Molecular Phylogeny and Ecology of Textularia agglutinans d’Orbigny from the Mediterranean Coast of Israel: A Case of a Successful New Incumbent

Textularia agglutinans d’Orbigny is a non-symbiont bearing and comparatively large benthic foraminiferal species with a widespread distribution across all oceans. In recent years, its populations have considerably expanded along the Israeli Mediterranean coast of the eastern Levantine basin. Despite its exceptionally widespread occurrence, no molecular data have yet been obtained. This study provides the first ribosomal DNA sequences of T. agglutinans complemented with morphological and ecological characterization, which are based on material collected during environmental monitoring of the hard bottom habitats along the Israeli Mediterranean coast, and from the Gulf of Elat (northern Red Sea). Our phylogenetic analyses reveal that all specimens from both provinces belong to the same genetic population, regardless their morphological variability. These results indicate that modern population of T. agglutinans found on the Mediterranean coast of Israel is probably Lessepsian. Our study also reveals that T. agglutinans has an epiphytic life mode, which probably enabled its successful colonization of the hard bottom habitats, at the Mediterranean coast of Israel, which consist of a diverse community of macroalgae. Our study further indicates that the species does not tolerate high SST (> 35°C), which will probably prevent its future expansion in the easternmost Mediterranean in light of the expected rise in temperatures.     

Molecular Evidence for Lessepsian Invasion of Soritids (Larger Symbiont Bearing Benthic Foraminifera)

The Mediterranean Sea is considered as one of the hotspots of marine bioinvasions, largely due to the influx of tropical species migrating through the Suez Canal, so-called Lessepsian migrants. Several cases of Lessepsian migration have been documented recently, however, little is known about the ecological characteristics of the migrating species and their aptitude to colonize the new areas. This study focused on Red Sea soritids, larger symbiont-bearing benthic foraminifera (LBF) that are indicative of tropical and subtropical environments and were recently found in the Israeli coast of the Eastern Mediterranean. We combined molecular phylogenetic analyses of soritids and their algal symbionts as well as network analysis of Sorites orbiculus Forskål to compare populations from the Gulf of Elat (northern Red Sea) and from a known hotspot in Shikmona (northern Israel) that consists of a single population of S. orbiculus. Our phylogenetic analyses show that all specimens found in Shikmona are genetically identical to a population of S. orbiculus living on a similar shallow water pebbles habitat in the Gulf of Elat. Our analyses also show that the symbionts found in Shikmona and Elat soritids belong to the Symbiodinium clade F5, which is common in the Red Sea and also present in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Our study therefore provides the first genetic and ecological evidences that indicate that modern population of soritids found on the Mediterranean coast of Israel is probably Lessepsian, and is less likely the descendant of a native ancient Mediterranean species.     

The fish assemblage on a coralligenous shallow shelf off the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel

The fish assemblage on the shallow coralligenous shelf (16-30m depth) off Haifa, Israel was sampled using trammel nets throughout a period of 1 year. Complementary data were obtained via underwater censuses of fish on an artificial reef established later in the sampling area. Fortythree species of fish were sampled by trammel nets, 79% of which were observed also during the underwater censuses. Although fish of Red Sea origin constituted only 11.6% of the species composition in the net samples, they contributed 46.2% of the fish abundance and 40.6% of the biomass in these samples. This was supported by the finding that species of Red Sea origin contributed 64% of the abundance of large fish counted on the artificial reef. Siganus luridas, S. rivulatus and Sargocentron rubrum are the main contributors in number and biomass among fish of Red Sea origin. It is suggested that the biogenic rocky bottom of this area contains several components which are similar to biogenic habitats favoured by these benthic species in the Red Sea; this may explain the high abundance of these species in the studied area.     

The biology of the Red Sea migrant,Saurida undosquamis in the Mediterranean and comparison with the indigenous confamilial Synodus saurus (Teleostei: Synodontidae)

A study of the biology of Red Sea — Suez Canal migrant, the lizardfish Saurida undosquamis and the indigenous Synodus saurus was carried out in the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The spawning season of S. undosquamis lasts from March to December indicating a curtailment of the year-round spawning season of the source population in the Gulf of Oman. The spawning season of S. saurus is from February to August. The diameter of ripe oocytes of S. undosquamis is 500–600 μm. Females of S. undosquamis grow slightly faster than males and reach a larger size (340 mm TL versus 280 mm TL). Niche partitioning between the two lizardfishes is primarily on the basis of depth. The invador occupying deeper water. Both species are chiefly piscivorous but as a result of their depth distribution there is little diet overlap on the specific level.     

The benthic phase of the life cycle ofParapenaeus longirostris (Crustacea,Decapoda, Penaeidae) along the Mediterranean coast of Israel

The population ofP. longirostris along the Mediterranean coast of Israel spends the benthic phase of its life cycle (from body size over 15 mm) on muddy bottom deeper than 45 m. New age groups are recruited within the depth zone of 45–300 m and migrate in both inshore and offshore directions. Inshore migration is limited by unsuitable sandy ground. The limiting line for offshore migration was not found.An age group could be detected during one year within a body size range of TL = 40 mm to TL = 84.5 mm for males and to TL = 102.5 mm for females. Reproductive activity in shallow water, down to a depth of 73 m, takes place during the whole year, while in depths of 150–300 m there is an arrest of reproductive activity from June to August.     

First record of the Brassy Chub Kyphosus vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) in the Eastern Mediterranean (Osteichthyes: Perciformes: Kyphosidae)

The Brassy Chub, Kyphosus vaigiensis, first recorded in the Mediterranean in 1998, is reported herein from the coast of Israel. The identity of the specimen was confirmed by morphological and molecular analysis. This is the first record of K. vaigiensis from the Eastern Mediterranean. The possible origins of the Israeli record is discussed.     

Rhabdosargus haffara (Forsskål, 1775) and Sphyraena flavicauda Rüppell, 1833—new Red Sea immigrants in the Mediterranean

Two Red Sea species, the sparid Rhabdosargus haffara and the sphyraenid Sphyraena flavicauda , previously unrecorded in the Mediterranean, have been recently found in the vicinity of Tel-Aviv, coast of Israel.     

Observations on feeding, growth and electric discharge of newborn Torpedo ocellata (chondrichthyes, batoidei)

Newly born and neonate Torpedo ocellata were obtained from gravid females caught during the autumn off the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The young torpedos, which weighed about 11 g, were fed with live Blennius pavo Risso, and doubled their weight in about 4 months. The behaviour of the torpedo during feeding was examined and photographed. When attacking a fish, the torpedo emerges from being buried in the sand and assaults the approaching prey. First, the prey is trapped under the torpedo and then directed towards the ray's mouth by its body movements. Newborn and neonate torpedos are able to discharge their electric organ. The amplitude of the discharge of one day-old fish is approximately 4 V. It increases dramatically during the first three weeks of life to 20 V, reaching an asymptotic level of about 26 V, by the end of the fourth month.     

Capture of a rare shark, Oxynotus centrina (Chondrichthyes: Oxynotidae) in the eastern Adriatic Sea

A rare species, the angular rough shark Oxynotus centrina (Linnaeus, 1758) was incidentally captured on 7 July 2007 by long line in Croatian waters at the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. An adult female weighing 7883 g and reaching 800 mm in total length is the largest angular rough shark recorded to date not only in the Adriatic Sea but also in the Mediterranean. Morphometric measurements were taken which were in agreement with those of specimens previously measured from other Mediterranean areas. The female contained asymmetrically distributed (14 in the right ovary, four in the left) developing yellow yolk oocytes 24–35 mm in diameter, and the uteri were in resting phase. This confirms that vitellogenesis does not proceed in parallel with gestation and that the species reproduces in alternate years. Hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indexes reached high values, 35.50 and 4.81, respectively. Examination of the stomach did not reveal traces of any recently eaten or even partly digested food, suggesting that the female was in a non-feeding period.     

可口革囊星虫体腔中卵细胞大小组成的周年变化

在浙江温岭沿海逐月采样,显微观察了可口革囊星虫体腔中卵细胞大小组成的周年变化。3—5月,卵径30~90μm的卵细胞占大部分。6月,卵径70~130μm的卵细胞占多数。7月,大部分卵细胞卵径达100μm以上,其中130~150μm的卵细胞约占1/3。8月,卵细胞卵径均在110μm以上,其中130~150μm的卵细胞约占2/3。9月,仍多数卵细胞卵径在110μm以上,130~150μm的卵细胞约占1/3。10月,以110~140μm的卵细胞占多,40μm以下的卵细胞较少,大卵细胞开始退化。11月至翌年2月,随着大型卵细胞的逐渐退化,小型及中型卵细胞逐渐增多,2月仍可见少量未退化的大型卵细胞。分析认为,可口革囊星虫在浙江温岭的繁殖期主要在7—9月。     

Unexpected oocyte growth after follicular antrum formation in four marsupial species.

During examination of maturing preovulatory marsupial oocytes we noted that oocyte diameters were invariably about 50% greater than the figures reported in earlier histological studies. As all previous investigations were limited to small follicles (at most 25% the size of the ovulating follicle), the present study was initiated to examine oocyte growth during the whole period of follicular development. Oocyte and follicle diameters were measured for three Australian (Trichosurus vulpecula, Macropus eugenii and Bettongia penicillata--fresh nonfixed material) and one American marsupial species (Monodelphis domestica--histological sections) in which multiple follicle development had been induced by exogenous gonadotrophin treatment. In all species oocytes were obtained from follicles ranging from pre-antral to immediately pre-ovulatory (maximum follicle sizes obtained were: T. vulpecula, 4.5 mm; M. eugenii, 4.3 mm; B. penicillata, 2.5 mm; M. domestica, 0.7 mm). In two of the species (T. vulpecula and B. penicillata) ovulated oocytes were also examined. In T. vulpecula and M. eugenii oocytes were found to achieve much greater diameters than previously reported from histological studies of small follicles (< 0.8 mm) and similar patterns of growth were found in the other two species. In the four species oocytes reached diameters about two to three times that found for eutherian mammals. It was concluded that the marsupial oocyte continued to grow after formation of the follicular antrum and that, although the rate of oocyte growth slowed in larger follicles, it continued into the period immediately before ovulation. In B. penicillata the largest oocytes were obtained after ovulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Spawning and distribution of bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix (L.) in the northwestern Mediterranean

The present study was carried out on the Catalan coast, the northern limit of the geographic distribution of Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766) in the Mediterranean. Within the area studied, both larvae and adults were more abundant in the southern part, where surface temperature was slightly higher than in the north. Spawning of P. saltatrix was limited to the warmest months, from July to September, when the surface temperature was about 25° C, The most common larval sizes, between 2.25 and 2.75 mm s.l. , were distributed over the continental shelf, and the greatest concentrations were found between 20 and 100 m, suggesting an inshore spawning. Larvae, including the smallest sizes, were found in the most superficial layers and no evidence of vertical migration was observed. The species was regularly fished in the southern zone, maximum monthly catches ranging between 10–20 tonnes. The presence of adults in the coastal zone showed a marked seasonality closely related to temperatur, the lowest catches corresponding to the coldest months.     

Life cycle of a small endemic goby Economidichthys pygmaeus (Family: Gobiidae) in Lake Pamvotis,northwestern Greece

The life history tactics of the small endemic freshwater goby Economidichhtys pygmaeus were examined in a Mediterranean shallow lake located in the northwestern part of Greece (Lake Pamvotis). The purpose of the study was to define the population structure, growth, length at sexual maturity, sex ratio, annual cycle of gonad development, spawning characteristics and fecundity. Fish samples were collected using a hand net from October 2006 to September 2007. The fish grew rapidly in summer after hatching, matured after their first winter, and bred from February to June. The length frequency distribution indicated the appearance of two cohorts per year. Juveniles occurred in samples from April to September. Maturity length (ML₅₀) of males and females were estimated to be 23.54 and 23.28 mm TL, respectively. Sexual dimorphism related to the male caudal fin was observed and males grew to greater lengths than females. The overall ratio of males to females was 1:1.35. Spawning was from February to June. Ripe females appeared to be multiple spawners, with oocytes at different stages of development. Size of oocytes changed during maturation and increased in diameter from about 0.125 to more than 0.9 mm. Absolute fecundity was positively related to TL and TW and varied between 59 and 309 eggs. After reproduction, the number of parental individuals decreased.     

Westward range expansion of the Lessepsian migrant Fistularia commersonii (Fistulariidae) in the Mediterranean Sea, with notes on its parasites

One adult female bluespotted cornetfish Fistularia commersonii was captured near the coast of Arbatax (Sardinia, Italy) in late October 2005. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the gonad revealed a postspawning ovary. Several body parts of the damselfish Chromis chromis were found in its stomach contents. Different developmental stages of 58 metazoan parasites belonging to Arthropoda, Nematoda and Platyhelminthes were detected in its mouth and digestive tract. The lepocreadiid Allolepidapedon fistulariae was reported for the first time from the Mediterranean and, with the exception of this species, all the parasites found were reported for the first time in this host. This new record of F. commersonii may confirm the rapid range expansion of this Lessepsian migrant in the western Mediterranean Sea, as well as the presence of its endoparasite A. fistulariae .     

Effects of temperature on growth rate and body size in the Mediterranean Sea anemone Actinia equina

Actinia equina is the most common sea anemone in the rocky intertidal zone of the Mediterranean coast of Israel, yet little is known about its biology in this habitat. We examined variation in polyp growth at several temperatures within the local range. Under laboratory conditions, only polyps at low temperatures (15 and 20 °C) grew, whereas those at higher temperatures (25 and 30 °C) lost body mass. Seasonal monitoring of pedal disk diameter over 18 months at field sites showed that polyps shrank significantly during the summer when temperatures were high. We conclude that at summer seawater temperatures along the coast of Israel (28.7-29.5 °C), polyps of A. equina are unable to balance their metabolic requirements with energy input, resulting in a seasonal reduction in biomass. Polyps appear able to acclimate to high temperatures, but not sufficiently to avoid shrinkage of tissues.     

Recent records of the Nile Soft-shelled Turtle,Tríonyx triunguis,and of the Euphrates Soft-shelled Turtle,Tríonyx euphratìcus,in the Middle East

Abstract

Thriving populations of the Spiny Oyster Spondylus spinosus Schreibers, 1793, an Indo-Pacific bivalve, are reported from off the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The taxonomy and nomenclature of this new Lessepsian migrant are briefly discussed. The polymorphism of the Mediterranean specimens is discussed. Their habitat is described, and the epibionts and predators in the Mediterranean are enumerated.     

Prepubertal goat oocytes from large follicles result in similar blastocyst production and embryo ploidy than those from adult goats

Developmental competence of oocytes from prepubertal females is lower than those from adult females. Oocyte development competence is positively related to follicular diameter. Most of the follicles of prepubertal goat ovaries are smaller than 3 mm. The aim of this study was to compare oocytes of two follicle sizes (< 3 mm and ≥ 3 mm) from prepubertal goats with oocytes from adult goats in relation to their in vitro production and quality of blastocysts. Oocytes from prepubertal goats were obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries and selected according to the follicle diameter whereas oocytes from adult goats were recovered in vivo by LOPU technique without prior selection of follicle size. COCs were IVM for 27 h, IVF at the conventional conditions with fresh semen and presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF medium for 8 days. Blastocysts obtained were vitrified and after warming their blastocoele re-expansion and the ploidy by FISH technique were assessed. We found significant differences between blastocysts yield of oocytes recovered from follicles smaller than 3 mm of prepubertal goats compared to those from adult goats (5.45% vs 20. 83%, respectively) however, these differences disappear if oocytes were recovered form large follicles (18.07%). A total of 28 blastocysts were analysed and 96.43% showed mixoploidy. Age did not affect the number of embryos with abnormal ploidy or blastocyst re-expansion after warming. Furthermore, the percentage of diploid blastomeres per embryo was similar in the 3 groups studied, adult, prepubertal from follicles ≥ 3 mm and < 3 mm (68.6%, 80.8% and 73.6%, respectively). In conclusion, IVP of blastocysts coming from follicles larger than 3 mm of goats 45 days old were not different to the blastocysts produced from adult goats, both in terms of quantity and quality.     

First record of red cornetfish Fistularia petimba (Syngnathiformes:Fistulariidae) from Antalya and İskenderun Bays along Turkish Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea

Here, we report the first occurrence of red cornetfish Fistularia petimba in the north‐eastern Mediterranean Sea. Altogether four specimens were captured; first two in Antalya Bay on 28 October 2016 and 26 November 2016, and the remaining two in ?skenderun Bay on 21 May 2017 during the bottom trawl surveys along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. All specimens were young and more or less uniform in size (383, 335, 419 and 453 mm standard length). The possibility that F. petimba could become a new potential invader in the Mediterranean as its congeneric F. commersonii is cautioned against.     

Reproductive biology of the brown smoothhound shark Mustelus henlei,in the northern Gulf of California,México

Female brown smoothhound sharks Mustelus henlei were found to reproduce annually. A mature female carried both developing oocytes in the ovary and developing embryos in the uteri concurrently for c. 1 year. A great variability in the size of embryos was recorded each month, and the maximum embryo sizes were found from late January to mid‐March. The largest oocytes in mature females were observed in mid‐March. Gestation lasted c. 10 months. A linear relationship between maternal total length (L_T) and the number of pups per litter (litter size one to 21) was estimated. Birth L_T was reached in c. 280 mm. Females and males matured at 570–660 and 550–560 mm L_T, respectively. Difference in the litter size among Californian coast (one to 10) and northern Gulf of California (one to 21) populations existed for this smoothhound shark.     

Protogynous hermaphroditism in the half-banded sea perch, Hypoplectrodes maccullochi (Serranidae)

The half-banded sea perch, Hypoplectrodes maccullochi (Serranidae) exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, based on the presence of transitional individuals collected from rocky reefs along the coast of New South Wales, Australia. Males dominated the larger size and age classes, whereas females predominated the smaller size and age groups. Histological preparations suggested that sex change occurs between 55–85 mm s.l. and 1 + to 4+ years of age. Three transitional phases were identified which varied according to the proportion of gametogenic tissue and remnant oocytes present within their gonads. All individuals greater than 85 mm s.l. were functional males containing well defined crypts of spermatids and spermatozoa. Remnant oocytes within these testes indicated prior female function. H. maccullochi were sexually monochromatic. The occurrence of some small males derived from pre-spawning females suggested pre-maturational sex change occurred in some individuals. Sex changing individuals were found in all the months of the year that gonads were examined in detail (January, February, April and June 1989). Fish were ripe in August and November. H. maccullochi conforms with the pattern of reproduction evident within the genus Hypopleclrodes .