Effects of temperature on disease progression and swimming stamina in Ichthyophonus-infected rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss , were infected with Ichthyophonus sp. and held at 10 °C, 15 °C and 20 °C for 28 days to monitor mortality and disease progression. Infected fish demonstrated more rapid onset of disease, higher parasite load, more severe host tissue reaction and reduced mean-day-to-death at higher temperature. In a second experiment, Ichthyophonus -infected fish were reared at 15 °C for 16 weeks then subjected to forced swimming at 10 °C, 15 °C and 20 °C. Stamina improved significantly with increased temperature in uninfected fish; however, this was not observed for infected fish. The difference in performance between infected and uninfected fish became significant at 15 °C ( P  =   0.02) and highly significant at 20 °C ( P  =   0.005). These results have implications for changes in the ecology of fish diseases in the face of global warming and demonstrate the effects of higher temperature on the progression and severity of ichthyophoniasis as well as on swimming stamina, a critical fitness trait of salmonids. This study helps explain field observations showing the recent emergence of clinical ichthyophoniasis in Yukon River Chinook salmon later in their spawning migration when water temperatures were high, as well as the apparent failure of a substantial percentage of infected fish to successfully reach their natal spawning areas.     

Effects of fish size and water temperature on the acute toxicity of boron to Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis> and red sea bream <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pagrus major</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:     The acute toxicities of boron were examined for Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and red sea bream Pagrus major in terms of fish size and water temperature. Japanese flounder of 0.1–70.0 g and red sea bream of 0.6–20.3 g were exposed to different concentrations of boron for 96 h at 20°C under semi-static conditions. In both fish species, the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for 96 h of boron increased linearly with increasing fish size, ranging from 108 to 252 mg B/L for the flounder, and from 97 to 172 mg B/L for the sea bream. The effect of water temperature on acute toxicity was examined for Japanese flounder of 0.6 and 1.5 g at 10, 15, 20 and 25°C, and for red sea bream of 0.6 and 2.4 g at 12, 15, 20 and 25°C. The toxicity of boron for the flounder increased linearly with increasing water temperature. The 96 h LC₅₀ values ranged from 299 to 108 mg B/L for the 0.6 g flounder and from 350 to 113 mg B/L for the 1.5 g flounder. A similar trend was shown for the 2.4 g red sea bream; however, the relationship for the 0.6 g red sea bream was not significant.     

Evidence that elevated water temperature affects the reproductive physiology of the European bullhead Cottus gobio

Climate change is predicted to increase the average water temperature and alter the ecology and physiology of several organisms including fish species. To examine the effects of increased water temperature on freshwater fish reproduction, adult European bullhead Cottus gobio of both genders were maintained under three temperature regimes (T1: 6–10, T2: 10–14 and T3: 14–18°C) and assessed for gonad development (gonadosomatic index—GSI and gonad histology), sex steroids (testosterone—T, 17β-estradiol—E2 and 11-ketotestosterone—11-KT) and vitellogenin (alkali-labile phosphoprotein phosphorus—ALP) dynamics in December, January, February and March. The results indicate that a 8°C rise in water temperature (T3) deeply disrupted the gonadal maturation in both genders. This observation was associated with the absence of GSI peak from January to March, and low levels of plasma sex steroids compared with T1-exposed fish. Nevertheless, exposure to an increasing temperature of 4°C (T2) appeared to accelerate oogenesis with an early peak value in GSI and level of plasma T recorded in January relative to T1-exposed females. In males, the low GSI, reduced level of plasma 11-KT and the absence of GSI increase from January to March support the deleterious effects of increasing water temperature on spermatogenesis. The findings of the present study suggest that exposure to elevated temperatures within the context of climate warming might affect the reproductive success of C. gobio. Specifically, a 4°C rise in water temperature affects gametogenesis by advancing the spawning, and a complete reproductive failure is observed at an elevated temperature of 8°C.     

Annual changes in ovarian development and plasma estradiol-17β level in reared female common Japanese conger, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Conger myriaster</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   Annual changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), oocyte diameter, gonadal histology and plasma estradiol-17β (E₂) levels were investigated in female common Japanese conger Conger myriaster in captivity. Juveniles were caught in September 1999 and reared in seawater at temperatures ranging from 10–20°C for 3 years. All fish were immature when captured in September 1999. GSI and oocyte diameter increased from October 2000, peaked between summer and autumn 2001, and bottomed-out in winter 2001. Plasma E₂ level also increased from October 2000, but remained high. The ovarian developmental stage was at the peri-nucleolus stage or the oil droplet stage until September 2000. Vitellogenesis started in October 2000 and oocytes progressed to the tertiary yolk globule stage by summer 2001. However, vitellogenic oocytes regressed in all females after autumn 2001. The neogenetic oocytes began to increase after November 2001 and ovarian development progressed in 2002 as they did in 2001, although maximum GSI in 2002 was half its 2001 value. These data indicate that ovarian development in the common Japanese conger has an annual periodicity, and that these congers may be able to spawn in multiple years under rearing condition.     

Effects of silvering state on induced maturation and spawning in wild female Japanese eel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla japonica</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   The effects of silvering state of wild female Japanese eels Anguilla japonica on the success of induced maturation and the following spawning were examined. Thirty-eight females, collected in Mikawa Bay, were divided into four stages based on their silvering state: yellow (Y1), late-yellow (Y2), silver (S1) and late silver eels (S2). Despite injections of salmon pituitary extract (SPE) through the standard technique, Y1 and Y2 eels did not respond to the treatment with undeveloped gonad (gonad-somatic index [GSI]: 0.3–0.9), and all these females died by 5 weeks, probably due to an abnormal physiological condition. Most S1 (81%) and S2 eels (100%) matured completely (GSI: 17.8–51.4), and finally spawned successfully (69% for S1, 89% for S2). S2 eels fully matured with oocytes of over 750 μm in diameter by significantly smaller number of injections of SPE (5–6 times) than the case of S1 eels (6–8 times). The amount of eggs released by S2 eels (0.65 ± 0.11 g/fish per body weight [BW]) was significantly larger than those by S1 eels (0.54 ± 0.09 g/fish per BW). There was no difference in fertilization and hatching rates between eggs released by S1 eels and those of S2 eels. These results indicate that the success of induced maturation and spawning in wild female Japanese eels depends on their silvering state, and matured eggs can be obtained efficiently through the use of S2 eels rather than other stages.     

Lymphocystis disease virus persists in the epidermal tissues of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminch & Schlegel), at low temperatures

Olive flounder artificially infected with lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) were reared at 10, 20 and 30 °C for 60 days, to compare LCD-incidence. In the fish reared at 20 °C, lymphocystis cells appeared on the skin and fins at 35 days post-challenge, and the cumulative LCD-incidence was 80% at 60 days. High levels of LCDV, with a mean polymerase chain reaction (PCR) titre of 10⁶ PCR-U mg⁻¹ tissue, were detected in the fins and skin of LCD-affected fish at 20 °C, but were not detected in the spleen, kidney, brain and intestinal tissues of these fish. No LCD clinical signs were observed in the fish reared at 10 °C and 30 °C; however, a low level of LCDV (10³ PCR-U mg⁻¹ tissue) was detected in the fins and skin of these fish. By increasing the rearing temperature from 10 to 20 °C, lymphocystis clusters appeared on the skin and fins of the fish with no previous LCD clinical signs within 33 days after the temperature change. It was shown that permissive cells for LCDV infection exist in the epidermis of olive flounder. At low temperatures, small amounts of LCDV were able to persist over a period extended for a further 45 days in the fish epidermis, even though the fish showed no LCD clinical signs. The optimum growth temperature of LCDV is near 20 °C.     

Qualitative and quantitative changes of F<Subscript>o</Subscript>F<Subscript>1</Subscript>-ATPase in Japanese flounder and red sea bream associated with rearing temperatures

ABSTRACT:   Fast skeletal muscles of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and red sea bream Pagrus major were examined for quantitative and qualitative changes of mitochondrial ATP synthase (F_oF₁-ATPase) in association with rearing temperatures. The specific activities of F_oF₁-ATPase from Japanese flounder reared at 10°C, 15°C and 25°C for 4 weeks were determined to be 81 ± 11, 74 ± 13 and 83 ± 11 nmol/min·mg mitochondrial protein, respectively. The corresponding activity from red sea bream reared at 8°C for 5 weeks was determined to be 65 ± 9 nmol/min·mg mitochondrial protein, which was higher than 33 ± 9 nmol/min·mg mitochondrial protein in fish reared at 23°C. The contents of α- and β-F₁-ATPase in total mitochondrial proteins were not significantly different between fish reared at different temperatures for the two fish species. However, the contents of β-F₁-ATPase in the total fast skeletal muscle extracts, prepared from Japanese flounder reared at 10°C, were 2.1- and 2.9-fold higher than those for fish reared at 15°C and 25°C, respectively. The corresponding content from red seabream reared at 8°C was 2.2-fold higher than that for fish reared at 23°C. Therefore, the changes in F_oF₁-ATPase depending on rearing temperatures were species-specific.     

Effects of temperature changes on the endogenous rhythm of oxygen consumption in the Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   The effects of temperature changes on the endogenous rhythm of oxygen consumption in the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus which were acclimated to 3, 14 or 20°C in advance were investigated. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of individuals (total length >28 cm) that were acclimated to 3°C, maintained a relatively low value of 6.9 ± 2.3 mL (mean ± SD) O₂/kg ww (wet weight)/h till 5.8°C, which is considered a 'minimum' rate. Thereafter, the OCR gradually increased up to 18.7 mL O₂/kg ww/h at the temperature of 10.6°C. The OCR of individuals acclimated to 14°C stabilized with 124.2 ± 24.1 mL O₂/kg ww/h, when tested at the relatively constant temperature of 14.4 ± 0.17°C. Maximum entropy spectral analysis revealed that the peak OCR occurred at 23.9 h intervals, which could be a circadian rhythm. The mean OCR showed a peak at 06.00–08.00 hours. For the temperature above 25°C in which the fish were acclimated to 20°C, the rhythmic patterns of OCR were observed until the experimental temperature reached 26.4°C. For the temperature above 28.4°C, the metabolic activity rhythm of the OCR was dampened and then the OCR abruptly rose again. It is assumed that the oscillator of the endogenous rhythm lost the governing of normal metabolic activity in Japanese flounders above 28.4°C. These results suggest that the temperatures of around 5.8, 26.4 and 28.4°C are the 'lower limit temperature', 'upper incipient lethal temperature', and the 'critical thermal maximum', respectively, for the endogenous rhythm of oxygen consumption in the Japanese flounder.     

Relationship between growth, food conversion, body size, body composition and temperature in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla L.

Abstract. The influence of temperature on growth of European eels, Anguilla anguilla L., of various body sizes was studied. The mean weight of small eels (SE) (0·6g body weight) maintained at 23°C was significantly lower than that of SE maintained at 25°C or 27°C. No significant differences were found at the end of the experimental period between SE maintained at 25 and 27°C. Similar results were obtained among the moderate-size eels (ME) (l·5gbody weight). However, the average weight increase maintained at 25°C was significantly higher than that of large eels (LE) (3·25g body weight) maintained at 23 or 27°C. It seems that the optimum growth temperature for European eels is different at various stages in their growth and development.     

Seasonality of serum levels of vitellogenin in male Japanese whiting, Sillago japonica, reared under natural temperature and photoperiod

ABSTRACT:   Because blood vitellogenin (Vg) has been considered a biomarker for environmental estrogens, the basal levels of Vg and 17β-estradiol (E₂) were determined in male Japanese whiting reared under natural conditions. Serum levels of Vg and E₂ were measured and gonadal development was assessed by gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histological observation in 8–10 male fish at monthly intervals throughout the annual reproductive cycle. Serum E₂ was <60 pg/mL throughout the study period. In contrast, serum Vg exhibited seasonal changes: serum levels of Vg gradually increased from April to May (mean 63 ± 13 ng/mL and 124 ± 48 ng/mL in April and May, respectively), and then reached a peak value (mean 352 ± 68 ng/mL) in June. Thereafter, serum Vg gradually decreased, reaching undetectable levels (<50 ng/mL) in October. Serum levels of Vg tended to increase in the male fish in which the GSI was >1%. Histological observation revealed that testes in such male fish were in active spermatogenesis and then all of the testes of male fish in which serum Vg decreased to ND levels were regressed. These results suggest that Vg productive potency (sensitivity to estrogens) may increase in the spermatogenic stage, resulting in production of Vg in response to very low levels of natural or xenobiotic estrogens.     

Infectivity experiments with Cyprinus carpio iridovirus (CCIV), a virus unassociated with carp gill necrosis

Abstract. Experiments to determine Cyprinus carpio iridovirus (CC1V) virulence to fish of different ages and species were performed; viz. carp, Cyprinus carpio L., goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). Neither signs of disease nor mortality occurred in any of the fish species tested. Five passages of the virus in carp resulted in its loss and, not surprisingly, there was no enhancement of virulence. In carp inoculated intraperitoncally, the virus persisted for more than 6 weeks at 18-20°C, more than 12 weeks at a water temperature increasing from 10 to 20°C and more than 27 weeks at 6 5-8°C. The fish cleared itself of the virus after more than 6 weeks maintenance at 18-20°C. The viral infectivity via water is very low. It was impossible to infect the fish with the cell culture grown virus either by water immersion or by prolonged cohabitation with experimentally infected fish. From infectivity data, the authors conclude that the investigated iridovirus is not the aetiological agent of carp gill necrosis.     

Investigation of humoral immune factors from selected groups of southern bluefin tuna, Thunnus maccoyii (Castelnau): implications for aquaculture

Serum immunoglobulin, lysozyme and classical and alternative complement activity were analysed in different groups of wild and captive southern bluefin tuna (SBT), Thunnus maccoyii (Castelnau), from ambient water temperatures of 12 ± 1 and 20 ± 1 °C. Groups held captive for the longest time were found to have the highest levels of these humoral immune mediators, despite a drop in ambient temperature from 20 ± 1 to 12 ± 1 °C during the captivity period. Therefore, it may be that the immune response in these endothermic fish is not inhibited by low temperature to the extent seen in poikilothermic fish. Also, length of time in captivity appears to be associated with increased antigen exposure to maintain high levels of humoral immune mediators in these groups. Lysozyme activity was optimal at pH 5.8 and 6.2, suggesting that two isoforms, with different pH optima, are present. The SBT serum was found to lyse sheep erythrocytes by both classical and alternative complement pathways. Classical pathway activity occurred in the absence of prior sensitization with antiserum to sheep red blood cells, suggesting that natural antibodies may be present (or lectin or C-reactive protein mediated activation). Complement activity was relatively resistant to freezing at −20 °C but heating at between 45 and 50 °C for 20 min destroyed all complement activity.     

Do summer temperatures trigger spring maturation in Pacific lamprey,Entosphenus tridentatus?

Abstract –  Pacific lamprey, Entosphenus tridentatus , return to streams and use somatic energy to fuel maturation. Body size decreases, the lamprey mature, spawn, and then die. We predicted that warm, summer temperatures (>20 °C) would accentuate shrinkage in body size, and expedite sexual maturation and subsequent death. We compared fish reared in the laboratory at diel fluctuating temperatures of 20–24 °C (mean = 21.8 °C) with fish reared at cooler temperatures (13.6 °C). The results confirmed our predictions. Lamprey from the warm water group showed significantly greater proportional decreases in body weight following the summer temperature treatments than fish from the cool water group. A greater proportion of warm water fish sexually matured (100%) and died (97%) the following spring than cool water fish (53% sexually mature, 61% died). Females tended to mature and die earlier than males, most obviously in the warm water group.     

Effects of photoperiod on gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels in the brain and pituitary of underyearling male barfin flounder

ABSTRACT:   A pleuronectiform fish, the barfin flounder Verasper moseri , expresses three gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) forms in the brain: salmon GnRH (sGnRH), chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II) and seabream GnRH (sbGnRH). To clarify the effects of photoperiod on GnRH systems, changes in brain and pituitary GnRH peptide levels were examined using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays. In experiment 1, 5-month-old male barfin flounder (mean total length 9.0 cm, body weight 11.0 g) were divided into short (8:16 h light : dark [L:D] cycle; lights on 08.00–16.00 hours) and long photoperiod (16:8 h L:D cycle; lights on 04.00–20.00 hours) groups in mid September and maintained until November under natural water temperature (19.3–15.2°C). Brain sGnRH concentrations were significantly higher in the 16:8 h L:D group than in the 8:16 h L:D group, whereas no significant differences were observed in total length, body weight, plasma testosterone concentration, brain cGnRH-II concentration and pituitary sbGnRH content. In experiment 2, 7-month-old male barfin flounder (mean total length 16.5 cm, body weight 76.8 g) were divided into short and long photoperiod groups in mid December and maintained until February under natural water temperature (12.5–6.6°C). Total length, body weight and condition factor were significantly greater in the 16:8 h L:D group than in the 8:16 h L:D group, whereas no significant differences were observed in plasma testosterone concentration and GnRH levels in the brain and pituitary. These results indicate that levels of sGnRH in barfin flounder are influenced by photoperiodic treatment dependent on water temperature and/or body size.     

Normal and aberrant tissue distribution of Loma salmonae (Microspora) within rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), following experimental infection at water temperatures within and outside of the xenoma-expression temperature boundaries

Temperatures above 20 °C or below 9 °C interrupt the life cycle of the gill intracellular microsporidian parasite Loma salmonae (Microspora) prior to sporogony, inhibiting the production of xenomas. This study intended to characterize this life-cycle failure. Juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were experimentally infected with L. salmonae spores, and the effect of water temperature on the progress of infection, as determined by polymerase chain reaction, was compared for fish held at water temperatures of 5, 15 and 21 °C. At 15 °C, parasite DNA was first detected in the heart (3 days post-exposure [PE]), and then in the gills and spleen (2 weeks PE). Branchial xenomas developed by week 4 PE. In contrast, at 5 °C, the arrival of the parasite in the heart was delayed until 7 days PE. However, even though parasite DNA was detected in the gills at 7 days PE, xenomas failed to form in the gill, and by week 4 PE, parasite DNA was no longer detected. In fish held at 21 °C, parasite DNA was detected in the heart, gills and spleen by 3 days post-infection, and similar results were observed at 7 days PE. Xenomas also failed to form in these fish and parasite DNA was no longer detected by week 2 PE. Within the range of temperatures tested in this study, spore germination and delivery of their DNA into the host through the intestinal wall was not blocked by temperature. At 5 or 21 °C, migration to the heart and gills occurred, but at aberrant periods of time. The normal life cycle of L. salmonae may depend on the completion of relatively lengthy, but yet unknown, stages of development within the heart, prior to reaching the gill. This development may be adversely affected by temperature, and explain the temperature limits of this parasite.     

Soybean meal-induced enteritis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) at different temperatures

This study evaluates the effect of temperature on the development of intestinal disorders when Atlantic salmon are fed soybean meal (SBM). In this study 20% of the dietary fishmeal was replaced by solvent-extracted Hipro SBM. Atlantic salmon reared at two different water temperatures (8 °C and 12 °C), were fed a control diet and an experimental diet for 20 days. Samples were taken at days 7 and 20. The extent of the morphological changes was assessed using a semi-quantitative scoring system developed for this purpose. The study demonstrates that enteritis is affected by temperature. The intestinal disorders were more severe in fish reared at 12 °C compared with those reared at 8 °C. It can be concluded from this study that temperature changes the speed but not the type of SBM-induced enteritis expressed as a delay on the response when Atlantic salmon are kept at lower temperatures.     

Influence of decreasing water temperature and shortening of the light phase on macronutrient self-selection by rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and common carp Cyprinus carpio

SUMMARY: Macronutrient self-selection patterns in rainbow trout and common carp, which were maintained in groups, were examined when both water temperature and duration of light phase gradually decreased. Three semipurified macronutrient diets composed mainly of protein (casein and gelatin; crude protein (CP) = 65%), fat (pollock oil and soybean oil; crude fat (CF) = 38%), or digestible carbohydrate (dextrin and gelatinized starch; crude starch (CS) = 57%) were offered to five groups of trout (20 fish/group, 51 g/fish) and carp (15 fish/group, 36 g/fish) using three self-feeders. A standard diet (ST) containing the three macronutrients at an appropriate ratio (CP = 47%, CF = 14%, CS = 25%) was also offered to three groups each by a single self-feeder. After an initial 3 weeks of experiencing a long photoperiod (14 h light : 10 h dark cycle) and high water temperature (trout, 17°C; carp, 25°C), the light phase and temperature were gradually decreased in the following 3 weeks to 10 h light : 14 h dark, and 8°C for trout and 13°C for carp, and feeding was continued for a further 3 weeks under low temperature and short photoperiod conditions. Growth and protein utilization parameters between the ST diet self-fed groups and macronutrient diet self-selection groups were not different ( P > 0.05) for both trout and carp. Trout preferred the high-protein diet (HP) to the high-fat and the high-carbohydrate diets ( P < 0.05) regardless of the changes in water temperature and photoperiod. Carp also preferred the HP diet ( P < 0.01) under the high temperature and long photoperiod conditions; however, this preference gradually disappeared with lower temperatures and shorter photoperiods. These results suggest that the most appropriate macronutrient ratios in carp diets change with environmental conditions.     

Effect of water temperature and diet on growth and mortality of Neptunea arthritica juveniles

The growth and mortality of Neptunea arthritica juveniles hatched from different egg masses (controlled conditions and field) reared at 10 and 15 °C, and provided with sardine (D1) and polychaete (D2) as foods were evaluated. Results showed that diet type and water temperature significantly affect the growth and mortality. Interaction between these factors reflected robust relationship among them, but restricted exclusively to growth. Through the study period, juveniles treated at 10 °C showed maximum increments of 2.5 mm (shell length), 2.3 mm (shell width) and 0.25 g (body weight) from their initial size. While maximum values of those treated at 15 °C for the above-mentioned parameters were 7.6 mm, 5.5 mm and 1 g respectively. In both cases, these increments were recorded for individuals fed with sardine. Mortality was significantly affected by diets and water temperature, which significantly increased under D2 [10 °C (20–67%), 15 °C (70–87%)] or 15 °C [D1 (30–83%), D2 (70–87%)]. According to the results, juveniles of N. arthritica could be maintained under controlled conditions, which allows growth improvement. Mortality appears to be the limiting factor, but this could be improved by the implementation of efficient culture method, basically oriented to increase the water quality.     

Reproductive cycle in reared male common Japanese conger, Conger myriaster

Annual changes in gonadal histology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and plasma 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) levels were investigated in reared male common Japanese congers, Conger myriaster. Young fish, 20–30 cm in total length and around 20 g in body weight, caught in November 1996 (group 1) and in September 1999 (group 2) were reared for 3 years in seawater at temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 °C.

In most fish, only spermatogonia occupied the testes for 1 year and a few months after capture. Spermatocytes appeared in February, and both spermatids and spermatozoa appeared in March, in 1998 for group 1 and in 2001 for group 2. Spermiation was observed from May to September and reduction in testis was observed after October in both groups. GSI and plasma 11KT levels changed with progression of spermatogenesis. Although GSI was less than 1.0 and the plasma 11KT level less than 1.0 ng/ml, in the first year in most fish, both increased in the second year of rearing. GSI peaked in June 1998 (5.3±3.0; mean±standard deviation) in group 1 and May 2001 (2.3±1.3) in group 2, and bottomed in October (0.3±0.1) in both groups. Plasma 11KT levels peaked in March 1998 (5.8±1.9 ng/ml) in group 1 and May 2001 (4.4±2.4 ng/ml) in group 2, and bottomed in August in group 1 and September in group 2 (around 0.1 ng/ml in both groups). Spermatogenesis and changes in GSI and plasma 11KT levels were repeated the following year in both groups.

These observations indicate that males have an annual reproductive cycle under rearing conditions. It is possible that wild male common Japanese congers also have multiple spawning seasons in their lives.     

Temperature and salinity tolerances of yellowfin sea bream, Acanthopagrus latus, at different salinity and temperature levels

Abstract Yellowfin sea bream Acanthopagrus latus (Houttuyn) (0.98 ± 0.27 g) were examined for temperature and salinity tolerances at nine different environmental regimes (0.3, 15 and 33 ppt combined with 10, 25 and 32 °C), in which the fish were subjected to gradual and sudden changes in temperature and salinity respectively. The 50% CTMax (critical thermal maximum) and the UILT (upper incipient lethal temperature) were in the range of 34.8–38.2 °C and 32.8–36.4 °C respectively. The 50% CTMin (critical thermal minimum) and the LILT (lower incipient lethal temperature) were in the ranges of 4.9–9.4 °C and 7.1–17.6 °C respectively. The 50% CSMax (critical salinity maximum) and the UILS (upper incipient lethal salinity) were in the ranges of 54–69‰ and 9–44‰, respectively. The fish at lower temperature (10 °C) and salinity of 33‰ tolerated temperature as low as 6 °C when the temperature was decreased gradually. The fish at 33 and 15‰ and lower temperature (10 °C) tolerated salinity as high as 66–67‰, whereas those at freshwater salinity level (0.3‰) and 32 °C tolerated salinity to 50‰ when salinity was increased gradually. The relationships among UILT, LILT, 50% CTMax, 50% CTMin, UILS, 50% CSMax, salinity and temperature are given.