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A unique specimen of Northern Barracuda, Sphyraena ensis Jordan & Gilbert 1882, was accidentally captured off the coast of the city of Taltal in northern Chile. This finding not only extends the known range of the species in Chilean territory by 228 km to the south, but it also is not related to an ENSO event (El Niño Southern Oscillation), as in the past. We discuss the importance of finding this species at the northernmost end of Chile and of conducting additional sampling to confirm S. ensis as a native Chilean species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collective understanding of global-scale evolutionary trends in barracuda mitogenomes is presently limited. This ongoing research delves into the maternal evolutionary path of Sphyraena species, with a specific focus on the complete mitogenome of Sphyraena sphyraena, sourced from the Atlantic Ocean through advanced next-generation sequencing. This mitogenome spans 16,841 base pairs and encompasses 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and an AT-rich control region. Notably, the mitogenome of S. sphyraena exhibits a preference for AT-base pairs, constituting 55.06% of the composition, a trait consistent with a similar bias found in related species. Most protein-coding genes initiate with an ATG codon, with the exception of Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), which begins with a GTG codon. Additionally, six PCGs terminate with a TAA codon, COI with AGA, while six others exhibit incomplete termination codons. In the S. sphyraena mitogenome, the majority of transfer RNAs exhibit typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for tRNA-serine, which lacks a DHU stem. Comparative analysis of conserved blocks within the D-loop regions of six Sphyraenidae species reveals that the CSB-I block extends to 22 base pairs, surpassing other blocks and containing highly variable sites. Both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses, using concatenated 13 mitochondrial PCGs, distinctly separate all Sphyraenidae species. The European Barracuda, S. sphyraena, demonstrates a sister relationship with the 'Sphyraena barracuda' group, including S. barracuda and S. jello. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of the evolutionary relationship and genetic diversity within barracudas. Furthermore, it recommends comprehensive exploration of mitogenomes and broader genomic data for all existing Sphyraenidae fishes, providing invaluable insights into their systematics, genetic characterization, and maternal evolutionary history within marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collective understanding of global-scale evolutionary trends in barracuda mitogenomes is presently limited. This ongoing research delves into the maternal evolutionary path of Sphyraena species, with a specific focus on the complete mitogenome of Sphyraena sphyraena, sourced from the Atlantic Ocean through advanced next-generation sequencing. This mitogenome spans 16,841 base pairs and encompasses 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and an AT-rich control region. Notably, the mitogenome of S. sphyraena exhibits a preference for AT-base pairs, constituting 55.06% of the composition, a trait consistent with a similar bias found in related species. Most protein-coding genes initiate with an ATG codon, with the exception of Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), which begins with a GTG codon. Additionally, six PCGs terminate with a TAA codon, COI with AGA, while six others exhibit incomplete termination codons. In the S. sphyraena mitogenome, the majority of transfer RNAs exhibit typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for tRNA-serine, which lacks a DHU stem. Comparative analysis of conserved blocks within the D-loop regions of six Sphyraenidae species reveals that the CSB-I block extends to 22 base pairs, surpassing other blocks and containing highly variable sites. Both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses, using concatenated 13 mitochondrial PCGs, distinctly separate all Sphyraenidae species. The European Barracuda, S. sphyraena, demonstrates a sister relationship with the ‘Sphyraena barracuda’ group, including S. barracuda and S. jello. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of the evolutionary relationship and genetic diversity within barracudas. Furthermore, it recommends comprehensive exploration of mitogenomes and broader genomic data for all existing Sphyraenidae fishes, providing invaluable insights into their systematics, genetic characterization, and maternal evolutionary history within marine environments.

The morphology and morphometry of olfactory systems of three fishes; Scomberoides commersonnianus, Rastrelliger kanagurta and Sphyraena obtusata were explored. The olfactory organs are round in S. commersonnianus and oval in the other two species. In the present study, 19 olfactory morphometric characters and 6 ratios (of some of the traits) are quantified. In the selected species, the mean values of all the traits and ratios were significantly different among the species (p < 0.001). The correlations between all olfactory traits and total length, standard length, head length and body weight are significant for all the species (p < 0.001). Principal Component Analysis revealed that the olfactory systems of studied species are dissimilar (both in size and shape) while, Cluster Analysis depicted that the difference is greater between the olfactory system of S. obtusata and the other two species. The traits that chiefly discriminate the olfactory systems of targeted species are length of both nostrils; length, width and volume of olfactory organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two specimens of the barracuda Sphyraena iburiensis Doiuchi & Nakabo, 2005 (Sphyraenidae) are reported from northern Taiwan, based on specimens collected from Taipei, being the first records of the northern Taiwan. A detailed description of the Taiwanese specimens is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the feeding habits of the Mexican barracuda, Sphyraena ensis Jordan and Gilbert, 1882, is important to elucidate relevant aspects of its trophic ecology (prey intake, diet breadth, trophic level, and energy flows), which in general provide valuable information on the dynamics of marine communities. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to assess the dietary habits of the Mexican barracuda, S. ensis, and to determine dietary variations by sex (males, females), size (small, medium, and large individuals), and season (rainy and dry). Monthly samples were obtained from February 2014 to January 2015 in the San Blas region, Nayarit, Mexico. A total of 308 specimens were captured. Individuals measured between 30.6 and 58.7 cm total length and weighed between 405 and 836 g. Of the analyzed stomachs, 264 (86%) contained food and 44 (14%) were empty. The diet of the Mexican barracuda comprised 13 prey items from 11 families, 12 genera, and 9 species. According to the index of relative importance, the most important prey were fishes, particularly Sardinops spp. (40.36%), Hemiramphus saltator (40.24%), Opisthopterus dovii (10.83%), Anchoa spp. (4.17%), and Mugil cephalus (3.05%). We conclude that the Mexican barracuda can be categorized as an opportunistic ichthyophagous predator in coastal epipelagic zones that feeds mainly on schooling fish species. The trophic spectrum did not vary significantly by sex or size, but the consumption of preferred prey varied significantly by season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common and commercial species of Family Sphyraenidae in the Gulf of Suez are Sphyraena chrysotaenia and S. flavicauda. A total of 865 individuals of S. chrysotaenia and 71 individuals of S. flavicauda were collected for food and feeding studies. The feeding intensity estimated as full stomach percent were represented by 37% and 59.2%, while the empty stomach were represented by 63% and 40.8% for S. chrysotaenia and S. flavicauda respectively. The relative length of gut indicated that both species were carnivorous as RLG= 0.29 and 0.15 for S. chrysotaenia and S. flavicauda respectively. The fullness index for the two species showed seasonal variations, as the highest fullness percent were recorded during winter, where the lowest fullness percent was observed during spring for both species. The most important food items for S. chrysotenia were fish with IRI% of 16023.6 followed by crustaceans with IRI% of 1452.36. The most important food items for S. flavicauda were crustaceans followed by fishes then mollusks, where IRI% were 1482, 1429 and 910 respectively. The prey sizes have a positive relationship with length of fish for both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is common in tropical and subtropical waters. On 13 November 2015, eight Filipino seafarers from a cargo ship sailing in the Caribbean Sea experienced a range of symptoms after consuming a barracuda. Upon their return to the Philippines, an investigation was conducted to describe the cases. Methods: A case-series was conducted. A CFP case was defined as a previously well individual on the ship who developed at least one gastrointestinal symptom and at least one neurologic manifestation after eating barracuda on 13 November 2015. All cases were admitted to hospital in Manila, Philippines and were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Urine and serum samples of cases were collected for ciguatoxin (CTX) testing by radiological and receptor-binding assay. Results: Eight of the 25 seafarers on the ship ate the barracuda; all eight met the CFP case definition. The age of cases ranged from 37 to 58 years (median: 47 years) and all were males. Onset of symptoms ranged from 1 to 3 hours (median: 2 hours) from the time of ingestion of the barracuda. All cases experienced gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) and neurologic (temperature allodynia, itchiness) symptoms but no cardiovascular manifestations. Urine and serum specimens of all eight cases showed CTX below the detection limit. Discussion: The Philippines Epidemiology Bureau recommended that the Philippine Maritime Authority include CTX poisoning and its health risks in seafarers' training to prevent future cases of CFP. The Event-based Surveillance and Response system will continue to provide a mechanism for the reporting and appropriate management of CFP cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six specimens (183.6-629.0 mm standard length) of the barracuda Sphyraena jello Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1829, collected from Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures, Kyushu, Japan, represent the first records of the species from Japan, a specimen collected from Kadogawa Bay being the northernmost specimen-based record of the species to date. Sphyraena jello has previously been recorded from the tropical Indo-West Pacific, from the east coast of South Africa to Tonga, northward to Taiwan and southward to Australia. The new standard Japanese name "Tora-kamasu" is proposed for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total mercury (Hg) and stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon were determined in the muscle tissue of 50 species of fishes and invertebrates collected at two sites along the Florida reef tract from April 2012 to December 2013. The objective was to test the hypothesis that high biodiversity in coral reefs leading to complex food webs with increased lateral links reduces biomagnification. However, Hg levels ranged as high 6.84 mg/kg. Interestingly, it was not highest in great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), considered the top predatory fish, but instead in small porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus), possibly due to their role as a cleaner fish. Trophic magnification slopes (TMS; from regression of log Hg on δ15N) as a measure of biomagnification did not differ between sites, ranging from 0.155 ± 0.04 (± 95% CI) to 0.201 ± 0.07. These TMS also were within the ranges of slopes reported for food webs in other ecosystems; thus, biomagnification of Hg in muscle tissue was not reduced in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent exploration of Miocene-age deposits at Nosy Makamby, a small island ~50 km southwest of Mahajanga city in northwestern Madagascar, has led to the recovery of a large sample [82] of isolated barracuda teeth (Sphyraena sp.). in a tropical marine fauna that also includes diverse marine invertebrates, chondrichthyans, bony fishes, turtles, crocodylians, and sirenians. Characteristically for barracudas, the teeth are labiolingually flattened and fang-like with a broadly triangular and blade-like acuminate outline and sharply edged but unserrated cutting margins. These barracudas inhabited an environment that included coral reefs (based on fossil scleractinians) and seagrass beds (evidenced by the epiphytic benthic foraminifera Elphidium sp.). The relatively common occurrence of Miocene barracuda at Nosy Makamby corroborates the presence of a tropical marine ecosystem encircling Madagascar by the Miocene, likely similar overall to the environment found there today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to assess the quality attributes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), and heavy metal profile of traditional drum-smoked Guinean barracuda fish from Lagos State, Nigeria. Fresh Guinean barracuda fish (60) samples were obtained from 20 different fish-processing centers. The fresh fish samples were smoked with traditional drum kiln. The fresh and smoked fish samples were analyzed for proximate composition, quality indices (peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total nitrogen base-nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine acid (TMA), and free fatty acid (FFA)), PAH, heavy metals, and microbiological (coliform, fungi,Listeria monocytogenes(LM),Salmonella paratyphi(SP), andStaphylococcus aureus(SA)) analyses. The results revealed that the mean moisture, protein, fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents of traditional drum-smoked fish samples were in the range 10.93–14.15%, 51.97–60.96%, 11.34–15.99%, 1.74–2.99%, 1.12–1.56%, and 7.70–17.99%, respectively. The values of PV, FFA, TBA, TVB-N, and TMA were in the range of 8.21–10.19 meq.peroxide/kg, 1.13–1.80%, 1.03–1.19 mgMol/kg, 17.29–19.36 mgN/kg, and 2.12–2.68 mgN/kg, respectively. The results of PAH compounds in the traditional drum-smoked fish samples showed that 10 of the 16 PAH compounds detected were above the 5.0 µg/kg B(α)P maximum permissible levels stipulated by EU Regulation 1881/2006. The concentrations of Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr in the smoked fish samples ranged from 0.001 to 0.0027 µg/g, 0.0013 to 0.0028 µg/g, 0.0014 to 0.0028 µg/g, and 0.0621to 0.0796 µg/g, respectively. The results of microbiological analysis revealed the presence of LM and SA in the traditional drum-smoked fish samples. The study concluded that traditional drum-smoked fish may constitute higher risks (chemical and microbiological) and public health concerns to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Colour vision and colour signals are important to aquatic animals, but light scattering and absorption by water distorts spectral stimuli. To investigate the performance of colour vision in water, and to suggest how photoreceptor spectral sensitivities and body colours might evolve for visual communication, we model the effects of changes in viewing distance and depth on the appearance of fish colours for three teleosts: a barracuda, Sphyraena helleri, which is dichromatic and two damselfishes, Chromis verater and Chromis hanui, which are trichromatic. We assume that photoreceptors light-adapt to the background, thereby implementing the von Kries transformation, which can largely account for observed colour constancy in humans and other animals, including fish. This transformation does not, however, compensate for light scattering over variable viewing distances, which in less than a metre seriously impairs dichromatic colour vision, andmakes judgement of colour saturation unreliable for trichromats. The von Kries transformation does substantially offset colour shifts caused by changing depth, so that from depths of 0 to 30 m modelled colour changes (i.e. failures of colour constancy) are sometimes negligible. However, the magnitudes and directions of remaining changes are complex, depending upon the specific spectral sensitivities of the receptors and the reflectance spectra. This predicts that when judgement of colour is important, the spectra of signalling colours and photoreceptor spectral sensitivities should be evolutionarily linked, with the colours dependent on photoreceptor spectral sensitivities, and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kudoa barracudai n. sp. has been found infecting the muscles of Sphyraena putnamae from Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of the infection was 10 % (5/50). Its ovoidal plasmodia encapsulated with fibrous connective tissue and measuring 700 × 510 μm. Local myolysis was observed around the plasmodia without inflammatory reaction. Mature spores were quadrate in the apical view with rounded edges and subspherical to ovoid in the side view and measured 5 μm (4.5-5.5) in width and 5.5 μm (5-6) in thickness. Polar capsules were pyriform, equal in size, and measured 2.5 μm (2-3) in length and 1.5 μm (1-2) in width with two filament coils. Ultrastructural analysis showed a demarcated border between the parasite cellular mass and host cellular components that represented the cyst wall, and cysts were filled with mostly mature spores. Phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches showed the new species clustered in a robust clade with Kudoa amamiensis, Kudoa kenti, and Kudoa quraishii. The SSU rRNA gene of K. barracudai was most similar to K. amamiensis (98.7 %), followed by K. kenti (97.4 %) and K. quraishii (96.6 %). This combination of morphological data and molecular analysis served to identify this parasite as a new species of Kudoa, which we have named K. barracudai n. sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otolith shape analyses were conducted on two species of barracudas (Sphyraena sphyraena and Sphyraena viridensis) from the Gulf of Annaba (south-western Mediterranean). The otolith shape was described by elliptic Fourier descriptors from 14 harmonics and by five indices of shape (coefficient of form, roundness, circularity, rectangularity and ellipticity). The comparison through canonical discriminant analyses (CDA) was performed between species and between right and left otoliths. The CDA demonstrated strong discrimination of the two species, with significant differences and a high classification success. The percentage of well-classified individuals in predefined groups was higher than 80%. The combined use of morphometric variables (from indices) and external outlines (shape analysis through Fourier series) demonstrated the importance of otolith shape for interspecific discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of low-dose gamma irradiation (5 kGy) on the nutritional and microbial qualities of sun dried fin fish, Sharpfin barracuda (Sphyraena acutipinnis). Materials and methods: Salted and sun-dried S. acutipinnis with 25.8% moisture content were exposed to total body irradiation with a dose of 5 kGy. Control groups were non-irradiated and both the control and irradiated samples were stored under ambient temperature. One week after irradiation, the control and irradiated samples were analyzed for nutritional, microbial and organoleptic properties. The data were statistically analyzed. Results: The proximate composition and quality parameters like free fatty acid (FFA), Trimethyl amine nitrogen (TMA-N) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) were significantly different (p < 0.05). The organoleptic qualities of the irradiated fish products were good. Total bacterial count was reduced, whereas Salmonella, Vibrio and fungi were totally eliminated after irradiation. Conclusions: The irradiation helps to improve the quality and safety of sun-dried fishes. The process would not only reduce the risk resulting from pathogens but also would destroy many of the spoilage agents like bacteria, insects, parasites, moulds and yeasts which are known to be the main cause of food losses in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of research - was impact different cooking methods (frying, boiling and baking) on the proximate and mineral composition of fish species Scomberoides commersonnianus and Spyraena jello. Materials and methods: Fresh Scom beroides lysan (Scomberoides commersonnianus), and Sphyraenidae (Spyraena jello) were collected from Behbahan market of Iran. They were kept in a plastic container and transported to the Food Chemistry laboratory of Behbahan Technology University. The established AOAC methods were followed for composition bio chemical of fish. Results and discussion: Protein and lipid content were founded higher in baked and fried in fish S.commersonnianus (74.29%) and (20.20%) and fish S. jello (88.12%) and (17.77%) respectively. Ash content in fish S.commersonnianus varies from 9.80% to 15.34%, and in fish S. jello from 5.83% to 7.68%. Comparison of nutrients contents of boiled fillets of two fish species showed that fish S. jello found best. The lower fat content in the boiled and baked Spyraena jello is mainly due to absorption of water used in the curry preparation. The absorption of water is evident when compare the fried S. jello similar. The protein content was generally high which an expected outcome is since fishes are good sources of protein. The higher protein content in the fried fish is due to meat as a result of moisture loss. Further evidence of this is seen in the fact that S. jello cooked in curry and steamed had lower protein content but had higher moisture contents. This can be attributed to absorption of water from the cooking medium thereby causing dilution of the muscle tissue analyzed. The proximate composition of raw fillets both fish species is similar to earlier reports in tested fish. Proximate composition of protein, Fat and ash of fishes S. commersonnianus and S. jello was varied in all the cooking methods. There was no significant difference observed in fat content among boiled, baked and raw fish fillets (P>0.05). Increased ash content was noticed in all the cooked S. commersonnianus fillets when compared to raw fish fillets. Accordingly, the increase in ash, protein and fat content found in cooked silver catfish fillets is explained by the reduction in moisture. Conclusion: The highest protein, the lowest fat content and calorie value were found in boiled fish; therefore, boiling can be recommended as the best cooking method for healthy diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 27 extant species of the family Sphyraenidae represent one of the major groups of piscivorous teleost fishes in tropical and subtropical marine waters. In spite of their ecological importance, currently, no phylogenetic hypothesis is available for this group, and we do not know the tempo of evolution of this clade. In this study, we used a supermatrix approach to assemble a dataset of three mitochondrial loci for 20 sphyraenid species, and time-calibrated this new phylogeny. Our study supports the existence of three main groups of barracudas, which we labelled the “S. barracuda” group, the “S. obtusata” group and the “S. sphyraena” group. The timetree indicates a Late Paleocene age (~57 Ma) for the origin of the groups, and a Middle Eocene (~45 Ma) timing for the beginning of the radiation of extant lineages. Most extant species appear to belong to phylogenetic lineages dating to the Miocene (~5 to 23 Ma). Our study reveals multiple shifts between coral reef-associated and non-reef (usually more pelagic) habitats, as well as two independent origins of large body size within this group. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article talks about leiomyosarcoma in pickhandle barracuda, Sphyraena jello found in India. The article mentions how the besides other related neoplasms, it has also been reported that the S. jello suffers from conditions such as the compound odontoma. It adds that the tumors was measured with a Vernier caliper and their location, appearance and consistency noted only after that the biopsies were performed.

The yellowmouth barracuda, Sphyraena viridensis, is a Mediterranean native species whose exact distribution is uncertain due to a long-term taxonomic confusion with Sphyraena sphyraena. Records of this species in the Mediterranean Sea have recently increased, and a northwards expansion of its distribution has been suggested. Three mt DNA regions, namely cytochrome oxidase I, cytochrome b and the control region, were analysed in S. viridensis samples from Italian coastal regions to provide molecular markers useful in species identification, in phylogenetic analysis and in detecting the distribution of genetic variability of the yellowmouth barracuda in this area. The data clearly distinguish S. viridensis from S. sphyraena and the other four (one native and three Lessepsian) Mediterranean Sphyraena species and identify two clearly distinct lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene but are currently panmictic in the investigated area. Both lineages retain signatures of historical population expansion. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 113, 635-641. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of which life history traits primarily affect molecular evolutionary rates is often confounded by the covariance of these traits. Scombroid fishes (billfishes, tunas, barracudas, and their relatives) are unusual in that their mass-specific metabolic rate is positively associated with body size. This study exploits this atypical pattern of trait variation, which allows for direct tests of whether mass-specific metabolic rate or body size is the more important factor of molecular evolutionary rates. We inferred a phylogeny for scombroids from a supermatrix of molecular and morphological characters and used new phylogenetic comparative approaches to assess the associations of body size and mass-specific metabolic rate with substitution rate. As predicted by the body size hypothesis, there is a negative correlation between body size and substitution rate. However, unexpectedly, we also find a negative association between mass-specific metabolic and substitution rates. These relationships are supported by analyses of the total molecular data, separate mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and individual loci, and they are robust to phylogenetic uncertainty. The molecular evolutionary rates of scombroids are primarily tied to body size. This study demonstrates that groups with novel patterns of trait variation can be particularly informative for identifying which life history traits are the primary factors of molecular evolutionary rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study indicated that the life-history traits of European barracuda Sphyraena sphyraena are apparently better suited to their environmental conditions compared to the more physically restricted life-history traits of the yellow-mouth barracuda Sphyraena viridensis, which co-habit the north-western Mediterranean Sea. The latter thermophilic species has a considerably higher reproductive potential as it invests its energy reserves in larger numbers of hydrated eggs per spawning batch. This would favour its population growth rates within the study area, especially if sea warming continues, in which case it is likely that the spawning phenology of this species would give it an advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a parasitological study to identify nematodes infecting the gonads of bigeye barracuda Sphyraena forsteri Cuvier (Sphyraenidae) caught in the West Philippine Sea, off the Mariveles coast, Bataan Province, the Philippine archipelago. Males and very tiny nongravid female philometrid nematodes were collected from the ovaries of the fish. Based on light and scanning electron microscope observations, and supported by molecular analyses of the partial nucleotide sequences of the 18S small subunit ribosomal DNA, the philometrid nematode was determined to be a new species belonging to the genus Philometra Costa, 1845 in the family Philometridae (Nematoda: Dracunculoidea), and was named P. philippinensis sp. nov. This new species was clearly distinguishable morphologically from other congeners that parasitize the gonads of marine fishes. Males have unique sickle-shaped spicules and gubernaculum, and a vulva-like cloacal opening. Following Dentirumai philippinensis Quiazon et Moravec, 2013 and Philometra robusta Moravec, Möller et Heeger, 1992, this is the third philometrid species and the first gonad-infecting philometrid from the Philippine archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act and its discretionary function exception, which is the exception to the tort liability of the government that covers the actions of government employees acting under their individual discretion. It examines the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit's application of the exception in S.R.P. v. United States in which the appellant tried to recover damages occurred due to barracuda attack from the defendant United States.

A concentration of fish remains found in a single room of a fortified building at Mleiha (United Arab Emirates) is presented here. Part of it was probably the filling of a bag or an organic container that fell from a bench onto the floor of the room. The various species recovered from these contexts, dating to the second to mid-third centuries AD, are briefly described. Particular attention is paid to the skeletal elements by which the fish are represented and to the corresponding lengths of the animals, as these allow the proposition that the fish had been dried on the seashore before being carried to the site inland. The data from building H will be compared to those from previously studied contexts at Mleiha (Gautier & Van Neer ; Mashkour & Van Neer ). In addition the ichthyofauna from ed-Dur (Van Neer & Gautier ), a coastal site that is partially contemporaneous with the contexts from building H, will be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding ecology of two common indigenous ( Sphyraena viridensis and Sphyraena sphyraena) and one abundant non-indigenous sphyraenid species, Sphyraena chrysotaenia, of Indo-Pacific Ocean origin, was investigated in an area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The stomach contents of 738 individuals of varying size, collected during the period December 2008 to August 2009, were examined. The dietary analyses revealed that all three species were specialized piscivores with a diet consisting of >90% fish, both by number and mass. Concurrent sampling of the fish assemblage made it possible to calculate selectivity as well as diet breadth and overlap of these strict piscivores. Even though several prey species were found in the stomachs of the three predators examined, selectivity towards Atherina boyeri was highly significant. For all species examined, >70% of the diet by mass was made up by three indigenous species of commercial value: Spicara smaris, Boops boops and A. boyeri. Diet breadth and size of prey increased with increasing body size for all predators. With increased body size, the diet overlap between indigenous and non-indigenous species decreased. This could be attributed to increased diet breadth and the specific life-history characteristics of indigenous species developing into larger individuals. During winter, the condition factor of the non-indigenous species was significantly lower than that of the indigenous, indicating that winter conditions in the Mediterranean Sea may limit its further expansion north and westward. With this study, the gap in knowledge of the feeding preferences of the most abundant piscivorous species found in coastal areas of the study region is filled. Additionally, the results indicate that non-indigenous species familial affiliation to indigenous ones does not facilitate invasion success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea (Sonder) Verlaque, Huisman and Boudouresque 2003 (Bryopsidales, Caulerpaceae), Percnon gibbesi H. Milne Edwards, 1853 (Decapoda, Plagusiidae) and Fistularia commersonii Rüppell, 1838 (Syngnathiformes, Fistulariidae) are reported from the coast, south of Koroni (Messinia, Greece). Sphyraena chrysotaenia Klunzinger, 1884 (Perciformes, Sphyraenidae) is recorded for the first time for this region. The crab Percnon gibbesi is very common along the coastal stretch northeast of Kalamaki beach, while regional observations of Caulerpa racemosa, Sphyraena chrysotaenia and Fistularia commersonii are occasional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The great barracuda ( Sphyraena barracuda) is a widespread, ecologically and socioeconomically important coastal fish, yet very little is known about its larvae. We examined spawning and larval ecology of Western Atlantic sphyraenids using monthly ichthyoplankton samples collected over 2 years along a transect spanning the east-west axis of the Straits of Florida (SOF). Samples were dominated by the great barracuda (92.8%) and sennets ( Sphyraena borealis and Sphyraena picudilla; 6.6%). While larval sennets and S. barracuda displayed similar vertical distributions (majority in upper 25 m), horizontal and temporal patterns of abundance suggested a spatial and temporal species replacement between larval S. barracuda and sennets that tracks adult ecology. The diet of both taxa consisted largely of copepods, with inclusion of fish larvae at 8 mm SL, and in S. barracuda alone, a switch in the wet season to exclusive piscivory by 12 mm SL (18 days post-hatch). A lack of piscivory in S. barracuda larvae captured in the dry season corresponded to slower larval growth than in the wet season. Larval growth was also related to size-at-hatch and larval age such that larvae that were larger at hatch or larger (older) at capture grew faster at earlier ages, suggesting faster larval growth, and indirectly larger hatch size, conveys a survival advantage. Unlike larval growth, instantaneous mortality rate did not differ with season, and no lunar cyclic patterns in spawning output were identified. Our results provide insight into the pelagic phase of sphyraenids and highlight the importance of both diet and hatch size to the growth and survival of fish larvae in low latitude oceanic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O'Toole, A. C., Danylchuk, A. J., Suski, C. D., and Cooke, S. J. 2010. Consequences of catch-and-release angling on the physiological status, injury, and immediate mortality of great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) in The Bahamas. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1667–1675.Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) are a common marine predatory fish readily captured by anglers (frequently as incidental bycatch while pursuing other gamefish) and are consequently released at high rates. A study was conducted in coastal waters of The Bahamas to evaluate how common angling techniques influence their physiological status, hooking injury, and immediate mortality. Post-angling blood glucose and plasma sodium levels increased with fight-time duration, though lactate levels increased only with longer blood sampling times. Concentrations of plasma chloride and potassium were not influenced by angling duration. We did not observe any differences in injury, bleeding, hook removal, or hooking depth among three types of artificial lure tested. Most fish were hooked in non-critical areas and experienced minimal or no bleeding at the hook site, so immediate mortality upon landing was negligible. Although great barracuda appear to be fairly resilient to physiological stress and injury associated with catch-and-release angling and immediate mortality was insignificant, they typically reside in habitats where post-release predation is possible. As such, efforts should be made to promote careful handling to ensure high rates of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study, on the biology of the Lessepsian fish Sphyraena chrysotaenia, aims to determine some growth and reproduction parameters. Thus, breeding season extends from August to November. The hepato-somatic index (HSI) and the condition factor (CF) variations show that the liver is the organ more responsible for the process of mobilization of the energizing reserves during the sexual cycle. Sexual maturity is reached at 195 mm TL for females and 197.1 mm for males at 2 years. Regarding sex ratio, males outnumbered females by 1:0.84, which was a significant departure from the hypothetical 1:1. Sex ratio ranged from 0.4 to 1.48, showing a temporal pattern over the study period. The length-weight regression was W= 1.02 10-2 TL2.8195 for females and W= 8.1 10-3 TL2.8316 for males, without any significant difference between sexes. Overall, 798 specimens were distributed in six age classes. The maximum observed age was five years for both sexes. Back-calculations of total length-at-age were satisfactorily adjusted to the Von Bertalanffy growth model, and the relative equation was Lt = 28.55 (1 - e-0.311(t+1.655)) for females and Lt = 26.41 (1 - e-0.3662(t+1.54)) for males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish use of a mangrove habitat was studied in a small mangrove forest on the West coast of Madagascar. A sand bar near the inlet retains water in parts of the channel (pools) at low tide. Fishes in four of these pools were examined daily at all phases of the tidal cycle for 3 weeks using underwater visual census. During week 1, fishes were diverse and abundant in all pools: the dominant species were cardinalfish (related to Apogon lateralis); monos, Monodactylus argenteus; black spotted snappers, Lutjanus ehrenbergi; double bar bream, Acanthopagrus bifasciatus; emperors, Lethrinus lentjan and L. sp., surgeon fish, Acanthurus nigricauda; red-lined sweetlips, Plectorhinchus plagiodesmis; and butterflyfish, Chaetodon kleini. Some species were more abundant in shaded pools; others in more open pools. During week 2 a dramatic difference was noted: the only fishes found were schools of cardinalfish and one moray eel. This week had neap tides, with high tides in the morning and low tides in the afternoon. As the week progressed and during week 3 (spring tides), fishes slowly repopulated the habitat and diversity increased. Monos, absent in week 2, now had increasing numbers of small individuals. While large emperors were scarce, small individuals appeared. The larger butterflyfish and surgeonfish seen in week 1 were replaced by small ones during week 3. Species that had been rare in week 1 were more abundant, including pipefish and small barracudas. While species richness increased during week 3, the community was strikingly different from that seen 2 weeks earlier. Only Pool 1, closest to the entrance, recovered its original species richness. Abundance was much lower than in week 1. Our snapshot study apparently captured a time when older juveniles left the mangrove forest and smaller fishes recruited into it. Utilization of this habitat will likely vary throughout the year depending on the reproductive cycle of the different species whose juveniles utilize it. Longer studies are needed to learn about cycles in fish use of the mangroves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Length-weight relationships (LWRs) are presented for 17 fish species caught from Gökova Bay (southeastern Aegean Sea) during he 2006 fishing season. Fish samples were collected from small-scale trammel nets and longline fisheries. The values of b ranged from 2.086 (±0.152) for Sphyraena sphyraena to 3.499 (±0.058) for Scomber japonicus. The median value of b was 3.055 (±0.081). The r² values ranged from 0.712 for Sphyraena chrysotaenia to 0.996 for Scomber japonicus and all relationships were highly significant (P < 0.001). Estimated LWR parameters of 4 species, Dicentrarchus labrax, Seriola dumerili, Siganus luridus and Sphyraena sphyraena, for Turkish waters are presented for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examined 64 large, carnivorous reef fish from the coastal waters of Cameroon for toxicity commonly associated with an incidence of ciguatera fish poisoning. The samples were also subjected to m-DNA analyses to confirm their taxonomic identification. The analyses showed that a subgroup of fish locally referred to as groupers are actually in the snapper family (Lutjanus spp.). Extracts from 22 barracuda Sphyraena barracuda and 42 snapper Lutjanus spp. samples were prepared and examined for the presence of ciguatera-like toxins. Sodium-channel activation was assessed by a sodiumchannel- specific bioassay using mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cells. Extracts were also subjected to chemical analysis via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to compare the mass of peaks of interest to the molecular weights of fish toxins previously described. Two barracuda and one snapper tested positive for a sodium-channel activator, i.e. presumptive ciguatoxin, in the N2a assay. LC/MS analyses showed that only these three samples contained high-intensity peaks, with masses of 1 222 amu and 1 279 amu. These results represent the first analytical report indicating the presence of sodium-channel-specific neurotoxins in fish from along the coast of West Africa. Given the importance of such marine carnivores to the nutrition and socio-economy of the coastal populace, education and disease management appear to be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsagarakis, K., Machias, A., Giannoulaki, M., Somarakis, S., and Karakassis, I. 2008. Seasonal and temporal trends in metrics of fish community for otter-trawl discards in a Mediterranean ecosystem. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 539–550.Trends in discard to marketed ratios, size spectra, diversities, and trophic levels of the demersal fish community were examined using data from a seasonally closed commercial trawl fishery in the eastern Mediterranean Sea (Ionian Sea), over a period of about 10 years. Trends were also examined for the artificial fractions derived from the discarding process (the marketed, the discarded, and the non-marketed clusters of the catch), as well as for the “big” and “small” fractions (defined by the size at which 50% of all specimens were discarded). The ratio of the discarded/marketed catch fluctuated greatly. Two commercial (Merluccius merluccius, and Mullus barbatus) and two non-marketed species (Lepidotrigla cavillone, and Argentina sphyraena) were the characteristic species of the fractions. A declining trend with time was observed for the examined time-series for species richness (S), Margalef’s d, and average taxonomic distinctness (Δ+), whereas the variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+) increased. The composition and/or trophic level of discards in relation to the marketed catch seemed to be indicative of the exploitation state of the demersal community: differences between the discarded and marketed fractions were high at the beginning of the fishing season (autumn), but the values of the indices converged at the end of the fishing season (spring). These changes could be attributed to alternative discarding strategies for certain species in response to increased cumulative fishing mortality towards the end of the period. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract  Genetic differences among the three species of Sphyraena with two gill rakers from East Asia (S. iburiensis, S. obtusata, and S. pinguis, defined recently as the S. obtusata group), were investigated using 799-bp sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Pairwise sequence differences within each of the three species were 0.0–0.4% (S. iburiensis), 0.0–0.4% (S. obtusata), and 0.0–0.6% (S. pinguis), respectively, pairwise sequence differences among the three species being 18.3–18.6% (S. iburiensis vs. S. obtusata), 14.9–15.4% (S. iburiensis vs. S. pinguis), and 17.6–18.3% (S. obtusata vs. S. pinguis), respectively. The extent of the latter were comparable to those among four other congeneric species, S. africana, S. forsteri, S. helleri, and S. japonica (16.0–24.5%). Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum-likelihood method indicated reciprocal monophyly of the three species, each clade being supported by a bootstrap value of 100%. These findings fully supported the taxonomic status of these species, recently elucidated by detailed morphological comparisons. In addition, the S. obtusata group formed a strongly supported clade against the four other congeneric species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphyraena chrysotaenia is currently an important component of the eastern Mediterranean inshore fisheries. In Tunisia it was recorded for the first time in the Gulf of Gabes in 2002 where it is now an important fished species. This study estimates age and calculates growth of this species from the coast of Gulf of Gabes (southeast of Tunisia) based on otolith analysis. Annual periodicity of alternating zones was confirmed, in which one translucent and one opaque zone were observed to deposit each year. These results allowed us the estimation of the approximate age to the appearance of each "stop growth increment." The age estimated was 5 years old for both sexes. The means of back calculations of total length-at-age were satisfactorily used to von Bertalanffy growth model Lt = 283.2 (1 - e-0.3199(t+ 1.716)). Differences in the growth rhythms were observed between the sexes. The asymptotic lengths were 285.1 and 258.8 mm, respectively, for females and males. The length-weight relationship for both sexes of S. chrysotaenia is Wt = 0.0048 LT3.0696. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphyraena iburiensis sp. nov. is described, and taxonomic reviews are provided for S. obtusata and S. pinguis. These species, characterized by having 2 gill rakers, are defined as the S. obtusata group. Sphyraena iburiensis, known only from the Pacific coast of southern Japan, is characterized by 8.5–9.5 scales above the lateral line, a single row of scales in the groove along the lower margin of the suborbital region from the posterior tip of the maxilla to below the eye (= suborbital groove) not covered with skin, 2 distinct longitudinal stripes on the lateral surface of the body when fresh (upper stripe usually lost in preserved specimens), the lower stripe reaching the caudal-fin base just below the lateral line. Sphyraena obtusata, distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, is characterized by 5–7.5 scales above the lateral line, a single row of scales in the suborbital groove covered with skin, 2 somewhat indistinct longitudinal stripes on the lateral surface of the body when fresh (upper stripe usually lost in preserved specimens), the lower stripe joining the lateral line midway between the end of the second dorsal-fin base and caudal peduncle and extending to the middle of the caudal-fin base. Sphyraena pinguis, distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, is characterized by 7.5–9.5 scales above the lateral line, a single row of scales in the suborbital groove not covered with skin, and a single longitudinal stripe on the lateral surface of the body joining the lateral line slightly before or just below the end of the second dorsal-fin base and extending to the middle of the caudal-fin base. Seven (S. aureoflammea, S. brachygnathos, S. flavicauda, S. grandisquamis, S. langsar, S. lineata, and S. strenua) and 2 (S. chrysotaenia and S. schlegelii) nominal species are regarded as junior synonyms of S. obtusata and S. pinguis, respectively. In addition, lectotypes are designated for S. flavicauda, S. langsar, S. lineata, and S. obtusata. A key to the three species of the S. obtusata group is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) concentrations in human hair and fish samples from Phnom Penh, Kien Svay, Tomnup Rolork and Batrong, Cambodia, collected in November 1999 and December 2000 were determined to understand the status of contamination, and age- and sex-dependent accumulation in humans and to assess the intake of mercury via fish consumption. Mercury concentrations in human hair ranged from 0.54 to 190μg/g dry wt. About 3% of the samples contained Hg levels exceeding the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) of WHO (50μg/g) and the levels in some hair samples of women also exceeded the NOAEL (10μg/g) associated with fetus neurotoxicity. A weak but significant positive correlation was observed between age and Hg levels in hair of residents. Mercury concentrations in muscle of marine and freshwater fish from Cambodia ranged from <0.01 to 0.96μg/g wet wt. Mercury intake rates were estimated on the basis of the Hg content in fish and daily fish consumption. Three samples of marine fish including sharp-tooth snapper and obtuse barracuda, and one sample of sharp-tooth snapper exceeded the guidelines by US EPA and by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), respectively, which indicates that some fish specimens examined (9% and 3% for US EPA and JECFA guidelines, respectively) were hazardous for consumption at the ingestion rate of Cambodian people (32.6g/day). It is suggested that fish is probably the main source of Hg for Cambodian people. However, extremely high Hg concentrations were observed in some individuals and could not be explained by Hg intake from fish consumption, indicating some other contamination sources of Hg in Cambodia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article discusses a study of the effect of delayed icing on the bacteriological quality of the barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda). Tests on the commercially important tropical fish used samples obtained from the fish-landing center in Tuticorin, India, which were segregated into two lots. One lot (II) was iced immediately while the other lot (DI) was kept at room temperature before being iced. Results revealed that the 6-hour delay in the icing of the fish reduced the shelf life of iced fish.

The effect of setting at 40 °C on the textural properties and the changes in myofibrillar proteins in surimi produced from threadfin bream ( Nemipterus bleekeri), bigeye snapper ( Priacanthus tayenus), barracuda ( Sphyraena jello) and bigeye croaker ( Pennahai macrophthalmus) was investigated. An increase in the time of setting generally resulted in higher breaking force and also the deformation of both suwari and kamaboko gels. Maximum increases in gel-breaking force were obtained in 1 h for threadfin bream, 2 h for bigeye snapper, 1.5 h for barracuda and 3 h for bigeye croaker. Extended setting time caused decreases in breaking force and deformation in all surimi, except that produced from bigeye croaker. Gel strengthening was associated with an increase in non-disulphide covalent bond formation. Degradation of proteins occurred with prolonged setting. Therefore, setting at 40 °C for an appropriate time is a promising means to improve the gelling property of surimi produced from tropical fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike birds and mammals, teleost fish express two paralogous isoforms (paralogues) of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (cMDH; EC 1.1.1.37; NAD+: malate oxidoreductase) whose evolutionary relationships to the single cMDH of tetrapods are unknown. We sequenced complementary DNAs for both cMDHs and the mitochondrial isoform (mMDH) of the fish Sphyraena idiastes (south temperate barracuda) and compared the sequences, kinetic properties, and thermal stabilities of the three isoforms with those of mammalian orthologues. Both fish cMDHs comprise 333 residues and have subunit masses of approximately 36 kDa. One cytosolic isoform, cMDH-S, was significantly more heat-stable than either the other cMDH (cMDH-L) or mMDH. In contradiction to the generally accepted model of vertebrate cMDH evolution, our phylogenetic analysis indicates that the duplication of the fish cytosolic paralogues occurred after the divergence of the lineages leading to teleosts and tetrapods. cMDH-L and cMDH-S differed in optimal concentrations of substrates and cofactors and apparent Michaelis–Menten constants, suggesting that the two paralogues may play distinct physiological roles. Differences in intrinsic thermal stability among MDH paralogues may reflect different degrees of stabilization in vivo by extrinsic stabilizers, notably protein concentration in the case of mMDH. Thermal stabilities of porcine mMDH and cMDH-L, but not cMDH-S, were significantly increased when denaturation was measured at a high protein (bovine serum albumin; BSA) concentration, but the BSA-induced stabilization reduced the catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY:In order to determine the accumulation performance of differing set-net designs, catch analysis was conducted upon small scale set-nets of both the single-trap and double-trap type. Total catch per haul was significantly higher after the design change to the double-trap net. The ratio of catch per intermittent haul to successive haul was defined as the accumulation index, which was used as an index to evaluate set-net accumulation performance. The accumulation index was calculated as 1.10 for the single-trap net and 1.52 for the double-trap net for the total catch. For the dominant species such as jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus, total catch increased after the design change, as did the accumulation index. In contrast, for species such as Japanese barracuda Sphyraena japonica, total catch decreased after the design change, as did the accumulation index. For any dominant species, the catch per haul and the accumulation index tended to increase or decrease in a similar manner. These results suggest that for each dominant species, catch differences between set-nets of different designs can be attributed to changes in their accumulation performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research about the characteristics of the yellowmouth barracuda or Sphyraena viridensis in Izmir Bay, Turkey. It states that Sphyraena chrysotaenia was occasionally captured by gillnet in the area. It also examines the impact of climate change to the reproduction of the fish wherein Sphyraena chrysotaenia is a native warm water species.