Diversity of parasites in Cichlasoma amazonarum Kullander, 1983 during rainy and dry seasons in eastern Amazon (Brazil)

This study investigated the influence of the rainy and dry seasons on the parasite communities of Cichlasoma amazonarum (Kullander, 1983) in a tributary of the Amazon River system, northern Brazil. Of 112 fish examined, 95.5% were parasitized by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Gussevia disparoides, Posthodiplostomum sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, and Echinorhynchus paranensis, as well as by the Glossiphoniidae leech. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and P. pillulare were the dominant parasite species, with I. multifiliis the most prevalent and abundant; the leech (Glossiphoniidae) was the least prevalent and least abundant. Parasites presented an aggregate dispersion pattern and seasonal variations in infestation levels, influenced by the environmental conditions in the rainy season. Variation in the parasite dynamics created overall changes in the parasite communities, characterized by greater diversity, species richness and evenness during the rainy season. However, there was a high similarity (99.8%) in the parasite community structure between the rainy and dry seasons. During the dry season the hosts had predominantly 1–3 parasite species compared to 3–4 parasites in the rainy season. Some parasites in the eastern Amazon undergo population changes relating to seasonality. These results thus indicate the correct season to apply adequate prophylactic measures to reduce negative impacts of parasites in this wild ornamental fish when captured.     

Seasonality affects the parasitism levels in two fish species in the eastern Amazon region

Fish parasite communities have strong interactions with the environment, the host fish, and the aquatic invertebrate communities. Thus, factors directly involving their different life cycles, such as different host populations and environments, as well as seasonal fluctuations in water levels can cause different responses. The main factors structuring parasite communities may be the hydrodynamic variations, together with seasonal variations in the availability of infectious stages of parasites in the environment. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the influence of the rainy and dry seasons on parasite infracommunities in fish species in the Amazon River System of Brazil. Between October 2009 and April 2011, specimens of Colossoma macropomum and Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomus hybrids (tambatinga) were examined for the presence of parasites. The parasite communities were similar in these two species that both showed aggregate dispersion, although the hybrid specimens were less parasitized. For both hosts, the Brillouin diversity, species richness, evenness and Berger‐Parker dominance indices were similar in the rainy season and dry season, except that the Berger‐Parker dominance index for the C. macropomum × P. brachypomus hybrid was higher during the dry season. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was the dominant parasite, followed by Piscinoodinium pillulare, in both hosts. However, C. macropomum had a higher prevalence and abundance in the dry season, while in the C. macropomum × P. brachypomus hybrid, only the I. multifiliis prevalence increased. The abundance of monogenean species (Anacanthorus spathulatus, Linguadactyloides brinkmanni, Mymarothecium and Notozothecium janauachensis) was higher during the dry season in the gills of C. macropomum. Despite overdispersion of the lernaeid Perulernaea gamitanae, a seasonal pattern was seen only in the C. macropomum × P. brachypomus hybrid, with higher prevalence in the rainy season. The low prevalence and abundance of the ectoparasites Tetrahymena sp., Trichodina sp. and Braga patagonica, as well as of the endoparasites Procamallalus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus and Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae, were not affected by seasonality. This information is applicable in farming practice for these economically important fish, as it indicates the best time for prophylactic management and treatment against parasites, in order to prevent economic losses in fish farms.     

Metazoan parasites of Alburnus chalcoides in Tödürge Lake (Zara/Sivas,Turkey)

The metazoan parasites of the Danube bleak, Alburnus chalcoides (Güldenstädt, 1772), were determined in Tödürge Lake, since the parasite fish fauna had not yet been studied in this system. A total of 106 specimens were collected from October 2004 to September 2005. Six parasite species were found: two monogeneans (Diplozoon paradoxum and Diplozoon megan), one digenean (Posthodiplostomum cuticola), one cestode (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi), one nematod (Rhabdochona sp.), and one copepod (Argulus foliaceus). About 87.7% of the Danube bleak examined were infected by at least one parasite: Rhabdochona sp. (4080 specimens), Posthodiplostomum cuticola (312 specimens) and Diplozoon megan (159 specimens) being the dominant parasites. Only 33% of the fish carried one parasitic species whilst the remainder had two (21.7%), three (17.9%) and four different species (15.1%). The frequency of infestation changed according to seasonal conditions, with a maximum 94.3% observed in spring. Occurrence, density, seasonal changes, and preferences of the parasites species for various ages and size groups of the bleak were identified, despite the limited overall sample size. D. paradoxum, D. megan, P. cuticola, B. acheilognathi, Rhabdochona sp. and A. foliaceus were determined for the first time as parasites of Danube bleak in Turkey. D. megan was also a new record for the fish parasite fauna of Turkey.     

Multi-annual changes in the parasite communities of rabbitfish Siganus rivulatus (Siganidae) in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

The parasite communities of the rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus, were used to track multi-annual changes in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, in an environment subjected to ongoing anthropogenic impact. Parasitological data from these fish were collected from 1998 to 2000, with spring and fall samplings at three locations: at a coral reef (OBS), at a sandy beach area (NB) and at a mariculture cage farm (FF). These data were compared with data from 1995–1997 as well as data collected during 1981–1985 at the coral reef sampling site. The data analyses indicate that the ratio between heteroxenous and monoxenous parasite species declined significantly at all sites between 1995–1997 and 1998–2000. During the same period, the species richness of monoxenous parasites increased significantly at all sites. The species richness of heteroxenous parasites decreased significantly at the coral reef site, but remained steady at the other two sites. This coincided with a significant increase in the prevalence of monogeneans at the OBS and FF sites and a significant decrease in the prevalence of digeneans at the FF and NB sites. The decline in the abundance of the latter, specifically of Opisthogonoporoides sp. and Gyliauchen sp., was even more significant when compared with the 1981–1985 data. The prevalence of other gut helminths, namely the digenean Hexangium sigani and the nematodes Cucullanus sigani and Procamallanus elatensis, however, showed a significant increase over the same period. Analysis of the species richness and diversity indices of the parasite communities did not reveal conspicuous differences. These, however, did become apparent when heteroxenous and monoxenous members of particular taxa were analyzed separately. Therefore, when using parasite assemblages to detect ecological changes, it is essential to analyze not only at the community level, but also to consider separate components of particular parasitic groups. Communicated by H. von Westernhagen, A. Diamant     

Some remarks on parasitic infections of the invasive Neogobius spp. (Pisces) in the Hungarian reaches of the Danube River, with a description of Goussia szekelyi sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)

During a survey of the parasite fauna Neogobius spp., which only recently invaded Hungarian reaches of the Danube River upstream from Budapest, it was found that Neogobius melanostomus and N. fluviatilis had become common species. Neogobius kessleri was less frequent and the previously widespread Proterorhinus marmoratus was drastically reduced. The parasite fauna of the newcomer fish species was characterized by ubiquitous parasites of a wide host range, such as the trematode Nicolla skrjabini, the metacercariae of Metagonimus yokogawai and Apatemon cobitidis, the larval stages of the acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus laevis and the nematode Rhaphidascaris acus, the glochidia of an Anodonta sp. (Mollusca) and the ciliophoran Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The specific parasites of Neogobius spp. were represented by three intestinal coccidia: Eimeria daviesae, Goussia kessleri, and a new species described here as Goussia szekelyi sp. n. This survey showed that the rapid invasion of Ponto‐Caspian gobies in the northern Danube caused important changes in the fish fauna composition of the Danube River and enriched the parasite fauna of Hungarian fishes.     

Helminth parasite diversity discloses age and sex differences in the foraging behaviour of southern lapwings (Vanellus chilensis)

Parasites with heteroxen cycles are important sources of information on the trophic relations of hosts. This is particularly instructive for species whose age‐based or sex‐based differences are hardly detected by behavioural observations. Here, we describe the helminth community of the omnivorous southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) and evaluate whether it is affected by the host's sex, age and body size. The species is sexually monomorphic in body length, but males are slightly heavier than females. We analysed 112 individuals collected in Curitiba, Brazil, in March 2010. All hosts were parasitized. The helminth community was composed of 10 species (the digeneans Leucochloridium parcum and Athesmia sp., the cestode Infula macrophallus, the acantocephalans Plagiorhynchus sp., Centrorhynchus sp., Mediorhynchus sp., and an unidentified Gigantorhynchida, and the nematodes Heterakis psophiae, Dispharynx nasuta and an unidentified Capillariidae), seven of which were novel reports for this host species. Prevalence ranged from <1% to 99%. Whereas I. macrophallus was the most prevalent species, D. nasuta showed the highest mean intensity and abundance of infection. The former was found in most hosts as single male–female pairs, suggesting the occurrence of intrasexual competition. The infracommunities of juvenile birds showed a higher parasite species richness than those of adult males and females, suggesting the exploitation of a wider array of prey. However, the three classes harboured seven parasite species. Differences in parasite diversity (lower in juveniles, intermediate in adult males and higher in adult females) reflect the evenness in the distribution of parasite specimens among taxa in each age–sex class and are compatible with differences in their foraging strategy. Finally, we conclude based on the cycles of the heteroxen species that southern lapwings preyed upon molluscs, coleopterans, woodlice and earthworms.     

Ecology of the gastrointestinal parasites of Colobus vellerosus at Boabeng‐Fiema,Ghana: Possible anthropozoonotic transmission

Parasite richness and prevalence in wild animals can be used as indicators of population and ecosystem health. In this study, the gastrointestinal parasites of ursine colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus) at the Boabeng‐Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS), Ghana, were investigated. BFMS is a sacred grove where monkeys and humans have long lived in relatively peaceful proximity. Fecal samples (n = 109) were collected opportunistically from >27 adult and subadult males in six bisexual groups and one all‐male band from July 2004 to August 2005. Using fecal floatation, we detected three protozoans (two Entamoeba sp., Isospora sp.), five nematodes (Ascaris sp., Enterobius sp., Trichuris sp., two strongyle sp.), and one digenean trematode. Using fluorescein labeled antibodies, we detected an additional protozoan (Giardia sp.), and with PCR techniques, we characterized this as G. duodenalis Assemblage B and also identified a protistan (Blastocystis sp., subtype 2). The most prevalent parasite species were G. duodenalis and Trichuris sp. Parasites were more prevalent in the long wet season than the long dry. Parasite prevalence did not vary by age, and average parasite richness did not differ by rank for males whose status remained unchanged. However, males that changed rank tended to show higher average parasite richness when they were lower ranked. Individuals that spent more time near human settlements had a higher prevalence of Isospora sp. that morphologically resembled the human species I. belli. The presence of this parasite and G. duodenalis Assemblage B indicates possible anthropozoonotic and/or zoonotic transmission between humans and colobus monkeys at this site. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Eumetazoan parasites of two marine fish species from Baja California,Mexico: Sebastes miniatus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880) and Caulolatilus princeps (Jenyns, 1840)

It is hypothesized that two fish species sharing a same demersal habitat might show a similar community of parasites. The aim of this study was to compare the parasite community component of of two marine fishes on the northwest coast of México of economical interest, the vermilion rockfish Sebastes miniatus and the ocean whitefish Caulolatilus princeps. From February to December 2005, 210 specimens of S. miniatus (85–550 mm total length TL) and 91 C. princeps (85–550 mm TL) were obtained from the San Quintín sportfishing catch, at Pacific Baja California. Skin, eyes, fins and gill cavity were examined in situ, and their internal organs removed for later analysis, including a portion of flesh. In S. miniatus, 12 parasite taxa were identified as belonging to Monogenea, Digenea, Cestoda, Nematoda, Acanthocephala and Copepoda; the stomach, pyloric caeca, and intestine (digestive tract) were the most parasitized organs with seven of the 12 species. In S. miniatus, the most abundant parasite was Parabothriocephalus sagitticeps (80.8 individuals/host ± 33.4 SE: standard error), highest prevalence was Microcotyle sebastis (92.6%), and the highest average intensity of infection was the cestode P. sagitticeps (190.4 ± 48.1 SE). The C. princeps showed six species belonging to Monogenea, Digenea, Nematoda and Copepoda; the digestive tract presented the greatest infestation, with four of the six species recorded. The most abundant nematode was Hysterothylacium aduncum (16.5 ± 3.5 individuals/host), the main prevalent species was Anisakis sp., and the highest value of infection intensity was by Hatschekia sp. The nematodes Anisakis sp. and H. aduncum were shared between the two host fishes, and are a zoonotic risk to humans if the fishes are not cooked properly.     

Shoreline distribution and parasite infection of black‐striped pipefish Syngnathus abaster Risso, 1827 in the lower River Danube

This study aimed to characterise the shoreline distribution and metazoan parasite community in black‐striped pipefish Syngnathus abaster along the freshwater section of the River Danube (Bulgaria). An extensive survey of the shoreline zone showed the regular presence of S. abaster along the entire stretch from Vetren to Vrav (395–836 river km). The preference of shoreline habitat was analysed using abundance data and the proportion of this species in the fish community within particular habitat types. Highest frequencies of occurrence and density were found in sites with a muddy substrate, as compared to gravel and sand. A subsample of S. abaster from the upper section of the Bulgarian stretch was examined for metazoan parasites. The parasite fauna comprised eight metazoan species, representing half the parasite species richness known from its original range. Only three parasite species previously reported from S. abaster were found in the Danubian range of expansion: the adult trematode Orientocreadium siluri, metacercariae of Diplostomum sp., and an accidental finding of the trematode Nicolla skrjabini. The other five species appear to have been acquired in the new area, although these were recorded at a very low prevalence and/or abundance. Syngnathus abaster, therefore, is not likely to represent an important component in native parasite life cycles. Fish condition was not affected by either total parasite abundance or abundance of core species. Regular occurrence and dominance of Syngnathus abaster indicates that this species now represents a significant component of the Danubian shoreline fish community.     

Community ecology of the metazoan parasites of namorado sandperches, Pseudopercis numida Miranda-Ribeiro, 1903 and P. semifasciata Cuvier, 1829 (Perciformes: Pinguipedidae), from the coastal zone of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One hundred and twenty-eight specimens of namorado sandperches, 62 P. numida and 66 P. semifasciata, collected between October 2002 and June 2003 off the Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Lat 23 degrees S and Long 42 degrees W), were examined to study their metazoan parasites. Parasite communities of these fish were composed basically of endoparasites, mainly digenean and cestodes species, with low prevalence and abundance but having high parasite species richness values (at the component community level). Among these values, that found for P. numida is the highest so far recorded for marine fishes from the Neotropical Region. Thirty-nine species of metazoan parasites were collected: 36 from P. numida and 28 from P. semifasciata. Twenty-five parasite species were common to both species of namorado sandperches. Pseudopercis numida and P. semifasciata are new host records for all parasite species collected, with the exception of Microcotyle pseudopercis. Choanodera sp., Leurodera decora, Neolebouria georgenascimentoi, and Proctoeces sp. which were recorded for the first time in the South American Atlantic Ocean. Gnathia sp. from P. numida and Scolex pleuronectis from P. semifasciata were the species having the greatest dominance frequency. Parasite abundance in P. numida and P. semifasciata were positively correlated with the host total length. Only in P. numida was parasite species richness correlated positively with the host total length. No significant differences between endoparasite infracommunities of P. numida and P. semifasciata were detected. The ectoparasites of P. numida had higher values for parasite abundance, parasite richness, Brillouin index, evenness index, and Berger-Parker index than those of the ectoparasites of P. semifasciata. Comparisons among all ecto- and endoparasites showed the ectoparasites of P. numida as the most heterogeneous group. Low similarity values were observed among the three types of parasite infracommunities of the two hosts.     

Species diversity of the genus Osmundea (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta) in the Macaronesian region

Species diversity within the genus Osmundea in the Macaronesian region was explored by conducting a comprehensive sampling in the Azores, the Canary, and the Madeira archipelagos. Toward identification, all specimens were first observed alive to verify the absence of corps en cerise, a diagnostic character for the genus and morphometric data were measured (thallus length and width, first‐order branches length and width, branchlets length and width, cortical cell length and width in surface view, cortical cell length and width in transverse section). Specimens were sequenced for COI‐5P (39 specimens) and three species delimitation methods (Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery method, and Poisson Tree Processes) were used to assess the threshold between infra‐ and interspecific relationships. Subsequently, one or several sequences of plastid‐encoded large subunit of RuBisCO (21 specimens) per delimited species were generated to assess the phylogenetic relationships among Macaronesian Osmundea. Moreover, for each delineated species, vegetative and reproductive anatomy was thoroughly documented and, when possible, specimens were either assigned to existing taxa or described as novel species. This integrative approach has provided data for (i) the presence of O. oederi, O. pinnatifida, and O. truncata in Macaronesia; (ii) the proposal of two novel species, O. prudhommevanreinei sp. nov. and O. silvae sp. nov.; and (iii) evidence of an additional species referred as “Osmundea sp.1,” which is a sister taxon of O. hybrida.     

PCR fishing for red endophytes in British Columbia Kallymeniaceae (Gigartinales,Florideophyceae) uncovers the species‐rich Kallymenicola gen. nov. (Palmariales,Nemaliophycidae)

Unexpected contaminants uncovered during routine COI‐5P DNA barcoding of British Columbia Kallymeniaceae indicated the presence of a novel lineage allied to the family Meiodiscaceae, Palmariales. Available rbcL data for species of this family were used to design specific primers to screen for the presence of the meiodiscacean species in 534 kallymeniacean specimens primarily from British Columbia, Canada. Ultimately, 43 positive PCR products representing six diverse genetic groups from nine host species were uncovered; three are described here in the new genus Kallymenicola gen. nov., viz., K. invisiblis sp. nov., K penetrans sp. nov., and K superficialis sp. nov. Although genetic groups loosely displayed evidence of host specificity and cospeciation, examples of host switching with interesting biogeographical patterns were also documented.     

Community of parasites in Triportheus curtus and Triportheus angulatus (Characidae) from a tributary of the Amazon River system (Brazil)

The present study compared the community of parasites in populations of Triportheus angulatus and T. curtus from a tributary of the Amazon River in northern Brazil. All hosts had one or more parasite species, 862,687 parasites were collected from T. curtus and 302,008 from T. angulatus. Species richness of parasites, Shannon diversity index and evenness index were higher for T. angulatus. The parasite communities of both hosts was similar (99%) and composed by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Anacanthorus pitophallus, metacercariae and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, with dominance of I. multifiliis. However, low infection level by Piscinodinium pilullare, Dolops sp. and Contracaecum larvae occurred only in T. angulatus, and Spironucleus sp. was found only in T. curtus. There were differences in the prevalence, intensity and mean abundance for some parasites of both hosts. There was aggregated dispersion of parasites in both hosts, but the infection of P. (S.) inopinatus in T. angulatus showed a random dispersion. For T. angulatus and T. curtus, the diversity and abundance of parasites were influenced by the host size. This was the first report of these parasite species for T. curtus, as well as of I. multifiliis, P. pilullare, Dolops sp., P. (S.) inopinatus and Contracecum sp. for T. angulatus.     

Taxonomy of the proterosuchid archosauriforms (Diapsida: Archosauromorpha) from the earliest Triassic of South Africa,and implications for the early archosauriform radiation

Proterosuchidae is one of the first clades of Archosauriformes (archosaurs and closely related species) to appear in the fossil record, with the richest sample of the group coming from the Lystrosaurus Assemblage Zone (earliest Triassic) of South Africa. Four nominal proterosuchid species were described from South Africa during the twentieth century (Proterosuchus fergusi, Chasmatosaurus vanhoepeni, Chasmatosaurus alexanderi and Elaphrosuchus rubidgei), but interpretations of their taxonomy have been widely disparate. The most recent taxonomic revision concluded that P. fergusi is the only valid species and that the other nominal species are junior subjective synonyms of this taxon. This proposal was based on the interpretation that anatomical differences between the nominal species could be explained as a result of ontogenetic changes and/or post‐mortem deformation. The recent discoveries of multiple new South African proterosuchid specimens provide an impetus to revisit their taxonomy. Based upon a comprehensive re‐examination of all known specimens, as well as examination of other proterosuchid taxa in collections worldwide, we conclude that the holotype of Proterosuchus fergusi is undiagnostic. As a result, we propose a neotype (RC 846) for the species. ‘Chasmatosaurus vanhoepeni’ and ‘Elaphrosuchus rubidgei’ are considered subjective junior synonyms of P. fergusi. ‘Chasmatosaurus’ alexanderi is considered a valid species, for which we propose the new combination P. alexanderi comb. nov. A third species, P. goweri sp. nov., is erected on the basis of a single specimen (NMQR 880). All three species recognized here are taxonomically distinct from a previously described archosauriform maxilla from the lower Lystrosaurus AZ. As a result, we recognize a minimum of four archosauriform species following the Permo‐Triassic mass extinction in South Africa. Our results suggest a greater species richness of earliest Triassic archosauriforms than previously appreciated, but that archosauriform morphological disparity remained low and did not expand until the late Early Triassic – early Mid‐Triassic.     

Species richness and similarity of metazoan parasite communities in three species of leatherjacket (Oligoplites: Pisces: Carangidae) from the Pacific coast of Mexico

Species richness and similarity in metazoan parasite communities of fishes can be influenced by several biotic (age, body size, vagility, feeding and social behavior, among others), and local abiotic (temperature, salinity, etc.) factors. The parasite communities of three species of Oligoplites, marine fishes from the Pacific coast of Mexico, were quantified and analyzed. Four hundred sixty‐eight leatherjackets (O. altus, n=94; O. saurus, n=260; and O. refulgens, n=114) were collected from February 2016 to June 2017 from five locations. Twenty‐eight species of metazoan parasites were recovered and identified: four species of Monogenea (adults), nine of Digenea (seven adults and two metacercariae); two of Cestoda (larvae); four of Nematoda (two adults and two larvae); four of Acanthocephala (two adults, one juvenile, and one cystacanth); four of Copepoda; and one Pentastomida (larvae). At the component community level, species richness ranged from 9 in O. saurus to 19 in O. altus. Different species of helminth dominated the component communities of each species of host. Community composition and species richness of parasites differed among the three species of host, locations, and sampling years. Host feeding behavior, body size, and vagility had the most influence on these differences.     

Use of plants by Myzus persicae in agroecosystems: Potential applications in conservation biological control

Myzus persicae (Sulzer) is a highly polyphagous aphid species that attacks several economically important crop plants. Here, trophic webs involving M. persicae, its host plants and its parasitoids were described and quantified in wheat, oat and alfalfa agroecosystems from central Argentina, with special emphasis on the sub-habitats where interactions occur: crops and adjacent field margins. Three fields cultivated with each crop species and their margins were sampled during three years; aphid abundance and mummification percentage were compared among crop plants and the diverse natural vegetation in the borders. Interactions were described using a quantitative food web approach, and abundance and mummification percentage e data were analysed using a generalized linear model. Four plant species present in the borders (Capsella bursa-pastori, Rapistrum sp., Melilotus sp. and Trifolium repens) hosted M. persicae and its parasitoids. The alfalfa agroecosystem produced a significantly higher number of aphids than oat and wheat; however, in all cases, crops and borders sustained similar aphid abundance. A total of six Aphidiinae species attacked M. persicae, with no significant differences in the richness of parasitoid species between the borders and the crops, but with significant differences in parasitoid abundance, being higher in the crops. Mummification percentage were higher in crops than in the borders, with Lysiphlebus testaceipes, Aphidius colemani and A. ervi being the most abundant species. Almost 70% of M. persicae individuals were collected from fields borders, which highlights the importance of including these sites in studies of trophic interactions in crop fields.     

The Pseudoplagioporinae,a new subfamily in the Opecoelidae Ozaki, 1925 (Trematoda) for a small clade parasitizing mainly lethrinid fishes,with three new species

The Pseudoplagioporinae n. subf. (Opecoelidae) is proposed for species of Pseudoplagioporus Yamaguti, 1938, Fairfaxia Cribb, 1989, and Shimazuia Cribb, 2005, a small group of relatively distinctive, Indo-West Pacific taxa reliably known almost entirely from emperor fishes (Perciformes: Lethrinidae). These taxa were previously recognized in the Plagioporinae Manter, 1947, but that subfamily has recently been restricted to a clade of Holarctic, freshwater taxa, whereas analyses of new genetic data find the pseudoplagioporines to form a distinct clade among a larger assemblage of marine taxa. New material was sourced from fishes collected mainly in Queensland waters, Australia, but with some specimens from off Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Japan. Orthodena tropica Durio & Manter, 1968 is transferred to Pseudoplagioporus as P. tropicus (Durio & Manter, 1968) n. comb., and Orthodena Durio & Manter, 1968 thus becomes a synonym of that genus. Three new species of Pseudoplagioporus are proposed. One, P. mediocris n. sp., like other species of Pseudoplagioporus, occurs in several species of Lethrinus. The other two new species, P. labiatus n. sp. and P. roseovulatus n. sp., apparently do not infect species of Lethrinus and were instead found only in the Bigeye emperor Monotaxis grandoculis (Forsskål) and the Redfin emperor M. heterodon (Bleeker), respectively. New host-locality combinations and the first genetic data, for the ribosomal ITS2 DNA region, and the 28S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and cox1 mtDNA genes, are reported for Pseudoplagioporus lethrini Yamaguti, 1938, P. interruptus Durio & Manter, 1968, P. tropicus, Fairfaxia lethrini Cribb, 1989, Fairfaxia cribbi Hassanine & Gibson, 2005, and Shimazuia lethrini (Yamaguti, 1938) Cribb, 2005.     

Identification and Pathogenicity of Lasiodiplodia Species from Eucalyptus urophylla × grandis,Polyscias balfouriana and Bougainvillea spectabilis in Southern China

Species of Lasiodiplodia are important pathogens of a wide variety of plants covering a wide geographical distribution. These fungi can be associated with different symptoms such as stem cankers, shoot blights, fruit rots, dieback and gummosis. Diseases caused by Lasiodiplodia were surveyed on Eucalyptus urophylla × grandis, Polyscias balfouriana and Bougainvillea spectabilis in a nursery in southern China. Based on morphology characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of ITS rDNA sequences and translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (TEF‐1α) gene regions, four species of Lasiodiplodia were identified. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was identified from E. urophylla × grandis, P. balfouriana and B. spectabilis. L. hormozganensis, L. iraniensis and L. pseudotheobromae were identified from B. spectabilis. To our knowledge, with the exception of L. theobromae on E. urophylla × grandis, this study represents the first report of these fungi on the host plants. Pathogenicity tests showed that all Lasiodiplodia spp. obtained in this study are virulent to E. urophylla × grandis and B. spectabilis, and L. theobromae was virulent to P. balfouriana.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of freshwater prawn of genus Macrobrachium in the coastal area of Cameroon

Macrobrachium (Bate, 1868) is a large and cosmopolitan crustacean genus of high economic importance worldwide. We investigated the morphological and molecular identification of freshwater prawns of the genus Macrobrachium in South, South West, and Littoral regions of Cameroon. A total of 1,566 specimens were examined morphologically using a key described by Konan (Diversité morphologique et génétique des crevettes des genres Atya Leach, 1816 et Macrobrachium Bate, 1868 de Côte d'Ivoire, 2009, Université d'Abobo Adjamé, Côte d'Ivoire), leading to the identification of seven species of Macrobrachium: M. vollenhovenii (Herklots, 1857); M. macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851); M. sollaudii (De Man, 1912); M. dux (Lenz, 1910); M. chevalieri (Roux, 1935); M. felicinum (Holthuis, 1949); and an undescribed Macrobrachium species M. sp. To validate the genetic basis of the identified species, 94 individuals representing the species were selected and subjected to genetic characterization using 1,814 DArT markers. The admixture analysis revealed four groups: M. vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion; M. chevalieri; M. felicinum and M. sp; and M. dux and M. sollaudii. But, the principal component analysis (PCA) separated M. sp and M. felicinum to create additional group (i.e., five groups). Based on these findings, M. vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion may be conspecific, as well as M. dux and M. sollaudii, while M. felicinum and M. sp seems to be different species, suggesting a potential conflict between the morphological identification key and the genetic basis underlying speciation and species allocation for Macrobrachium. These results are valuable in informing breeding design and genetic resource conservation programs for Macrobrachium in Africa.