The influence of feeding history on the acute stress response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The effect of an 80-day maintenance-feeding period on the acute stress response of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, to net confinement was determined. Fish were raised on an optimal feeding level of 20 g food/kg of metabolic fish weight per day (g/kg^0.8 day⁻¹) until 124 days post-hatch (dph). Feeding in group one (L>H) was then reduced to maintenance levels, i.e. 5 g/kg^0.8 day⁻¹ until 204 dph, when the feeding was again increased to 20 g/kg^0.8 day⁻¹. In group two (H>L), the feeding level was reduced from 20 to 5 g/kg^0.8 day⁻¹ on day 146. All fish were sampled at 226 dph. Food ration had significant effects on the growth rate and food conversion values with fish fed the high ration performing better than those on a lower level. Prior to the application of the stressor, only plasma levels of triglycerides were lower in fish fed a low food ration (H>L). Feeding history influenced the onset of the stress response with stressor-induced elevations of plasma cortisol, glucose and free fatty acids being higher in fish fed a high ration compared with those fed a low ration prior to sampling. These results suggest that feeding history through modification of the energy reserves can influence the onset of the acute stress response.     

Stocking density and shelter type for the optimal growth and survival of western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus (George)

The growth and survival of three size classes of wild caught western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus (post-pueruli: mean 2.14 ± 0.07 g, 13.2 ± 0.1 mm CL; year 1: post-settlement juveniles, 57.1 ± 1.1 g, 38.7 ± 0.28 mm CL; and year 2 post-settlement juveniles, mean 138.2 ± 2.26 g, 51.9 ± 0.25 mm CL) were examined at combinations of two stocking densities (post-pueruli: 50 and 100 m^− 2; year 1: 11 and 23 m^− 2; year 2: 10 and 19 m^− 2) and two shelter types (a novel rigid plastic mesh shelter or bricks) over a period of 6 months. Survival of lobsters held at the lower densities (90–95%) was significantly greater than for lobsters held at higher densities (post-pueruli = 78%, year 1 = 86%, year 2 = 88%). Post-pueruli survival was significantly higher in tanks with mesh shelters (91.7%) than brick shelters (75.8%) with a similar trend exhibited by year 1 and year 2 lobsters. Densities tested did not significantly affect lobster growth for any size class. Growth of post-pueruli was considerably higher in tanks with mesh shelters (641.7% weight gain; specific growth rate 1.07 BW day^− 1) (p < 0.05) but there was no difference in the growth of year 1 and year 2 lobsters between mesh and brick shelters. Feed intake (g pellet dry matter lobster^− 1 day^− 1) was not significantly different between densities. This study has shown that P. cygnus is well suited for aquaculture based on the collection and ongrowing of wild caught pueruli, as this species exhibits good survival at high densities (up to 100 m^− 2) without adverse effects on growth, and shows no captivity-related health problems. We recommend mesh shelters, with stocking densities of 50 m^− 2 for post-pueruli and between 20 and 25 m^− 2 for year 1 and year 2 juveniles, to maximise survival and production.     

Dietary impact of algal and artificial diets, fed at different feeding rations, on the growth and fatty acid composition of Tapes philippinarum (L.) spat

The effect of lipid supplementation and algal ration on growth and fatty acid composition of juvenile clams, Tapes philippinarum was investigated. A diet of Tetraselmis suecica was supplemented with a lipid emulsion and fed at a daily ration of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% WW DW⁻¹ day⁻¹. A mixed algal diet of Isochrysis galbana (clone T-Iso) and T. suecica (1:1 on DW basis) and starvation functioned as positive and negative control treatments, respectively. T. suecica, which contains eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n−3) but no docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n−3), was supplemented with 50% (% of algal dry weight) of a 22:6n−3-rich emulsion. Higher growth rates of T. philippinarum were associated with higher T. suecica feeding rations. Lipid supplementation resulted in significantly better growth rates of T. philippinarum at a T. suecica ration of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% WW DW⁻¹ day⁻¹. The growth promoting effect of lipid supplementation was significantly reduced during 4 consecutive weeks or by increasing the algal feeding ration. Increasing T. suecica rations were associated with a decrease in the % composition of 22:6n−3 while the 20:5n−3% composition was hardly affected in the total lipids of T. philippinarum. On the contrary, the absolute concentration of 22:6n−3 (μg per gram dry weight, μg g DW⁻¹) in the total lipids of T. philippinarum was similar at all T. suecica rations while the 20:5n−3 concentration significantly increased. The major effect of lipid supplementation on the fatty acid composition of the clams, was a significant increase of the 22:6n−3% composition in the total lipids, polar lipids and triglycerides. In contrast with 20:5n−3, the effect of lipid supplementation on the absolute 22:6n−3 content (μg g DW⁻¹) was more pronounced at a higher T. suecica ration. After a starvation period of 4 weeks, the concentration (μg g DW⁻¹) of all fatty acids was significantly reduced, except the n−7 monoenoic fatty acids (MUFA) and the non-methylene interrupted dienoic fatty acids (NMID). The concentration (μg g DW⁻¹) of the NMID in starved clams and clams fed different diets was similar to the concentration in the initial sample. This indicated that growing spat was actively synthesising NMID and they were selectively retained in unfed animals. The results indicated that either dietary lipid or 22:6n−3 was a growth-limiting factor when T. suecica was fed at a ration of 0.5, 1 and 1.5% WW DW⁻¹ day⁻¹. A selective retention in starved clams and a preferential accumulation in fed clams was observed for 22:6n−3 but not for 20:5n−3 which indicated a greater importance of 22:6n−3 compared to 20:5n−3.     

Marine shrimp aquaculture: a novel waste treatment system

Ecuadorian Penaeus vannamei were cultured in dirt ponds (each of approximately 163 m²) at four different stocking densities, i.e. 5 shrimp m⁻², 10 shrimp m⁻², 15 shrimp m⁻² and 20 shrimp m⁻². Experiments were carried out over three different periods during the year. Each experiment lasted for 11–14 weeks. No commercial feed was given to the shrimp. The only input to the ponds was about 30 kg of cattle manure per pond per week. Chemical composition of the cattle manure was analyzed. Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, DO and turbidity were recorded twice daily for each experiment; nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonium and phosphate), water ATP, sediment ATP, H₂S and chlorophyll were measured twice weekly for each experiment. Shrimp were sampled either weekly or bi-weekly for body weight measurements.

The results showed a negative correlation between stocking density and growth. Weekly growth ranged from 0·44 to 1·58 g week⁻¹. Survival was over 50% in all treatments and averaged at 70·8%. Under these stocking densities, shrimp production ranged from 4·4 to 18·8 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹. The stocking density of 15 shrimps m⁻² provides better production than the other stocking densities.

Water quality data did not relate to any shrimp growth. Water nutrient levels in pond discharge water were less than or equal to the nutrients in the incoming water in spite of the weekly addition of cattle manure and did not increase with the addition of cattle manure. No coliform bacteria were detected in any pond water samples through the study period. This indicates digestion of cattle manure in marine shrimp ponds would not pollute the environment with high concentrations of dissolved nutrients.

Thus, a marine shrimp pond can be considered a dissolved nutrient marine treatment plant converting unwanted cattle manure (1841 kg cattle manure ha⁻¹ week⁻¹ in this study) into a valuable commodity — shrimp.     

The effect of dietary protein replacement by crystalline amino acid on growth and nitrogen utilization of turbot Scophthalmus maximus juveniles

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of dietary fish meal by crystalline amino acids on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and nitrogen utilization of turbot juveniles.

Four diets were formulated to be isolipidic (12% DM) and isonitrogenous (8% DM). A fish meal based diet was used as control. In the experimental diets, a crystalline amino acid (AA) mixture was used to partially replace fish meal, corresponding to a non-protein nitrogen content of 19, 37 and 56%, respectively (diets 19AA, 37AA and 56AA, respectively). The overall amino acid profile of the experimental diets resembled that of the whole-body protein of turbot. Each experimental diet was fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish (initial body weight of 31.8 g) twice daily to apparent satiation for 42 days. During the trial water temperature averaged 18 °C.

Final body weight, weight gain (g kg ABW^− 1 day^− 1) and specific growth rate were not different between the control and 19AA diet but significantly decreased with the increase of crystalline-AA inclusion from 19 to 56%. Feed intake and feed efficiency of fish fed the control and diet 19AA were similar and significantly higher than those of fish fed the 56AA diet. At the end of the growth trial, there were no significant differences in whole-body composition among groups. Hepatosomatic index was also unaffected by dietary treatments.

Nitrogen retention (g kg ABW^− 1 day^− 1) of fish fed the control and the 19AA diets were similar and significantly higher than that of fish fed the other diets. Expressed as a percentage of the nitrogen intake, N retention was significantly higher with the control than with the 37AA and 56AA diets.

Daily ammonia excretion (mg kg ABW^− 1 day^− 1) of fish fed the control diet was significantly higher than that of fish fed the 37AA and 56AA diets, while daily urea excretion (mg kg ABW^− 1 day^− 1) did not significantly differ among treatments. Non-fecal nitrogen (ammonia + urea) excretion (mg kg ABW^− 1 day^− 1) was significantly higher for fish fed the control diet than in those fed the 37AA and 56AA diets. However, as percent of N intake, ammonia excretion and non-fecal N excretion were significantly higher in fish fed the 56AA diet than in those fed the control and 19AA diets.

Specific activity of glutamate dehydrogenase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases did not significantly differ among experimental groups.

In conclusion, in diets with an overall amino acid profile resembling that of the whole-body protein of turbot, crystalline-AA may replace 19% of dietary protein without negatively affecting growth performances or feed utilization efficiency. However, higher protein replacement levels of protein-bound-AA by crystalline-AA severely depressed growth performance.     

Safety and efficacy of emamectin benzoate administered in-feed to Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts in freshwater, as a preventative treatment against infestations of sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer)

The safety and efficacy of emamectin benzoate, administered in-feed to Atlantic salmon smolts, Salmo salar L., held in freshwater, was evaluated as a preventative treatment against sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, following transfer of fish to seawater.

In the safety study, salmon smolts held in freshwater were fed with diets containing emamectin benzoate at nominal doses of 0 (control), 50 (recommended dose) and 250 (5× recommended dose) μg kg⁻¹ fish day⁻¹ for 7 days (days 0–6). Actual dose rates, based on measured concentrations of emamectin benzoate in feed, differences in fish weight, and feed consumed, were 0, 54, and 272 μg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, respectively. On day 9, fish were transferred to seawater and observed for 14 days. No differences in feeding response, coordination, behaviour, gross and histological appearance were observed between control fish and those that received 54 μg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹. Among smolts that received 272 μg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, approximately 50% exhibited darker coloration, and one fish (1%) exhibited uncoordinated swimming behaviour. No pathognomonic signs of emamectin benzoate toxicity were identified.

In the efficacy study, smolts held in freshwater were fed an unmedicated ration (control group) or emamectin benzoate at 50 μg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ (treated group) for 7 days (days 0–6). On day 9, fish were re-distributed to eight seawater tanks, each holding 30 control and 30 treated fish. On days 28, 56, 77 and 109, respectively, control and treated fish in two tanks were challenged with L. salmonis copepodites. When lice in each group reached chalimus stage IV, fish were sampled and the numbers of lice were recorded. Fish challenged at day 109 were sampled for the second time when lice were at the adult stage. Efficacy was calculated as the reduction in the mean number of lice on treated fish relative to the mean on control fish. Treatment with emamectin benzoate resulted in an efficacy of 85.0–99.8% in fish challenged at days 28–77, from the start of treatment, and lice counts were significantly lower (P<0.001) on treated fish than on controls. When fish challenged at day 109 were sampled at day 128, efficacy was 44.3%, but survival of chalimus to adult lice on treated fish was lower, and at day 159, efficacy had increased to 73%. These results demonstrate that treatment of salmon smolts with emamectin benzoate in freshwater was well tolerated and highly effective in preventing sea lice infestation following transfer of fish to seawater.     

Using a macroalgae Ulva pertusa biofilter in a recirculating system for production of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

A simple indoor recirculating system for production of juvenile sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) was operated on a commercial scale for 90 days during winter. The system consists of three 70 m³ sea cucumber rearing tanks and one biofilter tank where macroalgae (Ulva pertusa) was used as a biofilter in order to reduce water requirements. Effluent from the sea cucumber tanks drained into the macroalgae biofilter tank and were then returned to the sea cucumber tanks by a discontinuous-flow recirculation system. Survival and growth rates in the sea cucumber culture tanks were similar to those in the control tank (with one water exchange per day). The survival rate averaged about 87%. The average body weight increased from 3.5 ± 0.3 g to 8.1 ± 0.8 g and total sea cucumber biomass production over the experimental period was 745 g m⁻² after initial stocking densities of 375 g m⁻². The growth rate of U. pertusa was 3.3% day⁻¹. U. pertusa was efficient in removing toxic ammonia and in maintaining the water quality within acceptable levels for sea cucumber culture; there were only small daily variations of temperature, pH and DO. The U. pertusa tank removed 68% of the TAN (total ammonia-nitrogen) and 26% of the orthophosphate from the sea cucumber culture effluent; the macroalgae biofilter removed ammonia at an average rate of 0.459 g N m⁻² day⁻¹. It would be efficient to use the U. pertusa biofilter in a recirculating system for production of A. japonicus juveniles in winter.     

Tank culture of yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares: developing a spawning population for research purposes

A land-based culture facility for research on yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares, was developed at the Achotines Laboratory in the Republic of Panama. Six concrete tanks, and seawater and life support systems were built to maintain a yellowfin broodstock. On average, 50% of the yellowfin caught survived capture and handling, and approximately 30% became broodstock in Tank 1 (17 m diameter, 6 m depth) or Tank 2 (8.5 m diameter, 3 m depth). Each fish was tagged with a microchip implant tag, then weighed, measured, and injected with oxytetracycline (OTC) prior to stocking. Daily rations of primarily market squid, Loligo opalescens, and Pacific thread herring, Opisthonema spp., were regulated based on the feeding activity and energy requirements of the fish. Feeding activity of the broodstock decreased when the water temperatures decreased, and the fish ate decreasing daily rations and increasing calories with increasing size. Spawning occurred in both tanks within 6–8 months of capture. Spawning first occurred in Tank 1 when 24 females ranged in size from 6 to 16 kg and 65 to 93 cm fork length (FL). Spawning was intermittent during the first 2 months and occurred near daily thereafter. Tank size appeared to affect survival rates, the types of mortalities that occurred, and the growth of the fish. Survival rates after 1 year in captivity were higher, and the fish were larger, on average, in Tank 1 than in Tank 2. Most of the mortalities in Tank 1 were the result of wall strikes, which occurred more frequently after the fish reached their highest density of 0.64 kg m⁻³ and sizes greater than 96 cm FL and 19 kg. Non-linear growth models were fitted to the initial stocking sizes and final sizes of fish that died or were removed from Tank 1 during 1996–1999. Estimated growth rates in length (11–48 cm year⁻¹) for fish between 51 and 150 cm FL decreased with increasing length. Estimated growth rates in weight ranged from 9 to 19 kg year⁻¹ for fish less than 19 kg and 20–23 kg year⁻¹ for fish greater than 19 kg. The results of this work demonstrate that the stable environment of a land-based culture facility may be the preferred system for long-term maintenance of a yellowfin broodstock.     

Influence of temperature on protein utilization in juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The aim of this trial was to study the utilization of dietary protein by seabass juveniles with 5.5 g mean body weight, at two water temperatures: 18°C and 25°C. For that purpose, the fish were fed for 12 weeks, four isoenergetic diets with different protein levels (36, 42, 48, and 56%). At the end of the trial, growth rate and feed utilization were significantly better at the higher water temperature. Within each temperature, specific growth rate and feed efficiency were significantly higher with the 48 and 56% protein diets than with the other diets. At 25°C, feed efficiency was also significantly better with the 56% than with the 48% protein diet. N retention (g kg average body weight⁻¹ day⁻¹) was higher at 25°C than at 18°C but, as a % N intake the inverse was true. Although at 25°C N retention (% N intake) was not different among groups, retention in g kg ABW⁻¹ day⁻¹ was significantly higher with the 56% protein diet than with 36 and 42% protein diets. On the contrary, at 18°C N retention (g kg ABW⁻¹ day⁻¹) was similar among groups while as a percentage of N intake it was inversely related to the dietary protein level. Regarding energy utilization, at each temperature, there were no differences among dietary treatments on energy retention (g kg ABW⁻¹ day⁻¹). As a % of energy intake, energy retention significantly increased with the increase of dietary protein level at 25°C, while at 18°C, there were no significant differences among groups. Within each temperature, at the end of the trial, there were no differences among groups in proximate composition of whole fish. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein and energy significantly improved with the increase of water temperature but, within each temperature, there were no significant differences among groups. The results of this study indicate that, regardless of water temperature, the dietary protein requirement for growth seems to be satisfied with a diet containing 48% protein. Growth and feed efficiency were significantly higher at the higher temperature, however, protein utilization was more efficient at the lower temperature.     

Accuracy of a machine-vision pellet detection system

Video cameras are employed on net pen fish farms for monitoring food pellet levels near the cage bottom. Herein, the accuracy of a new machine-vision system for the identification of a feed-wastage event and its response time are reported. Research involved novel tests and definitions, video footage recorded under different stocking and environmental conditions, and numerical filters to reduce the effects of misclassifications and patchiness of the pellet wastage record on overall system accuracy. Single-frame food pellet detection accuracy was based on the difference between computer-generated and actual frame counts of pellets greater than 30 pixels in size. A pellet wastage event was defined as a median of three or more visible pellets per frame. During tests on still video frames from different feeding events, the system missed 0.1±0.1 to 1.3±0.4 pellets frame⁻¹, and miss-classified as pellets 0±0.1 to 2.3±0.5 objects frame⁻¹ (n=264). Most missed pellet images were on top of fish images. Waste matter accounted for 65% of the misclassifications, while particles associated with poor camera maintenance accounted for approximately 24%. The average response time to a pellet wastage event was 5.1 and 11.4 s for sampling rates of 2 frames s⁻¹ and 0.5 frames s⁻¹, respectively (n=20 different pellet wastage events). The longest response time (26 s) occurred when fish were amassed against the camera and/or covering pellets. Using appropriate camera lens, camera positioning and/or ‘warning’ software can address fish-interference problems.     

Modeling industry-wide sediment oxygen demand and estimation of the contribution of sediment to total respiration in commercial channel catfish ponds

Data collected from 45 commercial channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, ponds were used to develop empirical models predicting sediment oxygen demand (SOD). Seven acceptable models were combined with a Monte-Carlo sampling distribution to predict industry-wide sediment oxygen demand (SOD_i). The SOD_i values obtained from the best equation were used in simulations to assess the effect of diurnally varying water column dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations on SOD and the effect of pond water depth on the contribution of SOD to overall pond respiration. Estimated SOD_i ranged from 62 to 962 mg m⁻² h⁻¹, with a mean of 478 mg m⁻² h⁻¹. There was a 95% probability of mean SOD_i being ≥700 mg m⁻² h⁻¹. The effects of diurnal variation in DO concentration in the water column on expression of SOD was modeled by combining maximum SOD_i, an empirical relationship between DO and SOD, and simulated pond DO concentrations. At DO concentrations >15 mg l⁻¹, diel SOD in catfish ponds exceeded 20 g O₂ m⁻² day⁻¹. But when average diel DO was <4 mg l⁻¹ and the range of DO concentration was 6–8 mg l⁻¹, SOD decreased to 13 g O₂ m⁻² day⁻¹ because DO availability limited the full expression of potential SOD. Respiration totals for sediment (average SOD_i), plankton, and fish respiration were calculated for pond water depths ranging from 0.25 to 4 m. Although whole-pond respiration increases as pond depth increases, the proportion of total respiration represented by sediment decreased from 48 to 10% by increasing water depth over this range. The results of these studies show that SOD is a major component of total pond respiration and that certain management practices can affect the impact of SOD on pond oxygen budgets. Mixing ponds during daylight hours, either mechanically or by orienting ponds for maximum wind fetch, will increase oxygen supply to sediments, thereby allowing maximum expression of SOD and maximum mineralization of sediment organic matter. Given a mixed condition caused by wind or other artificial means, the construction of deeper ponds increases the total mass of DO available for all respiration, causing nighttime DO concentrations to decline at a slower rate, reducing the need for supplemental aeration. Because a pond’s water volume decreases over time from sediment accumulation, annual aeration costs will increase with pond age. Constructing ponds with greater initial depth will therefore reduce long-term cost of aeration, allow more flexible management of pond water budget, and reduce the long-term expense associated with pond reconstruction.     

Outdoor phytoplankton continuous culture in a marine fish–phytoplankton–bivalve integrated system: combined effects of dilution rate and ambient conditions on growth rate, biomass and nutrient cycling

Natural phytoplankton populations were cultured in outdoor continuous cultures using fish-farm effluents as the source of nutrients. The dilution rate was assumed to be the integrating factor of phytoplankton growth and biomass development (flux and stock). In this context, the combined effects of (i) dilution rates of the outdoor culture and (ii) ambient conditions were tested on phytoplankton growth, biomass and cycling of the major nutrient elements (C, N and P). Experiments were carried out in outdoor polyester tanks (0.7 m deep), homogenised by gentle aeration. Si/P ratio was balanced at around 5 in the inflow in order to induce diatom domination while maintaining high N and P assimilation by phytoplankton. Nutrient cycling was assessed through analyses of the different forms of particulate and dissolved nutrients in the inflow and the outflow. Culture dilution rates determined the longevity of the culture and the assimilation efficiency of nutrients. Dissolved phosphorus was the most limiting nutrient. The optimal dilution rate was approximately 0.5 day⁻¹ at 10 °C and 1.5 day⁻¹ at 20 °C with a mean diatom biomass of 9 μM P. Under these conditions, 80% of the dissolved nutrients provided to the tanks were transformed, a production of 8 g C m⁻² day⁻¹ and an assimilation rate of 0.3 g P m⁻² day⁻¹ were recorded. Assimilation by diatoms was the major pathway of nutrient cycling. During the experiment, a bottom sediment developed progressively and this also played an important role in denitrifying the excess dissolved nitrogen in the fish-farm effluent. However, the results showed that diatom biomass can collapse and we hypothesize that this was the consequence of an increase in cellular sinking rates due to cell aggregation under nutrient or light stress. Modelling approaches are needed in future research in order to determine optimal dilution rates taking into account phytoplankton growth rates, nutrient inputs and ambient conditions (e.g. light and temperature).     

Production of Florida red tilapia in seawater pools: Nursery rearing with chicken manure and growout with prepared feed

Florida red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) were reared in 23 m³ seawater (37 ppt) pools. Monosex males (1.3 g mean weight) were stocked at a density of 25 fish/m³ and reared to fingerling size (>10 g) in pools receiving either chicken manure applied at a rate of 105 kg/ha day⁻¹ or pelletized feed (30% protein) administered ad libitum. Following the nursery period, fingerlings in fed pools were reared through adult, marketable sizes.

After 20 days of nursery rearing, mean fish weights (5.7–9.6 g) and survival (77.5–98.6%) in manured pools ranged from less than to greater than values in fed pools (7.9–9.4 g and 95.5–98.2%). By day 33, while mean weights (11.3±0.4 g) and survival (84.5±5.2%) in manured pools were significantly less than those in fed pools (18.0±0.6 g and 95.9±1.4%), fingerling-size fish were obtained from manured pools at an overall productivity of 55 kg/ha day⁻¹.

After 170 days in fed pools, mean fish weight was 467±9 g, survival was 89.7±0.9%, and food conversion was 1.6±0.2. Daily weight gain achieved a maximum of 4.4 g day before a rapid decline in water temperature from 28–29°C to 24–25°C caused a loss of fish appetite and evidence of disease.

The results suggest that while nursery rearing of Florida red tilapia in seawater pools fertilized with chicken manure is feasible, considerable variability in fish performance among pools can be expected, despite identical management methods. In pools receiving prepared feed, high growth rates and survival through adult, marketable sizes suggests a potential for commercial production of Florida red tilapia in seawater.     

Effect of starvation on the growth and survival of post-larval abalone (Haliotis iris)

The starvation tolerance of post-larval abalone (Haliotis iris) was determined by examining post-larval growth and survival after various periods of starvation. Competent larvae (10 days old at 16°C) were induced to attach and metamorphose with 2 μM GABA. Post-larvae were either fed diatoms (Nitzschia longissima) or starved. In Experiment 1, post-larvae were starved immediately after metamorphosis for periods of 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days. Starved post-larvae grew relatively well for several days after metamorphosis despite the absence of food (averages of 10.4 and 17.8 μm shell length (SL) per day after 8 days for two batches). Subsequent growth was minimal, averaging 1.7 and 0.7 μm day⁻¹ over 6–7 days for the two batches. There was no clear relationship between period of starvation and growth rate when fed. Mean daily growth rate over 3 weeks when fed ranged from 15–22 μm day⁻¹. However, the duration of starvation did have a significant effect on survival. Survival of post-larvae fed after 1–2 days of starvation was 90–100% after 3 weeks of feeding. Longer starvation periods gave progressively lower survival and post-larvae starved for 30 days all died within a week of being fed. In Experiment 2, post larvae were fed for 3 weeks after metamorphosis, then starved for 0, 3, 7, 14 or 21 days. Growth rates of starved post-larvae averaged only 5–6 μm day⁻¹ in the first week (vs. 30 μm day⁻¹ in controls), and later declined to zero. Growth resumed within a week following return to food, but the 14- and 21-day starvation treatments took 2 weeks to reach growth rates comparable to controls. The no-starvation controls and the 3- and 7-day starvation treatments all had >70% survival over 4 weeks after return to food. Survival in the 14- and 21-day starvation treatments was 15–20%, with almost all mortalities occurring in the first week after return to food. These data suggest that Haliotis iris post-larvae are relatively tolerant of starvation, so abalone farmers have a week or so to remedy food shortages before major post-larval mortality begins.     

Effects of dietary protein to energy ratios on growth and body composition of juvenile Japanese seabass, Lateolabrax japonicus

A growth experiment was conducted to determine the optimal dietary protein to energy (P/E) ratio for juvenile Japanese seabass (initial average weight 6.26±0.10 g). Nine practical diets were formulated to contain three protein levels (36%, 41% and 46%), each with three lipid levels (8%, 12% and 16%), in order to produce a range of P/E ratios (from 19.8 to 28.6 mg protein kJ⁻¹). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 60 fish in sea floating cages (1.5×1.5×2.0 m). Fish were fed twice daily (06:30 and 16:30) to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. The water temperature fluctuated from 26.5 to 32.5 °C, the salinity from 32‰ to 36‰ and dissolved oxygen content was approximately 7 mg l⁻¹ during the experimental period. The results showed that the growth was significantly affected by dietary P/E ratio (P<0.05). Fish fed the diets with 46% protein (12% and 16% lipid, P/E ratio of 26.7 and 25.7 mg protein kJ⁻¹) had the highest specific growth rates (SGR) (4.26 and 4.24% day⁻¹). However, fish fed the diet with 41% protein and 12% lipid showed comparable growth (4.20% day⁻¹), and had higher protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein productive value (PPV) and energy retention than other groups (P<0.05). No significant differences in survival were found among dietary treatments. Carcass lipid content positively correlated with dietary lipid level irrespective of protein level and inversely correlated with carcass moisture content. Carcass protein and ash contents increased with increasing dietary lipid at each protein level. These results suggest that the diet containing 41% protein and 12% lipid with P/E of 25.9 mg protein kJ⁻¹ is optimal for Japanese seabass.     

Growth efficiency of juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer, at high temperatures

Temperature is recognized to be the most important environmental factor affecting growth in fish. Barramundi are cultured over a wide range of temperatures some of which approach the upper thermal tolerance for this species. A growth trial was conducted on juvenile barramundi to examine the effects of high temperatures ranging from the minimum optimal temperature (27 °C) for growth efficiency to the extreme upper thermal limits (39 °C) for feed intake, growth and growth efficiency. Juveniles (4.87 ± 0.32 g) were held at four different temperatures 27, 33, 36 and 39 °C and fed twice daily to satiation (503.5 g kg^− 1 crude protein, 182.5 g kg^− 1 lipid, 150.1 g kg^− 1 ash, 20.52 GE MJ kg^− 1). Feed intake (g·day^− 1) and SGR (%·day^− 1) increased with increasing temperature up to 36 °C. At 39 °C feed intake, growth, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio and productive energy value were significantly lower than at the other temperatures. This demonstrates that growth was optimized at temperatures from 27 to 36 °C and that barramundi have a much wider range for maximum growth efficiency than previously thought.     

Oxygen consumption rates of white sturgeon under commercial culture conditions

Oxygen consumption rates of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) were measured under commercial culture conditions. Mean fish size ranged from 0.09 to 3.8 kg (0.2–8.4 lbs). Mean daily values of oxygen consumption rates ranged from 70–330 mg kg fish⁻¹ h⁻¹. Peak oxygen consumption rates were measured to be as much as twice the mean daily values and were seen to occur in response to feeding for fish fed a ration of less than 2.6% body mass per day. With higher feed rations, peak oxygen consumption rates were a smaller percentage of the mean daily value. Multiple regression analysis showed that 93% of the variations in measured oxygen consumption rate values could be attributed to variations in feed ration.     

Bioenergetic modelling of effects of fertilization, stocking density, and spawning on growth of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

Abstract. A bioenergetic growth model was developed to examine the integrated effects of fertilization, stocking density, and spawning on the growth of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), in pond aquaculture. The analyses showed that growth rates increase with higher levels of organic fertilization up to 500kg/ha/week. Growth rates increased with added food rations in ponds, reaching a maximum growth of 2-07g/day at about 44–48 days after stocking. Fish growth rates decreased with increased levels of stocking density. The stocking density for optimal growth is 1fish/m²; the optimal density for total harvesting weight and fish size is 2 fish/m². Model sensitivity analysis indicated that tilapia growth is most sensitive to catabolism (metabolism) and anabolism (synthesis) coefficients, both of which are geometrically related to the fish body weight. Food assimilation efficiency (b) and the food consumption coefficient (h) have a modest effect on fish growth. Spawning in grow-out ponds can have a major effect on fish growth.     

Comparison of nutrients release among some maricultured animals

Integrated mariculture is a feasible method to maintain sustainable and high productivity of aquaculture. The choice of cultured animals and biofilters in the integrated system has to be made on the basis of their nutrient release rates and the clearance rate of each component of the system. We are examining the nutrient release rates among fish (mangrove snapper, Lutjanus russeli, and sea perch, Abudefduf septemfasciatus), abalone (Haliotis diversicolor), scallops (Chlamys noblis), and green mussels (Perna viridis) in the laboratory. Fish feed is the major sources of inorganic nutrient input in fish farms. The orthophosphate and ammonia release rates of minced trash fish (1593 μg P g⁻¹ day⁻¹ and 150 μg N g⁻¹ day⁻¹) were respectively 6–12 times and 4–88 times higher than those of cultivated fish. Mangrove snapper had the overall highest nutrient release rate, followed by sea perch, abalone, scallops, and mussels for nitrite and nitrate; and followed by abalone, sea perch, mussels, and scallops for orthophosphate and ammonium. Among mollusks, abalone had the highest orthophosphate (162 μg P g⁻¹ day⁻¹), nitrate (1.4 μg N g⁻¹ day⁻¹), nitrite (1.6 μg N g⁻¹ day⁻¹) and ammonium (25.0 μg N g⁻¹ day⁻¹) release rates per gram wet weight per day. Abalone released large amounts of orthophosphate, nitrite and nitrate in the experiment. Scallops and green mussels had low nutrient release rates.     

The effects of density, light and shelter on the growth and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) fingerlings

The effects of stocking density, light and shelter on the growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus fingerings was evaluated. In this experiment African catfish with initial individual mean weight 0.79±0.1 g were reared at two different stocking densities—5 fish l⁻¹ and 10 fish l⁻¹ in either sheltered or unsheltered tanks with reduced and normal light condition. In all conditions growth rate was significantly affected by stocking density. The growth rate was significantly higher at low densities and in reduced light conditions where shelter was provided. Survival rate was in excess of 79% in all treatments and was not affected by treatment.