Age and growth of manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus (Mullidae) from the Nha Trang Bay of the South China Sea

The growth of individuals is analyzed in the mass tropical species manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus from the Nha Trang Bay of the South China Sea. The relationship between the body weight and body length is determined for the females and males. Among the fishes larger 180 mm fork length (FL), the males prevail. Linear growth of the sagitta is characterized by negative allometry in relation to body length, and sagitta growth in length is faster than in width. Age of fish assessed based on the analysis of daily increments on the sagitta does not exceed three years, and the majority of individuals reach the first sexual maturity by the age of one year. The growth rate of the fish is characterized by a large individual variation.     

Some data on the structure of the gonads of manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus (Mullidae) from the Nha Trang Bay, South China Sea

Gonadal differentiation and development of sex cells are described in the tropical representative of the family Mullidae, manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus, using histological methods and observations of oocytes in vivo. Anatomical differentiation of the gonads is registered by approximately 5 cm fork length (FL) and 1.5 g body weight of the fish, and cytological differentiation (in the females) occurs by approximately 6 cm body length and 2.6 g body weight. In the ovaries of sexually mature females before spawning, oocytes of all phases and periods of development can be found. Based on the gonadal structure and frequency distribution of oocyte diameter, the type of oogenesis is continuous.     

Anomalies in ovarian condition of manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus (Mullidae) from the coastal zone of south Central Vietnam

We describe anomalies in oocyte structure of manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus from the coastal zone of southern Central Vietnam. The anomalies are registered in the majority of cells (>80%) from ovarian fragments of several individuals. The abnormal cells are at the periods of maturation, vitellogenesis, and, sometimes, previtellogenesis. Possible effect of pollutants on oocyte morphology is discussed.     

Otolith morphology and periodicity of increment formation on the sagitta of manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus (Mullidae)

Otolith morphology and microstructure of the sagitta are described in the mass tropical species manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus. The hatch check is absent on the sagitta, and the appearance of the first contrasting increment is connected with the transition of the larva to exogenous feeding. The increments are distributed within several concentric zones, and each zone is separated by more pronounced dark areas (in transmitted light) of the increments (checks). The number of increments within a zone is variable; and the modal group (with the exception of the first zone from the primordium to the first check) includes from six to ten increments. In the juveniles, the periodicity of increment formation on the sagitta ranges from <1 to >3 in a day, but it is close to one increment per day in the individuals larger than 86 mm FL and 11 g in weight. The number of increments deposited in a day does not depend on the growth rate or feeding frequency of the juveniles.     

Influence of simulated H component of a typical magnetic storm on early ontogeny of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia magna</Emphasis> straus

The influence of simulating the H component of a typical magnetic storm on the early ontogeny of Daphnia magna Straus at 21 and 23°C has been studied. Judging by the rates of early development, the effects of the whole magnetic storm experienced by the egg (from the sudden onset to the end) differ from those produced by only the recovery phase. Moreover, the effects essentially depend on the hatching temperature. Early exposure to the whole simulated magnetic storm has remote effects such as changes in the body length in the first progeny broods from the females exposed at the embryo stage.     

Development of sexual and protective behavior of female crickets <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gryllus argentinus</Emphasis> Sauss. at the prereproductive and reproductive periods of imaginal ontogenesis

Data are presented about the development of reproductive and defense behavior of noncopulated female crickets Gryllus argentinus Sauss. in the beginning of the imaginal ontogeny. The character of interaction of females with “virtual” males (the “supporting ball” method-“trackball”) was studied. The forms of female motor reactions to models of intraspecies male sound signals-the calling and aggressive songs-are described and analyzed. The character of the development of female acoustic behavior is described as judged by change in the forms of motor reactions in the course of the imaginal ontogeny. It is shown that immediately after the imaginal molt the reproductive behavior is not formed yet but it matures gradually within a few days. At the early stages of the imaginal ontogeny passive defense behavior is found to be most clearly expressed.     

Variation of Freckled Goatfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Upeneus tragula</Emphasis> (Mullidae): Color Morphs off Hon Thom (Gulf of Thailand,South China Sea)

Two color morphs of freckled goatfish Upeneus tragula with different Vietnamese names and mainly black and red body coloration of fresh dead exemplars are found off Hon Thóm (Thom Island), the largest island of An Thoi Archipelago located to the south of Phu Quoc Island, Gulf of Thailand, South China Sea. The presence of the morphs may be connected with the occurrence of two sympatric stocks or with color variation within a single stock. To test these hypotheses, red color content on the body (based on digital analysis of images) and gonadal condition is compared in both morphs. Body coloration does not depend on the sex of the fish. The black morph differs from the red morph in a smaller body size (12.7 vs. 16.4 cm FL on average), and it is represented by mainly immature individuals of both sexes (mean gonadosomatic index of the females 0.5 vs. 2.0%). It is proposed that the change of body coloration is associated with sexual maturation, and it occurs in the ontogeny within a single stock.     

Ontogenetic scaling of the human nose in a longitudinal sample: Implications for genus Homo facial evolution

Researchers have hypothesized that nasal morphology, both in archaic Homo and in recent humans, is influenced by body mass and associated oxygen consumption demands required for tissue maintenance. Similarly, recent studies of the adult human nasal region have documented key differences in nasal form between males and females that are potentially linked to sexual dimorphism in body size, composition, and energetics. To better understand this potential developmental and functional dynamic, we first assessed sexual dimorphism in the nasal cavity in recent humans to determine when during ontogeny male‐female differences in nasal cavity size appear. Next, we assessed whether there are significant differences in nasal/body size scaling relationships in males and females during ontogeny. Using a mixed longitudinal sample we collected cephalometric and anthropometric measurements from n = 20 males and n = 18 females from 3.0 to 20.0+ years of age totaling n = 290 observations. We found that males and females exhibit similar nasal size values early in ontogeny and that sexual dimorphism in nasal size appears during adolescence. Moreover, when scaled to body size, males exhibit greater positive allometry in nasal size compared to females. This differs from patterns of sexual dimorphism in overall facial size, which are already present in our earliest age groups. Sexually dimorphic differences in nasal development and scaling mirror patterns of ontogenetic variation in variables associated with oxygen consumption and tissue maintenance. This underscores the importance of considering broader systemic factors in craniofacial development and may have important implications for the study of patters craniofacial evolution in the genus Homo. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:52–60, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Benefits of heterospecific foraging by the Caribbean wrasse,Halichoeres garnoti (Pisces: Labridae)

Synopsis Terminal-phase yellowhead wrasses, Halichoeres garnoti, foraged alone or in association with foraging goatfish, Pseudupeneus maculatus and Mulloides martinicus. Whereas H. garnoti did not dig for benthic infauna, the goatfish foraged almost exclusively on and in sand substrata. Wrasses in the company of goatfish made significantly more strikes on sand substrata than did solitary wrasses, although there were no significant differences in the frequency of strikes on sand and hard substrata combined. The frequencies of other behaviors (searches, scratches, flights, chases, rests, yawns, and cleanings) were not significantly different between solitary and associated wrasses. H. garnoti are attracted to foraging goatfish, which provide access to an otherwise unavailable food resource. To whom reprint requests should be sent     

Spatial and length distribution,sex composition,and feeding of the notched-fin eelpout <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zoarces elongatus</Emphasis> (Perciformes: Zoarcidae) in the Sea of Okhotsk

Based on the data from six bottom trawl surveys carried out on the shelf of the Sea of Okhotsk in 1997–2007, the features of the distribution, size and sex structure, and food composition of the notched-fin (east) eelpout Zoarces elongatus were analyzed. It was established that this species regularly occurs in trawl catches only in the eastern part of the sea and that the density of its schools decreases with depth. It was recorded that females of the notched-fin eelpout are larger than males. The sex ratio of the fishes varies from year to year. Females prevail at depths less than 25 m and males prevail at depths greater than 25 m.     

Post-natal ontogeny of the mandible and ventral cranium in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Marmota</Emphasis> species (Rodentia,Sciuridae): allometry and phylogeny

Post-natal ontogenetic variation of the marmot mandible and ventral cranium is investigated in two species of the subgenus Petromarmota (M. caligata, M. flaviventris) and four species of the subgenus Marmota (M. caudata, M. himalayana, M. marmota, M. monax). Relationships between size and shape are analysed using geometric morphometric techniques. Sexual dimorphism is negligible, allometry explains the main changes in shape during growth, and males and females manifest similar allometric trajectories. Anatomical regions affected by size-related shape variation are similar in different species, but allometric trajectories are divergent. The largest modifications of the mandible and ventral cranium occur in regions directly involved in the mechanics of mastication. Relative to other anatomical regions, the size of areas of muscle insertion increases, while the size of sense organs, nerves and teeth generally decreases. Epigenetic factors, developmental constraints and size variation were found to be the major contributors in producing the observed allometric patterns. A phylogenetic signal was not evident in the comparison of allometric trajectories, but traits that allow discrimination of the Palaearctic marmots from the Nearctic species of Petromarmota are present early in development and are conserved during post-natal ontogeny.     

Size‐dependent reproductive success of wild zebrafish Danio rerio in the laboratory

Size‐dependent reproductive success of wild zebrafish Danio rerio was studied under controlled conditions in the laboratory to further understand the influence of spawner body size on reproductive output and egg and larval traits. Three different spawner size categories attained by size‐selective harvesting of the F₁‐offspring of wild D. rerio were established and their reproductive performance compared during a 5 day period. As to be expected, large females spawned more frequently and had significantly greater clutch sizes than small females. Contrary to expectations, small females produced larger eggs when measured as egg diameter with similar amounts of yolk compared to eggs spawned by large spawners. Eggs from small fish, however, suffered from higher egg mortality than the eggs of large individuals. Embryos from small‐sized spawners also hatched later than offspring from eggs laid by large females. Larval standard length (L_S)‐at‐hatch did not differ between the size categories, but the offspring of the large fish had significantly larger area‐at‐hatch and greater yolk‐sac volume indicating better condition. Offspring growth rates were generally similar between offspring from all size categories, but they were significantly higher for offspring spawned by small females in terms of L_S between days 60 and 90 post‐fertilization. Despite temporarily higher growth rates among the small fish offspring, the smaller energy reserves at hatching translated into lower condition later in ontogeny. It appeared that the influence of spawner body size on egg and larval traits was relatively pronounced early in development and seemed to remain in terms of condition, but not in growth, after the onset of exogenous feeding. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms behind the differences in offspring quality between large‐ and small‐sized spawners by disentangling size‐dependent maternal and paternal effects on reproductive variables in D. rerio.     

Growth trajectories of some major ammonoid sub‐clades revealed by serial grinding tomography data

Molluscs such as ammonoids record their growth in their accretionary shells, making them ideal for the study of evolutionary changes in ontogeny through time. Standard methods usually focus on two‐dimensional data and do not quantify empirical changes in shell and chamber volumes through ontogeny, which can possibly be important to disentangle phylogeny, interspecific variation and palaeobiology of these extinct cephalopods. Tomographic and computational methods offer the opportunity to empirically study volumetric changes in shell and chamber volumes through ontogeny of major ammonoid sub‐clades in three dimensions (3‐D). Here, we document (1) the growth of chamber and septal volumes through ontogeny and (2) differences in ontogenetic changes between species from each of three major sub‐clades of Palaeozoic ammonoids throughout their early phylogeny. The data used are three‐dimensional reconstructions of specimens that have been subjected to grinding tomography. The following species were studied: the agoniatitid Fidelites clariondi and anarcestid Diallagites lenticulifer (Middle Devonian) and the Early Carboniferous goniatitid Goniatites multiliratus. Chamber and septum volumes were plotted against the septum number and the shell diameter (proxies for growth) in the three species; although differences are small, the trajectories are more similar among the most derived Diallagites and Goniatites compared with the more widely umbilicate Fidelites. Our comparisons show a good correlation between the 3‐D and the 2‐D measurements. In all three species, both volumes follow exponential trends with deviations in very early ontogeny (resolution artefacts) and near maturity (mature modifications in shell growth). Additionally, we analyse the intraspecific differences in the volume data between two specimens of Normannites (Middle Jurassic).     

Importance of morphological traits and coloration for diagnostics of species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mullus</Emphasis> (Mullidae,Perciformes), assessment of the taxonomic status of populations,and revision of ranges

Comparative analysis was performed of morphological characters and coloration elements in goatfish of the genus Mullus from collections of the Zoological Museum (Moscow State University, Russian Academy of Sciences), on the basis of which individuals from Atlantic waters off the coasts of western Africa were identified as M. argentinae. Brief characteristics of all valid species of the genus are presented; the main diagnostic characters include: ratio between the length of the barbels and pectoral fins, number of pyloric caeca, and the presence of a dark spot (or stripe) in the upper part of dorsal fin. The Mediterranean populations of M. surmuletus are separated as a special subspecies M. surmuletus fuscatus, and M. argentinae from eastern Atlantic is described as a new subspecies M. argentinae africanus.     

Hermaphroditism in the dash‐and‐dot goatfish Parupeneus barberinus

Presence of bisexual individuals and a sex‐specific bimodal size distribution are suggestive of protogyny in the dash‐and‐dot goatfish Parupeneus barberinus, but the most parsimonious interpretation of histological analysis is juvenile hermaphroditism. This is the first report of hermaphroditism in the Mullidae.     

New data on sexual dimorphism and reproductive biology of Alaska skate <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bathyraja parmifera</Emphasis> from the northwestern Pacific Ocean

New data on sexual dimorphism and features of reproductive biology of Alaska skate Bathyraja parmifera from the western Bering Sea and the northern Sea of Okhotsk are presented. Based on comparative analysis of 11 external morphological characters, the males differ from the females in the length of the disc and snout length (to the eyes, to the mouth, and to the nostrils). In the western Bering Sea, 50% of the females and 50% of the males reach the first sexual maturity at 84.5 cm TL and 85.2–90.2 cm TL, respectively; in the Sea of Okhotsk, 50% of the males reach their first sexual maturity at 80.8–83.8 cm TL (the assessment depends on the features of the method). Among smaller skates (less than 45 cm TL), the males prevail, but the proportion of the females increases in larger size groups; the sex ratio becomes equal in the exemplars 60–80 cm TL, but the males prevail again among the largest fishes (more than 80 cm TL).     

Ontogeny of the Upper Cambrian (Furongian) Olenid trilobite Protopeltura aciculate (Angelin, 1854) from Skåne and Västergötland,Sweden

Abstract: The ontogeny of the trilobite Protopeltura aciculata (Angelin, 1854) is described on the basis of material from the upper Cambrian (Furongian) of Andrarum (Skåne) and Hjelmsäter (Västergötland), Sweden. P. aciculata is present in the Parabolina brevispina and Parabolina spinulosa zones. Protopeltura aciculata is represented by all stages of growth, from early protaspides to holaspides, although most of the specimens are disarticulated and precise degrees are unknown. The cranidia have therefore been allocated to five morphological groups. Cuticular sculpture of the cranidia changes throughout ontogeny. Large tubercles are present in earlier stages, disappear gradually in middle meraspid stages and are replaced with a very faint granulation. The transitory pygidium, relatively large and shield‐shaped with upwardly and backwardly directed marginal spines in early meraspides, later becomes very small, triangular‐shaped and lacking spines as a late meraspid and holaspid. The development of hypostomes and librigenae is also described. Protopeltura aciculata shows major intraspecific variations throughout development, especially regarding the pygidium where variation is much less constrained than in many other olenids. This high developmental plasticity may be a survival strategy for a trilobite living in a stressed environment. Protopeltura inhabited a dysoxic environment, possibly unusually prone to localised spreading of anoxic or toxic water. Some morphs may have been less vulnerable than others to such stresses, surviving by chance and thus enabling the species to continue.     

Sympatric species of Deretrema Linton, 1910: D. combesae n. sp. and D. combesorum n. sp. (Digenea: Zoogonidae) from the manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Perciformes: Mullidae) from New Caledonia

Two sympatric species of Deretrema, D. combesae n. sp. and D. combesorum n. sp. are described from the manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus from off New Caledonia, South Pacific. D. combesae n. sp. does not fit any of the described Deretrema subgenera. The combination of the characters, tegumental spines, caeca reaching past the testes, the vitellarium reaching into the hindbody, much of the uterus at the level of and anterior to the gonads, a long oesophagus, testes in the hindbody and the pre-testicular ovary are not found in any of the described subgenera. D. combesorum n. sp. fits into the subgenus Deretrema (Deretrema), but differs from the described species in the sucker-ratio, eggs size, elongate shape and contiguous testes. The sympatry of these dissimilar species of Deretrema casts doubt on the value of the subgenera in Deretrema.     

Ontogeny of the feeding apparatus of hatchery‐reared white margined sole,Dagetichthys marginatus (Soleidae): implications for cultivation

The aim of this study was to describe the ontogeny of the feeding apparatus of hatchery‐reared Dagetichthys marginatus and to discuss development in relation to generalized early development in (flat)fish and the potential influence of reproduction and/or rearing practices used. Fertilized eggs were obtained from hormone‐induced wild females of the white margined sole, D. marginatus. Subsequent larvae were reared until shortly after metamorphosis between 35 and 45 dah (days‐after‐hatching) when mortalities occurred. At 4 dah a small maxilla and two paired branchial arches appeared. Metamorphosis was completed at 22 dah while the left/migrating eye still remained in its initial position at 31 dah. Based on the likely disadvantages for survival it is assumed that the observed development indicates underdevelopment rather than an evolutionary adaptation. The influence of reproduction and rearing practices used on development and mortalities are discussed.     

Social interactions of juvenile female bonnet monkeys,Macaca radiata

This study reports observations on juvenile female bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) in a field cage environment. Interaction and proximity data collected on different age classes of juvenile females indicate distinct changes in social behavior from the time a female is weaned until her first pregnancy. Behavioral development includes an increase in solitary behavior, an early disinterest in younger animals, and a surprisingly low interaction rate with relatives. Important aspects of ontogeny are lost in analyses that treat all juvenile females as a single age-class. This research was supported partially by US PHS Grant No. RR00169.