<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zacco sieboldii</Emphasis>, a species distinct from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zacco temminckii</Emphasis> (Cyprinidae)

 Two biological types of Japanese dark chub, so-called types A and B of Zacco temminckii, were taxonomically inspected. A comparison of types A and B with the lectotypes of Leuciscus sieboldii and L. temminckii in Siebold's collection revealed that type A is identical to L. sieboldii, whereas type B matches L. temminckii. Hence, Zacco sieboldii and Z. temminckii were redescribed on the basis of the lectotype and additional specimens from Japan. Zacco sieboldii is distinguishable from Z. temminckii by having a narrower band on the anterior portion of both body sides, nine branched rays of anal fin (10 in Z. temminckii), lateral line scales not less than 53 (not more than 52 in Z. temminckii), and scales above lateral line not less than 13 (not more than 11 in Z. temmincki). A key to the species of Japanese Zacco is also provided. Received: August 15, 1999 / Revised: July 25, 2002 / Accepted: August 19, 2002 Acknowledgments We express our cordial thanks to all the following investigators: Dr. M.J.P. Van Oijen (RMNH) for the specimen loan of von Siebold's collection; Professor San-Rin Jeon, Sang-Myung University (formerly, Seoul) for providing several papers on Korean Zacco congeners; Dr. Harumi Sakai, National Fisheries University; Dr. Tetsuo Furukawa-Tanaka, Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo; Dr. Seishi Kimura, Mie University; Dr. Akihisa Iwata, Kyoto University; Dr. Osamu Katano, National Research Institute of Fisheries Sciences; Mr. Kazuo Hoshino, Oita Marine Palace; and Dr. Kouichi Kawamura, National Research Institute of Aquaculture, for the valuable comments and information on the ecological aspects of both species of the Japanese dark chub. Correspondence to:Kazumi Hosoya     

Larvae and juveniles of two engraulid species, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thryssa setirostris</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thryssa hamiltoni</Emphasis>i,occurring in the surf zone at Trang,southern Thailand

 Engraulid larvae and juveniles collected from the surf zone off the Sikao River, Trang, southern Thailand, in the period between August 1999 and September 2000 were identified as Thryssa setirostris (n = 249, 14.1–25.7 mm SL) and T. hamiltonii (n = 731, 15.2–22.2 mm SL), based on the number of lower gillrakers and maxilla morphology. The two species were easily distinguishable by the melanophore pattern distributed on the anterior part of the striated hindgut, T. setirostris possessing three to five melanophores along the ventral midline and T. hamiltonii lacking such melanophores. The ratios of head length and eye diameter to SL also differed between the species, both being higher in T. hamiltonii. The distribution of the two species was limited to the surf zone outside the river mouth, that region being characterized by a higher salinity than the river and its tributaries.     

Early ontogeny of a South Pacific gonostomatid fish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sigmops longipinnis</Emphasis>

 During the R/V Hakuho-maru Cruise KH-95-2, Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, from Tokyo, Japan to the South Pacific east of Australia (22° N–30° S; 126° E–176° E) from June to September, 1995, 77 unidentified gonostomatid larvae (5.5–20.0 mm SL) were collected south of 20° S with an IKMT net. They subsequently were identified as Sigmops longipinnis (Mukhacheva), and its ontogeny during the latter part of the larval stage (body form and proportions, photophores, pigmentation, and meristics) is described here. The larvae develop a species-specific row of melanophores along the midlateral line anterior to the caudal peduncle and another along the middorsal line from before the dorsal fin to just before the caudal fin. Received: June 24, 2002 / Revised: November 2, 2002 / Accepted: January 31, 2003     

Descriptive morphology of the reared eggs,larvae, and juveniles of the marine atherinid fish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Atherinomorus duodecimalis</Emphasis>

Embryonic, larval, and juvenile development of the marine atherinid Atherinomorus duodecimalis are described from laboratory-reared specimens. The eggs, measuring 1.15–1.24mm in diameter, were demersal and almost spherical in shape with numerous chorionic filaments. Hatching occurred 7 or 8 days after spawning, the newly hatched larvae measuring 4.5–5.1mm in body length (BL) and having 5+34=39 myomeres. Notochord flexion started at 6.9mm BL and finished at 8.3mm BL. Aggregate numbers of all fin rays were completed by 14mm BL. Eggs of this species could be distinguished from other known atherinid eggs on the basis of egg diameter and the arrangement, length, and number of chorionic filaments. Larvae were also distinctive in myomere counts, pigmentation, and locations of the anus and second dorsal fin origin.     

The eggs and larvae of the giant mudskipper, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Periophthalmodon schlosseri</Emphasis>, collected from a mudflat in Penang,Malaysia

 Eggs of the giant mudskipper, Periophthalmodon schlosseri were collected from a burrow in Penang, Malaysia, in November 1998, and hatched larvae were reared in the laboratory. The eggs were demersal with adhesive filaments and elliptical in shape (0.83–1.43 mm in long-axis diameter). Newly hatched larvae (2.1–2.6 mm in notochord length) possessed a yolk sac. The number of myomeres was 10 + 17 = 27. The mouth and anus were already opened. The larvae started feeding one day after hatching and completely absorbed the yolk by the third day at a water temperature of 24.5–28.0°C. Received: April 9, 2002 / Revised: October 25, 2002 / Accepted: December 10, 2002     

Review of seven-spined <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polynemus</Emphasis> species (Perciformes: Polynemidae) with designation of a neotype for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polynemus paradiseus</Emphasis> Linnaeus, 1758

 A taxonomic review of seven-spined Polynemus species recognizes two species as valid: P. hornadayi Myers, 1936, currently known only from western Sarawak, Kalimantan, Malaysia, and P. paradiseus Linnaeus, 1758, distributed from India to Thailand and regarded as a senior synonym of P. aureus Hamilton, 1822, P. longifilis Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1829, P. risua Hamilton, 1822, and P. toposui Hamilton, 1822. Polynemus hornadayi differs from P. paradiseus in having a strongly protruded occipital profile (vs. nearly straight in the latter), lower counts of anal fin soft rays (mode 11 vs. 12) and gill rakers (26 vs. 32 or 33), higher counts of pectoral fin rays (18 vs. 17), scales above and below the lateral line (11 and 18 vs. 7 and 11, respectively), and pored lateral line scales (94 vs. 70), the fifth pectoral filament longest (vs. sixth), the fourth pectoral filament longer (extending well beyond the posterior central margin of the caudal fin vs. not reaching posterior central margin), a longer pectoral fin ray (posterior tip of pectoral fin reaching to midpoint of anal fin base vs. not reaching), a deeper maxilla posterior margin (mean 5% of SL vs. 4% of SL), and a well-developed swimbladder (vs. absent).     

A new species of gobiid fish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cristatogobius rubripectoralis</Emphasis>, from Australia

 A species of the gobiid genus Cristatogobius from northeastern Australia is described as new. This species is distinguishable from other species of the genus in having a higher number of scales in a longitudinal row and in a transverse row and a rounded caudal fin. In addition, there are differences in coloration such as brown reticulation on the upper anterior part of body and a red pectoral fin. A species of Cristatogobius reported from S. Java, Indonesia, is also identified as this species. Received: May 21, 2002 /Revised: November 15, 2002 / Accepted: December 16, 2002     

Redescription of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bregmaceros mcclellandi</Emphasis> Thompson, 1840 (Gadiformes: Bregmacerotidae)

 This study redescribes Bregmaceros mcclellandi Thompson, 1840, based on one specimen (74.4 mm SL) from the Bay of Bengal and 66 specimens (30.0–84.7 mm SL) from Mumbai (Bombay), India, because the type specimens have apparently been lost. The present specimens are characterized by having black dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins and show the following morphology: caudal fin slightly forked; body chromatophores present mainly at the dorsal part; no scales on cheek; vertebrae 52–55 (13–15 + 38–41); dorsal rays 52–59; anal rays 54–60; pectoral rays 18–20; caudal rays 27–31 (principal rays 14); transverse scales 14–15. In the 66 Mumbai specimens, it was confirmed that the distinctive black fin pigmentation developed sequentially with growth, with complete pigmentation first on the anterior lobe of the dorsal fin, then simultaneously on the posterior lobe of the dorsal fin, the caudal fin, and the pectoral fin, and last, on the anal fin. This species is known only from the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Gulf of Thailand. A review of 16 nominal Bregmaceros species indicates that, besides B. mcclellandi, the distinctive dark fin pigmentation is found in B. atripinnis (Tickell), B. atlanticus Goode and Bean, B. japonicus Tanaka, and B. lanceolatus Shen. B. atripinnis is considered a junior synonym of B. mcclellandi, and the others are clearly distinct from B. mcclellandi. Comments are made on some of the characters to more fully characterize the species and for reference in future revisionary and phylogenetic studies. Received: June 17, 2002 / Revised: December 2, 2002 / Accepted: December 24, 2002     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Erysiphe patagoniaca</Emphasis>: a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erysiphe </Emphasis>sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Uncinula </Emphasis>from Patagonia,Argentina

 A new species of Erysiphe sect. Uncinula is described and illustrated from Patagonia, Argentina. Erysiphe patagoniaca sp. nov., found on leaves of Nothofagus × antarctica, is similar to E. nothofagi and E. kenjiana, but differs in its appendages being twisted throughout their length and the number of appendages, asci, and ascospores. The two endemic species of Erysiphe sect. Uncinula, E. magellanica and E. nothofagi, coexisted on the same leaves together with Erysiphe patagoniaca. Received: September 19, 2002 / Accepted: November 28, 2002 Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to Ms. Seiko Niinomi for providing the micrographs of ascomata of Erysiphe spp. on Nothofagus. Correspondence to:S. Takamatsu     

Migratory history and habitat use by New Zealand freshwater eels <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla dieffenbachii</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. australis</Emphasis>, as revealed by otolith microchemistry

 The migratory history of Anguilla dieffenbachii and A. australis, collected from a coastal lake of New Zealand, was examined using analysis of strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) concentrations. Line analysis of Sr : Ca ratios along the life history transect of each otolith showed a peak (Ca. 16–20 × 10⁻³) between the core and elver mark, which corresponded to the period of their leptocephalus and early glass eel stages in the ocean. The mean Sr : Ca ratios from the elver mark to the otolith edge indicated that eels had different migratory histories, which included freshwater residency in some eels (average Sr : Ca ratios, 1.7 × 10⁻³–2.4 × 10⁻³) but not in others (average Sr : Ca ratios, 3.1 × 10⁻³–6.5 × 10⁻³). These findings suggest that New Zealand freshwater eels have a flexible migration strategy and an ability to adapt to various habitats and salinities. Received: November 25, 2002 / Revised: January 17, 2003 / Accepted: January 17, 2003     

Methods for syntheses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-methyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">DL</Emphasis>-aspartic acid derivatives

Summary. A novel practical method for the synthesis of N-methyl-DL-aspartic acid 1 (NMA) and new syntheses for N-methyl-aspartic acid derivatives are described. NMA 1, the natural amino acid was synthesized by Michael addition of methylamine to dimethyl fumarate 5. Fumaric or maleic acid mono-ester and -amide were regioselectively transformed into beta-substituted aspartic acid derivatives. In the cases of maleamic 11a or fumaramic esters 11b, the α-amide derivative 13 was formed, but hydrolysis of the product provided N-methyl-DL-asparagine 9 via base catalyzed ring closure to DL-α-methylamino-succinimide 4, followed by selective ring opening. Efficient methods were developed for the preparation of NMA-α-amide 13 from unprotected NMA via sulphinamide anhydride 15 and aspartic anhydride 3 intermediate products. NMA diamide 16 was prepared from NMA dimethyl ester 6 and methylamino-succinimide 4 by ammonolysis. Temperature-dependent side reactions of methylamino-succinimide 4 led to diazocinone 18, resulted from self-condensation of methylamino-succinimide via nucleophyl ring opening and the subsequent ring-transformation.     

Isolation of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">B</Emphasis> incompatibility factor mutants in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleurotus ostreatus</Emphasis>

 B incompatibility factor mutants (Bmut) in Pleurotus ostreatus were recovered from common-B mating heterokaryons resulted from matings between wild-type monokaryons with different A but the same B factors (A1B2 and A2B2) after NTG mutagenesis. The mutant monokaryons such as A1B2mut and A2B2mut were observed to have regularly uninucleated hyphal cells and to be compatible with each other. Matings between A1B2mut and A2B2mut monokaryons produced stable heterokaryons (A1B2mut + A2B2mut) that had binucleated hyphal cells with true clamp connections and formed normal fruit-bodies. Mating tests using basidiospore progeny from each of these heterokaryons revealed the bipolar mating pattern. Genetic analysis suggested that the mutation of B factor in P. ostreatus might occur in the B incompatibility factor genes. Received: August 3, 2001 / Accepted: January 18, 2002     

A new species of freshwater threadfin, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polynemus aquilonaris</Emphasis>, from Indochina,and redescription of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polynemus dubius</Emphasis> Bleeker, 1853 (Perciformes: Polynemidae)

 The taxonomic status of two nominal species of Polynemus, viz. P. dubius Bleeker, 1853 and P. longipectoralis Weber and de Beaufort, 1922, is revised. Although regarded as separate taxa up to the present time, examination of the holotype of P. longipectoralis revealed its close similarity to the type series of P. dubius, in the synonymy of which the former is now included. Polynemus dubius is redescribed as a valid species and a lectotype of the species is designated. In addition, a new species, P. aquilonaris, previously identified as P. dubius or P. longipectoralis, is described from Indochina on the basis of 28 specimens. Polynemus aquilonaris differs from P. dubius in having higher counts of pored lateral-line scales [80–86 (mode 81) vs. 69–79 (78) in the latter] and scale rows below the lateral line [14–17 (mode 14, rarely 13 or 17) vs. 13 (rarely 12)], and lower counts of gill rakers [25–29 (mode 27) vs. 29–33 (30), respectively]. The former is known from Indochina (Chao Phraya and Mekong River systems including Lake Tonle Sap), whereas the latter is currently known from the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. Received: March 29, 2002 / Revised: February 2, 2003 / Accepted: February 10, 2003     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophiodothella</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Casearia</Emphasis> from Venezuela

 Ophiodothella caseariae sp. nov. from leaves of Casearia tremula in Venezuela is described and illustrated. Received: February 19, 2002 / Accepted: April 30, 2002     

Description and familial allocation of the African fluvial genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Teleogramma</Emphasis> to the Cichlidae

 The external morphology, osteology, and myology of the African fluvial genus Teleogramma are described, and its familial allocation is discussed. Teleogramma is included in the family Cichlidae by loss of a major structural association between adductor mandibulae sections 2 and w, and by having an insertion of a large ventral division of adductor mandibulae section 2 onto the anguloarticular, expanded head of the fourth epibranchial, transversus dorsalis subdivided into four parts, functionally decoupled premaxillae and maxillae, the stomach's extendible blind pouch, the left-hand exit to the anterior intestine, the first intestinal loop at the left side, two epurals, seven branched rays on each upper and lower caudal fin lobe, free first uroneural from a united element of first preural and ural vertebra, and third preural vertebra fused with its haemal spine. Seven synapomorphies supporting the monophyly of Teleogramma are indicated, including the absence of or very low supraoccipital crest, the presence of a nostril tube, nonextended supraoccipital anteriorly, absence of extensive cartilaginous cap on the anterior border of the second epibranchial, presence of a beaklike projection on the cleithrum, caudal branched slip of epaxialis that inserts onto the upper two or three branched rays on the upper lobe of the caudal fin, and flexor dorsalis superior, which inserts onto the lower four unbranched rays on the upper lobe of the caudal fin. Received: September 12, 2001 / Revised: December 17, 2001 / Accepted: December 28, 2001     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Haliphthoros milfordensis</Emphasis> isolated from black tiger prawn larvae (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Penaeus monodon</Emphasis>) in Vietnam

 A marine fungus was isolated from the black tiger prawn Penaeus monodon at Nha Trang, Vietnam, on March 20, 2001 and named isolate NJM 0131. The fungus was identified as Haliphthoros milfordensis from the characteristics of asexual reproduction, and its physiological characteristics were investigated. Although the optimum temperature for growth of the isolate was 25°–30°C, the fungus grew at a wide range of temperatures (15°–40°C). H. milfordensis grew well in 50%–100% seawater, but poorly in PYG agar containing 1.0%–5.0% NaCl and KCl. The fungus grew at a wide range of pH (4.0–11.0) with the optimum pH value of 7.0–9.0. The isolate also showed pathogenicity to swimming crab larvae (Portunus trituberculatus) by artificial infection, but mortality was not high. This is the first report of disease in the black tiger prawn P. monodon in Vietnam caused by H. milfordensis. Received: July 22, 2002 / Accepted: January 21, 2003 Correspondence to:K. Hatai