Breeding,settlement and survival of barnacles at artificially modified shore levels at Leigh,New Zealand

The breeding and settlement seasons of the intertidal barnacles Chamaesipho brunnea, C. columna and Elminius plicatus were determined, and experiments using cages on the shore to examine barnacle survival and growth rate at four levels were carried out at Leigh during 1964–66.

Chamaesipho brunnea bred in spring and summer; C. columna and E. plicatus bred throughout the year, but settled intermittently. When protected from predators and from overgrowth by algae, all three species survived at levels lower than normal. At higher levels C. columna, E. modestus, Balanus trigonus and Tetraclita purpuraseens survived for significant periods (C. brunnea occurs naturally higher on the shore than the highest experimental level).     

Life‐history studies on New Zealand Brachyura

A brief account is given of the systematics and distribution of Heterozius rotundifrons A. Milne Edwards, Ozius truncatus H. Milne Edwards, and Heteropanope (Pilumnopeus) serratijrons (Kinahan). Keys are given for the separation of Zoea larvae of New Zealand xanthid Brachyura and to the Megalopa larvae of Heterozius rotundifrons and Ozius truncatus

Notes are given on the seasonal breeding cycle of Heterozius rotundifrons, and the pre‐Zoea larva, two Zoea larval stages, and Megalopa larva reared in the laboratory are described. Larval characters of H. rotundifrons are specialised and do not support its recently suggested classification in the family Atelecyclidae. The larvae show no relationships with those of the Cancridae or of the Corystidae, and affinities with described larvae of the Xanthidae or even the Brachyrhyncha are obscure. Larval development is incompletely abbreviated possibly to reduce dispersal in response to restricted intertidal habitat requirements of the adult crabs.

The pre‐Zoea larva, four Zoea larval stages, and the Megalopa larva of Ozius truncatus reared in the laboratory are described. A key to the Zoea larval stages is given. Larvae of this species are distinct both at the generic and specific levels, but are generally similar to those known of xanthid crabs. It is difficult to relate the genus Ozius to other xanthid genera on the basis of larval characters alone.

The pre‐Zoea larva and stage one Zoea larva of Heteropanope (Pilumnopeus) serratifrons are described. There are probably four Zoea larval stages in the development of this species. Zoea larval characters suggest that in the family Xanthidae, Heteropanope and Pilumnopeus should be separated from other genera in the subfamily Pilumninae with which they are currently classified.     

Larval stages,developmental ecology,and distribution of Scyllarus sp. Z (probably Scyllarus aoteanus Powell, 1949) (Decapoda: Scyllaridae)

Phyllosomata and nistos of Scyllarus sp. Z taken from plankton around and offshore northern New Zealand and in the Tasman Sea are presumed to be those of S. aoteanus Powell, 1949, the most common Scyllarus species in this area. The full larval and postlarval development of this species are described. Three features are characteristic of Scyllarus sp. Z phyllosomata; a dorsal crest on the cephalic shield, dorsal thoracic spines, and a forked telson in middle stages persisting as two prominent spines outreaching the telson posterior margin in the final stage. Scyllarus sp. Z's closest affinities are with a group of Scyllarus species whose phyllosomata have forked telsons in middle stages and medium to strong posterolateral telson spines in the final stage. The nisto is low in profile but distinctive in its armature. Too few Scyllarus sp. nistos have been described to suggest any group to which that of Scyllarus sp. Z can be assigned. The spatial and temporal distribution of the larvae and postlarvae of Scyllarus sp. Z are also described. Although early larval stages and postlarvae are found close to New Zealand, mid‐ and late‐stage larvae are widely distributed, some well beyond the known latitudinal range of the adults. There is probably an extended egg‐bearing and hatching period as early stage larvae are caught in most months. Variable rates of development of the larvae and/or delayed metamorphosis, are also possible.     

Studies on the larva of Oniscigaster wakefieldi (Ephemeroptera: Siphlonuridae) in Waitakere stream,Auckland

The larva of the primitive mayfly Oniscigaster wakefieldi, McLachlan 1873 (Ephemeroptera: Siphlonuridae) was studied in the Waitakere Stream, near Auckland, New Zealand, over a 17‐month period extending from July 1965— November 1966. A wide‐mouthed dragnet enabled monthly samples (average 46 specimens) to be collected for detailed studies of the larval growth pattern; this collecting method revealed that the species, previously thought to be rare, is numerous both in the study area and elsewhere in North Island, New Zealand.

O. wakefieldi has a univoltine life cycle with 20–25 larval instars. The larvae prefer different habitats according to their age and can be divided into three distinct groups: larvae 1–10 mm in length are found on finer sediments in quiet shallow water; 11–18 mm in length inhabit waters up to 50 cm deep where the substratum is mainly of pebbles (0.4–4.0 cm diameter) set in a silt matrix; and mature larvae 19–26 mm in length are found adjacent to dry emergent boulders, often at the base of riffles.

Three larval characters are described for the first time to separate the larvae of O. wakefieldi and O. distans. Sexual dimorphism is evident in O. wakefieldi populations by size difference; in the last larval instar, females average 4 mm longer than males. The known distribution of the species in North Island is illustrated.     

Recruitment of flatfish species to an estuarine nursery habitat (Lima estuary, NW Iberian Peninsula)

One of the present concerns of fish biologists involves defining and identifying nursery habitats in the context of conservation and resource management strategies. Fish nursery studies usually report upon nursery occupation during the latter juvenile stages, despite the fact that recruitment to nurseries can start early in life, during the larval phase. Here we investigated the use of a temperate estuarine nursery area, the Lima estuary (NW Portugal), by initial development stages of flatfish species before and after metamorphosis, integrating the larval and juvenile phases. The Lima estuarine flatfish community comprised twelve taxa, seven of which were present as pelagic larvae, six as juveniles and three as adults. There was a general trend of increasing spring–summer abundance of both larvae and juveniles, followed by a sharp winter decrease, mainly of larval flatfishes. The Lima estuary was used by Solea senegalensis, Platichthys flesus and Solea solea as a nursery area, with direct settlement for the two first species. In contrast, indirect settlement was suggested for S. solea, with metamorphosis occurring outside the estuarine area. Estuarine recruitment of S. senegalensis varied between years, with young larvae occurring in the estuary throughout a prolonged period that lasted 6–9 months, corroborating the protracted spawning season. P. flesus, the second most abundant species, exhibited a typical spring estuarine recruitment, without inter-annual variations. Developed larvae arrived in the estuary during spring, whereas the 0-group juveniles emerged in the following summer period. The present study contributes new insight to our understanding of the economically important S. senegalensis, and highlights the importance of integrating the planktonic larval phase into traditional flatfish nursery studies.     

Life‐history studies on New Zealand Brachyura

Abbreviated or direct development is described in Pilumnus novaezealandiae Filhol, 1886 and P. lumpinus Bennett, 1964 from New Zealand. Embryonic development is separated into Nauplius, Metanauplius and embryonic zoeal stages. The ontogenetic position of the pre‐zoeal cuticle suggests that it represents the Metanauplius stage, and the absence of plumose pre‐zoeal aesthaetes in P. novaezealandiae implies relationship with the more recently evolved brachyuran families. The significance of the pre‐zoeal cuticle in brachyuran phylogeny is discussed. In P. noveazealandiae four embryonic zoeal phases are recognised as approximately equivalent to the four Zoea larval stages occurring in the majority of xanthid Brachyura. It was not possible to distinguish similar phases in embryonic zoeal development of P. lumpinus because of advanced anachronism which is normally associated with abbreviated development. The appearance of relatively advanced structures very early in ontogeny is attributed to the absence of the need for successive developmental stages to be adapted for free life. In the embryonic Zoea, carapace spines considered to assist with flotation and orientation, and natatory setae, are together reduced or absent in abbreviated development where such structures would be of no use within the egg.

In P. novaezealandiae and P. lumpinus increase in egg size during incubation is probably due to absorption of water by the embryo during development, and eclosion is initiated by rupture of the chorion through internal pressure thus created. Larvae of P. noveazealandiae hatch at a Megalopa larval stage and are retained beneath the pleon of the female crab. Those of P. lumpinus hatch as advanced, much‐modified, and non‐natatory Zoeae which are not retained by the parent. Simultaneous moulting of the pre‐zoeal and zoeal skins occurs in both species.

The Megalopa larva and first five juvenile crab stages of P. novaezealandiae are described and compared with equivalent stages of P. vestitus from Australia recorded by Hale (1931). The Megalopa larva of P. lumpinus is described. P. lumpinus is considered as the least evolved of the three species of Pilumnus possessing abbreviated development, while P. vestitus suggests a second stage, and the third and most advanced stage is shown by P. novaezealandiae Ecology of these three species is correlated with abbreviated development. Retention of potentially free‐swimming Megalopa larvae by the parent explains gregariousness among juvenile crabs and adults of both P. novaezealandiae and P. vestitus

It is probable that abbreviated development has evolved among marine and freshwater Brachyura as a response to habitat requirements of the adult crabs. Partial or complete abbreviation of the planktonic phase and retention of larvae would assist with retaining the stock within a restricted locality or ecological niche. Abbreviated development among Brachyura therefore has little phylogenetic significance.     

Metazoan parasite communities of Selar crumenophthalmus and Decapterus muroadsi (Pisces: Carangidae) from Mexican Pacific coasts

Metazoan parasites communities of marine fishes can include both adults and larval stages of several endoparasite groups that use fishes as intermediate or paratenic hosts. The richness and abundance of parasite species larvae that harbour a fish species can therefore be a good indicator of that species’ role as an intermediate host to endoparasite species.

The parasite communities of two small carangid fishes (Selar crumenophthalmus and Decapterus muroadsi) from Mexican Pacific coasts were quantified and analysed. Five hundred sixty-three carangids (S. crumenophthalmus, n?=?402; and D. muroadsi, n?=?161) were collected between April 2014 and April 2018 from three locations. Twenty-four metazoan parasite species were identified in both hosts: five species of Monogenea (adults), eight of Digenea (7 adults and 1 metacercaria), two of Cestoda (larvae), two of Nematoda (one adult and one larva), two of Acanthocephala (adults), and five of Copepoda. Larval helminths numerically dominated the endoparasite communities of both hosts, suggesting that these carangids are important intermediate hosts for several parasite species. Component parasite community richness and species composition differed between hosts, locations, and sampling years. Variations in host feeding behaviour, and body size were considered as important factors influencing these differences.     

Habitat use by larval fishes in a temperate South African surf zone

Larval fishes were sampled in the Kwaaihoek surf zone on the south east coast of South Africa. On six occasions between February and May 2002, larval fishes were collected in two habitat types identified in the inner surf zone using a modified beach-seine net. The surf zone habitats were classified as either sheltered trough areas or adjacent exposed surf areas. Temperature, depth and current measurements were taken at all sites. Trough habitats consisted of a depression in surf topography characterised by reduced current velocities and greater average depth than adjacent surf areas. In total, 325 larval fishes were collected. Of these, 229 were collected in trough and 96 in surf habitats. At least 22 families and 37 species were represented in the catch. Dominant families were the Mugilidae, Sparidae, Atherinidae, and Engraulidae. Dominant species included Liza tricuspidens and Liza richardsonii (Mugilidae), Rhabdosargus holubi and Sarpa salpa (Sparidae), Atherina breviceps (Atherinidae) and Engraulis japonicus (Engraulide). Mean CPUE of postflexion larvae of estuary-dependent species was significantly greater in trough areas. The proportion of postflexion larval fishes in trough habitat was significantly greater than that of preflexion stages, a result that was not apparent in surf habitat sampled. CPUE of postflexion larvae of estuary-dependent fishes was negatively correlated with current magnitude and positively correlated with habitat depth. Mean body length of larval fishes was significantly greater in trough than in surf habitats. These results provide evidence that the CPUE of postflexion larvae of estuary-dependent fishes is higher in trough habitat in the surf zone and this may be indicative of active habitat selection for areas of reduced current velocity/wave action. The implications of this behaviour for estuarine recruitment processes are discussed.     

Spawning strategies and transport of early stages of the two Cape hake species,Merluccius paradoxus and M. capensis,in the southern Benguela upwelling system

Seasonal and short-term variability of environmental parameters influence the spawning strategies of fish species. In this study, the spawning strategies and the transport of early stages of the two Cape hake species off South Africa were investigated. Distribution of eggs and larvae of Merluccius paradoxus and M. capensis was analysed in order to derive more detailed and species-specific information on spawning season, spawning location, and transport of early stages. Samples were collected during three pilot surveys between January and October 2007 and during an extensive survey in September/October 2008 in the southern Benguela upwelling system off South Africa. Eggs and larvae of M. paradoxus were found in greater numbers than those of M. capensis during all surveys. Highest abundances were found from September to October, indicating one spawning peak for M. paradoxus during late austral winter to spring. The western Agulhas Bank was identified as the primary spawning ground, and smaller spawning events occurred on the West Coast. Larvae of both species were mainly distributed in subsurface waters between 25 and 100 m. More than 50% of all larvae caught had a total length between 3 and 4 mm and size increased significantly with decreasing latitude. Merluccius capensis were found closer inshore than M. paradoxus, indicating that early stages of the two species followed separate drift routes. We assume that this distribution pattern most likely evolved from differences in spawning location and phenology. The spawning strategies of M. paradoxus and M. capensis are well adapted to a time-frame of optimal transport conditions favourable for larval survival in the highly variable environment of the southern Benguela upwelling system, but the peak spawning of the two species is separated in time and space.     

Distribution of Scyllarid Phyllosoma Larvae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Scyllaridae) in the Kuroshio Subgyre

Using ichthyoplankton samples collected in the Kuroshio Subgyre during early summer cruises, we examined spatial distributions of scyllarid phyllosoma larvae in the Subgyre, particularly of the genus Scyllarus. The present study has two objectives: (1) to reveal species composition of Scyllarus phyllosoma larvae in the Kuroshio Subgyre, and (2) to examine larval recruitment of Scyllarus species as contrasted with that of Panulirus, particularly P. japonicus, the larval recruitment of which has been examined in detail. A total of 218 phyllosoma larvae collected in the present study belonged to two families (Palinuridae and Scyllaridae) representing 5 genera and 11 species. Phyllosoma larvae of two Scyllarus species (S. cultrifer and Scyllarus sp. c) were abundant among the collected larvae, and were found mainly in the following three regions located within the Kuroshio-Counter Current region south of Kuroshio Current: the water east of Okinawa Is., the water far east of Okinawa Is. (or far south of Shikoku Is.), and the water around Hachijojima Is. Larvae of each of the above two Scyllarus species collected in the three regions may belong to different populations: larvae collected in the water around Hachijojima Is. may come from their benthic populations along the Pacific coast of Honshu and Shikoku Is., central Japan, while larvae collected in the other two regions may come from their benthic populations of the Ryukyu Archipelago and Taiwan. Judging from their shorter larval period and current systems within the Kuroshio Subgyre, these Scyllarus larvae may be destined for death. An erratum to this article is available at .     

长牡蛎(Crassostrea gigas)两个Dmrt家族基因的时空表达

本文以长牡蛎27个幼虫发育阶段个体以及成体的5个组织织作为实验材料,采用实时荧光定量PCR技术对其Dmrt家族中的2个基因(CgDsx和CgDmrtA2)的表达模式以及在性别决定中的作用进行了研究。结果表明,长牡蛎CgDsx基因在胚胎发育初期有大量表达,从囊胚期到担轮幼虫初期表达量最高,之后表达量开始降低,在D形幼虫后一直维持在极低的表达水平,此后仅在成体的雄性性腺中具有高度表达。由此可见,CgDsx可能也对早期胚胎发育起一定调控作用,同时参与了性别决定。CgDmrtA2在长牡蛎所有组织中均有表达,各组织间表达差异不显著,在D形幼虫至壳顶后期表达量较高,说明它参与了胚胎中后期的发育过程,可能与神经的形成相关,但是其具体功能还需要进一步研究。     

文蛤(Meretrix meretrix)幼虫发育过程中细胞凋亡和Caspase 功能分析

以文蛤为研究对象,利用TUNEL技术(Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling)检测了文蛤各发育阶段的幼虫中细胞凋亡的部位,利用Caspase原位标记分析了有活性的Caspase在幼虫中的分布情况,用Caspase抑制剂Z-VAD-FMK处理受精后4天和5天的变态前幼虫,同时以抑制剂的有机溶剂DMSO(Dimethyl sulfoxide)作对照,根据其对幼虫变态的影响,分析Caspase在文蛤幼虫变态中的作用.细胞凋亡检测结果显示,幼虫发育过程中发生细胞凋亡的部位主要在壳顶幼虫的面盘,说明细胞凋亡可能是文蛤幼虫变态过程中面盘退化的主要机制;在担轮幼虫至壳顶幼虫中都检测到有活性的Caspase,说明整个幼虫形态变化过程中都有Caspase的参与;用Caspase特异性抑制剂处理变态前幼虫,发现处理组幼虫变态率均显著低于对照组(P<0.05),说明Caspase在变态早期和晚期都有重要作用,同时发现DMSO对幼虫变态有诱导作用,可以在生产中加以利用.     

Growth characteristics,pigmentation, and the identificaton of whitebait (galaxias spp., Salmonoidea)

Definitions are given for stages in the development of five species of Galaxias, family Galaxiidae, which have marine larvae.

Larvae of Galaxias maculates attenuates and G. brevipinnis are large, and those of G. fasciatus relatively small as they enter fresh water from the sea. Development as whitebait involves shrinkage by about 25% in total length; the head length, considered separately, shrinks by about 15%. The ratio of standard length to head length alters from the larval to the adult value before positive growth recommences. These features are probably similar for G. postvectis and G. argenteus

Minimum observed pigmentation is described for the late larvae of G m. attenuates, G. brevipinnis, and G. fasciatus and for early whitebait of these and of G. postvectis and G. argenteus Subsequent development of melanophores and of colour pattern is described and figured. Large melano‐phores along the lateral line distinguish early whitebait of G. m. attenuates, but no distinguishing feature of pigmentation has been found in other species until the juvenile pattern is apparent. This pattern is characteristic for each species, and it persists in adult G. m. attenuates. G. argenteus has distinct juvenile and adult patterns, the latter being developed in a second, superficial, layer of pigment cells. Adult G. postvectis develop a distinctive fin colour pattern unlike other New ‐Zealand Galaxias; the superficial pigment layer is without definite pattern. In adult G. brevipinnis this layer resembles the persistent juvenile pattern and the two layers combined give a reticulate appearance. In G. fasciatus the juvenile pattern persists and develops as the fish grow; the superficial pigment layer is present in adults but is not usually apparent.

Until now positive identification of whitebait has depended on colour pattern. Recently recorded identifications of unpigmented whitebait are shown to be misleading. A key is given for the identification of early and late whitebait using absolute measurements as an important character.     

Common bivalve larvae from New Zealand: Mytilacea

The late stage larvae of five common mytilid bivalves (Mollusca: Pelecypoda: Mytilacea) are described and provisionally identified as Mytilus edulis aoteanus, Modiolus areolatus, Perna canaliculus, Xenostrobus pulex, and Modiolarca impacta. All are readily distinguishable on the basis of larval shell features, including hinge structure. However, one common species, Aulacomya maoriana, was not discerned, and thus the identifications must remain tentative.

The larvae were recovered from plankton samples from Bay of Islands (35° 15’ S, 174° 10’ E), Wellington Harbour (41° 16’ S, 174° 51’ E), and Raumati Beach (40° 56’ S, 174° 58’ E), New Zealand, during 1970–72. Their seasonal occurrences in the plankton are described and related to the condition index of the adults as far as possible.     

Dispersal patterns of the eggs and larvae of spring-spawning fish in the Irish Sea, UK

Many marine species produce pelagic propagules which, because of their life-history characteristics and the local hydrodynamics, can disperse considerable distances from the point of release. Distances travelled are affected by factors such as: release time and location, egg and larval stage duration, local environmental conditions and active swimming and settlement behaviours. Understanding such dispersal patterns is important for the design of effective ecosystem-conservation strategies. We used a regional scale, coupled physical-biological model for the Irish Sea to simulate the possible dispersal of eggs and larvae of five species of fish with contrasting early life histories (cod Gadus morhua, plaice Pleuronectes platessa, witch Glyptocephalus cynoglossus, sprat Sprattus sprattus and pogge Agonus cataphractus). The hydrodynamic model was forced with meteorological data for 1995, a year when extensive plankton surveys were conducted in the Irish Sea. A particle tracking method featuring particle release (spawning) and species-dependent particle development and behaviour was then run based on flow and temperature fields from the hydrodynamical model. Modelled larval distributions and settlement areas corresponded favourably with observations from field sampling. The settlement destinations (or onset of shoaling for sprat) were affected both by their initial spawning location and by the species-specific development rates and behaviours coded into the model. Eggs and larvae typically remained within 160 km of their spawning origin, although a minority travelled up to 300 km. Even in a relatively enclosed sea such as the Irish Sea, fish eggs and larvae can be dispersed over 100s of km. This provides a major challenge for the design of effective spatial management strategies if it is necessary to protect a species across its life-history stages. Further progress in the design of effective conservation measures for species or communities will need an integrated approach taking account of key aspects of early life history and behaviour.     

An unexploited population of oysters,Ostrea lutaria Hutton,from foveaux strait

Settlement of Ostrea lutaria on sand‐cement‐plastered asbestos plates held in steel frames on the bottom of Foveaux Strait was studied from March 1965 to April 1967. Spat mortality over the period of plate exposure (about one month) was very low (maximum of 3 percent) and was greatest shortly after settlement. There was no evidence that mortality was due to predation. Essentially the same seasonal pattern of settlement was observed each year. Eighty to 90 percent of spat settled between mid December and mid February in both summers; settlement occurred as early as October; some was observed as late as July.

Results of field experiments suggest some very tentative conclusions on the settlement behaviour of O. lutaria: (1) The larvae are benthopelagic and remain on the bottom in strong current conditions. (2) Light stimulates swimming of larvae in still water. (3) In still water and low light intensities of the area larvae tend to swim upward toward the light. (4) In still water and dim light of the area larvae settle predominantly on under surfaces. (5) In still water in the absence of light larvae settle predominantly on upper surfaces. (6) Under the conditions of current and light in the multiplate frames used to sample spatfall here, larvae settle mainly on upper surfaces. (7) Larvae tend to crawl up inclined surfaces before settling.

The results indicate that larval behaviour may be changed by small alterations of light intensity and current. The contradictory nature of surface angle preferences found by other workers for various species of Ostrea and Crassostrea may have been due to such small variations caused by the experimental techniques. It is possible that the settlement behaviour of all species of these genera is similar.     

Recruitment of flatfish species to an estuarine nursery habitat (Lima estuary,NW Iberian Peninsula)

One of the present concerns of fish biologists involves defining and identifying nursery habitats in the context of conservation and resource management strategies. Fish nursery studies usually report upon nursery occupation during the latter juvenile stages, despite the fact that recruitment to nurseries can start early in life, during the larval phase. Here we investigated the use of a temperate estuarine nursery area, the Lima estuary (NW Portugal), by initial development stages of flatfish species before and after metamorphosis, integrating the larval and juvenile phases. The Lima estuarine flatfish community comprised twelve taxa, seven of which were present as pelagic larvae, six as juveniles and three as adults. There was a general trend of increasing spring–summer abundance of both larvae and juveniles, followed by a sharp winter decrease, mainly of larval flatfishes. The Lima estuary was used by Solea senegalensis, Platichthys flesus and Solea solea as a nursery area, with direct settlement for the two first species. In contrast, indirect settlement was suggested for S. solea, with metamorphosis occurring outside the estuarine area. Estuarine recruitment of S. senegalensis varied between years, with young larvae occurring in the estuary throughout a prolonged period that lasted 6–9 months, corroborating the protracted spawning season. P. flesus, the second most abundant species, exhibited a typical spring estuarine recruitment, without inter-annual variations. Developed larvae arrived in the estuary during spring, whereas the 0-group juveniles emerged in the following summer period. The present study contributes new insight to our understanding of the economically important S. senegalensis, and highlights the importance of integrating the planktonic larval phase into traditional flatfish nursery studies.     

Pre-iarval Development of Palaemon carinicauda (Holthuis)

In summer Palaemon carinicauda larvae are hatched in salt-fresh water. The prelarval development may be divided into six stages. In the larval development of the Palaemon carinicauda has close relationship with Macrobrachium carcinus (P. C. Choudbury, 1971). They differ from larval of Macrobrachium carcinus in that the buds of the first, second, fifth pereiopod occur on first stage and the buds of the third, fourth pereiopod occur on fourth stage and the fifth pereiopod become biromous types on fifth stage. The terminal segment between spine bering spinules posterior on telson.