DNA barcode and minibarcode identification of freshwater fishes from Cerrado headwater streams in Central Brazil

The extraordinary species diversity of the Neotropical freshwater fish fauna is world renown. Yet, despite rich species diversity, taxonomic and genetic resources for its Cerrado ichthyofauna remain poorly developed. We provide a reference library of 149 DNA barcodes for 39 species/lineages of Cerrado headwater stream fishes from the Brazilian Distrito Federal and nearby areas and test the utility of distance-based criteria, tree-based criteria and minibarcodes for specimen identification. Mean Kimura 2-parameter genetic distances within species to orders ranged 1·8–12·1%. However, mean intraspecific v. congeneric-interspecific distances (0·9–1·3%) overlapped extensively and distance-based barcoding failed to achieve correct identifications due to c. 4–12·1% error rates and 19·5% ambiguous identifications related to the presence of singletons. Overlap was reduced and best-match success rates improved drastically to 83·5% when Characidium barcodes representing potential misidentifications or undescribed species were removed. Tree-based monophyly criteria generally performed similarly to distance methods, correctly differentiating up to c. 85% of species/lineages despite neighbour-joining and Bayesian tree errors (random lineage-branching events, long-branch attraction). Five clusters (Ancistrus aguaboensis, Characidium spp., Eigenmannia trilineata, Hasemania hanseni and Hypostomus sp. 2) exhibited deep intraspecific divergences or para−/polyphyly and multiple Barcode Index Number assignments indicative of putative candidate species needing taxonomic re-examination. Sliding-window analyses also indicated that a 200 bp minibarcode region performed just as well at specimen identification as the entire barcode gene. Future DNA barcoding studies of Distrito Federal–Cerrado freshwater fishes will benefit from increased sampling coverage, as well as consideration of minibarcode targets for degraded samples and next-generation sequencing.     

Parasites as biological tags for stock discrimination of the Brazilian flathead Percophis brasiliensis in the south-west Atlantic

Three stocks of the Brazilian flathead Percophis brasiliensis were identified on the coast of Argentina and Uruguay using parasites as biological tags. A total of 177 fish were examined and 23 parasite species were found. Fish were caught in four zones: north of the Argentine–Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone (34°30′–36°30′ S; 53°30′–56°00′ W), south of the Argentine–Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone (38°08′ S 57°32′ W), El Rincón zone (39–41° S; 60–62° W) and San Matías Gulf (41°40′–42°10′ S; 63°50′–65°00′ W). Discriminant analyses allowed the identification of three discrete stocks in the four zones (86·44% of classified samples were correctly identified), with P. brasiliensis from both north and south of the Argentine–Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone clumping together, as a single stock. Some species were important in discriminating among groups, Anisakis simplex was related to southern areas, while Grillotia sp., Corynosoma australe and Hysterothylacium sp. were important in determining the position of fish from the Argentine–Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone. These results were corroborated by comparing parasite prevalence and abundance among zones. The main differences were observed in those comparisons involving fish from the San Matías Gulf. Fish from the Argentine–Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone were characterized by higher infections of Grillotia sp., C. australe, Corynosoma cetaceum and Hysterothylacium sp., while the samples from El Rincón and San Matías Gulf showed higher infections of A. simplex. Samples from San Matías Gulf were characterized by lower levels of parasitism for all other species. Differences in environmental factors and their influence on the distribution of zooplankton and other hosts in the food web may be differentially shaping the parasite community structure in each zone, resulting in identifiable stocks of the P. brasiliensis. The present study confirmed the existence of regional biological tags that delineated fish assemblages.     

Winter spatial distribution of fish larvae assemblages relative to the hydrography of the waters surrounding Taiwan

The aim of this study was to investigate the species composition and distribution of fish larvae in relation to hydrographic conditions in the waters surrounding Taiwan Island (TI) in February 2003. In total, 242 kinds of fish larvae belonging to 127 genera and 75 families were recognized. Among these, 109 taxa were identified to the family or genus level, others to the species level. The 12 predominant types, which constituted 71% of the total fish larvae, were Engraulis japonica, Scomber sp., Diaphus spp., Benthosema pterotum, Carangoides ferdau, Embolichthys mitsukurii, Maurolicus sp., unidentified Myctophidae, Gonostoma gracile, Trichiurus lepturus, unidentified Gobiidae, and Myctophum asperum. The distribution of fish larvae showed a clear association with water masses around TI, with higher abundances and lower species richness northwest of TI where the China Coastal Current prevails, and lower abundances and higher species diversity east of TI where the Kuroshio Current dominates. Cluster analysis distinguished three station groups and four species groups, and the distribution patterns of fish larvae also corresponded to hydrographic conditions. The total abundances of fish larvae and eight of the 12 predominant taxa showed significant and positive correlations with zooplankton abundance, which suggests that food source might be a key factor determining the abundance and distribution of fish larvae during the winter.     

Classification of novel soil streptomycetes as Streptomyces aureus sp. nov., Streptomyces laceyi sp. nov. and Streptomyces sanglieri sp. nov

The taxonomic positions of soil isolates known as Streptomyces groups A, B and C were clarified. Comparative 16S rDNA sequence studies indicated that representatives of all three taxa formed distinct phyletic lines within the Streptomyces tree though the group A strains were shown to be related to Streptomyces griseus and associated validly described species. The taxonomic integrity of all three groups was highlighted by DNA:DNA relatedness and ribotype data though the group A strains encompassed a higher degree of genetic variation than the group B and C strains. In light of these and earlier phenotypic data it is proposed that Streptomyces groups A, B and C be given species status as Streptomyces sanglieri sp. nov., Streptomyces aureus sp. nov. and Streptomyces laceyi sp. nov., respectively. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

An assessment of species limits of the South American mouse genus Oligoryzomys (Rodentia,Cricetidae) using unilocus delimitation methods

Oligoryzomys, as currently understood is formed by 25 living species, is the most diverse genus of the tribe Oryzomyini of the New World subfamily Sigmodontinae of cricetid rodents. Nonetheless, the species richness of Oligoryzomys seems to be an underestimate, given some species complex has been proposed in previous studies, at the time that large geographic areas remain to be sampled, and several taxonomic forms have not been assessed with contemporary approaches. In this study, we present a new assessment of the species diversity of Oligoryzomys based on multiple unilocus species delimitation methods (ABGD, BPP, PTP, GMYC and b GMYC), using 665 cytb gene sequences as evidence (532 gathered from Genbank and 133 obtained in this study). We sampled representatives of almost all currently known species of Oligoryzomys, at the time that extending the geographic coverage to the Central Andes, a large area that was largely unrepresented in previous studies. Phylogenetic relationships, based on a non‐redundant alignment, were inferred via maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference; an ultrametric tree, used in species delimitation analyses, was obtained using multiple secondary calibration points. Results of species delimitation methods are discussed at the light of previous knowledge (e.g., taxonomic history and geographic provenance of samples in relation to type localities) and the morphological assessments of some specimens. Results of the distinct delimitation methods are mostly congruent, being BPP and PTP the most sensible to estimate species delimitation, allowing us to suggest that Oligoryzomys is composed of 30 lineages of species level. Of these, 22 correspond to forms currently considered species; some of these include in their synonymy some forms currently considered valid species (e.g., yatesi would be a synonym of longicaudatus). The remaining eight lineages are candidate species that need to be further evaluated. This study, by advancing taxonomic hypothesis that should be further tested in future studies, constitutes a stepping‐stone for upcoming taxonomic and biogeographic studies centred on Oligoryzomys.     

Reef‐building coralline algae from the Southwest Atlantic: filling gaps with the recognition of Harveylithon (Corallinaceae,Rhodophyta) on the Brazilian coast

The Southwest Atlantic is notable for having extensive reef areas cemented by nongeniculate coralline red algae. Based on an analysis of four genetic markers and morpho‐anatomical features, we clarify the species of Harveylithon in the tropical and warm temperate Southwest Atlantic. Species delimitation methods (mBGD, ABGD, SPN, and PTP), using three markers (psbA, rbcL, and COI), support the recognition of three new species: H. catarinense sp. nov., H. maris‐bahiensis sp. nov., and H. riosmenum sp. nov., previously incorrectly called Hydrolithon samoënse. Our findings highlight the importance of using an approach with several lines of evidence to solve the taxonomic status of the cryptic species.     

Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy of the genus Rhodymenia (Rhodymeniaceae,Rhodymeniales) from Australia reveals overlooked species diversity

A previously published DNA barcode survey of red macroalgae in Australia revealed significant cryptic and overlooked diversity for the genus Rhodymenia with recognition of R. novahollandica, R. prolificans, R. stenoglossa, R. wilsonis and an additional four uncharacterized genetic species groups. Since that study, increased sampling effort in Australia has warranted reassessment and reinvestigation of the number of genetic species groups attributed to Rhodymenia and their respective taxonomic affiliations. Using molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy employing the DNA barcode (COI-5P), the present study resolved 188 Australian specimens in 12 genetic species groups assignable to the genus Rhodymenia. Four of these groups were attributed to the previously recognized species (above), whereas some collections from Lord Howe Island were attributed to the New Zealand species R. novazelandica, expanding its biogeographic range. The following seven genetic groups were inconsistent with existing species of Rhodymenia and established as novel taxa: R. compressa sp. nov., R. contortuplicata sp. nov., R. gladiata sp. nov., R. insularis sp. nov., R. lociperonica sp. nov., R. norfolkensis sp. nov. and R. womersleyi sp. nov. Although morphological and biogeographic features were adequate for distinguishing some species of Rhodymenia from Australia, DNA sequencing in combination with morphology and biogeography provided the most reliable means of identification.     

Spatial distribution and seasonality of ichthyoplankton and anthropogenic debris in a river delta in the Caribbean Sea

Temporal changes in larval fish species composition and abundance compared with other components of the seston are described in four estuarine habitats in the Atrato Delta, Colombia. In comparison with zooplankton, fish larvae and egg density and anthropogenic debris abundance were low in the South Atrato Delta. Transparency, water temperature and chlorophyll a were the major factors influencing the spatiotemporal distribution of ichthyoplankton in the delta. The most abundant fish larvae were Astyanax sp. 1, Anchovia clupeoides, Cetengraulis edentulus, Anchoa sp., Bathygbius curacao, Dormitator maculatus, Hyporhamphus sp., Atherinella blackburni, Gobiosoma sp. 1 and Menticirrhus americanus (92·8% of total abundance). Spatial temporal analysis shows that in this delta, shrub (arracachal) and grass (eneal) habitats are important for freshwater and estuarine species, whilst mudflat and mangrove are important for estuarine species and estuarine–marine species, since most flexion and post‐flexion stages of these species were found there. Anthropogenic debris density never surpassed the total ichthyoplankton density, but was ubiquitous. Shrub and mangrove habitats had higher densities of anthropogenic debris, since these are flood‐stem habitats that trap solids.     

A new snake eel species of the genus Ophichthus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the southeast coast of India,Bay of Bengal,with the taxonomic account of Ophichthus chilkensis

A new species of the ophichthid eel of the family Ophichthidae is described based on five specimens collected from the Mudasalodai fish landing center, off Cuddalore coast, southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal. Ophichthus naevius sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having a unique color pattern: dorsal body with numerous dense dark spots or patches, ventral body pale yellowish green, dorsal-fin origin just before pectoral-fin tip, vertebral formula: 12–14/52–53/134–138, and teeth on jaw uniserial and pointed. The study also reports the range extension and molecular evidence of Ophichthus chilkensis from South India. Molecular analyses were performed for both species, and their phylogenetic relationship suggests that the new species exhibits 10.2% genetic divergence with its congener Ophichthus sangjuensis, followed by Ophichthus brevicaudatus (10.4%), and Ophichthus sp. 1 (11.8%) also forms the closest clade in both Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood (ML) tree. Similarly, according to the topology of the ML tree, the species O. chilkensis forms a clade with Ophichthus sp. 5, Ophichthus remiger, Ophichthus frontalis, Ophichthus sp. 6, and Ophichthus rex, suggesting that it would be the genetically closest congener.     

Biogeographical contingency and the evolution of tropical anchovies (genus Cetengraulis) from temperate anchovies (genus Engraulis)

Aim Similar regimes of selection in different geographical settings can deterministically produce similar adaptive morphologies. We tested the hypothesis that the evolutionary trajectories of fish in upwelling zones can be altered by biogeographic contingencies in the biological and physical environment. Location Eastern Pacific and western Atlantic oceans. Methods We estimated phylogenetic relationships among eastern Pacific temperate anchovies (genus Engraulis) and tropical anchovies (genus Cetengraulis) with neighbour‐joining and Bayesian tree analysis of a 521‐bp segment of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b. Available sequences for five additional engraulid taxa were included to establish polarity of the tree. Bayesian estimates (BEAST) of time to most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for the nodes in the phylogeny were calibrated with divergence between Cetengraulis edentulus and Cetengraulis mysticetus precipitated by the rise of the Panama Isthmus 2.8–3.2 Ma. Results Neighbour‐joining and Bayesian trees indicate that South American Engraulis anchoita (Argentina) and Engraulis ringens (Chile) together are basal sister taxa to the California anchovy (Engraulis mordax) and Old World anchovies (Engraulis japonicas, Engraulis australis, Engraulis capensis and Engraulis encrasicolus). The two tropical species of Cetengraulis are sister‐taxa to Californian E. mordax, even though their phenotypes and ecologies differ markedly. A relaxed molecular clock indicates a TMRCA between Californian E. mordax and Cetengraulis at about 4.2 Ma (3.0–6.3 Ma 95% highest probability density). Main conclusions The TMRCA between the California anchovy, E. mordax, and tropical Cetengraulis coincides with the formation of the Gulf of California, which provided opportunities for allopatric isolation during climate oscillations. Mid‐Pliocene warming (3.1–2.9 Ma) may have trapped ancestors of Cetengraulis in the Gulf of California, where they evolved digestive tract morphologies to exploit inshore tropical habitats with low plankton productivities. While populations of several other temperate fishes have become isolated in the Gulf of California, few of these derived species show strong adaptive shifts from temperate sister taxa or range expansions into the tropical provinces of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific.     

The systematics of Lobophora (Dictyotales,Phaeophyceae) in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans: eight new species

Lobophora is a common tropical to temperate genus of brown algae found in a plethora of habitats including shallow and deep‐water coral reefs, rocky shores, mangroves, seagrass beds, and rhodoliths beds. Recent molecular studies have revealed that Lobophora species diversity has been severely underestimated. Current estimates of the species numbers range from 100 to 140 species with a suggested center of diversity in the Central Indo‐Pacific. This study used three molecular markers (cox3, rbcL, psbA), different single‐marker species delimitation methods (GMYC, ABGD, PTP), and morphological evidence to evaluate Lobophora species diversity in the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific oceans. Cox3 provided the greatest number of primary species hypotheses(PSH), followed by rbcL and then psbA. GMYC species delimitation analysis was the most conservative across all three markers, followed by PTP, and then ABGD. The most informative diagnostic morphological characters were thallus thickness and number of cell layers in both the medulla and the dorsal/ventral cortices. Following a consensus approach, 14 distinct Lobophora species were identified in the Western Atlantic and five in the Eastern Pacific. Eight new species from these two oceans were herein described: L. adpressa sp. nov., L. cocoensis sp. nov., L. colombiana sp. nov., L. crispata sp. nov., L. delicata sp. nov., L. dispersa sp. nov., L. panamensis sp. nov., and L. tortugensis sp. nov. This study showed that the best approach to confidently identify Lobophora species is to analyze DNA sequences (preferably cox3 and rbcL) followed by comparative morphological and geographical assessment.     

Species discrimination in Sisyrinchium (Iridaceae): assessment of DNA barcodes in a taxonomically challenging genus

DNA barcoding aims to develop an efficient tool for species identification based on short and standardized DNA sequences. In this study, the DNA barcode paradigm was tested among the genera of the tribe Sisyrinchieae (Iridoideae). Sisyrinchium, with more than 77% of the species richness in the tribe, is a taxonomically complex genus. A total of 185 samples belonging to 98 species of Sisyrinchium, Olsynium, Orthrosanthus and Solenomelus were tested using matK, trnH‐psbA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Candidate DNA barcodes were analysed either as single markers or in combination. Detection of a barcoding gap, similarity‐based methods and tree‐based analyses were used to assess the discrimination efficiency of DNA barcodes. The levels of species identification obtained from plastid barcodes were low and ranged from 17.35% to 20.41% for matK and 5.11% to 7.14% for trnH‐psbA. The ITS provided better results with 30.61–38.78% of species identified. The analyses of the combined data sets did not result in a significant improvement in the discrimination rate. Among the tree‐based methods, the best taxonomic resolution was obtained with Bayesian inference, particularly when the three data sets were combined. The study illustrates the difficulties for DNA barcoding to identify species in evolutionary complex lineages. Plastid markers are not recommended for barcoding Sisyrinchium due to the low discrimination power observed. ITS gave better results and may be used as a starting point for species identification.     

Application of multigene phylogenetics and site‐stripping to resolve intraordinal relationships in the Rhodymeniales (Rhodophyta)

Previous molecular assessments of the red algal order Rhodymeniales have confirmed its monophyly and distinguished the six currently recognized families (viz. Champiaceae, Faucheaceae, Fryeellaceae, Hymenocladiaceae, Lomentariaceae, and Rhodymeniaceae); however, relationships among most of these families have remained unresolved possibly as a result of substitution saturation at deeper phylogenetic nodes. The objective of the current study was to improve rhodymenialean systematics by increasing taxonomic representation and using a more robust multigene dataset of mitochondrial (COB, COI/COI‐5P), nuclear (LSU, EF2) and plastid markers (psbA, rbcL). Additionally, we aimed to prevent phylogenetic inference problems associated with substitution saturation (particularly at the interfamilial nodes) by removing fast‐evolving sites and analyzing a series of progressively more conservative alignments. The Rhodymeniales was resolved as two major lineages: (i) the Fryeellaceae as sister to the Faucheaceae and Lomentariaceae; and (ii) the Rhodymeniaceae allied to the Champiaceae and Hymenocladiaceae. Support at the interfamilial nodes was highest when 20% of variable sites were removed. Inclusion of Binghamiopsis, Chamaebotrys, and Minium, which were absent in previous phylogenetic investigations, established their phylogenetic affinities while assessment of two genera consistently polyphyletic in phylogenetic analyses, Erythrymenia and Lomentaria, resulted in the proposition of the novel genera Perbella and Fushitsunagia. The taxonomic position of Drouetia was reinvestigated with re‐examination of holotype material of D. coalescens to clarify tetrasporangial development in this genus. In addition, we added three novel Australian species to Drouetia as a result of ongoing DNA barcoding assessments—D. aggregata sp. nov., D. scutellata sp. nov., and D. viridescens sp. nov.     

Integrative taxonomy of the stalk-eyed bug genus Chauliops (Heteroptera: Malcidae: Chauliopinae) reveals orogeny-driven speciation

Economically significant bean pests of the genus Chauliops are species rich in the areas surrounding the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and provide an excellent system for speciation studies. Here, an integrative taxonomic approach, employing morphological analyses, population genetic methods, and multiple molecular species delimitation methods, was used to clarify the taxonomy of Chauliops in East and Southeast Asia. Four new species (Chauliops parahorizontalis Li & Bu, sp. nov., Chauliops albida Li & Bu, sp. nov., Chauliops bicoloripes Li & Bu, sp. nov., and Chauliops paraconica Li & Bu, sp. nov.) were described, which increases the number of Chauliops species in this area from six to 10; a key for Chauliops species is also provided. Phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation revealed that Chauliops was divided into four clades: Clade A (Chauliops bisontula + [Chauliops horizontalis + C. parahorizontalis sp. nov.]), Clade B (C. albida sp. nov. and C. bicoloripes sp. nov.), Clade C (Chauliops quaternaria and Chauliops zhengi), and Clade D (Chauliops fallax + [Chauliops conica + C. paraconica sp. nov.]). Two species diversification events of Chauliops estimated to have occurred 7–1 million years ago (Ma) and 25–13 Ma were detected. These speciation events were consistent with the two historical uplift events of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, suggesting that orogeny might have provided opportunities for the diversification of Chauliops species on the southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Our findings show that population genetic analyses can be used to delimit related species and that orogeny is a key driver of species diversification on the southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.     

Molecular phylogeny of neodalyellid flatworms (Rhabdocoela), including three new species from British Columbia

Rhabdocoel flatworms are abundant members of marine meiofaunal communities worldwide, contributing to a reservoir of biodiversity that thrives in sediments and on macroalgae. Yet, they are relatively understudied due to bias in meiofaunal collection techniques, time‐intensive identification and a lack of taxonomic expertise. Here, sampling of intertidal habitats in British Columbia, Canada, was undertaken to enhance our understanding of rhabdocoel diversity in this region. Six species of neodalyellid rhabdocoel were discovered and characterized with DNA sequence and morphological data: Pogaina paranygulgus, Anoplodium hymanae, Baicalellia pusilla n. comb., B. solaris n. sp., B. daftpunka n. sp. and Tamanawas kalipis n. g., n. sp. The latter three species are new to science. A phylogenetic analysis of neodalyellid rhabdocoels, inferred from 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequences of 39 taxa, provided further insight into their interrelationships, trait evolution and systematics, including the recognition of a new genus, Tamanawas, and the suppression of Canetellia and Coronopharynx.     

Phylogenetic relationships of the family Axinellidae (Porifera: Demospongiae) using morphological and molecular data

Alvarez, B., Crisp, M.D., Driver, F., Hooper, J.N.A. & Van Soest, R.W.M. (2000). Phylogenetic relationships of the family Axinellidae (Porifera: Demospongiae) using morphological and molecular data. —Zoologica Scripta, 29, 169–198. Twenty‐seven species of marine sponges belonging to Axinellidae and related groups (Halichondriidae, Dictyonellidae, Agelasida) were selected to test the monophyly of Axinellidae and investigate their phylogenetic relationships using parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. Partial 28S rDNA sequences, including the D3 domain, and traditional morphological characters (mainly skeletal ones) were used independently to construct phylogenetic trees. Sequences were aligned using the appropriate model of secondary structure of the RNA and compared to that produced by the multiple sequence alignment program, ClustalW. The alignment using secondary structure constraints produced a better estimate of the phylogeny and was demonstrated to be an effective and objective method. Results of the cladistic analyses of the molecular and morphological data sets were not fully congruent; the morphological data suggest that Axinellidae is monophyletic, however, the molecular data suggest that it is nonmonophyletic. The single most‐parsimonious tree derived from the molecular data showed that species of Axinella (except A. polypoides) are united in a clade that is more closely related to members of Agelasida than to other species of Axinellidae; the remaining members of Axinellidae form a monophyletic group that is closely related to the families Dictyonellidae and Halichondriidae. The consensus tree of 20 most‐parsimonious trees from the morphological analysis, on the other hand, showed that all the sampled species of Axinellidae belong to a monophyletic group which is closely related to the species of Dictyonellidae and Halichondriidae. Only two branches were identical in both cladograms, the one uniting the species of Ptilocaulis and Reniochalina and the one with the species of Dictyonellidae. The robustness of the molecular and morphological trees (or parts of the trees), was tested using bootstrap, jack‐knife, PTP and T‐PTP tests. The results of the PTP test were significant indicating significant cladistic structure in both data sets. The bootstrap and jack‐knife values indicate that the molecular tree is in general better supported than the morphological one. The lack of morphological characters and the homoplastic nature of some may explain the weak support of the morphological tree. A T‐PTP test of nonmonophyly showed that the nonmonophyly of Axinellidae, as indicated by the results of the molecular analysis, is not significant; however, a T‐PTP test of monophyly of Axinellidae, as indicated by the morphological tree, produced significant results. This indicates that the monophyly of Axinellidae based on morphological data cannot be rejected; the family however, cannot be defined in terms of a unique diagnostic character common to all members of the ingroup. Tests of heterogeneity (reciprocal T‐PTP and partition homogeneity test) indicated that the data partitions are heterogeneous, which could be due to sampling errors (in either data set) or differences in the underlying phylogenies; therefore data were not combined in a single analysis. Further, both data sets are unequally sized (95 informative molecular characters vs. 16 informative morphological characters), which means that the molecular signal could swamp the morphological signal if the data is combined. Nonmonophyly of Axinellidae is supported by chemical and genetic evidence available in the literature and DNA sequences data of axinellid species from New Zealand. However, this needs to be confirmed using independent evidence from different genes (or gene regions), biochemistry, histology or cell ultrastructure. Therefore, no changes to the taxonomic position of the family in the higher classification are proposed at this stage.     

Vertical zonation and functional diversity of fish assemblages revealed by ROV videos at oil platforms in The Gulf

An assessment of vertical distribution, diel migration, taxonomic and functional diversity of fishes was carried out at offshore platforms in The (Arabian–Iranian–Persian) Gulf. Video footage was recorded at the Al Shaheen oil field between 2007 and 2014 using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). A total of 12 822 individual fishes, from 83 taxonomic groups were recorded around the platforms. All the species identified are considered native to The Gulf, although Cyclichthys orbicularis and Lutjanus indicus were recorded for the first time in Qatari waters. Several trends were uncovered in the vertical distribution of the fish community; most species were observed between 20 and 50 m depth and fish abundance decreased towards the bottom, with the highest abundances recorded in the upper layers, i.e. down to 40 m depth. Vertical variation in fish diversity, however, was generally not accompanied by differences in vertical movements. Carnivores and invertivores were the dominant trophic groups, being found at each depth range from surface to seabed. The functional indices showed no significant differences between water depths or diel cycles. The study demonstrates that oil platforms represent a hotspot of fish diversity and interesting sites for studying fish communities, abundance and behaviour.     

A study on seasonal populations of potato leafhoppers in Kerman province of Iran

This study of potato leafhoppers population dynamics was conducted in Kerman province during 2005–2007. In this study Mahan, Bardsir and Lalehzar as the principal potato growing areas of Kerman province were selected. Sampling commenced at 40 days after planting on 8 June in Lalehzar region, 30 days after planting on 8 May in Bardsir and 55 days after planting on 4 May in Mahan. According to the results of this study 11 species belong to 11 genus; three families and six subfamilies were collected from three potato growing areas (Lalehzar, Bardsir, Mahan) during 2005–2007 and identified as follows: Empoasca decipiens, Psammotettix striatus, Unkanodes tanasijevici, Sogatella vibix, Exitianus fasciolatus, Euscelis alsius, Reptalus lindbergi, Pseudophlepsius binotatus, Circulifer sp., Macrosteles sp., Idiocerus sp. Statistical analysis revealed that Empoasca decipiens was the most abundant species in potato fields in Lalehzar, Bardsir and Mahan regions.