硫酸安普霉素对凡纳滨对虾生长、血清生化指标的影响及在组织内的残留

在基础饲料中添加0、60、120、180、240、300mg/kg硫酸安普霉素,投喂初始体质量为(0.51士0.01)g的凡纳滨对虾,记作G0、G50、G120、G180、G240、G300,经49 d养殖试验,研究硫酸安普霉素对凡纳滨对虾生长、血清生化指标的影响及组织中的残留量.结果显示,G180、G240对虾特定生长率和G240蛋白质效率显著高于G0 (P＜0.05);各添加组对虾肝胰指数均高于G0,但差异不显著(P＞0.05).与G0相比,G240全虾粗蛋白、血清总蛋白和甘油三酯含量显著升高(P＜0.05),尿酸水平显著降低(P＜0.05).添加组血清葡萄糖、胆固醇含量和谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶活性与G0相比差异不显著(P＞0.05).各硫酸安普霉素添加组肝胰腺和肌肉中残留量分别为2.92～19.11 μg/g和0.91～8.20 μg/g,并随添加量增加显著升高.结果表明,饲料中添加适量的硫酸安普霉素能显著促进凡纳滨对虾生长性能,不会产生明显的毒性效应,但会在肝胰腺和肌肉中残留.     

饲料中添加桑叶黄酮对凡纳滨对虾生长性能、抗氧化指标及抗胁迫能力的影响

为了探讨桑叶黄酮对凡纳滨对虾（Litopenaeus vannamei）生长性能、体成分、血清生化和抗氧化指标的影响,选用初始体重为（1.32±0.01）g的凡纳滨对虾960尾,随机分为6组（每组4个重复,每个重复40尾）,分别投喂在基础饲料中添加0、10 mg/kg、50 mg/kg、100 mg/kg、150 mg/kg和300 mg/kg桑叶黄酮的实验饲料,饲养50 d后测定成活率、生长相关指标、血清生化指标、抗氧化指标及抗低氧胁迫能力。结果显示,饲料中添加桑叶黄酮对凡纳滨对虾成活率、增重率、特定生长率、饲料系数等无显著影响（P>0.05）。饲料中添加桑叶黄酮对凡纳滨对虾体成分无显著性影响（P>0.05）。添加150 mg/kg和300 mg/kg桑叶黄酮可显著提高凡纳滨对虾血清谷丙转氨酶和谷草转氨酶活性（P<0.05）。添加10~300 mg/kg桑叶黄酮可显著提高血清和肝脏总抗氧化能力,显著降低肝胰腺丙二醛和脂质过氧化物的含量,添加50 mg/kg桑叶黄酮可提高血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶的活性（P<0.05）。低氧胁迫2 h时,10 mg/kg、50 mg/kg组的累计死亡率显著低于对照组（P<0.05）;在低氧胁迫4 h时,10 mg/kg、50 mg/kg、100 mg/kg组的累计死亡率显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。结果表明,以血清总抗氧化能力为评价指标进行回归分析得出,桑叶黄酮在凡纳滨对虾饲料中的适宜添加量为56.18 mg/kg,添加10~100 mg/kg桑叶黄酮可提高凡纳滨对虾抗低氧胁迫能力。     

辣椒碱在凡纳滨对虾饲料中的应用研究

以凡纳滨对虾为试验对象,探讨在饲料中添加2 mg/kg的辣椒碱对凡纳滨对虾生长、免疫等方面的影响。试验结果表明,与对照组相比,试验组饲料中添加2 mg/kg辣椒碱后,凡纳滨对虾的生长性能指标显著改善,成活率、饲料系数显著优于对照组(P<0.05),血清中谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05),肝胰腺免疫抗氧化指标(MDA、SOD、CAT)水平及健康状况亦有所提升。     

聚β-羟基丁酸酯对凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺免疫和消化指标的影响

以平均体质量为(5.66±0.14)g的凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)为研究对象,分别投喂含聚β-羟基丁酸酯(PHB)质量分数为0%(对照组)、1%、3%和5%的对虾配合饲料,饲养35 d后检测并比较不同水平PHB对凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺免疫和消化指标的影响。结果显示,3%PHB添加组凡纳滨对虾的总抗氧化能力和溶菌酶活性显著高于对照组(P0.05)。Toll基因表达量随PHB含量的升高呈先上升后下降趋势,其中1%和3%PHB添加组的表达量显著高于对照组(P0.05);对照组HSP70基因表达量显著低于其他处理组(P0.05)。5%PHB添加组的淀粉酶、胃蛋白酶和胰蛋白酶活性显著升高(P0.05),而脂肪酶活性无显著变化(P0.05)。由此可见,饲料中添加适量的PHB有利于增强凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺的消化和非特异性免疫能力。     

酵母水解物对低盐胁迫凡纳滨对虾非特异性免疫及抗氧化能力的影响

本实验旨在研究饲料中添加酵母水解物对凡纳滨对虾在低盐度胁迫条件下非特异性免疫和抗氧化能力的影响。选取凡纳滨对虾[初始体质量（15.82±0.08）g],平均分为2组,对照组投喂基础饲料（Y0）,实验组投喂添加了3%酵母水解物的实验饲料（Y3）,在室内养殖15d后分别放入盐度为4‰（S4）和28‰（S28）的水体中进行盐度胁迫实验,每组6个重复,每个重复30尾虾（根据饲料和盐度不同组合,分组命名为Y0S4、Y0S28、Y0S3、Y0S28）。结果表明：饲料中添加3%酵母水解物对凡纳滨对虾血清酚氧化酶（PO）、总一氧化氮合成酶（TNOS）活性没有显著影响,但低盐度胁迫1h时,Y3S4组PO、TNOS活性显著高于Y0S4组;盐度因素对PO、TNOS活性产生显著影响,低盐度胁迫1h时,S28组PO、TNOS活性显著高于S4;饲料中添加3%酵母水解物显著提高了凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性;盐度因素对酸性磷酸酶（ACP）活性产生了显著影响,S28组ACP活性显著高于S4。由此可见,在饲料中添加酵母水解物能够提高凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺SOD活性,提高对虾的抗氧化能力;在遭遇低盐度胁迫时,对虾能迅速恢复PO、TNOS活性至正常水平,从而提高凡纳滨对虾的抵抗不良环境的能力。     

家蝇蛆粉替代鱼粉对凡纳滨对虾生长、抗氧化和免疫指标的影响

设计6种等氮等能的试验饲料,以评价不同比例的家蝇蛆粉替代鱼粉对凡纳滨对虾幼虾生长性能、抗氧化以及非特异性免疫指标的影响。选用960尾体质量为(0.56±0.03)g的凡纳滨对虾随机分为6组,分别投喂用家蝇蛆粉替代鱼粉的6种饲料,替代比例(等蛋白替代)分别为0、20%、40%、60%、80%和100%,记为G0、G20、G40、G60、G80和G100。45 d的养殖试验结果显示,G20~G60组凡纳滨对虾的增重率(WGR)与对照组相比差异不显著(P>0.05),G80、G100组WGR显著降低(P<0.05)。除G40组外,各替代组凡纳滨对虾的特定生长率(SGR)均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。G100组摄食量(FI)显著低于其它各组(P<0.05)。当替代水平不超过60%时,家蝇蛆粉对凡纳滨对虾的饲料系数(FCR)、蛋白质效率(PER)、蛋白质沉积率(PPV)和肝胰指数(HSI)影响不显著(P>0.05);随替代水平的继续增加,FCR和HSI显著升高,PER和PPV显著降低(P<0.05)。替代组对虾肥满度(CF)和存活率(SR)均不同程度的高于对照组,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。随家蝇蛆粉替代水平的增加,全虾粗蛋白、钙(Ca)和总磷(P)含量显著升高(P<0.05),粗脂肪含量显著降低(P<0.05),干物质和灰分含量差异不显著(P>0.05)。各替代组对虾血清和肝胰腺超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、血清丙二醛(MDA)含量与对照组相比差异不显著(P>0.05),G80和G100组肝胰腺MDA含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。血清酚氧化酶(PO)活性随家蝇蛆粉替代量的增加而显著降低,其中G20组显著高于其它各组(P<0.05)。肝胰腺碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性随添加量的增加而显著降低(P<0.05)。家蝇蛆粉替代鱼粉对凡纳滨对虾的血细胞总数(THC)、血清一氧化氮(NO)含量、AKP活性和肝胰腺PO活性、NO含量影响不显著(P>0.05)。     

几种诱食剂对凡纳滨对虾生长、血清生化指标和肝胰腺消化酶的影响

在基础饲料中添加0.03%核苷酸、0.03%核苷酸+0.2%丙氨酸+0.2%甘氨酸、0.2%甘氨酸、0.2%柠檬酸+0.2%甘氨酸,饲养凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)6周,研究一种及几种组合型诱食剂对其生长、血清生化、肝胰腺消化酶以及抗氧化能力的影响。结果显示,饲料中添加0.03%核苷酸+0.2%丙氨酸+0.2%甘氨酸能显著提高凡纳滨对虾的增重率、特定生长率和日摄食率(P<0.05);饲料系数以及对虾的成活率不受添加这几种诱食剂的影响(P>0.05)。各组全虾粗蛋白和灰分含量差异不显著(P>0.05);添加0.2%甘氨酸全虾粗脂肪含量显著高于其它各组(P<0.05)。对虾血清中总蛋白、胆固醇、血糖、谷草转氨酶(AST)以及谷丙转氨酶(ALTc)的组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。对虾肝胰腺中脂肪酶活力在添加0.03%核苷酸最高,显著高于0.2%甘氨酸组;各组间淀粉酶活力差异不显著(P>0.05)。对虾血清中总抗氧化能力以添加0.2%柠檬酸+0.2%甘氨酸最高,与其它各处理差异显著(P<0.05)。结果表明,核苷酸与氨基酸的复合应用比单独添加核苷酸或氨基酸能显著提高凡纳滨对虾的摄食、生长以及抗氧化能力;在饲料中建议添加0.03%核苷酸+0.2%丙氨酸+0.2%甘氨酸。     

饲料中黄曲霉毒素B1对凡纳滨对虾生长、肝胰腺和血淋巴生化指标及肝胰腺显微结构的影响

实验设置黄曲霉毒素B1(AFB1)为0、400、800、1200,1600、2000μg/kg6组饲料,饲养初始体质量为(0.3±0.02)g的凡纳滨对虾,经过8周的生长实验观察饲料中AFB1对凡纳滨对虾生长、体营养成分组成、肝胰腺显微结构以及血淋巴和肝胰腺生化指标的影响。实验结果表明:随着饲料中AFB1的增加,各组全虾粗蛋白量无显著性差异,1600μg/kg组和2000μg/kg组的全虾粗脂肪量高于其他组。AFB1为1200μg/kg时对虾增重率最低(304.67%),2000μg/kg时增重率显著高于其他组,但成活率最低(58.33%)。随着饲料中AFB1的升高酶活性普遍呈下降趋势。2000μg/kg组肝胰腺中总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)显著下降(P<0.05),1600μg/kg组肝胰腺中谷胱甘肽S转移酶(GST)、超微量ATP酶和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)酶活力最低,但血淋巴中GST显著高于其他各组(P<0.05)。从凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺的组织切片可观察到,饲料中含有的AFB1越高,肝胰腺被破坏程度越高。随着饲料中AFB1含量增加,对虾肝胰腺中AFB1残留量逐渐增加,2000μg/kg组对虾肝胰腺中AFB1含量最高(95.49μg/kg),各实验组肌肉中无AFB1残留。     

低鱼粉饲料中添加羟基蛋氨酸硒对凡纳滨对虾生长性能、抗氧化能力和抗亚硝酸盐胁迫的影响

[目的]本实验旨在研究低鱼粉饲料 中添加羟基蛋氨酸硒(HMSe)对凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)生长性能、抗氧化能力及抗亚硝酸盐胁迫的影响。[方法]实验选用初始体质量为(0.90±0.05)g的凡纳滨对虾,分别投喂HMSe添加水平为0.000、0.375、0.750、1.500和2.250 mg/kg的实验饲料,命名为HMSe0 、HMSe1、HMSe2、HMSe3和HMSe4,每组3个重复,养殖8周。养殖实验结束后,进行12 h 的亚硝酸盐胁迫实验。[结果]结果表明,凡纳滨对虾的终末体质量(FBW)、增重率(WG R)和饲料效率(FE)随着饲料中HMSe水平的增加呈现先升高后下降的趋势,并在HMSe2组达到峰值。随着饲料中HMSe水平的提高,对虾全体和肌肉中的硒含量均显著增加,而全虾粗蛋白和粗脂肪的含量呈现先升高后降低的趋势,并分别在HMSe2组和HMSe1组达到最大值。HMSe4组中凡纳滨对虾的血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)和肝胰腺过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性显著高于HMSe0组。亚硝酸盐胁迫显著影响凡纳滨对虾的存活率。与胁迫前比较,胁迫后对虾肝胰腺中MDA含量升高,GST、CAT和T-SOD的活性降低,而补充适量的HMSe可减轻这些负面影响。根据凡纳滨对虾胁迫后成活率的二次多项式回归分析,低鱼粉饲料中凡纳滨对虾的HMSe最适添加量为1.350 mg/kg。[结论]综上所述,在低鱼粉饲料中添加0.750~1.350 mg/kg HMSe,能够提高凡纳滨对虾的生长性能、饲料利用率和抗亚硝酸盐胁迫的能力。     

饲料中添加水飞蓟素对低盐度下凡纳滨对虾生长、免疫、肝胰腺组织结构及肠道菌群的影响

为探究低盐度下水飞蓟素作为凡纳滨对虾饲料添加剂的作用效果,实验配制了水飞蓟素添加量分别为0 (对照组)、0.1、0.2和0.4 g/kg的4种实验饲料,在低盐度(盐度为3)下养殖虾苗(0.080±0.002 g) 8周后,分析了水飞蓟素对对虾生长、免疫、肝胰腺组织结构及肠道菌群的影响。结果显示:①低盐度下,水飞蓟素能显著提高对虾的增重率,降低饲料系数,但对存活率、肥满度和体成分无显著影响。②水飞蓟素能提高对虾消化酶的活性,0.4 g/kg组对虾的肝胰腺淀粉酶活性显著高于对照组,0.2和0.4 g/kg水飞蓟素组能显著提高对虾肠道的消化酶活性。③水飞蓟素能降低低盐度下凡纳滨对虾的氧化损伤,提高对虾的抗氧化能力。0.4 g/kg组对虾肝胰腺总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量显著升高,而肠道抗氧化能力没有明显变化。0.2 g/kg组对虾的肠道酸性磷酸酶(ACP)和碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性显著高于对照组,溶菌酶和酚氧化酶活性无明显变化。④低盐度下,饲料中添加水飞蓟素改善了对虾肝胰腺的组织结构。随着水飞蓟素含量的增加,对虾肝胰腺结构更为完整,肝小体排列紧密,肝小管横切面呈规则的多角星形,且含有大量的分泌细胞(B细胞)和胚细胞(E细胞)。⑤对虾摄食添加0.4 g/kg水飞蓟素的饲料后,拟杆菌门和纤细菌门相对丰度显著下降。研究表明,水飞蓟素作为饲料添加剂可以有效缓解凡纳滨对虾的低盐应激,提高对虾生长性能和抗氧化性能,改善肝胰腺组织结构,并且会对肠道菌群组成产生影响。     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Growth hormone (GH) and reproduction: a review

Interaction between growth and reproduction occurs in many vertebrates and is particularly obvious at certain stages of the life cycle in fish. Endocrine interactions between the gonadotropic axis and the somatotropic axis are described, the potential role of GH being emphasised. A comparative analysis of these phenomena in mammals, amphibians and fish, suggests a specific role of GH in the physiology of puberty, gametogenesis and fertility. It also shows the original contribution made by studies on the fish model in this field of investigations.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.     

Nitrogenous waste excretion and accumulation of urea and ammonia inChalcalburnus tarichi (Cyprinidae), endemic to the extremely alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Turkey)

The endemic, anadromous cyprinidChalcalburnus tarichi is the only fish species known to occur in alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). EightC. tarichi were maintained individually in Lake Van water (17 – 19°C; pH 9.8; 153 mEq·I^–1 total alkalinity; 22 total salinity) and tank water samples analyzed for 24 h in 2 to 4 h intervals. At zero time, < 1µM ammonia was present and urea was undetectable in the tank water; at 24 h, total ammonia and urea made up 114±32 and 35±25µM, respectively. Over the experimental period, ammonia-N and urea-N excretion averaged 1041±494 and 607±169moles·kg^–1 fish·h^–1, respectively. The extent of urea excretion was highly variable between specimens. Uric acid excretion was not detectable.Urea was present at high concentrations in all tissues and plasma (25 – 35moles·g^–1·ml^–1) of freshly caughtC. tarichi; total ammonia content of the tissues was by a factor of 1.9 (liver) to 3.0 (brain) lower. High arginase activity (2.4±0.2 U·min^–1·g^–1) was detected in the liver ofC. tarichi but ornithine carbamoylphosphate transferase, a key enzyme of the ornithine-urea-cycle, was absent. Ureagenesis is likely through degradation of arginine and/or uricolysis. High glutamine synthetase activity (11±0.6 U·min^–1·g^–1) and low ammonia content in brain suggest that, like other teleosts,C. tarichi has an efficient ammonia detoxification in the brain, but in no other tissue.Nitrogenous waste excretion at alkaline pH is discussed. The ability ofC. tarichi to excrete high levels of ammonia at extremely alkaline pH is unique among teleosts studied so far. The mechanism of ammonia excretion under Lake Van conditions remains to be elucidated.     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.