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Various studies on population genetics in the Indo-Pacific that include the Coral Triangle region have revealed phylogeographic patterns in marine species populations. However, little is known about the population structure and connectivity pattern among the coral reefs in four seas surrounding Malaysia: the Strait of Malacca (Andaman Sea), the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea, and the Sulawesi Sea. In view of this, we examined the genetic population structure of two invertebrate species: the blue sea star (Linckia laevigata) and the boring clam (Tridacna crocea) from seven localities across Malaysia, including Pulau Layang-Layang in the Spratly Islands. Additional samples ofL. laevigatawere obtained from the Davao Gulf, the Philippines. The analyses were based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequences ofL. laevigataandT. crocea. Populations ofL. laevigataandT. croceashowed departure from neutrality, indicating selection or population expansion. However, a mismatch analysis suggested population expansion. Lack of genetic population structure inL. laevigata(ΦST = − 0.001,P = 0.399) implies high connectivity among the sampled reef sites. There was subtle genetic structuring in populations ofT. crocea(ΦST = 0.032,P = 0.009), but AMOVA did not detect any structure in the a priori groupings. The genetic population structure and scale in connectivity are most likely attributed to the life history traits of the sea star and giant clam species, and also to the geological history and seasonal current patterns of the region.

Thirty-one individuals of seven Perciform and one Tetraodontiform fish species were reported from the Davao Gulf constituting new records for the Philippines: from the Labridae, Bodianus leucosticticus (9 individuals) and Bodianus masudai (3); Nemipteridae, Parascolopsis melanophrys (2); Priacanthidae, Pristigenys meyeri (2); Serranidae, Odontanthias chrysostictus (6), Odontanthias randalli (5) and Liopropoma latifasciatum (3); Monacanthidae, Thamnaconus multilineatus (1). Large range extensions were found for P. melanophrys, O. chrysostictus, O. randalli and T. multilineatus. The individuals of P. melanophrys are the third and fourth ever-reported individuals of this extremely rare dwarf monocle bream. A new maximum SL of 126 mm was reported for O. chrysostictus. We also encountered one individual of the rare wrasse Bodianus rubrisos recently observed at a more northern location. The current observations extend our knowledge of marine fishes in the Philippines and the unusually high marine biodiversity in this region. As all recorded species are considered inhabitants of mesophotic coral ecosystems, these observations also confirm that fishing pressure has increased in these deeper habitats.

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.

The present work utilized partial sequences of cytochrome

Este artículo contiene 18 páginas, 4 figuras., Good datasets of geo-referenced records of alien species are a prerequisite for assessing the spatio-temporal dynamics of biological invasions, their invasive potential, and the magnitude of their impacts. However, with the exception of first records on a country level or wider regions, observations of species presence tend to remain unpublished, buried in scattered repositories or in the personal databases of experts. Through an initiative to collect, harmonize and make such unpublished data for marine alien and cryptogenic species in the Mediterranean Sea available, a large dataset comprising 5376 records was created. It includes records of 239 alien or cryptogenic taxa (192 Animalia, 24 Plantae, 23 Chromista) from 19 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. In terms of records, the most reported Phyla in descending order were Chordata, Mollusca, Chlorophyta, Arthropoda, and Rhodophyta. The most recorded species was Caulerpa cylindracea, followed by Siganus luridus, Magallana sp. (cf. gigas or angulata) and Pterois miles. The dataset includes records from 1972 to 2020, with the highest number of records observed in 2018. Among the records of the dataset, Dictyota acutiloba is a first record for the Mediterranean Sea. Nine first country records are also included: the alga Caulerpa taxifolia var. distichophylla, the cube boxfish Ostracion cubicus, and the cleaner shrimp Urocaridella pulchella from Israel; the sponge Paraleucilla magna from Libya and Slovenia; the lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus from Cyprus; the bryozoan Celleporaria vermiformis and the polychaetes Prionospio depauperata and Notomastus aberans from Malta., The publication of this article is supported by the Open Access Publishing Fund of the International Association for Open Knowledge on Invasive Alien Species (INVASIVESNET; www.invasivesnet.org). Stelios Katsanevakis, Maria Sini and Konstantinos Tsirintanis were supported by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) under the “First Call for H.F.R.I. Research Projects to support Faculty members and Researchers and the procurement of high-cost research equipment grant” (Project Number: HFRI-FM17-1597). Enalia Physis acknowledges Pantelis Patsalou for his support with field-logistics and links with fishers. Fiona Tomas would like to acknowledge funding from FECYT FCT- 14-9319 (¡OJO A LAS INVASORAS! BIODIVERSIDAD Y ESPECIES INVASORAS DEL MEDITERRÁNEO BALEAR). Vasilis Gerovasileiou, Thanos Dailianis and Maria Sini acknowledge the support by the MARISCA project (www.marisca.eu), co-funded (85%) by EEA GRANTS, 2009–2014, and the Public Investments Program (PIP) of the Hellenic Republic (15%). Razy Hoffman acknowledges funding by Yad-Hanadiv foundation, through the Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Israel Nature and Parks Authority (An integrated program for establishing biological baselines and monitoring protocols for marine reserves in the Israeli Mediterranean Sea). Argyro Zenetos and Paraskevi K. Karachle would like to thank the citizenscientists collaborating with the Ellenic Network on Aquatic Invasive Species (ELNAIS – elnais.hcmr.gr). Nikolaos Doumpas, Ioannis Giovos, Periklis Kleirou and Francesco Tiralongo would like to thank all the citizen-scientists that contributed with their shared records and data in the citizen-science project “Is it alien to you? Share it!!!” (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/104915386661854/). Data from Gyaros Island marine reserve were collected under the “GyarosMPA” project, funded by “MAVA Fondation pour la Nature”. Data from Corsica coastline were mainly collected in the framework of the “Corsica Alien Network” initiated by “Office de l’Environnement de la Corse”. Carla Morri and Carlo Nike Bianchi received financial support from FFARB (funds for basic research activities) by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research. Ergün Taşkın has been supported by TÜBİTAK, Ankara, Turkey (Project Number: 114Y238). The Slovenian authors would like to acknowledge their financial support from the Slovenian Research Agency (research core funding No. P1-0237) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the Republic of Slovenia. Mehmet Fatih Huseyinoglu thanks University of Kyrenia’s Scientific Research Project numbered GRN-20191-004. Fabio Crocetta was funded by the COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action TD1209 Alien Challenge project. The FRI (HAO DEMETER) team is very grateful to the Marine Strategy Project for financial support. Records of NIS in Jbel Moussa, the National Park of Al Hoceima and Cap des Trois Fourches sites from Morocco were obtained during surveys conducted within the framework of the MedKeyHabitats and the MedMPAnet Projects implemented by UNEP/MAP-RAC/SPA in close collaboration with the Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Désertification (HCEFLCD) and financially supported by RAC/SPA, Tunisia and the MAVA Foundation, Switzerland (MedKeyHabitats Project) and the European Commission (EC), the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation to Development (AECID), and the French Global Environment Facility (MedMPAnet Project). Jamila Ben Souissi was partially funded by BiodivMex /Chantier MISTRALS. Konstantinos Tsiamis sampling records were retrieved during his post in the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, which he would like to thank for. Periklis Kleitou and Demetris Kletou were supported by the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union – RELIONMED project [Grant Agreement LIFE16 NAT/ CY/000832]. Some of the data included in the dataset were obtained through the marine citizen science platform Observadores del Mar www.observadoresdelmar.es with the support of FECYT FCT-17-12469, LIFE IP Intemares and Fundació Marilles, and through the citizen science site of the Italian Marine Protected Area of “Regno di Nettuno” (islands of Ischia, Procida and Vivara): www.citizensciencerdn.org. Most data from Lebanon were retrieved from social media dedicated to citizen science (Facebook group: Sea Lebanon https://www.facebook.com/ groups/109615625861815/) or fishers and scuba divers WhatsApp groups). Jamila Rizgalla wishes to thank the administration of Regatta for granting a free pass to conduct field surveys and the security personnel for providing a safe environment. Anna Occhipinti-Ambrogi was supported by European Community’s Seventh Framework Program VECTORS (Vectors of Change in Oceans and Seas Marine Life, Impact on Economic Sectors). The long lasting collaboration with the ICES Working Group on Introductions and Transfer of Marine Organisms (WGITMO) has been a good forum where many information and ideas could be exchanged within some of the authors (Anna Occhipinti-Ambrogi, Argyro Zenetos, Agnese Marchini, and a wider community of scientists working on biological invasions). A. Rosso and R. Sanfilippo received grants from the Catania University Research Plan 2016/2018. Data from Kuriat island were collected under the “Kuriat project”, funded by “MAVA Fondation pour la Nature” executed by SPA/RAC in partnership with the Coastal Protection and Management Agency (APAL) and Notre Grand Bleu (NGB) NGO. The AIS/ERA (Environment and Resources Authority) Maltese data were obtained from the EU funded project EMFF 8.3.1 under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014–2020 with a total cost of €1.6 million in public eligible EMFF funds (75% EU 25% MT), managed by AIS/ERA (Environment and Resources Authority). The ultimate goals of this European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF 2014–2020) project are to devise a holistic approach towards marine monitoring and develop a comprehensive database of data collected about the Maltese waters., With the funding support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S), of the Spanish Research Agency (AEI)

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.

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) of 139 coral reef andpelagic fish species (representing 34 fish families) were calculatedbased on 3806 individuals measured at local fish marketsnear the Davao Gulf in the southern Philippines duringweekly visits between March 2009 and July 2011, as well asin June 2012. Fishes were caught with a variety of fishingmethods, corroborated by abrasions and injuries. Fortysevenof 139 LWRs were firstly reported and new to science.The mean slope b of the LWRs was 3.035, indicating thatthe majority of studied species followed isometric growth.Standard length – total length relationships were calculatedfor all measured fish species. Additionally, standard length –fork length relationships are presented for 108 species. Moreover,fifteen new records of maximum fish length and weightare reported.

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.

Research on the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) has waxed and waned over the last few decades, mostly in accordance with the occurrence of population outbreaks at key locations, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This review considers advances in our understanding of the biology and ecology of CoTS based on the latest 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 against 41 specific research questions posed in the seminal review by P. Moran 30 years ago, as well as exploring new directions for CoTS research. Despite the plethora of research on CoTS (>1,200 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 proximal and ultimate cause(s) of outbreaks. Moving forward, researchers need to embrace new technologies and opportunities to advance understanding of CoTS biology and behaviour, with focus given to key questions that will improve effectiveness of management to reduce the frequency and likelihood of future outbreaks, if not preventing them altogether.

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

The free-living solitary mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis resembles sea anemones by having large, fleshy polyps with long tentacles, which provide shelter to symbiotic organisms. Commensal shrimps are well studied, but little is known about associated fish fauna. Therefore, the associated fauna of 118 coral polyps of H. actiniformis was examined at a depth range of 4–28 m in the Davao Gulf, Philippines. The distribution of associated fishes and symbiotic invertebrates highly depended on the size of the coral host: Large corals polyps (>18 cm) supported co-inhabiting fishes and commensal shrimps, medium-sized polyps (diameter 5–18 cm) hosted either fishes or shrimps, and small coral polyps (

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.

Mating of the relatively common sea star, Archaster typicus, provides an excellent opportunity to study maturation processes and behavioral differences between males and females, since monomorphism does not allow separation under normal conditions. The present study determined biological and behavioral features of males and females during the mating season in the Davao Gulf (Philippines). Thousands of pairs were observed in September and October 2008 with a mean density of 3 pairs m−2. Around full moon, mean density reached 7 pairs m−2, whereas during new moon very few pairs were found. Specimens reached maturity at a radius (R) of 29 mm, while mating specimens had a mean R of 35 mm. Two-thirds of the population were adults and about 35% participated in mating during each observation. Mean R of mating adults was constant throughout the mating season, but within pairs, males were significantly larger in September than in October. The locomotion rate increased with R from 40 to 60 cm min−1 and there was no ...

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During 139 visits between March 2009 and May 2011, it was found that the availability of reef fishes at a local fish market in the Philippines was highly affected by the lunar cycle. The number of vendors selling reef fishes was significantly lower (13.4%) during third lunar quarters (full moon periods) than during the first, second and fourth lunar quarters (40.2, 25.0 and 30.0%, respectively). It is recommended that the influence of the lunar cycle on fish availability is considered when designing sampling strategies for catch surveys.

The ecology of sea stars appears to be related to their locomotive abilities. This relation- ship was studied for the sea stars Acanthaster planci, Archaster typicus, Linckia laevigata, and Pro- toreaster nodosus in the coastal waters of Samal Island, the Philippines between May and July 2008. In order to avoid the sensory interruptions that sea stars exhibit when moving across natural sub- strate, a tarpaulin (2 × 2 m) was placed on the seafloor to create a uniform habitat. Mean (±SD) loco- motion rate of Archaster typicus was 45.8 ± 17.0 cm min -1 but increased with mean radius (R). Loco- motion rate increased from 17.8 to 72.2 cm min -1 for specimens with R of 1 and 5 cm respectively. Mean locomotion rate of L. laevigata, P. nodosus, and Acanthaster planci was 8.1 ± 1.9, 18.8 ± 3.9, and 35.3 ± 10.0 cm min -1 respectively, and was not related to R. Maximum speed of Archaster typicus was 76.0 ± 31.9 cm min -1 and also increased with R. Maximum speed of L. laevigata, P. nodosus, and Acanthaster planci was 10.6 ± 2.7, 27.7 ± 7.5, and 50.9 ± 14.0 cm min -1 respectively. An inter-specific comparison of locomotion rates using the number of body moves per minute suggests that the effect of body size partially overrules morphological and behavioral adaptations. The movement patterns of Acanthaster planci, L. laevigata, and P. nodosus were highly directional (ratio of displacement to total distance traveled (D:Wall) ≥ 0.86), whereas Archaster typicus displayed a more random movement pattern (D:Wall = 0.51). Water-current direction did not affect movement directions of the 4 species.

Seagrasses are well-known ecosystem engineers. They reduce water dynamics and sediment resuspension, and trap fine sediments. However, exceptions of this paradigm have been reported. To test whether these exceptions could be related to plant cover and environmental conditions, we investigated sediment modification under influence of seagrass presence in various annual eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds with varying plant cover and sediment composition. At the relatively wave-exposed, sandy sites, dense vegetation caused muddification (increase in fine sediments and organic content) of the sediments. Sparse vegetation (

Large-scale losses of seagrass beds have been reported for decades and lead to numerous restoration programs. From worldwide scientific literature and 20 years of seagrass restoration research in the Wadden Sea, we review and evaluate the traditional guidelines and propose new guidelines for seagrass restoration. Habitat and donor selection are crucial: large differences in survival were found among habitats and among donor populations. The need to preferably transplant in historically confirmed seagrass habitats, and to collect donor material from comparable habitats, were underlined by our results. The importance of sufficient genetic variation of donor material and prevention of genetic isolation by distance was reviewed. The spreading of risks among transplantation sites, which differed in habitat characteristics (or among replicate sites), was positively evaluated. The importance of ecosystem engineering was shown in two ways: seagrass self-facilitation and facilitation by shellfish reefs. Seagrass self-facilitative properties may require a large transplantation scale or additional measures. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The horned sea star (Protoreaster nodosus) is relatively common in the Indo-Pacific region, but there is little information about its biology. This study of the population biology of P. nodosus was carried out in Davao Gulf, The Philippines (7°5′N, 125°45′E) between September 2006 and May 2008. Protoreaster nodosus was found in sand and seagrass dominated habitats at a mean density of 29 specimens per 100 m2 and a mean biomass of 7.4 kg per 100 m2, whereas a significantly lower density and biomass was found in coral and rock dominated habitats. Adult specimens (mean radius R = 10.0 cm) were found at depths of 0–37 m, whereas juveniles (R 8 cm had well developed gonads and their sex ratio was 1:1. Protoreaster nodosus grew relatively slowly in an enclosure as described by the exponential function G = 7.433 e−0.257 × R. Maturing specimens (R = 6–8 cm) were estimated to have an age of 2–3 years. Specimens with a radius of 10 cm (population mean) were calculated to have an age of 5–6 years, while the maximum age (R = 14 cm) was estimated as 17 years. Potential effects of ornamental collection on the sea star populations are discussed.

Transplantation of eelgrass Zostera marina has become a promising restoration tool since natural recolonisation during the last century failed after massive mortality, due to a combina- tion of a wasting disease outbreak and a sequence of human impacts. We studied the interactive effects of planting density and hydrodynamic exposure on the survival of transplants of an annual population of intertidal eelgrass. Accordingly, eelgrass seedlings were planted in high density (HD: 14 plants m -2 ) and low density (LD: 5 plants m -2 ) units at 3 locations with varied wave and current exposures. We also tested the potential of blue mussel beds (Mytilus edulis) to facilitate eelgrass sur- vival. Transplant survival decreased as hydrodynamic exposure increased. Survival was high (75% after 7 wk) at the low exposure location. The intermediate exposure location had slightly lower over- all survival (60% after 7 wk), and lowest overall survival rate was at the most exposed location (20% after 7 wk). Facilitation existed among eelgrass plants. Survival was significantly higher in the HD units than in the LD units at both high and intermediate exposure locations. Planting density had no effect on survival at the low exposure location. Hence, there was an interactive effect of planting den- sity, hydrodynamic exposure and shelter. Eelgrass planted in open spaces within a mussel bed sur- vived significantly better than transplants situated 60 m seaward of the mussel bed. Thus, mussel beds facilitate eelgrass survival. The insights into the processes affecting transplantation success will be of use in eelgrass restoration around the world.

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.

The behaviour of the flounder Pleuronectes flesus was observed in an experimental aquarium that consisted of five connected units with decreasing salinity from 20 to 15, 10, 5 and 0·5. This experimental aquarium was highly effective for studying behaviour in salinity gradients, because the gradient was relatively stable. After 4 days of observation, significantly more flounder were found in water with a salinity of 0·5, indicating a preference for fresh water. The total length of the flounders ranged from 7·5 to 21 mm. The majority of larvae had already started eye-migration, however, the longer specimens had completed metamorphosis. The migration towards low salinities was observed to increase with ontogenetic development.

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.

Bos, Arthur R. (2014): Upeneus nigromarginatus, a new species of goatfish (Perciformes: Mullidae) from the Philippines. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 62: 750-758, DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5355967, {"references":["Alcock AW (1894) Natural history notes from HM Indian marine survey steamer `Investigator'. Series II, No. 11. An account of a recent collection of bathybial fishes from the Bay of Bengal and from the Laccadive Sea. Historie naturelle des poissons, 63(2): 115-137.","Bloch ME (1793) Naturgeschichte der auslandischen Fische, Vol. 7. Berlin, pp. 1-144.","Bos AR (2011) Fish density, biomass, and species overview of the Dive Hub Marine Protected Area,Antulang, Si-it, Siaton, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Netherlands Center for Biodiversity Naturalis, Leiden, 18 pp.","Bos AR (2012) Fishes (Gobiidae and Labridae) associated with the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis (Scleractinia: Fungiidae) in the Philippines. 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The bandwidth for the recording of the orbicularis oculi blink reflex electromyogram (EMG) response is optimal when low-frequency artifacts, such as motion artifacts and cross-talk from other muscles, are maximally suppressed, whereas true EMG signal power is maximally retained. The optimal bandwidth was investigated for acoustic, electrocutaneous, and photic blink reflexes. Reflexes were recorded with varying bandwidth and interelectrode distances of 12 and 36 mm. Power spectra of the EMG signals were calculated and compared with a theoretical spectrum of the uncontaminated EMG signal. For both electrode distances, the optimal bandwidth was on the average 28-500 Hz for acoustic and electrocutaneous blink reflexes and 12-500 Hz for photic blinks. Using photic stimuli, however, a high-pass filter frequency larger than 12 Hz (probably at least 30 Hz) in combination with occlusion of the eye will be necessary to avoid influences of retinal potentials. Given the optimal bandwidth, a larger electrode spacing may be expected to moderately improve the detectability of small blinks in all stimulus conditions.

Several specimens of the pseudochromid Manonichthys alleni , with total length ranging from 45 to 60 mm, were observed at depths of 19–28 m in a coral reef in the Davao Gulf in the southern Philippines. Each specimen lived within a separate colony of the tubular sponge Callyspongia aerizusa . This constitutes the first record in the Philippine archipelago of a dottyback so far only known from Indonesian and Malaysian waters.

Seven coral reef-associated and deep-water fish species were found in a local fish market on Samal Island in the Davao Gulf, constituting the first records for the Philippine archipelago. The specific geographical distributions of Eumegistus illustris (Bramidae), Paracaesio kusakarii (Lutjanidae) and Saloptia powelli (Serranidae) are greatly enlarged by these observations. The first records of Ariomma brevimanum (Ariommatidae), Brama orcini (Bramidae), Aulacocephalus temminckii (Serranidae) and Pseudanthias fasciatus (Serranidae) confirm the Indo-Pacific-wide distributions of these species. In contrast to the other records, A. brevimanum and B. orcini were encountered regularly and length–weight relationships, not earlier provided in the scientific literature, were calculated. We also measured the largest specimen ever for B. orcini (total length of 420 mm). These observations substantiate the uniqueness of the poorly-studied fauna of the southern Philippines and underline the importance of marine Philippine fauna within the Coral Triangle.

Archaster typicus, a common sea star in Indo-Pacific regions, has been a target for the ornamental trade, even though little is known about its population biology. Spatial and temporal patterns of abundance and size structure of A. typicus were studied in the Davao Gulf, the Philippines (125°42.7′E, 7°0.6′N), from February 2008 to December 2009. Specimens of A. typicus were associated with intertidal mangrove prop roots, seagrass meadows, sandy beaches, and shoals. Among prop roots, specimens were significantly smaller and had highest densities (131 ind. m−2) between November and March. High organic matter in sediment and a relatively low predation rate seemed to support juvenile life among mangroves. Size and density analyses provided evidence that individuals gradually move to seagrass, sandy habitats, and shoals as they age. Specimens were significantly larger at a shoal (maximum radius R = 81 mm). New recruits were found between August and November in both 2008 and 2009. Timing of recruitment and population size frequencies confirmed a seasonal reproductive cycle. Juveniles had relatively high growth rates (2–7 mm month−1) and may reach an R of 20–25 mm after 1 year. Growth rates of larger specimens (R > 30 mm) were generally

A semi-annual eelgrass ( Zostera marina L.) population became extinct in 2004. It had flourished for many decades at Terschelling in the western Wadden Sea, one of the most eutrophied locations where seagrass growth has been recorded. Semi-annual populations survive the winter season by seed (annual), and by incidental plant survival (semi-annual). We compared seed bank dynamics and fate of plants between this impacted site and a reference site in the winter of 1990–1991. Seed bank density at Terschelling was extremely low (5–35 seeds m −2 ) in comparison to the reference site (>60 seeds m −2 ) and also in comparison to seed bank densities of (semi-)annual eelgrass populations in other parts of the world. Plant survival during winter was nil. Nevertheless, the population more than doubled its area in 1991, implying maximum germination and seedling survival rates. However, from 1992 onwards the decline set in and continued – while the nutrient levels decreased. To establish the cause of the low seed bank density, we conducted a transplantation experiment in 2004 to study the relationship between seed production and macro-algal cover. The transplantation experiment showed a negative relationship between the survival of seed producing shoots and suffocation by macro-algae, which is associated with light limitation and unfavourable biogeochemical conditions. The plants died before they had started to produce seeds. Thus, it is likely that macro-algal cover was responsible for the low seed bank density found in Terschelling in 1990–1991. Both the recorded low seed bank density and absence of incidental plant survival during winter were related to eutrophication. These parameters must have been a severe bottleneck in the life history of the extinct population at the impacted site, particularly as Z. marina seed banks are transient. Therefore we deduce that this population had survived at the edge of collapse, and became extinct after a small, haphazard environmental change. We argue that its resilience during these years must have been due to (i) maximum germination and seedling survival rates and (ii) spatial spreading of risks: parts of the population may have survived at locally macro-algae-free spots from where the area could be recolonised. As a consequence, the timing of the collapse was unpredictable and did not synchronise with the eutrophication process. The lesson learnt for conservation is to recognise that eutrophication may be a cause for seagrass population collapse and its eventual extinction, even years after nutrient levels stabilised, or even decreased.

Seagrasses are generally known as ecosystem engineers, as they reduce flow velocities in their canopies. In perennial subtidal meadows, this usually leads to increased net sedimentation rates and reduction of the grain size. The present study aims to describe the contribution of annual seagrass populations to these processes and elucidate the temporal dynamics. Sediment accretion and grain size modification were experimentally tested by transplanting seedlings of an annual intertidal eelgrass population to an unvegetated tidal flat. Within the planting units (79 shoots m−2) 4.7 mm of sediment accreted, whereas in the most dense parts of these units (199 shoots m−2) accretion amounted to 7.1 mm. The silt fraction (

Secondary effects of a single dose of the insecticide Dursban® 4E (active ingredient chlorpyrifos) were studied in indoor experimental freshwater ecosystems intended to mimic drainage ditches. Two experiments were performed, one in which all model ecosystems were dominated by the macrophyte Elodea nuttallii, and one using systems devoid of macrophytes. In the Elodea-dominated and macrophyte-free model ecosystems, populations of primary producers, herbivores, carnivores and detritivores were indirectly affected via the loss of populations of Arthropoda as a direct result of insecticide application. However, the taxa in which secondary effects were observed differed considerably between these two types of model ecosystem. In macrophyte-dominated systems secondary effects were observed on populations of periphytic algae, the macrophyte Elodea nuttallii, the gastropod Bithynia tentaculata, Turbellaria, and sediment dwelling Oligochaeta. In open water systems it were populations of phytoplankton, the rotators Polyarthra and Asplanchna, bivalves (Sphaeriidae), Hirudinea, sediment dwelling Oligochaeta, and that of the isopod Proasellus coxalis in which secondary effects were observed. In aquatic ecosystems the presence or absence of a well-developed macrophyte vegetation may be a very important characteristic that determines the nature and route of secondary effects induced by pesticides. The differences in secondary effects observed between Elodea-dominated and macrophyte-free model ecosystems indicate that the system's structure and trophic dynamics should be taken into account when predicting ecological effects.