Differences in morphological growth trajectories between greenside darter Etheostoma blennioides populations from two distinct drainages.

The greenside darter Etheostoma blennioides is a small-bodied benthic stream fish that occurs in multiple drainages of the eastern USA. Previous studies have revealed some morphological differentiations among greensides from isolated drainage systems but growth relationships among functional morphological characteristics have not been examined within and between populations. Specifically, we tested for differences in functional morphology and allometric distinctions in morphological growth trajectories between greenside populations from two drainages, the Osage River and White River.

The effect of spatial scale on relative influences of assembly processes in temperate stream fish assemblages.

Understanding how biotic and abiotic processes influence community assembly is a fundamental aim in ecology. Although spatial scales at which communities are studied may affect the relative importance of such assembly processes, spatial influences on community assembly have not been thoroughly addressed. We tested how spatial scale affects inferences of habitat filtering and competitive exclusion assembly processes in darter (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) assemblages across four temperate stream systems.

Additions to Philippine Slender Skinks of the Brachymeles bonitae Complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) III: a new species from Tablas Island.

Studies of the diversity of Philippine amphibians and reptiles have resulted in the continued description of cryptic species. Species formerly thought to range across multiple recognized faunal regions are now considered to be assemblages of multiple unique species, each restricted to a single faunal region. This pattern continues to hold true when considering Philippine skinks of the genus Brachymeles.

Additions to Philippine Slender Skinks of the Brachymeles bonitae Complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) II: a new species from the northern Philippines.

We describe a new digitless scincid lizard of the genus Brachymeles from northern Luzon and Camiguin Norte islands in the Philippines. This species belongs to the Brachymeles bonitae Complex, and both molecular and morphological data confirm that this species is distinct from all other congeners. Formerly considered to be a single widespread species, this group of species has been the focus of recent systematic reviews.

Additions to Philippine Slender Skinks of the Brachymeles bonitae Complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) I: a new species from Lubang Island.

A new species of slender skink is described from the Philippines. The species is endemic to Lubang Island, and is assigned to the Brachymeles bonitae Complex based on phenotypic and genetic data. Specimens were collected from Lubang Island between 1991 and 2012, and were examined based on morphological data (qualitative traits, meristic counts, and mensural measurements).

Black liquor and the hangover effect: fish assemblage recovery dynamics following a pulse disturbance.

Anthropogenic perturbations impact aquatic systems causing wide-ranging responses, from assemblage restructuring to assemblage recovery. Previous studies indicate the duration and intensity of disturbances play a role in the dynamics of assemblage recovery. In August 2011, the Pearl River, United States, was subjected to a weak black liquor spill from a paper mill which resulted in substantial loss of fish in a large stretch of the main channel.

Proximal testicular ducts of the Mediterranean gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus).

The efferent ducts of the Mediterranean Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Gekkonidae) were investigated using light and electron microscopy. The seminiferous tubules unite into a single rete testis tubule. The rete testis divides into 3-4 ductuli efferentes which all drain into the cranial portion of the ductus epididymis.

Molecular systematics of the enigmatic Middle American genus Vieja (Teleostei: Cichlidae).

The genus Vieja represents a group of heroine cichlids (Teleostei: Cichlidae) distributed on the Atlantic and Pacific slopes of North and Central America from southern Mexico to Panama. Sixteen species of Vieja are presently recognized; however, based on long-standing taxonomic problems, the genus itself appears to be weakly defined. A number of different generic designations have been proposed for members of Vieja, and recent systematic studies of heroine cichlids have not specifically addressed the validity of the grouping and have not included all species in the genus.