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Elston C, Murray TS, Rogers T, Parkinson MC, Mann BQ, Daly R, Filmalter JD, Cowley PD. Diamond Gymnura natalensis and duckbill Aetomylaeus bovinus rays undertake nationwide coastal migrations. J Fish Biol 2024. [PMID: 38533638 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Migration is a critical aspect of ocean ecosystems, and understanding this phenomenon answers ecological and management questions. Given the difficulty in tracking ocean animals across large distances, the extent to which different ray species perform long-distance movements, such as migrations, remains unknown. This study used passive acoustic telemetry to track the movements of endemic diamond Gymnura natalensis and critically endangered duckbill Aetomylaeus bovinus rays along the South African coastline using a collaborative nationwide network of coastal acoustic receivers for up to 7 years. Duckbill rays were detected significantly more frequently than diamond rays, but both species moved between the south and east coasts of South Africa (traveling up to 1167 km). Tagged individuals were detected significantly more often in their tagging locations during summer months but traveled significantly further distances during winter months. Furthermore, movement models fitted to individual duckbill rays' annual net-squared displacement identified most individual annual movements as migratory. This evidence suggests that both diamond and duckbill rays make eastward winter migrations and return to specific areas along the coastline during the summer months. The exceptions to this were diamond rays tagged on the east coast that were not found to migrate seasonally, which supports previous research that there is intraspecific variability in migrations for ray species. These findings have implications for understanding ray migration not only on a global scale but also locally for spatial management interventions and population delineation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantel Elston
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Taryn S Murray
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Toby Rogers
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Shark Spotters, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Bruce Q Mann
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
- Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ryan Daly
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
- Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - John D Filmalter
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Paul D Cowley
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
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Bellodi A, Carbonara P, MacKenzie KM, Agus B, Bekaert K, Greenway ESI, Follesa MC, Madia M, Massaro A, Palmisano M, Romano C, Sinopoli M, Ferragut-Perello F, Mahé K. Measurement of the Growth of the Main Commercial Rays ( Raja clavata, Raja brachyura, Torpedo marmorata, Dipturus oxyrinchus) in European Waters Using Intercalibration Methods. Biology (Basel) 2023; 13:20. [PMID: 38248451 PMCID: PMC10813705 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The intercalibration of age readings represents a crucial step in the ageing procedure; the use of different sampling methods, structures, preparation techniques, and ageing criteria can significantly affect age and growth data. This study evaluated the precision and accuracy of ageing for the most important North Atlantic (NA) and Mediterranean (M) ray species, Raja clavata, Raja brachyura, Torpedo marmorata, and Dipturus oxyrinchus, through exchange exercises carried out by readers from different laboratories. In addition, growth parameters were estimated from the obtained data. A total of 663 individual batoids were analysed. R. clavata and R. brachyura samples were obtained from both the NA and the M, while vertebral centra of T. marmorata and D. oxyrinchus were only available for the M. High reading variability was observed for all four evaluated species in terms of CV, APE, and PA. D. oxyrinchus and T. marmorata showed relatively slow growth and the von Bertalanffy model with fixed t0 and Gompertz's model were, respectively, the most precise models for each of these species. In R. brachyura, females had a faster growth rate compared to combined sexes. The vbt0p proved the most precise model for describing growth in this species, and no statistical differences were found between the NO and the M. For R. clavata, the best-fitting model was the vbt0p for females and males in the NO and for females from the M, while the best-fitting model for males from the M and sexes combined for both areas was log.p. Distinct growth patterns were observed between the two study areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bellodi
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); or (B.A.)
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Pierluigi Carbonara
- Fondazione COISPA ETS, Via dei Trulli 18/20, 70126 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Kirsteen M. MacKenzie
- Ifremer, Fisheries Laboratory, Channel and North Sea Fisheries Research Unit, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France;
| | - Blondine Agus
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); or (B.A.)
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Karen Bekaert
- ILVO—Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 8400 Oostende, Belgium;
| | - Eleanor S. I. Greenway
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria C. Follesa
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Manfredi Madia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.F.); (M.M.)
- SZN—Sicily Marine Centre, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Andrea Massaro
- APLYSIA—Ricerche Applicate all’Ecologia e alla Biologia Marina, 57128 Livorno, Italy;
| | - Michele Palmisano
- Fondazione COISPA ETS, Via dei Trulli 18/20, 70126 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Chiara Romano
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | - Mauro Sinopoli
- SZN—Sicily Marine Centre, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149 Palermo, Italy;
| | | | - Kélig Mahé
- Ifremer, Fisheries Laboratory, Channel and North Sea Fisheries Research Unit, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France;
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3
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Schieber JJ, Fahy DP, Carlson JK, Kerstetter DW. Age, growth and maturity of the yellow stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis), a biannually reproductive tropical batoid. J Fish Biol 2023; 102:1281-1295. [PMID: 36895092 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Urobatis jamaicensis is a coastal batoid species affected by habitat loss and small-scale exploitation from fisheries and the aquarium trade, yet the life-history information available is limited. This is the first study to assess the vertebral centra from 195 stingrays to estimate age and growth patterns, and compare them with the biannual reproductive pattern previously reported for this species. Age-at-size data were compared using five different growth models and found a two-parameter von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF), the Gompertz model and a modified VBGF fit best for males, females and sexes combined, respectively. Maturity was achieved before 1 year. However, growth did not cease with the onset of maturity, but instead slowed down. Results from marginal increment analysis and edge analysis indicated a nonannual somatic growth pattern with influences from the biannual reproduction cycle where peaks in resource allocation may be focused on ovulation rather than growth during March when larger brood sizes are present, while resources may be allocated more towards growth during August and September when brood sizes are generally smaller. These results may be used as a proxy for species with similar reproductive patterns or for those that lack annual or seasonal growth patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Schieber
- Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004, USA
| | - Daniel P Fahy
- Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004, USA
| | - John K Carlson
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, National Marine Fisheries Service, 3500 Delwood Beach Road, Panama City, Florida, 32408, USA
| | - David W Kerstetter
- Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004, USA
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4
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Raoult V, Gaston TF, Smith C, Dolfo V, Park JM, Williamson JE. Patterns of mother-embryo isotope fractionation in batoids vary within and between species. J Fish Biol 2022. [PMID: 35249223 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Patterns of mother-embryo fractionation of 13 C and 15 N were assessed for their predictability across three species of batoids caught as by-catch in south-eastern Australia. Stable isotope analysis of 24 mothers and their litters revealed that isotope ratios of embryos were significantly different from their corresponding mothers and that the scale and direction of the difference varied within and across species. The range of variation across species was 3.5‰ for δ13 C and 4‰ for δ15 N, equivalent to a difference in trophic level. In one species (Urolophus paucimaculatus) litters could be significantly enriched or depleted in 13 C and 15 N relative to their mothers' isotope signatures. These results suggest that patterns of mother-embryo isotope fractionation vary within and between species and that these patterns may not be explained only by developmental mode. Contrasting patterns of fractionation between and within species make it difficult to adjust mother-embryo fractionation with broad-scale correction factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Raoult
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Troy F Gaston
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catrina Smith
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Violaine Dolfo
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan, France
| | - Joo-Myun Park
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Dokdo Research Center, East Sea Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Uljin, Korea
| | - Jane E Williamson
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Ehemann NR, García-Rodríguez FJ, De La Cruz-Agüero J. Morphological abnormalities in seven American round ray specimens: A review of America's batomorph anomalies. J Fish Dis 2022; 45:395-409. [PMID: 34871460 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although morphological abnormalities in several rays and skate species around the American continents have frequently mentioned, their numbers are unknown. The present work record morphological abnormalities in four Urotrygonidae species. Two anophthalmic specimens were detected (Urotrygon microphthalmum and Urobatis halleri). Two individuals lacked caudal fins (Urobatis maculatus and Urotrygon chilensis). Two round rays showed incomplete fusion of the pectoral fin to the head (U. microphthalmum and U. chilensis). Vertebral compression and fusion were found in a 6-year-old female Urotrygon rogersi. In addition, 118 abnormal batomorph specimens were gathered from the available bibliography, spanning the last six decades (1959-2021). Amblyraja doellojuradoi was the species with the highest number of abnormalities (18). The most common anomaly was an incomplete fusion of the pectoral fin with the head. Since 2010, at least 30 anomalous batomorphs have been recorded every 5 years. Sixty-nine abnormal specimens occurred in the Northern Hemisphere (1.00-60.00 N). The Cortezian (Pacific) and Southeastern Brazil (Atlantic) marine ecoregions stood out with the highest number of these specimens. Mexico recorded 58 anomalous specimens, followed by Brazil (n = 36). Biological, abiotic and anthropogenic factors are probably the leading causes. However, additional studies are necessary to elucidate these speculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Roberto Ehemann
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (IPN-CICIMAR), La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | | | - José De La Cruz-Agüero
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (IPN-CICIMAR), La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
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6
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Pazzaglia UE, Reguzzoni M, Manconi R, Zecca PA, Zarattini G, Campagnolo M, Raspanti M. Morphology of joints and patterns of cartilage calcification in the endoskeleton of the batoid Raja cf. polystigma. J Anat 2022; 240:1127-1140. [PMID: 35037257 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The skeleton of the batoid fish consists of a mixture of calcified and uncalcified cartilage with a typical layout of mineral deposition toward the outer border, leaving an uncalcified central core in most of the skeleton segments. An exception is observed in the radials, where mineral deposition is central. Joints and endoskeleton segments were studied in two adult samples of Raja cf. polystigma. Histomorphology, mineral deposition pattern, and zonal chondrocyte duplication activity were compared among several endoskeleton segments, but with particular attention to the fin rays; in the first, the uncalcified cartilage is central with an outer layer ranging from mineralized tesserae to a continuous calcified coating, whereas in the second, the uncalcified cartilage surrounds one or more central calcified columns. The diarthroses have a joint cavity closed by a fibrous capsule and the sliding surfaces rest on the base of mineralized tesserae, whereas the interradial amphiarthroses show a layer of densely packed chondrocytes between the flat, calcified discs forming the base of neighboring radials. In the endoskeleton segments, three types of tesserae are distinguished, characterizing the phases of skeletal growth and mineralization which present differences in each endoskeleton segment. The chondrocyte density between central core, subtesseral layer, and radial external cartilage did not show significant differences, while there was a significant difference in chondrocyte density between the latter zones and the type c tesserae of the pelvic girdle. The histomorphology and morphometry observed in Raja cf. polystigma suggest a model of cartilage growth associated with structural stiffening without remodeling. A key point of this model is suggested to be the incomplete mineralization of the tesseral layer and the continuous growth of cartilage, both enabling fluid diffusion through the matrix fibril network of scattered, uncalcified cartilage zones inside and between the tesserae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Raspanti
- DVM (Zoology Lab), University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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7
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Feitosa LM, Queiroz APN, Labonne M, Dressler VL, Lessa RP. Habitat use and nursery evaluation for the longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) using vertebral microchemistry. J Fish Biol 2021; 99:1538-1549. [PMID: 34292590 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Here, we use vertebral microchemistry to investigate the habitat use patterns of the longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil, and to evaluate the existence of potential nurseries of the species. Samples were collected in Maranhão, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco states between 2008 and 2019. Trace element concentrations of Ba:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca and Sr:Ca in vertebrae were determined through laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We used one-step permutational ANOVAs to evaluate multi and single-element differences in element:Ca ratios among life stages and sexes across and within sites. Element signatures differed among all sites for both single and multi-element settings. However, there were few differences among life stages within sites, except for Mn:Ca between life stages for Maranhão state, and between sexes for Sr:Ca for both Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, and Ba:Ca for Rio Grande do Norte. Furthermore, all multi and single-element analyses across locations were significant and highlight the strong differences by sites. We also performed a nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, which demonstrated the strong differences for samples from Rio Grande do Norte and the other two sites. By analysing the lifetime transects of each sample, we observed that there was little variation in all element:Ca ratios within sites. Therefore, we argue that the longnose stingray likely does not display extensive habitat use shifts and fulfils much of its life cycle within each area. Finally, we obtained no evidence of nurseries for any site and suggest this is likely a pattern across the species distribution. Future studies investigating habitat use with samples from larger specimens (disc width > 90 cm, >15 years) are needed to better understand the species habitat use patterns across all size ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo M Feitosa
- Laboratório de Dinâmica de Populações Marinhas, Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles P N Queiroz
- Laboratório de Dinâmica de Populações Marinhas, Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Maylis Labonne
- UMR Marbec - Marine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation, Institut de Recherche pour le Development - IRD/IFREMER, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Valderi L Dressler
- Laboratório de Espectrometria Atômica, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Rosangela P Lessa
- Laboratório de Dinâmica de Populações Marinhas, Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Torres-Huerta AM, Cruz-Martínez A, Ramírez-Chávez EJ. Spatial pattern of distribution and reproductive strategy of vermiculate electric-rays Narcine vermiculatus. J Fish Biol 2021; 99:437-449. [PMID: 33759180 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the study, the authors evaluate the spatial distribution pattern of vermiculate electric-ray Narcine vermiculatus using geostatistical techniques to predict its spatial distribution and indicate its reproduction strategy. From January 2008 to December 2009, 3333 specimens of vermiculate electric-ray were caught. Total length (LT ), sex, maturity stage, catch location and depth were recorded for each specimen. The LT of vermiculate electric-ray ranged from 6.7-24.6 cm. The authors estimate an irregular spatial structure, with a high-density patch ( x ¯ = 53 ind. ha-1 ) located on the east coast, which concentrates 65.2% of the specimens. The high-density patch consists mainly of large juveniles (13.3-19.5 cm LT ), sub-adults (14.0-19.8 cm LT ) and young adults (14.7-21.3 cm LT ). Data indicate that adults migrate to the high-density patch to reproduce. Males reached maturity at 14.5 cm LT , whereas females reached maturity at 19.3 cm LT . Vitellogenesis in female vermiculate electric-ray begins in June; ovulation, mating, fertilization and gestation in October and birth begins in February. This indicates an annual cycle with vitellogenesis and consecutive gestation, in females synchronized in reproduction. Fecundity was 1-8 ( x ¯ = 4), and the sex ratio of embryos was 1:1. The birth occurred between February and April, with an average size at parturition of 6.3 cm LT . Incidental capture of sub-adults and adults of N. vermiculatus by bottom trawls threatens the survival of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia Cruz-Martínez
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Lerma, Lerma de Villada, Mexico
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Montes-Domínguez HM, Castillo-Rivera MA, Ayala-Pérez LA, González-Isáis M, Reynoso VH. Brain morphology of Gymnura lessae and Gymnura marmorata (Chondrichthyes: Gymnuridae) and its implications for batoid brain evolution. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2020; 304:613-624. [PMID: 33029915 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Although skeletal and muscle anatomy has supported Gymnuridae as the sister group of the most derived myliobatoids, recent studies based on molecular characters suggest that the family branches into a more basal position than previously thought. This study aims to understand the brain anatomy of the genus Gymnura and its importance in the evolution of the batoid brain. The brain anatomy of Gymnura lessae and Gymnura marmorata is relatively simple. They exhibit a small brain and telencephalon (T), where the latter is wider than it is longer, and the division of the posterior central nucleus is poorly developed. The cerebellum (C) is symmetrical and is not highly foliated. Unlike other species, the brain auricles are smooth, and the posterior auricles exhibit a diagonal arrangement, not always forming a bridge over the fourth ventricle. These auricles are larger in G. marmorata. A principal component analysis based on 20 morphological variables, revealed a separation between species, and multivariate analysis of variance identified significant differences. The most important variables in species segregation were a deeper olfactory bulb in G. lessae and a greater distance between the bulbs in G. marmorata. Contrary to the body anatomy, the brain anatomy reveals that Gymnura has a simpler and more primitive brain than most derived myliobatoids. Our results are consistent with the evidence from phylogenies developed with molecular data, where gymnurids are a basal group within myliobatoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Marcos Montes-Domínguez
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de México, CDMX.,Departamento de Morfofisiología Animal, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla de Baz, México
| | | | - Luis Amado Ayala-Pérez
- Departamento el Hombre y su ambiente, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de México, CDMX
| | - Mónica González-Isáis
- Departamento de Morfofisiología Animal, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla de Baz, México
| | - Víctor Hugo Reynoso
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CDMX
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10
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James KC. Vertebral growth and band-pair deposition in sexually mature little skates Leucoraja erinacea: is adult band-pair deposition annual? J Fish Biol 2020; 96:4-13. [PMID: 31568576 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mature male and female little skates Leucoraja erinacea were injected with oxytetracycline and maintained in captivity for 13 months to assess centrum growth and the frequency of band-pair deposition. Sixty per cent of the individuals analysed did not deposit a full band pair over the 13 month period. Thus, a majority of captive skates did not exhibit annual band-pair deposition. Previous research confirms annual band-pair deposition in all juvenile and most adult L. erinacea, therefore sexual maturation may lead to decreased frequency of band-pair formation. Age underestimation of larger, older elasmobranchs is being identified in an increasing number of elasmobranch species including L. erinacea as demonstrated in this study. The effect of age underestimation from band-pair counts on studies that use age-based characteristics needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C James
- Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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11
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Ehemann NR, González-González LDV, Tagliafico A, Weigmann S. Updated taxonomic list and conservation status of chondrichthyans from the exclusive economic zone of Venezuela, with first generic and specific records. J Fish Biol 2019; 95:753-771. [PMID: 31140602 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Using the last taxonomic review of chondrichthyans of the world, we selected the species distributed in the north-western Atlantic Ocean (NWA) and compared it with the available published literature related to the class Chondrichthyes in the Venezuelan exclusive economic zone. We also revised information from worldwide databases such as: FAO (NWA-31 area), GBIF, iSpecies, IUCN and OBIS, as well as available museum collection databases. The taxonomic validity was checked using the Catalogue of Fishes of the California Academy of Sciences and recent references. The past published Venezuelan lists of chondrichthyans combined included nine orders, 30 families and 108 species. The updated list with 12 orders, 36 families and 122 species increased by three new orders, six families, three shark genera, nine shark species (one replacing another species), one chimaera genus, two chimaera species, three batoid genera and six batoid species (two replacing other species). Four holotype specimens (two sharks and two rays) are deposited in Venezuelan Museums. Most of the species have an IUCN conservation status, including four species catalogued as Critically Endangered, six as Endangered and 18 species as Vulnerable. Deep-sea fisheries, scientific exploration and taxonomic/genetic revisions might add future increments to the Venezuelan chondrichthyan list.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás R Ehemann
- Marine Biology and Fisheries Department, Instituto Politécnico Nacional - Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), La Paz, Mexico
- Marine Biology Department, Núcleo Nueva Esparta, Escuela de Ciencias Aplicadas del Mar. Calle Principal - La Marina, Boca del Río, Venezuela
- Marine Biology Department, Proyecto Iniciativa Batoideos (PROVITA), Calle La Joya con Avenida Libertador, Unidad Técnica del Este, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Lorem D V González-González
- Marine Biology and Fisheries Department, Instituto Politécnico Nacional - Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), La Paz, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Tagliafico
- Marine Biology Department, Núcleo Nueva Esparta, Escuela de Ciencias Aplicadas del Mar. Calle Principal - La Marina, Boca del Río, Venezuela
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia
| | - Simon Weigmann
- Elasmo-Lab, Elasmobranch Research Laboratory, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Ichthology, Center of Natural History, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Broadhurst MK, Domit C, Trevizani TH, Raoult V, Millar RB. Mother-embryo isotope fractionation in the pygmy devilray Mobula kuhlii cf. eregoodootenkee. J Fish Biol 2019; 95:589-593. [PMID: 31087344 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We determined stable-isotope ratios for replicate muscle tissues in 13 gravid Mobula kuhlii cf. eregoodootenkee (110.4-120.4 cm disc width; WD ) and their embryos (7.0-42.3 cm WD ) and also yolks and histrotroph, to assess the potential implications for juvenile nutrition and habitat use. Irrespective of their development in the uterus, embryos had similar δ13 C values in their muscle tissue as the mothers and both had greater values than in the histotroph. During gestation, δ13 C values increased across all sample types. However, while embryo muscle tissue and the histotroph were associated with increasing 15 N levels during embryonic development, this was depleted in the mothers' muscle tissue and yolk. Although speculative, the observed variation in stable-isotope ratios might imply a dietary shift among gravid females during their early gestation. Irrespective of the underlying mechanisms, the results indicate neonates will have relatively greater δ15 N values than post-partum females, which would probably confound juvenile foraging-ecology estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt K Broadhurst
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Conservation Technology Unit, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
- Marine and Estuarine Ecology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Vincent Raoult
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Russell B Millar
- Department of Statistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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13
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Domit C, Broadhurst MK, Bornatowski H. Interactions between Manta birostris and Sotalia guianensis in a World Heritage listed Brazilian estuary. J Fish Biol 2017; 91:1236-1240. [PMID: 28804914 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
During 1442 h of visual observations over 7 years throughout the World Heritage listed Paranaguá estuarine complex, Brazil, seven occurrences of interactions were observed at a single location involving breaching Manta birostris displacing schools of teleosts, which were subsequently preyed upon by Sotalia guianensis. Although the interactions were not definitively categorized as being amensal, commensal or mutual, their restriction to isolated space (adjacent to a protected area) and time (summer) supports previous assertions the area is important to regional productivity and the continuation of protected-area status.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Domit
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s/n, PO Box 61, Pontal do Paraná, 83255-000, Paraná, Brazil
| | - M K Broadhurst
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Conservation Technology Unit, PO Box 4321, NSW, 2460, Australia
- Marine and Estuarine Ecology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - H Bornatowski
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s/n, PO Box 61, Pontal do Paraná, 83255-000, Paraná, Brazil
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Ellis JR, McCully Phillips SR, Poisson F. A review of capture and post-release mortality of elasmobranchs. J Fish Biol 2017; 90:653-722. [PMID: 27864942 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to better understand the survivorship of discarded fishes, both for commercial stocks and species of conservation concern. Within European waters, the landing obligations that are currently being phased in as part of the European Union's reformed common fisheries policy means that an increasing number of fish stocks, with certain exceptions, should not be discarded unless it can be demonstrated that there is a high probability of survival. This study reviews the various approaches that have been used to examine the discard survival of elasmobranchs, both in terms of at-vessel mortality (AVM) and post-release mortality (PRM), with relevant findings summarized for both the main types of fishing gear used and by taxonomic group. Discard survival varies with a range of biological attributes (species, size, sex and mode of gill ventilation) as well as the range of factors associated with capture (e.g. gear type, soak time, catch mass and composition, handling practices and the degree of exposure to air and any associated change in ambient temperature). In general, demersal species with buccal-pump ventilation have a higher survival than obligate ram ventilators. Several studies have indicated that females may have a higher survival than males. Certain taxa (including hammerhead sharks Sphyrna spp. and thresher sharks Alopias spp.) may be particularly prone to higher rates of mortality when caught.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Ellis
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, U.K
| | - S R McCully Phillips
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, U.K
| | - F Poisson
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), Centre de Recherche Halieutique UMR MARBEC (MARine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation), Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, 34203 Sète, France
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Ehemann NR, González-González LV, Trites AW. Lesser devil rays Mobula cf. hypostoma from Venezuela are almost twice their previously reported maximum size and may be a new sub-species. J Fish Biol 2017; 90:1142-1148. [PMID: 28105677 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Three rays opportunistically obtained near Margarita Island, Venezuela, were identified as lesser devil rays Mobula cf. hypostoma, but their disc widths were between 207 and 230 cm, which is almost double the reported maximum disc width of 120 cm for this species. These morphometric data suggest that lesser devil rays are either larger than previously recognized or that these specimens belong to an unknown sub-species of Mobula in the Caribbean Sea. Better data are needed to describe the distribution, phenotypic variation and population structure of this poorly known species.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Ehemann
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Apartado Postal 592, La Paz, Baja California Sur C.P. 23000, Mexico
- Escuela de Ciencias Aplicadas del Mar (ECAM), Boca del Río, Universidad de Oriente, Núcleo Nueva Esparta (UDONE), Boca del Río, Nueva Esparta, C.P. 06304, Venezuela
- Proyecto Iniciativa Batoideos (PROVITA), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - L V González-González
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Apartado Postal 592, La Paz, Baja California Sur C.P. 23000, Mexico
- Escuela de Ciencias Aplicadas del Mar (ECAM), Boca del Río, Universidad de Oriente, Núcleo Nueva Esparta (UDONE), Boca del Río, Nueva Esparta, C.P. 06304, Venezuela
| | - A W Trites
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Romero-Caicedo AF, Carrera-Fernández M. Reproduction of the whitesnout guitarfish Rhinobatos leucorhynchus in the Ecuadorian Pacific Ocean. J Fish Biol 2015; 87:1434-1448. [PMID: 26709215 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological sampling of whitesnout guitarfish Rhinobatos leucorhynchus, caught as by-catch in the commercial fisheries on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, was conducted from specimens caught between April 2013 and January 2015, in order to provide further information on the reproductive biology of this species, for which data are limited. Samples comprised 1024 specimens (458 males and 566 females), with the sex ratio (1:1·23) significantly in favour of females. The total length (LT) ranged from 20·5 to 106·0 cm and showed sexual dimorphism, with females attaining a larger size. The relationship between body mass (MT) and LT was not significantly different between sexes. The length at 50% maturity for males based on internal reproductive organs was 60·9 cm LT , which was slightly larger than when based on clasper condition alone (58·5 cm LT). The LT at 50% maturity for females was 57·8 cm, and the LT at maternity was 65·1 cm. Fecundity ranged from one to seven embryos and LT at birth was 20-26 cm. According to oocyte development, two peaks of ovulation were observed (May to June and November to December). The ovarian cycle was estimated at 6 months and gestation between 5 and 6 months. Embryos showed different sizes all year-round, indicating an asynchronous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Romero-Caicedo
- Departamento Central de Investigación. Universidad Laica "Eloy Alfaro" de Manabí, Ciudadela Universitaria vía San Mateo, Manta, Ecuador
| | - M Carrera-Fernández
- Departamento Central de Investigación. Universidad Laica "Eloy Alfaro" de Manabí, Ciudadela Universitaria vía San Mateo, Manta, Ecuador
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Fontenelle JP, de Carvalho MR. Systematic implications of brain morphology in potamotrygonidae (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes). J Morphol 2015; 277:252-63. [PMID: 26592726 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The gross brain morphology, brain proportions, and position of cranial nerves in all four genera (Potamotrygon, Plesiotrygon, Paratrygon, and Heliotrygon) and 11 of the species of the Neotropical stingray family Potamotrygonidae were studied to provide new characters that may have a bearing on internal potamotrygonid systematics. The brain was also studied in four other stingray (Myliobatiformes) genera (Hexatrygon, Taeniura, Dasyatis, and Gymnura) to provide a more inclusive phylogenetic context for the interpretation of features of the brain in potamotrygonids. Our results indicate, based on neuroanatomical characters, that the genera Paratrygon and Heliotrygon are sister groups, as are the genera Potamotrygon and Plesiotrygon, agreeing with previous morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies. Both groups of genera share distinct conditions of the olfactory tracts, telencephalon and its central nuclei, hypophysis and infundibulum, morphology and orientation of the metencephalic corpus cerebelli, orientation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, and overall encephalic proportions. The corpus cerebelli of Paratrygon and Heliotrygon is interpreted as being more similar to the general batoid condition and, given their phylogenetic position highly nested within stingrays, is considered secondarily derived, not plesiomorphically retained. Our observations of the corpus cerebelli of stingrays, including Hexatrygon, corroborate that the general stingray pattern previously advanced by Northcutt is derived among batoids. The morphology of the brain is shown to be a useful source of phylogenetically informative characters at lower hierarchical levels, such as between genera and species, and thus, has significant potential in phylogenetic studies of elasmobranchs.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Fontenelle
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus, 1265 Military Trail, Office s552, Toronto, Ontario, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Marcelo R de Carvalho
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa 14, No. 101, CEP 05508-090, São Paulo, Brazil
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