Proliferation of elongate fishes in the deep sea

It was hypothesized that energetically efficient anguilliform swimming and axial elongation in fishes is favoured in the deep sea and predicted that the degree of elongation of the body form of fishes would increase with depth. An index of fish shape was derived from the relationship between length and mass. This was combined with data on abundance of c. 266 fish species from 389 research trawl tows made at depths of between 300 and 2030 m in the north‐east Atlantic Ocean. The degree of elongation of the fish increased with depth to c. 1250 m before levelling off. The strength of this phenomenon varied between higher level taxa, being most apparent in the Gadiformes and Osmeriformes, and weak or absent in the Perciformes and Selachimorpha. The advantage of efficient elongate body forms may explain why certain taxa such as the grenadiers (Macrouridae) have dominated the deep sea, some have restricted depth ranges, e.g. the sharks, skates and rays, and others are almost entirely absent, e.g. the flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes).     

长江口鳗苗网兼捕鱼类物种多样性及其群聚结构

为探明长江口鳗苗网兼捕鱼类的物种多样性及其群聚结构,文章分析了2017—2019年鳗苗汛期用定置张网采集的11870网次鱼类样本。结果显示,样本中包含兼捕鱼类114388尾,经鉴定有54种,隶属13目27科46属。其中,鲈形目占总种数的40.74%,海洋性、肉食性、底层和小型鱼类分别占总种数的44.44%、74.07%、70.37%和48.15%。拉氏狼牙虾虎鱼(Odontamblyopus lacepedii)为第一优势种,数量占比达77.07%;焦氏舌鳎(Cynoglossus joyneri)、刀鲚(Coilia nasus)和斑鰶(Konosirus punctatus)也是个别年份的优势种。根据各月份间鱼类的群聚差异可将3月和4月、1月和2月各组合成1个组,两者的主要特征种分别有5种和6种,主要分歧种有10种。兼捕鱼类的平均体长仅(73.77±38) mm,早期资源占总样本数的96.65%,许多是当地经济鱼类的幼体。样本中有鳗苗16470尾, 3年平均的兼捕损伤率7.58,高于6年前的损伤率,鳗苗捕捞对其他鱼类幼体的损伤应引起重视。     

Endoparasite fauna of five Gadiformes fish species from the coast of Chile: host ecology versus phylogeny

The aims of the present study were to compare, using multivariate analyses, the degree of similarity of the endoparasite fauna of five fish species belonging to the order Gadiformes: Merluccius gayi, Merluccius australis, Macruronus magellanicus (Gadoidei) and Micromesistius australis and Nezumia pulchella (Macrouroidei), from the southern and central Chilean coast, and to evaluate whether the composition of the endoparasite fauna was determined by phylogenetic or ecological relationships. We employed our database of Merluccius australis, M. magellanicus and Micromesistius australis, which was complemented with published information for M. magellanicus, Merluccius australis, Micromesistius australis, M. gayi and N. pulchella. A higher number of endoparasite species was recorded for Merluccius australis, Micromesistius australis and M. magellanicus, namely Anisakis sp. and Hepatoxylon trichiuri, which is the most prevalent parasite among these hosts. Aporocotyle wilhelmi and Hysterothylacium sp. were detected only in M. gayi, whereas Lepidapedon sp. was found exclusively in N. pulchella. These results suggest that fish ecology rather than host phylogeny was the most important factor for the determination of similarity in parasite composition. This result could be explained by the similar trophic patterns of hosts and by the predominance of generalist larval species among these fish parasite communities.     

Re‐evaluation of batoid pectoral morphology reveals novel patterns of diversity among major lineages

Batoids (Chondrichthyes: Batoidea) are a diverse group of cartilaginous fishes which comprise a monophyletic sister lineage to all neoselachians or modern sharks. All species in this group possess anteroposteriorly expanded‐pectoral fins, giving them a unique disc‐like body form. Reliance on pectoral fins for propulsion ranges from minimal (sawfish) to almost complete dependence (skates and rays). A recent study on the diversity of planform pectoral fin shape in batoids compared overall patterns of morphological variation within the group. However, inconsistent pectoral homology prevented the study from accurately representing relationships within and among major batoid taxa. With previous work in mind, we undertook an independent investigation of pectoral form in batoids and evaluated the implications of shape diversity on locomotion and lifestyle, particularly in the skates (Rajoidei) and rays (Myliobatoidei). We used geometric morphometrics with sliding semilandmarks to analyze pectoral fin outlines and also calculate fin aspect ratios (AR), a functional trait linked to locomotion. In agreement with previous work, our results indicated that much of the evolution of batoid pectoral shape has occurred along a morphological axis that is closely related to AR. For species where kinematic data were available, both shape and AR were associated with swimming mode. This work further revealed novel patterns of shape variation among batoids, including strong bimodality of shape in rays, an intermediate location of skate species in the morphospace between benthic/demersal and pelagic rays, and approximately parallel shape trajectories in the benthic/demersal rays and skates. Finally, manipulation of landmarks verified the need for a consistent and accurate definition of homology for the outcome and efficacy of analyses of pectoral form and function in batoids. J. Morphol. 277:482–493, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Description of by-catch species from the coastal shrimp beam trawl fishery in Turkey

Seasonal landings and survey data from the Turkish shrimp beam trawl fishery were analyzed. A total of 32 valid hauls from twelve boats were analyzed 17 in autumn, 12 in spring and three in winter. The estimated by-catch to shrimp ratios exhibited a seasonal pattern, with autumn having the highest ratio. In total, the by-catch consisted of 57 species belonging to six groups of marine fauna, including Osteichthyes (25 species), Chondrichthyes (three species), Crustacea (six species), Mollusca (11 species), Cephalopoda (five species) and Echinodermata (seven species). The Osteichthyes form the most abundant (52.6%) by-catch group, followed by Crustacea > Chondrichthyes > Echinodermata > Cephalopoda > and Mollusca. Whiting, Merlangius merlangus euxinus and hake, Merluccius merluccius dominated in the commercially utilized part of the by-catch, while swimming crab, Leocarcinus depurator and gobies, Gobius bucchichi, G. niger dominated the discarded part of catches. The mean catch per unit effort (CPUE) obtained from all hauls was 5.91 ± 0.62 kg h⁻¹. There were no statistically significant differences among mean CPUE values per season (P   >   0.05).     

1980—2007年大亚湾鱼类物种多样性、区系特征和数量变化

根据2004—2005年大亚湾海域底拖网鱼类调查数据,并结合1980—2007年的历史资料,分析了该海域鱼类的种类组成、区系特征、多样性、优势种和数量变化趋势.结果表明： 2004—2005年,大亚湾海域共记录鱼类107种,分属13目50科,以中下层鱼类的种类最多,为48种,其次是中上层和底层种类,分别为37种和21种.大亚湾鱼类区系具热带和亚热带特性,以暖水性种类占绝对优势,为97种,暖温性种类为10种.多样性指数以夏季最高（3.82）,其次是冬季（3.37）和秋季（3.00）,春季最低（2.40）.Pielou均匀度指数的季节变化情况与多样性指数相似.1980—2007年大亚湾海域鱼类群落特征发生了明显的变化：鱼类种类数减少,优势种更替明显.鱼类种类数由1980年的157种减少至1990年的110种,2004—2005年继续减少至107种;鱼类优势种由1980年以带鱼和银鲳等优质鱼为主,更替为以小型和低值的小沙丁鱼、小公鱼和二长棘鲷幼鱼为主.用包含年际变化趋势和季节性周期变化的回归模型模拟1980—2007大亚湾鱼类资源密度的变化,鱼类资源密度在1980—1999年和1990—2007年两个时期均呈下降趋势,但1990—2007年间下降幅度比1980—1999年间大;1980—1999年鱼类资源密度的季节波动幅度较平缓（振幅为0.099）,而1990—2007年的季节波动较大（振幅为0.420）,说明1990—2007年阶段大亚湾鱼类数量的季节变化更为显著.     

Effects of capture and transmitter attachments on the swimming speed of large juvenile lemon sharks in the wild

The swimming speed of seven large juvenile lemon sharks Negaprion brevirostris following attachment of an external speed-sensing ultrasonic transmitter was significantly higher during the first 18 h after release compared to the average swimming speed obtained >48 h after release. The external speed-sensing transmitter can be used to monitor the voluntary swimming speed of large fishes in the field, but data during the first 24 h period should be excluded from analysis of natural speeds, at least from species similar in behaviour to N. brevirostris .     

Species selectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean demersal trawl fishery using grids to reduce non‐target species

Scientific studies have been conducted on size selectivity of trawls with grids in the Mediterranean; however, none has focused on species selectivity. The aim of the present study was to analyze the value of sorting grids with 20 mm bar spacing for species separation, in a demersal trawl fishery mainly targeting deep water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fishing trials were carried out 17–24 August 2008 onboard the commercial trawler ‘Hapulo?lu’, using a modified bottom trawl net. The separation rate for silver scabbard fish (Lepidopus caudatus) was highest among all species with 98% by weight and 97% by number in 44 mm diamond (44D) and 40 mm square mesh (40S) codends, respectively. The exclusion of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) by the grid shows differences between 85 and 93%, in weight and 64 and 83% in number for codends of 44D and 40S, respectively. Excluding the ratio for greater forkbeard (Phycis blennoides), the angler fish (Lophius piscatorius) and broadtail short fin squid (Illex coindetii) varied between 93 and 97% in weight, and 81 and 86% in number in both codends. Losses of legal sized rose shrimp were determined as 23 and 25% in 44D and 40S, respectively. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that substantial separation of fish and shrimp can be achieved in this Mediterranean demersal trawl fishery. However, further developments should be explored; for this purpose the behaviour of species has to be studied in relation to trawl and grid design and where commercial consequences of changes in gear technology need to be considered.     

黄河口及其邻近水域夏季鱼类群落空间格局及其与环境因子的关系

基于2013年夏季(6、7、8月)在黄河口及其邻近水域进行的渔业资源底拖网调查,应用多元分析方法研究了黄河口水域夏季鱼类群落空间结构,以及其与环境因子的关系.结果表明: 该海域夏季共捕获鱼类44种,隶属于11目25科40属,以暖温性和底层鱼类为主.经聚类分析,该海域夏季各月鱼类群落可大体划分为3个站位组.经单因子相似性分析(ANOSIM),黄河口不同水域鱼类群落物种组成存在显著差异.相似性百分比分析表明,矛尾虾虎鱼、斑鰶、短吻红舌鳎、蓝点马鲛和日本鳀等是各月份各站位组的典型种及造成不同站位组间群落差异的主要分歧种.典范对应分析(CCA)表明,影响夏季鱼类群落空间结构的主要环境因子为盐度、温度和深度.     

长江口中华鲟自然保护区底层鱼类的群落结构特征

根据2004年8月、11月和2005年2月(Ⅰ年度)、2005年8月、11月和2006年2月、5月(Ⅱ年度)、2007年8月、11月和2008年2月和5月(Ⅲ年度)对长江口中华鲟自然保护区15个站位点的底拖网调查数据,对该水域的底层鱼类群落结构特征及时间和空间变化规律进行了分析。结果表明,调查中捕获底层鱼类42种,隶属于13目24科39属。底层鱼类的种类组成和群落结构进行聚类分析,15个站位聚合成两大类群,类群A位于南支北港和北港北沙近东滩水域,共出现20种底层鱼类,主要以淡水性和河口性鱼类为主;类群B位于北支和北港北沙近外海水域,共出现鱼类39种,主要以河口性和海洋性鱼类为主。ANOSIM和SIMPER分析表明底层鱼类群落结构不同季节间差异显著,造成这种趋势的主要原因可能是与棘头梅童鱼(Collichthys lucidus)和凤鲚(Coilia mystus)的繁殖和索饵洄游有关。     

Length–weight relationships of 11 deep‐sea fishes from the western Bay of Bengal and Andaman waters,India

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) are presented for 11 deep‐sea fishes caught in the western Bay of Bengal and Andaman waters during August 2010 using a 38 m high speed demersal trawl II (HSDT II, crustacean version, codend mesh size 40 mm) and a 45.6 m Expo model demersal trawl (codend mesh size 30 mm). The b values ranged from 2.34 to 3.3 and the coefficient of variation (r²) ranged from .82 to .98. LWR estimates of eight deep‐sea fishes are provided for the first time. The estimated LWR values were compared with the Bayesian LWR estimates available in FishBase, based on models developed to improve the accuracy and predictability of species‐specific growth parameters of data‐poor species.     

The first demersal trawl survey of benthic fish and invertebrates in the Beaufort Sea since the late 1970s

This study represents the first demersal trawl survey of marine fishes and invertebrates in offshore waters of the Beaufort Sea since 1977. Species composition, distribution, and abundance of demersal fish and benthic invertebrates were assessed with standard methods and demersal trawl gear by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. Fishes made up 6% of the total catch weight, and invertebrates made up the remaining 94% of the catch weight. A total of 32 species of fish were identified, two taxa were identified to genus and one to family, and 174 taxa of invertebrates were identified. The most abundant demersal fishes were polar cod (Boreogadus saida), eelpouts (Lycodes spp.), Bering flounder (Hippoglossoides robustus), and walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma). The most abundant invertebrates were notched brittle stars (Ophiura sarsi), snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), mussels (Musculus spp.), and the mudstar (Ctenodiscus crispatus). We documented or confirmed extension to the known ranges of four species of fishes: walleye pollock, Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), festive snailfish (Liparis marmoratus), and eyeshade sculpin (Nautichthys pribilovius). We also documented the presence of commercial-sized snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), which has not previously been recorded in the North American Arctic.     

Swimming speed performance in coral reef fishes: field validations reveal distinct functional groups

Central to our understanding of locomotion in fishes are the performance implications of using different modes of swimming. Employing a unique combination of laboratory performance trials and field observations of swimming speed, this study investigated the comparative performance of pectoral and body-caudal fin swimming within an entire assemblage of coral reef fishes (117 species 10 families). Field observations of swimming behaviour identified three primary modes: labriform (pectoral 70 spp.), subcarangiform (body-caudal 29 spp.) and chaetodontiform (augmented body-caudal 18 spp.). While representative taxa from all three modes were capable of speeds exceeding 50 cm s⁻¹ during laboratory trials, only pectoral-swimmers maintained such high speeds under field conditions. Direct comparisons revealed that pectoral-swimming species maintained field speeds at a remarkable 70% of their maximum (lab-tested) recorded speed; species using body-caudal fin propulsion maintained field speeds at around 50% of maximum. These findings highlight a profound influence of swimming mode on performance, with the relative mechanical and energetic efficiency of each swimming mode being of major importance. Combining attributes of efficiency, maneuverability and speed in one mode of propulsion, pectoral swimming appears to be a particularly versatile form of locomotion, well suited to a demersal lifestyle on coral reefs.     

Not all fish are equal: functional biodiversity of cartilaginous fishes (Elasmobranchii and Holocephali) in Chile

A review of the primary literature on the cartilaginous fishes (sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras), together with new information suggests that 106 species occur in Chilean waters, comprising 58 sharks, 30 skates, 13 rays and five chimaeras. The presence of 93 species was confirmed, although 30 species were encountered rarely, through validated catch records and sightings made in artisanal and commercial fisheries and on specific research cruises. Overall, only 63 species appear to have a range distribution that normally includes Chilean waters. Actual reliable records of occurrence are lacking for 13 species. Chile has a cartilaginous fish fauna that is relatively impoverished compared with the global species inventory, but conservative compared with countries in South America with warm‐temperate waters. The region of highest species richness occurs in the mid‐Chilean latitudes of c. 30–40° S. This region represents a transition zone with a mix of species related to both the warm‐temperate Peruvian province to the north and cold‐temperate Magellan province to the south. This study provides clarification of species occurrence and the functional biodiversity of Chile's cartilaginous fish fauna.     

Annotated checklist of the living sharks,batoids and chimaeras (Chondrichthyes) of the world,with a focus on biogeographical diversity

An annotated checklist of the chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, batoids and chimaeras) of the world is presented. As of 7 November 2015, the number of species totals 1188, comprising 16 orders, 61 families and 199 genera. The checklist includes nine orders, 34 families, 105 genera and 509 species of sharks; six orders, 24 families, 88 genera and 630 species of batoids (skates and rays); one order, three families, six genera and 49 species of holocephalans (chimaeras). The most speciose shark orders are the Carcharhiniformes with 284 species, followed by the Squaliformes with 119. The most species‐rich batoid orders are the Rajiformes with 285 species and the Myliobatiformes with 210. This checklist represents the first global checklist of chondrichthyans to include information on maximum size, geographic and depth distributions, as well as comments on taxonomically problematic species and recent and regularly overlooked synonymizations. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the biogeographical diversity of the species across 10 major areas of occurrence is given, including updated figures for previously published hotspots of chondrichthyan biodiversity, providing the detailed numbers of chondrichthyan species per major area, and revealing centres of distribution for several taxa     

Annotated list of demersal fishes occurring at Sedlo Seamount, Azores north-east central Atlantic Ocean

Several fish surveys were carried out in recent years at Sedlo Seamount, Azores, north-eastern central Atlantic Ocean. An objective of the surveys was to determine the species composition of the demersal fish species living in the area. Four types of sampling gears (bottom trawl and three types of longline) were used at Sedlo Seamount resulting in very different species composition by gear and a very complete coverage of the fish fauna of the area. A list of fishes caught with these sampling methods is presented, along with other specific auxiliary information. Altogether 78 species from 43 families were listed for Sedlo Seamount, and as far as is known, 15 species were recorded for the first time for Azorean waters.     

Distribution of fishes on the Cretan shelf

Information on the abundance of demersal fishes on the shelf of Crete has been collected through a 3-year bottom trawl survey carried out at fixed sampling stations. Cluster analysis identified three major station-groups delimited by the nature of the substrate. Two of the identified substrate zones were situated on the continental shelf while the beginning of the third zone coincided with the start of the continental slope. Discriminant analysis applied to the abiotic variables defined that depth was the most important variable in discriminating between the identified groups. Discriminant analysis also identified that the most important species in discriminating among station-groups were Capros aper (Linnaeus, 1758), Gadicuh argenieus argenteus Guichenot, 1850, Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758), Mullus surmuletus Linnaeus, 1758 and Spicara flexuosa Rafinesque, 18 10. Association analysis revealed few species pairs having significant associations which in most cases seem to be related to the reproductive migration of these species. The results demonstrate that there is a pronounced change with the substrate and by extension with depth in the ichthyofaunal composition of the shelf of Crete. It has also been suggested that there may be a particular relationship between the fish communities of the two zones of the continental shelf.     

Presettlement schooling behaviour of a priacanthid,the Purplespotted Bigeye Priacanthus tayenus (Priacanthidae: Teleostei)

We report in situ behavioural observations of presettlement schooling in Priacanthus tayenus off Coral Bay, Western Australia collected using pelagic Baited Remote Underwater stereo-Video systems. Two groups of fish (8 and 9 individuals) were observed that aggregated into a single school. Mean total length was 24.1 mm (12.5–30.2 mm). The fish swam at a mean speed of 8.5 cm s^?1 in a group spacing themselves more or less evenly at a distance of around one body length from the nearest neighbour within the school. P. tayenus appeared to be sometimes associated with juveniles of other species. The results presented here add to the limited, but growing body of literature on the schooling behaviour of the early pelagic stages of demersal fishes.     

Trophic Interactions and Distribution of Some Squaliforme Sharks,Including New Diet Descriptions for Deania calcea and Squalus acanthias

Squaliforme sharks are a common but relatively vulnerable bycatch in many deep water fisheries. Eleven species of squaliforme shark are commonly caught at depths of 200–1200 m on Chatham Rise, New Zealand, and their diversity suggests they might occupy different niches. The diets of 133 Deania calcea and 295 Squalus acanthias were determined from examination of stomach contents. The diet of D. calcea was characterised by mesopelagic fishes, and S. acanthias by benthic to pelagic fishes, but was more adaptive and included likely scavenging. Multivariate analyses found the most important predictors of diet variability in S. acanthias were year, bottom temperature, longitude, and fish weight. The diet of the nine other commonly caught squaliforme sharks was reviewed, and the spatial and depth distribution of all species on Chatham Rise described from research bottom trawl survey catches. The eleven species had a variety of different diets, and depth and location preferences, consistent with niche separation to reduce interspecific competition. Four trophic groups were identified, characterised by: mesopelagic fishes and invertebrates (Centroselachus crepidater, D. calcea, and Etmopterus lucifer); mesopelagic and benthopelagic fishes and invertebrates (Centroscymnus owstoni, Etmopterus baxteri); demersal and benthic fishes (Centrophorus squamosus, Dalatias licha, Proscymnodon plunketi); and a generalist diet of fishes and invertebrates (S. acanthias). The trophic levels of the species in each of the four groups were estimated as 4.18–4.24, 4.20–4.23, 4.24–4.48, and 3.84 respectively. The diet of Oxynotus bruniensis and Squalus griffini are unknown. The different niches occupied by different species are likely to influence their vulnerability to bottom trawl fisheries. Some species may benefit from fisheries through an increased availability of scavenged prey.