Assessing growth band counts from vertebrae and dorsal-fin spines for ageing sharks: comparison of four methods applied to Heterodontus portusjacksoni

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (9) ◽  
pp. 898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Tovar-Ávila ◽  
Christopher Izzo ◽  
Terence I. Walker ◽  
J. Matías Braccini ◽  
Robert W. Day
Keyword(s):  
Shark Species ◽  
Systematic Bias ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Visible Growth ◽  
Port Jackson ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fin Spines

Four methods for counting growth bands using vertebrae and dorsal-fin spines of the Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni, are compared. Both calcified structures presented observable growth bands, allowing cross comparison among structures for the first time in a shark species. Whole and sectioned vertebrae and dorsal fin-spines possess highly visible growth bands and intra-reader band counts resulted in similar precision indices with little systematic bias. However, inter-reader growth band count plots showed possible biases in counts from sectioned vertebrae and sectioned dorsal-fin spines. Sectioned vertebrae and whole and sectioned dorsal-fin spines produced similar growth band counts, whereas whole vertebrae produced significantly lower counts. The similar readability, precision indices, growth band counts and apparent absence of biases between counts for a single reader would indicate that sectioned vertebrae and whole and sectioned dorsal-fin spines are both potentially useful and acceptable methods for band counting. However, inter-reader comparisons are necessary to avoid acceptance of biased estimations, resulting in over- or under-estimations of age. Validation for all age classes is essential to determining accurate age estimations for this and other species.

scholarly journals Bomb dating and age determination of large pelagic sharks

2002 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 450-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven E Campana ◽  
Lisa J Natanson ◽  
Sigmund Myklevoll
Keyword(s):  
Age Determination ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Shortfin Mako ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Bomb Radiocarbon ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Vertebral Growth

Despite their notoriety and role as apex predators, the longevity of large pelagic sharks such as the porbeagle (Lamna nasus) and shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is unknown. Vertebral growth bands provide an accurate indicator of age in young porbeagle, but age validation has never been reported for any large shark species past the age of sexual maturity. Here, we report the first application of bomb radiocarbon as an age validation method for long-lived sharks based on date-specific incorporation of radiocarbon into vertebral growth bands. Our results indicate that porbeagle vertebrae recorded and preserved a bomb radiocarbon pulse in growth bands formed during the 1960s. Through comparison of radiocarbon assays in young, known-age porbeagle collected in the 1960s with the corresponding growth bands in old porbeagle collected later, we confirm the validity of porbeagle vertebral growth band counts as accurate annual age indicators to an age of at least 26 years. The radiocarbon signatures of porbeagle vertebral growth bands appear to be temporally and metabolically stable and derived mainly from the radiocarbon content of their prey. Preliminary radiocarbon assays of shortfin mako vertebrae suggest that current methods for determining shortfin mako age are incorrect.

Age determination and growth estimation from otolith micro-increments and fin spine sections of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) in the western North Pacific

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 1116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamaki Shimose ◽  
Kotaro Yokawa ◽  
Katsunori Tachihara
Keyword(s):  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Age Determination ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Annual Growth ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Blue Marlin ◽  
Makaira Nigricans ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Growth Estimation ◽  
Fin Spines

Age determination and growth estimation of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) were performed by combining method of otolith micro-increment counts of 27 young (17–185-cm lower jaw–fork length, LJFL) and sectioned dorsal fin spines of 571 adult individuals (155–352cm). Otolith micro-increments were counted with ages of 26–338 days old. The estimated mean length (185cm) at Year 1 and growth rate were used to predict the position of the first annual growth band in sectioned fin spines. Distinct growth bands were formed in fin spines annually between September and October. Indistinct growth bands were considered false-annual growth bands. The observed and back-calculated LJFLs at each age were highly variable for both sexes. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated using mean back-calculated LJFL data as: L∞=295cm, k=0.23, t0=–3.31 years for females and 212cm, 0.29, –4.49 years for males. Females grew to >200cm in 2 years and to >250cm in 5 years on average, whereas the growth of males slowed appreciably after they reached the age of 1 year. This is the first study of blue marlin growth for entire life stages.

Evaluation of staining techniques for the observation of growth bands in tropical elasmobranch vertebrae

2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-354
Author(s):  
José G. Pérez-Rojas ◽  
Katherine Torres-Palacios ◽  
Amalia Uribe ◽  
Andrés F. Navia ◽  
Paola A. Mejía-Falla
Keyword(s):  
Age And Growth ◽  
Tropical Species ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Sphyrna Lewini ◽  
Specific Protocol ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Staining Techniques ◽  
Hard Structures ◽  
Species Specific

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of different vertebrae staining techniques for the visualization and counting of growth bands in tropical species of batoids (Narcine leoparda, Urotrygon aspidura, Hypanus longus, Potamotrygon magdalenae) and sharks (Alopias pelagicus, Carcharhinus falciformis, Sphyrna lewini, Sphyrna corona and Mustelus lunulatus). Different cutting thicknesses and staining protocols were tested, analysing the precision and bias of each combination to identify the most accurate technique for estimating age. Vertebral sections of 0.4 mm were more suitable for batoids, except for Narcine leoparda; for this species and for all the shark species assessed, sections of 0.5 mm are recommended. Different combinations of stain and exposure time were required to achieve the best visualizations of vertebral growth band pair for the shark and ray species. Intraspecific variation occurred among vertebrae size of batoids. Our results confirm the importance of defining a suitable species-specific protocol for sectioning and staining hard structures before carrying out an age and growth study to improve the reliability of the age estimates.

Larval development in the lutjanid subfamily Lutjaninae (Pisces): the Indo-Pacific genus Pinjalo

Zootaxa ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 1760 (1) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
JEFFREY M LEIS
Keyword(s):  
Larval Development ◽  
Body Shape ◽  
The Body ◽  
Caudal Peduncle ◽  
Spine Morphology ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fin Spines ◽  
Pelvic Fin

The larvae of the two species of Pinjalo are described for the first time based on seven specimens of P. pinjalo (4.3–7.5 mm) and 23 specimens of P. lewisi (5.6–15.0 mm) captured in plankton tows and midwater trawls in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Identification was confirmed by fin meristics. These deep-bodied, compressed larvae share all the characteristics of lutjanid larvae, and have some of the most well-developed head spination and fin spines of any lutjanids. The robust spines of the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins bear strong serrations. The preopercular spines are particularly enlarged, some bear fine serrations, and the anterior end of the maxilla also has fine serrations: these fine serrations are rare in lutjanine lutjanids. The two species of Pinjalo can be distinguished by the meristics of dorsal and anal fins, the relative lengths of the first spine of the dorsal fin and the spine of the pelvic fin. The larvae have distinctive pigment on the dorsal fin, head and caudal peduncle. The body shape, pigment pattern, fin-spine morphology, and the fine serrations on the head spines of the two Pinjalo species are very similar to the larvae of Lutjanus erythropterus and L. malabaricus, and may indicate a close relationship among these four species.

A standardized terminology of spines in the order Siluriformes (Actinopterygii: Ostariophysi)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo A Ballen ◽  
Mario C C De Pinna
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Anatomy ◽  
Appendicular Skeleton ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Direct Examination ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Anatomical Nomenclature ◽  
Standardized Terminology ◽  
The Cost ◽  
First Time ◽  
Terminology System

Abstract A standardized terminology for the anatomy of pectoral- and dorsal-fin spines in the order Siluriformes is proposed based on an extensive literature review and direct examination of representatives of the order. The adult anatomy of the spines is described in detail. Terminology of various spine parts are reviewed and standardized, each term provided with a synonymic list organizing previous usage. Most of the structures treated have been recorded and named in the literature, but some are herein named for the first time. A quantitative approach is proposed for orienting decisions on name usage, aiming at minimizing differences between the terminology proposed and the vast amount of pre-existing literature, herein called the cost function. It is expected that this system will aid efforts in organizing the chaotic anatomical nomenclature of the appendicular skeleton in Siluriformes, and provide a solid basis for advances in comparative anatomy and nomenclature. The proposed terminology system has potential application on a number of fields that utilize information from catfish spines, ranging from taxonomy to phylogenetic systematics to paleontology and archaeology.

A new subspecies of Capros longispinatus from the basal Upper Oligocene of the Caucasus (Teleostei: Perciformes: Caproidae)

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-119
Author(s):  
A.M. Prokofiev
Keyword(s):  
Basal Part ◽  
The Caucasus ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Upper Oligocene ◽  
Fin Spines

Capros longispinatus kelasuriensis subsp. n. is described from the Upper Subhorizon of Morozkina Balka (basal part of the Upper Oligocene) of Abkhazia. It precedes stratigraphically the nominotypical subspecies and differs from the latter chiefly in the much shorter dorsal-fin spines.

Long-term migration patterns and bisexual philopatry in a benthic shark species

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (8) ◽  
pp. 1414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan Charles Bass ◽  
Johann Mourier ◽  
Nathan A. Knott ◽  
Joanna Day ◽  
Tristan Guttridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Migration Route ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Arrival Times ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Australian Coastline ◽  
Port Jackson

Knowledge of the broad-scale movement patterns of sharks is essential to developing effective management strategies. Currently there is a large bias in studies focusing on species that are either large apex predators or found in tropical to subtropical regions. There is limited knowledge of the movements and migrations of benthic and temperate shark species. The present study used passive acoustic telemetry to investigate the movement patterns of a benthic shark species, the Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni). Individuals were tagged with acoustic transmitters between 2012 and 2014 and their movements were monitored within Jervis Bay and along the east Australian coastline for up to 4 years. Male and female Port Jackson sharks demonstrated high levels of philopatry to both Jervis Bay and their tagging location across multiple years. Although males and females did not differ in their arrival times, females departed from Jervis Bay later than males. Approximately half the tagged individuals migrated in a southward direction, with individuals being detected at Narooma, Bass Strait and Cape Barron Island. This study provides conclusive evidence of bisexual philopatry in a benthic temperate shark species, confirming previous hypotheses, and presents the most detailed migration route for Port Jackson sharks to date.

Two newly identified cheiracanthid acanthodians from the Mey Flagstone Formation (Givetian, Middle Devonian) of the Orcadian Basin, Scotland

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. sjg2020-009
Author(s):  
Michael J. Newman ◽  
Jan L. den Blaauwen ◽  
Carole J. Burrow
Keyword(s):  
Middle Devonian ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Baltic Region ◽  
Head Region ◽  
Longitudinal Ridge ◽  
Orcadian Basin ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fin Spines

Articulated cheiracanthid acanthodians are relatively rare above the Dickosteus thrieplandi biostratigraphic zone in the Orcadian Basin, with Cheiracanthus peachi den Blaauwen, Newman & Burrow the only species identified to date. Here we describe two other taxa Fallodentus davidsoni nov. gen. et sp. and Markacanthus costulatus Valiukevičius from the Mey Flagstone Formation. F. davidsoni occurs at the base of the formation, in the Osteolepis panderi biostratigraphic zone, and is readily identified by its robust fin spines which have a wide longitudinal ridge on each side below the groove separating the leading edge from the side of the spine. The taxon is most similar to Homalacanthus concinnus (Whiteaves) from the younger (Frasnian) Escuminac Formation in Quebec, Canada. The unique specimen of Markacanthus costulatus is from the top of the Mey Flagstone Formation. This taxon was previously only known from isolated scales from the upper Narva and Aruküla Regional Stages of the east Baltic region. The dorsoventral preservation of the head region in the F. davidsoni specimens reveals clearly the position of the ceratohyal cartilages in a cheiracanthid, as well as showing for the first time that there is a basihyal cartilage anterior to the ceratohyals.

scholarly journals First record of the Bignose Unicornfish, Naso vlamingii (Perciformes, Acanthuridae) from Korea

Check List ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-548
Author(s):  
Hyuck Joon Kwun ◽  
Heakyoung Jung
Keyword(s):  
Fish Fauna ◽  
First Record ◽  
Jeju Island ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
Single Specimen ◽  
Caudal Peduncle ◽  
Southeastern Coast ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fin Spines

Naso vlamingii (Valenciennes, 1835) is reported from Korea for the first time and a morphological description is provided. A single specimen of N. vlamingii was collected from the southeastern coast of Jeju Island, Korea in September 2017. This species is characterized by the presence of 2 bony plates on the middle of the caudal peduncle, 6 dorsal and 2 anal fin spines, and a rounded, convex, swollen snout. This species is the fifth species of the genus Naso Lacepède, 1801 in the Korean fish fauna, and the newly proposed Korean name for the species is “Keun-ko-pyo-mun-jwi-chi”.

Description of a new scorpionfish (Scorpaenoidei, Sebastolobinae) from the tropical eastern Pacific

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2277 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
PHILIPPE BÉAREZ ◽  
HIROYUKI MOTOMURA
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Pacific ◽  
Dorsal Spine ◽  
Unique Combination ◽  
Single Specimen ◽  
Tropical Eastern Pacific ◽  
Diagnostic Characters ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Gas Bladder ◽  
Fin Spines

A new spiny scorpionfish, Trachyscorpia verai, is described from a single specimen caught by deepwater longline off Puerto López (Ecuador, Tropical Eastern Pacific). This scorpionfish is distinguished from all other species of Trachyscorpia by a unique combination of characters: dorsal-fin spines 12, vertebrae 26, and gas bladder absent. Other diagnostic characters are: maxilla unscaled, third dorsal spine long, and pelvic spine short. This is the second species of Trachyscorpia known from the TEP and the sixth worldwide.

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