A new species of the deep-sea eel genus Ilyophis Gilbert (Synaphobranchidae) from the eastern North Atlantic, with comments on its ecology and intrafamilial relationships

A new species of synaphobranchid eel, Ilyophis blachei , is described from the eastern North Atlantic. It is distinguished by 179–188 vertebrae, dorsal fin inserted half (or more) of the snout length posterior to extended tip of pectoral fin, gill slits obliquely inclined anteroventrally from pectoral base, rounded posterior nostril bordered anteriorly by conspicuous triangular flap, long lateral line (87–95% S.L.), supraorbital canal pores 5–6, infraorbital 7–8 and preoperculomandibular 10–11, supraorbital and supratemporal commissures with 1 and 3 pores, respectively. The diagnosis of the genus Ilyophis is extended to embrace these characters. The transitional position of the genus between the subfamilies Synaphobranchinae and Dysomminae is discussed in the light of this new evidence. Ilyophis blachei occurs on the lower continental slope (1247–2070 m soundings) within the temperature range c. 7.0−3.3°C. The first record of I. arx in the Atlantic Ocean is also reported.     

The genus Herdmania Lahille, 1888 (Tunicata, Ascidiacea) in Australian waters

Revision of material from Australian waters previously assigned to Herdmania momus ( Savigny, 1816 ) has resulted in the recognition of five species (including two new indigenous species). A tropical Indo-West Pacific range is recorded for the type species ( H. momus ), although it is not recorded from Western Australia. A circum-continental range for the third and largest species, H. grandis ( Heller, 1878 ) is confirmed. Herdmania pallida (Heller, 1878), with a wide range in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean including the north-eastern and north-western coasts of Australia, is a different species from the Atlantic Ocean species (formerly thought to be conspecific). Herdmania fimbriae , a new species with a geographical range from southern to north-eastern Australia, is distinct from H. mentula , also a new species, from the north-western coast. The structure of the gonads and their ducts and accessory membranes and the arrangement and number of body wall muscles distinguish the species. Species differences are supported by the maximum size of individuals, nature of their test, number of branchial folds, number of internal longitudinal vessels on the folds and between the dorsal lamina and dorsal fold, the size and form of the dorsal tubercle and dorsal lamina, and the shape of the ciliated opening of the neural duct, although these characters are affected to some extent by growth. A variety of accessory membranes associated with both male and female gonoducal apertures are found in the majority of species in this genus. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 134 , 359–374.     

A Cladistic Analysis of the Genus Cyttaria (Fungi-Ascomycotina)*

Abstract—Cyttaria Berkeley (Cyttariaceae, Cyttariales, Class Discomycetes), is a genus of eleven species, seven from South America and four from Australasia (Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand). Cyttaria is a monophyletic genus defined by the following synapomorphies: fleshy to gelatinous stromata with endostromatic apothecia; and complete lack of fungal chitin in the cell walls, having instead β-1–3-glucan. All Cyttaria are exclusive parasites of Nothofagus species. A cladistic analysis of the genus was performed using 18 characters from macromorphology, micro-morphology, and phenology. Polarity of characters is based on the outgroup comparison method (using the Class Discomycetes as a whole) and on the ontogenetic criterion. A hypothetical outgroup was constructed using all plesiomorphic states. Two equally parsimonious cladograms were produced, each with 40 steps and a consistency index of 0.70. These differed in the position of the South American species C. hookeri and C. johowii. In one cladogram, C. hookeri is the sister group to the rest of the genus, and in the other, both species form a monophyletic group (ascospores ovoid) that is the sister group of the rest of the genus. Our analysis of the two characters causing this difference (position of apothecia on stroma, and shape of ascospores) supports the latter hypothesis. In both cladograms, all of the Australasian species form a monophyletic group (thick ectostroma), and, within that, two subgroups are defined: C. gunnii-C. pallida (papillae present), and C. nigra-C. septentrionalis (ectostroma with black incrustations). The Australasian species form a monophyletic group (spermatangia absent) with C. berteroi , and this last group forms a monophyletic group (conidia absent) with C. espinosae. Cytlaria darwimi and C. exigua form another monophyletic group (very thick ectostroma). Excluding C. hookeri and C. johowii, C. hariotii is the sister group to the remaining eight species.     

First records of advanced embryos and egg capsules of Bathyraja skates from the deep north-eastern Atlantic

Five variously developed embryos [142–279 mm total length (L_T)] from egg capsules from the Porcupine Seabight, north-eastern Atlantic (1541 m depth) are used to establish the ontogeny and early life history of Bathyraja richardsoni. The capsules of this species and two half-formed ones from the shell glands of a large (1620 mm L_T) female Bathyraja pallida taken off Ireland (c. 1900 m depth) are described and illustrated. The varying degree of yolk sac absorption found in the B. richardsoni embryos is discussed in relation to hatching size and its seeming size independence over c. 20–50 mm within the embryos' total length range. The conservative variation in external morphology with development from advanced embryos to adults among such deep stenobathic Bathyraja skates is commented upon, as is the bathymetric segregation of adults from levels in which egg capsules are deposited and young develop.     

New data elucidating the taxonomy and ecology of the Parabrotulidae (Pisces: Zoarcoidei)

One hundred and eighty-two new specimens of Parabrotula and 52 Leucobrotula are reported. Generic separation is confirmed. although premaxillary dentition no longer distinguishes the two. Two species of Parabrotula (one yet to be described) and one of Leucobrotula are strongly indicated from meristic data. Breeding biology is considered, with comment upon sexual dimorphism in size, size at maturity and possible breeding period. Parabrotulu plagiophthalmus Zugmayer, 1911 is shown to be a midwater non-migrant species (range 76@1500 m) with a temperature preference in the eastern North Atlantic of 9.0–5.0° C. Leucobrotulu udipatus Koefoed, 1952 exhibits a depth range of 61–1290 m and a temperature range of 9.0–4.2° C. Geographically it is evidently restricted to the North Atlantic and endemic to the eastern side. Most specimens were caught pelagically in the northwest African upwelling area in slope waters. Parabrotulaplagiophthalnius is distributed worldwide, although 89% came from the eastern North Atlantic.     

A new species of the deep-sea fish genus Coelorinchus Giorna (Macrouridae) from the eastern North Atlantic, with notes on its ecology

A new species of macrourid, Coelorinchus abditilux , is described from 51°N, 11°W in the Porcupine Sea-Bight, eastern North Atlantic. It is distinguished by its minute ventral light organ which lacks an external naked fossa, short snout, naked underside of head, body scales lacking prominent median keels and low gill raker count (8–9) in inner series of first arch. The uniqueness of this species is such that it may represent a new sub-genus of Coelorinchus . It is relatively deep-living (770–1042 m) with a very restricted known distribution in a coralline area.     

II gruppo Aristolochia pallida nell'Italia nordorientale

Abstract

The Aristolochia pallida group in the north-eastern Italy. The Aristolochia pallida group includes two closely related species: A. pallida Willd. and A. lutea Desf. For each species, a biometrical-morphological analysis on selected characters and critical notes are given. The distribution of both species in the north-eastern Italy is also defined.     

Forum – Taxonomic Stability is Ignorance

Absolute nomenclatural stability is undesirable in phylogenetic classifications because they reflect changing hypotheses of cladistic relationships. De Queiroz and Gauthier's (1990: Syst. Zool. 39, 307–322; 1992: A. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 23, 449–480; 1994: Trends Ecol. Evol. 9, 27–31) alternative to Linnaean nomenclature is concluded to provide stable names for unstable concepts. In terms of communicating either characters shared by species of a named taxon or elements (species) included in a taxon, de Queiroz and Gauthier's system is less stable than the Linnaean system. Linnaean ranks communicate limited information about inclusivity of taxa, but abandonment of ranks results in the loss of such information. As cladistic hypotheses advance, taxa named under de Queiroz and Gauthier's system can change their level of generality radically, from being part of a group to including it, without any indicative change in its spelling. The Linnaean system has been retained by taxonomists because its hierarchic ranks are logically compatible with nested sets of species, monophyletic groups, and characters. Other authors have offered conventions to increase the cladistic information content of Linnaean names or to replace them with names that convey cladistic knowledge in greater detail; de Queiroz and Gauthier sacrifice the meaning of taxon names and categorical ranks in favor of spelling stability.     

Loaches of the genus Lepidocephalichthys, from Manipur, with description of a new species

A new species Lepidocephalichthys manipurensis , is described, confined to the Chandel district of Manipur near the adjoining borderland areas of Manipur, India and Burma (Myanmar). It is distinguished by the following combination of characters: a sharp small black dot just above the upper base of the caudal fin; 8–9 dorsal short dark ashy brown bars from occiput to the base of the caudal fin; absence of scales on the vertex of head; caudal fin fork, pectoral, ventral and anal fins are non-immaculate; least depth of caudal peduncle 50·00–60·24% (mean 54·09) of its length and 7·69–8·11% L , S (mean 8·22); caudal fin with 4–5 W-shaped bands: a single dark black stripe from tip of snout to eye; 8–11 spots on the mid lateral line; and 30–31 vertebrae. A key to the identification of lepidocephalid loaches of Manipur is provided.     

Oreoglanis infulatus, a new species of glyptosternine catfish (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from central Vietnam

A new species of glyptosternine catfish, Oreoglanis infulatus , is described from the Lam River drainage in central Vietnam. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by possessing the following combination of characters: a dark band running across the anal fin, a lunate and uniformly dark caudal fin, the lower lip lacking a medial notch and with a lobulate posterior margin, maxillary barbel with a rounded tip, length of caudal peduncle 19·0–22·6 % L _S, depth of caudal peduncle 2·6–3·2 % L _S, post-adipose distance 6·8–8·0 % L _S, eye diameter 10·5–12·1 % L _H, 12 principal caudal-fin rays.     

A new genus and species of rattail fish (Macrouridae) from the eastern North Atlantic and eastern Indian Ocean, with notes on its ecology

A new genus, Macrosmia , and species ( M. phalacra ) of benthopelagic macrourid fish is described from single male specimens caught in 1650–1699 m soundings in the northeastern Atlantic and south-eastern Indian Oceans. This elongate macrourine rattail, with 7 branchiostegal and 11–12 pelvic rays, is unique in its massive olfactory organ, the cavity of which almost equals the diameter of the orbit. This cavity is a reverse D-shape, with the posterior margin deforming the orbital rim into a D-shape. Macrosmia has a short deep snout, lacks prominent ridges on the head, has anteriorly placed plevic fins and a weakly serrated second spinuous ray in the first dorsal fin. The anus is contiguous with the anal fin. These characters, among others, show affinity with the Cetonurus group of genera. The distribution and diet of the species is briefly discussed and M. phalacra is shown to be at least partly dependent on benthic food which, from one example, is of crustacean origin.     

A revision of the augochlorine bee genus Chlerogas Vachal (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

The augochlorine bee genus Chlerogas Vachal is revised and the female is described for the first time. The genus is newly diagnosed and new characters discussed for its separation from other augochlorine genera. Seven new species are recognized– Chlerogas araguaensis, C. boliviensis, C. colombiensis, C. cyaneus, C. ttephos, C. tiara, and C. tozvnesi –in addition to two previously described species: C. chlerogas (Vachal) and C. hirsutipennis Cockerell. The group was previously only recorded from Peru, but is now known in Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. A key is provided for the identification of all species.     

蝶形花植物猪屎豆自花传粉机制研究

猪屎豆( Crotalaria pallida)为典型的蝶形花植物,分布极广,是路边或遭破坏生境中最常见的先锋种之一,野外观察未发现其有营养生殖的现象,主要为种子繁殖。该研究通过对自然生境中猪屎豆开花物候、访花昆虫及繁育系统的研究,旨在从繁殖的角度阐述其快速扩张的能力。结果表明：尽管猪屎豆的主要访花昆虫是蜜蜂,但蜜蜂的访花频率极低[(1.73±1.30)次/花序·h-1],且在整个花期内花药和柱头均被龙骨瓣包裹,蜜蜂访花时未成功接触柱头和花粉,不能实现传粉,因此蜜蜂不是猪屎豆有效的传粉昆虫,这与假说“蝶形花普遍是对膜翅目昆虫,尤其是对蜜蜂传粉的适应”不一致。人工授粉结果显示,猪屎豆为自交亲和种,不存在无融合生殖现象,其繁殖主要通过主动自交生产种子来实现,且在自交过程中长短花药都参与主动自交。这种自交方式不同于其他蝶形花植物的主动自交仅由短花药实现。对猪屎豆而言,长短花药均参与自交能够增加柱头的授粉几率,保证其在不利的生境中成功结籽,是其成功扩张的关键因素之一。     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penopus</Emphasis> (Teleostei: Ophidiidae) from the Ryukyu Trench,the West Pacific,with remarks on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penopus microphthalmus</Emphasis>

The bathyal genus Penopus (Ophidiidae) is revised based on 23 specimens. One specimen from the Ryukyu Trench represents a new species, Penopus japonicus. The remaining 22 specimens were found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and neither 28 meristic and morphometric characters nor several morphological characters show any differences between the two populations. This supports Séret (1988), who considered Penopus macdonaldi Goode and Bean 1896 a junior synonym of Penopus microphthalmus (Vaillant 1888). The new Japanese species can be separated from the Atlantic species by having fewer rays in the dorsal (117 vs. 135–158) and anal (89 vs. 106–122) fins, the squamation of the head restricted to the middle part of the preopercle versus the squamation covering the dorsum, preopercle and the opercle in part, a distinct spine behind the posterior nostril versus the spine hardly visible and 9 spines on the hind margin of the preopercle versus 4–7 spines.     

Isospora viridanae N. Sp., an Intranuclear Coccidian Parasite from the Canarian Skink, Chalcides viridanus (Lacertilia: Scincidae)

A caryotropic species of coccidium, Isospora viridanae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). has been found as a parasite in the Canarian skink, Chalcides viridanus Gravenhorst, 1851, from Tenerife, Spain, and is described here as a new species. Fully sporulaled oocysts of Isospora viridanae are spherical and measure 21.6 (1 7.6–23.4) nm in diameter. Mtcropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are ali absent. Oocysts of this coccidian, with a smooth bilayered wall, contain 2 ovoid sporocysts 13.2 (11.7–14.0) by 9.5 8.2–10 5) μm. A sporocyst residuum is present as well as a Stieda body and a substieda body. Most oocysts are found to be at the beginning of sporulanon when excreted and show 2 spherical sporoblasts. Sporulation is completed within 24 to 48 h at 23 × 2°C Sporozoites are 13–14 μm long and are about 2.5–3 μ m wide. Endogenous stages of schizogony and gamogony develop in the nuclei of epithelial cells from the small intestine of the skink. Comparisons with other species of the genus found in lacertilian hosts indicate that it is a new species.     

Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analyses reveal four genetically separated breeding units of the swordfish

Variants in the calmodulin gene intron 4 ( CaM ) and the mtDNA D-loop region ( D-loop ) detected by RFLP and nucleotide sequence analyses were used to investigate the global stock structure of the swordfish Xiphias gladius . Two alleles ( A and B ) were observed at the CaM locus among 8 samples (Mediterranean, Tarifa, four Atlantic areas, Indian and Pacific oceans) comprising 567 individuals. Genotype distributions at this locus within samples were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Significant differences in allele frequencies were observed between Mediterranean-Northwest Atlantic samples ( A =0·347–0·493) and those from tropical Atlantic and Indo-Pacific ( A =0·81–1). In the D-loop region, Alu I and Rsa I digestions detected 4 ( A - D ) and 8 ( A - H ) genotypes, respectively. The frequency of type C for Alu I was lower in Indo-Pacific samples (0·2) than Atlantic and Mediterranean samples (0·365–0·643). Frequency of type C for Rsa I increased from the Pacific (0·398) to the Northwest Atlantic (0·698) and Tarifa (0·949) samples, and the Mediterranean sample was fixed for type C . These samples were classified into three groups (Mediterranean-Tarifa, Atlantic and Indo-Pacific) using a heterogeneity test of mtDNA genotype distributions. Combined analysis of the CaM and D-loop loci indicated that there are at least four breeding units: Mediterranean, northwestern Atlantic, tropical to South Atlantic, and Indo-Pacific.     

A fossil Cenozoic monoplacophoran

Taviani, M., Sabelli, B. & Candini, F. 1990 04 15: A fossil Cenozoic monoplacophoran. Lethaia , Vol. 23 , pp. 213–216. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
A few shells of Micropilina (Mollusca, Monoplacophora) have been found in middle Pleistocene (Sicilian) epibathyal clays at Archi (Reggio Calabria, southern Italy). The species appears conchologically indistinguishable from the Recent Atlantic taxon Micropilina minuta Warén, 1989. This finding represents the first record of a Cenozoic fossil monoplacophoran.     

Are green turtles globally endangered?

Aim  To examine the exploitation, recovery and current status of green turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) nesting at Ascension Island.
Location  Ascension Island (UK) (7°57' S, 14°22' W), South Atlantic Ocean.
Methods  We analysed records of the harvest of green turtles nesting at Ascension Island between 1822 and 1935, illustrating the decline in numbers over this period. Using a deterministic age-class structured model we predict the initial number of breeding females present in the population prior to the recorded harvest and compare this to our estimate of the current population based upon our recent annual surveys (1999–2004).
Results  Prior to 1822 we estimate the nesting population of green turtles to have been at least 19,000–22,000 individuals in order for the population to have survived the level of harvest recorded. From recent data (1999–2004), we estimate the current breeding population of green turtles at this site to be 11,000–15,000 females. Our results illustrate a dramatic recovery of the population, which is still increasing exponentially and shows no evidence of slowing, suggesting it has not reached 50% of its carrying capacity.
Main conclusions  We estimate that, since the 1970s, the Ascension Island population of green turtles has increased by 285% and question the recent listing of this species as endangered by the IUCN (World Conservation Union), in particular in the Atlantic Ocean, where 75% of the populations assessed by the IUCN are increasing. Indeed, we estimate the global population of this species to be in excess of 2.2 million individuals. We suggest that the IUCN's global listing process detracts attention from those populations that are truly threatened with extinction and should not, in its present form, be applied to globally distributed long-lived species such as marine turtles.