Digenean parasites of Chinese marine fishes: a list of species, hosts and geographical distribution

In the literature, 630 species of Digenea (Trematoda) have been reported from Chinese marine fishes. These belong to 209 genera and 35 families. The names of these species, along with their hosts, geographical distribution and records, are listed in this paper.     

Glomerella truncata: another Glomerella species with an atypical mating system

In the genus Glomerella all species studied to date do not fit the usual mating system of heterothallic ascomycetes. This study investigated the mating system of G. truncata (anamorph Colletotrichum truncatum), a pathogen responsible for lentil anthracnose. Twenty-two field isolates from the Canadian prairies were crossed in all possible combinations, including selfings. All isolates also were screened for the presence of the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs by targeting small conserved areas of the MAT genes (the alpha domain and the high mobility group HMG box) with degenerate primers, and a pair of G. truncata-specific HMG primers (CT21HMG) were designed. The results of the classical mating study suggested that G. truncata is heterothallic. Isolates fell into two incompatibility groups, which is consistent with a bipolar mating system but different from what has been described in other Glomerella species. Molecular screening showed that the HMG box used as a marker for the MAT1-2 idiomorph was present in both partners of fertile crosses in G. truncata, unlike in the typical ascomycete system, but as previously described for two other Glomerella species. G. truncata therefore appears to share unusual mating system characteristics with the other Glomerella species studied to date.     

Organization of seminiferous epithelium in primates: relationship to spermatogenic efficiency,phylogeny, and mating system

The succession in time and space of specific germ cell associations, denoted as spermatogenic stages, is a typical feature of mammalian spermatogenesis. The arrangement of these stages is either single stage (one spermatogenic stage per tubular cross-section) or multistage (more than one spermatogenic stage per tubular cross-section). It has been proposed that the single-stage versus multistage arrangement is related to spermatogenic efficiency and that the multistage arrangement is typical for hominids. In the present work, the arrangement of spermatogenic stages and the spermatogenic efficiency of 17 primate species, comprising Strepsirrhini (Prosimians: Lemuriformes, Lorisiformes), Platyrrhini (New World primates), Catarrhini (Old World primates), and Hominoidea (great apes and humans), were analyzed comparatively by quantitative histological and flow cytometric means. We found a predominant single-stage tubular organization in the Strepsirrhini, indicating that the single-stage form represents the ancestral state. The highest degree of multistage complexity was found in Hominoidea (except orangutan) and in Platyrrhini, but not in Catarrhini. Hence, no direct relationship between single-stage/multistage tubular topography and phylogeny could be established across primates. In fact, the tubule arrangement seen in Platyrrhini and Catarrhini primates is the reverse of what might be expected from phylogeny. Interestingly, spermatogenic efficiency was similar in all species. We found no correlation between single-stage/multistage arrangement and spermatogenic efficiency or mating system. We speculate that the presence of a single-stage/multistage organization might simply reflect germ cell clonal size. Our findings further indicate that sperm competition in primates is not reflected at the level of testicular function.     

An annotated list and molecular data on larvae of gryporhynchid tapeworms (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) from freshwater fishes in Africa

An annotated list of larvae (metacestodes) of gryporhynchid tapeworms (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) from freshwater fishes in Africa is provided with numerous new host and geographical records. Newly collected materials from Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan and Zimbabwe practically double the total number of species reported from African fish so far. We confirm the occurrence of 16 species (five unidentified to the species level and most likely representing new taxa) belonging to the genera Amirthalingamia Bray, 1974 (1 species), Cyclustera Fuhrmann, 1901 (2 species), Dendrouterina Fuhrmann, 1912 (1 species), Neogryporhynchus Baer & Bona, 1960 (1 species), Paradilepis Hsü, 1935 (4 species), Parvitaenia Burt, 1940 (5 species), and Valipora Linton, 1927 (2 species). Additionally, metacestodes of four unidentified species of Paradilepis and Parvitaenia are reported from fish for the first time. Rostellar hooks of all species are illustrated and their measurements are provided together with a host-parasite list. The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on partial LSU rDNA sequences offers the first insight into the internal phylogenetic relationships within the family. Together with the morphological observations, the present study provides a taxonomic baseline for future studies on this largely neglected, but widely distributed and relatively frequent, group of parasites of African fishes, including economically important cichlids like tilapias and cyprinids.     

Ontogeny and phylogeny of the trunk lateral line system in cichlid fishes

An examination of the ontogeny of the lateral line trunk canal and the diversity of adult trunk canal patterns among cichlids indicates that bidirectional canal formation is a general ontogenetic pattern in the Cichlidae with the exception of Cichla and those few species with a complete trunk canal pattern. In addition to the tubed scales which make up the trunk canal, some lateral line scales have pits containing superficial neuromasts. These are recognized as components of the lateral line system of the trunk in adult cichlids for the first time. Eight trunk canal patterns that are variations on a simple disjunct pattern are defined among the 17 cichlid genera examined. Using bidirectional canal formation as a developmental model, these patterns can be placed along an ontogenetic spectrum. This suggests that heterochrony (alterations in the timing of development) is an important mechanism of evolutionary change in the lateral line system of the trunk in cichlid fishes.     

Drosophilids (Diptera) from Mayotte island: an annotated list of species collected in 2013 and comments on the colonisation of Indian Ocean Islands

Summary. The Indian Ocean Islands are a most interesting region for evolutionary studies of terrestrial organisms and, among insects, the Drosophilidae family occupies a privileged position. The Comoros archipelago was, up to now, the least explored place among all the islands. We present here the results of a collection on one of the four main islands, Mayotte. From 4500 collected flies, 25 species were distinguished. The biology, ecology and biogeography of each species are discussed. Considering the extant known species from all islands, five evolutionary scenarios are proposed, ranging from the invasive, cosmopolitan, man-transported species to endemic species restricted to a single island. Some species raise a puzzling problem: despite having a very narrow and specialised ecological niche, they are broadly distributed on most islands and also on the African mainland.     

Sexual dimorphism,mating system,and effect of phylogeny in De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus)

De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus), like other guenons, shows marked sexual dimorphism in an array of features. While strong sexual dimorphism is generally associated with a polygynous mating system, populations of De Brazza's monkeys in Gabon are reportedly monogamous. An explanation of this unique phenomenon is offered here. Patterns of sexual dimorphism are examined for morphology, growth and development, behavior, and ecology, and field and captive studies on the social organization and mating system of De Brazza's monkey and congeneric guenon species are reviewed. Based on the findings, it is postulated that 1) De Brazza's monkeys are not strictly monogamous, but exhibit interpopulational variation in their mating system, from facultative monogamy to mild polygyny; 2) marked sexual dimorphism most likely reflects the effect of the historical-phylogenetic factor; ie, it represents a holdover of a degree of dimorphism established earlier in evolutionary history when the degree of polygyny Was higher; and 3) lessening in the degree of polygyny and a tendency toward monogamy represents a consequence of selection toward small group size. Small group size, a unique antipredator strategy, and failure to form polyspecific associations are ultimately most likely the result of intragroup and interspecific competition and predation pressure.     

The mating system of Hydrophyllum appendiculatum,a protandrous species

Summary The mating system of Hydrophyllum appendiculatum (Hydrophyllaceae), a protandrous, self-compatible, monocarpic plant was examined using progeny arrays assayed at three polymorphic allozyme loci. We were particularly interested in the effect of ecological factors on spatial and temporal variation in outcrossing rates. Multilocus estimates of outcrossing rates in three populations ranged from 0.62–0.81 indicating that the majority of seeds are produced via outcrossing. The population estimates did not differ significantly from each other indicating that there is little or no spatial variation in the mating system of this species. The estimates were, however, significantly less than unity, which demonstrates that although mainly outcrossing, a significant fraction of seeds are produced by selfing. Estimates suggested that biparental inbreeding occurred, although it was statistically significant in only one population. Individuals of H. appendiculatum may remain in anthesis 3–4 weeks and produce up to 30 inflorescences. As a result, the possibility exists for the mating system to vary through the flowering season. Although the mean outcrossing rate was highest in the middle of the flowering phenology than at the beginning or end, there was no evidence for statistically significant temporal heterogeneity. We were also interested in determining if the size of the floral display (number of inflorescences produced by a plant) influenced the outcrossing rate. The results obtained by two different statistical analyses were contradictory; there was a significant positive correlation between size of floral display and outcrossing rate, but the outcrossing rates of large plants (\s> 8 inflorescences) did not differ significantly from small plants (> 8 inflorescences).     

Bees of the subfamily Nomiinae (hymenoptera: halictidae) in Russia and adjacent countries: an annotated list

Results of the study of over 10 thousand specimens of Nomiinae, mostly from the collection of the Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg). Two new synonyms are ascertained: Nomia inermis Morawitz, 1894 = Nomia orientana Warncke, 1976, syn. n. = Pseudapis guichardi Pauly, 1990, syn. n. The lectotypes of the following nominal taxa of the species group are designated: Nomia areocincta var. turcomanica Radoszkowski, N. edentata ssp. elengantissima Popov, N. inermis Morawitz, N. latipes Morawitz, N. squamata Morawitz, and N. tadzhica Popov. Distribution ranges of 11 species are significantly extended owing to the new material examined: Pseudapis elegantissima (Popov) are recorded from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan for the first time; Pseudapis inermis (Morawitz), from Georgia; Nomiapis armata (Olivier), N. equestris (Gerstäcker), Pseudapis bytinski (Warncke), and P. edentata (Morawitz), from Azerbaijan; Nomiapis valga (Gerstäcker) and Pseudapis rufescens (Morawitz), from Kazakhstan; Nomiapis bispinosa (Brullé), from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrghyzstan; N. squamata (Morawitz), from Kyrghyzstan and Iran; N. femoralis (Pallas), from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. An annotated list of 26 species of Nomiinae provided with data on their synonymy and distribution is given.     

Gene trees, species trees, and morphology converge on a similar phylogeny of living gars (Actinopterygii: Holostei: Lepisosteidae), an ancient clade of ray-finned fishes

Extant gars represent the remaining members of a formerly diverse assemblage of ancient ray-finned fishes and have been the subject of multiple phylogenetic analyses using morphological data. Here, we present the first hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships among living gar species based on molecular data, through the examination of gene tree heterogeneity and coalescent species tree analyses of a portion of one mitochondrial (COI) and seven nuclear (ENC1, myh6, plagl2, S7 ribosomal protein intron 1, sreb2, tbr1, and zic1) genes. Individual gene trees displayed varying degrees of resolution with regards to species-level relationships, and the gene trees inferred from COI and the S7 intron were the only two that were completely resolved. Coalescent species tree analyses of nuclear genes resulted in a well-resolved and strongly supported phylogenetic tree of living gar species, for which Bayesian posterior node support was further improved by the inclusion of the mitochondrial gene. Species-level relationships among gars inferred from our molecular data set were highly congruent with previously published morphological phylogenies, with the exception of the placement of two species, Lepisosteus osseus and L. platostomus. Re-examination of the character coding used by previous authors provided partial resolution of this topological discordance, resulting in broad concordance in the phylogenies inferred from individual genes, the coalescent species tree analysis, and morphology. The completely resolved phylogeny inferred from the molecular data set with strong Bayesian posterior support at all nodes provided insights into the potential for introgressive hybridization and patterns of allopatric speciation in the evolutionary history of living gars, as well as a solid foundation for future examinations of functional diversification and evolutionary stasis in a "living fossil" lineage.     

The phylogeny of parental care in fishes

This paper tests the hypothesis that in the evolution of parental care, taxa of bony fish should only exhibit certain transitional states (where a transition is defined by the occurrence of at least two types of parental care within a genus or family). These are those between no parental care and male care, male care and biparental care, biparental care and female care, and female care and no parental care. A review of the teleost literature reveals 21 transitions. All of these agree with the hypothesized transitions and, in some cases, the direction of evolution is inferred by simple pedigree analysis.     

An annotated list of the Brazilian seaweeds in Dickie's herbarium

The Brazilian seaweeds studied by G. Dickie (1874) have been critically reviewed and several names corrected according to new taxonomic concepts. Some doubtful records have been indicated.     

Evolution and phylogeny of gonad morphology in bony fishes

Gonad morphology at the gross anatomical or histological levelshas long been studied by fisheries biologists to identify annualreproductive cycles and length of breeding season, among othergoals. Comparative surveys across vertebrate taxa have not beendetailed enough, however, to describe fully the differencesand similarities among gonads of bony fishes and other vertebrates,and to use gonad morphology in phylogenetic systematic analyses.An emerging constant among vertebrates is the presence of agerminal epithelium composed of somatic and germ cells in bothmales and females. In females, the germinal epithelium linesthe ovarian lamellae. In males, arrangement of the germinalepithelium into compartments varies among osteichthyans: basaltaxa have an anastomosing tubular testis, whereas derived taxahave a lobular testis. The lobular testis is proposed as a synapomorphyof the Neoteleostei. The annual reproductive cycle is hypothesizedto be the source of morphological variation among testis types.Elongation of germinal compartments during early maturationmay result in a transition from anastomosing tubular to lobulartestes. In all male atherinomorphs surveyed, spermatogonia arerestricted to the distal termini of lobules rather than beingdistributed along the lobule; there is an epithelioid arrangementof Sertoli and germ cells rather than a germinal epithelium.Arrest of the maturation-regression phases is hypothesized tolead to formation of the atherinomorph testis. Atherinomorphsalso have a distinctive egg with fluid, rather than granular,yolk. Variation among germinal epithelia is interpreted in adeveloping phylogenetic framework to understand evolution ofgonad morphology and to propose gonad characters for phylogeneticanalyses.     

Habitat patch size and mating system as determinants of social group size in coral-dwelling fishes

It is thought that the size and dispersion of habitat patches can determine the size and composition of animal social groups, however, this has rarely been tested. The relationship between group size, the mating system, and habitat patch size in six species of coral-dwelling gobies was examined. For all species, there was a positive correlation between coral colony size and social group size, however the strength of this relationship varied among species. Paragobiodon xanthosomus exhibited the strongest relationship and a manipulative field experiment confirmed that coral colony size limited group size in this species. For other species including Paragobiodon melanosomus and Eviota bifasciata, either a highly conservative mating system (P. melanosomus), or increased mobility (E. bifasciata) appeared to disrupt the relationship between habitat patch size and group size. There was no consistent relationship between the mating system exhibited and group size among the species investigated. These results demonstrate that habitat patch size, mobility, and mating systems can interact in complex ways to structure group size even among closely related species.     

The marine macroalgae of Helgoland (North Sea): an annotated list of records between 1845 and 1999

The earliest known records of marine macroalgae from Helgoland (German Bight, North Sea) date from the mid-19th century. Since then, 274 marine macroalgal species have been reported: 77 species of Chlorophycota, 100 species of Phaeophycota and 97 species of Rhodophycota. Additionally 11 species were only recorded as drift and 51 species as doubtful for Helgoland. The remains of the herbarium of Paul Kuckuck, the first curator for botany at the Helgoland Biological Station between 1892 and 1914, are still located there and consist of 173 macroalgal species from Helgoland. On comparing this 100-year-old herbarium and other old sources with recent macroalgal records, it became clear that changes in species composition have occurred. After World War II, several species such as Arthrocladia villosa, Corynophlaea crispa, Cutleria multifida, Eudesme virescens, Mesogloia vermiculata, Sporochnus pedunculatus, Antithamnion cruciatum, Apoglossum ruscifolium, Chondria dasyphylla, Helminthora divaricata, Jania rubens and Osmundea ramosissima were not found again. Other species such as Dictyota dichotoma, Leathesia difformis, Stictyosiphon soriferus, Helminthocladia calvadosii and Scinaia furcellata became very rare. Significantly, perhaps, most of these species have a heteromorphic life history with the appearance of the macroscopic phase restricted to (spring and) summer. Many new species of green algae were recorded for Helgoland after 1959, due to new substrata and the research activities of Peter Kornmann, curator for botany after 1959, and Paul-Heinz Sahling his technical assistant. Introductions of species during the considered time period were: Bonnemaisonia hamifera, Codium fragile, Mastocarpus stellatus and Sargassum muticum. Type material of the following species is located at the Marine Biological Station at Helgoland: Mikrosyphar porphyrae, Porphyra insolita and Ulva tenera. Received in revised form: 22 May 2000 Electronic Publication     

Mitochondrial genomics of ostariophysan fishes: perspectives on phylogeny and biogeography

Abstract Ostariophysi is the second largest superorder within Teleostei. It contains five orders: Gonorynchiformes, Cypriniformes, Characiformes, Siluriformes, and Gymnotiformes. Resolving the higher-level relationships among ostariophysan and related fishes will aid in resolving basal teleostean divergence and provide basis to historical biogeographic analysis of major freshwater fish groups. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequences for eleven ostariophysan fishes and the results of phylogenetic analyses including these species plus four other ostariophysan and nine non-ostariophysan teleostean fishes. Maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses reconfirmed clupeiforms as the closest relatives of ostariophysans. However, gonorynchiforms were closer to clupeiforms than to otophysans (ostariophysan groups excluding gonorynchiforms), thus raising a question over the current definition of Ostariophysi. The lack of clarity in otocephalan (ostariophysans + clupeiforms) basal relationships implies that such divergence took place over a short period of time. The monophyly of cypriniforms, characiphysans (characiforms, siluriforms, and gymnotiforms), and orders or superorders outside the ostariophysans examined here were conceivably reconstructed. The phylogenetic hypothesis suggests a Pangean origin of otophysans. Within characiphysans, gymnotiforms and siluriforms have independent evolutionary origins and evolutionary histories comparable to or older than that of characiforms. This helps to explain the present geographic distribution of characiphysans.     

Assortative mating among rock-dwelling cichlid fishes supports high estimates of species richness from Lake Malawi

It has been estimated that Lake Malawi, Africa, contains 500–650 endemic species of cichlid fishes, the largest number of vertebrate species endemic to any comparable sized area on the planet. As many of these putative species cannot be distinguished anatomically, these estimates of species richness depend to a great extent on the assumption that sympatrically occurring male colour morphs represent biological species. We have tested this assumption using a combination of behavioural observations of courtship and microsatellite DNA analysis for six putative species of the Pseudotropheus ( Tropheops ) complex and three of the Pseudotropheus ( Maylandia ) complex occurring sympatrically at Nkhata Bay. We were unable to demonstrate assortative courtship for the species pairs Pseudotropheus ( Maylandia ) zebra / P . 'gold zebra' or P. ( Tropheops ) 'band'/ P. ( T .) 'rust' because we were unable to distinguish between the females of these taxa. All other taxa showed clear assortative courtship, except for P. ( T .) 'deep', a deep-water species which was rarely observed. Fixation indices (θ_ST for the infinite allele model, and R _ST for the stepwise mutation model) calculated from six microsatellite DNA loci demonstrated significant deviations from panmixia in all pairwise comparisons of putative species, indicating little or no gene flow between populations. All taxa showed high levels of allelic diversity providing evidence that genetic bottlenecking may have been of limited importance in the speciation process. Assortative mating among taxa differing only in male colouration is supportive of theories that speciation in these fishes has been driven by sexual selection by female choice.