超大规格中华绒螯蟹繁育子代生长性能及养殖效果

为评估中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)超大规格亲本(母本≥300 g, 父本≥400 g)繁育子代的养殖效果, 本研究以正常规格亲本(300 g≥母本≥150 g, 400 g≥父本≥250 g)作为对照, 比较了超大规格和正常规格中华绒螯蟹繁育子代 F1 在扣蟹及成蟹阶段的生长性能和养殖效果差异。结果显示: (1) 超大规格组个体在豆蟹、扣蟹及成蟹阶段的平均体重均一直高于对照组, 其中扣蟹和成蟹体重分别于 9—11 月和 7 月差异显著(P＜0.05); (2) 生殖蜕壳及性腺发育方面, 超大规格组雄体和雌体在 9 月 5 日至 9 月 25 日和 7 月 25 日至 9 月 5 日期间的生殖蜕壳率分别显著低于对照组(P＜0.05), 此外, 超大规格组雌体的性腺指数在性腺发育前期(9 月 10 日)显著低于对照组(P＜0.05), 雄体则在性腺发育中期(10 月 10 日)显著较低(P＜0.05); (3) 超大规格组在扣蟹阶段的产出重量和成蟹阶段的最终产量均高于对照组, 其中雄体在扣蟹阶段的产量与对照组差异显著(P＜0.05); (4) 就规格分布而言, 超大规格组雌雄个体中大规格扣蟹(＞12 g)及大规格成蟹(雄蟹＞230 g, 雌蟹＞200 g)所占比例均显著高于对照组, 且超大规格组中小规格扣蟹及小规格成蟹所占比例显著低于对照组(P＜0.05)。综上所述, 在扣蟹和成蟹养殖阶段, 超大规格亲本繁育子代相较于对照组具有更快的生长速度和更高的产量, 且子代中大规格蟹的比例显著高于对照组, 由此认为超大规格亲本繁育子代具有更高的经济效益优势。     

赴朝考察报告

日本绒螯蟹分布于我国南方(南方种)和日本海(北方种)沿岸通江河地区。绥芬河出产的日本绒螯蟹因其个体大、耐低温、性成熟晚等特点在黑龙江省进行推广。但其种质资源有限,亲蟹的来源靠在俄罗斯境内的绥芬河入     

全程投喂配合饲料条件下池养中华绒螯蟹的生长性能及其性腺发育

于2012年5月至2013年11月,对池养中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)全程投喂配合饲料,观测扣蟹和成蟹阶段的生长规律、成活率、早熟率、性腺发育速度、产量、规格分布和饲料系数等。结果表明:(1)扣蟹阶段雌雄生长差异不显著(P0.05),增重率(WG)和特定增长率(SGR)为先上升后下降,整个扣蟹培育阶段的平均SGR为1.9%/d左右;平均成活率和早熟率分别为10.0%和4.9%,雌体的早熟率显著高于雄体(P0.05);一龄早熟蟹和正常扣蟹的平均体重分别为19.8 g和7.5 g左右,一龄早熟蟹和正常扣蟹的平均产量分别为229 kg/hm~2和2433 kg/hm~2;扣蟹培育阶段饲料投喂主要发生在7—10月,占全部饲料用量的80%以上,饲料投喂量与扣蟹体重及池塘水温具有一定的关系,扣蟹阶段饲料系数(FCR)为2.15。(2)成蟹养殖过程中,自6月份起雄体体重大于雌体,整个养殖阶段雄体的SGR显著高于雌体(P0.05);雌雄成蟹最终平均体重分别为126.1 g和181.1 g,雌、雄及总体成活率分别为61.30%、53.47%和58.4%,产量分别为412.20 kg/hm~2、536.10 kg/hm~2和950 kg/hm~2;成蟹养殖的饲料消耗主要发生在7—10月,其中育肥前期(9—11月)的饲料用量占50%左右,整个成蟹养殖阶段的FCR为2.63。(3)池养成蟹的生殖蜕壳主要发生在8—9月,雌体比雄体早20 d左右;雌体的性腺发育主要发生在生殖蜕壳后的9—10月,雄体的性腺发育时间跨度较长,生殖蜕壳前性腺指数已达0.8%左右;雌雄成蟹性腺发育期间肝胰腺指数均呈下降趋势。综上,全程投喂配合饲料能保证池养中华绒螯蟹的正常生长发育,可大规模推广应用于中华绒螯蟹养殖产业。     

中华绒螯蟹1龄性早熟自交和1龄性早熟与2龄正常成熟杂交F1养殖性能及可食率比较

中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)1龄性早熟是目前产业发展中面临的重要问题,为全面了解中华绒螯蟹 1龄性早熟性状对其子代相关性状的影响,本研究构建了 1 龄性早熟自交家系(PI)和 1 龄性早熟与 2 龄正常成熟杂交家系(PHN),综合评估其养殖性能和可食率。结果表明:(1)在扣蟹养殖阶段, PI 组 F1扣蟹平均体重始终大于 PHN 组;PI组 F1雌体的增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)和早熟率均高于 PHN组,雄体则较低,但均无显著性差异(P>0.05);PI组 F1雌体成活率显著低于 PHN 组(P<0.05),雄体略低于 PHN 组;PHN 组总产量较高,但无显著差异(P>0.05)。扣蟹终体重呈正态分布, 3.00~8.99 g 终体重扣蟹比例较高。(2)在成蟹养殖阶段,生长前期(3 5 月)PI 组平均体重低于PHN 组,生长后期(7 9 月)则以 PI 组为高;3 5 月和 7 9 月 PHN 组 F1WGR 和 SGR 均高于 PI 组,而 5 7 月则以 PI组为高;PI组 F1生殖蜕壳和性腺发育略早于 PHN组,无显著性差异(P>0.05);总体来看, PI组 F1成活率和产量均高于 PHN组,但饵料系数显著低于 PHN组(P<0.05);PHN组 F1体重<125.00 g和≥250.00 g的成蟹百分比较高,两组体重<125.00 g 的成蟹存在显著性差异(P<0.05)。(3)就总可食率(TEY)而言, PI 组 F1TEY 高于 PHN 组;就肥满度(CF)而言, PI组 F1雌体高于 PHN组,雄体则较低,但两组无显著性差异(P>0.05)。综上, 1龄早熟自交组 F1具有扣蟹平均体重大、早熟率略高,成蟹生殖蜕壳较早、成活率和产量高的特点;而 1 龄早熟与 2 龄正常成熟杂交组F1则具有扣蟹成活率和产量高,成蟹生殖蜕壳略晚、饵料系数低的特点。     

中华绒螯蟹2龄早熟和晚熟品系选育第4代(G4) 在成蟹阶段养殖性能的比较

为评估选育第4代(G4)的中华绒螯蟹在成蟹阶段的养殖性能和性腺发育情况,以G4中华绒螯蟹2龄早熟和2龄晚熟品系为试验对象,以未经选育的养殖群体作对照,比较了这3个群体的扣蟹在成蟹养殖阶段生长、性腺发育及最终养殖效果的差异。试验结果显示:(1)2个选育品系在成蟹养殖阶段的平均体质量始终高于对照组,其中在9月份和11月份,2龄晚熟雌、雄个体的平均体质量均显著高于对照组(P0.05);(2)2龄早熟雌、雄个体的生殖蜕壳时间均早于其他2组,此外,2龄晚熟雌、雄个体分别在7月25日和8月15日的生殖蜕壳率显著低于另外2组(P0.05);(3)就性腺发育而言,2龄早熟品系在性腺发育期间的性腺指数(GSI)始终较高,而2龄晚熟品系的GSI始终较低,其中在9月25日2龄早熟雌蟹的GSI显著高于另外2组(P0.05);(4)2个选育品系成蟹的最终平均体质量和单位面积产量均显著高于对照组,且晚熟雌蟹的成活率显著高于对照组(P0.05);(5)就规格分布而言,晚熟雄蟹体质量在145.00～169.99 g所占的比例显著低于对照组,而在195.00 g以上的比例显著高于其他2组(P0.05);晚熟雌蟹体质量在80.00～99.99 g所占的比例显著低于对照组,而在140.00 g以上的比例显著高于另外2组(P0.05)。结果表明,遗传选育可以有效控制中华绒螯蟹的性腺发育速度及最终体质量。这一结果为2龄早熟和2龄晚熟新品种的申报提供了数据支撑。     

配合饲料替代杂鱼对中华绒螯蟹生长发育、体成分及脂肪酸组成的影响

通过分别投喂配合饲料和天然杂鱼,研究配合饲料替代杂鱼对中华绒螯蟹生长发育、体成分及脂肪酸组成的影响。试验池塘设在上海市崇明县水产技术推广站特色水产养殖基地,每种饵料设3个平行。试验时间为2010年4月至11月,养殖结束后统计各试验组的存活率、体质量、产量,并随机取样测定各试验组雌雄蟹的肝胰腺指数、性腺指数、出肉率,同时测定肝胰腺、性腺和肌肉中水分、总脂、粗蛋白含量及脂肪酸组成。结果显示,杂鱼组和配合饲料组蟹的存活率、体质量、肝胰腺指数、性腺指数、出肉率等指标均无显著差异(P>0.05);杂鱼组雌雄蟹肝胰腺及雄蟹肌肉中水分含量极显著高于配合饲料组(P<0.01);杂鱼组雌雄蟹肝胰腺、性腺及雌蟹肌肉中总脂含量均显著低于配合饲料组(P<0.05);杂鱼组雌雄蟹肝胰腺中粗蛋白含量均显著高于配合饲料组(P<0.05),但杂鱼组雌蟹卵巢中粗蛋白含量极显著低于配合饲料组(P<0.01)。配合饲料组雌蟹肝胰腺游离脂肪酸含量显著高于杂鱼组(P<0.05),磷脂含量杂鱼组显著高于配合饲料组(P<0.05);配合饲料组雌蟹卵巢和肌肉甘油三酯含量均显著高于杂鱼组(P<0.05或P<0.01),游离脂肪酸和磷脂含量则杂鱼组显著高于配合饲料组(P<0.05或P<0.01);雌蟹肌肉中胆固醇含量配合饲料组极显著高于杂鱼组(P<0.01)。两组饵料雄蟹肝胰腺各脂类组成无显著差异;精巢中甘油三酯及游离脂肪酸含量为杂鱼组显著高于配合饲料组(P<0.01),磷脂含量为杂鱼组显著低于配合饲料组(P<0.05);雄蟹肌肉胆固醇含量配合饲料组显著低于杂鱼组(P<0.05)。杂鱼组雄蟹肝胰腺和肌肉中LOA含量极显著或显著低于配合饲料组(P<0.01或P<0.05),而杂鱼组雄蟹肌肉中ARA含量显著高于配合饲料组(P<0.05);杂鱼组雌蟹卵巢中LNA、ARA和DHA的含量极显著或显著低于配合饲料组(P<0.01或P<0.05)。研究结果表明,适宜的配合饲料替代杂鱼全程养殖中华绒螯蟹成蟹对其生长发育无显著负面影响,而对其体成分组成及脂肪酸组成有一定影响。     

中华绒螯蟹“长荡湖1号”奇数年群体选育第二代的生长性能和养殖效果评估

中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)“长荡湖 1 号”(以下简称“长荡湖 1 号”)选育群体包括 A 系和 B 系两个平行选育系, 分别以耐高密度和大规格为选育目标。为评估“长荡湖 1 号”奇数年群体选育第二代(G₂)的选育效果和遗传进展, 本研究在室外池塘生态养殖条件下, 进行大眼幼体至扣蟹以及扣蟹至成蟹养殖实验, 实验周期约为 20 个月。 实验期间通过多次生长打样及性腺发育解剖, 结合最终收获时的规格分布, 以未选育群体为对照, 综合评估了两选育品系的生长性能、性腺发育和养殖效果。结果表明: (1) 两选育品系扣蟹及成蟹养殖阶段平均体重均高于对照组, 其中两选育品系扣蟹 7 月和 9—11 月体重均显著大于对照组(P＜0.05), 成蟹养殖过程中 10 月“长荡湖 1 号”B 系体重也显著高于对照组(P＜0.05), 其余月份 3 组成蟹体重无显著差异(P＞0.05); (2) 成蟹雌雄个体的生殖蜕壳高峰期分别为 7 月 30 日—9 月 10 日和 8 月 20 日—9 月 30 日, 在此期间对照组的生殖蜕壳率略高于两选育品系。在肝胰腺指数(HSI)方面, 前期(9 月 20 日)对照组雄体 HSI 显著高于两选育品系(P＜0.05), 而后期(11 月 10 日)两选育品系雌体 HSI 显著高于对照组(P＜0.05); 就性腺指数(GSI)而言, 两选育品系的 GSI 和对照组接近, 其中 11 月 10 日“长荡湖 1 号”B 系雌体 GSI 显著低于对照组(P＜0.05); (3) 两选育品系在扣蟹及成蟹养殖阶段的最终平均体重和产量均高于对照组, 其中“长荡湖 1 号”B 系最终平均体重略高于“长荡湖 1 号”A 系; 两选育品系在扣蟹及成蟹养殖阶段的饲料系数(FCR)均低于对照组, 其中“长荡湖 1 号”A 系在成蟹养殖阶段的 FCR 显著低于对照组(P＜0.05); 两选育品系大规格扣蟹(≥15 g)和成蟹(雄蟹≥200 g, 雌蟹≥175 g)百分比例均高于对照组, 而小规格扣蟹(≤9 g)百分比例低于对照组。 综上, 中华绒螯蟹“长荡湖 1 号”A 系具有生长速度快、单位产量高及饲料系数低等特点, 中华绒螯蟹“长荡湖 1 号”B 系具有平均体重大、大规格蟹比例高和生殖蜕壳迟等特点, 两选育品系均具有进一步选育的潜力。     

辽河和闽江水系中华绒螯蟹扣蟹在成蟹阶段的养殖性能比较

2018年3—11月,将体质量(7.83±0.72)g和(7.53±0.39)g的雌雄辽河水系中华绒螯蟹Eriocheir sinensis扣蟹和体质量(5.06±0.74)g和(5.21±0.49)g雌雄闽江水系中华绒螯蟹扣蟹饲养在42m×35m×1.2m、种植伊乐藻Elodea nuttallii的两口池塘中,密度约为1.2～1.3只/m2,常规方法养殖,比较辽河和闽江水系绒螯蟹扣蟹在成蟹阶段的养殖性能。结果显示:辽河蟹平均终体质量大于闽江蟹,成活率和产量较高;3—5月和7—9月闽江蟹增重率(WGR)和特定生长率(SGR)高于辽河蟹。辽河雌蟹全部完成生殖蜕壳时间早于闽江蟹一个月,而雄蟹则提前半个月左右。9—11月,闽江蟹性腺指数(GSI)增加量高于辽河蟹。11月初辽河蟹总可食率(TEY)显著高于闽江蟹(P0.05),但出肉率(MY)无显著差异(P0.05)。闽江蟹中体质量50g的雌蟹和≥200g的雄蟹的百分比较高。综上所述,辽河蟹全部完成生殖蜕壳时间早于闽江蟹。虽然闽江蟹性腺发育较晚,但其性腺发育速度较快。本实验为进一步挖掘优异种质资源和新品种培育奠定了理论和实践基础。     

持续发展河蟹养殖的对策(二)

(四)黑龙江省持续发展养蟹,选择优质蟹种、开展生态养蟹(一)日本绒螯蟹养殖在俄罗期境内的绥芬河入海口及朝鲜境内的图们江入海口盛产的大河蟹,即是日本绒螯蟹。该蟹个体大,体重达150~200g,个别体重达300~400g。日本绒螯蟹是未经人工养殖的纯种河蟹,是目前我国唯一未被破坏的河蟹原种     

大通湖1龄中华绒螯蟹形态指标及质量参数研究

中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)的苗种质量对养殖成功与否及产量高低具有十分重要的作用;形态参数是遗传和外界环境共同作用的结果,也是判定中华绒螯蟹品质的重要指标之一。为探究1龄中华绒螯蟹形态特征及相关质量参数的关系,选取湖南省大通湖1龄幼蟹275只,其中雌蟹141只、雄蟹134只,逐个测定头胸甲长、头胸甲宽、体高、体重等指标,称量体肉、腿肉、螯肉、肝胰腺等可食用部分的湿重和干重以及体壳、腿壳、螯壳等不可食用部分的湿重和干重,计算各基本形态指标的平均数、标准差及变异系数、各部位含水率及占总体重比例、肥满度等指标;使用独立样本T-检验比较雌雄差异,利用Pearson对各参数进行相关分析,并通过逐步回归法建立体重与形态指标回归模型。结果表明,不同性别中华绒螯蟹幼蟹的头胸甲长、头胸甲宽、体高、肥满度均无显著差异(P0.05),雄性体重较雌性大(P0.05),其中雌蟹体重为(8.543±2.555)g,雄蟹体重为(9.304±2.977)g。雌蟹和雄蟹可食用部分含水率及其占总干重的比例均无显著差异(P0.05)。1龄中华绒螯蟹的头胸甲长(X_1)、头胸甲宽(X_2)、体高(X_3)与体重(Y)的最优多元线性回归方程为Y=-15.763+3.118 X1+4.634 X_2+3.897 X_3(R~2=0.926),体重与头胸甲长、头胸甲宽、体高显著相关。本研究可为中华绒螯蟹养殖产量估算、品质鉴定提供参考。     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Growth hormone (GH) and reproduction: a review

Interaction between growth and reproduction occurs in many vertebrates and is particularly obvious at certain stages of the life cycle in fish. Endocrine interactions between the gonadotropic axis and the somatotropic axis are described, the potential role of GH being emphasised. A comparative analysis of these phenomena in mammals, amphibians and fish, suggests a specific role of GH in the physiology of puberty, gametogenesis and fertility. It also shows the original contribution made by studies on the fish model in this field of investigations.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.     

Nitrogenous waste excretion and accumulation of urea and ammonia inChalcalburnus tarichi (Cyprinidae), endemic to the extremely alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Turkey)

The endemic, anadromous cyprinidChalcalburnus tarichi is the only fish species known to occur in alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). EightC. tarichi were maintained individually in Lake Van water (17 – 19°C; pH 9.8; 153 mEq·I^–1 total alkalinity; 22 total salinity) and tank water samples analyzed for 24 h in 2 to 4 h intervals. At zero time, < 1µM ammonia was present and urea was undetectable in the tank water; at 24 h, total ammonia and urea made up 114±32 and 35±25µM, respectively. Over the experimental period, ammonia-N and urea-N excretion averaged 1041±494 and 607±169moles·kg^–1 fish·h^–1, respectively. The extent of urea excretion was highly variable between specimens. Uric acid excretion was not detectable.Urea was present at high concentrations in all tissues and plasma (25 – 35moles·g^–1·ml^–1) of freshly caughtC. tarichi; total ammonia content of the tissues was by a factor of 1.9 (liver) to 3.0 (brain) lower. High arginase activity (2.4±0.2 U·min^–1·g^–1) was detected in the liver ofC. tarichi but ornithine carbamoylphosphate transferase, a key enzyme of the ornithine-urea-cycle, was absent. Ureagenesis is likely through degradation of arginine and/or uricolysis. High glutamine synthetase activity (11±0.6 U·min^–1·g^–1) and low ammonia content in brain suggest that, like other teleosts,C. tarichi has an efficient ammonia detoxification in the brain, but in no other tissue.Nitrogenous waste excretion at alkaline pH is discussed. The ability ofC. tarichi to excrete high levels of ammonia at extremely alkaline pH is unique among teleosts studied so far. The mechanism of ammonia excretion under Lake Van conditions remains to be elucidated.     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.