Indo-Pacific Species Research Articles

Old and new DNA unweave the phylogenetic position of the eastern Atlantic gall crabDetocarcinus balssi(Monod, 1956) (Decapoda: Cryptochiridae)

Phylogeny reconstructions based on mtDNA and nDNA have become the standard in studies on relationships between taxa. Difficulties in obtaining material, for example because of small endemic distributions, often lead to gaps in datasets. Collections in natural history museums can provide us with material to fill these gaps, but extracting DNA from historical specimens can be challenging. We used a PCR protocol for small amounts of sample material and high PCR yield on eggs of specimens of the coral-dwelling gall crab family Cryptochiridae collected in 1984, including material from the eastern Atlantic species Detocarcinus balssi. We obtained DNA sequences from seven older museum specimens using newly developed primers, which we combined with COI sequences from recently collected material. Results show that D. balssi is closest to the Indo-Pacific species Utinomiella dimorpha and not closely related to one of the other three Atlantic Cryptochiridae species. The remaining newly acquired DNA sequences from museum material cluster with the respective sequences from recently collected specimens.

First record of the Indo-Pacific areolate grouper Epinephelus areolatus(Forsskål, 1775) (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) in the Mediterranean Sea.

The number of alien species in the Mediterranean Sea is steadily increasing and it seems that the pace has been accelerating since the turn of the century (Galil et al. 2014). In 2015 alone five additional fish species have been reported, Epinephelus geoffroyi (Klunzinger, 1870) (Golani et al. 2015); Stolephorus indicus (van Hasselt, 1823) (Fricke et al. 2015); Sardinella gibbosa (Bleeker, 1849) (Stern et al. 2015); Mobula japanica (Müller & Henle, 1841) (Capapé et al. 2015); and Cryptocentrus caeruleopunctatus (Rüppell, 1830) (Rothman & Goren 2015). Among the ca. 100 alien fish species reported from the Mediterranean to date (Galil & Goren 2014), five Indo-Pacific species belong to the genus Epinephelus Bloch, 1793: Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822), Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål, 1775), Epinephelus malabaricus (Bloch and Schneider, 1804) Epinephelus merra Bloch, 1793 (Golani et al. 2013a) and Epinephelus geoffroyi (Klunzinger, 1870) (Golani et al. 2015). Additional alien Epinephelus species reported from the Mediterranean are excluded for various reasons (Golani et al. 2013b). Here we report the finding of a sixth Indo-Pacific species of this genus along the Mediterranean coast of Israel.

A new species of Agelas from the Zanzibar Archipelago, western Indian Ocean (Porifera, Demospongiae).

A new sponge species (Demospongiae: Agelasida: Agelasidae) is described from the eastern coast of Unguja Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. Agelas sansibarica sp. n. is compared to all other Agelas species described so far. The new species differs from its congeners mainly in its three categories of verticillate spicules (acanthostyles, acanthostrongyles, and acanthoxeas) and their sizes. Acanthostrongyles, well represented in the spicular complement, are an exclusive trait of the new species widening the morphological range of the genus. Summarizing on spicular complement and spicular morphotraits of 36 species belonging to the genus Agelas: i) 32 species show only acanthostyles from Indo-Pacific (n = 14), Atlantic (n = 17), and Mediterranean (n = 1); ii) three Indo-Pacific species show acanthostyles and acanthoxeas; iii) one species Agelas sansibarica sp. n. from the western Indian Ocean is characterised by the unique trait of three categories of verticillate spicules (acanthostyles, acanthostrongyles and acanthoxeas). A key for the Indo-Pacific species is supplied together with short descriptions, illustrations, and geographic range; literature on chemical bioprospecting of the genus Agelas is also provided.

Blanquillos (Teleostei, Malacanthidae) from the Middle Miocene of St. Margarethen in Burgenland, Austria: Palaeoenvironmental implications

Fishes of the genus Malacanthus, also known as blanquillos are widespread circum-tropically in shallow waters with sandy bottoms. Blanquillos are diurnal territorial and sedentary fishes that build burrows in open and flat sandy areas near coral and rocky reefs and seagrass beds. The burrows are roofed by mounds constructed of shell and coral fragments, creating a peculiar habitat for benthic invertebrates and fishes on the sand-flat. A new species of blanquillo, †Malacanthus carosii sp. nov., is described from the Middle Miocene (Badenian, about 14 Ma) laminated marls of the Leitha Limestone cropping out in the nearby of the town of St. Margarethen in Burgenland, Austria. The three specimens of this Paratethyan taxon are the first articulated skeletons belonging to the malacanthid genus Malacanthus ever recorded as fossils. †M. carosii sp. nov. is typified by a unique combination of morphological and meristic features, including dorsal-fin with three or four spines and 48–49 rays, anal-fin with a single short spine and 44–45 rays, predorsal formula //2/1+1/, first haemal spine above the eighth anal-fin ray, and caudal-fin emarginated. The presence of fishes of the genus Malacanthus in the laminated marls of the Leitha Limestone is indicative of a depositional depth located at about 30m. The fossil record and the complex Cenozoic palaeogeographic and biogeographic history of the Tethys Realm concur to suggest that the modern fragmented distribution of blanquillo species probably originated during the Miocene, with the emergence of the Western Atlantic, Paratethyan, and Indo-Pacific species.

Main Introduction Way of Indo-Pacific and Red Sea Originated Benthic Foraminifers to the Eastern Mediterranean

Majority of the alien foraminifers recorded in the eastern Mediterranean are Indo-Pacific originated
 and entered the Mediterranean via Suez Canal. In this study, current literature on the alien benthic
 foraminiferal fauna of the eastern Mediterranean was reviewed and the main dispersal pathways are
 determined. Distribution patterns of the alien species suggests that most of the species are introduced
 via Suez Canal and expand their range of distributions in a counter-clockwise manner by the general
 surface currents of the eastern Mediterranean. However, not all, but some of the species have also
 been dispersed westwards along the North African coast and reached central Mediterranean.
 Locally abundant records of Euthymonacha polita (Chapman), Coscinospira acicularis (Batsch)
 and Amphistegina lobifera in the Aegean Sea indicates that Suez Canal may not be the only vector
 for the Indo-Pacific species to enter eastern Mediterranean and submarine springs help these
 thermophilic species to form establish populations in cool waters of the northern Aegean and the Sea
 of Marmara

The coral communities of the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico: structure and biogeographic relevance to the Eastern Pacific

AbstractVarious authors have suggested that the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico, may play a significant biogeographic role in the dispersal of Indo Pacific coral species into the Eastern Pacific; however, the coral communities of this archipelago have received scarce attention to date. Here, we first addressed coral community structure across the islands and, by employing ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle‐tracking experiments, used this information to evaluate the relevance of the archipelago for coral dispersal. Twenty‐four coral communities were recorded in the archipelago. Coral cover varied significantly among islands: Maria Cleofas had large values (38.5%), intermediate values were observed for Maria Madre (26.5%) and Maria Magdalena (22.84%), and relatively low values were recorded for San Juanito (18.5%). Coral communities mainly consisted of Pocillopora (57.3%) and Porites (25.5%) species, while species of Pavona (16%) and Psammocora (0.6%) made relatively minor contributions. Thirteen stony coral species were identified in the archipelago; of these Psammocora profundacella and Pavona duerdeni represent new records. Ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle‐tracking experiments suggested similar connecting paths in the studied area; in general, the Islas Marias stands as a route for coral dispersal of Indo Pacific species into the Northeastern Pacific. In a regional context, the Islas Marias has three major biogeographic implications to coral dispersal: (i) the archipelago stands as a major stepping stone for the transport of species and individuals among the Revillagigedo archipelago, the Gulf of California and the tropical Mexican Pacific; (ii) the Islas Marias may play a seminal role in maintaining the genetic connectivity between southern and northern coral populations along the Mexican Pacific and (iii) because of its relatively pristine status and low levels of human impact, the archipelago may potentially serve as a source of coral propagules for ecosystem recovery in the Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast of the Mexican mainland following natural and/or human induced perturbations.

Historical biogeography of the genus Polycopissa (Ostracoda: Myodocopa: Cladocopina), with the description and DNA barcode of the second Indo-Pacific species from the Seto Inland Sea

A new cladocopid ostracod species, Polycopissa okadai n. sp., is described from the marine interstitial environment of the Seto Inland Sea, western Japan. This is the second representative of this genus identified from the Indo-Pacific region. A detailed morphological observation of the carapace and appendage was performed using a scanning electron microscope. In particular, the results showed that the morphology of the pore system on the outer surface of the carapace could be utilised for generic-level identification and for taxonomic classification of fossil species. In addition, the DNA barcode sequence of this new species was also determined, which was the first such determination within the suborder Cladocopina. Species belonging to Polycopissa Chavtur 1981 show a transoceanic distribution and have been reported from cryptic habitats such as interstitial waters or anchialine caves. The historical biogeography of Polycopissa is the subject of this study, based on previously suggested hypotheses. It is highly likely that the species of Polycopissa are a Tethyan relict and must have recently dispersed from an adjacent habitat to the current distribution area.

The Pliocene to recent history of the Kuroshio and Tsushima Currents: a multi-proxy approach

The Kuroshio Current is a major western boundary current controlled by the North Pacific Gyre. It brings warm subtropical waters from the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool to Japan exerting a major control on Asian climate. The Tsushima Current is a Kuroshio offshoot transporting warm water into the Japan Sea. Various proxies are used to determine the paleohistory of these currents. Sedimentological proxies such as reefs, bedforms, sediment source and sorting reveal paleocurrent strength and latitude. Proxies such as coral and mollusc assemblages reveal past shelfal current activity. Microfossil assemblages and organic/inorganic geochemical analyses determine paleo- sea surface temperature and salinity histories. Transportation of tropical palynomorphs and migrations of Indo-Pacific species to Japanese waters also reveal paleocurrent activity. The stratigraphic distribution of these proxies suggests the Kuroshio Current reached its present latitude (35 °N) by ~3 Ma when temperatures were 1 to 2 °C lower than present. At this time a weak Tsushima Current broke through Tsushima Strait entering the Japan Sea. Similar oceanic conditions persisted until ~2 Ma when crustal stretching deepened the Tsushima Strait allowing inflow during every interglacial. The onset of stronger interglacial/glacial cycles ~1 Ma was associated with increased North Pacific Gyre and Kuroshio Current intensity. This triggered Ryukyu Reef expansion when reefs reached their present latitude (~31 °N), thereafter the reef front advanced (~31 °N) and retreated (~25 °N) with each cycle. Foraminiferal proxy data suggests eastward deflection of the Kuroshio Current from its present path at 24 °N into the Pacific Ocean due to East Taiwan Channel restriction during the Last Glacial Maximum. Subsequently Kuroshio flow resumed its present trajectory during the Holocene. Ocean modeling and geochemical proxies show that the Kuroshio Current path may have been similar during glacials and interglacials, however the glacial mode of this current remains controversial. Paleohistorical studies form important analogues for current behavior with future climate change, however, there are insufficient studies at present in the region that may be used for this purpose. Modeling of the response of the Kuroshio Current to future global warming reveals that current velocity may increase by up to 0.3 m/sec associated with a northward migration of the Kuroshio Extension.

A molecular evaluation of the Liagoraceae sensu lato (Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) in Bermuda including Liagora nesophila sp. nov. and Yamadaella grassyi sp. nov.

We have undertaken a comprehensive, molecular-assisted alpha-taxonomic examination of the rhodophyte family Liagoraceae sensu lato, a group that has not previously been targeted for molecular studies in the western Atlantic. Sequence data from three molecular markers indicate that in Bermuda alone there are 10 species in nine different genera. These include the addition of three genera to the flora - Hommersandiophycus, Trichogloeopsis, and Yamadaella. Liagora pectinata, a species with a type locality in Bermuda, is phylogenetically allied with Indo-Pacific species of Hommersandiophycus, and the species historically reported as L.ceranoides for the islands is morphologically and genetically distinct from that taxon, and is herein described as L.nesophila sp. nov. Molecular sequence data have also uncovered the Indo-Pacific L.mannarensis in Bermuda, a long-distance new western Atlantic record. DNA sequences of Trichogloeopsis pedicellata from the type locality (Bahamas) match with local specimens demonstrating its presence in Bermuda. We described Yamadaella grassyi sp. nov. from Bermuda, a species phylogenetically and morphologically distinct from the generitype, Y.caenomyce of the Indo-Pacific. Our data also indicated a single species each of Ganonema, Gloiocallis, Helminthocladia, Titanophycus, and Trichogloea in the flora.

Fistularia commersonii (Teleostea: Fistulariidae): walking through the Lessepsian paradox of mitochondrial DNA

The Mediterranean Lessepsian migrations excite the interest of biologists who are devoted to inferring the effects of selection on the genetic structure of immigrants. The bluespotted cornetfish Fistularia commersonii is an Indo-Pacific species that was first recorded in the Levantine cost of Mediterranean, and within a few years, it rapidly expanded throughout the entire basin. Studies on its genetic variability, performed via mitochondrial sequencing of the Mediterranean specimens, suggest that a limited number of mitochondrial lineages passed through the Suez Canal. However, nuclear markers provide a scenario, with a high genetic variability among the Mediterranean F. commersonii migrants, along with the occurrence of haplotype sharing between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The aim of this study was to enlarge the number of Mediterranean sites in order to evaluate if the rapid expansion and different patterns of spread of F. commersonii in the basin could have led to a genetic structuring. The analysis was carried out by sequencing mitochondrial D-loop I in individuals from Sardinia, Sicily, Tunisia, Lampedusa, Libya and Lebanon. Sequences available from previous studies were included in the data set, allowing us to obtain a data set that likely represents the entire distribution range of the species. Results suggest the possible occurrence of two mitochondrial lineages involved in the Mediterranean invasion of F. commersonii, a bottleneck may have caused a loss in the genetic variation, leading to the fixation of specific lineages as an adaptive response to the new environmental conditions.

Toxicity of polyunsaturated aldehydes of diatoms to Indo-Pacific bioindicator organism Echinometra mathaei

Although it is well known suitability of early developmental stages of sea urchin as recommended model for pollutant toxicity testing, little is known about the sensitivity of Indo-Pacific species Echinometra mathaei to polyunsaturated aldehydes. In this study, the effect of three short chain aldehydes, 2,4-decadienal (DD), 2,4-octadienal (OD) and 2,4-heptadienal (HD), normally found in many diatoms, such as Skeletonema costatum, Skeletonema marinoi and Thalassiosira rotula, was evaluated on larval development of E. mathaei embryos. Aldehydes affected larval development in a dose-dependent manner, in particular HD>OD>DD; the results of this study highlighted the higher sensitivity of this species toward aldehydes compared with data registered for other sea urchin species. In comparison with studies reported in the literature, contrasting results were observed during our tests; therefore, an increasing toxic effect was registered with decreasing the chain length of aldehydes. This work could provide new insights in the development of new toxicological assays toward most sensitive species.

Symbiodinium tridacnidorum sp. nov., a dinoflagellate common to Indo-Pacific giant clams, and a revised morphological description of Symbiodinium microadriaticum Freudenthal, emended Trench & Blank

ABSTRACTThe dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium contains numerous genetically distinct lineages that appear ‘morphologically cryptic’. However, detailed morphological assessments of plate formulae visible in the motile phase (mastigote) of two distantly related Symbiodinium spp., representing Clades ‘A’ and ‘E’, were recently shown to be different. While there are several formally described species in Clade A, genetic evidence indicates that many more remain uncharacterized. We focused on closely related phylogenetic lineages within this group to examine whether differences in morphology can be used together with genetic and ecological evidence to describe new species. We found fixed differences in nuclear (internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit rDNA), chloroplast (cp23S) and mitochondrial (cob) gene sequences from cultured and field-collected samples of Symbiodinium microadriaticum (sensu Trench & Blank, 1987) and Symbiodinium sp. associated predominantly with giant clams and Pacific Cassiopea jellyfish (comprising members of the ITS2 A3 lineage, sensu LaJeunesse 2001). Amphiesmal plate tabulations were formulated for the strain of S. microadriaticum (CCMP2464) used by Trench & Blank (1987) in their emended description, and two strains of type A3 (CCMP832 and rt-272) cultured from Indo-Pacific giant clams in the subfamily Tridacninae. The Kofoidian plate formula for type A3 consists of the small plate (x), the elongated amphiesmal vesicle (EAV), 5′, 6a, 8′′, 9–11s, a 2-row cingulum, 7′′′ and 3′′′′ (and occasionally 2′′′′), and is different from S. microadriaticum, which has a plate formula of x, EAV, 4′, 5a, 8′′, 9–13s, a 2-row cingulum, 6′′′ and 2′′′′. Based on morphological and genetic comparisons, we recognized Symbiodinium tridacnidorum sp. nov., a new Indo-Pacific species. The plate arrangement exhibited by S. microadriaticum appears to be more similar to the distantly related S. natans (also in Clade A). When the tabulations for all three Clade A species are compared with S. voratum (Clade E), the amount of morphological differentiation between species does not correspond to their degree of genetic divergence.

Here be dragons - phylogeography ofPteraeolidia ianthina(Angas, 1864) reveals multiple species of photosynthetic nudibranchs (Aeolidina: Nudibranchia)

The aeolid Pteraeolidia ianthina (Angas, 1864) is a strikingly-coloured aeolid nudibranch, informally known as the ‘Blue Dragon’. It is recognised as an unusually widespread Indo-Pacific species, with variation in colouration and morphology, and biogeographic differences in zooxanthellae (dinoflagellate symbionts of the genus Symbiodinium). This variation hints at possible cryptic species, which was tested here using phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA data (COI, 16S). Our results showed multiple well-supported clades with slight but consistent differences in radular morphology and colouration, and thus we clarify one of the three available names. A temperate NSW clade showed a more elongate and pointed central radular tooth and lacked white body colouration, in comparison to a more variable tropical clade, which had a shorter and more blunt central tooth. The type locality of Pteraeolidia ianthina is Sydney Harbour, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and according to our study, does not occur outside NSW. Pteraeolidia semperi (Bergh, 1870) and P. scolopendrella (Risbec, 1928) are removed from synonymy with P. ianthina. Wider phylogeographic sampling is required before resolving the availability of the two remaining names, and subclades within the tropical clade, but there is evidence to suggest multiple cryptic species exist. The biogeographic differences in symbionts, and the importance of their role in life history, suggests that changes in symbiosis may have helped drive divergence via local adaptation in the host nudibranchs.

First record of Acrothamnion preissii (Rhodophyta: Ceramiaceae) from the Maltese Islands (central Mediterranean Sea)

The ceramiacean red alga Acrothamnion preissii is an Indo-Pacific species that was first recorded in the Mediterranean Sea (Italy) in 1969, and which subsequently spread within the north-western basin, reaching the Balearic Islands to the west and Sicily to the south. Here we record A. preissii from the Maltese Islands, which represents a further southwards expansion of its known distribution range in the Mediterranean Sea. Although this species can be invasive, becoming the dominant epiphyte by forming dense turfs that smother native species, so far there is no evidence for such an invasion phase in the Maltese Islands.

Divergent evolutionary pathways and host shifts among the commensal pontoniine shrimps: a preliminary analysis based on selected Indo-Pacific species

As the most species-rich subfamily of Caridea, Pontoniinae Kingsley, 1878 is well-known for its great diversity in morphology, lifestyle and habitat. However, the phylogeny of Pontoniinae has been poorly studied since it was erected, and there are many taxonomic and evolutionary controversies remained unresolved. Among these controversies, the relationship between the commensal pontoniine shrimps and their hosts is the issue of most concern. Herein, a total of 26 Indo-Pacific pontoniine species from 23 genera, including both free-living and commensal taxa associated with different marine organisms from five phyla, are selected to preliminarily explore the differentiation process accompanied with the reciprocal natural selections between them and their hosts. Based on the molecular phylogenetic analyses, two major clades, representing the ‘primitive groups’ and ‘derived groups’, and several subgroups related to the hosts are well recovered, which are also supported in morphology. Additionally, several possible evolutionary pathways of those commensal pontoniine shrimps with similar hosts or niches are identified, with a host-shifting hypothesis proposed for cavity-inhabiting pontoniines based on molecular data in conjunction with morphological and ecological evidence.

Native or introduced? A re-evaluation of Pyropia species (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from Brazil based on molecular analyses

The genus Porphyra sensu lato of the Bangiales has been reported from the Brazilian coast since the 19th century. However, a major worldwide taxonomic revision of the Bangiales indicated that the foliose genus present in Brazil was Pyropia and that Porphyra sensu stricto has not been recorded from this region. A revision of the species of Pyropia in Brazil, based on sequence analysis of molecular markers (rbcL and SSU rDNA) and complemented with morphology, revealed the occurrence of five distinct species in Brazil: P. acanthophora, P. spiralis, P. suborbiculata, P. tanegashimensis and P. vietnamensis. Possible events of Pyropia species introduction in Brazil are discussed in the context of phylogenetic analyses. Pyropia acanthophora and P. spiralis, regarded as southwestern Atlantic species, were not closely related in phylogenetic analyses. Pyropia acanthophora grouped with the possibly introduced Indo-Pacific species P. suborbiculata, P. tanegashimensis and P. vietnamensis. Analysis of available COI-5P and UPA sequences indicated that P. acanthophora occurs in the Hawaiian Islands. These results suggest that P. acanthophora, contrary to previous views, may not be endemic to Brazil. Pyropia spiralis, which is supposedly the only native Pyropia species in Brazil, grouped with species from the Mexican Pacific coast, and its origin along the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea is discussed.

Alternative splicing in the fiddler crab cognate ecdysteroid receptor: Variation in receptor isoform expression and DNA binding properties in response to hormone

RXR cDNA cloning from three Uca species led to the identification of 4 conserved isoforms, indicative of alternative splicing in the hinge and ligand binding domains (LBD). Sequencing of overlapping clones from a Ucapugilator genomic library identified EcR isoforms matching previously identified cDNA variants; in addition, a cryptic exon in the LBD was detected and evidence for expression of this new isoform was obtained from next-generation sequencing. RNA-seq analysis also identified a new amino terminal EcR variant. EcR and RXR transcript abundance increases throughout ovarian maturation in U. pugilator, while cognate receptor transcript abundance remains constant in a related Indo-Pacific species with a different reproductive strategy. To examine if crab RXR LBD isoforms have different physical properties in vitro, electromobility shift assays were performed with different EcR isoforms. The cognate crab and fruit fly receptors differ in their responses to hormone. Ecdysteroids did not increase DNA binding for the crab heterodimers, while ecdysteroids stimulate binding for Drosophilamelanogaster EcR/USP heterodimers. In swapping experiments, UpEcR/USP heterodimers did not show ligand-responsive differences in DNA binding; both crab RXR LBD isoforms, however, conferred ligand-responsive increases in DNA binding with DmEcRs. These data indicate that both UpRXR LBD isoforms can heterodimerize with the heterologous DmEcR receptors and promote ligand and DNA binding. Unresponsiveness of the cognate receptors to ecdysteroid, however, suggest additional factors may be required to mediate endogenous, perhaps isoform-specific, differences in EcR conformation, consistent with previously reported effects of UpRXR isoforms on UpEcR ligand-binding affinities.

First record of the Indian Ocean anchovy Stolephorus insularis Hardenberg, 1933 from the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey

The transfer of species into the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal is called Lessepsian migration (Por, 1978). Ninety substantiated Lessepsian fish records have been reported, 32 of these fishes in the Mediterranean Sea within the past decade (Golani, 2010; Bariche and Heemstra, 2012; Fricke et al., 2012; Azzurro et al., 2013; Stern and Goren, 2013). Of these, 55 are reported in Turkish waters, including the recent findings of Champsodon vorax (G€ oko glu and € Ozvarol, 2013) and the blue-barred parrotfish, Scarus ghobban (Turan et al., 2014). Stolephorus insularis is widespread throughout the northern Indian Ocean, and from the northwestern Pacific Ocean to New Caledonia in the southwestern Indian Ocean (Gulf of Thailand, Java Sea, Hong Kong, Fujian and Taiwan Island, possibly Fiji and Samoa) (Whitehead et al., 1988; Fricke et al., 2012; Froese and Pauly, 2013). According to Hoedt (1994), this species is found predominantly in shallow waters and estuaries at depths of 30–40 m. Engraulis encrasicolus is thus far the only Engraulid species recorded in the Mediterranean Sea (Quignard and Tomasini, 2000; Nelson, 2006). However, Stolephorus insularis (subfamiliy Coiliinae) was recorded on 7 August 2009 for the first time on the Tel Aviv coast of Israel, and reported by Fricke et al. (2012) who emphasized that S. insularis is an IndoPacific species; it seems logical to assume that its range extension into the Mediterranean Sea occurred via the Suez Canal. Thus, the record of S. insularis from the northeastern Mediterranean coasts of Turkey reported here is proof of its northerly range extension.

Two new Horaiclavus (Horaiclavidae, Conoidea) species from the Indo-Pacific region.

The genus Horaiclavus includes eight Holocene Indo-Pacific species (Appeltans et al. 2012). Herein, we describe two new species that resemble members of this genus in some aspects of shell morphology, but otherwise show features that suggest that they differ from "typical" Horaiclavus species. Descriptions and measurements were based on shells oriented spire up with the aperture facing the viewer and made using a Leica MS 5 Stereomicroscope for incident light and a 10× ocular micrometer. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs were taken using a Hitachi S-2400. The classification adopted here follows Bouchet et al. (2011). The following abbreviations are used in the text: MZB = Museo di Zoologia dell'Università di Bologna; MNHN = Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; NHMUK = The Natural History Museum of United Kingdom [formerly British Museum (Natural History)], London, United Kingdom; ZMA = Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; ZRC = Zoological Reference Collection, Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore; a = aperture length; b = shell width; l = length; a/l = ratio of aperture length to total shell length; b/l = ratio of shell breadth to total length; dd= dead collected specimen(s); stn. = station.

The shallow-water New Caledonia Drilliidae of genus Clavus Montfort, 1810 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Conoidea).

Species of the genus Clavus of the conoidean family Drilliidae that occur in the littoral and shallow waters of New Caledonia are here revised. This study is based primarily on recent expedition material from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (New Caledonia) and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (France). A total of 22 species is recorded, of which eight are described as new. New species: Clavus boucheti, Clavus delphineae, Clavus virginieae, Clavus picoides, Clavus squamiferus, Clavus devexistriatus, Clavus hylikos, Clavus maestratii; New synonyms: Tylotiella Habe, 1958 = Clavus; Clavus leforestieri Hervier, 1896 = Pleurotoma obliquicostata Reeve, 1845; Pleurotoma mariei Crosse, 1869 = Pleurotoma lamberti Montrouzier, 1860; Clavus mighelsi Kay, 1979, new name for Pleurotoma acuminata Mighels, 1845, non J. Sowerby, 1816, was misidentified by Kay 1979; the lectotype of P. acuminata Mighels, 1845, is mangeliine. Clavus mighelsi sensu Kay 1979, is a synonym of Pleurotoma humilis E. A. Smith, 1879. It is suggested that Pleurotoma pulchella Reeve, 1845, sometimes treated as an Indo-Pacific species, may be a senior synonym of Fenimorea halidorema Schwengel, 1940, from the tropical western Atlantic. Nomen dubium: Pleurotoma mediocris Deshayes, 1863.