DOCSLIB.ORG

Towards an Unravelling of the Taxonomy of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa; Semaeostomeae;

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Towards an Unravelling of the Taxonomy of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa; Semaeostomeae; Towards an unravelling of the taxonomy of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa; Semaeostomeae; Pelagiidae) from around South Africa VERENA RAS Department of Biodiversity & Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa A THESIS SUBMITTED IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE Supervisor: Professor Mark J. Gibbons Co-supervisor: Dr. Adriaan Engelbrecht November 2016 i I declare that “Towards an unravelling of the taxonomy of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa; Semaeostomeae; Pelagiidae) from around South Africa” is my own work, that it has not been submitted for any degree or examination at any other university, and that all the sources I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by complete references. Signature: Date: 06/02/2017 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ .................... 1 Section A: Towards an unravelling of the taxonomy of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa; Semaeostomeae; Pelagiidae) from around South Africa .......................................... 2 Abstract ................................................................ ...................................................................... 2 Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................................................................................. 3 Chapter 2: Materials and Methods ........................................................................................... 14 2.1 Morphology .................................................................................................... 14 2.2 Cnidome ......................................................................................................... 18 2.3. DNA Analyses ............................................................................................... 20 Chapter 3: Results .................................................................................................................... 24 3.1 Quantitative Results........................................................................................ 24 3.2 Comparitive Statistics ..................................................................................... 26 3.3 Genetic Analyses ............................................................................................ 31 3.4 Summary......................................................................................................... 34 Chapter 4: Formal descriptions ................................................................................................ 35 4.1 Chrysaora agulhensis sp. nov. ....................................................................... 35 4.2 Descriptions of Additional Taxonomically Important Features for C. fulgida and C. africana .................................................................................................... 41 Chapter 5: Remarks.................................................................................................................. 44 References ................................................................................................................................ 53 Tables ....................................................................................................................................... 70 Figure Headings ....................................................................................................................... 85 Figures...................................................................................................................................... 90 Appendices ............................................................................................................................. 113 Section B: The identification of a South African Rhizostoma (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae) 126 Abstract .................................................................................................................................. 126 Chapter 1: Introduction .......................................................................................................... 127 Chapter 2: Materials and Methods ......................................................................................... 131 2.1 Specimen Collection .................................................................. 131 2.2 Morphological Data Analyses ................................................... 132 2.3 DNA Analyses ........................................................................... 134 iii Chapter 3: Descriptions.......................................................................................................... 137 3.1 Rhizostoma sp. 1 ........................................................................ 137 3.2 Rhizostoma sp. 2 ........................................................................ 141 Chapter 4: Remarks................................................................................................ ................ 144 References ................................................................ .............................................................. 149 Tables ..................................................................................................................................... 156 Figure Headings ..................................................................................................................... 165 Figures.................................................................................................................................... 168 Appendices ............................................................................................................................. 178 iv Acknowledgements Sincere and special thanks are given to my parents, Verena and Jerome Ras, who have provided the encouragement, support and help throughout all difficulties and emotional trials experienced throughout this degree. To my siblings for accepting my incredibly erratic working hours which prevented them from functioning optimally. To Professor Alan Channing and Dr. Adriaan Engelbrecht for their supervision and advice concerning all molecular laboratory work and analysis. To Dr. Martin Hendricks for his supervision on all histological work and technical support throughout the years. The Biodiversity and Conservation Biology department for this amazing research opportunity and to the National Research Foundation for their continued financial support which enabled me to complete this degree. To all the friends within the BCB department who made going to the office and all fieldwork an unforgettable experience, particularly Aseeqah Davids and Robyn-lee Wales who over-extended themselves to help me gather data and specimens or simply keep my sanity. Special thanks are given to Thasrik Esack whose love and support (and tenacious editing of multiple drafts) enabled me to complete the last and final hurdle in this journey to submission. Lastly, but perhaps most especially, to Professor Mark J. Gibbons for his continuous supervision, advice, support and guidance, without whom this project would not have been a success. 2 Towards an unravelling of the taxonomy of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa; Semaeostomeae; Pelagiidae) from around South Africa Abstract Historically, two species of Chrysaora are known from the Benguela Current Ecosystem: C. fulgida (Reynaud 1830) and C. africana (Vanhöffen 1902). However a third morphotype is now seen, which bears a resemblance to both. Thus a complete qualitative and quantitative analysis of the morphometric and meristic data of these three species was conducted, along with an in depth study into the cnidome as a potential tool of identification. These findings are supplemented by a genetic analysis using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and internal transcribed spacer 1 gene markers. Three species were unambiguously identified. The genetics and morphology showed considerable divergence, with some of the features used to separate them including: tentacle number and shape, colouration and shape of the oral arm, shape of the gastrovascular pouches and the number and shape of the marginal lappets. Although the mtDNA indicated clear separation of the three Chrysaora, the nucDNA displayed some ambiguity. The cnidome showed considerable divergence and succeeded in separating these species, while the rhopalia of the three species also showed distinct differences in the lengths of the rhopalal canals and basal stems. Much of the confusion surrounding jellyfish taxonomy has been the result of observations made on predominantly preserved specimens that are in subpar quality, a hinderence which this study endeavored to overcome. Keywords: Agulhas, Benguela, COI, ITS1, Nematocysts, Scyphomedusae, Systematics 3 1. Introduction Cnidarian history: Medusozoa vs. Anthozoa Cnidaria is a diverse phylum comprised of approximately 11 000 relatively “simple” species that are characterized by their ability to synthesize a highly complex cellular organelle known as the cnida (Daly et al. 2007). The cnida is a diagnostic characteristic for the Cnidaria (Daly et al. 2007), and is often regarded as an encapsulated stinging cell possessing an eversible tubule (Weill 1934). In addition to the cnida, radial symmetry and the presence of a polyp (benthic attached phase) and planula (short-lived larval phase) stage within their development have also been considered diagnostic for this phylum. However, the latter mentioned features can prove problematic as many Cnidaria
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Research Funding (Total $2,552,481) $15,000 2019
    CURRICULUM VITAE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM CONSERVATION INSTITUTE 175 BAYLOR SCHOOL RD CHATTANOOGA, TN 37405 RESEARCH FUNDING (TOTAL $2,552,481) $15,000 2019. Global Wildlife Conservation. Rediscovering the critically endangered Syr-Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon. $10,000 2019. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Propagation of the Common Logperch as a host for endangered mussel larvae. $8,420 2019. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Monitoring for the Laurel Dace. $4,417 2019. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Examining interactions between Laurel Dace (Chrosomus saylori) and sunfish $12,670 2019. Trout Unlimited. Southern Appalachian Brook Trout propagation for reintroduction to Shell Creek. $106,851 2019. Private Donation. Microplastic accumulation in fishes of the southeast. $1,471. 2019. AZFA-Clark Waldram Conservation Grant. Mayfly propagation for captive propagation programs. $20,000. 2019. Tennessee Valley Authority. Assessment of genetic diversity within Blotchside Logperch. $25,000. 2019. Riverview Foundation. Launching Hidden Rivers in the Southeast. $11,170. 2018. Trout Unlimited. Propagation of Southern Appalachian Brook Trout for Supplemental Reintroduction. $1,471. 2018. AZFA Clark Waldram Conservation Grant. Climate Change Impacts on Headwater Stream Vertebrates in Southeastern United States $1,000. 2018. Hamilton County Health Department. Step 1 Teaching Garden Grants for Sequoyah School Garden. $41,000. 2018. Riverview Foundation. River Teachers: Workshops for Educators. $1,000. 2018. Tennessee Valley Authority. Youth Freshwater Summit $20,000. 2017. Tennessee Valley Authority. Lake Sturgeon Propagation. $7,500 2017. Trout Unlimited. Brook Trout Propagation. $24,783. 2017. Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. Assessment of Percina macrocephala and Etheostoma cinereum populations within the Duck River Basin. $35,000. 2017. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Status surveys for conservation status of Ashy (Etheostoma cinereum) and Redlips (Etheostoma maydeni) Darters.
    [Show full text]
  • Treatment of Lion´S Mane Jellyfish Stings- Hot Water Immersion Versus Topical Corticosteroids
    THE SAHLGRENSKA ACADEMY Treatment of Lion´s Mane jellyfish stings- hot water immersion versus topical corticosteroids Degree Project in Medicine Anna Nordesjö Programme in Medicine Gothenburg, Sweden 2016 Supervisor: Kai Knudsen Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine 1 CONTENTS Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 4 Jellyfish ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Anatomy .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Nematocysts .................................................................................................................................... 4 Jellyfish in Scandinavian waters ......................................................................................................... 5 Lion’s Mane jellyfish, Cyanea capillata .......................................................................................... 5 Moon jelly, Aurelia aurita ..............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Anatomia Associada Ao Comportamento Reprodutivo De
    Jimena García Rodríguez Anatomia associada ao comportamento reprodutivo de Cubozoa Anatomy associated with the reproductive behavior of Cubozoa São Paulo 2015 Jimena García Rodríguez Anatomia associada ao comportamento reprodutivo de Cubozoa Anatomy associated with the reproductive behavior of Cubozoa Dissertação apresentada ao Instituto de Biociências da Universidade de São Paulo para obtenção de Título de Mestre em Ciências, na Área de Zoologia Orientador: Prof. Dr. Antonio Carlos Marques São Paulo 2015 García Rodríguez, Jimena Anatomia associada ao comportamento reprodutivo de Cubozoa 96 páginas Dissertação (Mestrado) - Instituto de Biociências da Universidade de São Paulo. Departamento de Zoologia. 1. Cubozoa; 2. Histologia; 3. Reprodução. I. Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Zoologia. Comissão Julgadora Prof(a) Dr(a) Prof(a) Dr(a) Prof. Dr. Antonio Carlos Marques A mis padres, hermana y en especial a mi abuelita “Caminante, son tus huellas el camino y nada más; Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar. Al andar se hace el camino, y al volver la vista atrás se ve la senda que nunca se ha de volver a pisar. Caminante no hay camino sino estelas en la mar” Antonio Machado, 1912 Agradecimentos Em primeiro lugar, eu gostaria de agradecer ao meu orientador Antonio Carlos Marques, Tim, pela confiança desde o primeiro dia, pela ajuda tanto pessoal como profissional durante os dois anos de mestrado, pelas discussões de cada tema tratado e estudado e pelas orientações que tornaram possível a elaboração deste trabalho. Agradeço também o apoio institucional do Instituto de Biociências e do Centro de Biologia Marinha da Universidade de São Paulo.
    [Show full text]
  • Title the SYSTEMATIC POSITION of the STAUROMEDUSAE Author(S
    THE SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE Title STAUROMEDUSAE Author(s) Uchida, Tohru PUBLICATIONS OF THE SETO MARINE BIOLOGICAL Citation LABORATORY (1973), 20: 133-139 Issue Date 1973-12-19 URL http://hdl.handle.net/2433/175784 Right Type Departmental Bulletin Paper Textversion publisher Kyoto University THE SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE STAUROMEDUSAE ToHRU UCHIDA Biological Laboratory, Imperial Household, Tokyo With 2 Text-figures The Stauromedusae have hitherto been referred together with the Cubomedusae to the subclass Scyphostomidae in the Scyphomedusae. Recently, however, the life cycle of the cubomedusa, Tripedalia cystophora became clear by WERNER, CuTRESS and STUDEBACKER (1971) and it was established that the Cubomedusae only stand in a quite separate position from other orders of Scyphomedusae. On the other hand, WERNER who published several papers on the Scyphozoan polyp, Stephanoscyphus (1966-1971) laid stress on the fact that Stephanoscyphus can be linked directly with the extinct fossil group of the Conulata and concluded that the Coronatae represent the most basic group of all living Scyphomedusae with the exception of Cubomedusae. Such being the case, the systematic position of the Stauromedusae remains proble­ matical. The present writer is of the opinion that the Stauromedusae are to be entitled to the Ephyridae and are closely related to the Discomedusae, though there occurs no strobilation in the order. The body of Stauromedusae is composed of two parts; the upper octomerous medusan part and the lower tetramerous scyphistoma portion. No strobilation and no ephyra. Throughout their life history, they lack pelagic life entirely; an egg develops to the solid blastula, which becomes to the planula.
    [Show full text]
  • Scyphomedusae of the North Atlantic (2)
    FICHES D’IDENTIFICATION DU ZOOPLANCTON Edittes par J. H. F-RASER Marine Laboratory, P.O. Box 101, Victoria Road Aberdeen AB9 8DB, Scotland FICHE NO. 158 SCYPHOMEDUSAE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC (2) Families : Pelagiidae Cyaneidae Ulmaridae Rhizostomatidae by F. S. Russell Marine Biological Association The Laboratory, Citadel Hill Plymouth, Devon PL1 2 PB, England (This publication may be referred to in the following form: Russell, F. S. 1978. Scyphomedusae of the North Atlantic (2) Fich. Ident. Zooplancton 158: 4 pp.) https://doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.5144 Conseil International pour 1’Exploration de la Mer Charlottenlund Slot, DK-2920 Charlottenlund Danemark MA1 1978 2 1 2 3' 4 6 5 Figures 1-6: 1. Pelagia noctiluca; 2. Chtysaora hysoscella; 3. Cyanea capillata; 3'. circular muscle; 4. Cyanea lamarckii - circular muscle; 5. Aurelia aurita; 6. Rhizostoma octopus. 3 Order S E M AE 0 ST0 M E AE Gastrovascular sinus divided by radial septa into separate rhopalar and tentacular pouches; without ring-canal. Family Pelagiidae Rhopalar and tentacular pouches simple and unbranched. Genus Pelagia PCron & Lesueur Pelagiidae with eight marginal tentacles alternating with eight marginal sense organs. 1. Pelugiu nocfilucu (ForskB1). Exumbrella with medium-sized warts of various shapes; marginal tentacles with longitudinal muscle furrows embedded in mesogloea; up to 100 mm in diameter. Genus Chrysaora Ptron & Lesueur Pelagiidae with groups of three or more marginal tentacles alternating with eight marginal sense organs. 2. Chrysuoru hysoscellu (L.). Exumbrella typically with 16 V-shaped radial brown markings with varying degrees of pigmentation between them; with dark brown apical circle or spot; with brown marginal lappets; 24 marginal tentacles in groups of three alternating with eight marginal sense organs.
    [Show full text]
  • Population Structures and Levels of Connectivity for Scyphozoan and Cubozoan Jellyfish
    diversity Review Population Structures and Levels of Connectivity for Scyphozoan and Cubozoan Jellyfish Michael J. Kingsford * , Jodie A. Schlaefer and Scott J. Morrissey Marine Biology and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; [email protected] (J.A.S.); [email protected] (S.J.M.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Understanding the hierarchy of populations from the scale of metapopulations to mesopop- ulations and member local populations is fundamental to understanding the population dynamics of any species. Jellyfish by definition are planktonic and it would be assumed that connectivity would be high among local populations, and that populations would minimally vary in both ecological and genetic clade-level differences over broad spatial scales (i.e., hundreds to thousands of km). Although data exists on the connectivity of scyphozoan jellyfish, there are few data on cubozoans. Cubozoans are capable swimmers and have more complex and sophisticated visual abilities than scyphozoans. We predict, therefore, that cubozoans have the potential to have finer spatial scale differences in population structure than their relatives, the scyphozoans. Here we review the data available on the population structures of scyphozoans and what is known about cubozoans. The evidence from realized connectivity and estimates of potential connectivity for scyphozoans indicates the following. Some jellyfish taxa have a large metapopulation and very large stocks (>1000 s of km), while others have clade-level differences on the scale of tens of km. Data on distributions, genetics of medusa and Citation: Kingsford, M.J.; Schlaefer, polyps, statolith shape, elemental chemistry of statoliths and biophysical modelling of connectivity J.A.; Morrissey, S.J.
    [Show full text]
  • Cnidaria: Cubozoa and Scyphozoa) from the Coast of Rio Grande Do Norte State, Northeast of Brazil
    Check List 5(1): 133–138, 2009. ISSN: 1809-127X LISTS OF SPECIES Neritic Jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Cubozoa and Scyphozoa) from the coast of Rio Grande do Norte state, northeast of Brazil Marcelo de Oliveira Soares 1, 4 André Carrara Morandini 2 Helena Matthews-Cascon 3 1 Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Paleontologia e Estratigrafia. CEP 91509-900. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento Sócio-Ambiental de Macaé. Caixa Postal 119331. CEP 27910-970. Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 3 Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Biologia. CEP 60451-970. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. 4. Universidade Federal do Piauí, Centro de Ciências da Natureza, Departamento de Ciências Naturais e Arqueologia. CEP 64049-550. Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Abstract For the entire Brazilian coast, there are 22 published records of scyphozoans. On the other hand, only 35 species of cubozoans were described worldwide, four of them reported for the Brazilian coast. However, little is known about the species of cubozoans and scyphozoans in the Northeastern states of Brazil. The aim of this study was to perform a survey of the jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa and Scyphozoa) on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeast of Brazil. Specimens were collected using trawl net on beaches in the counties of Natal (in 2003) and Tibaú (in 2004). For the Rio Grande do Norte coast there were few records of large jellyfish, and new records of the following cubozoan and scyphozoan species were verified: Chiropsalmus quadrumanus; Chrysaora lactea; Lychnorhiza lucerna and Stomolophus meleagris.
    [Show full text]
  • Pulse Perturbations from Bacterial Decomposition of Chrysaora Quinquecirrha (Scyphozoa: Pelagiidae)
    Hydrobiologia DOI 10.1007/s10750-012-1042-z JELLYFISH BLOOMS Pulse perturbations from bacterial decomposition of Chrysaora quinquecirrha (Scyphozoa: Pelagiidae) Jessica R. Frost • Charles A. Jacoby • Thomas K. Frazer • Andrew R. Zimmerman Ó Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012 Abstract Bacteria decomposed damaged and mor- become dominant, and cocci reproduced at a rate that ibund Chrysaora quinquecirrha Desor, 1848 releasing was 30% slower. These results, and those from a pulse of carbon and nutrients. Tissue decomposed in previous studies, suggested that natural assemblages 5–8 days, with 14 g of wet biomass exhibiting a half- may include bacteria that decompose medusae, as well life of 3 days at 22°C, which is 39 longer than as bacteria that benefit from the subsequent release of previous reports. Decomposition raised mean concen- carbon and nutrients. This experiment also indicated trations of organic carbon and nutrients above controls that proteins and other nitrogenous compounds are less by 1–2 orders of magnitude. An increase in nitrogen labile in damaged medusae than in dead or homoge- (16,117 lgl-1) occurred 24 h after increases in nized individuals. Overall, dense patches of decom- phosphorus (1,365 lgl-1) and organic carbon posing medusae represent an important, but poorly (25 mg l-1). Cocci dominated control incubations, documented, component of the trophic shunt that with no significant increase in numbers. In incubations diverts carbon and nutrients incorporated by gelati- of tissue, bacilli increased exponentially after 6 h to nous zooplankton into microbial trophic webs. Keywords Jellyfish Á Scyphomedusae Á Bacterial Guest editors: J. E.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecosystems Mario V
    Ecosystems Mario V. Balzan, Abed El Rahman Hassoun, Najet Aroua, Virginie Baldy, Magda Bou Dagher, Cristina Branquinho, Jean-Claude Dutay, Monia El Bour, Frédéric Médail, Meryem Mojtahid, et al. To cite this version: Mario V. Balzan, Abed El Rahman Hassoun, Najet Aroua, Virginie Baldy, Magda Bou Dagher, et al.. Ecosystems. Cramer W, Guiot J, Marini K. Climate and Environmental Change in the Mediterranean Basin -Current Situation and Risks for the Future, Union for the Mediterranean, Plan Bleu, UNEP/MAP, Marseille, France, pp.323-468, 2021, ISBN: 978-2-9577416-0-1. hal-03210122 HAL Id: hal-03210122 https://hal-amu.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03210122 Submitted on 28 Apr 2021 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Climate and Environmental Change in the Mediterranean Basin – Current Situation and Risks for the Future First Mediterranean Assessment Report (MAR1) Chapter 4 Ecosystems Coordinating Lead Authors: Mario V. Balzan (Malta), Abed El Rahman Hassoun (Lebanon) Lead Authors: Najet Aroua (Algeria), Virginie Baldy (France), Magda Bou Dagher (Lebanon), Cristina Branquinho (Portugal), Jean-Claude Dutay (France), Monia El Bour (Tunisia), Frédéric Médail (France), Meryem Mojtahid (Morocco/France), Alejandra Morán-Ordóñez (Spain), Pier Paolo Roggero (Italy), Sergio Rossi Heras (Italy), Bertrand Schatz (France), Ioannis N.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards the Acoustic Estimation of Jellyfish Abundance
    MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Vol. 295: 105–111, 2005 Published June 23 Mar Ecol Prog Ser Towards the acoustic estimation of jellyfish abundance Andrew S. Brierley1,*, David C. Boyer2, 6, Bjørn E. Axelsen3, Christopher P. Lynam1, Conrad A. J. Sparks4, Helen J. Boyer2, Mark J. Gibbons5 1Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St. Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK 2National Marine Information and Research Centre, PO Box 912, Swakopmund, Namibia 3Institute of Marine Research, PO Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway 4Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Technikon, PO Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa 5Zoology Department, University of Western Cape, Private Bag X 17, Bellville 7535, South Africa 6Present address: Fisheries & Environmental Research Support, Orchard Farm, Cockhill, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7NY, UK ABSTRACT: Acoustic target strengths (TSs) of the 2 most common large medusae, Chrysaora hysoscella and Aequorea aequorea, in the northern Benguela (off Namibia) have previously been estimated (at 18, 38 and 120 kHz) from acoustic data collected in conjunction with trawl samples, using the ‘comparison method’. These TS values may have been biased because the method took no account of acoustic backscatter from mesozooplankton. Here we report our efforts to improve upon these estimates, and to determine TS additionally at 200 kHz, by conducting additional sampling for mesozooplankton and fish larvae, and accounting for their likely contribution to the total backscatter. Published sound scattering models were used to predict the acoustic backscatter due to the observed numerical densities of mesozooplankton and fish larvae (solving the forward problem). Mean volume backscattering due to jellyfish alone was then inferred by subtracting the model-predicted values from the observed water-column total associated with jellyfish net samples.
    [Show full text]
  • Pelagia Benovici Sp. Nov. (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa): a New Jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea
    Zootaxa 3794 (3): 455–468 ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ Article ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2014 Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3794.3.7 http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3DBA821B-D43C-43E3-9E5D-8060AC2150C7 Pelagia benovici sp. nov. (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa): a new jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea STEFANO PIRAINO1,2,5, GIORGIO AGLIERI1,2,5, LUIS MARTELL1, CARLOTTA MAZZOLDI3, VALENTINA MELLI3, GIACOMO MILISENDA1,2, SIMONETTA SCORRANO1,2 & FERDINANDO BOERO1, 2, 4 1Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy 2CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma 3Dipartimento di Biologia e Stazione Idrobiologica Umberto D’Ancona, Chioggia, Università di Padova. 4 CNR – Istituto di Scienze Marine, Genova 5Corresponding authors: [email protected], [email protected] Abstract A bloom of an unknown semaestome jellyfish species was recorded in the North Adriatic Sea from September 2013 to early 2014. Morphological analysis of several specimens showed distinct differences from other known semaestome spe- cies in the Mediterranean Sea and unquestionably identified them as belonging to a new pelagiid species within genus Pelagia. The new species is morphologically distinct from P. noctiluca, currently the only recognized valid species in the genus, and from other doubtful Pelagia species recorded from other areas of the world. Molecular analyses of mitochon- drial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear 28S ribosomal DNA genes corroborate its specific distinction from P. noctiluca and other pelagiid taxa, supporting the monophyly of Pelagiidae. Thus, we describe Pelagia benovici sp.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lesser-Known Medusa Drymonema Dalmatinum Haeckel 1880 (Scyphozoa, Discomedusae) in the Adriatic Sea
    ANNALES · Ser. hist. nat. · 24 · 2014 · 2 Original scientifi c article UDK 593.73:591.9(262.3) Received: 2014-10-20 THE LESSER-KNOWN MEDUSA DRYMONEMA DALMATINUM HAECKEL 1880 (SCYPHOZOA, DISCOMEDUSAE) IN THE ADRIATIC SEA Alenka MALEJ & Martin VODOPIVEC Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, SI-6330 Piran, Fornače 41, Slovenia E-mail: [email protected] Davor LUČIĆ & Ivona ONOFRI Institute for Marine and Coastal Research, University of Dubrovnik, POB 83, HR-20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia Branka PESTORIĆ Institute for Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, POB 69, ME-85330 Kotor, Montenegro ABSTRACT Authors report historical and recent records of the little-known medusa Drymonema dalmatinum in the Adriatic Sea. This large scyphomedusa, which may develop a bell diameter of more than 1 m, was fi rst described in 1880 by Haeckel based on four specimens collected near the Dalmatian island Hvar. The paucity of this species records since its description confi rms its rarity, however, in the last 15 years sightings of D. dalmatinum have been more frequent. Key words: scyphomedusa, Drymonema dalmatinum, historical occurrence, recent observations, Mediterranean Sea LA POCO NOTA MEDUSA DRYMONEMA DALMATINUM HAECKEL 1880 (SCYPHOZOA, DISCOMEDUSAE) NEL MARE ADRIATICO SINTESI Gli autori riportano segnalazioni storiche e recenti della poco conosciuta medusa Drymonema dalmatinum nel mare Adriatico. Questa grande scifomedusa, che può sviluppare un cappello di diametro di oltre 1 m, è stata descrit- ta per la prima volta nel 1880 da Haeckel, in base a quattro esemplari catturati vicino all’isola di Lèsina (Hvar) in Dalmazia. La scarsità delle segnalazioni di questa specie dalla sua prima descrizione conferma la sua rarità.
    [Show full text]