Scarus Ferrugineus Research Articles

Stock Assessment of Two Parrotfish, Hipposcarus harid and Scarus ferrugineus in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Stock Assessment of Two Parrotfish, Hipposcarus harid and Scarus ferrugineus in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Usage of Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Marker in Assessing the Genetic Variation of Six Parrotfish Species from the Egyptian Red Sea

The report compared six parrotfish species (Scarus ferrugineus, Scarus psittacus, Scarus frenatus, Chlorurus sordidus, scarus genazotus and Cetoscarus bicolor) for molecular diversity and phylogenetic using eleven ISSR primers, the obtained results showed a total of 235 DNA fragments; 11 were common bands, 65 were specific bands and 159 were polymorphic bands. Additionally, the results indicated the largest similarity degree 58 between (Chlorurus sordidus and scarus genazotus), while the lowest similarity degree 35 was found between (Scarus frenatus and Chlorurus sordidus). The results that occurred from ISSR analysis found to be more reliable for differentiating species of fishes particularly parrotfish.

Molecular Phylogenetic Taxonomy of Some Parrotfish Species (Perciformes, Scaridae) From the Red Sea Using -Actin Gene

a--actin gene (ACTA 1) was studied as a potential phylogenetic marker for selected members of Subfamily Scarinea (Scaridae, Perciformes). The samples collected from the Red Sea. The nucleotide sequences of six parrotfish (Scarus niger, Scarus fuscopurpureus, Scarus ferrugineus, Scarus psittacus, Chlorurus gibbus and Hipposcarus harid)were analyzed with respect to their molecular evolution and phylogenetic relationships among themselves and other related percoid species depending on available sequence data. a-skeletal muscle actin gene segments isolated from the skeletal muscle of the six species that were sequenced and recorded in gene bank with the Accession number for the first time. The six-nucleotide sequences compared to fourteen other percoid sequences from Gene Bank/NCBI, altogether comprising 20 percoid sequences and 3 outgroup sequences (Order Scoraeniformes). The scores of p-distance and sequence divergence of the alpha-skeletal muscle actin gene among the tested species were calculated. Studied A+T of the six sequence rates were variant between 44.4 and 52.4 % for all species. The phylogenetic trees for 23 species (6 parrotfish and 14 sequences of other percoid families from GeneBank together with 3 fishes as outgroup) were developed using actin gene and 5 different analytical approaches: Neighbour Joining (NJ), Minimum Evolution (ME), Maximum Parsimony (MP), Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference method (BI). The analysis revealed a monophyletic origin for the five tested species of the scarinea, which was the principal subfamily investigated (87, 92, 100, 88 and 100% support in our NJ, ME, MP, ML and BI analyses, respectively). While the sixth species Scarus fuscopurpureus of the tested fishes formed a complete separate clade that indicates this species more related to genus labrus than genus scarus .The phylogenetic implications of actin gene or other phylogenetic markers in the family Scaridae or even all families of Order Perciformes until now were shortly discussed.

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN SOME RED SEA FISHES

The present study was carried out to investigate the common bacterial infections of some saltwater fishes in Red Sea at Hurghada, Egypt. One hundred and twenty fishes of different species including Hipposcarus harid, Scarus ferrugineus and Scarus niger were subjected to bacteriological investigations.The bacteria isolated from the vital organs were phenotypically identified as Vibrio logei, V. ichthyoenteri, V. fischeri, Moritella marina, Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida and Edwardsiella tarda, in addition to two isolates of the genus Streptococcus. Experimental challenge with the dominant isolate, V. logei, proved its pathogenicity to H. harid with 86.7% mortality rate. Histopathological investigations of experimentally infected fish disclosed prominent pathological alterations in vital organs including liver and kidney. The antibiotic sensitivity of V. logei, revealed its sensitivity to Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin.

Alternative male mating tactics of the endemic Red Sea parrotfish Scarus ferrugineus.

The present study shows that small non-territorial terminal-phase males of the rusty parrotfish Scarus ferrugineus are reproductively active and are comparable with initial-phase males in behaviour, rates of participation during group-spawning and success in streaking into pair spawning. Large territorial terminal-phase males defend contiguous territories for several hours during the morning where they pair spawn with initial-phase females.

Proximate and Elemental Composition of Important Fish Species in Makkah Central Fish Market, Saudi Arabia

In spite of the established nutritive value of seafood, fishes have a special ability to store some toxic substances such as heavy metals because of its own respiration system. The goal of current study was to explore the proximate chemical composition, minerals content and levels of heavy metals in edible portions of some important commercial fish species available at Makkah Central Fish Market, Saudi Arabia. The obtained results showed that Indian oil sardine fish had the highest value of crude oil (dry weight) recorded 38.00%, while, rusty parrot fish sample had the least of 1.17%. In contrast, rusty parrot fish had the highest value of crude protein represented 90.75% (dry weight), meanwhile, Indian oil sardine had the least of 54.19%. Consuming about 250 g of Indian oil sardine will cover 100% of Fe RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances), eating 500 g of the same fish will cover about 30% of Ca RDA. While, 500 g of gilt head bream which has the highest content of K, Na and Mg will cover about 11.7%, 1.5% and 4.1% of these minerals RDA, respectively. As physical hazards, fourteen samples from the thirty three studied samples exceeded the permissible limit of Pb and Cd representing about 42%. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to eat head, gills or viscera of all fishes.

Quality Attributes of the Most Common Consumed Fresh Fish in Saudi Arabia

Although fish is an important food as a source of high biological value of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, fish is a fast perishable food because of the high water activity and the high enzymatic activity in fish viscera. The main target of this study was to evaluate some sensory and chemical attributes of fresh fish samples from the Central Fish Market of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. However, 33 fresh fish samples of 11 species were randomly purchased from the Central Fish Market, El-Kaakia, Makkah, Saudi Arabia during spring 2015. These species are commonly consumed by the local population in Saudi Arabia. Sensory evaluation by quality index method and some chemical analysis such as biogenic amines were done. The obtained results showed that there were significant differences between all studied fish species in pH and TVN value at <i>P>0.05</i>. However, there were no any significant differences in case of fish quality%. It could be noticed that there were 8 samples from 33 samples exceeded pH value of 6.80, represented 24.24% of all samples, and there were 3 samples exceeded TVN value of 30mg/100g, represented 9.09% of all samples. As for quality %, there were 4 samples from 33 samples below 50%, represented 12.12% of all samples. Meanwhile, histamine content of studied fish samples ranged from 0.66±0.33 mg/100g in rusty parrot fish to 17.21±2.85 mg/100g in grey mullet. Eleven fish samples exceeded the permissible limit of tyramine represented 33.33%. The statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences between all studied fish samples in tyramine and phenethylamine content at <i>P>0.05</i> with F value of 0.89 and 0.68, respectively. It is recommended to carry out the same study on other central fish markets such as Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. Consequently, a complete quality assurance system must be planned to be applied in any central fish market in Saudi Arabia. It should be considered some criteria such as refrigerated cars, sun protected receiving area, fish layer thickness, ice/fish ratio, using of fine ice, using of salty ice and mechanical refrigeration.

Ultrastructural evidence of spermatogenesis in the rusty parrotfish, Scarus ferrugineus (Teleostei Scaridae).

This work analyses the spermatogenesis in the males of Scarus ferrugineus from histological and ultrastructural points of view. This study was carried out during the period of formation of spermatozoa thus being able to determine the pattern of spermiogenesis which is important for phylogenetic analysis. Histological examination revealed that the germ cells are classified into spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, spermatids and spermatozoon based on morphology and size of the nucleus, organelles and centriolar morphology. Ultrastructural characteristics of primary spermatocytes show large nuclei with moderately compacted clusters of chromatin while secondary spermatocytes are comparatively smaller in size with central nuclei and scattered chromatin in either pole. The spermatozoon of this species is characterized by: the diplosome remains outside the nuclear fossa, the nucleus rotates at a slight degree and the flagellum is asymmetrically located, the two centrioles are arranged perpendicular to each other and no more than five spherical mitochondria are observed. Structural characteristics of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells were also described and discussed

Food intake by the parrotfish Scarus ferrugineus varies seasonally and is determined by temperature, size and territoriality

ABSTRACT: On coral reefs, feeding by parrotfishes may prevent coral to macroalgal phase shifts by keeping algae in a cropped state. To predict the response of grazers to changing conditions, knowledge of the factors that affect feeding intensity is needed. Therefore, we studied food intake of the parrotfish Scarus ferrugineus on an inshore fringing reef in the southern Red Sea, Eritrea, where seasonality and extreme summer temperatures were expected to influence feeding rates. Bite rates (bites min-1), defecation rates (defecations min-1) and yield per bite (mass ingested bite-1) were estimated for 3 life-phase categories: 20 to 25 cm initial phase (IP), 30 to 35 cm terminal phase (TP) and 30 to 35 cm territorial terminal phase (TTP). The bite rates increased from low levels in the morning to peak values in the afternoon. IP bite rates increased linearly with seawater temperature. For TP, the temperature-bite rate relationship was quadratic, with maximum bite rates at ~32°C and lower rates at higher temperatures. Yield per bite in both IP and TP did not differ with time of year. Throughout the year, the total daily bites were highest in IP and lowest in TTP, resulting in ~23% lower daily intake in TTP compared to similar-sized TP males. Daily intake of ash-free dry mass of epilithic algal matrix (g AFDM d-1) was 7.5 to 9.6 for IP, 12.4 to 17.5 for TP and 8.7 to 13.2 for TTP. Intake and defecation rates and hence gut turnover rates peaked from April to July. The quadratic temperature response of TP suggests that large individuals may be close to their upper thermal limit, implying that temperature rises are likely to negatively affect grazing by large-bodied parrotfishes.

Ultrastructural Evidence of Oogenesis of the Rusty Parrotfish, Scarus ferrugineus (Teleostei: Scaridae)

Ultrastructural study of oogenesis of the Scarus ferrugineus was carried out during the period of oocyte growth, particularly the changes in nuclear morphology, cytoplasmic organelles, and wall formation. Materials produced in the nucleus and transported to the cytoplasm known as nuage were observed in the oogonia and primary oocytes at premeiotic and perinucleolar stages. This material gives rise to germ plasma in the growing oocytes. In the perinucleolar oocyte, the cytoplasm appears loaded with free ribosomes and dense bodies. Short strands of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), perinuclear mitochondrial ring, and a simple layer of flattened granulosa cells were also detected. Protrusion of short buds from oocyte and granulose surfaces to the perioocyte space was clearly detected in the oocyte. From the early vitellogenic stage (yolk vesicle oocyte) the vitelline envelope was observed as a single electron-dense mesh pattern layer, becoming thicker during the vitellogenic stage. The granulosa cells (GCs) become organelle-rich with elongate mitochondria, free ribosomes, dilated tubular RER, and a Golgi system. Both GCs and thecal cells (TCs) show ultrastructural steroidogenic features, suggesting their primary roles in the production and secretion of steroid hormones at this stage of ovarian development. Remarkable ultrastructural changes were shown in vitellogenic oocytes including increase in RER, proliferation of mitochondria, and protrusion of long microvilli from oocyte and granulosa cells into pore canals of the vitelline membrane. The microvilli withdraw by the end of yolk deposition and the granulosa cells dissociate in fully grown oocytes. In atretic oocytes, the vitelline membrane homogenized and fragmented. Also, GCs, and maybe TCs, proliferated, hypertrophied, and phagocytosed the oocyte remnants forming temporary structure. Degeneration of previtellogenic oocytes prior to sex change was described and discussed.

Sexual patterns and protogynous sex reversal in the rusty parrotfish, Scarus ferrugineus (Scaridae): histological and physiological studies

Gonadal histology confirmed that Scarus ferrugineus is a diandric protogynous fish. The process of protogynous sex reversal was investigated through histological observations on the gonads of females changing sex to male. This process was divided into three stages on the basis of changes in the structure of the germinal and somatic elements. Ovaries of functional females (stages IV-V) were filled with vitellogenic oocytes during the breeding season but contained no trace of spermatogenic tissue. During post-spawning period, the remaining vitellogenic oocytes began to degenerate and accompanied by a drop in plasma levels of estradiol-17β. At the commencement of sex change, previtellogenic oocytes began to degenerate and stromal cell aggregation was observed in the central region of the lamellae. At mid-reversal stage, steroid-producing cells (Leydig cells) developed at the border of the stromal aggregate and spermatogonial cysts appear at the periphery of lamellae. Finally, sex change to secondary males was considered complete, with the beginning of active spermatogenesis and spermiation. Plasma levels of testosterone remained low throughout the sex change, but II-KT increased rapidly parallel to the increased number of Leydig cells while the level of estradiol-17β decreased. The results indicate also that the sex-changed males had higher level of II-KT than primary males, while primary males had higher level of testosterone. Histological examination revealed that testes of primary and secondary males are almost identical in organization of the spermatogenic cysts, association of sertoli cells, and developing germ cells but differ in clustering and development of Leydig cells.

Limited flexibility in resource use in a coral reef grazer foraging on seasonally changing algal communities

Feeding ecology of three life phases of the parrotfish Scarus ferrugineus was studied on a southern Red Sea fringing reef by comparing availability and consumption of benthic algae during the monsoon hot and cool seasons. Dominant biota covering dead carbonate substrates were in decreasing order of importance: turfs on endoliths, turfs on crustose corallines, and crustose corallines. On the reef crest and shallow fore reef, composition of the biota changed seasonally. Cover of turfs on endoliths and turfs on crustose corallines was higher during the hot season, while crustose corallines and macroalgae (only on reef crest) increased during the cool season. Biota in the deep fore reef did not show seasonal variation. All life phases used similar resources and showed selective feeding in all zones. Turfs on endoliths, followed by turfs on crustose corallines, was the primary feeding substrate. These two sources represented over 92% of bites during both seasons. Crustose corallines, macroalgae, and living corals were negligible components being strongly avoided at all zones and seasons. Resource use varied seasonally on the reef crest and shallow fore reef, while it remained unchanged on the deep fore reef. Turfs on endoliths were consistently preferred in both seasons but their contribution increased from 45% in the cool to 70% of bites in the hot season. Electivity for turfs on crustose corallines shifted from random feeding in the hot (27% of bites) to selection in the cool season (47% of bites). Feeding pattern changed diurnally with more bites taken from crustose corallines and turfs on crustose corallines during morning. During the rest of the day, bites from turfs on endoliths predominate. S. ferrugineus shows limited capacity to exploit seasonal increases in the biomass of foliose and canopy forming macroalgae, despite indications of energetic limitation during the cool season.

Growth and longevity of the protogynous parrotfish, Hipposcarus harid, Scarus ferrugineus and Chlorurus sordidus (Teleostei, Scaridae), off the eastern coast of the Red Sea

Summary Growth and longevity were studied for three species of the family scaridae, the longnose parrotfish (Hipposcarus harid), rusty parrotfish (Scarus ferrugineus) and bullethead parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus), sampled at the eastern coast of the Red Sea, off Saudi Arabia. The three species are protogynous hermaphrodites presenting two distinct phases whereby the initial phase includes females and primary males, and the terminal phase is exclusively secondary males transformed from females. Annual marks in the ctenoid scales from the three species were used to develop size-at-age plots. Linear relationships were found between the scale radius and standard length for the three species, and the relationships between body weight (w) and standard length (L) were estimated. Scales of these species increased in size consistently throughout life, even though the somatic growth rate decreased with age. Sex-specific growth effects in the three species were demonstrated. Growth of initial phase females was the lowest, followed by the initial phase males and terminal phase males, the latter showing the fastest growth rates. Thus, transition to the terminal male identity was associated with enhanced growth, resulting in larger terminal males than females of equivalent size. The von Bertalanffy growth formula (VBGF) was estimated for H. harid, S. ferrugineus and C. sordidus (L∞ = 43.92, 27.4 and 23.3; K = 0.067, 0.27 and 0.56; t0 = −6.92, −4.98 and −4.6, respectively). The relationship between growth and reproduction of these species is also discussed.