Alfonsino Research Articles

Dietary characteristics of the ecologically-important fish species Centroberyx gerrardi, including discussion of resource partitioning among species of Berycidae in Australia

Data for the Berycidae, collected during extensive past scientific surveys, were used to quantify the depth distributions of the four species of Centroberyx and two of Beryx found in Australian coastal waters and thus elucidate the extent to which these species are partitioned by region and depth. The dietary, jaw and dentitional characteristics of the ecologically and fishery-important Centroberyx gerrardi were then determined, providing the first such account for any Centroberyx species. While Centroberyx gerrardi, Centroberyx lineatus, Beryx splendens and Beryx decadactylus are found throughout southern Australia, the last two species extend further up the west and east coasts. Centroberyx australis occurs on the lower half of the west coast eastwards to the central south coast and Centroberyx affinis on the lower half of the east coast. The four Centroberyx species typically occur at depths <350 m and the two Beryx species at >350 m. On the south coast of Western Australia, depth distributions undergo an overlapping progressive gradation, from C. lineatus in inshore and nearshore shallow waters, to C. gerrardi and C. australis in nearshore deep waters, and then B. splendens and B. decadactylus in offshore deep waters. The main dietary categories of C. gerrardi change with increasing body size from crabs and isopods in small fish to teleosts in the largest fish, in which volumetrically they constituted >60% of the stomach contents. The wide range of teleost prey (at least 39 species from 33 families) ingested by C. gerrardi would be valuable to this species if continuing climate change or other anthropogenic effects lead to alterations in the composition of potential prey. Differences between depth distributions account for the fish prey of C. gerrardi comprising nearshore species, such as those of clupeids, congrids, pomacentrids and platycephalids, whereas those of B. splendens (from studies elsewhere) are dominated by myctophids, which are abundant in deeper waters. The combination of a large mouth and numerous, exclusively small teeth (edentulate morphotype) strongly suggest that C. gerrardi is a suction feeder adapted to engulfing larger prey. While the co-occurring and likewise commercially-fished Oplegnathus woodwardi also ingests substantial volumes of crabs and teleosts, its diet is distinguished from C. gerrardi by large volumes of poriferans and appreciable volumes of echinoderms, likewise reflecting feeding specialisations. Although differing in depth distributions and dietary compositions, berycid species in general are close to the apex of the food web.

Preliminary report on bycatch fish species collected from the Tokyo Submarine Canyon, Japan.

An ichthyofaunal list of bycatch species was compiled, the fish captured by bottom gill-nets set at approximately 300 m depth in the Uraga Suido Channel central Japan. Fragmentary ichthyofaunal lists are available for this area; these lists have focused on chondrichthyans or commercial actinopterygians, but voucher specimens have not been prepared for museum storage. An initial list of the fish fauna was compiled with vouchers, and seven species not previously recorded from the channel are reported. Most of these species belong to the Class Actinopterygii; Apristurusplatyrhynchus (Tanaka, 1909), Beryxdecadactylus Cuvier, 1829, Hoplostethusjaponicus Hilgendorf, 1879, Sebastesiracundus (Jordan & Starks, 1904), Scalicusamiscus (Jordan & Starks, 1904), Atrobuccanibe (Jordan & Thompson, 1911), and an unidentified species of the eelpout family Zoarcidae. The taxonomic identity of the eelpout and the biogeography of the Uraga Suido Channel are considered. Further research is required to resolve outstanding faunistic issues, but live collections will likely end when the aging fishers who provide the specimens retire. At that point, existing museum collections will become increasingly important for future research. Examination of a collection that may have been previously deposited in the Chiba Prefectural Museum will be essential.

Can we consider the stocks of alfonsinos Beryx splendens and Beryx decadactylus from the Azores a discrete fishery management unit?

This paper summarises the detailed information on catch, fork length, weight, sex and maturity of alfonsinos Beryx splendens and Beryx decadactylus collected from targeted surveys in Azores waters, complemented by fishery data, over the past c. 20 years. To date, it was not possible to define if the Azorean component of the population can be considered as a discrete local management unit. The reason for this is the lack of available information for these resources covering the entire spatial distribution of the species in the North Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, there are some conflicts between the different genetic results available, poor understanding about the species movements and data from the Azores show some discrepancies in aspects of reproduction. Consequently, there is no analytical assessment for this resource and the stock of Beryx spp. is currently managed based on the precautionary approach. Outputs of recent analyses are presented in this study and possible assumptions and strategies for the assessment are discussed.

Comunity structure and habitat characterization of Neoschrammeniella cf. bowerbankii (Porifera, Corallistidae) aggregations in the Cantabrian Sea

Comunity structure and habitat characterization of Neoschrammeniella cf. bowerbankii (Porifera, Corallistidae) aggregations in the Cantabrian Sea

Ten new records of marine fishes for São Tomé, West Africa

Three chondrichthyes: Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828; Mobula tarapacana (Philippi, 1892); and Mobula thurstoni (Lloyd, 1908), and seven teleosts: Beryx decadactylus Cuvier, 1829; Peristedion cf. cataphractum (Linnaeus, 1758); Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758; Liopropoma emanueli Wirtz et Schliewen, 2012; Chromis cadenati Whitley, 1951; Chromis limbata (Valenciennes, 1833); and Makaira nigricans Lacep&#232;de, 1802 were recorded for the first time for S&#227;o Tom&#233;. These records were based on fishes landed in local markets, captured, or observed while SCUBA diving and from BRUV surveys.

Natural trace element enrichment in fishes from a volcanic and tectonically active region (Azores archipelago)

Seamounts, in general, are thought to support high biodiversity and special biological communities. They have been targeted by commercial fishing for demersal and pelagic fish species due to the occurrence of large aggregations in mid- and deep-water. Specimens of Phycis phycis, Helicolenus dactylopterus, Pontinus kuhlii, Beryx splendens, Beryx decadactylus, Etmopterus pusillus, Mora moro, Pagellus bogaraveo, Deania profundorum, Scomber colias and Trachurus picturatus were collected at the Condor seamount and on the slopes of Faial and Pico islands of Azores archipelago. Concentrations of V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd and Pb were determined in muscle and liver of each individual. Values of the 11 trace elements in the two tissues of the benthopelagic and benthic specimens, from the two surveyed areas, presented a significant inter-specific variation. In general, levels were lower in muscle than in liver, and negative relations between weight and Co, Mn, Zn, As, Cd and Pb concentrations in muscle and liver of three species were found. Pagellus bogaraveo, S. colias and T. picturatus presented enhanced elemental concentrations in liver, particularly of Cd. The extremely high storage of this potentially toxic element suggests a response to high uptake of Cd and the existence of an additional natural source of Cd to the environment.

Megafaunal-habitat associations at a deep-sea coral mound off North Carolina, USA

Deep-sea corals provide important habitat for many organisms; however, the extent to which fishes and other invertebrates are affiliated with corals or other physical variables is uncertain. The Cape Fear coral mound off North Carolina, USA (366–463 m depth, 33° 34.4′N, 76° 27.8′W) was surveyed using multibeam sonar and the Johnson-Sea-Link submersible. Multibeam bathymetric data (2006) were coupled with in situ video data (2002–2005) to define habitat associations of 14 dominant megafauna at two spatial scales. Results suggested greater habitat specificity of deep-reef fauna than previously documented, with fishes showing greater affinity for certain habitat characteristics than most invertebrates. High vertical profile, degree of coral coverage, and topographic complexity influenced distributions of several species, including Beryx decadactylus, Conger oceanicus, and Novodinia antillensis on the smaller scale (30 × 30 m). On the broad scale (170 × 170 m), several suspension feeders (e.g., N. antillensis, anemones), detritivores (Echinus spp.), and mesopelagic feeders (e.g., Beryx decadactylus, Eumunida picta) were most often found on the south-southwest facing slope near the top of the mound. Transient reef species, including Laemonema barbatulum and Helicolenus dactylopterus, had limited affiliations to topographic complexity and were most often on the mound slope and base. Megafauna at deep-water reefs behave much like shallow-water reef fauna, with some species strongly associated with certain fine-scale habitat attributes, whereas other species are habitat generalists. Documenting the degree of habitat specialization is important for understanding habitat functionality, predicting faunal distributions, and assessing the impacts of disturbance on deep-reef megafauna.

Genetic evidence for a single stock of the deep‐sea teleost Beryx decadactylus in the North Atlantic Ocean as inferred from mtDNA control region analysis

Mitochondrial control region sequences of 141 alfonsino Beryx decadactylus sampled off the coast of South Carolina were compared with 164 sequences from B. decadactylus collected in the Azores for inferring population structure and demographic history of this deep-water teleost in the North Atlantic Ocean. Analysis of molecular variance showed that 100% of the genetic variation was found within populations, indicating an absence of population structure (Φ(ST) = -0· 003). Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analyses of pooled sequences suggested that B. decadactylus in the North Atlantic Ocean have undergone population expansion. These results may indicate that transatlantic gene flow occurs, possibly through passive drift of larvae or adult migration. The potential of a shared stock between the eastern and western North Atlantic Ocean will need to be considered if a directed fishery for B. decadactylus were to develop in the U.S.A.

Feeding habits of some demersal fish on the Charleston Bump off the southeastern United States

AbstractGoldman, S. F. and Sedberry, G. R. 2011. Feeding habits of some demersal fish on the Charleston Bump off the southeastern United States. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 390–398. The feeding habits of several demersal fish on the upper continental slope were investigated to determine the trophic relationships of these ecologically dominant and commercially important species, and to determine food sources for slope fish off the southeastern United States. Stomach contents were examined from 534 fish, including wreckfish (Polyprion americanus), barrelfish (Hyperoglyphe perciformis), and red bream (Beryx decadactylus). Fish fed on 46 prey taxa, and there were dietary differences among predators. Wreckfish predominantly consumed teleost fish and squid; barrelfish had a diet dominated by pelagic tunicates and some mesopelagic fish and squid; red bream consumed mainly fish, squid, and crustaceans. Seasonal shifts in diet were observed in all three species. Many of the prey items encountered were vertically migrating organisms, which are a critical link between surface waters and the slope ecosystem.

The fish fauna associated with deep coral banks off the southeastern United States

Deep-sea or cold-water corals form substantial habitat along many continental slopes, including the southeastern United States (SEUS). Despite increasing research on deep coral systems and growing appreciation of their importance to fishes, quantitative data on fish communities occupying these ecosystems are relatively lacking. Our overall goals were to document the fish species and their relative abundances and to describe the degree of general habitat specificity of the fishes on and around deep coral habitats on the SEUS slope. From 2000 to 2006, we used the Johnson-Sea-Link (JSL) submersible (65 dives, 366–783 m), supplemented with otter trawls (33 tows, 365–910 m) to document fishes and habitats from off North Carolina to east-central Florida. Eight areas with high concentrations of deep-sea corals were surveyed repeatedly. Three general habitat types (prime reef, transition reef, and off reef) were defined to determine large-scale habitat use patterns. Throughout the area, at least 99 fish species were identified, many (19%) of which yielded new distributional data. Most species observed with the JSL were on prime reef ( n=50) and transition reef ( n=42) habitats, but the off reef habitat supported a well developed, but different fauna ( n=25 species). Prime reef was characterized by Laemonema melanurum (21% of total), Nezumia sclerorhynchus (17% of total), Beryx decadactylus (14% of total), and Helicolenus dactylopterus (10% of total). The off reef areas were dominated by Fenestraja plutonia (19% of total), Laemonema barbatulum (18% of total), Myxine glutinosa (8% of total), and Chlorophthalmus agassizi (7% of total). Transition habitat exhibited a mixture of species that were also found on either prime reef or off reef habitats. Nezumia sclerorhynchus was the most abundant (25% of total) transition habitat species, followed by L. barbatulum (16% of total) and L. melanurum (14% of total). Several species (e.g., Anthias woodsi, B. decadactylus, Conger oceanicus, and Dysommina rugosa) demonstrated specificity to deep-reef habitats, while others (e.g., C. agassizi, Benthobatis marcida, F. plutonia, and Phycis chesteri) were always more common away from reefs. In addition to new distributional data, we provide behavioral and biological observations for dominant species.

A long‐finned specimen of Beryx decadactylus caught in the North‐eastern Atlantic of Rockall

A long‐finned specimen of Beryx decadactylus from of Rockall is reported and the Northeastern Atlantic persistence of juvenile characters in subadult and adult fish is discussed.

A long-finned specimen of Beryx decadactylus caught in the North-eastern Atlantic off Rockall

A long-finned specimen of Beryx decadactylus caught in the North-eastern Atlantic off Rockall

Antecedentes colonizadores en la España del siglo XVIII. Proyectos y realidades en las tierras de la antigua Corona de Aragón

RESUMENEl interés del reformismo borbónico por la colonización interior dio lugar, en los territorios de la antigua Corona de Aragón, a multitud de iniciativas que, en la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII, contaron con el modelo repoblador de Sierra Morena y, desde 1772, con la reposición del Fuero Alfonsino de 1329, privilegio que permitía obtener la jurisdicción baronal. Es por ello que junto a consideraciones poblacionistas sea frecuente encontrar en estos proyectos motivaciones especulativas o un medio para ingresar en el estamento privilegiado.

Observations on some Tasmanian fishes: Part XXVII

One new species is added to the Tasmanian list; Amrnotretis elongatus McCulloch, 1914, from Goose Island, Furneaux Group, Bass Strait. A detailed account, with table of dimensions, is given for two examples of Trygonorrhina fasciata Muller & Henle, 1841 (rulinobatidae). It has hitherto been assumed the Tasmanian fiddler ray is the typical subspecies: however, the present paterial is determined as T. f. guanerius Whitley, 1932. Other species noted are: Dinolestes lewini (Griffith, 1834) (Apogonidae), general specifications of a sample of eight specimens, with extensions of published meristic and morphometric ranges, Beryx decadactylus Cuvier, 1829, B. decadactylus (Gunther, 1859) (Berycidae), Paratrachichthys trailli (Hutton, 1875) (Trachichthydae), the treatment of the last three species including detailed morphometry and various aspects of body form, with some comparison between them.

Fishes with Eye Shine: Functional Morphology of Guanine Type Tapetum Lucidum

In several teleost fishes, guanine type ocular tapeta lucida were studied by conventional light and fluorescence microscopy. Retina1 tapeta lucida were found in the eyes of Chlorophthalmus albatrossis, Chlorophthalmus nigromarginatus, Chlorophthalmus acutifrons, Beryx splendens, Beryx decadactylus, Polymixia japonica and Polymixia bemdti. Choroidal tapeta exist in the eyes of Neoscopelus microchir, Diaphus coeruleus, Diaph us sagarniensis, Epigon us atherinoides, Priacanthus macracanthus, Priacanthus harnrur, Priacanthus boops and Pn'stigenys niphonia. Spectrophotometric and paper-chromatographic evidence reveals the tapetal material to be mainly guanine. Grouped receptors in the retinas of Chlorophthalmus and Polymixia and argentea in the eyes of Priacanthus are described and a classification of the tapeta lucida in teleosts is given. The relationship between retinal and choroidal tapeta is discussed and a possible explanation offered for the two types of tapetal organization in teleosts. Apparently, the two types are related to the ecology and behavior of the species concerned.

Alguns acantocéfalos de peixes do Oceano Atlântico, Costa Continental Portuguesa e Costa do Norte da África

Foram estudadas quatro espécies de acantocéfalos encontrados na autópsia de 81 peixes capturados no Oceano Atlântico, na Costa Continental Portuguesa e na Costa Norte da África. Encontramos 16 peixes parasitados por acantocéfalos. As espécies de peixes necropsiados e os helmintos encontrados foram os seguintes: 11 meros (Epinephellus gigas) sendo 1 parasitado por fêmeas da família Rhadinorhynchidade; 5 sardas (Scomber scombrus) sendo duas parasitadas por Rhadinorhynchus tenuicornis; 62 pescadas (Merluccius merluccius merluccius) sendo 12 parasitadas por Aspersentis johni e 3 linguados (Solea solea) sendo 1 parasitado por Acanthocephaloides incrassatus. Aspersintis johni é pela primeira vez mencionado no Hemisfério Norte e Acanthocephaloides incrassatus é pela primeira vez referido no Oceano Atlântico.

Nova contribuição para o estudo dos nematódeos de peixes do Oceano Atlântico: Costa Continental Portuguesa e Costa do Norte da Africa

São estudadas 4 espécies de nematódeos encontradas em 21 peixes que foram coletados no Oceâno Atlântico na Costa Continental Portuguesa e na Costa Norte da África. Foram encontados 6 peixes dos 21 necropsiados parasitados por nematódeos. Os hospedeiros e os nematódeos encontrados são os seguintes: 3 exemplares de Solea solea, sendo um parasitado por Contraceaecum magnum; 3 exemplares de Batrachoides didactylus, sendo um parasitado por Contracaecum magnum e também por cucullanus hians; 7 exemplares de Pagellus bogaraveo, sendo 2 parasitados por Contracaecum bidentalum; 7 exemplares de Beryx decadactylus, sendo 2 parasitados por Contracaecum seriolae. Soela solea e Batrachoides didacylus são referidos pela primeira vez como hospedeiros de Contracaecum magnum. Contracaecum seriolae é referido pela primeira vez em Beryx decadactylus e no Oceano Atlântico. Batrachoides didactylus é referido pela primeira vez como hospedeiro de Cucullanus hians e Contracaecum bidentatum como parasito de Pagellus gobaraveo.