Evaluation of staining techniques for the observation of growth bands in tropical elasmobranch vertebrae

2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-354
Author(s):  
José G. Pérez-Rojas ◽  
Katherine Torres-Palacios ◽  
Amalia Uribe ◽  
Andrés F. Navia ◽  
Paola A. Mejía-Falla
Keyword(s):  
Age And Growth ◽  
Tropical Species ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Sphyrna Lewini ◽  
Specific Protocol ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Staining Techniques ◽  
Hard Structures ◽  
Species Specific

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of different vertebrae staining techniques for the visualization and counting of growth bands in tropical species of batoids (Narcine leoparda, Urotrygon aspidura, Hypanus longus, Potamotrygon magdalenae) and sharks (Alopias pelagicus, Carcharhinus falciformis, Sphyrna lewini, Sphyrna corona and Mustelus lunulatus). Different cutting thicknesses and staining protocols were tested, analysing the precision and bias of each combination to identify the most accurate technique for estimating age. Vertebral sections of 0.4 mm were more suitable for batoids, except for Narcine leoparda; for this species and for all the shark species assessed, sections of 0.5 mm are recommended. Different combinations of stain and exposure time were required to achieve the best visualizations of vertebral growth band pair for the shark and ray species. Intraspecific variation occurred among vertebrae size of batoids. Our results confirm the importance of defining a suitable species-specific protocol for sectioning and staining hard structures before carrying out an age and growth study to improve the reliability of the age estimates.

Growth Bands in the sea Urchin Echinus Esculentus: Results from Tetracycline-Mark/Recapture

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 257-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Gage
Keyword(s):  
Sea Urchin ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
Sea Urchins ◽  
Middle Layer ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Irish Sea ◽  
Plate Edge ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Growth Bands

Recoveries of tetracycline-labelled specimens of the sea urchin Echinus esculentus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) from a wild population marked two years previously indicate very low skeletal growth rates in large adults. The post-tag growth in the test of a smaller specimen showed two clear growth zones in the middle layer of the plates, this conforming to the expectation of a single growth band each year. Merging of the spinochrome pigment bands present in the outer layer near the plate edge in older urchins will probably result in underestimation of age based on counts of these bands.The large literature on growth banding in the European sea urchin Echinus esculentus L. and other echinoids is reviewed by Pearse & Pearse (1975), Smith (1980) and Gage (1991). Moore (1935) utilised spinochrome pigment banding in the genital (apical) plates of E. esculentus from the Isle of Man (Irish Sea) and Firth of Clyde (western Scotland) in one of the first studies utilising growth bands to interpret the age structure and growth rates of sea urchins. A single band was assumed to be formed each year. Counts of spinochrome bands have been used to obtain nearly all subsequently published age data for this species (Sime, 1982; Nichols et al., 1985; Sime & Cranmer, 1985; Comely & Ansell, 1988).The present study was aimed at helping to resolve differing interpretations of age and growth rates in Echinus esculentus provided by these studies. This was undertaken by time marking the skeletal plates of a large sample of a wild population accessible by scuba diving on a submerged rock reef at 10–15 m depth off the islet of Eilean Mor near the Dunstaffnage Laboratory.

Assessing growth band counts from vertebrae and dorsal-fin spines for ageing sharks: comparison of four methods applied to Heterodontus portusjacksoni

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (9) ◽  
pp. 898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Tovar-Ávila ◽  
Christopher Izzo ◽  
Terence I. Walker ◽  
J. Matías Braccini ◽  
Robert W. Day
Keyword(s):  
Shark Species ◽  
Systematic Bias ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Visible Growth ◽  
Port Jackson ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fin Spines

Four methods for counting growth bands using vertebrae and dorsal-fin spines of the Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni, are compared. Both calcified structures presented observable growth bands, allowing cross comparison among structures for the first time in a shark species. Whole and sectioned vertebrae and dorsal fin-spines possess highly visible growth bands and intra-reader band counts resulted in similar precision indices with little systematic bias. However, inter-reader growth band count plots showed possible biases in counts from sectioned vertebrae and sectioned dorsal-fin spines. Sectioned vertebrae and whole and sectioned dorsal-fin spines produced similar growth band counts, whereas whole vertebrae produced significantly lower counts. The similar readability, precision indices, growth band counts and apparent absence of biases between counts for a single reader would indicate that sectioned vertebrae and whole and sectioned dorsal-fin spines are both potentially useful and acceptable methods for band counting. However, inter-reader comparisons are necessary to avoid acceptance of biased estimations, resulting in over- or under-estimations of age. Validation for all age classes is essential to determining accurate age estimations for this and other species.

scholarly journals Bomb dating and age determination of large pelagic sharks

2002 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 450-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven E Campana ◽  
Lisa J Natanson ◽  
Sigmund Myklevoll
Keyword(s):  
Age Determination ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Shortfin Mako ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Bomb Radiocarbon ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Vertebral Growth

Despite their notoriety and role as apex predators, the longevity of large pelagic sharks such as the porbeagle (Lamna nasus) and shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is unknown. Vertebral growth bands provide an accurate indicator of age in young porbeagle, but age validation has never been reported for any large shark species past the age of sexual maturity. Here, we report the first application of bomb radiocarbon as an age validation method for long-lived sharks based on date-specific incorporation of radiocarbon into vertebral growth bands. Our results indicate that porbeagle vertebrae recorded and preserved a bomb radiocarbon pulse in growth bands formed during the 1960s. Through comparison of radiocarbon assays in young, known-age porbeagle collected in the 1960s with the corresponding growth bands in old porbeagle collected later, we confirm the validity of porbeagle vertebral growth band counts as accurate annual age indicators to an age of at least 26 years. The radiocarbon signatures of porbeagle vertebral growth bands appear to be temporally and metabolically stable and derived mainly from the radiocarbon content of their prey. Preliminary radiocarbon assays of shortfin mako vertebrae suggest that current methods for determining shortfin mako age are incorrect.

scholarly journals Cytogenetical analyses in three fish species of the genus Pimelodus(Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) from rio São Francisco: considerations about the karyotypical evolution in the genus

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Garcia ◽  
Orlando Moreira Filho
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Pair ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer ◽  
Differential Staining ◽  
Nucleolar Organizer Regions ◽  
C Banding ◽  
Heteromorphic Sex Chromosomes ◽  
Chromosomal Markers ◽  
Staining Techniques ◽  
Species Specific

Karyotypes and other chromosomal markers were investigated in three species of the catfish genus Pimelodus, namely P. fur, P. maculatus and Pimelodus sp., from municipality of Três Marias, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using differential staining techniques (C-banding, Silver nitrate and CMA3 staining). The diploid chromosome number was 2n = 56 in P. maculatus and Pimelodus sp., while in P. fur 2n = 54. The karyotype of P. fur consisted in 32M + 8SM + 6ST + 8A with fundamental number (NF) of 100, that of P. maculatus 32M + 12SM + 12A with NF = 112, and that of Pimelodus sp. had 32M + 12Sm + 6ST + 6A with NF = 106.The nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in all three species were invariably detected in telomeres of longer arm of the 20th chromosome pair. These sites were also positive after CMA3 and C-banding. No heteromorphic sex chromosomes were detected and C-banding pattern was species specific. Inferences about the karyotype differentiation in Pimelodus and putative chromosomal rearrangements are hypohesized.

scholarly journals Age and growth of the king mackerel (Scomberomorus Cavalla) off the northeastern coast of Brazil

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Francisco de Nóbrega ◽  
Rosangela Paula Lessa
Keyword(s):  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Least Square Method ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Marginal Increment ◽  
King Mackerel ◽  
Catch Composition

Age and growth of the king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) were estimated for northeastern Brazil. A total of 405 sagittal otoliths from 140 males (24.4-112 cm), 73 females (28-114.8 cm) and 193 specimens of unknown sex (11.5-121 cm) were examined. Marginal increment analysis indicated an annual pattern for growth band deposition. The age classes ranged from 1 to 15 years. Length ranged from 11.5 to 121 cm. The Schnute model indicated that the von Bertalanffy growth model demonstrated the best adjustment, with p=1/b, and was therefore used for estimating growth. Back-calculated curves had smaller variances, giving the following estimated growth parameters for males: L∞= 116.8 cm, K = 0.190, t0 = 0.377; and females: L∞= 132.7 cm, K = 0.159 and t0 = 0.387. In order to compare the curves for males and females, the overlapping of 95% confidence intervals was performed for the parameters generated from the von Bertalanffy non-linear least square method. Specimens between 3 and 8 years of age represented 82.2% (n=5,783) of the catch composition, characterizing the species as a catchable stock in the region.

Bycatch and landings of young of the year sharks in the Malaysian South China Sea: implications for conservation

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azie Azri ◽  
Takaomi Arai
Keyword(s):  
South China Sea ◽  
South China ◽  
Fishing Gear ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Vulnerable Species ◽  
Critical Levels ◽  
Sphyrna Lewini ◽  
China Sea ◽  
Young Of The Year ◽  
Near Threatened

A total of 104 sharks were landed at fishing ports in the Malaysian South China Sea between 30 October and 24 December 2014, comprising the four families, Carcharhinidae, Hemiscylliidae, Sphyrnidae and Scyliorhinidae, and 11 of these shark species were examined. Measurements of size and weight were different and varied among species, ranging from 0.1 to 7.5 kg in body weight and from 31.1 to 105 cm in total length. Five of the 11 sharks,Carcharhinus sealei, Loxodon macrorhinus, Rhizoprionodon acutus, Hemigaleus microstomaandSphyrna lewini, were in the range of, or even less than, the lengths of those measured at birth in previous reports. The results suggest that these sharks were born just before they were landed.Sphyrna lewiniand H.microstomaare categorized as Endangered and Vulnerable species, respectively, and other sharks included in the landings are also categorized as Near Threatened. Thus, the current fishing methods could lead to critical levels of shark species in these waters, and even the future extinction of species. An improvement in the species selectiveness of fishing gear is needed to protect and conserve sharks in the area.

AGE AND GROWTH OF THE BLUE SHARK PRIONACE GLAUCA IN THE EASTERN ATLANTIC OCEAN

KSTU News ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 11-25
Author(s):  
Beraki Weldegiorgish Teklekhaimanot ◽  
Sergey Vadimovich Shibaev ◽  
Sergey Yurievich Gulyugin
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Prionace Glauca ◽  
Western Africa ◽  
Eastern Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Digital Microscope ◽  
Central Atlantic

In this study, 292 blue sharks Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) (from 151 to 305 cm total length, TL) were collected off western Africa in the eastern central Atlantic Ocean between 1980 and 1982. Vertebral sections of females specimens ranged from 175 to 300 cm and males specimens ranged from 166 to 312 cm TL were processed and analyzed for age and growth parameters. Growth band pairs (translucent and opaque bands) were counted on the images photographed from the stained whole vertebrae using digital microscope called Digi Scope II. The band pairs after the birthmark were counted from 3 to 12 for males and from 4 to 13 for females. Growth parameters were derived using the Von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) based on FISAT and solver solution Microsoft excel and Ford Wall-Ford. VBGF was that which best fit the data. Parameters derived from the combination of observed and back-calculated lengths, K = 0.1, L_∞ = 386.4 cm and t_0 = −1.35 year for males and K = 0.12 year -1, L_∞= 355 cm and t_0 = –1.02 year for females were considered to best describe growth. The longevity was estimated to be at least 23.7 and 28.3 years for females and males respectively. The natural mortality rate was estimated to be 0.15 year - 1 and 0.18 year -1 for males and females respectively.

Species-Specific Characteristics Influence Contaminant Accumulation Trajectories and Signatures Across Ontogeny in Three Pelagic Shark Species

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 6997-7006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kady Lyons ◽  
Dovi Kacev ◽  
Antonella Preti ◽  
David Gillett ◽  
Heidi Dewar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shark Species ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Contaminant Accumulation

Age and growth of two sharpnose shark species (Rhizoprionodon lalandii and R. porosus) in subtropical waters of the south-western Atlantic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica T. Corsso ◽  
Otto B. F. Gadig ◽  
Fabio P. Caltabellotta ◽  
Rodrigo Barreto ◽  
Fabio S. Motta
Keyword(s):  
Age And Growth ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
The South ◽  
Western Atlantic

scholarly journals Are Artificial Bird Nests Effective Surrogates for Estimating Predation on Real Bird Nests? A Test With Tropical Birds

The Auk ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 843-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Douglas Robinson ◽  
Jennifer Nesbitt Styrsky ◽  
Jeffrey D. Brawn
Keyword(s):  
Nest Success ◽  
Tropical Species ◽  
Tropical Birds ◽  
Underlying Assumption ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Incubation Periods ◽  
Fourth Species ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
The Tropics

AbstractArtificial bird nests are often used in studying birds whose nests are difficult to find, such as those of many tropical species. Yet the underlying assumption that predation on artificial nests accurately estimates predation on real nests may be invalid. We compared rates at which contents of real and artificial nests were lost to predators in a Panamanian rainforest. We attempted to make artificial nests as realistic as possible by moving real, undamaged nests to species-typical nest sites in a study area where the same species were actively breeding. Characteristics of new sites for the moved nests were statistically similar to nest sites chosen by birds. We baited nests with two quail eggs and monitored them for species-specific incubation periods. Predation on real and artificial nests was dissimilar in three of four species, revealing that predation on artificial nests correlated poorly with predation on real nests. In a fourth species, artificial and real nests were lost at similar rates. The latter result may have occurred by chance, because depredated real nests rarely showed any sign of damage; whereas depredated artificial nests were torn, which suggests that real and artificial nests attracted different predators. Our results indicate that artificial nests, even when built by the species themselves and placed in realistic situations, are poor predictors of real nest success and we caution against their use in the tropics.Son los Nidos Artificiales Sustitutos Efectivos para Estimar la Depredación de Nidos Verdaderos? Una Prueba con Aves Tropicales

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