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Vítor Carvalho Almada - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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phylogeography of the shanny lipophrys Pholis pisces blenniidae in the ne atlantic records signs of major expansion event older than the last glaciation
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2011Co-Authors: Wouter Lengkeek, Cláudia Faria, Sara Martins Francisco, Maria Natividade Vieira, Eva Maria Velasco, Vítor Carvalho AlmadaAbstract:The study of the phylogeography of inshore fish from West Europe is revealing diverse geographical and demographical patterns. Some species conform to the phylogeographic patterns typical of terrestrial organisms, with marked signatures of the last glaciation and a decline of genetic diversity to the north of the species range. Other species, however, reveal no decline in diversity with latitude and signatures of expansions older than the last glaciation. The shanny Lipophrys Pholis is a common intertidal resident fish in west European rocky shores. It is unable to leave the rocky stretch where it settled as a juvenile, so that dispersal depends entirely on the planktonic larval stage. These life-history and behavioural traits make the shanny an interesting species for phylogeographical analysis, as long-range movements by adults, which could blur historical signals, are absent. In this paper the phylogeography of L. Pholis was studied using a fragment of the mitochondrial control region and one from the first intron of the S7 ribosomal protein gene. The European samples (ranging from SW Spain to the Netherlands) did not display population differentiation, isolation-by-distance or latitudinal declines in genetic diversity. Iberia was proposed as having operated as the main glacial refugium for the shanny. The genealogy of the European population showed that the largest expansion detected was older than the last glaciation, with lineages persisting from the early Pleistocene, which does not conform to colonisation by a few founders in the current interglacial. It is argued that if fishes have very large population sizes and high dispersal rates, populations can efficiently track climatic shifts so that little or no genetic structure remains after each range expansion and latitudinal gradients of genetic diversity tend to be weak or non-existent.
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Tidal activity rhythms and depth distribution of rocky shore fish in an altered intertidal environment
acta ethologica, 2008Co-Authors: Cláudia Faria, Vítor Carvalho AlmadaAbstract:In this note we report on changes of activity level of littoral fish and their use of different microhabitats in an altered intertidal environment, where intertidal fish are never emersed and turbulence is confined to high tides. Despite these atypical conditions, the structure of the assemblage is basically the same found in a typical rocky-shore situation. Two intertidal fish known to possess internal tidal rhythms, Lipophrys Pholis and Coryphoblennius galerita, retain those rhythms in these altered conditions, and the associated social changes in L. Pholis are also retained. These observations support the studies of Gibson (1971), who showed that changes in hydrostatic pressure were of prime importance in keeping the tidal rhythm entrained. The subtidal Parablennius pilicornis, on the contrary, is more active during low tide than at high tide. The hypothesis that some subtidal species are excluded from the intertidal by a turbulence-avoiding mechanism is discussed.
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genetic structure and historical demography of the shanny lipophrys Pholis in the portuguese coast based on mitochondrial dna analysis
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2006Co-Authors: Sara Martins Francisco, Maria Natividade Vieira, Vítor Carvalho AlmadaAbstract:The shanny Lipophrys Pholis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Blenniidae) is a rocky intertidal resident Wsh whose distribution comprises a large coastal region in Northeastern Atlantic, limited by Norway, Mauritania, and the Azores Islands (Zander, 1986). L. Pholis has demersal eggs guarded by the males (Almada et al., 1992) that hatch after 16 days with 5.0 mm total length at a temperature of 17 °C (Faria et al., 2002). Hatching larvae are well developed, settling at 13–14 mm TL after a pelagic larval duration of ca. 29 days at a temperature of 15.5–17.5 °C. After settlement and metamorphosis, this benthic species is thought to forage within a home range at high water and return to a particular set of rock pools or crevices at low tide (Dodd et al., 2000), with its movements being restricted to a small area. In the Portuguese coast the stretches of rocky intertidal are widely separated by tens of kilometers of sandy shores. After settlement, the movements of L. Pholis between the diVerent rocky stretches are virtually impossible, and connectivity among populations must be ensured by larvae. Fish larvae have long been considered passive particles at the mercy of ocean currents, tides, and weather events (Montgomery et al., 2001). For reef Wshes, ecological evidence has demonstrated that passive dispersal alone cannot explain larval distributions (e.g., Leis and Carson-Ewart, 1998). Several studies have focused on early life-history traits (e.g., Doherty et al., 1995) and larval behaviour (e.g., Marliave, 1986; Miller and Shanks, 2004; Neilson and Perry, 1990) and tried to correlate them to dispersal potential. It would be interesting to understand if a coast with the range (ca. 700 km) and fragmentation of the Portuguese one bears just one or several populations of L. Pholis.
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agonistic behaviour and control of access to hiding places in two intertidal blennies lipophrys Pholis and coryphoblennius galerita pisces blenniidae
Acta Ethologica, 2001Co-Authors: Cláudia Faria, Vítor Carvalho AlmadaAbstract:In this study we investigated the relationships between dominance rank and access to shelters in captive groups of Lipophrys Pholis and Coryphoblennius galerita, as well as the effects of group size and shelter availability. Dominance rank was strongly correlated with size in juvenile L. Pholis and with sex and size in adult C. galerita, males being dominant over females of similar size. Access to shelters was significantly correlated with dominance rank. For both species, most interactions occurred out of shelters. Direct disputes over shelters were always initiated by the dominant fish and the initiator was always the winner. The rate of aggression per fish per unit time decreased with an increase in the number of fish in L. Pholis but not in C. galerita. No significant differences were found in groups differing in the number of shelters. C. galerita showed a higher rate of agonistic interactions and a higher proportion of overt aggression than L. Pholis. It is suggested that one of the functions of agonistic interactions in these fishes is the control of a set of shelters, in the network of pathways used by each individual within its home range, minimising the time required to hide in case of danger.
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microhabitat segregation in three rocky intertidal fish species in portugal does it reflect interspecific competition
Journal of Fish Biology, 2001Co-Authors: Cláudia Faria, Vítor Carvalho AlmadaAbstract:Recruits of Lipophrys Pholis, Coryphoblennius galerita and Gobius cobitis spend the low tide under water in pools, and in the case of G. cobitis also in channels. The pools used by the two blenniids show greater similarity than those used by G. cobitis. Larger juveniles and adults of C. galerita continue to use the same type of pools, which are temporarily abandoned by the males during the breeding season when they use emersed holes and crevices as nests. The much faster growing L. Pholis and G. cobitis leave the pools in their first autumn, when they are c. 7 cm long. Whereas G. cobitis >7 cm move to channels and large upper pools, with a smooth substratum, sand and boulders, L. Pholis begin to use emersed crevices where they spend low tide often in large groups. When L. Pholis or C. galerita were added or removed selectively from pools, their numbers returned to pre-experimental levels after 2 weeks, suggesting that, although intraspecific competition may be strong, interspecific competition was unlikely to explain these results fully.
M A Reishenriques - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the annual cycle of spermatogenesis in lipophrys Pholis blenniidae a recently proposed sentinel species for pollution monitoring
Ichthyological Research, 2011Co-Authors: Filipa Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, M A Reishenriques, Maria Natividade Vieira, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:Since reproductive parameters are common endpoints in pollution monitoring, the description of the spermatogenesis of Lipophrys Pholis, a recently proposed sentinel species, is of critical importance. Mature males were used to determine the annual maturation cycle, using a stereological approach. The spermatogenic cycle was classified into three stages: early spermatogenesis (May), mid spermatogenesis (September), and spawning (November and January). The testes were asynchronously arranged with various cell types observable during all seasons, although in different proportions. Gonadosomatic index and spermatozoa proportions confirmed the established reproductive season. Differences between the sampled populations and those from septentrional locations are discussed, namely the absence of “resting” and “spent” periods.
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sexing blennies using genital papilla morphology or ano genital distance
Journal of Fish Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Flavia Rodrigues Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, Natividade Vieira, M A Reishenriques, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:Information on the genital morphology of male and female Lipophrys Pholis is provided, as well as for two other sympatric blenniid species, Coryphoblennius galerita and Lipophrys trigloides. The use of non-invasive sex determination procedures described may be extremely useful not only for ecological studies but also as a proxy for the detection of environmental exposure to endocrine disruptive chemicals, given that blennies have been proposed as potential sentinel species for chemical contamination.
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vitellogenin gene expression in the intertidal blenny lipophrys Pholis a new sentinel species for estrogenic chemical pollution monitoring in the european atlantic coast
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology C-toxicology & Pharmacology, 2009Co-Authors: Flavia Rodrigues Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, M A Reishenriques, Maria Natividade Vieira, D De Lima, Filipe L C Castro, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:The presence of estrogenic chemicals (ECs) in the aquatic environment is a growing problem. While most attention was initially given to fresh water and estuarine ecosystems, it is now evident that coastal marine areas are also vulnerable to these pollutants. The use of vitellogenin induction in male fish, a specific biomarker of EC exposure, has been the most widely applied methodology. However, in some occasions, the high mobility and migratory behaviour of common sentinel fish species makes data interpretation difficult. Hence, there is the need to validate new sentinel marine fish species which should display, among other features, a strong homing behaviour. The shanny, Lipophrys Pholis, is an intertidal fish that combines many of the required characteristics for a sentinel species: abundance and easy of catch, wide geographical distribution and restricted home range. Thus, in order to evaluate, in the field, the species sensitivity to ECs, L. Pholis males were collected at two sites reflecting different degrees of anthropogenic contamination. The vitellogenin II gene (VTGII) was isolated and its liver expression evaluated by RT-PCR in the field samples. A significant induction of gene expression was observed in the specimens collected in the urban area, if compared to the reference site, which suggests exposure to ECs. Moreover, a 21-days laboratory exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of ethinylestradiol (EE2) was also performed. A significant induction of L. Pholis VTGII gene in EE2 exposed males was observed suggesting similar sensitivity to that of other marine/estuarine fishes. Even though further validation is currently in progress, the available data indicates that L. Pholis is responsive to ECs, thus favouring its future integration in monitoring programmes designed to evaluate the presence of ECs in European marine ecosystems.
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the use of the shanny lipophrys Pholis for pollution monitoring a new sentinel species for the northwestern european marine ecosystems
Environment International, 2008Co-Authors: D De Lima, Miguel M. Santos, A M Ferreira, C Micaelo, M A ReishenriquesAbstract:The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a matter of great concern. Mussels have been extensively used as sentinel species in a large number of monitoring programs. However, the use of bivalves as the sole species has some limitations, because they are not as responsive as fish to Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor agonists. Hence, for many marine areas, there is the need to validate new sentinel fish species that can be used in the assessment of pollution by organic contaminants. The shanny Lipophrys Pholis is an intertidal fish that combines many characteristics required in a sentinel species: is abundant and easy to catch, has a wide geographical distribution and restrict home range. After larvae recruitment to the intertidal rocky shores, they remain in the same area for the rest of the life-cycle, thus reflecting local pollutants exposure. In order to evaluate the species sensitivity to organic contaminants under field conditions, L. Pholis were collected at six sites reflecting different degrees of anthropogenic contamination. The induction of two biomarkers extensively validated in the assessment of PAHs contamination ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity (EROD) and Fluorescent Aromatic Compounds (FACs) was evaluated. In parallel, mussels were collected at the same locations and levels of 16 PAHs and selected heavy metals determined. Overall, the specimens collected in the urban areas showed a significant induction of EROD and FACs (up to a six-fold induction) if compared with the reference sites. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the biomarkers and PAHs levels in mussel tissues. Even though further validation is currently in progress, the available data indicate that L. Pholis is responsive to organic contaminants such as PAHs, suggesting its future integration in monitoring programmes designed to evaluate the presence of these contaminants in European marine ecosystems.
D De Lima - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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vitellogenin gene expression in the intertidal blenny lipophrys Pholis a new sentinel species for estrogenic chemical pollution monitoring in the european atlantic coast
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology C-toxicology & Pharmacology, 2009Co-Authors: Flavia Rodrigues Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, M A Reishenriques, Maria Natividade Vieira, D De Lima, Filipe L C Castro, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:The presence of estrogenic chemicals (ECs) in the aquatic environment is a growing problem. While most attention was initially given to fresh water and estuarine ecosystems, it is now evident that coastal marine areas are also vulnerable to these pollutants. The use of vitellogenin induction in male fish, a specific biomarker of EC exposure, has been the most widely applied methodology. However, in some occasions, the high mobility and migratory behaviour of common sentinel fish species makes data interpretation difficult. Hence, there is the need to validate new sentinel marine fish species which should display, among other features, a strong homing behaviour. The shanny, Lipophrys Pholis, is an intertidal fish that combines many of the required characteristics for a sentinel species: abundance and easy of catch, wide geographical distribution and restricted home range. Thus, in order to evaluate, in the field, the species sensitivity to ECs, L. Pholis males were collected at two sites reflecting different degrees of anthropogenic contamination. The vitellogenin II gene (VTGII) was isolated and its liver expression evaluated by RT-PCR in the field samples. A significant induction of gene expression was observed in the specimens collected in the urban area, if compared to the reference site, which suggests exposure to ECs. Moreover, a 21-days laboratory exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of ethinylestradiol (EE2) was also performed. A significant induction of L. Pholis VTGII gene in EE2 exposed males was observed suggesting similar sensitivity to that of other marine/estuarine fishes. Even though further validation is currently in progress, the available data indicates that L. Pholis is responsive to ECs, thus favouring its future integration in monitoring programmes designed to evaluate the presence of ECs in European marine ecosystems.
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the use of the shanny lipophrys Pholis for pollution monitoring a new sentinel species for the northwestern european marine ecosystems
Environment International, 2008Co-Authors: D De Lima, Miguel M. Santos, A M Ferreira, C Micaelo, M A ReishenriquesAbstract:The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a matter of great concern. Mussels have been extensively used as sentinel species in a large number of monitoring programs. However, the use of bivalves as the sole species has some limitations, because they are not as responsive as fish to Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor agonists. Hence, for many marine areas, there is the need to validate new sentinel fish species that can be used in the assessment of pollution by organic contaminants. The shanny Lipophrys Pholis is an intertidal fish that combines many characteristics required in a sentinel species: is abundant and easy to catch, has a wide geographical distribution and restrict home range. After larvae recruitment to the intertidal rocky shores, they remain in the same area for the rest of the life-cycle, thus reflecting local pollutants exposure. In order to evaluate the species sensitivity to organic contaminants under field conditions, L. Pholis were collected at six sites reflecting different degrees of anthropogenic contamination. The induction of two biomarkers extensively validated in the assessment of PAHs contamination ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity (EROD) and Fluorescent Aromatic Compounds (FACs) was evaluated. In parallel, mussels were collected at the same locations and levels of 16 PAHs and selected heavy metals determined. Overall, the specimens collected in the urban areas showed a significant induction of EROD and FACs (up to a six-fold induction) if compared with the reference sites. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the biomarkers and PAHs levels in mussel tissues. Even though further validation is currently in progress, the available data indicate that L. Pholis is responsive to organic contaminants such as PAHs, suggesting its future integration in monitoring programmes designed to evaluate the presence of these contaminants in European marine ecosystems.
Nuno Monteiro - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The annual cycle of oogenesis in the shanny, Lipophrys Pholis (Pisces: Blenniidae)
Scientia Marina, 2012Co-Authors: Filipa Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, Natividade Vieira, Maria Armanda Reis-henriques, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:Lipophrys Pholis has been shown to be responsive to a variety of environmental contaminants, some of them able to impair reproduction. Description of the normal cycle of oogenesis of this newly proposed sentinel species is important since this data may function as a baseline for comparison in ecotoxicological studies, among other applications. Based on histological observations, L. Pholis ovarian development in adult is asynchronous, and 7 ovarian germ cells can be described (oogonia, early and late perinuclear oocytes, cortical-alveolar oocytes, early vitellogenic oocytes, vitellogenic oocytes and spawning oocytes). Using a stereological approach together with the morphologic characteristics of ovarian cells, the ovarian cycle of L. Pholis was divided into 3 maturation stages: early oogenesis (May); mid-oogenesis (September), and spawning (November to January). Ovarian cell proportions and gonadosomatic index confirmed that the reproductive period of L. Pholis near the southern limit of distribution of the species occurs during cold-water periods, between November and May. The collected data will help to fill some of the gaps in information that still exist on L. Pholis oogenesis, thus allowing a better integration of this species as a sentinel for the detection of contaminants in European coastal waters.
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the annual cycle of spermatogenesis in lipophrys Pholis blenniidae a recently proposed sentinel species for pollution monitoring
Ichthyological Research, 2011Co-Authors: Filipa Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, M A Reishenriques, Maria Natividade Vieira, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:Since reproductive parameters are common endpoints in pollution monitoring, the description of the spermatogenesis of Lipophrys Pholis, a recently proposed sentinel species, is of critical importance. Mature males were used to determine the annual maturation cycle, using a stereological approach. The spermatogenic cycle was classified into three stages: early spermatogenesis (May), mid spermatogenesis (September), and spawning (November and January). The testes were asynchronously arranged with various cell types observable during all seasons, although in different proportions. Gonadosomatic index and spermatozoa proportions confirmed the established reproductive season. Differences between the sampled populations and those from septentrional locations are discussed, namely the absence of “resting” and “spent” periods.
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sexing blennies using genital papilla morphology or ano genital distance
Journal of Fish Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Flavia Rodrigues Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, Natividade Vieira, M A Reishenriques, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:Information on the genital morphology of male and female Lipophrys Pholis is provided, as well as for two other sympatric blenniid species, Coryphoblennius galerita and Lipophrys trigloides. The use of non-invasive sex determination procedures described may be extremely useful not only for ecological studies but also as a proxy for the detection of environmental exposure to endocrine disruptive chemicals, given that blennies have been proposed as potential sentinel species for chemical contamination.
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vitellogenin gene expression in the intertidal blenny lipophrys Pholis a new sentinel species for estrogenic chemical pollution monitoring in the european atlantic coast
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology C-toxicology & Pharmacology, 2009Co-Authors: Flavia Rodrigues Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, M A Reishenriques, Maria Natividade Vieira, D De Lima, Filipe L C Castro, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:The presence of estrogenic chemicals (ECs) in the aquatic environment is a growing problem. While most attention was initially given to fresh water and estuarine ecosystems, it is now evident that coastal marine areas are also vulnerable to these pollutants. The use of vitellogenin induction in male fish, a specific biomarker of EC exposure, has been the most widely applied methodology. However, in some occasions, the high mobility and migratory behaviour of common sentinel fish species makes data interpretation difficult. Hence, there is the need to validate new sentinel marine fish species which should display, among other features, a strong homing behaviour. The shanny, Lipophrys Pholis, is an intertidal fish that combines many of the required characteristics for a sentinel species: abundance and easy of catch, wide geographical distribution and restricted home range. Thus, in order to evaluate, in the field, the species sensitivity to ECs, L. Pholis males were collected at two sites reflecting different degrees of anthropogenic contamination. The vitellogenin II gene (VTGII) was isolated and its liver expression evaluated by RT-PCR in the field samples. A significant induction of gene expression was observed in the specimens collected in the urban area, if compared to the reference site, which suggests exposure to ECs. Moreover, a 21-days laboratory exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of ethinylestradiol (EE2) was also performed. A significant induction of L. Pholis VTGII gene in EE2 exposed males was observed suggesting similar sensitivity to that of other marine/estuarine fishes. Even though further validation is currently in progress, the available data indicates that L. Pholis is responsive to ECs, thus favouring its future integration in monitoring programmes designed to evaluate the presence of ECs in European marine ecosystems.
Miguel M. Santos - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The annual cycle of oogenesis in the shanny, Lipophrys Pholis (Pisces: Blenniidae)
Scientia Marina, 2012Co-Authors: Filipa Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, Natividade Vieira, Maria Armanda Reis-henriques, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:Lipophrys Pholis has been shown to be responsive to a variety of environmental contaminants, some of them able to impair reproduction. Description of the normal cycle of oogenesis of this newly proposed sentinel species is important since this data may function as a baseline for comparison in ecotoxicological studies, among other applications. Based on histological observations, L. Pholis ovarian development in adult is asynchronous, and 7 ovarian germ cells can be described (oogonia, early and late perinuclear oocytes, cortical-alveolar oocytes, early vitellogenic oocytes, vitellogenic oocytes and spawning oocytes). Using a stereological approach together with the morphologic characteristics of ovarian cells, the ovarian cycle of L. Pholis was divided into 3 maturation stages: early oogenesis (May); mid-oogenesis (September), and spawning (November to January). Ovarian cell proportions and gonadosomatic index confirmed that the reproductive period of L. Pholis near the southern limit of distribution of the species occurs during cold-water periods, between November and May. The collected data will help to fill some of the gaps in information that still exist on L. Pholis oogenesis, thus allowing a better integration of this species as a sentinel for the detection of contaminants in European coastal waters.
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the annual cycle of spermatogenesis in lipophrys Pholis blenniidae a recently proposed sentinel species for pollution monitoring
Ichthyological Research, 2011Co-Authors: Filipa Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, M A Reishenriques, Maria Natividade Vieira, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:Since reproductive parameters are common endpoints in pollution monitoring, the description of the spermatogenesis of Lipophrys Pholis, a recently proposed sentinel species, is of critical importance. Mature males were used to determine the annual maturation cycle, using a stereological approach. The spermatogenic cycle was classified into three stages: early spermatogenesis (May), mid spermatogenesis (September), and spawning (November and January). The testes were asynchronously arranged with various cell types observable during all seasons, although in different proportions. Gonadosomatic index and spermatozoa proportions confirmed the established reproductive season. Differences between the sampled populations and those from septentrional locations are discussed, namely the absence of “resting” and “spent” periods.
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sexing blennies using genital papilla morphology or ano genital distance
Journal of Fish Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Flavia Rodrigues Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, Natividade Vieira, M A Reishenriques, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:Information on the genital morphology of male and female Lipophrys Pholis is provided, as well as for two other sympatric blenniid species, Coryphoblennius galerita and Lipophrys trigloides. The use of non-invasive sex determination procedures described may be extremely useful not only for ecological studies but also as a proxy for the detection of environmental exposure to endocrine disruptive chemicals, given that blennies have been proposed as potential sentinel species for chemical contamination.
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vitellogenin gene expression in the intertidal blenny lipophrys Pholis a new sentinel species for estrogenic chemical pollution monitoring in the european atlantic coast
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology C-toxicology & Pharmacology, 2009Co-Authors: Flavia Rodrigues Ferreira, Miguel M. Santos, M A Reishenriques, Maria Natividade Vieira, D De Lima, Filipe L C Castro, Nuno MonteiroAbstract:The presence of estrogenic chemicals (ECs) in the aquatic environment is a growing problem. While most attention was initially given to fresh water and estuarine ecosystems, it is now evident that coastal marine areas are also vulnerable to these pollutants. The use of vitellogenin induction in male fish, a specific biomarker of EC exposure, has been the most widely applied methodology. However, in some occasions, the high mobility and migratory behaviour of common sentinel fish species makes data interpretation difficult. Hence, there is the need to validate new sentinel marine fish species which should display, among other features, a strong homing behaviour. The shanny, Lipophrys Pholis, is an intertidal fish that combines many of the required characteristics for a sentinel species: abundance and easy of catch, wide geographical distribution and restricted home range. Thus, in order to evaluate, in the field, the species sensitivity to ECs, L. Pholis males were collected at two sites reflecting different degrees of anthropogenic contamination. The vitellogenin II gene (VTGII) was isolated and its liver expression evaluated by RT-PCR in the field samples. A significant induction of gene expression was observed in the specimens collected in the urban area, if compared to the reference site, which suggests exposure to ECs. Moreover, a 21-days laboratory exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of ethinylestradiol (EE2) was also performed. A significant induction of L. Pholis VTGII gene in EE2 exposed males was observed suggesting similar sensitivity to that of other marine/estuarine fishes. Even though further validation is currently in progress, the available data indicates that L. Pholis is responsive to ECs, thus favouring its future integration in monitoring programmes designed to evaluate the presence of ECs in European marine ecosystems.
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the use of the shanny lipophrys Pholis for pollution monitoring a new sentinel species for the northwestern european marine ecosystems
Environment International, 2008Co-Authors: D De Lima, Miguel M. Santos, A M Ferreira, C Micaelo, M A ReishenriquesAbstract:The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a matter of great concern. Mussels have been extensively used as sentinel species in a large number of monitoring programs. However, the use of bivalves as the sole species has some limitations, because they are not as responsive as fish to Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor agonists. Hence, for many marine areas, there is the need to validate new sentinel fish species that can be used in the assessment of pollution by organic contaminants. The shanny Lipophrys Pholis is an intertidal fish that combines many characteristics required in a sentinel species: is abundant and easy to catch, has a wide geographical distribution and restrict home range. After larvae recruitment to the intertidal rocky shores, they remain in the same area for the rest of the life-cycle, thus reflecting local pollutants exposure. In order to evaluate the species sensitivity to organic contaminants under field conditions, L. Pholis were collected at six sites reflecting different degrees of anthropogenic contamination. The induction of two biomarkers extensively validated in the assessment of PAHs contamination ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity (EROD) and Fluorescent Aromatic Compounds (FACs) was evaluated. In parallel, mussels were collected at the same locations and levels of 16 PAHs and selected heavy metals determined. Overall, the specimens collected in the urban areas showed a significant induction of EROD and FACs (up to a six-fold induction) if compared with the reference sites. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the biomarkers and PAHs levels in mussel tissues. Even though further validation is currently in progress, the available data indicate that L. Pholis is responsive to organic contaminants such as PAHs, suggesting its future integration in monitoring programmes designed to evaluate the presence of these contaminants in European marine ecosystems.