Microhabitat association and population status of the Luwuk introduced Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni Koumans, 1933) population

The Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni is the Indonesian national marine ornamental fish mascot, and an object of national and international conservation concern. The endemic population of this species is limited to the Banggai Archipelago in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia and a few nearby islands in North Maluku. In addition, introduced populations have become established, mainly along ornamental fish trade routes. The National Action Plan for Banggai Cardinalfish Conservation (NAP-BCFC) calls for monitoring and management of all P. kauderni populations. A survey of the Luwuk introduced P. kauderni population was carried out in October 2021. Data were collected at three sites with established P. kauderni populations: the ferry harbour, public harbour (Teluk Lalong) and a recreational area on the nearby coast (Kilo 5). P. kauderni were recorded by microhabitat association and size class (recruits, juveniles, adults). Data collected were compared with data from previous surveys where available. With the exception of one group in a sea anemone at Kilo 5, all P. kauderni were associated with Diadema sea urchins (D. setosum at all sites; D. savignyi at Kilo 5). At Kilo 5 P. kauderni the population structure indicates the possible capture of market-sized juveniles. Overall abundance was also lower compared to the polluted but unfished harbours. The proportion of recruits was significantly negatively correlated with the ratio of adult P. kauderni to Diadema urchins. The results will inform regional legislation currently in preparation to support sustainable management of P. kauderni populations, habitat and microhabitat in Central Sulawesi, as well as contributing to NAP-BCFC targets.Keywords:Banggai cardinalfishEndangered speciesDiademaMicrohabitat,MonitoringOrnamental fisheryLocal regulation

ANALYSIS OF THE ORNAMENTAL FISH EXPORTS FROM THE AMAZON STATE, BRAZIL

The updated status of the ornamental fish trade from the Amazonas state was analyzed between the years of 2006-2015 (IBAMA database). The trade of ornamental fish from Amazonas state mainly consists of species extracted from nature. A total of 142,552,253 specimens were exported during the studied period. Sales plummeted since 2006, from 26,075,241 specimens exported then to 2,729,846 specimens in 2015 (Jan-Jul). Between 2006 and 2015, a total of US$ 23.0 million in revenue was generated from fish exports destined to 35 countries. Germany, Taiwan, USA and Japan accounted for 75.5% of the volume and 76.7% of the value exported. During this time, 375 species were exported, included Paracheirodon axelrodi, P. simulans, Hemigrammus bleheri, Otociclus affinis and O. hoppei that together represented 84.5% of exports. Thirty are not on the list of IBAMA species released for export, and six are currently on the list of endangered fauna of Brazil, being them: Hopliancistrus tricornis, Leporacanthicus joselimai, Parancistrus nudiventris, Peckoltia compta, Scobinancistrus auratus and S. pariolispos. These results are an additional tool for managers, environmentalists and decision makers to establish regulations to govern the trade.

Detection and genetic analysis of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) in ornamental fish from non-clinical cases: First report from India

Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), a type species of the genus Megalocytivirus, poses a threat to ornamental fish trade as most cases show nonspecific symptoms, thus making timely diagnosis challenging. Apparently health molly (Poecilia sphenops) and angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) collected from two distinct geographic localities of India were screened for four genera under Iridoviridae, Megalocytivirus {ISKNV, turbot reddish body iridovirus (TRBIV) and red seabream iridovirus (RSIV); ranaviruses and Singapore grouper iridovirus; and Lymphocystivirus} through molecular approach. In total five numbers out of 17 samples (29.4%), ISKNV genome fragments were detected. A PCR assay using major capsid protein (MCP) gene was standardised to detect and differentiate infections within the Megalocytivirus genus, even without aid of sequencing. This forms the first report of ISKNV infection in ornamental fish from India. Sequence analysis of MCP gene showed that Indian isolate being 100% similar to the complete genome or reference strain of ISKNV. Phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated the present strain belonging to ISKNV genotype I. Furthermore, structural stability of the MCP revealed this strain was more stable than ISKNV genotype II, RSIV and TRBIV at 25 degree C and pH 7.0. Thus a strong pan-India surveillance is recommended to reduce trade risk.

Infestations Myxobolus sp. in Gills Koi (Cyprinus carpio) That No Clinical Symptoms

Ornamental fish trade between regions in Indonesia allows the transfer of disease, especially if the disease does not show clinical symptoms in fish traded. Koi fish in Tahuna, North Sulawesi, mostly come from the area of ​​East Java, which is one area with many cases of myxobolusis. In addition, the potential for parasitic diseases that come along when koi fish are brought between areas cannot be avoided, because the examination of parasites, especially Myxobolus sp. no longer listed in the regulation as a quarantine inspection requirement. The purpose of this study was to see the Myxobolus sp infestation that infected koi in Tahuna, North Sulawesi, although there were no clinical symptoms using conventional techniques and histopathology. The results of the examination showed Myxobolus spore infestation on the gills of the koi, although the amount was not much, both conventional and histopathological techniques. This shows that our level of awareness of the types of parasites that can infect fish is still lacking. Myxobolus sp is only transmitted through the spore stage back and forth; there is no horizontal or vertical transmission in fish or tubifex T worm populations. More knowledge regarding the life cycle of the Myxobolus sp. in order to obtain the right handling to deal with outbreaks, especially water quality management at the location of the cultivation.

Panaque nigrolineatus laurafabianae, a new, commercially exploited subspecies of ornamental wood-eating pleco (Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from the Guaviare River basin in Colombia

The suckermouth armored catfish genus Panaque contains seven valid species, including the Royal Pleco, Panaque nigrolineatus, which has long been popular as an ornamental aquarium fish and was originally described from the Apure River basin in Venezuela. We examine a phenotypically distinct population of P. nigrolineatus from the Guaviare River in southern Colombia at the southwesternmost corner of the Orinoco River basin. In contrast to typically boldly striped populations from closer to the type locality of P. nigrolineatus, the Guaviare River basin population is usually boldly spotted, earning them the common name Watermelon Pleco in the aquarium fish trade. Because of the commercial popularity of this distinctive color morph, it is heavily exploited for export to the global ornamental fish trade. We find that the Guaviare River P. nigrolineatus laurafabianae is not only distinct geographically and in color pattern, but is also morphometrically diagnosable from P. nigrolineatus individuals from outside the Guaviare River basin. However, relatively subtle phenotypic differences, invariance in nuclear DNA markers, < 0.5% divergence in mitochondrial DNA markers 16S, cytb, and ND2, and the non-monophyly of Guaviare River populations prevent us from robustly inferring species-level distinctiveness of the Watermelon Pleco. We therefore propose to recognize this population as a distinct subspecies.