bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eggs of the Microchirus species (Soleidae) from the Bay of Algiers
Authors: Marinaro J. Y.
Published: May 2009

Soleid eggs caught in the plankton off Algiers were reared and identified. Thus, the egg and the yolk sac stages of Microchirus ocellatus (L.) and M. azevia (Capello) were described, compared and differentiated from the corresponding stages of M. variegatus (Donovan). For the latter species, a large perivitelline space was often discernible.

In 1889, Cunningham referred some pelagic eggs caught near Eddystone (English Channel) to Solea variegata, owing to their similarity to the mature ovarian eggs of this species. Moreover, he considered the embryonic and larval stages described, illustrated and named ’species no. 1'by Raffaele (1888) as belonging to the same soleid. In further works, Cunningham studied the two-day-old larva (1890) and the newly hatched larva (1896). These papers and some others relating to Microchirus variegatus (Donovan, 1808) (present name of S. variegata) were reviewed by Ehrenbaum (1905), Padoa (1956), Nichols (1976) and Russell (1976).

Such eggs are often collected in the plankton of the Bay of Algiers, but I noted a great variability in their features. According to Quero et al.
Replicability of an epibenthic sampler
Authors: Brattegard T. , Fosså J. H.
Published: May 2009

Hyperbenthos was sampled at six stations on the western slope of the Norwegian Trough. Four hauls, two day and two night replicates were taken at each station. The replicates were analyzed based on all sampled individuals of Mysidacea and Decapoda Natantia using Shannon diversity index, Spearman rank correlation, G-test, Bray-Curtis similarity index and Correspondence Analysis. The sampler provided samples of mysids and shrimps with an acceptable level of replicability based on number of individuals and diversity. In a cost-efficient context it is satisfactory to take only one sample at a station.
Age and growth estimation of the European squid, Loligo vulgaris, based on statolith microstructure
Authors: Natsukari Yutaka , Komine Naoki
Published: May 2009

Age and growth were estimated in the European squid, Loligo vulgaris, by examining growth increments in the statoliths of 203 specimens collected from off the French Mediterranean coast. Length and increment data were analyzed assuming that the increments were formed daily. The relationships between age and length showed that: growth rate varied considerably among individuals; growth was double exponential; the squids grew on average to 240 mm ML at 240 d from hatching, with a maximum of 350 mm at 240 d; the life span is probably about one year.
Production of soma and gonad in maturing maleIllex argentinus(Mollusca: Cephalopoda)
Authors: Rodhouse P.G. , Hatfield E.M.C.
Published: May 2009

Samples of maleIllex argentinuswere taken from the catch of a Japanese squid jigging vessel on the Patagonian Shelf during March 1986 and an analysis was carried out on the morphometrics of the somatic and reproductive organ systems in relation to maturation. The data show that growth and maturation occurred simultaneously during most of the time thatIllex argentinusmales were on the feeding grounds over the southern Patagonian Shelf. In a squid of a ‘standard’ mantle length the whole body mass increased relative to mantle length during maturation and this could be attributed to the increase in mass of the reproductive and accessory reproductive organs. During maturation the mantle and digestive gland mass showed no significant change relative to mantle length. The mass of the head increased and the mass of the viscera decreased relative to mantle length. In maleIllex argentinus, as in the female, the energy and nutrient resources for maturation are derived from the squid's food and during the course of maturation there is an increasing shift of emphasis from somatic growth to production of gonad and accessory reproductive organs. The proportional investment of body mass in reproductive and accessory reproductive organs predicted for a fully mature maleIllex argentinuswas less than half that of the female.
The effect of starvation on the biochemical composition of the rotiferBrachionus plicatilis
Authors: Frolov A.V. , Pankov S.L.
Published: May 2009

Alterations of the biochemical composition and survival of the rotiferBrachionus plicatilishave been investigated. During starvation the proportion of total protein increased from 45·3 to 62·7% while that of total lipid, carbohydrate and glycogen decreased from 20·1 to 6·9%, from 21·2 to 14·1% and from 17·3 to 4·9% dry weight, respectively. The proportion of polar lipids and free sterols in total lipids increased, from 8·3 to 32·0% and from 29·2 to 58·3% whereas triacylglycerol decreased from 54·7 to 4·2% dry weight. The most abrupt alteration in these fractions took place in the interval from 24 to 48 h. The proportion of monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, free fatty acids and esters of waxes and sterols in-creased from 1·2 to 3·0% (72 h), from 0·2 to 1·8 (48 h), from 0·7 to 2·4 (72 h) and from 5·7 to 12·1% (48 h) and then decreased to the level of 1·1, 0·9, 1·2 and 1·3%, respectively.
The PennatulidKophobelemnon stelliferum(Cnidaria: Octocorallia) in the Porcupine Seabight (north-east Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: Rice A.L. , Tyler P.A. , Paterson G.J.L.
Published: May 2009

The upper bathyal sea-penKophobelemnon stelliferumextends to depths of about 1600 m in the Porcupine Seabight, to the south-west of Ireland, but is rare below about 1150 m. Photographic data suggest that the species attains numerical abundances of more than 2 m−2and a wet weight biomass of at least 4 g m−2. The highest densities, however, do not necessarily correspond to the highest biomass values since there is a clear depth-related change in population structure. The largest sea-pens are restricted to the deeper parts of the bathymetric range of the species. There is also a marked change in the growth form at a total colony length of about 250 mm, with larger colonies having relatively more polyps than smaller ones. The sexes are separate inKophobelemnon stelliferumand the sex ratio of colonies is about 1:1. The maximum oocyte diameter is about 800 μm, but there is no evidence of seasonal reproduction by this pennatulid in the Porcupine Seabight.
Bioluminescence in the benthopelagic holothurian Enypniastes eximia
Authors: Robison Bruce H.
Published: May 2009

Enypniastes eximia (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) is a prominent member of the benthic boundary layer community in deep Caribbean waters. Like most holothurians it feeds on benthic sediments. Feeding is episodic and after collecting food on the bottom it returns to the water column at altitudes within about 50 m of the sea floor. Direct observations from submersibles and laboratory studies of living specimens have shown how bioluminescence is produced. Light production in E. eximia is triggered mechanically, and is produced by hundreds of granular bodies within the gelatinous integument of the animal. Local stimulation yields a localized response which gradually spreads to the entire surface of the animal. Broad impact yields a whole-body luminescent response. The integument of E. eximia is quite fragile, and strong physical contact readily causes the skin to be sloughed off in a glowing cloud. The degree of luminous response is a function of the severity of contact. In the laboratory the skin of E. eximia, along with its luminescent capability, regenerated rapidly. The anti-predatory role of bioluminescence in this species is apparently a ‘burglar alarm’ strategy. In the dark, near-bottom habitat, physical contact by a predator elicits light production which reveals the presence of the attacker to its own visually-cued predators.
The first record of the short-beaked garfish Belone svetovidovi (Belonidae) in british waters
Authors: Swaby Silja E. , Potts Geoffrey W. , Wheeler Alwyne
Published: May 2009

The capture of the short-beaked garfish,Belone svetovidovi Collette & Parin 1970, off the Cornish coast is of particular interest in that it represents an easterly extension to the known range of this species in the eastern North Atlantic, and the first record in British waters.

In August 1990 seven garfish were angled, on mackerel bait, in Mount's Bay, Cornwall. The captor, Mr A.C. Cass, believing the garfish to be different from the common garfish,Belone belone (L.), sent the largest one to the laboratory of the Marine Biological Association for identification. The specimen was provisionally identified as the short-beaked garfish B. svetovidovi and later verified by one of us (A.W.). The other six specimens were not available for examination.

Garfish, sometimes called needlefishes, have elongated bodies. Both upper and lower jaws are long and beak-like, with sharp teeth. They are epipelagic, feeding near the surface and are often observed leaping and skittering over the surface of the water. Only two species are recorded in the genus Belone in the north-eastern Atlantic.Belone belone (including subspecies) is commonly found off the European Atlantic coast as far north as Trondheim, Norway. It is also found in the North Sea, the southern Baltic seas, the Mediterranean and Black Sea where it is commercially exploited (Collette & Parin, 1986).Belone svetovidovi has only recently been distinguished from B. belone, and consequently its abundance and distribution are less well known. It was first identified in northern European waters by Dorman (1984,1987) from southern Ireland.
Systematics and biology of the Leopard-spotted Goby, Gobius ephippiatus [Teleostei: Gobiidae], with description of a new genus and notes on the identity of G. macrolepis Kolombatovic
Authors: Miller P. J.
Published: May 2009

The leopard-spotted goby, Gobius forsteri Corbin 1958, described from the western English Channel, is identified with the Madeiran Gobius ephippiatus Lowe 1839, the latter name becoming a senior subjective synonym for this species. From study of variation, with size of fish, in number of lateral-line sensory papillae in preopercular-mandibular row i, it is concluded that the Aegean Gobius thori De Buen 1928 may also be referred to G. ephippiatus. Examination of the syntypes of G. macrolepis Kolombatovic 1891, from the Adriatic, has shown that this name belongs to a close relative of G. ephippiatus and not to Mediterranean populations of the Atlantic Lesueurigobius friesii (Malm), as recent authors have supposed. A new genus, Thorogobius, is proposed for G. ephippiatus, the type species, and G. macrolepis, and a key provided to these two species, which differ in meristic features, development of pelvic anterior membrane and disc, head coloration, and relative number of sensory papillae. Further systematic data on material studied, synonymies, body proportions, papillae and meristic counts are also given.

As the complete list of known occurrences indicates, T. ephippiatus appears to be a warm temperate Mediterranean-Atlantic form which penetrates the eastern Atlantic boreal region around the British Isles at least as far north as the North Channel and eastwards to Lulworth Cove (western English Channel). As an inshore shelf species, T. ephippiatus occurs in or near crevices associated with vertical rock faces, from LWST to 30–40 m. Diet probably consists chiefly of crustaceans and polychaetes. Maximum total length recorded is 129 mm, and greatest age 9 years (determined from otoliths), with sexual maturity by the fifth year of life (age 4 +).
The density of elasmobranchs
Authors: Bone Q. , Roberts B. L.
Published: May 2009

The density of 18 species, measured by weighing them in sea water and in air, was found to vary widely. The weights of these fish in sea water ranged from about 7 % to less than 1 % of their air weights.
A new midwater trawl for sampling discrete depth horizons
Authors: Clarke Malcolm R.
Published: May 2009

A new midwater trawl based on that designed by Tucker (1951) is described with details of opening and closing equipment, acoustic release gear and depth telemetering pinger. An account is given of the method used in operating the xtrawl from R.R.S. ‘Discovery’.
Amphipods of the shallow-water sand community in the northern Irish Sea
Authors: Fincham A. A.
Published: May 2009

Analysis of grab samples from the shallow-water sand community (0—6 m) in the northern Irish Sea has shown that there is an increase in the diversity and in the abundance of amphipod species westwards. The most frequently occurring and the over-all dominant species is Bathyporeia elegans. Six indicator species (Ampelisca brevicornis, Bathyporeia guilliamsoniana, B. elegans, B. nana, Perioculodes longimanus and Pontocrates arenarius) with a high degree of association are present in varying proportions throughout the community.
The pigments of some further marine phytoplankton species
Authors: Riley J. P. , Segar D. A.
Published: May 2009

Thin-layer chromatography on plates coated with silica gel and with sucroseglucose (1:1) has been used in the study of the pigments of twenty species of marine phytoplankton from four phyla. A number of apparently new xanthophylls have been found, including a fucoxanthin-like pigment which is the major xanthophyll in an unidentified coccoid alga (Plymouth no. 407).
The effects of oil-spill removers (‘detergents’) on the gastropod Nucella lapillus on a rocky shore and in the laboratory
Authors: Bryan G. W.
Published: May 2009

The effects of oil-spill removers (‘detergents’) on a population of the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus have been studied at Porthleven in South Cornwall, where heavy oil pollution occurred following the ‘Torrey Canyon’ incident in March 1967. Nucella is one of the shore animals which are most resistant to ‘detergent’ treatment, but at Porthleven the species was wiped out in the harbour and the majority of animals were killed on the reef nearby.
Population Dynamics Of Magellania Fragilis, a Brachiopod Dominating a Mixed-Bottom Macrobenthic Assemblage on the Antarctic Shelf
Authors: Brey T. , Peck L.S. , Gutt J. , Hain S. , Arntz W.E.
Published: May 2009

A dense assemblage of the brachiopod Magellania fragilis was sampled by trawl and underwater photography during the expedition ANT IX/3 (1991) of RV ‘Polarstern’ on the shelf of the Lazarev Sea, Antarctica. Mean abundance and biomass estimates for M. fragilis were 26.15 individuals m2 and 1.13 g AFDM m2, respectively. Growth bands visible on the shell were interpreted as annual growth marks caused by the strong seasonality of food input to the benthos and were treated as size-at-age data. The von Bertalanffy growth function Lt (mm) = 51.67 (1 - e0020 (t +1.326))3.828 described these data best. The annual somatic P/B ratio was very low, 0.046 y1, and annual production amounted to 0.052 g AFDM m2 y1 at this particular site. These results indicate that M. fragilis is a comparatively slow-growing species with very low annual productivity.
Experimental Evidence for Aggregation of Salmon Louse Copepodids (Lepeophtheirus Salmonis) in Step Salinity Gradients
Authors: Andreas Heuch Peter
Published: May 2009

The copepod Lepeophtheirus salmonis Krayer (Copepoda: Caligida), the salmon louse, is a parasite of salmonids. The vertical distribution of the infective stage, the copepodid, was studied in salinity gradients with one step increase of 15‰ (154%e> on top of 304‰), 5‰ (25–4‰ on top of 30–4‰) and 2%> (28–4‰ on top of 304‰) in 1-m perspex columns. Copepodid distribution in a linear gradient, where the salinity increased from 154‰ at 0 cm depth to 304‰ at 87–5 cm, was also recorded. Homogeneous 304‰ salinity columns served as the control. In these, the animals gathered in the top section of the water column in response to 1 h of light from above, and spread downwards in response to 4 h of darkness. In columns with a 15‰ step increase in salinity with depth, copepodids aggregated just underneath the discontinuity irrespective of light conditions. In step salinity gradients of 5‰ and 2‰ S, under both light regimes, animals were significantly more numerous in the step sections compared with the control. In the linear gradient, significant numbers of copepodids accumulated at approximately 20‰ salinity when subjected to 1 h of light. In the dark, there were no significant aggregations. Copepodids were found in 15–17–2‰ salinity in all linear gradient experiments.
Diopatra Marocensis, a New Brooding Species of Onuphidae (Annelida: Polychaeta)
Authors: Paxton Hannelore , Fadlaoui Souad , Lechapt Jean-Paul
Published: May 2009

A new species, Diopatra marocensis, is described from the fine sand Abra alba community, Sidi Boulbra, south Moroccan Atlantic coast. The new species is a member of the D. cuprea complex and is characterized by having crescentic nuchal grooves, short ceratophores, a short branchiate region, four pairs of modified parapodia with bidentate pseudocompound hooks, pectinate setae with 11–20 teeth, limbate setae with conspicuously serrated shelf, and subacicular hooks from setiger 13–15. Eggs of Diopatra marocensis sp. nov. are deposited in the parental tube, where they undergo direct development and remain until the young consist of 32–34 setigers.
A New Genus of Ophiuroid (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from Hydrothermal Mounds Along The Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Tyler P.A. , Paterson G.J.L. , Sibuet M. , f-Guille A. , Murton B.J. , Segonzac M.
Published: May 2009

Since the first visual observations of hydrothermal vents in the Eastern Pacific in 1976 (Lonsdale, 1977) these areas of the sea bed have been characterized by their spectacular, and in most cases, novel fauna. Of the 236 macrofaunal species described from hydro-thermal vents, 223 were new to science according to the most recent estimate (Tunniclif f e, 1991), although there are many species still awaiting description. The vent areas are characterized not only by the organisms present but by those which are apparently absent. Absentees include sponges, brachiopods, bryozoans, echiurans and echinoderms, although the last phylum is represented by occasional sightings of echinoids, ophiuroids and holothurians (Grassle, 1986; Tunnicliffe, 1991; Segonzac, 1992).
Consumption Rates of Six Species of Marine Benthic Naked Amoebae (Gymnamoebia) From Sediments in The Clyde Sea Area
Authors: Butler Helen , Rogerson Andrew
Published: May 2009

Six species of naked amoebae, ranging in size from 45 to 3258 μm3, were isolated from benthic sediments of the Clyde Sea area. The number of fluorescently labelled bacteria (FLB) consumed by these amoebae was determined at 5, 10, 15 and 20°C. Consumption rates varied markedly, ranging from 0·2 to 194·7 bacteria h−1(equivalent to 0·16–155·8 μim3bacterial biomass). However, only some of these values were considered to be optimal; several of the uptake values were too low to account for the measured growth rates of amoebae. Using the optimal consumption rate data, the mean specific rates increased from 0·042 bacteria h−1μm3at 5°C to 0·131 bacteria h−1μm−3at 20°C. This is the first study to detail the ingestion rates of a range of bacterivorous marine gymnamoebae.
A Hemisessile Sea Anemone from the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, North Atlantic Ocean: Iosactis Vagabunda gen. nov., sp. nov.
Authors: Riemann-Zürneck Karin
Published: May 2009

The Porcupine Abyssal Plain in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean is subject to periodical deposition of phytodetritus and has a highly diverse benthic fauna dependent on this source of organic matter. Among the most abundant species from the northern study site of the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory (IOSDL) at ~48°50′N 16°30′W, 4850 m, is Iosactis vagabunda gen. nov., sp. nov. (Cnidaria: Actiniaria, Iosactiidae fam. nov.), a small endomyarian sea anemone. The fact that this species is a burrower, with a smooth, unspecialized column, and a rounded aboral end provided with a central pit, makes it stand out from the other families of endomyarian anemones and prompted the establishment of the new family Iosactiidae. There is evidence that the closest relatives of the new family are the ‘deep water actiniids’ (e.g. Bolocera, Liponema, Leipsiceras), and the Andresiidae. Long-term in situ time-lapse photographs indicate a unique behaviour of this anemone in that it moves out of its hole at times, presumably exhibiting a hemisessile lifestyle in this peculiar abyssal habitat.
Variation in Genome Size in Benthic Polychaetes: Systematic and Ecological Relationships
Authors: Gambi M.C. , Ramella L. , Sella G. , Protto P. , Aldieri E.
Published: May 2009

Genome size (or C-value) in benthic polychaetes was studied from both experimental data and literature. Nuclear DNA content variation was analysed as related to both phylogenetic relationships of various families, general life habit of the species (interstitial vs macrobenthic), diploid chromosome number (2n), and mean body size (length). Experimental data on genome size were obtained for 43 lower taxa (genera and species) by means of microdensitometric analysis of the amount of Fuelgen-stained haploid DNA in interphase nuclei. These data, added to those available in the literature (36 taxa studied by Conner et al., 1972) gave a total of 79 taxa (genera and species), representing 30 families and 14 orders. Twenty-one of the species studied belonged exclusively to interstitial (=meiofaunal) families or genera.
Mating in Myodocopina (Crustacea: Ostracoda): Results from Video Recordings of a Highly Iridescent Cypridinid
Authors: Parker Andrew R.
Published: May 2009

The first account of mating in a myodocopine using evidence from video recordings is presented herein for Skogsbergia sp. (Cypridinidae). After initial courtship the male and female ostracods, with ventral margins adjacent and anterior ends directly opposite, join their mandibular claws and furcae. Both furcae are pushed in a posterior direction until the ventral margins of the carapace meet. In this position, with genitalia directly opposite, copulation presumably occurs. This mating procedure lasts for five seconds.

Myodocopine ostracods are diverse marine crustaceans occurring world-wide at depths from 0–6000 m (Kornicker, 1975). All myodocopines reproduce sexually (Cohen & Morin, 1990). Some bioluminescent cypridinids (Myodocopina) use luminescent signalling during courtship; males produce species-specific patterns of flashes in the water column to attract females (Morin, 1986). Although myodocopines may be amongst the most abundant macroinvertebrates on the continental shelf (J.K. Lowry, personal communication), they have been the subject of relatively few behavioural studies, and in particular their copulation process is poorly documented (Cohen & Morin, 1990).

Two accounts of myodocopine mating have been reported. In 1914 the cypridinid Vargula hilgendorfii (Muller, 1890) was observed mating in a Petri dish (Okada & Kato, 1949). The male clasped the female using the first antennae while swimming with the natatory second antennae. After 30 to 60 min they rested on their lateral sides, with ventral margins touching and heads facing in opposite directions; the penis (lying between the paired copulatory ‘limbs') was protruded into the female carapace and the spermatophore was transferred. This copulation lasted more than 30 min (Okada & Kato, 1949).
Chromatophores and Body Patterning in the SquidAlloteuthis Subulata
Authors: Cornwell C.J. , Messenger J.B. , Hanlon R.T.
Published: May 2009

The chromatophore system of the small loliginid squidAlloteuthis subulata(Mollusca: Cephalopoda) is very simple and the repertoire of body patterns limited. There are red and yellow chromatophores only. On the dorsal mantle there are more yellows than reds; on the ventral mantle and there are more reds than yellows. The dorsal reds are larger than the yellows and bear more radial muscles. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Alloteuthis subulataLamarck is a small loliginid, common in shallow water near Plymouth (Holme, 1974; Lipinski, 1985; Rodhouse et al., 1988). Little is known of its natural history and behaviour and chromatophores and body patterns of adults have never been described, although the skin of this species has been used in physiological studies of colour change (Messenger, 1991; Messenger et al., 1991; Cornwell & Messenger, 1995).

Over 100 adult animals of both sexes, caught by trawl at depths of 10–60 m, were examined; their mantle lengths ranged from 70 to 130 mm. Living animals were observed in large aquaria with circulating sea-water. Counts and measurements of chromatophores were made on colour photographs (taken through a Nikon dissecting microscope) of pieces of fresh skin (20×20 mm) dissected from animals killed by decapitation or after MgCl2anaesthesia (Messenger et al., 1985). Chromatophores were counted first when fully retracted (by 1×10−3M 5-HT) and then when fully expanded (with 1×10−3M L-glutamate: Cornwell & Messenger, 1995). All measurements were made in the same area of the body: the central and anterior part of the mantle, dorsally and ventrally (Figure 2).
Cephalopod Species in the Diet of a Sperm Whale (Physeter Catodon) Stranded at Penzance, Cornwall
Authors: Clarke M.R. , Pascoe P.L.
Published: May 2009

Stomach contents from an adult male sperm whale (Physeter catodori) stranded at Penzance, Cornwall, included a total of 125 upper and 110 lower beaks (mandibles) of cephalopods. All but two of the cephalopod species represented by lower beaks were oceanic squid belonging to four species in four families comprising: Histioteuthis spp. (44·5% by number and 10·7% by estimated wet weight); Architeuthis spp. (42·7% by number, 82·2% by weight); Todarodes sagittatus (7·3% by number, 6·0% by weight); Galiteuthis sp. (0·9% by number, 0·02% by weight); an oceanic octopod, Haliphron atlanticus (3·6% by number, 0·9% by weight) and one neritic species, Loligoforbesi (0·9% by number and 0·1% by weight). Mantle lengths of the squid were estimated to vary from 126 to 1056 mm.
Ovulinata Nom. Nov., A Replacement Name for Ovulina Anderson, Rogerson & Hannah, 1996 (Protista: Filosea)
Authors: Anderson O. Roger , Rogerson Andrew , Hannah Fiona
Published: May 2009

The generic name Ovulina was proposed by Anderson, Rogerson & Hannah (1996) to apply to the type and only species O. parva Anderson et al., 1996 based on laboratory cultured individuals isolated from sediments in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland and type specimen deposited in the British Museum of Natural History (registration number 1995:10:25:2). The name is a junior homonym and therefore invalid. Ovulina was proposed previously for a foraminiferan by Ehrenberg (1854) and used subsequently by Gruber (1884).

Ovulinata nom. nov. is proposed here as a replacement name for Ovulina Anderson, Rogerson & Hannah, 1996. The name signifies the ovoid shape of the test and the ovulate cell body as described in the original diagnosis and etymology (Anderson et al., 1996).
Age, growth and maturation of the European squid Loligo vulgaris (Myopsida, Loliginidae) on the west Saharan shelf
Authors: Arkhipkin Alexander
Published: May 2009

Age, growth and maturation of Loligo vulgaris were studied by examination of growth increments within statoliths of 294 specimens (mantle length, ML, ranging from 31 to 498 mm) caught on the west Saharan shelf between 1985 and 1988. Maximum age was 335 d (290 mm ML) for females, and 396 d (498 mm ML) for males. Growth rates varied considerably among individuals with a greater range in males. Sexual dimorphism in length was apparent after about 210 d. Males and females diverged considerably in weight, with males reaching a greater weight after about 180 d. Growth in length between 124 and 396 d was best described by a power function, while growth in weight was best described by the Gompertz function. Males started maturing at 180–210 d and mature males ranged in age between 250 and 396 d; while females started maturing at 240–270 d and mature females ranged between 285 and 335 d. Loligo vulgaris hatched throughout the year with two distinct peaks; in winter (December - early March) and summer (June-July). The life cycle of L. vulgaris populations on the west Saharan shelf lasts ~1 y, with large males (>450 mm ML) living slightly longer.
Reproductive strategies of male and female Loligo forbesi (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae)
Authors: Collins M. A. , Burnell G. M. , Rodhouse P. G.
Published: May 2009

The reproductive strategies of male and female Loligo forbesi Steenstrup, 1856 were investigated from samples obtained from commercial catches and research cruises in Irish waters. In females maturity increased with size, but in males two modes in the size at maturity were identified, with approximately 40% mature at small size (180–200 mm mantle length), and the remainder mature at >250 mm mantle length. The difference in estimated age of the two modes of mature males was small, so size differences were probably due to different growth rates. Growth and maturation proceeded together in both sexes over much of the life-cycle. The effect of maturation on relative growth of somatic tissues was examined using analysis of covariance and multivariate regressions. In males there was a significant decline in total mass, and in mass of mantle, head and viscera, relative to mantle length with maturation. In females total mass was not significantly affected by maturation, but relative masses of head, mantle and viscera declined with maturation, indicating that energy was diverted from somatic growth to gonad production. Potential fecundity estimates were obtained by counting eggs and ova in the oviduct and ovary of mature females and were in the range 2500 to 10,500 (mean 5800). Fecundity was positively related to mantle length. The ovaries of mature females contained a range of egg sizes and developmental stages, indicating that spawning probably occurs intermittently.
Attempted Ambush Predation on Spawning SquidsLoligoVulgaris Reynaudiiby Benthic Pyjama Sharks,PorodermaAfricanum, off South Africa
Authors: Smale Malcolm J. , Sauer Warwick H. H. , Hanlon Roger T.
Published: May 2009

This first description of behavioural interactions between benthic pyjama sharksPoroderma africanum(Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) and spawning squidsLoligo vulgaris reynaudii(Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) was made from underwater video recordings. The behaviours are described and illustrated to show that the sharks searched for squids in egg beds, then rested there partially hidden and immobile. The pyjama sharks at-tempted to ambush the squids when they approached to lay their eggs after they had apparently habituated to the predators. Although normally nocturnal, the pyjama sharks had emerged by day from caves and cracks in the rocky reef to attack the spawning squids, thereby benefiting from an occasionally available resource.
First Records of Mated FemaleLoligo Gahi(Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) in the Falkland Islands
Authors: George Magnus J. A. , Hatfield Emma M. C.
Published: May 2009

This communication presents the first records of mated femaleLoligo gahiin Falkland Island waters. In October 1993 fully mature mated femaleL. gahiwere identified in samples taken from the commercial fishery in waters east of Lively Island, East Falkland, at depths of 145–174 m. Spermatophores were found in both the mantle cavity and buccal sites of deposition. These records, combined with past records of spent females, suggest spawning periods in late October/early November and April/May. These concur with two of the three periods of spawning suggested from previous studies of juvenile and adultL. gahi.
Raman spectroscopic study of the vanadium and sulphate in blood cell homogenates of the ascidian, Ascidia gemmata
Authors: Kanamori K. , Michibata H.
Published: May 2009

The Raman spectrum of a cell homogenate obtained from the unfractioned blood cells of Ascidia gemmata was recorded in an effort to determine the ratio of the level of sulphate to that of vanadium in the blood cells. The ratio obtained was 1·47, which is close to 1·5, the value predicted if sulphate ions are present as the counter ions of V3+ ions. We found evidence that an aliphatic sulphonic acid is present in the blood cells, namely, the Raman spectrum of the cell homogenate included a band at 1044 cm−1, which corresponds to the symmetrical stretching vibration of the SO3− group of the anion of cysteic acid.
Respiration rates and biovolumes of common benthic Foraminifera (Protozoa)
Authors: Hannah Fiona , Rogerson Rew , Laybourn-Parry Johanna
Published: May 2009

The respiration rates of five genera of benthic Foraminifera were determined by Cartesian diver microrespirometry. Across all genera studied, the rate averaged 11·3×10−3μl O2individual−1h−1at 10°C. Estimates of foraminiferal mean biovolumes ranged from 0·66 to 6·54×106μm3, giving an overall mean volume-specific respiration rate of 7·36 × 10−9μl O2h−1μm−3. For non-symbiont-bearing Foraminifera, in general, volume-specific rates (log μl O2h−1μm3) are best described by the equation, −0·98 × (log cell biovolume, μm3)−2·01. The respiration results show that these benthic Foraminifera respire some ten times more rapidly than naked amoebae of equivalent size. The combination of high respiratory rates and the often large standing stocks of Foraminifera encountered, suggests that these organisms may contribute significantly to total microbial benthic respiration.
Reproductive pattern of the clams, Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum on intertidal flats in Brittany
Authors: Laruelle F. , Guillou J. , Paulet Y.M.
Published: May 2009

Since the introduction of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (Mollusca: Bivalvia) to aquaculture clam beds, this species has spread to several sites. As a result, an extensive fishery has developed around this species. Its reproductive cycle and that of a native clam species, Ruditapes decussatus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) from two Brittany sites are examined here and the seasonal variations in the condition index, the scale of maturation stages, the histology and the oocyte size-frequencies of both species are compared. The differences observed between the species and between sites were attributed to environmental conditions. Ruditapes philippinarum showed a more extended breeding period and a greater number of spawning events than R. decussatus. In the Morbihan Gulf, the reproductive activity of R. philippinarum appeared particularly great in terms of number of spawning events, and speed of maturation. For both species, synchronism was more apparent during the first maturation, while spawning, and particularly partial spawning, tended to decrease the level of synchronization.
The formation of apatite from crab faecal pellets
Authors: Simkiss K. , Taylor M.G.
Published: May 2009

Intracellular granules have been isolated from the digestive gland of the shore crab Carcinus maenas (L.). These granules are normally shed from this tissue during the digestive cycle and are shown to occur in considerable numbers in the faecal strands. The granules are amorphous to x-ray diffraction and remain in this state in sea-water for several weeks, although they will transform into crystalline apatite in simpler saline solutions. The fate of these deposits in the marine environment is discussed in relation to their contribution to sediments and phosphorites.
A Parasitic Association Between a Pycnogonid and a Scyphomedusa in Midwater
Authors: Child C. Allan , Harbison G. R.
Published: May 2009

The feeding habits and host specificities of the Pycnogonida are poorly known. These usually small, cryptically coloured animals are difficult to observe alive and are mostly collected fortuitously in gross samples taken from trawls and dredges. Any association between the pycnogonids and their food is disrupted in the trawl. Further, the possibility that some of the pycnogonids may have been captured in the water column rather than on the bottom cannot be ascertained from trawl and dredge samples. King (1973) lists only twelve records of pycnogonids actually seen browsing on food organisms. Most occur on hydroids and other cnidarians, and all are from benthic habitats. In more recent papers, Stock reports a pycnogonid seen on a brittle star in the Seychelles (1979), feeding preferences of pycnogonids on benthic cnidarians (1978), and an association between a pycnogonid and a starfish from the Philippines (1981).
Freezing Resistance, Temperature and Salinity Tolerance in Eggs, Larvae and Adults of Capelin, Mallotus Villosus, From Balsfjord
Authors: Davenport John , Stene Anne
Published: May 2009

The capelin of lodde, Mallotus villosus Müller is a salmonoid teleost of great commercial importance, being caught in large quantities by Norway, Iceland, the U.S.S.R. and Canada. The species has a circumpolar distribution, is limited to high northern latitudes, and has been the subject of two major review articles (Templeman, 1948; Jangaard, 1974).

Most Norwegian capelin spawn sublittorally in the Barents Sea, but a population living in a long fjord near Tromsö in northern Norway (Balsfjord) spawns, like the Newfoundland capelin (Jeffers, 1931, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Toronto), between the tidemarks, their sticky eggs adhering to gravel, stones and weed. The capelin from Balsfjord appear to be separate from the Barents Sea stocks, and are now believed to remain within the fjord throughout their life history (Friis-Sörensen, 1983, unpublished Cand. real, thesis, University of Tromsö).
Seasonal Changes in Movements, Abundance, Size Composition and Diversity of the Fish Fauna of the Severn Estuary
Authors: Claridge P. N. , Potter I. C. , Hardisty M. W.
Published: May 2009

Estuaries perform a crucial role in the life-cycle of many fish (Cronin & Mansueti, 1971; Day, Blaber & Wallace, 1981; Dando, 1984). They provide a migratory route for anadromous and catadromous species and an environment in which the limited number of true estuarine teleosts spend the whole of their life cycle. The upper reaches are colonized by certain freshwater species while the lower regions are penetrated by some marine fish during high tide. However, many marine teleosts enter and remain within estuaries for a period of time, often in very large numbers and particularly during the early part of life (see e.g. Gunter, 1938, 1961, 1967; Huddart & Arthur, 1971; van den Broek, 1980; Blaber & Blaber, 1980; Potteret al.1983; Whitfield, 1983). The recognition that estuaries act as important nursery areas for certain teleosts by providing such features as a rich food source and protection from predation (see e.g. Pearcy & Richards, 1962] Jacquaz, Able & Leggett, 1977; Blaber & Blaber, 1980) has led to such species being referred to as estuarine-dependent (see e.g. McHugh, 1976; Beal, 1980; Fortier & Leggett, 1982).
Karyology of Pomatoschistus Microps (Teleostei: Gobioidei)
Authors: Webb C. J.
Published: May 2009

The common goby, Pomatoschistus microps (Krøyer), is a small, euryhaline gobiid fish which ranges along the coasts of continental Europe from the Mediterranean to Trondheim, Norway, and also penetrates into the Baltic Sea (Miller, 1973). This species, which can be very abundant, is generally distributed in estuaries, salt marsh and shore pools (Wheeler, 1969; Miller, 1971) and experiences a higher degree of environmental heterogeneity than most of the other European gobiids (Wallis & Beardmore, 1984a).
Revision of Desmodora With Descriptions of New Desmodorids (Nematoda) from Hydrothermal Vents of the Pacific
Authors: Verschelde D. , Gourbault N. , Vincx M.
Published: May 2009

In this article four species of Desmodoridae, Desmodora alberti sp. nov., Desmodora marci sp. nov., Desmodorella balteata sp. nov. and Desmodorella spineacaudata sp. nov. (Nematoda: Desmodoridae), are described from hydrothermal vents of the Pacific. The genus Desmodora is revised and lists of valid species are provided; four subgenera are reinstated as genera; Xenodesmodora is regarded as genus inquirendum. Definitions of some morphological structures are given.
Head Kidneys in Hatchlings of Scoloplos Armiger (Annelida: Orbiniida): Implications for the Occurrence of Protonephridia in Lecithotrophic Larvae
Authors: Bartolomaeus Thomas
Published: May 2009

It is generally believed that lecithotrophic larvae of annelids do not possess functional excretory organs. However, as in certain annelids the planktotrophic trochophora larva has been secondarily modified into a lecithotrophic developmental stage and because protonephridia are characteristic for the trochophora, lecithotrophic developmental stages should also possess such organs. To test this assumption hatchlings of the orbiniidan Scoloplos armiger, which develops directly without a free-living larval stage, were investigated ultrastrucrurally. Each hatchling possesses a pair of protonephridia which lie caudal to the eyes and almost level with the frontal margin of the foregut. Each organ consists of three multiciliated cells, a terminal cell, a duct cell and a nephropore cell. The terminal cell bears a distally oriented hollow cytoplasmic cylinder, which surrounds the cilia. Adherens junctions connect this structure to the duct cell. Several clefts and pores perforate the wall of the hollow cylinder. Extracellular material covers the pores and clefts and thus may function as a molecular sieve during filtration. A comparison with the protonephridia of other annelid larvae reveals: (1) that one pair of protonephridial head kidneys consisting of a terminal cell, a duct cell and a nephropore cell must be assumed for the trochophore in the ground pattern of annelids and (2) that these organs are preserved when lecithotrophic larval stages evolved within the Annelida
Aspects of the Life Histories of Perioculodes Longimanus, Pontocrates Arcticus and Synchelidium Maculatum (Crustacea: Amphipoda) at Millport, Scotland
Authors: Beare D.J. , Moore P.G.
Published: May 2009

Detailed catch and life history data for Perioculodes longimanus and Pontocrates arcticus, together with more limited comparable information on Synchelidium maculatum, are reported. Samples were taken year-round using a 0–5 mm mesh D-net towed over sand in the immediate sublittoral zone (-2 to -6 m Chart Datum) in Kames Bay, Great Cumbrae Island, Scotland. Estimated population densities of Perioculodes longimanus were highest in summer. The occurrence of Pontocrates arcticus was more erratic and S. maculatum occurred only in midsummer in very low numbers. The mean sizes of all population categories of Perioculodes longimanus were bigger in summer than in late autumn and winter. Female Perioculodes longimanus parasitized with the copepod Sphaeronella minuta were significantly smaller than the whole category ‘sexable females’. Adult female S. minuta (one per amphipod brood pouch infected) carried — 70–200 eggs per sac. In both Perioculodes longimanus and Pontocrates arcticus females were larger than males. In Synchelidium maculatum, by contrast, males and females were not different in size. Gravid females were present virtually year-round in Perioculodes longimanus and Pontocrates arcticus, with particularly high proportions of ovigerous females in midsummer and low proportions in midwinter. Both of these species had an annual life cycle with only one generation per year. Longevity was estimated at 15 months. The sex ratio nearly always showed substantial female dominance in all three species. Fecundity appeared to be related to body size but, due to egg losses during sample processing, data were too few for detailed analysis. The eggs of Perioculodes longimanus and Pontocrates arcticus were elliptical in shape, with winter eggs being smaller than summer eggs in Perioculodes longimanus, but larger in Pontocrates arcticus. The percentage of ovigerous females in the population was significantly correlated with a range of environmental factors tested, the highest correlation being with maximum weekly air temperature (for Perioculodes longimanus) and daylength (Pontocrates arcticus), although causative effects cannot be established since temperature/daylength factors were not independent variables
New and Little Known Corophioidea (Amphipoda: Gammaridea) from Faroese and Icelandic Waters
Authors: Myers A.A.
Published: May 2009

A new species of Aoridae,Camacho faroensisis described and figured from Faroese waters and a new species of Isaeidae,Megamphopus raptor, is described and figured from Icelandic waters. The female ofChevreuxius grandimanusis described for the first time as is the hyperadult male ofAutonoe borealis.
A Swimming Crab New to the British Fauna,Liocarcinus Vernalis(Crustacea: Brachyura: Portunidae)
Authors: Ingle Ray W. , Clark Paul F.
Published: May 2009

The occurrence in British coastal waters of the swimming crabLiocarcinus vernalisis confirmed for the first time. Features are given to enable this species to be distinguished from the closely relatedL. holsatusandL. marmoreus. The zoogeographical distribution and bionomics ofL. vernalisare briefly discussed.
In Vitro Consumption of Caulerpa Taxifolia (Chlorophyta) By Accustomed and Non-Accustomed Paracentrotus Lividus (Echinoid): Seasonal Variations
Authors: Ganteaume Anne , Gobert Julie , Malestroit Pascale , Ménager Valérie , Francour Patrice , Boudouresque Charles-François
Published: May 2009

In vitro short time experiments (a few weeks) show that daily ingestion by Pamcentrotus lividus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) is weak (0–81 mg DW d-1 ind-1) for Caulerpa taxifolia (Chlorophyta), compared to the data recorded with an almost totally avoided brown alga, Cystoseira compressa (24–137 mg DW d-1 ind-1) and with a preferred brown alga, Halopteris scoparia (79–397 mg DW d-1 ind-1). There is no significant difference between spring (when the toxic metabolite content is at its minimum) and summer-autumn (when it is at its maximum). In contrast, the absorption rate of the sea urchin fed on Caulerpa taxifolia is significantly weaker in spring than in summer-autumn. Overall, the daily absorbed weight is negative in spring with C. taxifolia (compared with 18 mg DW d-1 ind-1 with Cystoseira compressa and 25 mg DW d-1 ind-1 with H. scoparia). It has also been demonstrated that P. lividus becomes accustomed to Caulerpa taxifolia, at least for short time experiments: the echinoid consumes greater quantities of this alga especially if it is fresh when it has already consumed it previously.
Reproduction in the Apodid Sea CucumberPolycheira Rufescens: Semilunar Spawning Rhythm and Sex Change
Authors: Kubota Tomoyuki , Tomari Masakazu
Published: May 2009

Most fertile individuals of the apodid sea cucumberPolycheira rufescens, living in the intertidal zone near Iso Marine Station in southern Kyushu, Japan, spawned on day one and two before every full and new moon in the period from the second half of July until August or October from 1983 to 1989, the month differing in different years. Synchronous spawning associated with the same phases of the moon was also observed at Sakurajima Marine Station near Iso in 1991. Individuals ready to spawn were divided into four sexual types: two sorts of hermaphroditic males with small or larger growing oocytes and males and females. Further investigation revealed that some individuals changed from male to female or from female back to male in the two week interval between spawnings. Moreover synchronous gametogenesis occurred in association with sex changes throughout the breeding season, the period from initiation of spermatogonia proliferation to spermatozoa release was three weeks, and the period from initiation of oocyte growth to egg shedding was about five weeks.