1
|
Jacquemont J, Brandl SJ, McFarland EP, Claudet J, Baldwin CC, Barrett J, Tornabene L. Vertical structure of Caribbean deep-reef fishes from the altiphotic to deep-sea boundary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19489. [PMID: 39174608 PMCID: PMC11341716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69774-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While recent technical breakthroughs have enabled advances in the description of reefs down to 150 m, the structure and depth zonation of deep-reef communities below 150 m remains largely unknown. Here, we present results from over 10 years of deep-reef fish surveys using human-occupied submersibles at four locations across the Caribbean Sea, constituting one of the only continuous reef-fish surveys from 10 to 480 m (1 site) and 40 to 300 m (3 sites). We identify four vertically stratified deep-reef fish communities between 40 and 300 m bordered by an altiphotic (0-10 m) and a deep-sea (300-480 m) community. We found a strong faunal break around 150 m that separates mesophotic and rariphotic zones and secondary breaks at ~ 70 to 90 m and ~ 180 to 200 m subdividing these zones into upper and lower communities. From 300 to 480 m in Roatán, we found a single fish community dominated by deep-sea families, indicating that the lower boundary of the reef-fish realm occurs at 300 m. No differences were found between communities ranging from 20 to 60 m, suggesting that fishes from the lower altiphotic and upper mesophotic form an ecological continuum. While some variability was observed across sites, the overall depth zonation and key species characterizing depth zones were consistent. Most deep-reef species observed were depth specialists restricted to a single depth zone, but many shallow-reef species extended down to mesophotic depths. Depth segregation among species of a genus was found across ten reef-fish genera and likely constitutes one of the mechanisms driving community distinctiveness and thereby fish diversity across depths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Jacquemont
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St 98195, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Simon J Brandl
- Department of Marine Science, The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Dr, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
| | - Emily P McFarland
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Carole C Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jenna Barrett
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration SWFSC, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Luke Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St 98195, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McFarland EP, Baldwin CC, Robertson DR, Rocha LA, Tornabene L. A new species of Chromis damselfish from the tropical western Atlantic (Teleostei, Pomacentridae). Zookeys 2020; 1008:107-138. [PMID: 33505190 PMCID: PMC7790814 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1008.58805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Initially described in 1882, Chromisenchrysurus, the Yellowtail Reeffish, was redescribed in 1982 to account for an observed color morph that possesses a white tail instead of a yellow one, but morphological and geographic boundaries between the two color morphs were not well understood. Taking advantage of newly collected material from submersible studies of deep reefs and photographs from rebreather dives, this study sought to determine whether the white-tailed Chromis is actually a color morph of Chromisenchrysurus or a distinct species. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I separated Chromisenchrysurus and the white-tailed Chromis into two reciprocally monophyletic clades. A principal component analysis based on 27 morphological characters separated the two groups into clusters that correspond with caudal-fin coloration, which was either known or presumed based on the specimen’s collection site according to biogeographic data on species boundaries in the Greater Caribbean. Genetic, morphological, and biogeographic data all indicate that the white-tailed Chromis is a distinct species, herein described as Chromisvanbebberaesp. nov. The discovery of a new species within a conspicuous group such as damselfishes in a well-studied region of the world highlights the importance of deep-reef exploration in documenting undiscovered biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily P McFarland
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5020, USA University of Washington Seattle United States of America.,Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle, WA 98105, USA Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture Seattle United States of America
| | - Carole C Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20560, USA Smithsonian Institution Washington United States of America
| | - David Ross Robertson
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Balboa Panama
| | - Luiz A Rocha
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California 94118, USA Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences San Francisco United States of America
| | - Luke Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5020, USA University of Washington Seattle United States of America.,Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle, WA 98105, USA Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture Seattle United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pinheiro HT, Shepherd B, Greene BD, Rocha LA. Liopropomaincandescens sp. nov. (Epinephelidae, Liopropominae), a new species of basslet from mesophotic coral ecosystems of Pohnpei, Micronesia. Zookeys 2019; 863:97-106. [PMID: 31341394 PMCID: PMC6639349 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.863.33778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A new species of the genus Liopropoma Gill found on the lower mesophotic coral ecosystem of Pohnpei, Micronesia, is herein described. Liopropomaincandescens sp. nov. differs from its congeners in coloration, number of lateral-line scales, number of pectoral fin rays, body depth, and snout length. Liopropomaincandescens sp. nov. is the 31st species in the genus. It was collected from a small rocky crevice in a steep slope at 130 m depth. Water temperature was 20 °C and benthic habitat was dominated by gorgonians, sponges and tunicates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hudson T Pinheiro
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA California Academy of Sciences San Francisco United States of America
| | - Bart Shepherd
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA California Academy of Sciences San Francisco United States of America
| | - Brian D Greene
- Association for Marine Exploration, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA Association for Marine Exploration Kaneohe United States of America
| | - Luiz A Rocha
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA California Academy of Sciences San Francisco United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ramírez JM, Vázquez-Bader AR, Gracia A. Ichthyofaunal list of the continental slope of the southern Gulf of Mexico. Zookeys 2019; 846:117-132. [PMID: 31148930 PMCID: PMC6533241 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.846.31944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Four oceanographic cruises were carried out between April 2011 and May 2013 on the continental slope of the southern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) in a depth range of 290 to 1200 m on board the R/V JUSTO SIERRA. A total of 91 trawls covered a total swept area of 170.49 hectares. We recorded 177 fish species belonging to 80 families. Fifteen species extended their distribution into the south of the gulf and 37 increased their depth ranges. Five species could have commercial importance: Aphanopuscarbo Lowe, 1839; Hydrolagusmirabilis (Collett, 1904); Helicolenusdactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809); Lophiusgastrophysus Miranda Ribeiro, 1915, and Merlucciusalbidus (Mitchill, 1818). The most abundant species were Polymixialowei Günther, 1859; Parasudistruculenta (Goode & Bean, 1896); M.albidus, Chlorophthalmusagassizi Bonaparte, 1840; Dibranchusatlanticus Peters, 1876; Nezumiaaequalis (Günther, 1878); Yarrellablackfordi Goode & Bean, 1896; and Laemonemabarbatulum Goode & Bean, 1883. High values of fish species richness, diversity, and evenness were registered throughout the study area. A high percentage of the fish species (97%) collected during this project are distributed in the entire GoM. Most of the species showed a wide depth distribution; however, a vertical zonation of species can be observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Martín Ramírez
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México México Mexico
| | - Ana Rosa Vázquez-Bader
- Posdoc. Unidad Académica de Ecología y Biodiversidad Acuática, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México México Mexico
| | - Adolfo Gracia
- Unidad Académica de Ecología y Biodiversidad Acuática, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P.70-305, Ciudad de México, 04510, México Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México México Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Uiblein F, Nielsen JG, Baldwin CC, Quattrini AM, Robertson R. Discovery of a Distinctive Spotted Color Pattern in the Cuskeel Neobythites unicolor (Teleostei, Ophidiidae) Based on Underwater-Vehicle Dives, with New Records from the Southern and Eastern Caribbean. COPEIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1643/ci-18-148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Uiblein
- Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870, Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway; . Send reprint requests to this address
| | - Jørgen G. Nielsen
- Zoological Museum, Natural History Museum of Denmark, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Carole C. Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 156, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012;
| | - Andrea M. Quattrini
- Harvey Mudd College, F.W. Olin Science Center, 1250 N Dartmouth Ave, Claremont, California 91711;
| | - Ross Robertson
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brandl SJ, Goatley CHR, Bellwood DR, Tornabene L. The hidden half: ecology and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes on coral reefs. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 93:1846-1873. [PMID: 29736999 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Teleost fishes are the most diverse group of vertebrates on Earth. On tropical coral reefs, their species richness exceeds 6000 species; one tenth of total vertebrate biodiversity. A large proportion of this diversity is composed of cryptobenthic reef fishes (CRFs): bottom-dwelling, morphologically or behaviourally cryptic species typically less than 50 mm in length. Yet, despite their diversity and abundance, these fishes are both poorly defined and understood. Herein we provide a new quantitative definition and synthesise current knowledge on the diversity, distribution and life history of CRFs. First, we use size distributions within families to define 17 core CRF families as characterised by the high prevalence (>10%) of small-bodied species (<50 mm). This stands in strong contrast to 42 families of large reef fishes, in which virtually no small-bodied species have evolved. We posit that small body size has allowed CRFs to diversify at extremely high rates, primarily by allowing for fine partitioning of microhabitats and facilitation of allopatric reproductive isolation; yet, we are far from understanding and documenting the biodiversity of CRFs. Using rates of description since 1758, we predict that approximately 30 new species of cryptobenthic species will be described per year until 2050 (approximately twice the annual rate compared to large fishes). Furthermore, we predict that by the year 2031, more than half of the described coral reef fish biodiversity will consist of CRFs. These fishes are the 'hidden half' of vertebrate biodiversity on coral reefs. Notably, global geographic coverage and spatial resolution of quantitative data on CRF communities is uniformly poor, which further emphasises the remarkable reservoir of biodiversity that is yet to be discovered. Although small body size may have enabled extensive diversification within CRF families, small size also comes with a suite of ecological challenges that affect fishes' capacities to feed, survive and reproduce; we identify a range of life-history adaptations that have enabled CRFs to overcome these limitations. In turn, these adaptations bestow a unique socio-ecological role on CRFs, which includes a key role in coral reef trophodynamics by cycling trophic energy provided by microscopic prey to larger consumers. Although small in body size, the ecology and evolutionary history of CRFs may make them a critical component of coral-reef food webs; yet our review also shows that these fishes are highly susceptible to a variety of anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding the consequences of these changes for CRFs and coral reef ecosystems will require us to shed more light on this frequently overlooked but highly diverse and abundant guild of coral reef fishes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Brandl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada.,Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network, Smithsonian Institution, Edgewater, MD, 21037, U.S.A
| | - Christopher H R Goatley
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research (FEAR) Lab and Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia
| | - David R Bellwood
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Australia
| | - Luke Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems, which occur at depths of ~40 to 150 m, have received recent scientific attention as potential refugia for organisms inhabiting deteriorating shallow reefs. These ecosystems merit research in their own right, as they harbor both depth-generalist species and a distinctive reef-fish fauna. Reef ecosystems just below the mesophotic are globally underexplored, and the scant recent literature that mentions them often suggests that mesophotic ecosystems transition directly into those of the deep sea. Through submersible-based surveys in the Caribbean Sea, we amassed the most extensive database to date on reef-fish diversity between ~40 and 309 m at any single tropical location. Our data reveal a unique reef-fish assemblage living between ~130 and 309 m that, while taxonomically distinct from shallower faunas, shares strong evolutionary affinities with them. Lacking an existing name for this reef-faunal zone immediately below the mesophotic but above the deep aphotic, we propose "rariphotic." Together with the "altiphotic," proposed here for the shallowest reef-faunal zone, and the mesophotic, the rariphotic is part of a depth continuum of discrete faunal zones of tropical reef fishes, and perhaps of reef ecosystems in general, all of which warrant further study in light of global declines of shallow reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C C Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20560, USA.
| | - L Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - D R Robertson
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Baldwin CC, Tornabene L, Robertson DR, Nonaka A, Gilmore RG. More new deep-reef basslets (Teleostei, Grammatidae, Lipogramma), with updates on the eco-evolutionary relationships within the genus. Zookeys 2018; 729:129-161. [PMID: 29472761 PMCID: PMC5811657 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.729.21842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Two new Lipogramma basslets are described, L. barrettorum and L. schrieri, captured during submersible diving to 300 m depth off Curaçao, southern Caribbean. Superficially resembling L. robinsi in having 11-12 bars of pigment on the trunk, L. barrettorum is distinct from L. robinsi in having a stripe of blue-white pigment along the dorsal midline of the head (vs. a cap of yellow pigment), in patterns of pigment on the median fins, and in having 8-10 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first arch (vs. 11-12). Lipogramma schrieri is distinct from all congeners in having seven or eight dark bars of pigment on the trunk and broad, irregular, whitish blue markings on the dorsal portion of the head. The new species are genetically distinct from one another and from seven other Lipogramma species for which genetic data are available. A phylogenetic hypothesis derived from mitochondrial and nuclear genes suggests that the new species belong to a clade that also comprises L. evides and L. haberi. Collectively those four species are the deepest-living members of the genus, occurring at depths predominantly below 140 m. This study thus provides further evidence of eco-evolutionary correlations between depth and phylogeny in Caribbean reef fishes. Tropical deep reefs are globally underexplored ecosystems, and further investigation of Caribbean deep reefs undoubtedly will provide samples of species for which no genetic material currently exists and reveal more cryptic species diversity in the genus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole C. Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20560, USA
| | - Luke Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ai Nonaka
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20560, USA
| | - R. Grant Gilmore
- Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Science, Inc., 5920 First Street SW, Vero Beach, FL, 32968, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Deep-reef fish assemblages of the Great Barrier Reef shelf-break (Australia). Sci Rep 2017; 7:10886. [PMID: 28883506 PMCID: PMC5589835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical mesophotic and sub-mesophotic fish ecology is poorly understood despite increasing vulnerability of deeper fish assemblages. Worldwide there is greater fishing pressure on continental shelf-breaks and the effects of disturbances on deeper fish species have not yet been assessed. Difficult to access, deeper reefs host undocumented fish diversity and abundance. Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) with lights were used to sample deeper habitats (54–260 m), in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. Here we describe fish biodiversity, relative abundance and richness, assessing the prediction that depth would drive assemblage structure in the GBR. Distinct groups of fishes were found with depth whilst overall richness and abundance decreased steeply between 100 and 260 m. Commercially-valuable Lutjanidae species from Pristipomoides and Etelis genera, were absent from shallower depths. Few fish species overlapped between adjacent depth strata, indicating unique assemblages with depth. We also detected new location records and potential new species records. The high biodiversity of fish found in shelf-break environments is poorly appreciated and depth is a strong predictor of assemblage composition. This may pose a challenge for managers of commercial fisheries as distinct depth ranges of taxa may translate to more readily targeted habitats, and therefore, an inherent vulnerability to exploitation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tornabene L, Baldwin CC. A new mesophotic goby, Palatogobius incendius (Teleostei: Gobiidae), and the first record of invasive lionfish preying on undescribed biodiversity. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177179. [PMID: 28542432 PMCID: PMC5444649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A new species of deep-reef fish in the goby genus Palatogobius is described from recent submersible collections off Curaçao and Dominica. Video footage of schools of this species reveal predation by the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois spp.), the first record of undescribed fauna potentially being eaten by lionfish outside of its native range. We present molecular phylogenetic data for all valid species of Palatogobius and related genera, as well as a taxonomic key to the species of Palatogobius and a generic key to Palatogobius and related genera in the western Atlantic. Lastly, we discuss ecological and behavioral aspects of some deep-reef fishes in light of potential threats from invasive lionfish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Tornabene
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Carole C. Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Baldwin CC, Robertson DR, Nonaka A, Tornabene L. Two new deep-reef basslets (Teleostei, Grammatidae, Lipogramma), with comments on the eco-evolutionary relationships of the genus. Zookeys 2016; 638:45-82. [PMID: 28174497 PMCID: PMC5270743 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.638.10455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The banded basslet, Lipogramma evides Robins & Colin, 1979, is shown to comprise two species: Lipogramma evides, which inhabits depths of 133-302 m, and a new species described here as Lipogramma levinsoni, which inhabits depths of 108-154 m and previously was considered to represent the juvenile of Lipogramma evides. A second new species of banded basslet, described here as Lipogramma haberi, inhabits depths of 152-233 m and was previously not reported in the literature. Morphologically, the three species differ in color patterns and modal numbers of gill rakers, whereas various other morphological features distinguish Lipogramma levinsoni from Lipogramma evides and Lipogramma haberi. DNA barcode data and multilocus, coalescent-based, species-delimitation analysis support the recognition of the three species. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic data supports a sister-group relationship between the two deepest-living of the three species, Lipogramma evides and Lipogramma haberi, and suggests that the shallower Lipogramma levinsoni is more closely related to Lipogramma anabantoides Böhlke, 1960, which inhabits depths < 120 m. Evolutionary relationships within Lipogramma thus appear to be correlated with species depth ranges, an eco-evolutionary pattern that has been observed in other Caribbean marine teleosts and that warrants further investigation. The new species represent the eleventh and twelfth new fish species described in recent years from exploratory submersible diving in the Caribbean in the globally poorly studied depth zone of 50-300 m. This study suggests that there are at least two additional cryptic species of Lipogramma, which are being analyzed in ongoing investigations of Caribbean deep-reef ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole C. Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560
| | | | - Ai Nonaka
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560
| | - Luke Tornabene
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Baldwin CC, Pitassy DE, Robertson DR. A new deep-reef scorpionfish (Teleostei, Scorpaenidae, Scorpaenodes) from the southern Caribbean with comments on depth distributions and relationships of western Atlantic members of the genus. Zookeys 2016:141-58. [PMID: 27551226 PMCID: PMC4978015 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.606.8590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A new species of scorpionfish, Scorpaenodesbarrybrowni Pitassy & Baldwin, sp. n. which is described, was collected during submersible diving in the southern Caribbean as part of the Smithsonian’s Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP). It differs from the other two western Atlantic species of the genus, Scorpaenodescaribbaeus and Scorpaenodestredecimspinosus, in various features, including its color pattern, having an incomplete lateral line comprising 8–10 pored scales, tending to be more elongate, usually having the 11th–12th pectoral-fin rays elongate, and by 20–23% divergence in the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) DNA barcode sequences. It further differs from one or the other of those species in head spination and in numbers of soft dorsal-fin rays, pectoral-fin rays, and precaudal + caudal vertebrae. Inhabiting depths of 95–160 m, the new species is the deepest western Atlantic member of the genus (Scorpaenodescaribbaeus occurs at depths < 35 m and Scorpaenodestredecimspinosus from 7 to 82 m). DNA barcode data do not rigorously resolve relationships among the ten species of the genus for which those data are available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole C Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560
| | - Diane E Pitassy
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560
| | - D Ross Robertson
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panamá
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tornabene L, Van Tassell JL, Robertson DR, Baldwin CC. Repeated invasions into the twilight zone: evolutionary origins of a novel assemblage of fishes from deep Caribbean reefs. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:3662-82. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Tornabene
- National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; PO Box 37012 Washington DC 20013-7012 USA
| | - James L. Van Tassell
- Department of Ichthyology; American Museum of Natural History; Central Park West at 79th Street New York NY 10024-5192 USA
| | - D. Ross Robertson
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Balboa Panama Unit 9100, PO Box 0948, DPO AA 34002 USA
| | - Carole C. Baldwin
- National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; PO Box 37012 Washington DC 20013-7012 USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tornabene L, Robertson DR, Baldwin CC. Varicus lacerta, a new species of goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Gobiosomatini, Nes subgroup) from a mesophotic reef in the southern Caribbean. Zookeys 2016:143-56. [PMID: 27408581 PMCID: PMC4926659 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.596.8217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a new species of goby, Varicuslacertasp. n., which was collected from a mesophotic reef at Curacao, southern Caribbean. The new species is the tenth species of Varicus, all of which occur below traditional SCUBA depths in the wider Caribbean area. Its placement in the genus Varicus is supported by a molecular phylogenetic analysis of three nuclear genes and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b. In addition, the new species has one anal-fin pterygiophore inserted anterior to the first haemal spine, which distinguishes Varicus species from most species in the closely related and morphologically similar genus Psilotris. Varicuslacertasp. n. is distinguished from all other named species of Varicus by the absence of scales, having highly branched, feather-like pelvic-fin rays, and in its live coloration. We provide the cytochrome c oxidase I DNA barcode of the holotype and compare color patterns of all species of Varicus and Psilotris for which color photographs or illustrations are available. This study is one of several recent studies demonstrating the utility of manned submersibles in exploring the diversity of poorly studied but species-rich deep-reef habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Tornabene
- Division of Fishes, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013-7012, U.S.A
| | - D Ross Robertson
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Carole C Baldwin
- Division of Fishes, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013-7012, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tornabene L, Van Tassell JL, Gilmore RG, Robertson DR, Young F, Baldwin CC. Molecular phylogeny, analysis of character evolution, and submersible collections enable a new classification of a diverse group of gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae:Nes subgroup), including nine new species and four new genera. Zool J Linn Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Tornabene
- College of Science and Engineering; Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi; 6300 Ocean Drive Corpus Christi TX 78412 USA
- National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; PO Box 37012 Washington DC 20013-7012 USA
| | - James L. Van Tassell
- Department of Ichthyology; American Museum of Natural History; Central Park West at 79th Street New York NY 10024-5192 USA
| | - Richard G. Gilmore
- Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Science, Inc.; 5920 First Street SW Vero Beach FL 32968 USA
| | - David Ross Robertson
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Balboa, Panama Unit 9100, Box 0948, DPO, AA 34002 USA
| | - Forrest Young
- Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc.; 10602 7th Avenue Gulf Marathon FL 33050 USA
| | - Carole C. Baldwin
- National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; PO Box 37012 Washington DC 20013-7012 USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Baldwin CC, Robertson DR. A new, mesophotic Coryphopterus goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from the southern Caribbean, with comments on relationships and depth distributions within the genus. Zookeys 2015:123-42. [PMID: 26257572 PMCID: PMC4524281 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.513.9998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A new species of western Atlantic Coryphopterus is described from mesophotic depths off Curaçao, southern Caribbean. Coryphopteruscurasubsp. n., is similar to Coryphopterusdicrus in, among other features, having two prominent pigment spots of roughly equal intensity on the pectoral-fin base, the pelvic fins fused to form a disk, and no pelvic frenum. The two species can be differentiated by body depth (shallower in Coryphopteruscurasub at origin of dorsal fin and caudal peduncle); differences in the pigmentation on the head, trunk, and basicaudal region; and usually by total number of rays (spinous plus soft) in the second dorsal fin (10–11, usually 11, in Coryphopteruscurasub, 10 in Coryphopterusdicrus). Coryphopteruscurasub differs from other Coryphopterus species that have a prominent pigment spot on the lower portion of the pectoral-fin base (Coryphopteruspunctipectophorus and Coryphopterusvenezuelae) in, among other features, lacking a pelvic frenum. Coryphopteruscurasub was collected between 70 and 80 m, the deepest depth range known for the genus. Collections of Coryphopterusvenezuelae at depths of 65–69 m extend the depth range of that species by approximately 50 m. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data corroborate the recognition of Coryphopteruscurasub as a distinct species but do not rigorously resolve its relationships within the genus. A revised key to the western Atlantic species of Coryphopterus is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole C Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560
| | - D Ross Robertson
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panamá
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Baldwin CC, Johnson GD. Connectivity across the Caribbean Sea: DNA barcoding and morphology unite an enigmatic fish larva from the Florida straits with a new species of sea bass from deep reefs off Curaçao. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97661. [PMID: 24825118 PMCID: PMC4019605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrative taxonomy, in which multiple disciplines are combined to address questions related to biological species diversity, is a valuable tool for identifying pelagic marine fish larvae and recognizing the existence of new fish species. Here we combine data from DNA barcoding, comparative morphology, and analysis of color patterns to identify an unusual fish larva from the Florida Straits and demonstrate that it is the pelagic larval phase of a previously undescribed species of Liopropoma sea bass from deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean. The larva is unique among larvae of the teleost family Serranidae, Tribe Liopropomini, in having seven elongate dorsal-fin spines. Adults of the new species are similar to the golden bass, Liopropoma aberrans, with which they have been confused, but they are distinct genetically and morphologically. The new species differs from all other western Atlantic liopropomins in having IX, 11 dorsal-fin rays and in having a unique color pattern–most notably the predominance of yellow pigment on the dorsal portion of the trunk, a pale to white body ventrally, and yellow spots scattered across both the dorsal and ventral portions of the trunk. Exploration of deep reefs to 300 m using a manned submersible off Curaçao is resulting in the discovery of numerous new fish species, improving our genetic databases, and greatly enhancing our understanding of deep-reef fish diversity in the southern Caribbean. Oh the mother and child reunion is only a moment away. Paul Simon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole C. Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D. C., United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - G. David Johnson
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D. C., United States of America
| |
Collapse
|