Structure of the reproductive system and hectocotylus in males of lesser flying squid Todaropsis eblanae (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae)

This paper introduces new data on Todaropsis eblanae morphology, morphometry and functional aspects of the male reproductive system and hectocotylus. Spermatophores differ in specimens from the Atlantic Ocean (average length, 18.28 ± 1.45 mm, 15.63 ± 0.8% of mantle length; weight, 2.0–12.0 mg) and the Indian Ocean (average length, 24.8 ± 2.85 mm, 16.9 ± 2.1% of mantle length; weight, 35.0–39.6 mg) (t?=?3.14; p < 0.01 for absolute sizes and t?=?0.711; p > 001 for relative sizes). An additional important distinctive trait is the form of connection of the cement body with the ejaculatory tube. In recent years, T. eblanae has been regularly caught in the Barents Sea, meaning its range has extended to subarctic waters. The morphology and morphometry of the spermatophoric complex of organs did not vary in investigated parts of its range. Hectocotylus patterns and some important spermatophore traits distinguish Todaropsis from other Ommastrephidae.     

Calanoides natalis Brady, 1914 (Copepoda: Calanoida: Calanidae): identity and distribution in relation to coastal oceanography of the eastern Atlantic and western Indian Oceans

Until recently, Calanoides carinatus s.l. was assumed to be very widespread in the upwelling systems of the Atlantic, Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Molecular data, reported here, show that Calanoides from the eastern Atlantic and Arabian Sea are one species and distinct from C. carinatus s.s. The name Calanoides natalis Brady, 1914 is available for this species, which is fully re-described. The illustration by Brady of the male fifth leg and the currently reported genetic data lead us to conclude that C. natalis is distributed from the Bay of Biscay southwards along the eastern Atlantic, around the Cape of Good Hope, and northwards along the western boundary of the Indian Ocean as far as the Arabian Sea. A by-product of this study is the recognition that Calanoides macrocarinatus is a junior synonym of Calanoides brevicornis. Females of C. natalis are easy to distinguish morphologically from C. carinatus s.s. but are more similar to C. brevicornis, apart from size differences. From physical oceanographic evidence we conclude that the Indian Ocean is currently the upstream part of the distribution of C. natalis. Calanoides philippinensis is known to extend into the eastern Indian Ocean at tropical latitudes. It is not known if it is C. philippinensis that has been recorded along the western coast of Australia. An apparently undescribed species of Calanoides occurs on the eastern Australian coast.     

Responses of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Latreille, 1817) (Penaeoidea) to physico-chemical parameters in a marine protected area: changes in abundance and distribution after 20 years

ABSTRACT

This study analysed the influence of temperature, salinity and sediment texture on the distribution of pink shrimp juveniles (Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis) over a 20-year period. The shrimps were sampled monthly in Fortaleza Bay, north coast of São Paulo, Brazil, in November 1988–October 1989 (period 1) and then 20 years later in November 2008–October 2009 (period 2). In period 1 we captured 80 juveniles whereas in period 2 we captured 226. The abundance and distribution of F. brasiliensis seemed to be modulated by temperature and sediment texture, along with the fishing activity. The management strategies established between the samplings might have been responsible for the higher abundance of juveniles seen during period 2. The strategies included the limitation of fishing effort, regulation of fishing equipment and the establishment of environmental protection areas and temporary fishing ban.