Gymnocranius superciliosus and Gymnocranius satoi, two new large-eye breams (Sparoidea: Lethrinidae) from the Coral Sea and adjacent regions

Two related perciform fish species of the subfamily Monotaxinae (Sparoidea: Lethrinidae) Gymnocranius superciliosus sp. nov. and Gymnocranius satoi sp. nov. are described from specimens and tissue samples from the Coral Sea and adjacent regions. G. superciliosus sp. nov. is distinct from all other known Gymnocranius spp. by the following combination of characters: body elongated (depth 2.7–3.1 in standard length), caudal fin moderately forked with a subtle middle notch, its lobes slightly convex inside, distinctive blackish eyebrow, snout and cheek with blue speckles, and dorsal, pectoral, anal and caudal fins reddish. G. satoi sp. nov. is the red-finned ‘Gymnocranius sp.’ depicted in previous taxonomic revisions. While colour patterns are similar between the two species, G. satoi sp. nov. is distinct from G. superciliosus sp. nov. by the ratio of standard length to body depth (2.4–2.5 vs. 2.7–3.1) and by the shape of the caudal fin, which is more shallowly forked, its lobes convex inside and their extremities rounded. The two species are genetically distinct from each other and they are genetically distinct from G. elongatus, G. euanus, G. grandoculis, and G. oblongus sampled from the Coral Sea and adjacent regions.     

Galeus longirostris,a new species of the sawtail catshark from Japan

Galeus longirostris sp. nov. is described based on 46 specimens taken off the southern part of Japan. It is distinguished from all known species ofGaleus in having a considerably longer snout. This species is morphologically close toG. nipponensis, which commonly occurs off the southern part of Japan, but differs in having longer preoral length than the mouth width, a bluntly rounded snout, larger pectoral fins, a shorter interspace between anal and lower caudal fins, and a greater number of monospondylous vertebrae.     

Three new species, Lamellodiscus tubulicornis n. sp., L. magnicornis n. sp. and L. parvicornis n. sp. (Monogenea: Diplectanidae) from Gymnocranius spp. (Lethrinidae: Monotaxinae) off New Caledonia, with the proposal of the new morphological group ‘tubulicornis’ within Lamellodiscus Johnston & Tiegs, 1922

Three new species of Lamellodiscus are described from four (including two undescribed) species of Gymnocranius off New Caledonia, South Pacific. All three species have a similar body anatomy and morphology of the haptoral hard parts and are distinguished on the basis of the male copulatory organ (MCO). Lamellodiscus tubulicornis n. sp. (type-host: G. grandoculis; other host: Gymnocranius sp. B) has an MCO with a tube and horn; L. magnicornis n. sp. (type-host: G. grandoculis; other hosts: G. euanus, Gymnocranius sp. A and Gymnocranius sp. B) has an MCO with a long horn and a membrane; L. parvicornis n. sp. (type-host: G. euanus; other hosts: G. grandoculis and Gymnocranius sp. B) has an MCO with a small horn and a membrane. Lamellodiscus epsilon Yamaguti, 1968 is redescribed based on the type-specimens (from Monotaxis grandoculis off Hawaii). Lamellodiscus sp. is recorded from Gnathodentex aureolineatus off New Caledonia. All these five species have lamellodiscs that exhibit a unique characteristic: the second lamella forms an almost closed circle, in contrast to all other described species of Lamellodiscus in which the second lamella has the form of one or two crescents. Lamellodiscus spp. are usually classified in two groups, the ‘ignoratus’ and ‘elegans’ groups, according to the structure of the lamellodisc; we propose a new ‘tubulicornis’ group for these five species. In addition to their lamellodisc structure, species of the tubulicornis group are also characterised by their egg (elongate in contrast to tetrahedral in the two other groups) and their hosts (monotaxine lethrinids as opposed to mainly sparids). The generic diagnosis of Lamellodiscus given by Amine & Euzet (2005) is amended to include species with elongate eggs.     

A peculiar anseriform (Aves: Anseriformes) from the Miocene of Gargano (Italy)

A new large representative of the Anseriformes, Garganornis ballmanni n. gen. et n. sp., from the Miocene of Gargano, Italy, is described from the distal end of a left tibiotarsus. G. ballmanni displays morphological features that are characteristic of the Anseriformes, but differs from all extant and fossil Anseriformes, as well as from taxa closely related to Anseriformes. G. ballmanni is characterized by a very wide and shallow fossa intercondylaris, a less pronounced difference in width of the lateral and medial condyle, reduced epicondyli, and a circular opening of the distal canal. G. ballmanni is larger than any living member of Anseriformes, and with an estimated body mass between 15.3 and 22.3 kg, it was most likely flightless. Although the observed similarities between G. ballmanni and basal taxa might indicate that G. ballmanni represents an insular relict of a stem lineage, it is considered more likely that G. ballmanni was a species of waterfowl highly adapted to a terrestrial lifestyle in an insular environment where mammalian carnivores are rare.     

Genetic and morphological discrimination of three species of ninespined stickleback Pungitius spp. (Teleostei,Gasterosteidae) in France with the revalidation of Pungitius vulgaris (Mauduyt, 1848)

The taxonomy of French ninespined sticklebacks (Pungitius spp.) has long been controversial. To clarify the taxonomy in this group, we use mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (RNF213) sequence markers, as well as morphological data. In France, both genetic markers discriminate three evolutionary lineages. Morphological analysis on fresh and type specimens supports the different lineages and the existence of three species in France. Pungitius pungitius, occurring in the North of France and Rhone basin, is characterized by specimens longer than 35 mm SL, by a flat head with a straight or slightly concave snout, typically 9–10 dorsal spines, 10–11 dorsal soft rays, 9–10 anal soft rays, 0–12 scutes on the caudal peduncle with a keel reaching the last anal‐fin ray, longer pelvic fin, post‐dorsal and caudal peduncle lengths, and a slim caudal peduncle (caudal peduncle depth/length 11.8%–21.9%). Pungitius laevis, occurring in France, in the English Channel basins and Loire drainage, differs from the other species by a head rounded with concave snout in specimens longer than 35 mm SL, accentuating the impression of fleshy lips, 0–4 scutes on the caudal peduncle and a higher caudal peduncle depth/length ratio (15.7%–34.5%). Finally, Pungitius vulgaris, endemic to the Vienne River and rivers of south‐western France as far north as the Garonne estuary, is differentiated by a rounded head with a straight or slightly convex snout, the absence of scutes on the caudal peduncle and by having 11 pectoral‐fin rays. Our data confirm the existence of a hybridization zone in the North of France between P. pungitius and P. laevis. As a result, Pungitius lotharingus is invalid, as it was described based on hybrid specimens. A lectotype for P. laevis was designated because the syntypes included hybrids. This revision provides new perspectives for evolutionary biology studies and will have consequences for Pungitius conservation in France.     

A new species: Gerres microphthalmus (Perciformes: Gerreidae) from Japan with notes on limited distribution, included in the “G. filamentosus complex”

 Gerres microphthalmus sp. nov., described on the basis of the holotype and 38 paratypes, has a limited distribution in Japan, including Tanega Island, southeastern Kyushu, southern Shikoku, and southern Kii Peninsula, central Honshu. It has not been recorded from the Ryukyu Islands. The species is the fourth member of the “G. filamentosus complex,” characterized by an elongated second dorsal fin spine, the others being G. filamentosus, G. infasciatus, and G. macracanthus. Gerres microphthalmus sp. nov. is most similar to G. filamentosus in overall body appearance, but differs from the latter in having smaller eyes (8%–11% of standard length vs. 10%–16% in the latter), a higher orbit diameter ratio (as % of snout length) (93%–143% of snout vs. 71%–104% of snout), and fewer pored lateral line scales (40–43 vs. 43–46). The limited distribution pattern of the new species is discussed with G. equulus and Lates japonicus (Centropomidae) having a limited distribution similar to that of the new species. Received: June 28, 2001 / Revised: November 13, 2001 / Accepted: December 10, 2001     

A revision of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paraulopus oblongus</Emphasis> group (Aulopiformes: Paraulopidae) with description of a new species

 Paraulopus brevirostris, P. filamentosus, P. japonicus, P. legandi, P. maculatus, and P. oblongus are redescribed. All species are included in the Paraulopus oblongus group, characterized by having no supraocular ridge, 2.5–3.5 scales above the lateral line, and small adult body size (70–150 mm SL). In addition, P. atripes, from the Indian Ocean, is described as a new species of the P. oblongus group, being defined by the following combination of characters: small antrorse dentary process on chin; eye directed laterally; pelvic fin black in males; caudal fin white; 32–34 gill rakers; 45–46 pored lateral-line scales; and 3.5 scales below lateral line. Paraulopus albimaculatus is regarded as a junior synonym of P. brevirostris, based on examination of type specimens. A key to species in the P. oblongus group is included. Received: September 2, 2002 / Revised: January 31, 2003 / Accepted: February 17, 2003     

A new Pseudophoxinus (Teleostei,Cyprinidae) species from Southwestern Anatolia,with remarks on the distribution of the genus in western Anatolia

Pseudophoxinus burduricus sp. n. is described from drainages of Salda and Burdur lakes, southwestern Turkey. It is distinguished from other Anatolian Pseudophoxinus by a combination of characters: lateral line incomplete, with 21–39 (commonly 26–37) perforated scales and 47–57+1-2 scales in lateral series; 10½–12½ scale rows between lateral line and dorsal fin origin, 3–4(5) scale rows between lateral line and the pelvic fin origin; dorsal fin commonly with 7½ branched rays; anal fin commonly with 6½ branched rays; 7–8(9) gill rakers on the first branchial arch; a faint and diffuse epidermal black stripe from eye to caudal fin base in alive and preserved individuals; mouth slightly subterminal, tip of mouth cleft on about level of lower margin of eye; snout rounded, its length greater than eye diameter. Comparison is given with all Pseudophoxinus species from western Anatolia.     

A New Species of Microhyla (Anura: Microhylidae) from Nilphamari,Bangladesh

A new species of Microhyla frog from the Nilphamari district of Bangladesh is described and compared with its morphologically similar and geographically proximate congeners. Molecular phylogeny derived from mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed that although the new species – designated here as Microhyla nilphamariensis sp. nov. – forms a clade with M. ornate, it is highly divergent from M. ornata and all of its congeners, with 5.7 – 13.2% sequence divergence at the 16S rRNA gene. The new species can be identified phenotypically on the basis of a set of diagnostic (both qualitative and quantitative) characters as follows: head length is 77% of head width, distance from front of eyes to the nostril is roughly six times greater than nostril–snout length, internarial distance is roughly five times greater than nostril–snout length, interorbital distance is two times greater than internarial distance, and distance from back of mandible to back of the eye is 15% of head length. Furthermore, inner metacarpal tubercle is small and ovoid-shaped, whereas outer metacarpal tubercle is very small and rounded. Toes have rudimentary webbing, digital discs are absent, inner metatarsal tubercle is small and round, outer metatarsal tubercle is ovoid-shaped, minute, and indistinct.     

Descriptions of Three New Longidorus Species from Alaska (Nematoda: Longidoridae)

Three new Longidorus species, L. alaskaensis n. sp., L. paralaskaensis n. sp., and L. bernardi n. sp., are described from specimens collected near Fairbanks, Alaska. Longidorus alaskaensis differs from all species of Longidorus by the presence of a caecum-like structure situated at the reflex of the oviduct. Longidorus paralaskaensis most closely resembles L. alaskaensis n. sp., L. crassus Thorne, L. picenus Roca, Lamberti &Agostinelli, and L. silvae Roca, differing from the last three of these species by having a parallel vs. a tapered lip region, and from all four by having a more narrowly rounded tail tip. Longidorus paralaskaensis differs from L. alaskaensis by having a longer odontostyle (119-128 vs. 110-118 μm) and by lacking the caecum-like structure found at the reflex of the oviduct. Longidorus bernardi n. sp. most closely resembles L. mirus Khan, Chawla &Seshadri, from which it differs by having a longer tail with a more acutely rounded tip, a longer body length (3.5-4.6 vs. 3.0-3.6 μm), and a larger c'' value (1.6-1.8 vs. 1.3-1.6). Longidorus bernardi differs from L. sylphus Thorne, L. africanus Merny, L. auratus Jacobs &Heyns, and L. conicaudatus Khan by having a slightly expanded lip region vs. a lip region with parallel body walls and a more finely rounded tail tip.     

Supplementary studies and molecular data on Henneguya cerebralis Pronin, 1972 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), a parasite from Kosogol grayling Thymallus arcticus nigrescens in Mongolia

Henneguya cerebralis Pronin, 1972 (Myxozoa) was described from Kosogol graylings Thymallus arcticus nigrescens Dorogostaisky, 1923 in Lake Khovsgol (Mongolia) in 1972.H. cerebralis was redescribed using critical morphological features and 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene sequence. Parasite infects cranial cartilage of fish host. Plasmodia are white rounded or ovoid, by 0.1 to 2 mm in size, containing large quantities of spores. Spore body is ovoid or rounded, 11.18 ± 0.13 μm (range 9,71–12,56) in length and 9.06 ± 0.16 μm (range 7.22–10,06) in width with equal polar capsules (4.7 × 2.6 μm). The two caudal appendages have different lengths (one of them was shorter in 20%).Phylogenetic position inferred by 18S rDNA shows that H. cerebralis is closely related with H. zschokkei, H. nuesslini, H. salminicola and H. cartilaginis which are histozoic parasites of salmonid fish.     

New materials of Chalicotherium brevirostris (Perissodactyla,Chalicotheriidae) from the Tunggur Formation,Inner Mongolia

Chalicotherium brevirostris was named by Colbert based on a skull lacking mandibles from the late Middle Miocene Tunggur Formation, Tunggur, Inner Mongolia, China. Here we describe new mandibular materials collected from the same area. In contrast to previous expectations, the new mandibular materials show a long snout, long diastema, a three lower incisors and a canine. C. brevirostris shows some sexual dimorphism and intraspecific variation in morphologic characters. The new materials differ from previously described C. cf. brevirostris from Cixian County (Hebei Province) and the Tsaidam Basin, which may represent a different, new species close to C. brevirostris. The diagnosis of C. brevirostris is revised.     

Morphological and molecular analysis of Henneguya lagunensis n. sp. (Cnidaria,Myxosporea) parasitizing the gills of Eugerres brasilianus from Brazil

Plasmodia containing myxospores belonging to the genus Henneguya Thélohan, 1892 were found in the gills of Eugerres brasilianus (Cuvier, 1830). Despite the economic importance, few parasitological studies have been done with this species. We describe Henneguya lagunensis n. sp. using morphological and molecular data. The mature myxospores were rounded, measuring 29.1 ± 2.2 μm in total length, 8.2 ± 1.0 μm in body length, 7.9 ± 0.2 μm in body width, 20.7 ± 2.4 μm in tail length and 4.8 ± 1.0 μm in thickness. The polar capsules measured 3.3 ± 0.4 in length and 1.7 ± 0.3 μm in width. Polar filaments had 4–5 turns, helical. Phylogenetic analysis showed Henneguya lagunensis n. sp. as a sister species of Henneguya cynoscioni Dyková, Buron, Roumillat and Fiala, 2011, within a clade that contained mostly Henneguya species that parasitize marine fish of the order Perciformes. This is the first report of a species of Henneguya parasitizing Eugerres brasilianus.     

Meloidogyne mayaguensis n. sp. (Meloidogynidae), a Root-knot Nematode from Puerto Rico

Meloidogyne mayaguensis n. sp. is described and illustrated from specimens obtained from galled roots of eggplant, Solanum melongena L., from Puerto Rico. The perineal pattern of females is round to ovoid with fine, widely spaced striae. It has occasional breaks of striation laterally and a circular tail tip area lacking striae. The stylet, 15.8 μm long, has reniform knobs that merge gradually with the stylet shaft. Males have a high, rectangular, smooth head region, not set off from the body contour. The labial disc is continuous with the medial lips which do not slope posteriorly. The styler, 22.9 μm long, has large rounded backward sloping knobs; the shaft is of uneven diameter. Mean body length of second-stage juveniles is 453.6 μm. The truncate head region is not annulated, and the rounded, slightly raised labial disc and the crescentic medial lips form dumbbell-shaped lip structures. The stylet, 11.6 μm long, has rounded, posteriorly sloping knobs. The slender tail, 54.4 μm long, gradually tapers to a bluntly pointed tip. Tomato, tobacco, pepper, and watermelon are good hosts; cotton and peanut are not hosts. M. mayaguensis n. sp. reproduces by mitotic parthenogenesis and has a somatic chromosome number of 2n = 44-45. The enzyme patterns are unique among Meloidogyne species.     

Growth performance of Ganoderma lucidum using billet method in Garhwal Himalaya,India

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in various treatments from a very long time, among which, Ganoderma lucidum is one of the most important medicinal mushroom. It is cultivated worldwide to meet its ever-increasing demand in the market. It is generally cultivated by bed log (Sawdust) and wood log (billet) method. This study was an attempt to observe the growth performance of G. lucidum on poplar billets (Populus deltoides) in the Sherpur Village (Dehradun) and Manjgaun village (Tehri Garhwal) of Garhwal Himalaya, India. The farmers’ field with empty house/ rooms having proper growing conditions especially humidity and light were used for the cultivation of G. lucidum. The G. lucidum spawn was inoculated in poplar wood billets and these billets were installed in well prepared soil. The results demonstrated that cropping cycle of G. lucidum was shorter (132–136 days) in Sherpur Village (Dehradun) as compared to Manjgaun village (141–145 days) in Tehri Garhwal. Further the results also revealed that yield was decreased in the subsequent flushes. In Village Sherpur, the fruiting bodies of G. lucidum were harvested between 64-66 days, 100-101  days and 135-136  days during first, second and third flush after the installation of billets, respectively. However; in village Manjgaun, the fruiting bodies of G. lucidum were harvested between 69 and 71 days, 107-108  days and 144-145 days in first, second and third after the installation of billets respectively. Warmer temperature in Village Sherpur resulted in the early emergence and development of the fruiting bodies as compared to village Manjgaun where pinhead and fruiting body development was delayed due to the lower temperature during cropping cycle.     

Morphological and molecular description of a new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa) from a New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae)

A new Isospora species is described from New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae). Sporulated oocysts (n = 25) were characterised as subspheroidal, 29–32 × 28–31 (29.8 × 29.4); length/width (L/W) ratio 1.01–1.02 (1.01). Wall bi-layered, 1.3–1.6 (1.5) thick, outer layer smooth, c.2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but usually two polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n = 25) ovoidal, 18–19 × 12–14 (18.4 × 12.3); L/W ratio 1.42–1.53 (1.50). Stieda body present, flattened, c.0.5 deep × 2.5 wide; sub-Stieda present, rounded, c.2.5 deep × 3.5 wide; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, usually a distinctly irregular body consisting of numerous small granules that appear to be membrane-bound. Sporozoites vermiform, with robust anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Molecular characterization was conducted at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic 18S and mt COI sequences indicated that Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. was genetically similar to Isospora coronoideae, isolated from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia, with a 99.3% and 98.4% homology, respectively. The 28S rRNA sequence was most similar to Isospora anthochaerae (KF766053) and Isospora manorinae (KT224381), both with a 98.2% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and genetic data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. after its host.     

Morphological and molecular evidence of three species of pikes Esox spp. (Actinopterygii,Esocidae) in France,including the description of a new species

This integrative taxonomy study of French pikes compares morphological characters and molecular sequence data (mitochondrial COI and nuclear Plagl2 genes). In addition to the expected E. lucius, DNA sequences and morphology both support a new species in France, E. aquitanicus sp. nov. from the Charente to the Adour drainages. It is characterized by a color pattern of sides with narrow 1–1.5-scale-wide oblique vertical bands, conferring it a marbled coat, a snout only 0.9 times larger than the postorbital length, an anal fin basis 1.1–1.2 times larger than the caudal peduncle length, 101 to 121 lateral scales, 53 to 57 vertebrae, as well as 24 diagnostic sites in the COI gene and 3 in the Plagl2 gene. Partial COI sequences (131 bp) from modern and historical specimens indicate also the presence of E. cisalpinus and E. lucius during the 19th century in Lake Geneva. Morphological and molecular data points to a possible hybridization between E. lucius with both other local pike species, representing a risk for them. Their endangerment status should be evaluated rapidly in order to take conservation measures.     

Descriptions of Four New Species of Criconematoidea (Tylenchina: Nemata) from Southern Chile

Four new species of Criconematoidea are described from Hoste Island, Chile. Criconema certesi n. sp. is distinguished by the fine, spine-like, cuticular extensions on body annuli; projection of annuli into rows of scales on posterior part of body; single, smooth, labial annulus set off by short collar from second (first body) annulus which is about same diameter as first (labial) annulus. Male with prominent caudal alae, slender curved spicules, and four incisures in lateral field. Ogma terrestris n. sp. is distinguished by small scales with rounded tips bearing minute, short bristles; scales number 21 at mid-body; and first (labial) annulus rounded, not retrorse, not set off from succeeding annuli, narrower in diameter from second (first body) annulus. Hemicycliophora macrodorata n. sp. is distinguished by its large size (L = 1.52 [1.28-1.72] mm); large stylet (146 [127-161] μm); annuli = 297 (280-315); tail slightly spicate, lateral field with or without interruptions of incisures, occasional anastomoses; and males with U-shaped spicules. Paratylenchus fueguensis n. sp. is distinguished by its prominent stylet with large, rounded knobs (4-5 μm across); cephalic region rounded not at all set off; lateral field with four incisures; lateral vulvar membranes present; and male tail short, strongly curved (almost 180°) ventrad.     

Length–weight relationships of three carangid fish species Alepes vari (Cuvier, 1833), Uraspis uraspis (Günther, 1860) and Carangiodes oblongus (Cuvier, 1833) from the Bay of Bengal coast,Bangladesh

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for three Carangid fish, [Alepes vari (Cuvier, 1833), Uraspis uraspis (Günther, 1860) and Carangiodes oblongus (Cuvier, 1833)] inhabiting in the Bay of Bengal coast, Bangladesh. A total of 147 individuals of three species were sampled from four different sampling points of the Bay of Bengal coast, Bangladesh and examined from April 2017 to October 2017. Fishermen operated beach seine nets (mesh size BSN, 30 mm) and drift gillnet (10.5 cm) twice in each sampling campaign to catch the studied species. The calculated value for parameter “b” of LWRs were 3.003, 2.945 and 2.980 for A. vari, U.uraspis and C. oblongus, respectively.     

Pratylenchoides hispaniensis n. sp. (Nemata: Pratylenchidae)

Pratylenchoides hispaniensis n. sp. is described and illustrated from a bisexual population found in a natural habitat at Santa Elena, Jaen, central Spain. Its main distinctive characters are very long esophageal gland lobe (81-117 μm; N'' = 51-71) overlapping the intestine 3 to 5 times the body width; lateral field with six incisures; stylet knobs sloping posteriorly; labial disc encircled by the irregular sectors of the first annule; tail cylindrical, extremity annulated, and frequently with a slight dorsal indentation of the hyaline portion at the end of the lateral field. Pratylcnchoides hispaniensis n. sp. appears closely related to P. megalobatus and P. nevadensis. It differs from the former primarily by its longer body length (761-998 vs. 430-621 μm), longer stylet length (20.5-24.4 vs. 18-21 μm), six incisures in the lateral field vs. four for P. megalobatus, and posteriorly sloping stylet knobs vs. rounded or anteriorly flattened knobs in P. megalobatus. It differs from P. nevadensis mainly by the shape of the stylet knobs (sloping in P. hispaniensis vs. rounded in P. nevadensis), length of esophageal lobe (81-117 vs. 34-82 μm), and position of esophageal gland nuclei (all posterior to esophago-intestinal junction in P. hispaniensis vs. at least one nucleus anterior to junction in P. nevadensis).