Zosterisessor Research Articles

Female reproductive fluid and male seminal fluid: a non-gametic conflict for post-mating control.

Growing evidence shows that non-gametic components released by both males and females can significantly drive sperm competition outcomes. Seminal fluid (SF) was shown to influence paternity success by affecting rival males' sperm performance, and, in some species with male alternative reproductive tactics, to selectively decrease the fertilization success of males of the opposite tactic. Female reproductive fluid (FRF) has been proven to differentially influence ejaculates of different males and bias fertilization towards specific partners. Whether, and with what outcome, these two processes can intersect to influence sperm competition is still unknown. Here we explore this scenario in the grass goby (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus), a fish with territorial-sneaker reproductive tactics, where sneaker males can exploit the territorials' SF while penalizing territorial sperm performance with their own fluid. To test whether FRF can rebalance the ejaculate competition in favour of territorial males, we used in vitro fertilization with a SF mixture (territorial + sneaker), using increasing concentrations of FRF, to simulate the natural conditions that ejaculates encounter towards the eggs. Our findings revealed a differential effect of FRF on the different tactics' fertilization success, favouring territorial ejaculates, possibly through an attenuation of the detrimental effects of sneaker SF, and enabling females to regain control over the fertilization process.

Female reproductive fluid concentrations affect sperm performance of alternative male phenotypes in an external fertilizer.

There is growing evidence that the female reproductive fluid (FRF) plays an important role in cryptic female choice through its differential effect on the performance of sperm from different males. In a natural spawning event, the male(s) may release ejaculate closer or further away from the spawning female. If the relative spatial proximity of competing males reflects the female pre-mating preference towards those males, then favoured males will encounter higher concentrations of FRF than unpreferred males. Despite this being a common situation in many external fertilizers, whether different concentrations of FRF can differentially influence the sperm performance of distinct male phenotypes (favoured and unfavoured by the female) remains to be elucidated. Here, we tested this hypothesis using the grass goby (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus), a fish with distinct territorial-sneaker reproductive tactics and female pre-mating preference towards territorial males, that consequently mate in an advantaged position and whose sperm experience higher concentrations of FRF. Our findings revealed a differential concentration-dependent effect of FRF over sneaker and territorial sperm motility only at low concentrations (i.e. at the distance where sneakers typically ejaculate), with increasing FRF concentrations (i.e. close to the eggs) similarly boosting the sperm performance of both sneaker and territorial males. The ability to release sperm close to the eggs is a prerogative of territorials, but FRF can likewise advantage the sperm of those sneakers that are able to get closer, allowing flexibility in the direction of female post-mating choice.

Dynamics of Commercial Goby Species Populations and Their Harvest in the Tendra Gulf

The article deals with dynamics of populations of the commercial gobies (round goby <i>Neogobius melanostomus</i> (Pallas, 1814), knout goby Mesogobius batrachocephalus (Pallas, 1814) and grass goby <i>Zosterisessor ophiocephalus</i> (Pallas, 1814)) in the Tendra Bay for the past 30 years. The habitat of knout goby in the open sea 15 km to the south of the Tendra Island was revealed, which is one of the main reserves of the species in the nort-western section of the Black Sea. Dimensional and weight parameters and age structure of the considered species over 1989-2001 in the Tendra Bay and of knout goby in 2019 in the specified locationwere examined; their comparative analysis was carried out.

РЕСПИРАТОРНЫЕ СВОЙСТВА КРОВИ PLANILIZA HAEMATOCHEILUS (TEMMINCK & SCHLEGEL, 1845) И ZOSTERISESSOR OPHIOCEPHALUS (PALLAS, 1814)

The natural mobility of the organisms affects the functional state and development of many organ systems and tissues. It influences, first of all, oxygen supply systems: respiratory, circulatory, blood. Of particular interest are molecular complexes whose functional characteristics are determined at the genetic level. These include respiratory pigments, hemoglobin in particular, to which this work is devoted. The gas transport properties of the blood of a highly mobile mullet-pilengas (Planiliza haematocheilus) and a sedentary bottom species – grass goby (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus) were studied. Blood was obtained by puncture of the caudal artery. Heparin was used as an anticoagulant. Pilengas' blood had a higher concentration of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. The differences in hemoglobin were almost 40% (p <0.01), in erythrocytes about 2 times (p <0.01) (p <0.001). With respect to the mean cell hemoglobin content (MCN), the results were the opposite. Pilengas' blood was characterized by low affinity for oxygen and increased sensitivity to pH. The value of P50 and the values of the Born effect (r) in pilengas were 25-26% (p <0.01) and 2.7-2.8 times (p <0.001), respectively, higher than in grass goby. The values of the Hill coefficient (n), intracellular concentrations of nucleotide triphosphates and Cl- coincided in both species. The differences obtained reflect the process of adaptation of the pilengas organism to a highly mobile lifestyle.

Ishrana glavoča travaša, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1814), u istočnom dijelu Jadranskog mora, ovisno o godišnjem dobu, spolu i veličini

Feeding habits of Grass goby, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1814) related to season, sex and size were examined during one year. Stomach contents of 302 specimens were examined, of which 91 stomachs were empty. The sampled population consisted of 136 females (45.03%) ranging from 6.8 to 19.3 cm (13.30 ± 2.24), 156 males (51.65%) ranging from 6.1 to 20.2 cm (14.14 ± 2.91) and 10 unspecified (3.31%) individuals of a length of 5.6 to 16.0 cm (10.07 ± 2.91). Grass goby is mainly carnivorous. The dietary preferences among sexes and sizes did not differ statistically. Results indicate that Grass goby is an opportunistic species that feeds on wide spectrum on prey. Decapods were the most important prey (IRI =3208.49), followed by Osteichthyes (IRI=490.03).

Genetic diversity of Loma acerinae (Microsporidia: Glugeida) from different fish hosts and localities - Short communication.

Loma acerinae is a xenoma-forming fish microsporidium described from common ruffe Gymnocephalus cernua (Perciformes: Percidae) and also found in Ponto-Caspian gobies (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae). This casts doubt on the strict host specificity of this parasite. The largest subunit RNA polymerase II (rpb1) was used as a genetic marker of the parasite isolated from six host species of Perciformes (G. cernua from the Baltic Sea), Atheriniformes (Atherina boyeri from the Azov Sea) and Gobiiformes (Neogobius spp. and Zosterisessor ophiocephalus from the Black Sea and Ponticola kessleri from the Caspian Sea basin). Two major rpb1 haplogroups were found with 98.5% identity between the groups. Notably, Haplogroup I was associated with Neogobius spp. samples (n = 6) only, whereas Haplogroup II included the samples from other host species (n = 7). These findings confirm the broad distribution and host range of L. acerinae, but also indicate that certain patterns of host-driven intraspecific polymorphism may exist. Furthermore, the study revealed low similarity between the ribosomal RNA gene sequences of L. acerinae and the type species, Loma morhua (as well as other species of the genus). This suggests loose genetic association within the genus, and may raise the need for the taxonomic revision of L. acerinae.

Biochemical response of two fish species of Gobiidae (Gobiiformes) to Cryptocotyle (Opisthorchiida, Heterophyidae) metacercariae infection from the mouth of the river Chernaya (Black Sea)

Metacercariae of Cryptocotyle are among the most numerously recorded trematode parasites in the estuarine biocenoses of the Azov-Black Sea basin. These parasites can massively affect body surface, gills and fins of host fishes including gobiids. However, information on the influence of Cryptocotyle metacercariae on the physiological and biochemical status of gobies is extremely limited. Biochemical response of two fish species of Gobiidae - grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1814) and mushroom goby Ponticola eurycephalus (Kessler, 1874) to Cryptocotyle spp. metacercariae infection at the mouth of River Chernaya (Black Sea) was investigated. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured as parameters of biochemical response. The findings of this study demonstrate interspecific differences in fish response to parasite infections. High infection leads to an intensification of lipid peroxidation and a weakening of antioxidant protection in the muscles of mushroom goby but activation of the antioxidant enzyme system in the muscles of grass goby. The results show a greater resistance of grass goby to the infection when compared with mushroom goby.

Freshwater gobies (Gobiidae) of Bosnia and Herzegovina: a review of the current status and distribution

This review updates the information on the actual status and distribution of freshwater gobies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The available literature has been critically reviewed to provide more complete and up-to-date information. Consequently four species are proposed for removal from the national checklist, given the lack of any data to support their presence: Knipowitschia panizzae, Pomatoschistus microps, Proterorhinus marmoratus and Zosterisessor ophiocephalus. Therefore, the freshwater gobiid fauna is confirmed to include seven species from six genera. The Adriatic Sea basin (Neretva River catchment) is inhabited by three endemic species: Knipowitschia radovici, Orsinigobius croaticus and Ninnigobius canestrinii, while the Black Sea basin (Danube River catchment) is inhabited by the invasive species: Babka gymnotrachelus, Neogobius fluviatilis, Neogobius melanostomus and Ponticola kessleri. However, due to the possibility of misidentify the finding of B. gymnotrachelus is questionable and needs confirmation. Distribution of both endemic Knipowitschia and Orsinogobius species is restricted to small areas in the lower Neretva River catchment on both sides of the Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina border. The vulnerability of these species is discussed, and the IUCN conservation and units meriting conservation attention were identified. The invasive character of other species is highlighted. This review indicates that the knowledge on the Bosnia-Herzegovinian freshwater gobiid fauna is still far from complete, hence this up-to-date checklist can serve as a basis for further ecological and zoogeographical studies. For better species inventory, finer scale distribution surveys are needed, followed by detailed morphological, molecular phylogenetic and ecological studies.

Fish diversity of the Utlytsky estuary

Article deals with characteristic of the Utlytsky estuary’s ichthyocenosis. Utlytsky estuary is one of the biggest estuaries of the Sea of Azov, which located in the north-west part of the sea. In modern conditions 48 species of fish from 22 families was observed. Nowadays, such species as longsnouted seahorse, thick-snouted pipefish, narrow-snouted pipefish, river burbot, common vimba, common bream aren’t registered. Their absence is related to the low numbers or their total absence in the Azov Sea in recent years. The enrichment of the estuary fish fauna was due to new invasive species, such as soiyu mullet, sunfish, prussian carp and by extending the range of Black Sea species – atlantic bonito, mediterranean horse mackerel, sand sole etc. The basis of the estuary ichthyocenosis by the number of individuals is the european anchovy, the round goby and the Black Sea sand smelt. These species account for more than half of the catch by number of individuals in catches of gill nets and fry trawls. Secondary species are golden gray mullet and soiyu mullet, prussian carp, round goby, monkey goby, tubenose goby, grass goby, greater pipefish and others. Changes in the salinity of the estuary waters, which influenced the structure of the aquatic fauna of the reservoir, were noted. Thus, the catches have a high number of silver carp, gossip ordinary and not even typical of marine waters freshwater species – northern pike, sunfish, common rudd and others, in the conditions of relatively low salinity. On the other hand, catches of marine fish species are increasing in the estuary in the salinity rise conditions. So, the numbers in the catch of european anchovy, golden gray mullet, flathead mullet, grass goby and others increased from 1–2 % to 10–12 % of the total number of individuals caught.

Going beyond conventional parameters to unveil sperm quality in fish: the use of fibre optic technology to assess mitochondrial respiratory performance.

ABSTRACTSperm fertilisation success depends on both intrinsic quality and the interactions with the surrounding reproductive fluids. In several fish species, these interactions have a variable effect on sperm performance. Although specific responses to reproductive fluids may depend on intrinsic differences in sperm quality, variations in the traditionally recorded sperm functional traits do not fully account for the observed patterns. New methods to enhance the evaluation of sperm quality may prove to be valuable at both applied and theoretical levels, by improving the breeding protocol of reared species and the understanding of mating success in sperm competition contexts. Here we develop a fibre optic-based technique, also adequate for small ejaculate samples, to test the role of mitochondrial respiratory efficiency in deciphering sperm performance variability. We purposely used as model the grass goby, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus, a fish with guard-sneaker mating tactics where the sperm in each male tactic have similar intrinsic qualities (velocity, viability, ATP content), but sneakers' sperm exploit territorial males' seminal fuid, overall displaying better fertilization ability. We found that sperm differed in their mitochondrial respiratory efficiency, which was higher in sneakers’ sperm compared to territorial ones. This result draws the attention to an indicator of sperm quality that might be helpful in disentangling the mechanisms driving sperm-reproductive fluid interactions.

Change of spatial distribution in the ichiotocenosis of the shabolat estuary in the process of its anthropogenic transformation

Consequences of Shabolat estuary natural ecosystems transformation under the influence of anthropogenic factors are reflected in the composition of ichthyocenosis, changes in the basic population characteristics of the most mass species.The purpose of the work was to find out the spatial distribution of the Shabolat estuary most massive representatives of the ichthyocenosis in terms of its anthropogenic transformation.Material and methods. The material for the study was selected from industrial fishing gear in the spring, summer and autumn periods of 2009-2012. A complete biological analysis of fish (goby round, goby grass, flounder, flounder, mullet pilengas, etc.) was carried out according to the conventional method.Result. The regularities of formation of ichthyocenosis largest masses populations were studied depending on: water salinity, connection with adjacent water areas, fish acclimatization and introduction, anthropogenic loading and peculiarities of spatial distribution of ichthyocenosis largest masses populations in aquatics.The most important Shabolat estuary ichthyocomplex components include representatives of the Gobiidae family, the Platichthys luscus population and the mullet family representatives.Of particular interest to the members of the goby family are the mass species of gobies: the round goby Neogobius melanostomus and the grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus, which are able to hibernate and reproduce in the estuary. This is an important link in the food chains of the reservoir. By entering into competition with other representatives of ichthyocenosis, they significantly affect the state of the forage base and production capacity of the estuary.Representatives of the mullet family and gloss flounder are distributed in the estuary deep water areas and in areas with maximum salinity.Conclusions. It has been established, that in the conditions of anthropogenic transformation of the estuary, in the last 35-40 years, the round goby and grass goby numbers and distribution range have decreased. In bulk, they have survived only in reservoir small, local areas, due to the deterioration of reproduction conditions and the degradation of the zoster and reddest associations. The main reasons for the decline in the size and distribution range of gobies in the Shabolatsky estuary was their mass death as a result of a large-scale environmental catastrophe and reproduction conditions deterioration. The reason for the significant decrease in the flounder and mullet number and distribution range was the mass death in 1992, as well as changes in the salinity of the Shabolat estuary

Significance of the goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus as a sentinel species for Venice Lagoon contamination: Combining biomarker responses and bioaccumulation

The Venice Lagoon is an interesting example of an ecosystem suffering for a considerable anthropogenic impact, resulting in high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in lagoon sediments and seafood. In this context, biomonitoring is a crucially important task.The present study aimed at evaluating the validity of a multiple biomarker approach in a benthic fish species. A total of 567 Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Gobiidae) fish were collected in spring and autumn from three areas of Venice Lagoon (Porto Marghera, Val di Brenta, and Cà Roman) showing high, intermediate and low amounts of POPs, respectively. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) mRNA levels, CYP1A protein amount and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity (EROD) were measured in pooled liver and gills (mRNA levels only). Such biological data were then compared with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) residues, measured in grass goby muscle by gas chromatography.Aryl hydrocarbon receptor and CYP1A mRNAs, protein and EROD were upregulated in accordance with PCB amounts measured in Z. ophiocephalus muscles. In fact, the highest AHR and CYP1A induction was observed in fish sampled in close proximity of the industrial area of Porto Marghera.Overall, the present study confirm the grass goby as a reliable sentinel species for Venice Lagoon, and AHR/CYP1A/EROD as a sensitive set of biomarkers of exposure for AHR ligands.

Mercury and selenium in the grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pisces: Gobiidae) from a mercury contaminated Mediterranean lagoon

Mercury (Hg) and its bioaccumulation are important in evaluating the health risk through fish consumption. In the Marano and Grado Lagoon a historical contamination originating from both mining and industrial sources is present.In this study the Hg levels in the grass goby and the protective effect of selenium (Se) were determined as a function of size, sex, sampling sites and season.Mercury often exceeded the limit for commercialisation, whereas Se was mostly constant being homeostatically regulated.The mean Se/Hg molar ratio showed about 40% of data >1.0 and the HBVSe index was on average equal to 0.0. Thus, grass goby of this area is not a Se source food indicated for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, but its occasional consumption would appear to have no contraindications if integrated with other Se rich foods: the ingestion of about 10 fish fillets per week can be safely consumed by adults.

Liver histopathology and biochemical biomarkers in Gobius niger and Zosterisessor ophiocephalus from polluted and non-polluted Tunisian lagoons (Southern Mediterranean Sea)

The aim of this study was to appraise the response of a multi-marker approach in fish species, Gobius niger and Zosterisessor ophiocephalus, in a polluted lagoon (Bizerte lagoon: MB and ML sites) and in a reference site (Ghar-El-Melh lagoon entrance) by the analysis of physiological indexes, liver histopathology and some biochemical biomarkers. The results showed liver hypertrophy in fish collected from Bizerte lagoon as well as many non-specific lesions, unlike the reference site. All Bizerte lagoon sites had the same prevalence of histopathological lesions, but the mean intensity (MI) of parasites seemed to be more sensible as an indicator of pollution levels. Indeed, parasite MI was more important in MB site that has a higher pollution level. Also, biochemical biomarkers showed an induction in Bizerte lagoon sites with some differences within sites and species. The impact of the continuous release of pollution on the biomarker's response is discussed.

Perturbations de la reproduction chez Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pisces, Gobiidae) dans une lagune méditerranéenne polluée (Bizerte, Tunisie)

Reproductive disorders in Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pisces, Gobiidae) in a polluted lagoon (Bizerta, Tunisia). Gonad histopathology data are increasingly being used as indicators of reproductive disorders since they provide a definite biological end-point of historical exposure to endocrine disruptors. Here, a comparative study of some reproduction biological aspects, such as gonad histology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and condition index (CI) of mature Grass Goby (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus), was carried out in Bizerta lagoon where chemical contamination is proven and in a reference station free of this type of contamination. For this purpose, female and male gobies were collected during the breeding season (April 2006) in three stations in Bizerta lagoon (Menzel-Abderrahemen, Menzel-Bourguiba and Menzel-Jemil), differently impacted by contaminants, including PAHs, PCBs, DDT, organotins and heavy metals, and in the seaward entrance of Ghar el Melh lagoon (reference station). In both sexes, we detected the presence of an overall weaker GSI in Bizerta lagoon than in control fish. These GSI alterations were accompanied by most pathological changes. In females, a higher incidence of oocyte lesions (atretic oocytes and cytoplasmic retraction) was found in stations located near agricultural activity zones. Histologic observation of the testes revealed, as well, abnormalities in Bizerta lagoon fish such as germ cells syncytia, vacuolated germ cells and increase of gaps in the interstitium between lobules. These abnormalities were detected with a high prevalence in stations influenced by industrial and/ or urban activities. This study provides insights on the effects of various environmental stressors on Z. ophiocephalus reproductive health. Nevertheless, much research is needed to understand the cause of observed changes and their long-term effect on fish reproductive health, on population fitness and on this species survival in Bizerta lagoon.

Links between epibenthic community patterns and habitat characteristics in the Parila lagoon (Croatia)

The aim of the study was to describe epibenthic macroinvertebrates and demersal fish and to identify links between spatial patterns and habitat characteristics (sediment, salinity, oxygen and temperature). The research was performed in the Parila lagoon in Croatia ; an important nursery ground where conditions in epibenthic community can have significant direct and indirect impact on fisheries. Diversity (30 species) and abundance (from 0 to 7 ind m−2) of epibenthic assemblages was low on all stations and showed remarkable seasonal changes. Such patchiness could support the estuarine quality paradox idea, i.e. the most abundant species are well adapted to changing conditions in a variable environment. The ecological analysis showed that total phosphorus concentration (TP), temperature (T) and salinity (S) were the main environmental parameters affecting community structure of the Parila lagoon. Six species listed as frequent (Nerophis ophidion, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus, Syngnathus typhle, Cerastoderma glaucum, Palaemon adspersus and Carcinus aestuarii) have a potential to be used as indicators of habitat quality. In terms of trophic diversity, community was dominated by carnivores and omnivores. Fish trophic index (above 2.7) indicated upward shift of the local food chain and towards mostly carnivorous species, while the absence of herbivorous species pointed to low environmental quality. The present study gives an insight into the current ecological conditions in the Parila lagoon. Further research about the sensitivity of these potential indicators to different types of pressure is necessary in order to select robust early-warning indicators framework.

Seasonal rhythm of physiological indexes, liver protein level, and biotransformation biomarkers in Zosterisessor ophiocephalus and Gobius niger from a low contaminated lagoon (Ghar El Melh lagoon, Tunisia)

This study assessed seasonal variation of total liver proteins level (LPLs) and biotransformation biomarkers in two fish species, G. niger and Z. ophiocephalus, during a one year-survey in the low contaminated Ghar-El-Melh lagoon, Tunisia. Analyzed biomarkers were compared with physiological indexes such as the condition index, hepato-somatic index, and gonado-somatic index and environmental parameters. A significant annual rhythms of glutathione-S-transferase and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities were validated by cosinor. The highest peak (acrophase) of activities occurred in summer likely related to the elevated seawater temperature. Midline Estimating Statistic of Rhythm and amplitudes were higher in Z. ophiocephalus than in G. niger. The results showed, as well, an acrophase of (LPLs) in spring coinciding with reproductive period in Z. ophiocephalus and beginning of reproductive period in G. niger. This study established a baseline for the selected enzymatic activities in gobies, which required information for a correct interpretation of biomarker responses in environmental monitoring.

Predators structure fish communities in Posidonia oceanica meadows: meta-analysis of available data across the Mediterranean basin

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 566:145-157 (2017) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12038 Predators structure fish communities in Posidonia oceanica meadows: meta-analysis of available data across the Mediterranean basin Ivana Zubak1,2, Claudia Kruschel1,2, Stewart T. Schultz1,2,* 1University of Zadar, Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, 23000 Zadar, Croatia 2CIMMAR, Center for Interdisciplinary Marine and Maritime Research, University of Zadar, 23000 Zadar, Croatia *Corresponding author: sschultz@unizd.hr ABSTRACT: Posidonia oceanica meadows are thought to provide refuge for prey species, which suggests that fish communities are organized according to the abundance and behavior of predators. We collected published research on fish assemblages associated with P. oceanica meadows in the Mediterranean Sea and performed a meta-analysis to test hypotheses regarding the drivers of community structure. In 14 studies documenting the relative abundance of fish species, 112 taxa within a depth range of 1-40 m were reported at local P. oceanica meadows. Sampling method had the most significant effect on community abundance. Total predator abundance and abundance of resident predators each had a significant effect on the prey fish community. A higher abundance of resident predator species such as Scorpaena notata and Zosterisessor ophiocephalus was associated with a lower abundance of small Symphodus spp., Chromis chromis, and Gobiidae, and overall lower prey species richness. Fish communities in P. oceanica meadows are, therefore, in part organized in response to the presence and abundance of piscivorous species, which reduces the value of seagrass as a refuge habitat for potential prey species. For more robust estimates of the habitat value of P. oceanica, a concerted international, collaborative research effort that applies uniform, non-destructive sampling methods, such as visual census or stereo-videography within and outside meadows, is needed. KEY WORDS: Posidonia oceanica · Seagrass · Fish · Community structure · Predation · Predator-prey interactions Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Zubak I, Kruschel C, Schultz ST (2017) Predators structure fish communities in Posidonia oceanica meadows: meta-analysis of available data across the Mediterranean basin. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 566:145-157. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12038 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 566. Online publication date: February 27, 2017 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2017 Inter-Research.

Effect of pollution on the fluctuating asymmetry in the grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus Pallas, 1811 as contamination indicator of Eastern Tunisia.

Effect of pollution on the fluctuating asymmetry in the grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus Pallas, 1811 as contamination indicator of Eastern Tunisia.

Length-weight relationships of three estuarine species in the Comacchio Lagoon, Po River delta, Italy

The length–weight relationships (LWRs) for three native fish species of the Comacchio Lagoon (northwestern Adriatic Sea, Italy) were determined. The species Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1814), Pomatoschistus canestrini (Ninni, 1883) and Knipowitschia panizzae (Verga, 1841), were sampled monthly from 2010 to 2014. Both P. canestrini and K. panizzae are listed as protected species in the Habitat Directive and the Berne Convention and there is no information on their LWRs in FishBase.