Description of a New Species of Pelagic Eelpout Melanostigma thalassium sp. nova (Zoarcidae) from Walvis Ridge (Southeastern Atlantic) and Identification Key for Species of the Genus from the Atlantic Ocean

Journal of Ichthyology - A new species Melanostigma thalassium sp. n. is described from the underwater Walvis Ridge (Southeast Atlantic Ocean). This species differs from the other species of the...     

The Biogeography of Tropical Phytoplankton Species in the Pacific Ocean

The ranges of 10 tropical Pacific phytoplankton species are shown in the maps. Five types of these ranges are discussed. Except for broadly tropical species some species with much narrower ranges are characterized. The bases of ranges and the expatriation areas are given. The bases of ranges of all the species studied fall into similar temperature and salinity limits. Most of the species inhabit a wide range of nutrients concentration, but Climacodium frauenfeldianum and Hemiaulus hauckii are only found at low phosphate and silicate concentrations. These peculiarities determine the geography of ranges of these two species. Among the species investigated only Ceratium gravidum belongs to the shade flora.     

A New Species of Kinorhynchus (Homalorhagida, Pycnophyidae) from Australia with a Redescription and Range Extension of Other Kinorhyncha from the South Pacific

Kinorhynchus phyllotropis sp.n., from Sydney Harbour, is the first species of the phylum Kinorhyncha to be described from Australian coasts. It appears to be most closely related to K. anomalus (Lang, 1953) from the Chilean coast and possibly, but to a lesser extent, to K. spinosus (Lang, 1949) from the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. Kinorhynchus anomalus is rede-scribed and, along with the new species, is compared with the South Atlantic species, the two species known from the Northeast Pacific and the remaining four members of this genus from the North Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. Cateria styx Gerlach, 1956, is reported from beaches north of Valparaiso, Chile, the first report of this mesopsarnmic cryptorhagid kinorhynch from the Pacific Ocean.     

Species diversity of mainland-and island forests in the Pacific area

Alpha diversity, or species richness, of East Asian mainland evergreen broadleaved forests, expressed by indices of Fisher's alpha () and S(₁₀₀), a new index showing species number in a 100-individual sample, is significantly correlated with the climatic favorableness, expressed by Kira's warmth index. On the contrary, diversity values of insular forests studied on Kyushu satellites of Japan, the Bonins, the Eastern Carolines of Micronesia, and the Galápagos in the eastern Pacific, are below those expected from the climate of respective oceanic islands. Species-individual curves, comparing mainland-and insular communities, also support clearly the above conclusion of species poverty in the insular communities studied.Abbreviations WI Kira's (1977) warmth index.     

Species of the planktonic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia of the Pacific coasts of Mexico

Species of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia are common in the marine phytoplankton world-wide. Some species of this genus have been proved to be source of domoic acid (DA), a powerful toxin causing Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) in humans and probably mass mortality in sea birds and mammals. Net plankton samples obtained during several cruises and seasons from the Pacific coasts of Mexico: western coasts of Baja California, Gulf of California, coasts of the tropical Pacific of Mexico (including the Gulf of Tehuantepec), were analyzed to study the species of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia. Four species ( P. australis, a presumed toxic species, P. fraudulenta, P. lineola, P. pungens) and one former species of the genus, Nitzschia americana were recorded and studied by light and electron microscopy. The most common species was P. pungens, widely distributed along the Pacific coasts of Mexico. All other species appeared occasionally and in low relative abundances. The probable misidentification of P. australis as P. seriata is discussed, as well as the presence of another potentially toxic species, P. delicatissima, in the Gulf of California. No case of toxicity (ASP) has been fully documented and therefore related to toxic Pseudo-nitzschia species in the Gulf of California. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Molecular Species Identification of Spiny Lobster Phyllosoma Larvae of the Genus Panulirus from the Northwestern Pacific

To identify lobster phyllosoma larvae of the genus Panulirus occurring in waters adjacent to Japan, genetic variation within and between 10 Indo-Pacific lobster species was investigated using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for the 1300-base pair mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. RFLP analysis using two endonucleases (AluI and TaqI) enabled discrimination of all species, including the P. longipes complex. The diagnostic DNA markers, supplemented with nucleotide sequence analysis, were applied to 44 mid- to late-stage phyllosoma larvae (7.4 to 27.7 mm in body length) collected in the northwestern Pacific. These samples were unexpectedly variable in species composition, comprising P. japonicus (n = 16), P. longipes bispinosus (21), P. longipes longipes (1), P. “aka” (1), and P. penicillatus (5). Comparison of larval size at similar stages revealed that P. l. bispinosus larvae were significantly larger than P. japonicus.     

Species of Minidiscus (Bacillariophyceae) in the Mexican Pacific Ocean

Minidiscus species are the smallest centric diatoms of the marine phytoplankton (with diameters ranging from 1.9 to 7.5 μm), and they may be easily overlooked in routine analyses. Three species of the genus occurred in samples collected in the Mexican Pacific Ocean: Minidiscus trioculatus, M. comicus and M. chilensis. The identification of these species represents the first documented records for the Mexican Pacific: Minidiscus trioculatus and M. chilensis off the west coast of Baja California, and M. comicus in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Minidiscus trioculatus is considered a cosmopolitan species, M. comicus has a wide distribution in subtropical-temperate waters, and M. chilensis may be mainly regarded as a temperate to cold-water form.     

Species composition and distributional pattern of ichthyoplankton of the Southern Pacific Ocean

Distributional pattern and qualitative composition of ichthyoplankton in waters of the Southern Pacific in September 2002?CJanuary 2003 and in August?CNovember 2009 are analyzed. We noted approximately 70 species of fish pelagic eggs and larvae of fishes belonging to 34 families in this region. Change in distribution of the basic object of commercial fishery of this region, i.e., Peruvian-Chilean jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi, in early ontogenesis are considered in detail. The obtained data on the species composition, distribution, and abundance of ichthyoplankton in this region are compared with the results of investigations in the past years. The spawning biomass of jack mackerel is also estimated in the work by the amount of the eggs spawned by females in the places of their greatest concentrations.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Melanostigma kharini</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Zoarcidae), a New Species of Pelagic Eelpout from the Ridge of Hercules (Pacific-Antarctic Rise)

A new species Melanostigma kharini sp. n. is described from the underwater Ridge of Hercules (Pacific-Antarctic Rise). The specimens of the new species were collected in the marine expeditions of the Pacific Scientific Research Institute of Fishery and Oceanography (TINRO) (1977?1978) on the Southern Bank at depths between 240 and 780 m. The new species differs from the other species of the genus in an original combination of the characters, in particular, in the structure of the lateral line canals on the head, axial skeleton, and coloration. Vertebral asymmetry and the features of rational (purposive) development of the seismosensory system on the head of Melanostigma are described in detail.     

Genetic Structure Among 50 Species of the Northeastern Pacific Rocky Intertidal Community

Comparing many species'' population genetic patterns across the same seascape can identify species with different levels of structure, and suggest hypotheses about the processes that cause such variation for species in the same ecosystem. This comparative approach helps focus on geographic barriers and selective or demographic processes that define genetic connectivity on an ecosystem scale, the understanding of which is particularly important for large-scale management efforts. Moreover, a multispecies dataset has great statistical advantages over single-species studies, lending explanatory power in an effort to uncover the mechanisms driving population structure. Here, we analyze a 50-species dataset of Pacific nearshore invertebrates with the aim of discovering the most influential structuring factors along the Pacific coast of North America. We collected cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) mtDNA data from populations of 34 species of marine invertebrates sampled coarsely at four coastal locations in California, Oregon, and Alaska, and added published data from 16 additional species. All nine species with non-pelagic development have strong genetic structure. For the 41 species with pelagic development, 13 show significant genetic differentiation, nine of which show striking F_ST levels of 0.1–0.6. Finer scale geographic investigations show unexpected regional patterns of genetic change near Cape Mendocino in northern California for five of the six species tested. The region between Oregon and Alaska is a second focus of intraspecific genetic change, showing differentiation in half the species tested. Across regions, strong genetic subdivision occurs more often than expected in mid-to-high intertidal species, a result that may reflect reduced gene flow due to natural selection along coastal environmental gradients. Finally, the results highlight the importance of making primary research accessible to policymakers, as unexpected barriers to marine dispersal break the coast into separate demographic zones that may require their own management plans.     

Temporal Changes in Tree Species and Trait Composition in a Cyclone-prone Pacific Dipterocarp Forest

Our understanding of the effects of tropical cyclones on species composition and dynamics of forest communities is mainly derived from studies that have considered single cyclonic events. Here we examined changes in the tree species and functional trait composition in an 8-ha Dipterocarp forest at Palanan in the northeastern Philippines that is subject to a high frequency of cyclonic disturbance (1–4 cyclones annually). The plot has been censused four times over a 16-year interval allowing us to consider the medium-term forest dynamics in response to repeated cyclones. We hypothesized that as the forest community in Palanan has been selected under frequent disturbance by cyclones, it should show little functional change across the census intervals. We analyzed changes in demography, species composition, and community-weighted functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf area, wood density, and specific growth rate) across the censuses and compared these against cyclone intensities during the census intervals. Demographic changes across census years suggest that the community responded to cyclonic disturbances through substantial turnover in the small- and medium-size individuals, and that there has been an increase in plot-level stem density and basal area across the measured period. Trait compositional changes from 1994 to 2010 were mostly small, but indicate a shift towards species with larger leaves and faster growth rates—traits that are associated with fast recovery after disturbance. These changes all coincide with a large intense cyclone between the second and third censuses, suggesting that cyclone strength, more than cyclone frequency, affects this forest.     

Melanostigma meteori sp. n. (Zoarcidae): A New Pelagic Eelpout Species from the Meteor Bank (Southeastern Atlantic), with Remarks on the Polymerization of the Lateral Line in the Family

Journal of Ichthyology - A new species, Melanostigma meteori sp. n., is described from the Meteor Bank (southeastern Atlantic Ocean). The specimens of the new species were caught during the...     

Forensic DNA Analysis of Pacific Salmonid Samples for Species and Stock Identification

Identification of salmonid tissue samples to species or population of origin has been conducted for over 20 forensic cases in British Columbia. Species identification is based on published sequence variation in exon and intron regions of coding genes. Identification of source populations or regions is carried out using microsatellite and major histocompatibility complex allele frequency data collected from populations throughout the species range and with standard genetic stock identification (GSI) methods. Regional contributions to mixture samples are estimated using maximum likelihood mixture analysis and classification of individual genotypes is carried out with Bayesian methods. DNA has been obtained successfully from salmon scale samples, fresh, frozen and canned tissue samples and bloodstains in clothing. Results from DNA analyses have been instrumental in a number of convictions. A major benefit has been cost savings resulting from the number of guilty pleas entered after disclosure to the defendant of results from genetic testing. In two cases, GSI analysis resulted in exoneration of suspects under investigation for possible illegal sales of Fraser River sockeye salmon by substantiating their claim that the fish originated from the Skeena River watershed. DNA analysis has generally corroborated the species and stock identification carried out by fishery officers, but has revealed that species identification of samples from sources such as restaurants and fish plants can be erroneous. Forensic DNA analysis has facilitated the conviction of those who purchase fish not caught under the authority of licence, thus bringing those who buy fish illegally as well as those involved in illegal harvest and sales within the scope of law enforcement.     

New Pogonophora from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

A study of a collection of Pogonophora, made by the R.V. "Vema" in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has revealed a total of 20 species. One of these, Lamellisabella ivanovi, was already known, the rest appear to be new. Seven species are described in detail, the others being represented only by tubes or insignificant fragments.     

Cookeina cremeirosea,a new species of cup fungus from the South Pacific

A new species in the Sarcoscyphaceae from the Samoan Islands, Cookeina cremeirosea, is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from the other eight species that are currently accepted for the genus. It is closely related to the Asian species Cookeina indica from which it can be separated by color and spore morphology.     

A New Species of Rhynchohyalus from the Southeastern Pacific Ocean with Notes on R. natalensis (Opisthoproctidae)

Journal of Ichthyology - A new species Rhynchohyalus parbevs sp. nov. from the Southeast Pacific, which differs from R.&nbsp;natalensis in the greater number of gill rakers, the relative...     

Chromodorid opisthobranch Mollusca from the Indo-West Pacific

Seven species of Chromodoris and one of Hypselodoris are described from collections from the Indo-West Pacific. Of the species of Chromodoris, two are from Fiji, two are from the Gulf of Kutch in north-western India, one being a new species, and three are from the coast of East Africa. Hypselodoris infucata is described from both the Gulf of Kutch and Zanzibar.
C. youngbleuthi and C. inopinata are compared with published accounts of five other species with red reticulate markings (C. tinctoria, C. alderi, C. reticulata, C. obsoleta and Risbecia reticulata) and it is suggested that apart from C. alderi, which is considered a junior synonym of C. tinctoria, all these species are distinct.
C. inornata Pease, which has often been confused with other forms with red or purple spots, is compared with published information on eight other species (C. petechialis, C. daphne, C. festiva (Angas), C. splendida, C. tenuis, C. tumulifera, C. splendens and C. inornata Gohar & Soliman). It is suggested that all these forms are distinct and that C. inornata Gohar & Soliman, which is distinct from C. inornata Pease, should take the name Chromodoris dollfusi Pruvot-Fol 1933.     

Genus Alexandrium Halim, 1960 (Dinophyta) from the Pacific coast of Russia: Species composition, distribution, and dynamics

At present 8 species of Alexandrium genus have been found in seas and adjacent waters of Russia: A. acatenella, A. catenella, A. insuetum, A. margalefii, A. ostenfeldii, A. pseudogonyaulax, A. tamarense, and A. tamutum. The distribution and population density of Alexandrium species varied within the surveyed area of the Pacific: in the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, 7 species were recorded; 3 species were recorded along the Pacific coast of Kamchatka; and 2 species were found in the Bering Sea. A. tamarense was the most widespread and abundant species over the area. A. insuetum was recorded only in the Sea of Japan, and A. catenella, in the Sea of Okhotsk (Terpeniya Bay). The highest concentration of Alexandrium spp. (2–7 million cells/l) was recorded along the Pacific coast of Kamchatka and in the Bering Sea; in the Sea of Okhotsk, a rather high concentration (51000 cells/l) was registered in Aniva Bay; in the Sea of Japan, the highest concentration was recorded in Peter the Great Bay (6000 cells/l). The distribution of cysts (spores) in surface sediments of the Pacific coast of Russia as a whole reflected the pattern of distribution of vegetative cells of Alexandrium. Cysts of Alexandrium cf. tamarense prevailed all over the area, with the maximum concentration along the Pacific coast of Kamchatka. Beyond that type of cysts, insignificant numbers of cysts of Alexandrium cf. minutum were recorded in Peter the Great Bay and Aniva Bay. Analysis of seasonal dynamics revealed that cells of Alexandrium spp. occurred in Peter the Great Bay from June up to September, and along the Pacific coast of Kamchatka from April to October. In the first region, the maximum density was recorded in August; it was provided by A. pseudogonyaulax (59% of the total density of Alexandrium), A. tamarense (35%), and A. insuetum (6%). In the second region, it was recorded in July, thanks only to development of A. tamarense.     

Chromodorid opisthobranch Mollusca from East Africa and the tropical West Pacific

Six species of Hypselodoris and three species of Chromodoris axe described from the coast of East Africa. Three species of Hypselodoris and one species of Chromodoris are new species. Two species of Chromodoris from the tropical West Pacific are also described. The eleven species fall into three groups of similarly coloured species.
Hypselodoris nigrostriata and a new species of Hypselodoris are compared with H. infucata, H. festiva, H. obscura and two unnamed species from the literature. It is concluded that all these are distinct species.
H. nigrolineata and two new species, are compared with H. lineata and H. hilaris and all are considered distinct.
H. regina, Chromodoris quadricolor, C. africana, C. elisabethina, C. magnified and a new species of Chromodoris, are compared with C. westraliensis and two unnamed species from the literature. All these species are considered distinct.
All other names for forms falling into these three colour groups are considered synonyms of one or other of the above named species. Full synonymies are given.