Unique Pigmentation Research Articles

A new species of Gymnogeophagus Miranda Ribeiro from Uruguay (Teleostei: Cichliformes)

ABSTRACT We describe a new species of a substrate-brooding Gymnogeophagus , based on coloration characters. The new species can be distinguished from the remaining substrate-brooding species in the genus by the unique pigmentation of the dorsal fin which consists of light blue, diagonal stripes over a red background in the spiny section and a combination of round, elliptic, and elongated bright blue spots over a red background in the soft section. It can be further distinguished from all other species of Gymnogeophagus by the following combination of characters: a discontinuous bright blue band above the upper lateral line in the humeral area, light blue roundish spots over a red to orange background on the anal fin, and conspicuous bright blue horizontal bands on body. The new species inhabits a wide range of freshwater habitats in the lower rio Uruguay basin, Rio de la Plata coastal drainages and Atlantic Ocean coastal drainages in Uruguay.

First time series of estimated humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) abundance in Prince William Sound

In Prince William Sound (PWS), changes in abundance of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), one of PWS’s primary marine predator species, have until now been largely unknown. Using a historical dataset (1978–2009), we constructed the first time series of estimated humpback whale abundance in western PWS that is also one of the longest time series used in analyses of humpback whale mark-recapture data. Photographs from this dataset were used to “mark” and re-sight individual animals using the unique pigmentation pattern on the ventral flukes of each whale in a mark-recapture analysis. Specifically, the POPAN implementation of the Jolly-Seber mark-recapture model in program MARK was used. Estimates of probabilities of capture and survival, recruitment parameters, and total abundance over the study were obtained, leading to a time series of abundance estimates. Our results show an increase from 39 (SE = 26) to 194 (SE = 17) whales ( $$\approx $$ 500 %) over the time series. The average annual rate of increase (ROI) was 4.53 % (95 % CI 3.28–5.79 %) which is only slightly lower than the 5–7 % ROI estimated for the North Pacific. Trends in the number of whales encountered per unit effort were not consistent with abundance estimates from mark-recapture, showing that sightability changes annually.

A new ectoparasitic distichodontid of the genus Eugnathichthys (Characiformes: Citharinoidei) from the Congo basin of central Africa, with a molecular phylogeny for the genus.

A new species of ectoparasitic distichodontid, Eugnathichthys virgatus, is described from localities in the central and western Congo basin. The new species is a fin-eater even at small sizes and, in common with congeners, is capable of biting off sections of heavily ossified fin-rays of large prey species. Prior to the present study, two species were included in this distinctive distichodontid genus: the type species, Eugnathichthys eetveldii, and a second species, E. macroterolepis, both of which are widely distributed throughout much of the Congo basin. Morphologically, E. virgatus is readily distinguished from its two congeners based on a combination of meristic and morphometric attributes. The new species possesses a unique pigmentation pattern, a reduced number of pectoral-fin rays, and a markedly reduced dentition on the fifth ceratobranchial elements of the pharynx, all of which are derived features considered diagnostic for the new species. With molecular data the species is further diagnosed by four apomorphic, non-synonomous nucleotide transitions in two sampled genes (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and glycosyltransferase). Phylogenetic analysis of those mtDNA and ncDNA markers supports a sister-group relationship between E. virgatus and E. eetveldii rather than with E. macroterolepis, the species with which it bears closest phenetic similarity.

Computer-Assisted Photo Identification Outperforms Visible Implant Elastomers in an Endangered Salamander, Eurycea tonkawae

Despite recognition that nearly one-third of the 6300 amphibian species are threatened with extinction, our understanding of the general ecology and population status of many amphibians is relatively poor. A widely-used method for monitoring amphibians involves injecting captured individuals with unique combinations of colored visible implant elastomer (VIE). We compared VIE identification to a less-invasive method – computer-assisted photographic identification (photoID) – in endangered Jollyville Plateau salamanders (Eurycea tonkawae), a species with a known range limited to eight stream drainages in central Texas. We based photoID on the unique pigmentation patterns on the dorsal head region of 1215 individual salamanders using identification software Wild-ID. We compared the performance of photoID methods to VIEs using both ‘high-quality’ and ‘low-quality’ images, which were taken using two different camera types and technologies. For high-quality images, the photoID method had a false rejection rate of 0.76% compared to 1.90% for VIEs. Using a comparable dataset of lower-quality images, the false rejection rate was much higher (15.9%). Photo matching scores were negatively correlated with time between captures, suggesting that evolving natural marks could increase misidentification rates in longer term capture-recapture studies. Our study demonstrates the utility of large-scale capture-recapture using photo identification methods for Eurycea and other species with stable natural marks that can be reliably photographed.

A New Mesophotic Clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from the Bahamas

A new species of clingfish belonging to the genus Derilissus is described from a deep coral wall in the Exumas, Bahamas. The new species is distinguished from congeners by a unique pigmentation pattern and coloration, the presence of 47 total pectoral-fin rays, a strongly convex posterior margin on disk region B, and by a unique arrangement of papillae on disk region C. The new species is characterized by bright orangish-red coloration on the flank, a yellow head, and a prominent black oval marking on the caudal peduncle. Like other members of the genus, the new species appears to be restricted to the mesophotic zone, and was collected at 286 fsw.

Systematics of the Etheostoma cinereum (Teleostei: Percidae) species complex (subgenus Allohistium)

We examined geographic variation within the Ashy Darter, Etheostoma cinereum, of the mitochondrially enconded cyto-chrome b gene (cyt b) and nuclear recombination activation gene 1 (RAG1) as well as pigmentation, 6 meristic variables,and 20 morphometric variables for patterns indicative of speciation within the complex. Four geographically disjunct en-tities were identified by at least one of the datasets corresponding to the Cumberland, Duck, Elk, and upper Tennesseeriver systems. Monophyly of cyt b and RAG1 sequences, modal meristic differences, moderate morphometric divergence,and unique pigmentation in specimens from the Cumberland River suggest this entity represents an evolutionary speciesunder many different species concepts and is described herein as Etheostoma maydeni. Other populations exhibit varyingdegrees of divergence in the different datasets and have conflicting relationships in phylogenetic analyses using cyt b andRAG1 sequences, leaving the evolutionary history and taxonomic status of the Duck, Elk and upper Tennessee populations unclear.

A new species of Parapercis (Teleostei: Pinguipedidae) from Madagascar

A new species of sandperch is described from the shallow nearshore reefs of the Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Mada-gascar. The new species is distinguished from congeners occurring in the region by a unique pigmentation pattern on thecaudal fin comprising two large, oblong black blotches, with the smaller of the two markings located dorsally near the finbase and a much larger and more elongate patch situated ventrally, as well as the presence of numerous smaller blackblotches forming two to three bands distally on the caudal membrane, two longitudinal series of six to nine prominentblack blotches on the mid and lower flank, and the presence of large diffuse dark brown blotches on the snout, lips, cheek and opercle.

Premature Termination of Nursing Secondary to Serratia marcescens Breast Pump Contamination

Serratia marcescens, a known pathogen associated with postpartum mastitis, may be identified by its characteristic pigmentation. A 36-year-old P0102 woman presented postpartum and said that her breast pump tubing had turned bright pink. S marcescens was isolated, indicating colonization. She was started on antibiotics. After viewing an Internet report in which a patient nearly died from a Serratia infection, she immediately stopped breastfeeding. Serratia colonization may be noted before the development of overt infection. Because this pathogen can be associated with mastitis, physicians should be ready to treat and should encourage patients to continue nursing after clearance of the organism. Exposure to sensational Internet reports may make treatment recommendations difficult.

Three new species of Psilorhynchus from the Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, Myanmar (Teleostei: Psilorhynchidae)

Psilorhynchus brachyrhynchus, new species, from the upper Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, northern Myanmar, is distinguished based on a combination of characters, including a short snout (43–48% HL), scale-less ventral surface between paired fins, and features of dorsal and caudal-fin pigmentation. Psilorhynchus piperatus, new species, from the eastern slopes of the Rakhine Yoma mountain range, lower Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, Myanmar, is distinguished based on its unique caudal-fin pigmentation. Psilorhynchus gokkyi, new species, also from the eastern slopes of the Rakhine Yoma mountain range, lower Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, Myanmar, is distinguished based on unique shape of its snout, which exhibits a deep notch at the level of the ethmoid region.

A New Species of Rainbowfish (Teleostei: Melanotaenioidei: Bedotiidae) from the Makira Region of Northeastern Madagascar

Bedotia alveyi, a new species of Malagasy rainbowfish, is described from the lower reaches of the Antainambalana and Vohimaro rivers and their tributaries near the village of Maroansetra in the Makira Forest Protected Area, northeastern Madagascar. The new species is distinguished from congeners by the presence of a distinctive crescent-shaped to semicircular spangle on the posterior half of many opercular and flank scales, which creates iridescent golden (occasionally whitish to bluish) highlights. Additional unique pigmentation pattern features include a dark midlateral stripe interrupted by sparse lateral blotching and rust-red caudal-fin lobes. Bedotia alveyi is one of several new species that were collected during a brief expedition into the Makira Forest region in 2003. The Makira Forest was designated a Malagasy protected area in December of 2005.

Enhanced biodegradation of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in contaminated soils via inoculation with Sphingobium indicum B90A

Soil pollution with hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) has caused serious environmental problems. Here we describe the targeted degradation of all HCH isomers by applying the aerobic bacterium Sphingobium indicum B90A. In particular, we examined possibilities for large-scale cultivation of strain B90A, tested immobilization, storage and inoculation procedures, and determined the survival and HCH-degradation activity of inoculated cells in soil. Optimal growth of strain B90A was achieved in glucose-containing mineral medium and up to 65% culturability could be maintained after 60 days storage at 30 degrees C by mixing cells with sterile dry corncob powder. B90A biomass produced in water supplemented with sugarcane molasses and immobilized on corncob powder retained 15-20% culturability after 30 days storage at 30 degrees C, whereas full culturability was maintained when cells were stored frozen at -20 degrees C. On the contrary, cells stored on corncob degraded gamma-HCH faster than those that had been stored frozen, with between 15 and 85% of gamma-HCH disappearance in microcosms within 20 h at 30 degrees C. Soil microcosm tests at 25 degrees C confirmed complete mineralization of [(14)C]-gamma-HCH by corncob-immobilized strain B90A. Experiments conducted in small pits and at an HCH-contaminated agricultural site resulted in between 85 and 95% HCH degradation by strain B90A applied via corncob, depending on the type of HCH isomer and even at residual HCH concentrations. Up to 20% of the inoculated B90A cells survived under field conditions after 8 days and could be traced among other soil microorganisms by a combination of natural antibiotic resistance properties, unique pigmentation and PCR amplification of the linA genes. Neither the addition of corncob nor of corncob immobilized B90A did measurably change the microbial community structure as determined by T-RFLP analysis. Overall, these results indicate that on-site aerobic bioremediation of HCH exploiting the biodegradation activity of S. indicum B90A cells stored on corncob powder is a promising technology.

Phylogeny and Taxonomic Revision of Nuchequula Whitley 1932 (Teleostei: Leiognathidae), with The Description of a New Species

Nuchequula Whitley 1932, previously considered a subgenus of Leiognathus Lacepede 1802, is elevated to generic rank. Nuchequula is diagnosed by the presence of a distinct saddle-shaped nuchal marking and by the presence of a pigment-free, mitten-shaped region posteroventral to the pectoral-fin base. The genus comprises five species, N. blochii, N. pan, N. nuchalis, N. decora, and a new species described herein. Nuchequula mannusella, new species, is distinguished from its congeners by a unique pigmentation pattern on the dorsal fin and morphology of the lower jaw. Redescriptions are provided for the other species. A phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters, including features of the light-organ system, indicates that Nuchequula is monophyletic.

Characidium longum (Characiformes: Crenuchidae), a new fish from Venezuela

We describe a new species of Characidium Reinhardt, 1867, from tributaries of the blackwater rivers Capanaparo, Cinaruco, Caura and Casiquiare in Apure, Bolivar and Amazonas states of Venezuela. Characidium longum is diagnosed by an extremely elongate body and a unique pigmentation pattern consisting of 13 or more black vertical bars, each with a concentrated spot of pigment at mid-body. These bars are united with a series of reddish-brown dorsal saddles, which cross over the dorsum and unite with bars from the opposite side of the body.

Phylogeny and Taxonomic Revision of the Endemic Malagasy Genus Ptychochromis (Teleostei: Cichlidae), with the Description of Five New Species and a Diagnosis for Katria, New Genus

The Malagasy cichlid genus Ptychochromis is revised and five new species are described, one of which is presumed to be extinct. The three valid nominal species, P. oligacanthus, P. grandidieri, and P. inornatus, are redescribed with diagnoses provided for each. A phylogeny of ptychochromin cichlids, derived from the simultaneous analysis of morphological features and nucleotide characters from a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear genes is presented. Ptychochromis is diagnosed by a suite of derived features of the pharynx, infraorbital series, and palatine morphology. In addition, the sister taxon to Ptychochromis, Ptychochromoides katria, is removed from Ptychochromoides and placed in its own genus, Katria, which is described herein as new. Katria is diagnosed by a unique pigmentation pattern, the absence of paired anterior gas bladder chambers that approach the neurocranium, an elevated vertebral count, and a slender caudal peduncle. An unnamed clade comprising Ptychochromis and Katria is diagnosed by a suite of derived features of the pharynx, sensory canal system, supraneural patterning, and palatine morphology.

A new species of Soleichthys (Soleidae: Pleuronectiformes) from tropical seas off northern Australia

Soleichthys maculosus, described from six specimens collected in shallow waters (37–63 m) off northern Australia, is readily distinguished from congeners by its unique ocular-side pigmentation featuring numerous, conspicuous white spots and blotches nearly as large as the eye diameter on a uniformly dark brown background without any crossbands, and in having two elongated, ocular-side pectoral-fin rays, with the second dorsalmost ray longer than the first, and without scales on the pectoral-fin rays. Soleichthys maculosus is most similar to S. siammakuti, a poorly-known species collected in the Gulf of Thailand, but differs from S. siammakuti in having the second dorsalmost ocular-side pectoral-fin ray longer than the first (vs. first ocular-side pectoral-fin ray longer in S. siammakuti), and in having different ocular-side pigmentation than that of S. siammakuti, which features yellow spots on dorsal and anal fins, two conspicuous white spots arranged in longitudinal series on the lateral line, and also a series of nine, light brown crossbands on a dark brown body.

Ion channel activity drives ion channel expression.

Ion channel activity drives ion channel expression.

Linkage analysis of RFLP markers for clubroot resistance and pigmentation in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis)

A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) – based linkage map of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) (2n=20) including two agronomic traits, clubroot resistance and orange-yellow pigmentation, was constructed using doubled haploid parents. The total linkage distance was 735 cM; 63 loci were distributed into ten linkage groups. Clubroot resistance of the parental line T136-8 to the current pathotype, race 2, was predominantly controlled by a single dominant gene that originated from European turnip. The locus for clubroot resistance by the dominant major gene (CRa) was mapped on linkage group 3, and RFLP loci HC352b and HC181 were located 3 cM and 12 cM from it, respectively. The locus HC352b was identified by a 4.4 Kb Eco R I fragment, which segregated for null allele. The absence of an allelic fragment in HC352b could be interpreted by deletion in the resistance source; homozygotes for CRa could be efficiently selected by detecting null types for the marker. Orange-yellow pigmentation expressed in head inner leaves and petals was governed by a single recessive gene. The locus (Oy) for the pigmentation was mapped on linkage group 1, being located 17–19 cM from three RFLP loci that were closely linked to each other. The linkage analysis for clubroot resistance and unique pigmentation revealed some informative RFLP markers. Identification of molecular markers for clubroot resistance and other agronomically important traits would provide useful information in breeding programs of Chinese cabbage.

Description of a New Neolebias (Characiformes; Distichodontidae) from the Upper Zambezi Drainage of Zambia

A new distichodontid fish from small streams on the fringes of the Upper Zambezi River floodplain, Zambia, is described. Individuals of the new species, Neolebias lozii n. sp., are small (maximum 18.0 mm SL) and distinguished from all other members of the genus by a series of tall, black vertical bars along the flanks, short caudal peduncle, and broadly rounded, caudal-fin lobes. Neolebias lozii appears to be most closely related to Neolebias (=Dundocharax) bidentatus (Poll, 1967) from the Chicapa River drainage (Zaire basin) of northern Angola. In addition to its unique pigmentation pattern, Neolebias lozii differs from N. bidentatus in having a taller body, a shorter blunter snout, a shorter postorbital head length, shorter predorsal and preanal lengths, broader dorsal and anal fins, and broadly rounded instead of acutely angled caudal-fin lobes. The new species is the only southern African representative of the genus known to occur outside of the Zaire River system. SPECIES of the genus Neolebias Steindachner, 1894, are diminutive fishes of the African characiform family Distichodontidae (Teleostei, Characiformes) that inhabit small streams and swamps. According to Poll and Gosse (1963, 1982), the genus Neolebias contains eight nominal species. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of the Distichodontidae, Vari (1979) synonymized the genera Congocharax Matthes, 1964, and Dundocharax Poll, 1967 with Neolebias to eliminate polyphyletic taxa. Poll and Gosse (1982) challenged Vari's conclusion on the grounds that some skeletal and dentition characters were not given appropriate consideration in the analysis. Recently, Teugels and Roberts (1990) described an additional species, Neolebias powelli, from the Niger River delta. If we accept Vari's taxonomy, N. powelli brings the number of Neolebias species to 11. Here we describe a new species of Neolebias from the Upper Zambezi River drainage of Zambia's Western Province. Prior to this discovery, representatives of the genus were known only from the Zaire and Niger River basins. The new species appears to be most closely allied to Neolebias bidentatus from Angola, a species originally described by Poll (1967) as the sole member of the genus Dundocharax.

Light-inducible pigmentation in Portulaca callus; selection of a high betalain producing cell line

We have established a unique betalain pigmentation system in callus cultures that originated from seedlings of Portulaca sp. 'Jewel'. Within three different 'Jewel' lines examined, one line (JR) was clearly superior with regard to callus growth rate and pigment formation. Furthermore, after ten cycles of selection of deeply colored callus patches, the selected clones contained on an average four times the amount of betalain as compared to the non-selected mother line. The colorization was induced by light, but disappeared in the dark. Pigment synthesis was detectable within 30 h after irradiation and showed positive correlation with irradiation periods.

Symphurus melasmatotheca and S. undecimplerus (Cynoglossidae, Pleuronectiformes), Two New Eastern Pacific Tonguefishes with Eleven Caudal-Fin Rays

Two new species of eastern Pacific tonguefishes with an unusual count of 11 caudal-fin rays are described. Symphurus melasmatotheca (southern Gulf of California to northern Peru) is characterized by having 11 caudal-fin rays, a welldeveloped pupillary operculum, 90-98 dorsal-fin rays, 74-80 anal-fin rays, 4952 total vertebrae, four hypurals, a 1-5-3 (less frequently, 1-4-3) pattern of interdigitation of dorsal pterygiophores and neural spines, and 82-98 longitudinal scale rows. Symphurus melasmatotheca also has a unique pigmentation pattern that consists of a black peritoneum, crossbanding on the body and posterior part of the head, a distinctively black isthmus, light speckling on the inner lining of the ocular-side opercle, and an unpigmented inner lining of the opercle on the blind side of the body. Symphurus undecimplerus (Gulf of Tehuantepec to northern Peru) is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of 11 caudal-fin rays, a well-developed pupillary operculum, a 1-5-3 (less frequently 1-4-4 or 1-54) pattern of interdigitation of dorsal pterygiophores and neural spines, 97-105 dorsal-fin rays, 80-87 anal-fin rays, 52-56 total vertebrae, 95-112 longitudinal scale rows, an unpigmented or infrequently lightly spotted peritoneum, crossbanding on the body and posterior part of the head, a dark (but usually not black) isthmus, and absence of pigment on the inner linings of the opercles on both sides of the body. Differences in geographic and bathymetric distributions between species are also noted.