Sexual size dimorphism and allometric growth of Morelet's crocodiles in captivity

Few studies have conducted morphological analyses of crocodilians, and little information exists on differences between size-classes and sexes in Neotropical crocodilians. In this study, we measured nine morphological traits in 121 captive Morelet's crocodiles Crocodylus moreletii (81 females and 40 males). Our results revealed that individuals < 2 m total length do not exhibit sexual dimorphism in morphometric characteristics. However, for crocodiles over 2 m in length, males were significantly larger than females in terms of dorsal-cranial length, cranial width, snout width and snout-ventral length. In general, morphological traits demonstrated a strongly significant relationship with total length at the smaller size class of 150-200 cm length. However, in the highest size class of 250-300 cm length (large adult males), morphological traits were no longer significantly related with total length. Male crocodiles demonstrated allometric growth of cranial morphology with significantly greater increase in cranial width, snout width, and mid-snout width relative to total length at higher size classes. Morphological dimorphism and allometric growth may be associated with adaptive strategies for reproductive success.     

Morphological differentiation of introduced pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L., 1758) populations in Tunisian freshwaters

In order to evaluate the phenotypic plasticity of introduced pikeperch populations in Tunisia, the intra‐ and interpopulation differentiation was analysed using a biometric approach. Thus, nine meristic counts and 23 morphological measurements were taken from 574 specimens collected from three dams and a hill lake. The univariate (anova ) and multivariate analyses (PCA and DFA) showed a low meristic variability between the pikeperch samples and a segregated pikeperch group from the Sidi Salem dam which displayed a high distance between mouth and pectoral fin and a high antedorsal distance. In addition, the Korba hill lake population seemed to have more important values of total length, eye diameter, maximum body height and a higher distance between mouth and operculum than the other populations. However, the most accentuated segregation was found in the Lebna sample where the individuals were characterized by high snout length, body thickness, pectoral fin length, maximum body height and distance between mouth and operculum. This study shows the existence of morphological differentiations between populations derived from a single gene pool that have been isolated in separated sites for several decades although in relatively similar environments.     

Geographic variation of Gloydius halys caucasicus (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Iran

We compared the morphological characters of populations of the Caucasian Pit Viper, Gloydius halys caucasicus, from different regions of the Alborz mountain range. For this purpose, we studied 7 metric and 21 meristic characters in 12 specimens from the western Alborz, 44 specimens from the eastern Alborz and nine specimens from the central Alborz Mountains. The results of the statistical analyses by npMANOVA, ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests showed significant differences between all three populations, while the western Alborz and the eastern Alborz populations are more distinct from each other. The important characters showing differences between them are: Subcaudals, dorsal scales in anterior part, dorsal scales in posterior part, supralabial scales, scales between gulars, gulars, ventrals, ratio of snout length over snout width, and ratio of snout length over head length.     

Length frequency and morphometric analysis of the non-indigenous red-rimmed melania (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Melanoides tuberculata</Emphasis>) populations in Slovakia

The red-rimmed melania Melanoides tuberculata (O. F. Müller) has been used in the aquarist trade and biocontrol programs, leading to its emergence outside its native range. Two populations of the red-rimmed melania occur in Slovakia. We investigated the morphometric features of mentioned populations and made a comparison. These two populations differ significantly in investigated features. Mean shell length of red-rimmed melania individuals from the Opatovce nad Nitrou was 14.7 mm, while the mean shell length of specimens from Pie??any was 24.4 mm (p?<?10^?6). Mean shell width, aperture length, and aperture width for specimens from the Opatovce nad Nitrou was 4.4 mm, 4.1 mm, and 2.3 mm, respectively. Mean shell width, aperture length, and aperture width of Pie??any specimens was 7.5 mm (p?<?10^?6), 7.1 mm (p?<?10^?6), and 3.8 mm (p?<?10^?6), respectively. The maximum shell length of specimens from the Opatovce nad Nitrou site was 22–23 mm, while shell length of specimens from Pie??any reached 32–33 mm. Regression analysis of the shell length and shell width, aperture length and aperture width, indicate equivalent relationship of the shell patterns for the two populations. Population structure analysis provided first inside of their population status, identifying a proliferating population at the Opatovce nad Nitrou site, while only adult individuals were observed at the site in Pie??any. The red-rimmed malania is a good candidate for possible biological invasions in thermal waters of temperate zone.     

Ontogenetic changes in the morphology and morphometry of Cuban gar (Atractosteus tristoechus)

Detailed examination of early development and growth of Cuban gar (Atractosteus tristoechus) was conducted using morphologic and morphometric characters. Larvae were reared at a constant water temperature (28 ± 1°C) from hatching to 18 days after hatching (DAH). Observation of the disappearance, reduction, or appearance of external structures, pigment characteristics, and behavior, identified three developmental stages (attached 0-3 DAH; transitional 4-10 DAH; and free-swimming 11-18 DAH). For the 18 day trial, the average growth rate was 1.30 mm/d and the specific growth rate averaged 10.2%/d. The slowest growth rates (0.02 mm/d and 2.8%/d, 7-11 DAH) coincided with the exhaustion of yolk reserves and the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding. In addition to the slowest growth rates, the most dramatic morphological changes in A. tristoechus were observed during the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding. Five total length (TL) groupings were established using 25 morphologic and morphometic characters. The characters snout length, pelvic fin length, snout width at nares, head length, and head width best identified length groupings. As the larvae developed, the snout and head lengthened and narrowed. Proportionally, the snout was narrower and the head longer in Cuban gar larvae than in other lepisosteid larvae.     

南鳅属鱼类一新种及南鳅属评述

记述了南鳅属鱼类一新种－－异颌南鳅Ｓｃｈｉｓｔｕｒａ ｈｅｔｅｒｏｇｎａｔｈｏｓ ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ．,用作新种描述的模式标本共７属,其中正模标本１属,体长８０．０ｍｍ,编号８８１０２４０;副模标本６属,体长９５．０－１０５．０ｍｍ,编号８８１０２４１、８８１０２４１、８８１０１５０￣８８１０１５３。１９８８年采自云南省勐腊县的那着和曼庄,属澜沧江下游支流南腊河。所有模式标本均保存于中国科学院水生生物研     

中国平鳍鳅科鱼类一新纪录种

20 0 2年 6月于云南省河口瑶族自治县采集到鱼类标本 3尾 ,经鉴定为我国华吸鳅属鱼类之新纪录种———红河华吸鳅 (Sinogastromyzonchapaensis)。测量标本 3尾均保存在台湾清华大学。体长 35～ 5 0mm。背鳍iii,8;臀鳍ii,5 ;胸鳍xiv～xv ,14～ 16 ;腹鳍x～xi,11～ 12。侧线鳞 6 0～ 6 4。体长为体高的 7 0～ 7 2倍 ,为体宽的 4 3～ 4 6倍 ,为头长的 4 9～ 5 1倍 ,为尾柄长的 5 4～ 6 0倍 ,为尾柄高的 12 7～ 14 0倍 ,为背鳍前距的 2 2倍 ,为腹鳍前距的 2 4～ 2 7倍。头长为头高的 1 8～ 1 9倍 ,为头宽的 0 9～ 1 1倍 ,为吻长的 2 0～2 1倍 ,为眼径的 4 7～ 5 0倍 ,为眼间距的 2 0～ 2 3倍。尾柄长为尾柄高的 2 2～ 2 6倍。头宽为口宽的 3 7～4 6倍。     

EXAMINING HYPOTHESES GENERATED BY FIELD MEASURES OF SEXUAL SELECTION ON MALE LIZARDS,UTA PALMERI

I examined sexual selection in the iguanid lizard Uta palmeri by measuring phenotypic selection in a cohort of males. Relative fitness was estimated by copulation rate from one breeding season, and I analyzed selection on five morphological traits (snout–vent length, mass, jaw length, head width, and head depth) and on male territory quality. Only territory quality and head depth were identified as direct targets of selection in a linear selection gradient analysis. Head depth was suggested to also be subject to quadratic selection. All traits exhibited significant directional selection differentials, suggesting indirect selection also was present because of the correlation of these traits with direct targets of selection. I used these results to generate hypotheses about the mechanisms of selection. For traits not identified as direct targets of selection (snout–vent length, mass, head width, jaw length), I could accept the null hypothesis of no female preference for the analyzed male traits; if these morphological traits were preferred by females in mate choice, they would have been identified as direct targets of selection. Exploring possible functional relationships within the cohort, I found that all five morphological traits contributed to explaining variation in territorial status. And in staged aggressive interactions between males that were similar in snout–vent length and mass, winning was associated only with greater head depth and not with head width or jaw length. Several possible interpretations of these results are presented. This study suggests that differential mating success arising from variation in territory quality gives rise to indirect selection on morphology. The possible mechanisms giving rise to the proposed direct selection on head depth require further study.     

Hemitriakis complicofasciata, a new whitefin topeshark (Carcharhiniformes: Triakidae) from Japan

Hemitriakis complicofasciata sp. nov. is described from 18 specimens from the waters of the Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan. This new species is distinguishable from other congeners by the following characters: higher vertebral counts (46–52 monospondylous vertebrae and 124–131 precaudal total vertebrae), presence of a developed posterior nasal flap, first dorsal fin origin anterior to free rear tips of pectoral fin, shorter snout length (snout tip to oral length less than 1.8 times internarial width), absence of an accessory cartilage at symphysial part of upper jaw, and dark complicated lines and rings on embryos and juveniles.     

大蹼铃蟾的两性异形

2018年6—8月,测量采自云南省昆明市金殿水库后山的71只(47♂,24♀)大蹼铃蟾Bombina maxima成体的体长、头长、头宽等15项形态特征指标并检验该物种的两性异形。结果表明:雄性平均体长为53.54 mm±1.14 mm,雌性平均体长为52.74 mm±1.45 mm,雄性与雌性平均体长比为1.015,两性异性指数为0.01;大蹼铃蟾的体长、体质量与性别之间的差异无统计学意义;除了雌性的眼间距外,其余13项形态特征与体长均有极显著相关性;以体长为协变量的协方差分析结果显示,大蹼铃蟾的头长、吻长、前臂宽、腿或后肢全长、胫长、胫宽和跗足长在两性间的差异有高度统计学意义;雄性的这7项形态特征随体长的生长速率大于雌性。性选择假说能解释大蹼铃蟾的两性异形现象。     

Leptonotus vincentae,a new pipefish species (Syngnathidae: Syngnathinae) from the south-west Atlantic Ocean near northern Patagonia

A new species of pipefish Leptonotus vincentae sp. nov. (Syngnathidae) is described on the basis of 12 specimens found in shallow waters (<2 m depth) of San Antonio Bay, Patagonia, Argentina, in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. The species is distinguished from congeners by the combination of: dorsal-fin rays 30–33, pectoral-fin rays 12–13, trunk rings 18–19, tail rings 43–46, subdorsal rings (2–4) + (5.5–8) = (8.5–10), head length 13–14% standard length, snout length 35–55% head length and snout depth 21–30% in snout length. Although this species has often been mistaken for Leptonotus blainvilleanus, most diagnostic characters of the two species differ. Both species are clearly distinguished by their snout length. L. blainvilleanus has a relatively longer snout than L. vincentae sp. nov. The new species is similar to a south-west Pacific species, Leptonotus elevatus. However, L. vincentae sp. nov. differs from this species in that it exhibits a lower number of dorsal-fin rays and a relatively longer head.     

Density-dependent growth rate in an age-structured population: a field study on stream-dwelling brown trout Salmo trutta

A field experiment during autumn, winter and spring was performed in a small stream on the west coast of Sweden, aiming to examine the direct and indirect consequences of density-dependent intercohort competition in brown trout Salmo trutta . Individual growth rate, recapture rate and site fidelity were used as response variables in the young-of-the-year (YOY) age class, experiencing two different treatments: presence or absence of yearlings and over-yearlings (age ≥ 1+ year individuals). YOY individuals in stream sections with reduced density of age ≥ 1+ year individuals grew significantly faster than individuals experiencing natural cohort structure. In the latter, growth rate was negatively correlated with density and biomass of age ≥ 1+ year individuals, which may induce indirect effects on year-class strength through, for example, reduced fecundity and survival. Movement of YOY individuals and turnover rate ( i.e. proportion of untagged individuals) were used to demonstrate potential effects of intercohort competition on site fidelity. While YOY movement was remarkably restricted (83% recaptured within 50 m from the release points), turnover rate was higher in sections with reduced density of age ≥1+ year individuals, suggesting that reduced density of age ≥1+ year individuals may have released favourable microhabitats.     

Juvenile development of a flathead,Suggrundus meerdervoortii (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae)

Juvenile development ofSuggrundus meerdervoortii was described, based on twelve specimens (12.9–43.8 mm SL) collected from off Yamagata Prefecture, Japan Sea. Two exterior openings in the lateral line scales were completed at ca. 35 mm SL, with the interopercular flap and iris lappet being visible at ca. 44 mm SL, these all being useful taxonomic characters. In juveniles and additional young and adult specimens (ca. 70–191 mm SL), the proportions of head length, snout length, orbital diameter, caudal peduncle depth and caudal fin length decreased with growth; interorbital width decreased rapidly until ca. 70 mm SL, but more or less stabilised thereafter (70–191 mm SL).     

中国海鲇属海鲇的分类学厘定及一新记录种--双线海鲇(鲇形目:海鲇科)

长期以来,国内绝大多数有关研究者将海鲇属Arius中腭骨齿单侧3群的个体鉴定为海鲇A．thalassinus。基于中国科学院动物研究所标本馆馆藏海鲇标本的研究发现,标本中存在两种腭骨齿的分化类型;经文献查证,其中一种应为双线海鲇A．bilineatus,该种在我国尚未见有研究报道,为一新记录种。双线海鲇与海鲇外形相似,但前者吻较钝,唇薄,腭骨齿于前部相连,游离脊椎骨数目较多(46—51 vs 38—43),臀鳍鳍条数较多(15—18 vs 1316),无囟门沟,从而可与后者相区别[动物学报51(3)：423—430,2005]。     

Description of a new species of the genus Awaous Valenciennes, 1837 (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from the middle stretch of the Mahanadi River,Odisha, India,with comments on the Awaous species from India

A new species of the genus Awaous (Oxudercidae), Awaous motla sp. nov., is described based on 18 specimens collected from the Mahanadi River near Sonepur, Subarnapur District, and 3 specimens from the same river near Boudh bridge, Boudh District of Odisha, India. This species is distinct from its congeners by having a combination of characteristics: relatively small eyes, diameter of 6.6–8.4 in head length (LH); robust and long snout, 2.0–2.6 in LH; eye diameter 2.7–4.1 in snout length; cephalic sensory pore system interrupted with eight pores; predorsal scales 13–15; longitudinal scale series 55–58; gill rakers 2 + 1 + (6–7) on the first gill arch; teeth small, conical, and in a single row on the upper jaw and multiserial (2–3) on the lower jaw. This species is also differentiated from some of its congeners in the nucleotide composition of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene by 8.3%–13.8% Kimura two-parameter (K2P) distance and belongs to a separate cluster in the maximum likelihood tree analysis. This finding is also supported by the species delimitation analysis based on Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning. The new species holds high commercial value in its locality and needs special conservation attention for sustainable utilization.     

Biometry of frozen-thawed sperm from eight breeds of Indian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Sperm morphometry, in combination with other objective traits, can be useful for developing a fertility index. The objective of the present study was to measure various biometric end points of frozen-thawed sperm from eight breeds of Indian buffaloes (Murrah, Surti, Tarai, Mehsana, Jaffrabadi, Bhadawari, Pandharpuri and Nili-Ravi). The sperm head of Pandharpuri buffaloes had the greatest length (10.21 microm), width (6.05 microm), area (52.31 microm(2)) and perimeter (31.86 microm). The ratio of sperm width to length was also greatest (0.61) in Pandharpuri as well as in two other breeds, viz. Nili-Ravi and Jaffrabadi. Murrah had the smallest sperm head width (4.75 microm), area (41.65 microm(2)) and perimeter (29.17 microm), but its sperm tail was longest (57.02 microm), along with that of Jaffrabadi buffaloes (56.96 microm). Based on mean values of sperm tail length, mid piece length and its width the eight buffalo breeds were categorized into three, four and five groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis and clustering put six breeds (Surti, Tarai, Mehsana, Jaffrabadi, Bhadawari and Nili-Ravi) in one cluster, whereas Murrah and Pandharpuri appeared as separate entities.     

Dasyatis izuensis,a new stingray from the Izu Peninsula,Japan

A new dasyatidid stingray,Dasyatis izuensis sp. nov., from Japan is described on the basis of specimens collected from the Izu Peninsula. The new species is distinguished by having the following characters: diamond-shaped disc; dorsal tail keel; white ventral tail fold, its length 24.6–32.3% of disc width; short preorbital snout length, 14.1–18.7% of disc width; smooth body even in adults except for a row of 2–6 small tubercles before tail spine; and 18–20 intestinal valve turns.     

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.