Facebook
Facebook
Website
Website

NEWSLETTER 03/2013 23. March 2013

 
Please acknowledge use of the database www.shark-references.com in your publications, and cite: 

Pollerspöck, J. 2013, Bibliography database of living/fossil sharks, rays and chimaeras (Chondrichtyes: Elasmobranchii, Holocephali), www.shark-references.com, World Wide Web electronic publication, Version 2013
 

NEW PARTNERS:

  • Alexei M. Orlov, Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, VNIRO, Moscow, Russia
  • Dr. Paul Anderson, Mystic Aquarium, Sea Research Foundation Inc., Mystic, USA (Homepage)
  • Kelly Andrews, Research Fisheries Biologist, Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, USA
  • Antonio Toscano, Dpto. Geodinámica y Paleontología, Universidad de Huelva, Spain
  • Christian Capapé, C. Laboratoire d’Ichtyologie, Université Montpellier II, Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, Montpellier, France
 

         Partner in Google-Maps:                           

 

 

New images at shark-references:


Many thanks to Neil Hammerschlag, University of Miami for the images of Sphyrna mokarran (to see all images, plese use the link to the species description), e.g.: 




Many thanks to State Darwin Museum in Moscow and Artyom Savelyev  for the images of fossil shark teeth (holotypes stored in the  State Darwin Museum, Glickman's and Zhelezko's collections), e.g.:



To see all images please use the following links:

 

Missing papers:

Many thanks to all friends of shark-references, who send me some missing paper last month!

Shark-References would kindly like to ask you for your contribution to this project.

Please support www.shark-references.com and send missing papers (not listed papers or papers without the infosymbol) to juergen.pollerspoeck@shark-references.com.
 

 

News from shark-references and partner:

I need your help! I search supporter/authors for the species descriptions!
You want support shark-references and could write or update a species description (extanct/extinct sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras, parasites)? Please contanct me (juergen.pollerspoeck@shark-references.com)!

I want to create short descriptions for fossil sharks and rays and parasites of elasmobranchs or update the descriptions of the extant species. But I could do this work allone.

So, every page would be labeled with the name of the author and would be listed in the list of references of the species! I just create an example page for an fossil shark:

https://shark-references.com/species/view/Echinorhinus-caspius

or the example of an extant species:

https://shark-references.com/species/view/Aetobatus-narinari

 

Imy webmaster will update the design of the species desription. After the update we will add the name of the author like the following example:

Description by "name", "adress", "contact information":

 

New described species/Taxonomic News:

 

Fossil:



OTERO, R.A. &  RUBILAR-ROGERS, D. & YURY-YANEZ, R.E. & VARGAS, A.O. & GUTSTEIN, C.S. & MOURGUES, F.A. & ROBERT, E. (2013): A new species of chimaeriform (Chondrichthyes, Holocephali) from the uppermost Cretaceous of the Lopez de Bertodano Formation, Isla Marambio (Seymour Island), Antarctica. Antarctic Science, 25 (1): 99-106

New species: Callorhinchus torresi
Abstract: We describe a new chimaeriform fish, Callorhinchus torresi sp. nov., from the uppermost Cretaceous (late Maastrichtian) of the Lopez de Bertodano Formation, Isla Marambio (Seymour Island), Antarctica. The material shows it is distinct from currently known fossil and extant species of the genus, whereas the outline of the tritors (abrasive surfaces of each dental plate) shows an intermediate morphology between earlier records from the Cenomanian of New Zealand and those from the Eocene of Isla Marambio. This suggests an evolutionary trend in tritor morphology in the lineage leading to modern callorhynchids, during the Late Cretaceous-Palaeogene interval.

KOOT, M.B. & CUNY, G. & TINTORI, A. & TWITCHETT, R.J. (2013): A new diverse shark fauna from the Wordian (Middle Permian) Khuff Formation in the interior Haushi-Huqf area, Sultanate of Oman. Palaeontology, 56 (2): 303-343

New genus: Omanoselache, Reesodus, Teresodus, Khuffia,
New species: Glikmanius culmenis, Omanoselache hendersoni, Omanoselache angiolinii, Reesodus underwoodi, Teresodus amplexus, Khuffia lenis, Khuffia prolixa
Abstract: Chondrichthyans are newly reported from the autochthonous Wordian Khuff Formation (middle Permian), cropping out in well-exposed, low-palaeolatitude sections in the interior Haushi-Huqf area of Oman. The shark remains comprise isolated teeth, dermal denticles and fin spines and have been recovered by processing limestone in buffered acetic acid from bulk rock samples. The fauna consists of mainly ctenacanthiform and hybodontiform taxa, identified as Glikmanius cf. myachkovensis, Glikmanius culmenis sp. nov., Omanoselache hendersoni gen. et sp. nov., Omanoselache angiolinii gen. et sp. nov., cf. Omanoselache sp., Reesodus underwoodi gen et sp. nov., Teresodus amplexus gen. et sp. nov., Gunnellodus bellistriatus, Khuffia lenis gen. et sp. nov., Khuffia prolixa gen. et sp. nov. and Euselachii sp. indet. Additional specimens include rare teeth of the lonchidiid cf. ‘Palaeozoic Genus 1’ sp., of the neoselachian Cooleyella cf. fordi and a further indeterminate neoselachian, of an indeterminate petalodont and of the holocephalan Deltodus aff. mercurei and Solenodus cf. crenulatus. Fin spines add a further two taxa, Nemacanthus sp. and Amelacanthus cf. sulcatus, which have neoselachian affinities and therefore an unclear relationship to the recovered teeth. The occurrence of Nemacanthus within this Wordian fauna represents the oldest record of this taxon and its only known occurrence in the Palaeozoic. Of the remaining genera, Glikmanius has previously been recorded from the Wordian, whereas for all the others, this study represents their youngest known stratigraphic occurrence and first occurrence in Guadalupian (middle Permian) strata. This adds significantly to our knowledge of the global diversity of chondrichthyans preceding the end-Guadalupian biotic crisis. Palaeogeographically, for all taxa, this study represents the first record from the western fringe of the marine Neotethyan basin, and only Cooleyella was previously known from the southern (Gondwanan) part of the Pangaean continental margin.
 

Parasitology:

CAIRA, J.N. & PICKERING, M. & SCHULMAN, A.D. & HANESSIAN, N.J. 2013 Two New Species of Echinobothrium (Cestoda: Diphyllidea) from Batoids off South Africa. Comparative Parasitology, 80 (1): 22-32


New species: Echinobothrium dorothyae, Echinobothrium dougbermani, 
Abstract: Examination of the bycatch from a hake survey off the coast of South Africa in 2010 yielded new diphyllidean tapeworms from 2 species of batoids not previously examined for this cestode order. The spotted skate, Raja straeleni (Rajidae), was found to host Echinobothrium dorothyae n. sp., which differs in hook formula from 37 of its 43 congeners, and can be distinguished from the 6 remaining species in features such as length, number and arrangement of testes, and number of cephalic peduncle spines. The second new species, Echinobothrium dougbermani n. sp., was collected from the lesser guitarfish, Rhinobatos annulatus (Rhinobatidae). This species differs from all but 6 of its congeners in hook formula. With respect to these 6 species, it differs in numbers of cephalic peduncle spines, testes and proglottids, overall size, and ovary shape. Furthermore, it bears lateral hooklets that are more posterior in position relative to the apical hooks than is seen in most of its congeners. Scanning electron microscopy of these 2 species highlights ultrastructural differences that exist among diphyllideans, which, although their complete taxonomic distribution and function(s) are not yet understood, are interesting to consider. These are: the presence or absence of a spinithrix-lacking "V" shaped region on the medial distal bothrial surface, variation in spinithrix form from anterior to posterior on the proximal bothrial surface, and surface elaborations in the form of tiny, ridgelike structures of varying length that may or may not anastomose with one another. The relatively random nature of the selection of the skates and guitarfish hosts sampled here supports the notion that the small percentage of species in these genera that are currently known to host diphyllideans, and likely also their respective families Rajidae and Rhinobatidae, are likely a result of a lack of sampling.

CHISHOLM, L.A. 2013 Septesinus gibsoni n. g., n. sp (Monocotylidae: Heterocotylinae), from the gills of Himantura walga (Dasyatidae) off Sarawak, Borneo. Parasitology, 84 (3): 255-264 

New species: Septesinus gibsoni
Abstract: Septesinus gibsoni n. g., n. sp. (Monocotylidae: Heterocotylinae) is described from the gills of the dwarf whipray Himantura walga (Müller & Henle) collected in marine waters off Sarawak (Borneo), Malaysia. Septesinus n. g. is distinguished from other genera in the Monocotylidae by a combination of characters, including a haptor with one central and seven peripheral loculi, the presence of a highly sinuous ridge surmounting all haptoral septa, four rounded accessory structures on the dorsal surface of the haptor, and the anterior region with two pairs of anteromedian and three pairs of anterolateral gland-duct openings. Septesinus n. g. is accommodated in the Heterocotylinae. Septesinus gibsoni n. sp. is described and fully illustrated, and a key to the genera of Heterocotylinae is provided. The composition of the ridges surrounding the mouth of a number of heterocotyline species and their usefulness as a taxonomic character are examined. The identity of four specimens of Monocotyle Taschenberg, 1878, also recovered from the gills of this host species, is discussed.

MENORET, A. & IVANOV, V.A. 2012 Description of plerocerci and adults of a new species of Grillotia (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) in teleosts and elasmobranchs from the Patagonian shelf off Argentina. Journal of Parasitology, 98 (6):1185-1199 

New species: Grillotia patagonica
Abstract: A new species of Grillotia was found from teleosts and elasmobranchs along the Patagonian shelf off Argentina. Grillotia patagonica n. sp. is described from plerocerci recovered from gadiform (Moridae) and perciform fish (Cheilodactylidae, Bovichtidae, and Nototheniidae) and adults from the smallthorn sand skate Psammobatis rudis (Rajiformes, Rajidae). Grillotia patagonica most closely resembles species in the Grillotia erinaceus species complex (viz., Grillotia borealis, Grillotia brayi, Grillotia dollfusi, G. erinaceus, and Grillotia musculara) in having 4 hooks per principal row and 2 or more intercalary rows in the metabasal region, a band of hooks on the external surface of the tentacle, numerous proglottids, a hermaphroditic sac, internal and external seminal vesicles, uterine pore, and attachment of the retractor muscle in the mid region of the tentacular bulb. Grillotia patagonica n. sp. is unique among all valid species in the genus by having the hooks on the first row reduced and of a different shape from the rest of the metabasal rows. Despite the diversity of elasmobranchs that are available as definitive hosts for species in  Grillotia, most species (10/14) are oioxenous or mesostenoxenous. The specificity for the last intermediate host is variable among species of Grillotia, with most  plerocerci being oioxenous (5/15) or euryxenous (8/15). Host specificity is higher for the adult stage in the definitive host (mean HS(S) = 4.07) than for the plerocerci (mean HS(S) = 7.30). All the species with oioxenous specificity (either larvae or adults) have limited geographic distributions. Some previous records of species of Grillotia from fishes caught off Argentina require reconsideration, i.e., G. erinaceus, Grillotia minuta (reported as Grillotia bothridiopunctata) and G. borealis . An updated host-parasite checklist for the valid species of Grillotia is also presented along with new host records for Grillotia carvajalregorum.

PURIVIROJKUL, W. & BOONSOONG, B. 2012 A new species of Tetraphyllidean (Onchobothriidae) cestode from the brown-banded bambooshark Chiloscyllium punctatum (Elasmobranchii: Hemiscylliidae). Journal of Parasitology, 98 (6):1216-1219 

New species: Yorkeria chonburiensis
Abstract: Yorkeria chonburiensis n. sp. (Tetraphyllidea: Onchobothriidae) is described from the spiral intestine of a specimen of the brownbanded bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium punctatum, collected from the Gulf of Thailand, Chon Buri Province, Thailand. Yorkeria chonburiensis n. sp. is distinguished from all other species of Yorkeria by the pattern of proglottids (craspedote as opposed to acraspedote) and the proglottid number (more than 168). The new species is larger than all other members of Yorkeria, and the medial hooks are slightly larger than the lateral hooks with a ratio of 1:1.87-1:1.96. The position of the genital pore is 29-34% from the anterior margin of proglottid, greater than all other members of Yorkeria.
 

New Paper


Rezent Papers:

 
ABERCROMBIE, D.L. & CHAPMAN, D.D. & GULAK, S.J.B. & CARLSON, J.K. 2013 Visual Identification of Fins from Common Elasmobranchs in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-643: 51pp
ADACHI, N. & KURATANI, S. 2012 Development of head and trunk mesoderm in the dogfish, Scyliorhinus torazame: I. Embryology and morphology of the head cavities and related structures. Evolution & Development, 14 (3): 234-256 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-142X.2012.00542.x
ADACHI, N. & TAKECHI, M. & HIRAI, T. & KURATANI, S. 2012 Development of the head and trunk mesoderm in the dogfish, Scyliorhinus torazame: II. Comparison of gene expression between the head mesoderm and somites with reference to the origin of the vertebrate head. Evolution & Development, 14 (3): 257-276 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-142X.2012.00543.x
ALI, M. & SAAD, A. & REYNAUD, C. & CAPAPÉ, C. 2012 Occurrence of Basking Shark, Cetorhinus maximus (Elasmobranchii: Lamniformes: Cetorhinidae), off the Syrian Coast (Eastern Mediterranean) with First Description of Egg Case. Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria, 42 (4): 335-339 http://dx.doi.org/10.3750/AIP2012.42.4.07
ANDREWS, K.S. & HARVEY, C.J. 2013 Ecosystem-level consequences of movement: seasonal variation in the trophic impact of a top predator. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 473: 247-260 http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps10095
BEJARANO-ÁLVAREZ, O.M. & GALVAN-MAGAÑA, F. 2013 First report of an embryonic dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) with cyclopia and other abnormalities. Marine Biodiversity Records, 6: e11 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1755267212001236
BOOMER, J.J. & HARCOURT, R.G. & FRANCIS, M.P. & WALKER, T.I. & BRACCINI, J.M. & STOW, A.J. 2013 Frequency of Multiple Paternity in Gummy Shark, Mustelus antarcticus, and Rig, Mustelus lenticulatus, and the Implications of Mate Encounter Rate, Postcopulatory Influences, and Reproductive Mode. Journal of Heredity, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jhered/est010
BRADFORD, R. & ROBBINS, R.L. 2013 A Rapid Assessment Technique to Assist Management of the White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Cage Dive Industry, South Australia. The Open Fish Science Journal, 6: 13-18 http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874401X01306010013
BUSTAMANTE, C. & BENNETT, M.B. 2013 Insights into the reproductive biology and fisheries of two commercially exploited species, shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and blue shark (Prionace glauca), in the south-east Pacific Ocean. Fisheries Research, 143: 174-183 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2013.02.007
CAMACHO-VILLEGAS, T. & MATA-GONZALEZ, T. & PANIAGUA-SOLIS, J. & SANCHEZ, E. & LICEA, A. 2013 Human TNF cytokine neutralization with a vNAR from Heterodontus francisci shark A potential therapeutic use. mAbs, 5 (1): 80-85 http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/mabs.22593
CARTES, J.E. & FANELLI, E. & LLORIS, D. & MATALLANAS, J. 2013 Effect of environmental variations on sharks and other top predators in the deep Mediterranean Sea over the last 60 years. Climate Research, 55 (3): 239-251 http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/cr01137
CEDROLA, P.V. & GONZÁLEZ, A.M. & CHIARAMONTE, G.E. &  PETTOVELLO, A.D. 2012 Bycatch of sharks (Elasmobranchii) in the Patagonian red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri (Bate, 1888) fishery. Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "B. Rivadavia", Nueva Serie 14 (2): 349-356
CHIN, A. & TOBIN, A.J. & HEUPEL, M.R. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2013 Population structure and residency patterns of the blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus in turbid coastal environments. Journal of Fish Biology, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.12057
COELHO, R. & INFANTE, P. & SANTOS, M.N. 2013 Application of Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Estimation Equations to model at-haulback mortality of blue sharks captured in a pelagic longline fishery in the Atlantic Ocean. Fisheries Research, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2013.02.010
DAVIS, B. & WORM, B. 2013 The International Plan of Action for Sharks: How does national implementation measure up? Marine Policy, 38: 312-320 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2012.06.007
EYCKMANS, M. & LARDON, I. & WOOD, C.M. & DE BOECK, G. 2013 Physiological effects of waterborne lead exposure in spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Aquatic Toxicology, 126: 373-381 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.09.004
GODIN, A.C. & WIMMER, T. & WANG, J.H. & WORM, B. 2013 No effect from rare-earth metal deterrent on shark bycatch in a commercial pelagic longline trial. Fisheries Research, 143: 131-135 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2013.01.020
HASSAN, M. 2013 Occurrence of large-eyed rabbitfish Hydrolagus mirabilis, Chimaeridae, in Syrian waters (eastern Mediterranean). Marine Biodiversity Records, 6: e7 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S175526721200111X
JABADO, R.W. & AL GHAIS, S.M. & HAMZA, W. & HENDERSON, A.C. & AHMAD, M.A. 2013 First record of the sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus, from United Arab Emirates waters. Marine Biodiversity Records, 6: e27 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1755267213000043
JAWAD, L.A. & AL-RASSADY, I. & AL-MAMRY, J.M. 2013 Five new records of fishes from the Arabian Sea coasts of Oman. Marine Biodiversity Records, 6: e29 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1755267213000122
JONES, M.C. & DYE, S.R. & FERNANDES, J.A. & FROELICHER, T.L. & PINNEGAR, J.K. & WARREN, R. & CHEUNG, W.W.L. 2013 Predicting the Impact of Climate Change on Threatened Species in UK Waters. PLoS ONE, 8 (1): e54216 http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0054216
KELLY, J.T. & HANSON, J.M. 2013 Abundance, distribution and habitat characteristics of winter skate Leucoraja ocellata in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence: a population on the brink of extirpation? Journal of Fish Biology, 82 (3): 877–892 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.12028
KELLY, J.T. & HANSON, J.M. 2013 Maturity, size at age and predator–prey relationships of winter skate Leucoraja ocellata in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence: potentially an undescribed endemic facing extirpation. Journal of Fish Biology, 82 (3): 959–978 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.12030
KEMPSTER, R.M. & HUNT, D.M. & HUMAN, B.A. & EGEBERG, C.A. & COLLIN, S.P. 2013 First record of the mandarin dogfish Cirrhigaleus barbifer (Chondrichthyes: Squalidae) from Western Australia. Marine Biodiversity Records, 6: e25 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S175526721300002X
KING, S.L. & JOHNSON, S. & ROE, M. & REYNOLDS, T. & GREENSLADE, E.E. 2013 DNA Identification of Human Remains Obtained from a Tiger Shark. Promega Corporation Web site. http://www.promega.de/resources/articles/profiles-in-dna/2013/dna-identification-of-human-remains-obtained-from-a-tiger-shark/ Updated 2013
LI, Z. & WANG, B. & CHI, C. & GONG, Y. & TANG, J. & LUO, H. 2013 Purification and characterization of an antioxidant glycoprotein from the hydrolysate of Mustelus griseus. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 52: 267-274 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.10.025
LOPEZ, S.A. & ABARCA, N.L. & MELÉNDEZ R. 2013 Heavy metal concentrations of two highly migratory sharks (Prionace glauca and Isurus oxyrinchus ) in the southeastern Pacific waters: comments on public health and conservation. Tropical Conservation Science, 6 (1): 126-137
LUO, H.-Y. & WANG, B. & LI, Z.-R. & CHI, C.-F. & ZHANG, Q.-H. & HE, G.-Y. 2013 Preparation and evaluation of antioxidant peptide from papain hydrolysate of Sphyrna lewini muscle protein. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 51 (1): 281-288 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.iwt.2012.10.008
MA, Q. & SU, Y.-Q. & WANG, J. & ZHUANG, Z.-M. & TANG, Q.-S. 2013 Molecular cloning and expression analysis of major histocompatibility complex class IIB gene of the Whitespotted bambooshark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 39 (2): 131-142 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10695-012-9685-2
MANDELMAN, J.W. & CICIA, A.M. & INGRAM, G.W. & DRIGGERS, W.B. & COUTRE, K.M. & SULIKOWSKI, J.A. 2013 Short-term post-release mortality of skates (family Rajidae) discarded in a western North Atlantic commercial otter trawl fishery. Fisheries Research, 139: 76-84 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2012.09.020
MARANCIK, D.P. & FAST, M.D. & CAMUS, A.C. 2013 Proteomic characterization of the acute-phase response of yellow stingrays Urobatis jamaicensis after injection with a Vibrio anguillarum-ordalii bacterin. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2013.02.024
MEJÍA-FALLA, P.A. 2012 Historia de vida y demografía de la raya espinosa Urotrygon rogersi en dos áreas con distintos niveles de presión pesquera. (Life history and demography of the roundray Urotrygon rogersi in two areas with different levels of fishing pressure). PhD Thesis, Uiversidad del Valle, in spain, three chapters written in English (reproduction, age and growth and demography
MOLDE, K. & CIESIELSKI, T.M. & FISK, A.T. & LYDERSEN, C. & KOVACS, K.M. & SORMO, E.G. & JENSSEN, B.M. 2013 Associations between vitamins A and E and legacy POP levels in highly contaminated Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus). Science of the Total Environment, 442: 445-454 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.10.012
O'BRIEN, S.M. & GALLUCCI, V.F. & HAUSER, L. 2013 Effects of species biology on the historical demography of sharks and their implications for likely consequences of contemporary climate change. Conservation Genetics, 14 (1): 125-144 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10592-012-0437-8
PARK, J.-C. & LEE, J.-H. & KODAMA, K. & URUSHITANI, H. & OHTA, Y. & HORIGUCHI, T. 2013 Structure of the intratesticular duct system for sperm emission in the starspotted smooth-hound Mustelus manazo. Fisheries Science, 79 (2): 203-211 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12562-012-0581-6
PARK, J.-C. & OYAMA, M. & LEE, J.-H. & KODAMA, K. & OHTA, Y. & YAMAGUCHI, A. & SHIRAISHI, H. & HORIGUCHI, T. 2013 Phenotypic changes in reproductive traits with changes in stock size of the starspotted smooth-hound Mustelus manazo in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Fisheries Science, 79 (2): 193-201 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12562-012-0580-7
QUAN, F.B. & KENIGFEST, N.B. & MAZAN, S. & TOSTIVINT, H. 2013 Molecular cloning of the cDNAs encoding three somatostatin variants in the dogfish (Scylorhinus canicula).  General and Comparative Endocrinology, 180: 1-6 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.10.007
RAJE, S.G. & DAS, T. & SUNDARAM, S. 2012 Relationship between body size and certain breeding behavior in selected species of Elasmobranchs off Mumbai. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. India, 54 (2), 85-89 http://dx.doi.org/10.6024/jmbai.2012.54.2.01691-14
RAMÍREZ-AMARO, S.R. & GONZÁLEZ-BARBA, G. & GALVÁN-MAGAÑA, F. & CARTAMIL, D. 2013 First record of abnormal cephalic horns in the California bat ray Myliobatis californica. Marine Biodiversity Records, 6: e24 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1755267213000146
RAVI, V. & BHATIA, S. & GAUTIER, P. & LOOSLI, F. & TAY, B.-H. & TAY, A. & MURDOCH, E. & COUTINHO, P. & VAN HEYNINGEN, V. & BRENNER, S. & VENKATESH, B. & KLEINJAN, D.A. 2013 Sequencing of Pax6 Loci from the Elephant Shark Reveals a Family of Pax6 Genes in Vertebrate Genomes, Forged by Ancient Duplications and Divergences. PLoS Genetics, 9 (1): e1003177 http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1003177
ROBINSON, D.P. & JAIDAH, M.Y. & JABADO, R.W. & LEE-BROOKS, K. & NOUR EL-DIN, N.M. & AL. MALKI, A.A. & ELMEER, K. & MCCORMICK, P.A. & HENDERSON, A.C. & PIERCE, S.J. & ORMOND, R.F.G. 2013 Whale Sharks, Rhincodon typus, Aggregate around Offshore Platforms in Qatari Waters of the Arabian Gulf to Feed on Fish Spawn. PLoS ONE, 8 (3): e58255 http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0058255
ROGERS, P.J. & HUVENEERS, C. & GOLDSWORTHY, S.D. & MITCHELL, J.G. & SEURONT, L. 2013 Broad-scale movements and pelagic habitat of the dusky shark Carcharhinus obscurus off Southern Australia determined using pop-up satellite archival tags. Fisheries Oceanography, 22 (2): 102-112 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/fog.12009
RUIZ, J.F. & SEPULVEDA, R.D. & IBANEZ, C.M. 2012 Behaviour of Robsonella fontaniana in response to a potential predator. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 40 (2): 253-258 http://dx.doi.org/10.3856/vol40-issue2-fulltext-1
SCHEJTER, L. & ESCOLAR, M. & REMAGGI, C. & ALVAREZ-COLOMBO, G. & IBANEZ, P. & BREMEC, C.S. 2012 By-catch composition of the Patagonian scallop fishery: the fishes. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 40 (4): 1094-1099 http://dx.doi.org/10.3856/vol40-issue4-fulltext-26
SEMMENS, J.M. &  PAYNE, N.L. & HUVENEERS, C. & SIMS, D.W. & BRUCE, B.D. 2013 Feeding requirements of white sharks may be higher than originally thought. Scientific Reports, 3: 1471 http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep01471
SODRE, D. & RODRIGUES-FILHO, L.F.S. & SOUZA, R.F.C. & REGO, P.S. & SCHNEIDER, H. & SAMPAIO, I. & VALLINOTO, M. 2012 Inclusion of South American samples reveals new population structuring of the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) in the western Atlantic. Genetics and Molecular Biology, 35 (4): 752-760 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-47572012005000062
STORELLI, M.M. & BARONE, G. 2013 Toxic Metals (Hg, Pb, and Cd) in Commercially Important Demersal Fish from Mediterranean Sea: Contamination Levels and Dietary Exposure Assessment.  Journal of Food Science, 78 (2): T362-T366 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02976.x
STROUD, E.M. & O'CONNELL, C.P. & RICE, P.H. & SNOW, N.H. & BARNES, B.B. & ELSHAER, M.R. & HANSON, J.E. 2013 Chemical shark repellent: Myth or fact? The effect of a shark necromone on shark feeding behavior. Ocean & Coastal Management, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2013.01.006
TAGUCHI, M. & SHIGENOBU, Y. & OHKUBO, M. & YANAGIMOTO, T. & SUGAYA, T. & NAKAMURA, Y. & SAITOH, K. & YOKAWA, K. 2013 Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci in the blue shark, Prionace glauca, isolated by next generation sequencing approach. Conservation Genetics Resources, 5 (1): 117-119 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12686-012-9746-y
TATE, E.E. & ANDERSON, P.A. & HUBER, D.R. & BERZINS, I.K. 2013 Correlations of swimming patterns with spinal deformities in the sandtiger shark, Carcharias taurus.  International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 26 (1): 75-82
TOLOTTI, M.T. & TRAVASSOS, P. & FRÉDOU, F.L. & WOR, C. & ANDRADE, H.A. & HAZIN, F. 2013 Size, distribution and catch rates of the oceanic whitetip shark caught by the Brazilian tuna longline fleet. Fisheries Research, 143: 136-142 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2013.01.014
TORRES-HUERTA, A.M. & CARRASCO-BAUTISTA, P. & CRUZ-MARTÍNEZ, A. 2013 Presence of the denticled roundray Urotrygon cimar in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico. Marine Biodiversity Records, 6: e21 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1755267212001200
VIANNA, G.M.S. & MEEKAN, M.G. & PANNELL, D.J. & MARSH, S.P. & MEEUWIG, J.J. 2012 Corrigendum to ‘Socio-economic value and community benefits from shark-diving tourism in Palau: A sustainable use of reef shark populations’ [Biological Conservation 145 (2012) 267–277]. Biological Conservation, 156: 147 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2012.11.010
WILKINSON, K. 2013 An analysis of shark bite scars on the Sarasota Bay resident bottlenose dolphin community and implications for habitat use. Nick n Notches: 21
WORM, B. & DAVIS, B. & KETTEMER, L. & WARD-PAIGE, C.A. & CHAPMAN, D. & HEITHAUS, M.R. & KESSEL, S.T. & GRUBER, S.H. 2013 Global catches, exploitation rates, and rebuilding options for sharks. Marine Policy, 40: 194–204 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2012.12.034
YAMANE, K. & YAGAI, T. & NISHIMIYA, O. & SUGAWARA, R. & AMANO, H. & FUJITA, T. & HIRAMATSU, N. & TODO, T. & MATSUBARA, T. & HARA, A. 2013 Characterization of vitellogenin and its derived yolk proteins in cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 39 (2): 373-390 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10695-012-9706-1
 

Parasitology:

CAIRA, J.N. & PICKERING, M. & SCHULMAN, A.D. & HANESSIAN, N.J. 2013 Two New Species of Echinobothrium (Cestoda: Diphyllidea) from Batoids off South Africa. Comparative Parasitology, 80 (1): 22-32
CHISHOLM, L.A. 2013 Septesinus gibsoni n. g., n. sp (Monocotylidae: Heterocotylinae), from the gills of Himantura walga (Dasyatidae) off Sarawak, Borneo. Parasitology, 84 (3): 255-264 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-013-9405-z
MENORET, A. & IVANOV, V.A. 2012 Description of plerocerci and adults of a new species of Grillotia (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) in teleosts and elasmobranchs from the Patagonian shelf off Argentina. Journal of Parasitology, 98 (6):1185-1199 http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/GE-3107.1
NAVARRO, J. & ALBO-PUIGSERVER, M. & COLL, M. & SAEZ, R. & FORERO, M.G. & KUTCHA, R. 2013 Isotopic discrimination of stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) in a host-specific holocephalan tapeworm. Journal of Helminthology, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X13000126
PURIVIROJKUL, W. & BOONSOONG, B. 2012 A new species of Tetraphyllidean (Onchobothriidae) cestode from the brown-banded bambooshark Chiloscyllium punctatum (Elasmobranchii: Hemiscylliidae). Journal of Parasitology, 98 (6):1216-1219 http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/GE-3084.1
 
 
 

Fossil:

ELICKI, O. & MAGNUS, M. 2012 Squalicorax kaupi AGASSIZ, 1843, (Chondrichthyes, Lamniformes) and Echinocorys gravesi AGASSIZ &DESOR, 1847, (Echinoidea, Holasteroida) from the late Cretaceous of Bornholm (Denmark). Freiberger Forschungshefte, C 542: 55-64
FISCHER, J. & SCHNEIDER, J.W. & VOIGT, S. & JOACHIMSKI, M.M. & TICHOMIROWA, M. & TÜTKEN, T. & GÖTZE, J. & BERNER, U. 2013 Oxygen and strontium isotopes from fossil shark teeth: Environmental and ecological implications for Late Palaeozoic European basins. Chemical Geology, 342: 44–62 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2013.01.022
KOOT, M.B. & CUNY, G. & TINTORI, A. & TWITCHETT, R.J. 2013 A new diverse shark fauna from the Wordian (Middle Permian) Khuff Formation in the interior Haushi-Huqf area, Sultanate of Oman. Palaeontology, 56 (2): 303-343 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4983.2012.01199.x
ORESKA, M.P.J. & CARRANO, M.T. & DZIKIEWICZ, K.M. 2013 Vertebrate Paleontology of the Cloverly Formation (Lower Cretaceous), I: Faunal Composition, Biogeographic Relationships, and Sampling. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 33 (2): 264-292 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/039.033.0203
OTERO, R.A. &  RUBILAR-ROGERS, D. & YURY-YANEZ, R.E. & VARGAS, A.O. & GUTSTEIN, C.S. & MOURGUES, F.A. & ROBERT, E. 2013 A new species of chimaeriform (Chondrichthyes, Holocephali) from the uppermost Cretaceous of the Lopez de Bertodano Formation, Isla Marambio (Seymour Island), Antarctica. Antarctic Science, 25 (1): 99-106 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S095410201200079X
TAPANILA, L. & PRUITT, J. & PRADEL, A. & WILGA, C.D. & RAMSAY, J.B. & SCHLADER, R. & DIDIER, D.A. 2013 Jaws for a spiral-tooth whorl: CT images reveal novel adaptation and phylogeny in fossil Helicoprion. Biology Letters, 9 (2): 20130057 http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2013.0057
 

MISCELLANEOUS:

source: http://www2.isu.edu/headlines/?p=4270


Idaho State University researchers solve mysteries of ancient “shark” w/ spiral-toothed jaw; results published in Royal Society’s journal Biology Letters


Posted February 26, 2013
Using CAT scans and making 3-D virtual reconstructions of the jaws of the ancient fish Helicoprion, Idaho State University researchers have solved some of the mysteries surrounding large spiral fossils of this fish's teeth.

Artist conception of Helicoprion by illustrator and artist Ray Troll.
Artist conception of Helicoprion by illustrator and artist Ray Troll.
The ISU Museum of Natural History has the largest public collection of Helicoprion spiral-teeth fossils in the world. The fossils of this 270-million-year-old fish have long mystified scientists because, for the most part, the only remains of the fish are its teeth because its skeletal system was made of cartilage, which doesn't preserve well. No one could determine how these teeth – that look similar to a spiral saw blade – fit into a prehistoric fish with a poor fossil record, long assumed to be a species of a shark.
"New CT scans of a unique specimen from Idaho show the spiral of teeth within the jaws of the animal, giving new information on what the animal looked like, how it ate," said Leif Tapanila, principal investigator of the study, who is an ISU Associate Professor of Geosciences and Idaho Museum of Natural History division head and research curator.
The results of the study, "Jaws for a spiral tooth-whorl: CT images reveal novel adaptation and phylogeny in fossil Helicoprion," are being published in the Royal Society's journal, Biology Letters. The Royal Society, based in London, England, is a self-governing fellowship of approximately 1,450 of the world's most distinguished scientists, including more than 80 Nobel Laureates.

Most of the authors of the paper. Left to right: Jason Ramsay, Cheryl Wilga, Alan Pradel, Robert Schlader, Jesse Pruitt and Leif Tapanila working on the CT specimen of Helicoprion. (Photo by Ray Troll)
Most of the authors of the paper. Left to right: Jason Ramsay, Cheryl Wilga, Alan Pradel, Robert Schlader, Jesse Pruitt and Leif Tapanila working on the CT specimen of Helicoprion. (Photo by Ray Troll)
In the IMNH's Idaho Virtualization Laboratory Tapanila and his colleagues have virtual reconstructions of the Helicoprion's jaws, based on firm evidence, that clear up the biggest mystery surrounding these teeth.
"We were able to answer where the set of teeth fit in the animal," Tapanila said. "They fit in the back of the mouth, right next to the back joint of the jaw. We were able to refute that it might have been located at the front of the jaw."
Located in the back of the jaw, the teeth were "saw-like," with the jaw creating a rolling-back and slicing mechanism. The Helicoprion also likely ate soft-tissued prey such as squid, rather that hunting creatures with hard shells.
Another major find was that this famous fish, presumed to be a shark, is more closely related to ratfish, than sharks. Both of these species are fish with cartilage for a skeletal structure, rather than bone, but they are classified differently.

Leif Tapanila with two of the largest Helicoprion whorls in the world. (Photo by Ray Troll)
Leif Tapanila with two of the largest Helicoprion whorls in the world. (Photo by Ray Troll)
"It was always assumed that the Helicoprion was a shark, but it is more closely related to ratfish, a Holocephalan," Tapanila said. "The main thing it has in common with sharks is the structure of its teeth, everything else is Holocephalan."
Based on the 3-D virtual reconstruction of the Helicoprian's jaw, the ISU researcher can infer other characteristics about the fish. Using this information, the Idaho Museum of Natural History is creating a full-bodied reconstruction of a modest-sized, 13-foot long Helicoprion, which probably grew as long as 25 feet. This model will be part of the IMNH's new Helicoprion exhibit that will open this summer, which includes artwork by Ray Troll, a well-regarded scientific illustrator as well as a fine arts artist.
The ISU team of researchers on this project included Tapanila, Jesse Pruitt, Alan Pradel, Cheryl D. Wilga, Jason B. Ramsay, Robert Schlader and Dominique Didier. Support for the project, which will include three more scientific studies on different aspects of the Helicoprion, was provided by the National Science Foundation, Idaho Museum of Natural History, American Museum of Natural History, University of Rhode Island and Millersville University.
For more information about the Idaho Virtualization Laboratory, visit vl.imnh.isu.edu.
For more information on the Royal Society, visit royalsociety.org/.
Contact information for Leif Tapanila is 208-282-3871 or
tapaleif@isu.edu.
 
 

source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130312121110.htm



Eel Migration Study Reveals Porbeagle Shark Predation in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Mar. 12, 2013 — A tagging study has revealed that porbeagle sharks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence could severely impact the number of migrating American eels in the region.

Canadian researchers tagged eight adult eels in the St. Lawrence River as part of the Ocean Tracking Network's investigation to uncover the eels' pathway through the Gulf to spawning grounds in the Sargasso Sea -- a journey that has mystified scientists for over a century.

Adult eels have never been seen in the Sargasso Sea. The researchers hoped to track their eels right into the Sea to precisely document spawning areas. Eight eels from the St. Lawrence River in Quebec were tagged with satellite "pop-up tags." All eight tags detached from the eels and surfaced prematurely, suggesting the eels' untimely death.

Seven tags transmitted data which included swimming depths, times, dates, and sea temperatures. Six tags recorded a sharp and sustained spike in temperature. Water temperatures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in October range between 0 -- 10°C. Tags recorded temperatures of 22 -- 28°C -- stomach temperatures of warm-bodied pelagic fishes.

The ingested tags continued to record data on the dive patterns and depths of the animal. By comparing the known diving and depth patterns of porbeagle sharks and bluefin tuna to those recorded by the tags, investigators identified porbeagle sharks as the predators. On March 11, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species voted for greater protection of five shark species including porbeagle sharks.

Julian Dodson, professor at Laval University and OTN principal investigator, coauthored the study. "Both species are in trouble, and measures to conserve one may well be at odds with efforts to protect the other. What we really need now are studies to quantify just how important eels are in the diets of sharks and just what impact shark predation has on eel abundance."

In addition to pop-up tags, investigators also fitted an additional 113 eels with acoustic tags. These simpler tags broadcast only their identity and are detected by receivers moored in the ocean. Only four of the 113 eels leaving the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the Atlantic Ocean were detected on the OTN acoustic array in the Cabot Strait. The information suggests that the porbeagle sharks are taking a heavy toll on the migrating eels.

"We could hope that there will be increased pressure to protect eels in fresh water, particularly during downstream migration through power dams," says Mélanie Beguer-Pon, OTN researcher at Laval University. "We can't do anything about shark predation, but we can limit mortality in turbines."

The study was conducted by Mélanie Beguer-Pon, José Benchetrit and Julian Dodson (OTN, Laval University), with Martin Castonguay (OTN, DFO-IML), Kim Aarestrup (OTN, NIAR-Denmark), Steven Campana (DFO-BIO) and Michael Stokesbury (OTN, Acadia University).

 

Journal Reference:

  1. Mélanie Béguer-Pon, José Benchetrit, Martin Castonguay, Kim Aarestrup, Steven E. Campana, Michael J. W. Stokesbury, Julian J. Dodson. Shark Predation on Migrating Adult American Eels (Anguilla rostrata) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (10): e46830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046830
 

source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314110258.htm


ITES Makes Historic Decision to Protect Sharks and Rays

Mar. 14, 2013 — CITES plenary today accepted Committee recommendations to list five species of highly traded sharks under the CITES Appendices, along with those for the listing of both manta rays and one species of sawfish. Japan, backed by Gambia and India, unsuccessfully challenged the Committee decision to list the oceanic whitetip shark, while Grenada and China failed in an attempt to reopen debate on listing three hammerhead species. Colombia, Senegal, Mexico and others took the floor to defend Committee decisions to list sharks.

Proponents of the various listing proposals include the 27 Member States of the EU, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Egypt, Honduras, Mexico, and the USA. The shark and ray proposals received more than the two-thirds majority of votes necessary for adoption while the sawfish listing succeeded by consensus.

"With relief that the Committee decisions were not overturned, we now turn our focus to the essential phase of their implementation," said Sonja Fordham, President of Shark Advocates International. "We urge all Parties to recognize the urgency of the shark and ray plight and to begin this work to ensure the sustainability of international trade in newly listed species, as a matter of priority."

The German Elasmobranch Society, Humane Society International, Project AWARE, Shark Advocates International, Shark Trust, and Wildlife Conservation Society worked as a coalition to promote the shark and ray listing proposals