Mugil Cephalus Research Articles

Description of the Sex Hormone-Secreting Cells during Oocyte Development and Atresia in Flathead Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae) in Al-Bardawil Lagoon, Egypt

Description of the Sex Hormone-Secreting Cells during Oocyte Development and Atresia in Flathead Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae) in Al-Bardawil Lagoon, Egypt

Antibiotic Resistance, Virulence Gene Detection, and Biofilm Formation in Aeromonas spp. Isolated from Fish and Humans in Egypt.

The genus Aeromonas is widely distributed in aquatic environments and is recognized as a potential human pathogen. Some Aeromonas species are able to cause a wide spectrum of diseases, mainly gastroenteritis, skin and soft-tissue infections, bacteremia, and sepsis. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of Aeromonas spp. in raw fish markets and humans in Zagazig, Egypt; identify the factors that contribute to virulence; determine the isolates' profile of antibiotic resistance; and to elucidate the ability of Aeromonas spp. to form biofilms. The examined samples included fish tissues and organs from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, n = 160) and mugil (Mugil cephalus, n = 105), and human skin swabs (n = 51) and fecal samples (n = 27). Based on biochemical and PCR assays, 11 isolates (3.2%) were confirmed as Aeromonas spp. and four isolates (1.2%) were confirmed as A. hydrophila. The virulence genes including haemolysin (hyl A) and aerolysin (aer) were detected using PCR in A. hydrophila in percentages of 25% and 50%, respectively. The antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas spp. was assessed against 14 antibiotics comprising six classes. The resistance to cefixime (81.8%) and tobramycin (45.4%) was observed. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged between 0.142-0.642 with 64.2% of the isolates having MAR values equal to 0.642. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed using a microtiter plate assay, and two isolates (18.1%) were classified as biofilm producers. This study establishes a baseline for monitoring and controlling the multidrug-resistant Aeromonas spp. and especially A. hydrophila in marine foods consumed in our country to protect humans and animals.

Integrated mariculture of co-cultured whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) in sequence with red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) in a closed biofloc-based system

Integrated mariculture of co-cultured whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) in sequence with red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) in a closed biofloc-based system

Investigation of Microplastics in Surface Water and Estuarine Mullet Mugil cephalus from 23 Estuary Areas, South China

Microplastics, which are defined as small plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have been found in various aquatic environments all over the world. In this study, we investigated the level of microplastics in the surface water and estuarine mullet Mugil cephalus from 23 estuary areas in the south of China. M. cephalus, due to its wide distribution and high tolerance, was selected as a candidate fish species for monitoring the ingestion of marine microplastics. The size, color, and type of all microplastics were recorded from the water and fish samples by stereomicroscope. The average abundance of microplastics was 18,261 items/m3 in the surface water, and 7.2 items/individual in fish. These alarming numbers revealed significant pollution due to microplastics in the environment. Fragments and minute-sized particles were the most common features found in both the water and the fish samples. Some impurities in the water sample were easily confused with microplastics, but regular forms on the surface of the impurity could be distinguished by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The shape, color, and size of the microplastics in the fish and water samples were similar, which suggested that the microplastics in the water might enter the organisms’ body, thereby affecting the health of aquatic species and even humans. Based on these findings, it is highly recommended that the monitoring and managing of pollution due to microplastics be addressed in the estuaries.

Evaluating the influence of environmental variables on the length-weight relationship and prediction modelling in flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758.

Fish stocks that are grown under diverse environmental conditions have different biometric relationships and growth patterns. The biometric length-weight relationship (LWR) is an essential fishery assessment tool, as fish growth is continuous and depends on genetic and environmental factors. The present study attempts to understand the LWR of the flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758, from different locations. The study area encompassed its distribution in the wild across freshwater location (one), coastal habitats (eight locations), and estuaries (six locations) in India to determine the relationship between various environmental parameters. Specimens (n = 476) of M. cephalus were collected from commercial catches and the length and weight of individual specimens were recorded. Monthly data from the study locations were extracted for nine environmental variables from the datasets downloaded from the Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center (PO.DAAC) and the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) over 16 years (2002 to 2017) on the Geographical Information System platform. The parameters of the LWR, intercept 'a' and slope or regression coefficient 'b', varied from 0.005321 to 0.22182 and 2.235 to 3.173, respectively. The condition factor ranged from 0.92 to 1.41. The partial least squares (PLS) score scatter plot matrix indicated differences in the environmental variables between the locations. PLS analysis of the regression coefficient and environment parameters revealed that certain environment variables viz., sea surface temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and phosphate, played a positive role. However, chlorophyll, pH, silicate, and iron played a negative role in influencing weight growth across various locations. The results revealed that the M. cephalus specimens from three locations, Mandapam, Karwar, and Ratnagiri, possessed significantly higher fitness to their environment than those from the other six locations. The PLS model can be used to predict weight growth under the various environmental conditions of different ecosystems. The three identified locations are useful sites for the mariculture of this species considering their growth performance, the environmental variables, and their interactions. The results of this study will improve the management and conservation of exploited stocks in regions affected by climate change. Our results will also aid in making environment clearance decisions for coastal development projects and will improve the efficiency of mariculture systems.

Identification and in silico structural and functional analysis of a histone H2A-derived antimicrobial peptide from teleost fishes

BackgroundAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides that form the first line of defence in all living organisms. In addition to conventional AMPs, there exist molecules that are often not regarded as part of the innate defences, but possess antimicrobial activity. Histone H2A-derived peptides are a group of unconventional AMPs that represent very ancient defence factors, re-used in new ways during evolution. The present study attempts to compare histone H2A-derived AMPs from four commercially important teleost fishes inhabiting various habitats, viz. Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer), tank goby (Glossogobius giuris), grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), and Malabar trevally (Carangoides malabaricus). Methods and resultsRT-PCR amplification of the mRNAs extracted from these fishes yielded H2A-derived AMP genes with slight differences in the nucleotide sequences, nevertheless with similar translated amino acid sequences. The amino acid sequence was found to possess marked similarity at the N-terminal region and showed antimicrobial motif sequence characteristic of histone H2A-derived AMPs. Phylogenetic analysis showed an evolutionary relationship with invertebrate ones suggesting a common ancestral origin for the vertebrate and invertebrate histone H2A. The secondary structure of histone H2A-derived AMP showed the presence of α-helices and intermittent coils having a proline hinge connecting the N- and C-terminus. The peptide was also predicted to be a cell-penetrating one. ConclusionIn silico structural and functional characterization of histone H2A-derived AMP revealed its potential antibacterial property and point towards the possibility of being an efficient AMP with the potential of being made use of in therapeutics.

The effect of dietary taurine and its potential biosynthesis on juvenile grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) performance

The grey mullet is a catadromous species that spawns in the taurine-rich seawater environment, followed by the young fish generally migrating to less saline, low taurine waters during the larva-juvenile transition. Consequently, this study aimed to (1) determines whether there is a dietary taurine requirement in juvenile grey mullet for enhanced growth and (2) the potential for taurine biosynthesis. The experimental system consisted of sixteen 400-l V-tanks, where filtered, UV-treated ambient seawater (40 ‰) entered the bottom of the tanks at a rate of 7 tank exchanges/day. This allowed the testing of four 1 mm pelleted diets (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% taurine DW diet) in replicates of 4 tanks/treatment for 58 days. Grey mullet juveniles demonstrated (P<0.05) a specific requirement for a 0.5% taurine DW diet for improved growth. Fish fed the taurine diets displayed populations with a markedly (P < 0.05) higher average number of surviving fish (23.4±1.1) of moderately sized (10- 20 g) cohorts than smaller (< 10 g) individuals (12.5±1.1). In contrast, the fish fed the taurine control (0% taurine) exhibited similar average numbers of small and moderate sized fish (18.0±3.6-20.0±4.1). Dietary taurine accumulated highly (P<0.05) in the muscles in a dose dependent manner but less so (P<0.05) in eyes, and liver. The gene expression of liver cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSD) exhibited an upregulation (P<0.05) with taurine diets from 0 to 1% but was down regulated (P<0.05) in fish fed the 2% taurine DW diet.

Oxidative response to Cd and Pb accumulation in coastal fishes of Pattani Bay

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals can cause physiological and biochemical alterations in aquatic animals. Accumulation of Cd and Pb and oxidative response in the liver and muscle of fish species; Scatophagus argus, Plotosus lineatus, Netuma thalassina and Mugil cephalus were evaluated. Accumulation of Cd, Pb and oxidative response indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly higher in the liver than muscle in all coastal fish species. Antioxidative parameters, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), varied. S. argus exhibited the highest levels of Cd and Pb accumulation, both in the liver and muscle. Simultaneous activation and depression of oxidative defense mechanism was depicted in S. argus’s liver which indicated by positive correlation of Pb to CAT activity and negative correlation of Pb to SOD activity. Positive correlation was significance for Cd and Pb accumulation in the liver and muscle of M. cephalus, which may be used for pollution biomonitoring. The present study indicated the oxidative response to Cd and Pb accumulation was emphasise in liver, while oxidative response varied in each coastal fish species. Highlights Accumulation of Cd, Pb, and oxidative status, i.e., lipid peroxidation level indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA), was significantly higher in the liver than muscle in 4 coastal fish species (Scatophagus argus, Plotosus lineatus, Netuma thalassina, and Mugil cephalus). S. argus exhibited the highest levels of Cd and Pb accumulation, both in the liver and muscle, when compared to other three coastal fish species. The liver’s oxidative response to Pb was high in S. argus, and represented simultaneous activation and depression of antioxidative defense mechanism. A significant positive correlation was revealed for Cd and Pb accumulation in the liver and muscle of M. cephalus, which may be used for pollution biomonitoring.

Detection of virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and heavy metal resistance properties in Vibrio anguillarum isolated from mullet (Mugil cephalus) cultured in Korea.

In the present study, we identified and characterized 22 strains of V. anguillarum from 145 samples of mullets (Mugill cephallus) cultured in several fish farms in South Korea. They were subjected to pathogenicity tests, antimicrobial susceptibility test, and broth dilution test to detect virulence markers, antimicrobial resistance, and heavy metal resistance properties. All the isolates showed amylase and caseinase activity, followed by gelatinase (90.9%), DNase (45.5%), and hemolysis activities (α = 81.1% and β = 18.2%). The PCR assay revealed that isolates were positive for VAC, ctxAB, AtoxR, tdh, tlh, trh, Vfh, hupO, VPI, and FtoxR virulence genes at different percentages. All the isolates showed multi-drug resistance properties (MAR index ≥ 0.2), while 100% of the isolates were resistant to oxacillin, ticarcillin, streptomycin, and ciprofloxacin. Antimicrobial resistance genes, qnrS (95.5%), qnrB (86.4%), and StrAB (27.3%), were reported. In addition, 40.9% of the isolates were cadmium-tolerant, with the presence of CzcA (86.4%) heavy metal resistance gene. The results revealed potential pathogenicity associated with V. anguillarum in aquaculture and potential health risk associated with consumer health.

Fish Use of a Borland-Type Fish Lock in an Iberian River

Fish locks were fitted at dams to improve fish migration in Europe, but also in America and Australia. In Iberia, several dams were equipped with locks in the 1970s and 1980s, and in this study the fish use of the Borland fish lock installed in the most downstream dam in the Douro River was investigated by visualizing fish during each cycle. Moreover, a creel survey was conducted encompassing the same period to characterize the fish caught downstream. During the study, 770 lock cycles were completed, with 58,982 fish being observed in 234 cycles, mostly moving upstream. Eels (Anguilla anguilla) were the most numerous, being followed by the mugilids (Chelon ramada and Mugil cephalus). The number of fish using the lock was low from November to April, increasing from May to July, and was related to tide height, discharge at the powerplant tailrace, moon phase and time of day. Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and shads (Alosa spp.) were caught downstream of the dam but were never found using the lock. While more research is needed to assess the fate of the eels moving upstream, management of the anadromous taxa in the Douro River must rely on the last 20 km of the river.

Food web in Mediterranean coastal integrated multi-trophic aquaculture ponds: Learnings from fatty acids and stable isotope tracers

Ecosystem responsible aquaculture practices are today imperative to feed the world increasing population. The culture of extractive species such as oyster with fed species such as fish is a promising solution to recycle waste streams, which would be otherwise lost and discharged into the surrounding environment. In Mediterranean earthen ponds, meagre (Argyrosomus regius), white seabream (Diplodus sargus) and grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) are three fish species of different trophic levels that are good candidates to be raised in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) pond with oysters (Magallana gigas) and macroalgae (Ulva flexuosa). Trophic links between species raised in IMTA ponds were inferred using the analysis of body fatty acid composition as well as in carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes. A combination of 3 treatments was tested: fish, oysters, phytoplankton and macroalgae (T1); fish, oysters and phytoplankton (T2); fish, phytoplankton and macroalgae (T3). Our results highlighted that the three fish species were in competition for food sources as they mainly fed on commercial feed whatever the treatment. However, grey mullet also consumed polychaetes that naturally grown in ponds. Macroalgae were not used by fish. In T1 and T2, oysters actively consumed the excess of phytoplankton. In T2, the absence of macroalgae reduce nutrient competition for phytoplankton growth and oysters have more available food. In earthen ponds, the production of fish with macroalgae or fish with oyster should be privileged compared to usual semi-intensive fish polyculture as the presence of extractive species reduced fish wastes.

Ultrasonographic sex determination of the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus).

Determination of sex in fish without external sexual dimorphism is important. Sex determination of the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) in the culture system and spawn-producing and fish reproduction system is very important. Currently, there are several methods to determine the sex of fish; however, they are time-consuming, expensive and sometimes dangerous for the fish. The purpose of this study was the sex determination of flathead grey mullet by ultrasonography as a safe and accurate method. In this regard, 30 flathead grey mullets (early in their maturation) from a farm in Gomishan-Golestan province, Iran were examined using a portable ultrasound machine with a 6-12MHz waterproof linear transducer. Scanning was performed on the ventral body surface in the sagittal and transverse planes, between ventral and anal fins. Differences in shape, qualitative size, echogenicity and the wall layers of the ovary and testis were evaluated for sex determination. Results of ultrasonography were confirmed immediately at necropsy. Ultrasonographic accuracy for sex determination was 100%. The speed of the procedure was around 30s per fish. Overall, the sex determination of flathead grey mullet by ultrasonography was high in accuracy and speed, non-invasive and safe for fish and consumers, and may be considered a priority. Place of the organs in the M. cephalus coelomic cavity and the obtained experience showed that for rapid and easy sex identification, the best place to put the transducer is on the ventral surface of the fish in the caudal part of the coelomic cavity for taking transverse and sagittal ultrasonograms.

Water Quality and Plankton Population Abundance Affected by Earthen Ponds Management

The study was conducted in two earthen ponds fish farming systems located at (El-Rayed area- Kafer El-Shiak governmentEgypt); namely, feed and fertilizer fish farming systems. Each system was replicated in four ponds (8000m2 each), to determine water quality, phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance. Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus); mullet (Mugil cephalus) and catfish (Clarias garipinus) were cultured in each pond at initial weight of 2, 30 and 50 g, respectively. The present study aimed to evaluate two fish farming systems differing in pond management procedures in the Nile Delta regions. Results apparent insignificant differences between the two fish farming systems in terms of water temperature (ranged 12.7 to 30.9°C from winter to summer months), salinity, EC and total hardness. Whilst, fertilizer fish farm had significantly high levels of pH, DO, secchi disc, total alkalinity, orthophosphate, TAN, NO2, NO3, algal abundance and chlorophyll “a” n water compared to those of feed fish farm. Significant increase (P<0.05) in phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance were observed in fertilizer fish farm compared to feed fish farm, this was due the high organic manure inputs to pond water during all seasons including winter at one ton per feddan every 10 days.

Are microplastics contributing to pollution-induced neurotoxicity? A pilot study with wild fish in a real scenario

Pollution-induced neurotoxicity is of high concern. This pilot study investigated the potential relationship between the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the brain of 180 wild fish (Dicentrarchus labrax, Platichthys flesus, Mugil cephalus) from a contaminated estuary and the activity of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. MPs were found in 9 samples (5% of the total), all of them from D. labrax collected in the summer, which represents 45% of the samples of this species collected in that season (20). Seventeen MPs were recovered from brain samples, with sizes ranging from 8 to 96 μm. Polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid and one biopolymer (zein) were identified by Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Fish with MPs showed lower (p ≤ 0.05) AChE activity than those where MPs were not found. These findings point to the contribution of MPs to the neurotoxicity induced by long-term exposure to pollution, stressing the need of further studies on the topic to increase ‘One Health’ protection.

Contaminations in Wild and Farmed Fish and Influence of Traditional Cooking Methods

Due to the increasing concern of consumers about farmed fish contamination, in this study, different wild and farmed fish species (Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), gray mullet (Mugil cephalus), and thin lip gray mullet (Liza ramada) commonly consumed in Egypt, were chemically analyzed for the presence of heavy metals, antibiotics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides residues, hormones and microbiologically evaluated for total counts of aerobic and coliform bacteria. Moreover, the influence of traditional cooking methods (i.e., grilling, frying, and baking) on these parameters were estimated. The results revealed that the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and hormones were not detected in the fish species. However, heavy metals; cadmium, lead, nickel, cobalt, zinc, and mercury) were found in ranges of 0.014-0.35, 0.064-0.358, 0.027- 0.875, 0.058-0.750, 0160-1.345 and 0.062-0.426 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the organochlorine pesticides residues (p,p1 -DDE, p,p1 -DDT, and Chlorpyrifos) in the studied fish samples ranged between 0.02-2.13 mg/kg in the marine sites only. The thermal treatments via grilling were the most effective cooking method followed by baking to decrease the heavy metals concentrations in the fish species. Also, all detected pesticide residues and antibiotics in different fish species were decreased by cooking methods. Generally, the studied cooking methods significantly (p<0.05) decreased the total bacterial count and coliform counts in all treated samples by %. The frying method was the most effective cooking method in decreasing bacterial counts. In addition, neither Escherichia coli nor Vibrio spp was detected in the fish samples. Moreover, the studied cooking methods seemed to be suitable for decreasing the studied contaminants. Consequently, the farmed and wild fish species in the studied sites in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, were safe and suitable for human consumption. Periodical monitoring of all sites for pollutants is highly recommended to ensure consumer protection.

Effects of Spirulina platensis on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Induced-oxidative Stress and Liver Damage in Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus)

Background: Nanoparticles are increasingly exposed to ecosystems and people due to their large-scale manufacture and usage. The use of nanomaterials has increased their discharge into the aquatic environment. Objectives: This research evaluated the protective effect of Spirulina platensis against liver damage and oxidative stress in grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) after exposure to Iron oxide nanoparticles. Methods: Juvenile grey mullets were randomly classified into 12 equal groups: Group 0, 96h control group; Group 1, 60 days control group; Group 2, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) at 15mg/kg for 96h; Group 3, IONPs at 15mg/kg for 60 days; Group 4, S. platensis at 300mg/kg for 96h; Group 5, S. platensis at 300mg/kg for 60 days, Group 6, IONPs at 15mg/kg+S. platensis at 300mg/kg for 96h; Group 7, IONPs at 15mg/kg+S. platensis at 300mg/kg for 60 days; Group 8, IONPs at 15mg/kg (for 2 weeks) followed by S. platensis at 300mg/kg for 96h; Group 9, IONPs at 15mg/kg (for 2 weeks) followed by S. platensis at 300mg/kg for 60 days; Group 10, S. platensis at 300mg/kg (for 2 weeks) followed by IONPs at 15mg/kg for 96h; Group 11, S. platensis at 300mg/kg (for 2 weeks) followed by IONPs at 15mg/kg for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, samples of the liver were extracted and subjected to analyses to measure reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) Results: MDA levels in the liver were shown to have dramatically risen in the current investigation, but antioxidant SOD and GSH activity in the IONPs-treated group had significantly reduced compared to the controls. When compared to fish solely treated with IONPs, S. platensis treatment dramatically reduced liver MDA and CAT activity and raised SOD and GSH. Conclusion: All prior metrics significantly improved when IONPs-induced liver damage in fish was prevented by spirulina. By scavenging free radicals, reducing inflammation, and restoring endogenous antioxidant defense systems, S. platensis therapy has a protective effect in the liver of grey mullet against damage and oxidative stress in the IONPs.

Microplastics in the edible and inedible tissues of Mugil cephalus from Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar site in Kollam, Kerala, India

Microplastics in the edible and inedible tissues of Mugil cephalus from Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar site in Kollam, Kerala, India

Lipid and fatty acid composition of muscle, liver, ovary, and peritoneal fat in wild flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) according to ovarian development

Wild adult females of a low trophic omnivore teleost species, the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), caught in the western Mediterranean were sampled. The lipid and fatty acid composition of ovaries, liver, muscle, and peritoneal fat were analysed at previtellogenesis, early-vitellogenesis —first observed at mid-summer (early August)—, late-vitellogenesis, and the post-spawning period —from mid-September to mid-October—. During ovarian development, the lipid content of muscle was low and constant (3.85%–4.92%), indicating that the muscle was not used to store lipids for gonadal growth. Although constant, lipid content in the liver was higher (18.46%–22.62%) than in the muscle, and HSI% increased during gonad development, suggesting a dynamism in the mobilization of the hepatic lipids. Total lipids in the gonads significantly increased with maturation (from 4.90% to 34.59%) in parallel with the GSI (from 0.8% to 15.5%) to decrease after spawning. Peritoneal fat was probably transitional fat that could be rapidly metabolized or transferred to other tissues but no specific function could be assigned because its presence in previtellogenic and early-vitellogenic females varied greatly. One of the main sources of lipids accumulated in the ovary was most likely diet. The total percentage of ΣMUFA, mainly 17:1 —previously not identified in high quantities in teleost vitellogenic ovaries and likely of bacterial origin— and 16:1, strongly increased in the ovaries with maturation. The 16:1 might be an important source of lipids for embryo development. High percentages of DHA, EPA, and ARA were found in the ovary during previtellogenesis available to be used during gonadal maturation. Understanding lipid and fatty acid changes in broodstock tissues can increase our knowledge of the nutritional requirements of the fish used in aquaculture breeding programs.

Length-based assessment of five small pelagic fishes in the Senegalese artisanal fisheries.

Fisheries management is an important strategy for ensuring sustainable use of resources. However, in West Africa, in the absence of quality data for many stocks and effective stock assessment models, the cases where this has been truly successful are notable for their rarity. In West Africa, small pelagic fish are of great socio-economic importance, as well as good indicators of fish stressors. Here, historical data (2004-2019) of five small pelagic species (Sardina pilchardus, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Trachurus trecae, Scomber colias and Mugil cephalus) were collected in Senegalese waters. The B/BMSY results showed stocks to be collapsed (B/BMSY = 0.13 and 0.1 for M. cephalus and S. pilchardus, respectively) and heavily overfished (B/BMSY = 0.24; E. fimbriata). Only S. colias and T. trecae stock were considered to be in good condition (B/BMSY = 1.7 and 1.4 respectively). The Lc/Lc_opt ratio was ≤ 1 for E. fimbriata and M. cephalus, suggesting that the individuals caught for these species were too small. To reverse these bad stock statuses, catching individuals at Lc_opt, 25, 21, 43 and 18 cm for S. colias, E. fimbriata, M. cephalus and S. pilchardus, respectively should be a natural guarantee against recruitment failure and allow individuals to ensure the long-term survival of populations, in a context of data poor fisheries. In conclusion, this study shows that, despite limitations, the LBB model can provides indicators of stock status for species to encourage management measures, especially in data poor countries. It is hoped that these results can help to better assess many stocks currently considered too data poor to be assessed or at least encourage data collection effort on stocks discerned as in bad or critical status.

A NEW SPECIES OF PROSOGONOTREMA (SCLERODISTOMIDAE: PROSOGONOTREMATINAE) FROM THE FLATHEAD GREY MULLET, MUGIL CEPHALUS LINNAEUS (MUGILIFORMES: MUGILIDAE), FROM THE ARABIAN GULF OFF IRAQ.

Prosogonotrema iraqiense n. sp. (Sclerodistomidae: Prosogonotrematinae) is described in the flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus Linnaeus (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae), collected from the Arabian Gulf off Iraq during June and October 2019. Currently there are 11 species of ProsogonotremaVigueras, 1940 commonly accepted: Prosogonotrema arabicaYadav, 1980; Prosogonotrema bilabiatumVigueras, 1940 (type species); Prosogonotrema caesionisGu and Shen, 1979; Prosogonotrema diacanthiBilqees and Durrani, 1980; Prosogonotrema karachienseBilqees and Durrani, 1980; Prosogonotrema pavasiLokhande, 1990; Prosogonotrema piscicola (Srivastava, 1949) Gibson, 2002 (Syn. Bhaleraoia piscicolaSrivastava, 1949); Prosogonotrema plataxumGu and Shen, 1979; Prosogonotrema posterouterinaYadav, 1980; and Prosogonotrema symmetricumOshmarin, 1965 originally described from marine fishes, and Prosogonotrema nickoliBilqees and Khan, 1992 described from a freshwater cyprinid. Six additional species that have been considered synonyms of P. bilabiatum are also considered. Prosogonotrema diacanthi is considered a junior synonym of P. piscicola and Prosogonotrema carangiHussain and Rao, 1980nec Velasquez, 1961 is determined to be a species distinct from P. bilabiatum and is reassigned herein as Prosogonotrema aluteri nomen novum per the ICZN. Prosogonotrema iraqiense differs from all currently recognized species in the genus by having the width of the ventral sucker approach or exceed the width of the body and from all except P. pavasi (body length/width ratio 1:1.4-1:1.5) by having a distinctive narrower, more elongate body profile with a larger body length/width ratio (1:5.8-1:6.1 vs. 1: 2.0-1:4.1). A key to the 18 species we recognize in Prosogonotrema is included.