Chlorurus Sordidus Research Articles

DNA Barcoding Is a Useful Tool for the Identification of the Family Scaridae in Hainan

Species markers can be quickly and accurately assessed using DNA barcoding. We investigated samples from the parrotfish family Scaridae using DNA barcoding in Hainan. A total of 401 DNA barcodes were analyzed, including 51 new barcodes generated from fresh material, based on a 533 bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO I) gene. There were 350 CO I barcode clusters that matched 43 species from the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) and GenBank databases. The results showed the following average nucleotide compositions for the complete dataset: adenine (A, 22.7%), thymine (T, 29.5%), cytosine (C, 29.5%), and guanine (G, 18.2%). The mean genetic distance between confamilial species was nearly 53-fold greater than that between individuals within the species. In the neighbor-joining tree of CO I sequences, Chlorurus sordidus and C. spilurus clustered together, and all other individuals clustered by species. Our results indicated that DNA barcoding could be used as an effective molecular tool for monitoring, protecting, and managing fisheries, and for elucidating taxonomic problem areas that require further investigation.

Characteristics of Collagen from Parrotfish (Chlorurus Sordidus), Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus Fuscoguttatus) and Pink Ear Emperor (Lethrinus Lentjan): Effect of Acetic Acid Concentration and Extraction Time

The use of marine fishes skin waste such as parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus), tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) and pink ear emperor (Lethrinus lentjan) needs improvement to increase its economic value and sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of fish skin to acetic acid ratio with different extraction times on the yield and characteristics of skin collagen obtained from three-marine fishes (parrotfish, tiger grouper and pink ear emperor). The skin samples were divided into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) and treated with different sample to acetic acid ratios and extraction time of A. [ratio 1:10 (w/v) with 24 h]; B. [ratio 1:10 (w/v) with 36 h]; C. [ratio 1:20 (w/v) with 24 h]; and D. [ratio 1:20 (w/v) with 36 h]. Furthermore, characterization of collagen functional groups was carried out using FTIR while the peptide pattern analysis was carried out with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results showed that the collagen yield from the groups was different and the longer the extraction time, the higher the yield. Collagens from the three fishes in the treatment groups had wave spectra that were consistent with the standard collagen amide band while the peptide patterns showed α1 and α2 chains with molecular weights of 93-106 kDa and the dominant amino acids were glycine, proline and alanine. They were also identified as collagen type 1 with similar protein pattern and FTIR spectra.

Natural nutrient subsidies alter demographic rates in a functionally important coral-reef fish

By improving resource quality, cross-ecosystem nutrient subsidies may boost demographic rates of consumers in recipient ecosystems, which in turn can affect population and community dynamics. However, empirical studies on how nutrient subsidies simultaneously affect multiple demographic rates are lacking, in part because humans have disrupted the majority of these natural flows. Here, we compare the demographics of a sex-changing parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) between reefs where cross-ecosystem nutrients provided by seabirds are available versus nearby reefs where invasive, predatory rats have removed seabird populations. For this functionally important species, we found evidence for a trade-off between investing in growth and fecundity, with parrotfish around rat-free islands with many seabirds exhibiting 35% faster growth, but 21% lower size-based fecundity, than those around rat-infested islands with few seabirds. Although there were no concurrent differences in population-level density or biomass, overall mean body size was 16% larger around rat-free islands. Because the functional significance of parrotfish as grazers and bioeroders increases non-linearly with size, the increased growth rates and body sizes around rat-free islands likely contributes to higher ecosystem function on coral reefs that receive natural nutrient subsidies. More broadly, these results demonstrate additional benefits, and potential trade-offs, of restoring natural nutrient pathways for recipient ecosystems.

Selective consumption of macroalgal species by herbivorous fishes suggests reduced functional complementarity on a fringing reef in Moorea, French Polynesia

Worldwide, many coral reefs are at risk of shifting to degraded algal-dominated states, due to compromised ecological conditions. Functional diversity of herbivorous fishes maintains coral reef health and promotes reef resilience to disturbances. Given previous evidence, it appears the functional roles of herbivorous fishes differ across geographical locations, indicating a need for further assessment of macroalgal consumption by herbivorous fishes. We assessed functional diversity by examining foraging behavior of herbivorous fish species on macroalgae on a fringing reef in Moorea, French Polynesia. We video-recorded choice experiments containing seven common macroalgae and used Strauss' linear resource selection index to determine macroalgal selectivities. We used cluster analysis to identify any distinct groups within herbivorous fish species, given the macroalgal species they targeted, and fitted generalized linear mixed-effects models to identify factors that best predicted the number of bites taken on macroalgae. Seven species from 3 fish families/tribes took a total of 956 bites. Fish species differed in their selectivity with some species (Naso lituratus, N. unicornis, Calatomus carolinus) strongly preferring one or two macroalgal species, while other fish species (Acanthurus nigrofuscus, Ctenochaetus striatus, Chlorurus sordidus, Balistapus undulatus) were less selective. This resulted in fish species forming two clusters. Only 3 of 7 macroalgae were preferred by any fish species, with two fish species both preferring the same two macroalgae. The limited differences in fish species' preferences for different macroalgae suggests limited functional complementarity. Two models (macroalgal species identity+fish functional group, macroalgal species identity+fish species) best predicted the number of bites taken on macroalgae compared to models incorporating only a single explanatory factor or fish family. In the context of this Moorean fringing reef, there is greater functional redundancy than complementarity of herbivorous fishes consuming macroalgae, and the fishes grouped together according to their relative selectivity. We observed fish species that are not classified as browsers consuming macroalgae, suggesting diets of herbivorous fishes may be broader than previously thought. Finally, we observed macroalgal selectivities and consumption that differed from previous studies for the same fish species. Our results contribute to the understanding of functional diversity of herbivorous fishes across coral reefs, and also highlight the need for additional research to further elucidate the role of context and functional diversity of herbivorous fishes consuming macroalgae on coral reefs.

Stock Assessment of Parrotfishes “Molmol” (Sub-Family Scarinae, Family Labridae) in the Major Fishing Grounds of Bohol, Central Visayas

The issue on the overfishing of parrotfishes, locally known as “molmol” (subfamily Scarinae under family Labridae), in the coastal waters of Bohol province in Central Visayas has been raised by the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Bohol through Resolution No. 1 series of 2018 that pushes for the implementation of “open and closed fishing season” of all parrotfishes in the entire province. In any management intervention, baseline assessment of the stocks in question should be done as a significant basis for appropriate measures to be taken, thus this study. In Bohol, apart from the economic value, they carry essential functions in maintaining the ecological balance in the reef ecosystem. Parrotfishes are considered economically important as preferred fish among locals and tourists. The stock assessment of parrotfishes in Danajon Bank in the Bohol Sea and Cebu Strait was conducted by the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) Region 7 from 2015 to 2018 in 16 coastal municipalities of Bohol. It recorded 24 Scarine species across six genera. The green humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), categorized as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, was noted in Cebu Strait in 2015. Scarus ghobban, comprising 82.25%, dominated the catch in Danajon Bank; Scarus forsteni (30.07%) in Bohol Sea; and Chlorurus sordidus (58.45%) in Cebu Strait. Among the Scarines, S. ghobban dominated across fishing grounds from 2015 to 2018 with an aggregate of 10,267.69 kg (or 63.94%) monitored catch equivalent to 0.26% relative to all other species surveyed in the same period. The assessment also indicated that among the 22 fishing gear types being observed as used in catching parrotfishes, speargun is the most prevalent or frequently used. Moreover, the same assessment showed that the catch seasonality of S. ghobban determined from spear gun appears to be abundant during the first quarter in a year; in June, August, and December when higher monthly mean Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) were also noted. However, the annual mean CPUE of speargun has decreased from 11.93 kg/day in 2017 to 9.22 kg/day in 2018. Population parameters of S. ghobban as the top one species were estimated using the FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools (FISAT) software and Froese Indicator Tool. Biological indicators for S. ghobban show signs of overfishing as reflected on its high fishing mortality (F/M), decreasing average length below maturity length, decreasing catch per unit effort in the current year, low percentage of mature in the catch, and increasing exploitation ratio (E). All of which already breached the limit reference points. In 2017 and 2018, the mature size composition of the catch was only 1.9 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, far off from the 90-100% target and below the 50% limit. The values indicate that majority of the samples were small sizes; however, it cannot be determined if they were juveniles since this study excludes reproductive sampling. Optimum length (Lopt) was estimated at 29 cm (Total Length); lengths within ± 10% Lopt range at 26.1 to 31.9 cm and megaspawner at 31.9 cm up. Based on the results, suggested recommendations are indicated herein for possible consideration of the policymakers.

The Pattern of Herbivorous Fish Assemblages in The In Western and Eastern Outermost Island Indonesia

The herbivorous fishes have been considered as a critical functional group and have capability maintaining coral reef resilience and avoiding coral-algal phase-shifts. The present condition shown, almost in tropical reef location, alga has dominated coral, even in the small outer island. The requirement to conduct comprehensive basic research in studying the patterns and composition of herbivorous fish, especially on the small outer islands. Twelve coral reef sites in eastern Indonesia (Liki Islands) and western Indonesia (Natuna Island) used as a research location for comparing the structure patterns of herbivorous fish communities (diversity, density, and body size) using the Underwater Visual Census (UVC) method. There was different pattern of herbivorous fishes families in Liki Island and Natuna Islands, where Acanthuridae is dominant in eastern Indonesia (Liki Islands), including Ctenochaetus striatus (41,00 ± 11,72 se) individuals/350m2, A. maculiceps (23,33 ± 13,61 se) individuals/350m2, Naso hexacanthus (18,67 ± 6,34 se) individuals/350m2 while Scaridae is dominant in western Indonesia (Natuna island), including Scarus rivulatus (31,67 ± 10,61 se) individuals/350m2, Chlorurus sordidus (30,00 ± 8,52 se) individuals/350m2 and Scarus quoyi (19,00 ± 9,73 se) individuals/350m2. Based on herbivore fishes composition Liki Island has a higher density and biomass compared to Natuna Island.Keywords: herbivore, fish, coral, small outer island, Indonesia

Production and characteristics of fish protein hydrolysate from parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) head.

BackgroundFish byproducts are commonly recognized as low-value resources. In order to increase the value, fish byproducts need to be converted into new products with high functionality such as fish protein hydrolysate (FPH). In this study, FPH manufactured from parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) heads using different pH, time and sample ratio was investigated.MethodsHydrolysis reactions were conducted under different pHs (5, 7, and 9) and over different durations (12 and 24 h). Control treatment (without pH adjustment (pH 6.4)) and 0 h hydrolsisis duration were applied. Hydrolysates were characterized with respect to proximate composition, amino acid profile, and molecular weight distribution. The antioxidant activity of the hydrolysate was also observed.ResultsThe pH and duration of hydrolysis significantly affected (p < 0.05) the characteristics of FPH. The highest yield of hydrolysate (49.04 ± 0.90%), with a degree of hydrolysis of 30.65 ± 1.82%, was obtained at pH 9 after 24 h incubation. In addition, the FPH had high antioxidant activity (58.20 ± 0.55%), with a high level of essential amino acids. Results suggested that FPH produced using endogenous enzymes represents a promising additive for food and industrial applications.

An updated checklist of the marine fish fauna of Redang Islands, Malaysia.

BackgroundRedang Islands Marine Park consists of nine islands in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. Redang Island is one of the largest off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, which is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. The ichthyofauna of the Redang archipelago was surveyed by underwater visual observations between August 2016 and May 2018. Census data were compiled with existing records into the checklist of the marine fish of the Redang archipelago presented herein. A total of 314 species belonging to 51 families were recorded. The most speciose families (Pomacentridae, Labridae, Scaridae, Serranidae, Apogonidae, Carangidae, Gobiidae, Chaetodontidae, Lutjanidae, Nemipteridae and Siganidae) were also amongst the most speciose at the neighbouring Tioman archipelago (except Chaetodontidae). The coral fish diversity index value for the six families of coral reef fishes (Chaetodontidae, Pomacanthidae, Pomacentridae, Labridae, Scaridae and Acanthuridae) of the study sites was 132. We estimated that there were 427 coral reef fish species in the Redang archipelago. According to the IUCN Red List, eight species are Near Threatened (Carcharhinus melanopterus, Chaetodon trifascialis, Choerodon schoenleinii, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, E. polyphekadion, Plectropomus leopardus, Taeniura lymma and Triaenodon obesus), eleven are Vulnerable (Bolbometopon muricatum, Chaetodon trifasciatus, Chlorurus sordidus, Dascyllus trimaculatus, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, E. polyphekadion, Halichoeres marginatus, Heniochus acuminatus, Nebrius ferrugineus, Neopomacentrus cyanomos and Plectropomus areolatus) and three are Endangered (Amphiprion clarkia, Cheilinus undulatus and Scarus ghobban) in the Redang archipelago.New informationFive species are new records for Malaysia (Ctenogobiops mitodes, Epibulus brevis, Halichoeres erdmanni, H. richmondi and Scarus caudofasciatus) and 25 species are newly recorded in the Redang archipelago.

Usage of Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Marker in Assessing the Genetic Variation of Six Parrotfish Species from the Egyptian Red Sea

The report compared six parrotfish species (Scarus ferrugineus, Scarus psittacus, Scarus frenatus, Chlorurus sordidus, scarus genazotus and Cetoscarus bicolor) for molecular diversity and phylogenetic using eleven ISSR primers, the obtained results showed a total of 235 DNA fragments; 11 were common bands, 65 were specific bands and 159 were polymorphic bands. Additionally, the results indicated the largest similarity degree 58 between (Chlorurus sordidus and scarus genazotus), while the lowest similarity degree 35 was found between (Scarus frenatus and Chlorurus sordidus). The results that occurred from ISSR analysis found to be more reliable for differentiating species of fishes particularly parrotfish.

Sequence Variations and Molecular Phylogeny of some Red Sea Parrotfishes (Scaridae) Using Mitochondrial Gene Sequences

Targeted DNA fragments were isolated from four scarids species; Scarus collana Ruppell 1835; Scarus frenatus Lacepede 1802; Scarus (Chlorurus) sordidus Forsskal 1775 and Scarus niger Forsskal 1775 using mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene-specific primers. Analysis of obtained partial 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences showed a high level of nucleotide identity in the studied regions. This reflects a close genetic relationship and shared ancestry among studied parrotfishes. Nucleotide compositions of partial 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequence biased towards adenine and similar preference towards thymine, cytocine, and guanine. Also, base constitutions revealed preference towards higher DNA conservations. Phylogenetic analysis displayed patterns of assembly for studied species, and other included related taxa, which reflect their similar genetic makeup and their tendency to have similar niches. The phylogenetic trees revealed two evolutionary lineages splitting Scaridae and Wrasses which assumed that Scaridae should maintain the family status. Obtained data could be beneficial for parootfishes classification, conservation, and their needed environments. Therefore, the acquisition of nucleotide sequences from other parrotfishes using the developed mt16S rRNA gene-specific primers utilized here would contribute in the future to the phylogenetic

Characterization of chitin extracted from fish scales of marine fish species purchased from local markets in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Chitin is a biodegradable biopolymer with a variety of commercial applications, including in the food food-supplement industries as a marine-derived nutraceutical. The purpose of this study was to characterize the molecular structure of chitin extracted from fish scales of important marine fish purchased from local markets in North Sulawesi. Chitin compound material was obtained from a specific fish scale, and then sequentially carrying out a boiling treatment to separate it from a complex with collagen. From the scales of two fish species, parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) and red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), the rendemen of chitin obtained were 45 % and 33%, respectively. Structural characteristics of the chitin were discussed by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) analysis data. FTIR analysis was done using infrared spectroscopy, which is the resulting spectrum represents the molecular absorption and transmission, creating a molecular fingerprint of the sample. The molecular structure of chitin, C18H26N2O10, where the hydroxyl group on the second carbon replaced by acetyl amide, was shown by the infrared spectra. In the infrared spectra, chitin from parrot fish scales indicated the amide band at 1627.13 cm−1, and chitin from red snapper fish scales the amide band at 1648.09 cm−1 which are a typical one for marine chitin. The hydroxyl and amino bands at the ranged spectra up to 3500 cm−1. The yields of chitin isolated from fish scale were relatively huge. Some treatments are necessary to confirm the molecular conformation and deacetylation behavior. All products from the extraction of fish scales could be more accessible for structural modifications to develop biocompatible materials for pharmaceutical purposes.

Otolith Mass Asymmetry in Two Parrotfish Species, &lt;i&gt;Chlorurus sordidus&lt;/i&gt; (Forsskal, 1775) and &lt;i&gt;Hipposcarus harid&lt;/i&gt; (Forsskal, 1775) from Hurghada, Red Sea Coast of Egypt

The asymmetry in the mass of the sagitta of the parrotfish species, Chlorurus sordidus and Hipposcarus harid collected from Hurghada, Red Sea coast of Egypt was investigated. In the present study, the weight of the difference between the weight of the sagitta from both the left and right sides was divided by average otolith mass. The results shown that the value of x in the two-species studied does not related to the length of the fish, though the value of otolith weight difference has shown a trend of increase with the fish length. The value of x was calculated to fall between -0.2 and +0.2.

DEFENDED TERRITORIES OF AN AGGRESSIVE DAMSELFISH, POMACENTRUS TRILINEATUS, IN THE NORTHERN RED SEA, HURGHADA, EGYPT

The territorial behavior of the pomacentrid damselfish Pomacentrus trilineatus was studied on three reefs in the northern Red Sea, Hurghada, Egypt in order to investigate difference between defended and undefended areas. Seven families of reef fishes (Pomacentridae, Chaetodontidae, Acanthuridae, Labridae, Scaridae, Holocentridae and Siganidae) were dominant among the 21 recorded families at study sites. The territories of P. trilineatus were very small in area, ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 m2. Remarkable variation was observed for substrate composition between both inside (defended) and outside (undefended) P. trilineatus territories. Eight genera of hard corals were recorded inside P. trilineatus territory of them four genera were dominant and widespread outside the territory. Two soft coral genera were recorded inside and outside territory of P. trilineatus. Fleshy algae were dominant inside P. trilineatus territory. Three groups of associated fauna (Molluscs, Echinoderms and sponges) were recorded inside territory of P. trilineatus while two groups (Molluscs and Echinoderms) were recorded outside territory. Dead components of substrate showed more dominance outside the territory than inside. The percentage cover of algae had the highest values inside territory especially fleshy algae while that of hard corals had the highest values outside territory. Nine species belonging to four families were resident inside P. trilineatus territory. Of the 60 species recorded, 42 species were intruders. Siganids, the fish P. trilineatus(which is not the territory holder), Scarus ghobban and the juvenile fish Chlorurus sordidus had the lowest trespass times recorded. P. trilineatus showed high number of agonistic acts against conspecifics, Siganus luridus, S. rivulatus and Rhinicanthus assai with strong level intensity (A). P. trilineatus did not show any agonistic acts against resident species. The highest values of agonism elicited were recorded against nonspecific, S. luridus, S. rivulatus, R. assai, C. sordidus (juv.) and S. ghobban. The fish existed in high numbers at study sites and found to cultivate its territory with high density of macro-algae and the algae were observed growing at faster rates inside the territories of the fish than outside. The fish found to defend aggressively herbivorous fishes and excluded them from its territory especially browser fishes. Such behavior is considered to have detrimental effects on benthic structure through allowing fleshy macro-algae to grow faster and out-compete coral recruitments for space.

Parrotfish grazing ability: interspecific differences in relation to jaw-lever mechanics and relative weight of adductor mandibulae on an Okinawan coral reef.

Parrotfishes (family Labridae: Scarini) are regarded to have important roles for maintaining the ecosystem balance in coral reefs due to their removal of organic matter and calcic substrates by grazing. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the interspecific differences in grazing ability of five parrotfish species (Chlorurus sordidus, C. bowersi, Scarus rivulatus, S. niger and S. forsteni) in relation to interspecific differences in jaw-lever mechanics and the relative weight of the adductor mandibulae (muscles operating jaw closing). The grazing ability was calculated by using stomach contents (CaCO3 weight/organic matter weight) defined as the grazing ability index (GAI). There were significant interspecific differences in GAI (C. sordidus = C. bowersi > S. rivulatus > S. niger = S. forsteni). Teeth of C. sordidus and C. bowersi were protrusive-shape whereas teeth of S. rivulatus, S. niger and S. forsteni were flat-shape. C. sordidus and C. bowersihave jaw-lever mechanics producing a greater biting force and have a larger weight of adductor mandibulae. S. rivulatus has jaw-lever mechanics producing a greater biting force but a smaller weight of adductor mandibulae that produce an intermediate biting force. In contrast, S. niger and S. forsteni have jaw-lever mechanics producing a lesser biting force and have a smaller weight of adductor mandibulae. Feeding rates and foray size of S. rivulatus, S. niger and S. forsteni were greater than C. sordidus and C. bowersi. The degree in bioerosion (GAI × feeding rate) was the largest for S. rivulatusand the smallest for S. forsteni. The degree in bioerosion for C. sordidus was larger than S. niger whereas relatively equal between C. bowersi and S. niger. These results suggest that interspecific difference in GAI was explained by interspecific differences in teeth shape, jaw-lever mechanics and relative weight of adductor mandibulae. The interspecific difference in the degree of bioerosion suggests the importance of various size of parrotfishes with diverse feeding modes to maintain healthy coral reef ecosystems.

Parrotfish erosion underpins reef growth, sand talus development and island building in the Maldives

Parrotfish play a key functional role on coral reefs as external bioerosion agents and produce large quantities of carbonate sediment as a by-product of grazing on reef surfaces. Parrotfish are therefore an important potential source of sediment for island construction and maintenance within atoll reef environments, particularly under future scenarios of sea level rise and island morphological change. Here, we present the first field-based estimates of excavating parrotfish erosion (Chlorurus sordidus and Chlorurus strongylocephalus) within the Indian Ocean and quantify the contribution of parrotfish to the carbonate and sediment budgets of an atoll interior reef platform in the Maldives. We note that parrotfish erosion rates are high (6.3kgm−2 y−1), generating large amounts of new coral-based sediment (2.6kgm−2 y−1) that has a comparable grain size distribution to island deposits. Mean erosion rates by individual C. strongylocephalus (405kg individual y−1) were higher than C. sordidus (55kg individual y−1), but their contribution to erosion per unit area of reef was less due to a lower relative biomass (C. strongylocephalus: 1.3kgm−2 y−1; C. sordidus: 5.0kgm−2 y−1). Parrotfish also facilitate sediment export from reefs (0.7kgm−2 y−1), which contributes extensively to the development of the sand talus on the fore-reef slope and to the evolution of the wider atoll basin. Our results provide strong evidence that parrotfish erosion (and sediment generation) underpins island morphology on Maldivian reefs and highlight the importance of larger parrotfish as producers of island-grade sediment. Ecological processes must therefore be considered within future coastal management strategies for enhancing island stability.

Relationships between fish size and otolith measurements for Chlorurus sordidus (Forsskål, 1775) and Hipposcarus harid (Forsskål, 1775) from the Red Sea coast of Egypt

Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 32, Issue 2 p. 356-358 Short Communication Relationships between fish size and otolith measurements for Chlorurus sordidus (Forsskål, 1775) and Hipposcarus harid (Forsskål, 1775) from the Red Sea coast of Egypt S. F. Mehanna, S. F. Mehanna Laboratory of Population Dynamics, Fisheries Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Suez Branch, Suez, EgyptSearch for more papers by this authorL. A. Jawad, Corresponding Author L. A. Jawad Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand Author's address: Tin Turn Place, Flat Bush, Manukau, Auckland 2016, New Zealand. E-mail: laith_jawad@hotmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorY. A. Ahmed, Y. A. Ahmed Laboratory of Population Dynamics, Fisheries Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Red Sea Branch, Hurghada, EgyptSearch for more papers by this authorM. A. Abu El-Regal, M. A. Abu El-Regal Marine Science, Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, EgyptSearch for more papers by this authorD. Dawood, D. Dawood East Tamaki, Auckland, New ZealandSearch for more papers by this author S. F. Mehanna, S. F. Mehanna Laboratory of Population Dynamics, Fisheries Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Suez Branch, Suez, EgyptSearch for more papers by this authorL. A. Jawad, Corresponding Author L. A. Jawad Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand Author's address: Tin Turn Place, Flat Bush, Manukau, Auckland 2016, New Zealand. E-mail: laith_jawad@hotmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorY. A. Ahmed, Y. A. Ahmed Laboratory of Population Dynamics, Fisheries Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Red Sea Branch, Hurghada, EgyptSearch for more papers by this authorM. A. Abu El-Regal, M. A. Abu El-Regal Marine Science, Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, EgyptSearch for more papers by this authorD. Dawood, D. Dawood East Tamaki, Auckland, New ZealandSearch for more papers by this author First published: 21 January 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/jai.12995Citations: 6Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume32, Issue2April 2016Pages 356-358 RelatedInformation

Fluctuating Asymmetry in the Otolith of two Parrotfish Species, &lt;i&gt;Chlorurus sordidus&lt;/i&gt; (Forsskal, 1775) and &lt;i&gt;Hipposcarus harid&lt;/i&gt; (Forsskal, 1775) from Hurghada, Red Sea coast of Egypt

Fluctuating asymmetry was calculated for the otolith length and width of the adult fishes Chlorurus sordidus and Hipposcarus harid . The results showed that the level of asymmetry of the otolith length was the higher than that of the otolith width in both species. For C. sordidus , the lowest level of asymmetry in the otolith length was at the fish total length ranging between 150-260 mm, and the highest at the fish total length 160-260 mm. For the otolith width, the highest level of asymmetry is at the fish length ranging between 24-26 mm and it has zero value in the other length groups. For H. harid , the lowest level of asymmetry in the otolith length was at the fish length ranging between 160-170 mm, and the highest at the fish length 240-260 mm. For the otolith width, the highest level of asymmetry is at the fish length ranging between 240-260 mm and it has zero value in the other length groups. The possible cause of the asymmetry in these species has been discussed in relation to the general presence of pollutants in the area. An increasing asymmetry with the fish length (age) was noticed.

Distribution, behavior, and condition of herbivorous fishes on coral reefs track algal resources.

Herbivore distribution can impact community structure and ecosystem function. On coral reefs, herbivores are thought to play an important role in promoting coral dominance, but how they are distributed relative to algae is not well known. Here, we evaluated whether the distribution, behavior, and condition of herbivorous fishes correlated with algal resource availability at six sites in the back reef environment of Moorea, French Polynesia. Specifically, we tested the hypotheses that increased algal turf availability would coincide with (1) increased biomass, (2) altered foraging behavior, and (3) increased energy reserves of herbivorous fishes. Fish biomass and algal cover were visually estimated along underwater transects; behavior of herbivorous fishes was quantified by observations of focal individuals; fish were collected to assess their condition; and algal turf production rates were measured on standardized tiles. The best predictor of herbivorous fish biomass was algal turf production, with fish biomass increasing with algal production. Biomass of herbivorous fishes was also negatively related to sea urchin density, suggesting competition for limited resources. Regression models including both algal turf production and urchin density explained 94 % of the variation in herbivorous fish biomass among sites spread over ~20 km. Behavioral observations of the parrotfish Chlorurus sordidus revealed that foraging area increased as algal turf cover decreased. Additionally, energy reserves increased with algal turf production, but declined with herbivorous fish density, implying that algal turf is a limited resource for this species. Our findings support the hypothesis that herbivorous fishes can spatially track algal resources on coral reefs.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Black-spot tuskfish (Choerodon schoenleinii)

Choerodon schoenleinii, a critically endangered ocean fish, is also a highly prized commercial fish. In this study, we present the complete mitochondrial genome of C. schoenleinii based on NGS. The length of C. schoenleinii mitochondrial genome is 16,504 bp which consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a D-loop. The gene order and the composition of mitochondrial genome in C. schoenleinii were similar to other vertebrates. The nucleotide compositions of the light strand are 28.23% of A, 30.51% of C,24.04% of T, and 17.22% of G. Except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, the rest of mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand. The construction of phylogenetic trees based on the entire mitochondrial genome sequence of 11 Perciformes species constructed by the NJ method has suggested that the Choerodon schoenleinii has closer relationship to the Chlorurus sordidus, Scarus ruborviolaceus, Scarus forsteri, and Scarus schlegeli, and that they constitute a sister group.

The effects of tissue type and body size on δ 13 C and δ 15 N values in parrotfish (Labridae) from Zanzibar, Tanzania

Differences between the stable isotopic ratios (δ13C and δ15N) of two tissues (blood and muscle) from four species of East African coral reef parrotfishes (family: Labridae, tribe: Scarini) were analysed across a broad spectrum of body sizes. Comparison of isotopic ratios between the tissues allowed the assessment of using blood as an alternative tissue to muscle. In 2010–2011, constant differences between tissues (δblood minus δmuscle) were found across a broad range of sampled fish lengths. Linear relationships between the tissues, specific for an isotope, indicate that constants could be generated for converting blood isotope into muscle isotope values. Only one species, Chlorurus sordidus, displayed an inconsistent difference between tissues in δ15N, indicating that this ratio was dependent on fish length. The δ13C of both tissues was positively related linearly to fish length for three species, while δ15N showed no relationship with body length. The results are interpreted as indicating dietary consistency over days to weeks, the time of tissue turnover for blood and muscle, respectively. Lastly, differences among the species, even closely related species, show that the generation of tissue conversion constants is species-specific.