Effects of temperature on fertilized eggs and larvae of tawny puffer Takifugu flavidus

Tawny puffer Takifugu flavidus is a species found in China considered to have potential for aquaculture. Experiments were conducted to determine the optimal temperature for its incubation and larval culture. Fertilized eggs collected from cultured broodstocks that were induced to ovulate with a [d ‐Ala⁶‐Pro⁹‐Net]‐luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analogue were inseminated. The effect of temperature (19, 20, 23, 26 and 29 °C) on the hatch rate, incubation period, viability of 24 h post‐hatch larvae and total mortality rate was assessed. The effect of temperature (20, 23, 26 and 29 °C) on the growth and survival of larvae from 3 to 19 days after hatching (dah) was also assessed. The results showed that the optimal temperature for successful development of fertilized eggs ranged from 23 to 26 °C, and the highest hatch rate, the optimal viability of 24 h post‐hatch larvae and the lowest total mortality rate were all predicted using quadratic equations. The relationship between temperature and the incubation period of tawny puffer eggs was determined using the effective degree‐day model. The temperature at developmental zero (t₀) was 11.34 °C, and the sum of effective degree‐days (k) was 52.356. The survival rate of tawny puffer larvae at 20 °C was significantly lower than among 23, 26 and 29 °C, whereas the survival rate was not significantly different from that at 23, 26 and 29 °C. The larval growth rate increased rapidly as the temperature increased, showing a linear relationship in the range of temperatures investigated. The optimal temperature for larval culture ranged from 23 to 29 °C.     

Effects of different step‐wise temperature increment regimes during egg incubation of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) on egg viability and newly hatched larval quality

We carried out an experiment to determine how rapidly the early incubation temperature of Atlantic cod eggs can be increased without affecting normal embryonic development and hatching. Atlantic cod eggs were incubated at a constant low temperature (4.5 ± 0.5°C; T5 – control) and four temperature increment treatments where the temperatures were increased stepwise from 4.5°C at zygote stage to 9.5 ± 05°C (T1‐8 h, T2‐32 h, T3‐64 h and T4‐96 h). Embryonic cell symmetry, embryonic mortality, hatching success and larval skeletal abnormalities, length and yolk sac volume were recorded. Larval samples were also taken at hatch for histological analysis. Except for higher egg mortality and lower hatching success in the T1, the differences among experimental groups were minor. Cell asymmetries and embryo mortalities were not significantly different between the control and T2–T4 treatment groups. Control larvae were significantly longer and had smaller yolk reserves at hatch than T1–T4 larvae and larvae from T2 had the largest yolk reserves. Tissue and organ histology of hatched larvae were similar. Considering embryonic cleavage pattern, hatching success and larval morphology and histology, a gradual increment of temperature in 32 h seems to be the better choice for future developmental programming studies in Atlantic cod.     

Chemical surface disinfection of eggs of Baltic cod,Gadus morhua L.

The effect of two disinfectants on eggs and larvae of Baltic cod, Gadus morhua, was investigated. The eggs were disinfected for 10 min using various concentrations of either glutaraldehyde (100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg L^?1) or iodophor (10, 50, 100 and 150 mg L^?1), 1–4‐days post‐fertilization. Bactericidal effect of disinfection, survival to hatching, hatching success and larval abnormalities were assessed. Larval survival was recorded at 5‐, 10‐ and 15‐days post‐hatch (dph). Although Baltic cod eggs have an unusually thin chorion, they could tolerate surface disinfection. A reduction in bacterial growth was observed with increased concentrations of disinfectant (3.0 × 10⁷–1.6 × 10¹ CFU mL^?1). Abnormalities in newly hatched larvae were not related to disinfection. Survival of the yolk sac larvae was significantly better for eggs treated with 400 mg L^?1 glutaraldehyde for 10 min at 10 and 15 dph. Effective disinfection was also recorded using 100 mg L^?1 Actomar K30. Egg batch effect rather than initial bacterial concentration, disinfectant type or incubation method determined the survival of the eggs to hatching and survival of larvae. Because of the carcinogenic effect of glutaraldehyde, iodophor is recommended for routine disinfection of cod eggs.     

Effects of Temperature on Egg Hatch,Larval Growth and Metamorphosis for Hatchery-Cultured Southern Flounder,Paralichthys lethostigma

ABSTRACT

Egg hatch, larval growth, and metamorphosis of southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, were examined at 13, 17, 21, and 25°C in laboratory experiments. The experiments were separated into four developmental phases: (1) from fertilization until hatch; (2) from hatch until mouth opening; (3) from first feeding until the onset of metamorphosis; (4) from the onset until the completion of metamorphosis. Time to egg hatch were 109, 58, 39, 30 hours at 13, 17, 21, and 25°C, respectively. Size at hatch varied little among temperatures, while percent hatch was significantly higher at 17°C (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in total length at mouth opening among temperatures (P > 0.05). However, those larvae raised at higher temperatures reached mouth opening earlier, as it took on average 7.4, 3.9, 2.8, and 2.2 days from hatch at 13, 17, 21, and 25°C, respectively. During phase three, the growth rate was optimal at 17°C, as growth rates were 0.046, 0.110, 0.106 and 0.096 mm/day at 13, 17, 21, and 25°C, respectively. Larvae in phase four completed metamorphosis sooner at higher temperatures than at lower temperatures. It took 26.4, 15.7, and 13.1 days to complete metamorphosis at 17, 21, and 25°C, respectively, while only 16% of those at 13 progressed to stage “G” within the 27 days that phase four encompassed. No difference in total length was found among treatments (P > 0.05) at the completion of metamorphosis, but fish in the 21 °C treatment had a significantly higher survival (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that southern flounder could be produced in the highest quantity and at the largest size by raising them at 17°C from fertilization until the onset of metamorphosis, and at 21 °C during metamorphosis.     

Broodstock spawning and larviculture of whiting (Merlangius merlangus L.) reared in captivity

In recent years, an increasing interest in the farming of marine ‘white’ fish, such as cod, has been observed in the aquaculture industry. One species being considered for aquaculture development is whiting (Merlangius merlangus L.). With little data being available on the domestication of this species, our study aimed to characterize spawning behaviour and rhythmicity in captive broodstock and provide original data on egg incubation, embryonic development and larval rearing. The results observed through video recording showed that spawning mainly occurred at night with active courtship behaviour. Daily egg batches were collected from two separate spawning seasons, with an average fertilization success declining from 77% to 53%. Time to hatch was inversely related to the incubation temperature and occurred after 78 degree‐days (9 days at 8 °C), with emerging larvae ranging in size from 3.3 to 3.46 mm total length and hatch success ranging from 48.3% to 99.9%. In comparison with a clear water environment, a green water regime during the first days of larval rearing significantly improved larval growth and survival. These results are the first to describe spawning activity, early development and larval performances in whiting and are promising for the potential future development of whiting aquaculture.     

Production, Quality, and Low Temperature Incubation of Eggs of Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua and Haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus in Captivity

Atlantic cod Gadus morhua and haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus broodstock maintained under altered regimens of temperature and photoperiod spawned up to 8 mo per year. The cod broodstock produced viable embryos from October through June. The haddock broodstock produced viable embryos from December through May. Egg diameters were largest during the middle of the spawning season when water temperature was at a minimum, resulting in an inverse relationship between egg diameter and water temperature in both species. Egg quality was high, as evaluated by buoyancy, fertilization rate, regularity of early cleavage, and percent viable hatch. Low temperature incubation of cod and haddock eggs extended the embryonic period. Cod embryos tolerated a wider range of temperatures than haddock. High mortality (1 90%) was observed before hatching in haddock embryos incubated at 1 C. Atlantic cod embryos hatched at temperatures as low as —1 C, extending the embryonic period to 59 d. At 8 C Atlantic cod and haddock embryos hatched in 11–12 d. To determine if extending the embryo incubation time by using low temperatures had a detrimental effect, embryos were incubated through hatch at either 1 C or 6 C, and the larvae from both groups reared at 6 C. Growth and early survival of larvae were comparable in both treatments.     

Induced out-of-season spawning of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador) and effects of temperature on embryo development

Treated with combined bilateral eyestalk ablation and maintenance of water temperature at 22.5±1.5 °C, mud crab Scylla paramamosain females with mature ovaries were induced to produce eggs outside the natural spawning season in subtropical southern China. Newly extruded eggs from a crab were incubated in vitro at 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 35 °C, respectively, and the embryonic development was closely monitored. Abnormal cell division was observed at temperatures 10 and 35 °C. At 15 °C, development remained at the gastrula stage by day 32 post‐spawn, at which time the experiment was terminated. Hatching of in vitro incubated eggs occurred between 20 and 30 °C. An increase in incubation temperature from 20 to 25 °C reduced the incubation duration by 14 days, 2.6 times of that measured for a similar 5 °C increase from 25 to 30 °C. Embryonic development of S. paramamosain was divided into stage 0–10, and the duration of each stage was recorded for each incubation temperature. The information obtained allows accurate prediction of hatching time of female crabs incubated under variable temperatures. Larvae hatched from in vitro incubated eggs were reared to reach first juvenile crab stage and their dry weights were similar to those of larvae hatched naturally.     

Thermal shock induction of triploidy in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)

The effects of thermal treatments on induction of triploidy in Atlantic cod have been investigated. Cold shock [−1.7±0.1°C at 20 min post fertilization (PF) for 2 h] was based on a previously developed protocol, and heat shocks, below the lethal threshold of 24°C, were at 16, 18 or 20°C applied 20, 30 or 40 min PF for 20 min. Cold shock did not affect larval survival and was ineffective for producing triploids (range 0–4%). A heat shock of 20°C at 20 min PF generated the highest percentages (range 66–100%) of triploid larvae at hatching, with survival ranging from 10% to 20% relative to the controls. Lower heat shock temperatures or delayed shocks increased survival but decreased the number of triploids, providing no net gain in triploid yield (range 1–9%). Heat shocks applied later than 20 min PF produced 2–4% tetraploid larvae at hatching. A thermal shock of 20°C initiated at 20 min PF and lasting 20 min proved to be the most generally efficient treatment for induction of triploidy in Atlantic cod.     

Growth and survival of first-feeding spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor Olafsen) at various temperature regimes

In order to define temperature regimes that could benefit successful production of spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) juveniles, experiments with offspring from two different females were carried out. The larvae were fed a new formulated feed or a commercial start‐feed for marine fish, both of which have given high survival rates. In the first experiment newly hatched larvae were fed at constant 6 °C, 8 °C, 10 °C and 12 °C as well as at ambient seawater temperature (2.9–4.5 °C) during 63 days. High survival, 90% to 96%, was registered at ambient and most constant temperature regimes, whereas in the 12 °C groups survival was reduced to 80%. Growth rate (SGR) was very low, 1.8% day^?1, at the low ambient temperatures. Growth rate was positively correlated with temperature and varied between 3.1% day^?1 to 4.7% day^?1, from 6 °C to 12 °C. In the second experiment, set up to include potential detrimental temperatures and study beneficial effects of a more restricted, elevated first‐feeding temperature regime, the larvae were fed at constant 8 °C, 10 °C, 12 °C, 14 °C and 16 °C until 30 days post hatch, followed by constant 8 °C for the next 33 days. In this experiment, low survival, 25% and 2.0%, was registered at 63 days post hatch when larvae were reared initially at 14 °C and 16 °C respectively. The survival of the larvae at the other temperature regimes varied from 47% to 64%, highest survival rate (64%) was found at 8 °C. The lowest specific growth rate, 2.6% day^?1, was noted in the 16 °C group. At constant 8 °C to 14 °C (regulated to 8 °C), the SGR varied from 4.45% day^?1 to 5.13% day^?1. The larvae grew faster in the experiment when initially comparable temperatures (8 °C, 10 °C and 12 °C) were regulated to constant 8 °C after 30 days compared with the first experiment where feeding was carried out at the same constant temperatures (8 °C, 10 °C and 12 °C) during the whole experimental period.     

Optimum temperature and food-limited growth of larval Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) on Georges Bank

We estimated recent growth of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) larvae collected on the southern flank of Georges Bank in May 1992–94 from the ratio of RNA to DNA (R/D) and water temperature. Growth of both species increased with water temperature to about 7°C and then decreased. The highest growth rates were observed in May 1993 at water temperatures around 7°C. These data confirm an earlier observation of comparable temperature optima for growth of Atlantic cod and haddock larvae in the north‐west Atlantic. Comparisons of field growth rates and temperature optima with data for larvae cultured at high temperatures and prey densities in the laboratory suggest that growth may have been food‐limited at higher temperatures on Georges Bank. Given that 7°C is the long‐term mean water temperature on the southern flank in May and that climate models predict a possible 2–4°C rise in water temperatures for the western North Atlantic, our findings point to a possible adverse effect of global warming on Atlantic cod and haddock.     

Effects of storage and incubation temperature on the viability of eggs, embryos and larvae in two strains of an African catfish, Heterobranchus longifilis (Siluriformes, Clariidae)

Two experiments, dealing with short‐term storage of ova and thermal conditions to optimize gamete and eggs management in hatcheries of the African catfish, Heterobranchus longifilis, were carried out. In the first experiment, ova collected by stripping from two strains of H. longifilis were stored for intervals up to 8 h at two temperature regimes: in a domestic refrigerator (3–5°C) and at ambient room temperature (20.5–22°C). In the second experiment, eggs were incubated from fertilization to hatching at different experimental temperatures (21, 25, 29, 32 and 35°C) to determine the effects of temperature on the kinetics of white egg appearance, hatching times and hatching quality. Gamete storage at warmer temperatures significantly prolonged viability irrespective of the strain used. In fact, the hatching rate for ova stored at 20.5–22 and 3–5°C for 5 h ranged between 75.2–79.3% and 6.5–9.4% respectively. Loss of viability was most noticeable after 6 h storage at ambient room temperature. Post‐storage viability significantly declined after 2 h exposure to the domestic refrigerator temperature. No hatching of normal larvae took place after 8 h post‐storage time. Results from the second experiment showed that time to maximum whitening of eggs was both strain‐ and temperature‐dependent. The time to maximum mortality of eggs was shorter in the Layo strain (LS) than in the Noun strain (NS), regardless of incubation temperature. The appearance of white eggs was shorter with increasing incubation temperatures. Hatching times decreased with increasing temperature, regardless of strain. Hatching took place from 21 to 27 h and 19 to 24 h after fertilization at temperature of 29°C, respectively, for NS and LS. The length of the hatching period was remarkably shorter for LS than NS at any tested incubation temperature, except 35°C. No hatching took place at 21°C. The highest proportion of normal larvae occurred at 25 and 29°C, respectively, for NS and LS. Hatching rate was highest at 25 and 29°C, respectively, for NS and LS. There was a significantly higher proportion of deformed larvae at 35°C regardless of the strain.     

The effect of light intensity on development and hatching success of lingcod, Ophiodon elongatus (Girard), eggs

The influence of incubation light intensity on development and hatching success of the lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus Girard) was studied by determining time to hatch, per cent hatch (total and viable) and per cent of deformities for embryos incubated at three different light intensities: ～0, 1, and 563 lux. Photoperiod for the last two treatments was 16 h dark: 8 h light. Chemical parameters throughout incubation remained within acceptable ranges. Hatching in all treatments began 43 days post fertilization (353 °C days) and was complete on day 46 (377 °C days), with peak hatch for all treatments on day 44 (361 °C days). Per cent viable hatch for eggs incubated in the 1 lux treatment (88.6 ± 2.1%; mean ± SEM) was significantly greater than eggs incubated in the ～0 lux (59.6 ± 11.3%) and 563 lux (61.4 ± 9.2%) treatments. A significantly greater per cent of deformed embryos with curled bodies occurred at 563 lux (9.5 ± 2.6%) compared with the 1‐lux treatment (2.5 ± 0.6%). No significant differences for the other categories of deformities (ball, short, distended gut) were detected among treatments. Total deformities (all categories combined) for ～0 lux (16.0 ± 4.2%) and 563 lux (17.2 ± 3.3%) were significantly greater than total deformities for 1 lux (5.0 ± 1.4%).     

Natural zooplankton as larval feed in intensive rearing systems for juvenile production of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)

The growth potential of cod larvae is not fully achieved when rotifers (Brachionus spp.) are used as live feed. In this experiment, we studied the effect of natural zooplankton (mainly copepods) on the growth of cod (Gadus morhua L.) larvae reared in intensive systems. Using a growth model developed for cod larvae, the growth rates observed could be evaluated and compared with growth rates reported previously. The cod larvae showed optimal growth rates until age 19 days post hatch (DPH) when they reached 9.77 ± 0.25 mm standard length (SL). Early weaning (20–25 DPH) resulted in significantly longer larvae at age 30 DPH compared with late weaning (25–32 DPH); however, in this period, the zooplankton concentrations were low. The experimental larvae showed considerably higher growth rates compared with rotifer (Brachionus spp.)‐reared cod larvae in previous experiments. The nutritional composition of cod larvae was analysed and compared with published results on rotifer‐reared larvae. The levels of iodine, manganese, selenium and n‐3 PUFA were considerably higher in larvae fed copepods compared with larvae fed rotifers. The differences in nutritional status may well explain the differences in growth observed between copepod and rotifer‐reared larvae.     

Short- and long-term differences in growth, feed conversion efficiency and deformities in juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) startfed on rotifers or zooplankton

Growth, feed conversion efficiency and frequencies of skeletal deformities were studied in juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) that had been startfed on either rotifers (rotifer group) or zooplankton (zooplankton group). After metamorphosis, the fish were reared at four constant temperatures (7, 10, 13, 16°C) or moved successively from 16 to 13 and 10°C (T‐step, average 13.2°C). The zooplankton group had a consistently higher growth rate at all the temperatures studied. Further, the zooplankton group had higher food intake (20%) and higher feed conversion ratio (1.65 vs. 1.31). In addition, a significantly higher incidence of skeletal deformities was found in the rotifer group (14.2%) compared with the zooplankton group (4.1%). After termination of the laboratory study, the fish were reared in sea pens under ambient conditions for 17 months. Final weights of the zooplankton group were consistently larger (between 12% and 14% larger depending on original temperature groups). To verify the growth results, we conducted a follow‐up study where a single egg group was divided into two parts and fed either on rotifers or zooplankton. This study indicated similar growth differences as found in the first study. Overall, our data suggest that different startfeeding diets may be important for long‐term growth, incidence of deformities and quality of juvenile cod. The use of zooplankton can greatly improve long‐term growth and quality of cod juveniles. The study also highlights the advantage of using elevated temperatures in the juvenile phase as this will lead to significantly higher final weights in the adult stage.     

Developmental temperature stress and parental identity shape offspring burst swimming performance in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Abstract – The persistent effects of embryonic temperature stress and individual parentage on fry swimming performance were examined in a cross‐fertilisation experiment using sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). A fixed‐velocity test of burst swimming was used to assess the endurance capacity and behavioural performance of individual fry from 10 offspring families incubated at 12, 14 or 16 °C to hatch and then reared through yolk absorption and exogenous feeding stages in a common posthatch environment (average 6.9 °C). Fry burst swim time (BST) was influenced by an interaction between incubation temperature and family identity. Average BST was longer for fry from the 12 °C prehatch treatment compared to 14 and 16 °C, although differences were largely attributable to temperature effects on average fry size. Behavioural observations revealed that fish incubated at 16 °C performed more poorly, having a larger proportion of individuals that required stimulation to swim, fatigued more frequently or were classified as ‘nonswimmers’. Within all three incubation temperature treatments, mean BST varied significantly among offspring families, independent of fry mass and length. An interesting relationship was observed within the 16 °C treatment, whereby families with higher survivorship were characterised with lower mean BSTs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that exposure to high temperatures in early sockeye salmon development can result in persistent, parentally mediated effects on fry performance. As such, these results provide important insight into how elevated temperature events during egg incubation may affect early life history selection processes and survival in stages beyond when the stressor is experienced.     

Effects of rearing temperature on growth and survival of larval sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

The effects of three different rearing temperatures (12, 15 and 18°C) on growth and survival of sablefish larvae (Anoplopoma fimbria) were examined from 5 days poststocking to weaned subjuveniles. First‐feeding larvae were stocked into 960‐L circular tanks at a density of 15 larvae/L (n = 3 per temperature treatment). Feeding, increases in light and water flow and other changes during the experiment were based on a degree‐day (°Cday) schedule to adjust for time and temperature. The larvae were weaned on calendar day 41, 34 and 30 in the 12, 15 and 18°C treatments respectively. Survival to weaning was greater at 15 than 12 or 18°C. Calendar day and degree‐day length and dry weight were greater in the 18°C treatment. The larvae were weaned 7 days earlier at 15°C and 11 days earlier at 18°C compared to larvae at 12°C. Sablefish larvae can be reared at 15°C with faster growth and good survival compared to 12°C and at an approximately 17% reduction in cost and labour. Sablefish grew even faster but had higher mortality rates at 18°C compared to 15°C. Results from genotyping strongly suggest that there is a genetic basis for performing differentially at varying rearing temperatures and would also suggest that selection for faster growth and higher survival could be accomplished in a broodstock programme.     

Effect of temperature and salinity on virulence of Edwardsiella tarda to Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck et Schlegel)

Experiments were designed to determine the effects of temperature and salinity on the virulence of Edwardsiella tarda to Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. In the temperature experiment, a two‐factor design was conducted to evaluate the effects of both pathogen incubation temperature and fish cultivation temperature on pathogen virulence. E. tarda was incubated at 15, 20, 25 and 30±1°C, and the fish (mean weight: 10 g) were reared at 15, 20 and 25±1°C respectively. The fish reared at different temperatures were infected with the E. tarda incubated at different temperatures. The results of a 4‐day LD₅₀ test showed that temperature significantly affected the virulence of E. tarda (P<0.01) and the interaction between the two factors was also significant (P<0.01). For fish reared at 15°C the virulence of E. tarda was the highest at 25°C of pathogen incubation, followed by 20, 15 and 30°C. When the fish rearing temperature was raised to 20 and 25°C, the virulence of E. tarda incubated at all temperatures increased. Isolation testing demonstrated results similar to those of LD₅₀. The higher rearing temperature increased the proliferation rate of the pathogen in fish. In the salinity experiment, the incubation salinity of E. tarda was at 0, 10, 20 and 30 g L^?1, respectively, and the fish with mean weight of 50 g were cultured in natural seawater of 30 g L^?1. The results of one‐way anova in 4‐day LD₅₀ test showed that incubation salinity significantly affected virulence. Virulence was lower when the salinity of the incubation medium was at 0 and 30 g L^?1, higher at 10 and 20 g L^?1. The results of isolation test were in accordance with those of LD₅₀. At 20 g L^?1E. tarda had a faster proliferation rate than that at 10 g L^?1.     

Importance of broodstock holding temperature on fecundity and egg quality in three groups of photo‐manipulated Atlantic cod broodstock

We conducted a study to evaluate the effects of holding water temperature on the fecundity and egg quality of photo‐manipulated Atlantic cod broodstock. Adult cod Gadus morhua were distributed among several 25‐m³ tanks. Three separate photoperiods were used for each group to obtain three spawning per year (in May, July and December). While photoperiod was controlled, the temperature was not controlled and followed the ambient seasonal pattern. Due to the uncontrolled seasonal temperature used, each spawning group experienced different temperatures at a particular gonadal developmental stage. Otherwise, all groups were treated the same. Results showed that the May and July spawning groups released significantly more eggs per kg of fish (four and three times more respectively) than the December spawning group. The egg fertilization success and proportion of normal eggs were also higher in the May and July groups. Possible reason for the difference may be that the May and July groups experienced lower temperatures (4–7°C) during oocyte maturation and ovulation than the December group (7–9°C). Our results show the importance of using lower/natural temperatures during oocyte maturation and ovulation to obtain good quality eggs in photo‐manipulated cod broodstock.     

EXPERIMENTAL CULTURE OF THE OCEAN QUAHOG,Arctica islandica

Larvae and early postlarvae of the ocean quahog, Arctica islandica, were reared under experimental hatchery conditions. Mature eggs were stripped from ripe adults and exposed to a dilute solution of ammonium hydroxide for various lengths of time prior to addition of stripped sperm. The larval clams were reared through settlement and metamorphosis using the Wells-Glancy (centrifuged, incubated seawater) method of algal culture and/or modifications of standard hatchery techniques developed by Loosanoff and Davis. Experimental cultures were maintained at various temperatures ranging from 8.5° to 14.5°C. At temperatures of approximately 13°C, the minimum time to settlement was 32 days, while settlement was not observed in a culture maintained between 8.5° and 10.0°C until approximately 55 days after fertilization. Larval growth rates were significantly lower in the culture maintained at 8.5–10.0°C than in cultures maintained at 11.0–14.5°C. An optical micrograph sequence of larval stages from the straight-hinge stage through metamorphosis is presented to facilitate identification of Arctica islandica specimens isolated from plankton samples. While various workers have reported exceedingly low growth rates of juvenile and adult Arctica, growth rates of larval Arctica appear to be fairly “typical” of rates encountered within the class Bivalvia.     

Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida infection in naturally and experimentally infected cod, Gadus morhua L.

Cod, Gadus morhua L., of wild origin, were reared at different temperatures for 12 months. During this period, moribund and newly dead fish were examined and samples collected for bacteriology and histopathology. Atypical Aeromonas salmonicida was isolated from 10 individuals reared at or above 7 °C. The isolates were homogeneous with respect to biochemical and antibiogram characters and similar to the ssp. achromogenes National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria, UK, type strain 1110 and reference strains that have been isolated from salmonids and haddock in Iceland. Histopathological analysis of the naturally infected cod showed typical ulceration associated with atypical A. salmonicida infection and also widespread granulomatous formations. One‐year‐old cod of farmed origin, kept at 9 °C, received intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection with different doses of atypical A. salmonicida, isolated from the above wild cod. Mortalities were monitored for 28 days and the LD₅₀ calculated. The route of bacterial injection influenced the mortality rate and LD₅₀ value and affected, to some extent, the pathological changes observed and humoral immune parameters. Pathological changes, including haemorrhage, early stages of granuloma formation and necrotic changes, were seen in several organs. Infection appeared to induce non‐specific antibody activity against trinitrophenyl (TNP)‐haptenated protein and may have activated the complement system. Specific antibody response against atypical A. salmonicida was not detected.