福建海区浮游动物种类组成及数量分布特点

根据2003～2004年福建海区春季和夏季2个季度月浮游动物调查资料,分析和研究该调查海区浮游动物种类组成和数量分布特点。结果表明:浮游动物经鉴定共有226种,其中桡足类114种,占总种数的50.4%,以广盐高盐亚热带和热带种为主。浮游动物总生物量分布夏季比春季高,春季平均值为90.3mg·m-3,夏季为150.8mg·m-3,春季总生物量呈现由北向南递减,以闽东渔场最高,闽中渔期次之,闽南台湾浅滩渔场最低,密集区不明显,夏季则相反,随着暖流势力的增强,闽中、闽南台湾浅滩总生物量明显增加,以闽南台湾浅滩最高,且密集区明显;在调查海区总生物量起主导作用的优势种为普通波水蚤、锥形宽水蚤、微陀隆哲水蚤、亚强真哲水蚤,其密集区基本上是各种作业的主要渔场,与历史资料和邻近海域相比较,一直保持优势种地位有普通波水蚤、亚强真哲水蚤等,生物密集区基本相同。     

台湾海峡及其邻近海域游泳生物种类组成和资源现状

2000-2001年台湾海峡及其邻近海域游泳生物调查研究表明,该海域的游泳生物有497种,其中鱼类 367种,甲壳类102种,头足类28种。种类数随纬度逐步增高而减少。鱼类区系属于印度-太平洋的中国- 日本亚区。种类数的季节变化呈秋季>夏季>春季>冬季。相对生物量指数的季节变化,呈夏季>秋季>春季>冬季。而相对密度指数的季节变化呈夏季>春季>秋季>冬季。相对生物量指数和相对密度的优势种分别为中国枪乌贼和发光鲷。各站位月平均相对生物量指数分布为每网8．149(17站)-72．679 kg·h-1(23 站),平均为每网27．089 kg·h-1。按渔场分,月平均相对生物量指数以闽南-台湾浅滩渔场>闽中渔场>闽东渔场;月平均相对密度指数分布为每网320(13站)-6 357 ind·h-1(30站),平均为每网136 ind·h-1。月平均相对生物密度指数闽南-台浅渔场>闽东渔场>闽中渔场。对渔业资源结构、种类组成变化和渔业资源现状及其开发利用程度进行了探讨。     

吕四渔场水产种质资源保护区春夏季浮游植物与环境因子初步分析

根据2011年5月(春季)和8月(夏季)吕四渔场小黄鱼银鲳国家级水产种质资源保护区的调查资料,分析了该保护区浮游植物的分布特征和环境因子的关系。初步鉴定浮游植物16属24种,其中硅藻门14属22种,甲藻门2属2种,硅藻在数量和种类上占绝对优势。主要优势种有中肋骨条藻(Skeletonema costatum)、诺氏海链藻(Thalassiosira nordenskioldi)、有翼圆筛藻(Coscinodiscus bipartitus)和琼氏圆筛藻(Coscinodiscus jonesianus)。春季浮游植物密度介于3×105～19×105ind·m-3之间,平均为10.3×105ind·m-3,夏季介于3×105～472.5×105ind·m-3之间,平均为155.4×105ind·m-3;浮游植物时空分布特征显著,两季密度最高值均出现在6号站,最低值均在2号站。夏季的平均密度高于春季,春季的多样性指数和均匀度指数均优于夏季。环境因子监测中,磷酸盐超标最高,两季分别达100%和62.5%;悬浮物和无机氮超标率也较高,水体呈现明显的富营养化趋势。与历史资料相比,该海区富营养化程度加剧,浮游植物数量处于较高水平。典范对应分析(CCA)显示,影响该海区浮游植物分布的环境因子依次为温度、盐度、化学需氧量和悬浮物;揭示了在富营养化海域营养盐对浮游植物的显著性削弱。     

大力加湖鲟鱼放养场浮游植物及鱼产潜力

2004年5、7、9、12月对大力加湖浮游植物的种类组成结构特征进行了研究。结果表明：大力加湖鲟鱼放养场浮游植物96个种属,密度255.54×10~4 ind．/L,生物量14.166 mg/L。浮游植物季节变化比较明显,密度秋季最高为456.160×10~4 ind．/L,生物量以秋季最高30.105 mg/L。多样性指数变化是夏季＞秋季＞冬季＞春季；均匀度指数变化是冬季＞夏季＞秋季＞春季。全库总鱼产潜力527760 kg,总放养量2804800尾。     

春季大辽河口碎波带浮游植物群落结构的昼夜变化

大辽河口地处辽东湾北岸,在辽宁省营口市汇入渤海。2013年春季对大辽河口碎波带浮游植物的群落结构进行了昼夜采样调查。结果表明,春季大辽河口碎波带浮游植物共计8门76种属,数量、生物量均值总计分别为373．83x10ind·L-1、2．5753mg·L-1。浮游植物以硅藻和绿藻的种类组成、数量为主（硅藻34种属,167．45×104ind·L-1;绿藻22种属,137．36×104ind·L-1）,生物量以硅藻为主（73．7％）。优势种主要是硅藻门的种类,优势种中除普生性种类、中盐性种类外,广温、广盐的中肋骨条藻Skeletonemacostatum、扁藻Platymonassp．也占优势。春季大辽河口碎波带浮游植物呈现出明显的昼夜变化,浮游植物种类组成、数量的昼夜变化高峰出现在12：00和0：00,生物量高峰出现在16：00。浮游植物的种类数（P=0．013）、数量（P=0．002）与盐度呈显著负相关;生物量与温度呈显著正相关（P=0．019）。     

仿刺参的微卫星标记

根据1997-2000年东海23°30′~33°00′N、118°30′~128°00′E海域4个季节海洋调查资料,探讨了东海糠虾类的数量波动、相应的动力学过程及与渔场的关系。结果表明:东海糠虾类秋季丰度最高,均值为10ind.10-2m-3,春季次之(5ind.10-2m-3),夏季最低(1ind.10-2m-3);春季的漂浮囊糠虾(Gastrosaccus pelagicus)、夏季的极小假近糠虾(Pseudanchialina pusilla)、秋季的四刺端糠虾(Doxomysis quadrispinosa)和冬季的中华节糠虾(Siriellasinensis)对糠虾类总丰度变化的贡献较大。冬夏季不同优势种间对总丰度的贡献值较为接近,春秋季则有明显的差异。糠虾类春季和4季总丰度与底层水温线性相关;冬夏季与底层盐度相关;秋季与表层水温和10m层水温相关。东海糠虾类的数量波动,与东海沿岸河流的径流量,特别是长江径流势力消长有密切的联系,也与东海暖流势力从夏季到秋季维持一段时间有密切的关系。秋季糠虾类高分布区出现,对东海北部外海鲐鱼渔场和闽南-台湾浅滩渔场的形成有重要的意义。     

苏北浅滩生态监控区大型底栖生物分布特征

首次报道了江苏省苏北浅滩生态监控区邻近海域大型底栖生物的种类组成以及数量分布规律,调查结果表明,苏北浅滩生态监控区共鉴定出大型底栖生物105种,其中软体动物、甲壳动物和鱼类是构成该区域大型底栖生物的主要类群,三者约占总种数的93.33%.底栖生物年平均生物量为0.3285 g·m -2,夏季高于春季;平均栖息密度0.5460 ind·m -2,也是夏季高于春季,生物量和栖息密度组成均以软体动物和甲壳动物占优势,北部海域生物量高于南部海域.按照生态特征调查海域的底栖生物可以分为5个群落,各群落有自己的优势种.     

勤得利湾浮游植物群落结构特征

2003年5、7、9、11月对勤得利湾浮游植物的种类组成结构特征进行了研究。结果表明:浮游植物共计7门69种,以绿藻、硅藻为主,分别占52.36%和20.11%。近亲鱼腥藻、铜绿微囊藻、普通小球藻、柱形栅列藻、四尾栅列藻、颗粒直链藻、细长锥囊藻、四角十字藻、浮球藻、含糊囊裸藻、针形纤维藻、尺骨针杆藻等为优势种。浮游植物数量为1750.8×104ind./L,以硅藻为主,数量为517.3×104ind./L,占29.55%;生物量为16.082mg/L,硅藻最高,为7.285mg/L。浮游植物季节变化比较明显,数量夏季最高为2801.4×104ind./L,生物量以夏季最高28.235mg/L;水平分布采样点Ⅲ最高,平均为2158.6×104ind./L,采样点Ⅳ生物量最高为12.296mg/L。多样性指数变化是夏季>秋季>冬季>春季。均匀度指数变化是秋季>夏季>冬季>春季。     

福宁湾浮游植物的群落结构特征

基于2011年12月(冬季)、2012年5月(春季)和8月(夏季)福宁湾浮游植物及环境因子的调查数据,对福宁湾浮游植物的种类组成、优势种、多样性的季节变化及其影响因素进行了分析。结果显示,鉴定到种的浮游植物共7门61属149种,硅藻门种类最多,其次是甲藻门。浮游植物种类数以冬季最多,其次是春季,夏季最少。优势种季节更替明显,冬季优势种为中肋骨条藻(Skeletonema costatum)、柏氏角管藻(Cerataulina bergonii)、近缘黄丝藻(Tribonema affine)、琼氏圆筛藻(Coscinodiscus jonesianus)和刚毛根管藻(Rhizosolenia setigera)。春季优势种为夜光藻(Noctiluca scintillans)、波状角藻(Ceratium trichoceros)、洛氏菱形藻(Nitzschia lorenziana)和艾希斜纹藻(Pleurosigma aestuarii)。夏季优势种为条纹小环藻(Cyclotella striata)和中肋骨条藻。浮游植物丰度为0.51×104-1298.73×104个/m3,平均丰度为137.90×104个/m3。各季节浮游植物多样性指数(H￠)平均值为1.988,均匀度指数(J￠)平均值为0.473,其中春季多样性和均匀度较高,其次是夏季,冬季最低。冬季和夏季,浮游植物生物量与活性磷酸盐呈显著正相关(P<0.05),春季,与活性磷酸盐呈显著负相关(P<0.05),夏季丰度与化学耗氧量呈极显著正相关(P<0.01),活性磷酸盐是福宁湾浮游植物生物量的限制因子。     

闽南、台湾浅滩渔场单拖作业渔获物组成分析

根据2000~2001年单拖作业渔获物调查资料,着重对渔获物种类组成、个体大小进行分析。结果表明:闽南、台湾浅滩渔场单拖网作业渔获物品种繁多、个体小,优势种数量多、比重小,占周年总渔获量1%以上的品种有19种,鱼类、甲壳类、头足类渔获个体平均体重仅为11.4g/ind,周年中,5~6月个体最小,建议将该渔场单拖作业伏季休渔时间调整为5月1日至7月15日。     

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.     

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.     

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.