Nemipterus Randalli Research Articles

The changes in season and reproduction period in nutrient composition of Nemipterus randalli (Russell, 1986) and Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) from Northwest Mediterranean, Turkey

The changes in season and reproduction period in nutrient composition of Nemipterus randalli (Russell, 1986) and Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) from Northwest Mediterranean, Turkey

Population genetic structure of Randall’s threadfin bream Nemipterus randalli in Indian waters based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences

Nemipterus randalli, commonly known as Randall’s threadfin bream, is a commercially important marine finfish. Understanding its genetic structure is critical to effective management and conservation efforts. Previous investigations on population structure in this species were limited by geographic coverage. In this study, we utilized the mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene and nuclear Ribosomal protein gene intron Rp S7 sequences to investigate the population genetic structure, demography and genetic diversity of N. randalli along Indian waters. Our results revealed high haplotype diversity but low nucleotide diversity. AMOVA revealed that the variation among the population was highly significant. Hierarchical AMOVA provided further evidence of significant genetic differentiation between the west and east coasts, which was corroborated by the Bayesian tree and the median-joining network diagram. The mtDNA sequences revealed significant genetic structure between populations based on fixation index analysis following the isolation-by-distance model. Furthermore, the neutrality test and mismatch analysis suggest that N. randalli populations may have experienced a population expansion. However, nuclear marker RpS7, showed a high level of polymorphism, which obscured the population structuring observed with the mitochondrial marker. Consequently, concordant results were not obtained when comparing the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. The strong genetic differentiation between the east and west coast observed using mitochondrial marker could be attributed to a combination of geographic and environmental factors. These findings lay the groundwork for developing effective conservation and management strategies for N. randalli, considering its genetic structure.

Recent Update on the Distribution of Alien and Neonative Fishes in the Aegean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is considered an aquatic biodiversity hotspot that hosts approximately 782 fish species and 72 of them are categorized as endemic. However, non-native species introductions that are of natural or human-mediated origin have posed a major threat to the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea which is showing high rates of endemism. Here, we represent historical and recent updated data alien (Champsodon nudivittis, Nemipterus randalli, Pterois miles, Scarus ghobban, Scomberomorus commerson), neonative (Seriola fasciata, Sphoeroides pachygaster) fishes spreading on the Aegean Sea.

Keystone Porgy Species (Sparidae) Overcome the Alien Randall's Threadfin Bream (Nemipterus randalli) for Catch Balance in Space on An Oligotrophic Levant Shelf or Vice Versa?

Since 2008 spatiotemporal and ecological distributions of porgies (sparid, all indigenous fish) were examined in the presence or absence of Randall's threadfin bream, Nemipterus randalli in the present study area. Seasonal fish and environmental parameters samplings were conducted at three transects of the fishing (nMPA) or non-fishing (MPA) regions on an oligotrophic shelf (Levantine Sea) in 2014-2015 for understanding management and ecology of the porgies’ catches. Of 13 sparid fish determined during the present study, five species are rarely found. There were no seasonal significant differences in densities of the sparid fish with or without the alien nemipterid fish. However, there were differences in the densities by the bottom depths, the regions, and soft and hard bottoms vegetated by Caulerpa spp and meadow, respectively. Ecologically, fish assemblages and faunistic characters of the sparid fish were highly variable when excluding the N. randalli as highlighted and follows; i) seasonal variation occurred and ii) the depthwise community assemblages became irregular. N. randalli seemed to balance the sparid catch attributed to the biomass-abundance ratio in the ecosystem or vice versa in this trophically sensitive gulf (ultra-oligotrophic) of the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Genetic, morphologic and bio-ecological perspective of Randall’s Threadfin Bream, Nemipterus randalli, in the Eastern Mediterranean Coast, Turkey

Marine biology,marine ecology,Phytoplankton, marine algae, zooplankton, nekton, benthos, corals and coral reefs, ecology, zoogeography and systematics, primary production and experimental work on ecosystem including energy flow at different trophic levels, population dynamics and theoretical models, recycling of matter, influence of environmental factors on metabolic activity, marine microbiology, mariculture and experimental work on propagation of cultivable species, biology of fishes, marine reptiles, sea birds and mammals, physical, chemical, geological and meteorological features of the environments related to marine biology, marine environmental damage caused by pollution and engineering works, underwater observations, conservation of living resources, modifications in methodology and techniques and development of new apparatus related to marine sciences

Sex-linked variations in the sagittal otolith biometry of Nemipterus randalli (Russell, 1986) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Few studies have been conducted on the sagittal otolith shape and morphometry of Nemipterus randalli, and none of these studies has examined the effect of sexual dimorphism on the otolith morphology of this species, therefore this study aimed to contribute to knowledge about the otolith morphology of N. randalli, an invasive fish species for the Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose, a total of 132 samples (51 female and 81 male) were obtained from İskenderun Bay with the help of commercial fishermen in November 2018. Relationships between otolith measurements and fish size were determined. Shape indices and elliptic Fourier coefficients were calculated. Significant differences were detected between males and females in all analysis. The sexes were separated from each other using both shape indices and elliptic Fourier coefficients. However, shape analysis was more effective in distinguishing sexes than traditional morphometric analysis. Asymmetry in the otolith morphology of sexes has been attributed to differences in the growth and sexual maturity of male and female fish. The results of this study indicated that sexual dimorphism in Nemipterus randalli was also reflected in the otolith morphology.

Length Based Stock Assessment of Five Fish Species from the Marine Water of Pakistan

The marine fisheries resources of Pakistan have been drastically affected in the past few decades. Considering the limitations of previous studies and the data poor condition of the marine fisheries of Pakistan, this study employed the length-based Bayesian biomass (LBB) estimation method for analyzing the fisheries’ representative length-frequency data of five exploited marine fish stocks (Nemipterus japonicus, Nemipterus randalli, Parascolopsis aspinosa, Saurida tumbil, and Lepturacanthus savala). The estimates of relative fishing mortality (F/M) are higher than unity in four stocks except for S. tumbil, indicating overfishing. However, the current values relative to unexploited biomass (B/B0) are below 0.4, which indicates that the stock biomass is deficient in delivering maximum sustainable yield. Overfishing and the mass exclusion of small and older fish from stocks threaten to deplete the biomass of all species. Therefore, this study recommended that increasing the mesh size in commercial fisheries would increase both the catch and biomass of these species. The existing number of boats should be reduced to reduce fishing mortality and bring it back to the ratio of relative fishing mortality (F/M) equal or less than unity, for a sustainable level.

Length‐weight relationship of five species of Nemipteridae family along the Gulf of Mannar, Eastern Indian Ocean

The parameters 'a' and 'b' of the length-weight relationship of five Nemipteridae species viz., Nemipterus bipunctatus (Valenciennes, 1830), Nemipterus randalli Russell, 1986, Scolopsis bimaculata Ruppell, 1828, Scolopsis xenochrous Gunther, 1872 and Scolopsis vosmeri (Bloch, 1792) are reported from the Gulf of Mannar, Eastern Indian Ocean. The fish samples were collected fortnightly from the trawlers of Thoothukudi Fishing Harbour between September 2020 and June 2021. The trawlers operate at a depth of 40–150 m with a 2–2.30 hours hauling period. These are operating bottom trawl nets and have a total length of 40 m with a cod-end mesh size of 35 mm. The total length of the fish was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and weight to the nearest 0.01 g, respectively. The descriptive statistics and estimated length-weight relationships (LWRs) parameters were detailed in the paper.

Some histological reveals on reproduction of one of the lessepsian species, Nemipterus randalli in Antalya (Turkey)

In this study, the reproduction of Nemipterus randalli, one of the lessepsian fish catch from the Gulf of Antalya, Turkey was interpreted histologically. Regarding the fish used in this study (N = 1715), it is noteworthy to mention that male individuals are larger than females. The first sexual maturity in males was determined 17 cm TL and 60 g in BW, whereas 13 cm TL and 25 g BW in females. Females reached sexual maturity at age I+ and males at the age of II+. Seven different stages (O1-O7) were identified in oocyte maturation in the ovaries. The spawning time of N. randalli in the Gulf of Antalya extended from June to October (Peak on July- August), given the histological interpretation of the development in gonads and the GSI % data. According to this data, N. randalli may be described to have a Batch spawner characteristic.

The update of immigrant Red Sea fish of Egyptian Mediterranean waters during (2013-2021)

Thirty nine immigrant fish species from the Red sea were observed in seven regions of Egyptian Mediterranean waters during 2013- 2021. These were divided according to their importance in the fish markets into economic species (18) and non-economic species (21). Port- Said region (North opening of Suez Canal) constituted high percentage of occurrence (49.1% of all species) followed by Alexandria (41.9%), Abu-Qir (5.2%) and Marsa Matruh (3.7%). Thirteen new species were recorded in the present review whereas fifteen fish species in the checklist given by Halim and Rizkalla (2011) were not encountered in the study area during the study period. Alepes djedaba and Siganus rivulatus were the most important economic species established in Port Said region, whereas Nemipterus randalli and Sargocentrum rubrum were the more dominant in Alexandria region, Also Nemipterus randalli was well established in Abu-Qir area while Upeneus pori was abundant in Marsa Matruh region.

Stock Assessment for Seven Fish Species Using the LBB Method from the Northeastern Tip of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Assessment of fish stock status is generally required for fisheries management, which is difficult when the data are limited. The length-based Bayesian Biomass (LBB) approach is a powerful and new method, where only the length-frequency data are used for estimating the status of fisheries resources. Here, we applied the LBB method to assess the status of seven commercially valuable marine fishes from the northern tip of the Bay of Bengal (BoB), Bangladesh. These species were Lepturacanthus savala, Pampus argenteus, Nemipterus japonicas, Nemipterus randalli, Ilisha filigera, Saurida tumbil, and Upeneus sulphurous. The current relative biomass (B/B0) ratios were smaller than the BMSY/B0 in five stocks, except for N. japonicas and N. randalli, and this indicates that, of the seven populations assessed, two are grossly overfished, three are overfished, and two are healthy stocks. Moreover, the length at first capture (Lc) was lower than the optimal length at first capture (Lc_opt) in all seven populations, which indicates growth overfishing, suggesting that increasing the mesh sizes would be beneficial. The present findings confirm that Bangladesh’s coastal water fishery resources are declining. More specific targeted management measures should be taken to recover the country’s marine fishery resources.

Morphometric Relationships of Nemipterus randalli (Russell, 1986) from İskenderun Bay

In this study was aimed to describe the relationships between morphometric characters and total length of Nemipterus randalli. A total of 107 samples were collected from Iskenderun Bay in November 2018. The results show that estimates of total length of this species through of morphometric character are reliable. Linear regressions showed the best accuracy for all relationships between morphometric characters and total length. Among obtained relationships, the best fit was recorded between total length and head length, while the lowest value of coefficient of determination was also determined between total length and horizontal mouth gape. Establishing morphometric relationships can provide an alternative to back‐calculation of fish length and can provide information that aids in understanding complex relationships between predator and prey size. The equations generated to obtain the total length of the fish using morphometric character data can be used in dietary studies of top predators and in paleontological studies.

Morphometric and meristic analyses of Randall’s threadfin bream Nemipterus randalli Russell, 1986 along the Indian coast

Nemipterus randalli Russell, 1986 is one of the commercially important demersal fish in Indian waters. The present study was designed to understand the morphometric and meristic variations between the stocks of N. randalli along the Indian coast. A total of 450 samples were collected from 5 maritime states during September 2018 to November 2018. A total of 19 morphometric and 9 meristic traits were extracted and subjected to statistical analyses. Factor analysis showed that morphometric characteristics like eye diameter, head length, pre-pectoral length, post-orbital length, anal fin length and caudal peduncle depth were significant in separating the stocks. Discriminant function analysis showed a high re-classification success rate of 80.43%. Kruskal-Wallis test of meristic traits revealed lack of difference between the stocks. Results indicated the presence of different phenotypic stocks along the Indian coast and therefore the need for separate management strategies for sustaining the catch of N. randalli in the future.

Characterization of genetic diversity of an invasive Lessepsian Migrant, Nemipterus randalli Russell, 1986 from its native and non-native regions using mitochondrial DNA marker

This study assessed and compared the genetic diversity of Nemipterus randalli across its native and non-native regions analysing the mitochondrial DNA D-loop region. Including all the geographical population samples, 68 haplotypes were observed with an average haplotype diversity value of 0.92±0.04. Relatively, a smaller number of haplotypes was observed in the invasive range of the Mediterranean Sea. All other native geographical samples showed high haplotype and nucleotide diversity values. A significant high genetic differentiation value was observed between the native population samples of India and the invasive samples of the Mediterranean Sea. In the median-joining network tree, N. randalli from the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea formed a single haplogroup while other samples from India are clustered into two haplogroups.

The Comparison of Heavy Metal Level in Surface Water, Sediment and Biota Sampled from the Polluted and Unpolluted Sites in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea

The determination of heavy metal level (aluminium, iron, zinc, arsenic strontium) in surface water, sediment, and biota in Iskenderun Bay, polluted site, and Mersin Bay, unpolluted site, in 2018–2019 seasonally were aimed. The muscle and liver (viscera for shrimp) tissue of three fish (Saurida lessepsianus, Nemipterus randalli, Mullus barbatus) and an invertebrate (Penaus semisulcatus) species, which have different habitats and diet, were used to detection of biota metal level. Sediment samples were analyzed in four different particle sizes which were Fe > As>Al > Zn and Sr > Fe > As>Zn > Al respectively. (p Al > Sr > Zn > As in both sampling sites. The sediment Zn levels were a negative relationships between biota, particle size, sampling sites and season (p As> Zn > Sr > Al and As≥ Fe > Zn > Sr > Al, while the liver metal level sampled from polluted and unpolluted sites were Fe > Zn > As>Al > Sr and Fe > Zn > As>Sr > Al, respectively. There were significant of metals between species and tissues (p 0.05). Iron accumulated in the liver more than the muscle tissue while arsenic accumulated in the muscle more than the liver tissues due to the functional difference of tissues (p < 0.05). The tissue metal level was high abundant in the polluted site. Fe was at the highest level in biota and sediment from both regions may be due to industrial activities in the polluted site whereas agricultural activities or discharged by the Goksu River in the unpolluted site.

Determination of Seasonal Changes on Lipid Content and Fatty Acids of Nemipterus randalli (Russell, 1986) from Mersin Bay

In this study, the seasonal changes on lipid content and fatty acid levels of Nemipterus randalli from the Mersin Bay have been determined. Total lipid levels were found as 3.17%, 2.12%, 0.63%, and 0.72% in spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons, respectively. The fatty acid composition of this species is composed of 30 fatty acids. Major fatty acids are palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) from saturated fatty acids (SFAs) oleic acid (C18:1n9c) and 11-docosenoic acid (ceteloic; C22:1n11) from monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20: 5n3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22: 6n3) from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The highest level of palmitic acid was detected in the winter season, and the palmitic acid level varied between 15.41% and 20.72% (77.79-433.30 mg/100g). The highest level of stearic acid was determined in the spring season, and its levels varied between 14.75% and 19.14%, and its levels were also determined as 77.95-483.91 mg/100g. Oleic acid from the monounsaturated fatty acids varied between 5.46% and 7.98%, and its levels were found to be 31.98-224.38 mg/100g. Ceteloic acid varied between 5.73% and 7.80%, and its levels were determined to be 33.01-161.11 mg/100g. The EPA levels from the polyunsaturated fatty acids ranged from 4.34 to 5.34%, and its levels were found to be 19.30-137.50 mg/100g. The highest levels of DHA were detected in autumn, its levels varied between 21.09% and 23.00%, and its levels have also been detected as 102.30-604.25 mg/100g. The highest levels of Σn3, Σn6 and Σn9 were found in the spring season. The levels of Σn3, Σn6 and Σn9 varied between 26.73-27.19% (122.89-751.59 mg/100g), 4.19-4.79% (18.63-134.68 mg/100g) and 5.95-9.79% (35.22-247.15 mg/100g), respectively. AI and TI values in N. randalli were found at 0.28-0.36% and 0.33-0.36%, respectively.

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of threadfin breams (Nemipterus spp.) from the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The present work utilized partial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) to study Red Sea populations of threadfin breams (Nemipteridae), and compare their genetic diversity to that of Mediterranean Sea (Nemipterus randalli only) and Indo-Pacific populations. A Maximum Likelihood tree separated four fish species - N. randalli, N. japonicus, N. bipunctatus, and N. zysron - into four clades. Haplotype analyses revealed a strong case of the founder effect for the Lessepsian migrant N. randalli: Three haplotypes represented all sampled geographical ranges in the Mediterranean Sea and only one haplotype was shared with a Red Sea individual, presenting evidence that the colonizing population was founded by a small number of migrants. The Red Sea population of N. japonicus shared haplotypes with Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean populations, but South China Sea populations remained fully isolated. The haplotype networks of N. randalli and N. bipunctatus also revealed haplotype sharing between Red Sea and Indian Ocean populations. For N. zysron, one haplotype was shared between Indonesia and the Persian Gulf. We discuss the impact of continued usage of public database sequences of initially misidentified organisms and provide recommendations for avoiding distribution of sequences with incorrect scientific names.

Indigenous versus Lessepsian Hosts: Nervous Necrosis Virus (NNV) in Eastern Mediterranean Sea Fish.

Viruses are among the most abundant and diverse biological components in the marine environment. In finfish, viruses are key drivers of host diversity and population dynamics, and therefore, their effect on the marine environment is far-reaching. Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) is a disease caused by the marine nervous necrosis virus (NNV), which is recognized as one of the main infectious threats for marine aquaculture worldwide. For over 140 years, the Suez Canal has acted as a conduit for the invasion of Red Sea marine species into the Mediterranean Sea. In 2016–2017, we evaluated the prevalence of NNV in two indigenous Mediterranean species, the round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) and the white steenbras (Lithognathus mormyrus) versus two Lessepsian species, the Randall’s threadfin bream (Nemipterus randalli) and the Lessepsian lizardfish (Saurida lessepsianus). A molecular method was used to detect NNV in all four fish species tested. In N. randalli, a relatively newly established invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea, the prevalence was significantly higher than in both indigenous species. In S. lessepsianus, prevalence varied considerably between years. While the factors that influence the effective establishment of invasive species are poorly understood, we suggest that the susceptibility of a given invasive fish species to locally acquired viral pathogens such as NVV may be important, in terms of both its successful establishment in its newly adopted environment and its role as a reservoir ‘host’ in the new area.

Additional morphometric and phylogenetic studies on Mothocya melanosticta (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) parasitizing the Red Sea Nemipterus randalli fish in Egypt.

Cymothoidae, Leach, 1818 (Crustacea: Isopoda) are ectoparasites of marine, brackish and freshwater fishes that are reported to induce deleterious tissue impacts on the infested fish hosts. The present study aimed for the first-time screening of Mothocya melanosticta collected from the red sea fish Nemipterus randalli in Egypt. Surveillance study was conducted for isopod infestation among the Red Sea fish N. randalli revealing a total infestation rate of 40.96% with the species identified as M. melanosticta. The parasite species was isolated from the branchial cavity and gills. Morphometric description was estimated using dissecting stereo-microscope, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) provided new additional features for the isolated species including the microtrich sensillum in the body cuticle and the fine structure of the mouth parts and body appendages. Mitochondrial COI gene of M. melanosticta female isolated in the present study from N. randalli was detected for the first time in Egypt and recorded in the GenBank (MK168807). The study showed that the detected isopod species represents one monophyletic group closely affiliated to the genospecies of M. melanosticta, and can be distinguished clearly from other isopods genospecies. Based on the genetic distance values, lower level of genetic divergence was indicated within the genospecies of the present M. melanosticta isolated from Egypt and the same species isolated from India. The present investigation recorded N. randalli fish as a new host for the isopod M. melanosticta in Egypt and provided additional morphological features through SEM as well as molecular characterization of this isopod species for the first time.

Biological aspects of two coexisting native and non-native fish species in the Aegean Sea: Pagellus erythrinus vs. Nemipterus randalli

Nowadays, the Mediterranean is a hotspot of biodiversity, characterized by changes in fish communities due to invasions. These invasions, mainly occurring through the entrance of species through the Suez Canal, a process called Lessepsian migration, has been increasing in the last 40 years. It is reported that, in Turkish seas, where 512 fish species are found, are 75 Lessepsian species. However, knowledge about the impact of Lessepsian species on native species is insufficient. This study aims to determine the bio-ecological characteristics and food interactions of a native Pagellus erythrinus and non-native Nemipterus randalli distributed in the Gökova Bay.In the monthly sampling survey, carried out between January 2016 and December 2016, 1698 N. randalli and 945 P. erythrinus individuals were collected. Length, weight, age, sex distributions and ratios, length-age, weight-age, length-weight relationships, condition factors, stomach contents and reproduction periods were examined to determine the interaction between species. According to results, the life span of P. erythrinus is longer than N. randalli in the Gökova Bay. Nevertheless, N. randalli grows faster than P. erythrinus. Reproduction periods of both two species show similarities. Food competition between species is found to be significantly high. Results of condition factors exhibit that N. randalli shows an increased ability to exploit the available food sources. Pagellus erythrinus displays strategies such as: early maturation, short reproduction period, reproduction in the deeper waters and batch spawning, to compete with N. randalli. With the invasive characteristics of N. randalli established a successful population in the Gökova Bay.