To estimate the importance of the vertical daily migrations in the structure of the community of the epifauna associated with the leaf stratum of Posidonia oceanica, we compared to the vagil epifauna abundance in respect to the period of the day and the height of the sediment. The study was developed in the P. oceanica meadow of El Campello (Alicante, south-east Spain), during May of 1996, to a depth of 12 m, repeating the samplings in four sites to obtain a correct spatial interpretation. Three main behaviours were detected. Decapods, amphipods, isopods, mysids, ostracods and polychaetes showed a nocturnal increase in the leaf stratum of P. oceanica. By contrast, copepods showed a nocturnal decrease in the leaves and gastropods did not show any temporal change. Chaetognaths and acari did not show statistical differences because of the considerable spatial heterogeneity. These vertical migrations have an extreme importance in the configuration of the structure of the epifauna associated to P. oceanica, in addition to the diverse response of the different taxa.

Nutrient-limited batch cultures of two marine phytoplankton have been subjected to aeration and varying rates of mechanical agitation and the effects of growth and uptake of 14C and nutrients recorded. In both phosphate- and nitrate-limited cultures the lag period decreased with increasing agitation rate. Cell division times in the exponential phase decreased with increasing agitation of phosphate-limited cultures but increased in comparable nitrate-limited cultures. Division times were increased in all aerated cultures. The final yield of phosphorus-limited cultures was greatest at the highest agitation.

The age of the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus in Oshoro Bay at the northern distributional limit of the species was ascertained by counting black bands in charred genital plates after etching. Consequently, the seasonal growth of two year-classes was monitored and the seasonal changes were related to the reproductive cycle and water temperature. A black band at the edge of the genital plates was found in more than 50% of the sea urchins from September to November. No statistical difference of the test diameter and body weight forming the bands between the estimated and actual values showed that the band is formed annually and can be used as a chronometer. The sea urchin grew rapidly for one and a half months, from late August to late September or early October when water temperature reached a maximum of >20°C, then began to fall while the gonads increased in size prior to maturation. Growth ceased during October to November with initiation of gonadal maturation and the peak of black band formation in genital plates. Spawning occurred from March to May, later than in southern Japan. The annual cycle of growth and reproduction of H. pulcherrimus may be flexibly adapted to surbarctic waters.

This paper on Gobius niger describes the ultrastructure of free neuromast papillae of both standard and mandibular types, emphasizing the polarity of the hair cells in each row or column. Evidence to suggest a functional difference between mandibular and standard neuromasts is reviewed, together with an hypothesis concerning the developmental origin of the mandibular row, relevant to the evolution of lateral line organs in general.

First investigation on the relationship between reproductive development and estimated age/size in a wild population of Octopus vulgaris was performed in the Sardinian waters (central western Mediterranean Sea) in order to have a useful tool for integral fishing management in the area. Full sexual maturity was registered from April to August for females with a peak in summer whereas for males it was observed all year round. Size at maturity was 320 g for males (70 mm dorsal mantle length (ML)) and 520 g for females (120 mm ML). From 61 to 465 and from 80 to 390 daily growth increments were counted on the lateral wall of the upper beak, respectively in males and females, obtaining a positive relationship between estimated age and size of the specimens. The sexual maturation was primarily size-dependent with a secondary role played by the age especially in males. The estimated age of 390 and 465 days respectively of the largest female (4661 g) and male (5344 g) as well as that of two males at the end of their lives (‘spent’) of 310 and 420 days old, have suggested a lifecycle of about 1 year for both genders.

Gross activity recordings from the recurrent facial nerve were made in unrestrained specimens of Gaidropsarus and Ciliata by means of implanted silver-wire electrodes. Responses to tactile stimuli could be evoked almost anywhere on the skin. Application of the contents of the urinary bladders of other rocklings, water in which other rocklings were kept, and (diluted) human saliva to the anterior dorsal fin evoked strong responses. Responses to more elementary chemical stimuli like amino acids, salts, aldehydes, and acids, were much weaker or absent. The results favour a special chemoreceptive function of the vibratile anterior dorsal fin.

Sexual maturity in brachyurans is often associated with an allometric change in the relative growth of the animal. Maturity of Liocarcinus depurator was examined by analysing the monthly percentages of mature females (determined by the stage of gonad maturation and the presence of brood and sperm plugs) by size-class and the relative growth of different body parts: length and width of the carapace, length, height and width of the cheliped propodus; width of the abdominal segments in females and length of the first pleopod in males. Using the reproductive criteria the size at the onset of sexual maturity (carapace width at which 50% females are mature) in females of L. depurator is around 30–34 mm cephalothorax width. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the main source of morphometric variation for both sexes was due to heterochelia and allometric changes in growth. Morphometric variables were fitted using different regression techniques to one and two-phase growth models. The length of the first pleopod and the propodus of the right cheliped in males, and width of abdominal segments in females showed two clearly differentiated phases. Estimated maturity size (carapace width) corresponding to 50% mature animals was greater in males than in females. In males, size at the onset of maturity ranged between 31.4 and 35.7 mm, depending on the methods and variables used. The size at the onset of maturity in females ranged between 25.5 and 31.5 mm. In the Ría de Arousa, the size at maturity in females of L. depurator estimated using reproductive criteria is considerably greater than the size found based on morphometric criteria. The size at maturity based on morphometric criteria is greater in males than in females.

Although it is largely assumed that shark predation and predation risk are unimportant to large cetaceans, whales can make up large portions of the diets of some shark species. We investigated interactions between sharks and cetaceans in the Abrolhos Bank (16°40′ to 19°40′S), off the eastern coast of Brazil, including scavenging and predation attempts on living humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). In order to determine the frequency of shark bites on cetaceans, both living and postmortem, we used carcasses discovered along the coast of Abrolhos Bank between 2001 and 2010 and photographs of living cetaceans during systematic and opportunistic visual surveys from 2004 to 2009. We analysed a total of 221 cetacean carcasses, of which 150 (67.8%) were humpback whales. Large sharks had fed on 22.3% (35 of 150) of humpback whales carcasses, and 20.8% (10 of 48) of carcasses of other species. Only three living humpback whales (<1%) had bite scars from large sharks, suggesting that they at least occasionally target living humpbacks. Cookiecutter shark bite marks also were observed on both dead and living cetaceans, with numerous living humpbacks showing multiple bites. The abundance of humpback whale carcasses available over the Abrolhos Bank, mainly during the humpback breeding season, may be an important component of shark diets seasonally. Further work is needed to better understand the frequency of shark attacks on mysticetes, potential costs of sublethal injuries, and importance of whales to shark diets.

In recent years the Norwegian Taxonomy Initiative started thorough investigations of poorly known organism groups. In this context, several marine inventories have rendered a number of marine invertebrate species new to science. Within the phylum Nemertea (ribbon worms) a characteristic hoplonemertean was encountered on two different occasions. We describe the new species Amphiporus rectangulus sp. nov. with a combination of histology and DNA data (COI). For the morphological description we use a previously proposed character matrix and, in a context given by the results, also provide a brief discussion on benefits and drawbacks with both methods. We argue that for small animals with soft bodies external characters can be more informative than hitherto expected.

The marine Amoebida have not been investigated nearly as extensively as freshwater and soil species of that order. In North America, where they have received the most attention, they have been studied most by Schaeffer (1926), with more recent work by Bovee (e.g. 1956), Sawyer (1968, 1971a, 1911b, 1974a, 1974b, papers in preparation), and Page (1970, 1971a, 1971b, 1972a). Grell (1961, 1966) and Grell and Benwitz (1970, 1971a, 1971b) have investigated some interesting amoebae from European and African marine habitats. Droop (1962) described a new species of amoebo-flagellate (Amoebida, Vahlkampfiidae) from brackish water in Scotland, but otherwise there is little literature on British marine Amoebida. Some recent work on the British fauna was reported by Page (1972b, 1973, 1974).

In a study of the life-cycle of the hexabothriid monogenean Rajonchocotyle emarginata by Wiskin (1970), attempts to obtain newly hatched larvae were unsuccessful, and it was decided to make a new attempt to culture eggs and hatch larvae, at the same time investigating the effects of those factors found in other monogeneans to influence hatching, such as host mucus (see Kearn, 1974), shadows (see Kearn, 1982) and mechanical disturbance (see Bovet, 1967). The success of these renewed attempts to hatch the eggs of R. emarginata provided an opportunity to study the behaviour of the free-swimming oncomiracidium and attempts were made to relate hatching phenomena and larval behaviour to the behaviour of the host.

The gametogenic cycle of the smooth clam Callista chione off the Arrábida region was studied throughout a 17-month period (from January 2004 to May 2005) using standard histological techniques, mean oocyte diameters and a condition index. This species showed a synchronism between sexes both in terms of gametogenic development and spawning. The results indicated that sex-ratio was not significantly different from parity. In January 2004, the gametogenic cycle had already begun and ended in late October 2004. Three spawning peaks were detected: January–March, April–May and August–October. No resting period was observed and a new gametogenic cycle began in early November, immediately after the spawning period. The analysis of the oocyte diameter enabled predicting the main spawning periods, which appear to be largely governed by seawater temperature. The condition index evolved according to the reproductive cycle of the species, with the highest values being observed prior to the main spawning periods. The size at first maturity estimated for C. chione was 50.81 mm.

Cephalopod prey of several cetacean species from Hawaiian waters were identified and quantified from the beaks in stomachs of stranded individuals. The different species of cetaceans all appear to target different species and sizes of cephalopods. Beaks from two sperm whales (Physeter catodon) included a total of 312 upper and 292 lower beaks (mandibles) of cephalopods. All of the cephalopods represented by lower beaks were oceanic squid belonging to 20 or more species in 14 families. The major constituents of the whale diet were Histioteuthis hoylei (45% by number and 10·9% by dry weight), Ommastrephes bartrami (7·6% by number, 30·6% by weight) and Architeuthis sp. (only 0·7% by number, but 26·5% by weight). In a Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) stomach, 1051 upper beaks and 1349 lower beaks were present. Eighteen or more genera of cephalopods in 15 families were present. The major constituents of the Grampus diet were Enoploteuthis spp. (36·1% by number and 30·1% by dry weight) and Abraliopsis spp. (23·6% by number, but only 4·9% by weight) and O. bartrami (1·3% and 32·1% respectively). The melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) eats fish as well as cephalopods which are represented by only six lower beaks belonging to five genera, Enoploteuthis, Teuthowenia, Abraliopsis, Abralia sp. and Bathyteuthis abyssicola. The beaked whale (unidentified) contained two lower beaks which were O. bartrami. Stenella attenuata also eats fish and the sample contained lower beaks, one of Enoploteuthis sp. and seven of an Abraliopsis sp.

The growth and nutrition of Ectocarpus confervoides has been studied in bacteria-free cultures. Growth was estimated by dry weights determined under controlled conditions. A method for inoculation of cultures of filamentous algae is described and a table of culture media is given. Following a lag of 5–7 days there was a period of growth, which was not truly exponential, extending over a period of 35 days. Calculation of the relative growth constant for the early stages of growth indicated that the alga doubled its dry weight every 6–7 days. Cultures of Ectocarpus remained viable for over 1 year in the light and for over 100 days in the dark. In natural sea-water media the maximum growth was brought about by the addition of 0·5 mM potassium nitrate and 0·1 mM potassium phosphate. Ferric chloride had no effect on growth but additions of manganese chloride did cause some stimulation. Additions of some complex organic mixtures slightly increased growth but Ectocarpus was unable to grow on a range of organic carbon source in the dark. The optimum salinity at 20° C was somewhat higher than that of natural sea water but was apparently lower at 15° C. The optimum pH was 8·0. Light intensities between 1350 and 16,000 lux had no marked effects on the growth rate but did effect the lag, the optimum for this being 7000 lux. Temperature also had no effect on the growth rate but did effect the lag. The optimum was 15–20° C but there was growth between 10 and 25° C. A considerable range of artificial sea waters, with and without organic additions was investigated, in no case did they give a yield greater than two-thirds that in natural seawater media. These results are discussed in relation to other workers findings.

Killer whales Orcinus orca are considered to be relatively uncommon in tropical waters. Few sightings have been reported from the west coast of Africa due to a paucity of survey coverage. We present data on 32 killer sightings from tropical waters off Angola (N = 18), Gabon (N = 7), São Tomé (N = 6) and Cameroon (N = 1), comprising a combination of dedicated survey sightings (N = 21) and reliable anecdotal records (n = 11). Killer whales were reported from coastal waters, the shelf edge and deep, oceanic areas. Sightings indicate a probable year-round occurrence of killer whales within the region. Mean group size was 5.6 animals. There was no difference in group size between sightings in waters >200 m deep and those on the continental shelf. No photo-identification matches were found between Angola, Gabon and São Tomé. Re-sightings of two individuals occurred annually in São Tomé during 2002–2004. Killer whales had external appearance consistent with the Type A nominate species form. Antagonistic encounters were recorded between killer whales and humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae off Angola, Gabon and Cameroon, and with sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus off Angola. Predation on ocean sunfish Mola mola was recorded in São Tomé, and possible predation on sharks was recorded twice in Gabon.

‘Four-winged’ flying fish (in which both pectoral and pelvic fins are hypertrophied) reach greater maximum sizes than ‘two-winged’ forms in which only the pectoral fins are enlarged. Exocoetus obtusirostris shows negatively allometric growth in relation to standard length in terms of body mass (b=2·981), and lateral fin area (b=1·834). In consequence, wing-loading rises in positive allometric fashion with standard length (b=l·236). Pectoral fin length cannot be greater than 78–79% of standard length or swimming will be impaired, so the requirement for increased flying speed resulting from increased wing-loading during growth means that lift:drag ratios have to be improved by relatively narrowed wings and tapered wing tips; features which in turn increase wing-loading. Evidence is presented to show that hypertrophied pelvic fins in four-wingers are required to solve problems of stability in pitch, rather than to decrease wing-loading. The ‘non-flying’ flying fish, Oxyporhamphus micropterus, has very high wing-loadings, but the main reason that it cannot fly is that the centre of gravity of the fish is so far behind the pectoral fins that stalling on take-off would be inevitable. Flying fish possess reasonable quantities of red axial musculature, but no more than are used for cruising in fast-moving pelagic fish such as mackerel; it seems probable that acceleration to take-off speed in flying fish requires use of anaerobic white muscles.

The city of São Sebastião (SS), in south-eastern Brazil, is one of the hotspots for marine research since the establishment of the Centre of Marine Biology of the University of São Paulo in the 1960s. The SS region experienced intense transformation during the past 50 years, including increasing urbanization and construction of maritime facilities. Ascidian surveys during the past 50 years have found 62 species, eight of which were described as new and 12 are introduced. Didemnidae and Styelidae are the most speciose families in São Sebastião Channel, with 20 and 15 species respectively. Phallusia nigra, Didemnum psammatodes, Trididemnum orbiculatum, Botrylloides nigrum and Symplegma rubra are the most common ascidians. Most of the species are of tropical origin and São Paulo is their southern geographical limit. Comparisons of reports of the ascidians from different time periods allowed detection of species introductions and shifts in assemblage structure in terms of both species composition and abundance. Additionally, we discuss the main taxonomic issues regarding ascidians from south-eastern Brazil and identify profitable areas for future research. We believe that the temporal data compiled here will serve as a baseline for monitoring and management of ascidians in SS. Additionally, this study provides one of the most detailed datasets of ascidian diversity from the south-western Atlantic Ocean.

The release of larvae by female lobsters is confined to a few minutes at night, and is repeated at a similar time on each night over several weeks. The rhythm is shown to be partly controlled by an endogenous component in the female. Eggs in vitro have an exogenous, light-stimulated hatching rhythm, but are arhythmic in continuous light or darkness. In light/darkregimes the time of hatching is not influenced by daylength, but occurs sooner after sunset astemperature increases.

Sequences of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of luminous bacterial symbionts from the escas of the deep sea anglerfishes Melanocetus johnsoni and Cryptopsaras couesi were determined by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products. A sequence was also obtained from a strain of Photobacterium phosphoreum, the culturable light organ symbiont of Opisthoproctus grimaldii. Comparison of these and other published sequences showed that the anglerfish symbionts group with the marine luminous bacteria but are not closely related to P. phosphoreum. The two ceratioid symbionts differ from each other at least at the species level.

Gastrocotyle trachuri and Pseudaxine trachuri infect young Trachurus trachurus at Plymouth as soon as the 3- or 4-month-old adolescent fishes descend to the sea bottom in October. The parasites normally mature in 3 or 4 months, but, exceptionally, in about 1 month, and the life-span is normally no longer than 1 year. Trachurus specimens at the beginning of their second year pick up a largely new infection of parasites.

G. trachuri and P. trachuri are much less frequent on 2- and 3-year-old specimens of Trachurus and probably occur only very rarely on still older fishes, the limiting factor being not an age-immunity but a post-spawning migration of the host from the concentration of free-living infective stages of the parasites in coastal waters.

The parasites have adapted themselves to a seasonal change in the feeding habits of Trachurus by ceasing to produce larvae in anticipation of the summer disappearance of scad from the sea bottom in pursuit of pelagic food-organisms.