Harlequinmania

Three-spine sticklebacks aren't as pretty as many aquarium fish, and anglers don't fantasize about hooking one. But biologists treasure these small fish for what they are revealing about the genetic changes that drive evolution. Now, researchers have sequenced the stickleback genome for the first time, and they have discovered that as fish in different parts of the world adapted to live in fresh water, the same sites in the genome were changed time and again. View the full article

Three-spine sticklebacks aren't as pretty as many aquarium fish, and anglers don't fantasize about hooking one. But biologists treasure these small fish for what they are revealing about the genetic changes that drive evolution. Now, researchers have sequenced the stickleback genome for the first time, and they have discovered that as fish in different parts of the world adapted to live in fresh water, the same sites in the genome were changed time and again. View the full article

Click through to see the images. Subfamily Amphiprioninae, the clownfishes, is a diverse group. It is divided into six species complexes, including the Clarkii Complex, the Skunk Complex, the Tomato Complex, the Saddleback Complex, the Percula Complex, and the maroons. In terms of number of member species, the latter two are the smallest; indeed, with only two and one member each respectively, neither is (strictly speaking) really even a complex. The Percula Complex (Amphiprion ocellaris and Amphiprion percula) and the maroons (Premnas biaculeatus) are together the subject of this discussion; the other four complexes have each received attention here in earlier parts of this series. The two are presented here together on account of their superficial similarities, as well as their apparently very similar lineages. These three species have for long been among the best-represented members of the subfamily within the ornamental fish trade. Their likenesses--particularly that of Amphiprion ocellaris--frequently serve as icons for anything and everything marine, and are recognized even by those who have never owned an aquarium. They have lured countless individuals into the hobby, and continue to command the interest of even the most advanced aquarists. Perhaps most importantly, they stand out as being among the first marine aquarium fishes to be successfully reared in captivity. It is truly difficult to overstate how important these distinctive fishes have been, and are, to the ornamental fish trade. Premnas biaculeatus, Amphiprion ocellaris, and Amphiprion percula will likely retain a high demand in the trade as new color morphs continue to be developed; considerable work has already been done in the selective breeding of the latter two species. Some aquarists prize these novel varieties (which often bear exaggerated desirable traits) and are increasingly willing to pay premium prices for well-bred specimens. Then again, other aquarists prefer only "wild-type" specimens and view most aberrant color forms as unnatural, if not flawed. In point of fact, many of the traits we see in "designer" varieties can be observed, at least to some degree, within wild populations. Certain differences between the two complexes are noteworthy. Species in the Percula Complex are among the physically smallest members of the subfamily, while the maroons are among the largest; moreover, the former is relatively peaceful while the latter is notorious for its pugnacity. Still, similarities between the two--most notably with respect to body shape and swimming habit--are striking. Many fish biologists and many fish enthusiasts alike have held that the maroons are closely related to the Percula Complex species. Recent work using molecular phylogenetic analysis supports this position, even while calling longstanding notions about the nature of this relation into question. Results from these investigations suggest that these three species are very similar to the ancestral clownfishes. This is particularly surprising in that they certainly appear to be more derived than, say, members of the Tomato Complex, which bear a greater morphological resemblance to their damselfish cousins and are more generalistic in their associations with host anemone species. Being as results from these studies indicate that Amphiprion ocellaris and Amphiprion percula are more closely related to the maroons than they are to the rest of the subfamily, it really may be more appropriate to assign them to the genus Premnas. Here, however, they will be presented in line with conventional taxonomy. The Percula Complex in profile Common (or false percula) clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris, Cuvier, 1830) The common clownfish occurs in calm, shallow, reef-associated waters throughout the Indo-West Pacific Ocean from Southeast Asia to northwestern Australia (tropical). It is typically associated with the sea anemone species Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea, and Stichodactyla mertensii. One designation for the so-called common clownfish, false percula clownfish, serves as a great example of how unnecessarily confusing common names can be. Though it is a fairly hardy aquarium fish, it has earned a reputation as a poor shipper. It is distinguished by (usually) having thin, black edging around its bands and by possessing 10-11 spines in the first dorsal fin.It reaches a maximum length of 11 cm. One of the most cited examples of symbiosis is that of Amphiprion ocellaris and its sea anemone hosts. Photo by Jenny Huang. Amphiprion ocellaris (orange). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Amphiprion ocellaris (fancy snow). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Amphiprion ocellaris (vivid fancy). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Amphiprion ocellaris (mocha). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Amphiprion ocellaris (color-changing). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Amphiprion ocellaris (SA white). Photo by Kenneth Wingerter. A gorgeous hypomelanistic variety (above) of Amphiprion ocellaris. Photo by Kenneth Wingerter. Amphiprion ocellaris (black). Photo by Kenneth Wingerter. Orange (or true percula) clownfish (Amphiprion percula, Lacepède, 1802) The orange clownfish occurs in lagoons and seaward coral reefs in the Western Pacific Ocean from the Great Barrier Reef to the Solomon Islands (tropical). It is typically associated with the sea anemone species Heteractis crispa, Heteractis magnifica, and Stichodactyla gigantea. Though it generally adapts well to captivity, it can be intolerant of suboptimal water conditions. It is distinguished by (usually) having thick, black edging around its bands and by possessing 9-10 spines in the first dorsal fin. It reaches a maximum length of 11 cm. Amphiprion percula. Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Amphiprion ocellaris x percula (snow onyx). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Amphiprion percula (picasso). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Amphiprion percula (platinum). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. The maroons in profile Maroon (or spine-cheeked) clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus, Bloch, 1790) The maroon clownfish occurs in lagoons and protected coastal waters throughout the Indo-West Pacific region (tropical). While the white-stripe strain is widely distributed, the gold-stripe strain appears to be restricted to Sumatra. It is typically associated with the sea anemone species Entacmaea quadricolor. It is distinguished by its maroon to mahogany red adult coloration and its set of prominent preopercular spines. It can be vicious towards other clownfish, and should therefore be kept singly, if not in established pairs; pairings are best made by introducing a very large individual to a tank housing a much smaller individual. Females grow considerably larger than males. The maroon clownfish can reach lengths of over 17 cm. Juvenile and male Premnas biaculeatus tend to be bright red, darkening as they age and become females. Photo by Jenny Huang. Premnas biaculeatus (white-stripe). Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. The bands of juvenile gold-stripe maroon clownfish are often whitish, yellowing as the individual ages. Photo by www.sustainableaquatics.com. Once somewhat rare and expensive, the gold-stripe maroon clownfish is now quite common owing to commercial aquaculture. Photo by Kenneth Wingerter. Aberrant striping is not uncommon even among wild Premnas biaculeatus. Photo by www.ecoaquariumspng.com. The cocoa clownfish, a very attractive hybrid of Amphiprion ocellaris and Premnas biaculeatus. Photo by Chris Turnier. Conclusion It pretty much goes without saying that the common, orange, and maroon clownfish are well known and well represented in the marine aquarium hobby. Tank-bred specimens are now widely available in trade; most agree that these are far easier to keep than their wild counterparts. Especially in the case of the common and orange clownfish, a wide variety of color forms are yet being developed. Ones preference for one of these forms, or of strictly wild-type forms, is really only a matter of personal predilection. Certainly, newer (and bolder) varieties are forthcoming. With the commercial hatchery production of these fishes now well underway, it is perhaps only a matter of time until maroons come in "fantail," "pearlscale," and "bubble-eye." That notwithstanding, the typical forms we have always admired are no more likely than red roses to lose their strong popular appeal. References Wilkerson, Joyce D. Clownfishes: A Guide to Their Captive Care, Breeding, & Natural History. Shelburne, VT: Microcosm Ltd., 1998. Fautin, Daphne G. and Gerald Allen. Anemonefishes and Their Host Sea Anemones. Morris Plains, NJ: Tetra Press, 1994. Skomal, Gregory B. Clownfishes in the Aquarium. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 2004. Elliott, J. K., S. C. Lougheed, B. Bateman, L. K. McPhee and P. T. Boag. "Molecular Phylogenetic Evidence for the Evolution of Specialization in Anemonefishes." Proceedings: Biological Sciences Vol. 266, No. 1420 (Apr. 7, 1999), pp. 677-685. http://fishbase.org http://www.sustainableaquatics.com View the full article

Scientists have developed a UV light-activated on-off switch for the vital gene-blocking molecule. Based on initial testing in zebrafish embryos, the enhanced molecule promises to deliver new insights for developmental biologists and brain researchers. View the full article

Hidden in the mud, the cone snail Conus purpurascens lies in wait for its victims. It attracts its prey, fish, with its proboscis, which can move like a worm, protruding from the mud. Once a fish approaches out of curiosity, the snail will rapidly shoot a harpoon at it, which consists of an evolutionarily modified tooth. The paralyzed victim then becomes an easy meal. View the full article

A new study is the first to identify a neurobehavioral effect of BPA using a zebrafish model exposed to concentrations comparable to what humans might encounter in the environment. View the full article

Click through to see the images. Employing a novel excavation technique to reconstruct the timeline of historical change in coral reefs located on the Caribbean side of Panama, a team of scientists led by Scripps alumna Katie Cramer and current Scripps Professor of Oceanography and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) Emeritus Staff Scientist Jeremy Jackson has determined that damage to coral reefs from land clearing and overfishing pre-dates damage caused by anthropogenic climate change by at least decades. "This study is the first to quantitatively show that the cumulative effects of deforestation and possibly overfishing were degrading Caribbean coral and molluscan communities long before climate change impacts began to really devastate reefs," said lead author Cramer, currently based at the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network at the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Coral reefs have suffered alarmingly since the 1980s due to coral bleaching and coral disease, thought to stem from the warming of the oceans due to anthropogenic, or human-induced, climate change. However, until recently, the impact of prior human activities on Caribbean coral reefs had not been studied with experimental techniques. Historical records and qualitative surveys provide hints that declines in corals in some parts of the Caribbean occurred as far back as the early 1900s after coastal lands began to be cleared to make way for plantations. However, the current study is the first to quantify the changes that reef corals and mollusks have undergone as a result of long-term stress caused by the deposition of silt, nutrients, and pollution onto coral reefs from land clearing and the depletion of reef fish that prevent algae from overtaking reefs. "Because researchers did not really begin to study Caribbean reefs in detail until the late 1970s, we don't have a clear understanding of why these reefs have changed so dramatically since this time," said Cramer. "So, we set out to reconstruct an older timeline of change on reefs by looking at the remains of past reefs – coral skeletons and mollusk shells." To reconstruct this timeline, the team dug below modern reefs in incremental layers and, using radiocarbon dating of the coral skeletons they found, linked fluctuations in the types and numbers of coral and mollusks over time to historical records of land clearing. Changes in the relative numbers of these various species represent clear indicators of the overall health of the coral reef. The team also improved upon the standard technique of taking long, narrow core samples of coral fossils that cannot track fluctuations in the numbers of larger species of coral. "We wanted to look at the whole complement of the coral community," said Cramer. To catalog the relative numbers of dozens of coral and molluscan species, the researchers dug two-foot-wide by three-foot-deep pits into reefs at several coastal lagoon and offshore sites near Bocas del Toro, Panama, that were heavily affected and less affected by land runoff, respectively. At each of these sites they also conducted surveys and recorded the composition of living corals. "We dug up over a ton of coral rubble and tens of thousands of shells," said Cramer, who led the fieldwork at STRI and likened the laborious experience to doing underwater construction. Systematically sifting through the coral and shell fossils, the scientists noted several indicators of environmental stress, including a decrease in the overall size of bivalves such as oysters, clams, and scallops, a transition from branching to non-branching species of coral, and large declines in the staghorn coral and the tree oyster, which were once the dominant coral and bivalve on these reefs. These indicators were observed in layers of the excavated pits at coastal lagoon sites that were dated before 1960 and as far back as the 1800s, corresponding to a period of extensive deforestation in the Bocas del Toro region. Similar evidence of environmental stress at offshore sites was dated after 1960, indicating that the negative impacts of land clearing have more recently begun to affect reefs further offshore. With the decline of the branching coral species, the reefs now have fewer nooks and crannies that are used as habitat for reef fish and other organisms. Also, the non-branching species that have taken their place grow at a much slower rate. "Consequently, there is less of a chance that the reefs will be able to keep up with sea level rise from climate change," said Cramer. "Because the governments of the world have yet to undertake any meaningful efforts to mitigate climate change, it is of the utmost importance that locally caused stressors to reefs such as overfishing and deforestation are minimized," said Cramer. "Advocating for more intelligent use of land as well as implementing sustainable fisheries management, those are things that can be done right now." Source: University of California - San Diego View the full article

Click through to see the images. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 29, 2012 – The Hartz Mountain Corporation, located in Secaucus, N.J. is voluntarily recalling product from four specific lots of Wardley® Advanced Nutritionâ„¢ Perfect Proteinâ„¢ Tropical Flake Fish Food 1 oz. size due to concerns that one or more containers within the specified lots may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products. Especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe or chronic illnesses. The product was shipped nationally from December 20, 2011 through March 15, 2012. In total, 7,056 1-oz. containers of Wardley® Advanced Nutritionâ„¢ Perfect Proteinâ„¢ Tropical Flake Fish Food, UPC number 0-43324-00591-7, isolated to the lot codes PP34911, PP34912, PP35011 and PP35012, which were manufactured by Hartz at its Pleasant Plain, Ohio facility from two production runs, were shipped. A random sample testing conducted by Hartz as part of its quality control procedures detected the presence of Salmonella in each of the lots specified. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem. Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Fish owners having purchased this product should check the lot code on their containers, and, if the code is not visible, or if the container has the following lot codes PP34911, PP34912, PP35011 or PP35012 imprinted on it, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard in the trash. Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 (24 hours/day 7 days/week) with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product. View the full article

You are what you eat is truism that has been given new impetus by "cutting edge" research that reveals your teeth are literally shaped by your food. View the full article

Researchers have assembled the draft genome of a marine algae sequence to aid scientists across the US in a project that aims to discover the best algae species for producing biodiesel fuel. View the full article

Click through to see the images. The six-minute video is part of the larger Plankton Chronicles project in which scientists and film makers share the wonders of the microscopic world with the public. The project encompasses a host of different videos covering plankton, protists, embryos and larvae, sea urchins, and more. According to the TED-ED page: New videography techniques have opened up the oceans' microscopic ecosystem, revealing it to be both mesmerizingly beautiful and astoundingly complex. Working with TED-Ed, marine biologist Tierney Thys shares footage from the pioneering Plankton Chronicles project to create a film designed to ignite wonder and curiosity about this hidden world that underpins our own food chain. And yes, this is the first-ever TEDTalk given by a fish... Enjoy the video! View the full article

Click through to see the images. As part of an experimental coral nursery set up by EcoDeco, biologists measured the growth of twenty scleractinian coral species under six different light treatments to optimise aquaculture. Corals (n=10) were cultured under LED (Light Emitting Diode) and LEP (Light Emitting Plasma) at irradiances of 40-60, 125-150 and 275-325 μmol m-2 s-1 over a 69-day interval. Growth was determined by measuring colony weight increase over time. A new paper in Aquaculture contains part of the project data, more specifically the growth results of Galaxea fascicularis, a model species in coral research. G. fascicularis grew well under all conditions, with significantly higher growth under LEP at the two highest irradiance levels applied. Corals cultured under LED, with an emission skewed towards the blue part of the light spectrum, exhibited slightly lower growth rates. This finding may be the result of suboptimal water flow rates experienced by the corals, which was below 10 cm s-1 during the experiment. High intensity blue light may induce oxygen and heat accumulation in coral tissue under low water flow regimes, resulting in less efficient photosynthesis and possibly cellular damage. This, in turn, may impede coral growth. Under strong water flow (above 10-20 cm s-1), blue LED's may perform equally well as, or even outcompete, balanced light spectra including LEP. Either way, both LED and LEP lighting have shown to be very suitable for coral aquaculture. At present, both technologies have similar energy efficiencies and are still in development. Time will tell what technology will dominate the future of coral aquaculture. Tim Wijgerde, M.Sc. is a Ph.D. candidate at Aquaculture and Fisheries, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University. His research focuses on the heterotrophy of scleractinian corals. He is also the founder and editor of CoralScience.org, a website for accessible coral reef research articles and a partner with AdvancedAquarist.com. View the full article

Click through to see the images. What is plastination? Essentially it's an anatomy process that preserves body parts by replacing water and fat with a special blend of polymers. Once these polymers are properly cured the resulting body will not decay and retains most of the properties of the original. Plastinated octopus. This process was developed by Gunther von Hagens back in 1977 and has been continually refined through the years. It was originally debuted to the public in his Body Worlds exhibit that featured human specimens subjected to the plastination process. As can be imagined, this exhibit was highly controversial and resulted in public outcry on moral and ethical grounds. Ten years later Gunther is bringing another plastinated exhibit to the public: Animal Inside Out. Animal Inside Out will highlight over 80 animals ranging from giraffes, ostriches, octopus (above-right), rabbits, snails, sharks and even an elephant. In the top photo, a meter-long blue shark was flayed and plastinated for the exhibit. As can be seen, this shark's veins have all been plastinated with a red polymer giving a unique look inside this apex predator. The process took over four months to complete. Dr. Angelina Whalley, Dr. Gunther von Hagens' wife, was asked about the blue shark exhibit yesterday in The Telegraph: "The shark is one of my favourites as it looks so striking. It is very special as the arteries in fish are so thin it is difficult to apply this technology, so this is the first time the preservation of blood vessels have been done in a fish like this. "Most people have a picture of a shark as a dangerous beast, but when you look at this specimen you see it has a heart and blood vessels just like me. "It is fascinating how people change their view of the animals when they look at the specimens we have prepared." These animals will all be on display at the Natural History Museum of London, England from April 6 - September 16, 2012. If you are in London, definitely check out this exhibit! View the full article

Click through to see the images. The new RLSS CM6 features many design elements found in other high end reactors ... and some unique to the CM6: Thick cast acrylic construction through-out 6" diameter reaction chamber DC2500 circulation DC pump. Not only are DC pumps speed-controllable and energy efficient, but they also run much cooler than conventional pumps which should result in less calcification around the impeller (in theory at least). Up-flow design with a diffuser plate & plenum at the bottom of the chamber CO2 collector/recycler/mixing chamber at the top of the chamber Built-in pH probe slot (at top) with water-tight silicone compression fitting A secondary pass-through chamber: Users can fill this ~500ml chamber with dolomite/aragonite (to raise pH of the effluent), GAC, GFO, or any slow-flow media. Up to three pass-through chambers can be installed. Integrated bubble counter Union connections on serviceable parts John Guest fittings Rated for an estimated 400 gallon reef tank (exact rating TBD) $549.99 View the full article

A recent research cruise has reported on the amount, spread, and impacts of radiation released into the ocean from the tsunami-crippled reactors in Fukushima, Japan. They studied ocean currents, and sampled water and marine organisms up to the edge of the exclusion zone around the reactors. View the full article

A recent research cruise has reported on the amount, spread, and impacts of radiation released into the ocean from the tsunami-crippled reactors in Fukushima, Japan. They studied ocean currents, and sampled water and marine organisms up to the edge of the exclusion zone around the reactors. View the full article

The grey seals in the Baltic Sea compete for fish with the fishing industry. The seals locally eat about the same quantities of cod, common whitefish, salmon, sea trout and eel as those taken by fishermen, according to new research. View the full article

The grey seals in the Baltic Sea compete for fish with the fishing industry. The seals locally eat about the same quantities of cod, common whitefish, salmon, sea trout and eel as those taken by fishermen, according to new research. View the full article

Click through to see the images. Archipelago Cinema If you like movies, coral reefs, and art, you're going to love this. German architect Ole Scheeren designed and installed a truly awe-inspiring functional art: a movie theater floating in the turquoise lagoon of Nai Pi Lae Lagoon on Kudu Island, Thailand. The architect's website describes the visionary project: The thought of watching films here seemed surprising: A screen, nestled somewhere between the rocks. And the audience… floating. Hovering above the sea, somewhere in the middle of this incredible space of the lagoon, focused on the moving images across the water. A landscape of pieces playfully joined together. A sense of temporality, randomness. Almost like drift wood. Or maybe something more architectural. Modular pieces, loosely assembled, like a group of little islands. A congregation of rafts as an auditorium. Archipelago Cinema. Using recycled wood, Ole Scheeren borrowed the raft-building techniques of local lobster fishermen to construct Archipelago Cinema: Wooden frames were bound to foam blocks using rubber straps and mosquito nets to create floating rafts. The modular rafts allow for assembly, disassembling, reassembling, and reconfiguration for future reuse. The project was designed for Film on the Rocks Yao Noi Foundation. Alas, only a few lucky moviegoers had the opportunity to watch a film on the floating cinema; Archipelago Cinema was dismantled (as the architect had envisioned) shortly after its debut and donated to the Yao Noi village. We eagerly await its rebirth! All images by Piyatat Hemmatat, Sixtysix Visual, Doug Bruce, and Film on the Rocks Yao Noi Foundation. View the full article

Click through to see the images. This question was probed in detail in the paper "Why are there so few fish in the sea?" published by Greta Carrete Vega and John J. Wiens in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. In their paper they analyzed the ray-finned marine fishes. This class of fish contains 96% of all fish species in both freshwater and saltwater and is also the most species-rich class of marine fishes. What was interesting from their analysis of the species distribution between freshwater and saltwater was that they were both essentially identical (15,150 species versus 14,740 species). Why was this given the huge difference in size between saltwater and freshwater environments? Using trait reconstruction to analyze fish in this class, they found that marine fish were derived from a freshwater ancestor. What this implied was that there may have been a mass marine fish extinction that wiped out the majority of marine species and that the current marine fish evolved from freshwater species that re-acclimated to marine environments. (via EarthSky) View the full article

Fishing for herring, anchovy, and other "forage fish" in general should be cut in half globally to account for their critical role as food for larger species, recommends an expert group of marine scientists. View the full article

Fishing for herring, anchovy, and other "forage fish" in general should be cut in half globally to account for their critical role as food for larger species, recommends an expert group of marine scientists. View the full article

Corals may be better placed to cope with the gradual acidification of the world's oceans than previously thought -- giving rise to hopes that coral reefs might escape climatic devastation. View the full article

Click through to see the images. Most reefkeepers know about Chingchai's jaw-dropping 1000 gallon DSPS Thai reef tank. And we're sure Ching would confirm Thailand's wild reefs are equally amazing. The first video by Steve De Neef was shot at Richelieu Rock, Thailand. The number and colors of fish is a revelation. His second video of pharaoh cuttlefish will delight cephlapod fans (hello to our friends at Tonmo.com!) As Steve describes it: "The scenery was surreal, the middle male kept fending off another one while the female was laying eggs in the corals. All of this happening in a colorful surrounding and tons of glassfish as a backdrop." The Destination Reefs video series showcases the diversity of coral reefs around the world. Through these high quality videos, Advanced Aquarist hopes we can all gain a greater appreciation of reef life beyond our glass boxes. View the full article

Scientists working in the central Pacific have discovered that coral which has survived heat stress in the past is more likely to survive it in the future. The study paves the way towards an important road map on the impacts of ocean warming, and will help scientists identify the habitats and locations where coral reefs are more likely to adapt to climate change. View the full article