饥饿对褐菖鲉消化道组织及肌肉营养成分的影响

在室内可控环境下对褐菖鲉进行了不同饥饿时间处理,通过分析饥饿对褐菖鲉消化道指数及肌肉成分的变化情况,研究了饥饿对褐菖鲉消化道指数及肌肉成分的影响.褐菖鲉在饥饿胁迫下,随着饥饿时间的延长,其肠道萎缩,比肠长逐渐变小,与对照组相比,差异显著(P＜0.05);比肝重、比胃重、比幽门重指标均随着饥饿时间的延长而下降,其中比肝重下降幅度最大,饥饿21d的比肝重与对照组相比下降了85.033%;饥饿对褐菖鲉肌肉中水分、蛋白质、脂肪和灰分含量变化有显著影响,蛋白质、脂肪含量皆显著下降(P＜0.05),水分含量显著增加(P＜0.05),而灰分含量变化不大,差异并不显著(P＜0.05).     

饥饿和再投喂对黑尾近红鲌幼鱼体成分、消化酶活性和RNA/DNA比值的影响

在室内水温23～26℃的条件下,分别对黑尾近红鲌(Ancherythroculter nigrocauda)幼鱼进行不同时间(0、5、10、15、20和25 d)的饥饿处理和饥饿后恢复投喂(25 d)试验。结果显示:在饥饿过程中,幼鱼随着饥饿时间的延长,体重和RNA/DNA比值不断减小。脂肪含量在饥饿前期下降明显,后期下降缓慢;蛋白质含量在饥饿前期下降缓慢,后期下降明显,表明幼鱼是优先利用脂肪作为能量来源,其次再利用蛋白质。饥饿5、10 d组幼鱼的消化酶活性下降显著(P<0.05)。肝脏的蛋白酶、淀粉酶活性饥饿至15 d下降显著,之后随着饥饿时间延长,下降趋于平缓;消化道的脂肪酶、淀粉酶活性饥饿至15 d显著下降,之后下降趋于平缓。恢复投喂后,饥饿5、10、15、20 d组幼鱼的消化酶、生化组成及RNA/DNA比值均恢复到对照组水平,而饥饿25 d组幼鱼的水分含量、蛋白质含量、RNA/DNA比值、消化酶均未恢复到对照组水平(P<0.05)。饥饿5、10 d组幼鱼体重均恢复到对照组水平(P>0.05),饥饿15、20、25 d组幼鱼体重与对照组差异显著(P<0.05),这表明黑尾近红鲌幼鱼的补偿生长随饥饿时间的不同而异。     

不同性别沙塘鳢体重与生化组成和能值的关系

研究了体重增加时不同性别沙塘鳢鱼体生化组成和能值的变化。结果显示,雌性沙塘鳢的干物质、脂肪含量和能值随体重的增加而显著增加,蛋白质含量与体重没有显著相关性;雄性沙塘鳢的脂肪含量和能值随体重的增加而显著增加,蛋白质含量显著下降,干物质含量与体重没有显著相关性。随着体重增加,雌性沙塘鳢的脂肪、蛋白质含量和能值以及雄性沙塘鳢的蛋白质含量和能值都与各自鱼体的干物质含量呈显著的直线相关,雄性沙塘鳢的脂肪含量与干物质含量没有显著相关性。     

饥饿对斜带石斑鱼肝脏和肌肉脂肪酸组成的影响

在室外水泥池(4m×1.5m×1m)进行石斑鱼(62.3±0.6g)的饥饿实验,每池放养35尾,设3个重复,实验时间分别为0、1、2、3和4周。随着饥饿时间的延长,体重减轻,肥满度和肝体比显著降低;肌肉水分显著增加而蛋白质含量显著下降(P<0.05),脂肪含量在第1周下降后基本保持稳定。肝脏饱和脂肪酸在饥饿前3周基本保持不变,第4周显著下降。单不饱和脂肪酸在饥饿第1周保持不变,然后呈下降趋势。多不饱和脂肪酸和高不饱和脂肪酸的总和随着饥饿时间的延长,含量显著增加。与肝脏相比,肌肉中脂肪酸变化程度较小。随着饥饿时间的延长,肌肉中140减少而205增加。饥饿使肌肉中DHA/EPA比率呈下降趋势,但肝脏DHA/EPA比率显著上升;肌肉和肝脏中DHA EPA的百分比都随饥饿时间的延长而显著上升。     

不同蛋白质、脂肪水平对三疣梭子蟹生长和卵巢色素沉积的影响

以鱼粉和豆粕为蛋白源,鱼油和大豆油为脂肪源,配制蛋白质水平分别为35％、40％、45％和脂肪水平分别为7％、9％、11％的二因子三水平的实验饲料,并以鲜杂鱼饲料为对照,对三疣梭子蟹(Portunus trituberculatus)(体质量36.5～42.9 g)进行为期20周的养殖实验,研究三疣梭子蟹对蛋白质、脂肪的需要量,以及对卵巢色素沉积的影响.养殖实验采用海区串笼吊养方式,每个吊笼放养1只雌蟹.实验共10个处理,每个处理18个蟹,3个重复.结果表明,不同蛋白质、脂肪水平饲料对三疣梭子蟹增重率(269.2％～404.90％)、饲料系数(2.01～2.55)、蛋白质效率(1.02％～1.29％)和肥满度(16.26％～23.97％)均有显著影响（P＜0.05）；增加饲料蛋白质和脂肪水平,可显著提高三疣梭子蟹生长,降低饲料系数（P＜0.05）.对照饲料组的三疣梭子蟹获得了最高的增重率(461.69％),但饲料系数也是最高(6.35),而且肥满度(21.15％)低于P40Lll组（蛋白质40％、脂肪11％组）.三疣梭子蟹水分、肌肉蛋白、脂肪、灰份和卵巢灰份不受饲料蛋白质、脂肪水平变化的影响(P＞0.05),但卵巢蛋白质、脂肪影响显著(P＜0.05),而且高蛋白饲料组的卵巢脂肪含量总是显著低于其他各组.在同一饲料蛋白质水平下,9％脂肪饲料组的三疣梭子蟹卵巢类胡萝卜素总量、虾青素含量和成色比色值都显著高于其他各饲料组（P＜0.05）.与对照饲料组比较,实验饲料组的三疣梭子蟹卵巢类胡萝卜素总量和虾青素含量呈显著优势.综合考虑生长、饲料系数和色素沉积,三疣梭子蟹饲料的适宜蛋白质水平和脂肪水平分别为40％～45％和9％.本研究旨在为制定三疣梭子蟹饲料配方和改善其品质提供理论依据.     

养殖密度对杂交鳢生长和生理指标的影响

设置0.8、1.1、1.4、1.7kg/m~3 4个养殖密度,研究放养密度对杂交鳢[均质量为(16.5±0.5)g]生长和生理指标的影响。60d的饲养表明,随着养殖密度的增加,杂交鳢的终末体质量、摄食率、特定生长率和蛋白质效率显著降低,而饲料系数显著升高(P0.05)。杂交鳢红细胞数随放养密度的增加而显著升高(P0.05),而白细胞数无显著变化(P0.05)。0.8kg/m~3密度组血红蛋白含量显著低于其他试验组(P0.05)。随着放养密度的增加,血清总胆固醇和血糖含量显著升高(P0.05),而甘油三酯、球蛋白含量以及碱性磷酸酶和超氧化物歧化酶活性显著下降(P0.05)。各试验组血清总蛋白含量无显著变化(P0.05)。1.7kg/m~3密度组血清丙二醛含量显著高于其他密度组(P0.05)。总之,高密度养殖对杂交鳢生长、摄食和代谢产生不利的影响。     

哲罗鱼继饥饿后的补偿生长及其机制

对平均初始体重为80 g的哲罗鱼(Hucho taimen)进行了8周养殖实验,以检验其继饥饿后的补偿生长。实验共设5个处理组,4组鱼分别被饥饿1周、2周、3周、4周后再恢复正常投喂,1组正常投喂作为对照,分别用S1、S2、S3、S4、C表示。实验结果显示:饥饿过程中各饥饿组鱼体重随饥饿时间的延长而逐渐下降,饥饿结束时S2、S3、S4组鱼体重均显著低于对照组(P<0.05),恢复投喂结束时S1、S2、S3组鱼体重与对照组无显著差异(P>0.05),S4组鱼体重与对照差异显著(P<0.05)。恢复投喂期间除S1组外其他饥饿组鱼的摄食率和特定生长率均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。在饥饿过程中,其耗氧率随着饥饿时间的延长逐渐下降,恢复投喂后逐渐上升,其中S1、S2、S3组在各自恢复投喂后5 d、9 d、12 d恢复到对照组水平,而S4组则在其恢复投喂后24 d恢复到对照组水平。饥饿导致鱼躯干脂肪含量下降,躯干水分和灰分含量升高,蛋白质含量变化不大。恢复投喂结束时各饥饿组鱼躯干水分、脂肪、蛋白质含量与对照无显著性差异(P>0.05);躯干灰分含量除S4组显著高于对照组(P<0.05)外,其余与对照差异不显著(P>0.05)。实验结果表明,人工养殖哲罗鱼饥饿1~3周表现出完全补偿生长,饥饿4周表现出部分补偿生长。恢复投喂期间各饥饿组鱼对食物的利用效率得到明显提高,表明哲罗鱼恢复生长中出现的补偿生长效应主要是通过提高摄食水平和食物转化率共同作用实现的。     

饥饿与再投喂对方斑东风螺生长、基本营养成分及RNA/DNA比值的影响

在(25.8±1.7)℃条件下,测定了方斑东风螺(5.25±0.53)g在不同时间(7、15、25和40d)饥饿处理后再投饵30d过程中的生长参数、基本营养成分及组织RNA/DNA比值的变化。饥饿状态下,螺体水分含量逐渐上升,第15天时显著高于对照组;脂肪与糖原含量均下降,并分别于饥饿15d、25d时显著低于对照组(P<0.05);而蛋白质含量在不同处理组间无显著性差异(P>0.05);足肌与肝胰脏中RNA/DNA比值均随饥饿时间延长而逐渐降低。恢复生长后,除饥饿40d组含水量显著高于对照组外(P<0.05),该组其余营养成分及其它各组相应指标均恢复至或接近对照组;RNA/DNA比值除在饥饿40d组肝胰脏中仍较低外均接近或显著高于对照组。各组幼螺摄食率(FR)均高于或显著高于对照组(P<0.05),体重增量、食物转化率(FCE)在前3处理组及特殊生长率(SGR)在饥饿7d与25d组均与对照组间无显著差异(P>0.05),而饥饿15d组的SGR显著高于对照组(P<0.05);饥饿40d组尽管FR显著提高,但体重增量、FCE及SGR均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。结果表明,方斑东风螺幼螺饥饿时主要消耗脂肪与糖原...     

饥饿和再投喂对白斑狗鱼生长性能和生化组成的影响

选用体重196.77±7.60g的白斑狗鱼（Esox Lucius Linnaeus）为研究对象，试验设置饥饿14d、21d、28d、35d、42d组和正常投喂对照组，各组饥饿结束后恢复饱食投喂，试验周期为56d，水温为22～26℃，研究了饥饿和再投喂对白斑狗鱼生长性能、体生化组成和肌肉、肝脏RNA/DNA比值的影响。结果表明：饥饿再投喂后各处理组均出现补偿生长现象，在恢复生长结束后，饥饿14d组体重显著高于对照组（P＜0.05），其他各饥饿处理组体重与对照组无显著性差异（P＞0.05）；随着饥饿时间的延长，饥饿各处理组肌肉的脂肪含量显著下降（P＜0.05），水分含量显著升高（P＜0.05），恢复投喂结束时各饥饿处理组蛋白质和水分含量恢复到对照组水平；在恢复投喂初期各处理组的特定生长率、摄食率和食物转化效率显著高于对照组水平（P＜0.05），随着恢复生长时间的延长，逐渐恢复到对照组水平（P＞0.05）；肌肉和肝脏的RNA/DNA比值均随饥饿时间的延长呈逐渐下降的趋势，在恢复投喂结束时，RNA/DNA比值均在饥饿28d组达到最大值。由此表明饥饿14d组的白斑狗鱼在恢复生长过程中出现了超补偿生长效应，21d组、28d组、35d组和42d组出现了完全补偿生长效应，该补偿效应是由摄食率和食物转化效率升高共同作用的结果。     

松浦镜鲤越冬期的形态、组织结构及生化组成变化

利用电子标记跟踪同期孵化、同条件养殖的松浦镜鲤(Cyprinus carpio var.songpu mirror)在越冬前后的生长过程,比较实验鱼在125 d(越冬前)、170 d(结冰初期)及325 d(越冬后)的形态、组织结构及生化组成变化,并探讨越冬后鱼体主要供能物质含量与越冬体重损失的关系。结果显示,鲤325 d的体重(BW)、肥满度(CF)、脏体指数(VSI)、肝体指数(HSI)和肠体指数(ISI)均显著低于125 d(P0.05);与125 d相比,325 d时的肝和前肠组织结构变化明显,主要表现在肝细胞体积变小,细胞界限模糊,糖原和脂滴丢失。前肠直径、绒毛高度和肌层厚度均显著下降(P0.05),柱状上皮杯状细胞减少,纹状缘萎缩;鲤内脏脂肪和肝糖原含量在越冬期各测定时段均显著下降(P0.05),肌肉和全鱼蛋白质含量仅在冰下阶段(170~325 d)下降明显(P0.05)。越冬后肌肉蛋白质含量与体重损失率呈显著的负相关(P0.05),但内脏脂肪含量与越冬体重损失率无相关(P0.05)。以上结果表明,越冬导致鲤体重相关的形体指标显著变化;越冬长期饥饿引起了肝和前肠组织退化;越冬期间鲤贮能物质的消耗存在阶段性,在结冰前阶段(125~170 d),能量来源以肝糖原和脂肪为主。在冰下阶段(170~325 d),肝糖原、脂肪和蛋白质共同参与能量代谢。越冬后肌肉蛋白质含量可作为衡量越冬期体重损失程度的参考指标。     

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.     

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.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Production of diatom–bacteria biofilm isolated from Seriola lalandi cultures for aquaculture application

Controlled incorporation of selected microalgae and bacteria in aquaculture systems can be beneficial because they can act as microbiological control. That is why the characteristics of biofilm generated naturally in Seriola lalandi culture cages were analysed, their potential benefit to the growth of larvae was studied, and their controlled use for improving the larval viability and as a vector to improve incorporation of previously studied probiotic bacteria was tested. According to biodiversity results, these biofilms are composed of a diatom–bacteria mix showing a decrease in biodiversity in laboratory culture conditions being dominated by Navicula phyllepta and bacteria of the family Rhodobacteraceae. This can be produced on mesh substrates incorporated in bioreactors with rapid growth rate and adhesiveness. Preliminary results from the addition of substrates with this specific biofilm in larvae culture systems showed that it is consumed by the larvae without negative effects, while positive effects on the viability of larvae in combination with probiotics were observed. Considering preliminary results, the addition of these specific substrates with diatom–bacteria biofilms could be a good improvement for aquaculture systems and together with the use of probiotics can contribute to maintaining a stable and controlled system improving the viability of the larval fish culture in its early stages.