Fish Families Research Articles

Phylogeography of Microphis retzii (Bleeker, 1856) and Microphis brachyurus (Bleeker, 1854) in the Pacific.

Syngnathidae are a charismatic family of teleost fishes, represented by seahorses, seadragons, and pipefishes. Syngnathidae are mainly composed of marine species, but about 30 species of pipefishes inhabit freshwater insular environments of the Indo-Pacific realm. Recent research has shown that some freshwater pipefish species are amphidromous and exhibit high intraspecific divergences across their distribution range, like Microphis brachyurus (Bleeker, 1854) distributed from Sri Lanka to French Polynesia and Microphis retzii (Bleeker, 1856) distributed from Taiwan to Indonesia. In this study, we used the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) partial gene of 91 specimens of M. brachyurus and 30 specimens of M. retzii from localities representative of their respective distribution area to improve knowledge on the population structure of these two widespread species. Genetic species delimitation and phylogeographic analyses were combined to explore spatial patterns of genetic diversity across the distribution ranges of the two species. We have highlighted deep genetic structuring within the two species and relate these results to various biotic and abiotic factors. For M. brachyurus, the population in Polynesia is distinct from those in the West Pacific, suggesting its distinctiveness and recognition as an evolutionary significant unit (ESU). For M. retzii, three lineages are delimited in its range distribution, suggesting the existence of two distinct species in Southeast Asia (Bali/Java/Lombok and China/Taiwan). Pipefish species are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures (inherent to Syngnathidae and insular environments). The present results, revising species delimitation and geographic distribution, will help implement effective conservation and management measures.

Submissions of diagnostic samples of two critically endangered species of handfish (Branchionichthys hirsutus and Thymichthys politus) from a public aquarium from 2018 to 2024.

Handfish (Family Brachionichthyidae) is the most threatened marine teleost fish family, however, there is little information on handfish health. We reviewed the results of submissions of mortalities from captive and captive bred spotted handfish (Branchionichthys hirsutus (Lacepède, 1804)) and red handfish (Thymichthys politus (Richardson, 1844)) from a public aquarium from January 2018 to February 2024. Seventeen cases for spotted handfish (comprising 33 individuals) and five cases for red handfish (one individual each) were submitted for mortality investigation. In 2018-2019, six of seven cases were diagnosed with scuticociliatosis. Other conditions included epitheliocystis (1 of 17), infections with metazoan parasites (2 of 17 for spotted handfish and 2 of 5 for red handfish) and hepatic lipidosis (4 of 17). Most submissions were fixed samples for histology with only one fish suitable for microbiology. We recommend development of a coordinated health program for all captive breeders and aquaria, which should include sampling protocols, collection, and preservation in a range of fixatives of all the dying or dead handfish and adapting sublethal sampling, including tank water to assess presence of pathogens and other microorganisms. Risk factors for handfish health in captivity should be assessed. Handfish health database should be established to avoid loss of corporate knowledge in this area.

Reference genome for the endangered, genetically subdivided, northern tidewater goby, Eucyclogobius newberryi.

The federally endangered sister species, Eucyclogobius newberryi (northern tidewater goby) and E. kristinae (southern tidewater goby) comprise the California endemic genus Eucyclogobius, which historically occurred in all coastal California counties. Isolated lagoons that only intermittently connect to the sea are their primary habitat. Reproduction occurs during lagoon closure, minimizing marine dispersal and generating the most genetically subdivided vertebrate genus on the California coast. We present a new genome assembly for E. newberryi using HiFi long reads and Hi-C chromatin-proximity sequencing. The 980Mb E. newberryi reference genome has an N50 of 34Mb with 22 well-described scaffolds comprising 88% of the genome and a complete BUSCO score of 96.7%. This genome will facilitate studies addressing selection, drift, and metapopulation genetics in subdivided populations, as well as the persistence of the critically endangered E. kristinae, where reintroduction will be an essential element of conservation actions for recovery. It also provides tools critical to the recovery of the genetically distinct management units in the northern tidewater goby, as well as broader ecological and evolutionary studies of gobies, the most speciose family of fishes in the world.

Genetic and phenotypic validation of whole body fat content measured across production phases of Atlantic salmon using dielectric and near infrared Interactance spectroscopy

Accurate and repeated whole-body fat (WBF) measurements across production phases are important for optimizing feed utilization, reducing production waste, safeguarding fish health, ensuring product quality and improving overall salmon production. However, the chemical extraction (reference) methods for WBF recording, although precise and accurate, are costly, destructive and have limited applicability for repeated measurements on live fish. This study validates two digital phenotyping technologies: Dielectric spectroscopy (DS) and Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) against the reference Soxhlet chemical extraction method. DS is a fast and non-destructive commercial fat meter, whereas the specially designed NIR interactance allows deep penetration (up to 10 mm) through the fish skin into the body. Approximately 2800 fish belonging to 35 full sibs fish families were recorded for WBF at mean body weight (BW) of ∼110, 300 and 750 g in parr, pre-smolt and post-smolt phases, respectively. The WBF percentage changed across the studied production phases: with parr having a mean of 11.3 % and coefficient of variation (CV = 11 %), pre-smolt decreasing slightly in both mean 10.9 – 11.1 % and CV (5.5 – 8.8 %) and post-smolt with an increase to 14.9 % and CV (8.5 %). Both methods performed well relative to the reference, with NIR (R2 = 0.77 – 0.91) slightly outperforming the DS (R2 = 0.61 – 0.71). Significantly high genetic estimates for NIR (h2 = 0.57 ± 0.04 – 0.62 ± 0.06) and DS (h2 = 0.38 ± 0.07 – 0.56 ± 0.10) signify the potential use of these digital technologies for improving WBF in future selective breeding. The low genetic correlations (rg = 0.22 ± 0.13 – 0.33 ± 0.14) across fresh and seawater phases raise questions about the generalizability of metabolic, lipid and feed efficiency research conducted in parr and pre-smolt phases in freshwater, to the post-smolt stage in seawater. The study highlighted the unexplored detail of the genetic regulation of WBF as fish undergoes production phases. Overall, these results will add to our understanding of genetic architecture for WBF and pave the way for digital phenotyping technologies to record complex but economically important traits and refine breeding strategies.

Biological Characteristics of the Glacier Lantern Fish Benthosema glaciale (Myctophidae) in Icelandic Waters andthe Irminger Sea During Summer.

Myctophids are one of the most diverse and abundant fish families in the mesopelagic zone, making them a key component in the marine pelagic community. In the North Atlantic, Benthosema glaciale (glacier lantern fish) is considered the most abundant myctophid north of 35° N, yet some regions within its extensive range lack information on its basic biological parameters. We investigated the growth and described the distribution of B. glaciale in Icelandic waters, including the southern continental shelf, Iceland Basin, and Irminger Sea. Length distribution, growth, relative body condition, age, and otolith-fish size relationships were analyzed from samples collected opportunistically with pelagic trawls during the International Ecosystem Summer Survey in the Nordic Seas (IESSNS) in July 2020. In total, 1374 individuals were caught, and only a subset of 225 were measured fresh at sea and 89 were frozen and dissected on land. Total lengths of fresh fish ranged from 38 to 85 mm, while dissected individuals ranged from 40 to 74 mm and were 2 to 6 years old. Located over the Reykjanes Ridge in the Iceland Basin region, individuals had a significantly higher mean standard length and mean age, and a lower mean body condition. We reported length-weight relationships for both fresh and frozen samples, indicating evidence that preserving of the specimens through freezing affected relationships. The von Bertalanffy growth curve was calculated along with significant otolith-fish size relationships where r 2 values ranged between 0.87 and 0.92. Our research highlights the importance of cross-regional studies and provides baseline biology for B. glaciale in Icelandic waters, specifically in the southern continental slope and Reykjanes Ridge.

Parasites Infestations Status in Fish Species from River Orogodo, a Freshwater Municipal Stream, Southern Nigeria

Parasites are ubiquitous and fish are host to some of these parasites that can be zoonotic. Assessing their status and trends is vital in public health safety, and aquatic ecology. The study aimed to identify parasites, assess the prevalence, identify the infection sites and also determine the variation in infection among sexes in fish from River Orogodo, Agbor, Delta State. A total of 780 fish, comprising 23 species belonging to 12 fish families were collected between September 2014 and August 2019 using cast nets of various mesh sizes and funnel entrance traps. Fishes were identified and examined using standard morphological keys. According to established procedures, parasitological indexes were determined by inspecting various external and internal body parts. The overall prevalence recovered was 196 (25.1%) with twenty-two parasites including larvae stages both from external and internal parts of the fish. These include 5 protozoans (Microsporidium gen sp, Trichodina spp, Epistylis sp, Crytobia sp and Chilodonella sp), Myxobolus sp, 5 nematodes (Procamallanus laevionchus, Camallanus sp, Cucullanus sp, contracaecum larvae, Rhabdochona sp); 3 acanthocephalans (Acanthogyrus sp, Neoerchinorhynchus sp and Acanthocephalus sp), 4 cestodes (Monobothroides woodlandi, Wenyonia sp, Proteocephalid sp including plerocercoid larvae); 3 digeneans (Clinostomum sp, Euclinostomum heterostomum, Centrocestus sp, unidentified metacerceriae in the liver). The study revealed that female fish (32.5%) were more infected than their male counterparts (26.4%). The results indicate that fishes in River Orogodo, Delta State are hosts of various external and internal parasites, which may be of public health and aquacultural importance.

Influence of increasing noise at the offshore wind farm area on fish vocalization phenology: A long-term marine acoustical monitoring off the foremost offshore wind farm in Taiwan

The rapid increase of offshore projects at Taiwan Strait in recent decade has been debated for elevated noise levels. However, there are no studies on long-term assessment of noise levels and impact of noise on marine organisms. The passive acoustic monitoring was conducted at the foremost wind farm area in Taiwan to assess the sound levels and the impact of noise on fish vocalization behavior. Predominately, in the soundscape around the Taiwan Strait, two chorusing types (Type 1 and Type 2) from the Sciaenid family of fishes exist. Ambient sound levels significantly increased from 2014 to 2019, while the chorusing Types 1 and 2 were observed in a lower percentage of the recordings. Additionally, chorusing peak intensity and duration significantly reduced over the years for both choruses. This is the first field-based evidence to demonstrate the consequences of increasing anthropogenic noise having the potential to alter the vocalization behavior of the fish.

Structure of Reef Fish Families (Butterflyfishes and Angelfishes) at Isolated Oceanic Reefs in the Indian Ocean: Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

There has been substantial research on the factors that structure reef fish assemblages, but this has mostly focused on nearshore or continental reefs. This study examines patterns of abundance and species composition for two iconic groups of coral reef fishes, angelfishes (family Pomacanthidae) and butterflyfishes (family Chaetodontidae) at two isolated, oceanic reefs in the Indian Ocean: Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Six explanatory variables were investigated to determine whether large-scale physical factors are more important than fine-scale biotic factors in structuring reef fish communities on oceanic islands. For angelfishes, depth was the factor that most explained patterns in abundance (explaining 46.5% of the variation), species richness (44.8%) and composition (15.3%), with both abundance and species richness being greater at 20 m than at 5 m. Differences in species composition were greater between depths than between islands. For butterflyfishes, variation in abundance and species richness was best explained by the difference in aspect or exposure among sites, though abundance and composition also differed significantly between Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Large-scale variation in the structure of these reef fish assemblages could not be explained based on differences in habitat diversity, or coral and algal cover. This study indicates that large-scale physical factors (island location, exposure, depth) are more important than fine-scale biotic factors in structuring reef fish assemblages on oceanic islands.

Insight into the diet of early stages of mesopelagic fishes in the Indian Ocean using DNA metabarcoding

Despite playing a critical role in oligotrophic ocean food webs, relatively little is known about the diet of mesopelagic fishes in the Indian Ocean. These fishes are an abundant component of the micronekton assemblages and are a major energy- and nutrient-rich food source, linking the plankton which they feed on to marine predators at higher trophic levels. DNA metabarcoding, a molecular method to identify species from mixed assemblages, has not been commonly used in studies of mesopelagic fish diet, but using it to analyse gut contents can greatly improve the understanding of mesopelagic fish feeding ecology. In this study, we apply DNA metabarcoding (18S rRNA and COI) to gut contents from Stomiiformes and Myctophiformes species from 20 sampling stations covering 30 ˚ of latitude on the 110 ˚ E meridian in the Indian Ocean. In total, 174 fish specimens from 13 genera were examined. Differences in the gut contents among fish families, geographic areas and fish stages were identified. Specimens within the family Myctophidae had the most diverse diet, more so in the northern sampling stations than the south. Gonostomatidae had the least diverse diet. Overall, the most frequently identified prey items from the gut contents were calanoid copepods and halocyprid ostracods. The proportion of halocyprids were also identified to be significantly different among Myctophidae larvae and juvenile specimens, which is a potential ontogenic shift in diet towards a higher ostracod contribution in juveniles as mouth gape increases. In comparison with other plankton abundance data, Copepoda were the most abundant plankton in the gut contents of all fishes sampled throughout the latitudinal gradient, allowing them to be a potential food resource through the region. There are indications that other less abundant plankton, such as like Ostracoda and Malacostraca, may be preferentially targeted by some mesopelagic fish families.

Variations in the Abundance, Biodiversity, and Assemblage Structure of Larval Fish in the Restricted Waters of the Wang-an Light Fishery off Penghu, Taiwan

This study examined the abundance, biodiversity, and assemblage structure of larval fish inside and outside the restricted fishing zone of the Wang-an light fishery, which is located off Penghu, Taiwan. A total of 97 taxa belonging to 48 families of larval fish were identified through plankton tows conducted during the present investigation. Upeneus japonicus from the Mullidae family emerged as the dominant species in the surveyed area. Diurnal variation in larval fish abundance was evident, with higher abundance observed at night-time than during daytime. However, no significant difference was observed between the larval fish abundance inside and outside the restricted zone. Moreover, fish egg abundance and larval fish biodiversity did not exhibit notable differences between sampling locations or times. Cluster analysis revealed the presence of two groups of seasonal species. The major species in the spring group were Abudefduf vaigiensis and Pomacentrus coelestis, which prefer a low-temperature environment. The major species in the summer group was U. japonicus, which prefers a high-temperature environment. The seasonal succession of water masses under the influence of monsoon activity likely contributed to the observed grouping patterns of larval fish assemblages in the study area. These patterns were closely linked to the marine environmental conditions in this area. The study outcomes provide scientific insights and recommendations regarding the importance and benefits of establishing a restricted fishing zone for sustaining fishery resources.

The secret lives of wedgefish: first insights into fine-scale behaviour and movement ecology of a globally imperilled ray

Wedgefishes have recently been recognised as one of the most imperilled marine fish families worldwide. However, many knowledge gaps about their biology and ecology hinder conservation efforts. Here we used a combination of acoustic telemetry and acceleration datalogger technology to gain fundamental insights into the fine-scale behaviour, habitat use, size of activity spaces, and residency of adult female bottlenose wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) in the Ningaloo region of northwestern Australia. Acoustic tracking data over one year demonstrated that female bottlenose wedgefish continuously resided in a relatively small area of a productive coral reef lagoon. Acceleration data revealed that bottlenose wedgefish were nocturnal, with time of day having a greater influence on activity than tidal patterns. Bottlenose wedgefish also increased activity with seasonally increasing temperatures. We identified several discrete behavioural signatures in the acceleration data, inferred to correspond to chafing, settling/burying behaviour, foraging behaviour, and escape behaviour, based on their kinematics. Further observations are required to confirm these behaviours with certainty. Additionally, according to datalogger and acoustic data, tagged bottlenose wedgefish rarely inhabited areas greater than 2 m deep. Together, these first insights into behaviour and habitat use of adult female bottlenose wedgefish highlight the importance of nearshore habitats for this species and indicate that they may be highly resident to specific areas. Our findings provide important insight into the conservation of bottlenose wedgefish in northwestern Australia, including potential effectiveness of protected areas and interactions with specific anthropogenic threats such as shoreline development and recreational beach fishing.

Variations in methylmercury contamination levels and associated health risks in different fish species across three coastal bays in China

The growing atmospheric mercury (Hg) emissions in China have raised ongoing concerns regarding contamination in marine fish. To better understand the pollution patterns and associated risks, we examined methylmercury (MeHg) content in demersal and pelagic fish from four commonly found families in three geographically distinct bays along the Chinese coast. We identified significant spatial variations in MeHg levels within the same fish family across regions. Specifically, fish collected from the Beibu Gulf in the South China Sea consistently exhibited significantly higher MeHg levels compared to those from the Laizhou Bay in the Northeast and/or Haizhou Bay in the East of China. In contrast, MeHg levels in fish collected from Haizhou Bay consistently remained the lowest. Within each region, we observed significantly higher MeHg concentrations in demersal species compared to pelagic species. This trend was particularly evident in fish species including bartail flathead (Platycephalus indicus), small-scale tongue sole (Cynoglossus microlepis) and greater lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) from the Beibu Gulf (0.50, 0.21, and 0.18 mg/kg dw, respectively), as well as bartail flathead and slender lizardfish (Saurida elongata) from Laizhou Bay (0.09 and 0.12 mg/kg dw, respectively). By comparison, MeHg content in silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) from all three regions consistently remained relatively lower than in other species. Using target hazardous quotient (THQ) calculations, we estimated potential health risks in local populations associated with the consumption of the studied fish species. Our results showed a lack of apparent health risks to local residents, as all THQ values obtained from the three regions fell within the safe limits (0.02–0.94). However, it remains important to conduct additional assessments and spatiotemporal monitoring that encompass a broader range of species and regions.

A widespread, consistent, and perplexing biphasic pattern in log catch‐at‐age data from a widely harvested family of tropical reef fishes

AbstractPatterns of cohort decline are key demographic traits that provide a unique temporal perspective vital to understanding population dynamics. The discovery of multidecadal lifespans in tropical surgeonfishes in the 1990s created a paradigm shift to the notion that they are highly vulnerable species with low population recovery rates; however, research into the mortality patterns of surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) has been sparse until recently. Recent studies on this family have demonstrated an unusual (possibly unique), two‐phase pattern of adult catch‐at‐age, whereby there is a population‐level shift from higher‐than‐expected rates of decline early in life to lower‐than‐expected decline rates for the remainder of the lifespan. To examine the geographic and phylogenetic ubiquity of this pattern, we compiled age‐based information from demographic samples of 70 populations of 25 tropical species spanning the Indo‐Central Pacific and Central‐Western Atlantic. Overall, we found that 79% of populations exhibited strong biphasic patterns, including 88% of populations across the Indo‐Central Pacific. By accounting for empirical relationships instead of using linear catch curves or classical assumptions of natural population decay based on lifespan, we demonstrate that surgeonfishes have turnover times that are two to four times faster than previously believed. Faster turnover times may suggest a higher level of sustainability for surgeonfish fisheries throughout the global tropics than previously estimated.

Ecological Potential of Freshwater Dam Reservoirs Based on Fish Index, First Evaluation in Poland

A pilot ichthyological index was developed for use within the Water Framework Directive in the area of Central and Eastern Europe for dam reservoirs, which are heavily modified water bodies. This is the first approach to assessing this water body type based on ichthyofauna in Poland. Various fishing gear types were used. The tested dam reservoirs were scattered throughout the country, from lowland to mountainous areas, with very diverse hydrological and morphological characteristics and pressure ranges based on the TSI index. In preliminary work, a correlation matrix with the TSI index’s pressure indicator was tested based on the abundance or biomass of fish species, fish families present, fishing gear used, and fishing depth range for a total of 588 cases. As a result of the tests carried out, the preliminary indicator was based on the ratio of the number of the two families Cyprinidae and Percidae. The correlation between the developed indicator and the pressure index was strong (r = 0.77; p < 0.001). The Percidae family exhibited a strong correlation with the most connections in the matrix. Based on the obtained results, the principle of using already confirmed relationships, such as the ratio between Cyprinidae and Percidae fish families, in the assessment of eutrophication was confirmed to be effective, guaranteeing the effective initial assessment of ecological potential.

Morphology and COI barcodes reveal local loaches (Nemacheilus spp.) from Pasuruan River, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Sulung CAVT, Chair NE, Rahayu DA, Nugroho ED, Rusdianto. 2024. Morphology and COI barcodes reveal local loaches (Nemacheilus spp.) from Pasuruan River, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2806-2819. The family Nemacheilidae is one of the most diverse and widespread family of freshwater fishes. The nemacheilid loach in the Pasuruan river is relatively abundant; however, there is limited information available about this species. Therefore, further research is necessary to identify loaches from the Pasuruan area. This research aimed to identify the local loach species from Pasuruan District. The pectoral fins were stored in pure-grade ethanol and subjected to DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequence analysis using bioinformatics tool, BOLD systems, and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) web. The morphological identification revealed two local loaches, Nemacheilus chrysolaimos Valenciennes 1846 and Nemacheilus fasciatus Valenciennes 1846. The high haplotype diversity (Hd) of 0.9 and nucleotide diversity (?) of 0.1 indicate a wide range of genetic variations. The frequency of parsimony informative sites at 25.6% and 16 polymorphic sites and the overall ts/tv ratio of 2.3. The phylogenetic trees demonstrated a clear and unambiguous branching pattern for N. fasciatus and N. chrysolaimos forming their own monophyletic branches. Kimura's 2-parameter genetic distance of the COI gene sequences between these two species was 0.11. This finding was strengthened by morphological and molecular identification results, which indicated that there are two local loach species in Pasuruan District.

Low human interest for the most at-risk reef fishes worldwide.

Human interest in biodiversity is essential for effective conservation action but remains poorly quantified at large scales. Here, we investigated human interest for 2408 marine reef fishes using data obtained from online public databases and social media, summarized in two synthetic dimensions, research effort and public attention. Both dimensions are mainly related to geographic range size. Research effort is also linked to fishery importance, while public attention is more related to fish aesthetic value and aquarium trade importance. We also found a strong phylogenetic bias, with certain fish families receiving disproportional research effort and public attention. Most concerningly, species at the highest risk of extinction and those most vulnerable to future climate change tend to receive less research effort and public attention. Our results provide a lens through which examining the societal attention that species garner, with the ultimate goals to improve conservation strategies, research programs, and communication plans.

Prevalence of Bacterial Diseases in Ornamental Fish Rearing Units of Kolathur, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Ornamental fishkeeping is a widely embraced hobby globally. In India, Kolathur, Chennai Tamil Nadu is an important ornamental fish hub involved in trading of ornamental fishes. As a lucrative industry, the ornamental fish trade faces significant challenges due to diseases caused by various pathogens, impacting market value and causing economic losses. Methods: A surveillance study was conducted in Kolathur, Chennai, from December 2022 to August 2023. Ornamental fish samples exhibiting clinical signs of bacterial diseases were collected from the farms and retail outlets. Bacterial isolation and identification techniques, including conventional and PCR detection, were employed to isolate and identify bacterial strains from infected fish samples. Result: Out of 196 fish samples, 51 (29.4%) were found infected with bacterial pathogens. The prevalent bacterial pathogens included Aeromonas veronii (47%), A.caviae (17%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%), Streptococcus sp. (11.3%), Mycobacterium fortuitum (5.6%) and Shewanella sp. (3.7%). Different fish families exhibited varying susceptibility to bacterial diseases, with cyprinids being the most affected (56.6%). The findings stress the importance of adhering to health regulations to prevent transboundary spread and suggest the development of targeted management strategies to sustain the health of ornamental fish populations.

Miners' diet in the Naḥal ‘Amram copper mines (southern ‘Arabah Valley) during the Roman-Byzantine periods

This study investigates the diet of copper miners at Naḥal ‘Amram (southern Negev Desert), through the examination of the well-preserved remains of plants, mammal and fish bones, dating to the Roman-Byzantine periods (1st–5th centuries CE), recovered during excavations undertaken in three different localities at this mining complex.Our analyses revealed that the miners enjoyed a varied and nutritious diet, comprising nine species of fruits and vegetables, alongside meat from two domestic animal taxa and representatives of eight different families of fish. While the fish and animal foods were brought to the mines from the Red Sea and neighboring regions, the vegetal food originated from a variety of different sources, some nearby, others quite distant.We suggest that since copper was traded from Naḥal ‘Amram, the foods arrived at the mines via the same trade routes, from settlements along the ‘Arabah, and these foodstuffs were likely bartered in exchange for copper. The results imply that the people engaged in copper mining were likely a local desert population, Nabataeans, supplementing their food needs from external sources and so enjoying improved nutritional status.Beyond its findings, the importance of this study lies in the combination of several disciplines, a methodology which can be useful for future research and provide a more reliable understanding of reconstructing the ancient diet.

About two new families of acanthodian fishes (Acanthodii)

The article presents some information on two new families of Ptychodictyidae fam. nov. and Nostolepidae fam. nov. that were established on the basis of the author’s personal research and the available literature data. Their main diagnostic features, generic composition, number of species, comparison, stratigraphic and geographical distribution are given. The obtained data supplement the taxonomy of the Palaeozoic acanthodian fishes.

Spatial-temporal patterns of fish trophic guilds in a freshwater river wetland ecosystem of northeastern China.

Muling River, situated amidst cultivated lands in Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, has long been subjected to sand-digging activities, resulting in severe damage to its riverbed. However, little research has been conducted on the impact of this disturbance on the status of fish community structure and trophic guilds in this river. In this study, environmental factors, fish community structure, and fish trophic guild biomass distribution patterns from the Muling River basin were investigated among seasons (spring, summer, and autumn) and sections (upper, middle, and lower stream) in 2015 and 2017. During the six sampling times periods, 46 species of five orders and 12 families of fish were classified into seven trophic guilds. Fish species number and biomass were higher upper reaches of the watershed. The insectivores (16.26%), phytoplanktivores (10.09%), benthivores (40.17%), and omnivores (11.86%) were the dominant trophic guilds. We found that fish trophic guilds biomass and environmental factors such as transparency, water depth, pH value, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand were highest in the upper section compared to other sections. Variation partitioning revealed that fish trophic guilds biomass was influenced more by environmental factors (61.2%), followed by section (0.7%) and season (0.1%). Partial RDA ordination showed that fish trophic guilds were positively correlated with water depth and transparency, while negative with turbidity. This study underscores the importance of considering trophic guilds of freshwater fishes to inform management strategies in regions experiencing significant environmental change.