Using the mitochondrial non‐coding region I, it was shown that the two Spanish Lampetra planeri populations (Cares–Deva and Olabidea–Ugarana) correspond to different genetic units. The Cares–Deva population is probably a recent offshoot of Lampetra fluviatilis , being the Olabidea–Ugarana population less diverse and of older origin.

The phylogenetic relationships among the North Atlantic Gaidropsarus and between the three Gaidropsarinae genera Gaidropsarus , Ciliata and Enchelyopus are reviewed with the hitherto most comprehensive taxonomic sampling of this group. Phylogenetic results (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) based on nuclear ( rhodopsin ) and concatenated mitochondrial ( 12s , 16s and cytb ) markers clearly support t...

The populations of brook lamprey Lampetra planeri of Portuguese Rivers were analysed phylogeographically using a fragment of 644 bp of the mitochondrial control region of 158 individuals from six populations. Samples representing L. planeri and migratory lampreys Lampetra fluviatilis of rivers draining to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea were also included to assess the relationships of Portuguese samples. The data support a c...

Larval development of Gobius xanthocephalus with descriptions of the ontogeny of the main structures, changes in pigmentation patterns and allometric relationships are presented for the first time. No previous descriptions of G. xanthocephalus larvae are available and therefore field collected larvae were compared with larvae obtained under controlled conditions. The DNA of adults, juveniles and larvae was compared in order to...

DNA sequence analysis confirms the distinction between Parablennius ruber and Parablennius gattorugine , simultaneously validating the presence of the former species in Western Europe where it has been reported for >150 years. A possible scenario involving speciation of P. ruber at the Azores and subsequent transport of larvae to Europe, a process that may be still occurring nowadays, could explain this pattern of occurrence.

The reproductive behaviour of Syngnathus abaster is described and compared with those of other syngnathids. The need for standardized behavioural data is discussed in light of the actual theories of evolution of mating patterns and sex‐role reversal within this family.

Using an individual identification technique, a population of worm pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis was followed during 19 months, in order to determine the exact use of the intertidal and, considering the specific movement patterns of males and females, the mating system exhibited by this population. Field observations showed that the number of adults increased during the breeding season, with males arriving 1 month earlier t...

The first occurrence of massive mitochondrial introgression of Squalius aradensis genes in Squalius alburnoides , a hybridogenetic complex that usually carries mtDNA of its maternal ancestor ( Squalius pyrenaicus ) is reported. Possible implications of such introgressions for the history of the complex are discussed.

The embryonic and larval development of the pipefish Syngnathus abaster is described, based on ex situ observations. The full development sequence lasted 24–32 days (at 18–19° C), which was shortened to 21 days at higher temperatures (21–22° C). Newborn juveniles, with a uniform dark brown colouration, immediately assumed a benthic spatial distribution. This vertical distribution pattern remained unchanged at least during the...

The breeding season of Nerophis lumbriciformis , a cold water pipefish, was positively correlated with seawater temperatures N. lumbriciformis populations, by reducing the breeding period and simultaneously contributing to the transport of pelagic larvae northwards due to specific sea currents that occur outside the upwelling season.

Based on the heterogenous nature of Lipophrys pholis diet, the stage of the species’ ontogenetic development when major niche shifts occurred was identified, and the causes that force this blennid to change its feeding behaviour, vertical distribution and shelter occupation were considered. The diet analysis of the different size classes consistently showed two clusters, grouping individuals 8 cm total length. This shift occur...