Chloromyxum schurovi sp.n.--new myxosporidian species (Myxosporea: Sphaerosporidae) from salmonid fishes (Salmonidae)

New species of the myxosporidian genus Chloromyxum is described from salmonid fishes collected in Karelia, Norway and Finland in 1992-1998.     

Consideration of Taxonomic-Nomenclatural Problems Posed by Report of Myxosporidians with a Two-Host Life Cycle1

The recent report of two hosts in the life cycle of the myxosporidian parasite causing whirling disease in rainbow trout left unresolved several important taxonomic-nomenclatural problems that are thus treated here. Although the spore morphology is totally different in the invertebrate host, the species involved can legally have but one name, viz., Myxobolus cerebralis Hofer, 1903 (until 1984, widely known under the name “Myxosoma cerebralis”). The “actinomyxidean” stage found in tubificid worms could have been tentatively assigned to the genus Triactinomyxon only if the latter had been considered as a collective-group name. While intermediate ranks are also affected, even the high-level groups Myxosporidia and Actinomyxidea, long considered taxonomically separate in conventional protozoan classification schemes, must be redefined. If future investigations confirm the existence of a two-host life cycle for Myxobolus cerebralis and perhaps for other related myxosporidian fish parasites, then the phylogenetic distinctiveness of Myxosporidia and Actinomyxidea has been undermined and perhaps they can no longer be treated as evolutionarily divergent assemblages.     

四川省鱼类寄生粘孢子虫两新种（粘孢子纲：双壳目）

本四川省鱼类寄生粘孢子虫两新种：寄生墨头鱼的宜宾两极虫,新种Ｍｙｘｉｄｉｕｍ ｙｉｂｉｎｅｎｓｅ ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ．和寄生鳙Ａｒｉｓｔｉｃｈｔｈｙｓ ｎｋｂｉｌｉｓ的鳙单尾虫,新种Ｕｎｉｃａｕｄａ ａｒｉｓｔｉｃｈｔｈｙｄｉｓ ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ。     

长江中游长吻鮠、蛇鮈寄生粘孢子虫感染率的季节动态

1.寄生长吻鮠上的粘孢子虫有3种:巨囊两极虫和四极虫一种,寄生在胆囊中,碘泡虫一种寄生在肾脏中;寄生蛇鮈上的粘孢子虫有2种:湖北碘泡虫,寄生在脑、鳃、肾、体腔、肠,主要寄生在脑,楚克拉虫一种,寄生在胆囊中。2.粘孢子虫对长吻鮠、蛇鮈的感染率存在明显的季节变化;对长吻鮠的感染率最高值出现在6月(95%),最低值出现在2月(43%),年平均值为65%;湖北碘泡虫对蛇鮈的总感染率最高值出现在12—2月(63—67%),其次在8月(58%),春秋两季感染率较低(36—44%),年平均值为51%。3.总感染率(IR)与鱼体全长(TL)的关系:长吻鮠IR=0.956-0.009TL;蛇鮈IR=-2.0678+0.3838(TL)-0.0136(TL)2,8厘米以下的蛇鮈未发现感染。4.粘孢子虫的感染率与长吻鮠、蛇鮈的性别无关。5.感染粘孢子虫的长吻鮠,肥满度下降不大(0.04),感染粘孢子虫的蛇鮈,肥满度下降0.12,体重平均下降12.4%。6.长吻鮠中寄生粘孢子虫的总感染率(IR)与长江中游水温(T℃)呈显著正相关,二者关系可用下式描述:IR=0.3129+0.0192(T℃)。蛇鮈寄生粘孢子虫的总感染率(IR)与水温(T℃)之间的关系呈一反抛物线型、两者关系可用下式描述 IR=1.1228-0.073777T+0.001795T2       

Histopathological changes in fish gills infected with myxosporidian parasites of the genus Henneguya

Tissue reaction to invasion by two Henneguya species was studied in gills of three species of fish. Henneguya psorospermica and Henneguya creplini develop in secondary lamellar arterioles in perch ( perca fluviatilis ) and ruff ( Acerina cernua). In pike ( Esox lucius), H. psorospermica develops in the artery. During the growth of the vegetative stage, the gill tissue may undergo local atrophy or hyperplasia of the epithelium and displacement and disfiguration of the lamellae. After the myxosporidian cyst, surrounded by a host tissue capsule has reached maturity and contains fully-formed spores, an inflammatory reaction may set in which reduces the cyst to granulomatous tissue. This inflammatory process is essentially of the same type as that observed in mammals. There is evidence that inflammatory responses are of regular occurrence in the final stages of most myxosporidian infections. Transfer from low to room temperature provokes a rapid elimination of the cysts by granulomatous inflammation.     

New species of myxosporidans from fishes in the Lake Khanka basin

Two new myxosporidian species found in fishes from the Komissarovka River (Khanka Lake basin) are described: Myxobolus chankaensis sp. n. from Nemachilus barbatulatus toni and M. oxycephali sp. n. from Phoxinus lagowskii oxycephalus.     

The life cycle of myxosporidians in fish of the Kola Peninsula

Monthly studies on the seasonal parasite fauna dynamics of pike, minnow and perch were carried out from May, 1974 to September, 1977. It was found out that the myxosporidian Henneguya creplini has a one-year life cycle. The infection of perch with this parasite takes place at a water temperature not exceeding 13 degrees. In other species (Chloromyxum esocinum, Ch. mitenevi, Myxobolus cybinae) the life cycle is shorter, in consequence of which fishes can be infected with these parasites several times a year and in different seasons. The nature of seasonal changes in abundance of myxosporidians depends to a great extent on weather conditions of each concrete year.     

Genus Pleistophora Gurley, 1893: An Assemblage of at Least Three Genera1

Until recently, pansporoblastic microsporidia that produce a variable and large number of sporoblasts from a sporont have been included in a single genus, namely Pleistophora Gurley, 1893. Ultrastructural studies have been used to determine whether the resemblance of these species is fundamental or superficial. The results indicated that the multisporous pansporoblastic forms belong to at least three genera and, thus, that Pleistophora is a “composite genus.” The term pansporoblast was originally used for stages in myxosporidian development. The term sporophorous vesicle adopted from Gurley is suggested for the spore-containing vesicle in the Microspora. Three species were studied: Pleistophora typicalis, the type-species; Pleistophora culicis, for which a new genus Vavraia has already been proposed; and Pleistophora simulii. P. typicalis and V. culicis have isolated nuclei throughout their development, and the sporophorous vesicle wall enveloping the sporoblasts is derived from amorphous secretions laid down during merogony external to the plasmalemma. Pleistophora and Vavraia are differentiated principally in terms of the structure of the sporophorous vesicle wall and mode of division of the sporogonial plasmodium. The nuclei of young sporonts of P. simulii are in diplokaryon arrangement and undergo meiosis to give haploid nuclei in the sporoblasts. The sporophorous vesicle wall is membranoid and is laid down external to the plasmalemma at the onset of sporogony. A new genus, Polydispyrenia n. g., is suggested for this species, the affinities of which are closer to the dimorphic species of microsporidia than to Pleistophora or Vavraia. The terms “merontogenetic sporophorous vesicle” and “sporontogenetic sporophorous vesicle” are used to distinguish between the two groups.     

The biology and pathogenicity of the carp parasite Thelohanellus nikolskii (Myxosporidia)

The myxosporidian Thelohanellus nikolskii has been recorded in young of carp in fish-breeding ponds of Moldavia since 1982. Sporogenesis takes place from June to August. Single cysts with mature spores are found in winter and spring. The distribution of cysts in the host's population is of overdispersed character. Haematological investigation has revealed the threshold level of the invasion when there are observed changes in the blood of infected fishes (8 to 10 cysts per 1 g of fish weight). The parasite is most pathogenic during the spore formation. Blood of fishes contains increased contents of younger forms of neutrophils, monocytes and thrombocytes.     

Three new species of Myxosporidia (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) parasites of Citharinus citharus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809) (Citharinidae) in Chad (Central Africa)

The study of Citharinus citharus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809) (Teleost, Citharinidae) captured in the Chari river in Chad revealed the presence of three new myxosporidian which are described in the present paper: Thelohanellus taguii sp. nov., a systematic parasite; Myxobolus mbailaoi sp. nov., which affects operculum, skin and intestine, Myxobolus charii sp. nov., a parasite of the skin.     

Myxosoma microspora n. sp. (Myxosporidia: Protozoa) parasitic in the gills of Mugil cephalus L.

A new histozoic species of myxosporidian, Myxosoma microspora n.sp., infecting the gill filaments of Mugil cephalus is described. Cysts measuring 0.5–1.0 mm in diameter were found attached to the gill filaments. Spherical or slightly oval, spores 4.8–5.2 μm in diameter, were present and possessed a thin outer mucous envelope which appeared as small conical protuberances at the ends of the equatorial axis. Polar capsules were pyriform in shape, equal in size and measured 1.6–2.0 × 1.0–1.2 μm; the polar filaments were 22–28 μm in length. There was a bean-shaped sporoplasm measuring 3.5 × 1.5 μm. No iodine vacuole was detected when the parasite was stained with Lugol's iodine.     

Notes on the biology of the Patagonian hake, Merluccius hubbsi (Marini), the southern blue whiting, Micromesistius australis (Norman) and others in the Falkland Islands shelf area

From the examination of samples of fish caught in two commercial surveys on trawling grounds around the Falkland Islands, it is noted that Patagonian hake, Merluccius hubbsi , southern blue whiting, Micromesistius australis , and others occurred in fishable quantities especially to the east of Beauchêne Islands where fishes were larger and more numerous. However 47% of the total catch consisted of southern blue whiting which was 100% infested by a myxosporidian parasite in its musculature rendering it unsuitable for human consumption.     

Light and ultrastructural data on Henneguya testicularis n. sp. (Myxozoa,Myxobolidae), a parasite from the testis of the Amazonian fish Moenkhausia oligolepis

Light and electron microscopical data on a myxosporidian found in the testis of Moenkhausia oligolepis Gunther (Teleostei, Characidae, Tetragonopterinae) from the lower Amazon River near Belém, Brazil, are described. Based on spore morphology, we conclude that this species belongs to the family Myxobolidae and genus Henneguya. Mature spores (total length 27.5 (27.0–28.5) µm) were observed at the periphery of the testis. The ellipsoidal spore body consists of two unequal shell valves adhering together along the suture lines. The spore body is ellipsoidal, 14.0 µm long and 6.5 µm wide. Each valve tapers to a single caudal projection, forming a 13.5 µm long tail (13.0–14.5 µm). The spore is surrounded by a homogenous dense sheath. The polar capsules, measuring 9.0 × 2.0 µm, contain 12–13 coils of the polar filaments. Morphological differences between this material and other species of the genus Henneguya indicated the erection of a new species, which was named H. testicularis. The taxonomic affinities of this parasite are discussed.     

Ultrastructural Observations on the Development of the Microsporidian Protozoon Plistophora hyphessobryconis Schaperclaus*

SYNOPSIS. A sequence of developmental stages of Plistophora hyphessobryconis Schaperclaus, a microsporidian protozoan parasite of the muscular tissue of several species of freshwater fishes, was studied with the electron microscope. The youngest stages observed, ca. 4 × 2 μ, have a single nucleus and their plasm contains only ergastoplasmic lamellae and ribosomes. They are surrounded by a halo of lysed host tissue. They increase in volume to become large sporonts with a great number of nuclei and a thick, 2-layered membrane. Thru schizogony, a corresponding number of sporoblasts is produced within this pansporoblast membrane. Sporoblasts start to develop a thick spore membrane, and a number of smooth-membraned vesicles appear in the plasm. These vesicles fuse to make the outer membrane of the filament. Later, its inner structures originate—the axial electron-dense substance, filling the hollow lumen of the filament, and a middle, electron-transparent layer. The structure of the filament is discussed in relation to its function and with regard to the findings of other authors. The polaroplast is a laminated structure, originating possibly by transformation of endoplasmic reticulum; the polar cap forms its apical part. The cap is also lamellar; its substance reaches into the lumen of the filament for a certain distance. No micropyle was discovered in the shell; the filament is fastened to the polar cap. These observations on microsporidian development and on the structure of their spores are compared with similar data on myxosporidian species. Such a comparison speaks clearly in favor of the complete taxonomic separation of the Microsporidea from the Myxosporidea, the latter being quite different also from other sporozoa sensu lato.     

Fine structure of Chloromyxum menticirrhi n. sp. (Myxozoa) infecting the urinary bladder of the marine teleost Menticirrhus americanus (Sciaenidae) in Southern Brazil

A myxosporidian was found in the urinary bladder of the teleost Menticirrhus americanus Linnaeus, 1758 (Sciaenidae) collected from the South Atlantic coast of Brazil. Polysporic amoeboid plasmodia containing sporoblasts, developing pansporoblasts and spores were free in the bladder lumen. The prevalence of infection was 17.64% (15/85). Unfixed spores were spherical to subspherical, on average 10.5 μm long, 9.8 μm wide and 10.1 μm thick (n=25), and fixed spores measured 10.1×9.5×9.7 μm. The two spore valves were of equal size and each possessed prominent sutural lines and about 41 (37–45) surface ridges aligned parallel with the suture line. These ridges gave transverse sections a cog-wheel-like outline. The spores contained four pyriform polar capsules of equal size (3.20×2.0 μm) (n=25) (fixed), each with a polar filament having 3–4 (rarely 5) coils. The binucleate sporoplasm was irregular in shape, with granular matrix and randomly distributed dense bodies. The shape and dimensions of the spore, as well as the number, position and arrangement of the surface ridges, polar capsules and polar filament indicate that this is a new species, herein designated Chloromyxum menticirrhi. The gill, liver, gall bladder and intestine of the host showed no abnormalities.     

指示种、伞护种与旗舰种:有关概念及其在保护生物学中的应用

指示种、伞护种和旗舰种等的运用常常可以作为解决保护生物学问题的捷径。指示种被用来评价环境中人为干扰因素的程度,监测其他物种的种群动态,或用于确定生物多样性较高的区域;伞护种则常用来确定需保护生境的类型和面积;而旗舰种被用于引起公众对保护行为的关注。本文试图对上述术语和概念在使用上加以明确区分,并对其应用提出一些指导性原则。认为针对上述不同类型的代理种,使用的目的和选择的标准应有所不同,彼此不能混淆使用。     

On the spider population of the area adjacent to Teletskoe Lake (Northeast Altai)

Investigations have been carried out in the area adjacent to Teletskoe Lake in the Altai Nature Reserve. Checklists of species for the studied habitats and their comparative analysis are given. Previous data on the fauna of spiders in the Altai Nature Reserve have been supplemented by 39 species. Three species have been recorded for the first time in the fauna of the Altai Mountains. The complexes of dominant species have been revealed. Peculiarities of the seasonal dynamics of the population for order as a whole and for separate herpetobiont spiders groups have been considered.     

Polymorphism in the Aegean "five-loculed" species of the genus Campanula, Section Quinqueloculares (Campanulaceae)

Population variation in species of Campanula Section Quinqueloculares and related taxa has been studied. 19 species and 48 populations from the Aegean region have been sampled. There are few distinct character states available for analysis so that metric variables have been scored. 11 leaf variables and 19 flower variables have been measured in up to 683 plants. Regressions of variables with overall size have been calculated and where significant allometric variation has been detected residual scores have been used as variables. Hierarchical analysis of variance has indicated that a large part of the total variation is found between populations within species rather than within populations. Between the 10 most closely related species there is a considerable overlap in population means of variables. Multivariate analysis also fails to identify distinct species clusters. In particular principal components analysis provides additional evidence of overlap between species. It is suggested that a detailed study of genetic variation within and between species is required in order to establish the presence of any distinct phylogenetic lineages.     

Myxidium volitans sp. nov., a parasite of the gallbladder of the fish, Dactylopterus volitans (Teleostei: Triglidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic coast--morphology and pathology

Myxidium volitans sp. nov. (Myxozoa: Myxidiidae) parasitizing the hypertrophied green-brownish gallbladder of the teleost Dactylopterus volitans, collected in the Atlantic coast near Niterói, Brazil was described based on ultrastructural studies. The spores were fusiform, sometimes slightly crescent-shaped on average 21.7 ± 0.3 μm (mean ± standard deviation) (n = 50) long and 5.6 ± 0.4 μm (n = 30) wide. The spore wall was thin and smooth, comprising two equally-sized valves joined by a hardly visible sutural ridge. Spores containing two pyriform polar capsules (PC) (5.0 ± 0.4 × 2.3 ± 0.3 μm) (n = 30) are situated in each extremity of the spore. The PC wall was composed of hyaline layer (0.20-0.29 μm thick) and by a thin external granular layer. Each PC contains a polar filament (PF) with irregular arrangements that was projected from its apical region to the bases of PC and coiled laterally from bases to the tip of PC. Some regular striations and S-like structures in the periphery of the PFs with four-five irregular sections were observed. Based on the spore morphology, ultrastructural differences and the specificity of the host we describe this parasite as a new myxosporidian, named M. volitans sp. nov.     

人为活动对舟山群岛大中型兽的影响：大中型兽受威胁状态分析

本文根据历史记载对比和皮张收购资料分析研究了舟山群岛大中型兽的受威胁状态。结果显示,舟山群岛曾有大中型兽16种,5种已绝灭,3种处于濒危状态,3种分布区缩小（一种种群数量正在下降）,3种种群保持稳定,2种种群动态不明;食肉动物的绝灭率大于食草动物;大型动物绝灭率较高;岛屿物种绝灭率高于邻近大陆。文章还比较了确定种群趋势的几种方法。