Ichthyology & Herpetology Volume 110: Issue 1

Sound production by fishes has been recognized for millennia, but is typically regarded as comparatively rare and thus yet to be integrated into broader concepts of vertebrate evolution. We map the most comprehensive dataset of sound production yet assembled onto a family-level phylogeny of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii), a clade containing more than 34,000 extant species. Family-, rather than species-, level analyses allowed broad investigation of sound production mostly based on illustrations of acoustic recordings and morphological specializations (82%) strongly indicative of sound production along with qualitative descriptions (18%), and a conservative estimate of the distribution and ancestry of a character that is likely more widespread than currently known. Compilation of sonic-related morphological characters shows 60 families exhibiting muscles coupled to swim bladder vibration and 39 families that employ movement of skeletal parts against each other, i.e., stridulation. Eighteen of these families, mostly catfishes (13), include individual species exhibiting both mechanisms. The results show that families with soniferous species contain nearly two-thirds of actinopterygian species, including a clade originating circa 155 Ma, and that sound production has independently evolved approximately 33 times within Actinopterygii. Despite the uncertainties of presence-only data records and incomplete evidence of absence, under-sampling species, and assuming family-level conservation of sound production, sensitivity analyses show that these patterns of shared ancestry are robust. In aggregate, these findings offer a new perspective on the ancestry and convergent evolution of sound production among actinopterygians, a clade representing more than half of extant vertebrate species.

The taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships of the Deepwater Goby, Ponticola bathybius, an endemic species in the southern Caspian Sea, which were previously unknown, are examined here. Deepwater Goby samples were collected from three southern Caspian Sea localities (southwest, mid-south, and southeast), and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) and S7 nuclear gene sequences with maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Additionally, the Deepwater Goby's population genetic structure and demographic history were evaluated for cyt b. Results were highly congruent, providing strong support for inclusion of the Deepwater Goby in the genus Neogobius (tribe: Neogobiini), from its previous placement in the genus Ponticola (tribe: Ponticolini). AMOVA analyses showed significant differences between western and eastern sampling localities (P < 0.05) of Deepwater Goby, with moderate F_ST (0.095) divergence. The haplotype network appeared star-like in formation, with no apparent genetic structure, indicating high connectivity and gene flow, and supporting a single continuous population. Since the Deepwater Goby exhibits low mobility after settlement, except for some migration between deeper and shallower waters, gene flow primarily occurs through spread of pre-settlement post-larvae via regional water currents. Mismatch distribution and neutrality tests both indicated that the Deepwater Goby likely underwent a recent demographic expansion in the southern Caspian Sea, estimated at ∼247 kya during the Pleistocene epoch, coinciding with similar expansions of other Caspian Sea taxa.

The Gopher Tortoise is a keystone species and a species of conservation concern in the southeastern United States, but the biology of tortoises at the extreme southeastern limit of the range is poorly understood. We examined physical characteristics and habitat associations of Gopher Tortoise burrows in pine rockland natural preserves in the highly urbanized Miami-Dade County (Florida, USA). We measured width, depth, and orientation of burrows at two sites. We compared a suite of 11 habitat features (e.g., canopy cover, understory density, ground cover, soil depth, and soil compaction) at random points and at Gopher Tortoise burrows in each of the two sites. Burrow widths were similar between sites and included burrows of both adults and juveniles—evidence that both populations are reproducing. Burrows were very short (most <2 m) compared to burrow lengths reported from other sites (>4 m), likely because soil depth is very shallow in extreme south Florida. We used multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity to detect differences in habitat variables among sites, among point types (random points and burrows), and between active and inactive burrows. Low leaf litter cover, high grass cover, low canopy cover, and deep soil were among the major variables associated with all burrows and active burrows. The habitat associations of the burrows were similar to studies from other areas, yet the short burrows and association with the deepest available soils appear to be a strong response to the unique geology of pine rockland habitats. We discuss vegetative associations of Gopher Tortoises in the context of management in urban natural areas and implications for protection of Gopher Tortoises at the southern limit of their geographic range.

ICHTHYOLOGY & HERPETOLOGY EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor

W. Leo Smith, University of Kansas, leo@ichsandherps.org

Editorial Office

Production Editor.—

Kathleen R. Smith, katie@ichsandherps.org

Illustration Editor.—

Matthew G. Girard, Smithsonian Institution, matt@ichsandherps.org

Associate Editors

Mia Adreani, California State University, Northridge, madreani@csun.edu

Catherine Bevier, Colby College, catherine.bevier@colby.edu

Donald G. Buth, University of California Los Angeles, dbuth@ucla.edu

Matthew T. Craig, NOAA NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, matthew.craig@noaa.gov

Jon Davenport, Appalachian State University, davenportjm@appstate.edu

Matthew P. Davis, St. Cloud State University, mpdavis@stcloudstate.edu

Julián Faivovich, División Herpetología,

NEW NAMES

Apteronotus albertoi 1003–1007

Batrachoseps wakei 837–848

Careproctus

lacrima 458–465

maslenikovae 457–465

spiraki 457–462, 464–465

Characidium

duplicatum 102–122

wangyapoik 102–122

Cirrhilabrus

aquamarinus 669–684, 1106

chaliasi 669–684, 1106

Cylix tupareomanaia 806–835

Dussumieria torpedo 991–997

Flabellicauda 753–784

alleni 753–784

cometes 753–784

Lacustricola pygmaeus 123–137

Limnonectes beloncioi 197–200, 202–204

Loricariichthys melanurus 447–566

Odontophrynus reigi 229–240

Parotocinclus kwarup 449–455

Photonectes klepadloae 720–727

Polymixia hollisteri