Mature Female Specimens Research Articles

Unlocking the Mysteries of Reproduction: Exploring Fecundity and Gonadosomatic Index in the Enigmatic Bornean Pygmy Halfbeak, Dermogenys colletei (Meisner, 2001) (Beloniformes: Zenarchopteridae)

The pygmy halfbeak Dermogenys colletei is known for its viviparous nature, this presents an intriguing case of relatively low fecundity, raising questions about potential compensatory reproductive strategies employed by this species. Our study delves into the examination of fecundity and the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) in the Pygmy Halfbeak, D. colletei (Meisner, 2001), an intriguing viviparous fish indigenous to Sarawak, Borneo. We hypothesize that the Pygmy halfbeak, D. colletei, may exhibit unique reproductive adaptations to offset its low fecundity, thus enhancing its survival and fitness. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive study utilizing 28 mature female specimens of D. colletei, carefully measuring fecundity and GSI to shed light on the reproductive adaptations of this species. Our findings reveal that D. colletei indeed exhibits low fecundity, with a mean of 16.76 ± 2.01, and a mean GSI of 12.83 ± 1.27, providing crucial insights into the reproductive mechanisms at play in this species. These results underscore the existence of unique reproductive strategies in D. colletei, enabling its adaptation and persistence in Borneo's diverse aquatic ecosystems, and call for further ecological research to elucidate these mechanisms. This study lends to a better understanding of viviparous fish in Borneo and contributes to the broader field of aquatic ecology, enhancing our knowledge of species adaptations to unique ecological challenges.

New record and range extension of the roughskin spurdog Cirrhigaleus asper in the Caribbean Sea

This study constitutes the first record and a range extension of the roughskin spurdog (Cirrhigaleus asper) in the Caribbean Sea. A total of three mature female specimens were captured by artisanal fishermen between March and May of 2016 of Guatemala. The total length of the sharks ranged from 1,110-1,280 mm, which is the largest total length so far reported for this species.

Reproductive biology of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) in Lake Hayq, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Lake Hayq between January and December 2018. The objectives of this study were to determine the growth, condition, sex ratio, fecundity, length at first sexual maturity (L50), and spawning seasons of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Monthly fish samples of C. carpio were collected using gillnets of stretched mesh sizes of 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 13 cm and beach seines of mesh size of 6 cm. Immediately after the fish were captured, total length (TL) and total weight (TW) for each individual were measured in centimeters and grams, respectively, and their relationship was determined using power function. Length at first maturity (L50) was determined for both males and females using the logistic regression model. The spawning season was determined from the frequency of mature gonads and variation of gonadosomatic index (GSI) values of both males and females. Fecundity was analyzed from 67 mature female specimens. The length and weight relationship of C. carpio was TW = 0.015TL2.93 for females and TW = 0.018TL2.87 for males that indicate negative allometric growth in both cases. The mean Fulton condition factor (CF) was 1.23 ± 0.013 for females and 1.21 ± 0.011 for males. The value of CF in both cases was > 1 that shows both sexes are in good condition. Among the total 1055 C. carpio collected from Lake Hayq, 459 (43.5%) were females and 596 (56.5%) were males. The chi-square test showed that there was a significant deviation between male and female numbers from 1:1 ratio (χ2= 22, df = 11, P > 0.05) within sampling months. The length at first sexual maturity (L50) for females and males were 21.5 and 17.5 cm, respectively. Males mature at smaller sizes than females. The spawning season of C. carpio was extended from February to April, and the peak spawning season for both sexes was in April. The average absolute fecundity was 28,100 ± 17,462. C. carpio is currently the commercially important fish while Nile tilapia fishery has declined in Lake Hayq. Therefore, this baseline data on growth, condition, and reproductive biology of common carp will be essential to understand the status of the population of carp and design appropriate management systems for the fish stock of Lake Hayq, Ethiopia, and adjacent countries.

Fecundity and Gondosomatic Index (GSI) of Common Pandora, Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758), Inhabiting Telmatha Coast Eastern Benghazi, Libya

his study was conducted to investigate the biology of Common Pandora in Tellmatha coast. Species of (Pagellus erythrinus L., 1758) were caught in Tellmatha using longline during the period from April 2017 to August 2017. A total of 80 mature female specimens were examined for fecundity and gonadosomatic index study. The fecundity of the fish ranged from 1177.7 to 5818.18 eggs with an average value of 3512.09 eggs. The relationship between fecundity and gonad weight was most significant (r= 0.9775) than that of fecundity with other factors. The relations between fecundity and total length and body weight are linear. The regression equation are i) Log10F=4.6248+2.1379Log10TL, ii) Log10F=2.7203+1.4081Log10TW, iii) Log10 F= 0.5063+3.8624 Log10 Gw r = 0.8818. The spawning period started in June and continued until October. This data shows that the stock of the Common pandora of Tellmatha coast is being exploited in the limit. It would be desirable to take measures to protect the spawning stock and recruits, for example by introducing a closed season or various changes in fishing patterns.

New Data on the Systematics of Comb-fin Squids Chtenopteryx spp. (Cephalopoda: Chtenopterygidae) from the Canary Islands.

Alejandro Escánez, Álvaro Roura, Rodrigo Riera, Ángel Francisco González, and Ángel Guerra (2018) The systematics of the comb-fin squid species is problematic and poorly resolved. In total, 53 specimens of comb-fin squids (Chtenopteryx spp.) were caught at depths ranging from 30 to 800 m off the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic Ocean). Mantle lengths of the individuals ranged from 18 to 43 mm and the sample included immature, mature male and mature female specimens. Two species of comb-fin squids, Chtenopteryx canariensis and C. sicula, were identified by combining traditional morphological characters with a molecular analysis of a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Intra- and interspecific genetic distances and maximum likelihood tree analyses based on COI sequences available from GenBank suggest the existence of at least four species, two from the Pacific and two from the Atlantic Ocean. Our data expand the current geographic range of C. canariensis from the NE to NW Atlantic. In the GenBank database, several sequences of comb-fin squid in different species-specific clades have been attributed only to C. sicula, indicating the possible existence of cryptic species and the need to re-analyse these data.

Hypogeal scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) of the coffee agro-system in Chiapas state, Mexico, with description of a new species of Williamsrhizoecus Koz\xe1r and Konczn\xe9 Benedicty (Rhizoecidae)

BackgroundThe goal of this research is to provide new information about the hypogeal scale insects associated with coffee crops in Mexico. This plant is associated with many insects, among others, the scale insects. This group of insects are potential pests in coffee crops because they are exclusive phytophagous. Until now, there are more than 500 scale insects species recorded in Mexico, 19 of them in Chiapas State. The rhizosphere of the coffee plants contains high diversity of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) that have not been studied until now. Samples were collected from coffee and undetermined species of Poaceae roots, in Chiapas State, Mexico, in November 2014, and mature female specimens were identified to species level.ResultsSpecimens of Dysmicoccus texensis (Pseudococcidae), Geococcus coffeae, Pseudorhizoecus proximus, Rhizoecus colombiensis, Rhizoecus neostangei and Ripersiella campestris, (Rhizoecidae) and Insignorthezia insignis and Mixorthezia minima (Ortheziidae) were identified. Pseudorhizoecus proximus, R. campestris and M. minima are recorded for the first time from Mexico. In addition, a new species, Williamsrhizoecus coffeae Caballero and Ramos sp. nov., is described.ConclusionsNew information about phytophagous insects are presented to Mexico and the world. Nine species of infraorder Coccomorpha are recorded for Mexico, two of them are new registers, and one species new to science is described.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF STRIPED SNAKEHEAD (Channa striata Bloch, 1973) IN BOGOR AND BEKASI, WEST JAVA

Striped snakehead is one of the potential local species, however, its production in Indonesia still comes from capture fisheries. Over exploitation had decrease the population in nature. Domestication is one of promising tool to solve the problems faced. In order to breed the domesticated species, the information of their reproduction was needed. This study aimed to describe relationship between length and weight, length and fecundity, weight – fecundity and gonad weight – fecundity of the striped snakehead from West Java. A total of 19 mature female specimens were collected from Parung (Bogor), and seven mature female specimens were collected from Babelan (Bekasi). The results showed that the determinant value (R2), the first for Parung and the second for Babelan, between weight and fecundity were 0.599 and 0.843, length-fecundity were 0.541 and 0.841; gonad weight – fecundity 1.00 and 0.846 Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) ranged from 0.67 to 9.94% and 2.03 to 8.17%. Gonad Index ranged from 6.17 – 76.73 and 18.48 – 76.77, respectively. The data indicated that growth pattern was allometric. Length and body weight has linear relationship with gonads and fecundity. Fecundity has higher correlation to the weight rather than length. Gonad weight and fecundity has a strong relationship.

Some pathophysiological insights into ovarian infestation by Myxobolus sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) in Clarias gariepinus (Clariids: Silurids) from Bénin (West Africa).

Mature female specimens of the catfish Clarias gariepinus originating from Ouémé River (Benin) were investigated into ovarian myxozoan parasites. Spores of Myxobolus sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) were found encrusted in the whitish color oocytes which present fat dot aspect in the gonads. The pathological investigation by electron microscopy revealed that maturation and multiplication of spores induced lytic action, deformation and dysfunction of the oocyte internal structures. No host inflammatory reaction was observed, while yolk, lipid, mitochondria, and other oocyte components were degenerated inducing empty area in the oocyte and could lead to castration in case of wide infestation. The mean prevalence was 19.79%. No significant difference was observed within seasonal prevalence (χ(2) = 1.771; df = 3; p > 0.05). Though the host length classes ranging from 35 to 39 cm and 40 to 45 cm were more infected, difference was not significant (χ(2) = 2.273; df = 4; p > 0.05) within them. The spores are ovoid in shape with two polar capsules which are equal in size, pyriform, and converging in anterior part of spore with four to five polar filament turns. Spore body are (11.47 ± 0.67) × (8.19 ± 0.52) μm length by width while polar capsule size are (4.24 ± 0.25) × (3.07 ± 0.28) μm and located in the first third portion of the spore. The molecular approaches are still running for accurate identification of this parasite.

AFLP reveals no sex-specific markers in Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) or beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) from the southern Caspian Sea, Iran

The late sexual maturity in sturgeon and the absence of morphological differences between males and females makes sex discrimination difficult. Identification of sex at an early life stage is of high interest in caviar production because it allows efficient selection of females. In this study, the genome of 10 mature male and 10 mature female specimens of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) and beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) were screened using AFLP and 100 primer combinations. Results showed a total of 3771 and 3779 scoreable bands in A. persicus and H. huso, respectively. Approximately 30% of markers in A. persicus and 29.6% H. huso were polymorphic. No sex specific makers were identified. The results of the present study suggest that the sex chromosomes are not extensively differentiated in sturgeon species, or possibly the methods utilized were not sufficiently sensitive to recognize them. © 2011 Progress in Biological Sciences, Vol 1, No.1, 55-60

Quantification of Greenland halibut serum vitellogenin: a trip from the deep sea to the mass spectrometer

This paper focuses on the sequential steps involved in developing a technique for quantifying Greenland halibut vitellogenin, a serum protein biomarker, using a comprehensive mass spectrometric approach. In the first phase of this study, in-gel trypsin digestions of serum proteins separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). A characteristic band around a molecular mass of 185 kDa, present in the mature female specimens, but absent in the male samples, was identified as vitellognin according to the peptide mass fingerprint obtained by MALDI-MS. Subsequently, MALDI and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) analyses were performed on the digest of the vitellogenin band for de novo sequencing. From these studies, a characteristic 'signature' peptide (sequence: FFGQEIAFANIDK) was selected from a list of candidate peptides as a surrogate analytical standard used for quantification purposes. Sample preparation for vitellogenin quantification consisted of a simple one-step overnight trypsin digestion. Samples were spiked with an isotopologue signature peptide standard and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled in-line to an electrospray quadrupole-hexapole-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer, operated in selective reaction monitoring mode. Transitions [(m/z 750.0 --> 1020.4 and 750.0 --> 1205.4) and (754.8 --> 1028.6 and 754.8 --> 1213.2)] were monitored for the signature peptide and the internal standard, respectively. Samples obtained from the field showed that vitellogenin levels were in accordance with fish maturity determined by macroscopic examination of the gonad, proving this technique suitable for measuring vitellogenin as a serum protein biomarker for reproductive maturity in female fish.

On the distribution of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and hexachlorobenzene in different tissues of DAB (Limanda limanda) from the North Sea

The analysis of PCB patterns in livers of immature dabs, livers of mature male as well as livers and ovaries of mature female specimens revealed significant differences in the accumulation of single PCB congeners. Each of the examined tissues exhibited a specific PCB pattern. Lipid content or geographic origin did not decisively influence the qualitative composition of PCB-compounds but only their concentration. Pentachlor- to decachlorbiphenyls with 4,4′-chlorine substitution or with three ortho-chlorines are accumulated in the liver of adult dabs. Depletition of lipids from the female liver during ovary maturation is an important excretory pathway of PCBs and HCB during spawning. The 2,3,4-chlorine substitution on an aromatic ring is responsible for the phenomenon of preferential transfer of hexachlorinated aromatic chemicals from female livers to ovaries.

Reighardia sternae (Diesing, 1864) (Pentastomida) from seabirds in Antarctica

Specimens of the pentastome Reighardia sternae (Diesing, 1864) are reported for the first time in avian hosts from Antarctica. Mature female specimens were found in a southern black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus Lichtenstein) (1 of 21 examined) while an immature female was found in a south polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki (Saunders)) (1 of 20). Species of Reighardia have not previously been reported among any of the Stercorariinae. The degree of development of individuals of R. sternae provided evidence that the life cycle of this pentastome could be completed on the breeding grounds of its hosts in the region of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Effect of ATP on Amino Acid Transport by Hymenolepis diminuta

trapped at two locations. Three of 44 (7%) R. exulans from Tamadue (1?26'S, 120?24'E, 1,067 m) and 3 of 37 (8%) R. exulans from Wuasa (1?26'S, 120?19'E, 1,055 m) were infected with S. japonicum. Approximately 200 R. exulans and a few Rattus marmosurus, Rattus hoffmanni, and Rattus nitidus from other locations in the Napu Valley were not infected with S. japonicum. Eleven mature male specimens of S. japonicum had an average length of 10.5 mm (8.0-16.0 mm) and had an average of 6.5 (5-7) testes. Eleven mature female specimens had an average length of 15.8 mm (12.2-18.3 mm). These values compare closely with similar measurements of 159 males and 105 fe-