The biology of the black goby, Gobius niger L. in an English south-coast bay

A population of Gobius niger in a south-coast bay was sampled over a 12-month period. The bay received the cooling water discharge from Fawley power station. Four year-classes were recorded of which the 1+ group was found to be responsible for the bulk of egg production. The main spawning period was from April to May although some evidence of batch spawning was found. Growth was found to be faster than has been reported for populations elsewhere, possibly because of the raised water temperature. Despite higher temperatures the growing season was not extended beyond that of other comparable black goby populations, being restricted to a 4–5 months period after the main spawning period. Seasonal changes in diet were believed to be the result of the effect of water temperature on fish movement. Feeding occurred throughout the year.     

Gobius xoriguer,a new offshore Mediterranean goby (Gobiidae), and phylogenetic relationships within the genus Gobius

Ichthyological Research - Gobius xoriguer sp. nov., a new ofshore species of goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Gobiinae) is described based on three specimens collected in 2010, 2012 and 2018 in the...     

Chromosomes of the Black Sea Gobiidae--Gobius melanostomus (Pallas) and Gobius batrachocephalus (Pallas) ]

The chromosome set of G. melanostomus (Pallas) consists of 46 acrocentric chromosomes (2n-46). There are 30 chromosomes in the caryotype of G. batrachocephalus (Pallas): 16 metacentric and 14 acrocentric. The equal number of arms in the chromosome sets of the studied fish (FN-46) evidences for phylogenetic relationships of these species.     

Observations on the biology and nutritive value of the African giant snail Archachatina marginata

Food habits, growth rate, reproductive performance, carcass characteristics and nutritive value of the giant snail were investigated in the field and with captive snails. Food consumed included fresh plant material, livestock faeces and dead animals. Clutch sizes varied from six to twelve and incubation periods from 30 to 45 days. Weight gains of young snails of average weight 20 g fed on diets of single plant species ranged from 18% on Talinum triangulare leaves to 200% on pawpaw fruit. Best growth was shown on leaves of cassava and cocoyam, grain chaff of maize and fruit of pawpaw. Dressing-out percentage of snails of 200 g weight was 37.8%. Nutrient composition of the edible portion compared closely with that of domestic livestock. Nitrogen-free extractive content was high at 5% and fat low at 1.3%. Mineral analysis revealed a high iron content of 12.2 mg/100 g in the edible carcass. The experiments showed that the snail could thrive in captivity on a variety of locally produced feeds, many of them rejected as waste products. It shows great promise as a domestic animal capable of being reared with negligible capital outlay.     

Finding round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) in the Rybinsk Reservoir

The data from finding a female round goby in June 2010 near the dam in the Central Reach of the Rybinsk Reservoir are presented. The presence of mature reproductive products may indicate the possibility of the successful acclimatization of this species in the Rybinsk Reservoir.     

Size, growth and reproductive biology of the giant mudskipper, Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Pallas, 1770), in Malaysian waters

The size, growth and reproductive biology of the giant mudskipper, Periophthalmodon schlosseri, was studied in the inter‐tidal mudflat of a mangrove swamp along a 0.4–0.6 × 5 km stretch of the Sepang coastal waters, Selangor Malaysia. The size ranges of the giant mudskipper specimens caught in the study area were between 10–27.5 cm TL (20.6 ± 3.1 cm) for males and 14.5–28.5 cm TL (21.9 ± 2.3 cm) for females. Male to female sex ratio during the study was 1 : 1.1. The estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L_∞ = 29 cm and K = 1.4 year^?1, with a growth performance index of Ø′ = 3.1. Otolith microstructure analysis revealed a strong correlation (Female: r = 0.920, n = 35; Male: r = 0.943, n = 41, P < 0.05) between the number of daily rings (number of days old) over the respective size ranges of male (8.5–19.5 cm SL) and female fish (11.8–22.3 cm SL). Four maturity stages were described to follow gonadal development based on external features; these stages were further validated through histological examination of the ovary and oocyte diameter measurements. The gonadal development cycle of P. schlosseri was asynchronous, as marked by the random mixture of early stages oocytes (diameter: 70.7 ± 14.9 μm) to matured stages (356.9 ± 20.2 μm), and had a prolonged spawning season extending from June to October. Monthly fluctuation of the gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices for this species was highly correlated (r = 0.126, P < 0.05).     

Ejaculate of sneaker males is pheromonally inconspicuous in the black goby,Gobius niger (Teleostei,Gobiidae)

The black goby, Gobius niger, shows alternative male mating tactics, i.e., parental and sneaker males. Males release a sexual pheromone that attracts females and stimulates aggressive displays in males. This pheromone is produced by the mesorchial gland, a structure well developed in parental males but markedly undeveloped in sneakers. We measured the behavioral response of parental males to the ejaculates of males performing different reproductive tactics. Parental males reacted to the ejaculate of other parental males, with stereotypic aggressive behaviors, but not to the ejaculate of sneakers; consequently sneaker male ejaculate appears to be pheromonally inconspicuous.     

Observations on the biology of Glossiphonia heteroclita (L.)

Summary A population of Glossiphonia heteroclita (Linnaeus) was studied in a pond situated in the grounds of the University College of North Wales, Bangor, Caernarvonshire, from November 1965 to September 1966.Monthly samples were obtained by placing roofing slates in the pond and collecting the leeches which settled on their undersides. These leeches were weighed, and examined for the presence of food in their gut. This provided the data for the construction of histograms of weight frequency, from which their life-history could be inferred.During the summer, breeding leeches were kept in the laboratory, at an average temperature of 14°C. Experiments were carried out to investigate the relationship of the young leeches with their parent, and the feeding behaviour of G. heteroclita.The evidence suggests that G. heteroclita is an annual. A proportion of the leeches which had over-wintered, began to reach maturity in April and breeding commenced in May. By September most of these had produced offspring and many of the heavier leeches had died.About twenty-five eggs were laid into a thin-walled cocoon, which was held under the posterior end of the body. After three or four days the eggs became arranged in a single layer, and were firmly attached to the parent by means of the embryonic attachment organ. The embryos hatched sixteen days later, at 14°C, and then attached to the parent by their posterior suckers. The young leeches remained attached to the parent for at least ten days, by which time their store of yolk was used up. Young leeches separated from their parent soon after hatching died.Although young leeches which were placed in a separate dish from their parents several days after hatching, survived well, they were not able to take advantage of certain types of food.Young leeches separated from their parents, but kept in the same dish usually re-attached in a few hours. They also readily attached themselves to other adult G. heteroclita, but not to other species in the same family e.g. Glossiphonia complanata and Helobdella stagnalis.In the field, leeches which hatched early in the summer, weighed up to 8 mg in September. Those which hatched later did not grow so rapidly. Many small leeches were found in the population throughout the winter. The data on feeding showed that it occurred infrequently during the winter. There was considerable mortality in April, just before the onset of breeding.The behaviour experiments, supported by immunological evidence, suggested that the main food of G. heteroclita in the College Pond, was Lymnaea stagnalis. The leeches did not accept undamaged snails. They also fed on damaged Enchytraeus albidus.

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Zusammenfassung Von November 1965 bis September 1966 wurde in einem Teich im Gelände des University College of North Wales, Bangor, Caernarvonshire, eine Population von Glossiphonia heteroclita (Linnaeus) wissenschaftlichen Untersuchungen unterzogen.An der Unterseite von Dachschiefern, die in den Teich gestellt wurden, siedelten sich Egel an. Jeden Monat wurden these Egel, die einen Ausschnitt der ganzen Population im Teich darstellten, gesammelt. Diese Egel wurden gewogen und der Darm auf das Vorhandensein von Nahrung geprüft. Die Untersuchungen ergaben Daten zur Aufstellung von Histogrammen der Gewichtsfrequenz, von denen der Lebenszyklus konstruiert werden konnte.Im Sommer wurden Egel während der Vermehrung im Laboratorium bei einer Durchschnittstemperatur von 14°C gehalten. Die Beziehungen von jungen Egeln zum Muttertier und die Art und Weise der Nahrungsaufnahme von G. heteroclita wurden experimentell untersucht.Die Beobachtungen weisen darauf hin, daß G. heteroclita eine einjährige Lebensdauer hat. Ein Teil der Egel, die überwintert hatten, begannen im April ihre Geschlechtsreife zu erreichen und sich im Mai zu vermehren. Bis September hatten die meisten dieser Egel Junge produziert, und viele der schwereren Egel waren eingegangen.Etwa 25 Eier wurden in einen dünnwandigen Kokon gelegt, der sich unter dem hinteren Ende des Körpers befand. Nach 3 bis 4 Tagen batten sich die Eier einschichtig gruppiert und waren mit Hilfe der embryonischen Haftorgane fest an dem Muttertier befestigt. Bei 14°C schlüpften- die Jungen nach 16 Tagen aus und befestigten sich mit ihren hinteren Saugnäpfen an das Muttertier. Nach Verbrauch des Dottervorrats blieben die jungen Egel nach mehrere Tage an dem Muttertier festgesaugt. Die Jungen, die kurz nach dem Ausschlüpfen vom Muttertier getrennt wurden, gingen ein.Obwohl junge Egel, die mehrere Tage nach dem Ausschlüpfen vom Muttertier getrennt und in einem anderen Behalter untergebracht wurden, gut überlebten, waren sie jedoch nicht fähig, gewisse Arten von Nahrung aufzunehmen.Junge Egel, die vom Muttertier getrennt wurden, jedoch in demselben Behälter blieben, saugten sich gewöhnlich nach wenigen Stunden wieder fest. Sie saugten sich ohne weiteres nicht nur bei dem Muttertier sondern auch bei anderen erwachsenen G. heteroclita wieder fest, nicht aber bei anderen Arten der gleichen Familie, z.B. Glossiphonia complanata und Helobdella stagnalis.Freilebende Egel, die am Anfang des Sommers ausschlüpften, wogen im September bis zu 8 mg. Diejenigen, die später ausschlüpften, wuchsen nicht so schnell. Während des ganzen Winters wurden viele kleine Egel in der Population gefunden. Die Daten der Ernährungsfrequenz zeigen, daß während des Winters Nahrung nicht häufig aufgenommen wurde. Kurz vor Beginn der Vermehrung im April war die Sterblichkeit beträchtlich.Die Verhaltensexperimente, gestützt auf immunologische Nachweise, deuten darauf hin, daß die Hauptnahrung von G. heteroclita im College-Teich Lymnaea stagnalis war. Die Egel nahmen unbeschädigte Schnecken nicht an. Sie frassen auch verletzte Enchytaeus albidus.

     

Observations on the biology of Boschniakia hookeri (Orobanchaceae)

Observations on Boschniakia hookeri Walp. (Orobanchaceae), a root parasite, have been carried out at locations on the Kitsap Peninsula, Washington State, U.S.A.; Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada; and Sand Lake, Tillamook County, Oregon State, U.S.A. The hosts of B. hookeri , all Ericaceae, identified by excavation of the host root–parasite connection, were Arbutus menziesii Pursh., Gaultheria shallon Pursh., Arctostaphylos uva–ursi (L.) Spreng., and an introduced South American species, Pernettya mucronata Gaud. Seasonal development above ground and recurrence of blooming were monitored. It was shown that the plants are autogamous. Predation plays an important role in the biology of Boschniakia hookeri , including infestation by nematodes, destruction of entire plants by rodents, and attack on the inflorescences by a fly, Pegomya sp. A life history of Boschniakia hookeri was assembled from the data of this study.     

Age and growth,reproduction and diet of a sublittoral population of the rock goby Gobius paganellus (Teleostei,Gobiidae)

Colonisation of extremely acidic waters (pH 3) by aquatic angiosperms occurs widely, but is poorly documented. Unlike acid rain affected and other naturally acidic aquatic ecosystems, waters with pH 3 usually have a high conductivity, with high concentrations of SO₄ ^2- and often high concentrations of Fe³⁺, other heavy metal ions and Al³⁺. Where Fe³⁺ concentration is high, as in many mine waters, it provides a strong buffering system. In such waters, the biogeochemical Fe cycle exerts over water chemistry and the availability of nutrients and carbon for organisms. Biological activity is limited by low concentrations of phosphorus and inorganic carbon (DIC), which in this pH range is essentially all in the form of dissolved CO₂. A number of angiosperms grow in such waters including Phragmites australis, Typha spp. and Juncus bulbosus, though the last is the only one reported to grow totally submerged in waters with pH 3 . J. bulbosus occurs in many lignite mining lakes in Lusatia (north eastern Germany) with pH 3. The characteristics and possible survival strategies for this and other species are discussed.     

The biology of a Scottish population of Fries' goby, Lesueurigobius friesii

The biology of a Scottish population of the burrowing goby Lesueurigobius friesii was studied from February 1975 until October 1976. The fish lives at depths of 10–130 m on muddy grounds and attains a length of at least 94 mm and an age of 11 years, females generally living longer than males. Most growth takes place in the first three years of life after which it proceeds very slowly. Marked differences in year-class strength were found. Both sexes mature in their third year and the breeding season lasts from late May until August. Each female can spawn at least twice during this period and the eggs are laid on the roof and sides of the U-shaped burrows which the fish dig in the mud. Fecundity is length dependent and varies between approximately 3–11 000. The fish feeds predominantly on polychaetes, although small Crustacea and molluscs also feature commonly in its diet. No marked diurnal variation in the feeding pattern was noticed, although the amount of food in the stomachs was lowest in the early hours of the morning.     

Temperature selection and avoidance in the sand goby,Pomatoschistus minutus (Pallas), collected at different seasons

Synopsis The sand goby from the Oslofjord, Norway, is extremely eurythermal. In spring and autumn it avoids temperatures lower than about 4° C, in summer 6° C. Acclimation did not influence the lower avoidance temperature, but the critical thermal maximum, the upper avoidance temperature and the temperature where the whole fish darkened (the darkening temperature) varied with acclimation and season. The darkening temperature is suggested to be the upper temperature limit with the greatest ecological significance. The fish, collected at different seasons darkened at between 19.5 and 22° C. In the field the fish is not found at 20° C and higher.The preference temperature varied with season and with acclimation temperature, generally with low precision. In May, the preference temperature was 13.5° C, that is higher than the ambient temperature of 10° C. In summer, the temperature in sampling locality and preference temperature was the same, 17 and 16.5° C respectively. In October, temperature preference was 7.5° C as compared to 9° C in the field. The variation is explained as a behavioural thermoregulation to direct the fish towards optimal conditions at any time.The seasonal variation in preference temperature can not be ascribed only to seasonal variation in temperature, that is an acclimation phenomenon, but other factors are operative as well, factors which will modify the temperature tolerance in the fish.