DNA barcoding of coral reef fishes from Chuuk State, Micronesia.

The fish diversity of Chuuk Micronesia is currently under threat due to rapid changes in the coral reef ecosystem. Thus, accurate fish identification using DNA barcodes is fundamental for exploring species biodiversity and resource protection. In this study, we analyzed 162 fish mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcodes from Chuuk Micronesia.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the mottled skate: Raja pulchra (Rajiformes, Rajidae).

The complete sequence of mitochondrial DNA of a mottled skate, Raja pulchra was sequenced as being circular molecules of 16,907 bp including 2 rRNA, 22 tRNA, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and an AT-rich control region. The organization of the PCGs is the same as those found in other Rajidae species. The nucleotide of L-strand is composed of 29.

A new species of parasitic copepod Nothobomolochus and redescription of Orbitacolax hapalogenyos (Yamaguti and Yamasu, 1959) (Cyclopoida: Bomolochidae) off Iraq.

A new species of bomolochid copepod Nothobomolochus ilhoikimi sp. n., (Cyclopoida), is described based on adult females collected from the gills of hilsa shad Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton) (Actinopterygii, Clupeidae) captured in waters off Iraq.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Sebastes vulpes (Scorpaenidae, Scorpaeniformes) from the East Sea, Korea.

Sebastes vulpes is considered a valid species despite the presence of extensive hybrids. To obtain the basic genetic intraspecific structure, we analyzed the complete mitogenome of S. vulpes using next-generation sequencing.

Monogeneans (Platyhelminthes) from marine fishes of Tongyeong, Korea.

Monogeneans (Platyhelminthes) mostly parasitize on fins, skin and gills of fishes. In Korea, the study on monogeneans is limited, although, fishes are frequently encountered with severe infection of monogeneans. Hence, some of ranched and wild fishes were collected from Tongyeong marine living resources research and conservation center, southern part of Korea to screen and understand the infection of monogeneans.

Three new records of copepods (Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on marine fishes of Iraq, including the relegation of two species of Lernanthropinus to Lernanthropinus temminckii (von Nordmann, 1864).

Three parasitic copepods (Siphonostomatoida) belonging to three different genera were recovered from marine fishes of Iraq, and are listed here as new records. The sea lice Caligus epinepheli Yamaguti, 1936 (Caligidae) was collected from the Japanese threadfin bream, Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch). It had been frequently reported from teleost fishes around the world.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the dark-banded rockfish Sebastes inermis (Scorpaenidae, Scorpaeniformes).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the dark-banded rockfish Sebastes inermis was determined using next-generation sequencing, including Sanger sequencing. The full genome was 16,504 bp in length, including 2 rRNA, 22 tRNA and 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), as well as the control region. The genome was 27.

Induced Morphological Changes in Larval Rock Bream, Oplegnathus fasciatus, under Starvation.

Morphological changes in the reared rock bream, Oplegnathus fasciatus, from hatching to six days after hatching were examined during the early growth stage under starvation. All the larvae died within five days when feeding was delayed for three days after hatching. These results imply that initial larval food should be supplied within two days of hatching.

Complete mitochondrial genome of sea urchin: Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus (Camarodonta, Strongylocentrotidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus (A. Agassiz, 1863) is determined. The genome is a circular molecule of 15,705 bp in length and the gene content and order are identical to those of other strongylocentrotid species.

The caligid life cycle: new evidence from Lepeophtheirus elegans reconciles the cycles of Caligus and Lepeophtheirus (Copepoda: Caligidae).

The developmental stages of the sea louse Lepeophtheirus elegans (Copepoda: Caligidae) are described from material collected from marine ranched Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii. In L. elegans, setal number on the proximal segment of the antennule increases from 3 in the copepodid to 27 in the adult.

Redescription of two Pennellids (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida) from Korea with a key to species of Peniculus von Nordmann, 1832.

Redescriptions of two pennellid copepods, Peniculus minuticaudae Shiino, 1956 and Peniculus truncatus Shiino, 1956, are provided, based on postmetamorphic adult females collected from marine ranched fishes captured at Tongyeong marine living resources research & conservation center, Korea. Peniculus minuticaudae was collected from the soft fin rays of black scraper Thamnaconus modestus. It can be distinguished from the other two closely related congeners Peniculus ostraciontis Yamaguti, 1939 and Peniculus truncatus by having a well developed triangular-shaped abdomen; the abdomen is rudimentary in other two species.

Caligus sclerotinosus (Copepoda: Caligidae), a serious pest of cultured red seabream Pagrus major (Sparidae) in Korea.

Caligid copepods (Crustacea) known as sea lice are pests of cultured fish, causing serious diseases and economic losses in fish aquaculture worldwide. One species, Caligus sclerotinosus Roubal, Armitage & Rohde, 1983 (Caligidae), is considered a serious pest of the highly prized red seabream Pagrus major (Temminck and Schlegel, 1843) (Sparidae) cultured in Japan. Recently, in neighboring Korea, red seabream culture has intensified and almost replaced yellow tail culture.