Effects of photoperiod on growth and spawning efficiency of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) broodstock in a recycling system

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of photoperiod on the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and spawning performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock. Duplicate groups of two males (66±3.04 g) and six females (50.5±1.58 g) were stocked in 0.4 m³ fibreglass tanks in a recirculating water system at a male:female ratio of 1:3. The fish were subjected to four photoperiod treatments: 24:0 light:dark (L:D), 18L:6D, 12L:12D and 6L:18D. Light intensity was kept constant at about 2500 lx throughout the study. The fish were fed a commercial tilapia diet (35% crude protein and 16.6 MJ GE kg⁻¹) at a daily rate of 2–3% of tank biomass, twice a day, for 130 days. Males grew significantly faster than females under all photoperiod regimes. The best growth rate and FCR were attained at 18L:6D, followed by 24L:0D, 12L:12D and 6L:18D respectively. The number of eggs per female, number of eggs per spawn and number of spawnings per female were all significantly higher in the 12L:12D treatment than in all other photoperiod cycles. Interspawning intervals and days elapsed per spawn were also shorter in the 12L:12D treatment. The time to first spawning was slightly longer in the 24L:0D and 6L:18D than in 12L:12D and 18L:6D light phases. The 18L:6D and 6L:18D photoperiods produced the lowest spawning performance. It is concluded that a 12L:12D photoperiod regime should be adopted for maximum fecundity, seed production and spawning frequencies of Nile tilapia broodstock reared in intensive, recirculating systems. If maximum reproduction is desired, a near‐natural day length photoperiod should be used.     

Growth and survival of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) larvae reared on different photoperiod regimes from hatch to metamorphosis

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of photoperiod on growth and survival of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, from hatch until metamorphosis. Sixteen 100 L upwelling tanks were stocked with larvae at an initial stocking density of 20 larvae/L. Larvae in eight tanks were provided with continuous light (24 hr light/0 hr dark), while those in the remaining eight tanks were grown under a photoperiod of 14 hr light/10 hr dark. Tanks were sampled for larval standard lengh from 6 to 28 days post‐hatch, and the number of live larvae, live metamorphosed and dead metamorphosed fish were recorded at the termination of the experiment (starting 46 dph). Results indicated that larvae provided with continuous light were larger than those sampled from 14 hr light/10 hr dark treatment. No effect of photoperiod on the number of non‐metamorphosed fish recovered at the end of the experiment was detected. On the contrary, over three times as many fish survived and reached metamorphosis under continuous light. An ANCOVA model showed a significant interaction between light and age. Both regressions were significant and provided the following growth equations: SL_{24 hr light/0 hr dark} = 0.101 × age + 2.55 (r² = 0.96) and SL_{14 hr light/10 hr dark} = 0.094 × age +2.45 (r² = 0.97). Using 6.36 ± 0.059 mm SL as the mean size at metamorphosis, larvae experiencing continuous and 14 hr light/10 hr dark photoperiods would reach metamorphosis in 38 and 42 days respectively.     

The effect of photoperiod on growth, survival, colour and activity of juvenile southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii

Juvenile (1–10 g) southern rock lobsters, Jasus edwardsii, were subjected to five photoperiods [0L(light):24D(dark); 6L:18D; 12L:12D; 18L:6D; 24L:0D] during a 112‐day trial, and growth, survival, colour, food consumption and activity were examined. Lobsters grown under the 6L:18D and 24L:0D photoperiods had significantly lower (P < 0.05) final mean weight and specific growth rate than any other treatments. Photoperiod had no effect on survival or colour of lobsters. Food consumption differed significantly during the first week of the trial; after 5 weeks, food consumption was similar in all treatments. Major peaks in activity occurred during dark periods for lobsters exposed to photoperiods that had a light:dark regime. Activity of lobsters exposed to continuous light or dark regimes remained constant and at low levels during the 24‐h period. Food consumption or activity does not appear to determine the rate of growth of lobsters in the different photoregimes. One over‐riding outcome of this and other studies on photoperiod is that the growth and survival response of juvenile J. edwardsii was not significantly better than those of the standard 12L:12D cycle.     

Growth and survival of juvenile yellowtail flounder Pleuronectes ferrugineus (Storer) under different photoperiods

Yellowtail flounder Pleuronectes ferrugineus (Storer) have been identified as a potential species for coldwater aquaculture along the north‐east coast of Canada. It has been shown that increased photoperiods improve growth and survival during the larval stage of this species. We conducted two experiments to determine the effect of photoperiod on the growth and survival of juveniles. The first experiment compared growth and survival under 24‐, 18‐ and 12‐h lighting per day with a restricted food ration. The second experiment compared growth and survival rates under the above photoperiods and ambient lighting with fish being fed to satiation. No significant differences in growth or survival were found in juveniles under the different photoperiods in either experiment.     

Effect of different photoperiod cycles on metabolic rate and energy loss of fed and unfed adult tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: Part II

ABSTRACT: To study the influence of different photoperiod cycles on the metabolic rate and energy loss of fed and unfed adult tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (bodyweight 102–107 g) at 28°C, four photoperiod cycles (i.e. 3L : 3D, 6L : 6D, 12L : 12D, and 24L : 24D) were applied. A computer-operated respirometer with a closed tank was used so as to prevent water from condensing from the air or evaporating into the air. A photoperiod-mediated metabolic cycle was demonstrated during the routine state in which the metabolic rate was higher during the light phase compared with during the dark phase for all photoperiods. The combined effects of photoperiod and feeding episodes acted as a strong Zeitgeber (cue or synchronizer) for synchronizing the daily rhythm in fed fish. Fish exposed to short photoperiod cycles showed a higher metabolic rate and energy loss compared with those exposed to longer photoperiod cycles. Mean oxygen consumption in the fed and unfed fish were 295.7 mg/kg per h and 149.8 mg/kg per h, respectively, during the 3L : 3D period; 286.5 mg/kg per h and 143.3 mg/kg per h during the 6L : 6D period; 262.2 mg/kg per h and 130.3 mg/kg per h during the 12L : 12D period; and 238.3 mg/kg per h and 120.4 mg/kg per h during the 24L : 24D period. The highest post-prandial increase in energy loss was recorded during the 3L : 3D period (56.2 kJ/kg per day), followed by 55.1 kJ/kg per day during the 6L : 6D period, 50.7 kJ/kg per day during the 12L : 12D period, and 45.4 kJ/kg per day during the 24L : 24D period. The study's results demonstrated that the fish conserve energy when raised under longer photoperiod cycles.     

Effect of different photoperiod cycles on metabolic rate and energy loss of both fed and unfed young tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: Part I

ABSTRACT: The influence of different photoperiod cycles (3L : 3D, 6L : 6D, 12L : 12D, and 24L : 24D) on the metabolic rate and energy loss of either fed or unfed young tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (bodyweight 8.6–9.5 g) was investigated at 28°C. A computer-operated respirometer with a closed tank was used to prevent water from evaporating into the air or condensing from the air. The photoperiods acted as strong Zeitgeber (i.e., cue or synchronizer) during the experiments with either fed or unfed fish. A photoperiod-mediated metabolic cycle was demonstrated in fed and unfed fish in which oxygen consumption was higher during the light phase compared with during the dark phase for all photoperiods. Mean oxygen consumption during the 3L : 3D, 6L : 6D, 12L : 12D, and 24L : 24D periods for fed and unfed fish were 685.06 mg/kg per h and 299.33 mg/kg per h; 658.52 mg/kg per h and 284.80 mg/kg per h; 591.09 mg/kg per h and 249.62 mg/kg per h; and 500.64 mg/kg per h and 239.14 mg/kg per h, respectively. The highest post-prandial increase in energy loss was recorded during the 3L : 3D period (145.88 kJ/kg per day), followed by 141.19 kJ/kg per day during the 6L : 6D, 128.70 kJ/kg per day during the 12L : 12D, and 99.92 kJ/kg per day during the 24L : 24D periods. The results suggest that higher energy conservation would be achieved if fish are exposed to longer rather than shorter photoperiod cycles.     

Diet and Light Intensity Effects on Survival, Growth and Pigmentation of Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

Interest in the culture of flatfishes has increased globally due to high consumer demand and decreased commercial landings. The Southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma inhabit South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters and support important commercial and recreational fisheries. In spring, 1996, a two-part larval rearing study was performed with Southern flounder to examine the effects of three larval diets and two light intensities on survival, growth, and pigmentation. The first part of the study consisted of feeding 6 d post-hatch (dph) (3.0 ± 0.1 mm TL) larvae three diets: 1) rotifers Brachionus plicatilis at a rate of 10/mL from day 1–9 and Artemia nauplii (3/mL) from day 7 through metamorphosis; 2) rotifers fed day 1 through metamorphosis and Artemia fed day 7 through metamorphosis; or 3) same diet as treatment 1 plus a commercial larval diet added day 13 through metamorphosis. The second part of the study examined the effects of two light levels: low-light (mean 457 lux) and high-light (mean 1362 lux). At 24 C, metamorphosis began on day 23 (mean fish size 8.2 ± 0.6 mm TL) in all treatments and was completed by day 30. Analysis of survival, size, and pigmentation data indicated there were no significant differences among feed treatments or between light treatments. Overall survival was 33.4% (±15.9) and mean length was 11.5 mm TL ± 1.3. Only 35% of the larvae were normally pigmented. Reexamination of the pigmentation on day 37 indicated fish reared at the low light intensity through metamorphosis (day 30) but exposed to high light intensity for 1 wk post-metamorphosis had become significantly more pigmented.     

Optimal Stocking Density for Juvenile Winter Flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus

Abstract.— A 12-wk experiment was conducted to test the effects of 50, 100, 200, and 300% stocking densities (ventral fish area to bottom tank area ratio) on growth, survival, and aggressive behavior in 2-moold juvenile winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus . Over the course of the experiment, there were no differences ( P > 0.05) in growth between treatments at any given week. Survival decreased in all treatments over time, however, proportionately more fish died in the high (200 and 300%) density treatments. At the end of 12 wk, the 300% treatment had significantly lower survival ( P < 0.05). There were no differences in the degree of caudal fin damage between any of the treatments ( P > 0.05) suggesting that aggressive behavior. such as fin nipping, was not affected by stocking density. However, fish size was inversely related to caudal fin damage. When fish were sorted by length, the two smallest size categories (<2 cm and 2-3 cm) suffered the greatest fin nipping compared to each other ( P < 0.001) and all larger size categories ( P < 0.001). These results indicate that 50 to 300% stocking densities do not affect growth or aggressive behavior in juvenile winter flounder. Although survival was affected by density, the final yield (weight per treatment) at higher densities was still greater than at lower densities. Our hatchery recommendations are to stock at ≥200% but to monitor fish health carefully. Size grading should be employed to minimize aggression between fish size classes.     

Photoperiod in recirculation aquaculture systems and timing of seawater transfer affect seawater growth performance of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Production of Atlantic salmon smolts in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) is growing, and novel production protocols using continuous light in RAS are being implemented in the industry. In the present study, Atlantic Salmon parr were exposed to either a traditional protocol (short-day winter signal [12:12 L:D] for 6 weeks) or to continuous light. Both photoperiods were applied in freshwater (FW) and brackish water RAS. Salmon from all treatments were transferred to seawater pens at 200 and 600 g and grown until slaughter size. A control group was smoltified with a 6-week short-day winter signal and kept in FW until sea transfer at 100 g. Continuous light gave a higher growth rate in RAS but reduced feed intake and growth and increased feed conversion ratio during the first 8 weeks in seawater. However, at slaughter, fish exposed to continuous light was bigger than fish given a winter signal because of the higher growth rate in RAS. Slaughter weight was lowest in fish transferred to sea at 600 g, despite having the highest day-degree sum during their life span. The best performing group was the control group transferred at 100 g. All treatments handled transfer to seawater and survival and maturation were not affected by the treatments in RAS. The immune status was examined with a multigene expression assay on BioMark HD platform from parr stage to 5–7 months after seawater transfer. Overall, there was no significant effect of photoperiod or salinity on the expression of the selected immune genes. In sum, the results from this study indicate that using continuous light in RAS may have negative effects on performance shortly after transfer in fish transferred to sea at 200 g, whereas at 600 g, all treatments had reduced growth after transfer irrespective of treatment in RAS.     

Combined effects of photoperiod and salinity on growth,survival, and osmoregulatory ability of larval southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

The southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, is an important commercial and recreational marine flatfish that inhabits estuaries and shelf waters in the south Atlantic, from North Carolina through the Gulf coasts, with the exception of south Florida. Because juvenile and adult fish are highly euryhaline, it is a prime candidate for aquaculture. Methods for captive spawning of southern flounder are well developed; however, information on optimal culture requirements of the early larval stages is required for reliable mass production of juveniles.To determine the optimal photoperiod and salinity conditions for culture from hatching to day 15 post-hatching (d15ph), embryos were stocked into black 15-l tanks (75 l⁻¹) under four photoperiods (24L:0D, 18L:6D, 12L:12D, and 6L:18D) and two salinities (25 and 34 ppt) in a 4×2 factorial design. Temperature was 18 °C, light intensity was 150 lx, and aeration was 50 ml min⁻¹. Significant (P<0.05) effects of photoperiod and salinity on growth (notochord length, wet and dry weights) were obtained. Growth increased with increasing photoperiod and salinity and was significantly greater at 24L and 18L than at 12L or 6L, and at 34 than at 25 ppt. On d11ph and d15ph, significant interactive effects between photoperiod and salinity on growth (wet and dry weights) were also evident. Growth of larvae reared at 25 ppt increased with increasing photoperiod to a maximum at 24L, while growth of larvae at 34 ppt reached a plateau at 18L. While there were no significant photoperiod effects on these parameters, larval survival, body water percentage, and larval osmolality on d15ph were significantly higher at 34 than at 25 ppt (41% vs. 16% survival; 322 vs. 288 mosM kg⁻¹; and 84% vs. 76% water, respectively), suggesting stress and nonadaptation to 25 ppt, a salinity more nearly isoosmotic than full-strength seawater. Since larvae from both salinity treatments were neutrally or positively buoyant at 34 ppt, but negatively buoyant at 25 ppt, larvae reared at 25 ppt probably allocated energy to maintain vertical positioning, compromising growth and survival.The results demonstrate that growth and survival of early-stage southern flounder larvae are maximized under long photoperiods of 18–24L and in full-strength seawater. Longer photoperiods probably extend the time larvae have for feeding, while full-strength seawater salinity optimizes buoyancy and vertical positioning, conserving energy. The results show that early larval stage southern flounder larvae are not entirely euryhaline, which involves not only the ability to osmoregulate, but to conserve energy under reduced buoyancy. This is consistent with suboptimal vs. maximal growth of larvae reared at 25 and 34 ppt, respectively, under 18L (i.e., photoperiod×salinity interaction). This is also consistent with other reports that tolerance to lower salinities in these euryhaline flatfish increases post-metamorphosis when transition from a pelagic to benthic existence alleviates the need to counteract reduced buoyancy.     

Somatic growth, survival, feed utilization and starvation in European elver Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus) under two different photoperiods

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of two photoperiod regimes under artificial conditions on growth performance and survival in the European eel Anguilla anguilla during the transition from glass eel to elver. The fish were held in 12-h-light:12-h-dark (12L:12D) and in continuous darkness (DD) in fed and fast trials lasting 80 days. Fed fish kept in the dark showed higher somatic growth, and a better feed conversion ratio, higher protein and lipid content, with significant differences between treatments. Dark environment increased the survival rate in comparison with fish exposed to 12L:12D, during which eels showed lower survival rates and greater variations in size. Fasted fish suffered loss of body mass in both photoperiods at the end of the experimental phase, but fish exposed to 12L:12D lost more body mass. These results indicate that the photoperiod is a key factor during the glass eel–elver stage, which may contribute to optimizing the early stages of eel culture.     

Self-feeding activity of a pleuronectiform fish, the barfin flounder

The self-feeding activity of the barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) was examined under natural photoperiod and temperature. The experiment, carried out over 12 weeks from September to December, involved tagged fish (mean body weight: 371 g) reared in three 1000-l tanks (3 or 5 fish per tank) with a self-feeder device. The sensor comprised a switch and trigger string with a bead. Self-feeding activity was recorded in all tanks from day 1. The fish fed mostly at night. Strong positive correlations were observed between the number of daily feeder activations and water temperature/photoperiod, and all fish grew during the experiment. These results demonstrate that barfin flounder can operate self-feeding systems and it is suggested that self-feeding activity is influenced by photoperiod and water temperature.     

光照周期对褐牙鲆幼鱼生长、能量分配及生化指标的影响

在循环水实验系统中,设置1 L∶23 D、9 L∶15 D、12 L∶12 D、15 L∶9 D、24 L∶0 D(光L∶暗D)共5个光照周期处理组,研究其对褐牙鲆幼鱼生长及部分生化指标的影响。实验结束时褐牙鲆幼鱼的体质量为41.10~43.98 g,不同处理组间无显著差异,体质量未表现出与日光照周期长短的相关性。日生长系数只在21~30 d阶段内出现显著差异,整个实验期间的平均日生长系数为1.86~2.02,不同处理组间不存在显著差异,日生长系数随日光照周期的延长略呈下降趋势。不同阶段的摄食率在31~40 d阶段出现显著差异,12 L∶12 D处理组摄食率显著高于9 L∶15 D处理组。在整个实验期间,1 L∶23 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼摄食率为1.64,显著低于12 L∶12 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼的摄食率(1.79)。整个实验期间,1 L∶23 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼平均饲料转化效率为113.49,显著高于12 L∶12 D、15 L∶9 D、24 L∶0 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼,并略高于9 L∶15 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼,饲料转化效率随光照时间的延长呈下降趋势。实验期间摄食能的分配比例仅在排泄能上出现显著差异,15 L∶9 D最高,12 L∶12 D最低,其他各项能量分配均无显著差异。不同光照周期对耗氧率影响显著,15 L∶9 D最高,为0.252 mg/(g·h),24 L∶0 D最低,为0.173 mg/(g·h)。耗氧率随着光照时间的延长呈先上升后下降的趋势。血浆生长激素和类胰岛素生长因子I含量在不同处理组间也不存在显著差异,随光照时间延长也未表现出明显变动趋势。血浆褪黑素含量随光照时间的增加呈先下降后上升的趋势,12 L∶12 D处理组MT含量最低,但与其他处理组差异不显著。实验结束时肌肉RNA/DNA比值随光照周期延长呈先上升后下降变动趋势,其中15 L∶9 D和24 L∶0 D处理组的肌肉RNA/DNA比值显著高于1 L∶23 D处理。肝脏RNA/DNA比值以12 L∶12 D最高,15 L∶9 D最低。实验结果表明光照周期对褐牙鲆幼鱼摄食量和饲料转化效率产生显著影响,但摄食量减少的处理组由于耗氧率降低因而饲料转化效率得到提高,因此光照周期对生长没有显著影响。光照周期明显影响血浆褪黑素、肌肉和肝脏RNA/DNA比值,但生化指标的差异与生长无明显相关性。     

Reproduction,growth and stress response in adult red sea bream,Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel) exposed to different photoperiods at spawning season

Adult red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight, 1.0–2.0 kg) was exposed to three photoperiods [12 h light:12 h dark (12L:12D), 16 h light:8 h dark (16L:8D) and 24 h light:0 h dark (24L:0D)] from 2 months before spawning till the end of the spawning season to investigate growth, spawning and stress response. During the spawning season, tanks were checked every morning for spawned eggs. The growth performance in fish under 24L:0D was stimulated with significantly higher feed intake than those under other photoperiods (P<0.05). The number of eggs and gonadal histology confirmed that three and five females out of six in each of duplicate tanks of the 16L:8D treatment spawned. In contrast, only two out of six females in one tank of the 24L:0D treatment spawned, and no spawns were observed in the 12L:12D treatment. At the end of the spawning period, both 17β‐estradiol and testosterone levels were significantly higher in fish exposed to 16L:8D followed by 12L:12D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P<0.05). Photoperiod manipulation did not cause significant stress response in fish (P>0.05). The results suggest that stimulating the growth performance of red sea bream at reproductive stage with a 24L:0D photoperiod is possible if the fish are subjected to this photoperiod long before the onset of the spawning season.     

Effects of Photoperiod on Embryos and Larvae of Tawny Puffer,Takifugu flavidus

To determine the optimal condition of photoperiod for embryo development and larval culture of tawny puffer, Takifugu flavidus, the effects of photoperiod on egg hatching and the growth and survival of larvae from 3 to 23 d after hatching (dah) were assessed. The results show that photoperiodic responses varied with the developmental stage during the early development of tawny puffer. Photoperiod did not significantly affect the hatch rate, viability of 24 h post‐hatch larvae, and total mortality rate of tawny puffer embryos; however, it affected the incubation period, which significantly increased with increasing photoperiod from 6 to 24 h. The shortest incubation period was predicted to occur at 3.56 h day length from the quadratic relationship. However, photoperiod strongly affected the growth and survival of the tawny puffer larvae from 3 to 23 dah. Increasing the day length resulted in improvement of the larval growth and survival within the 0–12 h day length range; however, beyond the 12 h day length, a longer day length was not beneficial, and a 24 h continuous light had a negative effect on growth. From the quadratic relationships, the highest growth and survival rates were predicted to occur at 14.16 h and 17.74 h day length, respectively. Therefore, the optimal photoperiods for tawny puffer embryos and larvae were 3–6 and 12–18 h day length, respectively. The results of this study are useful in increasing the production of the species during incubation and larval culture.     

Seasonal cycle and regulation by temperature of antifreeze protein mRNA in a Long Island population of winter flounder

The seasonal cycle and regulation by temperature of antifreeze protein mRNA (AF mRNA) were investigated in a Long Island population of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) by Northern blot hybridization and by in vitro translation of liver RNA. AF mRNA was expressed at high levels in the fall and winter (Nov.–Feb.) and at low or undetectable levels in the summer. The time of accumulation of AF mRNA coincides with the time during which water temperature and photoperiod decrease to 4°C and 9 h of light per day, respectively. A temperature and photoperiod decrease in the laboratory during this time also resulted in high levels of AF mRNA. The levels of other mRNAs, as assayed by in vitro translation, were relatively constant during both seasonal acclimation and laboratory acclimation. The seasonal cycle of AF mRNA in Long Island winter flounder is similar to that of a more northern, Newfoundland population of winter flounder and different from that of an intermediate, New Brunswick population. These similarities and dissimilarities are discussed in light of potentially different exogenous and endogenous regulatory cues in the different populations.     

The effects of photoperiod and water exchange rate on growth and survival of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, Linnaeus; Sparidae) from hatching to metamorphosis in mass rearing systems

The effects of photoperiod and water exchange rate on the larvae of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, from hatching to metamorphosis, 60–70 days later, were tested. Survival, growth rate and condition factor were determined with photoperiods of 12 and 24 h, and water exchange rates of 0 and 25%/day.Continuous light supported the highest mean survival (3.25%), with a maximum of 7.8% from hatching to metamorphosis. Growth rate in dry weight was best under continuous light in a water system with no exchange, up to 20 days post-hatching. Highest growth rates of larvae 40–60 days old were obtained in tanks with 25% of their water exchanged daily, along with a 12-h photoperiod. Condition factor was directly correlated with larval age. For the first 30 days after hatching, condition factor was affected by photoperiod and was highest for larvae exposed to continuous light.     

Effects of different photoperiods on growth, stress and haematological parameters in juvenile great sturgeon Huso huso

The effects of constant light (24L:00D), no light (00L:24D) and two light–dark periods (18L:06D;12L:12D) on the growth, stress and haematological variables were assessed in juvenile great sturgeon, Huso huso . During the 8-week experimental period, juveniles (22.5 ± 0.6 g) were kept under a 150 lx light intensity in fibreglass tanks (0.8 m², 500 L). Differences in growth were insignificant during the experiment, but lactate levels were higher in the 00L:24D and 24L:00D photoperiods compared with 12L:12D and 18L:06D photoperiods. Cortisol levels did not show differences among the various photoperiods. At the end of the experimental period, fish reared under a 12L:12D photoperiod had higher haemoglobin values and erythrocyte numbers than in the other photoperiods, while no differences were found between groups with regard to haematocrit values or leucocyte numbers. The highest survival rate (89%) was observed in the 12L:12D period in which the levels of lactate and cortisol as stress indicators were minimal. The results indicate that various photoperiods cause different stress levels in juvenile great sturgeon and have no significant effects on growth, at least in short time periods.     

Survival,development and growth of larvae of the coconut crab,Birgus latro,cultured under different photoperiod conditions

Populations of the coconut crab, Birgus latro, have been severely depleted on most inhabited islands throughout the Indo‐Pacific regions because of overharvesting and environmental degradation. To assist in the development of artificial propagation technologies for supportive breeding programmes in conserving this species, this study was designed to elucidate the effect of photoperiod on the survival, developmental period of zoeae and body size of megalopae through laboratory experiments. We tested six light (L) and dark (D) photoperiod regimes times of 0–24 h, thus 0L:24D, 6L:18D, 12L:12D, 18L:6D and 24L:0D. Photoperiod conditions significantly affected larval survival. Survival was lower in the 0L:24D condition than in other photoperiod conditions, reflecting higher mortality during the zoeal stage in the 0L:24D condition. On the other hand, survival rates were high during the periods when larvae metamorphosed into megalopae, regardless of photoperiod conditions. In the 24L:0D condition, larval survival rate was slightly lower than in other conditions containing a light phase. Zoeal duration and megalopal body size were not different in light durations ranging from 0 to 18 h, but they were longer and larger, respectively, in the 24L:0D condition. Thus, continuous dark or continuous light conditions impaired the survival and development of larvae, and such photoperiod regimes should be avoided for culturing larvae of the coconut crab.     

The growth rate of two species of microalgae used in shellfish hatcheries cultured under two light regimes

Abstract. The production potential of any shellfish hatchery depends on the capacity of its algal system. The hypothesis that microalgal cultures grown under 12:12h light:dark photoperiod may produce the same cell densities as those using constant light is tested.
Two species of marine microalgae used in shellfish hatcheries. Chaetoceros gracilis Schütt and Isochrysis galbana clone T-iso, were grown in cultures at 18°C, under continuous light (1.43 × 10⁷μ^-2day^-1) and 12:12h light:dark cycles (2.87 × 10⁷μE m^-2 day^-1). Both light regimes provided equal amounts of light per day. In the continuous light cultures the mean doublings per day for exponentially growing cells were 1.37 and 1.49 for C. gracilis and I. galbana respectively and for the 12:12h light:dark cycles were 1.47 and 1.56 respectively. After 14 days of growth, the numbers of cells per unit of volume showed no significant differences between the two light regimes. The results are discussed in terms of a review of other authors' findings and in terms of the usefulness of the continuous light method in producing algae to be used in shellfish hatcheries.