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'''''Pyrolycus jaco''''' is a species of [[eelpout]] (the [[Zoarcidae]] family). These organisms are typically distinguished by their eel-like morphology and, in certain species, facial features that evoke an appearance of "pouting". This species was discovered at Jacó Scar, hydrothermal seep site in the [[Pacific Ocean]]. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=New Species of Deep-Sea Fish Discovered off Costa Rica |url=https://today.ucsd.edu/story/new-species-of-deep-sea-fish-discovered-off-costa-rica |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=today.ucsd.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Frable |first=Benjamin W. |last2=Seid |first2=Charlotte A. |last3=Bronson |first3=Allison W. |last4=Møller |first4=Peter Rask |date=2023-01-19 |title=A new deep-sea eelpout of the genus Pyrolycus (Teleostei: Zoarcidae) associated with a hydrothermal seep on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica |url=https://www.mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5230.1.5 |journal=Zootaxa |language=en |volume=5230 |issue=1 |pages=79–89 |doi=10.11646/zootaxa.5230.1.5 |issn=1175-5334|doi-access=free }}</ref>
'''''Pyrolycus jaco''''' is a species of [[eelpout]] (the [[Zoarcidae]] family). These organisms are typically distinguished by their eel-like morphology and, in certain species, facial features that evoke an appearance of "pouting". This species was discovered at Jacó Scar, hydrothermal seep site in the [[Pacific Ocean]]. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=New Species of Deep-Sea Fish Discovered off Costa Rica |url=https://today.ucsd.edu/story/new-species-of-deep-sea-fish-discovered-off-costa-rica |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=today.ucsd.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Frable |first=Benjamin W. |last2=Seid |first2=Charlotte A. |last3=Bronson |first3=Allison W. |last4=Møller |first4=Peter Rask |date=2023-01-19 |title=A new deep-sea eelpout of the genus Pyrolycus (Teleostei: Zoarcidae) associated with a hydrothermal seep on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica |url=https://www.mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5230.1.5 |journal=Zootaxa |language=en |volume=5230 |issue=1 |pages=79–89 |doi=10.11646/zootaxa.5230.1.5 |issn=1175-5334|doi-access=free }}</ref>

== Description ==
''Pyrolycus jaco'' averages approximately 6 inches in length, and is characterized by a hue that transitions between a subtle light pink and lavender on its body. Observations have indicated that the species exhibits a proclivity for residing amidst tubeworms at substantial oceanic depths ranging between 1,750 and 1,800 meters (equivalent to 5,741 to 5,906 feet). The species has unique body proportions that set it apart from similar species.<ref name=":1" />


== Discovery ==
== Discovery ==
Researchers from [[Scripps Institution of Oceanography]] discovered the species, and the naming was influenced by the unique location of Jacó Scar, leading to the name ''Pyrolycus jaco''.<ref name=":0" /> It was first detailed in a paper published in the journal ''[[Zootaxa]]'' on January 19, 2023. <ref name=":1" />
Researchers from [[Scripps Institution of Oceanography]] discovered the species, and the naming was influenced by the unique location of Jacó Scar, leading to the name ''Pyrolycus jaco''.<ref name=":0" /> It was first detailed in a paper published in the journal ''[[Zootaxa]]'' on January 19, 2023. <ref name=":1" />

== Geographic Range ==
''Pyrolycus jaco'' is a newly discovered species found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Costa Rica. This species is exclusively found in the Jacó Scar hydrothermal seep.<ref name=":1" /> This was the first finding of this fish with only four specimens collected, and it is currently not found anywhere else in the world.

== Physical Description ==
''Pyrolycus jaco'' is long and slender with an eel-like appearance. Its body is a very pale pink and purple color that is semi-translucent.<ref name=":1" /> The underside of the fish as well as the snout and jaw are darker than the rest of the body. The fins are very light in color, similar to the body, and are also semi-translucent. There is a very faint pattern on most of the fish that is a light brown color. This fish contains no lateral line or scales and has a gelatinous flesh.<ref name=":1" /> The skin resembles that of human flesh in color and texture. The pectoral fin has between fourteen and fifteen rays within them and sixteen to seventeen gill rakers.<ref name=":1" /> Fins of this fish appear to be smooth and seamlessly connected to the body having a thick membrane between each fin ray. ''Pyrolycus jaco'' has two types of teeth which are a mixture of palatine and vomerine teeth.<ref name=":1" /> A long gill slit is present and reaches to above the pectoral fin. This fin includes seven to eight dorsal fin rays and is found close to the midline of the body.<ref name=":1" /> Located anterior to the pectoral fin is the beginning of the pelvic fin. Just above the middle of that pectoral fin is where the dorsal fin begins. The anal fin then starts close to the middle of the body. No information is given on the caudal fin of this species because it was unable to be preserved and was not documented before the destruction occurred. There are five suborbital bones present arranged in an L-shaped pattern.<ref name=":1" /> This species includes many differences in the number of pores from close relatives setting it apart from others within the same family. Pores of this fish are very prominent on the skull just below the eyes and above the gill slits.  There are two nasal pores, three postorbital pores, two occipital pores which are the smallest of the pores, and a lack of the interorbital pore.<ref name=":1" /> The head of ''Pyrolycus jaco'' has a long neurocranium and small rounded eyes. Not extending past the middle of the eye is the maxilla. The snout of this species does not go past the upper jaw and is relatively round. The ''Pyrolycus jaco'' also has two nubs of pyloric caeca present within it.<ref name=":1" />


== Habitat ==
== Habitat ==
''Pyrolycus jaco'' is only found in a hydrothermal seep named Jacó Scar. It is extremely rare for families of fishes to adapt to live in places like hydrothermal vents and methane seeps.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Priede |first=Imants G. |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/9781316018330/type/book |title=Deep-Sea Fishes: Biology, Diversity, Ecology and Fisheries |date=2017-08-10 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-316-01833-0 |edition=1 |doi=10.1017/9781316018330}}</ref> The ''Pyrolycus jaco'' belongs to the family Zoarcidae which is one out of seven families of fishes that can live in these extreme environments. Jacó Scar is a unique habitat in that it is a composite reducing habitat that acts like a vent. Composite reducing habitats use composite materials to reduce the mass of habitats while maximizing the strength of the structure. This habitat is about five degrees Celsius and contains plants and animals typically found near vents.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Levin |first=Lisa A. |last2=Orphan |first2=Victoria J. |last3=Rouse |first3=Greg W. |last4=Rathburn |first4=Anthony E. |last5=Ussler |first5=William |last6=Cook |first6=Geoffrey S. |last7=Goffredi |first7=Shana K. |last8=Perez |first8=Elena M. |last9=Waren |first9=Anders |last10=Grupe |first10=Benjamin M. |last11=Chadwick |first11=Grayson |last12=Strickrott |first12=Bruce |date=2012-07-07 |title=A hydrothermal seep on the Costa Rica margin: middle ground in a continuum of reducing ecosystems |url=https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2012.0205 |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences |language=en |volume=279 |issue=1738 |pages=2580–2588 |doi=10.1098/rspb.2012.0205 |issn=0962-8452 |pmc=PMC3350710 |pmid=22398162}}</ref> The ''Pyrolycus jaco'' is found living within tubeworm colonies and has not been found outside of this population.<ref name=":1" />
Jacó Scar seep, characterized by its extreme conditions, mirrors the attributes of [[Hydrothermal vent|hydrothermal vents]], with elevated temperatures reaching 5.2°C (41.4°F). The thermal properties of this area exceed those commonly observed in surrounding [[Deep sea|deep-sea]] regions. This distinctive thermal profile of Jacó Scar fosters an environment conducive to the survival of specific species.<ref name=":0" />

== Development ==
There is not enough information on the development of ''Pyrolycus jaco'' specifically. The Zoarcidae family develops slowly no matter the temperature they are found in but tend to develop extremely slow in colder environments. They develop significantly quicker and tend to live shorter lives in warm climates.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Hildebrandt |first=Nicole |last2=Bergmann |first2=Melanie |last3=Knust |first3=Rainer |date=2011-10 |title=Longevity and growth efficiency of two deep-dwelling Arctic zoarcids and comparison with eight other zoarcid species from different climatic regions |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00300-011-1011-4 |journal=Polar Biology |language=en |volume=34 |issue=10 |pages=1523–1533 |doi=10.1007/s00300-011-1011-4 |issn=0722-4060}}</ref> This may be caused by less energy being available for molecular repair due to high growth rates to avoid predatory and oxidative stressors.<ref name=":2" /> Decrease in temperature typically causes slower development in most fishes, this is not unique to the Zoarcidae. What is unique is that they still develop slower than average in all temperatures.

== Reproduction ==
Not enough is known about the reproduction of ''Pyrolycus jaco''. Another type of Eelpout in family Zoarcidae is the ''Lycenchelys sarsi'' which lays about twenty to forty large (up to 5.4mm in diameter) eggs buried under the sediment found in their habitats.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Nash |first=Richard D. M. |last2=Geffen |first2=Audrey J. |date=2005-03 |title=Aspects of the general biology of Sars’ eelpout, Lycenchelys sarsi (Collett, 1871) (Pisces, Zoarcidae), in Oslofjorden, Norway |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17451000510018926 |journal=Marine Biology Research |language=en |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=33–38 |doi=10.1080/17451000510018926 |issn=1745-1000}}</ref> This number and behavior is typical of all species within Zoarcidae.<ref name=":3" /> Two years into an Eelpout's life, they begin to reach their prime sexual maturity. The offspring that comes from the maturity is typically released between November and December.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Poezzhalova-Chegodaeva |first=E. A. |date=2016-07 |title=Biology of eelpout Zoarces elongatus (Zoarcidae) from Tauysk Bay, the Sea of Okhotsk |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/s0032945216030139 |journal=Journal of Ichthyology |volume=56 |issue=4 |pages=569–577 |doi=10.1134/s0032945216030139 |issn=0032-9452}}</ref> This fish has a gestation period of seven to eight months.<ref name=":4" /> This is very long compared to most live bearing fish which on average have a gestation period of only three to five weeks. On average the female Eelpouts can produce between twenty to about seventy-two offspring within their lifetime.<ref name=":4" />

== Life Span/ Longevity ==
Not enough is known about the longevity of ''Pyrolycus jaco'' so the longevity will refer to species within the same family Zoarcidae. Some members of the Zoarcidae family can live to be almost three decades old while others may live to be only 11 years old.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Forster |first=Caitlin E. |last2=Norcross |first2=Brenda L. |last3=Spies |first3=Ingrid |date=2020-07 |title=Documenting growth parameters and age in Arctic fish species in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2020.104779 |journal=Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography |volume=177 |pages=104779 |doi=10.1016/j.dsr2.2020.104779 |issn=0967-0645}}</ref> By living in or near hydrothermal vents, leading to colder ambient temperatures, this causes an evolutionary change that slows their developmental rates.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last=Pörtner |first=Hans O. |date=2006-04 |title=Climate-dependent evolution of Antarctic ectotherms: An integrative analysis |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2006.02.015 |journal=Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography |volume=53 |issue=8-10 |pages=1071–1104 |doi=10.1016/j.dsr2.2006.02.015 |issn=0967-0645}}</ref> This slower developmental rate causes this family of fishes to develop slower and therefore reach sexual maturity at later ages.<ref name=":5" /> This is true of most fish in colder environments, they develop at a slower rate, but live longer than fish in warmer temperatures.

== Behavior ==
The behaviors of ''Pyrolycus jaco'' are unknown as they are not widely understood and studied. The only known behavior of ''Pyrolycus jaco'' is that they are commonly found living among tubeworms in the Jacó Scar hydrothermal seep. There is not information on how or why this species was found living within tubeworm communities, but it can be assumed that they live among one another because they occupy similar niches. In Zoarcidae the knowledge of their behavior is also limited. One species within the family relies on algae that is drifting to provide shelter and food resources.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Zuercher |first=Rachel |last2=Kliever |first2=Richard G. |last3=Cailliet |first3=Gregor M. |date=2019-09-01 |title=Life history of the deep-water persimmon eelpout (Eucryphycus californicus, family: Zoarcidae), and its use of drift vegetation as an ecological subsidy |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-019-00896-1 |journal=Environmental Biology of Fishes |language=en |volume=102 |issue=9 |pages=1161–1178 |doi=10.1007/s10641-019-00896-1 |issn=1573-5133}}</ref>

== Food Habits ==
The ''Pyrolycus jaco'' mostly feed on snails and other limpets based on the gut contents.<ref name=":1" /> Also revealed from this method was that they were ingesting invertebrates found near hydrothermal seeps that do not move around. Other species within the same family as ''Pyrolycus jaco'' also have a similar diet.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ferry |first=Lara A |date=1997-03 |title=Food habits of the two-line eelpout (Bothrocara brunneum: Zoarcidae) at two deep-sea sites in the eastern North Pacific |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0967-0637(96)00120-3 |journal=Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers |volume=44 |issue=3 |pages=521–531 |doi=10.1016/s0967-0637(96)00120-3 |issn=0967-0637}}</ref> This suggest that Zoarcids do not move around very much because the organisms consumed were very localized and often sessile.

== Predation ==
Not enough is known about ''Pyrolycus jaco'' to understand predation within this species. The closely related Eelpouts prey on small invertebrates and have been known to be preyed on by arctic skates.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |last=Byrkjedal |first=I. |last2=Christiansen |first2=J. S. |last3=Karamushko |first3=O. V. |last4=Langhelle |first4=G. |last5=Lynghammar |first5=A. |date=2014-11-21 |title=Arctic skate <i>Amblyraja hyperborea</i> preys on remarkably large glacial eelpouts <i>Lycodes frigidus</i> |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.12554 |journal=Journal of Fish Biology |volume=86 |issue=1 |pages=360–364 |doi=10.1111/jfb.12554 |issn=0022-1112}}</ref> Skates are known to be one of the top predators in marine communities, with their diet mostly consisting of small fish. They have been caught ingesting Zoarcidae on two different occasions.<ref name=":6" /> This is rare because Eelpouts are relatively large but they are still occasionally eaten. In general there is a low amount of predation among Zoarcidae.

== Ecosystem Roles ==
Not enough is known about ''Pyrolycus jaco'' roles within an ecosystem. Eelpouts in the Baltic and North seas are being used as key indicator organisms to determine the environmental health of the surrounding area.<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |last=Hedman |first=Jenny E. |last2=Rüdel |first2=Heinz |last3=Gercken |first3=Jens |last4=Bergek |first4=Sara |last5=Strand |first5=Jakob |last6=Quack |first6=Markus |last7=Appelberg |first7=Magnus |last8=Förlin |first8=Lars |last9=Tuvikene |first9=Arvo |last10=Bignert |first10=Anders |date=2011-10 |title=Eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) in marine environmental monitoring |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.06.028 |journal=Marine Pollution Bulletin |volume=62 |issue=10 |pages=2015–2029 |doi=10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.06.028 |issn=0025-326X}}</ref> Researchers use the Eelpout’s larvae sex ratio and reproductive success of eelpouts to determine the presence of pollution in the marine environment<ref name=":7" />.

== Economic Importance ==
There is not enough known about ''Pyrolycus jaco''. All fish are important to make an ecosystem flow. The family Zoarcidae can be infected with viruses that can dramatically impact their population. Rhabdovirus infected and killed a large population of Eelpout known as ''Zoarces viviparous'' in 2014.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Axén |first=C |last2=Hakhverdyan |first2=M |last3=Boutrup |first3=T S |last4=Blomkvist |first4=E |last5=Ljunghager |first5=F |last6=Alfjorden |first6=A |last7=Hagström |first7=Å |last8=Olesen |first8=N J |last9=Juremalm |first9=M |last10=Leijon |first10=M |last11=Valarcher |first11=J‐F |date=2016-07-15 |title=Emergence of a new rhabdovirus associated with mass mortalities in eelpout (<i>Zoarces viviparous</i>) in the Baltic Sea |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfd.12506 |journal=Journal of Fish Diseases |volume=40 |issue=2 |pages=219–229 |doi=10.1111/jfd.12506 |issn=0140-7775}}</ref> With these fish dying, cascading effects can occur and can have dramatic effects to a population that would want to be avoided such as extinction and decreased diversity.

== Conservation Status ==
For the ''Pyrolycus jaco'' they are not well known enough to have an official conservation status. Four specimens of this species have been collected, but since this species is only known from a limited habitat the habitat should be protected along with the species itself being listed as endangered. Other members within the family are not a good comparison because they are more well-known and common so they could have a different conservation status.


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 01:03, 28 November 2023

Pyrolycus jaco
Artist's depiction of Pyrolycus jaco
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Family: Zoarcidae
Genus: Pyrolycus
Species:
P. jaco
Binomial name
Pyrolycus jaco

Pyrolycus jaco is a species of eelpout (the Zoarcidae family). These organisms are typically distinguished by their eel-like morphology and, in certain species, facial features that evoke an appearance of "pouting". This species was discovered at Jacó Scar, hydrothermal seep site in the Pacific Ocean. [1][2]

Discovery

Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography discovered the species, and the naming was influenced by the unique location of Jacó Scar, leading to the name Pyrolycus jaco.[1] It was first detailed in a paper published in the journal Zootaxa on January 19, 2023. [2]

Geographic Range

Pyrolycus jaco is a newly discovered species found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Costa Rica. This species is exclusively found in the Jacó Scar hydrothermal seep.[2] This was the first finding of this fish with only four specimens collected, and it is currently not found anywhere else in the world.

Physical Description

Pyrolycus jaco is long and slender with an eel-like appearance. Its body is a very pale pink and purple color that is semi-translucent.[2] The underside of the fish as well as the snout and jaw are darker than the rest of the body. The fins are very light in color, similar to the body, and are also semi-translucent. There is a very faint pattern on most of the fish that is a light brown color. This fish contains no lateral line or scales and has a gelatinous flesh.[2] The skin resembles that of human flesh in color and texture. The pectoral fin has between fourteen and fifteen rays within them and sixteen to seventeen gill rakers.[2] Fins of this fish appear to be smooth and seamlessly connected to the body having a thick membrane between each fin ray. Pyrolycus jaco has two types of teeth which are a mixture of palatine and vomerine teeth.[2] A long gill slit is present and reaches to above the pectoral fin. This fin includes seven to eight dorsal fin rays and is found close to the midline of the body.[2] Located anterior to the pectoral fin is the beginning of the pelvic fin. Just above the middle of that pectoral fin is where the dorsal fin begins. The anal fin then starts close to the middle of the body. No information is given on the caudal fin of this species because it was unable to be preserved and was not documented before the destruction occurred. There are five suborbital bones present arranged in an L-shaped pattern.[2] This species includes many differences in the number of pores from close relatives setting it apart from others within the same family. Pores of this fish are very prominent on the skull just below the eyes and above the gill slits.  There are two nasal pores, three postorbital pores, two occipital pores which are the smallest of the pores, and a lack of the interorbital pore.[2] The head of Pyrolycus jaco has a long neurocranium and small rounded eyes. Not extending past the middle of the eye is the maxilla. The snout of this species does not go past the upper jaw and is relatively round. The Pyrolycus jaco also has two nubs of pyloric caeca present within it.[2]

Habitat

Pyrolycus jaco is only found in a hydrothermal seep named Jacó Scar. It is extremely rare for families of fishes to adapt to live in places like hydrothermal vents and methane seeps.[3] The Pyrolycus jaco belongs to the family Zoarcidae which is one out of seven families of fishes that can live in these extreme environments. Jacó Scar is a unique habitat in that it is a composite reducing habitat that acts like a vent. Composite reducing habitats use composite materials to reduce the mass of habitats while maximizing the strength of the structure. This habitat is about five degrees Celsius and contains plants and animals typically found near vents.[4] The Pyrolycus jaco is found living within tubeworm colonies and has not been found outside of this population.[2]

Development

There is not enough information on the development of Pyrolycus jaco specifically. The Zoarcidae family develops slowly no matter the temperature they are found in but tend to develop extremely slow in colder environments. They develop significantly quicker and tend to live shorter lives in warm climates.[5] This may be caused by less energy being available for molecular repair due to high growth rates to avoid predatory and oxidative stressors.[5] Decrease in temperature typically causes slower development in most fishes, this is not unique to the Zoarcidae. What is unique is that they still develop slower than average in all temperatures.

Reproduction

Not enough is known about the reproduction of Pyrolycus jaco. Another type of Eelpout in family Zoarcidae is the Lycenchelys sarsi which lays about twenty to forty large (up to 5.4mm in diameter) eggs buried under the sediment found in their habitats.[6] This number and behavior is typical of all species within Zoarcidae.[6] Two years into an Eelpout's life, they begin to reach their prime sexual maturity. The offspring that comes from the maturity is typically released between November and December.[7] This fish has a gestation period of seven to eight months.[7] This is very long compared to most live bearing fish which on average have a gestation period of only three to five weeks. On average the female Eelpouts can produce between twenty to about seventy-two offspring within their lifetime.[7]

Life Span/ Longevity

Not enough is known about the longevity of Pyrolycus jaco so the longevity will refer to species within the same family Zoarcidae. Some members of the Zoarcidae family can live to be almost three decades old while others may live to be only 11 years old.[8] By living in or near hydrothermal vents, leading to colder ambient temperatures, this causes an evolutionary change that slows their developmental rates.[9] This slower developmental rate causes this family of fishes to develop slower and therefore reach sexual maturity at later ages.[9] This is true of most fish in colder environments, they develop at a slower rate, but live longer than fish in warmer temperatures.

Behavior

The behaviors of Pyrolycus jaco are unknown as they are not widely understood and studied. The only known behavior of Pyrolycus jaco is that they are commonly found living among tubeworms in the Jacó Scar hydrothermal seep. There is not information on how or why this species was found living within tubeworm communities, but it can be assumed that they live among one another because they occupy similar niches. In Zoarcidae the knowledge of their behavior is also limited. One species within the family relies on algae that is drifting to provide shelter and food resources.[10]

Food Habits

The Pyrolycus jaco mostly feed on snails and other limpets based on the gut contents.[2] Also revealed from this method was that they were ingesting invertebrates found near hydrothermal seeps that do not move around. Other species within the same family as Pyrolycus jaco also have a similar diet.[11] This suggest that Zoarcids do not move around very much because the organisms consumed were very localized and often sessile.

Predation

Not enough is known about Pyrolycus jaco to understand predation within this species. The closely related Eelpouts prey on small invertebrates and have been known to be preyed on by arctic skates.[12] Skates are known to be one of the top predators in marine communities, with their diet mostly consisting of small fish. They have been caught ingesting Zoarcidae on two different occasions.[12] This is rare because Eelpouts are relatively large but they are still occasionally eaten. In general there is a low amount of predation among Zoarcidae.

Ecosystem Roles

Not enough is known about Pyrolycus jaco roles within an ecosystem. Eelpouts in the Baltic and North seas are being used as key indicator organisms to determine the environmental health of the surrounding area.[13] Researchers use the Eelpout’s larvae sex ratio and reproductive success of eelpouts to determine the presence of pollution in the marine environment[13].

Economic Importance

There is not enough known about Pyrolycus jaco. All fish are important to make an ecosystem flow. The family Zoarcidae can be infected with viruses that can dramatically impact their population. Rhabdovirus infected and killed a large population of Eelpout known as Zoarces viviparous in 2014.[14] With these fish dying, cascading effects can occur and can have dramatic effects to a population that would want to be avoided such as extinction and decreased diversity.

Conservation Status

For the Pyrolycus jaco they are not well known enough to have an official conservation status. Four specimens of this species have been collected, but since this species is only known from a limited habitat the habitat should be protected along with the species itself being listed as endangered. Other members within the family are not a good comparison because they are more well-known and common so they could have a different conservation status.

References

  1. ^ a b "New Species of Deep-Sea Fish Discovered off Costa Rica". today.ucsd.edu. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Frable, Benjamin W.; Seid, Charlotte A.; Bronson, Allison W.; Møller, Peter Rask (2023-01-19). "A new deep-sea eelpout of the genus Pyrolycus (Teleostei: Zoarcidae) associated with a hydrothermal seep on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica". Zootaxa. 5230 (1): 79–89. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5230.1.5. ISSN 1175-5334.
  3. ^ Priede, Imants G. (2017-08-10). Deep-Sea Fishes: Biology, Diversity, Ecology and Fisheries (1 ed.). Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/9781316018330. ISBN 978-1-316-01833-0.
  4. ^ Levin, Lisa A.; Orphan, Victoria J.; Rouse, Greg W.; Rathburn, Anthony E.; Ussler, William; Cook, Geoffrey S.; Goffredi, Shana K.; Perez, Elena M.; Waren, Anders; Grupe, Benjamin M.; Chadwick, Grayson; Strickrott, Bruce (2012-07-07). "A hydrothermal seep on the Costa Rica margin: middle ground in a continuum of reducing ecosystems". Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 279 (1738): 2580–2588. doi:10.1098/rspb.2012.0205. ISSN 0962-8452. PMC 3350710. PMID 22398162.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  5. ^ a b Hildebrandt, Nicole; Bergmann, Melanie; Knust, Rainer (2011-10). "Longevity and growth efficiency of two deep-dwelling Arctic zoarcids and comparison with eight other zoarcid species from different climatic regions". Polar Biology. 34 (10): 1523–1533. doi:10.1007/s00300-011-1011-4. ISSN 0722-4060. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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