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We validated the daily formation of increments in otoliths of yellow goosefish Lophius litulon using reared individuals to examine the growth in the field. Single, round-shaped core structures were observed in 41% of sagittae and in 73% of the lapilli. Therefore, lapillar otoliths were used for further observations of daily increment analysis. The lapillus radius of newly hatched larvae was 15.0 ± 1.4 μm (mean ± standard deviation) forming the hatch check (first check). At 6 days after hatching (DAH), the second check was observed, which may correspond to the energy transition from endogenous to exogenous nutrition, located at 28.1 ± 0.7 μm from the core structures. Thereafter, clear daily increments formed outside the check. To estimate larval growth in the field, we examined the relationship between the notochord length (NL) and lapillus radius by an allometric equation. The mean growth rate was estimated as ca. 0.18 mm in NL/day during 10–40 DAH. The results of this study provide insights into the previously unknown early life history and will enable further understanding of the population dynamics of the genus Lophius.

New information is given on the morphology and distribution of two little-known species of ceratioid anglerfish—Linophryne pennibarbata and Himantolophus appelii. The species L. pennibarbata was first found in the Indian Ocean. The new specimen differs from the fishes of the type series in the details of the structure of the escal appendages and the posterior branch of the hyoid barbel. Ontogenetic variability in the structure of the esca of L. pennibarbata is discussed; it has been shown that the length of the distal appendage of the esca and its lateral branches, as well as the number of appendages of the posterior (unpaired) branch of the hyoid barbel in this species are subject to significant individual variability, not related to growth. It was revealed that the previously noted differences in the size and pigmentation of the distal appendages of esca in H. appelii cannot be associated with ontogenetic variability, as was assumed, but indicate the combined nature of this species. The reasons are given for assigning the name H. appelii to a form with short, intensely pigmented (except for the tips) distal appendages.

Anglerfishes Lophius spp. are gaining high economic value day by day and becoming demand species worldwide. The black-bellied anglerfish, Lophius budegassa (Spinola, 1807) has prominently economic importance to the commercial fishing fleets and fish markets all over the European countries. However, in spite of their economic value, their biology, ecology and especially the feeding habits are poorly understood. In this study, to determine the feeding ecology of L. budegassa, a total of 558 specimens were collected by the commercial trawl fishing vessels in the Central Aegean Sea between September 2017 and August 2018. 284 stomachs of 558 individuals were found as empty and the full stomachs were examined as N%, W%, O% and IRI% values. As a result, it has been determined that this predatory fish feed on many preys in their natural habitat and overall diet of L. budegassa includes fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Fishes were the most important group (IRI = 59.33%). European hake Merluccius merluccius and the deep-water rose shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris are the main prey species of L. budegassa in the area. The diet in the Central Aegean Sea varied among various size groups for juveniles (TL, Ege University (Turkey)-Scientific Research Projects Coordination [18-SUF-009], This study was supported by Ege University (Turkey)-Scientific Research Projects Coordination as 18-SUF-009 Scientific Research Project. Besides, we would like to thanks the reviewers of the journal for their valuable comments and suggestions.

The European Union banned fishing operations with trammel, entangling and gillnets in Portuguese continental waters at depths >200 m in consideration of the potential impact of fisheries on deep-sea sharks. Derogation could be considered if Member States demonstrate that by-catch mortality does not adversely affect this group of species. This regulation has had an impact on the trammel net fishery for anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius and Lophius budegassa), one of the most important Portuguese multi-species fisheries. This study evaluates the impact of this fishery on deep-water shark populations by looking at onboard observations of by-catch in the commercial fishery and by analysing survey catch composition. Results suggest that this fishery has a very low impact on deep-water shark populations: by-catch was

12 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables, The presence of emergent visible parasites at commercial valuable fish species is increasingly causing problems at fisheries and seafood industries. Microsporidians have been previously reported to appear forming apparent xenomas complexes in anglerfish species, but no effort has been carried out to simultaneously integrate epidemiological data, phenotypic, genotypic and fine structural characterizations in the same parasite sample. In this work, specimens of Lophius budegassa and Lophius piscatorius from NE Atlantic waters were sampled and examined to provide information about specific site of infection and demographic data of two groups of different sizes of xenomas present at both fish species. Histological descriptions and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were carried out on fresh spores of Lophius budegassa for ultrastructural studies. In both types of xenomas, it was observed simultaneously the microsporidian genus Spraguea in the form of two different types of spores. Molecular analyses of both xenomas from the two fish species, based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene, were also performed to genetically support the morphological diagnostic provided., Xunta de Galicia has funded this work under Projects INCITE-07MMA015CT, IN841C, 10TAL 001CT and 10TAL033E. M. Llarena-Reino thanks Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia for its financial support (Grant SFRH/BD/45398/2008).

The early life history of the angler Lophius piscatorius in the Bay of Biscay was investigated by growth increments in the lapillar otoliths, this being the first time this type of analysis was conducted for this species among specimens of the Iberian stock (ICES Divisions 8.c, 9.a). Lapilli of 34 juvenile fish collected during autumn bottom trawl surveys, were successfully aged between 113 and 198 days (116–213 mm fish length). Morphology and ultrastructure analyses of the otolith’s check marks enabled us to determine the period of endogenous feeding (which according to these estimations would last between 9 and 19 days after hatching), as well as the settlement check, which indicated a relatively long pelagic phase (ca. 91 days). Hatch date was back-calculated from the date of capture indicating a spawning period from April to June, in agreement with that estimated for this population. The age–length relationship was described by the linear function LT = 7.30 + 0.98 age (days) and showed an average growth rate of 0.98 mm day−1 . Our results present a faster growth pattern of 0+ juveniles L. piscatorius in the Bay of Biscay than previously estimated by annual growth studies, showing that juveniles of up to 213 mm length collected in October were hatched in the same year and belonged to age class 0. These results are relevant to the knowledge of the early life history of this species and are in agreement with those obtained in the only previous microstructural study of L. piscatorius in Atlantic waters. The implications of these findings on the annual age estimation protocol based on illicia are discussed., Sí

Effective species management requires good knowledge on vessel dynamics, either at a stock basis or through the establishment of multiannual management plans as advisable under the new European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Achieving such knowledge on Portuguese multi-gear fisheries is challenging given the large number of species caught and the different management measures applied to potential target species. The latter ranges from no input or output controls to output controls based on individual vessel quotas (IVQ). To provide accurate regional knowledge to the CFP, the dynamics of vessels involved in the trammel net fishery targeting anglerfish ( Lophius spp.) was characterised based on onboard sampling data and logbook reports. The selected vessels were very dynamic, and were found to target other species such as hake ( Merluccius merluccius ), John Dory ( Zeus faber ) and octopus ( Octopus vulgaris ). Anglerfish landing trends can be explained by changes in abundance, quota availability and shifts/changes in fishing effort. Overall, the dynamics of these vessels varied with area of exploitation, IVQ value and anglerfish total allowable catch (TAC). These results show the influence of different management systems in the dynamics of vessels and the advantage of an IVQ management system, where fishers can spatially and temporally allocate effort. Results also highlight a fishing effort shift towards unregulated species in face of IVQ or TAC restrictions.

Several studies in the last 20 years have revealed that morphological asymmetry in fish can be characterized as ‘antisymmetry’. Antisymmetry is a lateral dimorphism in which each population consists of individuals with well-developed left sides (lefties) and well-developed right sides (righties). This dimorphism influences predator–prey interactions. In some piscivorous fishes, it has been found that predators can catch more prey of the opposite morphological type to themselves (cross-predation) than of the same morphological type (parallel-predation). Our previous work clarified that the predominance of cross-predation is caused by lateralized behaviors of predators and prey that correspond to their morphological antisymmetry. Moreover, based on the results of our behavioral observations, we hypothesized that parallel-predation can predominate when predators encounter the potential prey frontally. To test this hypothesis, in the present study we investigated the relationship between lateral morphological types of anglerfish (Lophiomus setigerus) and those of the prey fishes found in their stomachs. Anglerfish attract potential prey using their first dorsal fin (illicium) as a lure, and their frontal encounters with potential prey fishes were photographed in situ and observed in an aquarium. The results of a stomach contents analysis indicated that parallel-predation predominated in five benthopelagic prey fish species (perches and eels). By contrast, five benthic prey fishes (gobies and weevers) exhibited the predominance of cross-predation. These results not only demonstrate the predominance of parallel-predation in a natural fish community, but also suggest that the relationship between morphological types of predator and prey species can be reversed depending on the lifestyle of prey.

Summary A survey-based assessment of an eastern Mediterranean data-limited black anglerfish (Lophius budegassa; Spinola, 1807) stock was carried out to elucidate its population and exploitation trends. A catch-based method was also applied to estimate its maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The effect on the long-term spawning stock biomass and yield of a wide range of exploitation regimes (combinations of F and selectivity) was investigated using an age-structured population model parameterised for Mediterranean anglerfish stocks. The analysis indicated an increasing trend of anglerfish fishing mortality (F) in the eastern Mediterranean from the mid-1990s onwards, and that recent catches were 41% higher than the median MSY estimate. Catching Mediterranean anglerfish at least three years after they mature at an F = 0.4–1 year−1 would ensure high yields at sustainable levels of stock depletion. Examination of the empirical exploitation regimes in five anglerfish stocks across the Mediterranean Sea illustrates their unfulfilled potential for higher sustainable yields, mainly due to overexploitation of juveniles.

A new species of the deep-sea ceratioid anglerfish genus Oneirodes Lutken (Lophiiformes: Oneirodidae) is described on the basis of a single female specimen collected from the Western Indian Ocean. The new form is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of features that includes a relatively short illicium, a unique escal morphology, and shape of the subopercle bone.

The Mediterranean distributions of two species of anglerfish, the blackbellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) and the white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius), were analysed from trawl survey data (MEDITS project – Spain, France, Italy and Greece) from 2006 to 2015 implementing a Delta model approach with residuals autocovariate boosted regression trees. Sea bottom temperature (SBT), sea bottom salinity (SBS), bathymetry, slope of the seabed and distance to the coast were considered possible predictors. The results show that the locations with a higher presence, abundance and biomass of L. budegassa are those with a depth range between 150 to 300 m, with an SBT range between 17.5 and 18.5°C, and SBS of 37- 38 PSU. Similarly, L. piscatorius shows a higher probability of presence, abundance and biomass in location with a bathymetry range of 200-400 m, an SBT of 17.5°C to 18.5°C and an SBS of 36.5 to 37.5. Our results identify preference habitats for the anglerfishes in the Mediterranean Sea such as the Aegean Sea, the Gulf of Lions, south and southeast Spain and the northwestern Ionian Sea. In general terms, these findings enhance our understanding of the differences in the spatio-temporal distribution of these two species, providing useful information that can help their fisheries management and conservation., Sí

The present article is the first to describe the diet of the black anglerfish Lophius budegassa, an opportunistic, non-selective, ambush predator, on the upper slope of the south eastern Mediterranean Sea. The deep-water rose prawn, Parapenaeus longirostris, and the short nose green eye, Chlorophthalmus agassizi, are identified as its main prey items. We used stomach contents as a proxy of prey availability, thus reflecting the local species abundance in the warm, oligotrophic environment of the south eastern Levant. Current models predict increasing temperatures and oligotrophy in the Mediterranean Sea. The results of this study depicting the diet of the Levantine population of L. budegassa, which varies from other Mediterranean populations, could indicate possible Mediterranean-wide shifts in prey distribution and abundance driven by climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. In addition, we augment the knowledge regarding the species’ feeding ecology, especially regarding possible sex and size dissimilarity. We propose the use of diet analyses from non-selective predators like L. budegassa as a mean to identify changes in community compositions and differences among communities.

A new species of the deep-sea ceratioid anglerfish genus Lasiognathus Regan (family Oneirodidae) is described on the basis of three female specimens collected in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Not especially similar to any of the five previously described members of the genus, the new species is unique in having a cylindrical, internally pigmented, anterior escal appendage and a pair of elongate distal escal appendages. The new species is diagnosed and described, and a revised key to the species of the genus is provided.

The chorion surface ultrastructure of unfertilized eggs of black anglerfish Lophius budegassa and white anglerfish Lophius piscatorius was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Species-specific differences were observed.

Due to global declines, skates and sharks have become a focus of marine conservation in recent years. Despite protective measures, they remain vulnerable to bycatch by fisheries, especially bottom-trawls and pose a problem for fisheries management measures that aim to eliminate discards in the future. In the mixed-species bottom-trawl fisheries of the North Atlantic catches can be increased by fitting a length of chain known as a “tickler” in front of the groundgear of the trawl. It was hypothesized that the tickler is especially effective at catching skates and rays that may otherwise escape beneath the net. A trial was undertaken with paired tows with and without the tickler chain. The trial demonstrated that the catch rate of skates and sharks can be significantly lowered by removing the tickler. A set of secondary nets (groundgear bags) attached behind the groundgear of the main net allowed the number of fish escaping under the net to be estimated and showed that the reduction of skates and sharks in the main net was accompanied by an increase in number in the groundgear bags. This suggests that prohibition of the use of tickler chains in areas that are known to be especially important to skates and sharks could have conservation benefits. The removal of the tickler chain had little effect on catch rates of haddock, whiting, and flatfish, but caused a marked decrease in the catch rate of commercially valuable anglerfish.

A new deep-sea anglerfish of the genus Chaunacops is described based on three specimens collected from eastern Australia and New Caledonia. It differs from its congeners in having fine dermal spinules, mixed with simple and bifurcate ones, densely covering the body, four neuromasts on the pectoral series of the lateral line and a combination of other characteristics. Data for Chaunacops melanostomus based on 31 specimens newly collected from Western Australia are provided. An underwater observation of C. melanostomus made by a remotely operated vehicle is also provided.

Weight–lengthrelationships,weightconversionfactorsandsomaticindicesarepresentedfromadecade (2006 to 2015) for two stocks of Lophius budegassa and L.piscatorius in northern Iberian Atlantic waters (ICES Div. VIIIc–IXa2) and in Celtic Sea, south-western Ireland and Porcupine Bank (Div. VIIb,c,h,j,k). A total of 3298 L.budegassa and 7219 L.piscatorius were sampled from commercial landings and research surveys. Total length (Lt), total weight (Wt), ‘‘commercial’’ weight (Wgl) and ‘‘scientific’’ weight (Wg) were obtained. The parameters (a, b) in the power relationships weight–length for combined sexes in L.budegassa were: 0.020, 2.916; 0.017, 2.929; 0.017, 2.922 for Wt, Wgl and Wg respectively in Div. VIIIc–IXa2;0.025,2.841;0.013,2.984;0.013,2.971inDiv.VIIb,c,h,j,k.ForL.piscatorius:0.025,2.853;0.020, 2.868;0.024,2.861inDiv.VIIIc–IXa2;0.027,2.826;0.023,2.825;0.023,2.816inDiv.VIIb,c,h,j,k.Significant differences between stocks were found in both species. The conversion factors between total and gutted weight in L.budegassa were: 1.186, 1.236 for Wgl and Wg respectively in Div. VIIIc–IXa2; 1.187, 1.233 in Div. VIIb,c,h,j,k. For L.piscatorius: 1.181, 1.241 in Div. VIIIc–IXa2; 1.210, 1.262 in Div. VIIb,c,h,j,k. The parameters can be used in the process of annual assessment of the state of each stock. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and Le Cren’s condition factor, indicators of reproductive and nutritional status, were seasonally analyzed and compared between sexes and stocks. Significant better condition and higher GSI and HSI were found in females. In Div. VIIb,c,h,j,k better condition was found for both species and higher GSI for L.piscatorius. The analysis throughout the year of GSI and HSI for L.budegassashowedseasonalityinlivergrowthprevioustospawnandcorroboratedthespawningseason from January to June in VIIIc–IXa2. The parameters obtained were compared with previous ones from these and others Lophiiformes, showing common patterns., SI

Blackbellied angler ( Lophius budegassa ) and angler ( L. piscatorius ) are two important commercial species in the Bay of Biscay and the European fisheries infected by the microsporidian parasite Spraguea lophii . Samplings of both anglerfish were performed from a nine year time-series (2006–2014) from commercial fleet and bottom research surveys operating in southern Bay of Biscay and Galician waters (ICES Div. VIIIc and IXa2), Celtic Sea (Div. VIIh), south-western Ireland (Div. VIIj and VIIk), western Ireland and Porcupine Bank (Div. VIIb and VIIc). Length and sex of fish and presence or absence of the parasite were recorded. The prevalence by Spraguea was used to analyse the infection level. The role of each variable (fish length, fish sex, geographical area and year) and the interactions among them on the Spraguea prevalence were analyzed by using a binomial GLM. Area and fish length had a more relevant effect on the infestation of both anglerfish, while the impact of the year and fish sex was less evident. The Spraguea prevalence by area ranged between 11% and 52% in L. budegassa and between 39% and 66% in L. piscatorius . This is the first study in which the prevalence of this parasite in L. budegassa is analyzed in several areas and inter-annually compared. A non-linear relationship with a sharp increment of the prevalence with fish length was obtained in both anglerfish. The results were compared with those from the scarce previous studies and discussed.

14 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables, Reproductive parameters of the white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea were studied in 556 specimens collected monthly aboard commercial fishing vessels that were trawling at depths of 12-836 m. The main spawning season occurred from February through June. The size at maturity was estimated to be 48.8 cm in total length (TL) for males, 59.9 cm TL for females, and 51.3 cm TL for both sexes combined. The white anglerfish has group-synchronous oocyte development and determinate fecundity. It is a total spawner (spawns all its eggs once during a spawning season) and has a batch fecundity ranging from 661,647 to 885,214 oocytes, a relative batch fecundity of 66-128 oocytes per gram of female gutted weight, and a potential fecundity with values from 54,717 to 104,506 oocytes per kilogram of female total weight. This study is the first to provide the reproductive biology of white anglerfish in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea and provide valuable information that can be used to improve the stock assessment and ensure proper management of this species

A sexually parasitized female of the deep-sea ceratioid anglerfish Centrophryne spinulosa is described for the first time, bringing the number of ceratioid species known to exhibit sexual parasitism to 24 and the number of ceratioid families to six. The attached pair represents the largest known individuals of both sexes. The extreme and puzzling rarity of parasitized females in some of the best known ceratioid species is discussed. While it has been hypothesized that some ceratioid taxa reproduce solely by temporary male–female attachment, it now seems reasonable to expect the eventual discovery of parasitized females in any of the remaining ceratioid taxa.

A visual survey technique was employed to estimate the abundance and distribution of anglerfish Lophius spp. in areas where destructive sampling methods, such as trawling, are unacceptable. To enable visual surveying at depths of over 300 m, a deep towed vehicle was developed equipped with video, lights and other sensors and was towed at speeds of up to 1·5 m s−1 and altitudes of up to 10 m (from the seabed) to survey large areas of the seabed around the Rockall Bank in the north-west Atlantic Ocean. The system allowed for areas up to 125 000 m2 to be surveyed, a substantial area comparable to that surveyed by demersal-trawl sampling. Lophius spp. densities ranged from 15 to 736 fish km−2; these are comparable to estimated Lophius spp. densities determined by trawl surveys in adjacent areas. Estimates of Lophius spp. abundance in the closed areas ranged between 99 855 and 176 887 for the time series considered (2007–2011).

To investigate the reliability of age–length growth estimates of anglerfish Lophius piscatorius in Faroese waters, results from illicia age determination, length frequency and mark-recapture analyses were compared. Features of the illicium, such as the time of deposition and sizes of the benthic and first annual zones, width and the marginal increment progression of the edge were studied in detail. Results showed that the average horizontal diameters of the benthic and first annual zones were 0.18 mm (age 0) and 0.32 mm (age 1), respectively, and these zones could be identified in anglerfish of any length. There was a strong positive correlation between illicium width and fish length. In transmitted light the edge was usually dark in the winter and light in the summer, and the transition between them took place in May/June. Results from illicia age-readings and length-frequency analysis show that anglerfish in these waters have a very high growth rate during their first years of life (age 0–1, 18.5 cm year−1), after which smaller individuals grow faster than larger fish. Growth rates of fish larger than 35 cm in length are comparable to the fastest growth rates in other areas of the North Atlantic. Since the illicia age determinations resulted in growth rates that were consistent with length frequency and mark-recapture analyses, we believe that illicia derived age length keys could be used in age-based assessment of anglerfish in Faroese waters.

Anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) collected from several locations in the southwestern European waters (from southwest of Ireland to northwest of Spain) were examined for the parasitic copepod Chondracanthus lophii in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The influence of host size, time (season, year) and spatial variables (geographical area, depth, latitude and longitude) on the infestation variability was studied. Zero-altered models (ZAMs) and generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to assess the prevalence and intensity of infection related to the variables studied. The variables which proved to have the greatest effects on the infestation were host size and geographical area, while the impact of variables such as year and season turned out to be less evident. Abundance, prevalence and intensity of C. lophii increased with host size. The highest infestation levels were recorded in the West of Ireland and on the Porcupine Bank, and within these areas the parasite load increased with latitude. Prevalence o...

Summary Stomach contents of 283 anglerfish (Lophius budegassa), collected in the Adriatic Sea (north-eastern Mediterranean) from experimental trawl surveys in 2005 and 2006, were examined to assess their diet as influenced by fish size, sex and water depth. Changes in food quantities in the stomach were observed, the percentage of empty stomachs decreasing with increasing body size and depth. No differences were found between male and female diets. The anglerfish is essentially an ‘opportunistic feeder’ that consumes mainly fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Fishes were the primary food consumed by all size classes; the favourite prey was Merluccius merluccius (TL >150 mm for medium and large anglerfish) and Gaidropsarus biscayensis (TL

The age of white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) on the Porcupine Bank was estimated based on the age estimation of 979 illicia (first dorsal fin ray) obtained from a series of 9 annual groundfish surveys (2001–2009). Modifications in the methodology of illicia preparation and in the traditional biased age estimation criterion are presented. This is the first time that a growth pattern of white anglerfish based on illicia age estimations can be indirectly validated by tracking cohorts using the abundance indices per age class from surveys and length-frequency analyses. Previous studies of cohort tracking using the traditional illicia age estimation criterion showed a mismatch, suggesting a faster growth. With the new proposed criteria, abundant cohorts from 2001 to 2004, and scarce ones, from 2005 to 2007, can be tracked over the time throughout several age groups. A new growth pattern and von Bertalanffy growth parameters are presented (L∞: 162.31; k: 0.088; t0: −0.894). The results are compared with previous studies in other areas., Sí

9 pages, 4 figures, 4 tables, 1 appendix supplementary data https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2016.03.007.-- This study is a contribution to the project ECOTRANS (CTM2011-26333, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competiveness, Spain) and to the Master's thesis of NL, The study of the feeding ecology of marine organisms is crucial to understanding their ecological roles and advancing our knowledge of marine ecosystem functioning. The aim of this study was to analyse the trophic ecology of two demersal predator species, black anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) and white anglerfish (L. piscatorius), in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Both species are important in the study area due to their high abundance and economic value, but information about their feeding behaviour is scarce. Here, we described the diet composition and ecological role of these two species, investigating whether trophic segregation exists between them and amongst fish of different sizes. In addition, by using experimental survey data we described the spatial distribution of both species to help us interpret trophic behaviour patterns. We gathered samples of two different sizes (small individuals of a total length, JN was supported by the Andalucía Talent Hub Program (Andalusian Knowledge Agency, co funded by the European Union's Seventh Framework Program, Marie Skłodowska Curie actions). MC was partially funded by the European Commission through the Marie Curie Career Integration Grant Fellowships – PCIG10-GA-2011-303534 – to the BIOWEB project and by the Spanish National Program Ramon y Cajal. CB and MA-P were supported by predoctoral fellowships of CONICYT-Becas Chile and FPI program of Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, respectively.

The white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) is a bottom-living and commercially important species for European fisheries (∼38.000 t in Atlantic waters in 2015). Weight-length relationship, weight conversion factors and condition factor for this species are estimated from a decade (2006-2015) in northern Iberian waters (ICES Div. VIIIc-IXa, southern stock) and in Celtic Seas (ICES Div. VIIb,c,h,j,k, northern stock). A total of 7219 white anglerfish were collected from commercial landings and research surveys and the total length (Lt), total weight (Wt), gutted weight with liver (Wgl) and gutted weight (Wg) were obtained. The weight-length relationships for the combined sexes were: Lt = 0.025 Wt2.853; Lt = 0.02 Wgl2.868; Lt = 0.024 Wg2.861 in Div. VIIIc-IXa, and Lt = 0.027 Wt2.826; Lt = 0.023 Wgl2.825; Lt = 0.023 Wg2.816 in Div. VIIb,c,h,j,k. The commercial landings of this species are available in gutted weight, and therefore the conversion factor (total-gutted weights) was also estimated. All these results can be used in the annual assessment of the state of both stocks in the ICES working group. The condition factor was estimated along the year for immature and mature individuals of each sex and it could provide additional information regarding the spawning season. The results are compared to the previously estimated in other studies.

In situ observations and collections of Chaunacops coloratus ( Garman, 1899 ) from seamounts in the eastern North Pacific Ocean lend new behavioral, morphological and molecular data to an under-sampled, deep-sea group of fishes in the order Lophiiformes. Seven observations were made at Davidson Seamount, 130 km southwest of Monterey, CA, and from the Taney Seamount chain, 290 km west of Moss Landing, CA, from depths ranging from 2313 to 3297 m. Specimens were collected at both locations. Morphometric and meristic analyses were performed to identify individuals to the species level. These observations of C. coloratus provide greater latitude and depth distributions in the eastern North Pacific Ocean than previously known. Detailed habitat information indicated the fish occurred near manganese-encrusted volcanic talus slopes, a highly rugose habitat. Video observations revealed possible ontogenetic color changes in which small fish were blue and large fish were red. Video recorded rapid, vertical swimming as an escape response and maneuvering, or walking, with pectoral and pelvic fins and esca deployment. Phylogenetic analyses used here verify what has been known since Garman first described C. coloratus in 1899, that Chaunax and Chaunacops are closely related; molecular tools complement previous knowledge and genetic information created has been submitted to GenBank for further use by the scientific community.

A new species of the deep-sea ceratioid anglerfish genus Himantolophus, long hidden within material identified as H. appelii Clarke, 1878, is described based on 43 female specimens collected in southern waters of all three major oceans of the world. A member of the H. appelii group, it differs from its sister-species, H. appelii, the only other member of the group, in details of escal morphology. The two species are geographically sympatric over much of their range.

Summary The study aimed to evaluate sorting grids of 10 and 15 mm bar spacing specifically for separation of deep water rose shrimp, but including other species, in a Mediterranean multispecies demersal trawl fishery. Data were collected 15–25 October 2008 in Sigacik Bay, Eastern Aegean Sea with the commercial trawler, ‘Hapuloglu’, using a modified bottom trawl net. A total of 22 valid hauls (12 with 10 mm, ten with 15 mm grids) were obtained. The separation rate of anglerfish was highest, with 100% for weight and number in both codends among all species. Grid elimination of broadtail short-fin squid showed differences between 95.3 and 80.3% in terms of weight, and 89.7 and 66.2% in terms of number for 10 and 15 mm, respectively. Separation ratios for hake, silver scabbard fish, and horse mackerel were between 96.3 and 100% in terms of weight, and 92.2 and 100% in terms of number in both codends. Shrimp separation was in total calculated as 60.8 and 37.0% by number, and 70.7 and 44.4% by weight in 10 and 15 mm bar spacing trawl grids, respectively, demonstrating that substantial improvement in species selectivity (deep water rose shrimp from others) is possible to achieve by adding sorting grids in the Mediterranean demersal trawl fishery. To optimize the overall selection performance in such fisheries, a variety of grid systems, bar spacings and materials as well as the economic consequences need to be evaluated.

Anglerfish from the genus Lophius are a globally important commercial fishery. The microsporidian Spraguea infects the nervous system of these fish resulting in the formation of large, visible parasitic xenomas. Lophius litulon from Japan were investigated to evaluate the intensity and distribution of Spraguea xenomas throughout the nervous system and to assess pathogenicity to the host and possible transmission routes of the parasite. Spraguea infections in L. litulon had a high prevalence; all fish over 403 mm in standard length being infected, with larger fish usually more heavily infected than smaller fish. Seventy percent of all fish examined had some gross visible sign of infection. The initial site of development is the supramedullary cells on the dorsal surface of the medulla oblongata, where all infected fish have parasitic xenomas. As the disease progresses, a number of secondary sites typically become infected such as the spinal, trigeminal and vagus nerves. Fish with infection in the vagus nerve bundles often have simultaneous sites of infection, in particular the spinal nerves and along the ventral nerve towards the urinary bladder. Advanced vagus nerve infections sometimes form xenomas adjacent to kidney tissue. Spraguea DNA was amplified from the contents of the urinary bladders of two fish, suggesting that microsporidian spores may be excreted in the urine. We conclude that supramedullary cells on the hindbrain are the primary site of infection, which is probably initiated at the cutaneous mucous glands where supramedullary cells are known to extend their peripheral axons. The prevalence of Spraguea infections in L. litulon was very high, and infections often extremely heavy; however, no associated pathogenicity was observed, and heavily infected fish were otherwise normal.

†Sharfia mirabilis, a new genus and species of lophiid anglerfish from the Ypresian of Monte Bolca, northern Italy, is described from a single specimen residing among collections of the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris. Together with †Lophius brachysomus Agassiz, 1835, known from three or four individuals also from Monte Bolca, †Sharfia mirabilis is the oldest member of the teleost family Lophiidae known to date based on articulated skeletal remains. It possesses several autapomorphic features as well as a unique combination of character states, especially in the structure of the opercular bones, which clearly separate it from all other known lophiiform fishes. Among extant lophiid genera, the new taxon shows perhaps the strongest phenetic resemblance to Sladenia and Lophiodes. †Sharfia mirabilis most likely inhabited inner shelf regions of the central Tethys Sea about 50 Ma, living at moderate depths on soft mud or sand bottoms, much like extant members of the family.

Data on new captures of juveniles of the yellow anglerfish Lophius litulon off the Southern Kurils are presented. Outer morphological characters of the specimens caught in waters off the Southern Kurils are described in comparison with those of specimens from other regions of the north-western part of the Pacific Ocean. Probable pathways of penetration of anglerfish (Lophiidae) to Russian Far East waters are discussed.

Ancient mariners and early cartographers were right—there are monsters in the ocean depths, with gaping mouths, scimitar teeth and glowing appendages. These aliens have everything a science fiction movie could dream of: luminescent lures, outrageous morphology, bizarre sex habits. Fortunately, most of them are less than 20 cm long. These are the Ceratioidei, deep sea anglerfishes that are the subject of Ted Pietsch’s life’s work and a remarkable new volume, Oceanic Anglerfishes: Extraordinary Diversity in the Deep Sea. Part coffee table book, part technical reference, this beautifully illustrated book describes each species in detail, some from single known specimens. The deep sea anglerfishes are, undoubtedly, one of the most fascinating and highly derived vertebrate groups on the planet. They live in a cold, dark, inhospitable world where extreme conditions have promoted extreme morphological, behavioral, and physiological adaptations (Koslow 2006). Live observations of deep sea anglers are rare; most are described from mangled specimens trawled or dredged from hundreds or even thousands of meters below the ocean surface. They have fantastic names, like the “mischievous dreamers” (Puck pinnata) and “whipnosed sea devils” (Gigantactis spp, one of few in the suborder that are relatively large bodied at up to 40 cm). These fish make their living in a food-poor environment by use of a lure to attract prey—a stalked appendage, called the illicium, tipped with a bioluminescent bulb, the esca (Garman 1899). Escal appendages are highly diverse in size and shape, from single bulbs to filamentous branches, and most can wave to attract prey. The esca are filled with bioluminescent bacteria that are part of a symbiotic relationship that may be species-specific (Haygood and Distal 1993). Pietsch describes and illustrates the esca of all known deep sea anglerfish in detail, expounding on the diversity exhibited in the suborder as an evolutionary model for adaptation. Deep sea anglers have other luminescent structures and remarkable jaw adaptations for engulfing large prey, including members of one family (Thaumatichthyidae, the “snaggle toothed sea devils” and “wonderfishes”) that use their entire face as a net trap, complete with a glowing lure hanging from the roof of their mouths. Anglerfish bodies are generally soft and globular, with few features that can be used for diagnostic Environ Biol Fish (2010) 88:301–304 DOI 10.1007/s10641-010-9637-6

A new genus and species of anglerfish, Dibrachichthys melanurus, of the antennarioid family Tetrabrachiidae, is described on the basis of 42 specimens collected in near-shore coastal waters of Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and the Aru Islands, southeastern Indonesia. It differs most strikingly from its sister species, Tetrabrachium ocellatum, the only previously described tetrabrachiid, in having the pectoral fin entire, rather than having the rays divided into two distinct sections, a feature that was heretofore diagnostic for the family. The new taxon is diagnosed, described, and compared osteologically with its sister taxon using high-resolution, X-ray computed tomography.

Marine organisms are known to accumulate arsenic (As) in the range of 1–100 mg kg−1 from their environment and food sources. The majority of arsenic is present as organoarsenic compounds, metabolized from inorganic arsenic present in seawater or accumulated from food sources such as algae or other fish. The aim of this study was to evaluate total arsenic content in the muscle of eight fish species, three cephalopods, and one crustacean consumed in Portugal. The measurement of total arsenic (10 individuals of each species) was carried out by EDXRF (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Method). The highest concentrations were found in Norway lobster (30.3 ± 8.7 mg kg−1 wet weight), followed by common octopus (25.9 ± 8.4 mg kg−1 wet weight). Within fish species, wild gilthead sea bream, anglerfish, and megrim species presented values around 12 mg kg,−1 and in the others the average was lower than 10 mg kg−1. Taking into consideration the tolerable daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization (WH...

This study provides a contribution to the knowledge on distribution, population structure and dynamics of Lophius budegassa in the North-western Ionian Sea (Eastern Mediterranean Sea) as well as an estimation of its exploitation condition. Data were collected during 23 trawl surveys carried out in spring-summer and autumn from June 1995 to November–December 2006. Specimens were collected between 13 and 745 m. No significant trends were shown in the fluctuation of the abundance indices throughout the study period, indicating a stable condition in the stock distributed from the shelf to the upper slope. A decreasing trend with depth was only shown in the density index values. The greatest biomass values were recorded in autumn and the highest incidence of juveniles (TL The mortality rate (Z) calculated using the growth parameters derived from the direct age estimation varied between the annual value of 0.54 in 2001 and that of 0.87 in 2000 and 2003. The natural mortality rate (M) was computed using different approaches. In females it was between 0.24 and 0.23 while in males was between 0.25 and 0.24. Adopting two sets of growth parameters for sex combined and the M value of 0.22 and the value of 0.39, two scenarios for fishing mortality rates and exploitation ratios were obtained. Although, the total and fishing mortality rates and exploitation ratios fluctuated throughout the sampling period no significant trends were detected. The E values changed between 0.59 and 0.77 and no significant differences were observed with the two scenarios. A growth overfishing condition was detected for the stock in the North-western Ionian Sea. The exploited stock of L. budegassa in the Ionian Sea mainly consists of juveniles younger than 3–4 years old. Although, spawners are extremely scarce, most probably as a consequence of fishing pressure, the continuity of recruitment seems to be guaranteed by adults distributed in “refuge areas” where trawl fishing does not occur.

Dobby, H., Allan, L., Harding, M., Laurenson, C. H., and McLay, H. A. 2008. Improving the quality of information on Scottish anglerfish fisheries: making use of fishers’ data. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1334–1345. In recent years, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Working Group on the Assessment of Northern Shelf Demersal Stocks has been unable to provide an analytical assessment for anglerfish. One of the reasons for this has been the poor quality of the commercial catch-and-effort data, with ICES and the European Commission’s Scientific, Technical, and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) stressing the need for reliable information on which to base estimates of stock status. In response, and following consultation with the fishing industry, an anglerfish tallybook project was implemented in Scotland as part of a long-term approach to providing better data. Tallybooks are completed on a haul-by-haul basis. Skippers record catches of anglerfish (by size category) and other species where possible, together with information on haul location, duration, and depth. Individual vessel catch rates are calculated and used to provide insights into temporal trends in the stock and the spatial distribution of the fishery. The history of the fishery and management advice are summarized, and an overview of the tallybook project is provided. Catch rates are analysed using a generalized additive modelling approach which incorporates seasonal, annual, spatial, and vessel-dependent effects. The results show increased catch rates between 2006 and 2007.

Johnson, A. K., Richards, R. A., Cullen, D. W., and Sutherland, S. J. 2008. Growth, reproduction, and feeding of large monkfish, Lophius americanus. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1306–1315. The American monkfish, Lophius americanus, supports important commercial fisheries in the Northwest Atlantic. Although life history information is available for smaller L. americanus, the biology of large monkfish (>70 cm) is poorly understood because relatively few large fish are caught in standard resource surveys. Between 2006 and 2008, 699 L. americanus of 71–118 cm total length were collected from commercial gillnet fishers operating in the mid-Atlantic Bight (n = 689) and in the Gulf of Maine (n = 10) to investigate growth rates, reproductive biology, and feeding habits of large monkfish. All those collected were mature females ranging in age from 7 to 13 years. Growth was linear at an average annual rate of 7.6 cm. Hepatosomatic indices peaked in February and gonadosomatic indices between February and April. Postovulatory follicles and vitellogenic oocytes were observed in the same ovaries, evidence that monkfish spawn over a protracted period and possibly more than once annually. Food habits were similar to those reported for smaller benthic phase monkfish, but cannibalism was more prevalent in large fish (5.6% frequency of occurrence). Frequencies of feeding and cannibalism were greatest in females in the final stage of oocyte maturation.

The early life history of the black anglerfish, Lophius budegassa was investigated by otolith (lapilli) increment analysis. Samples of demersal juvenile L. budegassa ranging from 54 to 196 mm total length were collected during bottom trawl surveys in the central Adriatic Sea. By counting increments presumed to be deposited daily in the lapillar otoliths, 88 specimens of L. budegassa were successfully aged. Age estimates of juveniles ranged between 79 and 204 days, indicating that probably the pelagic phase of this species is relatively short and settlement occurs at less than 3 months of life. The analysis of check marks in the core area of lapilli enabled us to determine the period of endogenous feeding, which would last between 15 and 24 days after hatching. Back-calculated hatching dates and, consequently, the spawning season of L. budegassa in the Adriatic Sea was spread over a long period, lasting at least from February to June. The length at age relationship gave an estimate of mean growth rate of approximately 0.8–1.02 mm/day, indicating a faster growth rate of 0+ juveniles L. budegassa than previously thought. The implications of these findings on age estimates discrepancies between previous ageing studies on L. budegassa carried out using different calcified structure (sagittae or illicia) are discussed.

This manuscript presents the first results on abundance and distribution of white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) from a series of groundfish surveys carried out on the Porcupine Bank. White anglerfish were caught in all trawlable areas, recruits and juveniles mainly from the shallower parts of the bank, around the central mound and closer to the Irish shelf. A strong cohort was manifest in 2001, and it could be tracked over time by age matrices obtained with illicia age–length keys (ALKs) collected during the surveys. However, a mismatch in the cohort analysis suggests that the growth pattern based on illicia underestimates around three of the younger age classes. Using an ALK estimated numerically from a faster growth model, this mismatch disappears, which seems to confirm faster growth. Recruits of the 0-group and adults of age 4 (with the faster growth: ca. ∼57–65 cm) dominated, whereas the intermediate age groups were scarce on the bank. These results and recent findings from tag-and-recapture experiments suggest that white anglerfish move to and from the Porcupine Bank, calling into question the stock boundaries currently accepted for the species in the North Atlantic., Sí

Estimates of Spanish bottom trawl discards of anglerfish Lophius budegassa and Lophius piscatorius in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean are presented. Both species are commercially valuable in ICES Subareas VI and VII, and Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Information was obtained from observers on board during discard-monitoring programmes. Raising by effort, rather than by landings and target species, was used to determine the total annual discards by weight and number, the discard percentage, and the discard length distribution by stock throughout the dataseries. By weight and number, discards varied interannually, ranging from 4 to 600 t (∼28 000–7 000 000 fish) in northern stocks of anglerfish, and from 1 to 100 t (∼20 000–400 000 fish) in southern stocks. The discard percentage for both species and northern and southern stocks therefore ranged between 2 and 76% by number. Length distributions of the discarded anglerfish show that most were juveniles, although the pattern differed in years with high or with low rates of discarding. The number of juveniles caught apparently increased in most areas after 2000. Correlations between the quantities discarded and recruitment indices from French and Irish trawl surveys were found for northern stocks and with Spanish trawl survey indices for southern stocks., Sí

Richards, R. A., Nitschke, P. C., and Sosebee, K. A. 2008. Population biology of monkfish Lophius americanus. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1291–1305. This paper provides an overview of the biology of monkfish in US waters of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean using data from resource surveys spanning the period 1948–2007. Monkfish exhibited seasonal onshore–offshore shifts in distribution, migrated out of the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) in mid-spring, and re-appeared there in autumn. Sex ratios at length for fish 40–65-cm long were skewed towards males in the southern MAB, but approximated unity elsewhere, suggesting that a portion of the population resides outside sampled areas. Growth was linear at 9.9 cm year−1 and did not differ by region or sex. Maximum observed size was 138 cm for females and 85 cm for males. Length at 50% maturity for males was 35.6 cm (4.1 years old) in the north and 37.9 cm (4.3 years old) in the south; for females 38.8 cm (4.6 years old) in the north and 43.8 cm (4.9 years old) in the south. Ripe females were found in shallow (200 m) water in the south, and in shallow water (

Laurenson, C. H., Dobby, H., and McLay, H. A. 2008. The Lophius budegassa component of monkfish catches in Scottish waters. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1346–1349. To date, research efforts on Lophius species in waters around Scotland (ICES Divisions IVa, VIa, and VIb) have focused almost exclusively on Lophius piscatorius. Here, the characteristics and distribution of the Lophius budegassa component of the catch are described using data collected by observers during commercial fishing trips and scientific surveys on chartered commercial fishing vessels between 1998 and 2006. At Rockall Bank (VIb), L. budegassa were rare, just 0.1% of the catch of Lophius spp., whereas west of Scotland (VIa) and around the Shetland Islands (IVa), they made up 18 and 2% of catches, respectively, with greatest prevalence towards the shelf edge. Fish length ranged from 16 to 89 cm with a modal length at 40 cm. Greater proportions of large individuals were recorded around the Shetland Islands than in other parts of the study area. Overall, the sex ratio was 1:1, and lengths at 50% maturity were estimated to be 70.4 cm for females and 49.4 cm for males.

Azevedo, M., Duarte, R., Cardador, F., Sousa, P., Fariña, C., Sampedro, P., Landa, J., and Costas, G. 2008. Application of dynamic factor analysis in the assessment of Iberian anglerfish stocks. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1362–1369. Dynamic factor analysis (DFA) was applied to six time-series of catch per unit effort data of the Iberian (ICES Divisions VIIIc and IXa) white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) and black anglerfish (L. budegassa). Results showed that grouping the abundance indices reflected the fleet's area of exploitation and fish size selection. Two common trends (CTs) were extracted for each species, capturing the main signal of abundance over time. The white anglerfish was assessed using these CTs as input to the biomass dynamic model currently used in the ICES assessment, to investigate whether the approach would reduce the uncertainty in parameter estimates and related quantities. Using the CTs, bias estimates are lower. The current perception of an overexploited stock is unchanged, but a much lower intrinsic rate of biomass increase was estimated, indicating that the biomass recovery might be much slower. A lower maximum sustainable yield, ∼3600 t, was obtained, and this is more consistent with the historical landings trajectory. The application of DFA to stock assessment of anglerfish, presented here for the first time, can be extended to age-based assessments.

On 6 June 2005, the ROV Tiburon of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute captured approximately 24.4 min of footage (30 frames s−1) of a female ceratioid anglerfish, identified as a member of the genus Oneirodes, off the coast of Monterey, CA, at a depth of 1474 m. To gain insight into ceratioid behavioral ecology, this sequence was digitized and analyzed frame-by-frame. All relevant behaviors were described and the kinematics of one slow-swimming and one directional change sequence were quantified. These sequences captured both reduced (slow-swimming) and prominent (directional change) functions of the pectoral fins in producing motion. The angler was initially sighted passively drifting with its illicium extended. It swam away rapidly when approached by the ROV, but for most of the time, it remained lethargic, drifting with no preferred body orientation. When progressing, however, the fish swam slowly and intermittently at approximately 0.24 body lengths s−1, with its pectoral fins beati...

Summary This research investigated effects of changing the diamond mesh size on codend selectivity in Mediterranean fisheries. The selectivity of a typical 50-mm diamond knotless polyethylene (PE) codend used in the Turkish fishery in the Aegean Sea was measured for commercially important species, in particular hake (Merluccius merluccius), horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) and John Dory (Zeus faber). Fishing trials were carried out on the commercial trawler ‘Hapuloglu’ between 9 and 12 December 2006 using a modified trawl net. Selectivity data were collected by the covered codend method and analysed by means of a logistic equation (Maximum Likelihood Method). The mean selectivity curve was estimated from individual hauls, taking between-haul variations into account. Mean mesh size of the codend was 49.4 mm as measured by digital calliper. Mean values for 50% retention length of hake and horse mackerel were estimated to be 11.4 and 15.6 cm total length; corresponding selection ranges were 4.1 and 5.5 cm respectively. The 50-mm diamond mesh codend showed adequate selectivity compared to the minimum landing size (MLS) for horse mackerel, while for hake it selected specimens in a size range far lower than the MLS. No selectivity values could be determined for anglerfish or John Dory. To design a more selective codend for the Turkish demersal trawl fishery, not only mesh size regulations but also other codend characteristics and netting material properties must be urgently considered.