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The present work utilized partial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) to study Red Sea populations of threadfin breams (Nemipteridae), and compare their genetic diversity to that of Mediterranean Sea (Nemipterus randalli only) and Indo-Pacific populations. A Maximum Likelihood tree separated four fish species — N. randalli, N. japonicus, N. bipunctatus, and N. zysron — into four clades. Haplotype analyses revealed a strong case of the founder effect for the Lessepsian migrant N. randalli: Three haplotypes represented all sampled geographical ranges in the Mediterranean Sea and only one haplotype was shared with a Red Sea individual, presenting evidence that the colonizing population was founded by a small number of migrants. The Red Sea population of N. japonicus shared haplotypes with Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean populations, but South China Sea populations remained fully isolated. The haplotype networks of N. randalli and N. bipunctatus also revealed haplotype sharing between Red Sea and Indian Ocean populations. For N. zysron, one haplotype was shared between Indonesia and the Persian Gulf. We discuss the impact of continued usage of public database sequences of initially misidentified organisms and provide recommendations for avoiding distribution of sequences with incorrect scientific names.

Since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, a plethora of Red Sea fishes have entered the Mediterranean Sea (Lessepsian migration). The Comber Serranus cabrilla is considered to have moved in the opposite direction as anti-Lessepsian migrant and has an established population in the northern Red Sea. Mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear DNA from 49 individuals from Red Sea (Gulf of Suez) and Mediterranean populations (Cyprus, Egypt and Lebanon), as well as GenBank sequences from other Mediterranean and Atlantic populations were analyzed to study phylogenetic relationships. COI sequencing resulted in a phylogenetic tree that isolated the Red Sea population from all Mediterranean and Atlantic populations. Furthermore, sequence divergence within the Red Sea population was significantly lower than in Atlantic and Mediterranean populations. Moreover, none of the Mediterranean haplotypes were present in the Red Sea. SNPs and MIG-seq analyses of nuclear DNA confirmed that the Red Sea population is genetically different from the Mediterranean populations. A rough estimate of divergence time suggested that Mediterranean and Red Sea populations separated 194,055 years ago, at the latest. Serranus cabrilla must, therefore, have existed in the Red Sea prior to the opening of the Suez Canal and can no longer be considered as an anti-Lessepsian migrant.

Summary Selected fish were measured on markets along the Davao Gulf, Philippines between 2009 and 2016, augmenting the number of Length-Weight relationships (LWR) published earlier for the same area. LWRs were calculated for 28 fishes including those of 12 firstly reported, rare species. SL-TL and SL-FL relationships were determined for 28 and 25 species (also including 8 and 12 newly reported relationships, respectively). Minimum size at which individuals start developing forked tails are provided for Cheilinus fasciatus (SL = 15.0 cm), Plectorhinchus polytaenia (SL = 27.0 cm), Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus (SL = 18.0 cm) and Thalassoma hardwicke (SL = 11.5 cm). The flatfish Psettodes erumei had a right-left eyed ratio of 0.55.

Lionfish (Pterois miles) were observed avoiding coral pinnacles inhabited by the moray eels Gymnothorax flavimarginatus and G. javanicus in the northern Red Sea, Egypt. Release of lionfish (Standard Length 93–104 mm) in such coral pinnacles in November 2016 resulted in almost immediate predation by large moray eels (Total Length > 1 m). Predation by moray eels may be the key control mechanism of population growth in the native biogeographical range of Pterois spp. and may indirectly explain the success of the invasive populations. This is the first video-documented record of moray eels feeding on the lionfish P. miles.

The population ecology of the sand dollar Sculpsitechinus auritus was studied in shallow coastal habitats of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, from January 2013 to October 2014. Bimonthly sampling revealed that 95 % of the individuals had a width of 100–145 mm and that juveniles were absent throughout the sampling period. The mean gonadosomatic index (GSI) reached peaks of >2 % in September 2013 and August 2014, which concurred with seasonal highs of water temperature. Declining GSI values indicated that spawning took place between October and January. Histological examination of the gonads confirmed that spawning started in October. Locomotion rate was 88.7 mm h−1 in September, which was significantly higher than 56.3 mm h−1 in December. Similarly, water temperature was significantly higher in September (26 °C) than in December (17 °C), most probably explaining locomotion differences. Organic matter and grain size fractions of the sediment were not significantly different. Maximum density of 0.68 individuals m−2 was found at 4 m depth, whereas at other depths densities were significantly lower (≤0.05 individuals m−2). The epibiotic brittle star Ophiodaphne scripta was found on >67 % of the sand dollars and its frequency was significantly higher (>1.5 per host) between September and November coinciding with the onset of S. auritus’s spawning period.

Individuals of the rabbitfish Siganus rivulatus (Siganidae) and surgeonfish Zebrasoma desjardinii (Acanthuridae) were observed feeding on ctenophores and scyphozoans in the northern Red Sea during late spring and early summer seasons between 2010 and 2015. Siganus rivulatus and Z. desjardinii, considered nominally herbivorous, preyed on relatively large ctenophores until disintegration, and on the moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita (Scyphozoa) until they sank to the bottom. Siganus rivulatus was the most dominant predatory fish feeding on gelatinous zooplankton (37 % of attacks on ctenophores and 51 % of attacks on A. aurita). Furthermore, prey individuals were usually approached by two or more fish simultaneously. Eleven additional fish species fed on gelatinous zooplankton, with Chaetodon fasciatus (Chaetodontidae) accounting for 27 and 12 % of the attacks on ctenophores and A. aurita, respectively, and Z. desjardinii for 17 and 24 % of the attacks. Other fishes attacked gelatinous zooplankton in ≤6 % of the observations. This study constitutes the first record of S. rivulatus and Z. desjardinii preying on ctenophores and also confirms preliminary observations of S. rivulatus feeding on scyphozoans. Although herbivorous fishes may accidentally ingest small invertebrates while feeding on algae, the deliberate feeding on gelatinous zooplankton observed for S. rivulatus and Z. desjardinii suggests that their trophic role should be reevaluated.

The introduction of lionfish into the western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea is widely recognized as the most successful marine fish invasion documented to date. In an effort to improve our understanding of the life history characters that facilitated this unprecedented invasion, we performed a mark–release–recapture study with 36 tagged individuals to document life history characteristics of the Red Sea lionfish, Pterois miles, in its native habitat. Monthly growth rates of juveniles ranged from 4.0 to 10.8 mm month−1 independent of water temperature. Highest juvenile growth rates (> 9.0 mm month−1) occurred between May and August when water temperature increased from 22.5 to 28.0 °C, while growth rates dropped sharply between August and September when water temperature was consistently high. Adult lionfish had relatively constant growth rates of 4–6 mm month−1. Despite high site fidelity of some individuals, recapture success gradually declined from 83 to 3% during the 15-month study period. Thus, the consistent population density of 95 fish ha−1 likely reflected a well-balanced exchange of individuals with adjacent reef habitats. To identify biotic constraints that may limit native lionfish populations, interactions with seven potential predatory and/or competitive grouper species were also investigated. Significantly, fewer lionfish were encountered in micro-habitats, where the Red Sea groupers Aethaloperca rogaa and Cephalopholis miniata resided. In addition, the presence of large groupers (> 250 mm TL) was significantly correlated with reduced numbers of lionfish, while small groupers (≤ 250 mm TL) appeared to have no impact. Our field observations suggest that the biotic interactions (e.g., habitat competition, and depredation) between grouper species and lionfish may play a role in lionfish distribution. This study provides new insights into the growth and ecology of lionfish in their native habitats to help illuminate links to their documented success in the invaded range.

Given predicted increases in urbanization in tropical and subtropical regions, understanding the processes shaping urban coral reefs may be essential for anticipating future conservation challenges. We used a case study approach to identify unifying patterns of urban coral reefs and clarify the effects of urbanization on hard coral assemblages. Data were compiled from 11 cities throughout East and Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Naha (Okinawa). Our review highlights several key characteristics of urban coral reefs, including “reef compression” (a decline in bathymetric range with increasing turbidity and decreasing water clarity over time and relative to shore), dominance by domed coral growth forms and low reef complexity, variable city-specific inshore-offshore gradients, early declines in coral cover with recent fluctuating periods of acute impacts and rapid recovery, and colonization of urban infrastructure by hard corals. We present hypotheses for urban reef community dynamics and discuss potential of ecological engineering for corals in urban areas.

Also includes 'Erratum to : Origin and introduction history of the least weasel (Mustela nivalis) on Mediterranean and Atlantic islands inferred from genetic data' containing a correction to a mistake that appeared in the original article., Introduced mammalian predators have negatively affected native biota and ecological processes in ecosystems across the globe. The least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is a Holarctic mustelid carnivore that has been considered one of the world’s worst invasive alien species. It has been introduced to several islands in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, and here we present a genetic analysis of these insular populations, based on mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites and building upon a previous Western Palearctic phylogeographic study, with the aim of inferring their origin and introduction history. This is essential information for ecological and evolutionary studies of those populations and our understanding of their impacts on the islands’ biodiversity. Among the Mediterranean insular populations, a substantial mitochondrial subdivision between weasels in Sicily-Corsica and Malta-Sardinia-Balearics is best explained by a dual colonization originating from the Eastern Mediterranean. Given the correspondence between the observed genetic partition and the differential geographic distribution of Greek and Phoenician settlements and influence during the last millennium BC in those islands, we propose that weasels may have been introduced into the first group of islands by the Greeks and into the second group by the Phoenicians. There is strong support that the commercial and demographic expansions of Phoenicians and Greeks allowed the colonization of the western Mediterranean islands by the house mouse, and texts from Classical Antiquity show evidence that weasels were used for rodent control. Thus, weasels may have been intentionally introduced to the islands, with the aim of controlling commensal rodents. Besides indicating Eastern Mediterranean origins for weasels in Mediterranean islands, the mitochondrial data also revealed an unanticipated close genealogical connection between some of these populations and those from the Azores and São Tomé. The latter island populations showed no affinities with weasels from mainland Portugal, contrary to what might have been expected given that these Atlantic islands were settled by the Portuguese. The microsatellite data also supported the relationship between weasels in Atlantic and in Mediterranean islands. Considering geographic proximity and historical information, the most parsimonious explanation for the origin of the Atlantic weasels appears to be introduction from the Balearic Islands to the Azores and from there to São Tomé., peer-reviewed

Juveniles of the Blackspotted wrasse Macropharyngodon meleagris (Valenciennes, 1839) were observed to solely inhabit xeniid soft corals in shallow exposed reefs in Negros Island (central Philippines). Juvenile coloration (including patterns and eyespots) and adapted swimming behavior may support blending in with the soft coral environment and avoiding predation. This report constitutes the first description of juvenile wrasses occupying niches within a soft coral microhabitat by using their unique coloration patterns and swimming behavior.

International audience

WOS: 000373092000006 PubMed ID: 26961232 The Egyptian weasel (Mustela subpalmata) is a small mustelid with a distribution restricted to the lower Nile Valley and the Nile Delta. Traditionally considered a subspecies of the least weasel (M. nivalis), it is currently recognized as a separate species based on morphology. Here we present the first genetic assessment of the taxonomic status of the Egyptian weasel by comparing mitochondrial DNA (Cytochrome b gene and control region) sequences to those of least weasels from the western Palearctic, with a focus on the Mediterranean region. Our results provide no evidence to support the view that the Egyptian weasel is genetically distinct from the least weasel, as we found that, for both Cytochrome b and control region, haplotypes were shared between the two taxa. Specifically, the Cytochrome b and control region haplotypes detected in the Egyptian weasel were also present in M. nivalis from Turkey and Malta, two populations genetically analysed here for the first time. Our results suggest that the Egyptian weasel is distinct from the least weasel populations currently living in the Maghreb, which were inferred to be the result of an earlier colonization of North Africa, but the genetic data alone do not allow us to determine whether the Egyptian weasel is native or introduced. Nevertheless, the observed genetic patterns, together with the weasel fossil record in Israel and the unique commensal lifestyle of the Egyptian weasel, are consistent with the hypothesis that the Egyptian population is a relict of past range expansion from the Levant into Egypt. We suggest that the large size and characteristic sexual dimorphism of the Egyptian weasel are likely to represent ecotypic variation, but genomic studies are required to clarify the extent of its functional genetic divergence. Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT, MCTES, Portugal) [SFRH/BD/60595/2009]; Ciencia [C2007-UL-342-CBA1]; Academy of FinlandAcademy of Finland [200940, 108601, 118673]; American University in CairoAmerican University Cairo; Turkish National Science Foundation (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [110T930] We thank Lluis Parpal (COFIB, Spain), Afif Ben Salah (Institut Pasteur de Tunis); Maurizio Gattabria (Museo Civico di Zoologia de Roma), Federico Striglioni and Gino Damiani (Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga), and Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise for providing samples. We also thank Jacquelin DeFaveri (University of Helsinki) for reviewing the manuscript and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions. MR and CF acknowledge financial support from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT, MCTES, Portugal) through, respectively, the PhD Fellowship SFRH/BD/60595/2009 and the Ciencia 2007 Contract C2007-UL-342-CBA1. JM acknowledges support from the Academy of Finland (Grants 200940, 108601 and 118673). ARB acknowledges financial support from the American University in Cairo through a faculty research grant. PJS thanks the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for granting permits to work on the protected Maltese weasel. SOO acknowledges support from the Turkish National Science Foundation (TUBITAK) through the project 110T930.

Research on the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) has waxed and waned over the last few decades, mostly in response to population outbreaks at specific locations. This review considers advances in our understanding of the biology and ecology of CoTS based on the resurgence of research interest, which culminated in this current special issue on the Biology, Ecology and Management of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish. More specifically, this review considers progress in addressing 41 specific research questions posed in a seminal review by P. Moran 30 years ago, as well as exploring new directions for CoTS research. Despite the plethora of research on CoTS (>1200 research articles), there are persistent knowledge gaps that constrain effective management of outbreaks. Although directly addressing some of these questions will be extremely difficult, there have been considerable advances in understanding the biology of CoTS, if not the proximate and ultimate cause(s) of outbreaks. Moving forward, researchers need to embrace new technologies and opportunities to advance our understanding of CoTS biology and behavior, focusing on key questions that will improve effectiveness of management in reducing the frequency and likelihood of outbreaks, if not preventing them altogether.