Fishes collected by the Zaire River Expedition, 1974-75

An annotated list of the fishes collected by the Zaire River Expedition, October 1974 -January 1975, is presented, and five new species are described. The majority of the collections came from the River Lualaba and associated water bodies and provide new information on the distribution of die ichthyofauna in the Zaire basin. A re-examination of the available geomorphological and zoogeographical evidence failed to substantiate the hypothesis that the upper Lualaba was formerly a tributary of the Nile.     

Bile salts of vertebrates: structural variation and possible evolutionary significance

Biliary bile salt composition of 677 vertebrate species (103 fish, 130 reptiles, 271 birds, 173 mammals) was determined. Bile salts were of three types: C₂₇ bile alcohols, C₂₇ bile acids, or C₂₄ bile acids, with default hydroxylation at C-3 and C-7. C₂₇ bile alcohols dominated in early evolving fish and amphibians; C₂₇ bile acids, in reptiles and early evolving birds. C₂₄ bile acids were present in all vertebrate classes, often with C₂₇ alcohols or with C₂₇ acids, indicating two evolutionary pathways from C₂₇ bile alcohols to C₂₄ bile acids: a) a ‘direct’ pathway and b) an ‘indirect’ pathway with C₂₇ bile acids as intermediates. Hydroxylation at C-12 occurred in all orders and at C-16 in snakes and birds. Minor hydroxylation sites were C-1, C-2, C-5, C-6, and C-15. Side chain hydroxylation in C₂₇ bile salts occurred at C-22, C-24, C-25, and C-26, and in C₂₄ bile acids, at C-23 (snakes, birds, and pinnipeds). Unexpected was the presence of C₂₇ bile alcohols in four early evolving mammals. Bile salt composition showed significant variation between orders but not between families, genera, or species. Bile salt composition is a biochemical trait providing clues to evolutionary relationships, complementing anatomical and genetic analyses.     

Habitat alteration and its effects on native fishes in the upper Tennessee River system, east-central U.S.A.

The upper Tennessee River drainage, which includes portions of the States of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, supports an exceptionally diverse fish fauna. Recent reductions in abundance and geographic ranges of several freshwater fishes have promulgated the imposition of protective measures for about 115 species among the three states, with nearly half of those species occurring in the upper Tennessee River. Most protected species are darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) or minnows (Cyprinidae), and are typically small, benthic invertivores. Major impacts on the fish fauna have resulted from dams, introduced species, toxic spills, mining and agriculture. An important cumulative effect of these impacts is fragmentation of the watershed; nearly 40% of the riverine habitat in major tributaries is either impounded or altered by tailwater discharges. The isolation and stress imposed on tributaries of the river have caused and will continue to cause extirpations of fishes, mussels and other aquatic fauna. Numerous federal, state, and private organizations are co-operating in efforts to protect rare species and habitats, improve agricultural and coal-producing practices, and enforce regulations for industrial and municipal effluents.     

Freshwater and estuarine fishes of the Russian Arctic coast (the Swedish–Russian Expedition 'Tundra Ecology—94')

The distribution of estuarine and freshwater fish species caught during the Swedish-Russian Expedition' Tundra Ecology–94'is presented. Thirteen sites along the Russian part of the Arctic Sea coast were sampled and a total of 21 fish species of the families Salmonidae, Coregonidae, Thymallidae, Osmeridae, Cyprinidae, Catostomidae, Balitoridae, Gadidae, Gasterosteidae, Percidae, Cottidae, Pleuronectidae were recorded. Some records were new to particular basins.     

云南萨尔温江水系3条一级支流鱼类区系存在度及其在鱼类保护区设置中的意义

将经典动物区系与区系存在度分析方法相结合, 探讨云南萨尔温江水系的南滚河、南汀河及勐波罗河3条一级支流的鱼类多样性相对于萨尔温江中游水系鱼类的代表性, 比较其鱼类区系存在度差异, 分析区系组成特征及科、属在区系建成中的重要性, 旨在探讨区系存在度指标对鱼类保护区设置的指导作用。结果显示, 萨尔温江中游水系(云南段)共记录土著鱼类74种, 分隶于5目12科45属。3条支流共有土著鱼类53种, 分隶于5目12科38属, 其中南滚河鱼类有9科23属32种, 南汀河有11科33属47种, 勐波罗河有10科26属33种。按种类的绝对数排序, 3条支流均是鲤科、鮡科和条鳅科排前3位。而按区系存在度结果排序, 均是鳗鲡科、鳢科、刺鳅科、合鳃鱼科和鮡科等5个科位列前5位。两种方法排序结果显示, 3条支流表现出完全的一致性。同一属级分类阶元的区系存在度在不同支流间变异较大, 属级和种级分类阶元的地域性分布特点渐趋明显。这3条一级支流鱼类均是以老第三纪原始类群为主体, 南方类群次之, 还有少量青藏高原类群。结合鱼类区系存在度研究结果, 在设置淡水鱼类保护区时, 应考虑在大水系的上中下游分别选择1条或多条一级支流建立保护区; 如果目、科级存在度高的阶元在鱼类保护区规划时涵盖得多, 则保护了较多的高级阶元, 但并非是必须考虑的阶元; 而属级存在度值则是保护区规划时需要特别关注的事项。     

The primary localization of ascorbate and its synthesis in the kidneys of acipenserid (Chondrostei) and teleost (Teleostei) fishes

The kidneys of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, the channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (both Teleostei), and the white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus (Chondrostei) displayed similar profiles of ascorbate distribution irrespective of the capability of synthesizing ascorbic acid. The head kidney was found to be the richest in ascorbate, whereas the trunk kidney showed significantly lower ascorbate levels in all three species. The head kidney richness in ascorbate was correlated with the localization of the cortical and chromaffin tissues known to accumulate ascorbate in some fish and mammals. Based on ascorbate concentration, it was possible to distinguish the head from the trunk kidney in salmonids and sturgeons which have an antero-posterior-fused kidney. The absence of l-gulonolactone oxidase activity in the kidneys of the channel catfish and the rainbow trout was asserted biochemically. We also confirmed that the ascorbic acid-synthesizing enzyme exists in white sturgeon kidney, and found that the enzyme distribution was inversely correlated with ascorbate concentrations. An active transport of ascorbate might exist in the head kidney of both acipenserids and the teleosts in order to maintain this vitamin at high concentrations. This report suggests a link between ascorbate concentration and its physiological functions in kidneys of lower vertebrates.Abbreviations AA ascorbic acid - TAA total ascorbic acid - DHA dehydroascorbic acid - DCIP dichloroindophenol - EDTA ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid - GLO l-gulonolactone oxidase     

Facial and gill musculature of polynemid fishes,with notes on their possible relationships with sciaenids (Percomorphacea: Perciformes)

The Polynemidae is a family of primarily marine fishes with eight genera and 42 extant species. Many aspects of their morphology are largely unknown, with few reports about their osteology and barely any information on their myology. This paper describes and illustrates in detail all facial and branchial muscles of representative species of polynemids. Our analysis demonstrates the existence of several remarkable and previously unknown specializations in the polynemid musculature. The aponeurotic and completely independent origin of the pars promalaris of the adductor mandibulae is apparently unique among percomorphs. The differentiation of this section into lateral and medial subsections; the total separation of the promalaris from the retromalaris; the differentiation of the pars primordialis of the levator arcus palatini into external and internal subsections are also uncommon features of polynemids that are shared by sciaenids, thus supporting the hypothesis of a closer relationship between these families.     

Light and ultrastructural description of Meglitschia mylei n. sp. (myxozoa) from Myleus rubripinnis (Teleostei: Serrasalmidae) in the Amazon River system

Meglitschia mylei n. sp. found in the gall bladder of the teleostean fish Myleus rubripinnis (Serrasalmidae) from the middle Amazonian region of Brazil is described using light and transmission electron microscopy. The spores observed in the bile averaged 24.6±0.8 μm long, 8.7±0.4 μm wide and 5.1±0.3 μm thick and were strongly furcate and arcuate ∩-shaped composed of two symmetric equal-sized valves, up to ～70 nm thick. Each valve possessed one opposed tapering appendage, 20.1±0.7 μm long, oriented parallel towards the basal tip of the appendages and joined along a right suture line forming a thick strand. The strand goes around the central part of the spore, which in turn surrounds two equal and symmetric spherical polar capsules (PC), 2.1±0.3 μm in diameter, located at the same level. Each capsule contains a polar filament with five (rarely six) coils. The binucleate sporoplasm was irregular in shape, contained several sporoplasmosomes, ～175 nm in diameter and filled all the space of the two caudal appendages. Based on the arc shape of the spore with two tapering caudal appendages oriented to the basis of spores, on the number and position of the PC and of the polar filament coils and arrangements, and on the host specificity, we propose the name M. mylei n. sp. for this new myxozoan. Accordingly, this is the second described species of this genus.     

Synthesis of (+)-(R)- and (−)-(S)-5-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-dipropylaminotetralin: Effects on rat hippocampal output of 5-HT, 5-HIAA,and DOPAC as determined by in vivo microdialysis

Racemic 5-methoxy-2-methyl-2-dipropylaminotetralin ( 3 ) has been prepared by a short synthetic route, in which the N,N-dipropyliminium perchlorate of 5-methoxy-2-tetralone ( 4 ) is a key intermediate. Racemic 3 was resolved by crystallization of the corresponding diastereomeric di-p-toluoyltartrates. The enantiomeric excess (%ee) of the phenolic derivatives of (+)-(R)- and (?)-(S)-3 [(+)-(R)- and (?)-(S)-2] was determined by ¹HNMR spectroscopic analysis of the corresponding diastereomeric (?)-(R)-1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diylphosphoric acid salts utilizing ¹³C satellites. X-ray crystallography established the absolute configuration of (?)-(S)-2 · HCl. The enantiomers of 2 were tested for hippocampal output of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in rats by use of in vivo microdialysis. The (?)-(S)-enantiomer appeared to affect 5-HT-turnover, whereas (+)-(R)- 2 was inactive. Results obtained provide support for the previously reported hypothesis that the inactivity of (?)-(S)- 2 at central DA receptors is caused by the steric bulk of the C(2)-methyl group. This makes it possible to define a “DA D2 receptor essential volume.” © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

漩涡模型及其在白暨豚种群管理中的应用

漩涡模型作为一种用于野生动物种群生存力分析的计算机模拟工具,已在濒危物种的保护和管理方面得到了广泛的应用。本文介绍了漩涡模型的产生和特征,同时使用这一模型完成了长江中白暨豚（Ｌｉｐｏｔｅｓｖｅｘｉｌｌｉｆｅｒ）种群生存力分析。模拟的结果表明,在未来１００年内,白暨豚在高、中死亡率的条件下,种群灭绝概率分别为１．０和０．５左右。但是,在死亡率低和极低的条件下,白暨豚的灭绝过程可能持续１００年以上,或永远也不会灭绝。开始种群大小对白暨豚的平均灭绝时间有一定的影响,但对种群生长率（ｒ）却没有影响。在高、中、和低死亡率条件下,白暨豚种群生长率分别为－０．０７、－０．０４和－０．０２。     

The effects of pulp mill effluent on the sex steroid binding protein in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) and longnose sucker (C catostomus)

The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of pulp mill effluent on the properties of the sex steroid binding protein (SBP) in the plasma of white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) and longnose sucker (C. catostomus). SBPs which specifically bind estradiol and testosterone with high affinity (k(D) approximately 3 nM) and low capacity (B(max) approximately 73-81 nM) were identified in both species. Subsequent studies determined if the properties of the SBP in white sucker exposed to bleached kraft mill effluent (BKME) at Terrace Bay, ON, and in longnose sucker exposed to BKME at Grande Prairie, AB. differed from appropriate reference fish. There were no effects of BKME exposure on the binding affinity (k(D)) of the SBP in either species, but there was a significant increase in the binding capacity (B(max)) of longnose sucker SBP exposed to BKME. The livers of nai;ve white sucker exposed to effluent at Terrace Bay or a bleached sulfite/groundwood mill in Edmundston, NB, rapidly accumulated compounds of differing hydrophobicity that bound to both the white sucker and goldfish (Carassius auratus) SBP. Conversely, there was reduced accumulation of SBP ligands in the bile of effluent-exposed fish. We have demonstrated that constituents present within pulp mill effluent bind to both the white sucker and goldfish SBP, and that native species residing downstream of pulp mill effluents may experience modifications in the properties of their SBP.     

Isolation and chemical synthesis of a major, novel biliary bile acid in the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus): 15alpha-hydroxylithocholic acid

The major bile acids present in the gallbladder bile of the common Australian wombat (Vombatus ursinus) were isolated by preparative HPLC and identified by NMR as the taurine N-acylamidates of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and 15alpha-hydroxylithocholic acid (3alpha,15alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid). Taurine-conjugated CDCA constituted 78% of biliary bile acids, and (taurine-conjugated) 15alpha-hydroxylithocholic acid constituted 11%. Proof of structure of the latter compound was obtained by its synthesis from CDCA via a Delta14 intermediate. The synthesis of its C-15 epimer, 15beta-hydroxylithocholic acid (3alpha,15beta-dihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid), is also reported. The taurine conjugate of 15alpha-hydroxylithocholic acid was synthesized and shown to have chromatographic and spectroscopic properties identical to those of the compound isolated from bile. It is likely that 15alpha-hydroxylithocholic acid is synthesized in the wombat hepatocyte by 15alpha-hydroxylation of lithocholic acid that was formed by bacterial 7alpha-dehydroxylation of CDCA in the distal intestine. Thus, the wombat appears to use 15alpha-hydroxylation as a novel detoxification mechanism for lithocholic acid.     

Karyotypic diversity of the armoured catfish genus Hypostomus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) in the context of its occurrence and distribution

This study taxonomically reviewed the specimens studied by Artoni & Bertollo (1996) and assimilated species of Hypostomus into three groups according to their cytogenetic characteristics, vagility and occurrence environments.     

The fisheries biology of flying fishes (Families: Exocoetidae and Hemiramphidae) from the Camotes Sea, Central Philippines

The catches of a small artisanal fishery for flying fishes (Families Exocoetidae and Hemiramphidae) on the Danajon Bank in the Camotes Sea. Central Visayas, were recorded during a 14-month period between 1987–1988. Catches were made using floating drive-in-nets deployed from small motorized canoes. Three species, Cheilopogon nigricans, Cypselurus opisthopus and Oxyporhamphus convexus , formed about 90% of landings. Growth, mortality and related parameters for the three dominant species in the catch were estimated from length-frequency data. Seasonal variations in catch rate and recruitment are described and thought to be linked to the two monsoon periods in the Philippines. Total mortality rates were very high and, while these may be the result of migratory movements rather than attrition, they are a cause for concern in such a highly selective fishery.     

The influence of amino acids and inorganic salts on feeding by larvae of Heteronychus arator (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Abstract

Twenty amino acids were offered at 2 concentrations to Heteronychus arator F. larvae in an agar/cellulose powder medium. In comparison with the plain medium, only 0.1M l-alanine, 0.01M l-aspartic acid, and 0.01M l-glutamic acid significantly stimulated feeding. A mixture of inorganic salts did not induce feeding when presented in the medium alone, nor did it affect the vigorous feeding response of larvae to 0.1M maltose.     

The non-indigenous freshwater fishes of Flanders (Belgium): review, status and trends over the last decade

Fourteen non-indigenous fish species have been successfully introduced to the wild within the territory of Flanders; nine are considered naturalized. Most of the introductions occurred prior to 1950, with six species introduced since then. This paper reviews the available, hitherto scattered, information (including 'grey literature') on these 14 non-indigenous fish species introductions, and evaluates a decade of data from fisheries surveys to assess the recent development of these non-indigenous populations. Gibel carp Carassius gibelio and topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva are the most widespread of the non-indigenous species in Flemish waters, and both continue to expand their ranges. A reduction in range has been observed in brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus only. A case is presented for not including European catfish Silurus glanis , sunbleak Leucaspius delineatus and European bullhead Cottus gobio on the list of non-indigenous freshwater fishes in Flanders. Also discussed are non-indigenous fish species that are likely to colonize Flanders inland waters in the near future.     

Population dynamics of Barbus barbus plebejus (Valenciennes) and Leuciscus cephalus cabeda (Risso) in the middle River Po (Italy)

Scales from 427 Barbus barbus plebejus and 406 Leuciscus cephalus cabeda from the middle River Po were examined. The last annulus was formed between April and May 1977, except the 0–1 age-group of L.c. cabeda which developed its first year-ring between March and April 1977. The survival (S) and annual mortality (A) rates were equivalent in both fish populations; the same was true of both sexes of Leuciscus, but S in Barbus males was lower than in females. The sex ratio showed a preponderance of females in both species.Growth rate from June to September 1976 was higher than in the rest of the year. Annual growth in Barbus females was higher than in males, whereas both sexes in Leuciscus showed equivalent growth rates; growth rate was higher in Barbus than in Leuciscus. The P/B ratio of both species was higher in the young age-groups.Presented at the XLVII Congress of the Italian Zoological Union, Bergamo (Italy), September 1979.Presented at the XLVII Congress of the Italian Zoological Union, Bergamo (Italy), September 1979.