ALBERT

Description: The present study contributes new information on the cephalopods off Namibia, contains the first record of Ornithoteuthis volatilis (Sasaki, 1915) in the Atlantic, and adds records of six species in the Benguela Current and three species in Namibian waters. The presence of certain species seldom encountered in the Benguela Current has been confirmed. A compilation of the cephalopod fauna off Namibia had also been included, listing 65 species. Additional morphological data on Stoloteuthis leucoptera, Lycoteuthis lorigera, Architeuthis sp., Pholidoteuthis boschmai, Ornithoteuthis volatilis, Eledone nigra, and Graneledone sp. have been provided. The status of the genus Lycoteuthis has been reviewed in the light of the first collection of Lycoteuthis lorigera (Steenstrup, 1875) males in the Atlantic, and Lycoteuthis diadema (Chun, 1900) has been considered to be a synonym for Lycoteuthis lorigera

Description: During the years 1989–1993 an intensive collection of fishes from the aphotic zone (below 150 m) of the northern part of the Gulf of Aqaba was conducted. This survey recorded 69 fish species, 8 elasmobranchs, and 61 teleosts, belonging to 45 families. Fifteen species are endemic to the Red Sea: Mustelus mosis, Narcine bentuviai, Rhinobatos punctifer, Ophichthus echeloides, Rhynchoconger sp., Physiculus marisrubri, Ostichthys hypsipterygion sufensis, Pterygotrigla sp., Uranoscopus marisrubri, Parascolopsis sp.1 and sp. 2, Atrobucca geniae, Chromis pelloura, Samariscus sp., Thamnaconus modestoides erythraeensis. Eleven species are new records for the Red Sea: Gymnothorax johnsoni, Rhynchoconger sp., Synodus doaki, Pterygotrigla sp., Chelidoperca pleurospilus, Carangoides equula, Parascolopsis sp. 1 and sp. 2, Bodianus leucostictus, Paracaesio sordidus, and Samariscus sp. Two species, Cociella crocodilo and Parascolopsis eriomma, are first substantiated records for the Red Sea. None of the species recorded in this list is considered conventional deep-sea fishes. The ichthyofauna of the aphotic zone of the Gulf of Aqaba is composed of species of shallower origin.

Description: Tests on the effects of two herbivore groups (littorinid snails and gammarid amphipods), on algal succession in high intertidal tidepools dominated by Fucus distichus showed that the grazer groups exert different grazing pressures on the algae. The differences can be related to the feeding morphologies ofthe two grazer guilds. The scraping, microphagous littorinid snails prevent the establishment of both micro- and rnacroalgae at the microscopic level. The biting, macrophagous gammarid amphipods are ineffective at grazing microalgae and prostrate macroalgae from the substratum, but exert a considerable influence on the erect macroalgae which escape littorinid grazing. Despite differences in feeding mechanisms, the magnitude of the effect of the two grazer groups on the canopy cover of macroalgae is similar.

Description: A new species of Siboglinum is reported from off the Tejo mouth, Portugal. It was dredged from c. 1100 m. It resembles S. atlanticum and certain other species, in having paired white glandular stripes on the forepart. In the posterior trunk region we found small gram-negative internal symbiotic bacteria. All described species of the genus Siboglinum are equipped with a single tentacle, but one of our specimens bears two tentacles.

Description: Most atmospheric parameters relevant to microbe dissemination into the atmosphere, including aerial transport and deposition, can be monitored by temperature and humidity, aerosols, clouds, precipitation, and wind through current meteorological and other satellite systems. A wide range of these parameters are already extracted and distributed operationally on a regional or global basis like cloudiness, cloud height, cloud motion, winds, surface temperature and atmospheric temperature profiles, and precipitation estimates, Some of these products like cloud motion, winds, and temperature profiles enter weather forecast models for initialization purposes. These models predict the global state of the atmosphere (some include precipitation and cloudiness) quite reliably for several days. Thus, an important part of the necessary technical framework for global disease spread and transmission monitoring exists.

Description: During the ‘Meteor’ Expedition 13 in July and August 1990 to the northern part of the Norwegian Sea off west Spitsbergen, 7 stations with a depth of 2000 m or more were sampled with Agassiz trawl or hyperbenthos sledge, 14 more with a large box corer. Sponges were found at 6 of the trawl stations and in 2 box cores. A total of 19 species occurred, most of which were new to the area. Eight of the species were encountered more often than the other 11. Literature review and check of unpublished samples showed that by distribution, frequency of occurrence or abundance these species can be defined as the typical sponge association of the Norwegian and Greenland abyssal sea. This sponge association has a wide occurrence over the deep Norwegian-Greenland seas and parts of the Arctic basins. The analysis of substrate utilization of the 8 core species shows that all of them are able to colonize soft bottom, even some that previously had been considered to be dependent on hard substrate exclusively. Alternative substrate utilization and, in some species, the adoption of an infaunallife style are judged to be major reasons for the success of these species in the deep sea. The infaunal life style of the species Thenea abyssorum, Trichostemma sol and Tentorium semisuberites is documented and population structure data are given for the first time.

Description: Climatological data sets are used to estimate the amount of water changing temperature and salinity at the sea-surface owing to air-sea exchanges. Considering this conversion as a function of sea-surface temperature and salinity leads to the definition of a conversion vector, which represents mass sources and sinks for each water type. The vector representation shows graphically the way the shape of the temperature-salinity relation is driven at the surface by the air-sea heat and fresh water fluxes.

Description: The cephalopod fauna of the Sea of Marmara was investigated during the years 1991-1992. Three species, Sepia orbignyana Ferussac, 1826; Rondeletiola minor Naef, 1912; and Todaropsis eblanae (Ball, 1841), are hereby recorded for the first time from the Sea of Marmara.

Description: Fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa collected from various storage sites in the male and female squids were examined by inseminated eggs in the presence or absence of gelatinous substances of the oviducal gland origin. Over 90% of the eggs were fertilized by the spermatozoa collected from the female's seminal receptacle regardless of the presence or absence of the gelatinous substance. Elevation of the chorion and the formation of perivitelline space was observed only in the jellied eggs. All jellyless eggs without perivitelline space died in 4 days after insemination. Spermatozoa collected from the spermatophore in the male's accessory gland could fertilize the majority of the eggs. On the other hand, those from the male's vas deferens could fertilize only 30–50% of both the jellied and jellyless eggs. It may be concluded from these experiments that the gelatinous substance of the oviducal gland origin has nothing to do with fertilization. However, it is essential for the elevation of the chorion and the formation of the perivitelline space. It may also be concluded that squid spermatozoa become fertile before they are transferred to the female's seminal receptacle.

Description: Mature males of Histioteuthis atlantica are described. They differ from immature animals mainly in the unique photophore pattern of the distal portion of the mantle, i.e. in the presence of densely set, lensless photophores. These photophores resemble those on H. elongata, but they are smaller and much more dense on male H. atlantica. The occurrence of the photophore pattern in approximately the same dense concentration on the dorsum as well as the ventrum is unique in the family Histioteuthidae.

Description: Oogenesis in four commercial Caribbean sponge species, Hippospongia lachne, Spongia barbara, S. cheiris and S. graminea, was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. Eggs and embryos develop asynchronously in localized endosomal nurseries of these viviparous and gonochoristic species. Statistical analyses of specific morphological characteristics of reproductive elements have unequivocally identified four specific stages in the process of oogenesis. Oogonia undergo mitotic division to produce primary oocytes. Meiotic division occurs producing secondary oocytes which are fertilized before zygotes undergo major growth by phagocytosis and the transfer of nutrients through cytoplasmic bridges. During cleavage of the zygote, umbilici form between embryos and nurse cell layers and these function in the transfer of symbiotic bacteria and other mesohyl substances from the maternal parent to the embryo. These symbionts were observed dispersed between blastomeres of all young and maturing embryos and between internal cells of cytodifferentiated parenchymella larvae. Extracellular transfer of symbiotic bacteria from maternal tissues to developing embryos has not been reported in any other viviparous invertebrate.

Description: Before 1985, Martialia hyadesi (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) in the Pacific Ocean was known only from the Eltanin Fracture Zone and Macquarie Island. A joint Japan‐New Zealand squid survey around New Zealand captured many immature ommastrephid squids. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of immature M. hyadesi. Aspects of the external morphology are described. The distinctive tentacle club was evident in the smallest specimen examined, 19 mm dorsal mantle length (ML). Arm trabeculae were first evident in specimens of 40–50 mm ML. Immature squid were distributed around and southward of the Subtropical Convergence Zone. The presence of very small squid (〈 10 mm ML) indicated spawning on or near the Auckland Island Shelf.

Description: Sexual reproductive cycles of a Florida, U.S.A., population of four Caribbean commercial sponge species, Hippospongia lachne, Spongia barbara, S. cheiris and S. graminea, were determined by analysis of tissue samples collected over a three-year period. Spermatogenesis in these species was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. The production of male gametes occurs in cysts within the endosomal tissue of mature specimens. Reproductive elements within an individual cyst develop synchronously while development between cysts is asynchronous. All available evidence suggests that these species are dioecious. Spermatogonia differentiate directly from choanocytes in situ. All cells of the chamber lose their collars and flagella and undergo mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes, each possessing a single flagellum. The ratio of nucleus to cell diameter in these cells is almost double that of choanocytes. Circumstantial evidence suggests that primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis to produce four spermatids, but confirmational chromatid linkage figures are still lacking. The mature spermatozoa lack both intermediate segments and acrosomes. Male gametes displayed a bright yellow-white autofluorescence when excited with blue light (460–485 nm).

Description: Squid on their spawning grounds feed mainly at night when they are more dispersed. In all, 28,5 per cent of squid sampled at night had food in their stomachs, whereas only 6,7 per cent of those collected by day had food. Most stomachs contained only a single prey species (90,8% of those analysed). Teleosts dominated the prey of squid collected at night (58%M), followed by crustaceans (25%), polychaetes (9%) and cephalopods (3%). By day the prey was dominated by cephalopods (61%), followed by teleosts (20%), crustaceans (14%) and polychaetes (2%). Bregmaceros sp. was the most frequently identified teleost, Loligo vulgaris reynaudii (cannibalism) the dominant cephalopod, ?Betaeus sp. (Alpheidae; pieces of coral were also found) the commonest crustacean and Nereis sp. the commonest polychaete. There were seasonal differences in the diet too: squid caught during summer seemed to have similar proportions of the four main prey components. Also, the incidence of feeding was higher than in winter. There were, however, no significant differences in stomach mass expressed as a percentage of body mass between day and night nor between season nor between sexes. The average stomach mass of all samples was 0,6 per cent of body mass, less than on the feeding grounds, where it is generally about 2 per cent.

Description: The enoploteuthid cephalopod Abraliopsis lineata is re-described and its generic position discussed. Specimens for the present study were captured during the Indian Ocean Expedition of RV Meteor in 1987, where the species occurred in considerable numbers. The geographical distribution of A. lineata is described and discussed. The detailed analysis of the photophore pattern of the present specimens differs from the original description. The diagnostic features in the male, especially the structure of the hectocotylus which separates A. lineata easily from the members of the subgenus Pfefferiteuthis, are outlined. The morphological differences which separate A. lineata from A. gilchristi, the only other member of the subgenus Micrabralia, are summarized.

Description: Larval behaviour, settlement, and metamorphosis were investigated in four Caribbean commercial sponges, Hippospongia lachne, Spongia barbara, S. cheiris and S. graminea, using light and transmission electron microscopy. The parenchymella larvae of these viviparous and gonochoristic species have an average size of 350 μm by 420 μm when released. Symbiotic bacteria occur intercellularly in both larvae and post-larvae. Laboratory behavioural studies demonstrate that free-swimming larvae display directional swimming with constant lateral rotation and negative phototaxis. Larval settlement occurs 26–56 hours after release from the parent and involves the formation of a basal lamella between the post-larva and substrate. There is no evidence of larval substrate selection by type or orientation. The canal system begins to form six days after settlement and oscules are apparent eleven days post-settlement. Available evidence suggests that larval ciliated epithelial cells are terminally differentiated and do not appear to contribute to formation of post larva or adult in this group of Porifera.

Description: To evaluate the feasibility of feeding Sepia officinalis on artificial food, a food pellet consisting of Palaemon serratus powder and alginate as binding agent was developed and tested. Six of seven cuttlefish clearly ingested the artificial food during the ten days it was supplied.

Description: Knowledge concerning biology of two loliginids and three sepiids which are found in the Japanese waters was reviewed including unpublished information of the authors. The swordtip squid, Photololigo edulis, is one of the most important resources for the coastal fisheries of Kyushu and the prefectures facing the southwest Japan Sea. This species is the only species of genus Photololigo found along the Japanese mainland coast and is easily distinguished from other loliginids, by the light organs on the ink sac. The species is distributed from southern Japan to the Red Sea. The spawning season extends throughout the year. Egg cases are laid in clusters on the sandy bottom. The life span is about one year. In the juvenile stage they feed on Crustacea and after reaching pre‐maturity they prey mainly on fish, but many have empty stomachs. Most catches are made by jigging and trawler. The fishing season extends throughout the year. The fishing grounds are widely spread over the continental shelf. Annual catches are around 25 000 metric tonnes. Although this level varies from year to year, it is fairly stable. Fishing has probably little effect on the stocks. The spear squid, Heterololigo bleekeri, can be easily distinguished from other loliginids by its shorter tentacles. The species is endemic in the Far East waters. The stocks are larger in the north. The spawning season is winter in south Japan, and from spring to early summer in north Japan. Egg cases are laid beneath the undersurfaces of firm substances. The life span is about one year. Its feeding behaviour is similar to that of the swordtip squid. Catches are made mainly with bottom trawler and fixed nets from autumn to spring. Annual landings fluctuate widely from year to year. Several prefectures along the northern Japan Sea coast are promoting the large scale development of artificial spawning beds of the species to increase the stocks. The three sepiids, golden cuttlefish. Sepia esculenta, kisslip cuttlefish. Sepia lycidas, and spineless cuttlefish, Sepiella japonica are important in mainland Japan. Those three spawn from spring to early summer in the innermost waters of semi‐enclosed inlets. Eggs are laid in batches of 50–300 every day for 3–4 days followed by a rest period of 1–2 days. This pattern is repeated until several thousands of eggs have been laid. The life span of Sepia esculenta and Sepiella japonica is one year. They feed mainly on decapod crustaceans and fish but as growth proceeds the proportion of fish increases. They are fished mainly by cuttlefish trap and beam trawler. In the early 1960s annual landings were 20 000 metric tonnes but since 1980 catches have decreased below 10 000 metric tonnes. Of the three species, the stock of Sepiella japonica is the most fluctuable. Judging from the result of the stock assessment studies on Sepiella japonica in the western Inland Sea, their stocks have been over‐exploited.

Description: The model presented here provides an explanation of the rapid response of atmospheric CO2 to increasing solar insolation. In the glacial ocean, during periods of slow, deep water renewal, when less oxygen is supplied to the deep ocean and into sediments, manganese oxide in the sediments is reduced and forms soluble MnCO3 and stays in the water column. The dissolved Mn-carbonate should then reach a concentration of ≥ 10µMol/liter, approximately 5,000 to 104 times larger than it is at present. This is the mode prevailing until deep water formation at high latitudes starts again. As soon as the balance between oxygen and organic matter becomes oxidizing once more, the deposition of MnO2 recommences. Oxidation of dissolved Mn2+CO3 to Mn4+O2 which is a spike of acidity to the ocean, rapidly lowers the CO3−− concentration in the water column and enhances release of CO2 to the atmosphere, producing the observed events of CO2 increase at the transitions from glacials to interglacials. The surprising conclusion is that the oceanic (redox-) cycle of a minor element may have had a major impact on Earth's climate.

Description: The role of substratum surface tension on the colonization process (fouling) on artificial substrata was investigated in Kiel Bay (Western Baltic). The density of organisms from the major groups (bacteria, microalgae, protozoa, macroorganisms) was monitored on test panels after several exposure intervals in two experimental series. The results showed that substrata with a surface free energy of 24 mN/m were initially less densely colonized by representatives of the different fouling groups. The most hydrophobic substrata and those between 31–43 mN/m were heavily colonzied but there was a slight decrease in density towards the most hydrophilic material (glass). After an immersion time of 64 d these differences were not apparent for bacteria, microalgae or protozoa. These results correspond with thermodynamic predictions, which propose minimum bioadhesion on substrata with critical surface tensions between 20–25 mN/m in seawater. In addition, factors other than the surface tension may be important in marine fouling.

Description: The methodology for analysis of marine mammal diets may be thought of as a series of choices; about the sampling regime, the type of sample, the processing of samples, the identification of prey remains, the quantification of prey importances, and the estimation of population food consumption. In addition to directed sampling, samples may be obtained directly or opportunisitically and the most frequently used types of sample are gut contents of dead animals, and faeces. Direct observation of feeding may be possible for species living inshore, and humane approaches to sampling (e.g. lavaging) have been succesfully applied to seals, but all methods are subject to bias. Identification of fish prey usually relies on recognition of otoliths, but additional information may be obtained from other hard remains or serological analysis of proteins. Remains of invertebrate prey may also be identified from hard parts. A variety of methods exists for quantifying the importance of prey in marine mammal diets. The most useful currency is probably prey biomass but, for fish, natural variation in otolith size-fish weight relationships makes it difficult to estimate fish weights from otolith size. Also, otoliths are reduced in size or lost during digestion. Notwithstanding these problems, otoliths are widely used. If the diet of a population has been adequately characterised, the amounts of each prey type consumed may be derived from direct or indirect estimates of energy requirements. Ideally the measurements should be taken in the field. Possible improvements in methodology include improved calibrations for otolith measurements, the development of keys and guides to fish bones, and of serological methods for identifying fish proteins. Feeding is normally inferred rather than directly monitored and a means for remote detection of prey ingestion and defaecation would greatly enhance the interpretation of foraging activity. To predict diet choice it is necessary to undertand the underlying behavioural mechanisms. Measurement of the energetic costs of prey capture would be an important step in this direction.

Description: Opportunistically collected information on sea temperature and wind was used in a preliminary investigation of physical factors affecting jigged catches of chokka squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii. Results revealed sea temperature and wind to be correlated with catches during part of the summer upwelling season (October and December) in 1988. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that sea temperature was a highly significant explanatory variable (p = 0,0000) for catches from three boats, as well as for the overall catch. Wind direction also played a significant role (p = 0,0085) in the overall catch. A statistical linear multiple regression model is proposed for each boat and for the total catch. Upwelling events are suggested to play a major role in the availability of squid on the inshore spawning grounds (〈50 m) during summer. With further study, other independent physical variables, such as currents, swell height and turbidity, are likely to be introduced into the proposed model.

Description: The feeding patterns of fish caught on the inshore (〈50 m deep) spawning grounds of chokka squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii were investigated between November 1988 and September 1990. Fish were sampled by demersal trawl, gillnet, handline and longline. SCUBA was used to observe interactions in situ. Potential predators consisted of 16 species each of teleost and elasmobranch. Of the teleosts, five species preyed on whole squid and one appeared to have scavenged squid fragments. Of the elasmobranchs, 12 species had squid in their stomachs, nine of these with a high incidence (〉33% frequency of occurrence). The squid were in spawning condition when taken and no spent squid were recovered from stomach contents. There was no evidence that squid had been moribund when ingested and no dead or moribund squid were encountered while diving during the two-year study. Cannibalism by squid was observed. Marine mammals and avian predators were rarely sighted on the spawning grounds.

Description: The enoploteuthid cephalopod Abraliopsis lineata is re-described and its generic position discussed. Specimens for the present study were captured during the Indian Ocean Expedition of RV Meteor in 1987, where the species occurred in considerable numbers. The geographical distribution of A. lineata is described and discussed. The detailed analysis of the photophore pattern of the present specimens differs from the original description. The diagnostic features in the male, especially the structure of the hectocotylus which separates A. lineata easily from the members of the subgenus Pfefferiteuthis, are outlined. The morphological differences which separate A. lineata from A. gilchristi, the only other member of the subgenus Micrabralia, are summarized.

Description: A pathogenic species of marine slime mold, Labyrinthula, has been identified as the etiological agent of the present recurrence of wasting disease of eelgrass, Zostera marina. It is also implicated as causing the previous epidemic eelgrass wasting disease that occurred in the 1930s. We propose Labyrinthula zosterae sp. nov. for this pathogen based on its host specificity, cytology, characteristic growth patterns in culture, cell size, color in mass, and aggregation structures.