade. There is no supportfor an evolutionary transition between eggclustering and crevice spawning. Nestassociation, spawning on habitat prepared byother species, has also evolved multiple timeswithin this clade. Evolution of spawning inshiners is best described by phylogeneticstasis with several independent origins ofspecialized spawning stragegies.     

厚颌鲂(Megalobrama pellegrini)的繁殖生物学特征

从长江上游一级支流龙溪河收集了1382尾厚颌鲂开展繁殖生物学研究。结果表明,厚颌鲂繁殖期为4～7月份,盛期为4～5月份,在繁殖季节可借第二性征辨别性别。繁殖群体主要由2、3龄个体组成,总性比♀∶♂＝1∶1.83。厚颌鲂2龄初次性成熟（♀∶75%;♂∶94.7%）,3龄个体全部成熟。最小性成熟雌性全长189.0mm,体长158.0mm,体重72.1g,成熟系数2.7%;雄性全长179.0mm,体长149.0mm,体重57.1g,成熟系数2.2%。厚颌鲂绝对怀卵量为(59587.22±59018)粒,相对怀卵量为(212.64±89.50)粒/g或(230.96±137.63)粒/mm,绝对怀卵量和相对怀卵量均在5龄大幅增长。比较繁殖力以3龄组最高,2、4、5龄组相近。集群繁殖需要18℃以上水温和其他一些生态因子刺激,亲鱼追逐约1h左右产卵。     

Developmental morphology of the cyprinid fish Tanichthys albonubes

Embryonic, larval, and juvenile development of a small cyprinid species, Tanichthys albonubes, is described from laboratory-reared specimens. The eggs, measuring 1.0–1.2 mm in diameter, were demersal, almost spherical in shape, transparent and unpigmented, with a pale yolk without oil globules. Hatching occurred 45–53 h after fertilization at 25.5°–26.9°C. The newly hatched larvae, measuring 2.2–2.6 mm in body length (BL), had melanophores on the head and body. In particular, a dark vertical streak occurring posterior to the otic capsule and melanophores above the eyes were distinctive. The yolk was completely absorbed at 3.4 mm BL. Notochord flexion was initiated at 5.0 mm BL and finished at 6.0 mm BL. Aggregate numbers of all fin rays were completed at 11 mm BL. Squamation was initiated at 8.4 mm BL and completed at 13 mm BL. Although the eggs of T. albonubes resembled those of other small danionin species, including Aphyocypris chinensis, Chela dadiburjori, Danio rerio, Devario malabaricus, Gobiocypris rarus, Hemigrammocypris rasborella, and Horadandia atukorali, they differed from those of A. chinensis, C. dadiburjori, G. rarus, and Horadandia atukorali in having a wider perivitelline space. The larvae and juveniles of T. albonubes were similar to those of the aforementioned seven species plus Danio albolineatus, Danio kerri, and Devario sp. (cf. D. aequipinnatus) in general morphology. However, the early life stage morphology of T. albonubes differed from them in having a dark vertical streak posterior to the otic capsule and melanophores above the eyes in the yolk sac larval stage, and a dark lateral streak with an unpigmented area just above the former on the body, a dark blotch on the caudal fin, and reddish dorsal, anal, and caudal fins during the postflexion larval and juvenile stages.     

Developmental morphology of the cyprinid fish Chela dadiburjori

Embryonic, larval, and juvenile development of an Indian cyprinid fish, Chela dadiburjori, is described from laboratory-reared specimens. The eggs, measuring 0.7–0.9mm in diameter, were demersal, almost spherical in shape, transparent and unpigmented, with a pale yellow yolk and no oil globule. Hatching occurred 50–61h after fertilization at ca. 27°C. The newly hatched larvae, measuring 2.4–2.6mm in body length (BL), had melanophores on the body with 14–16+14–17=29–31 myomeres. Two dark transverse bands on the ventral body surface and one melanophore on the lower margin of the eye in newly hatched larvae were diagnostic. Additionally, a cement organ for adhering to objects was present on the forehead of yolk sac larvae <3.1mm BL. The yolk was completely absorbed at 3.5mm BL. Notochord flexion was initiated at 5.0mm BL and finished at 6.0mm BL. Aggregate numbers of all fin rays were completed at 9.2mm BL. Squamation was initiated on the caudal peduncle at 8.0mm BL and completed at 10mm BL. The eggs of C. dadiburjori resembled those of the closely related species Devario malabaricus and Danio rerio. The larvae and juveniles of C. dadiburjori were also similar to those of the latter species in general morphology, especially the presence of body melanophores in newly hatched individuals and a distinctive lateral streak on the head during the period from yolk sac to postflexion larvae. However, early yolk sac larvae of C. dadiburjori were more similar to those of Devario malabaricus than Danio rerio in having a cement organ on the forehead. Larvae and juveniles of C. dadiburjori differed from those of the latter two species in pigmentation on the ventral body surface at hatching and around the mouth during the period from preflexion to early postflexion larvae and in having a dark lateral streak or band on the body in postflexion larvae and juveniles.     

Developmental morphology of the Indian cyprinid fish Barilius canarensis

Embryonic and larval development of an Indian cyprinid fish, Barilius canarensis, is described from laboratory-reared specimens. The eggs, measuring 2.1–2.4 mm in diameter, were demersal, almost spherical in shape, transparent and unpigmented, with a pale yellow yolk without oil globules. Hatching occurred 39–45 h after fertilization at 26.8°–27.4°C. The newly hatched larvae, measuring 4.8–5.1 mm in body length (BL) with 22 + 17 = 39 myomeres, were characterized by melanophores already deposited on the eyes. The eggs of B. canarensis resembled those of the related danionin species Candidia barbatus, Opsariichthys uncirostris uncirostris, Zacco platypus, Z. sieboldii, and Z. temminckii. Although the larvae of B. canarensis were also similar to those of the foregoing species in general morphology, they differed in having a straight notochord tip and pigmentation on the eyes at hatching and the almost entire absence of melanophores on the ventral body surface from the yolk sac to postflexion larval stages. Conversely, melanophores occurred on the anterior abdominal and pericardial cavities from the preflexion to postflexion larval stages.     

Developmental morphology of the cyprinid fish Horadandia atukorali

Embryonic, larval, and juvenile development of a small Indian cyprinid, Horadandia atukorali, is described from laboratory-reared specimens. The eggs, measuring 0.7–0.8mm in diameter, were demersal, almost spherical in shape, transparent and unpigmented, with a pale yellow yolk without oil globules. Hatching occurred 47–54h after fertilization at 26.3–27.5°C. The newly hatched larvae, measuring 2.3–2.6mm in body length (BL) with 16+13=29 myomeres, had no melanophores, except on the eye, a single melanophore occurring on the lower margin, and xanthophores surrounding the pupil. The yolk was completely absorbed at 3.0mm BL. Notochord flexion was initiated at 4.0mm BL and finished at 4.4mm BL. Aggregate numbers of all fin rays were completed at 8.0mm BL. Squamation was initiated at 6.4mm BL and completed at 9.5mm BL. Although the eggs of Horadandia atukorali resembled those of other small danionin species, including Aphyocypris chinensis, Chela dadiburjori, Danio rerio, Devario malabaricus, and Hemigrammocypris rasborella, they differed from those of Danio rerio and Devario malabaricus in having a narrower perivitelline space. The larvae and juveniles of Horadandia atukorali were also similar to those of the latter five species in general morphology, especially in the presence of a melanophore on the lower margin of the eye at hatching, as in C. dadiburjori. However, the early life stage morphology of Horadandia atukorali differed from the other danionin species in having a conical yolk sac at hatching, no cement organ on the forehead in the yolk-sac larval stage, a divided gas bladder in the flexion larval stage, two dark lateral streaks on the head and chevron-like melanophores on the ventral body surface from the preflexion to postflexion larval stages, and xanthophores on the eyes at hatching.     

Developmental morphology of the cyprinid fish Inlecypris auropurpureus

Embryonic, larval, and juvenile development of a Myanmarese cyprinid fish, Inlecypris auropurpureus, is described from laboratory-reared specimens. The eggs, measuring 0.9–1.0 mm in diameter, were demersal, almost spherical in shape, transparent and unpigmented, with a pale yellow yolk without oil globules. Hatching occurred 49–56 h after fertilization at 26.2°–27.3°C. The newly hatched larvae, measuring 2.9–3.1 mm in body length (BL) with 17 + 19–20 = 36–37 myomeres, had melanophores on the head and body. A cement organ on the forehead for adhering to objects during the yolk sac and early preflexion larval stages was distinctive. The yolk was completely absorbed at 3.6–4.0 mm BL. Notochord flexion was initiated at 5.1–5.6 mm BL and finished at 7.1 mm BL. Aggregate numbers of all fin rays were completed at 14 mm BL. Squamation was initiated midlaterally on the anterior trunk at 14 mm BL and completed at 27 mm BL. Although the eggs of I. auropurpureus resembled those of the closely related species Chela dadiburjori, Danio rerio, and Devario malabaricus, they differed from those of Danio rerio and Devario malabaricus in having a narrower perivitelline space. The larvae and juveniles of I. auropurpureus were also similar to those of C. dadiburjori, Danio rerio, and Devario malabaricus in general morphology, but they differed from the latter three species in having a series of dark blotches laterally on the body in the juvenile stage. Moreover, I. auropurpureus differed from C. dadiburjori in having more myomeres and a near-single row of melanophores on the body along the dorsal midline from the yolk-sac to early postflexion larval stages, from Danio rerio in having a cement organ on the forehead during the yolk-sac and early preflexion larvae, and a single melanophore on the lower eye margin in the early yolk-sac larvae, and from Devario malabaricus in having a single melanophore on the lower eye margin in the early yolk-sac larvae. The presence of a cement organ on the forehead indicates a close relationship among the genera Inlecypris, Chela, and Devario.     

Reproductive biology and spawning habitat supplementation of the relict darter, Etheostoma chienense, a federally endangered species

We investigated the reproductive biology of Etheostoma chienense in the Bayou du Chien drainage of western Kentucky. Etheostoma chienense is similar in its ecology and reproductive biology to other members of the E. squamiceps complex. However, E. chienense is opportunistic in its choice of egg deposition substrates, as nests were found on a variety of natural and anthropogenic items. Due to an apparent lack of suitable spawning substrates, we added half-cylindrical ceramic tiles to several stretches of stream to increase potential nest productivity. Egg-clutches attached to artificial substrates were twice the size of egg clutches attached to naturally occurring materials. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine nest rock size and mate choice preferences. Both the size of the male and of the nest rock appeared to be important parameters to spawning females. The life history information gathered here has significant management implications. Artificial spawning substrates should be placed in appropriate microhabitats (i.e., shallow, low-flow reaches in headwaters). Nest cavity vertical height should be about 3.0 cm and tiles should be spaced at least 0.5 m apart. We feel the use of surrogates (e.g., E. oophlyax) to investigate other types of spawning cover, and restoration of riparian buffer zones among other actions, would particularly benefit recovery efforts for this endangered species.     

Direct evidence of a mesopelagic fish,Melanostigma atlanticum (Zoarcidae) spawning within bottom sediments

Synopsis Adult Melanostigma atlanticum were observed living 15 to 32 cm deep within sediment box cores from 350 m depth in the Laurentian Trough of the Maritime Estuary of the St. Lawrence. The fish were found in fluid pockets or burrows of brown-coloured (oxygenated) silty clay within the anoxic zone of the sediment. In August 1983, four individuals (3 male and 1 female) were recovered from pockets located 15 and 32 cm below the sediment surface. All specimens were greater than 100 mm in length, had empty stomachs, and the female carried no eggs. In July 1985, 6 individuals (1 male and 5 females) were found in a head to tail arrangement within a single burrow at 18–20 cm depth. Three of the females carried eggs, while two appeared to have already released their eggs. A cluster of about 50 large eggs, some of which appeared to have been fertilized, was also found in the burrow. Most of the stomachs were empty, but one contained two copepods, another a proceroid cestode, and others contained between 4–22 parasitic hemiurid trematodes. These observations indicate that burrowing into bottom sediments is important in the reproductive behaviour of M. atlanticum.     

Annual cycle of gametogenesis and spawning in a tropical zoanthid,Protopalythoa sp.

Gametogenesis and spawning have been studied since 1986 in a population of Protopalythoa sp. (Anthozoa, Zoanthidea) from Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef. Fertile zooids were gonochoric or hermaphroditic with oocytes and sperm vesicles intermingled in the same mesentery; colonies were single sex or mixed. Oocytes arose in macrocnemes below the actinopharynx and were first observed in July. Their mean diameter increased from < 50 µm to 160–240 µm by November, by which time they contained zooxanthellae. Female zooids each produced 800–2400 ova. No testicular vesicles were visible before October but spermatozoa were present in November and December. Spawning in each of three years occurred in November (4th to 6th nights after full moon) simultaneously with mass spawning of scleractinian corals. The buoyant eggs (along with sperm in the hermaphroditic zooids) were released in bundles. Some large oocytes and mature sperm were still present in December.     

Past and present fish species recorded in the estuarine Lake Ichkeul,northern Tunisia

Lake Ichkeul in northern Tunisia is a Ramsar site, a MAB Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The system is one of the most important coastal wetlands in North Africa, especially as an over-wintering area for migratory birds, particularly Palaearctic waterfowl. The present study was aimed at diagnosing the status of fish species in Lake Ichkeul and documenting their annual and seasonal occurrence within the system. Fish samples were collected monthly at 22 sites from March 2011 to April 2012 using a variety of gears, including a dragnet, gillnet, trammelnet, frynet and beach-seine. Temperature and salinity measurements were taken at each site, while fishes were obtained from only 11 sites, representing mainly lacustrine stations. A total of 18 fish species belonging to 14 genera and 12 families were identified, with Mugilidae dominating with four species, followed by Syngnathidae with three species. This study represents a relative recovery in terms of fish species richness, since only 13 species were recorded here between 2003 and 2007. However, the numbers of fish caught, especially of the commercial taxa, seem to have declined in recent years, and the number of species currently present is much lower than that of several decades ago. Increasing human pressures, particularly reductions in catchment freshwater inputs, a breakdown in ecosystem connectivity, pollution and over-fishing appear to be the principal causes for the decline in fish abundance and diversity.     

Distribution of calbindinlike immunoreactive structures in the optic tectum of normal and eye-enucleated cyprinid fish

Summary Using the ABC immunohistochemical method, we investigated the distribution of calbindinlike immunoreactive structures in the optic tectum of normal fish, Tinca tinca, and from normal and unilaterally eye-enucleated fish, Cyprinus carpio. In nonoperated individuals of both species the optic tectum contained numerous immunoreactive neurons with strongly positive somata located in the stratum periventriculare and a thick immunolabeled dendritic shaft ascending radially toward the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale. The retinorecipient layers contained many fibrous immunoreactive structures. Some varicose fibers, isolated or in small bundles, were localized to the stratum album centrale, especially in the dorsal tectal half. Unilateral eye removal produced the disappearance of the immunoreactive fibrous structures located in the retinorecipient layers of the tectum contralateral to the enucleation. The present work shows that calbindinlike immunoreactive substances are localized in specific neural circuits of the fish optic tectum and suggests that the calbindin-like immunoreactive fibers in the retinorecipient strata are of retinal origin.     

厚颌鲂(Megalobrama pellegrini)的繁殖生物学特征

从长江上游一级支流龙溪河收集了1382尾厚颌鲂开展繁殖生物学研究。结果表明,厚颌鲂繁殖期为4—7月份,盛期为4—5月份,在繁殖季节可借第二性征辨别性别。繁殖群体主要由2、3龄个体组成,总性比♀：♂=1：1．83。厚颌鲂2龄初次性成熟（♀：75％;♂：94．7％）,3龄个体全部成熟。最小性成熟雌性全长189．0mm,体长158．0mm,体重72．1g,成熟系数2．7％;雄性全长179．0mm,体长149．0mm,体重57．1g,成熟系数2．2％。厚颌鲂绝对怀卵量为（59587．22±59018）粒,相对怀卵量为（212．64±89．50）粒／g或（230．96±137．63）粒／mm,绝对怀卵量和相对怀卵量均在5龄大幅增长。比较繁殖力以3龄组最高,2、4、5龄组相近。集群繁殖需要18℃以上水温和其他一些生态因子刺激,亲鱼追逐约1h左右产卵。     

Variations in the spawning periodicity of eight fish species in three English lowland rivers over a 6 year period, inferred from 0+ year fish length distributions

The spawning periodicity of eight fish species was investigated in three English lowland rivers over a 6 year period from patterns in 0+ year fish standard length ( L _S) distributions. A single cohort of 0+ year dace Leuciscus leuciscus , roach Rutilus rutilus and perch Perca fluviatilis was observed each year, suggesting that these species spawned only once annually. By contrast, populations of chub Leuciscus cephalus , bleak Alburnus alburnus , bream Abramis brama , gudgeon Gobio gobio and minnow Phoxinus phoxinus were inferred to spawn on more than one occasion each year. Annual and intercatchment variations occurred in the L _S distribution patterns of some of the fish species. In chub, for example, although a minimum of two 0+ year cohorts occurred in all years in the River Trent, 'multiple' spawning (either at the individual or population level) was most apparent in 1999, 2003 and 2004. By contrast, 'multiple' spawning events were not evident in all years in the Warwickshire Avon and Yorkshire Ouse, with recruitment presumably based upon a single spawning event in some years. There is effectively a trade-off between early spawning (extended growing season), and the possibility that environmental conditions will impact upon recruitment success, and the potential for reduced overwinter survival of smaller individuals with lower lipid resources from later spawning events. Notwithstanding, fishes as small as 15 mm L _S survived the winter in some years, suggesting that progeny from later spawning events may make important contributions to fish recruitment success.     

Influence of seasonal changes in relative liver size, condition, relative gonad size and variability in ovarian development in multiple spawning fish species used in environmental monitoring programmes

Basic biological information was collected to assist in understanding the biology of selected small-bodied fishes for use in environmental monitoring programmes. Gonado-somatic index ( I _G) and hepato-somatic index ( I _H) profiles of female blacknose dace Rhinichthys atratulus , mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus and golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas were similar, decreasing gradually during the spawning season. I _G and I _H profiles of female northern redbelly dace Phoxinus eos peaked twice suggesting oocyte recruitment was continuous throughout the spawning season. Regressions of ovary mass to adjusted body mass ( M _A) were more variable in dace relative to the other fish species. For female blacknose dace, variability in the relationship between ovary mass and M _A was minimized by selecting either 2 year-old fish and fish that weighed 2–4 g.