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Nathan R Lovejoy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Flyingfish (Exocoetidae) species diversity and habitats in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
    Marine Biodiversity, 2018
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    Flyingfishes are large enough to eat zooplankton, small enough to be consumed by top predators, and therefore form a central mid-trophic component of tropical epipelagic marine food webs. Characterizing patterns of flyingfish abundance, distribution, and habitat preference has important implications for understanding both localized and generalized functions of marine ecosystems. The eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) supports many flyingfish species and their predators, yet no studies to date have identified oceanographic factors that define flyingfish habitats or estimate species richness and diversity at broad taxonomic and geographic scales. In this study, we analyzed 11,125 flyingfish representing 25 species and all seven named genera, collected from the ETP over a 21-year period. We applied spatially explicit analysis methods (ARCGIS, DIVA-GIS, MAXENT) and compared specimen locality data to remotely sensed oceanographic data and previously described oceanographic partitions. Our results show that Exocoetus is the most abundant genus (49%) and E. monocirrhus the most abundant species (32%) of flyingfishes in the ETP. Mean sea surface temperature was most important for defining flyingfish habitats (19.2–41.7%) and species richness (highest in the North Equatorial Current). Additionally, flyingfish species diversity was found to be highest in coastal regions of the study area (Shannon indices > 1.5). Together, these results provide unprecedented characterizations of a mid-trophic epipelagic community in an economically valuable region during a time when sea surface temperatures are predicted to increase as a result of global climate change.

  • phylogenetics and biogeography of the two wing flyingfish Exocoetidae exocoetus
    Ecology and Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Andrew J Bohonak, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    : Two-wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid-trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo-Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.

  • Phylogenetics and biogeography of the two‐wing flyingfish (Exocoetidae: Exocoetus)
    Ecology and Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Andrew J Bohonak, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    : Two-wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid-trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo-Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.

  • molecular systematics of flyingfishes teleostei Exocoetidae evolution in the epipelagic zone
    Biological Journal of The Linnean Society, 2011
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Shawna L Kjartanson, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    The flyingfish family Exocoetidae is a diverse group of marine fishes that are widespread and abundant in tropical and subtropical seas. Flyingfishes are epipelagic specialists that are easily distinguished by their enlarged fins, which are used for gliding leaps over the surface of the water. Although phylogenetic hypotheses have been proposed for flyingfish genera based on morphology, no comprehensive molecular studies have been performed. In the present study, we describe a species-level molecular phylogeny for the family Exocoetidae, based on data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1137 bp) and the nuclear RAG2 gene (882 bp). We find strong support for previous morphology-based phylogenetic hypotheses, as well as the monophyly of most currently accepted flyingfish genera. However, the most diverse genus Cheilopogon is not monophyletic. Using our novel flyingfish topology, we examine previously proposed hypotheses for the origin and evolution of gliding. The results support the progressive transition from two-wing to four-wing gliding. We also use phylogenetic approaches to test the macroecological effects of two life history characters (e.g. egg buoyancy and habitat) on species range size in flyingfishes. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 102, 161–174.

  • Phylogeny and Jaw Ontogeny of Beloniform Fishes
    Integrative and Comparative Biology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Nathan R Lovejoy, Mahmood Iranpour, Bruce B. Collette
    Abstract:

    Abstract To investigate jaw evolution in beloniform fishes, we reconstructed the phylogeny of 54 species using fragments of two nuclear (RAG2 and Tmo-4C4) and two mitochondrial (cytochrome b and 16S rRNA) genes. Our total molecular evidence topology refutes the monophyly of needlefishes (Belonidae) and halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae), but supports the monophyly of flyingfishes (Exocoetidae) and sauries (Scomberesocidae). Flyingfishes are nested within halfbeaks, and sauries are nested within needlefishes. Optimization of jaw characters on the tree reveals a diverse array of evolutionary changes in ontogeny. During their development, needlefishes pass through a “halfbeak” stage that closely resembles the adult condition in the hemiramphid halfbeaks. The reconstruction of jaw transitions falsifies the hypothesis that halfbeaks are paedomorphic derivatives of needlefishes. Instead, halfbeaks make up a basal paraphyletic grade within beloniforms, and the needlefish jaw morphology is relatively derived. The parallel...

Eric A Lewallen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Flyingfish (Exocoetidae) species diversity and habitats in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
    Marine Biodiversity, 2018
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    Flyingfishes are large enough to eat zooplankton, small enough to be consumed by top predators, and therefore form a central mid-trophic component of tropical epipelagic marine food webs. Characterizing patterns of flyingfish abundance, distribution, and habitat preference has important implications for understanding both localized and generalized functions of marine ecosystems. The eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) supports many flyingfish species and their predators, yet no studies to date have identified oceanographic factors that define flyingfish habitats or estimate species richness and diversity at broad taxonomic and geographic scales. In this study, we analyzed 11,125 flyingfish representing 25 species and all seven named genera, collected from the ETP over a 21-year period. We applied spatially explicit analysis methods (ARCGIS, DIVA-GIS, MAXENT) and compared specimen locality data to remotely sensed oceanographic data and previously described oceanographic partitions. Our results show that Exocoetus is the most abundant genus (49%) and E. monocirrhus the most abundant species (32%) of flyingfishes in the ETP. Mean sea surface temperature was most important for defining flyingfish habitats (19.2–41.7%) and species richness (highest in the North Equatorial Current). Additionally, flyingfish species diversity was found to be highest in coastal regions of the study area (Shannon indices > 1.5). Together, these results provide unprecedented characterizations of a mid-trophic epipelagic community in an economically valuable region during a time when sea surface temperatures are predicted to increase as a result of global climate change.

  • phylogenetics and biogeography of the two wing flyingfish Exocoetidae exocoetus
    Ecology and Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Andrew J Bohonak, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    : Two-wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid-trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo-Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.

  • Phylogenetics and biogeography of the two‐wing flyingfish (Exocoetidae: Exocoetus)
    Ecology and Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Andrew J Bohonak, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    : Two-wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid-trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo-Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.

  • molecular systematics of flyingfishes teleostei Exocoetidae evolution in the epipelagic zone
    Biological Journal of The Linnean Society, 2011
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Shawna L Kjartanson, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    The flyingfish family Exocoetidae is a diverse group of marine fishes that are widespread and abundant in tropical and subtropical seas. Flyingfishes are epipelagic specialists that are easily distinguished by their enlarged fins, which are used for gliding leaps over the surface of the water. Although phylogenetic hypotheses have been proposed for flyingfish genera based on morphology, no comprehensive molecular studies have been performed. In the present study, we describe a species-level molecular phylogeny for the family Exocoetidae, based on data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1137 bp) and the nuclear RAG2 gene (882 bp). We find strong support for previous morphology-based phylogenetic hypotheses, as well as the monophyly of most currently accepted flyingfish genera. However, the most diverse genus Cheilopogon is not monophyletic. Using our novel flyingfish topology, we examine previously proposed hypotheses for the origin and evolution of gliding. The results support the progressive transition from two-wing to four-wing gliding. We also use phylogenetic approaches to test the macroecological effects of two life history characters (e.g. egg buoyancy and habitat) on species range size in flyingfishes. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 102, 161–174.

Robert L Pitman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • phylogenetics and biogeography of the two wing flyingfish Exocoetidae exocoetus
    Ecology and Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Andrew J Bohonak, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    : Two-wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid-trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo-Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.

  • Phylogenetics and biogeography of the two‐wing flyingfish (Exocoetidae: Exocoetus)
    Ecology and Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Andrew J Bohonak, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    : Two-wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid-trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo-Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.

  • Flyingfish feeding ecology in the eastern Pacific: prey partitioning within a speciose epipelagic community.
    Journal of Fish Biology, 2013
    Co-Authors: J. E. Van Noord, E. A. Lewallen, Robert L Pitman
    Abstract:

    : To test the hypothesis that prey partitioning contributes to community stability in flyingfish, the gut contents of 359 flyingfish specimens (representing five genera and eight species within Exocoetidae and Hemiramphidae) were collected at 50 dip-net stations during hour-long night-time fishing in oceanic waters of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean between August and November 2007. Analyses using multidimensional scaling, and analysis of similarity revealed significant dietary differences among species, and similarity percentages tests helped identify the specific prey taxa responsible for these differences. Six species specialized on copepods (58·3-96·9% by number), but targeted different families. Specifically, the barbel flyingfish Exocoetus monocirrhus (n = 205) focused on euchaetids (51·6%), the banded flyingfish Hirundichthys marginatus (n = 24) fed on pontellids (21·8%), while the tropical two-wing flyingfish Exocoetus volitans (n = 11) and the bigwing halfbeak Oxyporhamphus micropterus (n = 34) ingested calanoids (54·6 and 17·0%). In contrast, the whitetip flyingfish Cheilopogon xenopterus (n = 73) and the mirrorwing flyingfish Hirundichthys speculiger (n = 4) had generalized diets comprising similar proportions of amphipod, copepod, mollusc and larval fish prey. Distinct differences in mean fullness, highly digested material, per cent empty guts and mean numbers of prey per gut were also synthesized, and uncovered a pattern of asynchronous feeding. Altogether, these findings provide valuable descriptive data on the diets of an understudied group of epipelagic teleosts, and, by extension, suggest that prey partitioning (taxa and feeding times) may influence flyingfish feeding ecology by reducing interspecific competition.

  • molecular systematics of flyingfishes teleostei Exocoetidae evolution in the epipelagic zone
    Biological Journal of The Linnean Society, 2011
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Shawna L Kjartanson, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    The flyingfish family Exocoetidae is a diverse group of marine fishes that are widespread and abundant in tropical and subtropical seas. Flyingfishes are epipelagic specialists that are easily distinguished by their enlarged fins, which are used for gliding leaps over the surface of the water. Although phylogenetic hypotheses have been proposed for flyingfish genera based on morphology, no comprehensive molecular studies have been performed. In the present study, we describe a species-level molecular phylogeny for the family Exocoetidae, based on data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1137 bp) and the nuclear RAG2 gene (882 bp). We find strong support for previous morphology-based phylogenetic hypotheses, as well as the monophyly of most currently accepted flyingfish genera. However, the most diverse genus Cheilopogon is not monophyletic. Using our novel flyingfish topology, we examine previously proposed hypotheses for the origin and evolution of gliding. The results support the progressive transition from two-wing to four-wing gliding. We also use phylogenetic approaches to test the macroecological effects of two life history characters (e.g. egg buoyancy and habitat) on species range size in flyingfishes. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 102, 161–174.

I B Shakhovskoy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The First Record of the Rearfin Flying Fish, Cypselurus opisthopus (Exocoetidae), from the Waters of South India, with the Assessment of Flying Fish Species Occurring in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone
    Journal of Ichthyology, 2019
    Co-Authors: T. T. K. Jayakumar, I B Shakhovskoy, N. P. K. Prasoon, A. Kathirvelpandian, T. T. Ajith Kumar
    Abstract:

    The present study reports the first record of the rearfin flying fish, Cypselurus opisthopus (Bleeker, 1865), in the south-eastern Arabian Sea based on a single specimen caught by a commercial trawler off the Kerala coast. Hitherto unknown in the waters off Indian coast, this is the first occurrence of this species in the Indian EEZ, suggesting the extension of distributional range of the species in the Indian Ocean. Detailed information on the morphometric and meristic characters are given and discussed. Molecular confirmation of the species identification was carried out using partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase sub-unit I gene. A map of the geographical distribution of C. opisthopus in the Indian Ocean based on published data and a list of flying fishes occurring in the Indian waters (within EEZ) is provided. Up to now, 24 species from 6 genera of flying fishes are recorded from the Indian waters.

  • on the type series of cheilopogon olgae Exocoetidae
    Journal of Ichthyology, 2019
    Co-Authors: I B Shakhovskoy, Yu D Malikova
    Abstract:

    The type series of Cheilopogon olgae Parin, 2009, is reinvestigated. In the original description of the species, some differences in morphological characters and in label data of type specimens are found. Corrected label data of the paratypes and the map on species distribution of the subgenus Ptenichthys in Australian waters are presented.

  • New Occurrences of Flying Fishes Cheilopogon melanurus and C. heterurus (Exocoetidae) in the North Central Atlantic and Eastern Part of the Mediterranean Sea
    Journal of Ichthyology, 2018
    Co-Authors: I B Shakhovskoy, D. Y. Malikova
    Abstract:

    Cheilopogon melanurus , found for the first time in the central part of the North Atlantic (26°34′6 N 33°55′2 W), and C. heterurus from the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea (Mahmutlar, Alanya, Turkey) are described. C. heterurus is widely distributed in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea occurring here in all seasons.

  • A review of flying fishes of the subgenus Hirundichthys (Genus Hirundichthys, Exocoetidae). Part 2. Nerito-oceanic species: H. oxycephalus, H. affinis
    Journal of Ichthyology, 2013
    Co-Authors: I B Shakhovskoy, N. V. Parin
    Abstract:

    The second part of the review of the subgenus Hirundichthys s.str. dealt with two nerito-oceanic species of the subgenus which have weakly pronounced “mirror” on the pectoral fins: H. oxycephalus and H. affinis . The validity of H. coromandelensis (Hornell, 1923) as a subspecies of H. oxycephalus is restored. A comparison of local populations showed that H. oxycephalus is a polytypic species and forms three subspecies: nominative H. oxycephalus oxycephalus from the Western Pacific and Eastern Indian Ocean, H. oxycephalus coromandelensis from the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and adjoining waters of the Indian Ocean, and known by the only specimen from the waters of New Guinea H. oxycephalus frereensis ssp.n. Populations of H. affinis from the Western and Eastern Atlantic differ in the color of pectoral fins. Maps showing the geographical distribution of species and subspecies in the World Ocean are drawn up. A key for identification of species and subspecies belonging to the subgenus is proposed.

  • A review of flying fishes of the subgenus Hirundichthys (genus Hirundichthys, Exocoetidae). 1. Oceanic species: H. speculiger, H. indicus sp. nova
    Journal of Ichthyology, 2013
    Co-Authors: I B Shakhovskoy, N. V. Parin
    Abstract:

    A systematic revision of flying fishes of the subgenus Hirundichthys s.str was carried out based on a study of meristic and morphometric traits and characteristics of pigmentation of fishes from the local populations of species belonging to the subgenus. It is found out that the subgenus includes four species: oceanic H. speculiger from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, oceanic H. indicus sp.n. from the waters of the Indian Ocean, nerito-oceanic H. oxycephalus from the waters of the Indo-West Pacific and nerito-oceanic H. affinis from the Atlantic Ocean. The first part of the review focuses on two oceanic species with a large “mirror” on the pectoral fins: H. speculiger and H. indicus . A comparison of local populations showed that the species H. indicus is polytypic and consists of two subspecies. One of the subspecies—nominative H. indicus indicus —is distributed in the western and the central parts of the Indian Ocean and the other— H. indicus orientalis ssp.n.—in the Eastern Indian Ocean. Maps showing a geographical distribution of the species and the subspecies in the World Ocean are drawn up.

Carolina A Bonin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Flyingfish (Exocoetidae) species diversity and habitats in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
    Marine Biodiversity, 2018
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    Flyingfishes are large enough to eat zooplankton, small enough to be consumed by top predators, and therefore form a central mid-trophic component of tropical epipelagic marine food webs. Characterizing patterns of flyingfish abundance, distribution, and habitat preference has important implications for understanding both localized and generalized functions of marine ecosystems. The eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) supports many flyingfish species and their predators, yet no studies to date have identified oceanographic factors that define flyingfish habitats or estimate species richness and diversity at broad taxonomic and geographic scales. In this study, we analyzed 11,125 flyingfish representing 25 species and all seven named genera, collected from the ETP over a 21-year period. We applied spatially explicit analysis methods (ARCGIS, DIVA-GIS, MAXENT) and compared specimen locality data to remotely sensed oceanographic data and previously described oceanographic partitions. Our results show that Exocoetus is the most abundant genus (49%) and E. monocirrhus the most abundant species (32%) of flyingfishes in the ETP. Mean sea surface temperature was most important for defining flyingfish habitats (19.2–41.7%) and species richness (highest in the North Equatorial Current). Additionally, flyingfish species diversity was found to be highest in coastal regions of the study area (Shannon indices > 1.5). Together, these results provide unprecedented characterizations of a mid-trophic epipelagic community in an economically valuable region during a time when sea surface temperatures are predicted to increase as a result of global climate change.

  • phylogenetics and biogeography of the two wing flyingfish Exocoetidae exocoetus
    Ecology and Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Andrew J Bohonak, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    : Two-wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid-trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo-Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.

  • Phylogenetics and biogeography of the two‐wing flyingfish (Exocoetidae: Exocoetus)
    Ecology and Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Eric A Lewallen, Robert L Pitman, Andrew J Bohonak, Carolina A Bonin, Andre J Van Wijnen, Nathan R Lovejoy
    Abstract:

    : Two-wing flyingfish (Exocoetus spp.) are widely distributed, epipelagic, mid-trophic organisms that feed on zooplankton and are preyed upon by numerous predators (e.g., tunas, dolphinfish, tropical seabirds), yet an understanding of their speciation and systematics is lacking. As a model of epipelagic fish speciation and to investigate mechanisms that increase biodiversity, we studied the phylogeny and biogeography of Exocoetus, a highly abundant holoepipelagic fish taxon of the tropical open ocean. Morphological and molecular data were used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species boundaries, and biogeographic patterns of the five putative Exocoetus species. We show that the most widespread species (E. volitans) is sister to all other species, and we find no evidence for cryptic species in this taxon. Sister relationship between E. monocirrhus (Indo-Pacific) and E. obtusirostris (Atlantic) indicates the Isthmus of Panama and/or Benguela Barrier may have played a role in their divergence via allopatric speciation. The sister species E. peruvianus and E. gibbosus are found in different regions of the Pacific Ocean; however, our molecular results do not show a clear distinction between these species, indicating recent divergence or ongoing gene flow. Overall, our phylogeny reveals that the most spatially restricted species are more recently derived, suggesting that allopatric barriers may drive speciation, but subsequent dispersal and range expansion may affect the distributions of species.