Large Barbs Research Articles

Погребальные комплексы геоархеологического местонахождения Усть-Кеуль 1 (Северное Приангарье): проблемы культурно-хронологической идентификации

This paper presents results of a study of two burial complexes from the geoarchaeological site Ust-Keul 1 in Northern Angara region (excavations of 2012). Mortuary rites and grave goods were analyzed, thus making clear the issue of cultural affiliation of these complexes and defining their uniqueness for the Baikal-Yenisei Siberia. The burials were made by a method of inhumation in ground graves. In both cases structures above and within the graves are absent. The accompanying burial goods are presented by arrowheads with a triangular shape, a concave base and equally large barbs, and by a horn made connector (a cartridge case), the one that was used to attach the stone arrowhead to the arrow shaft. Results of the radiocarbon dating determine the age of the burials by the Late Bronze Age – the Early Iron Age. The dating raises the question about a time of the Tsepan culture bearers` infiltration into the Northern Angara region. Results of the odontological analysis are presented and even based on the description of the extremely fragmented remains, it was possible to define sex and age characteristics of the buried ones. The unearthed fragments and isolated teeth belonged to three individuals. The stage of tooth crowns formation and dental enamel erosion are indicators of the age of the buried ones. Two of them are adolescents (burials 1 and 2, individual 2), and the age of the third individual (burial 2, individual 1), based on the erosion, is between 35–45 years. The results of our research obtained not only with reliance on analogies with other burials in the Northern Angara region but also based on credible radiocarbon data, corroborate the assumption of a somewhat earlier dating of the Tsepan culture burials. There is a discussion about possible infiltration of the Tsepan culture bearers in the Northern Angara region at the end of the Late Bronze Age. However, the issue of a more reliable chronology of these burials under study still remains relevant. The radiocarbon data indicate, at first sight, their earlier age but measurements obtained for burial 2 from the two individuals have large discrepancies. Additionally, they may appear older due to a freshwater reservoir effect. The accompanying burial goods are scarce but allow us, with confidence, to define the burials from Ust-Keul 1 site as belonging to the Tsepan culture.

Comparative Analysis of the Structure of Differences between Some Morphotypes of Large African Barbs of Genus Barbus (Labeobarbus auctorum) from Lake Tana, Ethiopia

—It is shown that the phyletic relationships of the morphotypes of large African barbs Barbus (Labeobarbus auctorum) may be assessed by the results of a comparative analysis of the structure of morphological differences between them. At the same time, the structure of differences between two samples is characterized by the distribution of eigenvector loadings of characters on the principle component, according to which their most clear separation is revealed; and the similarity of the structure of differences between pairs of samples is assessed by comparing the structure of differences between samples in the first and second pairs. The hypothesis, according to which the phenetic hierarchy of morphotypes of large African barbs from Lake Tana arose as a result of independent branching of ontogenetic channels from the channel of the generalized form is confirmed. The similarity of the structure of differences between morphotypes is characterized by the similarity of eigenvector loadings in pairwise comparisons and the similarity of the location of characters ranked by the magnitude of their eigenvector loadings.

Large African Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex: Pattern of Phenetic Radiation of Individuals of the Generalized form in Lake Tana, (Ethiopia)

Large African Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex: Pattern of Phenetic Radiation of Individuals of the Generalized form in Lake Tana, (Ethiopia)

Large African Barbs: Vectors of Diversification of Individuals of the Generalized Form as the Source of Phenetic Diversity of the Barbus intermedius Complex in Lake Tana, Ethiopia

The paper analyzes the morphological diversification of individuals of the generalized form of the Barbus intermedius complex in comparison with the diversification of specialized morphotypes and allopatric species of large African barbs. In the sets of generalized individuals, four main vectors of diversification are revealed, while two each are revealed in morphotypes and species. Comparison of peer-to-peer diversification vectors of monomorphic populations of generalized individuals from Langano and Awasa lakes reveals their similarity and essential differences from the corresponding diversification vectors of generalized individuals from Lake Tana. The vectors of diversification of the Lake Tana morphotypes are very similar to both peer-to-peer vectors of allopatric species and to the vectors of the Lake Tana generalized form. This high degree of similarity suggests that the diversification of individuals of the generalized form in Lake Tana, diversification of the Tana morphotypes, and diversification of allopatric species are successive stages of one process, and diversification of morphotypes and species proceeds in the directions specified by diversification of individuals of a generalized form. The results of the study may be considered as strong evidence in favor of the hypothesis of proximity (or identity) of a generalized form and the ancestral form, which gave rise to the diversity of the B. intermedius complex. The study is based on the assessment of correlations between the characters of individuals of the studied sets.

Evolution of African barbs from the Lake Victoria drainage system, Kenya.

The Lake Victoria drainage basin (LVD) in Kenya is home to ten nominal species of small barbs (Enteromius) and one of large barbs (Labeobarbus altianalis). A recent molecular study genetically characterized small barbs in this region and found evidence of introgression between certain species, complicating the taxonomy and species identification of these fishes. This study aimed to extend our understanding on the evolution of these fishes by: (1) determining whether putatively pure individuals of Enteromius cercops are found in the Kenyan LVD, as the previous study only found hybrid individuals of this species in this region; (2) testing the sister relationship between Enteromius profundus, endemic to Lake Victoria, and Enteromius radiatus, also found in Lake Victoria, which had been previously synonymized; (3) examining the phylogenetic relationships of small barbs of the Kenyan LVD with those reported from other ichthyological provinces of Africa; and (4) examining the phylogenetic relationships of Labeobarbus altianalis with other Labeobarbus species. To this end, we obtained mitochondrial Cytochrome b and nuclear Growth Hormone (GH) intron 2 gene sequences of nine Enteromius species from the LVD in Kenya, as well as cytochrome b sequences for L. altianalis. We conducted Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses to establish their evolutionary relationships in relation to many other barbs specimens from Africa. Phylogenetic analyses did not reveal instances of hybridization/introgression among the individuals sequenced by us. A sister relationship between E. profundus and E. radiatus was not found. This latter species shows instead a sister relationship with a lineage comprised of two species from West Africa. Other sister relationships between taxa from the East coast and other ecoregions from Africa are observed, suggesting that past drainage connections and vicariant events contributed to the diversification of Enteromius. Finally, only a single haplotype was recovered among the L. altianalis individuals examined, which is most similar to a specimen from Lake Edward in Uganda.

Position of the generalized form in the phenetic diversity structure of large African barbs (Barbus intermedius complex): Method of correlation pleiades

With consideration of comparative analysis of variation of craniological characters of the generalized form and of specialized morphotypes of the African barb Barbus intermedius complex from three Ethiopian rivers (the Gumara, Angereb, and Genale), it is shown that samples of generalized individuals from different water bodies differ not less and sometime more than samples of specialized morphotypes belonging to one or different flocks of forms. Analysis of correlations divides the considered characters into two pleiades. Analysis of variation of reference samples of the B. intermedius complex demonstrates that diversification of known morphotypes proceeds in both pleiades.

Description of a new species of large barb of the genus Hypselobarbus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Kali River, Karnataka region of Western Ghats, peninsular India

A new cyprinid fish, Hypselobarbus kushavali , is described from Kali River, Karnataka, India. Hypselobarbus kushavali is diagnosed from its closest congener, H. dobsoni , by having more upper transverse scale rows, more circumferential scale rows and more lateral line to pelvic scale rows, and from H. bicolor and H. jerdoni by having fewer lateral-line and fewer circumpeduncular scale rows. Diagnostic features for H. kushavali are also provided relative to other species of the genus.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in two morphotypes of African large barb Labeobarbus intermedius (Osteichthyes: Cyprinidae) in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia

Water and muscle tissue samples from two morphotypes of the African large barb Labeobarbus intermedius collected from three sites in Lake Hawassa in 2012–2013 were analysed for eight heavy metals, including Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Five metals (Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) were detected in fish muscle samples, whereas only Cr, Cu and Ni were detected in water samples. Of the five metals detected in the muscle samples, Cu and Zn were present in higher concentrations in the golden morphotype, whereas Cr, Mn and Ni were found in higher concentrations in the silver morphotype. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values indicated that Cr, Cu and Ni have a tendency to accumulate in fish muscle in amounts exceeding those in water. In both morphotypes the highest concentrations of Zn and Mn were detected at the Hospital site, whereas the concentrations of Cr, Cu and Ni were highest at the Tikur Wuha site. Chromium, Cu and Ni concentrations recorded in fish muscle at all sampling sites exceeded the safe limits recommended by FAO/WHO and UNESCO, suggesting that water and fish from Lake Hawassa are contaminated with heavy metals originating from factories, a hospital and agricultural activities in proximity to the lake.

Hypselobarbus bicolor, a new species of large barb (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Western Ghats of India

There has been much confusion around the identity of Hypselobarbus pulchellus, an endemic large barb of the Western Ghats. Recent works highlighted the fact that it is likely that two similar-looking species have been considered as H. pulchellus. A genetic analysis helps differentiate the two forms: viz., H. pulchellus and a new species, here described as H. bicolor sp. nov. Hypselobarbus bicolor can be distinguished from all other species of Hypselobarbus based on a combination of the following characters: two pairs of barbels, lateral line complete, with 34-36+1-2 pored scales, ½6/1/3½ scales in the transverse row; 11-12 predorsal scales; last simple dorsal ray weak, dorsal fin with 9½ branched rays, gill rakers short and simple, 4-6+11-12 on first gill arch; proximal end of fifth ceratobranchial slightly curved, with 5+3+2 teeth; overall coloration dark grey with an ill-defined silver- or bronze-coloured band running along length of body, two scales high, on lateral-line scale-row and row above it; fins devoid of any markings; and small, closely-placed tubercles restricted to the tip of the snout in large males.

Polymorphism of skull proportions in large African barbs Barbus intermedius sensu Banister (Cyprinidae) from Lakes Awasa and Langano (Rift Valley, Ethiopia)

After performing principal component analysis (PCA) of 13 characters (indices) of skulls of large African barbs (Barbus intermedius complex sensu Banister, 1973) from Lakes Awasa and Langano (Ethiopia) distributions of individuals in coordinates BL and PC1 were studied where BL is the basal skull length and PC1 is the first principal component. It is shown that in both the lakes there are groups of barbs whose individual ontogenetic trajectories are situated within separated ontogenetic channels. Separation of the channels is by far less distinct than that of the channels of generalized and specialized forms of barbs from Lake Tana and not correlated with differences in external traits. It is suggested that the revealed polymorphism is connected with food resource partitioning and might serve as a prerequisite of further divergence of sympatric forms of large African barbs.

Marketing and Livelihood Contribution of Fishermen in Lake Tana, North Western Part of Ethiopia

The study area was conducted in the North Western part of Lake Tana which are three commercially fish species are found (Tilapia, Catfish and Barbus species). The study was focused on fish production and marketing system. Three landing sites were selected purposively for the survey based on the experience of fishing practicest. A total of 95 fishers were interviewed: from each landing site (“Delgie 27”, “Goregora 35” and “Infranze 33.”). The data collection was conducted from October 2012-June 2013. This consists of both form primary and secondary source. A simple random sampling technique was employed covering fishers. Descriptive and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS V-17) was used in analyzing. From sample respondents, 100% were reed boat owners. All sampled fishers from the three fish landing sites were used to catch Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and large barbs (Labeobarbus spp.). Fishing, crop production, animal husbandry, petty trade and causal laborer contributed 60%, 21%, 12%, 2% and 5% of fishers’ livelihood, respectively. Fisheries development interventions should be aimed at addressing both fish production and marketing problems. The study further suggested that fish quality, fish supply, education and training, licensing of the fishers and improving access to services should receive due attention to improve fish marketing and production system.

Phenetic diversity of the large barbs (Barbus intermedius complex sensu Banister) from the coastal zone of the Bahar Dar Gulf (Lake Tana, Ethiopia)

Phenetic structure of a sample of large African barbs Barbus intermedius complex) taken in November 2010 from the inshore part of the Bahar Dar Gulf (Lake Tana) was studied. Principal components analysis was performed on 28 indices characterizing skull proportions and shape of bones. The individuals under study formed distinct clusters in the principal component space. Composition of these clusters was considered. Many morphotypes described in the 1990s were absent in the sample taken in 2010, and there were individuals which did not comply with the diagnoses of the previously described morphotypes. It was suggested that some of these fish represented phenetic groups which did not occur in the offshore part of the gulf, some were, most probably, hybrids of the known morphotypes or originated from homonomic crossings but did not had diagnostic characters of the parental morphotype.

New evidence of homoplasy within the African genus Varicorhinus (Cyprinidae): an independent origin of specialized scraping forms in the adjacent drainage systems of Ethiopia inferred from mtDNA analysis

Interrelationships of the two specialized scraping periphyton-feeders, Varicorhinus beso and V. jubae, and some large African barbs, Labeobarbus spp., inhabiting three main regions of Ethiopia (the Western and Eastern Plateaus, and the Rift Valley separating them) were investigated using the sequence analysis of a fragment (609 base pairs) of the mtDNA control region. The two scraping forms in question appeared to be phylogenetically distant: V. beso had branched off before the main radiation of the Ethiopian Labeobarbus took place, whereas V. jubae is a sister group of the Labeobarbus gananensis complex sympatrically occurring with it in the south of the Eastern Plateau. For geographical reasons, among the congeneric species, V. jubae could be considered as the most closely related to V. beso, the type species of the genus, but judging from the available data this genus seems to be monotypic, while jubae should be classified as a member of Labeobarbus.

Phenetic diversity of the large barbsBarbus intermedinscomplex sensu Banister from the coastal zone of the Bahar Dar Gulf (Lake Tana, Ethiopia)

Phenetic diversity of the large barbs<i>Barbus intermedins</i>complex sensu Banister from the coastal zone of the Bahar Dar Gulf (Lake Tana, Ethiopia)

Scale structure variability of “forms flock” of Barbus (=Labeobarbus) intermedius and Varicorhinus jubae from the Genale River (Eastern Ethiopia)

Scales sculpture of 6 morphotypes of large African barbs Barbus (=Labeobarbus) intermedius and Varicorhinus jubae from the Genale River were described using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that in spite of several trends in difference macrostructural scale parameters (shape and lateral line scales number), cannot be used for identification of most forms of barbs and V. jubae of the Genale River. SEM analysis of scale microstructure of large barbs, V. jubae and V. beso has showed that the relief of the caudal field of the scales is not uniform and four main zones may be distinguished. The differences between forms and species in the relief details are weakly expressed however the studied species may be arranged in succession according to the development of specific; characters in transitional Zone II: B. intermedius (5 forms: GF, LMP, SH, LMS, LIP) > “smallmouth scraper” form—probable hybrid B. intermedius × V. jubae (SMS) > V. jubae > V. beso. By the development of granulation zone III the following series may be suggested: B. intermedius (5 forms: GF, LMP, SH, LMS, LIP), V. jubae > “smallmouth scraper” formprobable hybrid B. intermedius × V. jubae (SMS) > V. beso. By the degree of founded “trabecular” structure development the following series may be arranged according to the character reduction: B. intermedius (GF, LMP, SH, LMS, LIP) > “smallmouth scraper” form-probable hybrid B. intermedius × V. jubae (SMS) > V. jubae > V. beso. Thus in accordance with scale microstructure Varicorhinus jubae closer to Barbus (=Labeobarbus) intermedius than to V. beso.

Morphological diversity and age dependent transformations in progeny of the large barbs (Barbus intermedius complex sensu Banister) of several morphotypes from Lake Tana (Ethiopia). Results of a long-time experiment

Results of a long-time (2005–2011) experiment in crossing and rearing the large African barbs from Lake Tana (Ethiopia) are presented. One may conclude that progeny from homonomic crossings of large-mouthed barbs acquire diagnostic traits of their parental morphotype at different age. Some males originated from different crossings reached sexual maturity before acquiring diagnostic traits of a certain morphotype. Siblings from both homonomic and heteronomic crossings living in the same conditions considerably differed both in external and in skull characters. Differences both in external and skull characters between some siblings originated from a homonomic crossing that lived in a pond and those that lived in aquaria were equivalent to the differences between moiphotypes.

Development of the cranium in the large African hexaploid barb Labeobarbus (=Barbus) intermedius (Cyprinidae; Teleostei)

Developmental information on the structure and composition of the cartilaginous and bony skull in the large African barb Labeobarbus (=Barbus) intermedius (Teleostei; Cyprinidae) is provided. Sequences of cartilages and bones appearance from a large series of cleared and Alizarin red- and Alcian blue-stained laboratory-reared specimens ranging from prehatching larvae to juvenile stages are described. Comparisons of cranial development are made among cyprinids: L. intermedius, Danio rerio, Barbus barbus, and Cyprinus carpio.

Lake Tana large barbs diversity: Developmental and hormonal bases

Helerochronies caused by changes in the hormonal status are proposed to play a major role in the diversification of the Lake Tana barbs of Labeobarbus (=Barbus) genus (Dgebuadze and Mina, 2008). To test this hypothesis, we (i) compared temporal patterns of cranial development in L. intermedius, likely ancestral for Tana species flock, and L. brevicephalus and L. megastoma proposed to be paedomoiphic and peramoiphic, respectively; (ii) studied the role of thyroid hormone (TH) in the regulation of L. intermedius development; (iii) evaluated the effect of TH changes on the definitive morphology, and (iv) evaluated the possible role of TH in diversification of Tana barbs. Skull development was found to be heterochronicaily changed in L. brevicephalus and L. megastoma as compared to L. intermedius; revealed heteroclironies may account for differences in skull proportions distinguishing these barbs, TH was shown to play a major role in the regulation of ontogeny. Changes in TH level cause heterochronies in the development of a skull, axial skeleton, fins and fin girdles, squamation, and dentition. Heteroclironies were shown to influence adult morphology of these structures. These findings support the hypothesis of the involvement of developmental and hormonal factors in the diversification of the Lake Tana large barbs.

Turbulence and Vorticity in a Laboratory Channel Bend at Equilibrium Clear-Water Scour with and without Stream Barbs

Laboratory flume experiments were conducted to study the flow field and sediment dynamics in a mobile-bed channel bend with and without the presence of stream barbs (upstream-angled submerged groynes). This paper presents spatial distributions of the vorticity field and the turbulent Reynolds shear stresses, kinetic energy, and integral scales. The objectives of the present paper were to (1) advance understanding of the role that vorticity and turbulence play in the erosion process in channel bends with and without barbs, and (2) optimize barb design for reducing erosion along the outer bank regions of channel bends through consideration of flow-field turbulence and vorticity. Results indicate that (1) increased z-vorticity occurred in the outer bank scour zone for all runs with and without barbs; (2) for the runs without barbs and with moderately sized barbs, increased streamwise-cross-stream Reynolds stress (τuv) was found to coincide with locations of scour; and (3) for the run with large barbs, all three Reynolds shear stresses increased, but τvw was most consistently associated with scour locations. In general, local scour near the barbs was associated with increased z-vorticity, tke, and nonprincipal Reynolds stresses (τuv and τvw). Furthermore, it was observed that the outer bank region (particularly between adjacent barbs) may be susceptible to increased erosion if stream barbs, due to their size and layout, generate excessive turbulence and secondary velocities.

Isolation and characterization of major histocompatibility class IIβ genes in an endangered North American cyprinid fish, the Rio Grande silvery minnow ( Hybognathus amarus)

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a critical component of the adaptive immune response in vertebrates. Due to the role that MHC plays in immunity, absence of variation within these genes may cause species to be vulnerable to emerging diseases. The freshwater fish family Cyprinidae comprises the most diverse and species-rich group of freshwater fish in the world, but some are imperiled. Despite considerable species richness and the long evolutionary history of the family, there are very few reports of MHC sequences (apart from a few model species), and no sequences are reported from endemic North American cyprinids (subfamily Leuciscinae). Here we isolate and characterize the MH Class II beta genes from complementary DNA and genomic DNA of the non-model, endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow ( Hybognathus amarus), a North American cyprinid. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed two groups of divergent MH alleles that are paralogous to previously described loci found in deeply divergent cyprinid taxa including common carp, zebrafish, African large barb and bream. Both groups of alleles were under the influence of diversifying selection yet not all individuals had alleles belonging to both allelic groups. We concluded that the general organization and pattern of variation of MH class II genes in Rio Grande silvery minnow is similar to that identified in other cyprinid fishes studied to date, despite distant evolutionary relationships and evidence of a severe genetic bottleneck.