Atlantic fishes in the Mediterranean: using biological traits to assess the origin of newcomer fishes

2020 ◽  
Vol 643 ◽  
pp. 133-143
Author(s):  
J Evans ◽  
E Arndt ◽  
PJ Schembri

Two important facets of global environmental change are alteration of climatic regimes and the introduction of alien species. From a biogeographical perspective, these 2 processes lead to very similar results: a change in the distribution of species. Here, we considered Atlantic fish species that are recent newcomers in the Mediterranean Sea, using biological traits to assess their origin. For this purpose, we first re-evaluated all records of Atlantic fish species in the Mediterranean (n = 103) to exclude those not considered recent newcomers (n = 33). Based on faunistic data, we classified the true newcomers into 4 origin categories: alien, vagrant, range-expansion or cryptogenic. Then, we compared biological traits of species we characterised as aliens (n = 7), vagrants (n = 14) or range-expanders (n = 23). Finally, we re-assessed the origin of cryptogenic species (n = 26) using multivariate discriminant analysis, measuring the distance of individual species to the centroids of aliens, vagrants or range-expanders, allowing us to infer their probable ‘mode of origin’. The body size, depth range, temperature range, habitat and ability to undertake long-distance migration were the most important traits that could be related to alien, vagrant or range-expanding fishes. It was possible to assign 10 cryptogenic species a specific origin category with reasonable confidence, while the remaining cryptogenic species combined trait values of different origin categories. These results indicate that biological trait analysis can be coupled with faunistic data to help assess the most likely origin of a newcomer species, thus informing management decisions.

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
AMALIA CUADROS ◽  
JOAN MORANTA ◽  
LUIS CARDONA ◽  
PIERRE THIRIET ◽  
PATRICE FRANCOUR ◽  
...  

The sublittoral forests formed by the fucoid algae Cystoseira spp. are important juvenile habitats for many Mediterranean fish species. However, the spatial variability of juvenile fish assemblages within the forests and the potential environmental drivers, such as depth and habitat complexity, remain poorly understood. We estimated densities, sizes and behaviours of juvenile fish assemblages in subtidal (0-15 meters) Cystoseira brachycarpa var. balearica forests in north Minorca Island (North-western Mediterranean Sea) over two consecutive autumns (2012 and 2013). Depth and forest complexity, here measured as canopy volume, had both a significant and independent effect on the juvenile fish assemblages in terms of species abundance composition and body size. Assemblages found in the shallowest depth range (3-4m) were characterized by greater densities of the ornate wrasse Thalassoma pavo, while those deeper (10-12m) had higher densities of the rainbow wrasse Coris julis, independently of its size composition. Juveniles of both species were more abundant in less complex forests; conversely juveniles of wrasses of the genus Symphodus were more abundant in more complex forests. The smallest sizes of T. pavo occurred in the most complex forests. On the other hand, our results demonstrated that juvenile fish behaviours were unrelated to the complexity of the Cystoseira forests but mainly related to the body length. The effects of body length on behaviour were however species dependent. Cryptic and transitory behaviours were mostly observed in the smallest and largest juveniles of T. pavo and C. julis, respectively, while the behaviour of Symphodus spp. was unrelated to their body length. Our study emphasises the importance of preserving healthy Cystoseira forests and their intrinsic patchy nature, as this habitat, with its mosaic of different complexity degrees and bathymetrical variability, enable the presence of different fish species at various life stages.


<em>Abstract</em>.—A total of 13 alien fish species were introduced to the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River with the development of aquaculture in recent years. Eight of these species now have established populations and five have not established. To explore the mechanism for alien fish species establishment in this river, we compiled 23 biological traits of those species and tested for differences in biological trait and ecological niche between the established and nonestablished fish species. The trait analysis results showed that successfully established fish species have smaller body length, smaller egg diameter, earlier sexual maturity, and wider diet breadth than the nonestablished species. Ecological niches between established and nonestablished fish species also differed significantly. Our results support the vacant niche hypothesis that the successfully established species could occupy the vacant niches in the introduced range. We also used a model to predict the invasion risk of 27 potentially introduced fish species in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. The model predicted that there was a higher risk of establishment for 15 of the 27 species.


Author(s):  
Nikolay Aleksandrovich Pudovkin ◽  
Peter Vladimirovich Smutnev

The authors of the article have studied the content of the elements of anti-oxidant system (malondialdehyde, catalase, selenium) in tissues of the internal organs (gills, intestine, muscles, liver, swimbladder, scales) in some species of predatory fish (pike Esox lucius (L., 1758), perch Perca fluviatilis (L., 1758), pike-perch Sander lucioperca (L., 1758), catfish Silurus glanis ) widespread in the basin of the Volga river in the Saratov region. The lowest concentration of malondialdehyde in organisms of the studied fish species is observed in fall and winter; the highest - in spring and summer. Catalase activity in gills tissue of a pike raised in 11.8%, cat-fish - 9.1%, pike-perch - 7.5%, perch - 7.8%. In fall (compared to winter) enzyme activity lowering in gonads of pike-perch makes 16.3%, in gonads of perch - 14.4%. In other tissues there were not observed any evident changes of catalase activity. Fish species under consideration are listed according to the average value of selenium concentration in organisms, µg/g: pike (0.208) > catfish (0.207) > pike-perch (0.196) > perch (0.178). According to the average value of the selenium accumulation in the body in different season all the studied species can be placed in the following order, µg/g: winter-pike (0.132) > pike-perch (0.136) > perch and catfish (0.142); spring - pike-perch (0.190) > perch (0.191) > pike (0.208) > catfish (0.209); summer - perch (0.186) > pike-perch (0.190) > catfish and pike (0.203); autumn - perch (0.193) > pike-perch (0.268) > > catfish (0.274) > pike (0.289).


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuhiko Hoshino ◽  
Ryohei Nakao ◽  
Hideyuki Doi ◽  
Toshifumi Minamoto

AbstractThe combination of high-throughput sequencing technology and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has the potential to be a powerful tool for comprehensive, non-invasive monitoring of species in the environment. To understand the correlation between the abundance of eDNA and that of species in natural environments, we have to obtain quantitative eDNA data, usually via individual assays for each species. The recently developed quantitative sequencing (qSeq) technique enables simultaneous phylogenetic identification and quantification of individual species by counting random tags added to the 5′ end of the target sequence during the first DNA synthesis. Here, we applied qSeq to eDNA analysis to test its effectiveness in biodiversity monitoring. eDNA was extracted from water samples taken over 4 days from aquaria containing five fish species (Hemigrammocypris neglectus, Candidia temminckii, Oryzias latipes, Rhinogobius flumineus, and Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), and quantified by qSeq and microfluidic digital PCR (dPCR) using a TaqMan probe. The eDNA abundance quantified by qSeq was consistent with that quantified by dPCR for each fish species at each sampling time. The correlation coefficients between qSeq and dPCR were 0.643, 0.859, and 0.786 for H. neglectus, O. latipes, and M. anguillicaudatus, respectively, indicating that qSeq accurately quantifies fish eDNA.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3758
Author(s):  
Joanna Smarkusz-Zarzecka ◽  
Lucyna Ostrowska ◽  
Joanna Leszczyńska ◽  
Karolina Orywal ◽  
Urszula Cwalina ◽  
...  

Use of probiotic supplements, the benefits of which have not been proven in sportspeople, is becoming more widespread among runners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation in the body. The randomised, double-blind study included 66 long-distance runners. The intervention factor was a multi-strain probiotic or placebo. At the initial and final stages of the study, evaluation of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness was performed and the presence of inflammation determined. In the group of men using the probiotic, an increase in lean body mass (p = 0.019) and skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.022) was demonstrated, while in the group of women taking the probiotic, a decrease in the content of total body fat (p = 0.600) and visceral fat (p = 0.247) was observed. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased in women (p = 0.140) and men (p = 0.017) using the probiotic. Concentration of tumour necrosis factor-alpha decreased in women (p = 0.003) and men (p = 0.001) using the probiotic and in women (p = 0.074) and men (p = 0.016) using the placebo. Probiotic therapy had a positive effect on selected parameters of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of study participants and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Markovich ◽  
O Mironova

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Regular physical activity is an important component of therapy for most сardiovascular diseases and is associated with reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The promotion of the physical activity and regular exercise is an important preventive measure that affects the prognosis. Purpose To assess the awareness of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in exercising population and its influence on the safety of the patients and healthy adults among coaches and people actively engaged in sports activities. Methods An open non-randomized observation was conducted. The questionnaire created by our team included 45 questions about cardiovascular diseases and sport. 111 athletes and coaches aged from 19 to 46 were enrolled in the study. 61,5% (68) are men and 38,5% (42) of the respondents are women. 30,3% (33) of the respondents are coaches. 45,5% (15) of them have over 5 years of coaching experience. 44% (48) of all respondents prefer endurance sport, 25,7% (28) train strength exercise. 63,6% (70) train 3-8 hours per week, 12,7% (14 [7 women and 7 men]) train more than 8 hours each week. Results 18,5% (20 [6 women and 14 men]) think that ECG is enough for screening for cardiovascular diseases. 20% (4) of them are coaches. Only 69,5% (77) of all respondents know about treadmill test. And 41,6% (32/77) of them know about the necessary screening for arrhythmogenic condition. 13% (10/77) of them train more than 8 hours per week. And only 27,3% (21/77) of people who know about treadmill test, passed it themselves. Also 21,6% (24) of all respondents think that any episode of arrhythmia is the  contraindication for any sport. But 96,4% (107) of the respondents know that it is necessary to regularly screen the cardiovascular system, even in the absence of complaints. 9% (10) of the interviewed think that diet is not important for people with cardiovascular diseases. And 18,9% (21) of the respondents don’t know about the effect of electrolytes on the body and the work of the heart muscle. Only 53,2% (59 [21 women and 38 men]) of the respondents trust the doctors more than coaches or themselves. And this is one of the reasons why it is necessary to talk about the basic principles of sports cardiology not only to doctors. 8,1% (9) of the respondents have never heard about any cases of sudden death of an athlete during training or at competitions due to «heart problems». 63,6% (21) of the coaches would not train a person who has suffered a heart attack. 71,8% (56) of the sportsmen would like to return to training after a heart attack. Conclusions Despite the fact that most people prefer a sedentary lifestyle, high-intensity fitness and long-distance endurance sport is getting more popular. Our survey proves the relatively low level of education about the underlying health conditions and possible risks associated with sports not only among  athletes but  professional coaches as well. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.


2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Kędra ◽  
Sławomira Gromisz ◽  
Radomir Jaskuła ◽  
Joanna Legeżyńska ◽  
Barbara Maciejewska ◽  
...  

Soft bottom macrofauna of an All Taxa Biodiversity Site: Hornsund (77○N, Svalbard) Hornsund, an Arctic fjord in the west coast of Spitsbergen (Svalbard), was selected as All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) site under EU 5th Framework Concerted Action BIOMARE (2000-2002), especially due to its pristine, undisturbed natural character. On the base of large material (89 stations located throughout the fjord and 129 Van Veen grab samples) collected during cruises of RV Oceania in July in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007 and literature search a comprehensive list of species recorded within Hornsund area, on the soft bottom with depth range of 30-250 m is provided. Over 220 species were identified including 93 species of Polychaeta, 62 species of Mollusca and 58 species of Crustacea. Species list is supported by information on the zoogeographical status, body length and biological traits of dominant species. Need for further research on Hornsund soft bottom fauna with more sampling effort is highlighted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-160
Author(s):  
Leonardo Mariano Gomes ◽  
Rita Wu

AbstractIn this article, we present TouchYou, a pair of wearable interfaces that enable affective touch interactions with people at long-distance. Through a touch-sensitive interface, which works by touch, pressure and capacitance, the body becomes the own input for stimulating the other body, which has a stimulation interface that enables the feeling of being touched. The person receives an electrical muscle stimulation, thermal and mechanical stimulation that react depending on the touch sensed by the first interface. By using the TouchYou, people can stimulate each other, using their own body, not only for sexual relations at a distance but for the production of affection and another way of feeling. We discuss the importance of the touch for human relationships, the current state of the art in haptic interfaces and how the technology can be used for the affection remote transmission. We present the design process of the TouchYou sensitive and stimulation interfaces, with a contribution of a method for developing custom touch sensors, we explore usage scenarios for the technology, including sex toys and sex robots and we present the concept of using the body as a remote sex interface.


Biologia ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavla Řezníčková ◽  
Tomáš Soldán ◽  
Petr Pařil ◽  
Světlana Zahrádková

AbstractThe recurrent drying out of small streams in past decades has shown an urgent need to pay attention to the impact of global climate change. The objectives of this study were to describe the effect of drying out on the composition of the mayfly taxocene and evaluate the relevance of individual species traits for survival of mayflies to drying out. The mayfly taxocenes of two model localities, one at an intermittent and one at a permanent brook, were investigated in 2002, 2003 and 2005. Compared with the permanent stream, the taxocene of the intermittent stream was short of nine species, foremost rheobionts and high oxygen demand species. To explain further differences between both stream types in survival and recolonisation ability, 15 species traits were evaluated. These included so-called “ecological traits” (e.g., habitat and substrate range, density, distribution, current velocity adaptation) and “biological traits” connected with life cycle and larval/adult adaptations. Species showing the highest number of advantageous traits (with only exception of Electrogena sp. cf. ujhelyii — species of taxonomically unclear status) were able to successfully survive under the unfavourable conditions of the intermittent brook. Biological traits considered more important in many respects seem to be good predictors for assessing sensitivity to extreme temperature changes, hydrological regime fluctuations and the survival/recolonisation ability of species in exposed habitats.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document