Russian Waters Research Articles

Species diversity and conservation status of cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes) of Russian waters

The paper considers the composition of the fauna of cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes) in the waters adjacent to the coast of the Russian Federation. Its features are analyzed in the seas of basins of different oceans. The conservation status of cartilaginous fishes in the waters of Russia is assessed according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The current state of individual threatened species is briefly characterized.

Some peculiarities of the population biology of the ghost shrimp Nihonotrypaea petalura (Stimpson, 1860) (Decapoda: Callianassidae) in coastal waters of Vostok bay, the Sea of Japan

In June 2012, some features of the population biology of the ghost shrimp Nihonotrypaea petalura were studied first for the Russian waters in sublittoral populations of the Vostok Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan). It was found that N. petalura formed aggregations of an average density of 9–19 ind./m2 at the depth of 0.2–3 m on rocky and mixed bottoms. The biomass of the aggregations was 15–27 g/m2 or 1–33% of the average total biomass of macrozoobenthos, which included animals of 48 taxa. The maximum depth of the shrimp burrows was 52 cm. The populations consisted of animals with body lengths of 17–63 mm. In the size-frequency distribution, two peaks in the number, attributed to the shrimps of 24–29 and 39–48 mm size groups, were observed. The ratio of males to females almost did not vary with size and remained in general close to 1: 0.9 for the surveyed shrimp populations. The local differences in the studied parameters of N. petalura from the Vostok Bay, as well as from other areas of the range, are discussed in relation to features of the habitation of these animals that living in different biotopes.

The larval development of the mud shrimp Upogebia yokoyai Makarov, 1938 (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Upogebiidae) reared under laboratory conditions

Larval development of the mud shrimp Upogebia yokoyai Makarov, 1938 (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Upogebiidae) is described and illustrated for the first time from material reared in the laboratory. The development includes four zoeal stages and a megalopa. At 20–22°C the megalopa was attained 16 days after hatching. The zoeae of U. yokoyai are distinguishable from those of the sympatric species Upogebia major and Upogebia issaeffi, inhabiting Russian waters of the Sea of Japan, by the presence of two pairs of spines (posterolateral and posterodorsal), each on the fourth and fifth pleonal somites. The megalopa of U. yokoyai differs in the length of the rostral spine, shape of telson and number of antennular aesthetascs.

Xenolumpenus longipterus Shinohara et Yabe, 2009 (Perciformes: Stichaeidae), a new genus and species for waters of Russia

The Long-Finned Prickleback, Xenolumpenus longipterus Shinohara et Yabe, 2009, a new genus and species in Russian waters, has been found. A description of the species is given.

The species composition and quantitative distribution of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia H. Peragallo, 1990 in Russian waters of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk

This paper studies the species composition and quantitative distribution of diatoms that belong to the genus Pseudo-nitzschia in the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. In total, 11 species of this genus were found in the area, including 7 that are known as being potentially toxic. The highest concentrations of Pseudo-nitzschia microalgae (1.4 × 106–2.7 × 106 cells/L) were found in the summer and autumn in the Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan and the lowest concentrations (2.5 × 102–1 × 104 cells/L) were found in the Sakhalinsky and Akademiya bays of the Sea of Okhotsk. The species diversity of potentially toxic diatoms was greatest (seven species) and the cell concentrations highest (over 6 × 105 cells/L) in the Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan, and in the Aniva Bay, Sea of Okhotsk. The density of potentially toxic species was highest near the northeastern coast of Sakhalin Island, in the Amur River estuary, and in adjacent waters. This paper also presents geographical distribution maps of Pseudo-nitzschia species and maps of the density distribution of potentially toxic microalgae over the studied area and identifies potential amnesic shellfish poisoning areas.

Effects of pot fishing on the physical condition of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and southern Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi)

The effects of commercial fishing with crab pots on the physical condition of the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and southern Tanner crab (C. bairdi) were investigated in the Bering Sea and in Russian waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. In crabs that were subjected to pot hauling, the presence of gas embolism and the deformation of gill lamellae were found in histopathological investigations. Crab vitality, which was characterized subjectively through observation of behavioral responses, depended on not only the number of pot hauls but also the time between hauls. Immediately after repeated pot hauls at short time intervals (≤3 days), we observed a rapid decline in vitality of crabs. When hauling intervals were increased to >3 days, the condition of crabs did not significantly change. After repeated pot hauls, concentration of the respiratory pigment hemocyanin ([Hc]) was often lower in the hemolymph of crabs than in the hemolymph of freshly caught animals. Our research indicated that changes in [Hc] in crabs after repeated pot hauls were caused by the effects of decompression and not by starvation of crabs in pots or exposure of crabs to air. We suggest that the decrease in [Hc] in hemolymph of snow and southern Tanner crabs was a response to the adverse effects of decompression and air-bubble disease. The decrease in [Hc] in affected crabs may be a result of mechanisms that regulate internal pressure in damaged gills to optimize respiratory circulation.

Relationships of osmerid fishes (Osmeridae) of Russia: divergence of nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes

Relationships of seven species of smelts (family Osmeridae) inhabiting Russian waters were analyzed on the basis of nucleotide sequence divergence of cytb, COI and intron 1 of rpS7 genes. Nuclear sequence divergence between the species within of the genera Osmerus, Mallotus and Hypomesus was 1.6–2.6, 2.9 and 6.6–11.8 %, respectively, and mitochondrial sequence divergence was 8.9–9.7, 3.9 and 15.1–18.3 %, respectively. The mtDNA divergence was 20.4 % between the genera Hypomesus and Mallotus, 18.47 % between Hypomesus and Osmerus, and 17.62 % between Mallotus and Osmerus. Nuclear DNA divergence was 11.58, 11.19, and 11.37 %, respectively. MP, ML and Bayesian analyses coupled with inclusion in analyses of GenBank-derived sequences of osmerid species that do not inhabit this region suggest that the lineage of the genus Mallotus was the first to separate from the common hypothetic ancestor of the smelts and is sister to the Osmerus–Hypomesus clade. The position of Hypomesus olidus is not resolved and points to the need for further research.

Of the rookery distribution differences in northern fur seals and Steller sea lions in the waters of the Russian far east

Abstract We investigated factors influencing differences in the rookery distribution patterns between northern fur seals and Steller sea lions in the waters of the Russian far east. The limited distribution of northern fur seal rookeries observed during 1991–2001 resulted from the need for shallow tide pools near the shore for pups to practice swimming. In addition, the large and concentrated populations of the seals required large flat areas and a high degree of natal site fidelity. In contrast, in the case of Steller sea lion rookeries observed along the Kuril islands in 2001, the pups were able to swim under maternal care, and their populations were smaller and had a lower degree of natal site fidelity. So, from our observations, their rookeries, unlike those of northern fur seals, are therefore widely distributed across diverse topographical conditions in the waters of Russian far east.

Description of Upeneus japonicus (Mullidae), Japanese goatfish, a rare species in the Russian waters

Description of Upeneus japonicus (Mullidae), Japanese goatfish, a rare species in the Russian waters

Peanut worms of the phylum Sipuncula from the Sea of Japan with a key to species

Sipunculan worms from the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan are still poorly investigated while they are much better known from the Japanese coast. The aim of this paper is to describe sipunculans from the Russian coast and from the deepest part of the Sea of Japan near the Primorye Province collected by SoJaBio expedition, and to provide keys for identification of sipunculan species from the Sea of Japan. At the Russian coast of the Sea of Japan only 8 valid species of sipunculans were found and identified: Golfingia margaritacea, G. vulgaris, Nephasoma capilleforme, N. wodjanizkii, Phascolion strombus, Thysanocardia nigra, Themiste hexadactyla (=T. pyroides), Phascolosoma agassizii. Taking into account 4 other valid species noted for this area, Nephasoma eremite, Thysanocardia catharinae, Themiste blanda and Phascolosoma scolops, which were not found, the sipunculan fauna of the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan now comprises 12 valid species. Nephasoma capilleforme and Nephasoma wodjanizkii are the first records for the North-West Pacific and the Sea of Japan. Species accounts include the most important taxonomic characters and specific biotope data. Accordingly, a key up to species level is provided. Totally, the fauna of the Sea of Japan is now estimated as having 31 valid species of sipunculans.

Hermit crabs Pagurus parvispina Komai, 1997 and Discorsopagurus maclaughlinae Komai, 1995 (Decapoda: Paguridae): New records for Russian waters of the Sea of Japan

The hermit crab Pagurus parvispina Komai, 1997 (Decapoda: Paguridae) was found in Vostok Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan) at a depth of 50–65 m. Earlier, this species was recorded from the type locality in northern Japan at a depth of 150–200 m. The finding of P. parvispina in Vostok Bay is its first record in Russian waters and substantially expands the distribution area of this species in the Sea of Japan. Discorsopagurus maclaughlinae Komai, 1995 inhabits Russian waters and was earlier identified as Orthopagurus schmitti (Stevens, 1925); its taxonomical position is discussed.

The larval development of the mud shrimp Upogebia issaeffi (Balss, 1913) (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Upogebiidae) reared under laboratory conditions

Larval development of the mud shrimp Upogebia issaeffi (Balss, 1913) (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Upogebiidae) is describedand illustrated for the first time from material reared in the laboratory. The development includes four zoeal and a singlemegalopal stages. At 20–22°C the first megalopa was attained 12 days after hatching. U. issaeffi is distinguished from U.major, the second upogebiid species inhabiting Russian waters of the Sea of Japan, by the presence of the fourth zoeal stage and considerably more intensive larval setation.

On the presence of the caridean shrimp Lysmata vittata (Decapoda, Hippolytidae) in the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan

On the presence of the caridean shrimp Lysmata vittata (Decapoda, Hippolytidae) in the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan

A morphological description of the brown shanny Stichaeus fuscus Miki et Maruyama, 1986 (Perciformes: Stichaeidae)

Findings of the brown shanny Stichaeus fuscus Miki et Maruyama, 1986 in waters of Russia are reported for the first time. The morphology of S. fuscus is studied in detail based on representative material; the taxonomic characters of this species are revised. A key to the species of the genus Stichaeus is given.

Morphology of the complete larval development of the symbiotic crab Sestrostoma balssi (Shen, 1932) (Varunidae: Gaeticinae)

Larval development of the symbiotic crab Sestrostoma balssi (Shen, 1932) (Varunidae: Gaeticinae) inhabiting Russian waters of the Sea of Japan is described and illustrated for the first time from material reared in the laboratory. The development includes five zoeal and a single megalopal stages. The first megalopa was attained at 20–22°C 35 days after hatching. The present paper is the first description of the complete larval development in the genus Sestrostoma. The larvae of S. balssi share all principal characters of the family Varunidae but are distinguished from the typical varunid larvae by the absence of a well-developed antennal exopod in the zoea and the presence of an 8-segmented antennal flagellum in the megalopa.

Genetic divergence and relationships among smelts of the genus Osmerus from the Russian waters

Smelts of the genus Osmerus, O. eperlanus and O. mordax dentes, inhabiting the basins of the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific oceans were investigated using RFLP analysis of the mitochondrial DNA segments A8/A6/COIII/ND3 and ND3/ND4, and sequencing of the cytb and COI genes (mtDNA), and intron 1 of the rpS7 gene (nDNA). A total of 14 samples from the populations from most part of the Russian range were examined. The mean values of haplotype and nucleotide diversity constituted 0.5997 +/- 0.11264 and 0.003201 for O. m. dentex, and 0.3086 +/- 0.09892 and 0.000431 for O. eperlanus, respectively. The high level of interspecific diversity (12.94%) along with the low level of intraspercific diversity (0.049% for O. m. dentex, and 0.001% for O. eperlanus was observed. The dendrograms (UPGMA, NJ, MP, and BA) constructed using the data of RFLP analysis of mtDNA, along with the sequencing data of mitochondrial and nuclear genes were congruent. The representatives of O. eperlanus and O. m. dentex formed steady clusters in accordance with their species affiliation, albeit without subdivision into local populations depending on their geographic locality.

New occurrences of warm-water species: Japanese cutlass fish Trichiurus japonicus and frigate mackerel auxis thazard in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan)

In the summer period of 2009, two species of warm-water fish—Japanese cutlass fish Trichiurus japonicus and frigate mackerel Auxis thazard—were found in Peter the Great Bay. Their description is made, and their main diagnostic characters are provided. It was established that both species of the genus Auxis are found in Russian waters of Far Eastern seas.

Occurrence of skate Raja pulchra (Rajidae, Rajiformes) in Russian waters of the Sea of Japan

According to data of long-term observations in Russian waters of the Sea of Japan, it was shown that skate Raja pulchra occurs only off the coasts of western Sakhalin. In all probability, it is a constant inhabitant of these waters during the course of the year; like the overwhelming majority of bottom and near-bottom fish, it performs seasonal bathymetric migrations in autumn, for wintering to the insular slope to a depth of 695 m, and in spring to shallow waters. Maximum length of R. pulchra recorded in catches is 106 cm. The main food items of R. pulchra are decapods and fish. The stock of R. pulchra off the coasts of western Sakhalin is assessed as 520 t.

Neck banded blenny Leptostichaeus pumilus Miki, 1985 (Perciformes: Stichaeidae): A new genus and species for Russian waters

A new genus and species of fish for waters of Russia, Leptostichaeus pumilus Miki, 1985, was found in the Sea of Japan. A morphological description of this species is given.

Morphology of the Complete Larval Development of the Pinnotherid Crab Sakaina Yokoyai (Glassell, 1933) (Decapoda, Brachyura)

The larval development of the pinnotherid crab Sakaina yokoyai (Glassell, 1933) (Decapoda, Brachyura) inhabiting the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan is described and illustrated for the first time, both from larvae reared in the laboratory and found in the plankton. Like in the closely related S. japonica, the development of S. yokoyai includes three zoeae and one megalopa. A comparative analysis revealed that the larvae of the two Sakaina species are very similar. The zoeal stages of the two congeneric species differ slightly in the setal formulae of antennule, maxillule, and maxilla; the megalopal stages are distinguished by the setal formulae of antennule, maxillule, maxilla, and maxillipeds I-III. The main difference between the zoeal stages of S. yokoyai and S. japonica is the presence of minute lateral spines on the telson in S. yokoyai, which are absent in S. japonica.