scholarly journals A Taxonomic Survey of Female Oviducal Glands in Chondrichthyes: A Comparative Overview of Microanatomy in the Two Reproductive Modes

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2653
Author(s):  
Martina Francesca Marongiu ◽  
Cristina Porcu ◽  
Noemi Pascale ◽  
Andrea Bellodi ◽  
Alessandro Cau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Yolk Sac ◽  
Anterior Portion ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Terminal Zone ◽  
Fishing Impacts ◽  
First Time

Oviducal glands (OGs) are distinct expanded regions of the anterior portion of the oviduct, commonly found in chondrichthyans, which play a key role in the production of the egg in-vestments and in the female sperm storage (FSS). The FSS phenomenon has implications for understanding the reproductive ecology and management of exploited populations, but little information is available on its taxonomic extent. For the first time, mature OGs from three lecithotrophic oviparous and four yolk-sac viviparous species, all considered at risk from the fishing impacts in the central western Mediterranean Sea, were examined using light microscopy. The OG microanatomy, whose morphology is generally conserved in all species, shows differences within the two reproductive modalities. Oviparous species show a more developed baffle zone in respect to viviparous ones because of the production of different egg envelopes produced. Among oviparous species, Raja polystigma and Chimaera monstrosa show presence of sperm, but not sperm storage as observed, instead, in Galeus melastomus and in all the viviparous sharks, which preserve sperm inside of specialized structures in the terminal zone.

scholarly journals Reproductive aspects of the velvet belly lantern shark Etmopterus spinax (Condrichthyes: Etmopteridae), from the central western Mediterranean sea. Notes on gametogenesis and oviducal gland microstructure.

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 313 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. PORCU ◽  
M. F. MARONGIU ◽  
M. C. FOLLESA ◽  
A. BELLODI ◽  
A. MULAS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Oviducal Gland ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sperm Storage Tubules ◽  
First Time

In this paper, the reproductive biology of the velvet belly lanternshark Etmopterus spinax was analyzed in Sardinian waters (central western Mediterranean). This species was sexually dimorphic with females growing to a larger size than males. Marked sexual dimorphism in size was also observed along the vertical gradient. Histological analysis of gonads was very useful in assigning macroscopical maturity stages. The investigation on the microstructure of oviducal gland (OG) highlighted four morphofunctional zones with mucous and/or proteic secretions according to the zone and to their specific functions and development. Sperm in the OG was found for the first time in E. spinax. The localization of sperm storage tubules deeper in OG suggested long-term sperm storage, which is in agreement with the long reproductive cycle described. This species matured late, specifically at 80.7% and 79% at the maximum observed size for females and males respectively. Mature specimens were found throughout the year with pregnant females observed in winter and autumn. A low fecundity was observed with a mean ovarian fecundity of 16.5 mature follicles.

scholarly journals Molecular and Biological Analysis on Ommastrephes caroli Findings in the Central Western Mediterranean Sea (Sardinian Waters) Including First Age Investigation Using Eye Lenses and Beaks

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blondine Agus ◽  
Laura Carugati ◽  
Andrea Bellodi ◽  
Rita Cannas ◽  
Alessandro Cau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Potential Fecundity ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Coi Sequences ◽  
Size And Morphology ◽  
First Time

Molecular identifications based on two mitochondrial markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I -COI- and 16S ribosomal RNA gene -16S-) have been implemented to confirm the morphological identification of eight specimens collected in the Central western Mediterranean. Molecular data show they belonged to a recently resurrected species of the genus Ommastrephes, i.e., O. caroli, known to be distributed in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Despite this, molecular analyses of COI sequences evidenced the presence of potential genetic differentiation between Mediterranean and Atlantic samples, highlighting the need for further studies, with more individuals to investigate the connectivity between individuals living in the two areas. Furthermore, morphological, biometric and reproductive features here reported, could be useful in evaluating possible distinctive biological features between the Mediterranean and Atlantic individuals. Female mature size was larger than the male. The relationships obtained between the beak measurements and body sizes (DML; TW) were better described by a power model. Asynchronous oocytes development with relatively small oocytes (0.05–1.10 mm) and a protracted intermittent spawning with active feeding were observed. This study also reported for the specie O. caroli the first data on the potential fecundity estimated (840061 oocytes), the oviducal load (90000 ripe oocytes) as well as the number of seminal receptacles and the size and morphology of the spermatangia found in the buccal mass of all mated females. Even if on a low sample size, beaks and eye lenses were used for the first time in O. caroli for age estimation. The statistically significant relationship found between increments counted in eye lenses and beaks highlighted the reliability of the lenses to estimate age in O. caroli, even if further studies will be needed for its validation. Assuming a daily increment for both structures, a mean life span of about 12–13 months was estimated for both sexes, which is consistent with the sexual maturity condition observed in all the samples and the semelparity known for cephalopods coleoids.

scholarly journals Sponges of Western Mediterranean seamounts: new genera, new species and new records

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11879
Author(s):  
Julio A. Díaz ◽  
Sergio Ramírez-Amaro ◽  
Francesc Ordines
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
First Record ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Balearic Islands ◽  
Sampling Device ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
The North ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
First Time

Background The seamounts Ses Olives (SO), Ausias March (AM) and Emile Baudot (EB) at the Mallorca Channel (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean), are poorly explored areas containing rich and singular sponge communities. Previous works have shown a large heterogeneity of habitats, including rhodolith beds, rocky, gravel and sandy bottoms and steeped slopes. This diversity of habitats provides a great opportunity for improving the knowledge of the sponges from Mediterranean seamounts. Methods Sponges were collected during several surveys carried out by the Balearic Center of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography at the Mallorca Channel seamounts. Samples were obtained using a beam-trawl, rock dredge and remote operated vehicle. Additional samples were obtained from fishing grounds of the Balearic Islands continental shelf, using the sampling device GOC-73. Sponges were identified through the analysis of morphological and molecular characters. Results A total of 60 specimens were analyzed, from which we identified a total of 19 species. Three species and one genus are new to science: Foraminospongia balearica gen. nov. sp. nov., Foraminospongia minuta gen. nov. sp. nov. and Paratimea massutii sp. nov. Heteroxya cf. beauforti represents the first record of the genus Heteroxya in the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, this is the second report of Axinella spatula and Haliclona (Soestella) fimbriata since their description. Moreover, the species Petrosia (Petrosia) raphida, Calyx cf. tufa and Lanuginella pupa are reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. Petrosia (Strongylophora) vansoesti is reported here for the first time in the western Mediterranean Sea. Haliclona (S.) fimbriata is reported here for the first time in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Hemiasterella elongata is reported here for the second time in the Mediterranean Sea. The species Melonanchora emphysema, Rhabdobaris implicata, Polymastia polytylota, Dragmatella aberrans, Phakellia ventilabrum and Pseudotrachya hystrix are reported for first time off Balearic Islands. Following the Sponge Barcoding project goals, we have sequenced the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) and the 28S ribosomal fragment (C1–D2 domains) for Foraminospongia balearica sp. nov., Foraminospongia minuta sp. nov., H. cf. beauforti and C. cf. tufa, and the COI for Paratimea massuti sp. nov. We also provide a phylogenetic analysis to discern the systematic location of Foraminospongia gen. nov., which, in accordance to skeletal complement, is placed in the Hymerhabdiidae family. A brief biogeographical discussion is provided for all these species, with emphasis on the sponge singularity of SO, AM and the EB seamounts and the implications for their future protection.

Reproductive biology of the seastar Ceramaster grenadensis from the deep north-western Mediterranean Sea

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 805-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Mecho ◽  
U. Fernandez-Arcaya ◽  
E. Ramirez-Llodra ◽  
J. Aguzzi ◽  
J.B. Company
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Population Distribution ◽  
Gonad Index ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
The North ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Continuous Reproduction ◽  
First Time ◽  
Wide Geographic Distribution ◽  
North Western

Ceramaster grenadensis is one of the most abundant bathyal seastars in the north-western Mediterranean Sea and also presents a wide geographic distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. As with other species in this genus, little information is available on the biology and reproductive strategy of C. grenadensis. In this context, we describe for the first time the reproductive cycle of this species from bathyal depths in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Specimens (N = 141) were collected seasonally from 194 benthic trawls (141 Otter Trawls and 53 Agassiz trawls) conducted during 10 cruises from October 2008 to April 2013. Open slope and canyon systems were sampled at depths between 900 and 2250 m. The population distribution of C. grenadensis showed a depth-related structure, with the smaller adult specimens and juveniles present at greater depths. Sex ratio was 2:1 females per male, constant among seasons and depths. Histological analyses of the gonads showed an asynchronous ovarian organization, with previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes throughout the year. These oogenesis patterns suggest a continuous reproduction. However, the Pyloric Caeca Index (PCI) decreased in summer while the Gonad Index (GI) increased in autumn in males, suggesting a higher spawning capacity in autumn. In both sexes, an increasing GI and PCI trend was observed with increasing depth.

The genus Asterodinium (Dinophyceae) as a possible biological indicator of warming in the western Mediterranean Sea

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Gómez ◽  
Hervé Claustre
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Biological Indicator ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Tyrrhenian Sea ◽  
Ligurian Sea ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
First Time

The presence of two dinoflagellate species of the genus Asterodinium, which are a priori representative of warm waters, is reported for the first time in the western Mediterranean Sea. Asterodinium libanum was identified in the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer (Ligurian Sea), while Asterodinium gracile is reported in the Tyrrhenian Sea. These findings are discussed in the context of the progressive warming of Mediterranean waters.

scholarly journals NEW RECORD OF GIANT DEVIL RAY (CHONDRICHTHYES: MYLIOBATIDAE) FROM ORAN BAY (WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Kais Boumedienne HUSSEIN ◽  
Lotfi Bensahla Talet
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
New Record ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Red List ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Maritime Traffic ◽  
Disc Width ◽  
First Time

The present paper reports a new record of Giant devil ray Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788) from western Algerian waters that is encountered for the first time in that coast since its first description in 1901 and last observation in late 80’s. This elasmobranch is categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List (Endangered A2d ver 3.1) and is likely to be the rarest of the nine species of Mobula genus. Occasionally it is captured in Mediterranean Sea by purse seines, bottom and pelagic trawls, pelagic nets, bottom longlines, drifters and harpoons. The specimen stranded in “la Madrague Beach” in Western Algerian coasts. Its disc length was measuring 108.96 cm and disc width was 226.02 cm. This Myliobatidae is rarely seen with daily landed fish at Oran fishery. Up to date no explicit reason can be given for the strand of M. mobular but ghost fishing and important maritime traffic stay the most plausible cause of this incident.

scholarly journals Parasites of the head of Scomber colias (Osteichthyes: Scombridae) from the western Mediterranean Sea

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Mele ◽  
Maria Pennino ◽  
Maria Piras ◽  
José Bellido ◽  
Giovanni Garippa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Parasite Fauna ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Multivariate Techniques ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Scomber Colias ◽  
Non Parametric

AbstractThe metazoan parasite assemblage of the head of 30 specimens of the Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) from the western Mediterranean Sea was analysed. Eight species of parasites were found, four mazocraeid monogeneans: Grubea cochlear (prevalence = 10%), Kuhnia scombercolias (59%), K. scombri (52%), Pseudokuhnia minor (86%); three didymozoid trematodes: Nematobothrium cf. faciale (21%), N. filiforme (41%), N. scombri (7%); and one laerneopodid copepod: Clavelissa scombri (7%). Results were compared with previously published data from 14 localities of the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, using non-parametric univariate and multivariate analyses, and the whole parasite fauna of S. colias was compared with that of the congeners (S. australasicus, S. japonicus and S. scombrus). Parasites showed to reflect the biogeographical and phylogenetic history of host. From a methodological point of view, the use of both non-parametric univariate and multivariate techniques proved to be effective tools to detect dissimilarities between parasite assemblages.

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