Spotted moray

Abstract: Activity patterns, diet, and shelter site use were compared between two species of moray eels, the spotted moray, Gymnothorax moringa, and the purplemouth moray, Gymnothorax vicinus, in the shallow backreef habitat of the Belize Barrier Reef. We tracked eels tagged with acoustic transmitter tags, analyzed stomach contents, and surveyed shelter sites in a 150-m by 250-m survey area of patch reefs and coral rubble. The study site supported primarily subadult to early adult eels (379–947 mm TL). We made 490 G. moringa and 344 G. vicinus sightings in 74 census days. Shelter site use was similar for both species. Gymnothorax moringa left shelters nearly twice as often as G. vicinus (62.5% of nights vs 36.4%). Both species moved primarily at night and ranged less than 10 m to approximately 100 m from shelter for periods less than 1 h to more than 9 h. Forays were mainly in the open grassbed away from patch reefs, rubble, or other shelter. Gymnothorax moringa fed nearly twice as often as G. vicinus (39....

Abstract: Gymnothorax aurocephalus sp. nov. is described herein based on 4 specimens. Three were collected from off Swaraj Dweep Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (AN anus slightly before midbody; pointed and serrated jaw teeth; uniserial teeth in jaws and vomer; vertebral formula 7/61/148–149. The species is compared to all its congeners with white spots.

Abstract: Many species of wrasse (Labridae) and parrotfish (Scaridae) produce mucous cocoons at the beginning of each night. The mucus envelope which covers certain species of parrotfish throughout the night was first described by Winn (1955). The functional morphology of the slime producing gland has been investigated by Casimir (1971) and Lenke (1991). Large globlet cells in a folded epithelium form the opercular gland in the gill cavity under the operculum. The fish remain motionless inside the cocoon throughout the night. It is believed to be an antipredator device (Shephard, 1994). Parrotfish dash out of the mucous envelope when it is touched (J. J. Videler & G. J. Geertjes, pers. obs.) suggesting a function as an early warning system. A masking eVect for olfactory and tactile stimuli that could attract foraging common spotted moray eels Gymnothorax moringa (Cuvier) has been suggested (Winn & Bardach, 1956). It could also protect the fish from parasite settlement and the possibility of antibiotic properties has been predicted by Lenke (1991). Note that none of the functions mentioned are mutually exclusive. Whatever the function may be, it would require the cocoon to remain intact throughout the night at temperatures close to 30)C. A bactericidal eVect of the envelope could protect not only the cocoon but also the fish. Fish skin mucus has been targetted as a potential source in the search for novel antibiotics. It contains specific immunoglobulins, agglutins, lectins and lysins, especially lysozyme (Shephard, 1994). Antibacterial ion channel forming proteins from carp

Abstract: The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus, from the pufferfish family Tetraodontidae) and the Pacific red lionfish (Pterois miles, family Scorpaenidae) have recently invaded the Mediterranean Sea. Lagocephalus sceleratus has spread throughout this entire sea with the highest concentrations in the eastern basin, while more recently, Pterois miles has spread from the Eastern to the Central Mediterranean Sea. Their effects on local biodiversity and fisheries are cause for management concern. Here, a comprehensive review of predators of these two species from their native Indo-Pacific and invaded Mediterranean and Western Atlantic ranges is presented. Predators of Tetraodontidae in general were reviewed for their native Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic ranges, as no records were found specifically for L. sceleratus in its native range. Tetraodontidae predators in their native ranges included mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), lizardfish (Synodus spp.), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris), sea snakes (Enhydrina spp.), catfish (Arius spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), and common octopus (Octopus vulgaris). The only reported predator of adult L. sceleratus in the Mediterranean was loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), whereas juvenile L. sceleratus were preyed by common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and garfish (Belone belone). Conspecific cannibalism of L. sceleratus juveniles was also confirmed in the Mediterranean. Pufferfish predators in the Western Atlantic included common octopus, frogfish (Antennaridae), and several marine birds. Predators of all lionfish species in their native Indo-Pacific range included humpback scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis spp.), bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois), moray eels (Muraenidae), and bluespotted cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii). Lionfish predators in the Mediterranean included dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus), common octopus, and L. sceleratus, whereas in the Western Atlantic included the spotted moray (Gymnothorax moringa), multiple grouper species (tiger Mycteroperca tigris, Nassau Epinephelus striatus, black Mycteroperca bonaci, red Epinephelus morio, and gag Mycteroperca microleps; Epinephelidae), northern red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), greater amberjack (Seriola dumerilli), and nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum). The sparse data found on natural predation for these species suggest that population control via predation may be limited. Their population control may require proactive, targeted human removals, as is currently practiced with lionfish in the Western Atlantic.