Reproductive biology of brown trout, Salmo trutta macrostigma Dumeril 1858, in a tributary of the Ceyhan River which flows into the eastern Mediterranean Sea

The study describes some key elements of the reproductive biology, including spawning season, age at sexual maturity, fecundity and egg diameter of the native brown trout, Salmo trutta macrostigma, in a tributary of the Ceyhan River. A total of 197 brown trout (118 females and 79 males) were captured in 2000–2001 by electric fishing. In observations on monthly changes, the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the monthly frequency distribution of egg diameter confirmed that spawning lasted from November to January. Some 27.7% of the females and 62.5% of the males attained sexual maturity in their second year. The smallest fork length (FL) of brown trout attaining sexual maturity was 17.4 cm for males and 17.8 cm for females. Mean fecundity in age groups II, III, IV and V were 360, 452, 693 and 1283 eggs per female, respectively. One 9‐year‐old female had a unique 3232 egg count. The mean fecundity of the sampled population was 554 eggs per fish, positively correlated with the FL (mm) (R = 0.8227 ) and body weight (R = 0.8130). The diameter of mature eggs in the spawning season ranged from 3.250 to 5.930 mm, with a 4.146 mm average. Mean egg diameter in age groups II, III, IV and V in the spawning season were 0.813, 3.799, 4.663 and 5.243 mm, respectively. Fecundity, egg weight and diameter were statistically different in all age groups.     

First record of the Atlantic bumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Teleostei: Carangidae) in the Mediterranean Sea

In December 1997, one specimen of the Atlantic bumper, Chloroscombrus chrysurus was recorded for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, off Almuñécar (Granada, Spain: 36° 43′ 26″ N; 3° 41′ 39″ W). This species probably entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar.     

Batch fecundity and spawning frequency of invasive Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855) in Erhai Lake,China

Hemiculter leucisculus are multiple spawners with indeterminate fecundity, although previous fecundity estimates have assumed a determinate spawning pattern. Batch fecundity and spawning frequency of H. leucisculus were studied in Erhai Lake, China, in which the fish, as an exotic species, has become a successful colonizer. Spawning frequency was 16.05 %, as determined from the percent of females with postovulatory follicles 12 to 36 h old during the peak reproductive period (from May 27 to August 8). The average interval between spawning was 6.2 days and there were more than 16 total spawning batches during the peak reproductive period. The average batch fecundity (mean ± SD) was 11,934?±?5,921 hydrated oocytes in 40 females (standard length or SL: 9.1–14.4 cm), while relative batch fecundity was 560?±?137 eggs g^?1 wet weight. The total potential annual fecundity was approximately 190,944 oocytes over the whole spawning season and was much higher than the estimated standing stock (31,585 oocytes) of yolked oocytes (36 females, SL: 9.5–16.2 cm) at the beginning of the spawning season in April 2010. This high annual fecundity is likely to have contributed to successful invasion of Erhai Lake by H. leucisculus.     

Tebufenozide targeted against codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) adults, eggs, and larvae

The effectiveness of tebufenozide applied against the adult, egg, and larvae of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), was evaluated. Significant reductions in fecundity and egg hatch occurred after 1-h and 24-h exposures of females and 24-h exposures of males-only to residues in plastic plates. A significant reduction in egg hatch was also found after a 1-h exposure of males. The ovicidal effects of tebufenozide in field trials did not significantly differ for eggs laid on residues or treated topically. Corrected egg mortality exceeded 95% for cohorts laid <130 degree-days after sprays were applied. Fecundity and egg hatch were measured after either a 24-h exposure of moths or a 10-d exposure of moths and eggs on apple trees. Significant reductions in both fecundity and fertility occurred compared with an untreated control up to 7 d in the 24-h assays and accounted for 60-70% fewer larvae produced per mated female. The mean numbers of larvae produced per mated female after the 10-d exposure were reduced 100-75% in assays started on day 0-21 after the spray application compared with the untreated control. Fecundity was significantly reduced for 7 d and egg hatch was reduced for the entire 21-d test period in these trials. Residues had a 14-d half-life on apple foliage. Residues applied to foliage or to foliage and fruit did not significantly increase the proportion of uninjured fruit compared with the untreated control in bioassays where neonates were placed on foliage 10 cm from fruit. However, the proportion of injured fruits with shallow stings versus deep entries was higher on the treated versus the untreated plants. Field applications of tebufenozide reduced fruit injury >90% when applied early during emergence. Plots treated after the beginning of egg hatch had a larger proportion of injured fruits with shallow larval feeding.     

Effect of mating status on the fecundity of a cricket,Teleogryllus emma

Abstract Fecundity in some insects is affected by mating status. The effect of mating status on the fecundity and total egg production of Teleogryllus emma (Ohmachi et Matsumura) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) was examined in this study. The results showed that the pre‐oviposition period was shorter for amphigonic females than that for virgin females. However, no significant difference in pre‐oviposition was found between amphigonic females and those that had mated with a male with either the phallodeum or testes extirpated. There is no difference in adult longevity between the above four groups. The fecundity and total egg production were much higher in amphigonic females than in those controlled under the three non‐amphigonic treatments. The females of T. emma that mated with the testes‐extirpated males produced more eggs (up to two‐fold more) than both the virgin females and those that mated with the phallodeum‐extirpated males, but there was no difference between them. The fecundity‐enhancing substances transferred from male to female can stimulate the female to produce more eggs, but this stimulation has to occur in collaboration with sperm.     

Length‐weight relationships of six fish species from São Marcos Bay,Northeastern Brazil

Length‐weight relationship parameters were calculated for six fish species from São Marcos Bay, in Northeast Brazil (the segment between 02°35′55″S and 44°20′58″W; 02°34′53″S and 44°21′48″W; 02º42′25″S and 44º26′46″W). The specimens were caught quarterly from April 2010 to February 2013, using monofilament gillnets (2, 4 and 6 cm between knots) from 100 m to 3,000 m long and 4 m to 6 m high. The present study covers a much wider size range for four species and adds new information for the maximum length of Notarius bonillai.     

Fecundity and Maturity of Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus Collett 1889) on the Porcupine Bank, Northeast Atlantic

Synopsis The first, comprehensive analysis of the fecundity and reproductive maturity of orange roughy, Hoplostethus atlanticus, from a specific area in the Northeast Atlantic is reported. Specimens were collected from aboard vessels, targeting this species on the Porcupine Bank (ICES subarea VII), in waters of between 1400 m and 1,650 m depth. Between September and December 2002, a non-random, stratified, sampling protocol was implemented by on board fisheries biologists to collect mature female fish between 300 mm and 540 mm SL. Ovaries from 65 individuals, representing the majority of 10 mm SL size classes, formed the analytical sample. A novel, digital method of oocyte counting was developed, allowing digital images of oocytes to be annotated, counted and stored. Total fecundity ranged between 20,352 and 244,578 oocytes per female and mean total fecundity was estimated to be 97,368 oocytes per female (SD = 48,322). Relative fecundity was estimated to be 33,376 oocytes per kg (SD = 11,407). Fecundity was shown not to decrease with age. Macroscopic analyses showed that 50% of females were not mature until they reached 27.5 years and 37 cm SL. Comparison with stocks from the southern hemisphere indicate that orange roughy from the Northeast Atlantic mature at a larger size and generally have a higher mean fecundity than those found in the southern hemisphere. This may reflect differences in growth rates influenced by environmental variables and fishing pressure.     

Length–length relationship, length–weight relationship, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, size at maturity and fecundity of Parastromateus niger (Carangidae) in Kuwaiti waters

Analyses of morphometric parameters of the black pomfret, Parastromateus niger, in the Kuwaiti waters of the Arabian Gulf during a 44‐month study revealed the following length‐length relationships: TL (cm) = 0.63 + 1.15SL (females), TL (cm) = 0.94 + 1.14SL (males) and TL (cm) = 0.75 + 1.15SL (both sexes including juveniles). The 95% CI of the exponent in length‐weight relationship varied from 2.788 to 2.796 in females, 2.726 to 2.732 in males, 2.779 to 2.784 for both sexes and 2.590 to 2.613 in juveniles, all indicating an allometric relationship. Simultaneous analysis of Fulton’s condition factor (K) and GSI indicate that spawning in black pomfret peaks in May and June even though the fish remain in good condition throughout the spawning season. The Fulton’s condition factor was statistically discriminatory in determining the well‐being of P. niger. Variation in average maximum condition was significant between sexes and also higher in 2004 as compared to 2005. The mean size at first sexual maturity (SL_50%) was 17.5 cm for males and 29 cm for females. Fecundity ranged from 71 305 to 3 895 449 eggs and correlated positively with: (a) ovary‐free body weight (P < 0.05), standard length (P < 0.05) and ovary weight (P < 0.05), and negatively with egg size (P > 0.05). Fecundity‐total length relationship was best described by the logarithmic equation of the form F = 0.898 + 3.15 × TL^3.15. The use of results of such morphometric studies in the management of the P. niger species in the Arabian Gulf is suggested due to its growing commercial importance.     

The first data on the biology and distribution of the Japanese fringed sculpin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Porocottus japonicus</Emphasis> Schmidt, 1935 (Scorpaeniformes: Cottidae) in the northwestern Sea of Japan

The Japanese fringed sculpin Porocottus japonicus Schmidt has been found in the Rynda (44°48′03″ N, 136°23′24″ E) and Vladimira (43°52′36″ N, 135°29′30″ E) (Sea of Japan, Primorskii krai) bays for the first time. This species was formerly known only from the northern Tatar Strait and Aniva Bay. In Primorskii krai, P. japonicus inhabits macrophyte beds in shallow sublittoral waters. It reaches a length of 112 mm during its lifespan of approximately 4 years. Spawning occurs in the winter. The species preys predominantly on polychaetes (82.3% of the food weight).     

Age-specific fecundity and life table of Trissolcus semistriatus, an egg parasitoid of the sunn pest Eurygaster integriceps

The effects of temperature on age‐specific fecundity and life table parameters of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus semistriatus (Nees, 1834) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) were examined under four constant temperature conditions (17, 20, 26 and 32°C), using eggs of the sunn pest Eurygaster integriceps Puton, 1881 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae), an important pest of wheat, as hosts. The intrinsic rate of increase increased linearly, while the mean generation time and the doubling time decreased with increases in temperature. The net reproductive rate, however, varied without clear correlation with temperature. Fecundity tended to be higher at higher temperatures. The total number of eggs per female was estimated as 52.0 and 116.4 eggs, respectively, at 17°C and 32°C, with the highest fecundity rate during the first day of oviposition. The oviposition rate fluctuated from 4.4 to 14.3 eggs per day. Oviposition and postoviposition periods and longevity decreased when temperature increased. Maximum longevity for females was 21.6 days at 20°C, and female parasitoids lived longer than males at all temperatures. The development period ranged from 7.1 days (32°C) to 35.6 days (17°C) for males and from 8.4 days (32°C) to 37.2 days (17°C) for females. The development of female T. semistriatus required 166.7 degree‐days (DD) above a theoretical threshold of 11.8°C and the development of males required 142.9 DD above 13.1°C. The numbers of generations per year for female and male T. semistriatus, given the temperature in Tekirdag, Turkey, were estimated to be 9.0 and 8.8, respectively. The potential of the egg parasitoid for the control of E. integriceps is discussed.     

Fecundity and fertility in a freshwater population of the neotropical amphidromous shrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus from the southeastern Atlantic

The neotropical amphidromous shrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus is one of various freshwater crustaceans heavily exploited in the southwestern Atlantic. Fecundity (nº early embryos female^?1) was examined during 2007 at four different localities (Iguape, Registro, Sete Barras, and Eldorado) along a stretch of river extending over 85?km (Ribeira de Iguape, São Paulo State, Brazil). Also, fertility (nº hatched larvae female^?1) was examined at one locality (Registro) during 2009–2010. Fecundity (mean?±?SD: 5191?±?2635; range: 1086–13,014 embryos female^?1) did not vary throughout the segment of river studied. Fecundity increased with female body size (carapace length, CL). However, fecundity scaled negatively with shrimp body size; females produce disproportionably fewer eggs with a unit increase in CL. The conditions explaining the negative allometric relationship between fecundity and female body size in M. acanthurus remain to be addressed. Nevertheless, natural food constraints limiting the ability of large but not small females to acquire enough resources to produce and fill their gonads with oocytes represents a plausible explanation for the negative scaling of fecundity with body size. Fertility varied between 545 and 12,465 hatched larvae female^?1 with an average (±SD) of 3981 (± 2693) and increased isometrically with a unit increase in female body size. M. acanthurus has an average fecundity and fertility that represents one of the extremes regarding the trade-off between fecundity/fertility and egg-size reported for caridean shrimps. All of this information needs to be considered in assessing shrimp stocks and establishing a sustainable management plan for this exploited species in the southwestern Atlantic.     

Effect of food and temperature on the reproduction of the blowfly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calliphora vicina</Emphasis> R.-D. (Diptera,Calliphoridae), a popular model object in biological research

Egg maturation in Calliphora vicina is known to occur within a wide range of temperatures, from 12°C to nearly 30°C (Vinogradova, 1991). Photoperiodism has no effect on this process. Some females enter diapause already at 20°C; their fraction increases at lower temperatures and reaches 100% at 6°C. Reproducing females with eggs can survive for a long time and even lay eggs at low temperatures (4–5°C). Experiments with C. vicina from Leningrad Province revealed some effects of the diet (liver or fish) and temperature on the fly reproduction. At 20 and 25°C, 7–10-day old females begin to oviposit, but at 20°C egg maturation is observed in 98% of females feeding on liver and in only 5% of females feeding on fish. On the liver diet, the mean daily fecundity is significantly correlated with the day of oviposition but not with the temperature. At 20°C a significant correlation is observed between the mean daily fecundity and both the day of oviposition and food. The total number of eggs laid by flies after feeding on fish is half that produced after feeding on liver. The optimal conditions for Calliphora vicina cultivation are a 16-h light day, temperatures within the range from 20 to 25°C, and liver as food.     

Length–weight relationships for Eutropiichthys murius (Hamilton, 1822), Coilia reynaldi Valenciennes, 1848 and Johnius gangeticus Talwar, 1991 from lower stretch of the River Ganga,India

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for three fish species from the River Ganga (India) is presented. Sampling was conducted from the lower stretch of the River Ganga (Patna: 25°36′51.66″N & 85°12′7.02″E to Freserganj: 21°35′40.58″N & 88°15′28.92″E) during April, June and September and December of 2017. Specimens were caught using gill nets (18 nos.; mesh 18–32 mm), and bag nets (3 nos.; mesh 14–22 mm). The values a and b from LWRs ‐were found to be 0.007 and 2.977 for Eutropiichthys murius; 0.003 and 3.001 for Coilia reynaldi; 0.009 and 3.010 for Johnius gangeticus.     

Length–weight relationships for four fish species from lower stretch of River Ganga,India

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for four fish species from the River Ganga (India) is presented. Sampling was conducted in the lower stretch of the river (Buxar: 25°33′43.90″N and 83°56′3.10″E to Freserganj: 21°35′40.58″N and 88°15′28.92″E) on tri‐monthly basis from September 2016 to December 2017. Specimens were caught in gill nets (mesh, 18–68 mm), cast nets (mesh, 12–14 mm), seine nets (mesh, 12–14 mm) and various traditional traps those were put over night and lifted in early morning. Total length and wet body weight of fish were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.01 g by a digital caliper and electronic balance respectively. From LWRs, the estimated b values were found to be 2.88 (Pisodonophis boro) to 3.17 (Gagata sexualis) whereas a value ranged from 0.001 (Pisodonophis boro) to 0.009 (Botia lohachata). As per FishBase, the species Gagata sexualis and Botia lohachata had new TLmax reported for LWR estimation.     

中越边境西隆山自然保护区的植物调查

西隆山是滇南最高峰 ,最高海拔 3 0 74.3m ,跨越中越两国边境线。其北坡在中国境内 ,南坡在越南境内。西隆山 2 0 0 0年被列入国家级自然保护区。西隆山已经查明的高等植物 1 79个科 ,469个属 ,781种。其中 ,国家级保护植物和珍稀濒危植物有 2 3种。在西隆山分布的植被类型有 5种 :山地雨林、季风常绿阔叶林、山地苔藓常绿阔叶林、山顶苔藓矮林和次生植被。人为活动对植物多样性的影响很大 ,该文据此对保护措施提出了建议。     

广东阳春鹅凰嶂自然保护区种子植物区系研究

鹅凰嶂自然保护区位于广东省阳春市境内 (1 1 1°2 1′2 9″～ 1 1 1°3 6′0 3″E ,2 1°5 0′3 6″～ 2 1°5 8′40″N) ,为北热带地区。计有维管植物 2 1 0科 75 4属 1 5 80种 (包括亚种与变型 ) ,其中种子植物有 1 72科 681属 1 44 8种。研究分析和讨论了本区主要植被类型、种子植物区系及珍稀濒危植物 ,其种子植物区系特征是 :种类组成比较丰富 ,地理成分复杂 ,联系广泛 ,以热带成分占绝对优势 ,是典型的热带北缘区系性质 ;植被类型以山地雨林为主 ;区系起源古老 ,原始类群丰富 ;特有性比较高 ,珍稀濒危植物明显。建议对一些濒危物种采取有效的保护措施。     

The annual reproductive cycle of pike, Esox lucius L., in two Scottish lakes

Histological changes in the ovaries of pike from two shallow, adjacent, Scottish lakes are described and related to a macroscopic scale of maturity stages and to changes in gonad weight. There was no evidence of pre-ovulatory degeneration although occasional residual oocytes were present in spent ovaries. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was high in males from October to March, and in females it increased through the winter months to a maximum immediately prior to spawning. Maximum ovarian weight was 8.3–9.0% of total body weight compared with only 0.9–1.1% for testes. These GSIs were low compared with other reports for the British Isles, suggesting lower reproductive output. Spawning occurred in the first two weeks of April at a water temperature of 6.0–7.5° C. Fecundity was described from a regression of egg number (F) on fork length (f.l.): log₁₀F= -1.51 + 3.33 log₁₀ f.l. (cm). Mean egg diameter after preservation varied from 1.1 to 2.4 mm over the size range examined. Males were mature at age 2 at a length of ≥ 27 cm, while females first spawned at age 3 at a length of ≤ 28 cm, although a minority were mature at age 2. The sex ratio was 1.2 males: 1 female at Kinord and 1.4 : 1 at Davan. Greater egg production at Davan, 50 678 ha^?1, compared with Kinord, 33 557 ha^?1, was due to higher individual fecundity-at-age resulting from better growth. Fecundity (19.29 × 10³ calculated for a pike of 55 cm F.L.), relative fecundity of only 10–24 eggs per gram wet weight of adult, and GSI values were low compared with pike in North America and Eurasia. Food supply may restrict reproductive output of pike in Lochs Kinord and Davan. The abundance ratio of predator: prey is high with the main prey species, perch, present in low numbers, and the only alternative species is eel in these simple fish communities.     

Reproductive features of the non-native Siganus luridus (Teleostei, Siganidae) during early colonization at Linosa Island (Sicily Strait, Mediterranean Sea)

In July 2003, the finding of a newly settled population of Siganus luridus at Linosa Island (Sicily Strait, Mediterranean Sea) gave us the unusual opportunity to examine the reproductive condition of a Lessepsian migrant during early phases of colonization. Aspects of gonad morphology, fecundity, atresia and oocyte dynamics were investigated by using 43 pioneer specimens collected in concomitance with their first record in the Pelagie Islands. Ovarian development was consistent with the group‐synchronous type, and testicular organization was of the unrestricted spermatogonial testis type, with cystic spermatogenesis. Both males and females had reached final stages of gonad maturation. The rates of follicular atresia were moderate: out of 17 adult females, 10 individuals did not present atretic oocytes; six exhibited <15.1% of secondary growth phase (SGP) oocytes in α‐atresia, while one female presented 45.7% of SGP in α‐atresia. Fecundity estimates did not diverge from what was observed in a reference population along the Lebanese coast. Absolute fecundity ranged from 115 739 to 740 433 oocytes per female (16.5–24.5 cm L_T). Relative fecundity ranged from 1239 to 3162 oocytes g⁻¹, with a mean of 1885 ± 868 oocytes g⁻¹. Our observations indicated that these early settled siganids are reproductively active at Linosa and suggested the forthcoming of self‐maintaining populations across the central Mediterranean area.     

New record of anoplocephalid eggs (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) collected from rodent coprolites from archaeological and paleontological sites of Patagonia,Argentina

Results of paleoparasitological examination of rodent coprolites collected from archaeological and paleontological sites from Patagonia, Argentina, are present. Each coprolite was processed, rehydrated, homogenized, spontaneously sedimented and examined using light microscope. Coprolites and eggs were described, measured and photographed, and were compared with current faeces of Lagidium viscacia. Eggs with morphological features, attributed to an anoplocephalid cestode were found in samples collected from Cueva Huenul 1 (36°56′45″S, 69°47′32″W, Neuquén Province, Holocene) and Los Altares Profile (43º53′35″S, 68º23′21″W, Chubut Province, Late Holocene). These are the first findings of this anoplocephalid from faecal material from patagonic rodents.     

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships of thirteen fish species from the lower Jinsha River,southwest China

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships were investigated for 13 freshwater fish species from the lower Jinsha River, southwest China (from 101°32′49.63″E; 26°35′38.27″N to 104°37′48.14″E; 28°45′59.55″N). Fish were sampled from five sites during 2014 and 2016, using trap‐nets, gillnets (major mesh size: 2–6 cm), longline and electrofishing. Length‐weight relationships for six and length‐length relationships for 12 species are the first report to FishBase, respectively. Moreover, new maximum length for 11 species are also presented to FishBase in this study. All regressions were highly significant (p < .001), with the coefficient of determination r² > .950. These information will be helpful for management and conservation in local fishes and fisheries.