Oncorhynchus Masou Ishikawae Research Articles

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Three Myxosporean Species of the Genera Myxobolus, Henneguya, and Myxidium (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) Infecting Freshwater Fish, Isolated for the First Time in Japan.

The majority of myxosporean species (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) of the genera Myxobolus (35 species), Henneguya (8 species), and Myxidium (9 species) from freshwater or brackish fish in Japan were recorded more than 30 years ago (accumulatively 81.1% [43/53]). The re-discovery and molecular-genetic characterization of these species is a current research priority. During our myxosporean survey in Japanese freshwater fish, we detected three species that had never been recorded in Japan, but in the Russian Far East (Sakhalin Island, and Maritime Province): Myxobolus tribolodonus sp. n., forming cysts in the gills of Tribolodon sachalinensis (syn. M. marinus sensu Aseeva, 2000; M. marinus sensu Sokolov et Frolova, 2015, recorded from the gills of Pseudaspius (syn. Tribolodon) spp.); Henneguya pungitii Achmerov, 1953, forming cysts in the subcutis of external skin and buccal submucosa of Pungitius sinensis; and Myxidium salvelini Konovalov et Shulman, 1966, in the urinary bladder of Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae. These new isolates were characterized by integrated taxonomic approaches, i.e., myxospore morphology and molecular-genetic characterization of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA). These new isolates were phylogenetically differentiated from any species whose SSU rDNA sequences were deposited in the DNA databases, and concurrently compared with recorded species based on classical morphological criteria. All three species were differentiated from myxosporeans previously recorded in Japan, indicating new distribution records out of the Russian Far East. For reliable species identification, accumulation of at least SSU rDNA sequences of known species worldwide is critically important.

Resource partitioning between non-native white-spotted charr and native red-spotted masu salmon in Shikoku, southwestern Japan: population- and individual-level analyses

Resource partitioning between non-native white-spotted charr and native red-spotted masu salmon in Shikoku, southwestern Japan: population- and individual-level analyses

Seasonal ecosystem linkages contribute to the maintenance of migratory polymorphism in a salmonid population.

The influence of resource subsidies on animal growth, survival and reproduction is well understood, but their ultimate effects on life history have been less explored. Some wild species have a partially migratory life history, wherein migration is dictated based upon threshold traits regulated in part by the seasonal availability of resources. We conducted a large-scale field manipulation experiment where we provided a terrestrial invertebrate subsidy to red-spotted masu salmon. Individuals in stream reaches that received a subsidy had, on average, a 53% increase in growth rate relative to those in control reaches. This increased growth resulted in a greater proportion of individuals reaching the threshold body size and smolting in the autumn. Consequently, 19-55% of females in subsidized reaches became migratory, whereas 0-14% became migratory in the control reaches. Our findings highlight seasonal ecosystem linkage as a key ecosystem property for maintaining migratory polymorphism in partially migratory animals.

Recent reduction of genetic diversity in markless form of the red-spotted masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae in the Ono River, Kyushu, Japan

Recent reduction of genetic diversity in markless form of the red-spotted masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae in the Ono River, Kyushu, Japan

Overlap in spawning habitat characteristics between two salmonids in relation to stream size: redd superimposition hypothesis on longitudinal species replacement

Redd superimposition, spawning on a previous spawner's redd by a later spawner, reduces reproductive success of the previous spawner. Therefore, in streams where redd superimposition frequently occurs, late-spawning species have a competitive advantage over early-spawning species. We hypothesised that smaller channels of upper reaches would have higher potential of redd superimposition owing to lower availability of spawning habitat, thereby providing a competitive advantage to late-spawning species, to explain a displacement of native masu salmon ( Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae) by non-native white-spotted char ( Salvelinus leucomaenis) (late spawner) specific to small upper reaches in a Japanese river. We examined (1) the availability of spawning habitat and (2) overlap in spawning habitat characteristics between the two species in streams with different channel size. The results showed that (1) the habitat availability decreased upstream as channel size decreased, and (2) characteristics of spawning habitat highly overlapped between the two species in small channels, whereas those differed significantly between the two species in larger channels, supporting our hypothesis. Our results provide a new perspective on longitudinal changes in competitive advantages in salmonids.

Recovery of white-spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis following the removal of stocked red-spotted masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae in a small headwater tributary of Lake Biwa, central Japan

Recovery of white-spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis following the removal of stocked red-spotted masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae in a small headwater tributary of Lake Biwa, central Japan

Functional analysis of thermo-sensitive TRPV1 in an aquatic vertebrate, masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae)

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is mainly expressed in nociceptive primary sensory neurons and acts as a sensor for heat and capsaicin. The functional properties of TRPV1 have been reported to vary among species and, in some cases, the species difference in its thermal sensitivity is likely to be associated with thermal habitat conditions. To clarify the functional properties and physiological roles of TRPV1 in aquatic vertebrates, we examined the temperature and chemical sensitivities of TRPV1 in masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae, Om) belonging to a family of salmonids that generally prefer cool environments. First, behavioral experiments were conducted using a video tracking system. Application of capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist, induced locomotor activities in juvenile Om. Increasing the ambient temperature also elicited locomotor activity potentiated by capsaicin. RT-PCR revealed TRPV1 expression in gills as well as spinal cord. Next, electrophysiological analyses of OmTRPV1 were performed using a two-electrode voltage-clamp technique with a Xenopus oocyte expression system. Heat stimulation evoked an inward current in heterologously expressed OmTRPV1. In addition, capsaicin produced current responses in OmTRPV1-expressing oocytes, but higher concentrations were needed for its activation compared to the mammalian orthologues. These results indicate that Om senses environmental stimuli (heat and capsaicin) through the activation of TRPV1, and this channel may play important roles in avoiding environments disadvantageous for survival in aquatic vertebrates.

A novel ND1 mitochondrial DNA mutation is maternally inherited in growth hormone transgenesis in amago salmon (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae)

Growth hormone (GH) transgenesis can be used to manipulate the growth performance of fish and mammals. In this study, homozygous and hemizygous GH-transgenic amago salmon (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae) derived from a single female exhibited hypoglycemia. Proteomic and signal network analyses using iTRAQ indicated a decreased NAD+/NADH ratio in transgenic fish, indicative of reduced mitochondrial ND1 function and ROS levels. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing revealed that approximately 28% of the deletion mutations in the GH homozygous- and hemizygous-female-derived mitochondrial DNA occurred in ND1. These fish also displayed decreased ROS levels. Our results indicate that GH transgenesis in amago salmon may induce specific deletion mutations that are maternally inherited over generations and alter energy production.

Occurrence of a Skin Parasite <i>Argulus coregoni</i> (Branchiura: Argulidae) on Salmonids in Mountain Streams, Central Japan, with Discussion on Its Longitudinal Distribution and Host Utilization in Rivers

Argulus coregoni Thorell, 1864 was collected from white-spotted char, Salvelinus leucomaenis (Pallas, 1814), red-spotted masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae Jordan and McGregor, 1925, masu salmon, O. m. masou (Brevoort, 1856), and a hybrid between white-spotted char and masu salmon in mountain streams, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. The host’s body surface under and near the pectoral fins was the most common infection site for A. coregoni. The infected white-spotted char were caught at high elevations (461–873 m) in the headwater streams. The infected individuals of the two masu salmon subspecies were mostly caught in the upper river reaches, but the elevations where they were caught were lower (237–733 m and 660–707 m, respectively) than those of the white-spotted char. Since A. coregoni is also known as a parasite of ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846), in the middle and lower river reaches in the prefecture, this parasite utilizes different fish species as its hosts along a river course: white-spotted char and the two masu salmon subspecies serve as the hosts, respectively, in the headwater and the middle to lower sections of the upper reaches, but in the mid- and lower river reaches, ayu is the important host.

Complementary distribution of non-native white-spotted charr and native red-spotted masu salmon in Shikoku Island, southwestern Japan: a consequence of interspecific interactions?

Complementary distribution of non-native white-spotted charr and native red-spotted masu salmon in Shikoku Island, southwestern Japan: a consequence of interspecific interactions?

Difficulty in sex identification of two local populations of red-spotted masu salmon using two salmonid male-specific molecular markers

Difficulty in sex identification of two local populations of red-spotted masu salmon using two salmonid male-specific molecular markers

Anadromous red-spotted masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae), a southernmost sea-migration form of salmonid, displays low variation in both age at seaward migration and sea age.

We examined variations in age at seaward migration and sea age for the anadromous form of red-spotted masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae) in two Japanese rivers. The anadromous form of red-spotted masu salmon expressed only two sea migration patterns in the two rivers: (a) the majority of the salmon (95%, n=81) were of age-0, and age-1 migrants were rare (n=4); and (b) all the salmon examined (n=22) made a return migration within a year, with 23% of the salmon exhibiting potamodromy in the river. Owing to low variation in their sea migratory patterns, the anadromous form of red-spotted masu salmon is likely vulnerable to environmental fluctuations.

Morphological evolution reduces downstream displacement in juvenile landlocked salmon.

Severe flooding often leads to downstream displacement of aquatic animals. Despite this, many salmonid populations persist in habitats located upstream of tall barriers, such as artificial check dams and/or natural waterfalls, that completely block fishes from returning to the upstream areas after flooding. The evolution of such populations may be affected by spatial sorting due to differential rates of downstream displacement. This study examined whether a morphological trait (increased body depth) that allows individuals to better maintain their position during flooding has evolved in juvenile amago salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae inhabiting above-barrier habitats in two rivers. In both rivers, juveniles collected at the stations with multiple downstream barriers had deeper bodies than those collected at other stations. Similar differences were found in juveniles reared in a common-garden experiment. Field experiments with natural flooding also indicated that deep bodies help juveniles resist downstream displacement. These results consistently suggest that juveniles in some above-barrier habitats have evolved deep bodies to resist downstream displacement due to flooding. Our study is the first to show the evolutionary outcomes of passive spatial sorting during severe climate events.

Captive-bred populations of a partially migratory salmonid fish are unlikely to maintain migratory polymorphism in natural habitats.

Variation in life history is fundamental to the long-term persistence of populations and species. Partial migration, in which both migratory and resident individuals are maintained in a population, is commonly found across animal taxa. However, human-induced habitat fragmentation continues to cause a rapid decline in the migratory phenotype in many natural populations. Using field and hatchery experiments, we demonstrated that despite both migrants and residents being maintained in captive environments, few individuals of the red-spotted masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae, became migrants in natural streams when released prior to the migration decision. Released fish rarely reached the threshold body size necessary to become migrants in natural streams, presumably owing to lower growth rates in natural than in captive environments. The decision to migrate is often considered a threshold trait in salmonids and other animal taxa. Our findings highlight the need for management programmes that acknowledge the effects of the environment on the determination of the migratory phenotypes of partially migratory species when releasing captive-bred individuals prior to their migratory decisions.

Carotenoids of land-locked and sea-run types of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae inhabiting in the Nagara River, Japan, from the perspective of chemical ecological study

Carotenoids of the land-locked type (Amago) and sea-run type (Satsukimasu) of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae inhabiting the Nagara River, Gifu Prefecture, Japan were investigated from the perspective of the chemical ecological point of view. Yellow xanthophylls, 3′-epilutein, lutein, zeaxanthin, and diatoxanthin were major carotenoids in wild Amago. They were also present in the flesh of wild Amago. These carotenoids originated from aquatic insects, which wild Amago fed on. On the other hand, tunaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and salmoxanthin were major carotenoids in the integument of Satsukimasu, which migrated from the Ise Bay to the Nagara River. Astaxanthin was a major carotenoid in the flesh of Satsukimasu. These carotenoids accumulated from marine fish and crustaceans, which Satsukimasu fed on during migration in the sea. Carotenoids of Amago and Satukimasu well-reflect their ecological life history.

Genetic and Morphological Characteristics in the Local Population of the Landlocked Salmon Oncorhynchus masou Originally Distributed in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Oncorhynchus masou, including subspecies of Oncorhynchus masou masou (yamame) and Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae (amago), is one of the salmonid groups impacted by human activity such as dam construction and release of non-native salmonids. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure of O. masou populations in the Sakawa and Sagami Rivers, Japan, by sequencing the mitochondrial control region. We hoped to identify genetically the O. masou populations specific to and originally native to Kanagawa Prefecture, where the two subspecies are thought to be present. The populations found in the upstream tributaries, where there has been no human impact and no upstream migration of fishes, were assumed to be descendants of the local O. masou populations in both river systems, and the morphological features seen here were similar to amago and yamame. However, both populations were genetically related to amago. In addition, only six haplotypes were detected in 315 individuals collected from 20 localities in the two river systems. Furthermore, haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of these populations were low, and high FST values were observed. These results suggest that the population size is restricted and genetic diversity is decreasing in the O. masou populations of the Sakawa and Sagami Rivers.

Spatial covariation of fish population vital rates in a stream network

Animal populations are spatially structured in heterogeneous landscapes, in which local patches with differing vital rates are connected by dispersal of individuals to varying degrees. Although there is evidence that vital rates differ among local populations, much less is understood about how vital rates covary among local patches in spatially heterogeneous landscapes. In this study, we conducted a nine‐year annual mark–recapture survey to characterize spatial covariation of survival and growth for two Japanese native salmonids, white‐spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis japonicus and red‐spotted masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae, in a headwater stream network composed of distinctly different tributary and mainstem habitats. Spatial structure of survival and growth differed by species and age class, but results provided support for negative covariation between vital rates, where survival was higher in the tributary habitat but growth was higher in the mainstem habitat. Thus, neither habitat was apparently more important than the other, and local habitats with complementary vital rates may make this spatially structured population less vulnerable to environmental change (i.e. portfolio effect). Despite the spatial structure of vital rates and possibilities that fish can exploit spatially distributed resources, movement of fish was limited due partly to a series of low‐head dams that prevented upstream movement of fish in the study area. This study shows that spatial structure of vital rates can be complex and depend on species and age class, and this knowledge is likely paramount to elucidating dynamics of spatially structured populations.

The fish louse <i>Argulus coregoni</i> from <i>Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae</i> (Salmonidae) cultured in Shikoku, western Japan, with a list of occurrence records of <i>A. coregoni</i> from fishes reared in Japan

The fish louse <i>Argulus coregoni</i> from <i>Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae</i> (Salmonidae) cultured in Shikoku, western Japan, with a list of occurrence records of <i>A. coregoni</i> from fishes reared in Japan

昭和時代初期のサツキマスの分布：農林省水産局「河川漁業」の情報からの推定

昭和時代初期のサツキマスの分布：農林省水産局「河川漁業」の情報からの推定

Molecular identification of biwa trout (Oncorhynchus masou rhodurus) using PCR-RFLP method.

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was used to identify meat from biwa trout (Oncorhynchus masou rhodurus), amago trout (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae), yamame trout (Oncorhynchus masou masou), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). PCR amplification was conducted using primers flanking conserved regions of NADH dehydrogenase subunits 4 and 5 (ND4-ND5) (2848bp) and ND1 (1091bp) genes of mitochondrial DNA following restriction digestion with the enzyme HaeIII. Although the segments of ND4-ND5 and ND1 genes showed intraspecies variation, the generation of DNA fragments larger than 300bp and 160bp following cleavage by HaeIII of ND4-ND5 and ND1, respectively, was efficient to differentiate the four species. Furthermore, this method was successful in species identification even when using PCR-amplified products obtained from thermally processed biwa trout samples. This sensitive technique can be utilized to reveal commercial fraud, where biwa trout is adulterated with meat from cheaper counterparts.