Fungal assemblages of submarine soils of the eastern Sakhalin shelf

This study reports on the biodiversity of facultative marine fungi in submarine soils of the eastern Sakhalin shelf for the first time. A total of 69 species that belong to 29 genera were isolated and identified. Fungal species associations of a freshened area and an oilfield adjacent to Piltun Bay were identified. The change in fungal species diversity along an environmental gradient was studied. This study showed that the adaptation of marine fungal assemblages to the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment was similar to that of micromycete communities of terrestrial soils.     

Ecology of tropical marine fungi

Lignicolous material was collected from 5 marine locations in Brunei: a rocky headland, a sandy beach, a man-made brackish lake, a healthy mangrove and an oil polluted mangrove. Higher marine fungi present were identified and their percentage occurrence noted. The common marine fungi varied from habitat to habitat. Antennospora quadricornuta was most common at the rocky headland, Corollospora pulchella at the sandy beach and Halosarpheia marina at the brackish lake. In the mangroves the most common species were Halocyphina villosa (healthy) and Cirrenalia pygmea and Lulworthia grandispora (oil polluted). Differences in species composition from one habitat to the next were observed, although some fungi occurred throughout. There were significantly less diversity and numbers of fungi in the oil polluted mangrove when compared to the healthy mangrove. Observations concerning the ecology of tropical marine fungi are made.     

Late Glacial and Holocene Ostracoda of the Gulf of Gdańsk,the Baltic Sea,Poland

To trace environmental changes in water hydrology and salinity in the Late Glacial to Holocene of the Gulf of Gdańsk, a south‐eastern bay of the Baltic Sea within the maritime zone of Poland, the distribution of ostracod valves was studied in 20 sediment cores collected from both the shallow‐ and deep‐water zones (depth 10.9–67.5 m). The studied sediment sequences yielded ca. 3000 valves of 21 ostracod species, of which only five are known to live today in the Gulf, which has a present maximum depth of 118 m and water salinity up to 7–8‰. The majority of the studied sediment layers that contained ostracod valves corresponded to the period of the Late Glacial to Mid‐Holocene and was dominated by non‐marine species, of which the most common were Candona neglecta (present in 17 cores), Cytherissa lacustris (15 cores) and Candona candida (14 cores). By clustering classification five major ostracod assemblage types were recognised in the studied cores. Initial assemblage types dominated mostly by inhabitants of the profundal/sub‐littoral zones of modern oligo‐mesotrophic lakes (C. lacustris and C. neglecta) in some sediment sequences were replaced in stratigraphical order by the assemblages dominated by brackish‐water species (Cyprideis torosa or Cytheromorpha fuscata). The structure and species composition of the distinguished ostracod assemblage types as well as their successional transitions indicate that the studied sediments were deposited initially in the Late Glacial in freshwater lacustrine conditions, and subsequently, during the Holocene marine transgression, covered by marine sands. The present results confirm and consolidate inferences based on previously published data on ostracods from the western part of the Gulf of Gdańsk as well as on other biotic (molluscs, diatoms) and abiotic (seismoacoustic) indices from this area (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Community structure and diversity of marine ascomycetes from coastal beaches of the southern Gulf of Mexico

Diversity of marine fungi in the Gulf of Mexico remains unknown for the most part, therefore the geographical distribution patterns of these microorganisms are mostly unknown too. Twelve sandy beaches located in this sea were sampled to evaluate the diversity of marine fungi, revealed by fruiting on natural substrata incubated in the laboratory for up to 12 months. Species richness and diversity differed between beaches, and corresponded with the presence of main and highly polluted river mouths, nearshore marine environments, and core industrial and port developments. Contaminants and local anthropogenic activities may be reducing the diversity of marine ascomycetes. Connections between beaches and different nearshore habitats explain the high diversity observed, since they represent a varied source of substrata for decomposition and heterogeneous environmental conditions. We recognized four main local species distribution patterns. Moreover, the constrained correspondence analysis showed that temperature is a major environmental variable affecting the distribution of these fungi. By a linear regression we showed a significant relationship between temperature and diversity.     

Phylogenetic diversity of culturable fungi associated with the Hawaiian Sponges Suberites zeteki and Gelliodes fibrosa

Sponges are well documented to harbor large amounts of microbes. Both culture-dependent and molecular approaches have revealed remarkable bacterial diversity in marine sponges. Fungi are commonly isolated from marine sponges, yet no reports on phylogenetic diversity of sponge-inhabiting fungi exist. In this report, we investigated the phylogenetic diversity of culturable fungi from the Hawaiian alien marine sponges Suberites zeteki and Gelliodes fibrosa. A total of 44 independent isolates were recovered from these two sponge species, representing 7 orders and 22 genera of Ascomycota. The majority (58%) of fungal isolates from S. zeteki resided in the Pleosporales group, while the predominant isolates (52%) from G. fibrosa were members of the Hypocreales group. Though differing in fungal species composition and structure, culturable communities of these two sponges displayed similar phylogenetic diversity. At the genus level, only two genera Penicillium and Trichoderma in the Eurotiales and Hypocreales orders, respectively, were present in both sponge species. The other genera of the fungal isolates were associated with either S. zeteki or G. fibrosa. Some of these fungal genera had been isolated from sponges collected in other marine habitats, but more than half of these genera were identified for the first time in these two marine sponges. Overall, the diversity of culturable fungal communities from these two sponge species is much higher than that observed in studies of marine sponges from other areas. This is the first report of phylogenetic diversity of marine sponge-associated fungi and adds one more dimension to our current understanding of the phylogenetic diversity of sponge-symbiotic microbes.     

Genetic structure of three marine fishes from the Gulf of Pagasitikos (Greece) based on allozymes, RAPD, and mtDNA RFLP markers

In the present work we used three molecular techniques (allozymes, RAPDs and mtDNA RFLPs) in order to study the genetic structure of three commercial marine species (Mullus surmuletus, Mullus barbatus, and Pagellus erythrinus). Each species was sampled from three locations within the Gulf of Pagasitikos, Greece and from two neighbouring locations outside the Gulf (Trikeri and Alonissos). Values of genetic heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity for all populations studied were similar or above the mean values observed in marine fishes. None of the three types of molecular markers used revealed diagnostic patterns, which could allow the allocation of individuals to one of the populations. The analyses revealed that the three populations within Pagasitikos were homogenous representing thus a panmictic stock. However, there were evidences of genetic population subdivision between localities from inside and outside of the Pagasitikos Gulf. The results provide essential information for the design of a sustainable management plan of the Gulf of Pagasitikos and its demersal fish resources.     

Annotated List of Ichthyofauna of Inland and Coastal Waters of Sakhalin Island. 2. Families Osmeridae—Scombropidae

The second part of the report represents the annotated list of fish species found in the marine (within a 200-mile zone), brackish, and fresh waters of Sakhalin: 139 species from 22 orders, 54 families, and 105 genera.

     

Marine mycoflora of south India with special emphasis on lignicolous marine fungi

A study dealing with the marine fungi associated with decaying wood samples in the brackish water mangrove ecosystem and shoreline ecosystem was carried out in south India. A total of 19 marine fungi were isolated from the brackish water mangrove ecosystem. They included 13 Ascomycetes, one Basidiomycete and five Mitosporic fungi. In terms of percent frequency of occurrence, the most frequent species obtained from the brackishwater were the Lignincola longirostris (16.60%) and Savoryella lignicola (12.09%). Nine species were found frequently. Five species were occasionally encountered. Aigialus mangrovei, Aniptodera mangrovei and Halosarpheia marina were the rare species recorded. The average number of isolates per wood sample was 1.53. A total of 27 marine fungi including 15 ascomycetes, one basidiomycete and ten mitosporic fungi were recorded from the shoreline ecosystem. In terms of percent frequency of occurrence, the most frequent species obtained from Kanyakumari were the Arenariomyces trifurcates (13.66%), Corollospora maritima (12.44%), and Cirrenalia pygmea (10.98%). Seven species were found frequently. Fourteen species were occasionally encountered. Three species were found to be rare in occurrence. The average number of isolates per wood sample was 1.21.     

A contribution to the knowledge of common Turkish higher fungi

There are many publications about the microfungi, but only few papers on the higher fungi of Turkey.Pilat (1932) is the first investigator of Turkish larger fungi as far as the author is aware from the literatures. He has found 68 species of fungi from four different families. SecondZeybek's work is about one species ofMorchella that was found in the Western part of Anatolia.We have identified 100 higher fungi from the 10 different families in the present work. Most of the identified species were collected in the vicinities of Izmir and Istanbul within the years of 1968 and 1971. The list of higher fungi species which we have found is below according to the families.     

Annotated List of Ichthyofauna of Inland and Coastal Waters of Sakhalin Island. 3. Families Priacanthidae–Sebastidae

Journal of Ichthyology - The third part of the report represents the annotated list of fish species found in the marine (within a 200-mile zone), brackish, and fresh waters of Sakhalin: 145 species...     

海水来源的548株真菌的近海及远海分布模式及其抑菌活性分析

[目的]海洋真菌是新颖天然产物的理想来源.本研究旨在加深对可培养海洋真菌多样性的了解,以及挖掘具有应用潜力的海洋真菌.[方法]采用膜过滤法分离近海和远海海水样品中的真菌,通过菌株分离纯化、ITS基因序列测序,分析浅海带、半深海带和深海带海水样品中可培养真菌的多样性.在此基础上,采用固体平板法筛选具有抑菌活性的菌株.[结...     

Fungi in sediments of the sea of Japan and their biologically active metabolites

The most abundant marine fungi encountered in various regions of the Sea of Japan belong to the generaPenicillium, Aspergillus, Wardomyces, Trichoderma, Chrysosporium, andChaetomium. Facultative marine fungi of the generaScytalidium, Verticillium, andOidiodendron and obligate marine fungi of the genusDendryphiella are much less abundant. The composition of marine sediments and the anthropogenic load on them were found to influence the abundance and species diversity of fungi, as well as the occurrence of fungal strains producing hemolytically active substances. The biodiversity of mycobiota and the abundance of hemotoxin-producing fungi in marine sediments may be used to evaluate the anthropogenic load on marine biocenoses. Hemolytic compounds were produced by 57% of the fungi isolated from marine sediments. The hemolytic activity ofChaetomium spiculipilium was revealed in the fraction of the culture liquid containing extracellular fatty acids and pigments. The fatty acid composition of this marine fungus was determined.     

Fungal community associated with marine macroalgae from Antarctica

Filamentous fungi and yeasts associated with the marine algae Adenocystis utricularis, Desmarestia anceps, and Palmaria decipiens from Antarctica were studied. A total of 75 fungal isolates, represented by 27 filamentous fungi and 48 yeasts, were isolated from the three algal species and identified by morphological, physiological, and sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region and D1/D2 variable domains of the large-subunit rRNA gene. The filamentous fungi and yeasts obtained were identified as belonging to the genera Geomyces, Antarctomyces, Oidiodendron, Penicillium, Phaeosphaeria, Aureobasidium, Cryptococcus, Leucosporidium, Metschnikowia, and Rhodotorula. The prevalent species were the filamentous fungus Geomyces pannorum and the yeast Metschnikowia australis. Two fungal species isolated in our study, Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus and M. australis, are endemic to Antarctica. This work is the first study of fungi associated with Antarctic marine macroalgae, and contributes to the taxonomy and ecology of the marine fungi living in polar environments. These fungal species may have an important role in the ecosystem and in organic matter recycling.     

Seasonal patterns of primary colonization by lignicolous marine fungi in Hong Kong

During a 14-month investigation of the seasonal pattern of primary colonization by lignicolous marine fungi in the coastal waters of Hong Kong, a pine block (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) was submerged each month at each of the five stations and recovered in the following month. Thirty-eight species of fungi were isolated, three of which were not identified. In this first recorded attempt to describe fungal colonization on submerged blocks quantitatively, five species (Periconia prolifica, Cirrenalia macrocephala, Ceriosporopsis halima, Trichocladium achrasporum and Halosphaeria quadricornuta) were the most frequent and most abundant fungi on the monthly blocks. Statistical analyses of seasonal abundance of these fungi are presented and their occurrence in relation to varying temperature and salinity throughout the year, including the Phoma pattern, are discussed.     

The Distribution and Phytogeographical Status of the Marine Algal Flora of Gambia

The littoral algae and their zonation on the short and hitherto phycologically virtually unexplored coast of Gambia (West Africa) were investigated during November 1975. Littoral zonation of benthic organisms was essentially similar to that found to the south in the Gulf of Guinea. Formerly only 4 species of algae had been reported specifically for Gambia but only 1 of these species was included in the 69 found in the present study. These new records, with the exception of just 2 species (Hypnea arbuscula and Ulva popenguinensis), are all found in the Gulf of Guinea and thus the previously known limit (Sierra Leone) of the truly tropical marine flora of West Africa is extented over 600 km to the north.     

Migration of Sakhalin taimen (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Parahucho perryi</Emphasis>): evidence of freshwater resident life history types

Sakhalin taimen (Parahucho perryi) range from the Russian Far East mainland along the Sea of Japan coast, and Sakhalin, Kuril, and Hokkaido Islands and are considered to primarily be an anadromous species. We used otolith strontium-to-calcium ratios (Sr/Ca) to determine the chronology of migration between freshwater and saltwater and identify migratory contingents of taimen collected from the Koppi River, Russia. In addition, we examined taimen from the Sarufutsu River, Japan and Tumnin River, Russia that were captured in marine waters. Transects of otolith Sr/Ca for the Sarufutsu River fish were consistent with patterns observed in anadromous salmonids. Two fish from the Tumnin River appeared to be recent migrants to saltwater and one fish was characterized by an otolith Sr/Ca transect consistent with marine migration. Using these transects as benchmarks, all Koppi River taimen were classified as freshwater residents. These findings suggest more work is needed to assess life history variability among locations and the role of freshwater productivity in controlling migratory behavior in taimen.     

Arenicolous mycelial fungi from the littoral of the Vostok Bay (Peter the Great Bay,the Sea of Japan)

The taxonomic composition of marine mycelial fungi was determined in the interstitial habitats of the Vostok Bay littoral (Peter the Great Bay, the Sea of Japan). A total of 39 species of ascomycetes and anamorphic fungi were detected and identified. The predominant species of the intertidal zone were Corollospora maritima, C. lacera, Carbosphaerella leptosphaerioides, Arenariomyces trifurcatus (Ascomycota), Alternaria alternata, Scolecobasidium arenarium, and Zalerion maritimum (anamorphic fungi). The complete list of species of obligately marine ascomycetes and anamorphic fungi from the interstitial habitats of the Vostok Bay littoral is presented for the first time     

First report of gastrocotylinean post-oncomiracidia (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea: Heteronchoinea) on gills of flyingfish (Exocoetidae), snapper (Lutjanidae), dolphinfish (Coryphaenidae), and amberjack (Carangidae) from the Gulf of Mexico: decoy hosts and the dilution effect

Larvae, identified as post-oncomiracidia of the suborder Gastrocotylinea (Monogenoidea), were collected from formalin-fixed gills excised from six species of marine fishes captured from the Gulf of Mexico off Mississippi and Florida: common dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus and pompano dolphinfish, Coryphaena equiselis (both Perciformes, Coryphaenidae); gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus (Perciformes, Lutjanidae); greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili (Perciformes, Carangidae); and Atlantic flyingfish, Cheilopogon melanurus and sailfin flyingfish, Parexocoetus hillianus (both Beloniformes and Exocoetidae). Based on a combination of diagnostic morphological features, the specimens were divided into two basic forms, each of which was further subdivided into two morphotypes. No gastrocotylinean post-oncomiracidium had been reported previously from these hosts. Of the six host species, only C. hippurus serves as a host (unconfirmed) for the adult of a gastrocotylinean species, suggesting that the recorded fishes from the Gulf of Mexico comprise dead-end hosts acting as decoys for the oncomiracidia. These comparatively non-susceptible “decoy hosts” apparently dilute the susceptible fish-host population and by intercepting infective larvae (oncomiracidia) decrease the abundance of parasites on their typical hosts.     

Molecular identification and phylogenetic relationships of Coleoidea (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) from the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea reveals a case of cryptic diversity

The Persian Gulf and Oman Sea constitute one of the most important marine ecosystems and have many economically important aquatic species, including several coleoid cephalopods. Some coleoids are difficult to identify using traditional morphological characteristics. In this study, two mitochondrial fragments, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and the large ribosomal subunit (16S rRNA), were used for identification of coleoid species in four regions in the northern Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. The study led to the identification of potential cryptic species of Sepia, Amphioctopus and Uroteuthis. Furthermore, Euprymna hyllebergi was reported for the first time from the Persian Gulf. A high diversity of Coeloidea was found in the study area. Mean intraspecific and interspecific nucleotide distances for COI were 0%–2% and 2%–7%, respectively, while these values for 16S rRNA sequences were 0%–1% and 1%–4%. Given the uncertainty about species identity and the high levels of intraspecific genetic diversity reported for some species in GenBank, a comprehensive global study will be needed to resolve the taxonomic status of several coleoid species.     

Targeted ITS1 sequencing unravels the mycodiversity of deep-sea sediments from the Gulf of Mexico

Fungi from marine environments have been significantly less studied than terrestrial fungi. This study describes distribution patterns and associated habitat characteristics of the mycobiota of deep-sea sediments collected from the Mexican exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), ranging between 1000 and > 3500 m depth. Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) amplicons were sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. From 29 stations sampled across three annual campaigns, a total of 4421 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained, indicating a high fungal richness. Most OTUs assignments corresponded to Ascomycota, unidentified fungi and Basidiomycota. The majority of the stations shared a mere 31 OTUs, including the worldwide reported genera Penicillium, Rhodotorula and Cladosporium. Both a transient and a conserved community were identified, suggesting their dependence on or adaptation to the habitat dynamics, respectively. The differences found in fungal richness and taxonomic compositions were correlated principally with latitude, carbon and carbonates content, and terrigenous content, which could be the potential drivers that delimit fungal distribution. This study represents an expansion of our current knowledge on the biogeography of the fungal community from deep-sea sediments, and identifies the geographic and physicochemical properties that delimit fungal composition and distribution in the GoM.