Benthic fishfauna on hard substrate of the Northeastern Ligurian Sea

Presented by Maricela and Pierre in preparation of the Marine Lab Excursion in Summer 2000

Content: 1. The benthic environment 2. Bony fish morphology 3. Families and their species 4. Interactive Quiz

1. Benthos - Hard substrate or secondary hard substrate

Hard substrate is generally grouped into primary and secondary hard substrate. In any case, due abiotic conditions, these environments are intensely structured.

 (Primary) Hard substrate: Mostly found along shorelines battered by strong currents and intense wave and tidal action, they remain free from sediments and other influences that would soften its appearance. Offering the bare rocky substrate to a wide selection of sedentary organisms (flora and fauna), persistent competition among species for empty space generates a rich diversity which themselves offer a new habitat for benthic invertebrates and fish.

 Secondary Hard Substrate: This substrate includes particles of organic and inorganic matter that accumulate in a loose unconsolidated form of biogenous (e.g. reef building corals), lithogenous or cosmogenous origin; usually beyond the compensation depth (aphotic or mesopelagic zone). Huge number of micro-organic debris that have slowly accumulated on the ocean floor (e.g. foraminifera silica-made, diatoms of cooler waters w/ silica housing), and others join with detrital products of disintegration of preexisting rocks and of volcanic ejecta, runoff by rivers, or glaciers; redistribution through waves and currents including relocation of desert sand by wind into the sea. Under certain circumstances, such sediments can harden into a compact conglomerate, thus providing a new nesting substrate. Other means of substrate formation are displayed by the tube worms of the phylum annelids. They secrete the leathery or calcareous tubes in which they live and extend only their feathery tentacles to strain food from the water. It is this tube that provides the substrate required for minute sedentary organisms.

Depending upon the inclination of the substrate, abiotic factors such as light and current do influence species composition. A flat lagoon with an intense influx of solar radiation generates a somewhat different climax population regarding species composition, that a sharply falling drop off or even an underwater cave. The lower section of such a steep shoreline usually gives way to a more or less inclined slope, in which larger blocks of rock and pebble can accumulate. In general, at the base of slopes, large areas of flat and sand covered planes finally substitute the rocky substrate to form the sandy or muddy environment required for yet another vast group of bottom dwelling organisms. On hard substrate, a sheer endless diversity found on hard substrate culminates in a microcosmic array of both sedentary and mobile organisms. Initially, algae pioneer a bare rock, followed by more sophisticated secondary species, like sponges, bryozoa, anemones, etc.) To enable growth and reproduction, sedentary organisms evolved special techniques to guarantee their survival; the most common way to do so is achieved by stretching out their tentacles into the passing water currents; the size and strength of these tentacles already provide some clues about the source and type of captured organisms the animal feeds on. Caryophyllidae are the few hard coral building cinidaria present in the Mediterranean Sea. They feed on microscopic organisms in which the individual polyps of the colony represent the capturing entities. Hard substrate provides the perfect settling ground for other invertebrates, like the stalkless free moving crinoidea Antedon mediterranea (echinodermata), or territorial vertebrates like the Gobeiidae and Blenniidae.

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf 2. Bony Fish Characteristics of bony fish (Osteichtyes)  Well-developed bony scales usually present.  Primitive species retain electroreceptive organs, but these are lost in most contemporary species.  The deeper skeleton always contains some bone; in most species it is nearly completely ossified.  Lungs or a swim bladder are present, except in a few bottom-dwelling species in which they have been secondarily lost. The body is more buoyant than in cartilaginous fishes, and the tail has become homocercal in most living species.  The gill pouches open into a common chamber covered by an operculum.  The intestinal spiral valve is absent in all but the most primitive species. Surface area is increased by longer, coiled intestine and by pyloric ceca.  The sperm duct usually bypass the kidneys and lead directly to the cloaca; eggs are discharged directly into the oviducts.  Most species are oviparous and fertilization is external. The copulatory organ of the few viviparous species with internal fertilization is a modified part of the anal fin. Fish morphology

1 Operculum Kiemendeckel 2 Lateral line Seitenlinie 3 Pelvic fin Bauchflosse 4 Pectoral fin (P) Brustflosse 5 Dorsal fin 1 (DI) Rückenflossen 6 Dorsal fin 2 (DII) 7 Anal fin (A) Afterflosse 8 Caudal fin Schwanzflosse 9 Anus After

e.g. D: X + 15-16 15-16 soft finrays 10 spinous finrays Dorsalis fin

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scales

Cycloid Ctenoid Scales of modern bony fishes are present in various characteristic displays-

Literature Dorit, R., Walker, W., Barnes, R.; (1991); Zoology; Saunders College Publishing - USA. Patzner, R; Moosleitner, H; (1999); Meerwasseratlas Band 6; Mergus Verlag; Melle - FRG. Patzner, R; Moosleitner, H; (1995); Unterwasserführer Mittelmeer - Fische; Delius Klasing Edition Naglschmid; FRG. Whitehead, et al., (1984); Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean; Vol I, II, III; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; The Chaucer Press, Ltd, Bungay - UK. Ahnelt, Harald; 1990; Chromogobius quadrivittatus, Chromogobius zebratus and Zebrus zebrus (Piesces, Gobiidae): Erstnachweise für Korsika (Frankreich) und sardinien (Italien); Ann, Anturhist. Mus. Wien; 91; B; 27-41 - AUT. Heymer and C.-D. Zander; (1978); Morphology and ecology of Gobius vittatus Vinciguerra, 1833, and ist possible mimicry relationship to Blennius rouxi Cocco, 1833 in the Mediterranan; Sonderdruck aus Z.f. zool. Systematik u. Evolutionsfoschung; Band 16, Heft 2, S. 132-143; AUT Patzner, Robert A.; 1999; Habitat utilization and depth distribution of small crytobentic fishes (Bleniidae, Gobiesocidae, Gobiidae, Tripterygiidae) in Ibiza (western Mediterranean Sea); Environmental Biology of Fishes 55: 207-214; Kluwer Academic Publishers - NL Patzner, R. und Moosleitner, H., (1997); Das Acquarium; SBG - AUT Die Grundeln des Mittelmeeres; Nr. 332. Die Grundeln des Mittelmeeres; Teil 1&2: Große Grundeln des Hartbodens (1&2); Nr. 335 & 336 Exkursionsberichte Meeresbiologischer Kurs Giglio (Italien); Leiter: R. Patzner; (1996); BUFUS Info, Heft 19 - AUT Exkursionsberichte Meeresbiologischer Kurs Giglio (Italien); Leiter: R. Patzner; (1998); BUFUS Info, Heft 23 – AUT

Related sites on the www: A Global Information System on Fishes http://www.fishbase.org/search.cfm

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf 3. Selected benthic fish of the Ligurian Sea

Family Anthiidae (Serranidae) Rather small-sized fishes. Body rather deep. Eye large, opercle with 3 flat spines; preopercle finely serrate. A few cannine teeth at the front of both jaws and a distinctive pair of cannines on sided of lower jaw. Dorsal fin single; pelvic fin elongate; caudal fin lunate. Scales large, mostly ctenoid. Lateral line running close to base of dorsal fin separated by 2-3 scale rows. Color usually red, orange, or yellow.

Scientific name Anthias anthias Common name Swallowtail sea perch / Roter Fahnenbarsch Description Diagnosis: body rather deep, its depth 2.5 times in standard length. DX+15, third spine elongate; AIII+7; pelvic fins much longer than pectoral fins; caudal fin with acute lobes, lower longer than upper (heterocerk). Lateral line complete, ending at vase of caudal fin. Large ctenoid scales, 36-39 in lateral line. Color: red or pink, three yellow lines on sides of head; often brownish blotches on back. Size: up to 27cm; SL usually 12-18cm. Habitat Rocks, gravels, submarine caves on continental shelf and upper slope to about 200m. Rare in shallow waters. Nocturnal. Deep rock and coral; Frequency 1 2 3 444 555 common Behavior No data available Food Crustaceans, small fishes. Reproduction Spring and summer, with local variations. Oviparous with pelagic eggs. Protogynous

Fm108 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Apogonidae More or less elongate and rather small-sized fish. Eye very large, preopercular edge smooth or serrated, preceded by a parallel ridge; at least 1 opercular spine . Mouth large, oblique, lower jaw often prominent; teeth usually villifrom on jaws, vomer and often palatines; sometimes cannines. Two dorsal fins well separated. All members are carnivorous and oviparous.

Scientific name Apogon imberbis (A. rex mullorrum) Common name Cardinal fish / Meerbarbenkönig Description Diagnosis: body ovate, compressed; head large; eye very large, much greater than snout; preopercular edge only slightly serrated, preopercular ridge smooth, mouth large, oblique, lower jaw slightly protruding; teeth very small, in villiform bands in jaws, on vomer and palatines. D1 VI; D2 I+9-10; A II+8-9; pectoral fin long, reaching at least origin of anal fin; caudal fin slightly emarginate. Large ctenoid scales, 22-30 in lateral line.. Color: body and fins red or pink, back and upper surface of head dusky; two or three dark spots, sometimes joined along base of caudal fin. Becomes lighter in color when irritated. Size: up to 15cm; SL usually 10-12cm. Habitat Nocturnal fish that lives on muddy or rocky bottoms, even under rocks (diurnal hiding ground), and in caves, to about 200m, in shallower waters (10-15m) during summer. In small groups or solitary. Coral ground, block ground and cave Frequency 1 2 3 4 555 very common Behavior No data available Food Small invertebrates and fishes. Reproduction In summer (June-September) in Mediterranean; internal fertilization, oral incubation by males.

Fm011 (Image: R.Patzner)

Fm106 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Blenniidae Small fishes, the majority less than 10cm TL. Skin slimly without scales. One long, continuos dorsal fin with spiny and soft rays and 1 long anal fin with 1-2 spines and 15-26 rays. Pelvic jugular, 3-5 rays, forked into two parts. Inhabitat littoral zone on hard bottoms including coral reefs, some brackish or freshwaters, some intertidal or even semi-terrestrial. Generally oviparous, with the male guarding the eggs; highly developed social and spawning behavior. Species with a tendency of being interested in any event happening nearby. Most members do not wander around excessively; rather bound to their chosen site for the rest of their life. Those species that live in crevices or little caves, always enter with their tail first. Reveal a vast display of color variations if exposed to external stress influences. Characteristic undulating swimming pattern

Scientific name Blennius (=Parablennius) gatterugine Common name Tompot blenny / Gestreifter Schleimfisch Description Diagnosis: United Dorsal finrays D XIII+18-19; A II+20; pectoral finrays 14; pelvic finrays I+3. No canines in the upper jaw. Color: basic coloration brownish; 6-7 dark brown vertical bars on body. Spawning males chocolate-brown, with bulb glands on spiny anal finrays; furcated tentacles on head. Size: up to 20cm; sometimes up to 30cm Habitat Crevices and holes in steep rocks from 3 to 32m, usually found at 10-15m; also between vegetation or boulders. Young specimens in upper littoral between algae. Shady and deeper rock; Frequency No data available Behavior Mostly active at sunrise and sunset. Underwater "flight" over long distances. Rivals attacked by mouth fighting. Spawning males having holes. Food Benthic invertebrates, including ehinoids and ophiurids; also algae. Reproduction March - May; several females spawn in resident hole of male which guards the eggs.

Fm158 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Blennius (=Lipophrys) nigriceps Common name Black-headed blenny / Schwarzkopf-Schleimfisch Description Diagnosis: D XII+15; A II+15-16; pectoral finrays 12; pelvic finrays I+3. Eyes relatively large. No tentacles present. Color: head marbled, body red; white spots along back, irregular black spots on sides sometimes forming net-like patterns. Spawning males with black crown, yellow cheeks and club-like glands at ends of soft dorsal finrays. Size: up to 43mm Habitat Occur in caves, crevices, holes, and other dimly biotopes not deeper than 6-10m (eulittoral species, where wave action is quite intense ) Frequency 1 2 333 444 555 intermediately abbundant Behavior Active during daytime. Flight distance wide. Color pattern of head may change very rapidly. Males court by nodding head. Food Predominantly small sessile invertebrates and algae, to a lesser degree harpacticoids. Reproduction Spawning observed in May and June; male guards eggs from several females.

Fm 148, 179 (Images: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Blennius (=Parablennius) rouxi Common name Long-striped blenny / Streifenschleimfisch Description Diagnosis: D XII + 21-22; A II +23; pectoral finrays 14, pelvic finrays I+3. Color: Body white with dark brown stripe running from eye to base of caudal fin. Spawning male with high orange orbital tentacles, enlarged spiny dorsal fin, a green spot at beginning of dorsal fin, bulb glands on spiny anal finrays and club-like glands at end of soft anal and dorsal finrays; Size: up to 8cm. Habitat From shallow littoral zone (around 5m) to beyond influence of water movements at depths down to 42m; on light rocks or pebbles without algae cover (shallow biotopes) and on secondary hard bottoms of corraligenous origin (deep biotopes) - deep rock; Frequency 1 222 333 444 555 rare Behavior Males live in narrow piddock holes; they court by nodding, jumping out of the hole and back again and swimming in a vertical position. Rivals are threatened by yawning, lateral display and circling, and are attacked by ramming and biting Food Periphyton, harpacticoids, and algae Reproduction May - July. Attracted females spawn in resident hole of a male which guards eggs from several females.

Fm 152 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Congridae Very elongate fishes, usually snake-like body, scaleless; eyes well developed. Anterior nostril opening near snout extremity in a more or less flexible tube; posterior nostril near anterior edge of eye. Conical and incisiform teeth; vomerine teeth, when present, usually no longer than others. Gill openings lateral and sublateral. Dorsal and anal fins confluent with caudal fin. Pectoral fins present but pelvic fins absent. Benthic on the continental shelf or slope. Carnivorous, feeding principally on fishes.

Scientific name Conger conger (C. vulgaris) Common name Conger eel / Meeral Description Diagnosis: snail-like body, slightly compressed anteriorly, well compressed posteriorly to anus, the latter before midpoint of body; dorsal outline of head convex, depressed over eye. Eye small, inter-orbital space broad and flat. Anterior nostril opening on snout extremity in a short tube directed forward; posterior nostril an oval pore, before and near eye. Mouth rictus at level of posterior edge of eye; snout slightly prominent; very large labial flange. In both jaws, an outer row of big incisiform teeth, close set, forming a cutting edge and an inner row of small conical and sharp teeth; larger conical teeth on premaxillary plate and vomer. Gill openings sublateral, crescentiform. Lateral line: 44-47 preanal pores, 6 prepectoral; only 1 supra-temporal pore. Vertebrae: total 148-153; abdominal 53-57. Color: more or less dark gray; lateral line pores marked with white; dorsal and anal fins with a black margin. Size: up to 1m (some few examples 3m); males usually smaller than females. Habitat Benthic on the shelf on rocky or sandy bottoms at 0-100m (according to Riedl, even 1000m). The bite of the eel is very dangerous! Coral ground, block ground and cave Frequency No data available Behavior No data available Food Fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Reproduction Sexual maturity at 5-15years of age; spawning in summer, 3-8E8 eggs per individual. Leptocephali with a long larval life; metamorphosis at 14-16cm; very fast growth of young.

Fm007 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Gobiesocidae Small fishes ranging in size from 16.7mm to about 300mm SL. A great variety of body shapes, but anterior part of head always depressed. Lateral line with well-developed pores on head, but less distinct on body. Scales absent. Anterior nostril tubular; posterior nostril usually so. A single dorsal and anal fin; pelvic fins incorporated into prominent adhesive disc located on ventral body surface. Eyes slightly protruding. Mostly in shallow waters were they cling to substrate (rocks, algae, or sea-grass). Their streamlined shape and clinging ability enable them to live at localities with strong wave action and currents. All species are carnivores.

Scientific name Diplecogaster bimaculata (Lepadogaster reticulatus, L. ocellatus, L. couchii, Mirbelia desfontainii, M. maculata) Common name Two-spotted sucker / Zweipunktansauger Description Diagnosis: a large fish with a long caudal peduncle. Upper attachment of axial, dermal flap opposite pectoral finrays 10-12. D 5-7; A 4-6; pectoral finrays 21-25 (average 23); caudal finrays 9-10. Length of disc in average 4 times in SL. Color: highly variable; often 2 large red spots, 1 on each side of the body near the tip of pectoral fin. Size: to about 40mm SL. Habitat No data available Frequency No data available Behavior No data available Food No data available Reproduction No data available

(Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Lepadogaster candollei (L. olivaceus, L. decandollei) Common name Connemarra clingfish / Rotspross-Ansauger Description Diagnosis: body depressed, depth 6 times SL. Slightly spatulate snout. Membrane of dorsal and anal fins not connected to caudal fin. A very small dermal (nasal) flap on posterior margin of anterior nostril. Flattened papillae in 3-5 rows across disc region A; 7-9 rows across disc region B. D 13-16; A 9-11; pectoral finrays 26-29; caudal finrays 10-13. Length of disc 4 times in SL; opercular stripes very vivid; Color: often, coloration can vary substantially. Males generally reddish on dorsal, with intense red spots on head; females yellow-green. Red spots at the base of the dorsal fin; Size: SL up to 75mm. Habitat Should be common on boulder fields (arrangement of larger stones on bedrock) at depths ranging from 5-20m. Sometimes also found in caves, in association with sea-urchins (Paracentrotus lividus, Arbacia lixula) and sea-grass beds. Frequency 1 222 333 444 555 rare Behavior No data available Food No data available Reproduction No data available

Fm173 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Lepadogaster lepadogaster (L. gouanii, L. acutus) Common name Sucker / Bandschild-Ansauger Description Diagnosis: body depressed, depth 6 times SL. well developed spatulate snout. Bifid tentacles on nasal flaps. Membrane of dorsal and anal fins broadly connected to caudal fin. Flattened papillae in 3-4 rows across width of disc region A; 3-5 rows across disc region B. D 16-19; A 9-11; pectoral finrays 20-23; caudal finrays 16-19. Length of disc 3.4 times in SL - – elliptical in shape. Tentacles and opercular stripes present. Color: red pigments in a variety of patterns. Size: SL up to 65mm. Habitat Common along the rocky shore of the intertidal zone; under rocks. Sometimes found also in banks of pebbles (rocks smoothened and rounded by wave action); common in boulder fields (arrangements of larger stones on bedrock) ranging in depths from 3 to 8m. Sunny rock, block ground. Frequency 1 2 333 444 555 intermediately abundant Behavior No data available Food No data available Reproduction No data available

Fm092 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Gobiidae A large family of percomorph teleosts, chiefly tropical and warm temperate benthic, typically inshore marine but many estuarine and freshwater. In body forms, gobies are typically moederatly elongate, subcylindrical to compressed, with depressed head, dorsolateral eyes, narrow inter-orbit and prominent rounded cheeks. Two nostrils are present on each side of the snout, the anterior more or less tubular, sometimes with a rim process, the posterior usually pore-like, near the eye. There are 2 dorsal fins and 1 anal fin. The first dorsal usually with 6-7 flexible spines, the second dorsal and anal fins of a single spinous ray. The caudal fin is usually rounded. The pelvic fins, each of a spine and 5 branched rays, are thoracic and typically united into a weakly suctorial disc with an anterior transverse membrane (frenum) between spinous rays. Squamation is normally imbricate and ctenoid, with uniserate ctenii, and scales i lateral series usually between 30 and 65 (25-85). The lateral line system is much modified and provides an important criteria for classification. A lateral line canal is absent from the side of the body and, on the head, at best development, only supraorbital, post-ocular, and preocular canals are present with intermediate and terminal pores. The head and body bear characteristic patterns of exposed neuromast organs (sensory papillae, etc.) of great systematic importance.

Terminology of head lateral- line system used in present keys: ABOVE: canals and transverse sub-orbital papillae rows; BELOW: canals absent and longitudinal sub-orbital papillae rows.

Canals stippled, pores with Greek lettering:-, anterior osculo-capsular canal; 1-2, posterior osculo- capsular canal.

Sensory papillae rows as a series of dots, with roman lettering or numerals; int., inter-orbital papillae. Sub-orbital transverse rows 1-4 regarded as before, rows 5s, 6s, and 7 as above, and rows 5i and 6i as below; the course of longitudinal row b.

AN, anterior nostrils. PN, posterior nostrils.

Behavior typically involves intermittent swimming, with sort of darting movements when disturbed. Territoriality may be evident. General trophic niche is that of a small predator, feeding on invertebrates, sometimes on small fish. Breeding occurs in spring and summer, with repeat spawning. Eggs a pear-shaped, not more than 3-4mm long, and deposited in a single-layered patch under stones and shells, or on hard substrates, and guarded by the male. Nesting is common among many species. Sexual dimorphism often makes classification hard to achieve.

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Gobius auratus (used to be G. luteus) Common name Golden goby / Goldgrundel Description Diagnosis: lateral line system with sub-orbital row d in two parts, row x1 ending anteriorly behind pore  and pore  behind eye on course of oculocapsular canal. Nape scaled, cheek naked. Anterior nostril with triangular lappet. Pectoral free rays moderately developed. Pelvic disc deeply emarginate, with membrane reduced, not more than 1/5 the length of spinous ray in middle depth. D1 VI; D2 I+14-15 (14-16); A I+14; pectoral finrays 19-20 (18-19). Scales in lateral series 47 (44-50). Color: body with dark reticulation, gold flecks and mottling below; 5 lateral midline blotches more or less evident below second dorsal fin; head with 2 dark half-moon, cheek spots, and geniohyoid spots; pectoral dark mark deeper than long; its posterior edge pale. Size: up to 10cm; according to Riedl 24cm. Habitat Inshore, on top, among and under stones; beyond 10m depth. Frequency 1 2 3 444 555 common Behavior No data available Food No data available Reproduction No data available

FM073 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Gobius bucchichi Common name Bucchichi's goby / Anemonegrundel Description Diagnosis: lateral line system with sub-orbital row d usually in two parts (rarely continous), rwo x1 ending anteriorly behind pore , and pore  behind eye on course of oculocapsular canal. Nape scaled, cheek naked. Anterior nostril with narrow tentacle, sometimes bifid. Pectoral free rays well developed. Pelvic disc oblong, with anterior membrane lacking pronounced lateral lobes. D1 VI; D2 I+14 (13-14); A I+13 (12-14); pectoral finrays 19-20 (18-20). Scales in lateral series 50-56. Color: fawn to darker brown, with longitudinal rows of dark spots along head and body; pectoral dark mark somewhat deeper than long. Size: up to 10cm. Habitat Inshore, on sand and mud with sea-grass, the only fish species of the Mediterranean that takes refuge among tentacles of snakelocks sea-anemone (Anemonia sulcata); also in shore pools and shady rock, deep rock, block ground. Frequency 1 2 3 444 555 common Behavior No data available Food Polychaetes, crustaceans (amphipods), molluscs and algae. Reproduction June-August; eggs spindle-like; sexually mature at 1year (3.5cm). Fecundty 1.2E3 - 12E3.

Fm070 (Image: R.Patzner)

Fm072 (Image: R.Patzner) Fm071 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Gobius cobitis (G. exanthematicus, G.capito) Common name Giant goby / Grosse Meergrundel Description Diagnosis: lateral line system with sub-orbital row d continuos, row x1 ending anteriorly behind pore , and pore  behind eye on course of oculocapsular canal. Nape scaled, cheek naked. Anterior nostril with long tentacle, often digitate. Pectoral free rays well developed. Pelvic disc short, rounded, anterior membrane with lateral lobes. D1 VI; D2 I+13 (13-14); A I+11 (10-12); pectoral finrays 20-21 (19-22). Scales in lateral series 59-67. Color: brownish-olive "pepper-and salt" speckling, with dark mottling and blotches along and below lateral midline, the latter more distinct in juveniles; breeding males dark, with median fins edged white. Size: up to 27cm. Habitat Rocky and weedy pools and shallows to about 10m; sometimes in brackish water. Sunny and deep rock, block ground. Frequency 1 222 333 444 555 rare Behavior No data available Food Green algae (Enteromorpha), crustaceans (amphipods, crabs), polychaetes, insects. Reproduction March-May, to early July; repeated spawning; Eggs 4x1.3mm, under stones. Sexually mature at age 2-3; lifespan up to 10years.

Fm138 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Gobius cruentatus Common name Red-mouthed goby / Blutmund-Grundel Description Diagnosis: lateral line system with sub-orbital row d continuos and anterior transverse rows reaching border of orbit; row x1 ends anteriorly above or before pore ; pore  behind eye on course of oculocapsular canal; head sensory papillae black; body with additional short vertical rows above lateral midline. Nape and rear cheek scaled. Anterior nostril with flap or tentacle. Pectoral free rays moderately developed. Pelvic disc somewhat emarginate, anterior membrane little to well developed, without conspicuous lateral lobes. D1 VI; D2 I+14; A I+12-13; pectoral finrays 20-21. Scales in lateral series 52-58. Color: mottles reddish-brown with larger dark blotches along lateral midline and more or less distinct smaller series below; lips and cheeks with vivid red and blue markings. Size: up to 18cm. Habitat Inshore, 15-40m, on sea-grass (Posidonia and Zostera), deep rock and soft bottom. Frequency 1 2 3 444 555 common Behavior No data available Food No data available Reproduction No data available

Fm077 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Gobius paganellus Common name Rock goby / Felsengrundel Description Diagnosis: lateral line system with sub-orbital row d in two parts and transverse rows 2 and 3 sometimes ending near orbit; row x1 ending anteriorly behind pore ; pore  on short side- branch from oculocapsular canal along lower border of orbit. Nape scaled, cheek sometimes scaled in upper rear corner. Anterior nostril with digitate process. Pectoral free rays well developed, reaching to or near first dorsal origin, especially in small examples. Pelvic disc rounded, anterior membrane sometimes with small lateral lobes. D1 VI; D2 I+13-14 (12-15); A I+11-12 (10-13); pectoral finrays 21-22 (18-23). Scales in lateral series 50-55 (46-59). Vertebrae 28. Color: fawn with dark mottling and lateral blotches, to dark brown; upper margin of first dorsal fin with pale band, rear corner with dark blue spot in juveniles; breeding males deep purplish-brown, with first dorsal band yellow to orange. Size: up to 15cm. Habitat Inshore and intertidal, under stones and in pools on sheltered rocky shores with much weed cover. Shady rock, block ground. Frequency 1 222 333 444 555 rare according to Riedl: should be common within the lower littoral. Behavior No data available Food Crustaceans (larger amphipods, isopods, small crabs) and polychaetes, in adults; juvenile eat harpacticoid copepods, amphipods, polychaetes and mites. Reproduction January-June, in other areas April-June; repeated spawning. Eggs fusiform, with bluntly pointed apex (2.4x1.8-3mm), in patches of up to several thousands (110-140E3/cm2), on undersurface of stones, shells, polychaete tubes or Ciona mantles. Develop in about 20days, hatch with about 4mm, metamorphosis at 10mm. Sexually mature at 2-3years. Lifespan up to 10years. Hybridization with Gobius cobitis.

Fm075 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Gammogobius steinitzi = G.coreyrocglius??????????? Common name Steinitz's goby / ?? Description Diagnosis: suborbital papillae in 6 transverse rows with a single papilla in pore ; 4 rows before and none below longitudinal row b. No row a. Anterior oculocapsular canal present, with all pores, but posterior oculocapsular and preopercular canals absent. Predorsal area and head naked. Short tube-like anterior nostril, lacking process from rim. Pectoral fin uppermost rays not free from membrane. Pelvic disc complete, rear edge truncate. Scales ctenoid, 29-37; upper and lower scales on caudal base without elongate lateral ctenii. Vertebrae 27. D1 VI; D2 I+10; A I+9; pectoral finrays 15-16. Scales in lateral series 29-37. Color: brownish, with 5 or 6 broad, dark, transverse bands, and narrower, pale interspaces, across body; small dark spots along dorsal fin bases. Size: up to 3.8cm. Habitat Inshore, in submarine grottoes, and caves at depths from 2-15m (sometimes even as deep as 40m). Frequency No data available Behavior No data available Food No data available Reproduction No data available

(Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Gobius vittatus Common name Stripe goby / Streifengrundel Description Diagnosis: lateral line system with sub-orbital row d in two parts, row x1 ending anteriorly behind pore ; pore  behind eye on course of oculocapsular canal. Nape scaled, cheek naked. Anterior nostril with lappet. Pectoral free rays little developed. Pelvic disc deeply emarginate, anterior membrane vestigal. Caudal fin with slightly concave rear edge. D1 VI; D2 I+11-13; A I+11-13; pectroal finrays 17 (15-18). Scales in lateral series 32-36. Vertebrae 28. Color: pale olive, with wide black band along head and body, from snout to caudal fin origin. Size: at least up to 5.8cm. Habitat Offshore, 15-20 (42 - 85)m, on coralline grounds. Deep rock, corals. Frequency 1 2 333 444 555 intermediately abundant Behavior No data available; mimetic relationship to Blennius rouxi. Food Harpacticoids and other crustaceans (including plankton), polychaetes; also algae and porifera. Reproduction No data available

Fm074 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name G. xanthocephalus (used to be Gobius lutes) Common name Yellow headed goby / Gelbkopfgrundel Description Diagnosis: lateral line system with sub-orbital row d in two parts, row x1 ending anteriorly behind pore ; pore  behind eye on course of oculocapsular canal. Nape scaled, cheek scaled. Anterior nostril with triangular lappet. Pectoral free rays moderately developed. Pelvic disc deeply cleft to middle, with membrane reduced, not more than 1/5 the length of spinous ray in middle depth. D1 VI; D2 I+15; A I+14; pectoral finrays 14 (12-16). Scales in lateral series 43-45. Color: canary yellow, without conspicuous cheek spots or lateral midline blotches; pectoral dark mark deeper than long, lacking posterior pale edge. Size: at least up to 6.5cm. Habitat Deeper inshore waters, 5-35m; above bottom, over rocks, with algae and gorgonians. Deep rock, block ground. Frequency No data available Behavior No data available Food No data available Reproduction No data available

Fm078 (Image: R.Patzner)

According to Whitehead, et.al, G. xanthocephalus was kept as G. auratus, and should look like this:

079 (Images: R.Patzner)

Shading of G. xantocephalus at night

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Thorogobius ephippiatus (= Gobius forsteri) Common name Leopard-spotted goby / Leopardengrundel Description Diagnosis: pelvic disc complete, with anterior membrane as deep in ventral midline as length of pelvic spinous ray, and rear edge rounded, fifth branched ray longer than fourth. D1 VI (VI-VII); D2 I+11 (10-12); A I+10; pectoral finrays 17-19 (17-20). Scales in lateral series 36- 38 (33-42). Vertebrae 28. Color: pale fawn or sandy with large orange to brick-red blotches over head and body; first dorsal fin with posterior dark blotch; males may become dark purple. Size: up to 13cm. Habitat Inshore, in or near crevices of steep rock faces, to 40m, usually 6-12m; Frequency No data available Behavior No data available Food Crustaceans (copepods, amphipods, decapods), polychaetes, gstropods, algae. Reproduction May-July; sexually mature at 3 or 4years. Fecundity 2.5 - 12E3 at 6-8cm; lifespan: 9years.

Fm056 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Muraenidae Body elongate, muscular and somewhat compressed, scaleless. Head massive, its occipetal region somewhat elevated; anterior nostril tubular at front of snout; posterior nostril opening near upper anterior eye margin. Teeth usually strong, caninifrom to blunt molars, in jaws and on vomer. Gill openings restricted to small rounds lateral apertures. Dorsal and anal fins included in a dermal fold, confluent with caudal fin; pectoral and pelvic fins absent. Lateral line reduced to the first two, three or four pores in branchial region. Scavengers and predators, may be aggressive, active mainly at night.

Scientific name Muraena helena Common name Moray / Muräne Description Diagnosis: body elongate , deep, compressed anteriorly (maximum depth 10 TL); anus slightly before midpoint of body. Head short, massive, its dorsal profile convex; anterior and posterior nostrils tubular. Jaws close together all along their length; teeth conical, long and acute, uniserial in both jaws; 2 or 3 on premaxillae, some small, uniserial on vomer. Gill openings restricted to small lateral pore. Dorsal and anal fins included in dermal fold, confluent with caudal fin; dorsal fin origin slightly before gill openings; pectoral and pelvic fins absent. Vertebrae 139-143. Color: very variable, chocolate brown and more or less dark, spotted with irregular black, yellow, cream or white patches; gill openings and corner of mouth black-edged Size: up to 130cm. Habitat Benthic on shelf, on rocky coasts, in crevices or places protected by overhangs or algae; nocturnal predator. Is very aggressive. Cave and block ground. Frequency 1 222 333 444 555 rare Behavior No data available. Food Carnivorous, mainly cephalopods and fishes. Reproduction In warm hydrological season; eggs 5-5.5mm in diameter;

Fm008 (Image: R.Patzner)

FM091 (Image: R.Patzner) 013 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Scorpaenidae Moderately compressed to robust fishes, with large spiny heads. Mouth moderate to large, terminal, oblique, protractile; teeth usually villiform (small canine teeth present in some species) arranged in bands on upper jaw and vomer (sometimes on palatines). Eyes moderate to large; a ridge of bone (suborbital stay) below eye; preopercular margin with 3-5 spines; opercle with 2 divergent spines or a single spine; other spines scattered on head. A single dorsal fin, usually notched at posterior end of spinous part. Body covered with cycloid, ctenoid or rudimentary scales. Lateral line always present, sometimes incomplete or represented only as a scaleless groove. Fleshy skin flaps, cirri, tentacles, tabs present on head and body of many species. Gillrakers usually short, tubercular in form. Members of this group are not dangerous but can provoke painful stings if handled carelessly.

Scientific name Scorpaena notata (S. ustulata., S. afimbria) Common name Small red scorpionfish / Kleiner Roter Drachenkopf Description Diagnosis: head large, snout slightly smaller than orbit diameter; preorbital bone with 3 spines over maxillae; suborbital ridge with 3 spinous points; upper posttemporal spine present; preopercular spines well developed; first preopercular spine longest, spines in the pre-, supra-, and postocular, tympanic, parietal, nuchal, pterotic, sphenotic, supracleithral, and cleithral. Occipital pit present. Pores at symphisis of lower jaw separate but close together, about 1 pore diameter or less between them. Supraocular tentacle short, less than half orbit diameter; small skin flaps associated with preorbital, parietal, ocular, preocular, and preopercular spines, on eye, below suborbital ridge, on snout and on some lateral line scales. D XII spines and 9 rays; pectoral fin with 17-19 rays and reaching to about over the first anal fin. Scales on body ctenoid; 43-46 vertical rows of scales; chest, pectorial fin base and head naked. Vertebrae 24. Gilrakers 15-18, 4-6 on upper arch, 8-9 on ceratobranchial and 2-3 on hypobranchial arch. Color: general pattern red-brown; a large black spot between spines 6-8 and 10-11; other fins mottled or spotted with dark pigment. Size: up to 20cm; usually 15cm. Habitat Common in rocky littoral habitats at depths of 6m, sometimes found deeper, between 30 and 700m. Cave, block ground, and sea grass. Frequency 1 222 333 444 555 rare Behavior No data available. Food Crustaceans and small fish. Reproduction Few data; spawning probably occurs in May.

(Images: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Scorpaena porcus Common name Black scorpionfish / Kleiner Drachenkopf Description Diagnosis: head large, snout slightly smaller than orbit diameter; preorbital bone usually with 2 spinous points over maxilla; suborbital ridge with 2 or 3 spinous points; upper posttemporal spine present; first preopercular spine longest, spines in the pre-, supra-, and postocular, tympanic, parietal, nuchal, pterotic, sphenotic, supracleithral, and cleithral. Pores at symphysis of lower jaw small and separate. Supraocular tentacle usually about equal to orbit diameter; skin appendages well developed; no flaps on lower jaw; small dermal flaps associated with preorbital, preocular, parietal, nuchal, and preopercular spines; other tentacles at anterior nostril, below suborbital ridge, on eye, opercle flap, rarely on some body scales and some lateral line sclaes. D XII + 9; pectoral finrays 16-18 reaching to about the second anal spine. Scales on body small, emarginate; 65-70 vertical rows of scales; chest, pectorial fin base and head naked. Vertebrae 24. Gilrakers 16-18, 5-6 on upper arch, 8 on ceratobranchial and 3-5 rudiments on hypobranchial arch. Color: generally brownish; a light pigmented area between dorsal spines 8 and 9; fins variously spotted with brown; 3 vertical bars on caudal fin. Size: up to 25cm; usually 15cm. Habitat Benthic littoral species common among rocks and algae at depths of around 10m; very well camouflaged; may be found to 800m. Produces painful stings. Cave, block ground, and sea grass. Frequency 1 2 3 4 555 very common Behavior Solitary and sedentary. Food Small fish (gobies, blennies), crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Reproduction No data available.

FM103 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Scarpena scrofa (S. barbata, S. lutea) Common name Red scorpionfish / Grosser Drachenkopf Description Diagnosis: head large, snout longer than orbit diameter; preorbital bone usually with 3-4 spinous points over maxilla; suborbital ridge with 2-4 spinous points; upper posttemporal spine present; first preopercular spine longest, spines in the pre-, supra-, and postocular, tympanic, parietal, nuchal, pterotic, sphenotic, supracleithral, and cleithral. Occipetal pit moderate. Pores at symphysis of lower jaw small and separate. Supraocular tentacle usually small or absent; numerous tentacles present on lower jaw, large skin flap associated with posterior preorbital spine and flaps on fourth and fifth preopercle spines. D XII + 9; pectoral finrays 18-20 not reaching the first anal spine. Scales on body ctenoid, about 45 vertical rows of scales; most head naked or with embedded cycloid scales; pectoral fin base and chest naked. Vertebrae 24. Gilrakers 14-17 (4-5 + 10-12). Color: variable from brick red to light pink with dark mottling or blotches; fins blotched with brown; distal part of pelvic fins usually dusky; dorsal fin with a black spot frequently present between spines 6 and 11. Size: up to 50cm; usually 30cm. Habitat Benthic on rocky, sandy, or muddy bottoms from (10) 20 to 200m. Deep rock, and coral. Frequency 1 222 333 444 555 rare According to Riedl: should be common Behavior Sedentary and solitary. Food Fish, crustaceand, and molluscs Reproduction No data available.

FM015 (Image: R.Patzner)

FM100 (Image: R.Patzner) 099 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Serranidae Opercle with 2 or 3 flat spines, the lowermost sometimes not visible externally. Preopercle edge usually serrated. Mouth large, horizontal or moderately oblique; premaxillae protractile; maxillae broad, their posterior end exposed when mouth is closed. Teeth conical or villiform, usually pluriseriate on jaws on vomer and palatines. Chiefly solitary, at least when adult. Carnivorous, predators on fishes and invertebrates.

Scientific name Serranellus (= Serranus) cabrilla Common name Comber / Sägebarsch Description Diagnosis: body elongate. D X + 13-15, A III + 7-8; caudal fin truncate to slightly emarginate. 72-28 scales in lateral line. Opercular spines present. Color: yellowish-gray or reddish; 7-9 brown vertical bands on upper part; a few yellow or orange longitudinal lines on sides of head Size: up to 40cm SL; usually about 20cm. Habitat Benthic on the shelf and upper slope to about 500m, on rocks, Posidonia beds, sandy and muddy bottoms. Cave, block ground, and coral. Frequency 1 2 3 4 555 very common Behavior No data available Food Fish and invertebrates. Reproduction April-July.

FM030 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Serranellus (=Serranus) hepatus (Paracentropristis h.) Common name Brown comber / Beutelbarsch, Zwergbarsch) Description Diagnosis: body fusiform, rather robust. D X + 11-13, A III + 6-7; caudal fin rounded or truncate. Scales moderate in size, 44-50 in lateral line. Color: brownish, 2-5 dark vertical bands on side, of which the one below the soft dorsal fin bifurcates above; 3 yellow lines on head; a black blotch on the middle of dorsal fin; pelvic fins and base of anal fin blackish. Size: up to 15cm SL, usually 10-12cm. Habitat Benthic on the shelf from 10m to about 100m. on Posidonia beds, sandy and muddy bottoms. Cave, block ground, and coral. Frequency 1 2 3 444 555 common Behavior No data available. Food Fish and invertebrates. Reproduction March - August

FM024 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Scientific name Serranellus (=Serranus) scriba Common name Painted comber / Schriftbarsch Description Diagnosis: body elongate, head rather pointed. D X + 14-16, A III + 7-8; caudal fin truncate or slightly rounded. Scales rather small, 65-75 in lateral line. Color: gray, purplish, or reddish, cheeks with short bluish sinusoidal lines; 5-7 dark brown vertical bands on side, on head, many narrow, undulating blue lines and red blotches; vertical fins with red dots; ventral bluish blotch. Size: up to 36cm SL, usually 20-25cm. Habitat Coastal, benthic on the shelf to about 150m, on rocks and Posidonia beds. Cave, block ground, and coral. Frequency 1 2 3 4 555 very common Behavior Sedentary, but very territorial species. Food Fish and crustaceans Reproduction April-August; hermaproditic species (female and male sex organs w/in one species); eggs are attached onto bare rock.

FM025 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf Family Tripterygiidae Small fishes, some ripe at 2cm; ctenoid (rough) scales; dorsal fin divided into three, first 2 with spiny, last with soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines; pelvic jugular, the 3 rays divided into 2 partial fins. Gill membranes united forming fold across throat. Mouth pointed like a spatula. Share habitat with blennies; upon irritation, move with the first dorsal fin. Locomotion is similar as with the blennies, in that the jump with an undulating swimming pattern.

Scientific name Tripterygion delaisi (T. xanthosama) Probably only a colored variation of T. tripteronotus Common name Yellow black-faced triplefin / Gelber Spitzkopf-Schleimfisch Description Diagnosis: D III + XVI-XVIII + 11-14; A II + 24-28. Color: females and non-territorial males bright gray with 5 broad, dark, vertical bars, the last forming a characteristic dark spot on the tail (not visible during courting season). Territorial males with black heads, yellow bodies and prolonged rays of the second dorsal fin. Size: up to 89mm; usually 60-70mm. Habitat Bottom-living on rocky shores, usually from 3 to 40m, preferably between 6 and 12m under overhanging rocks, entrances of caves and other biotopes with reduced light. Sunny rock. Frequency 1 222 333 444 555 rare Behavior Males court by figure-8-swimming. Homing ability after being released 200m away from territory. Food Benthic invertebrates, also harpacticoids. Reproduction May - July; eggs are laid by several females on substrate in males territory, often on sponges; male guards the eggs.

FM143 (Image: R.Patzner)

144 (Image: R.Patzner)

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf 4. QUIZ 1. WHICH FAMILIES ARE PICTURED ?

Name a few striking aspects

CLUES: Color pattern, shape of body, habitat and body posture

2. SURE ABOUT THE ANSWERS GIVEN ?

B/W image: Lateral view of the resting position

CLUES: Head, Tentacles, Fins (dorsalis, and pelvic fins)

3. ARE YOU SURE ABOUT YOUR CHOICES THAT YOU MADE ?

Drawing: Dorsal view - fright coloration What makes species A so different from species B?

CLUES: Coloration pattern on head; undulating body posture

SOLUTION at Family Level : left: Blenniidae; right: Gobiidae

4. WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF THESE SPECIES ?

Drawing: Lateral view LEFT: basic coloration; RIGHT: fright coloration

CLUES: Tentacles, dorsalis and pelvic fins, dorsolateral eye position

SOLUTION: A: B. rouxi; B: G. vittatus

5. WHY DO THESE TWO SYNOPTIC FISH LOOK ALIKE ? selection pressure? mimicry to avoid predation? Only G. vittatus maintains this coloration also at night So what could it be? Mimetic relationship? .... still an open question

http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/protocol/seminar.pdf