Murray cod an apex predator in the Murray River, Australia

Abstract –  To determine if the Murray cod Maccullochella peelii peelii is an apex predator in the lowland rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin, its feeding ecology was compared with that of the sympatric top predator, golden perch Macquaria ambigua ambigua based on samples supplied by recreational anglers. Diet and prey size were reconstructed from alimentary tract contents of Murray cod ( N  = 39) and golden perch ( N  = 52), and their feeding morphology was assessed and included calculation of length–gape relationships and relative gut index. Both species fed principally on fish and decapods although Murray cod was the more piscivorous (frequency of occurrence 44% versus 6%, total number 50% versus 2%, total weight 90.4% versus 16.0%). Based on reconstructions of prey sizes, fishes up to 1 kg in weight were preyed on by Murray cod, distinguishing it from other top predatory fishes in the Murray-Darling Basin and supporting its classification as an apex predator.     

A new species of Goussia (Apicomplexa, Coccidia) in the kidney tubules of the cod, Gadus morhua L.

Abstract. Segments of the kidney tubules of about 16% of cod caught in the approaches to Halifax Harbour were found to contain a coccidian parasite. Macrogametes developed in an epicellular position, and microgamonts, unsporulated and sporulating oocysts, and free sporocysts, were found in the lumen of the kidney tubule. The epithelial cells of the kidney tubules were damaged and granulomas often formed around infected tubules. The presence of a suture dividing the sporocyst wall into two valves could only be determined using electron microscopy. Other coccidians which have been placed in the genus Eimeria because sutures could not be seen using light microscopy, although no Stieda body was present, may also belong to the genus Goussia. No other coccidians have been reported in the kidney tubules of marine fish, and the name Goussia spraguei sp. nov., is proposed.     

中国介螅水母属二新种（丝螅水母目，介螅水母科）

记述了台湾海峡及其邻近海区介螅水母科Hydractiniidae L.Agassiz,1862介螅水母属Hydractinia van Beneden,1841二新种,即螺旋介螅水母,新种Hydractinia spiralis sp. nov.和反曲介螅水母,新种Hydractinia recurvatus sp.nov.,兹将二新种主要鉴别特征描述于下:螺旋介螅水母,新种:伞无顶突;垂管长圆柱形,约为内伞腔深度2/3;口腕简单,末端具成束刺胞;生殖腺很大,呈椭圆形,几乎覆盖整个垂管间辐位,无水母芽;缘触手6条,4条主辐位,另2条仅在相对间辐位,基球延长锥状,同样大小,无眼点,触手长,近端2/3粗壮,远端1/3变细,具螺旋状刺胞。反曲介螅水母,新种:伞无顶突;垂管短小,呈方形;胃柄显著,约为垂管长度1/2;口有4个主辐位口唇,延长成向上反曲的短口腕,末端具成丛刺胞;4个卵圆形生殖腺,附在二个反曲口腕之间的垂管间辐位,无水母芽;缘触手16条,触手基球膨大,呈锥状,同样大小,整条触手具环状刺胞,末端略膨大,呈椭圆形。     

近江蛏精子超微形态结构观察及与缢蛏精子的比较

利用扫描电镜和透射电镜分别观察了近江蛏和缢蛏成熟精子的超微形态结构。发现近江蛏精子与缢蛏精子在超微形态结构上差异很大。近江蛏精子为典型的原生型,成熟精子由头部、中段和尾部组成,头部包括顶体和细胞核。近江蛏精子与缢蛏精子顶体均为保龄球状,但近江蛏精子顶体全长比缢蛏短。近江蛏精子细胞核略扁圆形,外缘具8～9个圆弧形凸起；缢蛏精子细胞核则呈圆球状。近江蛏精子中段由线粒体和中心粒复合体构成,线粒体一般5个,个别4～6个；缢蛏线粒体5个或6个。近江蛏精子尾部为细长的鞭毛,轴丝为“9 2”结构,与缢蛏的相同。从近江蛏与缢蛏的精子形态差异看,两者应属于种间差异。     

南海介螅水母属二新种(刺胞动物门、花水母亚纲、介螅水母科)

在分析南海浮游生物样品时,发现了花水母亚纲(Anthomedusae Haeckel,1879)丝螅水母目(Filifera Kühn,1913)介螅水母科(Hydractiniidae L.Agassiz,1862)介螅水母属(Hydractinia van Beneden,1841)2新种:缢介螅水母(H.constrictura sp.nov.)和叶状介螅水母(H.phyllosoma sp.nov.)。缢介螅水母的主要鉴别特征为伞近球形,无顶突;垂管长,其中部有一圈凹缢,把垂管分为2个部分,上端为泡状组织,下端为胃部,上有水母芽,口有4个口腕,口腕末端为刺胞球;生殖腺位于垂管间辐位;4条短的缘触手,触手基球球状,无眼点,触手上具环状刺胞,末端具刺胞球。叶状介螅水母的主要鉴别特征为伞钟形,胶质薄,无顶突;垂管短,无胃柄,口方形,有4个叶片状口唇,口唇上长满刺细胞;生殖腺分布在垂管上,间辐位,无水母芽;4条单生触手。模式标本保存于国家海洋局第三海洋研究所。     

西藏黑斑原鮡消化道寄生蠕虫的分布类型及种间关系

黑斑原鮡(Glyptosternum maculatum)是中国唯一的原鮡属鱼类, 在中国仅分布于西藏的雅鲁藏布江。在 2019 年 5—8 月对 383 尾黑斑原鮡消化道寄生蠕虫种类调查鉴定的基础上, 对其感染数量的频率分布进行了统计, 并分别用方差均值比和 X² 检验、共感染频率统计等方法对各寄生蠕虫种群的空间分布类型及消化道寄生蠕虫群落的种间关系进行了分析和判定。结果显示, 深槽绦虫未定种(Bathybothrium sp.)、原头绦虫未定种(Proteocephalus sp.)和杆咽线虫未定种(Rhabdochona sp.)的分布模式为均匀分布; 异肉吸虫未定种(Allocreadium sp.)、新棘吻虫未定种 (Neoechinorhynchus sp.)、裸鲤棘头虫(Echinorhynchus gymnocyprii)和 Contracaecum eudyptulae 呈聚集分布。异肉吸虫未定种与裸鲤棘头虫、新棘吻虫未定种与深槽绦虫未定种、新棘吻虫未定种与原头绦虫未定种、新棘吻虫未定种与异肉吸虫未定种, 以及新棘吻虫未定种与杆咽线虫未定种间均为正关联; 裸鲤棘头虫与异肉吸虫未定种间为负关联; 其他寄生蠕虫物种两两之间不存在相互关联。共感染频率分布显示被感染的宿主多数只感染 1 种寄生虫, 同时感染 2 种以上寄生虫的宿主约占被感染宿主群体的 1/3, 其中, 共感染的最大物种数为 4 种, 但频率只为 1, 以 2 种物种共同感染的情况居多。     

Growth rate and mortality of Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata, in four freshwater impoundments in south-eastern Queensland, Australia

Abstract  Growth and total mortality of Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata Steindachner, were studied in four freshwater impoundments using data from a cooperative angler tagging programme. Growth was modelled using the computer program GROTAG. Annual growth increments varied among impoundments, ranging from 5.0 to 7.8 cm yr⁻¹ among fish 20-cm total length (TL) and 1.7 to 4.9 cm yr⁻¹ among fish 30 cm TL, but exceeded previous estimates for the species. Annual total mortality rates, based on the decrease in recapture rate with time, ranged from 0.03 to 0.07 and were lower than for other comparable species, presumably because of the prevalence of catch and release fishing in the impoundments studied.     

A new species of philometrid parasite (Nematoda,Philometridae) and histopathological lesions in juvenile whitemouth croakers,Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest)

A new species of nematode parasite, Philometroides tahieli sp. nov. is described. The juvenile whitemouth croaker, Micropogonias furnieri Desmarest, was collected during the spring and summer of the years 2008–2010 from estuarial environments of Argentina. During investigations of the parasite fauna a nematode encapsulated in the musculature of the operculum was found. The nematodes were removed from the host's muscle tissue and slide‐mounted in lactophenol solution to clarify the specimens. Opercular muscle with the parasite was processed for histopathological examination. Philometroides tahieli sp. nov. can be identified by the location of gravid females in the host, presence of anterior oesophageal bulb, bosses on the surface of the body, presence of transversal mounds and 14 cephalic papillae in two circular rows. The pathogenicity of the parasite is low in the natural environment, but lesions are consistent with a chronic process. The appearance of caseous necrosis suggests the presence of a locally acting substance. Philometroides tahieli sp. nov. is the second species of this genera described from brackish waters, and since the discovery of Philometroides maplestoni in 1928, is the first species of this genus recorded for South America.     

Factors influencing recruitment patterns of Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua oriens) within a hydrologically variable and regulated Australian tropical river system

Abstract – The links between river flows, water temperature, river regulation and recruitment variability of Golden Perch, Macquaria ambigua oriens, were investigated from the Fitzroy Basin, Queensland. The dominant age classes determined by interpreting growth marks observed in otoliths were variable among rivers. Positive correlations between the age frequency and monthly river flow volumes were greatest in summer (December–March) conversely, autumn, winter and spring river flows correlated poorly for most rivers. Water temperature exhibits strong seasonality across the basin with mean monthly temperatures >23 °C generally occurring between October and April. These data indicate the combination of water temperature and increased river flows are important factors for recruitment. The degree of river regulation is also suspected of contributing to increased variability in dominant age classes within rivers. This assessment highlights the importance of timing of river flows in mitigating the negative effects of river regulation on golden perch populations.     

Fish coccidia: critical notes on life cycles, classification and pathogenicity

Abstract. The present knowledge of oocyst morphology, life cycles, classification and pathogenicity of eimeriid coccidia infecting fishes is reviewed. Compared with typical Eimeria species from higher vertebrates, fish coccidia, currently classified as all belonging to the same genus, differ in having, as a rule, a thin oocyst wall and endogenous sporulation. Some species possess a bivalved sporocyst, a structure and consequently an excystation mechanism, essentially different from that of the genus Eimeria. An analysis of the life cycles of more than 120 recorded species of fish coccidia has shown six different types of developmental patterns. The life cycles offish coccidia are compared with the life cycles of coccidia in general. None of the fish coccidia having a sporocyst with a Stieda body sporulates exogenously and therefore do not display a true eimerian developmental pattern. In view of the importance of sporocyst structure and developmental patterns in taxonomy, the revalidation of Labbé's genera Goussia and Crystallospora is proposed along with the establishment of a new genus, Epieimeria n.g. Most of the species offish coccidia are left within the genus Eimeria until new data make possible their correct classification. Detailed data on histopathological changes are available only in infections by two carp-infecting species, E. carpelli and E. subepithelialis and E. funduli infections in killifishes. The potential threat of coccidiosis in fishes reared under intensive conditions requires a thorough study of the pathogenicity of further species infecting commercially important hosts.     

Seasonal intestinal coccidiosis in wild bluegill Lepomis macrochirus is associated with a spring bacterial epizootic

Wild bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, succumb to seasonal mortality in the early spring during cool water temperatures, shown previously to be related to bacteraemia caused by a psychrotrophic bacterium, Pseudomonas mandelii. In the study herein, intestinal coccidiosis in wild bluegill had seasonal prevalence causing heavy intestinal infections and sloughing of intestinal epithelium occurring in late winter/early spring. Infections were predominantly related to two different species, Goussia washuti n. sp., an epicellular coccidium, and a coccidium closely resembling Goussia desseri Molnár 1996, previously only described in percid fish in Europe. In 2019, co‐infections of bacteraemia and intestinal coccidiosis occurred in bluegills. Evaluating coccidium infection intensity by fresh parasite examination and histology, an association was observed in which fish with moderate‐to‐heavy intestinal coccidiosis were 8–12 times more likely to have bacteraemia compared to fish with no or light coccidiosis. The association of these co‐infections suggests that intestinal coccidiosis could contribute to seasonal bacterial epizootics of wild bluegill.     

Short-term mortality of Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata, after catch-and-release angling

Abstract  Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata Steindachner, is angled in large numbers from coastal impoundments and rivers throughout south-eastern Australia. Many are released in the belief that most survive with few negative short-term impacts. This assumption was investigated in three experiments involving a range of conventional angling scenarios. A total of 313 Australian bass were angled and then released along with appropriate controls into either land-based tanks or floating cages, where they were monitored for up to 5 days. No controls died. Short-term mortalities of angled fish were low (0–6%) and attributed to the effects of bait type, hook location and fish size ( P  <   0.05). Specifically, fish that ingested hooks or were caught with natural baits were more likely to die than those that were mouth-hooked or caught on lures. Mortality negatively correlated with fish size. The results supported previous assertions that Australian bass is a resilient, hardy species that should tolerate short-term impacts associated with catch-and-release angling. However, other sublethal physiological impacts that could contribute towards delayed mortalities or reduced reproductive output warrant further investigation, particularly in relation to native populations in coastal rivers that form gauntlet fisheries during their annual spawning season.     

A new genus and two new,rare freshwater mussel (Bivalvia: Unionidae) species endemic to Borneo are threatened by ongoing habitat destruction

1. Most of the Bornean endemic freshwater mussel (Unionida) species known to date have not been recorded by science for the past 50 years or more, owing to a lack of research effort and presumed population losses.
2. This study assessed current patterns and recent changes in the diversity and distribution of freshwater mussels in north-eastern Borneo. Physical surveys and interviews were conducted at 24 sites, and anecdotal evidence for current or historical presence of mussels was collected for a further 13 sites.
3. Native species, i.e. Schepmania sp. and Khairuloconcha sahanae gen. & sp. nov., were only found in one small stream of the Kinabatangan River basin within the Gomantong Forest Reserve, whereas the non-native Sinanodonta cf. woodiana was common across the study area.
4. Molecular phylogenetics (five genes) of the native taxa, including comparative material from West Kalimantan and Sarawak, revealed: (i) the presence of a new genus with two new, rare species: Khairuloconcha lunbawangorum sp. nov. in the Limbang River basin and K. sahanae in the Kinabatangan River basin; (ii) that Khairuloconcha and Ctenodesma form the Bornean endemic tribe Ctenodesmini trib. nov.; and (iii) that Schepmania represents another Bornean endemic tribe Schepmaniini trib. nov.
5. Both Khairuloconcha gen. nov. species are known from a single stream each and are apparently restricted to forest stream habitats where they occur at very low densities. Schepmania appears to have a severely contracted range in the Kinabatangan and adjacent basins. We urgently call for full protection of the currently known sites of K. lunbawangorum and K. sahanae, and development of an action plan to save the Bornean freshwater mussel fauna.

     

Cardiac myxosporiosis of pearl-spot, Etroplus suratensis (Bloch), due to Myxobolus etropli sp. nov

A new myxosporean, Myxobolus etropli sp. nov., was found to infect the bulbus arteriosus of Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) from brackishwater lagoons of Muttukkadu, Chennai coast, India. A survey from May 1993 to October 1994 revealed a prevalence rate of 33.7% of this parasite. Macroscopic discoloured foci/cysts were seen in the bulbus arteriosus of the fish. The parasite showed strict host and site specificity. Histopathology showed that the infection was restricted to the bulbus. This is the first report of a myxosporean from E. suratensis.     

Post‐release mortality of angled golden perch Macquaria ambigua and Murray cod Maccullochella peelii

Abstract Short‐term (≤4 days) post‐release mortalities of two large, culturally and ecologically important Australian freshwater teleosts golden perch Macquaria ambigua (Richardson) and Murray cod Maccullochella peelii (Mitchell) were investigated. There was no angler‐induced mortality among golden perch that were immediately released in winter and spring, but 24% of this species and 15% of Murray cod died after delayed release in summer. Significant predictors of mortality were limited to times caught and total length for golden perch, and restraint methods and recovery times for Murray cod, but other parameters were also implicated as cumulative influences. The estimated mortalities may be sufficient to produce population‐level impacts for these two long‐lived species but could be considerably reduced through revisions of tournament regulations.     

Gastric coccidiosis in Thoracocharax stellatus caused by Goussia guamaensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Amazon region

Ninety‐seven specimens of spotfin hatchetfish, Thoracocharax stellatus, an ornamental freshwater species from the Amazon basin, were captured in the basin of the Guamá River in the municipality of Belém, in northern Brazil, and analysed for coccidiosis infection. Overall, 26 of the specimens were infected by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Goussia, with unsporulated forms being found in the gastric epithelium and sporulated forms in the intestinal lumen. The spheroid oocysts (mean diameter: 13.2 ± 1.7 μm) have four elliptical sporocysts. A partial sequence of the SSU rDNA of the new species was obtained, which contained 1,121 base pairs, with 43.8% guanine + cytosine (G + C), and the bases distributed as follows: A = 28.1%, C = 18.3%, G = 25.5% and T = 28.1%. The combined analysis of the morphometric and phylogenetic evidence confirmed that the specimens represented the genus Goussia and were allocated to a new species, Goussia guamaensis n. sp., which is described here.     

A new species of Pleistophora from big-eyes, Priacanthm tayenus Richardson, and P. macracanthus Cuvier and Valenciennes, from the South China Sea

Abstract. Pleistophora priacanthusis sp. nov. is described from big-eyes, Priacanthus tayenus and P. macracanthus , from the South China Sea. The clinical signs, prevalence, intensity and site of infection of the infected fish, the general effect of the parasite on the host, seasonal distribution and sex differences are reported. The morphology of cysts, spores, sporonts and the characteristic features of the new species using the light microscope are described.