蛋氨酸钴对珍珠龙胆石斑鱼幼鱼生长、矿物元素沉积及肝脏酶活力的影响

在基础饲料中添加不同梯度的蛋氨酸钴(Co Met),制成钴含量分别为0.30 mg/kg、1.75 mg/kg、3.42 mg/kg、6.73 mg/kg、12.56 mg/kg、25.50 mg/kg的6组实验饲料(记作D1、D2、D3、D4、D5、D6组),饲喂初始体重(60.02±0.42)g的珍珠龙胆石斑鱼(Epinephelus lanceolatu♂×E.fuscoguttatus♀)幼鱼8周,研究蛋氨酸钴对其生长、矿物元素沉积和肝脏酶活力的影响。结果表明,随饲料中蛋氨酸钴含量的增加,实验鱼增重率(WGR)和特定生长率(SGR)均先升后降,D3组显著高于其他组(P0.05);饲料系数(FCR)先降后升,D3、D4组显著低于其他组(P0.05)。蛋氨酸钴对肌肉水分和灰分含量均无显著影响(P0.05);粗蛋白含量呈降低的趋势,D5、D6组显著低于D1~D4组(P0.05),但二者之间无显著差异(P0.05);粗脂肪含量先降后升,D4组显著低于其他组(P0.05),D6组显著高于其他组(P0.05)。肝脏、肠道、脊椎骨及肌肉钴含量均随饲料中蛋氨酸钴的增加而显著增加(P0.05);全鱼钴沉积率呈先升高后平稳的趋势,D1组显著低于其他组(P0.05)。肝脏铁、铜和锌含量随饲料中蛋氨酸钴的增加呈先升后降的趋势;肝脏锰含量显著降低(P0.05)。随饲料中蛋氨酸钴的增加,肝脏谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)活力先升后降,D5组显著高于其他组(P0.05);D5、D6组肝脏丙二醛(MDA)含量显著低于其他组(P0.05);肝脏精氨酸酶(DArg)活力随饲料中蛋氨酸钴的增加显著升高(P0.05);D4~D6组肝脏羧肽酶A(CPA)活力显著高于D1~D3组(P0.05),但三组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。本实验条件下,以SGR为评价指标,经折线回归分析,珍珠龙胆石斑鱼幼鱼对钴的最适需求量为3.25 mg/kg,即53.28 mg(Co Met)/kg(饲料)。     

大菱鲆幼鱼对饲料中泛酸最适需求量的研究

为研究大菱鲆(Scophthalmus maximus)幼鱼对泛酸的最适需求量,在基础配方中添加不同梯度的泛酸钙,制成6组泛酸含量分别为6.24、10.64、15.02、23.81、41.40和76.57 mg/kg等氮等能实验饲料,投喂初始体重为(24.73±0.10) g的大菱鲆幼鱼80 d。结果显示：1)泛酸对幼鱼成活率(SR)无显著影响(P>0.05),10.64~76.57 mg/kg饲料组增重率(WGR)和特定生长率(SGR)显著提高(P< 0.05);泛酸含量超过23.81 mg/kg时,肝体比(HSI)显著降低(P<0.05);2)随着饲料中泛酸含量的提高,全鱼粗蛋白、粗脂肪和肌肉粗蛋白均呈先升后降趋势,肝脏脂肪含量显著下降(P<0.05);3)肠道消化酶、Na+, K+-ATPase和肝脏胆碱酯酶(ChE)活力随泛酸添加量的增加呈先上升后下降趋势,10.64~76.57 mg/kg饲料组肠道肌酸激酶(CK)活力显著提高(P<0.05);4)血清、肝脏中过氧化氢酶(CAT)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力均呈先升后降趋势;6.24 mg/kg饲料组血清丙二醛(MDA)含量显著高于其他5组(P<0.05);5)随泛酸含量的增加,肝脏脂肪合成酶(FAS)基因表达量先升后降,脂蛋白酯酶(LPL)基因表达量显著上升(P<0.05)。研究表明,饲料中添加适宜的泛酸能显著增强大菱鲆幼鱼肠道消化、吸收能力和机体抗氧化能力,并可提高脂肪代谢相关基因的表达水平,从而提高其生长性能。以增重率为判据,经折线模型拟合得出,初体重为24.73 g的大菱鲆幼鱼对泛酸的需求量为16.08 mg/kg饲料。     

饲料中胆汁酸添加水平对牛蛙肝脏化学组成、抗氧化和代谢酶活力的影响

试验将144只(初始质量75.01 g±4.23 g)牛蛙(Rana catesbeiana)随机分在12个玻璃水族缸中,每组3个重复,每个重复12只牛蛙。分别向每千克基础饲料中添加0、100、200和300 mg胆汁酸,配制成4种等氮等能的试验饲料。试验期8周。结果表明:1)饲料中添加100 mg/kg的胆汁酸显著降低肝脏粗脂肪含量,升高水分含量。2)随着胆汁酸添加量的增加,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)呈先升高后降低的趋势,添加量为200 mg/kg时最高;添加胆汁酸显著提高了谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力;添加200 mg/kg的胆汁酸显著降低了丙二醛(MDA)含量,当添加量为300 mg/kg,MDA显著升高。3)肝脏谷草转氨酶随着胆汁酸含量的升高呈先升高后降低趋势,其中添加量200 mg/kg时最高,各添加水平对谷丙转氨酶活力无显著影响;添加100和200 mg/kg胆汁酸显著降低肝酯酶(HL)和脂蛋白酯酶(LPL)活力。4)饲料中添加300 mg/kg的胆汁酸组牛蛙肝脏颜色呈紫黑色,有白斑,肝脏质地硬。综上,饲料中添加适量的胆汁酸能通过调节牛蛙肝脏脂类代谢水平和抗氧化能力以维持肝细胞的正常功能,建议胆汁酸添加量以不超过200 mg/kg为宜。     

胆汁酸对草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)的生长性能、肌肉营养成分及消化酶活性的影响

为研究胆汁酸对草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)生长性能、肌肉营养成分及消化酶活性的影响,选取初始体重为(13.11±0.58)g的草鱼540尾,随机分成6个实验组,分别饲喂胆汁酸添加量为0、75、150、225、300、375 mg/kg的等氮等能饲料(粗蛋白含量34.56％,总能13.54 kJ/g),养殖时间为60 d.结果显示,随着胆汁酸浓度的增加,草鱼的增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)均呈先上升后下降的变化趋势,且均在胆汁酸添加量为300 mg/kg时达到最大值(分别为281.18％和2.23％/d);饲料系数(FCR)则呈先下降后上升的趋势,且在胆汁酸添加水平为225 mg/kg时达最低值(1.26).由二次回归方程可知,WGR、SGR、FCR等生产性能最优时,胆汁酸添加水平分别为222.15、265.00、242.86 mg/kg.实验鱼肌肉粗脂肪含量随胆汁酸添加量的增加而呈先下降后趋于稳定的变化趋势,粗蛋白质含量则呈先上升后降低的变化趋势.肠道各段及肝胰脏的消化酶活性均随胆汁酸添加量的增加呈先升高后下降的趋势.由此说明,适量的胆汁酸能提高草鱼生长性能,促进其脂肪代谢,降低机体脂肪沉积,改善其肌肉品质.本研究考虑到草鱼消化酶活性、肌肉品质及生长性能等因素,其饲料中胆汁酸适宜的添加量为222.15-265.00 mg/kg.     

维生素C对大鲵消化系统结构和功能的影响

本试验在大鲵基础饲料中添加不同梯度的维生素C,探究其对机体消化系统各器官结构和功能的影响。[方法]以鱼粉、鸡肉粉等为蛋白源,鱼油为脂肪源配制大鲵基础饲料,基础饲料中分别添加0 mg/kg(D1)、150mg/kg(D2)、300mg/kg(D3)、450 mg/kg(D4)、600mg/kg(D5)和750mg/kg(D6)的维生素C(维生素C磷酸酯,35%含量),配制成6种等氮等脂的试验饲料,饲喂初始体质量为(34.14±0.15)g 的试验幼鲵。[结果]结果表明：随维生素C添加量的增加,幼鲵胃蛋白酶、H⁺-K⁺-ATP酶活性均在D3组达到最高,通过对胃切片肌层厚度、绒毛高度等统计,添加300mg/kg维生素C比添加0、600mg/kg更有利于大鲵胃部发育(P＜0.05)；肠道糜蛋白酶、脂肪酶及Na⁺-K⁺-ATP酶活力均呈先升后趋于平稳趋势,在D4组达到最高(P＜0.05),对肠道淀粉酶无显著性影响(P＞0.05),通过对肠道切片肌层厚度、绒毛高度统计,添加300mg/kg维生素C比添加0、600mg/kg更有利于大鲵肠道发育；胰腺糜蛋白酶及脂肪酶活力均呈先升后趋于平稳趋势,分别在D3、D4组达到最大(P＜0.05),对胰腺淀粉酶无显著性影响(P＞0.05)；肝脏MDA、AST和ALT活性均呈先降后升趋势,并均在D3组达到最低,而CAT、T-SOD、ACP及AKP则呈先升后降的趋势,CAT、T-SOD、ACP在D4组达最高峰,AKP在D3组达最高,通过对肝脏切片发现,添加300mg/kg维生素C相较于添加0、600mg/kg炎性细胞浸润现象明显减少,肝巨噬细胞数量明显增加。[结论] 综上所述,适量的维生素C可有效的改善大鲵消化道的结构,提高消化酶活性,增强肝脏抗氧化能力,保护肝脏健康。     

胆汁酸对草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)的生长性能、肌肉营养成分及消化酶活性的影响

为研究胆汁酸对草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)生长性能、肌肉营养成分及消化酶活性的影响,选取初始体重为(13.11±0.58)g的草鱼540尾,随机分成6个实验组,分别饲喂胆汁酸添加量为0、75、150、225、300、375 mg/kg的等氮等能饲料(粗蛋白含量34.56%,总能13.54 k J/g),养殖时间为60 d。结果显示,随着胆汁酸浓度的增加,草鱼的增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)均呈先上升后下降的变化趋势,且均在胆汁酸添加量为300 mg/kg时达到最大值(分别为281.18%和2.23%/d);饲料系数(FCR)则呈先下降后上升的趋势,且在胆汁酸添加水平为225 mg/kg时达最低值(1.26)。由二次回归方程可知,WGR、SGR、FCR等生产性能最优时,胆汁酸添加水平分别为222.15、265.00、242.86 mg/kg。实验鱼肌肉粗脂肪含量随胆汁酸添加量的增加而呈先下降后趋于稳定的变化趋势,粗蛋白质含量则呈先上升后降低的变化趋势。肠道各段及肝胰脏的消化酶活性均随胆汁酸添加量的增加呈先升高后下降的趋势。由此说明,适量的胆汁酸能提高草鱼生长性能,促进其脂肪代谢,降低机体脂肪沉积,改善其肌肉品质。本研究考虑到草鱼消化酶活性、肌肉品质及生长性能等因素,其饲料中胆汁酸适宜的添加量为222.15–265.00 mg/kg。     

还原型谷胱甘肽对大菱鲆生长及抗氧化能力的影响

在基础饲料中添加不同剂量的还原型谷胱甘肽,添加量分别为0、100、200、400、600 mg/kg,投喂初始体质量为(23.08±0.09) g的大菱鲆,8周后测定还原型谷胱甘肽对大菱鲆生长及抗氧化能力的影响。试验结果表明,饲料中还原型谷胱甘肽添加量为200 mg/kg时,大菱鲆的质量增加率和特定生长率显著高于其他组(P<0.05)。饲料中添加还原型谷胱甘肽对大菱鲆肝脏中丙二醛含量、总抗氧化能力、超氧化物歧化酶活力、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活力均无显著影响(P>0.05)。随着还原型谷胱甘肽添加量的增加,大菱鲆肝脏中丙二醛含量呈先降后升的趋势,对照组最高,200 mg/kg试验组最低;大菱鲆肝脏中总抗氧化能力、超氧化物歧化酶活力和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活力均呈先升后降的趋势,200 mg/kg试验组最高。200 mg/kg试验组和400 mg/kg试验组大菱鲆肝脏中还原型谷胱甘肽含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。200 mg/kg试验组大菱鲆肝脏中谷胱甘肽硫转移酶活力和谷胱甘肽还原酶活力显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。根据回归分析,确定大菱鲆饲料中还原型谷胱甘肽的最适添加量为189.70 mg/kg。     

拟微绿球藻粉对大菱鲆幼鱼生理和脂肪酸组成的影响

为探讨饲料中添加拟微绿球藻粉替代鱼油对大菱鲆幼鱼血清生化指标、体组成和脂肪酸组成的影响,用拟微绿球藻粉替代基础饲料中0(对照组)、8%、16%、24%和32%的鱼油,配制5种等氮等能的饲料。选取初始体质量(82.64±0.32)g的大菱鲆幼鱼375尾,随机分为5组,每组3个重复,每个重复25尾,养殖37d。试验结果显示,试验组的全鱼粗蛋白呈逐渐上升的趋势并且显著高于对照组(P<0.05),试验组的全鱼粗脂肪呈逐渐下降的趋势并且显著低于对照组(P<0.05),试验组的肌肉粗蛋白和粗脂肪与全鱼具有相同的趋势;肌肉和肝脏的花生四烯酸含量随着饲料中拟微绿球藻粉含量的增加而上升,而n-3/n-6高不饱和脂肪酸呈下降的趋势;血清总超氧化物歧化酶和总抗氧化能力呈先升后降的趋势,在替代16%试验组达到最大值并且显著高于对照组(P<0.05),血清溶菌酶也呈先升后降的趋势,替代16%试验组和替代24%试验组显著高于对照组(P<0.05),血清丙二醛呈先降后升的趋势,在替代16%试验组达到最低值并且显著低于对照组(P<0.05),血清低密度脂蛋白胆固醇呈下降趋势,试验组显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。研究表明,在16%～24%替代水平上,可提高试验组的非特异性免疫力和抗氧化能力,降低其血脂水平,而大菱鲆幼鱼高不饱和脂肪酸的含量不变,保持了其营养价值。     

维生素C对泥鳅幼鱼生长和免疫的影响

水温21~26℃下,分别在基础饲料中添加不同含量的维生素C(以抗坏血酸多聚磷酸酯为维生素C源,添加量分别为0、50、120、240、360、500mg/kg),研究维生素C对(1.996±0.176)g泥鳅幼鱼的影响。试验结果表明,随着维生素C添加量的增加,泥鳅幼鱼的特定生长率呈现先升后降趋势,并在添加量为132.2mg/kg时达到最高值,显著高于其他几个试验组(P0.05)。组织和肌肉中的维生素C积累量随着饲料中维生素C添加量的增加呈先升后降趋势,在132.2mg/kg时和248.8mg/kg时分别达到最高。随着饲料中维生素C含量的增加,溶菌酶活性也呈现出先升后降趋势,在362.6mg/kg时达到最高,显著高于其他组(P0.05);血清总抗氧化能力呈上升趋势,以特定生长率和血清溶菌酶含量为指标,做折线模型回归分析最终求得泥鳅幼鱼饲料中维生素C的最适添加量分别为95mg/kg和423.3mg/kg。     

投喂水平对黄鳝(Monopterus albus)生长、肠道消化酶活性及部分血清生理生化指标的影响

为探究不同投喂水平对黄鳝(Monopterus albus)生长、肠道消化酶活性及血清生理生化指标的影响,分别以初始体重为(68.85±0.44)g和(26.67±0.17)g的2种规格黄鳝为研究对象,大规格按照体重的2.8%、3.6%、4.4%和5.2%投喂;小规格按照体重的3.0%、4.0%、5.0%、6.0%和7.0%投喂;每个处理组设置3个重复,大规格组50尾/箱,小规格组100尾/箱,实验持续56 d。实验结果显示,随着投喂水平的增加,2种规格黄鳝增重率、饲料系数、肝体比以及全鱼脂肪含量都显著升高(P0.05),但全鱼蛋白含量呈下降趋势。大规格黄鳝在投喂水平为4.4%和5.2%时增重率达到最高水平,且组间差异不显著(P0.05);大规格黄鳝肠道脂肪酶和胰蛋白酶活性随投喂水平的增加而显著升高(P0.05);大规格黄鳝血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、总胆固醇(TC)含量先升后降,血清甘油三脂(TG)含量呈上升趋势;大规格黄鳝在投喂水平为4.4%时,SOD和溶菌酶(LZM)活性达到组间较高水平。随着投喂水平的增加,小规格黄鳝肠道胰蛋白酶活性显著升高(P0.05);血清TG、TC含量升高,SOD活性降低,血糖含量呈先升后降趋势。在投喂水平为6%时,小规格黄鳝的SOD和LZM活性均处在较高水平。本研究表明,当大规格黄鳝投喂水平为4.4%、小规格黄鳝投喂水平为5%–6%时,黄鳝的生长性能达到较佳状态。     

Anguilla huangi Teng, Lin, and Tzeng, 2009, is a junior synonym of Anguilla luzonensis Watanabe, Aoyama, and Tsukamoto, 2009

Anguilla luzonensis and A. huangi were each described in 2009 using eels obtained from northern Luzon Island. We examined the taxonomic status of these two groups of eels using morphological and molecular genetic characters. There were no significant differences in two vertebrae counts between eels of A. luzonensis and A. huangi. Mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA and cytochrome b genes sequences were obtained and compared among 28 specimens of A. luzonensis, the holotypes of A. luzonensis and A. huangi, and one specimen of the other 15 anguillid species. The specimens of A. luzonensis exhibited almost identical sequences, including the holotype, with only a few site differences, and the genetic difference between the holotypes of A. luzonensis and A. huangi was within the range of differences of specimens of A. luzonensis. The other anguillid species were genetically very different from A. luzonensis and A. huangi, although A. interioris is a closely related species. It is clear that A. luzonensis and A. huangi are the same species, and according to the principle of priority in zoological nomenclature, A. luzonensis Watanabe, Aoyama, and Tsukamoto, 2009 is the valid species name, and A. huangi Teng, Lin, and Tzeng, 2009 is a junior synonym of A. luzonensis.     

Surface disinfection of Pacific threadfin, Polydactylus sexfilis, and amberjack, Seriola rivoliana, eggs

The effects of exposing the eggs of Pacific threadfin and amberjack eggs (AEs) to different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for 5 min on hatch rate and survival were assessed in a series of experiments using a petri dish model rearing system. Despite significant inter‐batch variation in hatch rate, it was shown that eggs of both species could be safely exposed to up to 11 340 mg L⁻¹ H₂O₂ for 5 min. Exposure to 34 230 mg L⁻¹ H₂O₂ for 5 min was shown to be lethal to AEs at a late stage of development. In two further experiments, it was demonstrated that Pacific threadfin eggs were resistant to all tested concentrations of a range of polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (PVP‐I) concentrations and contact times (up to 1000 mg L⁻¹ PVP‐I for 10 min). The level of bacteria adhering to the eggs of both species was highly variable. Where eggs were heavily colonized (>10⁴ cfu egg⁻¹), hydrogen peroxide concentrations of at least 11 340 mg L⁻¹, or PVP‐I concentrations higher than 500 mg L⁻¹ for 10 min, were required for effective sterilization. In less colonized batches, rinsing in sterile seawater or exposure to lower (550 mg L⁻¹) concentrations of H₂O₂ was sufficient to result in high apparent levels of surface sterility (<1 cfu egg⁻¹).     

Effect of Lead on Survival,Osmoregulation, and Histological Changes of the Gills of the White Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,Boone, 1931

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of lead for different life stages of shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, and to determine the effect of its sublethal concentrations on osmoregulatory capacity (OC) as well as the possible histological alteration in the gills of juvenile shrimp. The 24‐, 48‐, and 96‐h LC₅₀ values for lead to L. vannamei increased progressively with increasing life stage, from nauplii < zoeae < mysis < postlarvae < juvenile. After 15‐d exposure to 3.25, 6.50, and 9.75 mg Pb/L, the OC values of exposed shrimp were reduced by 39, 73, and 157%, respectively compared to control animals. Compared to controls, the lead concentrations in gill tissues increased significantly by 127,500, 137,500, and 141,000% in shrimps exposed to 3.25, 6.50, and 9.75 mg Pb/L, respectively. After lead exposure, hemocytic congestion in efferent vessels and multiple hyperplasia were observed in gill filaments, resulting in narrowed hemolymphatic lacuna. The histopathological effects increased with increasing Pb concentration.     

Effects of Mosquitofish,Gambusia affinis,on Channel Catfish,Ictalurus puncatatus,Production Ponds

Mosquitofish, Gambusia sp., have been spread throughout the world to biologically control mosquitoes. However, the fish has gained a reputation as an invasive species and has been implicated in displacing native aquatic species. Gambusia affinis are native to the southeastern United States and commonly occur in commercial channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, production ponds. We investigated effects of mosquitofish presence on zooplankton populations, water quality, disease occurrence, and fish production in experimental ponds. There were no differences between ponds with or without mosquitofish in numbers of calanoid copepods, cyclopoid copepods, total copepods, Bosmina sp., Ceriodaphnia sp., Moina sp., Daphnia sp., or total cladocerans. There were also no differences in copepod and cladoceran sizes. Copepod nauplii were more numerous during the summer months in ponds with mosquitofish. There were no differences in water quality variables (soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pH) or phytoplankton density between ponds stocked with and without mosquitofish. Catfish production and disease occurrence were also similar between ponds with and without mosquitofish. Although mosquitofish may cause problems when stocked outside their native range, there does not appear to be any adverse effects of mosquitofish presence in catfish production ponds.     

Recruitment strategy of swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus, in Hiuchi-Nada, Japan

The recruitment strategy of swimming crabs, Portunus trituberculatus, was investigated by field observations and numerical experiments in Hiuchi-Nada, Japan. Calculated dispersal patterns of zoeal and megalopal stages in a three-dimensional numerical model reproduce observed patterns accurately. The temporal change of vertical migration patterns between the 1st and 2nd zoeas and the 3rd and 4th zoeas plays an important role in the process of recruitment of P. trituberculatus from spawning ground to nursery ground.     

驼背鲈(Chromileptes altivelis)的胚胎发育及仔、稚、幼鱼形态观察

对驼背鲈(Chromileptes altivelis)的胚胎发育及仔、稚、幼鱼的形态特征进行了详细的观察与研究,描述了从受精卵到仔、稚、幼鱼各发育期的时间和形态特征变化。结果表明,在水温25-26℃、盐度30的海水中,受精卵历时27 h 25 min完成整个胚胎发育过程,经历从卵裂、囊胚、原肠、神经胚到肌节形成、各器官的逐渐形成、变化、完善等一系列的胚胎发育和变化过程;根据其卵黄囊消长情况、鳞片的覆盖状态、体色发生的不同变化以及第二背鳍和腹鳍的消长,将胚后发育分为仔、稚、幼鱼3个阶段。在水温22-26℃、盐度29-31、DO≥5 mg/L的条件下,2-3 d仔鱼卵黄囊消失,开口摄食;生长发育至31 d,仔鱼已变态进入稚鱼期;培育至57 d,稚鱼完成变态,成为幼鱼。第二背鳍棘和腹鳍棘的生长与收缩等石斑鱼类早期发育的共性生长特征及其体表特性体色变化特征为驼背鲈胚后发育过程中最明显的特征。     

Effect of Temperature on Growth,Energy Budget,and Physiological Performance of Green,White, and Purple Color Morphs of Sea Cucumber,Apostichopus japonicus

As an intertidal species, Apostichopus japonicus is subject to diel and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Color variation is a distinct characteristic of A. japonicus, and a new color morph, purple A. japonicus, was recently found on the coast of Rushan, Weihai City. This study was conducted to compare the performance of green, white, and purple color morphs of A. japonicus at different water temperatures to help improving aquaculture technology and management. In this study, green, white, and purple color morphs of juvenile A. japonicus (1.5 ± 0.1 g) were cultured at 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 C for 60 d, according to the suitable temperature range for sea cucumber growth. Temperature was shown to have a significant effect on growth, energy budget, and physiology of sea cucumbers (P < 0.05). Specific growth rates, feed conversion efficiencies, and the proportion of energy allocated to growth of all three color morphs were optimal at 18 C. Activities of the enzymes related with oxidative stress, immune response, and digestion were determined. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and trypsin activities generally reached a maximum in all three color morphs at 18 C. The purple color morph of A. japonicus was higher in growth rate, food conversion efficiency, and proportion of energy allocated to growth than green and white color morphs at 18 and 22 C, consistent with its higher trypsin and SOD activity, indicating the mutual effect of growth and physiology. At 18, 22, and 26 C, the green color morph had the highest level of lysozyme activity and purple color morph had the lowest, indicating possible infection by external pathogens of green color morph, which might be caused by high temperature. These results suggested that the optimum temperature for culture of the three color morphs was approximately 18 C, the purple had a better adaption to high temperature, and the green and white color morphs may be more susceptible to thermal stress than the purple color morph.     

Age,growth, maturity and the overfishing of the iconic sciaenid,Argyrosomus japonicus,in south-eastern,Australia

Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) occur in estuarine and coastal waters surrounding Australia, Africa, India, Pakistan, China, Korea and Japan, where they are important in fisheries. This study identified that mulloway in south-eastern Australia had similar growth rates, but matured at smaller lengths and younger ages, to those in South Africa and Western Australia. Growth of both sexes was similar to about 5 years, after which females grew faster and attained a greater maximum length than males. Female mulloway matured at 4–5 years of age with a L₅₀ of 68 cm, whereas males matured at 2–3 years of age with a L₅₀ of 51 cm. The commercial fishery in New South Wales was characterised by declining catches and a reduction in the proportion of mulloway of mature lengths in landings. During 2002–2005 commercial landings were dominated (83%) by fish within 15 cm of the current minimum legal total length of 45 cm and aged 2 and 3 years (>80%), even though mulloway can attain lengths of 200 cm and live >30 years. Estimates of the rates of instantaneous total mortality ranged between 0.34 and 0.45, whilst the rate of instantaneous natural mortality (M) was estimated to be approximately 0.12. Yield-per-recruit analyses indicated that mulloway in New South Wales are being growth overfished and substantial increases in yield could be achieved by increasing the length at first harvest. Values of the spawning potential ratio were below 0.2 under a range of mortality estimates, suggesting that mulloway are at risk of recruitment overfishing. These results suggest that the spawning stock of mulloway in south-eastern Australia has been depleted and that remedial management action is required to protect this iconic species.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of carotenoids on survival, growth, pigmentation, and antioxidant capacity of characins, Hyphessobrycon callistus

This study aimed to find out if dietary carotenoid (CD) supplement could make differences in survival, growth, pigmentation, and antioxidant capacity of characins Hyphessobrycon callistus, an ornamental fish. Two types of CD and its combination (AX — astaxanthin, BC — β-carotene, MX — 1:1 combination of AX and BC) at three concentrations (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) were used resulting in nine pigmented diets. A diet without CD supplement served as control. No differences in growth and survival of the fish among treatments were found after 8 weeks rearing. Disregarding the types of dietary CD, AX dominated (> 98%) the body CD, indicating that this fish converted most dietary BC into body AX for storage. Body AX and BC content increased with increasing dietary CD concentration. Body AX in BC-fed fish was lower than that in both AX- and MX-fed fish. No difference in body AX was found between AX- and MX-fed fish, and in body BC in all pigmented fish. Serum total antioxidant status [TAS], serum antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidases [GPx]) and serum transaminases (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) were chosen as indices of fish antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant activities changed with dietary CD type and concentration. Pigmented fish had lower SOD, GPx and ALT than control fish; dietary CD types only affected SOD and ALT in fish. AX-fed fish had the lowest SOD. Dietary AX had more numbers of negative correlations with antioxidant parameters in fish than BC.     

Effect of Salinity on Embryonic Development,Hatchability, and Growth of African Catfish,Clarias gariepinus,Eggs and Larvae

Abstract

Effects of salinity on embryonic development and growth of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, eggs and larvae were studied. Eggs were incubated at 27-29°C in 2,4,6,8, and 10 ppt sodium chloride. Rate of embryonic development was delayed in all salt solutions by 15, 15,28 and 30 minutes, in 2,4,6, and 8 ppt sodium chloride, respectively, when compared with the control group (0% salt); total mortality occurred at 12 hours after gastrula stage in the 10 ppt concentration. Percentage hatching was 45.1,47.7, 59.5,49.2, and 26.6% while percentage deformity was 10.4, 16.1, 52.0, 28.6, and 71.6% in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 ppt salt treatments, respectively. There were significant differences (P <0.05) in the hatching percentage and in deformity percentage between 4, 6, and 8 ppt. Rate of yolk absorption was significantly faster in the control and 2 ppt salt treatments, but slower in 4, 6, and 8 ppt. Rate of increase in length was slower with increasing salinity. The optimum salinity for African catfish eggs and was between 0-2 ppt and acceptable up to 6 ppt. The results suggest that increasing salinity delayed hatching and development of African catfish eggs and larvae, respectively, as well as increased the deformity of the larvae.