Molecular systematic studies of freshwater prawns of the genus Macrobrachium

Freshwater prawns in the genus Macrobrachium are found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, however, evolutionary relationships are poorly understood. Using molecular techniques taxonomic uncertainty is resolved and the evolution and distribution of this enigmatic genus across a range of taxonomic and geographic levels is examined.

Molecular systematic studies of freshwater crayfish of the the genus Cherax

This study investigated the molecular systematics and zoogeography of freshwater crayfish species (yabbies) of the genus Cherax throughout Australia. Using DNA sequencing of up to five gene regions and phylogenetic methods of analyses, this study provided new insights into the taxonomy and evolution of this important group of Australian freshwater invertebrates.

A new Ordovician nautiloid genus (Variabioceras) in the Xainza area, northern Tibet

The specimens described in the paper are part of the collection of nautiloid fossils from Zhakang east of the Taerma Bridge, Xainza County, Tibet. Three genera and six species are described, including one new genus Variabioceras gen. nov. and its three new species V. typicum gen. et sp. nov., V. zangbeiense gen. et sp. nov. and V. robustum gen. et sp. nov.

Biological vulnerability of two exploited sharks of the genus Deania (Centrophoridae)

Life-history parameters of Deania calcea and Deania quadrispinosa suggested that their productivity was very low. Maturity (L_T50) occurs at c. 80% of maximum observed total lengths (L_T) for both species and sexes. A large proportion of mature females were neither pre-ovulatory nor pregnant, and the reproductive cycle included a distinct resting phase after pregnancy. For D. calcea, mean ovarian fecundity was 12 and maximum observed litter size was 10 (average of six); D. quadrispinosa averaged 17 pups per litter. Birth L_T was 28-33 cm for D. calcea and 23-25 cm for D. quadrispinosa. The male and female reproductive cycles were aseasonal, and consequently, the length of the reproductive cycle could not be determined. Preliminary ageing data from dorsal-spine growth bands suggested that female D. calcea lived to 31-36 years and males to 24-32 years. The L_T-at-age data using external bands on the spines showed maturity occurring at 15·5 years (males) and 21·5 years (females), whereas banding on the internal dentine indicated maturity at 10·5 and 17·5 years for males and females. Thus, a female lifetime of 31-36 years allowed for a maximum of 7 litters if a 2 year cycle is assumed or only five litters with a 3 year cycle, resulting in a lifetime fecundity of only 42 pups (2 year cycle) or even lower (3 year cycle).

The genus Unixenus Jones, 1944 (Diplopoda, Penicillata, Polyxenida) in Australia

The penicillate genus Unixenus Jones, 1944 is widespread, with species found in Africa, Madagascar, India and Australia. Each of the two Australian species was originally described from single samples from Western Australia. In this study, collections of Penicillata from museums in all states of Australia were examined to provide further details of the two described species, to revise the diagnoses for both the genus and the species, and to better understand the distribution of the two species in Australia. In addition, two new species Unixenus karajinensis sp. n. and Unixenus corticolus sp. n. are described.

Sympatric cryptic species in the crinoid genus Cenolia (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comasteridae) delineated by sequence and microsatellite markers

The marine species of the southern coast of Australia have not been well studied with regard to molecular connectivity. Cryptic species are expected to be prevalent on this coastline. Here, we investigate the crinoid genus Cenolia (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comasteridae) using molecular methods to elucidate cryptic species and phylogenetic relationships. The genus Cenolia dominates the southern Australian crinoid fauna in shallow waters. Few studies have examined crinoids for cryptic species at a molecular level and these have been predominantly based on mitochondrial data. We employ the nuclear markers 28S rRNA and ITS-2 in addition to the mitochondrial COI. Six divergent mitochondrial clades were identified. Gene flow between confirmed clades was subsequently examined by the use of six novel microsatellite markers, showing that sympatric taxa with low mtDNA divergences (1.7% K2P) were not interbreeding in the wild. The type specimens of Cenolia benhami and C. spanoschistum were examined, as well as all six divergent clades. Morphological characters dividing taxa were refined. Due to comb pinnule morphology, the New Zealand species benhami was determined to belong to the genus Oxycomanthus (nov. comb.). Three new species of Cenolia (including the Australian "benhami") require description. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.