Fin Coloration Research Articles

Two new species of Paratanakia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Taiwan and mainland China

Two new species of bitterling of Paratanakia were found and collected from Taiwan island and Fujian Province, mainland China recently. Paratanakia fuvlidorsalis n. sp. which is endemic in Taiwan island can be well distinguished from other congeners by the following unique combination of features: (1) fin ray counts: dorsal fin rays 3, 8; anal fin rays 3, 10; pectoral fin rays modally 1, 12; (2) squamtion: lateral-line scales modally 34; and (3) its own specific dorsal fin color pattern in male. Paratanakia julongjiangensis n. sp. which is endemic in Fujian Province, mainland China can be well distinguished from other congeners by the following unique combination of features: (1) fin ray counts: dorsal fin rays 3, 9; anal fin rays 3, 11; pectoral fin rays modally 1, 12; (2) lateral-line scales modally 34; and (3) its own specific dorsal fin color pattern in male. The brief morphological comparison with close related species would be also addressed.

Finotypic plasticity: Predator-induced plasticity in fin size, darkness and display behaviour in a teleost fish.

Fish fins are remarkable devices of propulsion. Fin morphology is intimately linked to locomotor performance, and hence to behaviours that influence fitness, such as foraging and predator avoidance. This foreshadows a connection between fin morphology and variation in predation risk. Yet, whether prey can adjust fin morphology according to changes in perceived risk within their lifetime (a.k.a. predator-induced plasticity) remains elusive. Here, we quantify the structural size of five focal fins in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) following controlled manipulations to perceived predation risk (presence/absence of pike Esox lucius). We also assess if crucian carp respond to increased predation risk by shifts in dorsal fin colouration, and test for differences in how fish actively use their dorsal fins by quantifying the area of the fin displayed in behavioural trials. We find that crucian carp show phenotypic plasticity with regards to fin size as predator-exposed fish consistently have larger fins. Individuals exposed to perceived predation risk also increased dorsal fin darkness and actively displayed a larger area of the fin to potential predators. Our results thus provide compelling evidence for predator-induced fin enlargement, which should result in enhanced escape swimming performance. Moreover, fin-size plasticity may evolve synergistically with fin colouration and display behaviour, and we suggest that the adaptive value of this synergy is to enhance the silhouette of deep-bodied and hard-to-capture prey to deter gape-limited predators prior to attack. Together, our results provide new perspectives on the role of predation risk in development and evolution of fins.

Monophyly or Homoplasy? The Relationships of a Rare New Species of Cambeva (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with a Bicolored Caudal Pattern

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one the five main biodiversity hotspots in the world, still houses many organisms that are rare and unknown to science, mostly concentrated in mountain ranges. Herein, we describe a rare new species of Cambeva from the Rio Tietê drainage at the Serra da Mantiqueira, exhibiting a caudal fin color pattern comprising a light-yellowish–white bar posteriorly edged by a black pigmented area. A similar color pattern was described for C. castroi, C. diabola, and C. melanoptera, also endemic to the Rio Paraná basin, and considered evidence of close relationships among these three species. However, other morphological characteristics highly suggest that the new species is not closely related to C. castroi, C. diabola, and C. melanoptera). Herein, we perform a molecular phylogenetic analysis using two mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene, including all species with that bicolored caudal pattern. The analysis strongly supports the new species as a member of the alpha-clade, and therefore as distantly related to those three species belonging to the beta-clade, indicating that this color pattern has homoplastically arisen in Cambeva. The data reported here reinforce the urgent need for field studies to better understand the different evolutionary patterns found in the genus, since an intense process of environmental degradation is in course.

Convergent and environmentally associated chromatic polymorphism in Bryconops Kner, 1858 (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Iguanodectidae).

Bryconops Kner, 1858, includes two well defined subgenera based on morphological evidence, with each containing at least one species (B. (Bryconops) caudomaculatus and B. (Creatochanes) melanurus) with a very wide distribution, within which regional populations present color variations. To test if phenotypic variation is related to cladogenetic events, we performed tests for phylogenetic independence and determined the strength of convergence for color characters in relation to water type, as the variation between clear, black and white waters is considered to be one of the major driving forces in the evolution of Amazonian fishes. Color characters for fins above the median line of the body were generally found to be independent from phylogeny and the Wheatsheaf test strongly supports convergence of the dorsal fin color between populations of species in the same type of water, with a similar trend suggested for the color of the dorsal lobe of the caudal fin. This means that simple color characters cannot necessarily be relied upon for taxonomic revisions of the genus as local phenotypic variants may represent environmentally determined plasticity or convergent evolution. Further studies are required to determine the validity of these characters.

A new annual killifish, Moema beltramonorum (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from the Amazon basin, Bolivia.

A new annual killifish species, Moema beltramonorum, is described from a seasonal swamp next to arroyo Crespo, belonging to Ro San Martin, a tributary of Ro Itnez, Amazon River basin, Bolivia. The new taxon presents an unique combination of male colour pattern characters not present in any congener, and an unique caudal fin coloration.

Feminization of Maroon Clownfish (<I>Amphiprion biaculeatus<I/>, Bloch 1790) with 17β-Estradiol Hormonal Induction

Highlight Research The 17β-estradiol hormone induction reduces the percentage of R values in skin and fin color by as much as 50-60%. The 17β-estradiol hormone induction increases total length and body weight, estradiol content, GIS and HIS, and also glucose content. The 17β-estradiol hormone induction shows mature development of the gonadal profile from functional male to functional female. Abstract As maroon clownfish (Amphiprion biaculeatus) is a protandrous hermaphroditic fish, feminization process with 17β-estradiol hormone can be applied to accelerate the female broodstock candidate supply for further spawning effort. This study aimed to evaluate the feminization of A. biaculeatus with 17β-estradiol hormonal induction. This study used a completely randomized design with several hormone dosage, namely P0 (without 17β-estradiol hormone induction), P1 (0.5 μg 17β-estradiol/g body), P2 (1.0 μg 17β-estradiol/g body), and P3 (1.5 μg 17β-estradiol/g body). These treatments were applied with three replications. Five fish composed of α-fish, β-fish, and three γ-fish were reared in each aquarium for 90 days with a flowing water system. The α- and β-fish were then removed, while the γ-fish was injected with hormone. Otohime pellet feed was fed three times a day until apparent satiation. The results showed that the 17β-estradiol hormone could induce 100% of the feminization process of male A. biaculeatus. The dosage of P3 obtained the lowest value percentage of red, green, blue (RGB), but showing the highest total of length and body weight (6.67±0.42 cm and 6.40±0.78 g, respectively), estradiol content (149.73±4.24 ρg/mL), GSI and HSI (0.38±0.07% and 3.59±0.49%), and glucose content (4.67±0.64 mg/dL), followed by more mature gonad profile than other treatments. This condition indicates that fish in P3 treatment has been reversed as functional female. The average survival rate for the treatment was as high as 60%. Therefore, the application of 17β-estradiol hormonal induction is effective for the feminization process in A. biaculeatus as a protandrous hermaphroditic fish.

A revision of the gudgeon genus Hypseleotris (Gobiiformes: Gobioidei: Eleotridae) of northwest Australia, describing three new species and synonymizing the genus Kimberleyeleotris.

Species within the northwest Australian clade of Hypseleotris (six species) and the genus Kimberleyeleotris (two species) are reviewed following the recording of new populations in the region and a molecular study of the group that identified three undescribed candidate species. Based on the analysis of extensive morphological and nuclear and mitochondrial molecular datasets, Kimberleyeleotris is here formally synonymised with Hypseleotris. Furthermore, three species from the Kimberley region, Western Australia, are described to science: Hypseleotris maranda sp. nov., Hypseleotris wunduwala sp. nov., and Hypseleotris garawudjirri sp. nov. The presence of, or number of scales across the head and body, the pattern of sensory papillae on the head, fin ray counts, dorsal and anal fin colouration (particularly in breeding males), and body depth, can be used to distinguish the members of the northwest Australia lineage. Furthermore, the newly described species were genetically separated from all northwest Australian congeners by K2P distances ranging from 7.8-11.3% based on the CO1 gene, and 7.7-16.3 % based on the entire mitochondrial genome. Two of the new species, H. maranda sp. nov. and H. wunduwala sp. nov., have extremely narrow ranges being found in single sub-catchments of the Roe and King Edward Rivers respectively. On the other hand, H. garawudjirri sp. nov. is moderately widespread, being found across the Charnley, Calder, and Sale rivers. While the conservation risk to H. maranda sp. nov. and H. wunduwala sp. nov. is inherently high due to their small range, there are currently no obvious local threatening processes to either of these species given their remote locations that are little impacted by human activities.

DIVERSITY OF FISH CAUGHT IN THE BATANG JULU SOLOK SELATAN

DIVERSITY OF FISH CAUGHT IN THE BATANG JULU SOLOK SELATAN

Effect of LED Light Color on Color Brightness, Growth, and Survival of Comet Fish (Carassius auratus)

Comet fish (Carassius auratus) is a type of freshwater ornamental fish with a high selling value due to its unique body shape and bright colour. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different LED (Light Emitting Diode) light colours on colour brightness, growth, and survival of comet fish. This study applies an experimental approach with an experimental design in the form of a completely randomized design (CRD) and consists of 5 light treatments and 3 replications, namely A (room light), B (white LED), C (blue LED), D (green LED), and E (red LED). The results showed that LED light treatment had a significant effect on the colour quality and feed efficiency, but did not significantly affect the growth and survival of comet fish. The best colour quality was found in treatment E (red LED) with an increase in the TCF (Toca Color Finder) score of 6.22 and colour performance on the back by 80.80%, pectoral fin colour by 64.91%, and tail fin by 71 .18%. The best feed efficiency was obtained in treatment C (blue LED) with a feed efficiency value of 57.48%. The behavioural responses of comet fish did not make any difference between each LED treatment. The water quality of the comet fish rearing media has a temperature value ranging from 25.70 – 29.20 C. The pH value ranges from 7.29 to 8.50. Meanwhile, dissolved oxygen ranges from 8.00 – 12.20 mg/L

Identifikasi dan Kekerabatan Fenotipe Ikan Familia Cyprinidae Asal Waduk Sempor, Jawa Tengah

The basic data needed to support reservoir management includes information on fish diversity. Research has been conducted to determine the diversity, phenetic relationship, and simple identification keys for Cyprinidae fish from Sempor Reservoir, Sempor District, Kebumen Regency, Central Java Province. The study was carried out in the period August 2020 to February 2021 with a survey method, and sampling using a purposive random sampling technique. The variables observed were phenotypic characters and species kinship relationships. Parameters observed were morphological performance. Fish body measurements were carried out using standard morphometry. Calculations were made on the number of species and the meristics of each species. The data obtained were analyzed using the NTSYS 2.02i application. to get kinship. Morphological performance was analyzed descriptively. During the research, five fish species from the Familia Cyprinidae were found, including Barbodes binotatus, Barbonymus balleroides, Osteochilus vittatus, Puntius sp., and Rasbora argyrotaenia. The closest phenetic relationship is between B. binotatus and Puntius sp. with a similarity index value of 0.909. The furthest relationship between R. argyrotaenia and B. binotatus with a similarity index value of 0.742. Morphological performance that can be used as a key identification character in Cyprinidae fish from Sempor Reservoir is the presence of a black spot on the tail rod; the reddish color of the abdominal fins, anal fins, and eyes; and a silvery color shaped like a ribbon along the body.

Lacustricola margaritatus, a new species of lampeye from the Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basins in eastern Africa (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae).

Lacustricola margaritatus, a new species inhabiting small streams and swamps in the Lake Victoria basin in north-western Tanzania and southern Uganda, and the Lake Kyoga basin in central Uganda, is described. Lacustricola margaritatus is a small species with a moderately deep body, moderate dimorphism and pronounced dichromatism. It is distinguished from all other Procatopodidae by the following unique combination of characters: live male body colour pattern with vertically-elongated iridescent light blue patches at scale centres, forming a striped appearance of dotted longitudinal lines on the flanks, particularly evident in the two or three series below the mid-longitudinal line; male having deeply coloured unpaired fins with orange-brown in the proximal and median parts and a narrow black distal band; male with a yellow base along the pectoral fin; female with dark grey scale margins and dark grey patches on scales along mid-longitudinal series creating a narrow dark grey stripe; both sexes showing inconspicuous postopercular blotch; and in both sexes, the cephalic sensory system is entirely situated in open grooves at all levels. The new species has previously often been misidentified as L. pumilus, originally described as inhabiting the Lake Tanganyika basin in north-eastern Zambia, or 'L.' centralis, from the Lake Rukwa basin in south-western Tanzania. Lacustricola margaritatus differs from the above two species by morphometric and meristic characters, body and fin colouration, and in arrangement of the cephalic sensory system.

Descriptions of Two New Species, Sillago muktijoddhai sp. nov. and Sillago mengjialensis sp. nov. (Perciformes: Sillaginidae) from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Due to difficulty in recognition, many true species have been covered under the synonyms of wide-spread species. To justify the identification of a widely distributed species, Sillago sihama from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, an integrated approach including morphology and DNA barcoding was used. Two unrecognized species of Sillago, i.e., Sillagomuktijoddhai sp. nov. and S. mengjialensis sp. nov., were identified from the coastal area of Bangladesh. S. muktijoddhai sp. nov. has marked differences in the body color, anal fin color, number of gill rakers, snout length, and swimbladder. S. mengjialensis sp. nov. has notable differences in the anal fin color, snout length, and swimbladder and is distinguished from S. muktijoddhai sp. nov. by the body color and swimbladder. The morphological characters of 14 documented Sillago species with two posterior extensions of the swimbladder were referenced and distinguished to accredit the two new species. Genetic analyses of partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA also supported the validity of the new species. This study has increased the number of recognized species of Sillago in the world and confirmed the prevailing misidentification of these two new species in Bangladesh as so-called S. sihama. Moreover, the study confirmed the misidentification of S. mengjialensis sp. nov. in Indonesia as S. sihama and the identification of unknown Sillago sp.1 in India.

A new sexually dimorphic Hyphessobrycon from the western Amazon basin (Characiformes: Characidae).

A new species of Hyphessobrycon presenting dimorphic males is described from the western Amazon basin in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The new species has been mistakenly identified in the literature with the non-congener Hemigrammus marginatus, with which shares a similar color pattern by presenting dark patches of dark pigmentation on caudal-fin lobes. It can be distinguished from the latter species, as well as from Hemigrammus durbinae, and two similar congeners, Hyphessobrycon diancistrus and Hy. otrynus, all of which sharing the same caudal fin color pattern, by the combination of presenting a dark patch of pigmentation on the dorsal fin, a single large anal-fin hook at the last unbranched anal-fin ray in mature males, and a moderately high body depth (22.432.5 % SL, mean 28.4 %). The new species is more similar to Hyphessobrycon diancistrus, which is putatively its closely related taxon. A putative close relationship with Hyphessobrycon otrynus, and with a non-congener presenting a distinct color pattern but sharing a similar sexual dimorphism on anal-fin hook morphology, Hemigrammus boesemani, is suggested.

Diagnoses of two new species of Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Bangka Island and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

We describe two new species of Parosphromenus from Indonesia based on morphological and molecular diagnoses. Parosphromenus juelinae, sp. nov., occurs on Bangka Island. Its unpaired fin coloration is similar to that of P. deissneri, but it differs from the latter in having a rounded caudal fin with a non-filamentous branched median ray and a smaller anal fin. Although the new species has the same caudal fin structure as P. bintan, it can be distinguished from the latter by its distinct unpaired fin coloration and the intense red color on the body flanks. Parosphromenus kishii, sp. nov., is found only in a single river system in Kalimantan Tengah. It is distinguished from all other congeners by the unique coloration of its caudal fin. A phylogenetic tree based on the cytochrome b (cytb) gene indicates that the two new species are distinct monophyletic groups constituting distinct phylogenetic branches from their congeners. Cytochrome b Genetic distances between Parosphromenus juelinae, sp. nov., and Parosphromenus kishii, sp. nov., and the other taxa in the phylogenetic tree range from 2.44% to 19.52% and from 8.65% to 17.28%, respectively.

Production performance and business analysis of clown loach Chromobotia macracanthus (Bleeker 1852) in recirculating systems with different stocking densities and water discharge

Efforts to improve the production performance of clown loach in recirculate aquaculture system can be done by increasing stocking density and water discharge. This study aimed to analyze the effect of increasing stocking density and water discharge on production performance, stress response and water quality in order to obtain the best stocking density and water discharge to obtain maximum profit in a short time. A factorial completely randomized design with two factors, i.e. the stocking density of 1, 2, and 3 fish L-1 and the water discharge of 0,05; 0,10; 0,15 L s-1 was performed. The volume of water used in each aquarium was 48 L and using a ½ inch faucet stop to regulate the water discharge from the inlet pipe. Clown fish fed Tubifex sp. with a feeding frequency of two times a day according to the treatment for 60 days. The result indicates that there was no interaction between the two factors on production performance, payback period, and R/C ratio. Stocking density has a significant effect on specific growth rate, absolute growth rate of individual weight, feeding consumption rate and R/C ratio of clown loach. Stocking density and water discharge had an interaction on the visual color of pectoral and caudal fins of clown loach. Different stocking densities with the combination of water discharge in this study resulted that the water quality were within tolerable range for clown loach so that they did not experience stress, as well as high production and business performance. It is recommended to intensify clown loach with a stocking density of 3 fish L-1 and 0,15 L s-1‑ of water discharge.

Description of two new species of sandlances, genus Bleekeria (Perciformes, Ammodytidae) from the Andaman Sea (northeastern Indian Ocean)

Two new species of Bleekeria Günther, 1862 are described from specimens collected in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Myanmar during bottom surveys conducted by the R/V Dr Fridtjof Nansen in 2015 and 2018. They are distinguished from each other and from congeners by a combination of morphological and meristic characters as well as fin coloration and genetic variance. Bleekeria albicauda sp. nov. has pelvic fins, 40–41 dorsal-fin rays, 54–55 total vertebrae, no teeth in jaws, 4 scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line, a single row of about 10 scales on mid-upper part of opercle, scales on central part of body clearly shorter than their height, caudal fin with white upper and lower lobes when fresh (unique within the genus). Bleekeria nigrilinea sp. nov. has no pelvic fins, 37–39 dorsal-fin rays, 49–50 total vertebrae, 2½ scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line (the smallest count within the genus with B. estuaria of Mozambique brackish water), 5–6 scales on mid-upper part of opercle arranged in a single row, scales on central part of body clearly longer than their height, upper and lower margins of caudal fin black when fresh (unique within the genus). The COI gene sequences of the two new species showed clear genetic divergence (pairwise K2P, >10 %) from Bleekeria estuaria Randall & Ida, 2014 and Bleekeria mitsukurii (Jordan & Evermann, 1902). A key to the species of Bleekeria is provided.

Effects of different dietary supplementation of plant carotenoids on growth, coloration and behaviour of giant gourami, Trichogaster fasciata (Bloch and Schneider, 1801)

Effects of different dietary supplements of plant carotenoid sources on growth, coloration and behavioural activities of Trichogaster fasciata were carried out. Three groups of fish were fed with petal powder of rose (Rosa chinensis), China rose (Hibiscus rosasinensis) and marigold (Tagetes erecta) separately as carotenoid source along with the same basic ingredients for 90 days. The mean final weight of marigold petal powder fed group was significantly different (p <0.05) from other groups after 90 days of the experiment. The absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, weight gain percent and specific growth rate were highest in the group of fish fed with marigold petal powder while feed conversion ratio was lowest in this group. Carotenoid content in the tissue of different groups of the fish was found to be significantly different (p <0.0001). Marigold petal powder was most effective to enhance the pigmentation and coloration in the different color zones (color of eye and opercular ocellus, jugular darkening, anal, ventral and dorsal fin color etc.) of the skin of T. fasciata. Pigmentation affected the behavioural activities of the fish where male aggression and selection of males by females was high in the group fed with marigold petal powder. No significant difference was observed in the social interactions and habitat preference.

Size-dependent male mating tactics and their morphological correlates in Poecilia gillii

Abstract Male alternative reproductive strategies are found in some species of most major animal taxa but are especially widespread in fishes. Mature males of the shortfin molly, Poecilia gillii, display extensive variation in size and morphology. We devised a field test of a priori hypotheses regarding the interrelationships between male size, coloration, morphology and mating tactics. Males did not occur in discrete size classes, but instead occurred in a size and morphological continuum. Large males exhibited darker and more orange-coloured dorsal and caudal fins, whereas small males exhibited lighter and more inconspicuous fin coloration. Furthermore, larger males had proportionately deeper bodies, larger dorsal and caudal fins and shorter gonopodia than smaller males. Our field study of male mating behaviour revealed a lack of courtship in this species, and similar levels of mating attempts (gonopodial thrusts) irrespective of male size. Instead, small males were significantly more likely to chase females than were large males. In contrast, large males exhibited higher rates of gonoporal nibbling (a likely means by which males determine, through chemical factors, whether a female is carrying fertilizable ova) and higher likelihood of chasing other males away. In total, we found evidence for the predicted associations between male size, coloration, morphology and mating behaviour. These associations appear likely to maximize mating success for males of a given body size and phenotype.

Hidden or unnoticed? Multiple lines of evidence support the recognition of a new species of Pseudocorynopoma (Characidae: Corynopomini).

Species delimitation is a permanent issue in systematics. The increasing recognition of geographically isolated populations as independent lineages allowed by new methods of analysis has inflated the species-populations dilemma, which involves deciding whether to consider separate lineages as different species or structured genetic populations. This is commonly observed between fishes of adjacent river basins, with some lineages being considered allopatric sister species and others considered isolated populations or variants of the same species. Pseudocorynopoma doriae is a characid diagnosed from its single congener by the number of anal-fin rays and sexually dimorphic characters of males, including distinct fin colouration. The authors found variation in the colour pattern between isolated populations previously identified as P. doriae but no variation in scale or fin-ray counts. They analysed molecular evidence at the population level and morphological differences related to life history (e.g., colour dimorphism related to inseminating behaviour). The results provide compelling evidence for the recognition of a new species of Pseudocorynopoma despite the lack of discrete differences in meristic data. The recognition of the new species is consistent with biogeographical evidence for the long-term isolation of the respective river drainages and with differences between the ichthyofaunal communities of these rivers.

Effect of Tubifex and Carrot Meal Combination on Color Quality of Botia Chromobotia macracanthus

Colour is the most important indicators of quality in ornamental fish, making the exploration to find new sources of pigments in ornamental fish is growing. This study aimed to determine the optimum dose of tubifex and carrot meal combination to enhance the quality of color in Botia Chromobotia macracanthus. This study was designed using Completely Randomized Design with six treatments in triplicates: a) commercial feed (control), b) 70% Tubifex + 3% carrot meal + 27% commercial feed, c) 60% Tubifex + 4% carrot meal + 36% commercial feed, d) 50% Tubifex + 5 % carrot meal + 45% commercial feed, e) 40% Tubifex + 6% carrot meal + 54% commercial feed, and f) 30% Tubifex + 7% carrot meal + 63% commercial feed. Parameters observed were color change level, which was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis method; survival rate (SR) tested using analysis of variance through the F test; and water quality. Results showed that the best color enhancement seen in treatment with 50% Tubifex + 5% carrot meal + 45% commercial feed combination with an average body color of 5.04 in Toca Colour Finder code 0605. The caudal fin color was enhanced with an average score of 3.93 in code 0805.