A NEW POMFRET SPECIES, PAMPUS MINOR SP. NOV.(STROMATEIDAE) FROM CHINESE WATERS

Pmpusndnorliuetlisp.nov.(Fig.1)StroInateOdeampas,Cheng,l962,Fish.SouthChinaSea,761-762,fig.6l6(ZhaPO,GuanghallLangzhou,Shanwi,Nanao,GUangdongProvince).Inagnosis:Standrilengthofadultshort,notmorethanl5omm.Thehalbenl-shaPedspinesofdOhalandanalfinsareconspicuousinbOthjuvenileandadultfishandnoteInbeddedinskin.Eyeslmp,eyediameter2.8-3.5inheadlength.PamPhenoidofskullroundcurve-shaped,orbitalfossalarge,sedri-circularshaPed-Otoliththickandsolid,itsanteriornotchshallow-NuInberofprecaudaland…     

A new record of a flathead fish (Teleostei: Platycephalidae) from China based on morphological characters and DNA barcoding

A new record of Platycephalus sp.1 (sensu Nakabo, 2002) was documented based on morphological characters and DNA barcoding. We collected 174 specimens of the genus Platycephalus from Chinese coastal waters of Dongying, Qingdao, Zhoushan, and Beihai. Samples were identified as Platycephalus sp.1 morphologically. The coloration, meristic traits, and morphometric measurements are consistent with previously published records. In brief, it is an orange-brown flathead fish with dark brown spots scattered on head and body, lateral line scales 83 to 99 with one or two spine-bearing anteriormost pored scale, no yellow blotch on the caudal fin. Cytochrome oxidase I subunit (COI) gene fragments were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The mean evolutionary distance within the species Platycephalus sp.1 was 0.1%. Net evolutionary distances between Platycephalus sp.1 and other species of Platycephalus ranged from 10.8% to 19.7%, which is much greater than the threshold for species delimitation. The COI sequence analysis strongly supports the validity of Platyceohalus sp.1 at genetic level.     

A new pomfret species,Pampus minor sp. nov. (Stromateidae) from Chinese waters

Thirty-two 63.0–134.4 mm standard length specimens collected during 1954–1990 from the coastal waters of the South China Sea and the continental coast of the Taiwan Strait were identified as a new species,Pampus minor Liuet Li, sp. nov. Contribution No. 3329 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Study supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences Special Grant for Biota Research.     

Seasonal variation in abundance and species composition of a planktonic diatom assemblage including viable cells on the bottom in matsushima bay,northeastern japan

Seasonal variation in abundance and species composition of a planktonic diatom assemblage distributed in the water column and also settled on the bottom was investigated for the shallow coastal water in Matsushima Bay on the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan during the period from October 1999 to September 2000. A spring bloom of diatoms began in April when nutrient concentrations started to increase, indicating the importance of nutrients. Viable cells of Skeletonema costatum and Thalassiosira spp., which were the dominant species in the water column throughout the year, were also always abundant in the bottom sediment. Both populations in the water column and on the bottom fluctuated essentially in parallel. For the planktonic diatoms in shallow coastal waters to maintain their vegetative populations in the water column, it would be advantageous for them to have a seeding population of viable cells on the bottom that are easily resuspended into the upper photic layer.     

A preliminary phylogenetic analysis of Luidia (Paxillosida: Luidiidae) from Chinese waters with cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences

Luidia Forbes (Paxillosida: Luidiidae) are common soft bottom sea stars with 49 described species. Because of substantial morphological diversity, the taxonomy of the genus is complex and hasn’t been resolved definitely. In order to resolve general taxonomic issues, and determine species boundaries and phylogenetic relationships within the genus Luidia, the sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from 24 specimens of Luidia, belonging to eight taxa in Chinese waters, were studied. Three sequences of two species in genus Luidia from GenBank were used to analyze the phylogenetic relationships. The molecular phylogeny exhibited three main clades, each with strong bootstrap support: Clade A including Luidia quinaria from the Sea of Japan; Clade B including seven nominal species (L. quinaria von Martens, L. yesoensis Goto, L. changi Liu, Liao and Li, L. orientalis Fisher, L. avicularia Fisher, L. longispina Sladen and L. hardwicki Gray) from Chinese waters; and Clade C including L. maculata Müller & Troschel from Chinese waters. Our molecular phylogeny results support the morphological Quinaria-Group and Alternata-Group assigned by Döderlein. Seven nominal species we sampled do not exhibit genetic distances that are large enough to recognize them as separate species. Cryptic species may exist in’ Luidia quinaria’ from the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. Meaningful morphological characters need further investigation in Luidia.     

The environmental implication of diatom fossils in the surface sediment of the Changjiang River estuary(CRE) and its adjacent area

In order to depict the distribution of diatom fossils in surface sediments and to establish a reliable reference data for further paleoenvironmental study in the Changjiang(Yangtze) River estuary and its adjacent waters, the diatom fossils from 34 surface sediment samples and their relationship with environmental variables were analyzed by principal component analysis and redundancy correspondence analysis. The diversity and abundance of diatom fossils were analyzed. Some annual average parameters of the overlying water(salinity, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, depth, dissolved inorganic nitrogen,dissolved inorganic phosphate and dissolved inorganic silicate) were measured at each sampling site. A total of 113 diatom taxa and one silicoflagellate species were identified in the investigation area. Diatom fossils were better preserved in fine sediments. The absolute abundance of diatom fossils did not significantly dif fer between inshore and of fshore areas, the species diversity decreased from inshore to of fshore. This may be because high nutrients and low salinity promoted the growth of more brackish species in coastal waters. The diatom taxa were divided into three groups, on the basis of their response and indication to environmental changes. For example, Actinocyclus ehrenbergii and Cyclotella stylorum were dominant in coastal waters(Group 1 and Group 3) with high nutrients and low salinity; the relative abundances of Paralia sulcata and Podosira stelliger were significantly higher in of fshore sites(Group 2, average 39.5%),which were characterized by high salinity and deep water. Four environmental variables(salinity, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, temperature and water depth) explained the composition and distribution of diatom taxa independently( P 0.05), this finding can be applied in further paleoenvironmental reconstruction research in this area.     

A new record of ponyfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Deveximentum megalolepis</Emphasis> (Perciformes: Leiognathidae) in Beibu Gulf of China

A new record ponyfish, Deveximentum megalolepis Mochizuki and Hayashi, 1989, was documented based on its morphological characteristics and DNA barcode. Fifty specimens were collected from Beibu Gulf of China and identified as D. megalolepis by morphological characterization. The coloration, meristic traits, and morphometric measurements were consistent with previously published records. In general, it is a silver-white, laterally compressed and deep bodied ponyfish with 6–9 rows of scales on cheek; scale rows above lateral line 6–8; scale rows below lateral line 14–17. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I subunit (COI) gene fragment was sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. There is no sequence variation of COI gene between the specimens collected in this study. The genetic distances between D. megalolepis and other congeneric species range from 3.6% to 14.0%, which were greater than the threshold for fish species delimitation. The COI sequence analysis also supported the validity of D. megalolepis at genetic level. However, the genetic distance between Chinese and Philippine individuals was about 1.2% and they formed two lineages in gene tree, which may be caused by the geographical distance.     

巨蛎属牡蛎DNA序列的比较及鉴定

【目的】了解巨砺属牡蛎的系统关系和种类区分。【方法】对我国沿海分布的7种巨砺属牡蛎(香港牡蛎、有明牡蛎、熊本牡蛎、岩牡蛎、艾氏牡蛎、太平洋牡蛎、葡萄牙牡蛎)的线粒体DNA片段(COI、12S、16S和tRNAs),以及核糖体RNA基因转录间隔子序列(ITS-1、ITS-2和ITS)进行分子系统学研究。【结果】无论种间或种内,tRNAs序列差异最大,亚种内TS1序列差异最大;tRNAs和COI序列较其它序列变异更快,种间变异与种内变异之间有明显的条形码间隙;12S、16S、ITS和ITS2的种间变异与种内变异无重叠及条形码间隙;ITS1的种间变异与种内变异出现重叠。在亚种层面,12S、ITS、ITS1和ITS2的亚种间变异与亚种内变异出现重叠;16S的亚种间变异与亚种内变异无重叠及条形码间隙;tRNAs与COI序列亚种间变异与亚种内变异之间有明显的条形码间隙,有利于区分亚种。【结论】tRNAs和COI序列可用于种及亚种的鉴定。     

The application of stereo-video technology for the assessment on population change of black rockfish Sebastes schlegeli in a vessel reef area in Haizhou Bay,China

The assessment of population structure and abundance of fish assemblages associated with artificial reefs(ARs) is an important aspect of AR management.In the present study,we used a DiveOperated Stereo Video(stereo-DOV) technique to assess the population structure and abundance of Sebastes schlegeli associated with two metallic,and three wooden,vessel reefs in Haizhou Bay during 2012 and2013.The study used video systems to obtain length measurements and estimates of abundance.The size composition of S.schlegeli differed among reefs and individuals around vessel reefs were all adults,with total lengths(TL) of 20 cm.Juvenile fish were encountered by divers in a rocky area near the island away from the vessel reefs.The largest individual S.schlegeli(with the highest TL) among five reefs were found around a metallic vessel reef in both 2012 and 2013.TL of S.schlegeli from all reefs increased by an average of 3.2 cm(P0.05) from 2012 to 2013,with an estimated mean weight increase of 250.4 g(P0.05).The video survey also indicated a decrease in the biomass of schools near two metallic vessels between the years.Stereo-video technology was found to be suitable for rockfish surveys around the reefs.     

Profile of candidate microsatellite markers in Sebastiscus marmoratus using 454 pyrosequencing

Sebastiscus marmoratus is an important sedentary ovoviparous fish distributed in near-shore coastal waters from the coast of China to Japan. Candidate S. marmoratus microsatellite markers were developed in the present study using 454 pyrosequencing, and the marker profile was analyzed. A total of 2 000 000 raw sequence reads were assembled to reduce redundancy. Among them, 1 043 dinucleotide, 925 trinucleotide, 692 tetranucleotide, and 315 pentanucleotide repeats were detected. AC repeats were the most frequent motifs among the dinucleotide repeats, and AAT was the most abundant among the trinucleotide repeats. AAAT, ATAG, and ATCC were the three most common tetranucleotide motifs, and AAGAT and AATAT were the most dominant pentanucleotide motifs. The greatest numbers of loci and potentially amplifiable loci were found in dinucleotide repeats, whereas trinucleotide repeats had the fewest. In summary, a wide range of candidate microsatellite markers were identified in the present study using a rapid and efficient 454 pyrosequencing approach.     

Molecular identification and population differentiation of Aurelia spp. ephyrae in sea cucumber aquaculture ponds of northern China

Aurelia spp. ephyrae have been reported to form blooms in sea cucumber aquaculture ponds in the Bohai and Yellow Seas. To identify the species, we carried out a genetic analysis of Aurelia spp. ephyrae and medusae based on mitochondrial 16 S rRNA gene. Samples offour Aurelia sp. ephyrae populations were collected in sea cucumber aquaculture ponds and samples offour Aurelia sp. medusae populations were collected in coastal waters. Using a BLASTn search, we found that both the ephyrae collected in the aquaculture ponds and medusae collected in coastal waters belong to Aurelia coerulea. Seventeen haplotypes were recovered from the 16 S rRNA gene. The overall haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of the 166 A. coerulea individuals were 0.686% and 0.329%, respectively, indicating high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. Moreover, the haplotype diversity of ephyrae populations were generally lower than that of medusae populations with close sampling points. The genetic differentiation between ephyrae populations collected in the sea cucumber aquaculture ponds and A. coerulea medusae collected in coastal waters was not significant, suggesting the ephyrae populations in the sea cucumber culture ponds were part of the same genetic group as the medusae populations in the coastal waters. Phylogeographic analysis of the 16 S rRNA region revealed that there was no significant correlation between the haplotypes and the geographic distribution of populations. Pairwise fixation index values showed significant genetic differentiation and limited gene flow between A. coerulea population of Weifang and other locations.     

Tritonia iocasica sp.nov.,a new tritoniid species from a seamount in the tropical Western Pacific(Heterobranchia:Nudibranchia)

During an expedition to a seamount at Caroline Plate in the tropical Western Pacific,a new species of Tritonia was sampled from the upper bathyal zone at depth of 970-1 262 m.This new species,Tritonia iocasica sp.nov.,represents the first tritoniid nudibranch known to feed on octocoral of the family Melithaeidae.The species is up to 120 mm in length,pinkish in color;with the rhinophoral sheath divided into several petaliform extensions;veil with,about 18 elongate digitiform processes;notal margin with17-19 pairs of secondary gills;anus located below the 5~(th) and 6~(th) secondary gills,and the genitalia below the 3~(rd) secondary gill on the right side of the body.Based on these external features,T.iocasica sp.nov.can be dearly distinguished from all previously described members of the genus.Phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial(COI,16 S rRNA) and a nuclear(H3) genes using Bayesian inference,maximum likelihood,and species delimitation analysis also support the separation of T.iocasica sp.nov.from its congeners.     

Profile of candidate microsatellite markers in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sebastiscus marmoratus</Emphasis> using 454 pyrosequencing

Sebastiscus marmoratus is an important sedentary ovoviparous fish distributed in near-shore coastal waters from the coast of China to Japan. Candidate S. marmoratus microsatellite markers were developed in the present study using 454 pyrosequencing, and the marker profile was analyzed. A total of 2 000 000 raw sequence reads were assembled to reduce redundancy. Among them, 1 043 dinucleotide, 925 trinucleotide, 692 tetranucleotide, and 315 pentanucleotide repeats were detected. AC repeats were the most frequent motifs among the dinucleotide repeats, and AAT was the most abundant among the trinucleotide repeats. AAAT, ATAG, and ATCC were the three most common tetranucleotide motifs, and AAGAT and AATAT were the most dominant pentanucleotide motifs. The greatest numbers of loci and potentially amplifiable loci were found in dinucleotide repeats, whereas trinucleotide repeats had the fewest. In summary, a wide range of candidate microsatellite markers were identified in the present study using a rapid and efficient 454 pyrosequencing approach.     

Biodiversity of free-living marine nematodes in the southern Yellow Sea,China

Biodiversity patterns of free-living marine nematodes were studied using specific,taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity measures in the southern Yellow Sea,China.The results showed that the average of Shannon-Wiener diversity index(H′) in the study area was 3.17.The higher values were distributed in the east part of Shandong coastal waters and north part of Jiangsu coastal waters,while the lower values were distributed in the southern Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass(YSCWM).The average of taxonomic diversity(Δ) was 62.09 in the study region.The higher values were distributed in the transitional areas between the coastal areas and the southern YSCWM,while the lower values were distributed near the north part of Jiangsu coastal waters and the YSCWM.Results of correlation analysis of species diversity and taxonomic diversity showed that some of the two kinds of diversity index were independent,which suggested that combining the two kinds of diversity indices can reflect the ecological characteristics better.A test for 95% probability funnels of average taxonomic distinctness and variation in taxonomic distinctness suggested that Station 8794(in the YSCWM) was outside of the 95% probability funnels,which may be due to the environmental stress.Results of correlation analysis between marine nematodes biodiversity and environmental variables showed that the sediment characteristics(Md? and Silt-clay fraction) and phaeophorbide a(Pha-a) were the most important factors to determine the biodiversity patterns of marine nematodes.     

Screening for lipophilic marine toxins and their potential producers in coastal waters of Weihai in autumn, 2020

Lipophilic marine toxins (LMTs) produced by some microalgae in the sea could accumulate in shellfish and pose potential threats to the health of seafood consumers. Phytoplankton and shellfish samples were collected from coastal waters of Weihai in Shandong Peninsula, China in autumn, 2020, and screened for lipophilic marine toxins and their potential producers using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis and high throughput sequencing of partial DNA (V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene) extracted from phytoplankton. Pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2), trace amounts of azaspiracid (AZA1 or AZA40), and 13-desmethyl spirolide C (13-DesMe-C) were detected in phytoplankton samples, while PTX2 and gymnodimine (GYM) were detected in shellfish samples. The toxin content in shellfish samples was much lower than the regulatory limit or values reported previously. Results suggest that lipophilic marine toxins should have low risk in coastal waters of Weihai in autumn. Based on the data of high throughput sequencing, the OTUs were assigned to 5 identified species of Alexandrium, including A. ostenfeldii capable of producing 13-DesMe-C and GYM. Two OTUs were found closely related to the toxic species in genus Dinophysis, but it is impossible to assign them to any identified species due to the low resolving power of the V4 region for Dinophysis. The OTUs could not be assigned to any identified species in the genus Azadinium, suggesting the existence of unidentified species in this region.

     

Applications of three DNA barcodes in assorting intertidal red macroalgal flora in Qingdao, China

This study is part of the endeavor to construct a comprehensive DNA barcoding database for common seaweeds in China. Identifications of red seaweeds, which have simple morphology and anatomy, are sometimes difficult solely depending on morphological characteristics. In recent years, DNA barcode technique has become a more and more effective tool to help solve some of the taxonomic difficulties. Some DNA markers such as COI (cytochrome oxidase subunitⅠ) are proposed as standardized DNA barcodes for all seaweed species. In this study, COI, UPA (universal plastid amplicon, domain V of 23S rRNA), and ITS (nuclear internal transcribed spacer) were employed to analyze common species of intertidal red seaweeds in Qingdao (119.3 -121 E, 35.35 -37.09 N). The applicability of using one or a few combined barcodes to identify red seaweed species was tested. The results indicated that COI is a sensitive marker at species level. However, not all the tested species gave PCR amplification products due to lack of the universal primers. The second barcode UPA had effective universal primers but needed to be tested for the effectiveness of resolving closely related species. More than one ITS sequence types were found in some species in this investigation, which might lead to confusion in further analysis. Therefore ITS sequence is not recommended as a universal barcode for seaweeds identification.     

Fish assemblage structure in the hypoxic zone in the Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuary and its adjacent waters

Fish assemblage structure in the hypoxic zone in the Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuary and its adjacent waters were analyzed based on data from bottom trawl surveys conducted on the R/V Beidou in June, August and October 2006. Four fish assemblages were identified in each survey using two-way indicator species analysis (TWIA). High fish biomass was found in the northern part, central part and coastal waters of the survey area; in contrast, high fish diversity was found in the southern part of the survey area and the Changjiang estuary outer waters. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain high fishery production when high fish diversity is evenly distributed in the fish community. Fish became smaller and fish size spectra tended to be narrower because of fish species variations and differences in growth characteristics. Fish diversity increased, the age to maturity was reduced and some migrant species were not collected in the surveys. Fish with low economic value, small size, simple age structure and low tropic level were predominant in fish assemblages in the Changjiang estuary and its adjacent waters. The lowest hypoxic value decreased in the Changjiang estuary and its adjacent waters.     

Molecular Identification of Dried Shellfish Products Sold on the Market Using DNA Barcoding

The dried shellfish products with rich nutrients and low-calorie content are favorite food in China, especially in coastal areas. However, the species of dried shellfish products in the market are usually unknown, as the taxonomic features were removed during the production process. This study described the application of DNA barcoding technique to the identification of 100 dried shellfish(scallop, squid, octopus and cuttlefish) products in markets. Samples were authenticated by comparing mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I(COI) gene and 16 S ribosomal RNA(16 S rRNA) gene sequences with public reference taxonomic databases. The results showed that all the 100 products can be identified at species level. Sixty four scallop adductor products were processed using the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, and one was from Portuguese oyster, Crassostrea angulata. All the 27 squid, 2 cuttlefish and 6 octopus products were produced by the Jumbo flying squid, Dosidicus gigas. The neighbour-joining tree is in agreement with the results of DNA barcoding analysis. The 64 scallop samples formed one A. irradians cluster, leaving Sca65 clustered with the reference oyster sequence C. angulata(MH997922). All the 35 cephalopod(squid, octopus and cuttlefish) samples formed a D. gigas cluster. This investigation revealed a low variety of dried shellfish products sold on the market, and highlighted the high rate of mislabeling and species substitution. Our present work provides a practical method for tracing and authenticating shellfish products.     

First report of the genus Lysippe Malmgren, 1866 (Polychaeta: Ampharetidae) from Chinese waters

The ampharetid genus Lysippe Malmgren, 1866 is reported for the first time from Chinese waters. The identification was based on material deposited in the Marine Biological Museum of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Qingdao). A new species, Lysippe trichobranchia sp. nov. is described. The new species is widely distributed in shallow waters of the Bohai Gulf, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea at depths of 10-40 m.