The impact of intra- and interspecific interactions on young-of-the-year brook charr, in temperate lakes

The abundance, growth, spatial distribution, and feeding habits of five allopatric brook charr, Salvelinus fontinalis, populations (young-of-the-year, 0+ juveniles; YOY) were compared with five other populations living sympatrically with white sucker, Catostomus commersoni. The study was made in oligotrophic lakes of the Laurentian Shield (Québec, Canada) during three sampling periods in 1989 (July, August and September). The abundance of YOY charr was significantly higher in allopatric than in sympatric populations (45·3 ± 3·8 vs 3·4 ± 3·8 fish/lake caught in 1773 m² of gillnets; P<0·005). The mean length of YOY charr did not differ among allopatric and sympatric populations at each sampling period; July: 60·2 ± 3·0 vs 60·0 ± 4·5 mm; August: 61·9 ± 4·5 vs 63·2 ± 4·1 mm; September: 77·9 ± 8·7 vs 77·3 ± 7·8 mm respectively. Horizontal distribution of allopatric YOY charr did not differ from that of sympatric charr, 65% of the fish being captured within the first 2 m depth and the rest between 2 and 7 m depth. In contrast, the vertical distribution of allopatric YOY charr from both communities was significantly different; 81% of allopatric charr were captured within 0·5 m from the substrate compared to 64% for sympatric charr (P<0·001). Differences in vertical distribution of the fish were related to differences in diet; allopatric charr fed mainly on benthic and large planktonic organisms whereas sympatric charr fed less on these organisms and more on terrestrial organisms. In the lake where YOY charr were most abundant, individuals were spatially segregated into two groups; one ‘littoral’, found in 0–2m depth, and one ‘profundal’, found in 3–6 m depth. Growth, condition, and feeding habits of charr from the two groups were different, especially during the last sampling period.     

Efficacy of fiber bands impregnated with Beauveria brongniartii cultures against the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Use of 50 × 500 mm non-woven fiber bands impregnated with cultures of entomopathogenic fungi was investigated for control of Anoplophora glabripennis. Fungal bands produced as a commercial pest control product and obtained from industry contained Beauveria brongniartii NBL 851 while lab-produced bands contained B. brongniartii WU 20 or Metarhizium anisopliae VD 1. In the laboratory, adult longevity decreased when adult A. glabripennis were forced to walk for 5 s on bands impregnated with B. brongniartii NBL 851 and for 25 s on B. brongniartii WU 20 and M. anisopliae VD 1 bands. A field experiment was conducted over a 31-day period in Huaiyuan, Anhui, China, by attaching bands impregnated with B. brongniartii NBL 851 or WU 20 around the trunks of willows (Salix sp.) at two sites infested with A. glabripennis. Treatments were compared directly, by monitoring adult longevity, and indirectly, by counting oviposition scars and exit holes per tree to quantify relative oviposition per female. Adults collected from trees treated with B. brongniartii WU 20 died more quickly than adults from the trees treated with B. brongniartii NBL 851 or controls. At the site with higher A. glabripennis population densities, relative oviposition per female was significantly lower for both fungal treatments compared with the control treatment. Between fungal treatments, B. brongniartii NBL 851 had a 5 day earlier negative effect on oviposition per female than B. brongniartii WU 20.     

Conservation value of Codium tenue habitat for the endangered Knysna seahorse Hippocampus capensis

We investigated the density and size structure of the endangered Knysna seahorse Hippocampus capensis in the macroalga Codium tenue at three sites in a residential marina estate in the Knysna Estuary, South Africa, over an 18 month period from March 2017 to August 2018. Seahorses were present in C. tenue throughout the year. Average (± SE) densities of 0.33 (± 0.03) and 0.23 (± 0.03) seahorses per kg of C. tenue were found for 2017 and 2018 respectively. Density did not vary across sites but varied significantly across months with a decreasing trend from summer to spring. The average (± SE) adult seahorse height was 75.16 mm (± 0.63 mm) and 69.09 mm (± 0.64 mm) and mass was 2.05 g (± 0.04 g) and 1.65 g (± 0.04 g) for males and females, respectively, and an even sex ratio was observed throughout the sampling period. Height varied across months, with significantly smaller seahorses found in June and August of 2017. Tail length was highly correlated with height and therefore can serve as a potential proxy for determining the height of H. capensis. This study showed that C. tenue is consistently utilised by Knysna seahorse and should therefore be considered an important habitat to protect and facilitate the ongoing conservation of this endangered seahorse species.     

Effect of Body Size on Toxicity of Zinc in Neonates of Four Differently Sized <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia</Emphasis> Species

The sensitivity of neonates of four Daphnia species to zinc was tested in relation to their mean body size. These mean sizes of these four Daphnia spp were: D. magna, 0.813 ± 0.055 mm, D.␣pulicaria, 0.745 ± 0.063 mm, D. pulex, 0.645 ± 0.044 mm and D. galeata, 0.611 ± 0.058 mm. A positive relationship between EC₅₀ (24, 48) values and neonates size was found. The smaller the size of the daphnid the higher was the sensitivity to heavy metal toxicity. For all tested species did the EC₅₀ values decrease with time; the decrease was most marked for D. magna and the least for D. galeata. The EC₅₀ values of D. magna were higher than would be expected on basis of its body size.     

Population recovery of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus in a seagrass flat (Araruama Lagoon,Brazil): the role of recruitment in a disturbed environment

Summary

The size, structure, and density of a population of Lytechinus variegatus were recorded from a shallow seagrass bed (Halodule wrightii) at 40-day intervals from April 1994 to April 1995. A local mass mortality was observed in May 1994. The density declined from 0.57±0.10 to 0.06±0.05 ind.m^?2, mean size declined from 37.6±0.49 to 16.2±2.14 mm and maximum size from 75 to 40 mm. Ten months after mortality, the maximum and mean sizes had returned to initialvalues, but density had not (0.10±0.03 ind.m^?2). A second, smaller mass mortality occurred in April 1995. High values of gonad index were recorded before mortality (9.40±5.97) and after population recovery (11.96±5.74). Recruitment was continuous throughout the year, but reached a peak from August to October. This can he related to the patterns of upwelling in the region. Mass mortality is probably an annual event in this population that can be correlated with the occurrence of low tides during daytime in the fell. The population can recover during the summer when low tides occur during the night. The massive input of recruits prevents extinction of the population during the season of high mortality. Population recovery depends on the magnitude of recruitment.     

游离龈移植术后龈瓣收缩效果的临床研究

目的:评估游离龈移植术后3月内龈瓣在垂直向、水平向宽度改变并计算其表面积的收缩情况。方法:选取23例Miller Ⅲ类牙龈退缩患者,因下颌前牙区颊侧角化龈宽度不足(2 mm)行游离龈移植术。分别比较基线、术后1和3月游离龈瓣水平向及垂直向宽度的改变并计算龈瓣表面积的收缩情况。结果:经游离龈移植术的23例患者术区游离龈全部成活,牙龈无红肿,附着龈宽度可达3-5 mm。基线处、术后1月、3月水平向龈瓣宽度分别为9.83±1.7、8.97±1.5、8.48±1.65 mm;基线水平、术后1月、3月垂直向龈瓣宽度分别为4.02±0.61、3.61±0.67、3.24±0.67 mm。与基线时比较,术后1月、3月水平向、垂直向龈瓣宽度、龈瓣表面积均明显降低,差异均具有显著差异(P0.05)。结论:游离龈移植术可增加牙龈退缩患者的附着龈宽度,术后龈瓣存在水平向和垂直向收缩,且垂直向更明显。此外,龈瓣收缩存在个体差异。     

Density,distribution and population structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Opusia indica</Emphasis> (Ocypodoidae: Camptandriidae) in a coastal mangrove creek in Pakistan

The density, distribution and population structure of Opusia indica were studied through transects method. Two transects were delimited in a mangrove area of Korangi creek (24°79′ N/67°20′ E). On each transect, three 0.25 m² quadrats were sampled at three tidal levels on a monthly basis during low tide. A total of 1919 crabs were obtained, of which 775 were males, 945 were non-ovigerous females and 199 were ovigerous females. Density of crabs varied between 198 m⁻² to 798 m⁻². The density and size distribution showed significant difference from low tide level to high tide level and were positively correlated with the percent moisture, percent organic matter and sediment structure. Based on carapace width (CW) males were significantly larger than the females indicating sexual dimorphism. The monthly size frequency distribution of crabs showed recruitment of juvenile crabs (< than 4 mm) nearly throughout the year except in few months. The monthly sex ratio deviated from 1:1 throughout the year, with female bias (χ ² = 31.633, P = 0.001 and df =11). Breeding was seasonal with peaks in SW monsoon. Size at sexual maturity based on smallest ovigerous female was CW = 4.0 mm. The average number of eggs per female were 2066 ± 479 (n = 25). Positive linear relationship was observed between the size of the female crabs and the egg numbers (r ² = 0.554).     

Endogenous activity rhythm in Talitrus saltator,Britorchestia brito (Crustacea,Amphipoda) and Tylos europaeus (Crustacea,Isopoda) from Barkoukech Beach (Tabarka,Tunisia)

The locomotor activity rhythm of three supralittoral crustacean species, Tylos europaeus (terrestrial isopod) and Britorchestia brito and Talitrus saltator (amphipod, Talitridea), was investigated in Barkoukech Beach. The rhythm was monitored in individual animals in spring under continuous darkness and constant temperature. Results revealed that whatever the species, actograms and mean activity curves showed that specimens of T. europaeus and T. saltator concentrated their activity during the subjective night; whereas, B. brito concentrated its activity during the subjective day. The three species exhibited a circadian locomotor rhythm with mean circadian period, respectively, equal to 24h41′ ± 0h44′, 24h46′ ± 0h55′ and 25h21′ ± 1h16′. The most stable locomotor rhythm was found in T. saltator (0.444 ± 0.246). Furthermore, individuals of T. europaeus were significantly more active (10h47′ ± 2h52′) than the two amphipods. Differences in the activity patterns of the three species will be discussed as an adaptative strategy to respond to interspecific competitive interactions.     

Vertical distribution of Microcystis population in the regulated Nakdong River, Korea

The vertical distribution of a bloom-forming Microcystis population was studied based on the relevant limnological parameters obtained from the lower Nakdong River (Mulgum) during the summer of 1994. Over three months (late June to late September), a high abundance of Microcystis population (mean ± SD, 2.9 ± 8.4 × 10⁵ cells ml⁻¹, n = 40) and algal biomass (mean ± SD, chlorophyll a, 131 ± 346 μg l⁻¹, n = 31) was persistent throughout the entire water column (0–5 m, n = 11). The vertical distribution of carbon content was uneven, with a high concentration near the surface zone (mean ± SD, total, 7.9 ± 7.8; Microcystis, 5.2 ± 8.3 μg C ml⁻¹, n = 15). Incorporating limnological and meteorological factors, a diel study of the vertical distribution of Microcystis showed that the chlorophyll a concentration was highest near the surface zone on a calm night (wind velocity, <2 m s⁻¹, 2300–700) but was evenly distributed on a windy day (>4 m s⁻¹, 1100–1900). Among many possible factors, wind velocity may have played an important role in controlling the vertical distribution of Microcystis in the lower Nakdong River. Received: July 12, 1999 / Accepted: November 15, 1999     

Location,size and age at onset of metamorphosis in the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica

This study clarifies the location, size and age at the onset of metamorphosis in Japanese eels Anguilla japonica through oceanic surveys, rearing experiments and analyses of the morphology and otoliths of leptocephali and glass eels. Twenty‐eight metamorphosing leptocephali were collected in the mesoscale eddy region to the east of Taiwan during research expeditions in 2004. Rearing experiments showed that the total length (L_T) of leptocephali decreased by an average of 12·5% during metamorphosis and 13·9% during the 2–12 h after death. Thus, the mean back‐calculated L_T at the onset of metamorphosis for 630 glass eels from Taiwan and Japan was estimated at 67·8 ± 2·7 mm (mean ± S.D.). The estimated mean ante‐mortem size of the fully grown pre‐metamorphic leptocephali collected in 2004 was 64·6 ± 3·4 mm, which was consistent with the L_T estimate for glass eels. Otolith analysis showed that the mean age at the onset of metamorphosis was 137 ± 15 days and indicated that Japanese eels may have a recruitment route through the mesoscale eddies to the east of Taiwan in addition to the direct transfer route from the North Equatorial Current to the Kuroshio Current.     

Rainbow Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum,Storer, 1845) predation on early ontogenetic stages of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens,Rafinesque, 1817)

Previous molecular diet analysis identified lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens, Rafinesque, 1817) DNA in the gastrointestinal tracts of stream-resident rainbow darters (Etheostoma caeruleum, Storer, 1845) during the egg incubation, free embryo, and larval drift stages. The objectives of this experimental study were to: (a) quantify levels of predation by rainbow darters on lake sturgeon at the egg and free-embryo stages; and (b) evaluate whether predation varied as a function of substrate size and rainbow darter body size. We conducted experimental trials in 23-L polycarbonate tanks 0.41 m (L) × 0.33 m (W) × 0.30 m (D) with a standardized benthic area of 0.14 m². The tanks were randomly assigned one of two different substrate size classes: large rock (51.35 mm ± 0.91 mm) or small rock (27.68 mm ± 0.57 mm). We stocked individual rainbow darter, which were deprived of feed for 48 hr, with lake sturgeon (133 individuals/m²) in each of 12 replicates per ontogenetic stage and substrate type. The number of surviving lake sturgeon was quantified following a 24-hr predation exposure period. We used a generalized linear model with a binomial distribution to assess the influence of ontogenetic stage, substrate size, and rainbow darter body size on proportional lake sturgeon survival. Predation on lake sturgeon occurred at both egg (6.25 ± 1.16 individuals, mean ± 2SE) and free embryo (3.08 ± 1.08 individuals, mean ± 2SE) stages. Egg proportional survival was generally lower than at the free embryo stage in both substrate sizes; however, free embryo proportional survival was greater in small substrate trials. Rainbow darter total length did not affect the probability of lake sturgeon survival at either developmental stage. Results demonstrate that rainbow darters prey on early ontogenetic stages of lake sturgeon, corroborating previous results based on genetic diet analysis. Results fill a major knowledge gap concerning the vulnerability of pre-drift sturgeon to predation by an abundant river resident species that was previously discounted as a predator for early ontogenetic stages of lake sturgeon due to its small body size.     

Optimization of diet and culture environment for larvae and juvenile freshwater pearl mussels,Hyriopsis (Limnoscapha) myersiana Lea, 1856

Summary

Culture of the freshwater pearl mussel, Hyriopsis (Limnoscapha) myersiana, was carried out in three consecutive steps: (1) culture of glochidia larvae in artificial media, (2) rearing the early juveniles (0–120 days old) in a nursery, and (3) rearing the juveniles (120–360 days old) in an earthen pond. The percentage survival of glochidia in standard tissue culture medium (M199) supplemented with common carp plasma was 95±2.5. All surviving larvae (100%) transformed to juveniles, the duration of transformation being 8 days. The early juveniles (0–60 days old) were fed with a mixture of four selected phytoplankton species (Chlorella sp., Kirchneriella incurvata, Navicula sp. and Coccomyxa sp.). The survival rate of juveniles was 8±0.2%. The average length of these juveniles increased from 0.13±0.01 mm to 1.41±0.16 mm and the average height from 0.16±0.01 mm to 0.98±0.09 mm. Subsequently, 60–120-day juveniles were fed with one of the same four phytoplankton species or a combination of the four. Feeding the juveniles with K. incurvata resulted in the highest survival rate (65±8.32%), with an average length of 3.46±0.04 mm and an average height of 1.94±0.04 mm. Finally, the 120–360-day juveniles were cultured in an earthen pond. There were progressive changes in average weight (0.0037±0.002 g to 11.24±5.02 g), length (3.48±0.39 mm to 54.08±6.21 mm), height (1.97±0.24 mm to 25.09±2.48 mm) and width (0.98±0.06 mm to 12.28±3.21 mm) from 120 to 360 days. The average growth rates per day of these parameters were 0.0497±0.01 g, 0.2414±0.15 mm, 0.0975±0.08 mm and 0.0493±0.03 mm, respectively. H. (L.) myersiana juveniles developed the complete structural composition of the adult by 160 days, and at 360 days, gametogenesis was complete.     

Entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) and a fungus Beauveria brongniartii for biological control of the white grubs, Ectinohoplia rufipes and Exomala orientalis, in Korean golf courses

Three species of entomopathogenicnematodes, a combination of two nematodespecies, an entomopathogenic fungal species,and a combination of a nematode and fungalspecies were evaluated against the white grubsEctinohoplia rufipes and Exomalaorientalis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the field. The nematodes were acommercial formulation of Steinernemacarpocapsae (BioSafe) and S. glaseri from Dongrae and from Hanrim, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora from Hamyang,Republic of Korea. The entomopathogenic funguswas Beauveria brongniartii, produced onSabouraud maltose agar plus 1% yeast (SMAY),rice bran, or compost. The combinationtreatment was S. carpocapsae with H.bacteriophora or B. brongniartii. Fieldapplications were made in August or Septemberagainst third instars at a golf course infestedwith E. rufipes in Gyeongnam Province in1991, and one in Pusan with E. orientalisin 1992 and 1993. In 1991, a significantreduction of 70.2 to 79.4% of E. rufipeslarvae was observed in the nematode, fungal andchemical (fenitrothion) treatments comparedwith a 15.7% reduction in the control. In1992, the E. orientalis larval populationwas reduced between 62.7 and 82.8% in thetreatments compared to 10.7% in the control.In 1993, larval reductions in plots treatedwith nematodes (78.3 to 97%) and B.brongniartii propagated on rice bran (84.5%)were significantly better than in plots treatedwith B. brongniartii propagated on SMAY(63.6%) or compost (59.6%). Combining twonematode species did not enhance the efficacycompared to treatments with one nematodespecies alone, but combining S.carpocapsae with B. brongniartiiproduced on SMAY resulted in a significantincrease in grub mortality over the applicationof the fungus alone produced on SMAY orcompost. The high efficacy of the nematode andmost fungal treatments was attributed to theclose proximity of the white grubs to the soilsurface which allowed for excellentpathogen-host contact and to favorable soiltemperatures, sandy soil, post irrigationapplication and/or rain and a minimal thatchlayer in the turfgrass.     

东海北部滨海湿地铁氧化细菌的分布及其对不同氧气穿透深度的响应

【目的】滨海湿地生态系统位于淡水与海水交互地带,含有高浓度Fe²⁺的地下水渗透到沉积物表层形成的湿地径流和周期性潮汐淹水形成的含氧-缺氧界面有利于铁氧化细菌介导的Fe²⁺的生物氧化过程发生。然而,目前缺乏对滨海湿地生态系统中铁氧化细菌类群的全面评估。【方法】以上海崇明西沙湿地公园及浙江舟山市朱家尖岛东沙沙滩两地共5处滨海湿地沉积物为研究对象,分析沉积物的氧气穿透深度等环境参数,并基于16S rRNA基因扩增子测序技术,全面解析不同滨海湿地生态系统中细菌与铁氧化细菌的群落组成与分布特征。【结果】与崇明西沙湿地相比,朱家尖岛东沙沙滩有更深的氧气穿透深度,达到10 mm以上。非度量多尺度分析(non-metric multidimensional scaling, NMDS)统计结果表明,细菌群落结构主要受到区域位置不同导致的环境条件差异的影响,而铁氧化细菌的群落结构则受到采样的区域位置和沉积物氧气穿透深度的共同影响。崇明西沙湿地和朱家尖岛东沙沙滩的优势细菌为蓝细菌门(Cyanobacteria)、γ-变形菌纲(Gammaproteobacteria)、拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)、α-变形菌纲(Alphaproteobacteria)和放线菌门(Actinobacteria);优势铁氧化细菌为嘉利翁氏菌属(Gallionella)、红细菌属(Rhodobacter)、Lepthothrix和Sideroxydans。【结论】通过对崇明西沙湿地和朱家尖岛东沙沙滩沉积物中栖息的铁氧化菌的调查发现,铁氧化细菌的群落组成与湿地沉积物类型导致的氧气穿透深度差异具有密切联系。     

Body size varies with abundance,not climate,in an amphibian population

Body size variation among animals has many possible correlates, temporal as well as geographic. Adult male body size was analysed over the course of 23 yr (1989–2011) in a population of Fowler’s toads Anaxyrus fowleri at Long Point, Ontario. We used an information theoretic approach to identify the most likely models to explain body length variation in relation to abundance, age and environmental variables, including temperature. Male toads overall averaged 53.6 ± 0.1 (SE) mm (n = 1976) but average body length from year to year varied from 50.9 ± 0.2 to 61.4 ± 1.3 mm (n = 23 yr), a difference of 18.7%. Abundance was the only variable significantly correlated with body size variation (R²= 0.713, p = < 0.001). A significant 10‐yr trend in increased body size (R²= 0.874, p = < 0.001) was coincident with a previously detected negative trend in abundance. A 0.05°C yr^?1 increase in environmental temperature over the course of our study was not significantly correlated with the toads’ body size. Body size variation in these toads is likely related to density‐dependent resource availability for growth in the terrestrial stage. Temporal changes in average body size within populations in relation to density may be a significant component of phenotypic variation.     

Exploring the Therapeutic Properties of Alga-Based Silver Nanoparticles: Anticancer,Antibacterial, and Free Radical Scavenging Capabilities

The current study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized by Spirulina platensis extract. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The antioxidant activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs were determined via DPPH radical scavenging assay while its anticancer activity was determined using the MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs were analyzed by disc diffusion method. Spirulina platensis acts as a reducing and capping agent. The efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, specifically Acetobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was assessed by the utilisation of the diffusion method. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against many strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The findings of the study revealed that when administered in doses of 50 μl, 75 μl, and 100 μl, the largest observed zone of inhibition corresponded to measurements of 10.5 mm, 14 mm, and 16 mm, respectively. A zone of inhibition with dimensions of 8 mm, 10.5 mm, and 12 mm was detected during testing against Acetobacter at concentrations of 50 μl, 75 μl, and 100 μl, respectively. The findings also indicate that there is a positive correlation between the concentration of AgNP and the DPPH scavenging ability of silver nanoparticles. The percentage of inhibition observed at concentrations of 500 μg/ml, 400 μg/ml, 300 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml, and 100 μg/ml were recorded as 80±1.98, 61±1.98, 52±1.5, 42±1.99, and 36±1.97, respectively. In addition, it was observed that the silver nanoparticles exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity at a concentration of 500 g/ml, with a measured value of 80.89±1.99. The IC-50 values, representing the inhibitory concentration required to achieve 50 % inhibition, were found to be 8.16, 19.15, 30.14, 41.13, and 63.11 at inhibition levels of 36±1.97, 42±1.99, 52±1.5, 61±1.98, and 80±1.98, respectively.     

Age,growth, maturity and extinction risk of an exploited and endangered skate,Atlantoraja castelnaui,from off Uruguay and northern Argentina

The spotback skate Atlantoraja castelnaui (Arhynchobatidae) is a large and threatened skate species subjected to fishing pressure, endemic to the Southwest Atlantic that occurs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to San Jorge Gulf, Argentina. The age, growth, age at maturity and the maximum intrinsic rate of population increase r_max of A. castelnaui were studied using 152 specimens collected from off Uruguay and north Argentina (35°–42° S), between June 2013 and February 2020. Vertebrae from 143 individuals were used for ageing (females: n = 83, size range 404–1300 mm total length, TL; males: n = 60, size range 400–1270 mm TL). Maximum ages determined for females and males were 30 and 28 years, respectively. To fit growth models, non-linear and Bayesian estimation approaches were considered. For the first approach, a set of four candidate growth (size-at-age) models were fitted: three-parameter von Bertalanffy, two-parameter von Bertalanffy with fixed L₀, Gompertz and Logistic. In the second approach, von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and Logistic were fitted. For non-linear estimation, model selection indicated that the entire set of candidate growth models were supported by the data. The von Bertalanffy was selected as the best model for Bayesian estimation. There were no differences in growth between sexes. For the sexes combined, the von Bertalanffy growth model by Bayesian method was considered the most adequate to describe the growth of A. castelnaui (growth mean parameters ± S.D. : L_∞ = 1210.29 ± 40.68 mm; k = 0.12 ± 0.01 years⁻¹; L₀ = 179.20 ± 11.62 mm). The age at maturity was estimated at 16.21 and 14.04 years for females and males, respectively. The maximum intrinsic rate of population increase r_max was estimated as 0.252 years⁻¹. Life-history traits and r_max provided in the present study suggest that this species has a relatively low productivity and may be vulnerable to an intense fishing pressure.     

A Landscape Perspective of the Stream Corridor Invasion and Habitat Characteristics of an Exotic (Dioscorea oppositifolia) in a Pristine Watershed in Illinois

The spatial distribution of exotics across riparian landscapes is not uniform, and research elaborating the environmental constraints and dispersal behavior that underlie these patterns of distribution is warranted. This study examined the spatial distribution, growth patterns, and habitat constraints of populations of the invasive Dioscorea oppositifolia in a forested stream corridor of a tributary of Drury Creek in Giant City State Park, IL. The distribution of D. oppositifolia was determined at the watershed scale mainly by floodplain structure and connectivity. Populations of D. oppositifolia were confined to the floodplain, with overbank flooding from the stream. Dioscorea oppositifolia probably originates in disturbed areas upstream of natural corridors, and subsequently, the species disperses downstream into pristine canyons or ravines via bulbils dispersing in the water. In Giant City State Park, populations of D. oppositifolia were distributed on the floodplain across broad gradients of soil texture, light, slope, and potential radiation. The study also examined the longevity of bulbils in various micro-environments to illuminate strategies for the management of the species in invaded watersheds. After 1 year, the highest percentages of bulbils were viable under leaves, and much lower percentages were viable over leaves, in soil, and in the creek (76.0±6.8, 21.2±9.6, 21.6±3.6, and 5.2±5.2%), respectively. This study suggests that management procedures that reduce leaf litter on the forest floor (e.g., prescribed burning) could reduce the number of bulbils of D. oppositifolia stored in the watershed.     

Validated age,growth and maturity of the bonnethead Sphyrna tiburo in the western North Atlantic Ocean

The age, growth and maturity of bonnetheads Sphyrna tiburo inhabiting the estuarine and coastal waters of the western North Atlantic Ocean (WNA) from Onslow Bay, North Carolina, south to West Palm Beach, Florida, were examined. Vertebrae were collected and aged from 329 females and 217 males ranging in size from 262 to 1043 mm and 245 to 825 mm fork length, L_F, respectively. Sex‐specific von Bertalanffy growth curves were fitted to length‐at‐age data. Female von Bertalanffy parameters were L_∞ = 1036 mm L_F, k = 0·18, t₀ = ?1·64 and L₀ = 272 mm L_F. Males reached a smaller theoretical asymptotic length and had a higher growth coefficient (L_∞ = 782 mm L_F, k = 0·29, t₀ = ?1·43 and L₀ = 266 mm L_F). Maximum observed age was 17·9 years for females and 16·0 years for males. Annual deposition of growth increments was verified by marginal increment analysis and validated for age classes 2·5+ to 10·5+ years through recapture of 13 oxytetracycline‐injected specimens at liberty in the wild for 1–4 years. Length (L_F50) and age (A₅₀) at 50% maturity were 819 mm and 6·7 years for females, and 618 mm and 3·9 years for males. Both female and male S. tiburo in the WNA had a significantly higher maximum observed age, L_F50, A₅₀ and L_∞, and a significantly lower k and estimated L₀ than evident in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). These significant differences in life‐history parameters, as well as evidence from tagging and genetic studies, suggest that S. tiburo in the WNA and GOM should be considered separate stocks.     

Early growth and development of reciprocal hybrids of the starry flounder Platichthys stellatus and stone flounder Kareius bicoloratus

Larval growth and development of hybrid flounder were observed and compared with those of their parent species. The reciprocal hybrids of female starry flounder Platichthys stellatus and male stone flounder Kareius bicoloratus (hybrid Sb) and of female K. bicoloratus and male P. stellatus (hybrid Bs) both survived and grew to juveniles. Development was divided into nine stages (A–I). Many of the hybrids' traits were identical and intermediate to those of their parents. The position of the eye, however, was primarily sinistral in both hybrids (80% in Sb and 76% in Bs), a trait possessed by P. stellatus (80%) in the western Pacific Ocean. The daily growth rates of the larvae were similar. In the parent species, development was more rapid in P. stellatus than in K. bicoloratus whereas rate of development was intermediate in both Sb and Bs hybrids. The size at settlement [standard length (L_S) at stage H (mean ± s.d. )] was 9·82 ± 1·47 mm for the hybrid Sb and 9·99 ± 0·90 mm for the hybrid Bs, while the minimum age at metamorphosis (initial age at stage H) was 29 days after hatching (DAH) in both hybrids. In comparison, L_S at settlement in parent species was 6·43 ± 0·25 mm for P. stellatus and 12·87 ± 1·29 mm for K. bicoloratus. Minimum age at metamorphosis for the parents was 23 DAH at stage G in P. stellatus and 34 DAH at stage H in K. bicoloratus. Thus, the timing of settlement of hybrids was different from that of their parent species. These traits may occur with high frequency in a natural habitat.