A new species of the deep-sea fish genus Paraliparis Collett (Liparididae) from the eastern North Atlantic, with notes on its ecology

A new species of liparidid, Paraliparis hystrix , is described from the slope waters (255–1140 m) to the west of Britain, in the area 49–59°N and 07–18°W. This pallid species is not uncommon, and is represented by a strong imbalance of females. Specimens close to ovulation have been collected in all seasons and have an estimated mean fecundity of 83 eggs.     

A new species of the deep-sea fish genus Coryphaenoides Gunnerus (Macrouridae) from the tropical eastern North Atlantic and its relationship with C. (Coryphaenoides) marshalli Iwamoto, 1970

A new species of macrourid, Coryphaenoides paramarshalli is described from mid to lower slope waters (l 13–160 m) off West Africa, in the area 04°S-21°N and 10°E-18°W. The species is very closely related to C. marshalli . Indeed, two of the paratypes of that species are incorporated among the paratypes of C. paramarshalli , as they are referrable to the new species. The features distinguishing the two species are discussed in conjuction with those separating C. paramarshalli from other related species.     

A new species of the grenadier genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coelorinchus</Emphasis> (Actinopterygii: Gadiformes: Macrouridae) from the Timor Sea,Eastern Indian Ocean

Coelorinchus okamurai sp. nov. is described from five specimens collected in the Timor Sea at a depth of 610–690 m. The new species belongs to the Coelorinchus japonicus group (redefined in this study), and differs from all other congeners in having the following combination of features: snout moderately long, sharply pointed in lateral and dorsal views, length 39–42% of head length; lateral nasal ridge completely supported by nasal bone; light organ short, length less than 1/2 orbit diameter, its anterior margin falling far short of pelvic-fin bases; premaxillary teeth in short, uniformly wide band, with posterior end of the tooth band not reaching lateral corner of mouth; no teeth greatly enlarged; body scales covered with short, reclined, narrowly blade-like spinules in widely divergent rows; buttresses of body scale spinules scarcely developed; occipital scales between parietal ridges armed with divergent rows of long, erect, needle-like spinules; nasal fossa usually naked (a few small scales rarely present anteroventrally); patches of small scales sparsely distributed on ventral surface of head; scales on underside of head armed with 1–3 rows of short, erect, needle-like to knife-like spinules; interdorsal space longer than first dorsal-fin base length; subopercle terminating as a long, slender flap; body dark overall without prominent markings; fins uniformly blackish.     

New data elucidating the taxonomy and ecology of the Parabrotulidae (Pisces: Zoarcoidei)

One hundred and eighty-two new specimens of Parabrotula and 52 Leucobrotula are reported. Generic separation is confirmed. although premaxillary dentition no longer distinguishes the two. Two species of Parabrotula (one yet to be described) and one of Leucobrotula are strongly indicated from meristic data. Breeding biology is considered, with comment upon sexual dimorphism in size, size at maturity and possible breeding period. Parabrotulu plagiophthalmus Zugmayer, 1911 is shown to be a midwater non-migrant species (range 76@1500 m) with a temperature preference in the eastern North Atlantic of 9.0–5.0° C. Leucobrotulu udipatus Koefoed, 1952 exhibits a depth range of 61–1290 m and a temperature range of 9.0–4.2° C. Geographically it is evidently restricted to the North Atlantic and endemic to the eastern side. Most specimens were caught pelagically in the northwest African upwelling area in slope waters. Parabrotulaplagiophthalnius is distributed worldwide, although 89% came from the eastern North Atlantic.     

Analysis of variations of basic morphometric characters in the species of grenadier (Macrouridae, Gadiformes) from the waters of the northern part of the Mid-Atlantic ridge

We investigate variations of the basic morphometric characters (length of head, length of snout, diameter of orbit, interorbital distance, etc.) of ten of the most common species of grenadiers (Macrouridae) in the waters of the northern part of the Mid-Atlantic ridge: Coelorinchus labiatus, Coryphaenoides armatus, C. brevibarbis, C. carapinus, C. guentheri, C. leptolepis, C. mediterraneus, C. rupestris, Macrourus berglax, and Paracetonurus flagellicauda. It is shown that most morphometric characters of the investigated species vary within the wider limits as compared with the published data. The representatives of genera Coelorinchus, Macrourus, and Paracetonurus well differ by a number of characters from the species of genus Coryphaenoides and from each other. In spite of a significant likeness in many characters of the species of genus Coryphaenoides, there are individual characters that differ well from one species to another.     

A new species of the deep-sea eel genus Ilyophis Gilbert (Synaphobranchidae) from the eastern North Atlantic, with comments on its ecology and intrafamilial relationships

A new species of synaphobranchid eel, Ilyophis blachei , is described from the eastern North Atlantic. It is distinguished by 179–188 vertebrae, dorsal fin inserted half (or more) of the snout length posterior to extended tip of pectoral fin, gill slits obliquely inclined anteroventrally from pectoral base, rounded posterior nostril bordered anteriorly by conspicuous triangular flap, long lateral line (87–95% S.L.), supraorbital canal pores 5–6, infraorbital 7–8 and preoperculomandibular 10–11, supraorbital and supratemporal commissures with 1 and 3 pores, respectively. The diagnosis of the genus Ilyophis is extended to embrace these characters. The transitional position of the genus between the subfamilies Synaphobranchinae and Dysomminae is discussed in the light of this new evidence. Ilyophis blachei occurs on the lower continental slope (1247–2070 m soundings) within the temperature range c. 7.0−3.3°C. The first record of I. arx in the Atlantic Ocean is also reported.     

Taxonomic relationships between Pachycerus and Rhabdorrhynchus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae), with descriptions of two new species of Rhabdorrhynchus from the Arabian Peninsula

Taxonomic relationships between Rhabdorrhynchus and Pachycerus are discussed, and two new species of Rhabdorrhynchus are described: Rhabdorrhynchus sauditus (type locality: Saudi Arabia, As Shāqqah al Yamānīyah, 19°42'N, 40°48'E) and Rhabdorrhynchus emir (type locality: United Arab Emirates, Jebel Ali, 24°59'N, 55°43'E). Some hypotheses on the distribution of the new species in the Arabian Peninsula, based on a biogeographical analysis, are proposed.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 25–37.     

Eimeria tarentolae n. sp. from the Moorish Gecko, Tarentola mauritanica

ABSTRACT. A new species of Eimeria from the Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica , of Minorca, Spain, is described. Oocysts of Eimeria tarentolae are ellipsoidal and measure 17.8 (17.6–18.7) μm by 13.5 (12.9–14.0) μm. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Each oocyst contains four spherical to slightly subspherical sporocysts 6.8 (6.4–7.0) μm in diameter. A sporocyst residuum is present, while a Stieda body is lacking. Sporulation is completed within 24–32 h at 21 ± 2°C.     

Convergence and parallelism among cicadas of Argentina and the southwestern United States (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea)

Cicadas of the genera Derotettix in Argentina and Okanagodes in the south-western United States resemble each other in colour, live on salt-tolerant plants ( Atriplex spp. etc.), nearly match the colour of their respective host plants and produce songs above the range of avian hearing. The Argentine cicadas are smaller, but have nearly identical thermal limits for activity measured by the minimum temperature for flight (20–24 °C) and a body temperature at heat torpor (48–49 °C). The species shift activity from basking sites to shade at temperatures above 37 °C, although O .  gracilis rises to a significantly higher temperature (40.7 °C) than its congener (38.2 °C) or Derotettix (37.2 °C). The thermal tolerances are the highest reported for cicada species. A third group using halophytes in Argentina ( Babras sonorivox ) has similar temperature tolerances and is cryptically coloured. The genera are convergent with respect to morphology, coloration, body size, behaviour, habitat choice and host plant selection. The similarities of thermal tolerances and their influence on behaviour can be viewed as parallelism because the underlying mechanisms are the same in all species studied.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 83 , 281–288.     

Isospora viridanae N. Sp., an Intranuclear Coccidian Parasite from the Canarian Skink, Chalcides viridanus (Lacertilia: Scincidae)

A caryotropic species of coccidium, Isospora viridanae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). has been found as a parasite in the Canarian skink, Chalcides viridanus Gravenhorst, 1851, from Tenerife, Spain, and is described here as a new species. Fully sporulaled oocysts of Isospora viridanae are spherical and measure 21.6 (1 7.6–23.4) nm in diameter. Mtcropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are ali absent. Oocysts of this coccidian, with a smooth bilayered wall, contain 2 ovoid sporocysts 13.2 (11.7–14.0) by 9.5 8.2–10 5) μm. A sporocyst residuum is present as well as a Stieda body and a substieda body. Most oocysts are found to be at the beginning of sporulanon when excreted and show 2 spherical sporoblasts. Sporulation is completed within 24 to 48 h at 23 × 2°C Sporozoites are 13–14 μm long and are about 2.5–3 μ m wide. Endogenous stages of schizogony and gamogony develop in the nuclei of epithelial cells from the small intestine of the skink. Comparisons with other species of the genus found in lacertilian hosts indicate that it is a new species.     

Body-temperatures and torpor in Sminthopsis crassicaudata and S. larapinta (Marsupialia–Dasyuridae)

Body-temperatures in two species of insectivorous marsupial mice (family Dasyuridae) were measured using a rectal thermistor. In Sminthopsis crassicaudata at 21°C, body-temperatures ranged from–5–31 - 1° C (432 measurements on 12 mice). A diurnal temperature cycle with a mean amplitude of 0.79°C was revealed, with temperatures at a maximum at 02.00 hours and a minimum at 10.00 hours. Mean body-temperatures of sibs showed significant differences; in one litter a difference of 2.7°C was demonstrated. In S. larapinta , the diurnal temperature cycle was greater with a mean amplitude of 4.24°C. Body-temperatures ranged from 38.8–22.9°C.
Changes in surface-temperature (Ts) in unrestrained animals during entry into and arousal from torpor, were measured using thermocouples fitted inside the nest-box and a recording potentiometer. S. larapinta had a daily torpor with or without food at room temperature, while in S. crassicaudata torpor could only be induced by lack of food. The lowest T_s reached were 18° and 17°C respectively. It is suggested that the torpor-mechanism may have evolved in these species to meet temporary or seasonal shortages of food.     

Parasites of Argentine anchovy in the south-west Atlantic: latitudinal patterns and their use for discrimination of host populations

Four stocks of Argentine anchovy Engraulis anchoita in the south-west Atlantic, south of 34°S were identified by the use of parasites as biological tags. A total of 671 fish were examined for parasites and 19 parasite species were found in 664 Argentine anchovies. The parasite populations and both infra- and component communities showed marked latitudinal gradients. Cluster analyses allowed the identification of four groups, one composed of autumn samples (35–37°S) and three of spring ones. Among the latter, a Patagonian group (43–46°S) was clearly separated from a Bonaerense group, which was divided into two groups: North Bonaerense (34–40°S) and South Bonaerense (40–43°S). Autumn samples were characterized by low values of prevalence for most parasite species. Among spring samples Pseudanthocotyloides heterocotyle , Lecithochirium microstomum , Parahemiurus merus , Scolex polymorphus and Corynosoma australe were characteristic of the northern region, whereas Cardiocephaloides sp., Anisakis simplex , Contracaecum sp. and Hysterothylacium aduncum were more prevalent in southern waters. Latitudinal environmental gradients and their influence on the distribution of both zooplankton and definitive hosts, could be determinants of the clines observed.     

Feeding behaviour of yearling and older hybrid grass carp

Hybrid grass carp resulting from the cross of a female grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.), and a male bighead carp, Hypophthalmichthys ( Aristichthys ) nobilis Rich., 12–18 months old ( c . 300 mm T.L.) were studied in a two-part experiment to determine feeding preference and total daily consumption fish^-1 on selected species of aquatic plants. Fish were maintained in circular pools with 6840·8 1 of water inside a temperature-controlled greenhouse. Preference tests were conducted at three temperature ranges; 25–28° C, 17–20° C and 12–15° C. Based on the time to complete consumption or the relative quantity consumed, the most preferred plant was Lemna gibba when in combination with six other species. Chara sp., Najas guadalupensis and Potamogeton peciinatus were readily consumed and considered to be of about equal preference. Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum brasiliense were least preferred. Hybrid grass carp generally consumed as much plant material species^-1 and in the same order of preference at the 12–15°C range as they did at 25–28° C. In the second part, mean daily consumption (g) fish^-1 at 25·7–31·0° C for five plant species tested separately was as follows: Chara sp. 369·8; Lemna gibba 178·2; Najas guadalupensis 172·6; Hydrilla verticillata 106·4 and Ceratophyllum demersum 8·8.     

New grenadier Coelorinchus ganymedes sp. nova from the Waters of Polynesia (Macrouridae)

Journal of Ichthyology - A new grenadier species, Coelorinchus ganymedes sp. nova, from the waters of the Marquesas Islands, belonging to the group of species “C. hubbsi”, has been...     

3D Bio-Plotted Composite Scaffold Made of Collagen Treated Hydroxyapatite-Tricalciumphosphate for Rabbit Tibia Bone Regeneration

Biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds with 20/80 HA/TCP ratio were fabricated using the 3D-Bioplotting system to heal critical size defects in rabbit tibia bone. Four different architectures were printed in a layer by layer fashion with lay down patterns viz. (a) 0°– 90°, (b) 0°– 45°– 90°– 135°, (c) 0°–108°– 216° and (d) 0°– 60°– 120°. After high-temperature sintering scaffolds were coated with collagen and were further characterized by (FTIR) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, (SEM) Scanning Electron Microscopy, (XRD) X-Ray diffraction, Porosity analysis and Mechanical testing. Scaffold samples were tested for its ability to induce cytotoxicity in Balb/c 3T3 cells at in vitro condition using elution method. Skin sensitization potential of scaffolds was evaluated in male guinea pigs using guinea pig maximization test (GPMT). Further, scaffolds were implanted in eight rabbit tibia bones and biocompatibility and histological evaluations were carried out after 4 and 8 weeks implantation periods. In-vitro results include bonding, surface morphology, phases, porosity, mechanical strength and Cytotoxicity. In-vivo results include sensitization, capsule formation, inflammation, presence of polymorphonuclear cells, giant cells, plasma cells, X-Rays and degradation of the material. It was concluded that HA/TCP/Collagen scaffold with 0°– 45°– 90°– 135° architecture exhibits the most excellent properties in healing critical size bone defects in rabbits.     

Variability in the diet of New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) at the Auckland Islands, New Zealand

We examined the stomach contents of 121 New Zealand (NZ) sea lions ( Phocarctos hookeri ) caught by the squid fishery during the summer/autumn 1997–2006 around the Auckland Islands (51°S, 166°E). Dietary variation was assessed among juveniles, lactating females, nonlactating females and males, and between areas on the Auckland Islands shelf. The digested fraction of the contents consisted mostly of opalfish ( Hemerocoetes spp.) (50.1% by number [ N ], 4.7% by mass [ M ]), rattail ( Coelorinchus spp.) (12.0% N , 2.4% M ), arrow squid ( Nototodarus sloani ) (14.1% N , 17.9% M ), octopus ( Enteroctopus zealandicus ) (2.1% N , 27.8% M ), and red cod ( Pseudophycis bachus ) (3.8% N , 4.3% M ). Opalfish was found in greater proportions in the stomachs of females (lactating: 58.1% N , nonlactating: 62.4% N ) and juveniles (56.9% N ) than males (14.5% N ). Juveniles caught smaller opalfish and rattail than adults did. Over all classes, sea lions ate larger prey in the east than in the north of the Auckland Islands shelf. The common prey—arrow squid and rattail—constitute an abundant resource at the edges of the Auckland Islands shelf, where lactating NZ sea lions forage. Although these key areas are far from the rookeries and impacted by the squid fishery, they may provide the only reliable resource able to support the cost of benthic foraging behavior in the deepest diver of all otariids.     

Seasonal variation in freezing tolerance of the New Zealand alpine cockroach Celatoblatta quinquemaculata

1. The cold hardiness of the alpine cockroach Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was investigated. This species is found at 1360 m a.s.l. beneath schist slabs on the Rock and Pillar Range (Central Otago, New Zealand). Cockroaches were collected monthly from January to December 1996, and their LT₅₀ and supercooling points determined.
2. Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was freezing tolerant throughout the year, with a lower lethal temperature in winter of – 8.9 °C. Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was also found frozen under rocks in the field when the under-rock temperature was below – 3 °C, and could survive being frozen at – 5 °C for 4 days in the laboratory.
3. There was a marked decrease in LT₅₀ temperature from – 5.5 °C in April to – 7.5 °C in May. This coincides with decreasing temperatures from summer through autumn to winter, during which temperatures beneath snow-covered rocks may reach – 7.3 °C.
4. Supercooling points fluctuated during the year, with an increase from – 4.2 °C in autumn to – 3.4 °C in winter. Supercooling point was highest in spring, and changes in supercooling point do not appear to be related to changes in LT₅₀.
5. Recordings of environmental temperatures from the Rock and Pillar Range suggest that cockroaches may undergo up to twenty-three freeze–thaw cycles in the coldest month of the year, and that they may remain frozen for periods of up to 21 h. Maximum cooling rates recorded in the field (0.01 °C min^–1) were 100-fold slower than laboratory cooling rates, so survival estimates from laboratory experiments may be underestimates.     

New Strains of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans producing Thermostable α-Amylase Active at Alkaline pH

Two species of Bacillus producing thermostable α-amylase with activity optima at alkaline pH are reported here. These organisms were isolated from soil and have been designated as Bacillus licheniformis CUMC 305 and B. coagulans CUMC 512. The enzymes released by these two species were partially purified up to about 81- and 72-fold respectively of the initial activity. The enzyme from B. licheniformis showed a wide temperature-range of activity, with optimum at 91°C. At this temperature it remained stable for 1 h. It retained 40–50% activity at 110°C and showed only 60% of its activity at 30°C. The enzyme showed a broad pH range of activity (4–10) retaining substantial activity on the alkaline side. The optimum pH was 9·5. The enzyme of B. coagulans showed activity up to 90°C, with optimum at 85°C and had a wide pH range with optimum at 7·5–8·5. The hydrolysis pattern of the substrate starch by these enzymes indicated that glucose, maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose are the principal products rather than higher oligosaccharides.     

Comparative study on the induction of triploidy in tilapias, using cold- and heat-shock techniques

Optimal conditions for the induction of triploidy in two different species of tilapia, Oreochromis aureus and Oreachromis niloticus , were determined using either heat-shock or cold-shock techniques. These treatments were applied at conditions that were separately determined for each species. Embryos of these two species were found to differ in their response to heat-shock, but not to cold-shock treatments. The yield of triploid O. niloticus embryos induced at 40.5°C at the zygotic age of 3-5 min did not exceed 13%, in contrast to 60% obtained in O. aureus (heat-shocked at 39.5°C at zygotic age of 3 min). The possibility that the different responses of the two species to heat shock is maternally inherited was supported by the fact that the two-way F₁ hybrids also responded in a similar maternally dominant manner. Although the induction of triploidy using heat shock was possible only within a narrow range of zygotic ages (2.5–3.5 and 3.5–4.5 min for O. aureus and O. niloticus , respectively), the induction of triploidy using cold-shock treatment (11°C for 60 min) could be achieved within a wider range of zygotic ages (0–15 min). A satisfactory yield of troploids in the two species (50 and 60% in O. niloticus and O. aureus , respectively) was obtained using this technique. The possible interpretation of these results, that triploidy could be induced by interfering at two distinct meiotic cell-division stages, is discussed. It is concluded that the cold-shock technique is more advantageous for inducing triploidy in O. niloticus , whereas both cold-shock and heat-shock techniques are equally efficient in O. aureus.