Sygnathids of Atlantic islands of Galicia and Cabrera archipelago national parks

39 pages[EN] Syngnathid fishes (Actinopterygii, Syngnathidae), including seahorses and pipefishes, are flagship vulnerable species highly associated with seaweed and seagrass habitats. Our multidisciplinary study provides the first insights for syngnathid populations in Atlantic Islands of Galicia (Cíes Archipelago, Atlantic Ocean) and Cabrera Archipelago (Mediterranean Sea) Spanish National Parks. Syngnathid fishes were collected on several sites in the first year of the study, and habitat characteristics were also determined. From the results achieved, a further two-years monitoring was performed seasonally in selected sites. The fishes were analyzed for size, weight, sex and sexual maturity, stable isotope signatures and genetics. Epifauna and gut contents were also analyzed for further dietary assessment of syngnathids. Diversity and abundances were generally low, with four species (including seahorses) identified in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park and five (only pipefishes) at Cabrera National Park. Syngnathids from both national parks differed in size, isotopic values and prey regime. Syngnathids preferred less exposed sites in macroalgal assemblages (Atlantic) or Cymodocea meadows (Mediterranean). Population characteristics in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park suggests that syngnathids mainly comprise breeders that migrate seasonally, with preference for less exposed sites on shallow complex rocky-sandy substrates covered by macroalgae. Prey preferences would rely mainly on the consumption of copepods and gammarids. In the Mediterranean, syngnathids were likely limited by the depth of the studied sites, showing preference for Cymodocea meadows over Posidonia, and for the capture of a wider range of prey compared to the Atlantic populations. Borrón (Atlantic) and Es Burri (Mediterranean) would be preferential sites to undertake conservations plans for syngnathids. Several research topics are suggested for further management of syngnathids populations in both national parks[ES] Los signátidos (Actinopterygii, Syngnathidae) son una familia de peces que incluye caballitos de mar y peces pipa. Se trata de especies vulnerables estrechamente asociadas a las comunidades vegetales. Este estudio multidisciplinar en signátidos es el primero realizado en los Parques Nacionales Marítimo-Terrestres de las Islas Atlánticas de Galicia (Archipiélago de Cíes, Atlántico) y del Archipiélago de Cabrera (Mediterráneo). En el primer año de estudio, se estudiaron los signátidos en diversas zonas de ambos parques nacionales, así como las características de sus hábitats. Los resultados alcanzados permitieron establecer zonas preferentes para la realización de un estudio bianual posterior. En los peces capturados se determinaron las siguientes características: talla, peso, sexo y madurez sexual, isótopos estables y características genéticas. También se analizó la epifauna y los contenidos digestivos para determinar preferencias alimentarias. La diversidad y las abundancias fueron reducidas, con cuatro y cinco especies identificadas en el Atlántico y Mediterráneo, respectivamente, con presencia de caballitos de mar solo en la vertiente atlántica. Se observaron diferencias importantes en los signátidos de ambas zonas en lo relacionado con talla, valores isotópicos y preferencias alimentarias, Los signátidos atlánticos mostraron preferencia por zonas someras menos expuestas en hábitats macroalgales complejos arenoso-rocosos, con preferencia por el consumo de gammáridos y copépodos. Las especies del mediterráneo estuvieron mejor representadas en praderas de Cymodocea comparado con las de Posidonia, con una mayor variedad de fuentes alimenticias que en el atlántico, dependiendo de la especie. Las zonas de mayor interés, de cara a futuros planes de conservación, fueron Borrón (Atlántico) y Es Burri (Mediterráneo). Se proponen diversas actuaciones para el estudio futuro de las poblaciones estudiadasEste proyecto fue financiado por el Organismo Autónomo Parques Nacionales del Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (HIPPOPARQUES, Ref. 1541S/2015), estando coordinado con el proyecto 1580S/2015. J. Hernández-Urcera disfrutó de un contrato postdoctoral Juan de la Cierva (FJCI-2016-30990; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades)N

Implications of physical key factors in the early rearing of the long-snouted seahorse hippocampus guttulatus

9 páginas, 3 figuras, 2 tablasAlthough breeding conditions are rather well established for some seahorse species (Hippocampus spp.), zootechnics and the effect of non-biological factors are still unknown for many species. The present study is focussed on the effects of aquarium type/design, photoperiod regime and aeration level on the early performance (growth and survival) of Hippocampus guttulatus juveniles. Three aquarium types were evaluated: pseudoKreisel, spherical and rectangular. Juveniles grown in pseudoKreisel aquaria showed lower growth rates but significantly higher survivals (69 ± 15%) at day 30 after male's pouch release (DAR) when compared to either spherical (30 ± 22%) or rectangular (16 ± 12%) aquaria. Survival enhancement in pseudoKreisel aquaria was mainly related to the very lower proportion of juveniles showing swim bladder hyperinflation during the first days of life. Conversely, the other aquarium types did not avoid juveniles to remain near water surface and to gulp air in excess for swim bladder inflation. The effects of light regime and aeration level were assayed in H. guttulatus juveniles reared in all three aquarium types or in pseudoKreisel aquaria only, respectively. In general, the application of extended (continuous light) or natural photoperiods (day–night cycle; 16 h light:8 h dark) did not affect survival nor growth significantly. On the other hand, aeration levels in pseudoKreisel aquaria significantly affected juvenile survival. Survivals in 30 day old seahorses reared under a strong aeration were significantly higher (41 ± 12%) than when reared under weak aeration (13 ± 0%). Strong aeration levels enhanced the distribution of juveniles in the aquaria and diminished both their over-exposition to water surface and the resulting appearance of hyperinflation problems. The overall results suggest that the best rearing conditions were met when H. guttulatus juveniles grew in pseudoKreisel aquaria under both a strong aeration level and, to a lesser extent, a natural photoperiod regime, due to a slight enhancement in seahorse juvenile performanceThe study was financed by Project CGL2009-08386 (Spanish Government) and the Regional Government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia, Project 09MDS022402PR). A. Blanco was supported by a PhD JAE-Pre Grant (Junta para la Ampliación de Estudios Program) from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), co-financed by the European Social Fund (JAEPre_09_01434)Peer reviewe

Establishment and maintenance of threatened long snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus, broodstock in captivity

Knowledge on seahorses is generally scarce but has been increasing in recent years due to their conservation status. Seahorse culture is a quite recent activity in most countries attempting it, and captive breeding techniques are available only for some species. With the aim of contributing to the development of breeding in captivity for conservative purposes, captive broodstock of the European long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) was established with 32 wild seahorses captured in Galicia (NW Spain). This study describes the methodologies applied to the maintenance of the broodstocks, with special reference to aquaria design, feeding, growth and breeding. Procedures of seahorse identification (morphologically and genetically) as a tool for broodstock management are also considered. The results achieved during the first year demonstrate a rapid adaptation of wild seahorses to captive conditions. Seahorses were fed exclusively on enriched adult Artemia and displayed high growth rates. However, fatty acid analyses performed on unfertilised eggs of captive broodstock showed a progressive decrease in the content of essential fatty acids (DHA, EPA) with time in captivity, suggesting the need for improvement in the nutritional quality of broodstock feed.The study was financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (CGL2005-05927-C03-01), as part of a coordinated research project (Proyecto Hippocampus; 2005/PC091). Funding was also partially provided by the Regional Government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia; PGIDIT06PXIC402106PN). We thank Xunta de Galicia for providing permission in the study and capture of wild seahorses. We are grateful to Dr. J. Pintado, Dr. S. Pascual and M.J. Prol (IIM. CSIC) for providing support with the diseases. We also thank Dr. Isabel Medina (IIM, CSIC) for fatty acid analysis support, Marta Castelo, MaríaMoyano, Alex Fernández and Elena Liñares (AquariumFinisterrae, A Coruña), and Dr. J. Pintado (IIM, CSIC) for helping with the capture of wild seahorses, and Dr. A. López, Dr. B.G. Pardo and Dr. C. Bouza (University of Santiago de Compostela) for providing genetic analysis support.Peer reviewe

Inheritance of stable isotopes in seahorses (Hippocampus reidi): effect of parental diet preceding breeding season

Poster.-- 43rd Annual Larval Fish Conference, May 21-24th 2019, Palma, Balearic Islands, SpainStudies on the impact of adult diet on newborn output in seahorses (Genus Hippocampus; Family Syngnathidae). Seahorses are continuous spawners with repeated brooding of males within a breeding season. Hence, a rapid need for replacement of nutrients used in reproduction would be expected. The influence of breeder’s diet preceding breeding season on stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) inheritance was assayed in the tropical seahorse Hippocampus reidiStudy funded by project CGL2015-68110-R (MINECO, Spain).Peer reviewe

Design of aquaria for the keeping and breeding of the long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier 1829

4 pages, 3 figures.-- XI Congreso Nacional de Acuicultura, Vigo 25-28 de septiembre de 2007[EN] A new experimental aquaria system was designed for keeping and breeding of the long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus). The full system is composed of 4 self-working and independent units, which can contain at least 60 adults. Each unit is subdivided into 3 aquaria (156 L each; 81x77x25 cm), which are connected to mechanical, biological and chemical filters, pumping and cooling units and illumination devices including photoperiod control. The versatility of the units allows working with different volumes (adaptable compartments in the aquaria) depending of the experimental needs. Seahorses kept for one year (since May 2006) in these units showed fast adaptation and growth, normal sexual and matting behaviour and successful breeding[ES] Con el objetivo de desarrollar una técnica de reproducción del caballito de mar narizón (Hippocampus guttulatus), se ha diseñado un sistema experimental de acuarios para mantener un lote de reproductores. El sistema está compuesto por 4 unidades experimentales independientes capaces de albergar como mínimo 60 ejemplares adultos de caballitos de mar. Cada una de estas cuatro unidades está constituida a su vez por 3 cubetas (156 litros c.u.; 81x77x25 cm) y está dotada de filtro mecánico, químico y biológico, sistema de bombeo y enfriamiento del agua y sistemas de iluminación independientes. Esta versatilidad de los acuarios permite manejar diferentes compartimentos para poder agrupar o separar los ejemplares en función de las necesidades experimentales. Tras la rápida aclimatación de los caballitos desde su introducción en los acuarios (mayo 2006), el crecimiento observado de los ejemplares, la aparición continua de cortejos durante la época de apareamiento y la obtención de crías permiten afirmar que tanto la estructura como el funcionamiento de los acuarios son adecuados para el mantenimiento y reproducción en cautividad de adultos de esta especieEste estudio se ha realizado en el marco del Proyecto Hippocampus (CGL2005-05927-C03-01/02/03), financiado por el MEC (Plan Nacional I+D+I 2004-2007)N

Effect of breeders diet on parental inheritage in seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus): an experimental approach assessed with stable isotope analysis

Poster.-- 43rd Annual Larval Fish Conference, May 21-24th 2019, Palma, Balearic Islands, SpainThe analysis of stable isotopes ( is a useful tool to infer the transfer of nutrients from parents to newborn since the isotopic composition of the body of an animal reflects the isotopic composition of its diet, especially for δ 13 C and δ 15 N (DeNiro Epstein, 1978 1981 seahorses (Genus Hippocampus Family Syngnathidae) are vulnerable ovoviviparous fishes, and males incubate the eggs received from females The parental inheritance to the newborn juveniles was assessed in the long snouted European seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus by means of stable isotope (δ 13 C and δ 15 N) profilesStudy funded by project CGL 2015 68110 R (MIMECO, Spain) A Paltrinieri was granted by Erasmus+ EUPeer reviewe

Maturation of Hippocampus guttulatus and H. hippocampus females by manipulation of temperature and photoperiod regimes

6 páginas, 2 figuras, 4 tablasThe present study provides new and practical information on the maturation of females seahorses Hippocampus guttulatus and Hippocampus hippocampus exposed to different temperatures (15 °C constant, 15–18 °C or 15–21 °C) and photoperiods (10L:14D–16L:8D cycle or 10L:14D constant). Egg production (total eggs, clutch size and clutches per female) resulted notably reduced under both short photoperiods and low temperature, especially in H. guttulatus. Egg clutches were mainly released with temperatures above 16 °C and increasing photoperiods beyond 14L:10D. The highest efficiency under a natural light regime was achieved at 21 °C. Biometrics performed in H. guttulatus eggs showed that egg volume (VE) was not affected by temperature level but yolk volume (VY) and VY/VE ratio in eggs of females exposed at 15 °C were lower than in eggs released at 15–18 °C and 15–21 °C cycles. VE, VY and VY/VE in eggs were not correlated with the photoperiod regimes applied. The present study also provides the first results on shifting of maturation in H. guttulatus females submitted to photothermic manipulation of the environment (Treatment D — advanced and drastic change; Treatment A — advanced and accelerated change) or to natural conditions (Treatment N). The response of females to artificial environmental changes was successful and fast. First egg clutches in treatments D and A were released 11 (Treatment D) and 9 (Treatment A) weeks before than in females exposed to natural temperature and photoperiod regimes. However, the best overall results were achieved under natural regimes. In Treatment N, total eggs production and average egg clutch size (3690 and 461 eggs, respectively) were noticeable higher than in treatments D (3533 and 294 eggs, respectively) and A (150 and 1809 eggs, respectively). The study demonstrates the feasibility of shifting in female maturation of seahorses and its practical use in the artificial manipulation of the breeding season under captive conditions.The study was financed by the Spanish Government (Plan Nacional, Projects CGL2005-05927-C03-01 and CGL2009-08386) and the Regional Government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia, Projects 2005/PC091 and 09MDS022402PR).Peer reviewe

Growth of adult seahorses Hippocampus guttulatus fed exclusively on enriched adult artemia (project Hippocampus)

World Aquaculture 2009, International Conference & Exposition of World Aquaculture Society, 25-29 September, Veracruz, MexicoA long-term study was carried out on the growth of adult long-snouted seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus) fed exclusively on Artemia. The objective was to investigate the adequateness of adult Artemia to support growth (SGR) in Hippocampus guttulatus. Seahorses (16 males and 16 females) were collected in NW Spain in 2006, maintained in captivity for two years, submitted to light (16L/8D - 10L/14D) and temperature regimes (15-20ºC) and fed twice daily on enriched adult Artemia. Initially, Artemia was grown (15-21 days) on mixtures of Isochrysis sp, Prolon (Inve) and Spirulina and enriched for 24-30 h on a mixture of Prolon and Isochrysis. More recently, a long-term enrichment (Red Pepper) was applied during ongrowing to increase HUFA levels. Seahorses were weighted at time intervals and specific growth rates (SGR %) were calculated for the reproductive (1 Mar - 31 Oct) and non-reproductive (31 Oct - 1 Mar) seasonsN

Reproductive behaviour of the long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus under culture conditions

2 pages, 1 figure.-- Contributed to the International Conference AQUACULTURE EUROPE 2008 (Krakow, Poland, Sep 15-18, 2008).Seahorses have been considered monogamous but only a few seahorse species have been investigated. The European long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus is a data deficient species (IUCN, 2006). One of the unknown aspects of its biology concerns its reproductive behaviour. The present study shows the results achieved on courtship and mating behaviour in long-snouted seahorses maintained under captive conditions during two successive breeding seasons.Financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (CGL2005-05927-C03-01) and Xunta de Galicia (PGIDIT06PXIC402106PN, PGIDIT06PXIA402066IF).Peer reviewe

Female maturation, egg characteristics and fatty acids profile in the seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus

Knowledge of the biology and ecology of seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) is scarce, but has been increasing in recent years due to their conservation status. Captivity breeding programmescan be a valuable source of information on the reproductive biology of seahorses.A captive broodstock of Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier 1829 was established in 2006 and kept under natural-like photoperiod and temperature. Female maturation was studied during the whole reproductive season in 2007. Most egg clutches were released from May (17 ◦C; 15L:9D) to October (18 ◦C; 13L:11D), with peak releases occurring in June–August (20 ◦C; 16L:8D–14L:10D). Throughout the study, four egg morphotypes were found;tworegression equations were proposed for estimating egg/yolk volume based on measurements of egg and yolk biometrics. Female weight was positively correlated with yolk volume/egg volume ratio (Yv/Ev) (rs = 0.523, n = 21, P < 0.05) but not with Ev or Yv. Egg dry weight (567±141 g) was correlated with Yv (rs = 0.384, n = 31, P < 0.05).Meanclutch size and clutch biomass were 242±142 eggs and 137±87mg dry weight, respectively. Clutch size was positively correlated to female weight (rs = 0.479, n = 25, P < 0.05). Inter-clutch intervals (days) were affected by temperature (◦C) as described by the following equation: Interval = 357.55e−0.1283 Temp. Estimated inter-clutch intervals at 16, 18 and 20 ◦C were 45.9, 35.5 and 27.5 days, respectively. Egg total lipids accounted for 31.9±3.1% dry weight. Absolute lipid content in eggs was correlated with egg dry weight (rs = 0.907, n = 41, P < 0.001) and Yv (rs = 0.384, n = 41, P < 0.5). In decreasing order of relative percentage, the most important fatty acids, were 18:1n9, 16:0, 18:2n6, 20:5n3, 18:0 and 22:6n-3. The level of n-3 HUFA was 18.5±0.7% (38.4±3.3 mg/g dry weight). The profile of fatty acids in eggs resembled that displayed by the broodstock diet (enriched adult Artemia).The study was financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (CGL2005-05927-C03-01), as part of a coordinated research project (Proyecto Hippocampus; 2005/PC091). Funding was also partially provided by the Regional Government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia; PGIDIT06PXIC402106PN). P. Quintas was supported by a postdoctoral I3P contract (JAE Doc) from the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). C. Silva was granted by EU (Erasmus 29154-IC-1-2007-1-PT-ERASMUS-EUC-1). We thank to Xunta de Galicia for providing permission in the study and capture of wild seahorses. We also thank A.Vilar, M. Castelo and M. Moyano (Aquarium Finisterrae, A Coru˜ na), and Dr. J. Pintado (IIM, CSIC) for helping with the capture of wild seahorses, and Dr. Ricardo Calado, Dr. Ierecê Rosa and Dr. Ike Olivotto for the review and comments on the manuscript.Peer reviewe