Length–weight relationships of three freshwater cyprinid fish species from Chalakudy River,South Western Ghats,India

This paper provides length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for three freshwater cyprinid fish species: Barbodes carnaticus (Jerdon, 1849), Hypselobarbus kolus (Sykes, 1839) and Tor khudree (Sykes, 1839) from the Chalakduy River in South Western Ghats of India. Fish samples were collected on a monthly basis between April 2011 to March 2012 using gill nets of different mesh sizes (3.5–10 cm). LWRs for these three species had not been previously reported in FishBase.     

Length-weight relationships for seven endemic fish species from streams of the last two large remaining dam-free tributaries of the Upper Paraná River Floodplain in the Paraná State,Brazil

This study reports the length-weight relationships (LWR) for seven endemic fish species from streams in the Ivaí (Characidium heirmostigmata, Corydoras lacrimostigmata, Curculionichthys oliveirai, Hisonotus pachysarkos, and Cambeva horacioi) and Ivaí and Piquiri (Apareiodon vladii and Planaltina kaingang) River basins, Paraná State, Brazil. Fish specimens measured and weighed were collected between November 1994 and July 2019, fixed with 10% formalin, and are preserved in 70% alcohol. Measurements were done for standard length (SL—0.1 cm precision) and total weight (TW—0.01 g precision). All coefficient of allometry obtained is within the general range for fishes representing useful tentatives for LWR parameters. We highlight the importance of information about the biology of the endemic fish species in a crucial area for the biodiversity conservation of the Upper Paraná River system.     

Length‐weight and length–length relationships of three algae‐scraping cyprinid species from Iran

The study presents length–weight relationships (LWRs) and length–length relationships (LLRs) for three algae‐scraper species; Capoeta coadi from the Kouhrang River (Iran; 32°23′N, 50°08′E) a part of the Tigris drainage basin, Capoeta pyragyi from Cheshmeh Langan River (32°55′N, 50°10′E) a part of Zayanderud River basin and Capoeta umbla from Chooman River (35°57′N, 45°47′E). Fish were sampled by electro fishing (Samus1000; Power Out: 200 watts) in August, September and October 2017. Sampling was carried out each months in sites covering an area of about 100 m² including runs, riffles and pools at a water depth of 10–60 cm. The obtained LWRs and LLRs showed a high level of correlation (r² > 0.99).     

Length‐weight relationships of nine fish species from the Qingjiang River,Yangtze River basin,China

This study presents the first report of length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for five fish species (Parabotia fasciata, Megalobrama mantschuricus, Plagiognathops microlepis, Rhodeus sinensis, Rhodeus fangi) and maximum total lengths for four species from the Qingjiang River, Yangtze River basin, China. Specimens were sampled in six sections along the Qingjiang River over a period of 1 year between April 2016 and March 2017 with gill nets (150 × 10 m; mesh size: 1–14 cm), benthic fyke nets (mouth opening: 12 × 12 cm; 10 m; mesh size: 1 cm) and stationary lift nets (10 × 10 m; mesh size: 0.8 cm).     

Length–weight relationships of four freshwater cyprinid species from a tributary of Ganga River Basin in North India

This paper provides length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for four freshwater cyprinid fish species, namely Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton, 1807), Bangana dero (Hamilton, 1807), Chagunius chagunio (Hamilton, 1807) and Labeo dyocheilus (McClelland, 1839) from the Kosi River, a tributary of the River Ganga in northern India. Altogether 848 specimens were caught bimonthly (for B. bendelisis) and quarterly for the other three species between March 2013 and December 2014 using cast nets (9 m length, 9 m width and 1/2 cm mesh size). LWRs for two of the four species (B. dero and C. chagunio) are recorded for the first time. The present study results will be useful for fishery researchers, management and conservation in this least‐explored tributary of the Ganga River Basin.     

Length–weight relationships of four indigenous freshwater fish species from Khalsi wetland in lower Ganga basin,West Bengal,India

The length‐weight relationships of four indigenous freshwater fishes Parambassis lala (Hamilton, 1822), Trichogaster lalius (Hamilton, 1822), Puntius terio (Hamilton, 1822), and Pethia phutunio (Hamilton, 1822) were determined. Fish samples were collected during December 2013 to May 2015 from Khalsi, a floodplain wetland along the tributary of the River Ganges in West Bengal state, India using different types of gear (castnets, gillnets and drag nets, stretched mesh sizes of 15–20 mm, 20–30 mm and 5–10 mm, respectively). This is the first report on the length–weight relationship parameters of these four species.     

Length–weight relationships for three fish species from the Yalong River,southwestern China

Length–weight relationships were determined for three fish species: Gymnodiptychus pachycheilus (Herzenstein, 1892), Discogobio yunnanensis (Regan, 1907), and Triplophysa pseudostenura (He, Zhang & Song, 2012). Samples were collected from the Yalong River, southwestern China using fishing gear (gillnets, 30 × 15 m, mesh‐size 5 mm) and electroshock fishing (CWB‐2000 P, 12 V, 250 HZ) in June 2007. Prior to this study, length–weight relationships for these three species were unknown. For two of the species [Discogobio yunnanensis (Regan, 1907) and Triplophysa pseudostenura (He, Zhang & Song, 2012)], new maximum standard lengths not yet reported in the scientific literature were noted.     

Complete mitochondrial genome of the black‐tailed hornet,Vespa ducalis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): Genomic comparisons in Vespoidea

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the black‐tailed hornet, Vespa ducalis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). The genome was 15,779‐bp long and contained typical sets of genes [13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs]. The V. ducalis A + T‐rich region was 166‐bp long and was the shortest of all sequenced Vespoidea genomes, including Vespa. The genome was highly biased toward A/T nucleotides—80.1 % in the whole genome, 77.8 % in PCGs, 83.4–85.6 % in RNAs, and 92.8 % in the A + T‐rich region. These values are well within the typical range for genes and regions of Vespoidea mitogenomes. Start and stop codons in several Vespa species—including V. ducalis—were diversified, despite these species belonging to the same genus. In comparison with the ancestral mitogenomes, Vespa mitogenomes—including that of V. ducalis—showed substantial gene rearrangement; however, we detected no gene rearrangement among Vespa species. We conducted phylogenetic reconstruction based on concatenated sequences of 13 PCGs and two rRNAs (12,755 bp ) in available species of Vespoidea—21 species in six subfamilies in two families (Vespidae and Formicidae). The Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood (ML) methods revealed that each family formed strong monophyletic groups [Bayesian posterior probability (BPP) = 1; ML, 100 %]. Moreover, V. ducalis and V. mandarinia formed a strong sister group (BPP = 1; ML, 94 %).     

Length–weight relationship of 12 fish species from the Lhasa River and surrounding area in Tibet,China

Presented are the relationship between standard length (SL) and weight (W) for 12 fish species in Tibet, China, representing three families and six genera from the Lhasa River. All fish samples were collected by either electro‐shocker (12 V, 200 Hz), fish cages (mouth opening: 40 × 40 cm², 5 m), or drift gillnets (3 × 1.5 m; mesh‐size: 3 cm to 8 cm) from different areas in the Lhasa River Basin, August and September 2015. Parameter b ranged from 2.88 to 3.29, and all correlation coefficient (r²) values were higher than 0.95. Length–weight relationships (LWRs) for three of the species as well as one maximum length are first reports for FishBase.     

Length–weight relationships of four indigenous fish species from Brahmaputra River,Assam, India

The present study was undertaken with the objective to estimate the length‐weight Relationships (LWRs) for four species collected from the Brahmaputra River, Assam, India. The fish samples were collected quarterly from different sampling sites using gill net (mesh size ranges 1–1.5 cm, locally called Mola lungi jal), cast net (mesh size ranges 1.0–2.0 cm, locally called Kevalijal) and triangular dip nets (mesh size ranges 0.75–1.25 cm locally called khorajal) during the time period between May, 2016 to April, 2018 (2 years). The b value of the LWR ranged from 3.028 (for Parambasis lala) to 3.196 (for Psilorynchus balitora). In this study the relationship between length‐weight were highly correlated (p < 0.05).     

Length‐weight relationships of three freshwater fish species from the Nandu River and Changhua River in Hainan Island,China

Length‐weight relationships (LRWs) were determined for three fish species from the Hainan Island, China. Fish specimens were sampled across the Nandu River and Changhua River from May 2017 to June 2018 with benthic fyke‐nets (stretched mesh size: 0.4 cm), multi‐mesh gillnets (stretched mesh size ranging from 1.0 to 12.5 cm) and electrofishing. Relationships between length and weight were fitted very well for all species (all R²>0.95). The b values of the LRW equations ranging from 2.938 for Liniparhomaloptera qiongzhongensis to 3.259 for Toxabramis houdemeri.     

Length–weight relationships and length at first maturity for fish species in the upper Miranda River,southern Pantanal wetland,Brazil

Length–weight relationships (LWR) were estimated for 17 species and total length at first maturity (L50) for three species of freshwater fishes from the Miranda River, southern Pantanal, Brazil. The b values were compared for some species in the Paraguay River basin with the northern (Cuiabá River) part of the basin; differences in length–weight relationships were significantly different for Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, P. reticulatum (syn. P. fasciatum). First references on L50 and LWR are presented for two and eight fish species, respectively, as well as the new maximum total length for two species.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of three fish species from the Heihe River,northwest China

Length‐weight (LWRs) and length–length (LLRs) relationships are reported for three fish species belonging to two families and two genera from the Heihe River, northwest China. Fish samples were collected using trap nets (mesh size 1 cm) in May and December of 2016, and April and October 2017. Standard length (SL) and total length (TL) for each individual were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm by digital slide caliper and each body weight (BW) was measured to an accuracy of 0.1 g using digital balance. The b‐values for LWRs varied from 2.580 to 3.164 (r² > .956). The results further indicated that the LLRs were highly correlated (r² > .991; p < .01). This study presents the first references on LWRs for Gymnocypris chilianensis and Triplophysa hsutschouensis, and LLRs for G. chilianensis, Triplophysa leptosoma and T. hsutschouensis. This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation of local fishes and fisheries.     

Length–weight relationships for two loach species,Sinibotia superciliaris (Günther, 1892) and Sinibotia reevesae (Chang, 1944) collected from the Tuojiang River,China

Length–weight relationships were determined for two loach species, Sinibotia superciliaris (Günther, 1892) and Sinibotia reevesae (Chang, 1944). Samples were collected with gill nets (30 × 15 m, mesh‐size 1.5 cm) and fish cages (mesh‐size 0.5 cm) as well as by electroshock (CWB‐2000 P, 12 V, 250 HZ) between May 2013 and June 2015 from the Tuojiang River in southwest China. It is believed that the size range covered is close to a commonly known size range of each species. The length–weight relationship values of b were determined as 3.105 for S. superciliaris and 3.381 for S. reevesae. The data will be helpful in further research regarding these species in the upper Yangtze River Basin.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of five fish species from the Dadu River and its tributaries,southwest China

Length‐weight (LWRs) and length–length (LLRs) relationships are reported for five fish species belonging to two families and five genera from the Dadu River and its tributaries, southwest China. In total, 605 specimens were collected by electrofishing and gillnets (mesh size ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 cm) in May and October 2013, May and October 2014, May and November 2015, and April and October 2016. The b‐values for LWRs varied from 2.571 to 2.952 (r² > .915). The results further indicated that the LLRs were highly correlated (r² > .978; p < .01). The two LWRs, five LLRs, and two maximum lengths are presented to FishBase for the first time. This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation of local fishes and fisheries.     

Population characteristics of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus (Forbes & Richardson, )) in the Lower Missouri River

Population characteristics of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus in the lower Missouri River are relatively unknown. Therefore, data collected from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment Program was synthesized to (i) document the population structure of pallid sturgeon by origin (hatchery‐reared or wild), gender, and reproductive readiness, (ii) document the minimum size and age‐at‐maturity by gender, and (iii) document the fecundity rates of the fish that were successfully spawned in the hatchery. During this 4‐year study (2008–2011), relative abundance for wild and hatchery‐reared pallid sturgeon collected with gill nets did not significantly change whereas relative abundance for wild fish using trot lines declined significantly. The proportion of hatchery‐reared pallid sturgeon increased annually, with the population being composed primarily of hatchery‐reared fish. The proportion of reproductively ready females to non‐reproductively ready females was 1 : 2.0, compared to male ratios at 1 : 0.9. Minimum fork length‐at‐maturity was estimated for females at 788 mm and for males at 798 mm. Minimum age‐at‐maturity for hatchery‐reared released fish was age‐9 for females and age‐7 for males. Highest relative fecundity, based on the ovosomatic index, was 10% with an overall mean of 7%. The number of eggs per ml (egg size) was not correlated with fork length (P = 0.0615) or weight (P = 0.0957). Relative condition factor (Kn) for females was significantly different by reproductive condition (P = 0.0014) and Kn for males did not differ between reproductive conditions (P = 0.2634). Detecting shifts in population characteristics are essential not only to understand population dynamics since hatchery inputs and natural perturbations continue to change the population structure but also to assess species recovery efforts to ensure long‐term species sustainability.     

Energy and speleogenesis: Key determinants of terrestrial species richness in caves

The aim of this study was to unravel the relative role played by speleogenesis (i.e., the process in which a cave is formed), landscape‐scale variables, and geophysical factors in the determination of species richness in caves. Biological inventories from 21 caves located in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula along with partial least square (PLS) regression analysis were used to assess the relative importance of the different explanatory variables. The caves were grouped according to the similarity in their species composition; the effect that spatial distance could have on similarity was also studied using correlation between matrices. The energy and speleogenesis of caves accounted for 44.3% of the variation in species richness. The trophic level of each cave was the most significant factor in PLS regression analysis, and epigenic caves (i.e., those formed by the action of percolating water) had significantly more species than hypogenic ones (i.e., those formed by the action of upward flows in confined aquifers). Dissimilarity among the caves was very high (multiple‐site β_sim = 0.92). Two main groups of caves were revealed through the cluster analysis, one formed by the western caves and the other by the eastern ones. The significant—but low—correlation found between faunistic dissimilarity and geographical distance (r = .16) disappeared once the caves were split into the two groups. The extreme beta‐diversity suggests a very low connection among the caves and/or a very low dispersal capacity of the species. In the region under study, two main factors are intimately related to the richness of terrestrial subterranean species in caves: the amount of organic material (trophic level) and the formation process (genesis). This is the first time that the history of a cave genesis has been quantitatively considered to assess its importance in explaining richness patterns in comparison with other factors more widely recognized.     

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships of thirteen fish species from the lower Jinsha River,southwest China

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships were investigated for 13 freshwater fish species from the lower Jinsha River, southwest China (from 101°32′49.63″E; 26°35′38.27″N to 104°37′48.14″E; 28°45′59.55″N). Fish were sampled from five sites during 2014 and 2016, using trap‐nets, gillnets (major mesh size: 2–6 cm), longline and electrofishing. Length‐weight relationships for six and length‐length relationships for 12 species are the first report to FishBase, respectively. Moreover, new maximum length for 11 species are also presented to FishBase in this study. All regressions were highly significant (p < .001), with the coefficient of determination r² > .950. These information will be helpful for management and conservation in local fishes and fisheries.     

Length–weight relationships of 14 Indian freshwater fish species from the Betwa (Yamuna River tributary) and Gomti (Ganga River tributary) rivers

The length‐weight relationships (LWRs) were studied of 588 fish covering eight families, 13 genera and 14 species (Notopterus notopterus, Gudusia chapra, Labeo calbasu, Puntius sarana, Cirrhinus mrigala, Ompok bimaculatus, Mystus tengara, Mystus cavasius, Sperata aor, Sperata seenghala, Eutropiichthys vacha, Wallago attu, Rhinomugil corsula, and Mastacembelus armatus) captured in the Betwa River (tributary of the Yamuna River) and Gomti River (tributary of the Ganga River) from December 2007 to January 2009. The b values varied between 2.4 (M. armatus) and 3.52 (P. sarana), with the mean b = 2.96 at P < 0.001 for all species. The observations are significant for conservation and management because the Betwa River has been approved under India’s first interlinking plan with the Ken River, and no length‐weight data had thus far been reported for the Gomti River. The objective was to evaluate the LWRs of these two unstudied rivers for fisheries management.     

Occurrence rates of wild rodent hosts and chigger mites and the infection rate of Orientia tsutsugamushi in the central region of South Korea from 2015 to 2018

Outbreaks of vector‐borne diseases are dramatically increasing because of climate change, consequently increasing the importance of surveillance of endemic disease vectors. In this study, we surveyed chigger mites, vectors for Orientia tsutsugamushi—the bacteria that causes Tsutsugamushi disease—, and their rodent hosts in Gimcheon, central South Korea, in 2015–2018. A total of 225 rodents were collected, with trap rate and percentage of rodents infected by chigger mites of 9.8 and 72.4%, respectively. Six species of rodents from five genera were collected, the most common rodent being Apodemus agrarius (n = 153, infection rate = 90.8%). The highest number of rodents was collected in spring (trap rate = 10.3), but the rate of infected rodents was higher in fall (81.5%) than in spring (61.3%). Trap rate was highest for bank near waterway (17.9), but the chigger index (CI) was highest in hill (224.1). A total of 20,534 (CI 126.0) chigger mite individuals from 10 species and three genera were found on the collected rodents. The most common species was Leptotrombidium pallidum (n = 7,982, 83.6%, CI 49.0), followed by L. palpale and L. scutellare. Chigger mites were most frequent at banks near waterway (n = 11,093, CI 152.0) and hill (n = 2,017, CI 224.1). To detect O. tsutsugamushi in chigger mites, 450 pools of chigger mites (n = 10,991) were analyzed; 24 pools were positive—23 of A. agrarius, the most frequently collected species in South Korea, 1 of Micromys minutus—and the minimum positive rate (MPR) was 0.22. The detected strain types included Boryong (dominant in all years, seasons, and habitats), Jecheon, 07–489, and IIOC1202.