March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

SUBJECT: Polychaeta: End of Volume 7 Discussions

GUEST SPEAKER: Led by Leslie Harris DATE: 11 June 2001 TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p. m. LOCATION: Worm Lab, Collections Room LACMNH

For the next meeting,bring specimens of the as yet unfinished groups, Oweniidae, Trichobranchidae, and Terebellidae (in part), and any problematic specimens of other polychaete families. As usual, the polychaete type resources of the Allan Hancock Foundation, now at the Natural History Museum, will be available for consultation. The meeting will actually be held in the Collections Room, so late arrivers should go directly there (turn to the right at the “T” hallway intersection rather than to the left). NEW LITERATURE The sea-pansys, octocorals of the genus , were revised by Zamponi and Pérez (1995). Although their primary interest is in the fauna of the southwestern Atlantic and the sub- Notomastus “latericeus” - Ant. Detail Methyl Green Stained Antarctic, they did a world-wide revision. Our City of San Diego ITP I-2 Rep. 1 2Jan2001 108ft. local species, Renilla koellikeri (note the Tissue behind probosis (last abdominals shredded) removed in umlauted ö is no longer admissable in Photoshop to emphasize size of proboscis nomenclatural use and must be translitterated R. Rowe Max width 1.1mm & Length of thorax 4.5mm to oe) is not discussed, but is included in the FUNDS FOR THIS PUBLICATION PROVIDED, IN PART BY THE ARCO FOUNDATION, CHEVRON, USA, AND TEXACO INC. SCAMIT Newsletter is not deemed to be valid publication for formal taxonomic purposes. March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11 key to the genus. It is instructive to follow importance, but the analysis provided both their review of the characters within the group. expected and surprising results. The Zamponi et al (1997) provide another similar monophyly of the Hydrozoa as a whole was overview (and adopt the translitteration well supported by comparison with outgroups mentioned above), which is further which included , Scyphozoa, Porifera, supplemented in Pérez & Ocampo (2001) with Ctenophora, Brachiopoda, Hemichordata, and a cladistic analysis. Placozoa. A second data set with Anthozoa and Scyphozoa as outgroups was used to examine Cladistic analysis of the Octocorallia as a relationships within the Hydrozoa more whole is undertaken by Berntson, Bayer, closely. Collins, in a careful discussion, McArthur & France (2001) based on 18S examines the results in light of the rRNA data. Unfortunately the data included phylogenetic hypotheses they either support, were not sufficient to resolve the branching refute, or incompletely address. Use of such order of the major clades, or alternatively, the molecular data provides a path around the existing morphological classification was not morass of confusion resulting from competing supported by the molecular data. Further systems based on the morphology of one or the attempts using different sequences seem other of the generations in the complex indicated. cnidarian life-cycle. That plenty of room for reconsideration of Pleijel 2001 provides a revision of the morphological data seems to exist, is evident in polychaete taxon Amphiduros which provides Brinckmann-Voss (2000). She describes a new parallel treatments of the results of his species of Sarsia in the paper, and clarifies an investigation using both traditional Linnean earlier representation of the hydroid stage as classification, and the rankless nomenclature Polyorchis penicillatus (see Brinckmann-Voss he champions. He finds Amphiduros pacificus 1977). Especially in forms with complex life- Hartman 1961, our local species, to fall into the history, such misinterpretations of the synonymy of Amphiduros fuscescens relationship of a given life stage are difficult to (Marenzeller 1875). So do all other nominate avoid. As more and more species are cultured species in Amphiduros. Pleijel indicates he can through both the hydroid and medusoid find no characters which will define the various generations in the laboratory (as in Mills local “species” populations well enough to 2000), such misallocations based on inferential allow their separation. He points out that this connection of field collected forms will finding of a single “cosmopolitan” taxon is gradually be eliminated from the picture, against much current practice. It is indeed at allowing further rectifications. In several variance with the usual perceptions of most groups (see for instance Brinckmann-Voss & SCAMIT members, that local species which Arai 1997) the hydroid stages of most species have at one time been identified with European are either unknown or virtually described forms, or forms from other distant indistinguishable, and the basis of locales, nearly always prove to be separable classification remains the medusoid generation. once examined in detail. Such The 18SrRNA gene which proved unable to cosmopolitanism is demonstrable in some provide the data necessary to resolve groups which have been examined with relationships within the Octocorallia, was more molecular methods and found to be genetically successfully applied to the phylogeny of the identical or to vary only slightly in genetic Hydrozoa by Collins (2000). Perhaps makeup. Most SCAMIT members remain differences in the individual sequences chosen Missourian in this regard, only accepting did the trick, or perhaps other factors were of cosmopolitan explanations when proof is “as plain as the nose on your face”. Our approach 2 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11 is in harmony with that espoused by J. L. BACK FROM THE COLD Barnard, that oversplit taxa can be combined if shown to be inseparable without loss of On 30 March Larry Lovell assembled a group information, while the reverse is not true. of taxonomists in the SIO Invertebrate Collection to examine material returned from Although we have attempted to concentrate on his recent cruise, and other Antarctic materials more adult individuals, at least in regional in the Scripps collection. This was Antarctic monitoring activites, the early juvenile Play Day #1, although the main objective was development of ophiuroids remains a matter of work. Work got done, but there was plenty of interest. Sumida, Tyler & Billett (2001) cover enjoyment to go around. Doug Diener and a similar topic (asteroids rather than Don Cadien worked on peracarids and ophiuroids) from the Northeast Atlantic. pycnogonids, respectively; John Ljubenkov Although none of the taxa considered occurs in worked the cnidarians; Megan Lilly tackled our area, several of the genera are represented ophiurans; Ron Velarde, Kelvin Barwick and both here and in their area. Their discussions Larry worked on various polychaetes; Kent of developmental patterns in small juveniles of Trego continued on mollusks; and Tony these species is of interest to us here. Phillips spread himself thinly over a number of taxa. Robin Gartman similarly played the ELECTIONS taxonomic field. Oh!, for malfunctioning machinery and Larry had everything well prepared for this hanging chads to give some excitement to this visitation, and treated his guest workers well. process! Voter participation in the current He had assembled some of the pertinent election has hit a new low. Fortunately for us, literature from sources within the invertebrate even zero votes would have yielded the same collections area and from the adjacent Scripps result; continuation of the same slate of Library. This was supplemented with literature officers. This is not really a failure of brought by the participants. Inevitably, some democracy, but rather a triumph of lethargy bits of the diffuse literature were missing. (which the lateness of the Newsletters hasn’t Enough was available to allow identification or helped). I urge readers to immediately make confirmation of prior identification on a plans to run for office in the next election. number of taxa. We broke for lunch and This is not intended as a move to pursue an resumed a bit later after a wonderful Thai meal. ideologically more attractive set of policies, but The day ended all too soon, with much material rather as a method of bringing choice back into yet to be addressed. Larry and the other the process. Ann Dalkey has indicated [Ann participants were enthusiastic about making correct me if I am wrong] that this will be the this only the first of a series of forays into the final year of her service as treasurer. Scripps collections. A second “play day” is Fortunately we do have a member who has currently scheduled for the 2nd of June. Any stated a willingness to work with her this year SCAMIT members interested in attending are so that she can fill the large gap left by Ann’s welcome, as are other workers who can assist retirement from office. Other officers seem with the of this interesting and willing to continue (so far) but the process exotic fauna. If you plan to attend please would benefit from at least a little competition. contact Larry at [email protected] so he Think it over, then act for the benefit of us all - can figure how much coffee to brew, how including yourself. many donuts to buy, and how many microscopes will be needed.

3 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

MINUTES MARCH 19 MEETING the morphological terminology used in the literature. Her SCAMIT presentation and The meeting was held at the San Diego Marine handouts define and consequently clarify the Biology Laboratory. President Ron Velarde usage of several important terms. opened the business portion of the meeting. He announced that the next meeting will be May After an interesting slide show presenting her 14 at the Natural History Museum in Santa “Notes on Morphology of Capitellids” and Barbara. The topic will be problem bivalves. illustrations, we examined some specimens that There are 3 upcoming meetings. On May 4-5, Karen brought. Karen used the specimens to the Southern California Academy of Sciences demonstrate the appearance and location of meeting will be held at California State some of the structures that have been confused University, Los Angeles. On June 20-24 the in the literature. Particular attention was Western Society of Malacologists are meeting directed to familiarizing attendees with the in San Diego. On November 9-12 the Western position of genital pores and lateral organs. Society of Naturalists will meet at the Ventura Beach Hotel in Ventura, California. The first specimen was Promastobranchus sp. The methyl green stain encircled the The guest speaker for today’s meeting was intersegmental genital pores making them Karen Green of MEC Analytical Systems, Inc. easier to see. On the first specimen there were She went to Thailand a few years ago with 4 pairs of genital pores; however, on a juvenile Kirk Fitzhugh, Larry Lovell, and other specimen, there were only 2 pairs of genital polychaetologists to collect and identify the pores. Caution must be used whenever worm fauna. Karen was selected for her identifying the smaller specimens of Maldanidae expertise, and volunteered to Capitellidae. We then looked for the lateral identify the Capitellidae. To improve the organs which occur on all thoracic segments in Capitellidae identifications and prepare for the Capitellidae. They are usually larger than publication, Karen reviewed the literature and genital pores, and are interramal and positioned attempted to clarify the definitions of closer to the notosetae than neurosetae. The Capitellidae morphological characters. This lateral organs on this specimen did not stain presentation to SCAMIT is a summary of her with methyl green which is typical of the Thailand Capitellidae identification work and a Capitellidae material Karen has examined. review of general external Capitellidae morphology. We were able to view these interesting and difficult to detect structures using a digital Karen started with the review of morphology. camera mounted on a dissecting scope with She distributed two packets of handouts; the images displayed on monitors. This City of text handout, “Notes on Morphology of San Diego system was operated by Kelvin Capitellids” (which is the next section of this Barwick and will be used at most future newsletter), described the morphology of SCAMIT meetings. This set-up was an capitellids, and the other handout consisted of excellent way for all meeting attendees to view illustrations of characters (see attachments at specimens and provides the additional benefit the end of this newsletter). These very of capturing images for inclusion in future informative handouts are included in this SCAMIT voucher sheets or other identification newsletter, and they are part of a manuscript aids. The City of San Diego archives the that is in press. Karen found inconsistencies in collected images. In the near future a multimedia project will be added to the system to facilitate high resolution viewing by a larger audience.

4 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Next we examined a specimen of Notomastus segment structure between the thorax and latericeus that Karen had identified from the abdomen. In the genera with a set of Thailand material, to view the location of pores transitional segments, Karen suggested in the anterior abdominal setigers. The dissecting the specimen to see where the last abdominal lateral organs were located posterior septum occurs and determine the position of and ventral to the notosetae with the genital the last thoracic segment. pores just behind the lateral organs (but actually at the anterior edge of the next We subsequently viewed specimens of segment). This posterior shift of the lateral Notomastus lineatus, Rashgua, and Notomastus organs is associated with the posterior shift of tenuis. the setal fascicles in the abdomen (they are mid This newsletter summary of Karen’s parapodial in the thorax). On this specimen the presentation represents a small part of the proboscis was protruding and was covered with material she provided. Her preparation and small papillae. knowledge was apparent to the attendees and The next worm we viewed was Notomastus the information she shared was appreciated. hemipodus. Karen showed us two specimens; Thanks Karen. one had methyl green paired ventral stripes on Rick Rowe handed out Provisional Species the abdomen, and one did not. She found a Voucher Sheets of Armandia sp SD 1 and few specimens in the same sample lacking the Nephtys squamosa. We had examined the ventral paired “racing stripes” found on the specimen of N. squamosa at a previous majority of her Thailand specimens (and SCAMIT meeting and identified it as such. typically found on specimens in the Southern These two handouts have been added to the California Bight). Except the variation in SCAMIT website. Rick commented that all ventral stripes, other staining patterns were voucher sheets should be posted on the consistent.(See the discussion about SCAMIT website as pdf ‘s (Portable Document Notomastus hemipodus that follows in the Files). Adobe Acrobat and especially Adobe review of the Notomastus key from the MMS PageMaker provide the best distillers for Taxonomic Atlas.) producing pdf’s although other software Karen put out a request for specimens of includes distiller capabilities. Notomastus. She wants larger specimens (at Following a quick lunch, we began the review least1.5mm in width) that include the thorax of the Capitellidae Chapter 4 in the MMS and some anterior abdominal setigers. All Taxonomic Atlas Volume 7. species of Notomastus are welcome. She can be reached by e-mail at, Using suggestions from Karen’s presentation, [email protected]. some corrections were made in the Morphology section and in the key. On page The next specimen under the microscope was 47, in the 2nd paragraph under Morphology, last Dodecaseta. The proboscis was everted, sentence, change “nephridial openings” to flaring, and had multiple lobes around the “genital pores”. It was noted that the key on periphery. In this species, the lateral organs do page 54 was constructed for adult and not uptake stain, but the surrounding tissue may not be suitable for juveniles. In couplet does, making the organs easier to detect. In the 11A, change “Thorax with 15 setigers” to transitional (setigers ~10-13) and abdominal “Thorax with 13 setigers”. In couplet 8B, regions, the lateral organs protrude. Karen change “Thorax with 15 or more setigers” to noted that Notomastus does not have “Thorax with 13 or more setigers”. In couplet transitional segments, but changes abruptly in 10, add “asetous post peristomial segment” for 5 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Scyphoproctus. Couplet 6A, genus Mediomastus: Larry Lovell commented that Notomastus; Karen commented that there are there is much variation in the staining patterns problems within the genus Notomastus, and the of Mediomastus ambiseta and M. key in this chapter is of limited utility because californiensis. We will continue to use M. it works for only some of our local species. acutus as differentiated in the key on page 73. This species occurs in shallow water. For other We then discussed the species in the order they specimens of Mediomastus, we will continue to occurred in the chapter: use Mediomastus sp. There was a question Barantolla: We were disappointed in the about couplet 2B in the Mediomastus key on limited discussion of characters and the lack of page 73. In the first line, should “thoracic and additional figures since this description was abdominal capillaries” be changed to “thoracic based on a single, juvenile specimen. and abdominal hooks”? Capitella: We decided to continue with the Notomastus: On page 81, on the title line of SCAMIT use of Capitella “capitata” complex Notomastus hemipodus, change it to which includes the variation of 4 anterior Notomastus hemipodus not Hartman, 1945. setigers with capillary setae which SCAMIT Add to the synonymies list: Notomastus sp A members encounter commonly. and Notomastus tenuis not Moore 1909. Decamastus: We questioned the last sentence According to Leslie Harris (see SCAMIT on page 61. We believe that the specimens Newsletter Vol. 18, No.1, page 5), the animals Blake is referring to in the Remarks section are that we have been identifying as N. tenuis most likely juvenile specimens. It has not been (methyl green staining pattern of double acceptable historically to modify a generic ventral stripes in the abdomen) might be the description based on juvenile characters. same as this N. hemipodus described by Blake, but N. hemipodus was described by Hartman, Dodecamastus mariaensis Blake, new genus, 1947 from “intertidal zones to a few fathoms” new species was described from two from North Carolina. To avoid additional incomplete specimens. There was some confusion and to reflect skepticism the discussion on where the thorax ends and the disparate distributions introduce, SCAMIT will abdomen starts, since it was not clear from the use the provisional Notomastus sp A for our illustration although clearly defined in the common, offshore “double ventral staining written description. A dissection to locate the stripes” form. Rick Rowe has completed a septa would be advised. Also, the location of voucher sheet for this and it is posted the lateral organs is not discussed or illustrated. on the website. If a lateral organ is present on the second of the peristomial biannulations, then that becomes an Notomastus tenuis: This is a shallow water anterior asetiger and adds to the thoracic species. Tony Phillips has recorded this segment count. species. On page 85, list Notomastus sp 1 as a synonymy of N. tenuis. In this species, the last Heteromastus filobranchus: Tony Phillips thoracic segments are constricted. We will noted the different staining patterns of adults now use N. tenuis for our shallow water and juveniles in this species. Because these species. Leslie Harris has reviewed specimens different staining patterns exist, caution should and clarifies the usage of N. tenuis in the be used when identifying smaller individuals. SCAMIT Newsletter, Volume 18 No. 1, page 5. Additional characters should also be used. Leiochrides: There were no confirmed identifications from the members present.

6 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

On page 86, Figure 4.15.A, change the label the high percentage of monotypic genera and “nephridial pore” to “lateral organ”. Make the use of thoracic segmental and setal same change to Figure 4.16 on page 88. These distributions as the basis of the generic changes result from terminology usage descriptions is unsatisfactory. suggested by Karen Green. Several authors have pointed out that setal Notomastus magnus: We will continue to use distribution, particularly in the posterior thorax, N. magnus for our offshore specimens; may change with age. Ewing (1982, 1984) and however we need to look closer at setal types Blake (2000) have pointed out that juveniles to determine whether they are the same species may have fewer setigers with capillary setae as Blake’s N. magnus. than observed in the adult condition. Warren (1991) and Warren et al. (1994) conducted Neoheteromastus: This is a deep water species, recent reviews of Capitella and Mediomastus and we have not reported it. and discussed the relative usefulness of various Neomediomastus: This is a deep water species, hard and soft characters in defining capitellids. and we have not reported it. These authors considered the number of thoracic setigers (rather than segments) with The following genera are listed in the SCAMIT capillary setae occurring in adults a reliable species list but were not covered in this generic character, particularly when the chapter: Anotomastus, Dasybranchus, distinction between the thorax and abdomen is Dodecaseta, and Scyphoproctus. clear, but caution against stating the total number of thoracic setigers when the NOTES ON MORPHOLOGY OF distinction between the thorax and abdomen is CAPITELLIDS indistinct. By Karen Green Other features such as appearance of thoracic The following notes are excerpts from a recent and abdominal segments, body shape and size, manuscript prepared on capitellids from the branchia, lateral organs, genital or Andaman Sea off Thailand. That paper nephridipores, number of asetous segments, provides an overview of regional studies, proboscis, pygidium, shape and appearance of morphology, keys to genera and species, and the prostomium, structure of setae, and more descriptions with illustrations for over 30 recently methyl green staining patterns have species representing 15 genera. Publication of been used to differentiate species. Warren et the paper will be in a special volume of the al. (1994) considered setal structure the most Phuket Marine Biological Center Research decisive character for distinguishing Bulletin, which is being edited by Dr. Danny Mediomastus. Several of the above- mentioned Eibye-Jacobsen. features have been considered unreliable, Review of Morphological Characters: difficult to assess, or diagnostic only at the The primary key characters that have been species level. widely adopted to identify capitellids are the The following review of morphological number of thoracic setigers and setal characters is based on assessment of characters distribution. Although Fauchald’s (1977) key that were used to identify a couple of hundred and definition of capitellid genera followed the specimens from Thailand. traditional system based on setal distribution, he considered the subdivision of capitellids in Head. The prostomium has few forms in need of revision. The need for revision of the capitellids. The shape may be rounded, family has been echoed by recent authors conical, or elongated at the tip in the form of a (Ewing 1991; Blake 2000), who point out that palpode. The shape may vary among species. 7 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

However, the palpode may be retracted and has been reported to have setae on the frontal view of rounded prostomiums should be peristomium (Hartman 1947, Fauchald 1977, done to verify whether a retracted palpode is Amaral 1980), it is believed this was present or absent. The prostomium may or misinterpreted from the drawing by Ehlers may not have eyespots, which may be paired or (1907). Review of several species of may form a diffuse pattern. They occur Capitellethus from Thailand indicates that the anterior to nuchal organs, and do not occur on peristomium lacks setae. Nonatus Amaral the peristomium as indicated by Warren et al. (1980) is another genus that was described as (1994). They may not be visible in all having setae on the peristomium. However, it specimens of a collected species, and use of is suspected that Amaral (1980) misinterpreted this character should be with caution. Nuchal the first thoracic setiger as being the organs occur in slits at the base of the peristomium. Review of his illustration shows prostomium and may be everted in some the prostomium to be partially retracted into specimens as a result of preservation. They the peristomium, which is clearly illustrated as may be impossible to see in small specimens, being anterior to the first setiger with setae. and may be difficult to see in larger specimens if the prostomium is somewhat retracted into Thorax. The junction between the thorax and the peristomium. abdomen in capitellids typically has been defined based on a change in the type of setae, The probocis often is retracted, but when change in the development of the parapodia, everted varies from being globular or sac-like change in body width, or occurrence of a more to lobed. The surface may appear smooth or distinct intersegmental groove. With the papillated, and the degree of papillation may exception of Eisig (1887), who included vary between distal and proximal regions. meticulous illustrations of internal anatomy, While it is has been observed that several the thorax has not been defined relative to genera share similar proboscideal correspondence to internal anatomy. For some characteristics, sufficient variation in this part species, the change in segment appearance of the anatomy occurs to warrant additional between the thorax and abdomen is obvious. investigation regarding taxonomic usefulness. However, for many others, there is no apparent Members of Dodecaseta were found to share a change in body appearance. In those cases, a similar lobed proboscis, which clearly differs change from capillary setae to hooded hooks or in appearance from the proboscis seen in from one type of hooded hook to another type Notomastus. This as well as other typically has been used to define a thorax/ morphological differences argue against the abdomen junction. synonymy of Dodecaseta with Notomastus as proposed by Blake (2000). In some taxa, there are transitional segments that have capillary setae in the notopodia and The peristomium typically lacks setae. hooded hooks in the neuropodia or setigers However, the occurrence of setae on the with mixed fasicles of both capillary setae and peristomium has been reported for a few hooded hooks. In a few cases, a change in genera, and has been considered a generic-level body appearance occurs on a different segment character. Subsequent review has clarified that than a change in setae. In these cases, the this probably is not the case. For example, definition of the thorax has depended on the Warren (1991) reported that the peristomium in interpretation by the author, and there are some species of Capitella may be difficult to differences in how different authors have see in preserved specimens and so indistinct as interpreted these changes in appearance. to be easily interpreted as being fused with the first thoracic setiger. Although Capitellethus 8 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Without reference to internal anatomy, Intersegmental genital pores. Paired pores descriptions of the thorax/abdomen junction may occur between the segment boundaries of will continue to be problematic, particularly for several setigers in the thorax and/or abdomen. species that lack correspondence of an obvious The pores occur nearly in line, but slightly change in body appearance with a change in ventral and posterior to the lateral organs. setae. Characters that may vary between the These pores were referred to as genital pores “thorax” and “abdomen” include setae type and by Eisig (1887), genital or nephridiopores by appearance, position of setae within a segment Hartman (1947), and have been variously (e.g., more central in thorax, more posterior in referred to by these terms by subsequent abdomen), development of parapodia, location authors. These pores may not be detectable on of genital pores, and methyl green staining all specimens of a species, even those of the patterns. None of these characters are same size and in the same collection. It has foolproof, and must be considered in been hypothesized that they become apparent combination. in sexually mature individuals. Limited dissections examining the relationship between Lateral organs. Many species descriptions the pores and nephridia have only been lack reference to the lateral organs or indicate presented by Eisig (1887). that they were not observed. Lateral organs occur in the interramal space between the noto- The term genital pore is preferred to avoid and neuropodia, closer to the notopodia, on confusion with nephridia, which may occur in most segments. They do not occur on the more segments than indicated by genital pores. peristomium. In specimens with an uniramous For example, Eisig (1887) indicated that first setiger, they occur ventral to the notopodia Notomastus lineatus has genital pores between in line with the lateral organs on subsequent the segmental boundaries of setigers 8/9, 9/10, setigers. In species with an asetous post- and 10/11 and illustrated that nephridia also peristomial segment (e.g., Scyphoproctus), they occur in abdominal segments without enlarged occur in the same position on that segment as exterior pores. Similarly, he illustrated that they do on subsequent setigers. In some genera Dasybranchus has paired nephridia on more they are obvious in both the thorax and segments than indicated by the genital pores. abdomen, in others they are apparent only on the thorax. In small specimens (including Paired genital pores may occur in the some genera), they are not detectable at all. intersegmental grooves of the last several setigers of the thorax, also occur in the Lateral organs typically are flush with the body intersegmental boundaries of the first few wall, but may protrude from the abdomen in abdominal setigers, or may be restricted to the some species. Some descriptions have abdomen. Abdominal genital pores occur at erroneously referred to protruded abdominal the anterior region of the segment posterior to lateral organs as branchial vesicles. the lateral organs of the preceding segment. Methyl green stain may enhance the detection Methyl green stain is useful for distinguishing of genital pores. The area around a pore may lateral organs either because they do not stain stain darker or lighter than the surrounding or they stain a lighter color than the portion of the segment. surrounding segment. Methyl green stain is not an aid for identifying lateral organs on the Setae. The appearance and location of abdomen when there is no uptake of stain in different types of setae have been the main that part of the body. diagnostic features in capitellids. The number of setigers with capillary setae has formed the basis of most taxonomic keys of the group.

9 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Terminology used by Hartman (1947) and preparations often are required and must be Warren et al. (1994) is useful for describing examined using high magnification and oil features of the hooded hooks. Key features immersion to adequately evaluate their include the dentition above the main fang, the characteristics. development of the shoulder, length of shaft, development of node and constriction, and The number of teeth above the main fang is length and appearance of the hood. difficult to assess with light microscopy and can only be assessed with a frontal view of the Hooded hooks may vary between the thorax hook, which can be difficult to obtain. The and abdomen, and between notopodia and number of teeth seen in profile view may not neuropodia. These potential differences are not accurately indicate the number of rows of teeth mentioned in most species descriptions, which since in most slide preparations the hook is may include only an illustration of an actually slightly rotated; in that case, teeth that “abdominal hooded hook” without reference to occur in the same row may appear separate setiger or location relative to noto- or above the main fang, and may give the false neuropodia. An important exception is Warren impression of different rows. et al. (1994), who contrasted thoracic and abdominal hooks in their review of Some authors have pointed out that setae may Mediomastus. Other exceptions also occur, change during ontogeny, and that specimens of however, critical review of genera and species the same species have the potential to be associations is severely hampered by existing identified as different genera during immature literature, in which there is a general lack of or adult stages using current generic definitions illustrations of hooded hooks in different parts based on the number of thoracic segments and of the body, views of hooks in only lateral setal distribution (Warren 1991, Blake 2000). profile, or views of only the distal portion of Some species have a fixed number of setigers the hooks without illustrating the node or with capillary setae from juvenile to adult posterior shaft. There also are numerous stages. Other species have a variable number examples of papers that include species of setigers with capillary setae between descriptions without any illustrations of setae. juvenile and adult stages. In a some species, the number of setigers with capillary setae is The dentition of hooded hooks and features of variable among adult specimens. There has the hood have been demonstrated with been an inconsistency in the literature scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to be regarding the taxonomic importance of the much more complicated than possible to variability in setal distribution. Numerous discern with light microscopy. Some authors monotypic genera have been erected to recommend SEM over the light microscope for accommodate species that vary in the number evaluation of setae. Although SEM is of setigers with capillary setae. In this author’s unquestionably valuable, it is this author’s opinion, this convention should be opinion that it should be used to augment and discontinued, and all generic diagnoses based not replace drawings of setae made using light on setal distribution should be critically microscopy. Several features of the hooks that reviewed. have diagnostic value and that are visible with light microscopy include the overall Branchiae. Branchia may occur on abdominal appearance of the exposed and embedded parts segments of some species. Branchiae have of the setae, relative lengths of shaft and been used as a differentiating character to shoulder, development of node and define some genera. Other genera may include constriction, and relative length of hood. Due both species with and species without branchia. to the small size of capitellid setae, slide Branchiae may include branched or simple 10 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11 digitate protruberances, or in some cases The method used by this author consisted of parapodial lobes have been referred to as placing specimens in a shallow dish of 70% branchia. The respiratory function of alcohol darkly pigmented from methyl green parapodial lobes has been largely inferred in granules (e.g., shallow dish must be picked up existing literature without reference to blood to detect worm). Worms were immersed for vessels or physiological investigation. about one minute, then placed in a dish of Branchiae may or may not be associated with clean alcohol to leach excess stain. After noto- or neuropodia. The location and leaching the stain (about one minute), the appearance of branchiae are diagnostic at the specimen was placed in another dish of clean species level. The use of branchiae as a alcohol for evaluation of the staining pattern. generic level character deserves additional Staining patterns were evaluated when the stain evaluation. was only retained by gland cells and had leached from non-glandular parts of the body. Pygidium. Most species descriptions have This author has found that immersion in a been based on anterior fragments. Key concentrated methyl green solution permits a features of the pygidium include presence or shorter immersion time than more weak absence of caudal cirri, anal plate, asetous pre- solutions and speeds the stain evaluation pygidial segments, and/or occurrence of spines. process. Examination of several species of Scyphoproctus from Thailand indicates that the NORTHERN NEIGHBORS number of spines in the anal plate is not a fixed M. Lilly character for species of this genus and may be On St. Patrick’s day I had the luck of the Irish somewhat size dependent. in being able to attend a meeting of our Glands. Methyl green stain has been used to northern sister association, NAMIT. The highlight the distribution of gland cells in the meeting was held at the Poulsbo Marine epidermis in maldanids (Green 1987, 1991, Science Center in the town of Poulsbo, 1997), and this technique also has been used to Washington. The day began at 10:00 a.m. with stain capitellids (Ewing, personal approximately 20 people present. Michael communication; Warren et al. 1994; Blake Kyte was the opening speaker for the day and 2000). Methyl green stain was found to be covered many aspects of ophiuroid biology and useful for evaluating characters such as lateral taxonomy. Initially he passed around a hand- organs and genital pores and for discriminating out from the ophiuroid web-site, entitled “The species represented in the Thailand material. Ophiuroids: What are they?”. It gave an However, variations in methyl green stain was overview of the anatomy, physiology and found to occur among specimens of the same biology of the group. You can visit this site at: species and similarities in stain were observed http://home.att.net/~ophiuroid/what.htm among different species. Therefore, staining patterns should never be used as the sole He then discussed some available and useful method of identification and should be used in ophiuroid literature. The most recent book is addition to conventional character analyses. To by Hendler et al 1995, but deals almost increase the utility of this method, it is exclusively with Caribbean species. There are important that staining patterns, including their some ecology papers being published and there variations, be illustrated for a species. is an echinoderm list server which at the moment has some running discussions concerning ophiuroid feeding behavior. The bulk of the literature dealing with systematics is fairly old. One well known paper in this 11 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11 category would be Lyman, T. 1882, the arm hooks. Michael likened the action to Ophiuroidea. Report of Scientific Results someone licking the food off their fingers. He Challenger. There are also two papers by H. L. discovered the hard way that these animals Clark, the first being Clark, H.L. 1911, North don’t like to be tagged and will use their arms Pacific Ophiurans in the Collection of the to reach around and pull a tag out of their disk, United States National Museum, and, Clark, damaging themselves in the process. H.L. 1914, Growth-Changes in Brittle-Stars. Two other pieces of literature mentioned were, The life history of the gorgonocephalids is Clark, A.M. 1970, Notes on the Family of interesting. They are broadcast spawners with Amphiuridae (Ophiuroidea) and D’yakonov, planktonic larvae. The larvae eventually A.M. 1954, Ophiuroids of the U.S.S.R. Seas. Ð metamorphose into small Gorgonocephalus Keys to the Fauna of the U.S.S.R. with initially only one branch per arm. The juveniles prefer to sit on soft coral but have Michael believes that one of the most valuable been seen using hydroids or other animals that keys to the ophiuroids is unpublished and was provide vertical relief from the bottom. The produced by Jack Word in 1983. He had a question was then raised as to whether they copy of it with him and stated that few people preferred cnidarians? The answer was that possess it or can obtain a copy. If you have they seemed to, but no one was certain. When access to this work, consider yourself lucky. they are a little larger, but still not mature, Overall, Michael felt that the taxonomy and Michael has seen them attached to adults. systematics of the group was fairly stable. The next genus up for discussion was We then moved away from the literature and Ophiopholis. The members of this group spin into the animals. There are approximately 13 a mucus net between their tube feet and arm species of ophiuroids on the inner continental spines. Detrital suspension feeding then takes shelf of Puget Sound. As depth increases so place with the tube feet forming a bolus of does species diversity, with new families material and passing it down the arms to the appearing below 200m. jaws. A question arose concerning some ophiuroids Members of the Ophiuridae are considered a seen in the shallow waters near a member’s typical, common brittlestar for the area. They home. This prompted a lively discussion about live on sandy bottom habitats and are some of the more common local species distinguished by their arm combs. Michael felt witnessed by people present. Michael talked that they used a combination of techniques for about seeing “forests of arms” belonging to feeding, one being predatory using an arm loop Amphiodia periercta. The animals have their system to capture prey, as well as being detrital disks buried 20 cm down in the substrate and suspension feeders. their arms come up through holes in the mud to facilitate their detrital suspension feeding style. The Amphiurids, it was noted, contain the most commonly found species and inhabit a wide Michael then handed out his key and species range of habitat and substrate types. They are checklist for us to peruse, and began speaking the most difficult family taxonomically to deal to the ecology and feeding behaviors of the with in that there are many relative descriptors groups. He started with Gorgonocephalus (“smaller than” etc) in much of the literature which is a suspension feeder. It has a double dealing with the group. In addition there is a hook arrangement on its arms which capture wide range of variation for which to allow. zooplankton. The jaw structure has spines and teeth which the arms are periodically dragged across, thus freeing the zooplankton caught on 12 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

We then moved on to the “nitty-gritty” and shift from the commonly seen asteroid, reviewed the oral structure of the different Evasterias trochelli. Roland also noted the families. There was much discussion and increased presence of an introduced clam, confusion in regards to certain patterns and Nuttali obscura. what exactly defines “infradental papillae”, etc. Once that was relatively straightened out, So, although I have always thought of our Michael cautioned against the practice of northern neighbors and their habitats as more storing ophiuroids in formalin. The acidity pristine and undisturbed than our beleaguered eventually dissolves the animals. He water ways here in Southern California, I must recommended either ethanol or simply drying acknowledge that the problems we are seeing them. (As a personal note, I find that many of today in many of our marine habitats are more the structures that need to be seen for widespread than I’d previously cared to identification purposes are much more clearly believe. viewed if the animal is dried prior to At this point pizza was brought in from a local examination). restaurant and was heartily consumed by all. In closing for the morning, Michael began a Val MacDonald took advantage of our captive, discussion on the general ecology of the area. chewing state and distributed a simple, but Charles Birkeland conducted a survey of the wonderful hand-out to aid in the identification fauna of Puget Sound in 1964. At that time of juvenile bivalves encountered in Puget there was a “bath tub ring” of Ptilosarcus Sound. She had quietly and efficiently been gurneyi completely surrounding the Sound. In setting up viewing stations around the lab the mid 1990’s a second survey was done by while people were eating, so that by the time Michael who discovered that most of the sea we finished we could wander from table to pens had disappeared from Birkeland’s study table and examine the specimens she had put areas. From the 100 - foot contour to the forth on display. The hand-out proved quite intertidal, almost no P. gurneyi were found. useful in trying to identify some of these tiny There are still a few, small spotty populations bivalves. in some areas, but nothing compared to the All in all, I have to say that I thoroughly original density. Many suggestions were given enjoyed myself and wish that I could visit our for why this could have happened, but the northern sister association more often. The bottom line was that it still remained a mystery. members present were enthusiastic and hard Michael also pointed out that with the loss of working, and I’m hoping to maintain contact the population, many of the species with many of them for future specimen and which depended on P. gurneyi, whether for idea exchange. food or habitat, have also seen major decreases in density. Brian Gregory (of NAMIT) has MY LIFE AS A BIOLOGIST been studying Stylatula and Virgularia in Hood Donald J. Reish Canal and has also noted a large decline in those sea pens. Chapter 22: I look back-I look forward Roland Anderson, from the Seattle Aquarium, then mentioned a trend he’s been noticing. Obviously at the age of 76 at the time of There seems to be a large influx of Pisaster writing, there are more years behind me than ochraceus into the area, which represents a ahead of me. How does one evaluate one’s contributions to biology and science? I am no

13 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11 different from anyone elseÐI think of myself as techniques I employed were singing marine being more important than I actually am. I biology songs, running over the rock jetties, think that I made important contributions in having snail races in invert zoology classes. two areas: teaching and research. These devices were done with a purpose in mindÐanother way of showing my enthusiasm As far as teaching is concerned, let us first for biology and teaching. As I discovered in consider the numbers. I taught 175 students in supervising student teachers, not all people can high school, 325 as a TA at Oregon State in become good teachers. You must work at it. In general zoology, invertebrate zoology and labs, I tried to spend a little time with each parasitology. I had 30 students as a TA and student on a one to one basis so that I got to instructor at Oregon Institute of Biology, 40 know them better. I wasn’t 100% successfulÐ students as an instructor at USC in general no one is, but I believe that I had some lasting biology, and approximately 2800 at CSULB effect on many as indicated by their interest in where I taught general biology (107), general my story. zoology (86), nature study (361), marine natural history (846), invertebrate zoology What was my impact on science, in biology, in (686), algae (68), invertebrate systematics invert zoology, polychaetology? I think that I (226), polychaetes (46), oceanographic am perhaps the primary person to scientifically techniques (35), interns (64), seminars (90) popularize polychaetes. My work on and an estimated 200 student teachers. There polychaetes as indicators of pollution lead to were 57 who completed their masters degree the necessity of including polychaete under my direction as I had named earlier. identification on all marine monitoring programs. The impact of the importance of What was the impact of my teaching on these sieve size in screening benthic samples students? As my high school student said one facilitated this. I think that speaking up for time to me,”Mr. Reish is this your first year of polychaetes also helped to make people teaching?” I said yes. She replied, “I thought polychaete conscious. The earlier benthic so.” I saw two of my high school students at studies look primitive by todays standards, but my wife’s sorority reunion in 2000. I had not the principles were established by then. As I seen them for 53 years. They remembered me demonstrated with my students, you do not and we had a pleasant time talking about our have to attend a marine biology station to be times 53 years ago. able to culture marine animals. Polychaete At Oregon State I got at least two interested in cultures are now being established in marine marine biology both of whom made a name for countries. I get reprint requests and advice for themselvesÐJohn McGowan at Scripps and Bill culturing polychaetes even today. In fact, some Burns who was head of the Zoology Dept. at colleagues have suggested that I go back to it. Wisconsin. I probably will not. CSULB is where I believe I had the greatest I was trained as a classical zoologist, and I impact. Over the years of setting through have described some 20 new species of probably at least 1000 classes in junior and polychaetes, some of which are not considered senior high school science classes, I wondered valid today. I think that my impact on what makes a good teacher. I came to realize polychaete systematics is minor. However, I that teaching is an art–it is a product of one’s believe that polychaete systematics is personality, his interest in people, his love of important and I will continue to support it. the subject matter, and desire to do something truly worthwhile. He must exhibit enthusiasm and sometimes be a bit of a ham. A few of the 14 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Jerry [Barnard] and I did the first toxicity tests forward to editing the proceedings of the 7th with polychaetes with Capitella in the harbor. polychaete conference to be held in Iceland this It was nearly 10 years later before I did my July. I will continue working with Standard second one. This lead to the EPA grant that I Methods at least through the 2002 edition and described earlier and lead to the establishment maybe the 2006 edition. I will continue with of the many cultures including Neanthes the help of 4 others to do the annual marine arenaceodentata. pollution review for the Water Environment Research journal. I am assisting a colleague in I began writing toxicity test procedures for Japan and England which may or may not Standard Methods, ASTM, EPA, US Army result in any publication. Janice and I plan to Corps of Engineers and the Food and continue to live where we do until we move to Agriculture Organization of UN. I plan to our final residence overlooking the 605 continue this activity as long as I can make freeway. worthwhile contributions. A final note: This has been fun for me and I What does the future hold for me? What may write an up date of my happenings from would I like to do? What would I like to time to time. accomplish? At age 76 health is of prime importance in dictating what one can and can [Editor’s Note - This is the last installment of a not do. I attempt to keep my weight steady, rather remarkable living documentation of the Janice and I try to walk 2 miles a day (running life of Dr. Donald J. Reish, mentor to many is a past effort for meÐmy joints lack sufficient SCAMIT members, and conspicuous member cartilage). One fortunate thing is that we have of the scientific community in southern enough savings and earnings so that we can do California and the world. He is still very much many things. We’d like to do more traveling to alive, and this final chapter may yet be foreign places as long as we can. We would superceded if he chooses to comment further like to visit the Amazon, New Zealand and on what has or will transpire in his life. Australia again, we always enjoy Europe, we SCAMIT is grateful for the opportunity to run would like to do a land/garden tour of Japan. this series of reminiscences, and looks forward Hawaii is always calling; I can not remember to events yet to come.] how many times we have been there, but it is always great when we do. US and Canada AND ANOTHER... have lots of great places to see again or for the Dean Pasko has created a voucher sheet for first time. I will continue to garden and Janice Rhabdocoela sp A. You will find it attached to will continue to knit. What about Science? this newsletter (paper version) or in the My contributions to original research will be Taxonomic Tools section of the website minimal if at all. I will continue to help others. (electronic version). My role as editor of the polychaete proceedings has been valuable to others. I am looking

15 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

BIBLIOGRAPHY Berntson, E. A., Fredrick M. Bayer, A. G. McArthur, Scott C. France. 2001. Phylogenetic relationships within the Octocorallia (: Anthozoa) based on nuclear 18S rRNA sequences. Marine biology 138:235-246. Brinkmann-Voss, Anita. 1977. The hydroid of Polyorchis penicillatus (Eschscholtz) (Polyorchidae, Hydrozoa, Cnidaria). Canadian Journal of Zoology 55(1):93-96. —. 2000. The hydroid and medusa of Sarsia bella sp. nov. (Hydrozoa, Anthoathecatae, Corynidae) with a correction of the ‘life cycle’ of Polyorchis penicillatus (Eschscholtz). Scientia Marina 64 (Supl. 1):189-195. — & Mary N. Arai. 1998. Further notes on Leptolida (Hydrozoa: Cnidaria) from Canadian Pacific waters. Zoologische Verhandelungen 323:37-68. Clark, A.M. 1970. Notes on the Family of Amphiuridae (Ophiuroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Zoology 19 (1):1-81. Clark, H.L. 1911. North Pacific Ophiurans in the Collection of the United States National Museum. Bull. U.S. National Museum 75:1-302, 144 figs. Clark, H.L. 1914. Growth-changes in brittle-stars. Papers from the Marine Biological Laboratories at Tortugas 5(182):91-126. Collins, A. G. 2000. Towards understanding the phylogenetic history of Hydrozoa: hypothesis testing with 18S gene sequence data. Scientia Marina 64(Supl. 1):5-22. D’yakonov, A.M. 1954. Ophiuroids of the U.S.S.R. Seas. Ð Keys to the Fauna of the U.S.S.R., Zoological Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R. 55:1-123. [Translated from Russian by the Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem, 1967.] Hendler, Gordon, John E. Miller, David L. Pawson, and Porter M. Kier. 1995. Sea Stars, Sea Urchins, and Allies: Echinoderms of Florida and the Caribbean. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D. C. 390pp. Lyman, T. 1882. Ophiuroidea. Report of Scientific Results Challenger, Zool. 5:1-386, 46 plates. Pérez, Carlos D. and Federico C. Ocampo. 2001. Cladistic analysis of the pennatulacean genus Renilla Lamarck, 1816 (Coelenterata, Octocorallia). Journal of Natural History 35:169- 173. Pleijel, Fredrik. 2001. Revision of Amphiduros Hartman, 1959 (Polychaeta, Hesionidae, Gyptini). Ophelia 54(1):15-27. Sumida, Paulo Y. G., Paul A. Tyler, & David S. M. Billett. 2001. Early juvenile development of deep-sea asteroids of the NE Atlantic Ocean, with notes on juvenile bathymetric distributions. Acta Zoologica 82:11-40. Zamponi, Mauricio O. and Carlos D. Pérez. 1995. Revision of the genus Renilla Lamarck, 1816 (Octocorallia, Pennatulacea), with descriptions of two new species from the sub-Antarctic region. Miscellanea Zoologica 18:21-32. — , — & R. Capitoli. 1997. El genero Renilla Lamarck, 1816 (Anthozoa, Pennatulacea) en Aguas de Plataforma del Sur Brasilero. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale “G. Doria” 91:541-553.

16 March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Please visit the SCAMIT Website at: http://www.scamit.org

SCAMIT OFFICERS: If you need any other information concerning SCAMIT please feel free to contact any of the officers e-mail address President Ron Velarde (619)758-2331 [email protected] Vice-President Leslie Harris (213)763-3234 [email protected] Secretary Megan Lilly (619)758-2336 [email protected] Treasurer Ann Dalkey (310)648-5544 [email protected] Back issues of the newsletter are available. Prices are as follows: Volumes 1 - 4 (compilation)...... $ 30.00 Volumes 5 - 7 (compilation)...... $ 15.00 Volumes 8 - 15 ...... $ 20.00/vol. Single back issues are also available at cost. March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Anterior Views Illustrating Nuchal Organs, Eyespots, Lateral Organs, Proboscides, and Body Appearance - by K. Green March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Abdominal Lateral Organs and Development of Parpodial Lobes and Fascicles - by K. Green March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Location of Genital Pores - by K. Green March, 2001 SCAMIT Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 11

Notopodial and Neuropodial Pairs of Hooded Hooks - by K. Green