A phylogeny of Chinese leaf monkeys using mitochondrial ND3-ND4 gene sequences

The phylogeny of Chinese leaf monkeys, especially the snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus), has not been thoroughly investigated using molecular sequence data, perhaps due to their rarity in the wild and their poor representation in institutional collections. Despite several proposed classifications, systematic relationships of these species remain poorly defined and this has hindered their conservation. To clarify the phylogenetic relationships of the leaf monkey clade in China, we sequenced the mitochondrial ND3, ND4L, ND4, tRNA(Arg), tRNA(His), tRNA(Ser), and tRNA(Leu) genes for Rhinopithecus bieti, R. roxellana, Trachypithecus francoisi, T. f. leucocephalus, and T. phayrei as well as Pygathrix nemaeus and Colobus guereza. We included a rotal of 2252 characters for each individual, excluding gaps in primary sequences. Our interpretation of the results from character- and distance-based phylogenetic analyses suggest that (1) Pygathrix nemaeus is sister to Rhinopithecus rather than to Trachypithecus though it is quite divergent from the former; (2) the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus bieti, represents a valid species; (3) the white-headed leaf monkey is not a distinct species, but instead is a subspecies of Trachypithecus francoisi (T. f. leucocephalus), though it should still be considered a separate evolutionarily significant unit (ESU); and (4) because two individuals of the Phayrei's leaf monkey, T. phayrei, are genetically distinct from one another, a more extensive revision of the taxonomy of this putative species in China is needed. These results, plus ongoing work on the molecular systematics of the entire Asian leaf monkey radiation, can provide a sound basis for identifying the appropriate units of conservation for this endangered group of primates.

A new species of Paramesotriton (Caudata : Salamandridae) from Guizhou Province, China

We describe a new species of salamander, Paramesotriton zhijinensis, from Guizhou Province, China. The generic allocation of the new species is based on morphological and molecular characters. In morphology, it is most similar to Paramesotriton chinensis

Photosynthetic bacteria in the marine environment at Porto-Novo

Sediment and water samples were collected from mangrove and estuarine biotopes at fortnightly intervals. The physico-chemical characters of the overlying water were studied. In the mangrove biotope maximum temperature (31.5°C) and in the estuarine biotope maximum salinity (35.6‰) were recorded during the summer season, whereas in post-monsoon period the sulphate content was increased to 516 p.p.m. and the pH was reduced to 7.4. Invariably both in the enriched sediment and water samples four major peaks (at wavelengths 460, 705, 772 and 850 nm) and two minor peaks (at wavelengths 580 and 663 nm) of absorption spectra were noticed. A pure culture of Chromatium sp., isolated from mangroves sediment, showed three peaks of absorption spectra at wavelengths, 500, 580 and 850 nm. The effect of sodium chloride on the growth of Chromatium sp., was also studied and it was observed that maximum growth occurred in the range 1-3% sodium chloride concentration. This isolate was also capable of utilizing various sulphur and carbon compounds. Glycerol and glucose did not show any specific effect whereas pyruvate, malate and acetate increased the growth.

A re-description of the little known rabbit fish Siganus lineatus (Cuvier and Valenciennes) (Pisces:Siganide) with notes on siganid fishes of the Vembanad Lake

Siganus lineatus (Cuv. and Val) is reported from the coast of peninsular India for the first time and a detailed description of it is given based on morphology and meristic characters. It differs from the other allied species of the genus Siganus Forskal in having an oval body without spots and having fifteen parallel longitudinal golden yellow bands, relatively larger last dorsal spine, maxillary position far below the level of the orbit and cheek with distinct rows of scales. S. javus (Linnaeus) and S. canaliculatus (Park) were also obtained from the Vembanad Lake. Short notes on the habitat, occurrence, abundance, seasonal and geographic distribution in relation to fluctuating hydrological conditions of the Vembanad Lake are incorporated together with a key for their identification.

Molecular genetic basis for the rhino mouse from Chinese KM subcolony

Both the rhino mouse and hairless mouse resulted from hairless gene mutation, but they show different phenotypes of skin physiology. The rhino mouse has more similar histological characters to human papular alopecia. Therefore rhino mouse is a good experimental animal model for human papular alopecia. This study reports a hairless mouse named rhino KIZ, arose from KM colony in Kunming Institue of Zoology, by systematic studies on morphology, skin histopathology, gene sequence, pedigree and protein domain analysis. The results demonstrate that a C-to-T transition in exon 11 of hr gene (The mutant gene has been applied for a Chinese patent (patent No. 03135280)) results in the rhino KIZ. The rhino KIZ with clear genetic mechanism will be a useful animal model.

Identification of the postlarval Penaeus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Penaeidae) appearing along shore waters

Diagnostic characters for the identification of postlarval Penaeus appearing along the coastal waters of the Philippines are reviewed and categorized, based on materials from the wild and laboratory. Presently there are 7 adult known species belonging to the genus Penaeus around Panay Island and its adjacent waters, namely: P. monodon, P. semisulcatus, P. merguiensis, P. indicus, P. japonicus , P. canaliculatus, and P. latisulcatus.

Study morphologic, phylogenic relationships DNA barcoding of of identified decapod group (Crustacean) of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea.

Phylogenetic relationships among all described species (total of 12 taxa) of the decapoda, were examined with nucleotide sequence data from portions of mitochondrial gene and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). The previous works on phylogeny proved that the mitochondrial COI gene in crustacean is a good discriminative marker at both inter- and intra-specific levels. We provide COI barcode sequences of commertial decapoda of Oman Sea, Persian Gulf, Iran. Industrial activities, ecologic considerations, and goals of the decapoda Barcode of Life campaign make it crucial that species of the south costal be identified. The reconstruction of evolut phylogeny of these species are crucial for revealing stock identity that can be used for the management of fisheries industries in Iran. Mitochondrial DNA sequences were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of the Penaeus species of marine shrimp. For this purpose, DNA was extracted using phenol- chloroform well as CTAB method. The evolutionary relationships among 12 species of the decapoda were examined using 610 bp of mitochondrial (mt) DNA from the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Finally the cladograms were compared and the resulted phylogenetic trees confirmed that the Iran's species origin is Indo-west pacific species. Iran's species, which were not grouped with the other decapoda taxa seem to always form a sister clade with Indo-west pacific species with strong bootstrap support 100%. The result completely agrees with the previously defined species using morphological characters.However, we still lack any comprehensive and clear understanding of phylogenetic relationships in this group.

Sessile barnacles (Cirripedia) from the Pakistan coast

The taxonomy of sessile cirripeds from the Pakistan coast is described. Out of the 15 species, seven are reported for the first time from the area. Specific taxonomic characters of all the species are described and their previous records from adjacent areas are discussed.

Genetic diversity of Bartail flathead (Platycephalus indicus (Linnaeus,1758)) using AFLP markers in Persian Gulf

Platycephalus indicus is a large benthic fish that inhabits temperate and tropical coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific and found on sand or mud bottom in vary shallow area of estuary and near shore to depth of 25m. This species is dominant species of platycephalidae family, in Khuzestan, Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces and mainly is captured by bottom trawl, gillnet and moshta in Hormozgan. This study was designed to evaluate population variation and differentiation of bartail flathead (Platycephalus indicus (Linnaeus, 1785))in the Iranian waters of Persian Gulf using the morphometric and meristic characters and by AFLP marker. . A total 180 fish specimens were collected by gill net from six station(khor mosa, bahrekan, shif, motaf, charak and bandar abbas) that was 30 individual related to every station in Iranian shores of Persian Gulf . 28 morphometric factors and 11meristic specialties were measured and morphometric factors was standardized with Beacham formula. Univariate analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) revealed significant differences with varying degrees between the means for 21 standardized morphometric measurements and 6 meristic counts that showed high significant differences between the six stations sampling. Discriminate function analysis (DFA) or the overall random assignment of individuals into their original groups was for morphometric and meristic characters was 47.9% and 53.9% respectively. The data were subjected to a principle component analysis (PCA) which grouped in eight and four factors for morphometric and meristic charactersrespectively.. Genetic diversity of six populations of bartail flathead (Platycephalus indicus) was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). A total of 118 reproducible bands amplified with ten AFLP primer combinations were obtained from 42 fishes that were collected from six different locations in the northern of Persian Gulf. The percentage of polymorphic bands was 57.06%. Average of Nei’s genetic diversity was 0.200±0.008, and Average of Shannon’s index was 0.300±0.011. The results of AMOVA analysis indicated that 66% of the genetic variation contained within populations and 34% occurred among populations and gene flow was 0.6454.The estimated level of population differentiation asmeasured by average Fst value across all loci was 0.327. Plotting discriminant functions 1 and 2 and UPGMA dendrograms based on Euclidian distance and genetic distance also showed at least five separate populations of bartail flathead in the northern Persian Gulf.

The study of biological characteristic and population dynamic of Caspian vimba (Vimba vimba persa), in coastal waters of Caspian Sea (Mazandaran Province)

This study was conducted to determine reproduction characteristics, diet regime, age structure and population dynamics parameters of the vimba vimba persa (Pallas, 1811) in Mazandaran waters of the Caspian Sea, from October 2008 to September 2009. A total of 994 specimens were monthly collected by beach seine and cast net from six fish landings of Ramsar, Tonekabon, Chaloos, Mahmood Abad, Sari and Behshahr. Biometric characters were measured for each specimen at the laboratory. Scales were used for age determination. Sex determination and fecundity were determined. Population dynamic parameters as well as stock assessment including cohort analysis were estimated using FISAT software. The finding showed that the mean of fork length and body weight of the Caspian Vimba were 168.4±2.6 mm and 71.94±32.24 g respectively. Strong correlation was found between these two variables (a= 0.012; b = 3.047; r2 = 0.955). 92 specimens were studied from the fecundity point of view. This species was found to have more abundance in spring (esp. Apr-May). The samples composed of 397(42.6%) male, 537(57.4%) female; Overall sex ratio (M: F =1: 1.35) was significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio (p ≤0.05). The advanced stages of maturity (4th & 5th) were found in April and May. The highest Gonadosomatic Index in female was in May and the lowest one was in July. This fish is therefore a spring spawner. The maximum absolute and relative fecundities were 34640 and 260.9, respectively; the minimum absolute and relative fecundities were 5400 and 94.5 respectively. The averages of absolute and relative fecundities were 17198±7710 and 171.85±48.8, respectively. Coefficient vacuity index was 59.2% which indicates that this fish is mesophagous. Among of living creature consumes by Caspian Vimba mollusks, 76 arthropods, worms, plants, detritus and fishes were found 32.9% , 26.7% , 13.4% , 17% , 4.4% and 1.6% respectively. The infinite fork lengths were 261 mm for females, 25mm for males and 261 mm for both sexes respectively. For population growth and mortality parameters; K ( 0.28 per year for both sexes, 0.3 per year for males, 0.33 per year for females); t0 ( -0.65 year for both sexes, -0.23 year in females, -0.51 year in males ); Φ' ( 2.28 ); Z ( 0.98 per year ); M ( 0.59 per year); F ( 0.39 per year) and Exploitation coefficient was 0.4. The analysis showed that total biomass and MSY were 1336 and 528.8 tonnes respectively.

Determination of some dominant genetic characteristics and morpho-meristic features for selection of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) broodstocks

In this study, Iranian and French male and female Oncorhynchus mykiss broodstocks were divided into two groups 50 and 24 respectively in Research center of genetic and breeding of coldwater fishes, Yasouj, Iran and the genetic structure of them was investigated using 6 microsatellite markers. Then 19 morphometric and 5 meristic of broodstock were measured and compared in two populations. Along with broodstock maturation, fertilization 1:1(female:male) were randomly assigned and occurred in 25 of 12 Iranian and French treatment respectively. Reproductive parameters were recorded for the whole family. Average number of observed alleles in Iranian and French stocks was 6.68 and 6.83, respectively. Average number of effective alleles in Iranian and French stocks was 3.13 and 3.45 respectively. Fixation index Fst was calculated based on allelic frequency between two stocks was 0.058 with significant difference between 2 stocks. Morphometric analysis showed significant difference between two stocks in 8 characteristics. Meristic characters was without significant difference in broodstock groups. Eyed percentage for french broodstock calculated zero and deleted. Fertilization rate (100-0), the eyed percentage (98- 0), The hatch rate (98-0), the average fecundity 4114.708, the average eggs size 4.88 mm, Survival in the first three months 19-73% calculated for Iranian broodstocks. Considering the quality of eggs and larvae at different stages and selection between the different family and the within family remained 10 treatments and are kept as future broodstocks. The relationship between fecundity - egg size, fecundity - weight , fecundity - length, egg size- weight was performed using regression. The results showed that Fecundity was influenced more by weight and productive length. The research is beginning to ID the broodstock in our country.

Identification of mesopelagic fish (with emphasis on major family) in Iranian water of the Oman Sea

This project was done for identifying the mesopelagic fish of the Iranian waters of Oman Sea, during two year from 2008 to 2010. The specimens were collected using two trawler vessel from nine station. All the specimens were fixed in formalin then in 70% alcohol and carried to the laboratory. In total of 19 species belonged to 14 families of 6 orders identified including: Echinorhinidae, Stomidae, Phosichthyidae, Synodontidae, Paralepididae, Myctophidae, Acropomatidae, Priacanthidae, Pentacerotidae, Champsodontidae, Gempylidae, Trichiuridae, Nomeidae and Congridae. Of which 17 species were identified up to species level including: Echinorhinus brucus, Bathophilus indicus, Chauliodus sloani, Harpadon nehereus, Lestrolepis japonica, Benthosema pterotum, Diaphus garmani, Diaphus effulgens, Bolinichthys photothorax, Acropoma japonicum, Synagrops adeni, Cookeolus boops, Histiopterus typus, Champsodon sagittus, Neoepinnula orientalis, Trichiurus lepturus, Cubiceps baxteri. Vinciguerria was identified up to genus level because only one specimen caught during the survey and one species (Congridae) was identified up to family level because only 3 specimens of this fish in early stage of life were caught and their characters were not suitable for identify up to species level. The highest species belong to Myctophidae family of Myctophiformes order.

Indian squid, Uroteuthis duvauceli, is an important commercial marine fauna in the coastal waters of Oman Sea

About 3600 specimens were collected by bottom trawl at 15 sampling stations. 24 biometric characters were measured for each specimens at the laboratory.. Microscopic cross – sections of statolith were used for age determination. Sex determination and fecundity were determined. Population dynamics parameters as well as stock as stock assessment including cohort analysis were estimated using FISAT software. The findings showed that Dorsal Mantle Length (DML) and Body weight (BW) of the Indian squid were 133.9 ± 0.78 mm and 99.61 ± 0.95 g respectively. Strong correlation was found between these 2 variables (R2 = 0.90). The maximum age was 5 years. Relationship between DML and age was highly significantly of p ≤ 0.05. Overall sex ratio (M: F = 0.52) was significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio (p ≤ 0.05). The ovary weight and nidamental glands weight were 7.72 ± 0.0006 g and 3.07 ± 0.0003g respectively. Absolute and relative fecundity of the Indian squid were found to be 122733 ± 30.87 and 2348 ± 0.4 respectively. GSI were 14.35 in April and 8.63 in July. This squid is therefore a spring spawner. The infinite dorsal mantle length were 258.62 mm for females, 194.72 mm for males and 252.02 for both sexes respectively. For population growth and mortality parameters; K (0.65 per year for both sexes, 0.85 per year for males, 0.65 per year for females); t0 (0.24year for both sexes, 0.22 year in females, 0.26 year in male); φ` (2.30 in both sexes, 2.47 for males, 2.37 for females); Z (1.17 per year for both sexes, 1.10 per year in females, 1.39 per year, in males); M (0.70 per year for both sexes, 0.90 for males, 0.67 for females); F(0.27 per year for both sexes, 0.27 per year in males, 0.195 per year in females). Exploitation coefficient were 0.51 per year for both sexes, 0.57 per year males and 0.51 per year females respectively. The results indicates that since the Indian squid is a short live aquatic organism, therefore, the exploitation coefficient could be raised to 0.7 per year. The analysis showed that total biomass and MSY were 10103.5 ton and 2576.4 ton respectively. These findings are the first study of its sort about the Indian squid in the coastal waters of Oman Sea as well as North-West of Indian Ocean.

Study on some biological and feeding factors of spined loach Cobitis taenia from the Babolrud, Talar and Siahrud Rivers

Spined loach, Cobitis taenia, is a predominant fish in the river systems of the southern Caspian Sea basin. Although there is evidence of the geographical divergence of this taxon, but no information is available on morphological differences within the species populations. This study was designed to evaluate some biological factors including; morphometric and meristic characters, length-weight, age-growth, condition factor, diet, reproduction, variation and differentiation, in the Babolrud, Talar and Siahrud Rivers in south of the Caspian Sea basin. Age, sex ratio, fecundity, ova diameter and gonadosomatic index were estimated. Also, regression analyses was tested the relation between fecundity and fish length, weight, gonad weight, and also age. Totally 858 fish of which 721 were matures, were collected from these rivers by electrofishing. 37 morphometric characters, 9 meristic characters and 78 truss network system characters were estimated. Resulats of DFA analysis based on data of morphometric and meristic showd that these populations are highly (94.5%) varios from each other. In discriminate function analysis, the proportion of individuals correctly classified into their original groups was 61%, 65.4% and 86.5% for upstream and downstream, respectively. Clustering based on Euclidean distances among groups of centroids using an UPGMA and also principal component analysis’ results for morphometric data indicated that these populations from these three rivers were clearly distinct from each other. Regression equations between length and weight in these three populations were significantly different from Folton factor (b=3), that showed the fish has a negative Alometric growth process. Condition factor was estimated between 0.8912 to 1.2736 and 0.8131 to 1.4489 for males and females, respectively. Sex ratio (female: male) in these populations was 1.2816:1. The difference between the number of females and males was significant and females were more than males. The female and male specimens reach maturity by Tl more than 40 and 30 mm and at the age of 2+ and 1+, respectively. The mean of ova diameter was 0.5824±0.2882. The spawning took place from May to late July, at the water temperature from 18.7 to 24.0°C. The GSI values average at the beginning of the reproduction period was about 9%, with ranged from 2 to 26% in ripe mature females. The absolute and relative fecundity were 2109±792 and 579±208 respectively. The absolute fecundity was significantly related to body weight and gonads weight. Based on the pattern of gonado-somatic index, it was concluded that this fish has prolong active reproductive period, which is a type of adaptation by short-lived small fishes to environmental conditions. The macroscopic and histological results showed that the female and male have 5 and 4 stages in their maturation process, respectively. The RLG index was about 0.4732, which showed the fish is a carnivorous species. Significant difference was observed between fishes with different length and diet. The main foods of the fish were Trichoptera, Chironomidae larvae and Ephemeroptera which were their prefered food as well, however it was estimated that the food selection and diet are affected by environmental conditions.

Morphometric and meristic studies of the spotted estuarine prawn, Macrobrachium equidens (Dana) of Vembanad Lake, Kerala State

The paper reports on the statistical analysis of growth pattern and meristic studies of body parts of the spotted estuarine prawn, Macrobrachium equidens (Dana) of Vembanad Lake, Kerala State. The results showed that the growth pattern of carapace length, telson length, ischium length and dactylus length in relation to total length were significantly different between the sexes at slope itself (at 1% level) and growth pattern of abdominal length, merus length, carpus length, propodus length and palm length were significant at elevations (5%, 1% levels). The average sizes of all these characters were greater in males than in females. Regression equations have been calculated for the characters and presented in the text. Among the characters of the carapace, rostrum length, post-orbital length showed significant difference between sexes at 1% level (slope value) and width of carapace at 1% level (elevations). The average sizes of all these characters were higher in males. Among the meristic characters studied, the species exhibited sexual dimorphism with regard to dorsal teeth, post-orbital teeth and ventral teeth. The fundamental data generated is essential for establishing the species status as well as it is useful for making comparison with other species.