Callionymus leucopoecilus,a new dragonet (Callionymidae) from the Yellow Sea

Callionymus leucopoecilus, a new species of dragonet from the Yellow Sea, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by 4 spines in the first dorsal fin, 9 rays each in the second dorsal and anal fins, ii, 5, ii principal caudal fin rays, a preopercular spine formula of      

Two new species of free-living marine nematodes from the west coast of Scotland

Summary Two new species of free-living marine nematodes, found among the holdfasts of Laminaria saccharina off the West Coast of Scotland, are described. Bolbella gallanachmorae sp. nov. is characterized by a short gubernaculum and regularly curved spicules while Sabatiera scotlandia sp. nov. is characterized by long cervical setae, lightly built spicules with broad alae and a rather lightly built gubernaculum.

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Zusammenfassung Zwei neue Arten freilebender Nematoden, gefunden zwischen den Haftwurzeln von Laminaria saccharine an der Westküste Schottlands, werden beschrieben. Bolbella gallanchmorae sp. nov. ist durch ein kurzes Gubernaculum and regular gebogene Spiculi charakterisiert. Sabatiera scotlandia sp. nov. ist durch lange cervicale Borsten, leicht gebaute Spiculi mit breiten Alae, and ein ziemlich leicht gebautes Gubernaculum charakterisiert.

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Department of Zoology, British Museum (Natural History) (with 9 figs.)     

The biology of the Norway goby, Pomatoschistus norvegicus (Collett), on the west coast of Scotland

The biology of the small offshore goby, Pomatoschistus norvegicus (Collett), was studied on the west coast of Scotland over a period of 19 months. Catches were highest in April-June and lowest in August-September. Virtually all growth takes place in the first two summers, very little in those fish surviving to a third summer. The fish mature after their first winter and the breeding season lasts from March-July. Fecundity is linearly related to standard length and varies from approximately 1000–4000 eggs. Approximately 75% of fish survive their first breeding season but all die after their second. Males live slightly longer than females. The diet consists mainly of amphipods and small caridean decapods. The life history ofthe species is compared with other members ofthe genus.     

The biology of the scaldfish, Arnoglossus laterna (Walbaum) on the west coast of Scotland.

The biology of a Scottish population of the small bothid flatfish, Arnoglossus laterna , was studied from January 1975 until September 1976. The data were taken from monthly samples totalling over 500 fish trawled in 18–36 m on a soft mud bottom. Otoliths were used for age determination and a growth curve was constructed which showed that most growth occurs in the first 2–3 years of life. The maximum age recorded was 8+ years. The fish first mature sexually in their second year at a standard length of 6–7 cm and the short spawning season lasts from the late June to August. Fecundity is length-dependent and the relationship could be described by the regression equation: log fecundity = 3·3472 log standard length (mm) -2·1064. The diet consists mainly of decapod crustaceans (particularly crangonid shrimps), polychaetes, mysids and small fish.     

The commercial potential of the common sea urchin Echinus esculentus from the west coast of Scotland

Sea urchin roe is a valuable food product. The commercial potential of Echinus esculentusL. (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) was assessed both by surveying field populations and gonad growth in response to artificial feeds. Urchins were collected from four locations on the Scottish west coast between June and August of 1998. The roe content was found to be of variable quality. A relatively low percentage of urchins (34.9%) had roe which was considered marketable both in terms of yield and colour. Urchins with a marketable yield of roe were found where algal growth or encrusting organisms were most prolific. Good roe colours and high roe yields were not necessarily coincident. The data suggest an urchin fishery is likely to be impractical economically. In tank-based trials large E. esculentus were fed either commercially available salmon feed, a pelletised urchin diet or the macroalgae Laminaria saccharina. Urchins fed the artificial diets increased in test diameter during the 24-week experiment. At the end of the trial urchins fed salmon feed had a significantly higher gonad and alimentary index than those in the other treatments. E. esculentusis able to successfully exploit a diet rich in animal-origin oils. The diets also influenced gonad colour. The proportion of urchins with marketable gonad colours was highest (85%) in the treatment receiving salmon feed. As this species appears robust in culture and as artificial diets promote somatic and gonadal growth, an investigation into the practicalities of a fully farmed approach to gonad production may be worthwhile.     

Aspects of the population biology of Cephalopholis fulva from the central coast of Brazil

Age and size composition samples of Cephalopholis fulva from the central coast of Brazil were collected from research surveys and from line fishery landings between 1997 and 1999. The samples suggest that the submarine banks located further offshore are characterized by having fish larger than those caught in the continental shelf area. Although the oldest specimens were caught in the continental shelf area, only 34.6% of the specimens were older than 10 years as compared to 51.4% in the submarine banks. The observed size and age differences seem to be related to the lower fishing pressure on the submarine banks, although size composition bias resulting from different sampling procedures and different catchability between sites cannot be excluded. A resampling scheme was used to overcome the influences of size composition bias and to generate a three-dimensional plot of parameters as a means to compare the growth between the submarine banks and the continental shelf area; this plot showed no overlap between growth patterns of the two sites. The natural mortality ( M ) estimate based on the oldest specimen observed was 0.17 year⁻¹. Total mortality ( Z ) estimated from catch-curve analyses using samples from both areas varied from 0.24 to 0.34 year⁻¹, depending on the age range used. With this level of mortality, the C. fulva stock in the central coast area of Brazil was close to or already at the level of overexploitation in the late 1990s.     

Growth, diet and condition of goldsinny on the west coast of Scotland

A study of seasonal, locational and sexual variations of growth, diet, somatic condition ( K _s), gonadosomatic condition (GSI) and hepatosomatic condition (HSI), of the goldsinny wrasse, Ctenolabrus rupestris , was made on specimens taken from three areas (Millport, Oban and Luing) of the west coast of Scotland from May 1992 to June 1993. Capture throughout the year was by either baited creel or by anaesthetics applied underwater. Male goldsinny of age 1 year and older ranged in total length from 67-155 mm, total weight 3.8-58.8 g, and had a maximum age of 14+ years. Females of 1 year and older ranged in total length from 59-159 mm, total weight 2.4-65.4 g and had a maximum age of 20+ years. Juvenile (0 +) goldsinny were mostly of indeterminate sex, ranged in total length from 16-57 mm, and total weight 0.08-1.97 g. Female growth was slower than that of males for all three locations; growth of male and female goldsinny from Millport was slower than the respective sexes at the other two locations. Length-weight relationships varied with age and location. There were differences in K _s, GSI, HSI and dietary trends associated with variation in season, sex and location. The implications of this variation are discussed in relation to the management of a sustainable goldsinny fishery.     

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the dragonet Callionymus curvicornis (Perciformes: Callionymoidei: Callionymidae)

We determined the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of the dragonet Callionymus curvicornis. The total length of C. curvicornis mitogenome is 16,406 bp, which consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 control region. It has the typical vertebrate mitochondrial gene arrangement. This is the first report of a complete mitochondrial genome in the fish suborder Callionymoidei.     

Annual compositional variation in wild Osmundea pinnatifida (Hudson) Stackhouse from the west coast of Scotland

Journal of Applied Phycology - Osmundea pinnatifida (Pepper Dulse) is a commercially interesting red alga harvested from the wild and sold dried as seasoning due to its distinctive peppery taste....     

Coccolithophorids from the west coast of Baja California, Mexico

Studies on coccolithophorids in Mexico are rather scarce, probably due to the use of traditional methods for studying marine phytoplankton (e.g. collection, preservation and analysis). This is the first study of the coccolithophorid flora from west coast of Baja California, Mexico. Bottle samples (4 l) were taken at various depths (5, 25 and 50 m), at fixed stations located on perpendicular transects along the west coast of Baja California, considering three different zones: North, Central and South. A total of 32 samples were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy, yielding 24 taxa identified (17 species and 5 nominal varieties, plus 2 different varieties). The coccolithophorid assemblages are considered subtropical and coastal (with many cosmopolitan taxa). Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica were the most abundant (relative abundance) and widespread species in the study area. We report 15 new records for the Mexican Pacific. The zonal and vertical distribution of some taxa are briefly discussed, as well as the taxonomy of Rhabdosphaera claviger, Helicosphaera carteri, H. hyalina and related taxa.     

Abundance,structure, growth and origin of inshore clupeid populations of the west coast of Scotland

The abundance, structure, growth, and origin of clupeid populations in inshore waters of the west coast of Scotland were studied from April 1970 to October 1972. Clupeid populations in the area comprise mainly young fish. 0-group autumn-spawned herring, probably of Minch origin, move into the area about April and spring-spawned ones (Clyde origin) about June. The timing and the body length at which each group arrives in the area during the different years is the same. After the initial immigration, the distribution of both 0-group clupeids becomes localized.Herring populations in the sea-lochs and associated inshore waters are mainly 0-group fish, which are replaced each year by a new incoming brood. The sprat populations of the sea-lochs are dominated by the 0-group; in the more ‘open’ areas the populations comprise older individuals. Year-class distribution in the ‘open’ areas resemble that of the commercial fishery.The rate of increase of 0-group autumn-spawned herring is 3.68 mm/week and that of spring-spawned 0-group herring is 2.83 mm/week. The curves of growth of 0-group sprats of the 1970 and 1971 year-classes are different; the rate of increase in length, however, averages 3.55 mm/week for both year-classes and the differences are not significant.In sprats, after their first year of life a rapid increase in length takes place in the spring. This increase is thought to enable the majority of the population to reach the minimum size (88–90 mm) for initial gonadal maturation and thereby make them capable of reproducing in their second year of life.     

Recognition of a third callionymid species, Callionymus reticulatus Valenciennes 1837 (reticulated dragonet), in the south-eastern North Sea

During routine coastal Demersal Young Fish and Brown Shrimp Surveys (DYFS) in 2002, the reticulated dragonet Callionymus reticulatus was found in addition to C. lyra in the Wadden Sea of Schleswig Holstein, Germany, using a 3‐m experimental brown shrimp beam trawl. The survey area extended from 7 to 9°E and from 53°30′N to 54°55′N. It is the first proven occurrence of this species east of Helgoland in the Wadden Sea National Park area and adjacent waters. Data from two other beam trawl surveys (in May 2002 on sole and in January 2003 on shrimp) were additionally used to cover a wider area of the German Bight and during different seasons.     

Distribution and density of populations of goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris) on the west coast of Scotland

A field survey of populations of goldsinny wrasse ( Ctenolabms rupestris ) was undertaken on selected areas of rocky coast of west Scotland. Observations by sub-aqua diving were used to determine distribution, habitat preference, and population density, and their seasonal variations. Availability of the preferred refuge type (crevices on rock faces, or between boulders, where two or more entrances exist) was essential in determining goldsinny presence. Goldsinny were not always present in areas or at depths where the influences of freshwater runoff (low temperatures and salinities) were likely, even if the preferred habitat type was available. In areas remote from these influences, and where there were suitable refuges, depth of water (0–44 m), macroalgal cover and high current speeds (2.1–3.6 ms⁻¹) did not affect goldsinny distribution. Observed densities of goldsinny reached a peak in summer months with a maximum of 4.0 m⁻² in areas of shallow boulder scree, but only 1.0 m⁻² in shallow areas with little scree, or at deeper study sites. Numbers of goldsinny observed actively swimming decreased after October, with a rapid disappearance in November. A gradual reappearance was recorded in late April, and early May. Changes in activity may be influenced by both water temperature and photoperiod. Young-of-the-year goldsinny were first observed in August in shallow water (0–8 m) areas typified by rock/boulder scree and/or high macroalgal cover. Where adults also inhabited these nursery areas, 0+ fish could make up over 50% of the total population. After their first winter, juvenile goldsinny may migrate away from inshore sites.     

The fish populations of inshore waters of the west coast of Scotland. The unusual occurrence of the blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) and some notes on its biology

This paper records the unusual occurrence of the blue whiting ( Micromesistius poutassou ) from inshore waters of the west coast of Scotland from 1971 to 1974. The fish were O and I-group and appeared to migrate into the area during the autumn and winter months. Data on growth, length for weight relationships and feeding are described.     

A preliminary list of sublittoral marine algae from the west of Scotland

The valves and girdle bands of Melosira varians C. A. Agardh have been shown to possess greater detail than had been supposed from light microscopy. Spines, pores and projections on the surface of the loculate valve are described, and the precise relationships of the girdle bands to each other and to the valves have been elucidated.     

Reduced Lepeophtheirus salmonis larval abundance in a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland between 2002 and 2006

A survey for planktonic sea louse larvae was carried out in Loch Shieldaig, Scotland, between 2002 and 2006, and spanned 2 successive production cycles (Cycles 1 and 2) at a local Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. farm. The vast majority of the caligid copepodids recovered were Lepeophtheirus salmonis; however, the methodology was unable to determine the species of the caligid nauplii. Greatest densities of nauplii were found at the sampling station adjacent to the salmon farm, and larval densities were low during the fallow period of both cycles. Peaks in nauplius densities occurred around the same time in the 2 cycles, but the peaks were significantly lower during Cycle 2 than Cycle 1. Lepeophtheirus salmonis copepodid densities varied temporally, but not spatially. During most of Cycle 2, copepodid densities were significantly lower than those recovered during Cycle 1. Numbers of gravid L. salmonis at the local salmon farm correlated significantly with densities of louse nauplii and L. salmonis copepodids in the water at time lags of 0 and 1 wk, and 1 and 2 wk, respectively. This survey demonstrated a reduction in densities of L. salmonis larvae in the plankton (an indication of L. salmonis infectious pressure) between the 2 cycles and indicated that the farm was an important source of L. salmonis larvae. The application of anti-louse treatments using emamectin benzoate reduced the numbers of gravid L. salmonis at the farm, and this was the main factor influencing the apparent reduction in L. salmonis infectious pressure in the loch between cycles.