Scorpaena Porcus Research Articles

Cellular composition of the black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus, L 1758) blood and head kidney under short-time acute exposure to hypoxia.

In the present work, we studied the effect of short-term acute hypoxia on the cellular composition of the blood and the head kidney of the black scorpionfish. Dissolved oxygen concentration was decreased from 8.5-8.7mg O2 l-1 (normoxia) to 3-5mg O2 l-1 (relative normoxia), 1-3mg O2 l-1 (moderate hypoxia), and 0-1mg O2 l-1 (acute hypoxia) within 1.5-2h by bubbling of water with N2. Exposure period was 4h, water temperature was adjusted to 14-16°C, and photoperiod was 12h (light). Short-time acute hypoxia induced a rapid release of blast and immature cells from the head kidney into the circulating blood of the black scorpionfish, which was associated with reduction in erythropoietic reserves in 2.5 times. The number of immature erythroid cells (pronormoblasts, basophilic and polychromatophilic normoblasts) significantly increased in blood, and the simultaneously relative decrease of the number of abnormal red blood cell (RBC) and the increase of the number of RBC ghosts (lysed RBCs) in circulating blood were observed. The significant correlation between methemoglobin concentration and the number of RBC ghosts was shown (R2 = 0.640 or r = 0.800). Hypoxia induced RBC swelling on 5-6% compared to control. The number of RBC ghosts in the blood is likely involved in the stimulation of erythropoietin production under hypoxia.

Effect of acute hypoxia on the brain energy metabolism of the scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758: the pattern of oxidoreductase activity and adenylate system.

The activity of oxidoreductases, malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase (MDH, 1.1.1.37; LDH, 1.1.1.27), as well as parameters of adenylate system-[ATP], [ADP], [AMP], total adenylate pool (AP), and adenylate energy charge (AEC) in medulla oblongata (MB) and forebrain, midbrain, and diencephalon (FDMB)-were studied in the scorpionfish under acute hypoxia (0.9-1.2mgO2·L-1, 90min). A higher MDH activity level was observed in MB and FDMB, as compared to LDH (p < 0.05). At the same time, MB showed a higher adenylate content and increased AP (p < 0.05). AEC did not exceed ~ 0.7 (vs. the maximum of this index ~ 0.9-1.0) in the brain of the scorpionfish indicating adaptation of the tissue energy status to hypoxia. A rapid decrease in MDH activity (p < 0.05) was observed in MB under acute hypoxia. These changes were accompanied by insignificant LDH activation. A pronounced LDH activation (p < 0.05), a decrease in MDH activity, and the highest AP raise (p < 0.05) were observed in FDMB, suggesting activation of glycolysis and simultaneous decrease in the rate of ATP consumption. MB and FDMB demonstrated the ability to a relative retention of AEC during hypoxia. The unidirectional metabolic adaptation was based on the intensification of glycolysis, a decrease of ATP consumption, and a subsequent increase in adenylate concentration that allowed the scorpionfish brain structures to maintain the energy status under acute hypoxia.

Эйдономия и внутривидовая изменчивость морского ерша Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces: Scorpaenidae) кавказского шельфа российского сектора Черного моря

There are only fragmentary data on the intraspecific limitation of the black scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758 in scientific literature. The black scorpionfish is a background fish species attracted to the use of Black Sea fish community.The purpose of this work was to study the eidonomy of the black scorpionfish from the Caucasian shelf of the Black Sea, as a full-fledged study of its intraspecific variability.The morphological (plastic and meristic) parameters of black scorpionfish from three water areas of the Caucasian shelf of the Black Sea are compare in this paper. Samples from coastal waters in the areas of Bolshoi Utrish, Magri and Adler were studied in this paper. It is shown that the black scorpionfish of the water areas under consideration have very different sets of morphological features, which can be used to successfully distinguish representatives of different regions from each other.

Türkiye’nin Batı Karadeniz Kıyılarından 14 Balık Türü Için Boy-Ağırlık İlişkisi

In this study, the length-weight relationship (LWR) of 14 fish species including Merlangius merlangus (Linnaeus, 1758),Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758), Mullus barbatus Linnaeus, 1758, Gobius niger Linnaeus, 1758, Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758), Arnoglossus kessleri Schmidt, 1915, Uranoscopus scaber Linnaeus, 1758, Serranus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Sygnathus thyphle Linnaeus, 1758, Aphia minuta (Risso, 1810), Trachinus draco Linnaeus, 1758, Parablennius tentacularis (Brünnich, 1768), Illionymus risso Lesueur 1814, Entomacrodus marmoratus (Bennett, 1828) caught from the western Black Sea coasts of Turkey was investigated. The sampling was carried out seasonally in 2017-2018 using beam trawling nets with 2 m aperture. The depths of the sampling points varied from 10 m to 30 m. The minimum and maximum lengths and weights, length-weight relationships, parameters of a and b, ± 95% CI of b, r2, growth type (isometric or allometric) of samples, and statistical analyses of the relationship were determined. Estimates for parameter b of the length–weight relationship ranged between 2.58 and 3.586.

Length-Weight and Length-Length Relationships of the Scorpaena Species (Actinopteri: Scorpaenidae) in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea of Turkey)

In this study, 173 specimens of Scorpaena porcus (n=50), Scorpaena elongata (n=20), Scorpaena scrofa (n=101), Scorpaena notata (n=2) were obtained from commercial fishermen in the Aegean Sea between 2017 and 2019. The length-weight relationships were determined for S. porcus, S. scrofa and S. elongata as W=0.0119TL3.182, W=0.0176TL3.004 and W=0.0656TL2.579, respectively. Negative allometry was found for S. scrofa and S. elongate, whereas positive allometry was present for S. porcus. However, with less than 5 individuals S. notata showed maximum, minimum, and mean total length and weight values. S. notata (2 individuals) had a mean total length and weight of 15.7-16.6 cm and 72.31-93.26 g. The results also demonstrated that the length-length relationships were strongly correlated for all Scorpaena species (r²>0.980, P<0.05).

Assessment of Fish Health: Seasonal Variations in Blood Parameters of the Widely Spread Mediterranean Scorpaenid Species, Scorpaena porcus

The measurement of haematological and biochemical parameters is essential for monitoring the health status of wild fish. More specifically, blood parameters provide crucial information on the physiological changes that occur in fish in response to various fluctuations in their environment. This study presents reference ranges and seasonal variations for 15 blood parameters of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus, as a species of high value for ecosystem monitoring in the Mediterranean. The mean haematocrit (HCT) values differed significantly between seasons, with the highest value recorded in winter. In addition, six plasma parameters varied significantly during the year. Cholesterol (CHOL), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations were notably higher during the spring/summer period and at their lowest levels in autumn/winter. On the contrary, levels of glucose (GLU) were highest during autumn and lowest during the spring season. The post hoc Tukey test revealed that there were significant differences in HCT values for winter vs. spring, in CHOL for spring vs. all other seasons, in NEFA for summer vs. autumn and summer vs. spring, in GLU for spring vs. summer, in AST for autumn vs. spring, in ALP for winter vs. all other seasons and in SOD for summer vs. all other seasons (p &lt; 0.05 in all cases). A total of nine blood parameters showed a significant relationship with fish size throughout different seasons. Our results suggest that monitoring blood parameters may serve as a useful biomarker, and we provide a reliable basis for the future monitoring of the health status of the investigated S. porcus. Considering significant seasonal variations, the use of season-specific reference ranges is recommended for this scorpaenid species.

Site fidelity of fish on a rocky intertidal in the south of Portugal

The short-term site fidelity of intertidal fish species was studied in a rocky intertidal zone in southern Portugal using visible implant elastomer tagging. Eleven fish species were caught, tagged and released, seven of which were recaptured. The larger tide pool with the highest complexity level and located at a lower position in the shore level did not have recaptures, while in others the individual fish species recaptured rate ranged from 11.1 to 38.9%, suggesting that the shore height is a dominant factor influencing site fidelity. Although the breeding season seems not to be the only explanation for the recapture rate, the higher mean recapture rates of Parablennius sanguinolentus, Lipophrys pholis and Gobius cobitis may be related to the parental behaviour of these species during that period. Site fidelity of juveniles of Scorpaena porcus in tidepools is reported for the first time, showing the importance of this habitat as a nursery ground.

Adaptive Vertical Positioning as Anti-Predator Behavior: The Case of a Prey Fish Cohabiting with Multiple Predatory Fish within Temperate Marine Algal Forests.

Simple SummaryFish cohabiting within structurally complex habitats (e.g., coral reefs, seagrass meadows, algal forests) include abundant small-bodied prey fish and specialized piscivorous fish. Habitat structural complexity mediating fish predator–prey interactions has been shown to be an important mechanism sustaining this coexistence. However, the effect of the vertical stratification of habitat structure on predator–prey interactions remains poorly known, especially within a forest-like marine habitat, i.e., a habitat containing three vertical strata (understory, canopy and open-water). We set up tank experiments to test how such habitat vertical stratification affects predator–prey lethal and behavioral interactions, using one prey and two predator model species cohabiting in Mediterranean algal forest. We found that prey anti-predator behavior was predator-specific. When exposed to a sit-and-wait predator, the prey increased its vertical distance from the predator, regardless of the habitat structure. Conversely, when exposed to a stalk-and-attack predator, the prey sought refuge within forest structures. Prey hide motionless within the canopy, the most complex strata, while they avoid and escape from predators within the understory, which is a less complex stratum allowing for fast prey movements but still protected from predators by the canopy above. Our results suggest the crucial role of habitat vertical stratification in influencing predator–prey interactions, which should be studied in three dimensions.Prey fish cohabit with specialized predator fish within structurally complex habitats. How the vertical stratification of the habitat affects lethal and behavioral predator–prey interactions and contributes to explaining these patterns has never been investigated within a forest-like marine habitat, i.e., a habitat containing three vertical strata (understory, canopy, open-water above). We studied this in tank experiments, with a model prey (the wrasse Symphodus ocellatus) and two model predators (the stalk-and-attack comber Serranus cabrilla and the sit-and-wait scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus), which are among the most abundant prey and predators cohabiting in Mediterranean Cystoseira forests. Wrasse anti-predator behavior was predator-specific. When exposed to the scorpionfish, the wrasse increased its vertical distance from the predator, regardless of the habitat structure. Conversely, when exposed to the comber, the wrasse sought refuge within forest structures: (1) the canopy provides more hiding opportunities due to its high complexity, and (2) the understory provides more escape/avoidance opportunities due to (a) its low complexity that allows for fast prey movements, and (b) the presence of the canopy above that limits the comber’s access to the understory. Our results suggest that habitat vertical stratification mediates predator–prey interactions and potentially promotes the co-existence of prey and multiple predators within marine forests.

Variability in the number of rays and specification of the dorsal fin formula of the black scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces: Scorpaenidae) from the Black Sea

Out of the morphological criteria for the fish species, the meristic (countable) characters are of the key role, in particular the number of rays in the fins. It is one of the stable signs of fish morphotype not subjected to size and age variability. At the same time, it is a clear taxonomic criterion. The aim of the work was to study the variability in the number of rays in the dorsal fin and to specify its formula for the black scorpionfish inhabiting the Black Sea off the coasts of the North Caucasus and Crimea. In total, 232 individuals of the black scorpionfish were investigated; those were sampled from six areas of the Black Sea off the coasts of the North Caucasus (Bolshoi Utrish, Magri, Loo, and Adler) and Crimea (Sevastopol and Feodosiya). The number of rays in the dorsal fin of each fish was counted, with dividing them into hard (unbranched) and soft (branched) ones. As established, the total number of rays in the dorsal fin of the black scorpionfish inhabiting the coasts of the North Caucasus and Crimea averaged (22.1 ± 0.02); the number of hard rays, (12.0 ± 0.01); and the number of soft rays, (10.1 ± 0.03). All three indicators are characterized by low variability (coefficient of variation is lower than 10 %). Fish caught off the coasts of the North Caucasus and Crimea differ statistically significantly from each other in the number of soft rays in the dorsal fin [(10.1 ± 0.03) and (10.0 ± 0.04), respectively] and in the total number of rays in the dorsal fin [(22.1 ± 0.03) and (22.0 ± 0.04), respectively]. The analysis of the results obtained reveals six possible variants of the dorsal fin formula for the black scorpionfish. Those are: D XI 10; D XI 11; D XII 9; D XII 10; D XII 11; and D XIII 10. The most common variant is D XII 10 averaging 83.2 % (75.0–88.9 % depending on the area). The updated dorsal fin formula for the black scorpionfish inhabiting the coasts of the North Caucasus and Crimea has the following form: D (XI) XII (XIII) (9) 10 (11). The formula can be used when compiling the species guides of the Black Sea fish. The results obtained were compared with those of other researchers. The causes for the disagreement between the results were analyzed.

The first data on parasite community of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus (Actinopterygii: Scorpaenidae), from the North‐Western Black Sea

The black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) is a marine demersal fish species, whose density increased in the North-Western Black Sea, started to be common in recent years. We present the first data on the parasite community of this fish from two localities in Ukraine: the Gulf of Odessa and the Snake Island. The total of 7 parasite species were registered including two cestode, one acanthocephalan, and four nematode species. We found that the fish populations in the Gulf of Odessa and the Snake Island are different, having no similarities in parasitisation. Three species were found in the Gulf of Odessa, while four—near the Snake Island. The relation between the fish age and the parasite acquisition is studied for the first time for the black scorpionfish. The fish was presented by 2–6 years old individuals, and differed between the localities. Most of the parasites are represented by adults because the fish has predatory behavior, feeding mainly with small-sized fish and large crustaceans. The carnivorous life-style results in the presence of manly adult parasites located in gut and acquired during growth.

Black scorpionfish &lt;i&gt;Scorpaena porcus &lt;/i&gt;Linnaeus, 1758 as a bioindicator for water pollution of the Caucasian and Crimean Shelves of the Black sea with heavy metals and organochlorine compounds

Black scorpionfish &lt;i&gt;Scorpaena porcus &lt;/i&gt;Linnaeus, 1758 as a bioindicator for water pollution of the Caucasian and Crimean Shelves of the Black sea with heavy metals and organochlorine compounds

Trophic niches of two predator fish cohabiting in the Algerian coastal ecosystem: Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Scorpaena notata (Rafinesque, 1810)

The diet of adult specimens of black scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758) and small red scorpionfish Scorpaena notata (Rafinesque, 1810), collected from the Algerian coast was studied using different coefficients and trophic indexes. The inventory of ingested prey indicates that the focal species have a diverse diet that covers different zoological groups. Their feeding spectrum is mainly composed of brachyuran crabs and other crustaceans such as isopods and shrimp. Fish and molluscs are only occasionally ingested. The vacuity coefficient average exceeded the estimated rate of 40%. The observed monthly fluctuations revealed a seasonal alimentary rhythm. The foraging activity of the two scorpionfish decreases in summer, during gonad maturation. This decrease is highlighted by the increase in the vacuity coefficient and the decrease in the repletion index. Despite a similarity in the food bolus, the two co-occurring fish exhibit a specialized diet. This was observed especially in mature individuals. In conclusion, our results demonstrated a very strong overlap of niches between two scorpionfish species.

Length-Weight Relationships for Fourteen Fish Species Collected by Bottom Trawl From the Eastern Black Sea Coast, Turkey

Length-weight relationships (LWR) were described for fourteen demersal and pelagic fish species; whiting (Merlangius merlangus), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), picarel (Spicara maena), scorpion fish (Scorpaena porcus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), sprat (Sprattus sprattus), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), thornback ray (Raja clavata), shore rockling (Gaidropsarus mediterraneus) round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), black goby (Gobius niger) and stargazer (Uranoscopus scaber) caught with bottom trawl (12 mm mesh size) from the Eastern Black Sea. Samples were caught in depths from 10 m up to 60 m between April 2017 and March 2018 at monthly intervals. The minimum and maximum lengths and weights, length-weight relationships, parameters of a and b, ± 95% CI of b, r2, growth type (isometric or allometric) of samples, and statistical analyses of the relationship were determined. Estimates for parameter b of the length–weight relationship ranged between 2.44 and 3.54.

Dominance of Scorpaena maderensis among scorpaenids of littoral rocky reefs in Corsica (NW Mediterranean): Further evidence of Mediterranean Sea warming.

The population of Scorpaenidae was investigated in the Nature Reserve of Scàndula (Corsica, France, NW Mediterranean). While absent from Corsica a few decades ago, the Madeira rockfish Scorpaena maderensis is now the most abundant scorpaenid species in shallow rocky reef areas, far outnumbering Scorpaena notata and Scorpaena porcus. Considered as a subtropical species of Atlantic origin, the northward progression of the thermophilic S. maderensis and its dominance in Corsican waters is further evidence of the ongoing warming of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Spatial Heterogeneity of the Black Scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus (Scorpaenidae): Differences in Length, Dietary and Age Compositions

The present study assessed spatial variations in several biological characteristics of Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758 and estimated length structure, dietary composition and growth parameters for the species. Sampling was carried out in two areas, about 200 km apart, in the coastal Adriatic Sea, which is the northernmost region of the Mediterranean. A total of 388 specimens of S. porcus were caught, 233 from the Split area and 155 from the Pag Island area, and a higher proportion of individuals in the ≤15 cm length classes were found in the Split area. The results of the age, growth and diet analyses demonstrated that the black scorpionfish is a slow-growing and long-lived species that feeds on a wide variety of plant and animal taxa and shows a high selectivity for crustacean decapods. Detailed comparisons and multivariate analyses showed significant fine-scale spatial structuring of the investigated species, as observed length, dietary and age compositions were heterogeneous among the two areas. Fish from the Pag Island area ingested a greater diversity of the prey types, fed to a greater extent on fishes, reached the highest total length and showed a higher growth rate. Such intraspecific variations could reflect adaptations to different environmental conditions and support the geographical scale at which local black scorpionfish populations should be managed.

First report of Ceratomyxa scorpaeni (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) from Scorpaena porcus in the Black Sea.

Members of the class Myxosporea Btschli, 1881 have a cosmopolitan distribution in a wide variety of fish species worldwide. In the present study, the black scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus collected from the Sinop coasts of the Black Sea was investigated for myxosporean parasites using both conventional and molecular methods in the period between September 2015 and August 2019. Using morphological and morphometric data, the myxosporean parasite Ceratomyxa scorpaeni Garbouj, Rangel, Castro, Hmissi, Santos, Bahri, 2016 was identified in the gall bladder of host fish. Molecular analysis of the 18S rDNA gene confirmed the identity of this parasite as C. scorpaeni. This is the first report of its occurrence in the Black Sea.

Comparative Aspects of Hypoxia and Hydrogen Sulfide Effects on the Activity of Oxidoreductases in the Gills and Brain of the Sea Ruff Scorpaena porcus

Comparative Aspects of Hypoxia and Hydrogen Sulfide Effects on the Activity of Oxidoreductases in the Gills and Brain of the Sea Ruff Scorpaena porcus

FARKLI PİŞİRME MATERYALLERİ İÇİNDE PİŞİRİLEN İSKORPİT BALIĞI (Scorpaena porcus, Linnaeus 1758) ETİNİN KALİTESİ

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different cooking materials on some physical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) meat. To achieve this aim, scorpion fish fillets were divided into four groups as open-roasted (control), oven bag cooked (Group A), baking paper wrapped (Group B) and aluminum foil wrapped (Group C). All fillets were cooked in an electrical oven. The nutritional and amino acid composition, water activity and color measurements were carried out in all samples including raw fish. Sensorial properties of all cooked samples were also evaluated. On comparing the raw and cooked groups it was found that cooking materials had a considerable effect on the nutritional and amino acid composition. The protein and total amino acid contents of the Control group were higher than that of the other groups due to water loss. It was also determined that the aromatic amino acid content of the control group was higher than the other groups. The cooking losses varied according to the type of cooking material. The method of cooking in the baking paper can be said to be the most preferable method for this fish according to the sensory analysis results.

Phenomenon of the complete suppression of cardiac activity in the Black Sea scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus (Scorpaenidae) during an alertness reaction

Teleosts serve as experimental models for the physiological and pathophysiological processes investigation, in particular those related to the heart work. Methods allowing to analyze the frequency parameters of the heart functioning over a long period of time require taking into account the peculiarities of fish behavioral reactions, that can affect the results of the experiment. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the simplest test loading (sound stimulus) on the frequency parameters of the heart activity recorded by the fiber-optic method. The objects of the study were adults of Scorpaena porcus (12–15 cm long, 80–120 g in weight). In the course of experiments, each scorpionfish was kept in a separate aquarium with seawater (400×400×350 mm), with constant temperature (21 ± 0.5) °C and given oxygen content (5.5–6.7 mg·L−1, normoxia). The heart rate (HR) recording was carried out by an invasive fiber-optic method, the essence of which is to transmit the radiation of the infrared semiconductor laser of the photoplethysmograph through a thin fiber-optic cable to the pericardial membrane of the heart and then to fix the signal reflected from the contracting myocardium in the photodetector. During implantation of the photoplethysmograph light guides, the fish were anesthetized by placing them in an anesthetic solution (urethane, 2.4 g·L−1 of seawater). In the fornix of the opercular cavity above the area of the conditional heart projection, a minimal dissection of the lining epithelium was performed, through which the underlying tissues were sequentially separated by a blunt method until the pericardial membrane was reached without breaking it. Through the lumen formed in the tissues, two optical light guide sensors were introduced to the surface of the pericardial membrane. Further, free-swimming scorpionfish participated in the experiment after a day of rehabilitation after the surgery. Additionally, we assessed the functional state of the animals by visual fixation of respiratory activity by the quantity of movements of the opercular covers per minute. During studying the test loading effect on the correct registration of the scorpionfish HR, the phenomenon of temporary complete suppression of cardiac activity was revealed, which manifested itself upon presentation of sound stimuli (alertness, “freezing” reaction). The duration of cardiac arrest was 31 to 50 seconds; it was accompanied by the cessation of movement of the opercular covers (respiratory arrest, apnea). During the restoration of cardiac activity, two types of physiological reactions were noted. The first type of recovery reaction was characterized by a simultaneous 1.5-fold increase in the HR and a 2-fold enhancement in the photoplethysmograph signal amplitude. The second type of reaction was accompanied by a rise in the HR by 22 % (p &lt; 0.05) against the backdrop of a decrement in the signal amplitude of the photoplethysmograph sensors by 28 % (p &lt; 0.05); within 120 seconds, the scorpionfish HR returned to baseline. It is assumed that the short-term delay in the scorpionfish cardiac activity is based on the phenomenon of cardiorespiratory coupling and synchronization. The behavioral reaction in the form of suppression for the cardiac and simultaneously respiratory activity generation ensures the complete absence of acoustic and electrical signals, which unmask an ambush predator location, and contributes to the scorpionfish survival.

The Effect of Azide, Fluoride, Orthovanadate and EDTA Sodium Salts on Ecto-ATPase Activity in Erythrocytes of a Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus L.) and Thornback Ray (Raja clavata L.)

The Effect of Azide, Fluoride, Orthovanadate and EDTA Sodium Salts on Ecto-ATPase Activity in Erythrocytes of a Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus L.) and Thornback Ray (Raja clavata L.)