Caranx Crysos Research Articles

Genetic and morphometric evidence that the jacks (Carangidae) fished off the coast of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) comprise four different species

Individuals of jacks that were captured off the Rio de Janeiro coast were characterized using multivariate morphometrics and allozymes molecular markers. The main objectives were to determine the number of fish captured and their species. Classical taxonomic classification and multivariate morphometry indicated the existence of three species in the landings from Rio de Janeiro State (Caranx crysos, Carangoides bartholomaei and Caranx latus). The results of the genetic analyses performed were consistent with these results. However, Bayesian analysis revealed the possible presence of a fourth species, which could not be discriminated by classical taxonomy. Caranx crysos possibly comprises two different species. Other population indexes, such as unique alleles, degree of structuring and genetic identity, also pointed to different species. Therefore, based on evidences from classical taxonomy, geometric morphometric analyses together with genetic data from allozymes molecular markers it is possible to support that at least four different Carangidae species are present in fish landings from Niterói, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, whereas fish capture records for the same location have recorded only two species. These results are important for not only developing fisheries management strategies but also providing general information regarding the ecology and evolution of the genus.

Design, deployment and fish assemblages of artificial reefs in Iskenderun Bay, Turkey: initial experiences

This paper provides basic information on artificial reef projects in İskenderun Bay. Fish assemblages at the first reef site were investigated in order to stimulate further research and present recommendations for management. All artificial reef blocks were hollow cubes made of concrete with iron reinforcements. Deployed was a total of 380 blocks (280 units of 3.4 m3 and 100 units of 1 m3) in three different areas at depths between 18 and 27 m. Sampling periods were on a monthly basis from September 2008 to August 2010, using four units of trammelnet and gillnet fishing gear combined. A total of 53 fish species from 27 families were recorded; among the most abundant species were: Caranx crysos, Sauridaundos quamis, Solea solea, Pagellus erythrinus, Sparus aurata, Diplodus annularis, Diplodus sargus, Spicara flexuosa, Upeneus pori, Lithognathus mormyrus, Epinephelus aeneus and Epinephelus costae.

Influence of fish aggregating devices (FADs) on anti-predator behaviour within experimental mesocosms

Commercial fishers have used fish aggregating devices throughout the Mediterranean Sea for over 40 years. These devices attract numerous predatory and forage species in both coastal and offshore environments. This study examined the influence of fish aggregating devices on schooling and aggregating behaviour by small forage fish in quasi-natural mesocosms. Anti-predator behaviour was evaluated for juvenile Caranx crysos under a variety of treatment conditions. Results suggest that, in the absence of physical structure, C. crysos first respond to a predatory threat by forming a school. When a physical structure is present, however, C. crysos show an occasional tendency to aggregate near the structure. These results suggest that a threatened prey species can change their defensive strategy against predatory behaviour. Further examination is required to explain if fish aggregating devices can increase survival rates of post-larval and juvenile prey species in the southern Mediterranean Sea. Management agencies should consider the relationship between the use of fish aggregating devices by commercial fisheries and the potential influence such devices possess on population dynamics of aggregating fish species.

Physiological performance of warm-adapted marine ectotherms: Thermal limits of mitochondrial energy transduction efficiency

Thermal regimes in aquatic systems have profound implications for the physiology of ectotherms. In particular, the effect of elevated temperatures on mitochondrial energy transduction in tropical and subtropical teleosts may have profound consequences on organismal performance and population viability. Upper and lower whole-organism critical temperatures for teleosts suggest that subtropical and tropical species are not susceptible to the warming trends associated with climate change, but sub-lethal effects on energy transduction efficiency and population dynamics remain unclear. The goal of the present study was to compare the thermal sensitivity of processes associated with mitochondrial energy transduction in liver mitochondria from the striped mojarra (Eugerres plumieri), the whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) and the palometa (Trachinotus goodei), to those of the subtropical pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) and the blue runner (Caranx crysos). Mitochondrial function was assayed at temperatures ranging from 10 to 40°C and results obtained for both tropical and subtropical species showed a reduction in the energy transduction efficiency of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in most species studied at temperatures below whole-organism critical temperature thresholds. Our results show a loss of coupling between O2 consumption and ATP production before the onset of the critical thermal maxima, indicating that elevated temperature may severely impact the yield of ATP production per carbon unit oxidized. As warming trends are projected for tropical regions, increasing water temperatures in tropical estuaries and coral reefs could impact long-term growth and reproductive performance in tropical organisms, which are already close to their upper thermal limit.

Diversity and distribution of early life stages of carangid fishes in the northwestern Mediterranean: responses to environmental drivers

AbstractThe diversity and distribution of the early stages of carangid fishes were investigated in relation to environmental conditions off the Catalan Coast (NW Mediterranean). Data were obtained during four oceanographic cruises conducted in spring–summer 2003 and 2004. A total of 4743 larvae from seven species and five genera were identified. Most were thermophilic species very abundant in the warm waters of the south and eastern Mediterranean. The presence of larvae and juveniles of Caranx crysos, Caranx rhonchus, Seriola dumerili and Trachinotus ovatus in the northwestern Mediterranean is reported for the first time. Except for Trachurus trachurus, which spawns in winter–spring, all species reproduce in spring–summer with a temporal succession in their spawning peaks. On average, the spatial patterns of different species (except T. trachurus) showed common features: a clear preference for spawning in coastal areas, high abundance of larvae in the south warmer zone in relation to the surface productive waters of Ebro river runoff and relatively high larval concentrations south of the thermal front and its associated anticyclonic eddy. The presence of larvae of thermophilic species of carangids in the northwestern Mediterranean indicates successful reproduction and establishment of these species in the cold part of the basin.

Association between Juvenile Carangid Fish with the Jellyfish Aurelia Sp. and a Floating Plastic Bag

Association between Juvenile Carangid Fish with the Jellyfish Aurelia Sp. and a Floating Plastic Bag Understanding how juveniles of the commercially important carangid species are associated with floating substrata is important to surveys aimed at potential effects on fisheries, species-habitats relationships and human impacts. Herein, the first record of association between the juvenile carangid fishes Caranx crysos, the jellyfish, Aurelia sp. and a floating plastic bag is reported in tropical rocky shores, northeastern Brazil.

Culture of Caranx species [Horse-eye Jack Caranx latus (Agassiz), Blue Runner Caranx crysos (Mitchill), and Crevalle Jack Caranx hippos (Linnaeus)] in near-shore cages off the Brazilian coast during colder months

Culture of <i>Caranx</i> species [Horse-eye Jack <i>Caranx latus</i> (Agassiz), Blue Runner <i>Caranx crysos</i> (Mitchill), and Crevalle Jack <i>Caranx hippos</i> (Linnaeus)] in near-shore cages off the Brazilian coast during colder months

First records of the blue runner Caranx crysos (Perciformes: Carangidae) in Newfoundland waters.

From August to September 2013, c. 21 specimens of the blue runner Caranx crysos were caught by commercial fishermen in two locations off the south coast of Newfoundland, Canada. These samples represent the first records of C. crysos in Newfoundland waters, and a potential northward range expansion of this species in the north-western Atlantic Ocean. They also illustrate the importance of fisher-derived sampling that spans times and locations outside of the limited range targeted by scientific surveys in this region.

Additional records of Lobotes surinamensis, Caranx crysos, Enchelycore anatina, and Lagocephalus sceleratus (Actinopterygii) in the Adriatic Sea

Additional records of four fish species are reported from the Adriatic Sea are reported: Atlantic tripletail, Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch, 1790) (Perciformes: Lobotidae); blue runner, Caranx crysos (Mitchill, 1815) (Perciformes: Carangidae); fangtooth moray, Enchelycore anatina (Lowe, 1838) (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae); and silver-cheeked toadfish, Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) (Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae). More evidence is needed to indicate establishment of populations of these species in the Adriatic Sea. Lessepsian migrant Lagocephalus sceleratus is the third Lessepsian fish species from the Adriatic Sea with more than one record.

Comparison of the nutritional and toxicological reference values of trace elements in edible marine fish species consumed by the population in Rio De Janeiro State, Brazil

The present study estimated the human daily and weekly intake of inorganic elements due to consumption of fish in Rio de Janeiro state and the associated potential health risks posed by some toxic elements. All samples analyzed had values of Cd and Pb below the Maximum Tolerable Limits of 3.0 mg kg−1 for Pb and 1.0 mg kg−1 for Cd; only Mugil cephalus, Cynoscion leiarchus and Caranx crysos had As concentrations below 1 mg kg−1, maximum limit established by Brazilian legislation. The higher values of Cd and Pb correspond to 0.22% of PTWI and the higher value of As corresponds to 8.6% of PTWI. None of the studied species showed values higher than PTWI. The higher values of Cu EDI found in Pomatomus numida correspond to 33.3% of RDA; Fe in Salmo salar and Genypterus brasiliensis corresponds to 4.3% of EDI; Mn in Sardinella brasiliensis corresponds to 7.4% of EDI; Zn in S. salar corresponds to 13.2% of EDI and Se in S. salar corresponds to 20.6% of EDI. Some species can be a good source of inorganic elements. For risk assessment, it is important to assess specific eating habits of each region to avoid underestimating the data.

NEW RECORD OF BLUE RUNNER, Caranx crysos (Mitchill, 1815), IN THE ADRIATIC SEA

A specimen of blue runner (Caranx crysos) was caught in a gillnet by a fisherman in the waters of the Neretva River estuary, near Ploce. Main morphometric and meristic counts were taken. The total length (LT) of C. crysos was 18.5 cm and it weighed 91.47 g. This is the second record of C. crysos in the Adriatic Sea.

A method for assessing fishers’ ecological knowledge as a practical tool for ecosystem-based fisheries management: Seeking consensus in Southeastern Brazil

Studies on fishers’ ecological knowledge (FEK) and local ecological knowledge (LEK) have rarely been undertaken for practical application in a management context. Here, we describe a methodology to access FEK that was designed under an ecosystem-based fisheries management framework. The procedure was adapted from the Delphi technique, which seeks experts’ consensus, and focused on several spatial and temporal issues related to the small-scale fisheries of the northern coast of São Paulo, Brazil (particularly, in Ubatuba, between 23°20′ S and 23°35′ S). Experienced fishers, considered as experts, were selected during a pilot phase to participate in two sequential rounds of semi-structured interviews at 3 main landing sites and 12 coastal fishing communities. The issues addressed were: (1) spatial and seasonal occurrence of mature females and juveniles of the main commercial species, (2) fishing grounds and bycatch species for each type of fishing gear, and (3) fishers’ suggestions for local fisheries management (e.g. mesh and size of gillnets, closure seasons, gear restrictions by fishing area). It was possible to identify consensus rates on the spatial and temporal issues, as well as on fishers’ management suggestions. The former allowed the construction of maps representing fishing grounds and the local spatial distribution of different fishery stocks strata. We illustrate the output by focusing on five fishery stocks: the seabob-shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, the whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri, the inshore squid Loligo spp, the white shrimp Litopenaeus schimitti and the blue runner Caranx crysos. Overall, the results provided new guidelines for future local fisheries management and conservation initiatives. The methodology proved to be useful for the definition of essential fish habitats (EFHs), suggesting their potential application in other locations.

Profitability of Small-Scale Fisheries in Elmina, Ghana

In order to achieve sustainable fishing livelihoods in coastal communities, data on profitability of small-scale fisheries relative to fish species caught and gear types used by fishermen is required as part of a broader fisheries management strategy. This study was undertaken with this in mind. Interviews were conducted among 60 fishermen between February and March 2010. Economic assessment of small-scale fishing activities were done using questionnaires based on direct market pricing and contingent valuation methods. The results indicate that highly profitable fish species include Epinephelus aeneus, Sparus caeruleostictus, Dentex angolensis and Lutjanus goreensis valued at US$2.97, US$2.87, US$2.85 and US$2.63 per kilogram respectively. The less profitable species include Dasyatis margarita, Caranx crysos and Sardinella aurita valued at US$0.34, US$0.66 and US$ 0.85 per kilogram respectively. Although Sardinella aurita was among the less valuable fish species, it was the main species driving profits for the fishermen due to its high share volume among the fish catches. Findings from this study suggest high rates of exploitation, in that stocks generally cannot provide for increased economic return in the face of increased investment. This is a clear indicator that the open-access nature of Ghanaian fisheries is not sustainable, and management reform is well overdue.

A new record of whale sharkRhincodon typusin Brazilian waters: a report of association withCaranx crysos

In May 2011, a Rhincodon typus was sighted on the continental shelf of the central Brazilian coast, in the vicinity of a gas platform. During the video record, an interspecific following association was observed between a Caranx crysos school and the R. typus.

Annual reproductive cycle, spawning periodicity and sexual maturity of blue runnerCaranx crysos(Pisces, Carangidae) from the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia, Eastern Mediterranean)

Summary From June 2004 to May 2006, the reproductive biology of the blue runner Caranx crysos was studied in the Gulf of Gabes (Southern Tunisia). Of 1668 individuals examined, 777 were females (46.6%) and 891 were males (53.4%). The sex ratio significantly deviated in favour of males (♀:♂ = 0.87 : 1). The difference in the numbers of females and males was significant among size-classes. However, there was no significant difference between sexes over months and seasons. Monthly changes in the Gonado-Somatic Index (GSI) showed a rapid increase during summer to very high levels in July (3.51% for males and 2.55% for females) and August (3.47% for males and 2.59% for females) before declining sharply in September (0.58% for females and 0.38% for males). The gametogenesis activity began with a pre-maturation phase, from 20 May to the first 10 days of July, followed by a pre-spawning phase, from 20 July to 20 August. From the last 10 days of August to 20 September the gonads were in the ripe and spawning stages. From the end of September to early May, gonads were in the post-spawning and resting stages. The size at which 50% of the population reached sexual maturity was significantly different in males and females: males attained sexual maturity at fork length FL50 = 210.20, whereas females attained maturity at FL50 = 222.3 mm. Age at maturity was 2.4 years for males and 2.8 years for females.

Determination of inorganic trace elements in edible marine fish from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Fish and seafood may represent risk for human health since they can accumulate contaminants from aquatic environment and magnify them up the food chain. The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate the levels of aluminum, zinc, iron, manganese, cobalt, copper, arsenics, selenium, cadmium, barium, lead and bismuth in 11 fish species (Salmo salar, Sardinella brasiliensis, Pomatomus saltatrix, Micropogonias furnieri, Cynoscion leiarchus, Caranx crysos, Priacanthus arenatus, Mugil cephalus, Genypterus brasiliensis, Lopholatilus villarii and Pseudopercis numida) captured at Rio de Janeiro State Coast, Brazil. Concentration ranges (mg kg−1 of wet weight) of the selected elements were compared with those reported in other studies. In some cases, comparison of certain elements in the same fish species was difficult due to the lack of data. Aluminum concentration was significantly high in all samples and only M. cephalus, C. leiarchus e C. crysos presented arsenic concentrations below 1 mg kg−1, limit recommended by Brazilian legislation.

Second record of the blue runner Caranx crysos (Perciformes: Carangidae) in Argentine waters

In the present paper a specimen of the blue runner Caranx crysos, a thermophilic species commonly found in subtropical Atlantic waters, was newly reported from the Mar del Plata coast. The presence of the blue runner in Argentine waters could be explained by the warm drift theory.

Northward spread of tropical affinity fishes: Caranx crysos (Teleostea: Carangidae), a case study from the Mediterranean Sea

The blue runner Caranx crysos is a thermophilic species poorly investigated in the Mediterranean Sea. Although considered a typical inhabitant of the southern regions, it has recently established in northwest Sicily and, according to the data presented in this study, is now regularly caught in the central-southern Tyrrhenian Sea up to the Gulf of Naples. Some occurrences of the species were also documented in the Gulf of Taranto (Ionian Sea) and in more northerly localities of the Tyrrhenian Sea, such as Gaeta and Civitavecchia. These recent distributional records are in contrast with historical literature and museum collections which depict this species as very rare in the Italian seas and only sporadically occurring above the Strait of Sicily. In this paper, literature and museum collections were thoroughly investigated in order to obtain a satisfactory understanding of the species distribution in the Mediterranean. In addition, the hypothesis of a recent displacement of the northern limit of this species distributional range in the Mediterranean is discussed.

Seasonal patterns of three fish species in a Caribbean coastal gill-net fishery: Biologically induced or climate-related aggregations?

Although both seasonal patterns and short-term variation in CPUE are known to occur in most fisheries, particularly small-scale coastal fisheries, the analysis of their underlying factors have received little attention to date. When these factors become part of the local fishermen's ecological knowledge, the resulting peak abundances are often intensively fished, as a result of their predictability, both in space and time. This study, conducted in the Caribbean Sea of north-eastern Colombia, tests hypotheses derived from local fishermen of seasonal patterns of the demersal species Lutjanus analis and the two pelagic species Caranx crysos and Scomberomorus cavalla, and of the possible wind- or swell-driven aggregations of L. analis. ARIMA modelling and Fourier analysis were used to identify seasonal patterns from time series of monthly mean catch per unit effort. Available biological information and, concerning L. analis, also data on wind speed and significant wave height anomalies were used to analyse the intra-annual patterns. Evidence of biologically induced seasonal migrations was found for the two pelagic species. Concerning L. analis, in the windy season the timing of these aggregations and therefore peak CPUE values appear correlated with the wind forcing occurring a few days before, but in the last months of the wet season these peak abundances seem to be mainly related to pre-spawning migrations and spawning aggregations. Thus, we state that both kinds of events should be taken into account for the implementation of precautionary measures aimed to reduce the vulnerability to overfishing of these aggregations.

Occurrence and distribution of Carangidae larvae (Teleostei, Perciformes) from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, Brazil (12-23°S)

The objective of this study was to identify larvae species composition, distribution and abundance of carangids along the Brazilian coastal shelf area in order to provide background information on the reproductive community patterns. All carangid larvae used in this study are from the larval fish collection of the Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton Integrated Laboratory of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil (DZUFRJ). Carangid larvae were collected in 13 surveys (nine in the dry season and four during the rainy season) between 1998 and 2008, from Bahia (12°S) to Rio de Janeiro (23°S), comprising 158 sampling stations (45 coastal; 98 oceanic; 15 over seamounts). A bongo net with 330 and 500-μm mesh size was towed at a speed of about two knots, obliquely (surface-bottom-surface) from a maximum depth of 200 m. Samples were collected both during the day and at night and combined in the analysis. A total of 1321 carangid larvae were identified representing 14 species: Decapterus punctatus (56.7%), Chloroscombrus chrysurus (16.8%), Caranx crysos (8.4%), Selar crumenophthalmus (6.3%), Trachurus lathami (6.3%), Caranx latus (2.4%), Carangoides bartholomaei (1.3%), Oligoplites spp. (0.6%), Pseudocaranx dentex (0.3%), Seriola dumerili (0.2%), Elagatis bipinnulata (0.2%), Selene setapinnis (0.2%), Trachinotus carolinus (0.2%) and Selene vomer (0.1%). There was no significant difference in carangid density (P = 0.17) or in species composition (P = 0.09) among the coastal, oceanic and seamount stations. Although there was a significant difference in larval densities between the dry and rainy periods (P = 0.000264), the community composition did not vary significantly (P = 0.47). Therefore, seasonality (rainy and dry periods) seems to be the main factor affecting carangid densities although the community composition is not influenced by sampling periods or by the gradient coast-ocean.