Caranx Lugubris Research Articles

Species associated with whale sharks Rhincodontypus (Orectolobiformes, Rhincodontidae) in the Galapagos Archipelago.

Whale sharks Rhincodontypus frequently appear to interact or associate with other species, which vary depending on the community structure and the demographic of the whale sharks at each location globally. Here, we present the species sighted frequently around whale sharks in the Galapagos Archipelago and reported by dive guides and scientists and also in earlier publications. These associated species include cetacean species: bottlenose dolphins Tursiopstruncatus, other shark species: silky sharks Carcharhinusfalciformis, Galapagos sharks Carcharhinusgalapagensis, scalloped hammerhead sharks Sphyrnalewini, tiger sharks Galeocerdocuvier and teleost fish species: remoras Remora remora, yellowfin tuna Thunnusalbacares, almaco jacks Seriolarivoliana and black jacks Caranxlugubris. The recording of interspecies associations and interactions may lead to better understanding of the natural history of whale sharks and can show important symbiotic relationships or interdependence between different species.

Ecological Links between Pelagic and Mesophotic Reef Fishes in an Oceanic Archipelago of the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean

Geographic isolation, a relatively low species richness and high endemism make oceanic islands excellent natural laboratories for ecological and evolutionary studies. Here we used Baited Remote Underwater stereo-Video systems (stereo-BRUVS) to investigate the taxonomic, trophic and size structures of fish assemblages from pelagic and mesophotic reef ecosystems in the smallest archipelago of the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, the Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Archipelago (SPSPA). The occurrence of steep reef walls favors studies on the ecological connections between pelagic and reef ecosystems. We performed five pelagic stereo-BRUVS deployments and fourteen benthic stereo-BRUVS deployments, totaling 1440 min of footage. We recorded 14 species from eight families in the pelagic ecosystem, with Carangidae and Balistidae as the most diverse families. The most abundant species were Elagatis bipinnulata (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825), Melichthys niger (Bloch, 1786), and Caranx crysos (Mitchill, 1815), which together accounted for over 75% of the total relative abundance. The carnivores were the most diverse and abundant trophic group. On the mesophotic reefs, 41 taxa were recorded, with carnivores and planktivores being the most diverse, whereas omnivores were the most abundant. Here, the most abundant species were M. niger, Azurina multileneata, Chromis vanbebberae, Seriola rivoliana, Caranx lugubris and Stegastes sanctipauli. Nine species were recorded in both ecosystems, with Melichthys niger, Caranx lugubris and S. rivoliana being the main species linking them (i.e., occurring in both). These species are known to forage in both pelagic and mesophotic reef ecosystems, and thus represent potential ecological links between them. Such links combined with the endangered status of some species, suggest the need for an integrated management strategy in this remote archipelago.

RECURSOS PESQUEIROS UTILIZADOS PELA COMUNIDADE LOCAL DO ARQUIPÉLAGO DE FERNANDO DE NORONHA (PE, BRASIL): PREFERÊNCIAS, TABUS ALIMENTARES E USO MEDICINAL

The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is divided into a National Marine Park, intended for the protection of natural resources and an Environmental Protection Area, where human occupation is permitted. Tourist use has caused changes in the island lifestyle, mainly in relation to economic activities and contact with nature. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the local knowledge and eating habits of the people of Noronha, their preferences and aversions regarding the consumption of fish in the Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha/PE. Data collection was carried out through individual interviews using a script and these were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. It was found, in the research carried out with 81 interviewees, that the preferred fish for consumption are black syrup (Caranx lugubris), piraúna (Cepholopholis fulva), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), anchovy (Pomatomus saltatrix), red snapper (Lutjanus spp.) and mackerel (Acantocybium solandri). The relationship between popular knowledge and consumed food resources indicates an important contribution to regional and local conservation initiatives, which are essential to reduce environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and socioeconomic consequences for local communities. Aversion to reymosed fish was confirmed, such as cangulo (Melichthys niger) and barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), corroborating with the knowledge found in the literature. Thus, the use of fish in the diet of the residents of Fernando de Noronha showed patterns already indicated in research with other fishing communities where preference, taboos and medicinal use are the main purposes and indicate the knowledge they have about the environment and the available resources

Reef fish antipredator behavior in remote islands does not reflect patterns seen in coastal areas

The reduction or loss of antipredator behavior is expected for animals isolated on islands, but most of studies have focused on terrestrial rather than aquatic species. Two different processes may modulate fish antipredator behavior in the waters off remote archipelagos. First, places with low human density may have reduced fishing pressure. Second, due to their remoteness and lack of other human impacts, these isolated places may have more intact fish assemblages. We investigated antipredator behavior off the smallest archipelago in the Equatorial Atlantic not subjected to regular spearfishing by quantifying flight initiation distance (FID) ― the distance a diver can approach a fish before it flees. Our goal was to identify natural patterns of risk assessment in reef fish. We focused on five common species and investigated how body size, group size and depth influence on the FID. In contrast to previous studies, we found that Caranx lugubris had significantly negative relationships between body size and FID, whereas Kyphosus sectatrix showed an opposite relationship. Finally, only a single species (Melichthys niger) had a significant relationship between depth and FID. Given we found small FID for all species studied, we suggest that much of our understanding of fish antipredator behavior studied using FID may reflect the somewhat ubiquitous impact of humans on species’ risk assessments and not reflect patterns seen in areas with very low human density/disturbance. Our results suggest that fish antipredator behavior may be a metric of human impacts.

Trophic role of demersal mesopredators on rocky reefs in an equatorial Atlantic Ocean island

The decrease in the number of sharks around Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (SPSPA) may impact food web structure. We investigated trophic relationships in the shallow rocky reefs of the SPSPA using stable isotopes and stomach contents with a particular focus on three abundant mesopredators: Caranx lugubris, Enchelycore nigricans and Muraena pavonina. Food web structure was described using samples of the most abundant basal resources, fishes and invertebrates, which were collected in April and October 2012. Individuals of the three focal species (n = 138: C. lugubris, n = 56; E. nigricans, n = 18; M. pavonina, n = 64) were collected during four expeditions to SPSPA (April and October of 2011 and 2012). Results suggest that this shallow water food web is supported by trophic pathways originating from benthic resources. Stable isotope data suggest potential competitive interactions between the whitespot moray and the other two mesopredators. Conversely, stomach content data suggest little niche overlap in the three focal species, but these data must be interpreted carefully because of the small sample sizes and restricted temporal sampling windows. All three mesopredators have a significant, albeit weak, relationship between body size and δ15N, suggesting ontogenetic diet shifts. These data contribute baseline information to assess shifts in food web structure that may stem from top predator decline in this unique ecosystem.

Artisanal fishery off Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (PE)

Artisanal fishing is one of the main economic activities of Brazilian fishing communities and major source of animal protein for many families. These communities living in direct contact with the natural environment and economically dependent on natural resources can provide important information for the design of conservation and management proposals aimed at sustainability. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize artisanal fisheries and socio-economic aspects of artisanal fishermen of Fernando de Noronha/PE. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. 62 fishermen were interviewed and the results showed that artisanal fishing is practiced for own consumption or as a source of income. epending on the priority areas for conservation, fishing area is one of the biggest conflicts recorded in the archipelago. In the search for supplementary income, parallel activities, especially related to tourism, has been developed. The â€Âcorrico†is the most used gear and has low environmental impact, and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and the black jack (Caranx lugubris) are the species more caught species. Larger and more powerful vessels allow fishing in more remote locations, and not using ice on fish conservation was evident. Data indicate the importance of developing a plan for shared management of resources, resulting in the appreciation of artisanal fishermen and the sustainability of fisheries.

Mesophotic reef fish assemblages of the remote St. Peter and St. Paul’s Archipelago, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Brazil

Mesophotic reef fish assemblages (30–90 m depth) of the small and remote St. Peter and St. Paul’s Archipelago (SPSPA), Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Brazil, were characterized using remotely operated vehicles. Ordination analyses identified distinct fish assemblages in the upper (30–50 m) and lower (50–90 m) mesophotic zones, the former characterized by high abundances of species that are also abundant at euphotic reefs (Caranx lugubris, Melichthys niger, Stegastes sanctipauli and Chromis multilineata) and the latter dominated by two mesophotic specialists (Prognathodes obliquus and Chromis enchrysura). Planktivores dominated fish assemblages, particularly in the upper mesophotic zone, possibly due to a greater availability of zooplankton coming from the colder Equatorial Undercurrent in mesophotic depths of the SPSPA. Turf algae, fleshy macroalgae and scleractinian corals dominated benthic assemblages between 30 and 40 m depth, while bryozoans, black corals and sponges dominated between 40 and 90 m depth. Canonical correspondence analysis explained 74 % of the relationship between environmental characteristics (depth, benthic cover and complexity) and structure of fish assemblages, with depth as the most important independent variable. Juveniles of Bodianus insularis and adults of P. obliquus and C. enchrysura were clearly associated with branching black corals (Tanacetipathes spp.), suggesting that black corals play key ecological roles in lower mesophotic reefs of the SPSPA. Results from this study add to the global database about mesophotic reef ecosystems (MREs) and provide a baseline for future evaluations of possible anthropogenic and natural disturbances on MREs of the SPSPA.

Levels of Heavy Metal in Some Selected Fish Species Inhabiting Ondo State Coastal Waters, Nigeria

The distribution and level of six heavy metals viz: Cr, Cd, Pd, Cu, Zn, and Ni in different organs gill, head, bone, muscle and eye of five fish species Arius latisculatus, Cynoglossus browni, Caranx lugubris, Sardinella aurita, Caranx senegallus, and associated water collected from the coastal waters of Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria were investigated in this study. The concentrations of Zn (0.10-0.36 mg/kg), Cu (0.18-0.27 mg/kg), Ni (BDL-0.01 mg/kg) and Cr (0.04-0.63 mg/kg) found in the water samples were within the Maximum Permissible Level (MPL), while higher concentrations above the MPL were recorded for Cd (0.08-0.19 mg/kg) and Pb (0.34-0.79 mg/kg). Zn was the most abundant heavy metals found in all fish species organs investigated. Higher concentrations of the metals were recorded in the gills and eyes compared to other organs in most of the fish species. While the concentration of Zn (0.28 mg/ kg-4.14 mg/kg), Cu (BDL-5.72 mg/kg), Ni (BDL-0.01 mg/kg), and Cr (BDL-3.41) in the fish tissues were within the Maximum Allowable Level (MAL) for a food source, the findings of this study Cd (BDL-3.18 mg/kg) and Pd (BDL-1.14 mg/kg) showed values exceeding the maximum allowable level, thus constituting potential health hazard to consumers of these fish species. Transfer factors of most metals in fish from water were greater than or equal to 1 suggesting bioaccumulation of the metals by the fish from water column, while distribution of the heavy metals in the different fish parts were organ specific.

Physical mapping of 18S and 5S genes in pelagic species of the genera Caranx and Carangoides (Carangidae)

In Carangidae, Caranx is taxonomically controversial because of slight morphological differences among species, as well as because of its relationship with the genus Carangoides. Cytogenetic data has contributed to taxonomic and phylogenetic classification for some groups of fish. In this study, we examined the chromosomes of Caranx latus, Caranx lugubris, and Carangoides bartholomaei using classical methods, including conventional staining, C-banding, silver staining for nuclear organizer regions, base-specific fluorochrome, and 18S and 5S ribosomal sequence mapping using in situ hybridization. These 3 species showed chromosome numbers of 2n = 48, simple nuclear organizer regions (pair 1), and mainly centromeric heterochomatin. However, C. latus (NF = 50) and C. bartholomaei (NF = 50) showed a structurally conserved karyotype compared with C. lugubris (NF = 54), with a larger number of 2-armed chromosomes. The richness of GC-positive heterochromatic segments and sites in 5S rDNA in specific locations compared to the other 2 species reinforce the higher evolutionary dynamism in C. lugubris. Cytogenetic aspects shared between C. latus and C. bartholomaei confirm the remarkable phylogenetic proximity between these genera.

Morphological and karyotypic differentiation in Caranx lugubris (Perciformes: Carangidae) in the St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago, mid-Atlantic Ridge

Isolated oceanic islands constitute interesting model systems for the study of colonization processes, as several climatic and oceanographic phenomena have played an important role in the history of the marine ichthyofauna. The present study describes the presence of two morphotypes of Caranx lugubris, in the St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago located in the mid-Atlantic. Morphotypes were compared in regard to their morphological and cytogenetic patterns, using C-banding, Ag-NORs, staining with CMA3/DAPI fluorochromes and chromosome mapping by dual-color FISH analysis with 5S rDNA and 18S rDNA probes. We found differences in chromosome patterns and marked divergence in body patterns which suggest that different populations of the Atlantic or other provinces can be found in the Archipelago of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Confirmed record of the Black jack, Caranx lugubris Poey, 1880 from Lima at the north of the Sea of Oman

The first record of Caranx lugubris in the Sea of Oman is reported based on one specimen 670 mm in total length. The specimen obtained from waters around City of Lima at the north the Sea of Oman. This account represents the north most record of this species in the Indian Ocean region. The standard length is compared with specimens caught from the coasts of Lacadives, Okinawa, Easter Island and Taiwan.

First Records of Known Endoparasitic Species of Pseudempleurosoma Yamaguti, 1965 (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) from Tetraodontid and Rachycentrid Fish Off the Northern Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Monogenoideans infecting the rectum of the wild checkered puffer fish, Sphoeroides testudineus (Tetraodontidae), and the pyloric ceca of the cultured cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Rachycentridae), from the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, were morphologically identified as Pseudempleurosoma carangis Yamaguti, 1965 and Pseudempleurosoma gibsoni Santos, Mourão and Cárdenas, 2001 (Dactylogyridae), respectively. Morphometric comparison between the paratypes of P. carangis and those from S. testudineus showed that the latter differ only in the length of the body, germarium, and dorsal anchors. Similarly, a small form of P. gibsoni based on body size was detected in the present study. These metric differences may be attributable to the host effect, i.e., S. testudineus/R. canadum versus Caranx lugubris (Carangidae) (type host of P. carangis) from Hawaii and Paralonchurus brasiliensis (Sciaenidae) (type host of P. gibsoni) from Brazil, or by the degree of maturity, or both. In view of these considerations, new illustrations and several supplemental observations for P. carangis and P. gibsoni are provided. The present findings also represent new geographical records, and new sites of infection, e.g., rectum and pyloric ceca, for species of Pseudempleurosoma, and the first known endoparasitic monogenoideans infecting tetraodontid and rachycentrid fishes in Mexico.

MARINE FISHES NEW TO CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES WATERS, NORTH CAROLINA, AND THE GULF OF MEXICO

Abstract Along the southeastern coast of the United States, hardground systems support a high diversity of sub-tropical and tropical fishes. Many of these hardgrounds occur in deep (ca. ≥ 50 m) waters and their fauna is still poorly described; however, with concentrated sampling in these deeper areas, new records of fishes continue to emerge. In the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and off North Carolina, we used the Johnson-Sea-Link submersible, remotely operated vehicles, trawling gear, and angling gear to sample deep reef systems (38–248 m). We document five records of fishes new to continental United States waters, including Liopropoma aberrans, Parasphyraenops incisus, Lipogramma regia, Apogon gouldi, and Prognathodes guyanensis. We also report range extensions for eleven species: Gymnothorax hubbsi, Gymnothorax vicinus, Lepophidium staurophor, Cypselurus comatus, Liopropoma mowbrayi, Serranus annularis, Rypticus saponaceus, Caranx lugubris, Prognathodes aculeatus, Centropyge argi, and Canthigaster jamest...

Analysis of toxin profiles in three different fish species causing ciguatera fish poisoning in Guadeloupe, French West Indies

A grey snapper (Lutjanus griseus), a grouper (Serranidae) and a black jack (Caranx lugubris) were implicated in three different ciguatera poisonings in Guadeloupe, French West Indies. A mouse bioassay indicated toxicity for each specimens: 0.5–1, ⩾ 1 and > 1 MUg g-1, respectively. After purification by gel filtration chromatography, the samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The toxin profiles differ from one fish to another. C-CTX-1 was detected at 0.24, 0.90 and 13.8 ng g-1 flesh in the snapper, grouper and jack, respectively. It contributed only to part of the whole toxicity determined by the mouse bioassay. Other toxins identified were C-CTX-2 (a C-CTX-1 epimer), three additional isomers of C-CTX-1 or-2, and five ciguatoxin congeners (C-CTX-1127, C-CTX-1143 and its isomer C-CTX-1143a, and C-CTX-1157 and its isomer C-CTX-1157b). Putative hydroxy-polyether-like compounds were also detected in the flesh of the grouper with [M+ + H+] ions at m/z 851.51, 857.50, 875.51, 875.49 and 895.54 Da. Some of these compounds have the same mass range as some known dinoflagellate toxins. In conclusion, this study confirms the usefulness of LC-MS analysis to determine the ciguatoxins levels and the toxin profile in fish flesh hazardous to humans.