Rare Fish Species Research Articles

About the taxonomic status of rare fish species Surinam tripletail Lobotes surinamensis (Lobotidae) and new discovery of this species in Russian waters

Supposition about the existence of two species of genus Lobotes in the western Pacific is expressed based on the study of collection material (n = 9). Description of all discoveries of Lobotes surinamensis in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan) is given.

Hydroacoustic study of spatial and temporal distribution of Gymnocypris przewalskii (Kessler, 1876) in Qinghai Lake, China

Gymnocypris przewalskii (Kessler 1876) is an endangered and state-protected rare fish species in Qinghai Lake, China. To further understand the life history and distribution of this fish, five surveys were carried out in Qinghai Lake between 2002-2006. Results of these surveys indicate that fishes were predominantly distributed about 2 m under the surface. In July, significant differences in fish density were found between surface and bottom layers (P = 0.001), and/or between middle and bottom layers (P = 0.025). Fish density was the greatest in the surface layer. In August and October, no significant differences were found between the different layers, but the bottom layer had a greater fish density. Furthermore, there were very large differences among different zones in fish distribution density. Differences in horizontal distribution were not significantly correlated to factors such as water depth and inshore distance, possibly because of very low and uniform fish density. Feeding, changes in water temperature, over-wintering and spawning appeared to influence fish distribution. Hydroacoustic estimates of G. przewalskii biomass in Qinghai Lake increased significantly between 2002 and 2006. We attribute this increase to the management measures put in place to protect this species.

How do biodiversity patterns of river animals emerge from the distributions of common and rare species?

We studied the patterns of commonness and rarity for one vertebrate (fish) and four freshwater insect taxa ( Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Coleoptera) in southwestern France (57,000 km 2), and we analysed the relationships between the location of sites and the contribution of commonness and rarity to species richness within a large stream system. Richness patterns in fish and aquatic insects were related to the location of sites within the stream system. The number of common and rare fish species increased from up- to downstream areas as a result of downstream additions of species. The number of common insect species peaked in the intermediate section of the river continuum, whereas rarity increased with decreasing elevation. In all taxa, common species gave a closer approximation to overall patterns of species richness than did rare ones. The biodiversity patterns of river animals emerged from convergence in the distributions of common and rare species (fish), or mostly from the distribution of common species (insects). However, in fish, Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera, the rarer species became almost equally, or more strongly correlated with overall species richness when increasing information along the common-to-rare and rare-to-common sequences. These patterns suggested that rarer species show a similar or stronger affinity, on a species-for-species basis, for high richness areas than do the commoner species. These schemes have implications for biodiversity assessments, as studies using common species richness to target important areas for monitoring or conservation efforts within stream systems will not necessarily identify areas important for rare species, and vice versa.

Rare species of cyclostomata and fish in the Upper Oka basin and within Kaluga oblast

The species list of fish of the Upper Oka basin is verified. Data on biology of rare species are presented (western brook lamprey Lampetra planeri, sterlet Acipenser ruthenus, bystryanka Alburnoides bipunctatus rossicus, asp Aspius aspius, undermouth Chondrostoma variabile, bitterling Rhodeus sericeus, and fresh-water sculpin Cottus gobio koshewnikowi). Their morphological characters, distribution in the Upper Oka basin relative abundances of these species, and its changes during recent decades are also commented.

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from a repeat-enriched genomic library of stone flounder (Kareius bicoloratus) and cross-species amplification

Stone flounder (Kareius bicoloratus) is a rare fish species in China. Here, we reported 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from a repeat-enriched genomic library of stone flounder. The number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity per locus in 32 individuals ranged from 3 to 6, from 0.1613 to 0.8667 and from 0.1549 to 0.7932, respectively. Two loci significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction and no significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found. Cross-species amplification of these microsatellite loci in additional three fish species was performed. These polymorphic microsatellite loci would be useful for investigating genetic population structure and construction of genetic linkage map in Kareius bicoloratus.

Evaluation of Predicted Fish Distribution Models for Rare Fish Species in South Dakota

AbstractPredictive fish distribution models have utility in planning conservation measures for rare fish species. However, species rarity creates sampling and modeling difficulties that require an understanding of model accuracy. We evaluated existing distribution models for 10 rare fishes based on 2,026 community fish samples and associated riverine habitat. Our fieldwork provided an independent fish species inventory for 143 sample sites. This inventory was used to quantify species detectability for use as a weighting factor with which to correct false‐negative modeling errors. Presence/absence data were compared with predictions to evaluate model accuracy as determined by Cohen's kappa and correct classification rates. Detection probabilities were generally small but ranged from 0 to 0.68. The models predicted species occurrence with relatively high success (average kappa = 45.6% and average correct classification rate = 74.1%). The habitat variables for predicting species occurrence varied among species; however, stream size and streamflow were the most influential. All distribution models had adequate predictive abilities and improved our understanding of fish distributions and the factors determining those distributions. Model accuracy statistics can provide managers with a measure of confidence when they are directing conservation activities.

Cryopreservation of spotted halibut ( Verasper variegatus) sperm

Spotted halibut ( Verasper variegatus) is now regarded as being endangered in China because of its continuous decline in the last three decades. Preservation and protection of its genetic resources were demanded in order to protect this rare fish species. In this project, cryopreservation technique for sperm of spotted halibut was developed. The effects of various extenders and cryoprotectants on motility of frozen–thawed sperm were examined. The motility of frozen–thawed sperm in TS-2 was higher than that in ASW and MPRS ( p < 0.05) and was not significantly different from that of fresh sperm ( p > 0.05). While the motility of frozen–thawed sperm cryopreserved with 13.3% EG (ethylene glycol), 13.3% glycerol, 13.3% MeOH (methanol) and 13.3% DMF (dimethylformamide) was less than 5%, no significant differences were observed in the motility between fresh sperm and frozen–thawed sperm cryopreserved with 13.3% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), 13.3% PG (propylene glycol) ( p > 0.05). Using the above method, we cryopreserved spotted halibut semen with extender TS-2 and 13.3% DMSO or 13.3% PG. As a result, the fertilization rate (34.52 ± 10.92%) and hatching rate (23.53 ± 11.80%) of frozen–thawed sperm were not significantly different from that of fresh sperm ( p > 0.05). Motility and time delay in the activation of frozen–thawed sperm activated by artificial seawater at different salinity were different. Low salinity (low osmolality) could delay the activation of frozen–thawed sperm. The highest motility was observed with artificial seawater of 30‰ ( p < 0.05). The most suitable temperature of seawater to activate spotted halibut frozen sperm was determined to be 18 °C ( p < 0.05). However, temperature of seawater has no significant effect on time delay in the activation of frozen–thawed sperm ( p > 0.05).

Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers from barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) and their cross-species amplification

Barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) is a rare fish species in the world. Here, we reported 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from a dinucleotide-enriched genomic library of barfin flounder (Verasper moseri). The number of alleles, observed, and expected heterozygosity per locus in a test population ranged from 2 to 6, from 0.3333 to 1.0000, and from 0.4866 to 0.7774, respectively. One locus significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction and no significant linkage disequilibrium was found between pairs of loci. Cross-species amplification of these microsatellite loci in additional five fish species was performed. These polymorphic microsatellite loci would be useful for investigating genetic population structure and construction of genetic linkage map in Verasper moseri.

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from a dinucleotide-enriched genomic library of starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) and cross-species amplification

Starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) is a rare fish species in China. Here, we reported 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from a dinucleotide-enriched genomic library of starry flounder (P. stellatus). The number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity per locus in 30 individuals ranged from two to six, from 0.2500 to 1.0000 and from 0.4512 to 0.7667, respectively. One locus significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction and no significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found. Cross-species amplification of these microsatellite loci in additional three fish species was performed. These polymorphic microsatellite loci would be useful for investigating genetic population structure and construction of genetic linkage map in P. stellatus.

A CHECKLIST OF FISH AND CRUSTACEANS OF THE SOUTH-WEST COAST OF BANGLADESH

The study was based on the preparation of a list of fish and crustacean species available in the South-west coastal areas of Bangladesh and aimed at establishing a museum at the Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology (FMRT) Discipline. Such a museum in the Discipline was thought to be useful for the teachers, students and researchers in the areas of fisheries management and fish culture. The collections were made from all over the places of rural and urban markets of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira; from fish landing ghats and from fishermen boats of Mongla, Dacope and Khulna. A list of 137 species of fish and belonging to 16 Orders, 69 Families and 106 Genera was produced. The crustaceans were 9 Species belonging to the single Order, Decapoda consisting of 4 Families and 6 Genera. The specimens were identified using standard keys, preserved in 10% formalin, labeled and shelved in the museum of FMRT Discipline. The list, however, was not an exhaustive one. Because the collection could not be made from the offshore areas, it was not possible to include many of the rare and unconventional species of fish and crustaceans from the offshore waters. The museum established, it is hoped, will play a due role in fisheries teaching and research.

New records of rare fish species for Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan

The first record of Soldatovia polyactocephala (male 130 mm SL) for Peter the Great Bay is reported. Davidijordania lacertian (male 138 mm and female 154 mm SL) and Nautichthys pribilovius (two males 79–80 mm SL) are very rare in this region. Brief descriptions of these species are given.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis to identify the genetic structure of the Gymnocypris przewalskii (Kessler, 1876) population from the Qinghai Basin, China

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to analyse the genetic structure of 45 individuals of Gymnocypris przewalskii (Kessler, 1876), an endangered and state-protected rare fish species, from three areas [the Heima (HM), Buha (BH) and Shaliu rivers (SL), all draining into Qinghai Lake]. A total of 563 polymorphic loci were detected. The HM, BH and SL populations have 435, 433 and 391 loci, respectively (Zhu and Wu, 1975), which account for 77.26%, 76.91% and 69.45% of the total number of polymorphic loci of each population, respectively. The Nei indices of genetic diversities (H) of the three populations were calculated to be 0.2869 (HM), 0.2884 (BH) and 0.2663 (SL), respectively. Their Shannon informative indices are 0.4244, 0.4251 and 0.3915, respectively. Research results show that the mean genetic distance between HM and BH is the smallest (0.0511), between BH and SL is the second shortest (0.0608), and between HM and SL is the largest (0.0713), with the mean genetic distance among the three populations being over 0.05. Data mentioned above indicate that the three populations have a certain genetic differentiation. The total genetic diversity (Ht = 0.3045) and the mean value of genetic diversity within the population (Hs = 0.2786) indicate that the variations have mainly come from within the population.

Assessment of Rarity of the Blackmouth Shiner Notropis melanostomus (Cyprinidae) Based on Museum and Recent Survey Data

Accurate knowledge of an organism's distribution is necessary for conserving species with small or isolated populations. A perceived rarity may only reflect inadequate sampling effort and suggest the need for more research. We used a recently developed method to evaluate the distribution of a rare fish species, the blackmouth shiner Notropis melanostomus Bortone 1989 (Cyprin- idae), which occurs in disjunct populations in Mississippi and Florida. Until 1995, N. melanostomus had been collected from only three localities in Missis- sippi, but in 1995, eight new localities were discovered. We analyzed museum records of fish collections from Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama to compare sampling effort before and after 1995. Results supported our predictions that 1) pre-1995 data would indicate inadequate sampling effort in Mississippi, 2) addi- tional post-1995 sampling improved confidence in the currently known Missis- sippi distribution, and 3) there has not been enough sampling to accurately repre- sent the actual distribution of N. melanostomus in Florida and across its entire known range. This last prediction was confirmed with the recent (2003) discovery of the first N. melanostomus in Alabama.

Redescription of Gymnotus coatesi (Gymnotiformes, Gymnotidae): A Rare Species of Electric Fish from the Lowland Amazon Basin, with Descriptions of Osteology, Electric Signals, and Ecology

Gymnotus coatesi, a small and rare species of Neotropical electric fish, was originally described by LaMonte from material collected in Pará, Brazil, in 1934. The senior author discovered populations of this species in the vicinity of Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil, and near Iquitos and Jenaro Herrera in the lowland Upper Amazon of Peru. We provide a formal redescription of this species and describe external morphology, osteology, ecology, and electric signals, with emphasis on the Tefé population. Gymnotus coatesi can be distinguished from all congeners by a unique banding pattern and by a unique combination of morphometric and meristic characters. Gymnotus coatesi is known from localities along the main stem of the Amazon River from near the confluence of the Río Marañon with the Río Ucayali (Loreto, Peru) to the Rio Tocantins (Pará, Brazil) but is poorly represented in museum collections. In the Tefé region, G. coatesi inhabits the seasonally flooded lower courses of terra firme rain-forest streams. In the Peruvian Amazon, it also occurs in the upper, nonflooded, reaches of rainforest streams.

Human impact on fish assemblages in the Nemunas River, Lithuania.

The Nemunas River is one of the largest rivers of the eastern part of the Baltic Sea with a total length of 937 km and a drainage area of 97,860 km 2 . Historical data show that more than 50 fish species have been present in this river. Recent ichthyological investigations were carried out in the lower and middle Nemunas in 1996-2000. In total, 34 fish species were caught with a beach seine and multi-mesh size bottom and floating gill nets. When comparing these findings with available historical data, sharp changes have been observed in fish communities. Due to dramatic environmental changes reophilous stenobiontic fish species have decreased. Especially sharp changes have been observed in the abundance of migratory fish species. The main spawning grounds of salmon, sea trout and vimha were lost after the middle reaches of the Nemunas River had been dammed. This and other factors, such as pollution, land reclamation and deforestation, are the probable reasons for the decrease of migratory fish species. During the recent years, when wastewater treatment plants were built, pollution of the Nemunas River and the Curonian Lagoon (Baltic Sea) has decreased. Now, nitrogen and phosphorus levels are 2-3 times lower in comparison with the period 10-12 years ago. Migratory species have recently been observed to increase in number again. The main spawning grounds of numerous commercial fish species of the Curonian Lagoon (pikeperch, bream, wels), migratory fish and lampreys of the Baltic Sea (sea lamprey, river lamprey, smelt, twaite shad) and rare fish species have been found in the lower part of the Nemunas River. A programme for the rehabilitation of the Nemunas River Delta, including hydrotechnical, hydrological and nature protecting measures, is now being prepared in Lithuania.

Diversity of fish species assemblages distributed in the drainage area of Lake Balaton (Hungary)

Varying habitats of northern and southern inflows running into Lake Balaton provide appropriate living conditions for numerous fish species. Inflowing canals, creeks, and rivulets are presently the exclusive living places for a number of endangered and rare fish species (habitats, nursing, and feeding areas). Except for River Zala, these places functionally replaced the natural bays and marshy areas being dredged a long time ago. Particular studies on faunistics, ecology, and population dynamics during 1995–2001 proved the occurrence of 26 fish species in these water bodies at different densities. Most species are endangered due to intensified tourism, water quality deterioration, commercial and sport fisheries, and habitat modification.

Status of Fishes of the Allegheny River Watershed of New York State

The Allegheny River drainage in southwestern New York sup- ports a diverse fish fauna that includes reports of 95 species. Of these, nine species are classified as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in New York; this number represents 38% of the listed species in the state. Thirteen of the 95 species are reported only from the Allegheny River drainage and have not been found in other New York drainages. Eleven species are introduced, and four may have migrated into the drainage recently. Individual waters with high species richness, 46-67 species, include the Allegheny River, French Creek, Olean Creek, and Chautauqua Lake. The ichthyofauna of the Allegheny River drainage is important because of the number of rare fish species present in the drainage (26) when compared to other New York drainages.

Estimating the Probability That Historical Populations of Fish Species Are Extirpated

Abstract A dilemma fishery managers sometimes face is how to state with reasonable confidence that a rare fish species has been extirpated from a given system. Data on abundance and distribution are typically scarce for rare species and are mostly in the form of incidental observations, such as fisheries bycatch or museum collections. An objective and quantitative method of evaluating the status of a rare fish species in selected systems—one that is based on incidental observations and that could be used to provide a first warning to managers that a species may be extirpated—would be highly desirable. In this paper, we review two methods that use incidental observations for estimating the probability that a species is extirpated, and we demonstrate the methods with available data sets for Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus and Alabama sturgeon Scaphirhynchus suttkusi. Special considerations should be made when applying the methods to data sets for fish species. We recommend against using or combining ...

Changes in fish species diversity and dominant species composition in the Yellow Sea

Species diversity of the Yellow Sea fish community in 1959, 1981, 1985 and 1986 was measured by means of several methods. An evenness index, E = log e ( 1 λ) log e S , was introduced to measure the fish community. The differences in diversity index in the Yellow Sea between seasons are due to fish migration, while the differences between years are attributed to the changes of species composition caused by overfishing and species interactions. The numbers of dominant, common and rare species of fish were calculated using Hill's diversity index. The dominant species in 1959 were all demersal fish, which were the major target for fisheries in the 1950s and 1960s. However, in the 1980s, pelagic fish took a very dominant position, especially small pelagic fish, which were the prey of large pelagic and bottom fish. This indicates that the depletion of most demersal fish and large size pelagic fish has resulted in the increase of small planktophagous pelagic fish in the Yellow Sea.

Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas

The standard fish ID reference for underwater naturalists and marine scientists since 1989 just got better! This enlarged 3rd edition has grown by 20 percent including the addition of over 100 exciting new fish species. The scientifically updated text now boasts 825 classic marine life photographs of 600 common and rare reef fish species. The easy to use, quick-reference format designed for divers makes it a snap to identify the myriad fishes that inhabit the waters of Florida, the Caribbean, Bahamas and now Brazil! It features a new durable, cloth-stitched flexi-binding that folds flat for easy use and water-repellent plastic covers.