Perccottus Research Articles

Effects of three treatments on protein structure and gel properties of Perccottus glenii myofibrillar protein

Abstract In order to improve Perccottus glenii myofibrillar protein (MP) gel properties, three treatments were evaluated: ultrasonic, transglutaminase (TGase) and combined ultrasonic-transglutaminase treatments. Combined ultrasonic-transglutaminase treatment altered protein structure and gel properties most dramatically. As compared with untreated control group protein, treated protein gels possessed decreased sulfhydryl group content and increases in water holding capacity, whiteness value and hydrophobic interactions that increased gel strength value by up to 3.79 times that of untreated protein gel. Protein structural and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses revealed that combined ultrasonic-TGase treatment increased both protein thermal denaturation temperature and UV absorbance (as compared to control and other treatment groups) that supported formation of MP gels with desirable characteristics. These results provide a theoretical basis for development of superior MP gels to promote greater utilization of this fish protein resource by the food industry.

Several decades of two invasive fish species (Perccottus glenii, Pseudorasbora parva) of European concern in Lithuanian inland waters; from first appearance to current state

Following their first appearance, the invasive fishes Pseudorasbora parva and Perccottus glenii have been in Lithuania for several decades. However, until recently, information relating to their distribution and secondary spread was limited. For this reason, suitable habitats for these fish species were surveyed for their presence across the entire country. Additionally, all previously reported records on the presence of these species were summarized. Results revealed P. glenii to be widely distributed within the country with abundant populations in habitats suitable for the species. The recent distribution of P. parva is restricted to only a few water bodies. It was shown that both species are associated with human mediated transfer, while no natural dispersal of these invasive species was observed. The results of this study suggest that the invasion of Lithuanian inland waters by P. parva and P. glenii is still ongoing, and their occurrence in numerous water bodies, which are still devoid of these species, now seems probable. Demonstrated vectors of P. parva and P. glenii introductions in Lithuania highlight the importance of controlling and screening human activities related to aquaculture, recreational angling and the ornamental fish trade in order to restrict further P. glenii and P. parva expansion in this region.

Minimum Cations Concentrations in Water Required for Maintanance of Ion Balance between the Amur Sleeper Perccottus glenii (Pisces) and the External Environment

Minimum Cations Concentrations in Water Required for Maintanance of Ion Balance between the Amur Sleeper Perccottus glenii (Pisces) and the External Environment

Impact Assessment of the Amur Sleeper Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 on Amphibians in Samara Oblast

The author found that in the study area, an invasive alien species of fish, the Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii, lives in 35 amphibian habitats. Of these, 14 are large water bodies, coastal areas and bays of watercourses, 21 are small water bodies. Larval development is completed by 8 species of tailless amphibians when they have the same habitats with the Amur sleeper. In 4 out of 17 examined populations of the European fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina, the cessation of larval development is noted in syntopic habitats with the Amur sleeper. The author assumes that the distribution of this invasive species is one of the factors in the disappearance of the common newt Lissotriton vulgaris and the European fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina populations in the reservoirs of Samara and Samarskaya Luka National Park. In the natural biotopes the distribution of the Amur sleeper is slower due to the presence of predators-fish and fish-eating reptiles. The marsh frog and the pool frog co-exist with the Amur sleeper; the green toad successfully spawns and undergoes larval development. The absence of common species of helminths confirms the absence of trophic links between the populations of the Amur sleeper and Amphibians in natural habitats of the study area

Alien fish, amphibian and reptile species in Romania and their invasive status: a review with new data

The paper presents a review of literature data, supplemented with original observations, on the presence, establishment, distribution and invasive status of alien fish, amphibian and reptile species in Romania. Consistent criteria were followed in defining alien species records, establishment and invasive status. From the 48 alien fish species, 1 fish hybrid, 1 amphibian and 18 reptile species recorded, only 16 fishes and 3 reptiles can be regarded as established. Of these we consider the criteria for invasive status as being probably fulfilled by one fish species (Perccottus glenii), and less likely by six more fish species. The presence and the alien status of the one amphibian are debatable. No reptile species can be considered invasive at present.

Інвазійні види риб у іхтіоценозах водойм Західного Полісся України

Purpose. To study ichthyocenoses, species composition and the current state of fish populations in water bodies of the Western Polissya of Ukraine by focusing on their changes under the effect of invasive fish species. Methodology. Ichthyological studies were carried out in natural and artificial water bodies for various purposes in the Western Polissya of Ukraine during 2007-2017. In particular, fish surveys were carried out using beach seins and gill nets with different mesh sizes in the karst lakes Svityaz and Pischane from the Shatskiy National Nature Park, channel lakes Lyubyaz and Nobel from the Pripyat River basin, right-bank tributaries of the Pripyat Rivers including Styr and Goryn Rivers, Khrinnitske reservoir from the Styr River basin, fish ponds of Bochanitsa village and Progress LLC (Goryn River basin). The material for the study were both the populations of native and invasive fish species. Findings. The results of our own studies and data of other authors highlighted the issue of the spread of invasive fish species in water bodies of the river-lake network of Western Polissya of Ukraine, presented the diagrams of the distribution of these fish in different water bodies of different origins of the above-mentioned region. Originality. The greatest threat to the abundance of aboriginal fish species in this region was found to be self-reproducing populations of the brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), Amur sleeper (Percсottus glenіi), stone moroko or topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), three-spined (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and nine-spined (Punguitius punguitius) sticklebacks. In particular, the composition of their gut content during the spawning period included 95% of eggs of fish species, which spawned in spring, as shown in the diagrams presented in this paper. Practical Value. The proposed measures to be carried out at the national and regional levels will help prevent the ingress of new invasions and mitigate the impact of the existing ones on the ichthyocenoses of the reservoirs of Western Polissya of Ukraine. Key words: ichthyocenoses, invasive fish species, aboriginal ichthyofauna, Western Polissya.

Balancing selection maintains ancient polymorphisms at conserved enhancers for the olfactory receptor genes of a Chinese marine fish.

The study of balancing selection, as a selective force maintaining adaptive genetic variation in gene pools longer than expected by drift, is currently experiencing renewed interest due to the increased availability of new data, methods of analysis, and case studies. In this investigation, evidence of balancing selection operating on conserved enhancers of the olfactory receptor (OR) genes is presented for the Chinese sleeper (Bostrychus sinensis), a coastal marine fish that is emerging as a model species for evolutionary studies in the Northwest Pacific marginal seas. Coupled with tests for Gene Ontology enrichment and transcription factor binding, population genomic data allow for the identification of an OR cluster in the sleeper with a downstream flanking region containing three enhancers that are conserved with human and other fish species. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses indicate that the enhancers are under balancing selection as evidenced by their translineage polymorphisms, excess common alleles, and increased within-group diversities. Age comparisons between the translineage polymorphisms and most recent common ancestors of neutral genealogies substantiate that the former are old, and thus, due to ancient balancing selection. The survival and reproduction of vertebrates depend on their sense of smell, and thereby, on their ORs. In addition to locus duplication and allelic variation of structural genes, this study highlights a third mechanism by which receptor diversity can be achieved for detecting and responding to the huge variety of environmental odorants (i.e., by balancing selection acting on OR gene expression through their enhancer variability).

Современное распространение травяной (Rana temporaria) и остромордой (R. arvalis) лягушек (Amphibia, Anura) в «старой» Москве

The common frog (Rana temporaria) and the moor frog (R. arvalis) lived in all green areas of Moscow until the end of the 20th century. The reduction in the area of woody vegetation, the destruction of breeding sites and introduction of the invasive fish Perccottus glenii contributed to the extinction of these amphibians in most of the city. The paper provides information on the distribution of brown frogs in Moscow based on the results of monitoring in 2020. R. temporaria was found in 37 localities in the Northwestern (6 points), Northern (3 points), Northeastern (1 point), Eastern (9 points), Southeastern (1 point), Southern (5 points), Southwestern (5 points) and Western (7 points) administrative districts. Eleven finds (29.7%) are located outside of specially protected natural areas. Most of the species’ habitats (30 points, or 81.1%) are isolated from other populations. R. arvalis was found in 14 localities in the Northwestern (3 points), Northern (3 points), Eastern (4 points), Southwestern (1 point) and Western (3 points) administrative districts of Moscow. Of all the finds noted, three ones (21.4%) are located outside of specially protected natural areas. The vast majority of the habitats of the species (10 points, or 71.4%) are isolated.

ИХТИОФАУНА НЕКОТОРЫХ ВОДОЁМОВ МЕСТНОГО ЗНАЧЕНИЯ АКСУСКОГО РАЙОНА, ПАВЛОДАРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

In 2020, research works were carried out on seven reservoirs of local significance in Aksu district, Pavlodar region. These are Lake Komendant, Lake Krasnoe, Lake Lesnoe, Lake Topalevoe, Lake Kara Murza, Lake Baltazhar and the Karasu Channel. In these reservoirs, the ichthyological composition was studied, such fish species as pike (Esox lucius L., 1758), silver carp (C. gibelio (Bloch, 1782)), golden carp (Carassius carassius (L., 1758)), rotan (Perccottus glenii Dybowski), tench (Tinca tinca (L., 1758)), perch (Perca fluviatilis L. ,1758), roach (Rutilus rutilus (L., 1758)), carp (Cyprinus carpio L.,1758), and bream (Abramis brama (L., 1758)). The species of fish included in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as rare or endangered, are not marked in the research catches of the studied reservoirs.

Identifying threats from introduced and translocated non-native freshwater fishes in Croatia and Slovenia under current and future climatic conditions

Introduced and translocated non-native species are a major threat to biodiversity, especially in aquatic habitats. Efforts aimed at the mitigation of impacts and the implementation of preventative measures for the conservation of native biota must rely upon an accurate evaluation of the risks posed by non-native invasive species and are expected to be strengthened by international collaboration. In this study, 76 non-native freshwater fish species of which 48 extant (both introduced and translocated) and 28 horizon were screened for their risk of invasiveness in the neighbouring countries of Croatia and Slovenia under current and future climatic conditions. Using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK), threshold scores for the Basic Risk Assessment (BRA) and for the combined BRA and Climate Change Assessment (BRA + CCA) allowed to distinguish with a high level of accuracy between low-, medium- and high-risk species – the latter representing ≈70% of the screened species. Brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus, round goby Neogobius melanostomus, topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva and Wels catfish Silurus glanis were the highest-scoring species for Croatia, and Ameiurus nebulosus, snakehead Channa argus and Pseudorasbora parva for Slovenia. There were discrepancies in medium- and high-risk rankings between Croatia and Slovenia for 12 species. Upon comparison of the BRA outcomes with those based on the Freshwater Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (the predecessor of the AS-ISK), the risk changed for six species in Croatia and five in Slovenia. After accounting for predicted climate change conditions, the BRA + CCA risk scores increased for ≈50% of the species, with western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus achieving the highest score increment for Croatia, and round goby Neogobius melanostomus and Chinese (Amur) sleeper Perccottus glenii for Slovenia. The present outcomes will assist decision-makers in the implementation of appropriate measures for the management of extant non-native species and the potential introduction of horizon species. This is important for the regulation of pet trade and aquaculture as well as for management strategies aimed at the conservation of native biodiversity, which in the case of neighbouring countries/jurisdictions will benefit from joint efforts relying on a full risk assessment for the species classified at higher risk of invasiveness.

Sexual trait may simultaneously indicate sperm production and nutritional fitness in uniparental nest‐guarding fish: a case study on Amur sleeper

AbstractThe reproductive success of uniparental males depends much on their nutritional stage (i.e. body condition). Therefore, secondary sexual traits should convey information not only on fecundity but also on nutritional stage. To test this hypothesis, we evaluate relationships between head crest height (HCH), as a secondary sexual trait, relative testes mass (an indicator of sperm production), body condition (an indicator of nutritional status) and body mass of males of uniparental Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii in two contrasting habitats. Furthermore, we examined whether head crest is only a pure investment to advertise male fitness – either to females, rival males or other fish approaching the nest – or it comprises some regainable energy as well. We found that HCH is closely related to relative testes mass, and body condition especially at the beginning of the reproductive period. The head crest consisted of a swollen connective tissue in the supraorbital region of the head, and an oedematous epaxial muscle in the nuchal region. Furthermore, the head crest also comprised of adipose tissue, although not as much as assumed. Therefore, we argue that HCH represents a reliable signal of multiple aspects of male quality; it indicates readiness to spawn and could potentially effectively facilitate female choice towards large males with high fecundity and great nutritional stage, which is essential to good guarding performance. Moreover, the head crest itself also could contribute to nest‐guarding performance by virtually enlarging body size and by representing a minor fat reserve.

Population genetic pattern of the freshwater fish Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii) across its native distribution area in China

The Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877), which inhabits the Far East of Eurasia, is a fish capable of adapting to cold waters, including frozen water bodies. Therefore, it is a suitable vertebrate model for research on cryopreservation of entire organisms. However, the fish population has been decreasing annually and there is an urgent need to protect them. In this study, the genetic pattern in nine eco-geographical regions of Perccottus glenii from four water bodies across its native distributional area in China was explored by microsatellite markers. We found a high total genetic diversity (Ht: 0.4639) and a relatively low genetic diversity within populations (Hs: 0.1029). AMOVA revealed that 51% of the genetic variation occurred within individuals and 42% of the genetic variation occurred among populations. Among different sampled populations, high genetic differentiation (GST: 0.4024) was observed. Populations inhabiting Wusuli River, Fuyuan and Songhua River were found to be highly diverse, while populations inhabiting Hunchun and Ji’an were least diverse. A significant bottleneck was found in five populations and a significant Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium was found in seven populations. Population structure analysis divided P. glenii populations into four clusters. The first cluster included the populations located downstream of the Amur River, the second cluster was comprised of the Liaohe River population and the populations located upstream and in the middle of the Amur River. The third and fourth clusters were composed of populations located in the Tumen River and Yalu River, respectively. These findings indicate that the conservation management of P. glenii is urgent.

Morphometric and meristic characteristics of the Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii) from the Danube River drainage channel

In recent decades, the Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii) is one of the most impressive east-to-west invaders of European inland waters, but there are insufficient data on its biology in the countries it has entered. Specimens of two sets of samples from November 2015 (n=25) and October 2016 (n=39) were caught in the Danube River channel near Veliko Gradiste (Serbia) by electrofishing. Thirty morphometric and eight meristic characteristics of the collected fish were measured with the aim of describing the general body shape in more detail using the ?point-to-point? method. This is the first attempt to obtain morphometric and meristic characteristics of Amur sleeper caught in Serbia. The results revealed a relatively low variability in the morphometric and meristic characters of the studied population. When compared to other studies, there was a great variability of the studied characteristics between geographically distant European populations that inhabit different water body types. Female fish had more robust bodies compared to males of the same length, while males had longer pectoral, anal and dorsal fins. Additionally, 2+ individuals had more robust heads and jaws, as well as longer anterior parts of the body compared to 1+ individuals of the same size

The role of invasive Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 in the Ilgas Nature Reserve ecosystem: an example of a monospecific fish community

The role of invasive Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 in the Ilgas Nature Reserve ecosystem: an example of a monospecific fish community

New Fish Species in Water Bodies of Northeastern European Russia

Changes in the composition of ichthyofauna of northeastern European Russia under the effect of biological invasions are analyzed. It is shown that alien invader fish species appeared in the water bodies of the region as a result of acclimatization measures (the Far Eastern pink salmon and Pechora peled in the White Sea basin, the Northern Dvina sterlet and Siberian sturgeon in the Pechora River), intentional (the pike perch) or accidental introduction (the Chinese sleeper), and expansion of species from the Caspian Sea (the white-eye bream and asp) or the Baltic Sea (asp). The results of analysis of long-term changes in the freshwater ichthyofauna show that the appearance of alien fish species in the water bodies of northeastern European Russia has led to an increase in the diversity of ichthyofauna, trophic competition with native species, deterioration of the fishery status an increased mortality risk for juvenile Atlantic salmon, and potential aggravation of the epizootic situation in the lower reaches of the Northern Dvina River. At the same time, the successful acclimatization of the Pechora peled in the White Sea basin has made it possible to develop a scheme for organizing full-cycle lake coregonid farms with the formation of peled brood stocks and local whitefish polyculture. Sturgeon species naturalized in the Onega and Pechora rivers may subsequently diversify the list of commercial fish species.

Detecting an Alien Reptile through Parasitological Analysis of the Widely Distributed Alien Fish Perccottus glenii

The current geographical distribution of alien terrapins is poorly understood because these reptiles are difficult to detect in large natural water bodies, as they don’t vocalize, have cryptic coloration, and are typically not numerous in temperate climate. The present study tests the previously unconfirmed oral reports suggesting the presence of terrapins in several urban water bodies in the European part of Russia, which is outside the geographical ranges of native European terrapins. We assessed the presence of the terrapins indirectly, by using a parasitological analysis of a widespread alien fish Perccottus glenii which is numerous in shallow lentic water bodies. This fish can harbour diverse parasitic species. We detected the alien nematode Spiroxys sp. in the wall of the digestive tract of the studied fish. The life cycle of this nematode includes freshwater terrapins as the obligatory definitive host. Thus, detecting Spiroxys sp. in P. glenii indicates the presence of terrapins in three of the studied water bodies. This approach will be particularly valuable when the direct detection of alien terrapins is limited by the seasonality, weather, macrophyte densities, landscape features, or other factors. The discussed indirect method is an additional tool for confirming the presence of alien terrapins in water bodies in the European regions, where native terrapins are absent.

Parasite acquisition by the invasive Chinese sleeper ( Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877) (Gobiiformes: Odontobutidae) in Latvia and Ukraine

The Perccottus glenii is one of the most invasive of European fish species. During August-September 2019, we examined Chinese sleeper from six waterbodies in Latvia and Ukraine for parasites. Seventeen parasite species were registered, including two ciliate species, one coccidia, one monogenean, one cestode, six trematodes, three nematodes, one acanthocephalan, one parasitic copepod, and one bivalve glochidia. Maximum species richness was registered in Ukraine, with eight species at Vylkove and three species at Lake Kartal. Numbers in Latvia were generally lower with three species at Ilgas and just one at Gailezers. The parasite fauna registered in Latvia was poor overall, the richest site being the University pond. Two non-native parasite species were registered, the monogenean Gyrodactylus perccotti and the copepod Neoergasilus japonicus. Gyrodactylus perccotti was observed in Lake Kartal and the Danube delta in Ukraine, but not in Latvia, while N. japonicus only occurred in the University Pond in Latvia. This is the first record of this species in Latvia. Low parasite acquisition by the Chinese sleeper in Latvia may be caused by the release of this fish from aquaria, which is commonly registered in the region. It is likely that such low parasite loads have contributed to the formation of stable populations and the subsequent increase in expansion.

A checklist of parasites of non‐native populations of the fish rotanPerccottus glenii(Odontobutidae): Communication II

The fish rotan, Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 (Odontobutidae) is one of the most successful fish invaders during 20th and beginning of 21st century in European and Asian fresh waters. The diversity of its parasites within its invaded range was first reviewed by Sokolov, Reshetnikov, et al. (2014). The current paper analyzes new data from 2013 to 2019 on protistan and metazoan parasites of the non-native populations of this fish. We used information from peer-reviewed journals, difficult to access grey literature and our own recently obtained original data. 45 literature sources were included in the analysis. The newly-available data originate from 95 water bodies of 13 river basins, isolated lakes in West Siberia, and Gulf of Finland, spanning a total of eight countries. A total of 132 recently detected parasite species/taxa are listed in this paper. Each species is presented with its location in/on the host, geographical localities, countries, and according literature sources. When available, number of examined fish as well as prevalence and range of intensity of infection are cited from the original source. This review enlarges contemporary knowledge on parasites of non-native populations of the studied fish species up to 167 species/taxa. We highlight perspectives for further parasitological investigations of this invasive fish.

Comparative mitochondrial genome analysis of Neodontobutis hainanensis and Perccottus glenii reveals conserved genome organization and phylogeny

To investigate the molecular evolution of mitochondrial genomes among the family Odontobutidae, the complete mitochondrial genomes of Neodontobutis hainanensis and Perccottus glenii were sequenced and compared with seven odontobutids species. The genome organization, base composition, codon usage, and gene arrangement of N. hainanensis exhibited high similarity to P. glenii compared to those of other Odontobutidae species. Reconstructed phylogenetic analyses of Odontobutidae strongly supported that Neodontobutis and Perccottus formed a unifying group sister to Odontobutis. Our molecular dating time revealed that the two species diverged approximately 21.7 Ma during Miocene, later than that of Odontobutis. Selection analyses showed stronger selective constraints in mitochondrial genes for P. glenii. However, two positively selected sites in NADH4 and NADH6 genes were respectively detected in N. hainanensis and P. glenii, indicating that they might evolve different metabolic performance in response to the contrasting environments.

First insights into the molecular population structure and origins of the invasive Chinese sleeper, Perccottus glenii, in Europe

The aim of our study was to provide a first overview of the population genetic structure of the invasive Chinese sleeper,Perccottus glenii, (Actinopterygii: Odontobutidae) in European water bodies. This species originates from inland waters of north-eastern China, northern North Korea and the Russian Far East. The 1172 bp long portion of the cytochrome b gene was sequenced from Chinese sleeper specimens collected from a variety of water bodies in Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia (European part) and Ukraine. Our study revealed that the invasive Chinese sleeper in Europe consists of at least three distinct haplogroups that may represent independent introduction events from different parts of its native area; i.e. three founding populations: (1) Baltic haplogroup that may originate either from fish introduced inadvertent from Russia or from some unidentified source (release by aquarists). So far, this haplogroup has been found only in the Daugava basin in Latvia. (2) East-European haplogroup that may originate from an unintentional introduction to the Volga basin in Russia and has expanded westward. So far, this group was recorded in the Volga, Upper Dnieper and Neman drainages in Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. (3) Carpathian haplogroup, that originated from individuals unintentionally introduced with Asian cyprinid fishes to Lviv region in Ukraine and are now widely distributed in Central Europe.