A new genus and species of the family Ipnopidae (Pisces, Teleostei) from the eastern North Atlantic, with notes on its ecology

An additional and hitherto undescribed ipnopid genus and species, Discoverichthys praecox Merrett and Nielsen, is reported and described, and its relationships with the family and aspects of its biology are discussed.     

On Levymanus,a remarkable new spider genus from?Israel,with notes on the Chediminae (Araneae,Palpimanidae)

Levymanus gershomi gen. n. et sp. n., is described from southern Israel. The eye arrangement and structure of the male palp indicate that this genus belongs to Chediminae Simon, 1893. Levymanus gen. n. differs from other chedimine genera by its unusually long and slender legs, an elongate body, a unique shape of the bipartite thoracic fovea, reduced leg scopulae, smaller spinnerets, and other characters, which are presumably apomorphic. We propose two taxonomic changes: 1) based on widely spaced lateral eyes the Western African genus Badia Roewer, 1961 is transferred from Chediminae to Palpimaninae, and 2) Fernandezina gyirongensis Hu & Li, 1987 from China, based on palpal morphology, is transferred to the Asian genus Steriphopus Simon, 1887 for a new combination Steriphopus gyirongensis (Hu & Li, 1987) comb. n.     

A new Prestoea (Palmae) from Panama,with notes on the genus

Prestoea darienensis Henderson is described and illustrated. A discussion is given of morphological groupings within the genus, and the place of the new species.     

A remarkable new opsiine leafhopper genus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from Southern China,with notes on its phylogenetic position

A remarkable new genus of tribe Opsiini (Deltocephalinae), Yinformibus gen. nov. including Yinformibus menglaensis sp. nov. is described from Yunnan of China. The new genus is placed in the tribe Opsiini based on male adults having a pair of aedeagal shafts, each with its own gonopore. Partial 28S rDNA and Histone H3 sequences are provided for the new species, and a phylogenetic analysis based on these markers for Deltocephalinae retrieved from GenBank suggests Opsiini is monophyletic and supports the placement of Yinformibus gen. nov. in Opsiini. The molecular results placed the new genus in a clade comprising Hishimonus Ishihara, Opsius Fieber, and an undescribed genus from Zambia. Additionally, we also analysed the relationships of Yinformibus gen. nov. with other genera based on morphology.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:85C23AC3-8B19-4F29-9F55-BFC392242B51     

The genus Xenoclarias (Pisces, Siluriformes) in Lake Victoria, with a redescription of Xenoclarias eupogon and notes on the biology of the species

The acquisition of large collections of the catfish Xenoclarias Greenwood from Lake Victoria, East Africa, demonstrated a need for a reappraisal of the taxonomy of the genus. It is suggested that only one species, Xenoclarias eupogon (Norman) is found in the lake but that it is very variable in many of its morphometric characters. The species is redescribed from data obtained for 72 fishes from various localities and depths in the lake. Observations of the food of the fish show it to be almost entirely insectivorous with a preference for Chironomidae over Chaoboridae larvae. Evidence is also put forward to support the view that X. eupogon breeds on or close to rocky shores.     

Aspects of the spawning of labrid and scarid fishes (Pisces: Labroidei) at Enewetak Atoll,Marshall Islands with notes on other families

Synopsis Spawning of 32 species of Labridae and 13 species of Scaridae was seen at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands. Most spawned on a reef bisecting the main ocean-lagoon passage which had strong tidal currents. Others spawned on lagoon reefs and in Halimeda beds. Polygynous haremic, lek-like and promiscuous mating systems were found which were species specific. Data on reproductive patterns, sexual dichromatism, sexual dimorphism, seasonality and spawning behavior were determined. Many spawned during the day in a time-phase dependent pattern from near sunrise to sunset. Scarid spawning began at slack high water or after when currents were starting to move out of the lagoon. Labrid spawning usually started about 30 min later with some continuing up to 2 h after high tide. With high tide before sunrise, scarid spawning began 30–50 min after sunrise as the current started flowing over the reef. With high tide near sunset, spawning occurred with an incoming current. Most labroids spawned on all phases of the moon. Acanthuridae (6 spp), Caesionidae (1 sp.) and Zanclidae (1 sp.) spawned after high tide at the same time as labroids. Pomacanthidae (5 spp.) spawned only shortly before sunset without reference to tidal currents. Fishes producing pelagic eggs at the lagoon-ocean channel spawned (1) at or slightly after high tide (44spp.), (2) in late afternoon without reference to tide (6 spp.) or (3) after slack low water (1 sp. ). Spawning style can vary within a single species in different environments. Despite the presence of many piscivores, no successful predation on spawning adults was seen. Predation on newly released eggs was uncommon. Labrichthys unilineata and Anampses twistii attempted to defend their eggs for a few sec after release. Attacks by piscivores on spawning adults on tropical reefs occur once per 100–1000 spawnings. Most are wary when preparing to spawn and prespawning behavior is easily interrupted. The risk from piscivores goes down and spawning ascent speed decreases with increasing size of spawners. Egg predation by zooplanktivores is less for pair spawners than group spawners possibly due to less conspicuous gamete clouds and times of spawning. Increasing height of egg release, speed and length of the spawning ascent, and trajectory alteration of ascending adults are believed to make it more difficult for zooplanktivores to locate eggs after release. For labrids, permanent full sexual dichromatism was found among haremic, lek-like and promiscuous mating systems. Species with temporary full dichromatism, permanent and temporary partial dichromatism and monochromatism were haremic. Smaller scarids were believed to have lek-like, and larger species haremic, mating systems. Smaller scarids had male looping behavior and post spawning displays, plus faster spawning ascents and different locations for egg release than larger ones. Eggs of 21 labrids were spherical or nearly spherical, ranging from 0.55–0.80 mm in diameter, and most had one oil globule. Among 7 is scarids, 6 had spindle-shaped eggs ranging from 1.25 ×0.50 mm 2.14× 0.48 mm while one had a nearly spherical egg. One scarid egg lacked an oil globule.     

A biomechanical analysis of spitting in archer fishes (Pisces,Perciformes, Toxidae)

Summary The archer fish (Toxotes) is famous for its ability to shoot down prey from overhanging foliage. However, the biomechanics of the spitting act is relatively unknown. This study analyses the structures needed to generate the pressures involved in shooting water droplets up to 1.20 m above the water surface. The results of motion pictures (300 frames/s), combined with electromyographic techniques reveal that the spit is monophasic. The results of a three-dimensional mathematical model incorporating the relevant structural dimensions, show that the tongue plays a dominant role. The mouth valves act as a flutter valve, directing the course of the trajectory. The mathematical model is formulated generally and is applicable to other studies of closed kinematic spatial systems encountered in fishes or higher vertebrates.Abbreviations c-br. ceratobranchial - cent. central - centr. centroid - c-hy. ceratohyal - cl caudal - cleit. cleithrum - cond. condyle - cop. copula - corac. coracoid - dent. dental - dist. distance - dl dorsal - e-br. epibranchial - ectopt. ectopterygoid(al) - e-hy. epihyal - entopt. entopterygoid(al) - epax. epaxial - e-scap. extrascapula - fct facet - gl-hy. glossohyal - h-br. hypobranchial - h-hy. hypohyal - hy. hyoid - hyom. hyomandibula - hyp. hypaxial - if-orb. infraorbital - i-hy. interhyal - ins. insertion - i-op. interoperculum - i-orb. interorbital - l. ligamentum - lacr. lacrimal - m. musculus - m.add.arc.pal. m. adductor arcus palatini - m.add.mand. m. adductor mandibulae - m.add.op. m. adductor operculi - m.dil.op. m. dilatator operculi - m. geniohy. m. geniohyoideus - m.hyohy.inf. m. hyohyoideus inferior - m.i-mand. m. intermandibularis - m.lev.arc.pal. m. levator arcus palatini - m.lev.op. m. levator operculi - m.protr.pect. m. protractor pectoralis - m.sternohy. m. sternohyoideus - mand. mandibula, mandibular - max. maxilla(ry) - metapt. metapterygoid - musc. musculature - nas. nasal - neur. neurocranium - N V mand. mand. branch of trigeminal nerve - op. operculum - or. origin - pal. palatinum, palatinal - par. parietal - pect. pectoral - ph.br. pharyngobranchial - p.p. pro parte - p-pect. postpectoral - pr. process - premax. premaxilla - preop. preoperculum - p-sphen. parasphenoid - p-temp. posttemporal - quadr. quadratum - rad. radial - rl rostral(is) - scap. scapula - s-cleit. supracleithrum - s-op. suboperculum - susp. suspensorium - symph. symphysis - sympl. symplecticum - t. tendon - u-hy. urohyal - vert. vertebra - vl ventral - vom. vomer(ine)     

New species of the genus Careproctus (Liparidae) from the Kara Sea with notes on spongiophilia,reproductive commensalism between fishes and sponges (Rossellidae)

A new species of the family Liparidae, fulvous snailfish Careproctus fulvus sp. n., is described from the Novaya Zemlya Depression of the Kara Sea at a depth between 190 and 414 m. The species belongs to the group of slit-eyed Careproctus (longitudinally oval pupil, elongated lower lobe of the pectoral fin, and large urogenital papilla). The representatives of the species are characterized by fulvous coloration with orange spots, deep body, small teeth, and three radials in the pectoral girdle. The eggs are deposited into glass sponges Schaudinnia rosea (Rossellidae). Valvatophilia (commensalism with bivalves) and carcinophilia (reproductive commensalism with crab-like decapod crustaceans of the family Lithodidae) have been registered in the family Liparidae before, but spongiophilia are described for the first time. Egg deposition into glass sponges (Rossellidae) is known also for cod icefishes (Nototheniidae) from Antarctic waters. Reproductive commensalism between the representatives of the family Liparidae in the Arctic, the species of the family Nototheniidae in the Antarctic, and glass sponges represents a new finding of bionomic bipolarity (independent appearance of similar adaptations in unrelated groups of fishes in two polar regions of the earth). Based on the ecologo-ethological classification of fish reproduction, brood hiding Careproctus species belong to ostracophils, a group of fishes deposited the eggs into live animals.     

A review of damsel fishes (Pisces: Pomacentridae) of the genus Chromis from the central and eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean

The specific status of the damsel fish Chromis chromis (L) is discussed and it is suggested that Chromis chromis is retained for Mediterranean specimens and that Chromis lirnbatus is re-introduced for the East Atlantic form. Behavioural and morphological differences which distinguish these two species are given. A key to these and other East Atlantic Chromis is provided, the species are described and their geographical range discussed.     

A key to the species of Mugilidae (Pisces) in the Northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, with explanatory notes

A key is given for identifying the eight species of Mugilidae of the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean. The use of Risso's names for four species is justified and explained and recognition is given to Tortonese's discovery that Mugil capurrii (Perugia) is a senior synonym of M. monodi Chabanaud. The relationship of Liza saliens to certain species of West and southern Africa is held to be additional support for the recognition of Protomugil Popov as a subgenus of Liza including these species. Chelon Röse, with type-species Mugil chelo Cuvier (= Chelon labrosus (Risso)), is recognized, following Jordan & Evermann (1917) and Schultz (1946), but its limits are differently conceived so as to include Crenimugil Schultz rather than Liza Jordan & Swain. The latter is held to comprise about 30 Old World species. The status of Chelon bispinosus (Bowdich) is discussed, with its bearing on possible population-differences in C. labrosus and the relationship of this species with C. crenilabis. The identity of Liza seheli (Forskål) is discussed and reasons are given for disagreeing with Wimpenny and others in applying this name to the species found at both ends of the Suez Canal zone. The latter is L. carinata (Ehrenberg in Cuvier & Valenciennes). Myxus maroccensis Mohr is believed to be a young Liza ramada.     

Trichome structure of fourAphanizomenon taxa (Cyanophyceae) from Czechoslovakia,with notes on the taxonomy and delimitation of the genus

The dimension and variation range of terminal and intercalary cells, heterocysts, and akinetes of fourAphanizomenon taxa occurring in Czechoslovakia were studied. Statistical and graphical procedures were used for evaluation. With regard toA. flos-aquae, the results support the distinction of two varieties (var.flos-aquae and var.klebahnii). In the samples determined asA. gracile two clearly distinguishable morphological types could be found; one of them is recognized as a new species:A. flexuosum. Its diacritical features are established and problems of the intrageneric taxonomy ofAphanizomenon and its demarcation from the genusAnabaena are discussed.Dedicated to Prof. DrLothar Geitler on the occasion of his 90th birthday.     

兰科虎舌兰属Epipogium种类增补与修订

报道日本虎舌兰Epipogium japonicum Makino在中国四川西部的新记录,并讨论了该种与虎舌兰E. roseum (D. Don) Lindl.的形态差异。过去将日本虎舌兰处理为虎舌兰的异名是不恰当的。日本虎舌兰间断分布于日本和中国的四川西部高海拔地区及台湾。     

Taxonomic notes on the genus Piper (Piperaceae)

Sixteen lectotypifications of Asian Piper species are provided. Piper argyrites, P. baccatum, P. leptostachyum, P. majusculum, P. peepuloides, P. quinqueangulatum and P. sulcatum are accepted as species and many new synonyms are proposed. Useful diagnostic characters are described and geographical distribution data of each species are provided.     

The ultrastructure of the posterior gut and caecum inAlona affinis (Crustacea,Cladocera)

Summary The posterior midgut, the anterior hindgut and the caecum ofAlona affinis were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The caecum arises from the junction of the entodermal midgut and the ectodermal hindgut. It consists of gastrodermis and epidermis. Because of the ultrastructural similarity of the caecum with the posterior midgut and the anterior hindgut it is concluded that the caecum is a functional supplement of the latter gut parts. But the functional significance of these gut parts is poorly understood. Some ultrastructural features suggest that they contribute in excretion and salt regulation.Abbreviations Au autolysosome - Ba bacteria - Bl basal lamina - Ca canaliculi - Cae caecum - Crc crypt cell - Cu cuticle - Ec epicuticle - Ep epidermis - G Golgi complex - Hae hemolymph - Hc head cell - La basal labyrinth - Lu gut lumen - lMv long microvilli - Mg midgut - Mi mitochondria - mC mitochondria rich cell - nBc new border cell - Nc neck cell - Nu nucleus - oBc old border cell - Pc procuticle - pMe peritrophic membrane - pMg posterior midgut - Rm ring muscle - S secretion (? uncertain) - sMv short microvilli - vC vacuolated cell     

A new species of socratea (Palmae) from Colombia with notes on the genus

Socratea montana, a new species from Colombia, is described and illustrated, and its relationships discussed. Two groups of species within the genus are characterized.     

A new species of Thenardia (Apocynaceae,Apocynoideae) from Chiapas,Mexico, with notes on the genus

A new species,Thenardia chiapensis, is described and illustrated. The new species is the first taxon in the genus to have its fruits, two fused follicles, described and illustrated. In addition, observations ofT. floribunda specimens have revealed the existence of a novel character, coiled filaments, previously undescribed for the genus.     

Taxonomic notes on the genus Crataegus (Rosaceae) in Turkey

The Turkish Crataegus taxa were investigated using morphological, palynological, and anatomical characters. A new series ( Crataegus Section Crataegus Series Peshmenia ), two new species ( Crataegus peshmenii and Crataegus christensenii ), and one variety ( Crataegus rhipidophylla var. kutahyaensis ) are described. Furthermore, Crataegus  ×  browicziana has been assigned to Crataegus rhipidophylla with a new status. Illustrations of the described taxa and their distribution map are also given. The lectotype for Crataegus yaltirikii is designated here.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 155 , 231–240.