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ABSTRACT This paper reports on embryonic and larval development of the giant clam Tridacna noae. Spawning was induced by serotonin injection into the gonad. Unfertilized eggs had a mean (± [...]

ABSTRACT Identifying suitable alternatives to fish oil for inclusion in formulated diets for aquaculture species is becoming increasingly important; however, relatively few studies have assessed the potential of terrestrial oils [...]

ABSTRACT The recent resurrection of a Tridacna maxima sensu Rosewater (1965) ecotype as a distinct species, Tridacna noae (Roding, 1798), has raised concerns that inadvertent confusion of the two species [...]

Multivariate approaches to morphological study of shell form have rarely been applied to cowries (Gastropoda: Cypraeidae) with preference, instead, for comparing formulaic notations of shell form that report averages (i.e., means) for key morphometrics such as shell dimensions, their ratios, and counts of apertural teeth. Although widely applied, the "shell formula" does not account for variation among individuals or support statistical comparison between taxa. This study applied a multivariate approach to analyse shell form within the four accepted subspecies of the cowrie, Umbilia armeniaca (Verco, 1912) and included a previously unstudied, and most northerly, population of U. armeniaca from Lancelin, Western Australia. Multivariate analyses readily separated the recognised subspecies of U. armeniaca (U. a. armeniaca, U. a. diprotodon, U. a. clarksoni and U. a. andreyi), but did not separate the Lancelin population from U. a. andreyi, indicating that the former represents a northward extension of U. a. andreyi that is not morphometrically distinguishable. These results provide improved understanding of infraspecific differences in shell form of U. armeniaca across its broad distribution, and demonstrate the utility of multivariate morphometric methods for statistical comparison of shell form between taxa. This approach is complimentary to existing research practices and has broad potential application in future morphometric studies of both extant and fossil taxa within the family Cypraeidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra; Jaegar 1833) extracts and collagens were evaluated for inhibitory properties of protein‐bound advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Processed dried sea cucumber with salt extract showed a significant lower IC50 value for fluorescent AGEs (9.19 ± 7.68 μg mL−1, P < 0.05) and fructosamine (503.47 ± 46.37 μg mL−1, P < 0.05), respectively. Processed dried with and without salt extracts significantly reduced the Nε‐carboxymethyllysine (CML) and methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone‐1 (MG‐H1) levels tested at 250 μg mL−1. Smoked dried and fresh‐dried extracts significantly reduced the Nε‐carboxyethyllysine (CEL) levels tested at 250 μg mL−1. Pepsin‐solubilised collagen and the crude collagen fibrils significantly reduced CML and MG‐H1 levels whereas CEL levels were unchanged. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that protein‐bound AGE and CML inhibition significantly correlated with the total phenolic and antioxidant activities, respectively. This study provides a strong rationale for further investigation aimed at identifying the active compounds responsible for the observed effects on biomarkers relevant to diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As fish stocks become depleted, exploitation eventually fails to be cost-efficient. However, species or morphs of species can suffer from continual exploitation if their rarity results in increased value, justifying the cost-efficiency of targeted or opportunistic exploitation. The trade in coral reef fishes for public and private aquaria is an industry in which naturally rare species and rare morphs of species command high prices. Here we investigate the relationship between price and the natural prevalence of colour morphs of two highly demanded clownfish species using a localised case study. The export prices for colour morphs increased with decreasing prevalence of occurrence (y = 4.60x−0.51, R2 = 0.43), but price increase was inversely less than the observed reduction in prevalence. This renders rare colour morphs (i.e., those at relatively low prevalence) at risk of opportunistic exploitation. Using ecological data, we also demonstrate how this increased value can subject rare colour morphs with aggregated distributions to targeted exploitation. These findings are discussed in relation to the broader marine aquarium trade, identifying taxa potentially at risk from exploitation motivated by rarity and addressing potential management strategies.

Globally, pearl culture is a profitable sector generating significant export incomes for producer countries, as well as livelihood opportunities for local communities. Latin America has a long history as a pearl producer from extensive fisheries that date back to the 15th century. The presence of pearl oyster beds on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of many Latin American countries was a major incentive for colonisation of the region and subsequent social and economic development of areas in the Gulf of California and the Caribbean. This review presents the historic background of the pearl fishery in this region since the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, describes the current status of pearl culture in Latin America, and outlines future opportunities for sector development. Information on the current status of pearl culture in Latin American countries is divided between two major categories: commercial and pilot‐scale. Commercial pearl production currently occurs only in Mexico and production updates are provided for bead‐nucleated, half pearls (mabé) and non‐nucleated (keshi) pearls from the two pearl farms operating in the Gulf of California. The second category comprises countries whose pearling activities were relevant in the past (Venezuela, Panama) and others that are emerging, but still maintain pilot‐scale production of mabé pearls using Pteria sterna (Ecuador, Peru), Pinctada mazatlanica (Panama) and Pteria hirundo (Brazil). Finally, this review discusses future prospects for pearl culture in Latin America, analysing technology gaps and challenges to be addressed if the cultured pearl sector is to achieve its full potential in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Human activities since the beginning of the industrial age have greatly increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide have already caused [...]

ABSTRACT Pteria penguin is an important commercial bivalve species that is used in the production of half pearls known as mabe. Expansion of this industry in places with low natural [...]

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation are rapidly increasing the atmospheric concentration of C[O.sub.2] and reducing the pH of the oceans. This study [...]

A new morphologically distinct species of cowry (family Cypraeidae Rafinesque, 1815) is described from the Pliocene of Flinders Island, Tasmania. Austrocypraea jimgracei sp. nov. differs morphologically from other members of the genus and is particularly characterised by the development of a heavily callused labral margin, with a distinct marginal edge that bends up towards the dorsum centrally. This feature is unique within the genus. The new taxon is only the second known Austrocypraea from the Pliocene. A revised key to the known Austrocypraea fossil species is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]