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Borges AKM, Alves RRN, Oliveira TPR. Mapping seahorses in a Brazilian estuary: mangrove structures as key predictors for distribution and habitat preference. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15730. [PMID: 37489120 PMCID: PMC10363342 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Planning for effective conservation demands an accurate understanding of the ecological aspects of species, particularly their distribution and habitat preferences. This is even more critical in the case of data-poor, rare, and threatened species, such as seahorses, mainly when they inhabit vulnerable ecosystems like estuaries. Given the importance of better understanding these parameters to design seahorse conservation strategies, we mapped the distribution and assessed habitat preferences of longsnout seahorses (Hippocampus reidi) in a mangrove estuary in a Brazilian protected area. Using generalised linear mixed-effects models we found that dense mangrove cover macro-habitats and shallow depths predicted seahorse sightings and higher densities. Furthermore, the selective index of micro-habitats used by seahorses showed that seahorses exhibited a preference for mangrove structures as holdfasts (i.e., fallen branches). Due to the significant importance of mangroves in providing suitable habitats for H. reidi in estuaries, it is crucial to enforce the protection of these ecosystems in conservation and management strategies for the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Karolina Martins Borges
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- LAPEC—Laboratório de Peixes e Conservação Marinha, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Tacyana Pereira Ribeiro Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- LAPEC—Laboratório de Peixes e Conservação Marinha, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e Sociais Aplicadas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission, Seahorse, Pipefish and Seadragon Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland
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Large-Scale Distribution of the European Seahorses (Hippocampus Rafinesque, 1810): A Systematic Review. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020325. [PMID: 35205192 PMCID: PMC8869150 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Populations of many marine species are threatened by a number of interacting factors, including anthropogenic activities, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The assessment of the conservation status of such populations relies heavily on several types of data, such as large-scale geographical and ecological distribution. Seahorses are charismatic fish sensitive to environmental pressures, and according to the IUCN directive 95/2020, they should be considered a model for environmental quality assessment. As in many other areas, the data on seahorse ecological distribution in Europe are scattered, patchy, and mainly focused on small-scale studies. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review using the PRISMA protocol to identify the current knowledge status, detect gaps, and propose future research priorities. We analyzed 32 years of published studies and described the distribution of Hippocampus guttulatus and H. hippocampus across 176 sites in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea as a function of habitat, depth, and degree of confinement. The applied method evidenced the overall lack of a detailed habitat description in published studies. Seahorse conservation would benefit from an analytical description of habitats, such as data on the depth, nature of the substrate, and associated biological communities, as well as the use of a standardized habitat classification system, such as formally recognized EUNIS habitat codes. Abstract Human pressures on marine ecosystems have caused extensive degradation of marine habitats and several local extinctions. Overexploitation and destructive fishing practices are responsible for biodiversity loss in many coastal ecosystems. The definition of conservation programs in marine fish requires comprehensive knowledge on large-scale geographical distribution, while considering distribution/abundance patterns in relation to key environmental variables. Due to their life-cycle traits, the two European seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus and H. hippocampus), as with other congeneric species, are particularly sensitive to the effects of anthropogenic activities and habitat changes. However, information on the ecological distribution of these two species is scattered, patchy, and mainly focused on small-scale studies. In this paper, we followed an international standard protocol for systematic reviews (the PRISMA protocol) to provide a detailed assessment of the two species’ geographical distribution in relation to the environmental characteristics. According to the 134 analyzed studies, Hippocampus guttulatus is more common in confined areas, while H. hippocampus is found in marine shelf waters. With several interspecific differences, seagrasses were the most used holdfasts of both species. The EUNIS codes (European nature information system) referring to a specific and unique habitat were discussed as a potential tool for defining the ecological distribution of the two species. The obtained results and their future implementation could help plan conservation actions.
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The paradox of retained genetic diversity of Hippocampus guttulatus in the face of demographic decline. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10434. [PMID: 34001923 PMCID: PMC8129090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity is the raw foundation for evolutionary potential. When genetic diversity is significantly reduced, the risk of extinction is heightened considerably. The long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) is one of two seahorse species occurring in the North-East Atlantic. The population living in the Ria Formosa (South Portugal) declined dramatically between 2001 and 2008, prompting fears of greatly reduced genetic diversity and reduced effective population size, hallmarks of a genetic bottleneck. This study tests these hypotheses using samples from eight microsatellite loci taken from 2001 and 2013, on either side of the 2008 decline. The data suggest that the population has not lost its genetic diversity, and a genetic bottleneck was not detectable. However, overall relatedness increased between 2001 to 2013, leading to questions of future inbreeding. The effective population size has seemingly increased close to the threshold necessary for the population to retain its evolutionary potential, but whether these results have been affected by sample size is not clear. Several explanations are discussed for these unexpected results, such as gene flow, local decline due to dispersal to other areas of the Ria Formosa, and the potential that the duration of the demographic decline too short to record changes in the genetic diversity. Given the results presented here and recent evidence of a second population decline, the precise estimation of both gene flow and effective population size via more extensive genetic screening will be critical to effective population management.
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Diversity of Seahorse Species (Hippocampus spp.) in the International Aquarium Trade. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13050187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) are threatened as a result of habitat degradation and overfishing. They have commercial value as traditional medicine, curio objects, and pets in the aquarium industry. There are 48 valid species, 27 of which are represented in the international aquarium trade. Most species in the aquarium industry are relatively large and were described early in the history of seahorse taxonomy. In 2002, seahorses became the first marine fishes for which the international trade became regulated by CITES (Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), with implementation in 2004. Since then, aquaculture has been developed to improve the sustainability of the seahorse trade. This review provides analyses of the roles of wild-caught and cultured individuals in the international aquarium trade of various Hippocampus species for the period 1997–2018. For all species, trade numbers declined after 2011. The proportion of cultured seahorses in the aquarium trade increased rapidly after their listing in CITES, although the industry is still struggling to produce large numbers of young in a cost-effective way, and its economic viability is technically challenging in terms of diet and disease. Whether seahorse aquaculture can benefit wild populations will largely depend on its capacity to provide an alternative livelihood for subsistence fishers in the source countries. For most species, CITES trade records of live animals in the aquarium industry started a few years earlier than those of dead bodies in the traditional medicine trade, despite the latter being 15 times higher in number. The use of DNA analysis in the species identification of seahorses has predominantly been applied to animals in the traditional medicine market, but not to the aquarium trade. Genetic tools have already been used in the description of new species and will also help to discover new species and in various other kinds of applications.
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5
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Planas M, Piñeiro-Corbeira C, Bouza C, Castejón-Silvo I, Vera M, Regueira M, Ochoa V, Bárbara I, Terrados J, Chamorro A, Barreiro R, Hernández-Urcera J, Alejo I, Nombela M, García ME, Pardo BG, Peña V, Díaz-Tapia P, Cremades J, Morales-Nin B. A multidisciplinary approach to identify priority areas for the monitoring of a vulnerable family of fishes in Spanish Marine National Parks. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:4. [PMID: 33514312 PMCID: PMC7853308 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01743-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Syngnathid fishes (Actinopterygii, Syngnathidae) are flagship species strongly associated with seaweed and seagrass habitats. Seahorses and pipefishes are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic and environmental disturbances, but most species are currently Data Deficient according to the IUCN (2019), requiring more biological and ecological research. This study provides the first insights into syngnathid populations in the two marine Spanish National Parks (PNIA—Atlantic- and PNAC—Mediterranean). Fishes were collected periodically, marked, morphologically identified, analysed for size, weight, sex and sexual maturity, and sampled for stable isotope and genetic identification. Due the scarcity of previous information, habitat characteristics were also assessed in PNIA. Results Syngnathid diversity and abundance were low, with two species identified in PNIA (Hippocampus guttulatus and Syngnathus acus) and four in PNAC (S. abaster, S. acus, S. typhle and Nerophis maculatus). Syngnathids from both National Parks (NP) differed isotopically, with much lower δ15N in PNAC than in PNIA. The dominant species were S. abaster in PNAC and S. acus in PNIA. Syngnathids preferred less exposed sites in macroalgal assemblages in PNIA and Cymodocea meadows in PNAC. The occurrence of very large specimens, the absence of small-medium sizes and the isotopic comparison with a nearby population suggest that the population of Syngnathus acus (the dominant syngnathid in PNIA) mainly comprised breeders that migrate seasonally. Mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence variants were detected for H. guttulatus, S. acus, and S. abaster, and a novel 16S rDNA haplotype was obtained in N. maculatus. Our data suggest the presence of a cryptic divergent mitochondrial lineage of Syngnathus abaster species in PNAC. Conclusions This is the first multidisciplinary approach to the study of syngnathids in Spanish marine NPs. Habitat preferences and population characteristics in both NPs differed. Further studies are needed to assess the occurrence of a species complex for S. abaster, discarding potential misidentifications of genus Syngnathus in PNAC, and evaluate migratory events in PNIA. We propose several preferential sites in both NPs for future monitoring of syngnathid populations and some recommendations for their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Planas
- Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208, Vigo, Spain.
| | | | - Carmen Bouza
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, Avenida Carballo Calero S/N, 27002, Lugo, Spain.,Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Inés Castejón-Silvo
- Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (CSIC-UIB), 07190, Esporles, Spain
| | - Manuel Vera
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, Avenida Carballo Calero S/N, 27002, Lugo, Spain.,Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marcos Regueira
- Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Verónica Ochoa
- Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Ignacio Bárbara
- BioCost Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias and CICA, Universidade da Coruña, 15071, Coruña, Spain
| | - Jorge Terrados
- Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (CSIC-UIB), 07190, Esporles, Spain
| | - Alexandro Chamorro
- Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Barreiro
- BioCost Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias and CICA, Universidade da Coruña, 15071, Coruña, Spain
| | - Jorge Hernández-Urcera
- Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Irene Alejo
- Department of Marine Geosciences and Territorial Planning, Marine Sciences Faculty, University of Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Miguel Nombela
- Department of Marine Geosciences and Territorial Planning, Marine Sciences Faculty, University of Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Manuel Enrique García
- Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Belén G Pardo
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, Avenida Carballo Calero S/N, 27002, Lugo, Spain.,Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Viviana Peña
- BioCost Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias and CICA, Universidade da Coruña, 15071, Coruña, Spain
| | - Pilar Díaz-Tapia
- BioCost Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias and CICA, Universidade da Coruña, 15071, Coruña, Spain
| | - Javier Cremades
- BioCost Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias and CICA, Universidade da Coruña, 15071, Coruña, Spain
| | - Beatriz Morales-Nin
- Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (CSIC-UIB), 07190, Esporles, Spain
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6
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Wang X, Zhong H, Guo J, Hou F. Morphology and molecular identification of the zoological origin of medicinal seahorses in Chinese herbal markets. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2020; 31:335-345. [PMID: 32896188 DOI: 10.1080/24701394.2020.1815719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Seahorses are a charismatic group of fish that have high economic value for their unique appearance and important medicinal values. They were heavily traded as traditional Chinese medicines. Authenticating the zoological origin of medicinal seahorses is very difficult because of their similar morphology. To study the identification characteristics of dried seahorse, and to provide a scientific basis for seahorse resource conservation and market supervision, 64 dried specimens from China's four major pharmaceutical markets were investigated based on morphology and COI sequences. Sixty-four COI sequences of 662 bp length revealed 43 unique haplotypes, which were divided into 12 main clades in both NJ and UPGMA phylogenetic trees. Eleven species including Hippocampus spinosissimus, H. barbouri, H. kuda, H. comes, H. histrix, H. trimaculatus, H. kelloggi, H. ingens, H. mohnikei, H. erectus and H. jayakari were clustered on different branches and showed respective monophyly. The results were confirmed by morphology and BLAST analysis. Hippocampus capensis and H. fuscus, which were clustered together in the phylogenetic tree, could be distinguished by different morphology. The morphological and molecular determination revealed 13 seahorse species in Chinese herbal markets. The method of DNA sequences analysis combined with morphological characteristics is conducive to accurately identify the zoological origin of commercial seahorses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Pharmacy College, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjin Zhong
- Pharmacy College, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlin Guo
- Pharmacy College, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Feixia Hou
- Pharmacy College, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Correia M, Paulo D, Samara E, Koulouri P, Mentogiannis V, Dounas C. Field studies of seahorse population density, structure and habitat use in a semi-closed north-eastern Mediterranean marine area (Stratoni, North Aegean Sea). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:314-317. [PMID: 32383476 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study was carried out in the marine area of Stratoni, Greece, where two seahorse species are present (Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus). Two surveys were conducted (September 2016 and May 2019) to gather information regarding seahorse species' abundance, distribution and habitat characteristics. Four different seahorse natural and artificial habitat types were identified. The results revealed that the presence of H. hippocampus was relatively high, especially at sites with artificial structures, whereas the presence of H. guttulatus was rare. Data collected can provide baseline information for future population assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Correia
- CCMAR, Universidade do Algarve, FCT, Faro, Portugal
- Project Seahorse, Fisheries Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Diogo Paulo
- CCMAR, Universidade do Algarve, FCT, Faro, Portugal
| | - Elina Samara
- Fisheries Biology and Hydroecology, Hippocampus Marine Institute, Gerakas, Greece
| | - Panayota Koulouri
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Gournes Pediados, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasilis Mentogiannis
- Fisheries Biology and Hydroecology, Hippocampus Marine Institute, Gerakas, Greece
| | - Costas Dounas
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Gournes Pediados, Heraklion, Greece
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8
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Lazic T, Pierri C, Cardone F, Cariani A, Colangelo P, Corriero G, Ferrari A, Marzano M, Messinetti S, Pesole G, Senczuk G, Santamaria M, Tinti F, Gristina M. Genetic structure of the long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus, in the Central–Western Mediterranean Sea. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus reaches its highest abundance in confined environments, where it has unique biological and ecological traits that suggest significant genetic differentiation among populations. In the present study, we aimed to reveal the genetic structure of this species by analysing eight microsatellite loci and a mitochondrial DNA region (cytochrome b) of eight populations from the Central–Western Mediterranean Sea, including lagoon sites. Levels of genetic diversity, as measured by the total number of alleles, number of private alleles, allelic richness and heterozygosity, ranged from low to moderate. The overall value of inbreeding was high, indicating a deficiency in heterozygotes. The haplotype network had a star-like construction, with the most common haplotype present in all populations. Data from the two molecular markers congruently displayed a similar pattern and revealed low genetic differentiation, notwithstanding predictions based on species traits. The observed genetic structure is probably the result of both historical population demographic events and current gene flow. The investigated lagoons, however, revealed a unique genetic profile, which is especially highlighted by the Taranto population. At this site, the results also showed altered values of observed/expected heterozygosity and allelic richness, a characteristic of marginal populations. Our study suggests that lagoon populations should be managed as distinct genetic units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Lazic
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Frine Cardone
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Cariani
- Laboratory of Genetics & Genomics of Marine Resources and Environment (GenoDREAM), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Paolo Colangelo
- National Council of Research (CNR), Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), Montelibretti (Rome), Italy
| | | | - Alice Ferrari
- Laboratory of Genetics & Genomics of Marine Resources and Environment (GenoDREAM), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Marinella Marzano
- National Council of Research (CNR), Institute of Biomembrane, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Messinetti
- Laboratory of Genetics & Genomics of Marine Resources and Environment (GenoDREAM), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Graziano Pesole
- National Council of Research (CNR), Institute of Biomembrane, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Senczuk
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Monica Santamaria
- National Council of Research (CNR), Institute of Biomembrane, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
| | - Fausto Tinti
- Laboratory of Genetics & Genomics of Marine Resources and Environment (GenoDREAM), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Michele Gristina
- National Council of Research (CNR), Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Palermo, Italy
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Simpson M, Coleman RA, Morris RL, Harasti D. Seahorse Hotels: Use of artificial habitats to support populations of the endangered White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 157:104861. [PMID: 32275502 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The provision of temporary, specially designed artificial habitat may help support populations of the Endangered Whites' seahorse Hippocampus whitei in the face of rapid coastal urbanisation and declining natural habitats. Three designs of artificial habitat (Seahorse Hotels) were installed in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, where natural habitats had significantly declined. Mark recapture surveys were used to assess seahorse site fidelity and population parameters, and the effect of Seahorse Hotel design on seahorse abundance, epibiotic growth and mobile epifaunal seahorse prey was determined. The Seahorse Hotels sustained a substantial population of seahorses (64; 57-72 95% confidence intervals) in comparison to recent local population estimates. There were no significant differences in seahorse abundance, mobile epifauna or epibiotic growth among the three different hotel designs. This research demonstrated that H. whitei will inhabit Seahorse Hotels in absence of natural habitat, and additional complexity in these artificial structures was not necessary to support seahorse populations. Temporary structures such as Seahorse Hotels will be a valuable tool in supporting H. whitei and other Syngnathid populations through infrastructure maintenance or habitat modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Simpson
- University of Sydney, Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Ross A Coleman
- University of Sydney, Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Morris
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - David Harasti
- Fisheries Research, NSW - Department of Primary Industries NSW, 2315, Australia
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10
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Morphological and molecular evidence for first records and range extension of the Japanese seahorse, Hippocampus mohnikei (Bleeker 1853) in a bay-estuarine system of Goa, central west coast of India. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0220420. [PMID: 32208467 PMCID: PMC7092974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate information of taxonomy and geographic range of seahorse species (genus Hippocampus) is the first step in preparing threat assessments and designing effective conservation measures. Here, we report first records and a range extension of the Japanese seahorse, Hippocampus mohnikei (Bleeker, 1853) from the Mandovi estuarine ecosystem of Goa, central west coast of India (CWCI) based on morphological and molecular analyses. The morphometric and meristic traits, particularly short snout (29–35% head length), double cheek spine, low coronet, long tail (51.2–57.9% of standard length), 11 trunk rings, 37–39 tail rings, 15–16 dorsal and 12–14 fin rays observed in four collected specimens matched with the reported key diagnostic morphological criteria of vouchered specimens of H. mohnikei. The seahorse mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes were partially sequenced for conclusive genetic identification of the species under study. Molecular analysis showed that all four individuals clustered together suggesting a monophyletic lineage. Using the maximum similarity with GenBank database, maximum likelihood network and subsequent morphological analysis, the identity of the collected seahorse species was reconfirmed as H. mohnikei. With this new report, the geographic range of H. mohnikei extended significantly to the west from its previously known range. This new sighting of H. mohnikei could indicate a long-distance dispersal facilitated by the prevailing oceanic circulation in the Indo-Pacific region or increased habitat suitability in bay-estuarine systems of Goa, CWCI. Comparison of the pair-wise genetic distances (Kimura 2-parameter) based on COI and Cyt b sequences revealed that the specimens examined in this study are genetically closer to H. mohnikei populations from Vietnam and Thailand than they are to those in Japan and China. To test the hypothesis whether H. mohnikei are vagrants or previously unreported established population, long-term inter-annual sampling and analyses are warranted.
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11
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Masonjones HD, Rose E. When more is not merrier: Using wild population dynamics to understand the effect of density on ex situ seahorse mating behaviors. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218069. [PMID: 31265478 PMCID: PMC6605648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Seahorses are considered one of the most iconic examples of a monogamous species in the animal kingdom. This study investigates the relationship between stocking density and mating and competitive behavior from the context of the field biology of the dwarf seahorse, Hippocampus zosterae (Jordan & Gilbert). Animals were housed in 38 liter tanks at a range of densities and sex ratios (from 2-8 animals per tank), and their reproductive and other social behaviors were monitored from tank introduction through copulation. At low tank densities and even sex ratios but comparatively high field densities, frequency of both mating and competitive behaviors was low in trials. A higher level of males in tanks across all densities increased competition, activity levels, and aggression leading to egg transfer errors and brood expulsion, resulting in lower reproductive success. Across seahorse species, mean and maximum wild densities were consistently lower than those used in ex situ breeding, with adult sex ratios that were significantly female biased. However, significant variation exists in wild seahorse densities across species, with higher densities detected in focal/mark recapture studies and on artificial habitat structures than reported with belt transect sampling techniques. Interchange of knowledge gained in both aquarium and wild contexts will allow us to better understand the biology of this genus, and improve reproduction in captivity. Interpreting ex situ reproductive behaviors of seahorses within various densities reported from natural populations will help us predict the impact of conservation efforts and increase the likelihood of long-term persistence of populations for this threatened genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather D. Masonjones
- Biology Department, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily Rose
- Biology Department, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, United States of America
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Masonjones H, Rose E, Elson J, Roberts B, Curtis-Quick J. High density, early maturing, and morphometrically unique Hippocampus erectus population makes a Bahamian pond a priority site for conservation. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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