Gobius Niger Research Articles

Spatial and temporal variation of biochemical biomarkers in Gobius niger (Gobiidae) from a southern Mediterranean lagoon (Bizerta lagoon, Tunisia): Influence of biotic and abiotic factors

This study aims at evaluating both the influence of natural and some anthropogenic pressures on spatio-temporal variations on biomarker responses in sedentary benthic fish Gobius niger. For this purpose, variability of biotransformation enzymes and oxidative stress parameters response were studied in six stations from Bizerta lagoon as well as a reference station located in Ghar El Melh lagoon. Biomarker responses were shown to vary according to both physico-chemical parameters and anthropogenic pressures, but no influence of sex was reported. Based on multivariate analyses, the responses of biomarkers, obtained after covariate analysis in order to weigh the effect of physico-chemical parameters, allowed us to discriminate all stations, with a good classification rate for those that are highly contaminated. Altogether, this study shows the usefulness of G. niger as a sentinel species and stresses the necessity of integrating natural variables for data interpretation.

The ultrastructure of the interstitial cells of the mesonephros in the teleost fishes of the Black Sea

The ultrastructure of cells that form mesonephros tissues in eight species of bony fish of the Black Sea, Gaidropsarus mediterraneus (L.), Lisa aurata (Risso), Trachurus mediterraneus (Staindachner), Diplodus annularis (L.), Spicara flexuosa (Rafinesque), Gobius niger jozo L., Mullus barbatus ponticus (Essipov) and Scorpaena porcus (L.), was studied. It was shown that the ultrastructure of agranulocytes and rodlet cells in the studied species is similar to that of cells in freshwater bony fish. The differences were observed in the number of ionocyte mitochondria, in the vesicle ultrastructure in the cells with radial vesicle array, and in the ultrastructure of the specific secondary granules of neutrophils and eosinophils.

Do pharmaceuticals bioaccumulate in marine molluscs and fish from a coastal lagoon?

The bioaccumulation of 20 pharmaceuticals in cockle (Cerastodema glaucum), noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis), sea snail (Murex trunculus), golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) and black goby (Gobius niger) was evaluated, considering their distribution throughout the Mar Menor lagoon and their variations in spring and autumn 2010. The analytical procedure was adapted for the different matrices as being sensitive and reproducible. Eighteen out of the 20 compounds analysed were found at low ngg−1 in these species throughout the lagoon. Hydrochlorothiazide and carbamazepine were detected in all species considered. The bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals was heterogeneous in the lagoon, with a higher number of pharmaceuticals being detected in fish (18) than in wild molluscs (8), particularly in golden grey mullet muscle (16). В-blockers and psychiatric drugs were preferentially bioccumulated in fish and hydrochlorothiazide was also confirmed in caged clams. The higher detection frequency and concentrations found in golden grey mullet suggested that mugilids could be used as an indicator of contamination by pharmaceuticals in coastal areas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that shows data about hydrochlorothiazide, levamisole and codeine in wild marine biota.

Metals and PCB levels in some edible marine organisms from the Ionian Sea: dietary intake evaluation and risk for consumers.

Concentrations of some metals (Cd, Cu, As, Hg, Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in edible marine organisms from different trophic levels and feeding behaviour like bivalve molluscs (Mytilus galloprovincialis and Chlamys glabra), gastropod molluscs (Hexaplex trunculus) and some commercial species of fish (Trachurus trachurus, Boops boops, Sarpa salpa and Gobius niger). These species were collected in the first inlet of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy), classified as 'Site of National Interest' established by National Law 426 (1998) and included in the 'National Environmental Remediation and Restoration Projects'. The aim of this work was to investigate contamination levels and public health risks, associated with consuming seafood harvested from these areas. Moreover, in this study, was also estimated the weekly intake in children and adults, both for metals and PCBs. In comparison with the permissible limits set by EC Regulations, Cd and Pb levels were over the limit in the H. trunculus (in all sampling stations) and in the fish T. trachurus respectively. PCBs were over the legal limit in all sampled species with the exception of M. galloprovincialis (station 1), C. glabra and the herbivorous fish S. salpa. In the fish T. trachurus, for example, the concentration of six target PCBs was about five times higher than the EC limit. The estimated intakes of those trace elements included in this study through seafood consumption by the population exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives for Cd and Hg in the H. trunculus and T. trachurus, especially in children. Moreover, hazard quotience (HQ) for Hg and Cd was >1 in the children for T. trachurus and H. trunculus consumption. As regard non-dioxin-like PCB (NDL-PCB), the estimated intake were always above the 'provisional guidance value' (70ng/kg body weight) Arnich et al. (Regul Toxicol Pharm 54: 287-2, 2009) for all sampled organism. Thus, health risks due to the dietary Hg, Cd and PCBs intake, especially for children, cannot be excluded. Therefore, an extended remediation programme is necessary to safeguard marine ecosystem, human health and, not less important, the economic activities, in the Taranto marine area.

The evaluation and implementation of the Liaison® XL Murex Ab/Ag assay in a HIV reference laboratory

The bioaccumulation of 20 pharmaceuticals in cockle (Cerastodema glaucum), noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis), sea snail (Murex trunculus), golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) and black goby (Gobius niger) was evaluated, considering their distribution throughout the Mar Menor lagoon and their variations in spring and autumn 2010. The analytical procedure was adapted for the different matrices as being sensitive and reproducible. Eighteen out of the 20 compounds analysed were found at low ng g−1 in these species throughout the lagoon. Hydrochlorothiazide and carbamazepine were detected in all species considered. The bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals was heterogeneous in the lagoon, with a higher number of pharmaceuticals being detected in fish (18) than in wild molluscs (8), particularly in golden grey mullet muscle (16). В-blockers and psychiatric drugs were preferentially bioccumulated in fish and hydrochlorothiazide was also confirmed in caged clams. The higher detection frequency and concentrations found in golden grey mullet suggested that mugilids could be used as an indicator of contamination by pharmaceuticals in coastal areas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that shows data about hydrochlorothiazide, levamisole and codeine in wild marine biota.

Structural and functional analysis of ocular regions of five marine teleost fishes (Hippocampus hippocampus, Sardina pilchardus, Gobius niger, Mullus barbatus &Solea solea)

Five marine teleost fishes inhabiting different marine depths namely Hippocampus hippocampus (Linnaeus, 1758), Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792), Gobius niger (Linnaeus, 1758), Mullus barbatus barbatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) were used in the present study. Their retinae and lenses were subjected for histological, scanning electron microscopy, SDS-PAGE and isoenzyme electrophoresis of alkaline phosphatase, malate and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The present findings showed variant histological structures with characteristic photoreceptors mainly of either rods for H. hippocampus, M. barbatus and S. solea or cones in S. pilchardus. Mixed photoreceptors are identified in G. niger. The fishes exhibited diversity in protein band expression coincides with change of pattern orientation in lens fibers arrangement and histological structures of retina. Isoenzyme electrophoresis of estimated isoenzyme showed differences between lens and retina of fishes especially H. hippocampus.It can be concluded that the retina and lens of the studied teleost fishes showed apparent varying structure reflecting the isoenzyme characteristic for preserving functional characteristic of vision according to the marine habitat depths.

Intensity and prevalence of some crustacean fish parasites inTurkey and their molecular identification

In the present study, intensity, prevalence, and some pathologic effects of Caligus minimus, Nerocila spp., and Livoneca punctata on fishes extending from the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey were determined. In addition, besides morphological characters of parasites, diagnosis of the species was carried out by using a molecular method (polymerase chain reaction) in characterization. Caligus minimus was isolated for the first time from wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey. Seasonal distribution of Nerocila spp. Was determined. The highest prevalence rates of Nerocila were determined on snouted sole (Pegusa nasuta, syn. Solea nasuta) at 26.94%, wrasse or corkwing (Symphodus spp.) at 16.77%, rusty blenny (Parablennius sanguinolentus) at 11.76%, goby fishes (Gobius niger and Neogobius melanostomus) at 5.21%, and pipefish (Syngnathus sp.) at 3.44%. Conversely, Nerocila spp. Were not isolated from whiting (Merlangius merlangus), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda), sardine (Sardina pilchardus), Black Sea herring (Alosa immaculata), or picarel (Spicara smaris). Livoneca punctata was only isolated from Black Sea herring (Alosa immaculata). The most common pathological symptoms were mechanical injury on the skin and fins of the infested fish.

Comparative study of the biochemical and haematological parameters of four wild Tyrrhenian fish species

A characteristic feature of fish is the wide physiological range of blood parameters and also the large individual variations. The aim of this study was to compare the haematological profile, glucose and lactate levels of four teleost fish species (Gobius niger, Mugil cephalus, Sparus aurata, Dicentrarchus labrax) and to establish the similarities and differences between these species which are widely present in the Tyrrhenian Sea. To this end, glucose, lactate and complete haematological profiles were determined for 25 fish from each species. Statistical analysis confirmed statistical differences in blood parameters among the four species. Our findings show a lower level of glucose and higher levels of lactate, red blood cells and haemoglobin in M. cephalus with respect to the other species. White blood cell and thrombocyte counts have the same trend and result higher in S. aurata. The differences found in this study can be attributed to the feeding behaviour, life style and adaptation of the different fish species to the habitat in which they dwell.

Short-term post-mortality scavenging and longer term recovery after anoxia in the northern Adriatic Sea

Abstract. The northern Adriatic Sea is one of nearly 500 areas worldwide suffering widespread mortalities due to anoxia. The present study documents post-anoxia macrofauna dynamics after experimentally inducing small-scale anoxia in 24 m depth (2 plots, each 50 cm × 50 cm). Time-lapse camera deployments examined short-term scavenging of the moribund and dead organisms (multi-species clumps consisting of sponges and ascidians) over two 3-day periods (August 2009: 71.5 h, September 2009: 67.5 h). Longer term recovery (days to 2 yr) in the same two plots was examined with an independent photo series. Scavengers arrived quickly and in a distinct sequence: demersal (Gobius niger, Serranus hepatus) and benthopelagic fishes (Diplodus vulgaris, Pagellus erythrinus), followed by hermit crabs (Paguristes eremita, showing a clear day/night rhythm in presence) and gastropods (Hexaplex trunculus). This sequence is attributed to the relative speeds and densities of the organisms. The sessile fauna was largely removed or consumed within seven (August plot) and 13 (September plot) days after anoxia, confirming our first hypothesis that decaying organisms are quickly utilised. The scavengers remained in dense aggregations (e.g. up to 33 P. eremita individuals at one time) as long as dead organisms were available. No recovery of sessile macroepibenthos macroepibenthos occurred in the experimental plots one and two years after anoxia, undermining our second hypothesis that small denuded areas are more rapidly recolonised. This study underlines the sensitivity of this soft-bottom community and supports calls for reducing additional anthropogenic disturbances such as fishing practices that further impede recolonisation and threaten benthic community structure and function over the long term.

Effects of an offshore wind farm on temporal and spatial patterns in the demersal fish community

The rapid increase in offshore wind energy worldwide has raised concern about its potential risks to marine biodiversity due to habitat alteration, disturbance from noise and electro- magnetic fields. This study presents results of surveillance studies performed at the Lillgrund wind farm in Sweden to investigate the integrated effects of these factors on the abundance and distribution patterns of benthic fish communities. The studies revealed no large-scale effects on fish diversity and abundance after establishment of the wind farm when compared to the devel- opment in 2 reference areas. Changes in some species and in community composition were observed over time but occurred in parallel in at least one reference area, indicating that fish com- munities in the wind farm area were mainly driven by the same environmental factors as those in surrounding areas. However, changes at smaller spatial scales were evident. Increased densities of all studied piscivores (cod, eel, shorthorn sculpin), as well as the reef-associated goldsinny wrasse, were observed close to the foundations in the first years of operation. The increase was probably attributed mainly to local changes in distribution rather than to immigration or increased local productivity. Simultaneously, weak or no aggregation of black goby, eelpout and shore crab, all potentially reef-associated but also prey species of the studied piscivores, was observed, which may indicate enhanced top-down control near the foundations.

Influence of temperature in thermal and oxidative stress responses in estuarine fish

The influence of increasing temperatures in thermal and oxidative stress responses were studied in the muscle of several estuarine fish species (Diplodus vulgaris, Diplodus sargus, Dicentrarchus labrax, Gobius niger and Liza ramada). Selected fish were collected in July at the Tagus estuary (24±0.9°C; salinity of 30±4‰; pH=8). Fish were subjected to a temperature increase of 1°C.h−1 until they reached their Critical Thermal Maximum (CTMax), starting at 24°C (control temperature). Muscle samples were collected during the trial and results showed that oxidative stress biomarkers are highly sensitive to temperature. Results from stress oxidative enzymes show alterations with increasing temperature in all tested species. Catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) activity significantly increased in L. ramada, D. labrax and decreased in D. vulgaris. Glutathione S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18) activity increased in L. ramada, D. sargus, D. vulgaris, and D. labrax. In G. niger it showed a cycle of increase-decrease. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) increased in L. ramada, D. sargus and D. labrax. With respect to correlation analysis (Pearson; Spearman r), the results showed that oxidation products and antioxidant defenses were correlated in L. ramada (LPO-CAT and LPO-GST, D. sargus (LPO-CAT), and D. labrax (LPO-CAT). Oxidative biomarkers were correlated with thermal stress biomarker (Hsp70) in L. ramada (CAT-Hsp70), D. vulgaris (LPO-Hsp70), D. labrax (GST-Hsp70) and G. niger (LPO-Hsp70). In conclusion, oxidative stress does occur with increasing temperatures and there seems to be a relation between thermal stress response and oxidative stress response. The results suggest that oxidative stress biomarkers should be applied with caution, particularly in field multi-species/multi-environment studies.

DIET AND GROWTH OF GREAT CORMORANT (PHALACROCORAX CARBO) NESTLINGS IN A MEDITERRANEAN ESTUARINE ENVIRONMENT (AXIOS DELTA, GREECE)

ABSTRACT The diet and growth of great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) nestlings were studied in the Axios Delta, Greece in 1993 and 1994. The diet, based on analyses of regurgitations, consisted of fish from 12 families. In both years, the dominant prey were the goby Gobius jozo and mullets (Mugilidae). There were changes in number and wet-biomass prey composition during the study, probably due to the opportunistic foraging behavior of the birds. Most prey occurred in aquatic environments at all salinity levels, consisted mainly of benthic fish, and had no particular economic value. The growth of great cormorant nestlings was analyzed using a modification of the method proposed by Ricklefs and White (1975). Sets of estimated values for all variables studied (tarsus, bill, bill+head, and weight) plotted against age yielded sigmoidal curves. The increase in all growth variables over time was best described by the logistic equation. Body weight and tarsus increased at similar rates, and were faster than thos...

Reproductive biology of the black goby, Gobius niger (Teleostei: Gobiidae), in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia, Central Mediterranean)

The black goby Gobius niger (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gobiidae) is one of the most common gobies in southern Tunisian waters. This study provides the first detailed information on the reproductive biology of the G. niger in these areas. Samples of G. niger were collected by trawl from the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) between February 2009 and January 2010. A total of 1055 specimens were examined, ranging from 6.4 to 15.7 cm total length. The sex-ratio was in favour of males, especially in larger size-classes. The macroscopic analysis of the gonads and the progression of the monthly values of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) indicated that the reproductive season extended from March to June, with GSI peaking in May, and that spawning occurred from April to June. The utilization of lipid reserves, stored predominantly in the liver as well as in muscles, was important during the reproduction season. Monthly changes of the seminal vesicle somatic index showed that during the pre-spawning period they had a proliferation phase, followed by a regressive phase during the post-spawning period. Total fecundity of mature females ranged from 4280 to 14000 eggs per fish, showing a significant increase with size, with an average of 8522 ± 689 eggs per fish. The total length at 50% maturity was 10.13 ± 0.3 cm and 9.69 ± 0.18 cm for males and females, respectively.

Effect of water quality on hematological and biochemical parameters of Gobius niger caught in Faro lake (Sicily)

Effect of water quality on hematological and biochemical parameters of Gobius niger caught in Faro lake (Sicily)

Nematode and acanthocephalan parasites of marine fish of the eastern Black Sea coasts of Turkey

A total of 625 fish belonging to 25 species were sampled from the coasts of Trabzon, Rize, and Artvin provinces and examined parasitologically. Two acanthocephalan species (Neoechinorhynchus agilis in Liza aurata; Acanthocephaloides irregularis in Scorpaena porcus) and 4 nematode species (Hysterothylacium aduncum in Merlangius merlangus euxinus, Trachurus mediterraneus, Engraulis encrasicholus, Belone belone, Caspialosa sp., Sciaena umbra, Scorpaena porcus, Liza aurata, Spicara smaris, Gobius niger, Sarda sarda, Uranoscopus scaber, and Mullus barbatus; Anisakis pegreffii in Trachurus mediterraneus; Philometra globiceps in Uranoscopus scaber and Trachurus mediterraneus; and Ascarophis sp. in Scorpaena porcus) were found in the intestines of their hosts. The infection rates, hosts, and morphometric measurements of the parasites are listed in this paper.

Integrated trend assessment of ecosystem changes in the Limfjord (Denmark): Evidence of a recent regime shift?

An integrated ecosystem assessment was carried out for the Limfjord over the period from 1984 to 2008 to describe changes in ecosystem structure and potentially important drivers. The Limfjord is a eutrophic transitional Danish fjord system with the main inflow from the North Sea in the west and main outflow to the Kattegat in the east. We showed that from 1990 to 1995, the ecosystem structure shifted from dominance by demersal fish species (eelpout, whiting, flounder, plaice) to that of pelagic fish species (sprat, herring, sticklebacks), small-bodied fish species (black goby, pipefish), jellyfish, common shore crab, starfish and blue mussels. We interpret this change as a regime shift that showed a similar temporal pattern to regime shifts identified in adjacent seas. The observed changes in trophic interactions and food web reorganisation suggested a non-linear regime shift. The analyses further showed the regime shift to be driven by a combination of anthropogenic pressures and possible interplay with climatic disturbance.

PCBs in the fish assemblage of a southern European estuary

The Mondego estuary fish assemblage was studied for the accumulation of PCBs. Three sampling stations were visited along an estuarine salinity gradient, and, in total, 15 species were collected. Analysis of PCBs revealed no significant differences among the sampling stations, although differences were observed among the fish assemblages. Fish assemblages could be divided into three groups. The first group comprised those with higher concentration (more than 10ngg−1, dw), included the species Gobius niger, Sardina pilchardus, Anguilla anguilla, Pomatoschistus microps, Chelidonichthys lucerna and Liza ramada; the second group with medium concentration (5–10ngg−1, dw), included the species Pomatoschistus minutus, Dicentrarchus labrax, Atherina presbyter, Chelon labrosus, Diplodus vulgaris, Platichthys flesus and Cilata mustela; and a third group with low concentration (less than 5ngg−1, dw), included the species Solea solea and Callionymus lyra. A positive correlation was found between lipid content and PCB concentrations. To evaluate the influence of the residence time of species on the accumulation of PCBs, species were divided into two groups: species that spend more than 3years in the estuary, and species that spend less than 3years in the estuary. Species that spend more than 3years in the estuary presented higher concentrations than species that spend less than 3years in the estuary. CBs 138 and 153 had higher concentration, and tended to increase with time spent in the estuary.

Isolation of novel microsatellite loci in the black goby Gobius niger and cross‐amplification in other gobiid species (Perciformes, Gobiidae)

Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated from and characterized for the black goby Gobius niger. These loci were tested on a total of 48 individuals from two geographically distant locations (Orbetello and Cattolica) and the number of alleles ranged from two to 18, with expected (H(e)) and observed (H(o)) heterozygosities ranging from 0.042 to 0.941 and from 0.042 to 0.917, respectively. The loci described were used to cross-amplify other gobiid species belonging to Gobius, Zosterisessor, Lesueurigobius and Aphia.

A monogenean fish parasite, Gyrodactylus chileani n. sp., belonging to a novel marine species lineage found in the South-Eastern Pacific and the Mediterranean and North Seas

Gyrodactylus chileani n. sp. is the first Gyrodactylus species reported from Chile. It is an ectoparasite living on fins and skin of a small fish, the Chilean tidal pond dweller Helcogrammoides chilensis (Cancino) (Perciformes: Tripterygiidae). A phylogenetic analysis based on 5.8S+ITS2 of rDNA placed the new species close to marine Gyrodactylus species found in Europe: G. orecchiae Paladini, Cable, Fioravanti, Faria, Cave & Shinn, 2009 on gilthead seabream Sparus aurata L. from the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Sea fish farms (Perciformes: Sparidae), and an undescribed species on the black goby Gobius niger L. from the North Sea (Perciformes: Gobiidae). A morphological description of the latter species is unavailable. These geographically distant parasite samples on different host families form a new well supported Gyrodactylus orecchiae lineage. Using molecular phylogenetics, it is shown that the marine species groups of Gyrodactylus may have a worldwide distribution.

Vertical patterns of ichthyoplankton at the interface between a temperate estuary and adjacent coastal waters: Seasonal relation to diel and tidal cycles

Vertical distribution and migration pattern of ichthyoplankton assemblage in the Mondego estuary were investigated in relation to diel and tidal cycle. Summer and winter communities were sampled, at surface and bottom, over a diel cycle during spring and neap tides at a fixed station at the mouth of the estuary. Summer presented higher larvae density mainly of Pomatoschistus spp., Gobius niger and Parablennius pilicornis. Main species in winter assemblages were Pomatoschistus spp. and Sardina pilchardus. There were no differences between depth stratums across diel or tide cycle. Nevertheless, main species larval densities showed significant periodic variation associated with tide (M2) and diel (K1) cycles presenting generally, higher density at night and around low tide. Conversely, vertical patterns observed could not be related with diel or tidal cycle. Tough, main species presented some extent of vertical migration. Vertical patterns observed appear to be related to seasonal stratification and river flow, increasing amplitude during periods of less stratification and lower water currents. Present study provides a better understanding of ichthyoplankton vertical movement patterns and of small scale dynamics at the interface of two coastal European systems.