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The diet composition of painted comber Serranus scriba was studied in the eastern central Adriatic Sea. The stomach contents of 275 individuals with a total length (TL) between 10.8 and 24.1 cm, collected by a small beach seine from January to December 2017, were analyzed. The food items in stomachs belonged to seven prey groups: Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Polychaeta, Decapoda, Isopoda, Stomatopoda and Teleostei. Overall, decapods were the most important prey group (%IRI = 54.0), followed by teleosts (%IRI = 40.4%). All other prey groups had much lower %IRI values and thus were of less importance. Painted comber had a diverse diet, feeding on a higher number of prey items (H’ = 3.11), and can be considered an opportunistic feeder whose diet in the Adriatic Sea consists of different groups of benthic organisms, with a wide range of prey sizes and morphology. For fish of small and medium size (up to 20 cm TL), decapods were the most important prey, whereas large-sized individuals (> 20 cm TL) mainly consumed teleosts. Decapods were the most important prey in spring, summer and autumn, whereas teleosts dominated in winter.

AbstractPseudanthias pascalus (Jordan & Tanaka, 1927) (Perciformes: Serranidae) is a species of brightly colored saltwater fish found in tropical coastal reef communities. In this study, we reported the sequence of mitochondrial DNA from P. pascalus. The accession number is OP611422. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. pascalus was 16,863 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 12S and 16S rRNAs, 22 tRNA genes, and one displacement loop (D-loop). Most PCGs had ATG-start codons and TAA-end codons. The A + T contents were 54.61%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. pascalus is most closely related to Pseudanthias huchtii. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of P. pascalus, providing improved marker identification information for the classification of the family and species conservation. These data will be useful for relative ecological and phylogenetic studies.

Pseudanthias pascalus (Jordan & Tanaka, 1927) (Perciformes: Serranidae) is a species of brightly colored saltwater fish found in tropical coastal reef communities. In this study, we reported the sequence of mitochondrial DNA from P. pascalus. The accession number is OP611422. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. pascalus was 16,863 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 12S and 16S rRNAs, 22 tRNA genes, and one displacement loop (D-loop). Most PCGs had ATG-start codons and TAA-end codons. The A + T contents were 54.61%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. pascalus is most closely related to Pseudanthias huchtii. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of P. pascalus, providing improved marker identification information for the classification of the family and species conservation. These data will be useful for relative ecological and phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown comber (Serranus hepatus) is a small benthopelagic species with no commercial value, primarily caught by bottom trawls as a by-catch. In this work, we studied the feeding habits of this species. For this purpose, samples were obtained from the trawl fleet within the different editions of the ECOFISH project carried out between 2019 and 2022. A total of 1534 individuals were analyzed. In the diet analysis, various factors were considered, such as the season, the depth, and the time of day of the capture, as well as the size range of the individuals caught. For the feeding analysis, different indexes were calculated, such as the vacuity index (%Vi) and index of relative importance (%IRI). The size range of the specimens was between 3.2–16.3 cm, and the weight was between 1.02–39.73 g. Of the stomach content analyzed, 49.7% of the stomachs were found to be empty. The resources with the greatest importance in the diet of the brown comber were from the crustacean group, especially mysidaceans and decapods. There were differences in the diet according to season, depth, and size; however, there was no variation in diet by the time of day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The ingestion of higher-lipid diets by fish could lead to excessive lipid deposition and metabolic disorders in vivo. This experiment analyzed the effects of steroidal saponins on hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in hybrid grouper fed higher-lipid diets using a multi-omics approach. Data from grouper fed diets with 0% and 0.1% steroidal saponins show that 0.1% steroidal saponins inhibited glycogen synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway and activated glycogenolysis, glycolysis, and the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway. This study provides a deeper insight into the glycolipid metabolic processes in the liver of grouper fed higher crude-lipid diets. An analysis of the extent of the effect of steroidal saponin addition on glucose and lipid metabolism in hybrid grouper liver was performed at the transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Feeds (52% crude protein, 14% crude lipid) were prepared containing 0% (S0), 0.1% (S0.1), and 0.2% (S0.2) steroidal saponins. After eight weeks of feeding trial, compared to the S0 group, the activities of serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transaminase were significantly lower and the activities of lysozyme, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the livers of the S0.1 group were significantly higher than those of the S0 group, while the malondialdehyde content was significantly lower than that of the S0 group (p < 0.05). There were forty-two differentially expressed genes and thirty-two differential metabolites associated with glucose and lipid metabolism enriched using KEGG and GO. In the S0 group, the expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1, prostaglandin E synthase 1, and thromboxane-2 synthase mRNA was significantly higher than in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of genes in the S0 group were significantly higher than those in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05), including for glycogen synthase kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose transporter 4, and malate dehydrogenase. The expression of mRNA such as fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 was significantly lower in the S0.1 group than in the S0 group, while the expression of carnitine acyltransferase 1, acyl-CoA synthetase, and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase genes was significantly higher in the S0 group (p < 0.05). In summary, glycogen synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway were inhibited by 0.1% steroidal saponins, and glycogenolysis, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway were activated. This study aims to provide a reference for the formulation of grouper feeds with a higher crude-lipid level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlight Research • There are 26 species identified to be originated from the bay, which the highest diversity in Indonesia • Six species found in Kwandang Bay is showing trends of decreasing populations and two species vulnerable based on IUCN conservation list • Growth model and Fulton condition factor determined for 14 species indicates that they live in a good state of well beings in the bay • The models and condition factors also reflect the adequate food resources required for grouper growth which makes Kwandang Bay as a good habitat for groupers Abstract Grouper fishery has been the source of income for 3,700 fishermen in Kwandang Bay. Since 2017, grouper populations in Kwandang have been depleting due to the absence of management. This research aimed to analyze species composition, length-weight relationship, and condition factor of the groupers. Samples were collected from fishers who caught the fish using traps, speargun, and handline. Samples were identified through a method by Heemstra and Randall, while the length-weight relationship was estimated using log-linear regression and t-test. The number of specimens identified during January - December 2021 was 1,571 individuals. Research showed that those samples consisted of 26 species under eight genera. Six species found in Kwandang Bay were showing trends of decreasing populations and two species were vulnerable based on the IUCN conservation list. Length-weight relationship analysis of 14 grouper species resulted in b value ranging from 1.6359 to 3.4417 and R2 ranges from 0.7718 to 0.9858. A significant test at a 95% confident interval showed that 14 species had an isometric growth pattern. Fulton condition factors show that Kwandang Bay is an essential habitat for groupers, and the bay can support the fish growth due to the adequate food availability.

Grouper fishery has been the source of income for 3,700 fishermen in Kwandang Bay. Since 2017, grouper populations in Kwandang have been depleting due to the absence of management. This research aimed to analyze species composition, length-weight relationship, and condition factor of the groupers. Samples were collected from fishers who caught the fish using traps, speargun, and handline. Samples were identified through a method by Heemstra and Randall, while the length-weight relationship was estimated using log-linear regression and t-test. The number of specimens identified during January - December 2021 was 1,571 individuals. Research showed that those samples consisted of 26 species under eight genera. Six species found in Kwandang Bay were showing trends of decreasing populations and two species were vulnerable based on the IUCN conservation list. Length-weight relationship analysis of 14 grouper species resulted in b value ranging from 1.6359 to 3.4417 and R2 ranges from 0.7718 to 0.9858. A significant test at a 95% confident interval showed that 14 species had an isometric growth pattern. Fulton condition factors show that Kwandang Bay is an essential habitat for groupers, and the bay can support the fish growth due to the adequate food availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In November 2020, we observed several individuals and collected one juvenile of an unidentified anthiadine fish (Serranidae) between depths of 250 and 307 m near vertical walls of rocky reefs in the northern Red Sea. Further morphological and molecular analyses revealed that the collected specimen matches Sacura boulengeri, a species previously reported only from the Gulf of Oman to India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown comber (Serranus hepatus) is a small benthopelagic species with no commercial value, primarily caught by bottom trawls as a by-catch. In this work, we studied the feeding habits of this species. For this purpose, samples were obtained from the trawl fleet within the different editions of the ECOFISH project carried out between 2019 and 2022. A total of 1534 individuals were analyzed. In the diet analysis, various factors were considered, such as the season, the depth, and the time of day of the capture, as well as the size range of the individuals caught. For the feeding analysis, different indexes were calculated, such as the vacuity index (%Vi) and index of relative importance (%IRI). The size range of the specimens was between 3.2–16.3 cm, and the weight was between 1.02–39.73 g. Of the stomach content analyzed, 49.7% of the stomachs were found to be empty. The resources with the greatest importance in the diet of the brown comber were from the crustacean group, especially mysidaceans and decapods. There were differences in the diet according to season, depth, and size; however, there was no variation in diet by the time of day.

Bar-cheek coral trout (P. leopardus) is the flagship of the grouper in the live fish market in Asia. Unfortunately, the potential of the grouper is still partly produced from natural catches. Even though hybridisation activities have also started to be carried out, there still have not been many studies on the genetic diversity of these fish. The application of molecular identification has been widely applied in marine aquatic animal species, which are very likely to occur due to errors in terms of shape and colour in the morphological character. DNA information has been beneficial in efforts to the breeding program and develop grouper aquaculture activities. DNA barcoding was used for the molecular identification and haplotype analysis of P. leopardus from two locations in Gorontalo, Sulawesi, Indonesia. A total of 14 fish samples were collected from two traditional fish markets around Kwandang and Sumalata Gulf in the northern part of Gorontalo Province, Sulawesi. This study identified and found three haplotypes from both regions. Molecular identification using Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene region on mitochondrial DNA. Besides Mega7 for phylogenetic reconstruction, the data analysis using DnaSP6, Arlequin Ver.3.5.2.2, and Network 5.0.1.1. The first Haplotype is a mixed population between the Kwandang Gulf and the Sumalata Gulf, then the Kwandang Gulf haplotype and the Sumalata Gulf haplotype. The genetic distance between Kwandang Gulf haplotype and Sumalata Gulf haplotype is 0.003984, classified as a shallow genetic distance and needs more samples from another region to figure out leopard coral grouper around Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the extent of the effect of steroidal saponin addition on glucose and lipid metabolism in hybrid grouper liver was performed at the transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Feeds (52% crude protein, 14% crude lipid) were prepared containing 0% (S0), 0.1% (S0.1), and 0.2% (S0.2) steroidal saponins. After eight weeks of feeding trial, compared to the S0 group, the activities of serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transaminase were significantly lower and the activities of lysozyme, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the livers of the S0.1 group were significantly higher than those of the S0 group, while the malondialdehyde content was significantly lower than that of the S0 group (p < 0.05). There were forty-two differentially expressed genes and thirty-two differential metabolites associated with glucose and lipid metabolism enriched using KEGG and GO. In the S0 group, the expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1, prostaglandin E synthase 1, and thromboxane-2 synthase mRNA was significantly higher than in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of genes in the S0 group were significantly higher than those in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05), including for glycogen synthase kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose transporter 4, and malate dehydrogenase. The expression of mRNA such as fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 was significantly lower in the S0.1 group than in the S0 group, while the expression of carnitine acyltransferase 1, acyl-CoA synthetase, and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase genes was significantly higher in the S0 group (p < 0.05). In summary, glycogen synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway were inhibited by 0.1% steroidal saponins, and glycogenolysis, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway were activated. This study aims to provide a reference for the formulation of grouper feeds with a higher crude-lipid level.

Ceratomyxamarginati n. sp. and C.aenei n. sp. are two new coelozoic myxosporean species infecting the gallbladder of the dusky grouper (Epinephelusmarginatus) and the white grouper (Epinephelusaeneus), respectively. These two ceratomyxids were described using morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of the SSU rDNA. Ceratomyxamarginati n. sp. exhibits disporic plasmodia measuring 12–14 µm long and 11–12 µm wide and mature myxospores which are slightly crescent-shaped, measuring 6.0 ± 0.3 (5.6–6.8) µm in length and 12.9 ± 0.9 (11.5–14.0) μm in thickness. Plasmodia of C.aenei n. sp. were disporic and ellipsoidal and measured 28–32 μm in length and 19–22 μm in width. Mature myxospores of C.aenei n. sp. were elongated with unequal shell valves and measured 7.4 ± 0.6 (6.9–9.0) μm in length and 26.9 ± 2.4 (23.2–30.0) μm in thickness. Based on the SSU rDNA sequences, Ceratomyxamarginati n. sp. and C.aenei n. sp. are distinct from all other Ceratomyxa sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the two new species branched together within a clade with other Ceratomyxa species from different host families and different geographical localities with maximum support (100%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muchas especies de la familia Serranidae son hermafroditas y tienen importancia comercial. Paranthias colonus pertenece a esta familia, y no se conocen las características de su reproducción. La presente investigación se llevó a cabo con ejemplares provenientes de la pesca comercial en la costa sur de Jalisco, México. En total, fueron procesados 1,541 ejemplares, los cuales presentaron una longitud media de 30.30 ± 0.10 cm y un intervalo de longitud de 19.80 a 38.00 cm. Las gónadas de los ejemplares fueron analizadas macro y microscópicamente. La proporción de sexos fue de 1.00:0.97 (H:M). De acuerdo con los valores mensuales máximos del índice gonadosomático, los estadios de madurez gonadal y el diámetro de los ovocitos, P. colonus presenta 2 periodos reproductivos amplios, de marzo a junio y de noviembre a diciembre. Se encontró correlación significativa entre los valores medios mensuales del índice gonadosomático y el factor de condición relativo. Las gónadas en estadio maduro presentaron ovocitos en 6 fases de desarrollo diferentes y con diámetros de 14.30 a 417.40 µm, lo que supone que el desarrollo de los ovocitos es asincrónico. En el testículo, el desarrollo de la línea germinal es del tipo lobular no restringido. Este órgano no presentó un arreglo típico de un pez teleósteo, ya que los lóbulos parecen estar delimitados por lamelas. La información generada en este estudio indica que P. colonus es una especie gonocórica. La longitud media de madurez fue de 26.80 cm en hembras y 26.90 cm en machos. Las longitudes medias de captura indicaron que el 79.70% de las hembras y el 83.30% de los machos ya se habían reproducido por lo menos una vez antes de ser capturados.

Groupers are large predators in the Serranidae family that feed on fish and small invertebrates. Identification of parasitic taxa of groupers was done concerning their morphological and biological characteristics. A total of 30 Cephalopholis sonnerati (Serranidae) specimens were investigated for digenetic trematodes in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Only one bivesiculid species, belonging to the Bivesiculidae family, has been identified, with a prevalence rate of 60% (18/30) among infected fish. The Bivesicula species obtained from the fish host’s intestine is morphologically and morphometric compatible with Bivesicula claviformis, which was previously identified from Epinephelus fasciatus (Serranidae) in North Borneo. In addition, maximum parsimony based on Tamura-Nei model was utilized to determine the phylogeny of the recovered Bivesicula species using partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA) and large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (28S rRNA) sequences. The query sequences showed the identities of 99.39% and 94.02% for 18S (AJ287485.1) and 28S rRNA (AY222182.1) of the previously described Bivesicula claviformis, respectively. The present study demonstrated that Bivesicula claviformis is the first reported of this genus as endoparasites from C. sonnerati, as well as providing novel DNA data for this species.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on several in situ observations, the species Ptereleotris calliura (family Gobiidae) and Liopropoma rubre (family Serranidae) are added to the taxonomic fish inventory of the Veracruz Reef System, Veracruz, Mexico. While P. calliura was found on sandy substratum in a coral reef lagoon, L. rubre was detected on a reef slope. With the addition of these 2 species, the checklist of reef fishes in the Veracruz Reef System is expanded to 479 species. Given these findings, we predict that additional survey efforts (beyond visual transects) will reveal more previously unrecorded species of cryptic fishes in the Veracruz reef system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species in the family Serranidae are hermaphrodites and of commercial importance. Paranthias colonus belongs to this family, and its reproductive traits are unknown. The present research was carried out with specimens taken from the commercial fishery on the southern coast of Jalisco, Mexico. A total of 1,541 specimens were processed, with an average length of 30.30 ± 0.10 cm and a length interval of 19.80 to 38.00 cm. Specimen gonads were analyzed macro- and microscopically. The sex ratio was 1.00:0.97 (F:M). According to the maximum monthly values of the gonadosomatic index, gonad maturity stages, and oocyte diameters, P. colonus has 2 broad reproductive periods, from March to June and from November to December. A significant correlation was found between the monthly mean values of the gonadosomatic index and the relative condition factor. Gonads in the mature stage had oocytes in 6 different development phases, with diameters that ranged from 14.30 to 417.40 μm, which means that oocyte development is asynchronous. In the testicle, the development of the germ line is of the unrestricted lobular type. This organ did not present the typical arrangement found in teleost fish, since lobes seem to be delimited by lamellae. The information developed in this study indicates that P. colonus is a gonochoric species. Average length at sexual maturity was 26.80 cm for females and 26.90 cm for males. Average catch lengths indicated that 79.70% of females and 83.30% of males had already reproduced at least once before being caught. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most passive acoustic studies of the soundscape rely on fixed recorders, which provide good temporal resolution of variation in the soundscape, but poor spatial coverage. In contrast, a mobile recording device can show variation in the soundscape over large spatial areas. We used a Liquid Robotics SV2 wave glider fitted with a tow body with a passive acoustic recorder and hydrophone, to survey and record the soundscape of the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina (United States). Recordings were analyzed using power spectral band (PSB) sums in frequencies associated with soniferous fish species in the families Sciaenidae (drums and croakers), Ophidiidae (cusk-eels), Batrachoididae (toadfish), Triglidae (sea robins), and Serranidae (groupers). PSB sums were plotted as the wave glider moved offshore and along the coast, came back inshore, and circled artificial and natural reefs. The soundscape in water 120 dB re 1 μPa2: a Sciaenidae mixed-species chorus, an unknown “grunt” chorus, an unknown “buzz” chorus, and an Ophidiidae chorus. The Ophidiidae and unknown “buzz” fish choruses dominated in the range of 1600–3200 Hz and were similar in sound pressure level (SPL) to the US Navy recordings made at Cape Lookout (136 dB in 2017 vs. 131 dB in 1943). In deeper water (27–30 m), we recorded Triglidae “honks,” oyster toadfish “boat whistles,” Sciaenidae “booms” and “clucks,” and grouper “growls.” We recorded a nocturnal 5600–Hz signal while the glider was passing near known live bottom reefs and artificial reefs. Vessel noise (100–200 Hz) was part of the soundscape in shipping lanes as large cargo vessels passed by the glider. Rainfall and thunder were also part of the soundscape. The maximum SPL observed (148 dB re 1 μPa) occurred during a mixed-species Sciaenidae fish chorus near Cape Lookout that was dominated by unknown “grunt” calls. Passive acoustic monitoring from mobile platforms can be used to discover and map the locations of fish choruses, identify areas of their habitat use, and locate previously unknown locations of reefs and fish spawning areas during ocean surveys.

A single specimen of orange spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822) was captured by a fisherman with a fishing line from the Iskenderun Bay (Konacık, Turkey) at 52 m depth. The morphological and color descriptions of E. coioides agree with previous descriptions. This record indicates that the eastward migration of this species in the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and fills the gap in the distribution range of the serranid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single specimen of Dusky Grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834) on 14 November 2021 at a depth of about 10 m from the southwestern Black Sea (Amasra, Turkey) was captured by a fisherman with fishnet. In this study, dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus was recorded for the first time from the Black Sea as a new Mediterranean species for the Black Sea fish fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid grouper Hyporthodus septemfasciatus (♀)×Epinephelus moara (♂) was obtained by next-generation sequencing. The mitochondrial genome was 16,499 bp long, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). The overall base composition is 28.62% A, 28.27% C, 16.27% G, and 26.84% T with 55.46% A + T. In the maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis, the hybrid grouper belonged to the same clade as H. septemfasciatus (maternal inheritance).

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Describe the embryonic development of Paralabrax humeralis (Peruvian rock seabass) and the present morphology of its eggs and yolk-sac larvae using the eggs spawned by P. humeralis broodstock in captivity. The spawning occurred naturally and spontaneously in early November 2018. The egg is pelagic and round, with a diameter of 0.98 ± 0.02 mm, an oil globule, and a diameter of 0.2 ± 0.02 mm. Embryonic development started with meroblastic cleavage, reaching the first cleavage stage at 0.4 h post-fertilization (HPF), and reached 64 cells at 2.2 HPF. Blastula period, 128 cells to 30% epiboly, end at 11.3 HPF. Gastrula period, 50% epiboly to 90% epiboly, end at 19.6 HPF. In the organogenesis period, forming Kupffer's vesicle appeared at 22.5 HPF, the separation of the caudal fin from the yolk at 30.3 HPF, and the hatching of the first larvae at 47.9 HPF. Water temperature was kept at 17.2 ± 0.2°C. The yolk-sac larvae measured 2.22 ± 0.1 mm with a pigmentation pattern of pinpoint melanophores, all along with the embryo and xanthophores in the cephalic region, trunk, and caudal region, as well as in the oil globule. The larva takes feeds from three days post-hatchout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of spotted groupers in the subfamily Epinephelinae are known from the western Atlantic, Cephalopholis cruentata (Lacepède 1802), Epinephelus adscensionis (Osbeck 1765), and E. guttatus (Linnaeus 1758). Our research into the historical sources of the names revealed a confused history and the unclear identities of the taxa, with both C. cruentata and E. guttatus being based on material of E. adscensionis from Brazil. Type specimens of the three taxa are unknown. Following the ICZN rules the resulting species identities would be highly disruptive to the stability of nomenclature, as all three species would be recognised as E. guttatus (the oldest available name, but with an identity as the E. adscensionis according to current usage); thus the three species would have to change their names. In order to stabilise these names, neotypes are selected for the three grouper species, so they can retain their currently used names. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an updated account of the Serranidae (groupers and sea basses) from the Canary Islands (eastern-central Atlantic). In this region this family is represented by 16 valid species belonging to six genera: Serranus, Anthias, Cephalopholis, Epinephelus, Mycteroperca, and Paranthias. Their biogeographic patterns and known distribution are provided, and several hypotheses explaining their presence in the Canaries are discussed. Settlement of Epinephelus costae is confirmed in Canary waters, where it is subject to regular recreational fishing. Also, the present report first records Serranus hepatus and Epinephelus aeneus from the Canaries. For each species, biogeographic pattern, temporal establishment process, local fishing uses, and measures for their conservation management are discussed and summarized in a table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebrates usually exhibit gonochorism, whereby their sex is fixed throughout their lifetime. However, approximately 500 species (~ 2%) of extant teleost fishes change sex during their lifetime. Although phylogenetic and evolutionary ecological studies have recently revealed that the extant sequential hermaphroditism in teleost fish is derived from gonochorism, the evolution of this transsexual ability remains unclear. We revealed in a previous study that the tunica of the ovaries of several protogynous hermaphrodite groupers contain functional androgen-producing cells, which were previously unknown structures in the ovaries of gonochoristic fishes. Additionally, we demonstrated that these androgen-producing cells play critical roles in initiating female-to-male sex change in several grouper species. In the present study, we widened the investigation to include 7 genera and 18 species of groupers and revealed that representatives from most major clades of extant groupers commonly contain these androgen-producing cells, termed testicular-inducing steroidogenic (TIS) cells. Our findings suggest that groupers acquired TIS cells in the tunica of the gonads for successful sex change during their evolution. Thus, TIS cells trigger the evolution of sex change in groupers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Normanby perchlet Plectranthias normanby n. sp. is described from off Normanby Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Sea, western Pacific Ocean, based on 2 specimens collected at depths of 175-480 metres. The new species is characterised within the Plectranthias inermis species group by the dorsal in with 12 spines and 13 soft rays; no dorsal-fin rays filamentous; fourth dorsal-fin spine the longest, the spine length 2.25-2.34 in head; anal fin with 3 spines and 7 soft rays; pectoral-fin rays 13, none branched; branched caudal fin emarginate without filamentous rays; branched caudal-fin rays 13; no scales on anterior half of interorbital space; gill rakers 7 + 10-11; posterior margin of preopercle with 11-19 serrae, lower margin with 2 antrorse spines; lateral line incomplete, with 17 tubed scales; scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 3½; scales below lateral line to origin of anal fin 9; circumpeduncular scales 14; cheek with ca. 5 diagonal rows of large scales; sides of body with a large, round black blotch, caudal peduncle with two dark brown spots. A key to the species of the Plectranthias-inermis species-group is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new coelozoic myxosporean species, Zschokkella epinepheli n. sp., collected from the gallbladder of the white grouper Epinephelus aeneus (Perciformes: Serranidae) from the bay of Bizerte, Tunisia, is described based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Myxospores and plasmodia were observed floating free in the bile. Mature plasmodia were polysporic and subspherical in shape, measuring 85.0–94.0 μm long and 70.0–82.0 μm wide. Mature myxospores were ovoid in valvular view, measuring 10.0 ± 1.7 (8.0–11.0) μm in length and 7.0 ± 0.3 (6.6–7.5) μm in width. Polar capsules were pyriform and equal in size, measuring 3.0 ± 0.2 (2.8–3.6) μm in length and 2.3 ± 0.3 (1.8–2.7) μm in width. Myxospore valves had 12–14 longitudinal striations. Based on the small subunit rDNA, the new species Z. epinepheli n. sp. differs from all other Zschokkella species for which there is a DNA sequence deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Z. epinepheli n. sp. clustered in the marine subclade of Zschokkella species within the biliary tract IV clade. This is the first report of a Zschokkella species from the gallbladder of an epinephelin fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudanthias pascalus (Jordan & Tanaka, 1927) (Perciformes: Serranidae) is a species of brightly colored saltwater fish found in tropical coastal reef communities. In this study, we reported the sequence of mitochondrial DNA from P. pascalus . The accession number is OP611422. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. pascalus was 16,863 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 12S and 16S rRNAs, 22 tRNA genes, and one displacement loop (D-loop). Most PCGs had ATG-start codons and TAA-end codons. The A + T contents were 54.61%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. pascalus is most closely related to Pseudanthias huchtii . We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of P. pascalus , providing improved marker identification information for the classification of the family and species conservation. These data will be useful for relative ecological and phylogenetic studies., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Elongases of very long-chain fatty acids (Elovls) and fatty acid desaturases (Fads) are crucial enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). In this paper, we report the molecular cloning and characterization of three genes from the marine teleost Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂, and analyzed tissue distribution and their expression in response to dietary n-3 LC-PUFA levels after a 42-day feeding experiment. The elovl5, elovl8 and fads2 genes encoded 294, 263 and 445 amino acids, respectively, which exhibited all the characteristics of the Elovl and Fads family. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that elovl5, elovl8 and fads2 were widely transcribed in various tissues, with the highest level in the brain, as described in other carnivorous marine teleosts. The transcript levels of elovl5, elovl8 and fads2 in the liver were significantly affected by dietary n-3 LC-PUFA, and higher LC-PUFA levels repressed their expression. These results demonstrated, for the first time, the presence and nutritional modulation of elovl5, elovl8 and fads2 cDNA in the juvenile hybrid grouper. Further studies are needed to determine the functional characterization of these genes and explore the mechanism of these genes when regulated by dietary fatty lipid profiles in this species.

An individual fish, identified as a species of Paranthias, is recorded from a photograph taken in July 2013 at Marsascala, Malta. The species is likely to be P. furcifer but since no actual specimen has been forthcoming in spite of a long time since this record, and as certain identification is based on meristic counts, the fish is only conclusively identified to the genus level. Nonetheless, this is the first record of this genus from the central Mediterranean. The problems of identification based on images alone are discussed and it is recommended that publications based on such identifications should include a critical analysis of the uncertainties in the identification and of alternative identifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve specimens (24.2-66.7 mm standard length) of Pseudogramma brederi (Hildebrand, 1940) (Serranidae), previously known from the Agalega Islands and Mauritius (western Indian Ocean), and various Pacific Ocean localities, including the Hawaiian Islands, Johnston Island, Marquesas Islands, Mururoa, Rapa, Austral Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Taiwan, and the Bonin Islands (northern chain of the Ogasawara Islands), and recently collected from the Volcano Islands (southern chain of the Ogasawara Islands), Japan and described here in detail, represent the second record of P. brederi from Japanese waters. The new standard Japanese name Kagutsuchi-togemegisu, is proposed for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present paper reports the occurrence of three grouper species Epinephelus areolatus, Epinephelus magniscuttis, and Epinephelus longispinis from Odisha coast for the first time and an evidential record of Epinephelus radiatus. Report of these three species of groupers (Family: Serranidae) have increased the diversity of groupers to 15 species for the Odisha coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groupers are coral reefs associated and favored in the aquaculture industry. Aquaculture system has been successfully carried out with a floating cage system as well as in an aquaculture system in a pond. Lately, breeding activities in groupers have produced hybrid species that are expected to increase production and fulfillment of the demand of groupers in the live fish market in Singapore, Taiwan, and China. The study of biology has supported the success of many of groupers, but information on genetic variation in commercial groupers is still very limited. This report is a preliminary study of genetic diversity in commercial groups from Java, Bali, and Aceh, which is the Sunda land region in western Indonesia. Eleven specimens have been identified with the barcode region (Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I gene region). As a result, two species were identified as Indonesian haplotypes, namely Epinephelus merra and Cephalopholis cyanostigma. Phylogenetic tree analysis produces two large clades, namely Clade I (Epinephelus) and Clade II (Cephalopholis and Variola), which are clearly separated in the subfamily Epinephelinae. However, in-depth studies of genetic variation need to be more accurate by increasing the number of specimens from various regions in Indonesia to describe genetic diversity comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we document three cases of mimicry in coral reef fishes not previously reported in the literature involving two groupers (Epinephelus leucogrammicus and Plectropomus marisrubri) and a soapfish (Diploprion drachi) as mimics, and two wrasses (Larabicus quadrilineatus and Cheilinus quinquecinctus) and a blenny (Meiacanthus nigrolineatus) as models. All three cases are of aggressive mimicry, with a predatory species mimicking a harmless one, and in one of the cases, the mimicry is also Müllerian, where both the predator and harmless species are unpalatable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new perchlet, Plectranthias ryukyuensis, is described on the basis of four specimens (41.2–61.6 mm standard length: SL) from the Okinawa Islands, Japan. Plectranthias ryukyuensis can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: X, 15 or 16 dorsal-fin rays; 14 pectoral-fin rays, all unbranched; lateral line complete, with 29 or 30 pored scales; 3 scale rows above lateral line; 5 or 6 diagonal rows of large scales on cheek between eye and corner of preopercle; preopercle with two antrorse spines on ventral margin, 20–29 serrae on posterior margin; margins of subopercle and interopercle with a few serrae (weak in large individuals); minute flaps at tips of first to ninth dorsal-fin spines; caudal fin shallowly emarginate, with some ray branches distinctively elongated past fin margin; fourth dorsal-fin spine longest, its length 110.6–128.6% that of third spine; body pinkish-white with two longitudinal rows of irregular orange-red blotches on upper half of lateral surface when fresh (rows close together in smaller than ca. 50 mm SL), blotches interconnecting anteriorly on upper and lower rows, and posterior half of lower row; four faint orange-red vertical bands below lateral line on posterior half of body and two distinct yellow blotches on cheek in fresh specimens; body uniformly yellowish-brown with two longitudinal rows of irregular dark blotches on upper half of lateral surface in preserved specimens (faint in small specimens). A key to the Japanese species of Plectranthias is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Present paper reports 10 groupers (family Serranidae) from West Bengal coast on the east coast of India for the first time. These 10 species are Cephalopholis formosa, Epinephelus areolatus, E. bleekeri, E. caeruleopunctatus, E. erythrurus, E. fasciatus, E. longispinis, E. magniscuttis, E. radiatus, E. sexfasciatus. This paper provides comprehensive morphometric characters, description, photography and distribution of these 10 groupers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An annotated checklist of the groupers and sea basses known to date is given. Species are arranged in the subfamilies Anthiadinae, Epinephelinae, and Serraninae and listed alphabetically according to the genus they belong to. The list includes 1183 nominal species representing 579 valid species in 72 genera. Thirty-one new junior synonyms (Cerna acutirostris var. lata Döderlein, Holocentrus bicolor Shaw, Centropristis brasilien sis Brisout de Barneville, Labrus caprulensis Nardo, Holocentrus chana Nardo, Serranus confertus Anonymous, Holocentrus decussatus Shaw, Labrus fasciatus Walbaum, Percafusca Thunberg, Serranus goliath Peters, Paraserranus hasseltii Bleeker, Holocentrushians Nardo, Grammistes lineatus Arnault, Holocentrus marinus variegatus Suchow, Serranus cruentatus Peters, Holocentrus epinephelus Lacepède, Plectropoma melanorhina Guichenot, Serranus melas Peters, Prionodes nigropunctatus Hildebrand, Perca pentacantha Lacepède, Holocentrus pirapixanga Lacepède, Labrus salviani Suckow, Serranus sarnicus Griffith and Smith, Lutjanus scriptura Lacepéde, Bodianus sexlineatus Lacepède, Labrus spalatensis Walbaum, Centro pristis springeri Weed, Epinephelus striatus Bloch, Perca triacan tha Lacepède, Lutjanus trilobatus Lacepède, Mustelichthys ui Tanaka) are recognized. Five nomina oblita (Cerna sicana Döderlein, Epinephelus argus Bloch and Schneider, Grammistes compressus Liénard, Perca miniata caeruleoocellata Forsskål, and Ho locentrus zebra Marion de Procé) are here declared. Percadaba Forsskål is regarded as vernacular. An unneeded replacement name (Epinephelus dermatolepis Boulenger) is discovered. Epinephelus gigas (Brünnich) should be regarded as the valid name presently known as Epinephelus marginatus and an application to ICZN is needed to retain the latter and to preserve stability. The enigmatic species Caesioscorpis theagenes and Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos are placed in the families Caesioscorpididae, new family, and Hemilutjanidae new family, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To create a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for the closely related serranid genera Alphestes Bloch and Schneider and Dermatolepis Gill and assess the role of the Panamanian Isthmus in speciation within these reef fishes. Location Tropical eastern Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Oceans. Methods Sequence data from one nuclear (TMO-4C4) and three mitochondrial genes (16S, 12S, and cytochrome b) were used in maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses. Results Here we show that previously hypothesized trans-isthmian geminate species are not each other's closest living relatives. Species of Alphestes Bloch and Schneider in the eastern Pacific are sister taxa indicating post-closure speciation. Within Dermatolepis Gill, we identify a sister group relationship between the Caribbean and western Indian Ocean species, a rarely reported biogeographic pattern. Based on sequence divergence, speciation among the three species of Dermatolepis was, however, nearly simultaneous around the time of the isthmian closure event. Main conclusions Our molecular phylogenetic analysis of two closely related genera of reef fishes, each with presumed trans-isthmian geminates, cautions against the uncritical use of morphological similarity in identification of geminates, as well as the assumption that trans-isthmian sister groups date to the isthmian closure event. These findings suggest that in some instances incomplete sampling of species within a clade including putative geminates may lead to improper conclusions regarding the pattern and timing of speciation, as well as incorrect estimation of the rate at which evolution has proceeded.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the white grouper Epinephelus aeneus, which belongs to the family Serranidae, was determined. The complete mitochondrial genome measured 16,578 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region. The mitochondrial gene arrangement of E. aeneus was typical of vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis conducted using the mitochondrial genomes of 13 related species showed that E. aeneus clustered with other Serranidae species. This mitochondrial genome provides an important resource for addressing taxonomic issues and developing conservation strategies.

We reported the genus Parasphyraenops (Perciformes: Serranidae) in the Brazilian Biogeographic Province. Four Parasphyraenops incisus specimens were identified based in body shape and color pattern through underwater remote video records, on shallow coral reefs in the Bahia state, Brazil. In the video frames P. incisus was observed swimming close to the pomacentrid Chromis multilineata at 14 m depth, being this the shallowest record for this species. The present record expands on 6.500 km the southern limit of distribution of P. incisus in the Western Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Metallic and organic pollutants constitute a serious threat for coral reef ecosystems, potentially affecting a great number of species interacting within complex trophodynamic processes. Pesticides, PCBs and trace elements were measured on coral reef communities of three Pacific islands (Moorea, Wallis and New Caledonia) in relation with δ15N values, a proxy of trophic level. Several potential sources of organic matter, benthic invertebrates and fish belonging to various trophic strategies were sampled at each island. Wallis and New Caledonia displayed, respectively, the highest concentrations of pesticides and trace elements. In the three islands, most trace element concentrations (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and V) decreased when δ15N was rising (i.e. bioreduction), whereas Hg and Se biomagnified with increasing δ15N values. Only few trace elements in some islands did not show any significant trend in relation with δ15N (i.e., Ag in New Caledonia, Zn in Wallis and As plus Zn in Moorea). PCBs concentrations showed a significant bioreduction in New Caledonia and in Moorea, but a significant biomagnification in Wallis. Aldrin and heptachlor were the only pesticides to show a similar significant bioreduction in the three islands. Other pesticides, such as chlordecone, diazinon, endosulfan I and II, heptachlor-epoxide A and B, lindane and pp ′-DDE displayed contrasted patterns (e.g. chlordecone significantly biomagnified in New Caledonia, significantly bioreduced in Wallis and did not displayed any significant trend in Moorea). Finally, for unclear reasons, Moorea displayed only negative significant correlations between δ15N and all pesticides (except pp ′-DDT). Our results highlight that trophic level, here assessed through δ15N values, is a good predictor of metallic trace elements biomagnification or bioreduction in coral reef organisms. However, at large spatial scale, trophic level relevance to predict pesticides and PCBs biomagnification or bioreduction should be considered with caution and studied in close relation with local characteristics. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Metallic and organic compounds potentially constitute a serious threat for coral reef ecosystems. • In coral reef organisms, trace element concentrations decreased when δ15N increased except Hg and Se that biomagnified. • Aldrin and heptachlor significantly bioreduced but other pesticides displayed contrasted patterns. • Trophic level predicts trace elements biomagnification or bioreduction in coral reef organisms but not those of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]