General Announcements

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY FELLOWSHIPS AND GRANTS

Fellowships - Research Fellowships are available to postdoctoral researchers and established scholars starting in summer and fall 1999. The fellowships support independent research in association with the resident staff. Areas include vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, paleozoology, anthropology, earth and planetary sciences. All fellowships applications, including Chapman (Ornithology), should be postmarked by January 15, 1999.

Grants - Research grants are available to advanced predoctoral candidates and recent postdoctoral researchers in the fields of zoology and paleontology. Awards average $1000.

Postmark dates vary for each grant program:

. Frank M. Chapman (Ornithology) - January 15, 1999

. Theodore Roosevelt (North American Fauna) - February 15, 1999

. Lerner-Gray (Marine Zoology) - March 15, 1999

Request information and application forms from: The Office of Grants and Fellowships, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024. E-mail: grants-and-fellowships@amnh.org

THE BÖHLKE FUND provides support for graduate students to work with the Ichthyology collection at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. The Fund provides money for travel to Philadelphia and for modest living accommodations available at the Academy (up to $500.00). Recipients of the Fund in 1998 were Cynthia Watson, University of Guyana, Lisa Rosenberger, University of Chicago, and Brad Wright, University of Chicago. To apply for 1999, send letter of application outlining proposed research and tentative budget to Dr. Dominique A. Daget, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1195, or email to daget@say.acnatsci.org.

BOOK AVAILABLE (still!) Lindberg, G.U. and Z.V. Krasyukova. 1975. Fishes of the Sea of Japan and the adjacent areas of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Yellow Sea. Part 4. Teleostomi XXIX. Perciformes. Zool. Inst. Akad. Nauk SSSR no. 108. Translation from the Russian TT 81-52179. Free copies are available from the Translation Editor, Dr. Bruce B. Collette, NMFS Systematics Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. 20560-0153.

CALL FOR ARGULUS (CRUSTACEA: BRANCHIURA). I am working on a taxonomic revision of the genus Argulus ("fish lice"), primarily of North and Central America (for dissertation) but also worldwide, and I am asking for specimens from anyone who may happen to see them and is able to keep a sample. This would aid my work greatly, and I will appreciate the effort. I can send vials to those who believe they will come across Argulus during their work, and I will also gladly pay for shipping of specimens. Argulus should be preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol (preferably) or 5 to 10% formalin along with as much of the following information as possible: locality, date, collector(s), host species, and location of parasite on the host(s). Argulus may be found on the body, fins, gills, inside surface of opercles, or inside the mouth. Specimens can be sent to William J. Poly, Dept. of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501. Thank you very much.

CALL FOR PAPERS. A symposium on "Biodiversity of Pacific Ocean Fishes" is being organized for the XIX Pacific Science Congress in Sydney, Australia. The Congress will meet between 4-9 July, 1999. The symposium will present a wide range of papers on topics related to the biodiversity of Pacific Ocean fishes. Subjects will include taxonomy and systematics, zoogeography, historical ecology, behavior, ecology, genetics and molecular biology, conservation biology, the role of museums and methods of ecological assessment. Papers will address coral and rocky reef fishes, deep-reef fishes, mangrove, seagrass and kelp fishes, larval fishes, insular freshwater fishes, deep-sea fishes, pelagic fishes, etc. Contributed papers or poster presentations on tropical, temperate or polar fish biodiversity are welcome. For more information about the symposium, contact: Dr. T.J. Donaldson, Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam 96923 USA (email: tdnaldsn@ite.net). For more information about the Pacific Science Congress, contact the Congress Secretariat at: GPO Box 2609, Sydney, NSW 2001 AUSTRALIA (email: pacsci@icmsaust.com.au).

THE CORNELL ICHTHYOLOGY COLLECTION is continuing to grow and now contains 71,500+ lots (> 1,000,000 specimens) representing 3300+ species from 70 countries. Recent acquisitions include freshwater fishes from Gabon and Venezuela, and marine fishes from the Florida Keys. Our type collection includes 45 holotypes and over 275 secondary types. The entire collection is computerized and can be searched at http://www.bio.cornell.edu/vertcollections/cufish.html. We are currently seeking missing Cornell specimens that may turn up in other collections. Furthermore, we are interested in exchanges of specimens with other institutions. For more information, please contact Dr. John Friel (jpf19@cornell.edu) or Charles Dardia (frogfish@cornell.edu).

FishBase 98. The 1998 edition of FishBase, a large biological database covering key information on more than 20,000 species of finfish, is available on 2 CD-ROMs. Experts who volunteer to check information on their respective families or regions receive free copies of FishBase. Others can order it for US$95 (updates US$50), including air mail (contact fishbase@cgiar.org). Taxonomists will be interested in our 'Check names' routine (Froese 1997, Cybium), which now draws on more than 57,000 scientific names (synonyms and misspellings) sorted out in FishBase, as well as on Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes database, to evaluate long lists of scientific names, such as contained in fish collection databases. For more information visit http://www.fishbase.org or contact r.froese@cgiar.org.

FUNDS FOR INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS. The Division of International Programs of the National Science Foundation has the special functions of expanding and facilitating the international aspects of NSF's mission by promoting new partnerships between U.S. scientists and engineers (including women, minorities, and those in the early stages of their careers) and foreign colleagues. International Programs:

• Provide initial support for international research collaborations, workshops, and studies which aim to establish significant cooperative research projects in both developed and developing countries;
• enhance the international perspectives of the next generation of U.S. scientists and engineers, including qualified undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows, through fellowships, summer programs, and newly initiated research participation;
• stimulate cooperation in geographical regions where research activities are difficult to undertake, and where collaborative opportunities have been relatively neglected by U.S. investigators; * support regional initiatives and programs, including programs arranged through multilateral organizations; and

Priority is given to proposals judged most likely to:

• result in mutually-beneficial partnerships between U.S. and foreign scientists and engineers; and/or
• provide international research experience to scientists and engineers during the early stages of their careers; and/or
• advance knowledge on the part of U.S. science and engineering communities of significant research directions outside the United States.

The Division of International Programs will consider proposals for project support involving all geographical regions of the world. Specific considerations and requirements may apply to each region and to certain countries. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Division of International Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia 22230 USA. Or you may receive information electronically via the NSF homepage (http://www.nsf.gov/home/int/start.htm)

GIBBS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SYSTEMATIC ICHTHYOLOGY. Nominations are invited for the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) Robert H. Gibbs, Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Systematic Ichthyology. Prizes are awarded for an outstanding body of published work in systematic ichthyology by a citizen of a Western Hemisphere nation who has not been a recipient of the award. The award is offered annually and consists of an appropriate plaque and a cash sum. The award receipient is announced at the Annual Meeting of the ASIH. The award for 1998, including a plaque and $6000, was presented to C. Richard Robins (formerly Univ. of Miami, now University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas) for his numerous contributions to the systematics of many diverse groups, including eels, cusk eels, ophidiids, gobies, blennioids, sculpins, suckers, and North American fishes in general. Nominations may be made by any ichthyologist, including self nominations, should include the nominee's curriculum vitae and detail the nominee's specific contributions and overall impact on systematic ichthyology. Nominations must be received by March 1 of the year to be eligible for the award for that year. Nominations will be effective for three award years. Four copies of each nomination should be sent to Dr. Robert K. Johnson, Grice Marine Biological Laboratory, 205 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, U.S.A.

HELMUT DEBELIUS (1997) MEDITERRANEAN AND ATLANTIC FISH GUIDE. 305 pages. More than 1000 underwater photos in colour. Area covered: Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea, Baltic Sea, Eastern Atlantic (from Norway to South Africa). For many of the species shown (e.g. from the Cape Verde Islands or St. Helena Island) no photos have ever been printed before. Some of the photos are really quite spectacular. Available in English, or German, or Spanish, or French, via the author at IKANUW@aol.com

INFORMATION: KILLI-DATA 1996 (updated: Dec/31/1995) is available in English, French and German, on the Internet (direct address of the Paris Museum Web site: http://www.mnhn.fr/mnhn/iga/bases/killidat) through Nicolas Bailly's efforts. A short list, dedicated to the electronic version only, has been designed to inform of the latest described taxa in cyprinodonts: last update, October, 20. 1998. If you are creating a new taxon, please inform us as soon as it is published.

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWSHIPS IN BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. AMNH invites applications from non U.S. citizens to enter a new doctoral program under the auspices of the Museum's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation. Students will study a diversified curriculum in systematics, biodiversity, conservation, and public policy. Through their training graduates of the program will advance environmental research and conservation programs in their countries. Students should have a bachelors degree, and must fulfill university admission requirements which may include TOEFL. Students will receive full fellowship support for 12 months, and tuition will be fully paid; support is guaranteed for 4 years if the student remains in good standing. The student will be under the direction of a museum curator, and attend classes and seminars at both the Museum and the university. Application Procedure: Students must simultaneously apply to the Museum AND to one of 4 cooperating universities depending on field of study.

1. Application to the Museum is on prescribed forms and will include a resume of the student's academic background, work experience, research interests, statement of purpose, and the names of two referees familiar with the student's work. Application deadline is January 31, 1999.

2. Application to one of the universities listed below should be made based on field of interest and submitted by the university's deadline date. Students should contact the university for application forms.

. Evolutionary Biology: Office of Admissions, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 33 West 42 Street, New York, NY 10036-8099. E-mail: jreid1@email.gc.cuny.edu. Applications must be received by April 15, 1999.

. Evolutionary Biology: Office of Student Affairs, The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Columbia University, Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, 10th Floor, Schermer Horn Extension, Mail Code 5557, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027-6902. E-mail: ref8@columbia.edu. Applications must be received by January 3, 1999.

. Molecular Biology/Systematics: Graduate Admissions, Yale University, P.O. Box 208323, New Haven, CT 06520-8323. E-mail graduate.admissions@yale.edu. Applications must be received by January 4, 1999.

. Entomology: Office of Admissions, The Graduate School, Cornell University, Sage Graduate Center, Ithaca, NY 14853-6201. Applications must be received by January 15, 1999.

Request Museum application forms and further information from: Office of Grants and Fellowships, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, Telephone: 212-769-5017; Fax: 212-769-5495; E-mail: grants-and-fellowships@amnh.org

MARINE BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE IN THE MONTEREY BAY AREA. Gregor Cailliet is actively involved in an endeavor to establish a marine biodiversity institute in the Monterey Bay area which would be involved in marine biodiversity surveys in the region using high technology and taxonomic expertise as a pilot study for similar studies elsewhere around the globe. The Monterey Bay area has excellent characteristics such as a diversity of habitats, flora and fauna (including fishes) and a wide range of scientific institutions (including CAS) individually equipped and already collaborating on similar studies. We feel that this region has sufficiently experienced and capable scientists that biodiversity studies that are both informative and useful for training purposes could be initiated both quickly and efficiently. Ultimately, based upon the experience, the necessary information and training could be extended to other scientists from other countries. For further information, either contact me or Dr. Don Potts (Marine & Earth Science, A-316, UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; (408) 459-4417; "potts@biology.ucsc.edu").

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FISHERY AND AQUACULTURE - INPA, COLOMBIA. A great number of ichthyoplankton samples are collected along the Pacific coast of Colombia. Actually we are making a larvae catalog. I'm very interested in exchanging experiences with any investigator having experience with tropical species. Please contact Beatriz Beltran. Apartado Aereo (P.O Box) 10742, Buenaventura, COLOMBIA. E-mail vecepbun@col2.telecom.com.co

NEW WEBPAGES ON GAMBUSIA CONTROL Aarn and Unmack have a new web page on Gambusia control at http://fish.la.asu.edu/gambusia. Also, Unmack is involved with the Desert Springs Action Committee, a group who conduct conservation work in southern Nevadan desert habitats. http://www.tkphotos.com/dsac. His web page on Australian desert fishes is at http://ozdesertfish.base.org.

RENOVATION AND DOWNSIZING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GUAM MARINE LABORATORY FISH COLLECTION continues. Duplicate lots will be made available for donation to any interested persons or institutions. For further details, please contact Robert F. Myers c/o Gustav Paulay, John Starmer, or Brent Tibbatts, Marine Laboratory, UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam 96923 USA.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I POSITION in Fish Systematics/ Population Genetics, in the Great Lakes Genetics Laboratory of Dr. Carol Stepien, Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University. Start Jan 4, 1999 and must be available for two year committment, minimum. Start salary $21,000/year plus full benefits, including health coverage (dental option), retirement, and free tuition (6 credit units free per semester plus 3 in the summer). Bachelors degree required, prefer Biology, Chemistry, Fisheries, or Environmental Studies with strong chemistry laboratory skills. Prefer undergrad. gradepoint average of 3.2 or better. Will work on the systematics, population genetics and stock structure of Great Lakes fishes, as Dr. Stepien's right-hand assistant. Possible to jointly pursue a graduate degree. Prefer some DNA/systematics/ genetics experience but will train. Also need strong computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel). Superior communication and organizational skills a must. An interest in conservation biology is desirable. Please e-mail Dr. Stepien at cas20@pop.cwru.edu. Send resume and cover letter, including 3-7 e-mail and phone references to Dr. Carol Stepien Dept. of Biology Case Western Reserve Univ. Cleveland, OH 44106-7080; FAX 216-368-4672 Phone 216-368-3563.

SPECIMEN REQUEST: I am studying estuarine fish systematics and biogeography and am especially interested in the following fishes: Leptocottus armatus, all syngnathids, aulorhynchids, and pholids. I would greatly appreciate if any of these fishes can be saved for my studies in 70-90% ethanol, or (preferably) flash frozen in dry ice or liquid nitrogen. Please record locality, date, collector(s), and any other field notes. These fishes will greatly help my studies. I will gladly pay for shipping of specimens. Please contact me via email (kdlouie@ucla.edu) when you have specimens to ship to the following address: Kristina D. Louie, Department of Organismic Biology, Ecology and Evolution, 621 Circle Dr, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606. Thank you!

STANDARD LENGTH OF FISHES. I am still investigating the literature in my attempts to determine the history behind SL; when it was first defined and used in measuring fishes. Any information concerning this subject would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Jeffrey Howe, Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center, 4170 Commanders Drive, Mobile, AL 36615, U.S.A. Tel (334) 438-5690; FAX (334) 438-5670; E-Mail jhowe@acesag.auburn.edu

THE ZOOLOGICAL REFERENCE COLLECTION based in the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore has changed its designation (previously known as the Raffles Museum or National Museum of Singapore).  It is now known as the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, but still retaining its abbreviation of ZRC.  The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research now covers botanical aspects as well.  The first director is Assoc. Prof. Peter Ng K. L., the chief curator is Mrs. Yang C. M. and the curator of fishes is Mr. Kelvin Lim K. P.

ZUPANCIC, PRIMOZ (address under synopsis) appreciates receiving reprints on the systematics of Cyprinidae, old or new. He also buys books on freshwater fishes, especially from Europe and N. America. Please contact him.