bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origins of Australian arid-zone tenebrionid beetles
Authors: Matthews E. G.
Published: September 2002

Three biogeographic components with very different histories are represented
among the tenebrionids of the Australian arid zone: the Indo-Malayan element,
which is related mainly to the Indonesian fauna; the Austral Gondwanan
element, mainly related to that of southern South America; and one here called
Tethyan, related to the fauna of northern hemisphere arid regions.
Indo-Malayan groups appear to have arrived comparatively recently, probably by
invasion from the north, and are differentiated within the arid zone mainly to
the species level. Austral groups are the most diverse and have radiated
extensively to generic level from ancestors inhabiting sclerophyll forest,
probably by vicariance, within the present arid zone. Tethyan groups are
endemic in the arid zone at tribal level and have no forest-inhabiting
relatives anywhere. They have often become myrmecophilous in Australia, and
because of their distribution patterns in the northern hemisphere, partial
occurrence in coastal dunes, and apparently basal phylogenetic positions are
surmised to have descended by vicariance from inhabitants of the coastal sand
dunes of the Tethys Sea, probably in the Jurassic before there was an arid
zone in Australia.
A revision of Australian Erylus (Porifera : Demospongiae : Astrophorida : Geodiidae) with a tabular review of worldwide species
Authors: Adams Christi L. , Hooper John N. A.
Published: September 2002

ErylusGray (Porifera: Geodiidae) has been recorded in
Australian waters from two antiquated reports
(E. lendenfeldi Sollas, 1888 and
E. proximus Dendy, 1916). These two species are
redescribed. From more recent collections from the Great Barrier Reef, Coral
Sea, southern Queensland and Western Australia four new species
(E. amissus, E. circus,
E. citrus and E. fromonta, spp.
nov.) were discovered and are described. One other, presently unrecognisable,
species from an antiquated museum slide preparation is also described. A
tabular review of species worldwide is also provided.
Erylus has been an important source of novel bioactive
compounds, including those with antitumor and antifungal properties and that
are helpful in combating autoimmune diseases (including HIV). This discovery
of four new species, increasing the diversity of the genus by 66% in
Australian waters, has important implications pertaining to the existence of
new compounds, or analogues of existing compounds unique to
Erylus, as potential therapeutic marine natural
products.
A revision of the hermit crabs of the genera Catapagurus A. Milne-Edwards and Hemipagurus Smith from the Indo-West Pacific (Crustacea : Decapoda : Anomura : Paguridae)
Authors: Asakura Akira
Published: September 2002

A systematic review of the genus Catapagurus A.Milne-Edwards, 1880 from the Indo-West Pacific is presented. The genusCatapagurus is rediagnosed and its type species,C. sharreri A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 is redescribed.Icelopagurus tuberculosus Asakura, 1999 is transferredto Catapagurus. The genusHemipagurus Smith, 1881a isreinstated and rediagnosed, and its type speciesH. gracilis Smith, 1881b isredescribed. Seven species previously assigned toCatapagurus, i.e. C. alcockiMcLaughlin, 1998, C. granulatus Edmondson, 1951,C. ensifer Henderson 1893,C. tanimbarensis McLaughlin, 1997,C. holthuisi McLaughlin, 1997,C. oculocrassus McLaughlin, 1997 andC. japonicus Yokoya, 1933, are transferred toHemipagurus. Eight new species ofHemipagurus are described from the Indo-West Pacific:H. haigae; H. kosugei;H. lewinsohni; H. maclaughlinae;H. albatrossae; H. hirayamai;H. imperialis; and H. toyoshioae.Catapagurus doederleini Doflein, 1902 is transferred toParapagurodes McLaughlin & Haig, 1973.
Revision of the Euops quadrifasciculatus-group (Coleoptera : Curculionoidea : Attelabidae) from the Australian region, with a discussion of shifts between Nothofagus and Eucalyptus host plants
Authors: Riedel Alexander
Published: September 2002

This revision of the
‘quadrifasciculatus-group’ of
Euops Schoenherr contains four previously described
species for which lectotypes are designated:
Euops bakewelli Jekel,
E. corrugatus Lea, E. insularis
Voss and E. quadrifasciculatus Lea. Six species are
described as new: Euops goilala, sp. nov.,
E. hoppla, sp. nov.,
E. lakekamuensis, sp. nov.,
E. micros, sp. nov.,
E. oberprieleri, sp. nov. and
E. reidi, sp. nov. Detailed descriptions are provided
for all species, the characters relevant for their identification are
illustrated, and a key for their identification is given. The group is known
from Australia, New Guinea and the Kei islands of Maluku. The record of
E. insularis Voss for Aru Island is not valid. Two
Australian species (E. bakewelli and
E. oberprieleri) are reported from
Eucalypus host plants, one Papuan species
(E. lakekamuensis) is known from another myrtacean host,
and for the remainder of the quadrifasciculatus-group no
host data are available. The sister-group of the
quadrifasciculatus-group, the
pygmaeus-group of New Guinea, feeds exclusively on
Nothofagus. Three different scenarios are proposed,
which could have led to the observed pattern of host association; they are
discussed in the light of present knowledge on phylogeny and zoogeography of
Euops.
Spilopyrinae Chapuis: a new subfamily in the Chrysomelidae and its systematic placement (Coleoptera)
Authors: Reid C. A. M.
Published: September 2002

The phylogeny of the Chrysomeloidea is re-assessed, with data from recently
described larvae of three chrysomeloid taxa. Cladistic analyses were performed
on 19 subfamilies and tribes with 56 informative characters. The tribe
Megascelidini is shown to be correctly placed in Eumolpinae and the subfamily
Aulacoscelidinae in Orsodacnidae, but Spilopyra and
associated genera are the probable monophyletic sister-taxon of (Eumolpinae
+ (Lamprosomatinae + Cryptocephalinae)) and are therefore elevated
to subfamily: Spilopyrinae Chapuis (= Stenomelini Chapuis, syn. nov.
= Hornibiinae Crowson, syn. nov.). The genera included in Spilopyrinae
are: Bohumiljania Monrós,
Cheiloxena Baly, Hornius
Fairmaire, Macrolema Baly,
Richmondia Jacoby, Spilopyra Baly
and Stenomela Blanchard. Adults and larvae of
Spilopyrinae are described and a key given for the genera. The status of
several genera formerly placed in association with members of the Spilopyrinae
is reviewed. The subfamily Spilopyrinae has a southern trans-Pacific
distribution, in Chile, New Caledonia, New Guinea and Australia, indicating an
origin before the late Cretaceous break-up of Gondwana. The species feed on
Sapindaceae (Spilopyra), Nothofagaceae
(Hornius) and Myrtaceae
(Cheiloxena, Stenomela). New keys
are provided to the adults and larvae of the subfamilies of Chrysomeloidea.
Meridiecyclops, gen. nov., a new cyclopid genus (Crustacea : Copepoda : Cyclopidae) from southern Australia
Authors: Fiers Frank
Published: September 2002

Some 60 years after the initial description by Sars (1908) of
Metacyclops arnaudi found in a swamp in Victoria, Kiefer
(1967) reported this species again from the same region, and described a
subspecies M. arnaudi platypus from a locality in South
Australia. Re-examination of the specimens studied by Kiefer revealed several
important differences between them and Sars’ original description.
Moreover certain unique features of both taxa, as displayed in the morphology
of the fourth leg, the female genital field and, not least, in the remarkable
dimorphism of the maxilla in the male, justify the erection of a separate
genus, Meridiecyclops, gen. nov. Two species,
M. baylyi, sp. nov. (for Kiefer’s
Metacyclops arnaudi s. str.) and
M. platypus, new rank (for Kiefer’s
M. arnaudi platypus), are assigned to the genus, the
former being designated as type species.
The Schizomida (Arachnida) of the Seychelle Islands
Authors: Harvey Mark S.
Published: September 2002

The schizomid fauna of the Seychelles is reviewed and the following taxa are
recognised: Apozomus gerlachi, sp. nov.,
Bamazomus aviculus, sp. nov.,
Mahezomus apicoporus, sp. nov.,
Anepsiozomus sobrinus, sp. nov.,
Ovozomus similis (Hirst),
Secozomus latipes (Hansen) and
Zomus bagnallii (Jackson). Four new genera are
recognised, each represented by a single species:
Mahezomus, gen. nov. (type species
M. apicoporus, sp. nov.);
Anepsiozomus, gen. nov. (type species
A. sobrinus, sp. nov.); Ovozomus,
gen. nov. (type species Schizomus similis Hirst); and
Secozomus, gen. nov. (type species
Schizomus latipes Hansen). Three species of
Schizomus described from Madagascar are transferred to
Bamazomus: B. madagassus
(Lawrence), comb. nov., B. milloti (Lawrence), comb.
nov. and B. vadoni (Lawrence), comb. nov. Problems in
the systematics of the subfamily Hubbardiinae are explored, especially with
regard to the high number of genera currently recognised. Biogeographic
patterns of the arachnid fauna of the Seychelles are briefly explored, and a
list of the Scorpiones, Pseudoscorpiones, Amblypygi, Schizomida and Palpigradi
is included.
Revision of the wolf spider genus Venatrix Roewer (Araneae : Lycosidae)
Authors: Framenau Volker W. , Vink Cor J.
Published: September 2002

The Australasian lycosid genus Venatrix Roewer, 1960,
with Venator fuscus Hogg, 1900 as type, is reinstated
and redefined to include 22 species as follows:
Venatrix funesta (C. L. Koch, 1847), comb. nov.
(= Venator fuscus Hogg, 1900; syn. nov.);
V. penola, sp. nov.;
V. australiensis, sp. nov.;
V. roo, sp. nov.; V. mckayi, sp.
nov.; V. koori, sp. nov.;
V. archookoora, sp. nov.;
V. pictiventris (L. Koch, 1877), comb. nov.;
V. hickmani, sp. nov.;
V. allopictiventris, sp. nov.;
V. speciosa (L. Koch, 1877), comb. nov. (=
Lycosa mayama McKay, 1976; syn. nov.);
V. esposica, sp. nov.;
V. pseudospeciosa, sp. nov.;
V. brisbanae (L. Koch, 1878), comb. nov.;
V. forsteri, sp. nov.; V. lapidosa
(McKay, 1974), comb. nov.; V. fontis, sp. nov.;
V. furcillata (L. Koch, 1867), comb. nov.;
V. arenaris (Hogg, 1905), comb. nov.;
V. pullastra (Simon, 1909), comb. nov.;
V. goyderi (Hickman, 1944), comb. nov. (=
Lycosa howensis McKay, 1979; syn. nov.); and
V. hoggi, sp. nov.
Hogna albosparsa (L. Koch, 1876) is considered
nomen dubium. Venatrix comprises
species mainly found in temperate forests and open areas near watercourses,
lakes and springs. Notes on the distribution together with maps, zoogeography
and subfamilial placement of Venatrix are given. A
solution is proposed to resolve confusion over the dates of some of
Roewer’s publications.
A revision of the genus Tamgrinia (Araneae : Amaurobiidae), with notes on amaurobiid spinnerets, tracheae and trichobothria
Authors: Wang Xin-Ping
Published: September 2002

The spider genus Tamgrinia Lehtinen, 1967 currently
includes three species from western China and the East Sikkim region of India:
T. alveolifer (Schenkel, 1936),
T. laticeps (Schenkel, 1936), and
T. chhanguensis (Tikader, 1970). In this paper, two
additional species are recognised: T. coelotiformis
(Schenkel, 1963), which is removed from the synonymy of
T. laticeps, and T. tulugouensis,
sp. nov. The species Amaurobius potanini Schenkel, 1963
is newly synonymised with T. laticeps rather than with
T. alveolifer. Both males and females of
T. laticeps are described. The original female of
T. laticeps described by Schenkel in 1963 is shown to be
a species of the coelotine genus Paracoelotes Brignoli,
1982. A key to the species is provided. The spinneret, tracheae, and
trichobothria morphology of the family Amaurobiidae are also described using
representatives of eight genera from four of the five amaurobiid subfamilies.
The sister-group relationship between Tamgrinia and
Taira Lehtinen, 1967, and the subfamilial placement of
the genus Tamgrinia are questioned.
Lamingtonacarus, a new genus of Algophagidae (Acari : Astigmata) from water-filled treeholes in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Fashing Norman J. , OConnor Barry M. , Kitching Roger L.
Published: September 2002

A new genus, Lamingtonacarus, gen. nov., and two new
species, L. oreillyorum, sp. nov. and
L. posidonis, sp. nov., are described from adults and
deutonymphs collected from water-filled treeholes in an Australian subtropical
rainforest. This constitutes the first described species of Algophagidae from
Australia. The discovery of a deutonymphal instar in the ontogeny of
L. oreillyorum, sp. nov. is the first for a member of
the subfamily Algophaginae.
The beetles at Wog Wog: a contribution of Coleoptera systematics to an ecological field experiment
Authors: Davies Kendi F. , Margules Chris R.
Published: September 2002

In this brief review we outline the contribution of Dr J. F. Lawrence to a
major long-term field experiment in the southeast forests of NSW that examines
the effect of habitat fragmentation on beetles. Dr J. F. Lawrence identified
and curated the beetle fauna, which proved to be a significant and long-term
commitment. The beetle data set has since provided great insight to the
complex effects of habitat fragmentation. In addition, the size and quality of
the data set mean that, on an international level, it is a major inventory of
beetle diversity in a temperate Eucalyptus forest, in
its own right. Here we outline Dr J. F. Lawrence’s contribution and
summarise the main features of the beetle data set and our findings about the
impacts of fragmentation on the beetle fauna.
Recolonization by the mountain galaxias Galaxias olidus of a montane stream after the eradication of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Lintermans Mark
Published: September 2002

The introduced salmonid
Oncorhynchus mykiss was eradicated by use of the
piscicide rotenone from a section of small montane stream upstream of an
impassable barrier. Recolonization of the stream both above and below the
barrier by the native Galaxias olidus was monitored
annually for four successive years. Following trout eradication,
G. olidus recolonized the trout-free stream section
above the barrier but was never detected below the barrier where trout still
occurred. Initial colonization was by juvenile G. olidus
but a successful breeding population had established three years after trout
eradication. The implications of the use of barriers and targeted eradication
programmes are discussed for the management of small, threatened fish species.
Reproductive characteristics and per-recruit analyses of blue warehou (Seriolella brama): implications for the South East Fishery of Australia
Authors: Knuckey Ian A. , Sivakumaran K. P.
Published: September 2002

Monthly samples of commercial catches of S. brama were
collected between May 1996 and December 1997 in three regions of the
fishery:off the east coast of Victoria; eastern Tasmania; and western Bass
Strait. Sex ratio, gonadosomatic index, macroscopic and histological
development, size at maturity and fecundity were estimated and combined with
data on growth and mortality to perform per-recruit analyses. The main
spawning period was during winter–spring and there was evidence of
spawning in each of the three regions. Blue warehou reach maturity at
30–40 cm fork length. They have a determinate annual fecundity and spawn
around three batches of eggs during a season. Eggs-per-recruit analyses
revealed maximum egg production at ~40 cm (4–5 years) in an unfished
population. Gill-net fishing, which targets fish >45 cm, was less likely to
affect the relative eggs-per-recruit in a population than trawl fishing, which
catches a wider range of smaller fish. These results are discussed in light of
the current management arrangements in the fishery and will be used in models
to assess the effect of fishing on the long-term sustainability of the blue
warehou.
Evolution of the Australian landscape
Authors: Ollier C. D.
Published: September 2002

Landscape evolution of Australia is on the same time scale as global tectonics
and biological evolution. In places, actual landforms and deep weathering
products are hundreds of millions of years old. Much of Australia has a
landscape resulting from stripping of weathered rock after an earlier period
of very deep weathering. Other regions have sequential landforms that provide
a natural laboratory where we can work out the biogeochemistry of the past.
Landforms and regolith reveal the long evolution of groundwater in Australia.
Lateral movement of groundwater is of paramount importance. The effects of
past climates are stored in the landscape. They show that the present is not
the key to the past, and former environments must be worked out from
consistent internal evidence rather than the application of models based on
present-day conditions. Inorganic chemistry alone is inadequate to explain
many earth materials, and biology, especially microbiology, has a very
significant role. Recent and present-day processes also affect the landscape,
and it cannot be assumed that because the landscape and regolith are old the
soils are old. Many regions have a complex regolith cover that shows modern
processes working on inherited materials.
Species boundaries in carp gudgeons (Eleotrididae : Hypseleotris) from the River Murray, South Australia: evidence for multiple species and extensive hybridization
Authors: Bertozzi Terry , Adams Mark , Walker Keith F.
Published: September 2002

Allozyme analyses of carp gudgeons
(Hypseleotris) from five sites in the lower River Murray
revealed three distinctive taxa designated HA,
HB and HC, diagnosable from one
another by fixed differences at 3–5 loci, and three apparent F
1 hybrid forms,
HA¥HB,
HA¥HX and
HB¥HX, where
HX denotes a taxon not sampled in its ‘pure’
form. Of all fish sampled, 25% were hybrids, although only one hybrid
form was found at any one site, and never in company with both parental taxa.
No hybrids involving HC were found, although this was
the most common taxon, and no
HA¥HB hybrids were present at
the one site of demonstrated sympatry between the parental taxa. Morphological
analysis and the lack of introgression confirm that
HA, HB, and
HC are distinct biological species. Partial meristic
data suggest that HC corresponds to
H. klunzingeri s.l., ‘Midgley’s carp
gudgeon’ is a composite of HA,
HB and
HA¥HB hybrids, and
‘Lake’s carp gudgeon’ may be a composite of
HX and one of its hybrids
(HB¥HX). We speculate that one
or more of the hybrid classes may be ‘unisexual lineages’
(clonally reproducing, usually all-female forms derived from hybridization
between congeners).
Evaluating empirical indicators and reference points for fisheries management: application to the broadbill swordfish fishery off eastern Australia
Authors: Punt André E. , Campbell Robert A. , Smith Anthony D. M.
Published: September 2002

Calls to use target, limit and threshold reference points to achieve
precautionary management goals have increased substantially in recent years.
For many fisheries there is little chance of conducting formal stock
assessments, and indicators of stock status have to be based on changes in
measurable quantities such as catch rates and percentiles of the length
distribution of the catch. Use of such empirical indicators for management
decisions also requires a choice of appropriate reference or trigger levels
for the indicators. Monte Carlo simulation can be used to examine the
performance of alternative indicators and associated reference points in terms
of their ability to correctly identify the biological conditions that they
were designed to measure. This study examines the performance of several
potential empirical indicators for broadbill swordfish off eastern Australia,
taking into account uncertainties in stock structure, current status, and
future trends in fishing effort. Indicators based on catch rates are shown to
be potentially very misleading. In contrast, indicators based on the mean
length or mean weight of the catch perform better, because these quantities
change in a more predictable manner with abundance. Nevertheless, reference
points based on these quantities are frequently ‘triggered’ either
too early or too late.
Ribonucleic acid and protein as indicators of seasonal growth variation in immature snapper (Pagrus auratus)
Authors: Majed S. A. , Wells R. M. G. , McArdle B. H.
Published: September 2002

Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) and total protein content were extracted from the
white trunk musculature of wild immature
snapper,Pagrus auratus, in order to evaluate protein
synthesis as an index of somatic growth and to ascertain the possible effects
of temperature fluctuations. Measurements of total RNA and protein from a
population of wild fish were monitored over almost two years; they indicated
seasonal variations in somatic growth rates that were significantly related to
water temperature and body length. The highest values of RNA and protein were
recorded in late summer, and were 4.0 and 47.7 g
mg–1 dry weight muscle respectively, whereas the
lowest values appeared in winter, and were 2.1 and 32.8 g
mg–1 respectively (correlation coefficient
= 0.8, P <0.0001). These results point to the
potential of nucleic acid and protein measurements as indices of fine-scale
variation in the growth rates of a commercially harvested species.
Sensitivity of freshwater macrophytes to UV radiation: relationship to depth zonation in an oligotrophic New Zealand lake
Authors: Rae Rowena , Rae Rowena , Hanelt Dieter , Hanelt Dieter , Hawes Ian , Hawes Ian
Published: September 2002

The ultraviolet radiation (UVR) responses of photosynthesis by two freshwater
vascular plants, Potamogeton cheesemanii and
Isoetes alpinus, and the characean algae
Chara fibrosa and C. corallina in
Lake Coleridge, New Zealand, were investigated. Experiments comprised
4–5 h of exposure to different UV wavelengths followed by 17 h of
recovery in low light. Photosynthetic competence was assessed by
pulse-amplitude-modulated fluorometry. The four species showed different
sensitivities to UVR, which were consistent with their upper depth limits. The
shallowest-growing species, P. cheesemanii, was
uninhibited by UVR, whereas after 5 h of exposure to UVR, inhibition of
15%, 38% and 48% was measured for
I. alpinus, C. fibrosaand
C. corallinacollected from 4 m, 6.2 m and 16.5 m,
respectively. Not all plants recovered fully from UVR inhibition. Plants from
upper and lower depths of their growth range did not generally differ in
inhibition sustained or ability to recover photosynthesis. The species with
greatest tolerance of UVR also contained the highest concentrations of
UVR-absorbing pigments. Freshwater macrophytes have differing abilities to
tolerate UVR exposure through repair and/or protection strategies and
these may be related to their vertical zonation.
Influence of conspecifics on the ontogenetic habitat shift of juvenile Caribbean spiny lobsters
Authors: Childress Michael J. , Herrnkind William F.
Published: September 2002

Werner and Gilliam’s (1984) model predicts that size-specific rates of
growth and mortality determine the size at transition for animals with an
ontogenetic habitat shift (OHS). Although animals are unlikely to calculate
mortality rate, they often respond to changes in predation risk. For many
social species, an individual’s risk of predation is reduced by
conspecific aggregation. We hypothesize that individuals in groups respond to
this reduction of predation risk and should shift habitats at a smaller size
than solitary individuals. We tested this hypothesis by altering food
availability, predation risk and conspecific presence for newly settled spiny
lobsters in mesocosms. Juvenile Caribbean spiny lobsters,
Panulirus argus, undergo an ontogenetic habitat shift
from algal dwelling to crevice sheltering concomitant with aggregation in
crevices. We found that juveniles raised with low food availability and low
predation risk underwent transition at a smaller size. We also found that
juveniles raised with conspecifics underwent transition at a smaller size than
did solitary lobsters under the same conditions. Our results suggest that the
ontogenetic habitat shift of algal-phase lobsters is accelerated when food is
scarce, predation risk is low, and conspecifics are present. In the absence of
conspecifics, algal lobsters wait until they are larger to change from algal
dwelling to crevice sheltering. This result suggests that ontogenetic habitat
shifts for gregarious animals are influenced by the proximity of conspecifics.
Lipids and nutrition of the southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, from hatch to puerulus
Authors: Phleger Charles F. , Nelson Matthew M. , Mooney Ben D. , Nichols Peter D. , Ritar Arthur J. , Smith Greg G. , Hart Piers R. , Jeffs Andrew G.
Published: September 2002

We examined the lipid class and fatty-acid composition of the southern rock
lobster, Jasus edwardsii, phyllosoma larvae and puerulus
stage to improve understanding of their nutrition in relation to aquaculture.
Lipid is critical in the nutrition of larval crustaceans, including lobsters.
Specimens were from Tasmanian waters, Australia, and North Island, New
Zealand, waters. Analyses were by TLC-FID and capillary GC and GC-MS.
Phyllosoma larvae and nektonic pueruli were low in storage lipid
(triacylglycerol), and phospholipid was the major lipid class. Sterol, mainly
cholesterol, was the next most abundant class. The ratio of the essential
omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to the omega-6 fatty acid
arachidonic acid (AA) was lower in newly hatched phyllosomas (1.2–1.3)
than in other phyllosomas (stages III–XI; 2.8–6.7) and pueruli
(3.8). Ratios of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to EPA were
also lower in newly hatched phyllosomas (0.5) than in laterstage phyllosomas
(1.5–2.1) and pueruli (1.2). We have followed up these compositional
data by successfully enriching the live diet (Artemia)
of early phyllosomas with AA, EPA and DHA. This dietary manipulation has
achieved ratios of these key polyunsaturated fatty acids similar to those of
wild phyllosomas. These findings will be of significance to the future of
rock-lobster aquaculture.
Larval development of Pagellus natalensis and what larval morphology indicates about relationships in the perciform fish family Sparidae (Teleostei)
Authors: Leis Jeffrey M. , Trnski Thomas , Beckley Lynnath E.
Published: September 2002

We describe the larval development of the sparid
Pagellus natalensis based on 34 field specimens of
2–19 mm from the western Indian Ocean off South Africa.
P. natalensis has unusual larval morphology for a
sparid: in particular, extensive head spination including a serrate
supraoccipital crest, serrate supraocular, pterotic, and supracleithral
ridges, interopercular spines, strong preopercular spination, and pitted
frontal bones. Development in the family Sparidae is briefly reviewed, and
larval development of P. natalensis is central to this
review. We suggest that larval morphology reveals much about sparid
relationships, and pose several hypotheses for further testing. These include:
Pagellus, Pagrus and
Dentex as currently conceived are polyphyletic;
Pagellus affinis, bellottii and
natalensis and Pagrus pagrus are
closely related, as is an unidentified larval sparid from the eastern north
Atlantic; spiny larval morphology is derived within the Sparidae and indicates
that the currently recognized subfamilies are polyphyletic;
Spondyliosoma is monophyletic;
Calamus and Spondyliosoma are
sister taxa.
Settlement behaviour of coral-reef fish larvae at subsurface artificial-reef moorings
Authors: Leis Jeffrey M. , Carson-Ewart Brooke M. , Webley James
Published: September 2002

Artificial-reef units (rolls of plastic garden mesh) attached to subsurface
floats were used to study settlement behaviour of larval reef fishes. These
units were located 3, 5, 7 and 9 m above the bottom in water 15–19 m
deep in the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon, 1 km from natural reefs. Larvae of 50
species (15 families) settled on these units. The nine most abundant reef-fish
taxa were in the families Apogonidae, Blenniidae, Gobiidae, Monacanthidae,
Pomacentridae and Tetraodontidae. The less abundant of these taxa
(n = 4) settled uniformly. The more abundant taxa
(n = 5) had clumped settlement. Four taxa
preferred structurally complex reef units, whereas five showed no preference.
Apogonids, gobiids, tetraodontids and a pomacentrid preferred deep units, one
pomacentrid had no depth preference, and a blenniid and a monacanthid
preferred shallow units. Experiments evaluated visual, olfactory and auditory
cues that reef-fish larvae may use to locate and settle onto reefs. Visual
cues (large white panels) did not enhance settlement. Experiments on olfactory
cues (corals in vented containers) and auditory cues (‘the nocturnal
chorus’ of tropical reefs) were compromised by low and highly variable
settlement, but show the potential of the method. The advantages of subsurface
moorings for study of settlement behaviour are discussed.
Diversity of fishes in seagrass beds in the Quirimba Archipelago, northern Mozambique
Authors: Gell Fiona R. , Whittington Mark W.
Published: September 2002

The diversity of fishes in seagrass beds at Quirimba Island, northern
Mozambique, was studied by sampling artisanal fisheries catches from seine
nets and fish traps. In total, 46 629 fish were sampled from seinenet catches
and 249 species of fish in 62 families were identified. A total of 3544 fish
were sampled from fish traps and 61 species in 24 families were identified.
Five species accounted for >60% of total fish biomass:
Siganus sutor,
Leptoscarus vaigiensis,
Lethrinus variegatus,
Lethrinus lentjan and
Gerres oyena. Some species were present in the seagrass
mainly as juveniles, some at all life stages and some as adults only. Catch
compositions from the two fishing gears were different; samples from seine
nets were dominated by the five species mentioned above, whereas samples from
traps were dominated by the seagrass parrotfish
Leptoscarus vaigiensis. The importance of seagrass beds
for fish biodiversity must be considered in future conservation management
decisions.
Preliminary classification of the gurnards (Triglidae: Scorpaeniformes)
Authors: Richards W. J. , Jones D. L.
Published: September 2002

The triglid fishes, commonly known as gurnards or searobins, are found in
tropical and temperate waters of the world’s oceans. This preliminary
classification recognizes 8 genera and ~125 species, of which ~15 species are
undescribed. This classification is based on 11 morphological characters, most
of which are osteological. The tribes and genera are as follows. Prionotini
(Prionotus and Bellator) is the
most primitive: 26 vertebrae, lateral line ending at caudal base and not
bifurcate on caudal fin, basihyal present, and no expansion of distal part of
the proximal pterygiophores. Pterygotriglini
(Bovitrigla, Pterygotrigla, and
Uradia): 27 vertebrae, lateral line ending at caudal
base and not bifurcate on caudal fin, basihyal absent, and no expansion of
distal end of the proximal pterygiophores or expansion of only those next to
the first dorsal fin. Triglini (Trigla,
Chelidonichthys and Lepidotrigla):
all the distal ends of the proximal pterygiophores expanded and exposed along
the first and second dorsal fin bases, basihyal absent, lateral line bifurcate
on caudal fin, and 29–35 vertebrae. Examples of the characters are
discussed in relation to the difficulties in assigning character states in
light of reversals and multiple reversals.
Occurrence of Carcharias taurus in nursery areas of the Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Smale M. J.
Published: September 2002

This study was initiated to investigate the occurrence, size and stage of
sexual maturity of ragged tooth sharks
(Carcharias taurus) in their putative nursery areas.
Information on size and seasonality of catches was obtained from the National
Marine Linefish System revealed that juvenile and immature individuals occur
in the Eastern Cape throughout the year and make up ~80% of the
line-fishing catches. Their occurrence west of Storms River along the south
coast of the Western Cape is more common in summer. Individuals large enough
to be sexually mature are found in the Eastern Cape almost throughout the
year. This suggests that the Eastern Cape is both the both primary and
secondary nursery area for this shark. The smallest individuals (<9 kg)
occur mainly from September to December. Eastern Cape samples comprised 95
males ranging between 84 cm (4.5 kg) and 262 cm total length (120 kg) and 166
females of 985 cm (5.5 kg) to 288 cm (163 kg). Size at maturity conformed to
previous studies and one pregnant female was recorded in October. Catches were
from the intertidal zone to 100 m. Underwater observations showed the sharks
to prefer high-relief reefs with caves and gullies by day.
Mechanisms of density- and number-dependent population regulation of a coral-reef fish
Authors: Shima Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2002

Density-dependent post-settlement losses are a common feature of many reef
fish populations, and resent observations suggest that losses may also scale
with population size independent of density (i.e.
‘number-dependence’). Despite the potential importance of these
two forms of compensatory loss, there have been relatively few attempts to
determine the mechanisms underlying these demographic patterns. A factorial
experiment was conducted to test whether density- and/or number-dependent
losses observed for newly settled six bar wrasse
(Thalassoma hardwicke) are attributable to predation or
another factor (e.g. migration). Losses of recently settled fish from reefs
within predator exclosures were ~26% over a 7-day period and apparently
independent of density and number of residents. Losses from reefs that were
accessible to predators averaged ~62% over 7 days, and were dependent
upon both the density and number of resident fish. Behavioural observations
indicate the frequency of agonistic interactions between resident six-bar
wrasse scales with the number of fish independent of density. Overall, results
attribute both density-and number-dependent losses to predation, and suggest
that number-dependent behavioural interactions (perhaps important for the
social control of sex change) rather than proximate resource limitation may
underlie observed number-dependent mortality.
Predictability of fish assemblages on coral patch reefs
Authors: Holbrook Sally J. , Brooks Andrew J. , Schmitt Russell J.
Published: September 2002

Fish associated with the common patch-forming coral,
Porites rus, were surveyed in lagoons of Moorea, French
Polynesia, to examine the degree to which attributes of the coral predicted
aspects of the fish assemblage. Physical characteristics of the colonies such
as size, morphology, and degree of isolation from other patch reefs varied
greatly, as did species richness, total abundance and composition of the fish
assemblage. Multiple-regression analyses revealed that variation in potential
living space (live surface area; number of holes; amount of interior empty
space) accounted for over half of the variation in species richness and total
abundance of fish on a coral. In contrast, species composition appeared to be
influenced more by the physical setting within the lagoon (water depth;
distance to deep water; degree of isolation). Relationships derived from the
initial analyses predicted 65–78% of the variation in species
richness among a different set of corals. Together, the results indicate that
physical attributes of the corals can help account for spatial variation in
fish assemblage structure and provide a starting point for studies of the
underlying mechanisms.
Correlates of spatial variation in settlement of two tropical damselfishes
Authors: Schmitt Russell J. , Holbrook Sally J.
Published: September 2002

Settlement of two planktivorous damselfishes,
Dascyllus flavicaudus and
D. aruanus, was estimated for ten weeks at 21 localities
around the 60 km perimeter of Moorea, French Polynesia. The species displayed
distinctly different patterns of settlement. Multiple regressions were used to
correlate spatial patterns of settlement with twelve variables representing
biological and environmental factors that could influence colonization rates.
The models explained >80% of the observed variance in colonization
for each species. Two regressors entered positively into the model for
D. flavicaudus: near-field current speed at the site and
regional abundance (within ~3 km2) of adult
conspecifics. Four regressors were included in the model for
D. aruanus; one with a positive relationship –
regional abundance of adult conspecifics – explained 73% of the
variance. The unanticipated correlations of this variable with settlement
could reflect local retention of reproductive output within a few kilometres,
attraction of larvae to regions of high conspecific abundance perhaps as a
response to some water-borne cue, or covariation with other, unmeasured
determinants of settlement variation. The findings suggest that patterns of
settlement can be shaped by multiple processes that affect differently even
closely related species whose larvae are subject to the same hydrodynamic
conditions.
Cytogenetics of the elasmobranchs: genome evolution and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Schwartz Frank J. , Maddock Michael B.
Published: September 2002

Colcemid-treated blood sampling methods permitted conventional cytogenetic
studies of elasmobranch karyotypes. Representatives were karyotyped from the
superorders: Galeomorphii (4 orders), Squalomorphii (3 orders),
Squatinomorphii (1 genus), and Batoidea (4 or 5 orders). The 36 elasmobranch
species karyotyped by this method, together with 20 species using colchine,
represent ~4.3% of living chondrichthyans. DNA content exhibited the
greatest variability. Chromosome arm numbers, centromere numbers and DNA
content data for 47 species indicated the direction of karyotypic change
during evolution within the elasmobranchs. Thus arm number has been the most
conservative genomic parameter in elasmobranch evolution. A fusion model
(rather than fission or modal models) best explained the data obtained for the
galeomorphs and batoids studied and explains karyotypic change in other
superorders.
Age and growth and a preliminary stock assessment of stonebream Neoscorpis lithophilus (Pisces : Scorpididae) along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa
Authors: Mann Bruce Q. , Fennessy Sean T. , Govender Anesh , van der Walt Bryan A.
Published: September 2002

The age and growth of the endemic scorpidid
Neoscorpis lithophilus was investigated by use of whole
otoliths from specimens collected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa.
Comparison between counts of growth increments from whole and sectioned
otoliths showed no significant difference. Marginal increment analysis and
oxytetracyline labelling were used in an attempt to validate the annual
periodicity of growth increment deposition. A von Bertalanffy growth function
gave an acceptable fit to the length-at-age data and the parameters
L∞ = 413.4 mm fork
length, K = 0.222
year–1 and
t0 = –0.981 described
the growth of N. lithophilus for both sexes combined.
The study revealed that N. lithophilus is a reasonably
fast-growing species reaching an age of at least 10 years. Total fishing
mortality rate (Z = 0.44
year–1) was estimated from the slope of the
descending limb of a catch curve, natural mortality (M
= 0.29 year–1) was estimated by empirical
methods and fishing mortality (F = 0.15
year–1) by subtraction. Yield and spawning biomass
per-recruit modelling revealed that the stock of
N. lithophilus off KwaZulu-Natal is not overexploited.
Synoptic overview of marine ichthyology in South Africa
Authors: Beckley Lynnath E. , Hulley P. Alexander , Skelton Paul H.
Published: September 2002

The coast of South Africa is subject to a range of oceanographic conditions
and habitats, and this translates into a wide diversity of fishes. Indigenous
people knew of, and used, some of these fishes long before the arrival of
explorers and naturalists from Europe, who subsequently described many of the
species in the scientific literature. The appointment of J.D.F. Gilchrist as
the marine biologist to the Cape Colony in 1895 started a tradition of
ichthyology in South Africa that was fostered by K.H. Barnard at the South
African Museum. The discovery of the coelacanth in 1938 put South African
ichthyology firmly on the world map, and J.L.B. Smith produced the first
edition of the remarkable volume
Sea Fishes of Southern Africa in 1949. Subsequently, in
1986, with the assistance of numerous local and international contributors,
M.M. Smith and P.H. Heemstra compiled
Smiths’ Sea Fishes, which documented >2000
species from the region. With the information in this volume as a basis, the
coastal and shelf ichthyofauna of South Africa is examined at a biogeographic
level. Diversity and endemism are discussed and complementarity analysis used
to address the suitable location of marine protected areas to conserve the
ichthyofauna of South Africa.
Ontogenetic changes in the diet of the sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus)
Authors: Ebert David A.
Published: September 2002

The sevengill shark, Notorynchus cepedianus, is a
versatile predator capable of feeding on a wide variety of prey species.
Stomach content analyses were performed on specimens from California, USA, and
southern Africa to investigate whether dietary differences occur in relation
to sex and size. Of the 531 specimens examined, 365 (68.7%) contained
prey items. The dietary trend with growth and maturity shifted from teleosts
to chondrichthyans, with marine mammals becoming increasingly important in the
larger size classes of N. cepedianus . Small
N. cepedianus (<120 cm total length, TL) fed
primarily on teleosts, whereas larger sharks primarily consumed
chondrichthyans. Marine mammals made up about one-third of the diet of
N. cepedianus >220 cm TL, while teleosts declined to
6% and 13% for male and female sharks, respectively. A decrease
was observed in the dietary overlap of each successively larger size class.
Ontogenetic changes in the diet of N. cepedianus may
provide insight into understanding how adults enhance the survivorship of
their young, who are often less experienced at foraging for prey and are more
vulnerable to predation.
Environmental effects on recruitment of the western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus
Authors: Caputi Nick , Chubb Chris , Pearce Alan
Published: September 2002

The Leeuwin Current, which brings warm, nutrient-poor waters southward along
the edge of the West Australian continental shelf, is positively correlated
with western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) puerulus
settlement along the coast. Westerly winds, also positively correlated with
puerulus settlement, probably assist the transport of larvae to the coast
during settlement. We examined relationships between (a)
monthly sea-surface temperature where phyllosoma larvae occur – and
annual levels of puerulus settlement at locations throughout the fishery and
(b) monthly variation in Leeuwin Current strength (and
westerly winds) and annual puerulus settlement later in the year
(August–January). The Leeuwin Current, when it begins to strengthen
during February–April, was highly correlated with puerulus settlement;
sea-surface temperature during this period may have strongly influenced
puerulus settlement at many locations. Its influence on puerulus settlement
may have been due to improved larval survival and growth caused by higher
water temperatures associated with a stronger Leeuwin Current in April or to
increased retention of larvae close to the coast. In years when the
southward-flowing Leeuwin Current was very strong, settlement in the southern
locations was relatively higher than that farther north. In years of strong
puerulus settlement, settlement also occurred earlier in the season.
Ageing, catch-at-age and relative year-class strength for snapper (Pagrus auratus) in northern Spencer Gulf, South Australia
Authors: McGlennon David , Jones G. Keith , Baker Janine , Jackson W. Bruce , Kinloch Martine A.
Published: September 2002

Commercial landings of Pagrus auratus declined to
25-year lows in South Australia in 1994, and sustainability of the fishery was
questioned. This study investigated two potential explanations for the decline
– changes in fishing effort and recruitment variability. Data for
1983–97 from northern Spencer Gulf, which contributes the majority of
snapper catches in the State, showed that 74% of the variance in
targeted catch was explained by catch per unit effort, and 20% by
fishing effort. Recruitment variability was examined by analysis of age
structures of the commercial catch. An ageing procedure was established by
examining sectioned sagittal otoliths of 1046 snapper caught in 1991 and
1994/5; their use was first evaluated by assessing the bias and precision
of multiple readings and by comparing annulus counts with ring counts from
scales. The timing of annulus formation was determined by marginal increment
analysis. Interpretation of the age structures suggests that year-class
strength is highly variable and has a strong influence on catch patterns in
the commercial fishery. A qualitative comparison of temperature with
year-class strength did not show a strong relationship.
Distribution of phyllosoma larvae of Scyllaridae and Palinuridae (Decapoda : Palinuridea) in the south-western lagoon of New Caledonia
Authors: Coutures Emmanuel
Published: September 2002

Densities of phyllosomata of
Panulirus, Scyllarides,
Parribacus and Scyllarus were
measured by plankton sampling in November–December 1996 and 1997 in the
lagoon, in a passage through the barrier reef and above the outer slope to the
south-west of New Caledonia. A total of 1017 phyllosomata were caught: 584
Panulirus, 66 Scyllarides, 6
Parribacus and 361 Scyllarus. More
phyllosomata of Scyllarus spp. were caught in the lagoon
than at the other two sites. The larval development of certain
Scyllarus species can occur entirely in the lagoon, but
morphology of the early stages of the four Scyllarus
species caught here was too similar to permit conclusions about specific
strategies. Phyllosomata of the Panulirus spp.,
Scyllarides spp. and Parribacus
spp. develop only in the ocean. High densities of Stage I of
Panulirus ornatus larvae caught in the passage and
nearby ocean suggested that the reproductive adults of this species migrate
from coastal areas towards more oceanic areas to hatch their phyllosomata.
Stage I phyllosomata of Panulirus and
Scyllarides were near the surface and would be carried
quickly from the lagoon by the current, whereas this behaviour was not shown
for Stage I phyllosomata of Scyllarus sp., and this
would probably limit their passive wind drifting.
Influence of food type on the production and settling rate of faecal pellets produced by an estuarine copepod
Authors: Griffin S. L.
Published: September 2002

Production of faecal pellets by the
herbivorous estuarine copepodGladioferens imparipes, and
the rate at which the pellets sink through a water column, were investigated
in the laboratory. Pellet production rate, at excess food concentration,
varied among food types, with a maximum rate of 3.2 pellets h
–1 copepod –1 when
copepods were fed on the diatom Skeletonema costatum,
and a minimum of 1.5 when fed on the chlorophyte
Chlamydomonas globosa. Pellet production rates may have
reflected feeding prehistory and related effects on food preference and
ingestion rates. Settling rates ranged from 2.0 m day
–1 for pellets produced on the thecate
dinoflagellate Scrippsiella sp. to 71.8 for pellets
produced on S. costatum. The estimate of settling rate
was strongly influenced by the method used to measure it and measure pellet
density. Application of the laboratory results to average copepod densities in
the Swan River estuary suggested a conservative estimate of production of 360
pellets L –1 day –1 ,
or 8 ˜g C and 1 ˜g N, given appropriate food conditions. With a
conservative estimate of settling rate at 6.3 m day
–1 , pellets would easily reach the sediments
within a tidal cycle in many parts of the Swan River estuary.