Species Of Blennies Research Articles

Abiotic factors that prompt major ecological transitions: Are fish on land to escape an intolerable aquatic environment?

Abstract Colonisation of novel habitats are important events in evolution, but the factors that initially prompt such ecological transitions are often unknown. The invasion of land by fish is an extreme habitat transition that offers an opportunity to empirically investigate the causes of major ecological transitions. The intertidal ecotone—and rock pools in particular—have been an important staging ground for transitions onto land. Classic hypotheses focus on the adverse abiotic conditions of rock pools at low tide as the instigator of fish voluntarily stranding themselves out of water, which can then lead to the evolution of an amphibious lifestyle. To test these hypotheses, we studied the abiotic conditions of 54 rock pools on the island of Guam where there are various species of aquatic, amphibious and terrestrial blenny fishes. We found little support for the expected deterioration of abiotic conditions in standing pools at low tide (salinity, pH and oxygen), and fish were not seen to be excluded from those pools that were found to exhibit poor abiotic conditions (temperature, salinity and pH). Hypoxia was the only factor that might account for the absence of blennies from certain rock pools. Next, we experimentally measured oxygen depletion by an aquatic, mildly amphibious and highly amphibious species of blenny found on Guam in a simulated rockpool to infer the proportion of rock pools at low tide outside the tolerable range of blennies. Rock pools were found to have oxygen levels within the requirements of most blennies and those of other marine fishes reported in the literature. We conclude that the abiotic environment of rock pools alone was unlikely to have instigated the evolution of amphibious behaviour in blennies, at least on Guam. Instead, the broad range of abiotic conditions experienced in rock pools suggests these conditions could have primed amphibious blennies to better endure the novel conditions on land. Any ecotone typified by fluctuations or gradients in abiotic conditions is likely a key transitional environment for the invasion of novel habitats and, as such, are an important location for adaptive evolution and species diversification. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Clarifying the taxonomy of some cryptic blennies (Blenniidae) in their native and introduced range

Omobranchus punctatus is native to the Indo-Pacific region and invasive in the Atlantic region, currently being considered one of the most widely distributed blenny species. However, recent molecular studies indicated that O. punctatus is a complex of species, with three divergent mtDNA lineages identified to date, stressing the need for a taxonomic revision. In this study, we used an integrative approach, combining morphological and genetic data, to shed light on the taxonomy and distribution of O. punctatus. Moreover, we provide the first genetic records of introduced populations in Brazil and discuss the introduction pattern of this species in this region. Morphological data shows that O. punctatus consists of at least five distinct and geographically restricted species: O. punctatus sensu stricto, O. dispar, O. sewalli, O. cf. kochi, and O. cf. japonicus. Species delimitation analyses performed using the mtDNA data available confirmed that O. punctatus sensu stricto, O. dispar and O. sewalli correspond to different species that started to diverge about 2.6 Mya. Furthermore, O. sewalli was identified as the invasive species colonizing Atlantic shores. The existence of historical oceanographic barriers, such as the emergence of the Sunda Shelf in the Eastern Indian Ocean during the Pleistocene, and the biological traits of these blennies are the most likely factors responsible for their genetic differentiation and subsequent speciation.

Remnant oyster reefs as fish habitat within the estuarine seascape

Interest in oyster reef conservation and restoration is growing globally, but particularly in Australia, it is unclear the extent to which oyster reefs complement (versus replicate) habitat provisioning by other structured habitats in the seascape. Remote underwater video surveys of two east Australian estuaries revealed that at high tide, oyster reefs not only supported distinct fish communities to bare sediments but also to adjacent seagrass beds and mangrove forests. Fish observations in oyster reefs were close to double that of mangroves and seagrass, with species richness, abundance, feeding and wandering behaviours similar. Several species of blenny and goby were unique to oyster reefs and oyster-containing mangroves, whilst recreationally fished species such as bream and mullet were more abundant on oyster reefs than in other habitats. Resolving the association between oyster reefs and fish species within the broader seascape will assist in developing restoration and management strategies that maximise fisheries benefit.

Hidden taxonomic characters in otoliths of blenniid fishes (Teleostei: Blenniidae) from the Iranian coasts of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea ecoregions: A scanning electron microscopy approach

AbstractIn the present work, the morphological characteristics of sagitta were described and analysed for 10 species of combtooth blennies (Blenniidae) inhabiting the intertidal region of the Persian Gulf and Makran zone of Oman Sea to see the taxonomic usefulness of otoliths, especially their hidden characters for species identification. Based on the obtained results, sagitta morphology could be considered as diagnostic characters distinguishing the genera Alticus, Antennablennius, Istiblennius, Omobranchus and Parablennius showing differences related to general shape, that is, elliptic/oval to triangular; shape of antirostrum and its degree of development; the degrees of convexity of ventral and dorsal margins, and shape of ostium. The common/general otolith characters shared in the all studied combtooth blennies, is the heterosulcoid condition, which is a shared character with Perciformes and Gobiiformes. The type of sulcus is ostial, and it can be considered as a plesiomorph character shared with a basal group of actinopterygian fishes. The obtained results could be useful in taxonomical, paleontological, ecological and food and feeding habits studies.

The Pandemic Blenny, Coralliozetus clausus, a new species of tube blenny endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica (Teleostei: Chaenopsidae).

Coralliozetus clausus, a new species of chaenopsid blenny, endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, is described. This small species, not exceeding 15 mm SL, is a short-bodied member of the genus along with Coralliozetus cardonae (Caribbean), Coralliozetus angelicus, and Coralliozetus springeri (both eastern Pacific). It differs from its closest relative, C. springeri, known from mainland waters from Costa Rica to Ecuador, in having a single tiny supraorbital cirrus and dark dots on the operculum and branchiostegal membrane of males while C. springeri has paired supraorbital cirri (one of which is substantial in size) and no dots on the operculum. Although two other species of Coralliozetus have been reported from Isla del Coco, this appears to be only member of the genus present on the island. It is the second chaenopsid endemic to Isla del Coco and brings the number of cryptobenthic fishes endemic to Isla del Coco to twelve.

Length–Weight and Length–Length Relationships for Six Blenny Species from Iranian Coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman (Teleostei: Blenniidae)

This study describes the length–weight (LWR) and length–length (LLR) relationships for six blenny species collected along the southern coasts of Iran, during occasional sampling from 2017 to 2018. The LWR and LLRs data for Antennablennius variopunctatus, Omobranchus fasciolatus [both from the Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf] and Alticus kirkii, Antennablennius bifilum, Entomacrodus striatus and Parablennius cornutus [all four from Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman] is reported for the first time. The b value for Al. kirkii, A. variopunctatus, A. bifilum, O. fasciolatus, E. striatus and P. cornutus were 2.78 (2.51–3.04), 2.84 (2.67–3), 2.64 (2.44–2.84), 2.79 (2.56–3.01), 2.91 (2.61–3.2) and 3.06 (2.79–3.32), respectively with a high coefficient of determination (r2 ≥ 0.95). A new maximum length is reported for A. bifilum (TL: 7.7 cm). All LLRs were highly significant (r2 > 0.97). The results obtained can be useful as basic biological information in the form of a LWR and LLR keys for six blenny species from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman for further studies on their biology and ecology.

Aquaculture applications of the Family Blenniidae

Marine ornamental fish production is still in its infancy compared with its freshwater ornamental counterpart. With ~1,800 wild caught fish species imported into the US each year, there is clear need for the expansion of marine ornamental production to include new species and families of fish. Distinct behavior and a wide range of colors makes blennies a popular choice in the aquarium hobby. These hardy fish are small and rarely aggressive to other reef species making them great for beginning aquarists, or fishes that can be added to an established reef community. The Blenniidae family is particularly common in the reef keeping community not only for their active nature, but also for their substrate cleaning and algae eating abilities. According to a 2012 report on marine ornamental fish, the family Blenniidae is 11th most imported group into the United States by volume with over 75 distinct species being traded (Rhyne et al. 2012). Due to this popularity many species of blennies are currently cultured and sold worldwide, with additional research underway to bring new species to market. A summary document highlighting culture protocols for members of the Blenniidae family is lacking and would provide valuable information to potential producers as well as the general public. This publication briefly covers: description and taxonomy, natural history, culture techniques, as well as diseases and marketing ornamental Blennids.

Review of the genus Malacoctenus (Actinopterygii: Labrisomidae) from the Southwestern Atlantic, with description of two new species

The labrisomid genus Malacoctenus from Southwestern Atlantic is reviewed. Two new species of scaly blennies formerly reported by several authors as Malacoctenus triangulatus are described. One is found at the oceanic islands Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Atol das Rocas, and the other is distributed along the Brazilian coastline. The two new species differ from other species of the genus and from each other by different combinations of the number of lateral-line scales, number and size of head cirri, and color pattern. Molecular data also support species' distinctiveness between M. triangulatus and the species described herein. Two additional recognized Brazilian species, M. delalandii and M. brunoi are described and illustrated and an identification key to all recognized Atlantic species is provided.

Cirripectes matatakaro, a new species of combtooth blenny from the Central Pacific, illuminates the origins of the Hawaiian fish fauna.

Included among the currently recognized 23 species of combtooth blennies of the genus Cirripectes (Blenniiformes: Blenniidae) of the Indo-Pacific are the Hawaiian endemic C. vanderbilti, and the widespread C. variolosus. During the course of a phylogeographic study of these species, a third species was detected, herein described as C. matatakaro. The new species is distinguished primarily by the configuration of the pore structures posterior to the lateral centers of the transverse row of nuchal cirri in addition to 12 meristic characters and nine morphometric characters documented across 72 specimens and ∼4.2% divergence in mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I. The new species is currently known only from the Marquesas, Gambier, Pitcairns, Tuamotus, and Australs in the South Pacific, and the Northern Line Islands and possibly Johnston Atoll south of Hawaiʻi. Previous researchers speculated that the geographically widespread C. variolosus was included in an unresolved trichotomy with the Hawaiian endemic and other species based on a morphological phylogeny. Our molecular-phylogenetic analysis resolves many of the previously unresolved relationships within the genus and reveals C. matatakaro as the sister lineage to the Hawaiian C. vanderbilti. The restricted geographic distribution of Cirripectes matatakaro combines with its status as sister to C. vanderbilti to indicate a southern pathway of colonization into Hawaiʻi.

Site Fidelity of Oyster Reef Blennies and Gobies in Saltmarsh Tidal Creeks

Blennies and gobies are among the most abundant fishes in western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico estuaries. They establish nests and maintain territories in oyster reefs and around other shallow-water structures during warm months. In this study, site fidelity and movements were determined for adult striped blenny, naked goby, freckled blenny, crested blenny, and feather blenny, in descending order of abundance. Recaptures among 221 tagged fishes at nine intertidal oyster reefs in a southeastern U.S. saltmarsh estuary provided information about fidelity for individual oyster reefs and nest sites as well as the size of territories (areas used) around nest sites. An overall recapture rate of 94% for fishes on reefs where they were tagged indicated high fidelity. Total recapture rates for the four blenny species ranged from 38 to 50%, but the naked goby recapture rate was only 9%. Within a breeding season, fidelity for specific nest sites was 58% for all blennies and 17% for gobies. Movements away from nest sites were limited with 56% of all fishes re-occurring ≤ 1 m from the original tagging site. Territories of 84% of the recaptured fishes. Differences in species composition and abundance between reefs suggested species-specific preferences for habitat features. Crested blenny and freckled blenny were recaptured at nest sites with significantly more oyster cover than nest sites occupied by striped blenny. Blennies occupied nest sites for several months and across annual breeding seasons suggesting continued residency within small areas of individual oyster reefs throughout their lives. Strong fidelity for reefs and nest sites potentially makes blennies more susceptible to disturbances than gobies, but both may be vulnerable to habitat disturbance at scales < 5 m. Thus, blennies and gobies may be useful indicator species for changes within estuarine habitats and ecosystems.

Contrasting feeding and agonistic behaviour of two blenny species on a small and remote island in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean.

We investigated the feeding rates, agonistic behaviour and diet of two blenny species, Entomacrodus vomerinus and Ophioblennius trinitatis, by direct observation and gut content analysis. Both species coexist in small and shallow tide pools in the St Peter and St Paul's Archipelago, equatorial North Atlantic Ocean. The feeding rate of O. trinitatis was c. 55% higher than E. vomerinus. On the other hand, agonistic rate of O. trinitatis was negatively related to body size, whereas in E. vomerinus was positively related. Both species showed a high diet overlap, in which detritus was the most important food item (86% in O. trinitatis and 80% in E. vomerinus). Feeding activity was more intense during the morning for O. trinitatis but afternoon for E. vomerinus. These behavioural observations support the importance of temporal feeding partitioning as the main strategy allowing species co-existence in tide pools.

Diversity and Length-Weight relationships of Blenniid Species (Actinopterygii, Blenniidae) from Mediterranean Brackish Waters in Turkey

This study aims to determine the species composition and range of Mediterranean Blennies (Actinopterygii, Blenniidae) occurring in river estuaries and lagoon systems of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, and to characterise the length–weight relationship of the specimens. A total of 15 sites were surveyed from November 2014 to June 2017. A total of 210 individuals representing 3 fish species (Rusty blenny-Parablennius sanguinolentus, Freshwater blenny-Salaria fluviatilis and Peacock blenny-Salaria pavo) were sampled from five (Besgoz Creek Estuary, Manavgat River Estuary, Karpuzcay Creek Estuary, Koycegiz Lagoon Lake and Beymelek Lagoon Lake) of the localities investigated. The high juvenile densities of S. fluviatilis in Karpuzcay Creek Estuary and P. sanguinolentus in Besgoz Creek Estuary were observed. Various threat factors were observed in five different native habitats of Blenny species. The threats on the habitat and the population of the species include the introduction of exotic species, water pollution, and more importantly, the destruction of habitats. Five non-indigenous species (Prussian carp-Carassius gibelio, Eastern mosquitofish-Gambusia holbrooki, Redbelly tilapia-Coptodon zillii, Stone moroko-Pseudorasbora parva and Rainbow trout-Oncorhynchus mykiss) were observed in the sampling sites. In addition to these freshwater species, several lessepsian species (Keeled mullet-Liza carinata, Por's goatfish-Upeneus pori, Goldband goatfish-Upeneus moluccensis, Marbled spinefoot-Siganus rivulatus, Sillago suezensis and Yellowstripe barracuda-Sphyraena chrysotaenia) were observed in the sampling areas.

Cerogobius petrophilus (Perciformes: Gobiidae), a new gobiid genus and species from the Red Sea.

A new genus and species of cryptobenthic goby, Cerogobius petrophilus is described from the Red Sea based on nine specimens not exceeding 2.5 cm in total length, collected from a stone-rubble habitat at Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, at depths of 8-15 m. It was also observed underwater at the southern tip of Ras Mohammed and Marsa Alam in Egypt. Cerogobius petrophilus sp. nov. is unique among other gobies in its habitat, and in this regard it superficially resembles some species of blennies, occupying tight holes in stones covered with short algae. Molecular phylogenetic data suggest a close relationship between Cerogobius petrophilus sp. nov. and Hetereleotris, but the former differs from the latter morphologically in head shape with specific proportions of orbit and snout, forward-set position of eyes, a moderately large mouth, a long horn-like tentacle at the nostrils in the middle of snout, caudal peduncle deep and short, and in details of cephalic sensory system. A full description of the new genus and species is provided and is accompanied with osteological data that potentially can be informative in further comparisons with Hetereleotris.

The DNA barcoding of Mediterranean combtooth blennies suggests the paraphyly of some taxa (Perciformes, Blenniidae).

A dataset including novel and publicly available mtDNA COI sequences of 14 Mediterranean combtooth blenny species belonging to nine genera was assembled in order to provide a reference dataset for DNA barcoding studies. Some inconsistencies in the current taxonomy of some genera were observed. In particular, the monophyly of the genera Parablennius and Salaria is not supported by the present dataset and the absence of reciprocal monophyly between the morphospecies Salaria basilisca and S. pavo questions their status and stresses the need of a revision of the genus Salaria.

Evolution of Sexual Dimorphism in Tube Blennies (Teleostei: Chaenopsidae).

SynopsisThe study of sexual differences provides insights into selective factors operating on males and females, especially for clades exhibiting varied levels of dimorphism. Sexual differences in morphology and coloration (melanophores) were compiled for 66 of the 89 species of tube blennies (Blenniiformes, Chaenopsidae) from the systematic literature and examination of preserved specimens. Chaenopsids include essentially monomorphic species and those in which males and females differ in as many as 17 morphological and 14 coloration features. While the sexes of most species differ in coloration (at least at the time of breeding), they are morphologically similar in Acanthemblemaria, Hemiemblemaria, and Lucayablennius. While other genera exhibit an intermediate level of dimorphism, species of Coralliozetus, Cirriemblemaria, and Emblemaria are dramatically dimorphic. Character maps on a phylogenetic hypothesis indicate that this extreme level of dimorphism evolved independently in these genera. A complex history of evolution is implied by examination of jaw length with both increases and decreases in one or both sexes leading to either dimorphism or monomorphism. Several features related to shelter defense are monomorphic in species where both sexes inhabit shelters, but dimorphic where only males occupy shelters. Other dimorphic features increase the conspicuousness of male courtship and aggressive displays.

Length-weight and length-length relationships of three Blenny species from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman

The present study provides the length–weight and length–length relationships information (LWR & LLR) for three Blenny species; Antennablennius adenensis from the coast of Larak Island in the Persian Gulf and Istiblennius pox and Omobranchus mekranensis, which were captured in the coasts of Chabahar city in the Gulf of Oman, Iran. Total length (TL) and standard length (SL) were determined as well as weight. Specimens were collected occasionally in summer 2017 and winter 2018 by Hand net. The length–weight parameter b for these species was 2.84, 3.29 and 3.06 respectively with a high coefficient of determination (r2 ≥ 0.95). All LLRs were highly correlated (r2 > 0.99). All three species had no previous report for LWR and LLR estimates in FishBase.

Heterochrony in fringeheads (Neoclinus) and amplification of an extraordinary aggressive display in the Sarcastic Fringehead (Teleostei: Blenniiformes).

The Sarcastic Fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi, Teleostei) exhibits an extreme version of a common aggressive display, the "gaping display," in which an open mouth is presented toward an opponent. Males of this species have extremely long jaws that extend posteriorly well past the posterior margin of the head and are flared laterally during the gaping display. In this study, we explored morphological traits related to this extraordinary display in this and related species of blennies. Morphological modifications include enlargement of the buccopalatal membrane, elongation of the maxilla via an uncalcified posterior extension, and evolution of a novel hinge between the anterior maxilla and lacrimal bones permitting lateral movement of the upper jaw. Geometric morphometry using the truss network system, thin-plate spline, and PCA of three closely related species of Neoclinus indicate that the elongate maxilla of N. blanchardi most likely evolved via acceleration (faster growth compared to outgroups) and hypermorphosis (continued growth to a larger body size), both forms of peramorphic heterochrony. Coloration and fluorescence of the buccopalatal membrane may also serve to amplify the extraordinary gaping display of the Sarcastic Fringehead.

Land colonisation by fish is associated with predictable changes in life history

The colonisation of new environments is a central evolutionary process, yet why species make such transitions often remains unknown because of the difficulty in empirically investigating potential mechanisms. The most likely explanation for transitions to new environments is that doing so conveys survival benefits, either in the form of an ecological release or new ecological opportunity. Life history theory makes explicit predictions about how traits linked to survival and reproduction should change with shifts in age-specific mortality. We used these predictions to examine whether a current colonisation of land by fishes might convey survival benefits. We found that blenny species with more terrestrial lifestyles exhibited faster reproductive development and slower growth rates than species with more marine lifestyles; a life history trade off that is consistent with the hypothesis that mortality has become reduced in younger life stages on land. A plausible explanation for such a shift is that an ecological release or opportunity on land has conveyed survival benefits relative to the ancestral marine environment. More generally, our study illustrates how life history theory can be leveraged in novel ways to formulate testable predictions on why organisms might make transitions into novel environments.

THE CHAENOPSINE BLENNIES OF THE SOUTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN (PISCES: CLINIDAE: CHAENOPSINAE) I. SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS AND ZOOGEOGRAPHY

The chaenopsine blennies are an homogeneous group which may be considered a subfamily of the Clinidae, since the existing evidence is not enough to give them familial status. The subfamily includes eight genera: Mccoskerichthys, Coralliozetus, Acanthemblemaria, Ekemblemaria, Emblemaria, Hemiemblemaria, Lucayablennius, and Chaenopsis. The nominal genera Protemblemaria and Emblemariopsis are herewith considered synonyms of Coralliozetus, since they share two derived characters: small size and sexual dimorphism in the color of the head, and are rather similar in several other characteristics. The división of the West Indian Zoogeographical Province made by Briggs (1974) is unnatural, since the fish fauna of Belize, Florida and the Bahamas is very similar. I proposed two subprovinces, the Northern Caribbean-Antillean from Isla de San Andrés (12.5°N) in the western Caribbean to Cabo Catoche (21.5°N, México), southern Florida, Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Antilles; and the Southern Caribbean from Costa Rica to the island of Trinidad. Eight of the thirteen chaenopsines endemic to the Southern Caribbean Subprovince belong to genera, subgenera, or species-groups of Chaenopsinae more widely distributed in the eastern Pacific than in the Caribbean, being therefore pacificophile species. There are 23 species of chaenopsine blennies in the southern Caribbean, which is 61% of the total West Indian fauna of the group, while in the Northern Caribbean-Antillean Subprovince the number of known species is 20.

C. Lavett Smith, Jr.

The highly respected ichthyologist, Clarence Lavett Smith, Jr. (Smitty), passed away on February 10, 2015, in Fort Collins, Colorado, at the age of 87. The majority of Smith's career (35 years, until 1997) was spent as a curator at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Particularly newsworthy during his time at AMNH was his dissection with colleagues in 1975 of a coelacanth Latimeria spp., making the surprising discovery that these ancient fish were livebearers. Smith was raised in Hamburg in western New York and obtained his B.S. degree from Cornell University, M.S. degree from Tulane University, and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. While being schooled, Smith worked under the direction of such ichthyological stalwarts as Ed Raney and Reeve Bailey. Drafted by the Army in 1954 while working on his doctoral degree, he served in the Army Medical Corps at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. and the Tropical Medical Research Laboratory in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, he discovered a love for the tropics and, in his spare time, even managed to describe two new species of blennies. In his career, Smith taught at a number of universities in the New York City region, in the south and midwest United States, and in Hawaii and Guam. Most of his summers were spent teaching or conducting research at biological stations, including Ohio State's F.T. Stone Lab on Lake Erie, the AMNH Lerner Marine Laboratory at Bimini in the Bahamas, and the Smithsonian's Research Station on Carrie Bow Cay, Belize. Smith wrote more than 100 scientific books and journal articles on fish, plus some popular works, including in 1994, Fishwatching: An Outdoor Guide to Freshwater Fishes. Though interested in anything ichthyological, Smith's primary research focuses were the biodiversity and community and behavioral ecology of coral reef fishes, especially in the Caribbean and Pacific, and the zoogeography and life histories of the freshwater fishes of New York State. However, he also published on many other topics, including classical comparative taxonomy and fossil and larval fishes. Although Smith was not truly a theorist, he did publish a useful primer on cladistics in the AFS Fisheries magazine in 1988 titled, “Minnows First, Then Trout,” as that approach to taxonomic classification became predominant. Smith was involved with many scientific and natural history societies, and he served in leadership and board positions with a number of Hudson River-related and other environmental organizations. His time spent living underwater as part of the Tektite Program and Hydrolab earned him membership in the exclusive New York Explorer's Club. While at AMNH, he also participated in themed tours for the public, leading snorkeling excursions on tropical coral reefs. Clarence Smith's famous coelacanth dissection in 1975. Smith is on the right. Photo credit: AMNH. Smith and wife Marjorie in lower left with his various students circa 1987. Photo credit: Moses Chang. I had the privilege of earning two graduate degrees under Smith's mentorship. Smith loved engaging graduate students, especially when piling us into his van and spending a day chasing spawning Sea Lampreys Petromyzon marinus just for the joy of it or a week in the field seining and electrofishing to collect specimens and contribute site data for his landmark 1986 publication, The Inland Fishes of New York State. As a student, I spent a good deal of time in his laboratory, which doubled as his office. With Smith's high visibility as an AMNH curator, I often heard him field telephone calls with all kinds of questions about fish from the public or reporters. After finishing such a phone conversation, he'd sometimes lean back in his chair, ruminate for awhile, and then say “You know John, life is an ichthyology exam.” If so, then Smith passed with the highest of grades.