Detecting a Signature of Adaptive Radiation: Diversification in Lake Tanganyika Catfishes

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Detecting a Signature of Adaptive Radiation: Diversification in Lake Tanganyika Catfishes Detecting a signature of adaptive radiation: diversification in Lake Tanganyika catfishes Claire Rachel Peart University College London A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy September 2014 UCL Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment Declaration I, Claire Rachel Peart, confirm that the work presented in this thesis is my own. Where information has been derived from other sources, I confirm that this has been indicated in the thesis. Claire Rachel Peart Candidate Statement of authorship Chapter 2 has been published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution with co- authors Julia Day, Roger Bills and Mark Wilkinson (Appendix 4). I collected and analysed the data and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Comments from co- authors were incorporated into the text prior to publication. I took part in a field trip to the Zambian portion of Lake Tanganyika to collect specimens and tissues samples for stable isotope analysis and DNA sequencing used in Chapters 2 - 5. I carried out the majority of the lab work, though some extractions and PCRs for Chapter 2 were carried out with the assistance of a lab technician, Mari-Wyn Burley (UCL). Sanger sequencing was also performed by Mari-Wyn Burley at UCL. Illumina sequencing and RAD-seq library quantification was performed by the FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University. 199 unpublished sequences prepared in the laboratory of Dr Thomas Near are used in Chapter 4. I assembled and aligned all sequence data, and performed all analyses. Stable isotope analyses (Chapter 4) were carried out at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility. I prepared and measured all samples and received training from Jason Newton (SUERC) to run the samples on the mass spectrometer. Morphological data for 303 Synodontis specimens in Chapter 5 were collected jointly by Julia Day and I including specimens from both the Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren and the Natural History Museum, London. I collected data for the remaining 309 specimens in Chapter 5 and all specimens used in Chapter 4 alone. 2 Abstract This thesis compares two independent radiations of catfish in Lake Tanganyika, Claroteine and Synodontis catfishes, to investigate generalities in patterns and processes of diversification between radiations in an ancient “island-like” environment. The introductory chapter places this work in a theoretical context and explores previous research on taxa from Lake Tanganyika. Chapter two provides the first molecular phylogeny of species in the sub-family Claroteinae from Lake Tanganyika, including additional putative species of the genus Phyllonemus. This phylogeny is fossil calibrated to assess when diversification occurred and molecular species delimitation is also performed. Chapter three investigates geographic structure in one species from each radiation, Lophiobagrus cyclurus (from the Claroteine radiation) and Synodontis multipunctatus. Each species was sampled from multiple localities along the length of Lake Tanganyika and their DNA sequenced using restriction site associated (RAD) sequencing to produce large genomic datasets. These datasets allow the comparison of geographic patterns between taxa and, in the Lophiobagrus dataset (which also includes the closely related species L. aquilus), an investigation into the extent of introgression. Chapter four investigates niche partitioning and morphological diversification in both the claroteine and Synodontis radiations. These analyses are conducted using a single dated molecular phylogeny containing both of the radiations allowing explicit comparisons. Eco-morphological divergence is assessed using both morphological measurements thought to be ecologically relevant (e.g., size of the eye) and stable isotope ratios of both nitrogen and carbon as a proxy for niche space. While the first three chapters investigate generalities in the patterns and drivers of diversification by comparing two independent radiations in the same “island-like” environment, Chapter fives takes a different approach by placing one of the Lake Tanganyika radiations, Synodontis, in its broader phylogenetic context. In this chapter morphological diversification is investigated in the largely riverine continental radiation of Synodontis found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. 3 Table of Contents Declaration ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Statement of authorship ................................................................................................................... 2 Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................. 4 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... 14 Chapter 1 Lake Tanganyika and adaptive radiation 1.1 Adaptive Radiation - where are we now? ............................................................... 15 1.1.1 The study system ..................................................................................................... 17 1.2 Endemic Radiations of Lake Tanganyika ................................................................ 18 1.2.1 Cichlid fishes ............................................................................................................. 18 1.2.2 Non-cichlid radiations ........................................................................................... 20 1.2.3 Catfish (siluriforms) in Lake Tanganyika ....................................................... 21 1.2.4 Beyond Lake Tanganyika ..................................................................................... 23 1.3 Aims for the thesis ........................................................................................................... 24 1.4 References ........................................................................................................................... 26 Chapter 2 Nocturnal claroteine catfishes reveal dual colonisation but a single radiation in Lake Tanganyika 2.1 Abstract ................................................................................................................................ 34 2.2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 34 2.2.1 The study system ..................................................................................................... 36 2.3 Methods ............................................................................................................................... 37 2.3.1 Sampling ..................................................................................................................... 37 2.3.2 DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing............................................ 38 2.3.3 Phylogenetic inference .......................................................................................... 39 4 2.3.4 Molecular dating ...................................................................................................... 39 2.3.5 Species delimitation ............................................................................................... 41 2.4 Results .................................................................................................................................. 43 2.4.1 Model selection and phylogenetic analysis ................................................... 43 2.4.2 Estimation of molecular divergence dates .................................................... 44 2.4.3 Species delimitation ............................................................................................... 49 2.5 Discussion ........................................................................................................................... 50 2.5.1 Origins and colonisation history ....................................................................... 50 2.5.2 Diversification of the LT claroteine clade ...................................................... 50 2.5.3 Locally restricted diversity .................................................................................. 53 2.5.4 Taxonomy of LT claroteines ................................................................................ 54 2.5.5 Conclusions ................................................................................................................ 55 2.6 References ........................................................................................................................... 56 Chapter 3 Intralacustrine allopatry: differing geographic structure in two Lake Tanganyika catfish species 3.1 Abstract ................................................................................................................................ 61 3.2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 61 3.3 Methods ............................................................................................................................... 65 3.3.1 Sampling ....................................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Multilocus Analysis of the Catfish Family Trichomycteridae (Teleostei: Ostario- Physi: Siluriformes) Supporting a Monophyletic Trichomycterinae
    Accepted Manuscript Multilocus analysis of the catfish family Trichomycteridae (Teleostei: Ostario- physi: Siluriformes) supporting a monophyletic Trichomycterinae Luz E. Ochoa, Fabio F. Roxo, Carlos DoNascimiento, Mark H. Sabaj, Aléssio Datovo, Michael Alfaro, Claudio Oliveira PII: S1055-7903(17)30306-8 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2017.07.007 Reference: YMPEV 5870 To appear in: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution Received Date: 28 April 2017 Revised Date: 4 July 2017 Accepted Date: 7 July 2017 Please cite this article as: Ochoa, L.E., Roxo, F.F., DoNascimiento, C., Sabaj, M.H., Datovo, A., Alfaro, M., Oliveira, C., Multilocus analysis of the catfish family Trichomycteridae (Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Siluriformes) supporting a monophyletic Trichomycterinae, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution (2017), doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.ympev.2017.07.007 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Multilocus analysis of the catfish family Trichomycteridae (Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Siluriformes) supporting a monophyletic Trichomycterinae Luz E. Ochoaa, Fabio F. Roxoa, Carlos DoNascimientob, Mark H. Sabajc, Aléssio
    [Show full text]
  • Fuzzy Logic-Based Expert System for Native Fish Habitat Assessment in a Scarcity Information Context
    Ecohydrology of Surface and Groundwater Dependent Systems: Concepts, Methods and Recent Developments 77 (Proc. of JS.1 at the Joint IAHS & IAH Convention, Hyderabad, India, September 2009). IAHS Publ. 328, 2009. Fuzzy logic-based expert system for native fish habitat assessment in a scarcity information context R. I. MEZA & H. X. VARGAS Civil Engineering Department, Water Resources and Environmental Division, University of Chile, Av. Blanco Encalada #2002, 3º piso, Santiago, Chile [email protected] Abstract Expert systems are typically developed to solve unclear application fields or problems. Such is the case for Chilean river ecosystems, and their fish fauna. In Chile, fish fauna studies are led almost exclusively by biologists, but no or little information is available about reproductive season, fertility, reproductive strategies, age, locomotive capacity, migration, trophic dynamic or niche, to name a few. Quantitative studies are required to analyse the impact of exotic over native species and the antropic effect over a population’s decrease. This information is essential to take appropriate conservation measures for each species and aquatic system. On the other hand, the lack of an adequate hydrometric network forces the use of complementary tools that introduce uncertainties, which are expensive and of difficult quantification. Due to the absence of gauged data for the study area, an expert system application methodology was coupled to the hydrological and hydraulic models, GR4J and HEC-RAS, respectively. Fish species information was taken from biological studies performed for the basin of the Bio Bio River where 17 fish species (13 native and 4 exotic, were found); furthermore, 7 species are classified as vulnerable and 7 are endangered.
    [Show full text]
  • Proximate Composition and Technological Properties of Wild African Catfish Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus (Lacépède1802)
    American Journal of Agricultural Science 2015; 2(2): 54-58 Published online March 30, 2015 (http://www.aascit.org/journal/ajas) Proximate Composition and Technological Properties of Wild African Catfish Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacépède1802) Oramadike C. E. Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research P.M.B. 2729, Victoria Island Lagos State Nigeria Email address [email protected] Citation Keywords Oramadike C. E.. Proximate Composition and Technological Properties of Wild African Catfish Technological Properties, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacépède1802). American Journal of Agricultural Science. Body Characteristics, Vol. 2, No. 2, 2015, pp. 54-58. Yield Indices, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus Abstract The African catfish, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacépède1802), is an omnivorous species cultured in both fresh and brackish waters because of its good growth rate, excellent taste, and high market demand. C. nigrodigitatus were collected from a fish Received: March 9, 2015 landing site at Ogudu/Agboyi Lagos lagoon fishing grounds on monthly basis for six Revised: March 26, 2015 months within March to August 2013. The proximate and technological properties (body Accepted: March 27, 2015 characteristics and yield indices) of wild C. nigrodigitatus were carried out. The proximate composition showed that protein in the edible tissue of the fish was 18.70% the lipid, ash and moisture contents were 4.50, 1.3 and 75.5% respectively. The mean and Standard deviation values of Total length (cm) and weight (g) were 27.69±2.05 and 159.87±28.48 respectively. However, the data obtained for the yield characteristic revealed a mean decrease in the order of fillet, head, frame and gut 43.92 > 32.38 > 17.06 > 5.74.
    [Show full text]
  • AN ECOLOGICAL and SYSTEMATIC SURVEY of FISHES in the RAPIDS of the LOWER ZA.Fre OR CONGO RIVER
    AN ECOLOGICAL AND SYSTEMATIC SURVEY OF FISHES IN THE RAPIDS OF THE LOWER ZA.fRE OR CONGO RIVER TYSON R. ROBERTS1 and DONALD J. STEWART2 CONTENTS the rapids habitats, and the adaptations and mode of reproduction of the fishes discussed. Abstract ______________ ----------------------------------------------- 239 Nineteen new species are described from the Acknowledgments ----------------------------------- 240 Lower Zaire rapids, belonging to the genera Introduction _______________________________________________ 240 Mormyrus, Alestes, Labeo, Bagrus, Chrysichthys, Limnology ---------------------------------------------------------- 242 Notoglanidium, Gymnallabes, Chiloglanis, Lampro­ Collecting Methods and Localities __________________ 244 logus, Nanochromis, Steatocranus, Teleogramma, Tabulation of species ---------------------------------------- 249 and Mastacembelus, most of them with obvious Systematics -------------------------------------------------------- 249 modifications for life in the rapids. Caecomasta­ Campylomormyrus _______________ 255 cembelus is placed in the synonymy of Mastacem­ M ormyrus ____ --------------------------------- _______________ 268 belus, and morphologically intermediate hybrids Alestes __________________ _________________ 270 reported between blind, depigmented Mastacem­ Bryconaethiops -------------------------------------------- 271 belus brichardi and normally eyed, darkly pig­ Labeo ---------------------------------------------------- _______ 274 mented M astacembelus brachyrhinus. The genera Bagrus
    [Show full text]
  • Indian and Madagascan Cichlids
    FAMILY Cichlidae Bonaparte, 1835 - cichlids SUBFAMILY Etroplinae Kullander, 1998 - Indian and Madagascan cichlids [=Etroplinae H] GENUS Etroplus Cuvier, in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830 - cichlids [=Chaetolabrus, Microgaster] Species Etroplus canarensis Day, 1877 - Canara pearlspot Species Etroplus suratensis (Bloch, 1790) - green chromide [=caris, meleagris] GENUS Paretroplus Bleeker, 1868 - cichlids [=Lamena] Species Paretroplus dambabe Sparks, 2002 - dambabe cichlid Species Paretroplus damii Bleeker, 1868 - damba Species Paretroplus gymnopreopercularis Sparks, 2008 - Sparks' cichlid Species Paretroplus kieneri Arnoult, 1960 - kotsovato Species Paretroplus lamenabe Sparks, 2008 - big red cichlid Species Paretroplus loisellei Sparks & Schelly, 2011 - Loiselle's cichlid Species Paretroplus maculatus Kiener & Mauge, 1966 - damba mipentina Species Paretroplus maromandia Sparks & Reinthal, 1999 - maromandia cichlid Species Paretroplus menarambo Allgayer, 1996 - pinstripe damba Species Paretroplus nourissati (Allgayer, 1998) - lamena Species Paretroplus petiti Pellegrin, 1929 - kotso Species Paretroplus polyactis Bleeker, 1878 - Bleeker's paretroplus Species Paretroplus tsimoly Stiassny et al., 2001 - tsimoly cichlid GENUS Pseudetroplus Bleeker, in G, 1862 - cichlids Species Pseudetroplus maculatus (Bloch, 1795) - orange chromide [=coruchi] SUBFAMILY Ptychochrominae Sparks, 2004 - Malagasy cichlids [=Ptychochrominae S2002] GENUS Katria Stiassny & Sparks, 2006 - cichlids Species Katria katria (Reinthal & Stiassny, 1997) - Katria cichlid GENUS
    [Show full text]
  • Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus) (Geoffrey Saint Hilaire, 1808) from Cross River Estuary, Nigeria Ndome, C
    20 JFLS | 2018 | Vol 3(2) | Pp 20-25 Research Article Food, feeding habit and condition factor of Silver Catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) (Geoffrey Saint Hilaire, 1808) from Cross River estuary, Nigeria Ndome, C. B. 1 and Udo. I. U.2 1Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Calabar‐Nigeria. 1Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environmental Management, University of Uyo, Uyo‐Nigeria ABSTRACT ISSN: 2456‐ 6268 Fish exploit the diversities of food organisms and habitats in their aquatic environments ARTICLE INFO according to their structural morphology and feeding habits, hence its ecological roles Received: 24 August 2018 and functions. Four morphological features and dietaries of 327 stomachs of Accepted: 13 November 2018 Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in the Cross-River estuary, Nigeria. Three methods Available online: 12 December 2018 (frequency of occurrence, gravimetric and numerical) were used to study food, feeding habit and condition factor. Dietaries reveal 7 identified food items and an unidentified KEYWORDS mass. Unidentified mass was the most abundant food item by occurrence (70.38%) Gravimetric methods followed by algae (59.26%) while mollusk, shrimp and mud (3.71% each) were Silver Catfish the least abundant. In terms of the gravimetric method unidentified mass (59.31%) was Cross River the most abundant followed by fish bones (12.75%) while mollusk is the least (0.09%). Considering the numerical method, algae was the most abundant (85.28%) while mollusk was the least (0.20%). Generally, unidentified mass, algae, insect parts, fish bone and * mud constituted major proportions in fish ranging in size from 36.0 to 56.5 cm standard CORRESPONDENCE length while unidentified mass, algae, and fish parts formed the major proportions in fish [email protected] ranging from 56.6 to 77.0 cm.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of the Systematic Biology of Fossil and Living Bony-Tongue Fishes, Osteoglossomorpha (Actinopterygii: Teleostei)
    Neotropical Ichthyology, 16(3): e180031, 2018 Journal homepage: www.scielo.br/ni DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-20180031 Published online: 11 October 2018 (ISSN 1982-0224) Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia Printed: 30 September 2018 (ISSN 1679-6225) Review article A review of the systematic biology of fossil and living bony-tongue fishes, Osteoglossomorpha (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) Eric J. Hilton1 and Sébastien Lavoué2,3 The bony-tongue fishes, Osteoglossomorpha, have been the focus of a great deal of morphological, systematic, and evolutio- nary study, due in part to their basal position among extant teleostean fishes. This group includes the mooneyes (Hiodontidae), knifefishes (Notopteridae), the abu (Gymnarchidae), elephantfishes (Mormyridae), arawanas and pirarucu (Osteoglossidae), and the African butterfly fish (Pantodontidae). This morphologically heterogeneous group also has a long and diverse fossil record, including taxa from all continents and both freshwater and marine deposits. The phylogenetic relationships among most extant osteoglossomorph families are widely agreed upon. However, there is still much to discover about the systematic biology of these fishes, particularly with regard to the phylogenetic affinities of several fossil taxa, within Mormyridae, and the position of Pantodon. In this paper we review the state of knowledge for osteoglossomorph fishes. We first provide an overview of the diversity of Osteoglossomorpha, and then discuss studies of the phylogeny of Osteoglossomorpha from both morphological and molecular perspectives, as well as biogeographic analyses of the group. Finally, we offer our perspectives on future needs for research on the systematic biology of Osteoglossomorpha. Keywords: Biogeography, Osteoglossidae, Paleontology, Phylogeny, Taxonomy. Os peixes da Superordem Osteoglossomorpha têm sido foco de inúmeros estudos sobre a morfologia, sistemática e evo- lução, particularmente devido à sua posição basal dentre os peixes teleósteos.
    [Show full text]
  • Ixoroideae– Rubiaceae
    IAWA Journal, Vol. 21 (4), 2000: 443–455 WOOD ANATOMY OF THE VANGUERIEAE (IXOROIDEAE– RUBIACEAE), WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON SOME GEOFRUTICES by Frederic Lens1, Steven Jansen1, Elmar Robbrecht2 & Erik Smets1 SUMMARY The Vanguerieae is a tribe consisting of about 500 species ordered in 27 genera. Although this tribe is mainly represented in Africa and Mada- gascar, Vanguerieae also occur in tropical Asia, Australia, and the isles of the Pacific Ocean. This study gives a detailed wood anatomical de- scription of 34 species of 15 genera based on LM and SEM observa- tions. The secondary xylem is homogeneous throughout the tribe and fits well into the Ixoroideae s.l. on the basis of fibre-tracheids and dif- fuse to diffuse-in-aggregates axial parenchyma. The Vanguerieae in- clude numerous geofrutices that are characterised by massive woody branched or unbranched underground parts and slightly ramified un- branched aboveground twigs. The underground structures of geofrutices are not homologous; a central pith is found in three species (Fadogia schmitzii, Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri and Tapiphyllum cinerascens var. laetum), while Fadogiella stigmatoloba shows central primary xylem which is characteristic of roots. Comparison of underground versus aboveground wood shows anatomical differences in vessel diameter and in the quantity of parenchyma and fibres. Key words: Vanguerieae, Rubiaceae, systematic wood anatomy, geo- frutex. INTRODUCTION The Vanguerieae (Ixoroideae–Rubiaceae) is a large tribe consisting of about 500 spe- cies and 27 genera. Tropical Africa is the centre of diversity (about 80% of the species are found in Africa and Madagascar), although the tribe is also present in tropical Asia, Australia, and the isles of the Pacific Ocean (Bridson 1987).
    [Show full text]
  • Towards a Regional Information Base for Lake Tanganyika Research
    RESEARCH FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES ON LAKE GCP/RAF/271/FIN-TD/Ol(En) TANGANYIKA GCP/RAF/271/FIN-TD/01 (En) January 1992 TOWARDS A REGIONAL INFORMATION BASE FOR LAKE TANGANYIKA RESEARCH by J. Eric Reynolds FINNISH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS Bujumbura, January 1992 The conclusions and recommendations given in this and other reports in the Research for the Management of the Fisheries on Lake Tanganyika Project series are those considered appropriate at the time of preparation. They may be modified in the light of further knowledge gained at subsequent stages of the Project. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of FAO or FINNIDA concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or concerning the determination of its frontiers or boundaries. PREFACE The Research for the Management of the Fisheries on Lake Tanganyika project (Tanganyika Research) became fully operational in January 1992. It is executed by the Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by the Finnish International Development Agency (FINNIDA). This project aims at the determination of the biological basis for fish production on Lake Tanganyika, in order to permit the formulation of a coherent lake-wide fisheries management policy for the four riparian States (Burundi, Tanzania, Zaïre and Zambia). Particular attention will be also given to the reinforcement of the skills and physical facilities of the fisheries research units in all four beneficiary countries as well as to the buildup of effective coordination mechanisms to ensure full collaboration between the Governments concerned.
    [Show full text]
  • Diversity and Risk Patterns of Freshwater Megafauna: a Global Perspective
    Diversity and risk patterns of freshwater megafauna: A global perspective Inaugural-Dissertation to obtain the academic degree Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in River Science Submitted to the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy of Freie Universität Berlin By FENGZHI HE 2019 This thesis work was conducted between October 2015 and April 2019, under the supervision of Dr. Sonja C. Jähnig (Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries), Jun.-Prof. Dr. Christiane Zarfl (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen), Dr. Alex Henshaw (Queen Mary University of London) and Prof. Dr. Klement Tockner (Freie Universität Berlin and Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries). The work was carried out at Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Germany, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany and Queen Mary University of London, UK. 1st Reviewer: Dr. Sonja C. Jähnig 2nd Reviewer: Prof. Dr. Klement Tockner Date of defense: 27.06. 2019 The SMART Joint Doctorate Programme Research for this thesis was conducted with the support of the Erasmus Mundus Programme, within the framework of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate (EMJD) SMART (Science for MAnagement of Rivers and their Tidal systems). EMJDs aim to foster cooperation between higher education institutions and academic staff in Europe and third countries with a view to creating centres of excellence and providing a highly skilled 21st century workforce enabled to lead social, cultural and economic developments. All EMJDs involve mandatory mobility between the universities in the consortia and lead to the award of recognised joint, double or multiple degrees. The SMART programme represents a collaboration among the University of Trento, Queen Mary University of London and Freie Universität Berlin.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Catfish Biodiversity 17
    American Fisheries Society Symposium 77:15–37, 2011 © 2011 by the American Fisheries Society Global Catfi sh Biodiversity JONATHAN W. ARMBRUSTER* Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University 331 Funchess, Auburn University, Alabama 36849, USA Abstract.—Catfi shes are a broadly distributed order of freshwater fi shes with 3,407 cur- rently valid species. In this paper, I review the different clades of catfi shes, all catfi sh fami- lies, and provide information on some of the more interesting aspects of catfi sh biology that express the great diversity that is present in the order. I also discuss the results of the widely successful All Catfi sh Species Inventory Project. Introduction proximately 10.8% of all fi shes and 5.5% of all ver- tebrates are catfi shes. Renowned herpetologist and ecologist Archie Carr’s But would every one be able to identify the 1941 parody of dichotomous keys, A Subjective Key loricariid catfi sh Pseudancistrus pectegenitor as a to the Fishes of Alachua County, Florida, begins catfi sh (Figure 2A)? It does not have scales, but it with “Any damn fool knows a catfi sh.” Carr is right does have bony plates. It is very fl at, and its mouth but only in part. Catfi shes (the Siluriformes) occur has long jaws but could not be called large. There is on every continent (even fossils are known from a barbel, but you might not recognize it as one as it Antarctica; Figure 1); and the order is extremely is just a small extension of the lip. There are spines well supported by numerous complex synapomor- at the front of the dorsal and pectoral fi ns, but they phies (shared, derived characteristics; Fink and are not sharp like in the typical catfi sh.
    [Show full text]
  • Along River Ganga
    Impact assessment of coal transportation through barges along the National Waterway No.1 (Sagar to Farakka) along River Ganga Project Report ICAR-CENTRAL INLAND FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH) BARRACKPORE, KOLKATA 700120, WEST BENGAL Impact assessment of coal transportation through barges along the National Waterway No.1 (Sagar to Farakka) along River Ganga Project Report Submitted to Inland Waterways Authority of India (Ministry of Shipping, Govt. of India) A 13, Sector 1, Noida 201301, Uttar Pradesh ICAR – Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) Barrackpore, Kolkata – 700120, West Bengal Study Team Scientists from ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Dr. B. K. Das, Director & Principal Investigator Dr. S. Samanta, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer Dr. V. R. Suresh, Principal Scientist & Head, REF Division Dr. A. K. Sahoo, Scientist Dr. A. Pandit, Principal Scientist Dr. R. K. Manna, Senior Scientist Dr. Mrs. S. Das Sarkar, Scientist Ms. A. Ekka, Scientist Dr. B. P. Mohanty, Principal Scientist & Head, FREM Division Sri Roshith C. M., Scientist Dr. Rohan Kumar Raman, Scientist Technical personnel from ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Mrs. A. Sengupta, Senior Technical Officer Sri A. Roy Chowdhury, Technical Officer Cover design Sri Sujit Choudhury Response to the Query Points of Expert Appraisal Committee POINT NO. 1. Long term, and a minimum period of one year continuous study shall be conducted on the impacts of varying traffic loads on aquatic flora and fauna with particular reference to species composition of different communities, abundance of selective species of indicator value, species richness and diversity and productivity Answered in page no. 7 – 12 (methodology) and 31 – 71 (results) of the report POINT NO.2.
    [Show full text]