Complete mitochondrial genome of the green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus)

Investigations into the ancestry of the Grape-eye Seabass (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos) reveal novel limits and relationships for the Acropomatiformes (Teleostei: Percomorpha)

Abstract For 175 years, an unremarkable bass, the Grape-eye Seabass (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos), has been known from coastal waters in the Eastern Pacific. To date, its phylogenetic placement and classification have been ignored. A preliminary osteological examination of Hemilutjanus hinted that it may have affinities with the Acropomatiformes. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using UCE and Sanger sequence data to study the placement of Hemilutjanus and the limits and relationships of the Acropomatiformes. We show that Hemilutjanus is a malakichthyid, and our results corroborate earlier studies that have resolved a polyphyletic Polyprionidae; accordingly, we describe Stereolepididae, new family, for Stereolepis. With these revisions, the Acropomatiformes is now composed of the: Acropomatidae; Banjosidae; Bathyclupeidae; Champsodontidae; Creediidae; Dinolestidae; Epigonidae; Glaucosomatidae; Hemerocoetidae; Howellidae; Lateolabracidae; Malakichthyidae; Ostracoberycidae; Pempheridae; Pentacerotidae; Polyprionidae; Scombropidae; Stereolepididae, new family; Symphysanodontidae; Synagropidae; and Schuettea. Finally, using our new hypothesis, we demonstrate that acropomatiforms repeatedly evolved bioluminescence and transitioned between shallow waters and the deep sea.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Tibet Gaoshan Yak (Bos grunniens)

Tibet Gaoshan Yak (Bos grunniens) is a local Yak breed that mainly produces meat in Tibet Autonomous Region, China. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Tibet Gaoshan Yak was sequenced. The total length of the mitochondrial genome is 16,323 bp, and the base composition is 33.71% for A, 13.21% for G, 27.27% for T, and 25.81% for C. The genome includes 13 protein-coding genes (ND1-ND6, ND4L, COX1-COX3, ATP6, ATP8, and CYTB), two rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16SrRNA), 22 tRNA genes, and a noncoding control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis showed that Tibet Gaoshan Yak has the closest relationship with Polled Yak. The sequence analysis provided in this study will be helpful to the management of Yak breeds, the origin, and evolution of Yak, and the protection and utilization of genetic resources.

Predator-induced changes of male and female mating preferences: innate and learned components

While many mating preferences have a genetic basis, the question remains as to whether and how learning/experience can modify individual mate choice decisions. We used wild-caught (predator-experienced) and F₁ laboratory-reared (predator-naïve) invasive Western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis from China to test whether mating preferences (assessed in a first mate choice test) would change under immediate predation threat. The same individuals were tested in a second mate choice test during which 1 of 3 types of animated predators was presented: 1) a co-occurring predator, 2) a co-evolved but not currently co-occurring predator, and 3) a non-piscivorous species as control. We compared preference scores derived from both mate choice tests to separate innate from experiential effects of predation. We also asked whether predator-induced changes in mating preferences would differ between sexes or depend on the choosing individual’s personality type and/or body size. Wild-caught fish altered their mate choice decisions most when exposed to the co-occurring predator whereas laboratory-reared individuals responded most to the co-evolved predator, suggesting that both innate mechanisms and learning effects are involved. This behavior likely reduces individuals’ risk of falling victim to predation by temporarily moving away from high-quality (i.e., conspicuous) mating partners. Accordingly, effects were stronger in bolder than shyer, large- compared with small-bodied, and female compared with male focal individuals, likely because those phenotypes face an increased predation risk overall. Our study adds to the growing body of literature appreciating the complexity of the mate choice process, where an array of intrinsic and extrinsic factors interacts during decision-making.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the endemic species Korean aucha perch Coreoperca herzi (Teleostei, Centrarchiformes, Sinipercidae)

In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of the endemic species Korean aucha perch Coreoperca herzi (Teleostei, Centrarchiformes, Sinipercidae). The mitogenome, consisting of 16 495 base pairs (bp), encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 2 non-coding region. The overall base composition of C. herzi is G + C: 46.3%, A + T: 53.7%, apparently with a slight AT bias. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the C. herzi was closed to Coreoperca kawamebari.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Datong yak (Bos grunniens)

Datong yak is a famous artificially cultivated breed in China. In the present work, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Datong yak for the first time. The total length of the mitogenome is 16,323 bp long, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and one non-coding region (D-loop region). The gene order of Datong yak mitogenome is identical to that observed in most other vertebrates. The overall base composition is 33.71% A, 25.8.0% C, 13.21% G and 27.27% T, with an A + T content of 60.98%. The complete mitogenome sequence information of Datong yak can provide useful data for further studies on molecular breeding and taxonomic status.