Argyrops Spinifer Research Articles

Metal accumulation capacity of raphidascaridid nematode, Hysterothylacium reliquens, infecting the king soldier bream (Argyrops spinifer)

There are several types of biological markers in the environment. The potential parasites’ ability to serve as bio-indicators of pollution in marine ecosystems was the focus of the current study. Forty samples of the king soldier bream Argyrops spinifer, were collected from the Red Sea (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) for this study, and they were examined for parasite infections. Only 25 fish samples included one naturally occurring nematode parasite, Hysterothylacium reliquens, which had three of its life-cycle stages (adults, L3, and L4 larvae). The levels of some metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb) were detected in the parasite stages and the tissues of the fish host tissues (liver, muscle, and intestine). These metals accumulated higher in non-infected fish tissues than in infected ones. The significant parasite capability for metal accumulation rather than fish tissues was validated by bioconcentration factors. Depending on the stage of a parasite’s life, different metals were used. Larval stages are more prone to gathering essential elements (Fe and Cu). Although adults have a greater tolerance to toxic metals (Cd and Pb). The various metal absorption mechanisms were referred to as the differences between parasite stages. This proved that fish nematodes might serve as helpful bioindicators for assessing the extent of heavy metal contamination of aquatic ecosystems.

Diversity and characteristics of commercial Red Sea fish species based on fish market survey: informing management to reduce the risk of overfishing.

In small-scale fisheries (SSFs), where the sampling of many small boats and landing sites sometimes is not practical, fish market surveys represent an alternative way to obtain key fisheries data. This study analyses the diversity and characteristics of commercial Red Sea fish species landed in the Egyptian coast, including family, species-specific abundance, biomass, size and price by surveying the largest local fish market on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, over the course of a year (July 2021-June 2022) to also reflect any seasonality of these variables. Based on 53 survey visits, a total of 131,795 fish individuals, belonging to 111 species, and 22 families, were identified, recorded and measured. The analysis focused on the 60 most abundant species (104,420 individuals, 15 families). The surveys revealed that the most abundant families were Serranidae, Lethrinidae and Scaridae. Carangidae also was one of the most important families in terms of biomass. The most abundant species were Lethrinus mahsena, Sargocentron spiniferum and Lethrinus nebulosus. About 60% of revenue comes from the four families Serranidae, Lethrinidae, Scaridae and Lutjanidae. In terms of prices, the most expensive categories were species belonging to Serranidae, Lethrinidae and Lutjanidae families, such as Plectropomus pessuliferus marisrubri, Argyrops spinifer, L. nebulosus and Variola louti. The overall mean prices were higher in spring and summer months likely due to tourism flows. The mean size of many species, including the most valuable and abundant ones, is below the length of maturity. These results provide important benchmarks for monitoring future changes and shed important insights for fisheries management. Co-organised Dutch auctions would provide reliable data when combined with a strict monitoring effort to avoid any sale of the catch outside these official auctions. Other monitoring tools and methods are also recommended in the discussion.

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Parasitological examination of gills of three species of sparid fishes in the territorial waters of Iraq was performed, two diplectanid monogenoids were isolated and described; Lamellodiscus indicus Tripathi, 1959 from both Haffara seabream Rhabdosargus haffara (Forsskål, 1775) and Goldline seabream R. sarba (Forsskål, 1775) and Protolamellodiscus senilobatus Kritsky, Jiménez-Ruiz and Sey, 2000 from King soldierbream Argyrops spinifer (Forsskål, 1775). The record of the parasites is considered new to the parasite fauna of Iraq. The redescription of L. indicus for the first time which is collected from a new distribution area (Arabian Gulf). R. haffara is considered a new host record.

Morphological and molecular characterizations for the developmental stages of Hysterothylacium species infecting Argyrops spinifer

Hysterothylacium species are perhaps the most abundant and diverse group of marine ascaridoids; however, their life cycle and specific identification in larval stages are difficult. In this study, three members of the genus Hysterothylacium (Ward and Magath, 1917) are morphologically described from the digestive tract of Argyrops spinifer, genetically characterized and their relationship with related taxa are compared and discussed. The former species (Hysterothylacium reliquens Norris and Overstreet, 1975) (p = 10%) is mainly characterized by its large body (male 30.89, females 34.15 mm long), the shape of lips, the presence of lateral alae, a short caecum, and a long ventricular appendix, length of spicules, number and distribution of genital papillae, and tail tip with numerous spines. The other species [fourth (L4) and third (L3) larval stages] (p = 46.66, 26.66%, respectively) are mainly characterized by body length (18.21 and 6.20 mm long, respectively), distinct three lips for L4 and poorly developed for L3, a shorter caecum than the ventricular appendix, tail tip lacks any distinct cuticular projections. Molecular tools were done via sequencing and analyzing target regions of ribosomal [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and small ribosomal DNA (18S)] and mitochondrial [cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1)]. These sequences demonstrate discrimination at the species level and confirm the validity of species determined by morphological identification. All sequenced parasite samples were identified as H. reliquens based on nucleotide sequence comparisons with other ascaridoids. In these analyses, Raphidascarididae formed a sister group to Anisakidae with strong nodal support. On MP trees, a genus-specific cluster with a well-support value was delineated in genera Raphidascaris, Contracaecum, and Hysterothylacium. This study demonstrated that selected gene regions of H. reliquens yielded unique sequences (gbl MZ148786.1, MZ148788.1, and MZ148789.1) that confirmed its taxonomic position in Raphidascarididae. Therefore, morphological and molecular tools are important for accurate diagnosis of genus and species of ascaridoids.

Comparison of the Heavy Metals, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Nickel, and Zinc Between Muscle and Gills of Four Benthic Fish Species from Shif Island (Iran).

Concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in muscle and gills of four Benthic fish species (Brachirus orientalis, Argyrops spinifer, Platycephalus indicus and Sillago sihama) from Shif Island of Iran were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The heavy metal levels observed in tissues varied for Cu: 2.15-820.98, Fe: 24.46-533.26, Mn: 1.80-53.17, Ni: 1.86-65.54 and Zn: 28.77-375.79mg/kg. Significant differences were found among muscle and gill of the four fish species. Heavy metals concentration were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the gill than in the muscles of all fish species studied. The metal levels in benthic fish species should be continuously monitored in polluted areas since benthic fish indicated a tendency to bioaccumulate pollutants in their tissues from polluted water. The indices of Estimated Daily Intake, Target Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index suggests no risk while carcinogenic risk for Ni showed unacceptable carcinogenic risk.

Strengths and weaknesses in the long-term sustainability of two sympatric seabreams (Argyrops spinifer and Rhabdosargus haffara, Sparidae).

Argyrops spinifer and Rhabdosargus haffara are two sympatric seabream species making important contributions to fisheries landings in the western Arabian/Persian Gulf. We identified the strengths and weaknesses in the long-term sustainability of A. spinifer and R. haffara stocks by integrating multiple sources of data, including fisheries catch and effort statistics, life history traits, scientific trawl surveys and historical length frequency distribution. Four strengths were identified in A. spinifer: wide distribution of juveniles, positive association to the network of de facto fishing exclusion areas created by hundreds of oil-gas facilities, early maturation and the existence of large and old individuals. A. spinifer suffers from two potential weaknesses: slow growth rate and higher exploitation pressure on the small-sized individuals. R. haffara, on the other hand, has a strength of having a short life span and a fast growth rate, characteristics that make it robust to unfavourable conditions. R. haffara suffers from two weaknesses: the lack of association to the oil and gas facilities, and the preference for nearshore shallow waters with stronger negative anthropogenic impacts. Identified strengths and weaknesses of these two sparids provided a preliminary assessment about their long-term sustainability, as well as a roadmap about how to develop different management strategies to meet specific objectives.

Feeding ecology and stomach content analysis of the kingsoldier bream, Argyrops spinifer (Forsskal 1775) (Perciformes: Sparidae) from the offshore waters (Northern Arabian Sea) of Pakistan.

The present study was conducted to examine the feeding habits of the kingsoldier bream, Argyrops spinifer (Sparidae) from the offshore waters of Pakistan. Total of 629 specimens was collected using bottom trawlers from the offshore waters (North Arabian Sea) of Pakistan on monthly basis. Samples were taken from the landing center to the laboratory to analyze the variability in the choice of foods. Examination of gut contents of A. spinifer revealed that this fish is carnivore feeding habit on variable food items representing six different groups dominated by Crustacea (46.3%), Cephalopoda (27.1%), Teleostei (15.3%), Digested food (6.3%), Gastropod (4.3%) and Echinoderm (0.8%). Seasonal variance in the stomach contents of A. spinifer suggested that crustaceans were the dominant food in the stomach in post-monsoon 2013 (63.8%). During pre-monsoon season 2014, this fish preferred cephalopods (42.0%) followed by crustaceans (39.5%). During monsoon 2014, nearly 50% of the food constituted the crustaceans while in post-monsoon 2014, the preferred food was cephalopods (47.6%). During pre-monsoon and monsoon 2015, the fish fed mainly on crustaceans (40.0 and 46.2%, respectively) followed by fish (25.0 and 34.6%, respectively) instead of cephalopods. This studغ provided basic information on feed diets of A. spinifer, which would be helpful in its fisheries management.

Histological study of some internal organs and their relationship to the reproduction of king soldier bream, Argyrops spinifer (Forsskål 1775), Family Sparidae, from Iraqi marine waters

Histological study of some internal organs and their relationship to the reproduction of king soldier bream, Argyrops spinifer (Forsskål 1775), Family Sparidae, from Iraqi marine waters

Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf): An Unconventional Desert protein rich supplement

Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf) is not well known as a rich and sustainable source of protein for many people in the world. It emphasis on its broad food and non-food applications, nutritional values and health benefits. This research was carried out to meet the increasing demand of protein, alternative strategies and unconventional sources of protein for human and animal nutrition. This is probably the first research work which provides a comparative study between the protein content of ghaf leaves with different species of fish muscle protein. Fish muscle homogenate was prepared using ice cold distilled water. The muscle homogenate of Euthynnus affinis showed highest protein 137.5 mg/g. The other fishes muscle protein were Carangoides chrysophrys (43.33 mg/g), Lenthrinus lentjan (105 mg/g), Sardinella longiceps (104.17 mg/g), Pomacanthus maculosus (81.67 mg/g), Nemipterus japonicus (111.67 mg/g), Lutjanus ehrenbergi (99.17 mg/g), Gerres oyena (107.5 mg/g), Argyrops spinifer (100.83 mg/g), Terrapin jarboe (82.5 mg/g), Tilapia mossambica (54.72 mg/g). Ghaf tree is a keystone species having multiple beneficial uses from combating desertification and improving soil fertility in arid environments to being an essential food source, as well as a source of fuel, shelter and medicine for both humans and animal species. The Ghaf leaves extracts were tested for protein content analysis. The protein content in Ghaf leaves was found to be 88.61 mg/g. Thus, the research results revealed that Ghaf leaves has almost similar amount of protein as compared to fish muscle protein and can be used as protein supplement for growth and metabolism of body.

Evaluation of petroleum hydrocarbons and its impact on organic matters of living organisms in the northwestern Gulf of Suez, Egypt

The levels of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) have been reported for ten commercially important fish species from the northwestern Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Target compounds were analytically determined with gas chromatography–flame ionization detector and High-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Results showed that total petroleum hydrocarbon varied from 21700 to 1503100 ng/g wet wt., Argyrops Spinifer showed the highest level of TPH in the muscle tissue followed by Euthynnus affinis 1459800 ng/g wet wt. These data are very important for coming pollution monitoring program to the Suez Gulf. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs) varied between 81.499 and 5895.608 ng/g wet wt. The diagnostic indices used showed that the hydrocarbons in the area were from both biogenic and anthropogenic sources. Hence, there is need for adequate regulation and control of all activities contributing to the levels of petroleum hydrocarbon in the marine environment for the safety of human, and fish species lives in the area.

The use of polycyclic aromatic in the assessment of marine life and the impact on petroleum pollution in the Suez Gulf, Egypt

This study represents the concentrations of 16 PAHs in a commercial aquatic species Sauridaund squamis; Euthynnus affinis; Rhabdosargus haffara; Argyrops Spinifer; Nemipterus Japonicus, Oreochromis Niloticus; Trachurus Indicus; Peneus Japonicas; Scomber Japonicus; and Pomadasys Stridens, which were collected from the coastal area of the Suez Gulf waters. The analyses of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined using HPLC to identify the sources of PAHs. The results revealed that low molecular weight of PAHs were more than high molecular weight in aquatic species, Benzo (a)Anthracene/(Benzo (a) Anthracene + Chrysene) BaA/(BaA + Chr), Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene/(Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene + Benzo (ghi) perylene) IP/(IP + BP) and Fluoranthene/Pyrene (Fl/Pyr), they reflected that the PAHs sources in aquatic species are petrogenic as a main sources, pyrogenic sources. The study area was generally contaminated with hydrocarbons and continuous consumption of food from this area may pose public health hazards.

Assessment of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons in the aquatic species along Suez Gulf, Egypt, and their excess cancer risk to human

This study reports the concentrations of 16 PAHs in 10 of Aquatic Species samples collected along the Gulf of Suez, Eygpt, between 2016 and 2018. Among 10 species of fish investigated, Argyrops Spinifer; Pomadasys Stridens; Euthynnus affinis; Scomber Japonicus; Peneus Japonicas, detected the maximum concentration of PAHs followed by Nemipterus Japonicus; Oreochromis Niloticus; Trachurus Indicus; Rhabdosargus haffara ; Sauridaundo squamis. The lower-molecular-weight PAHs were detected at highest levels. Estimated intakes of PAHs by fish consumption for the general population were ranged between 4.482 and 317.148 ng/kg bodyweight/day. Argyrops Spinifer contributed to the highest intakes of PAHs. The toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PAHs were calculated using a TEQ proposed in literature, and the intake ranged from 27.067 to 8951.220 pg TEQ/kg bodyweight/d. The estimated excess cancer risk value (5.40 × 10−5–3.91 × 10−3) from fish consumption for the general population exceeded the guideline value (1.0 × 10 − 6) for potential cancer risk.

Food Risk of some heavy metals for adults and children via consumption of fish species: Euryglossa orientalis, Argyrops spinifer and Sillago sihama

This study aimed to investigate the concentration of some heavy metals in three fish species with high consumption in Shif Island, Bushehr Province, and calculation of the estimated daily intake (EDI), estimated weekly intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) and hazarded index (HI). Three species viz. Euryglossaorientalis, Argyrops spinifer, and Sillago sihama were collected from the Bushehr coastal water using fishing boat. After the transfer of samples to the laboratory, the heavy metals were extracted and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Based on the results, the average concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Ni in E. orientalis were 10.02, 8.33, 1.18, 0.80, and 0.86 mg/kg, in A. spinifer 7.25, 5.75, 0.74, 0.43, and 0.37 mg/kg, and in S. sihama 6.20 , 8.27, 0.60, 0.47, and 1.28 mg/kg, respectively. Daily and weekly intake values in all three studied species in the group of children were higher than the adult group. The highest and lowest daily and weekly intake rates were observed for Fe in the E. orientalis and Cu in A. spinifer . The Target hazard quotient (THQ) and Hazard index (HI) for both adults and children showed less than 1. Also, the comparison of metal concentrations showed that the concentration of Mn in all three species and Ni in E. orientalis and S. sihama were higher than the WHO standard.

DNA barcoding of the family Sparidae along the coast of China and revelation of potential cryptic diversity in the Indo- West Pacific oceans based on COI and 16S rRNA genes

Sparids are of considerable economic importance in marine fishery and aquaculture in China, and the species diversity of this group is considered relatively high. However, the accurate species identification and delimitation of sparids in China remain unaddressed. In this study, we used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit І (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) genes to conduct DNA barcoding and species delimitation in eleven sparid species from the coastal waters of China. Based on Kimura-2 parameter genetic distances, the mean intraspecific/interspecific variation for COI and 16S were calculated as 0.004/0.152 and 0.002/0.072, respectively. All the conspecific individuals formed monophyletic clusters in neighbour-joining trees of both markers. An obvious barcoding gap was detected for each species, and a common genetic threshold of 1.3% sequence divergence was defined for species delimitation in both markers. Although the sequence variation of 16S was generally lower than that of COI, the results indicated that sparid species could be effectively and accurately identified and delimited by COI as well as 16S. Thus, we propose that the COI gene serve as the standard DNA barcode for sparids, and that the 16S gene could also be an ideal candidate barcode. Moreover, each of the six sparid species ( Argyrops spinifer, Rhabdosargus sarba, Dentex hypselosomus, Acanthopagrus latus, Acanthopagrus australis and Acanthopagrus berda ) showed high intraspecific divergence (>1.3% genetic threshold) with the remarkable geographic lineages in the Indo-West Pacific oceans, which supported that potential unrecognized cryptic species were in them. The potential cryptic diversity revealed here might be primarily attributed to the allopatric divergences caused by the long-term geographic isolation between the Indian and West Pacific oceans or between the opposite sides of the Indian Ocean. The results further suggest that a revision of taxonomic status of these species is required, followed by development of a biodiversity conservation strategy.

Taxonomic review of the genus Argyrops (Perciformes; Sparidae) with three new species from the Indo-West Pacific.

The Indo-West Pacific sparid genus Argyrops is reviewed, with four valid species and three new species: A. bleekeri Oshi-ma, 1927, A. filamentosus (Valenciennes, 1830), A. megalommatus (Klunzinger, 1870), A. spinifer (Forsskål, 1775), A. caeruleops n. sp., A. flavops n. sp. and A. notialis n. sp. The above seven species can be differentiated on meristic values, ontogenetic and morphological characters, and coloration. Argyrops bleekeri from the western Pacific and A. notialis n. sp. from Western Australia both have only one rudimentary dorsal-fin spine on the first dorsal pterygiophore (which defines the Argyrops bleekeri complex), while the five other congeners have two rudimentary dorsal-fin spines, both associated with the first dorsal pterygiophore. Argyrops filamentosus, A. megalommatus, and A. caeruleops n. sp. have the 3rd dorsal-fin spine filamentous and longest, the defining character of the A. filamentosus complex. Argyrops spinifer (from the Indian Ocean) and A. flavops n. sp. (from the Middle East to Pakistan, but not the Red Sea and probably rare in the Persian Gulf) differ from other complexes in having 4-6 elongated or filamentous dorsal-fin spines (usually 3rd-6th [four spines] or 3rd-8th [six spines]) in juveniles and subadults, with the first 2 dorsal-fin spines rudimentary, the characteristic of the A. spinifer complex. The above three complexes include the seven Argyrops species that are defined and supported by morphological and color differences, genetic distinctions (partial cytochrome b genes, 1,116 bp), and distribution. The nominal species are discussed, together with several geographic variations of A. spinifer from the Indian Ocean, and a key to the species is provided.

Aeromonas salmonicida isolated from wild and farmed fish and invertebrates in Oman

Aeromonas salmonicida was isolated from red spot emperor, king soldier bream, white-spotted rabbit fish and tilapia, and an invertebrate (abalone) in Oman during December 2011–May 2012. The cytotoxic enterotoxin ast gene was found widely distributed among the isolates; aerolysin-like protein (act) and the flagellin structural gene lafA less so; and the nuclease gene (nuc) not at all. However, there was not any evidence of pathogenicity among the isolates when tested in laboratory-based experiments using rainbow trout and Nile tilapia. Therefore, the risk of the pathogen to fish in Oman is unclear.

Length-weight relationships of four marine fish species in Motaf fishing grounds, southern waters of Bushehr (the north of the Persian Gulf, Iran)

This study presents the length–weight relationships (LWRs) of four caught fish, including Drepane punctata (Linnaeus, 1758), Alectis indica (Rüppell, 1830), Argyrops spinifer (Forsskål, 1775), and Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795). During 27 tows, the fish specimens were captured by Cutlassfish trawl net, with 80 mm mesh size in the cod-end, from March 2015 to April 2016. The fishing operation was conducted at depths more than 50 m in southern waters of Bushehr (the northern Persian Gulf). The estimated b values were as follow: 3.17 for D. punctata, 2.59 for Alectis indica, 2.56 for A. spinifer, and 3.26 for S. tumbil. In the present study, new maximum total lengths for D. punctata (15.2–43.5 cm), A. indica (21–69.5 cm), and A. spinifer (15.3–66.5 cm) were reported in comparison with previous researches.

Environmental oil pollution: a possible cause for the incidence of ankylosis, kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis in five fish species collected from the vicinity of Jubail City, Saudi Arabia, Arabian Gulf

Spinal deformities such as scoliosis (lateral curvature), lordosis (ventral curvature), kyphosis (dorsal curvature) and ankylosis (fusion of vertebrae) have been described in many species both cultured and from the wild population. Specimens of Epinephelus tauvina, Siganus canaliculatus, Argyrops spinifer, Scomberomorus guttatus and Lethrinus nebulosus were used in this study. Four out of five deformed specimens showed abnormalities in the caudal region of the vertebral column. The specimen of E. tauvina showed the most acute deformity among the cases studied. All cases were not fatal as they occurred in adult individuals. The paper discusses the possible causes for such deformities as well as the suitability of this kind of study for environmental monitoring.

Gnathostomatoidea Nematode: Parasite of &lt;i&gt;Sillago sihama&lt;/i&gt; Forsskal, 1775, Sillaginidae, and &lt;i&gt;Argyrops spinifer&lt;/i&gt; Forsskal, 1775, King soldier bream, in the Iraqi Marine Water Fishes, with Notes on Clinical Pathology and Feeding Habits of Infection

Background: The present finding describes third-stage larvae (L3) nematode (Gnathostomatidae) cysts parasitizing the intestinal serosa of the digestive tract of Sillago sihama (Forsskal, 1775) and Argyrops spinifer (Forsskal, 1775, King soldier bream) fishes collected from the Arabian Gulf. Objective: Two species of Gnathostomatidae are recorded, Gnathostoma sp and Gnathostoma binucleatum Almeyda-Artigas, 1991. The gross clinical pathology examination showed extensive damage to the host intestinal tissue, including epithelial necrosis, hemorrhaging, worm encapsulation, and the presence of live larvae encysted and adult in skeletal muscles of fishes causing lesions including mild hyperplasia of fibrous connective tissue around the parasite. The cross examination of fish intestines revealed food items containing parts of the animal body, appendages, Chela, and parts of the carapace of crustaceans. Most food items found in all months also including annelids (polychaetes) in high percentage in November Volume of food items were related to fish size. Juveniles appear to feed mainly on crustaceans and the adults mainly feed on crustaceans, molluscs, polychaetes, echinoderms, and teleosts, among other items. The summer was apparently not the season of parasite infection. The prevalence of infection with Gnathostoma binucleatum was low (6 of 57 fish), whereas the prevalence of infection with Gnathostoma sp. was 3 of 57 fish. These findings of Gnathostomatids represent new records of these parasites in Arabian Gulf fishes. More study needed to recognize on the larval stage parasite infection and their clinic pathology to provide a basic understanding of the general principles of the pathogenesis and pathology of Gnathostomiasis, and the relationship between fish length, food items and infection.

First Records of Albinism and Dorsal Fin Anomaly Cases in Two Fish Species Collected from Jubail Vicinity, Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia

Two fish specimens with cases of albinism Epinephelus areolatus (Family: Epinephelidae) and dorsal fin aberration Argyrops spinifer (Family: Sparidae), were obtained during fishery surveys in Jubail City waters, Saudi Arabia, Arabian Gulf. These are the first documented cases of albinism and dorsal fin anomaly ever reported from the Arabian Gulf area. The causative factors of this anomaly were discussed.