Directing gonadal differentiation in bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus (Rafinesque), and black crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus (Lesueur), by periodic estradiol-17β immersions

We investigated the feminization of bluegill and black crappie by short periodic immersions in an aqueous estradiol‐17β (E₂) solution. Bluegill fry (13.8 mm) were immersed in a 1 mg L^?1 E₂ solution every 5 days on three occasions over an 11‐day period. In the positive control treatment, the same cohort of fry was fed 200 mg kg^?1 E₂ diet for 45 days. Two different size (26.1 and 20.1 mm) but the same age (45 days old) black crappie fry were immersed in the same concentration of E₂ solution for 5 h a day every 3–5 days on 10 occasions between 45 and 86 days post hatch. Both modes of E₂ administration were effective to induce feminization in bluegill. Feeding fry E₂ impregnated diet for 45 days yielded 99.3% female populations from a 38.8% female experimental population. Only three short‐time E₂ immersions of fry over a much shorter treatment period also produced 76.9% female populations. E₂ immersions had no effect on sex ratios of larger black crappie fry and produced variable levels of feminization (60–82% female) in smaller black crappie fry. Results of the present study showed that feminization in both species can be achieved by periodic immersions of fry in a 1 mg L^?1 E₂ solution with no adverse effects on survival. Yet, further researches on timing and intensity of immersion treatments are still needed for optimization of the procedures.     

The role of gape‐limitation in intraguild predation between endangered Mohave tui chub and non‐native western mosquitofish

Intraguild predation (IGP) is a mechanism that may facilitate the co‐existence of native species with non‐native invasive species. We conducted laboratory predation trials to assess the role of predator gape‐limitation in the context of IGP between the endangered Mohave tui chub (Siphateles bicolor mohavensis) and invasive western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Larval tui chubs had significantly lower (χ² = 74.74; P < 0.001) survival in the presence of female mosquitofish (10.0%) than in the presence of male mosquitofish (73.3%). Reciprocally, adult tui chubs preyed upon adult mosquitofish, causing a significantly lower (χ² = 11.33; P < 0.001) survival for male mosquitofish (60%) compared to female mosquitofish survival (96.7%). Vulnerability modelling revealed that mosquitofish with a body depth < 4.6 mm and a larval tui chub with a body depth < 1.2 mm were completely vulnerable to predation by adult Mohave tui chub and adult mosquitofish, respectively. IGP in this study system is size‐structured based on gape‐size limitation and may have some conservation implications for the recovery of endangered Mohave tui chub. Our findings also provide an important caveat to the dogmatic view of mosquitofish as a threat whenever they invade. It is important to note that many previous studies that reported negative impacts of mosquitofish involved native species with relatively small body sizes, often the same size as mosquitofish.     

Seasonal abundance and movement of the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) on rocky substrate in the Duluth–Superior Harbor of Lake Superior

Abstract – Despite its small size [adult: 60–130 mm, total length (TL)] and limited home range, the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) has quickly become established throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes. Little information is available, however, on the natural dispersal pattern of this species. This capture–mark–recapture study utilised alphanumeric tags subcutaneously inserted into round gobies (n = 1228) along a 550‐m stretch of the Duluth–Superior Harbor shoreline to observe their movement over a 13‐month period. Recaptured round gobies (n = 415) exhibited highly leptokurtic movement distributions, and movement events were not correlated with fish size, gender or month. Our work indicates that round gobies >50 mm (TL) generally occupy an area less than the minimum sampling interval (25 m); however, occasional movement up to 50 m per day could facilitate range expansion in the Laurentian Great Lakes.     

The annual reproductive cycle and sex inversion of the Picnic seabream,Acanthopagrus berda (Forsskål 1775) from Indian waters: Histological and morphometric description

The annual reproductive cycle of picnic seabream, Acanthopagrus berda (Forsskål, 1775), one of the potential aquaculture candidate from estuarine waters of Calicut, Kerala (India) was studied. Based on the morphological and histological studies, the ovotestes of A. berda were classified as active male, active female, inactive male, inactive female, transitional and undifferentiated. Histological observation of transitional gonads showed signs of degeneration in the testicular lobe, proliferation of connective tissue and empty sperm ducts indicating protandrous hermaphroditism in A. berda. Ovary was classified into seven maturity stages (virgin, developing virgin, developing, maturing, mature, running, spent) and testis into five maturity stages (resting, maturing, mature, running, spent). Gonadal development in A. berda indicated resting phase (February–July), pre‐spawning phase (March–August) and spawning phase (August–December). Inactive (24.6%) and active males (21.6%) were observed as dominant in smaller length classes (140–250 mm TL), whereas inactive (18%) and active females (51%) were observed as dominant in larger length classes (251–450 mm TL). Few primary females (28.1%) were observed in smaller (below 250 mm TL) and few primary males (28.5%) were observed in larger length classes (above 250 mm TL). From the present study, it can be concluded that in A. berda, most of the individuals function first as males and then change sex to female, but few continue to function as either male or female throughout their lifespan indicating digynous protandrous hermaphroditism.     

缪氏暗光鱼早期发育形态

根据1978—1986年4—6月太平洋中部热带水域、西太平洋热带水域以及东海外海黑潮流域调查期间所采集到的缪氏暗光鱼仔稚鱼样品,结合相关的文献资料,详细描述了缪氏暗光鱼的个体发育形态,旨在丰富我国鱼类早期生活史的研究内容并为今后鱼卵、仔稚鱼种类鉴定提供参考资料。缪氏暗光鱼卵子为圆球形、无色、透明的分离浮性卵。卵子表面被有一层特殊突起状的胶质膜,卵子直径为1.29~1.82 mm,内卵膜直径为0.87~1.17 mm。胶质突起的底部在卵膜的表面呈正六角形。单一油球,直径为0.22~0.28 mm。卵黄间隙非常狭小。卵黄表面呈泡状龟裂。胚胎发育过程没有色素出现。体长2.80 mm的前期仔鱼,肛门位于体中部稍后,可数肌节17+16=33对,鱼体上无色素分布。体长为2.90 mm的前期仔鱼,眼球上开始出现黑色素细胞沉淀。体长为5.90 mm的后期仔鱼,鳔泡形成,后半部上方出现点状色素分布;体长为6.90 mm的后期仔鱼,出现2个BR发光器和2个IV2发光器。体长为8.20 mm的后期仔鱼,鱼体上星状和点状黑色素增多,出现3个BR发光器、OP3发光器和7个IV2发光器。体长10.70 mm的稚鱼,腹囊中部出现一列星状黑色素,BR发光器和IV2发光器的数量增多外又出现1个ORB发光器。体长14.00 mm的稚鱼,颅顶至尾柄有许多大小不等的星状黑色素分布,尾柄上的黑色素较为浓密,整个腹囊散布点状黑色素,又出现了OP1、OP2、5个IV1、5个OA、4个VAV、6个AC2以及6个AC3发光器,至此,发光器发育还没完全。     

牙鲆室内人工养殖试验

报道了室内养殖牙鲆的试验结果,１９９２年－１９９５年进行的小规模试验。将受精卵培育至鱼苗、成鱼直至成熟亲鱼。在水温为２－２５℃范围内,经过３６个月将全长为５．３ｃｍ鱼苗培育至全长为４６．８ｃｍ、体重为１７８０ｇ的商品鱼,成活率为５０．６％。１９９７年－１９９８年进行的生产性养殖试验,在水温为１０－３３℃范围内。经过１０个月将全长为５．４ｃｍ鱼苗养至全长为３３．４ｃｍ、体篝为３５６ｇ的商品鱼、成活率     

Optimum food particle size in relation to body size of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., fry

Abstract. An investigation was conducted under laboratory conditions to determine the optimum food particle size of an inert diet for common carp fry ranging in size from 15 to 466mg body weight and 13 to 31 mm total length (TL). Speed of consumption of a standard quantity of food was used as a measurement of feeding preference/efficiency for different particle size ranges. It was observed that for carp of this size range preferred food particle size increases with fish size. On the basis of ingestion time and feeding behaviour, food particle sizes in the ranges 125-300μm. 300-500μm, 300-790μm and 500-1000μm diameter were found to be most appropriate for carp fry weighing 15-23mg(TL 13-18), 46-97 mg(TL 17-22), 105-209 mg (TL 20-25) and 210-466mg (TL 24-31) respectively. This study also demonstrated that for carp fry of these size ranges the mean preferred food particle sizes are about 02-04 that of mouth size. Based on this relationship, general recommendations are made on the optimum food particle sizes for different size classes of carp fry reared under hatchery and nursery conditions.     

Effect of density on survival and growth of cyprinid fish fry

One of the bottlenecks in Israel's cold water ornamental fish industry is the large loss of fish during the post-larval stage. As a first step towards increasing survival rates, the optimal stocking density in earthen ponds for fry of each species should be determined. The results of five consecutive experiments with fry of goldfish (Carassius auratus), common carp and koi (respectively, edible and ornamental morphotypes of Cyprinus carpio) are presented here. The experiments were run in 18 cages of 1 m³ and 0.8 mm mesh size placed in a 0.02 ha earthen pond, stocked at 50,100 and 200 fry per cage. The variables analyzed were growth rate, harvesting weight, biomass and survival. Equations to estimate growth rates under different conditions are given. The three fish types present different growth rates and survival patterns in relation to stocking density and season, which lead to different management implications. Koi can be stocked up to 2 million fry per ha without showing negative density effects. Goldfish should be stocked at low density (500,000–1 million fry per ha) in spring and at higher rate (2 million fry per ha) in summer. Common carp stocking density should be adjusted to obtain the required fish size at harvest.     

Mass selection for red colour in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus 1758)

Mass selection in Oreochromis niloticus, Stirling strain, was used to obtain a red colour homozygous dominant population from a base population containing wild type and red fish with black blotches. Each selection generation included 28–80 breeders in a 1:1 male:female ratio and a density of 1 pair m^?2.First selection for red colour was done when fry reached 3 g, discarding those exhibiting wild type colouring or with a high black blotch incidence. Second selection was done before fish began the reproduction stage. To determine if red‐coloured fish were homozygous, a progeny test was done with the fifth selection generation using eight individual crosses of red males with wild type females and wild type males with red females. Red colour proportion increased from 5.6% in the first generation to 100% in the fifth generation. All fry in the progeny test were red colour, inferring that the population was homozygous dominant (RR). Accumulated inbreeding rate in the fifth selection generation was 1.79%. The selection process did not affect fecundity as fry production in red colour females was similar to that in wild type females. Mass selection to obtain a red homozygous population in O. niloticus, Stirling strain, was appropriate and was also effective in reducing black blotch incidence in the same species.     

Osteological development and deformities in hatchery‐reared longtooth grouper (Epinephelus bruneus): Vertebral column,dorsal‐fin supports and caudal‐fin skeleton

Skeletal deformities are one of the serious problems in hatchery‐reared longtooth grouper (Epinephelus bruneus). In this study, seed production of longtooth grouper was carried out in four large hatchery‐grade tanks. Osteological development of the vertebral column, caudal‐fin skeleton and dorsal‐fin supports in larvae and juveniles was described. The vertebral ontogeny started at 4.8 mm total length (TL) with the formation of neural spines 2 and 3, and the vertebral centra began forming at 5.3 mm TL. By 16 mm TL, all vertebral bony elements were formed except for the dorsal ribs. The onsets of the ontogeny of the caudal‐fin skeleton and dorsal‐fin supports occurred at approximately 5.1 mm and 3.9 mm TL, respectively, and the completion of these bony elements occurred at approximately 20 mm TL. The incidence of deformity was examined; some type of deformity was observed in 57%–68% of the specimens. These deformities mainly occurred as three types: lordosis, around vertebrae 1–5; saddleback‐like syndrome, around vertebrae 7–11; and vertebrae fusion, around vertebrae 22–24. The incidence of prehaemal lordosis was significantly higher among individuals with an uninflated swim bladder than among those with an inflated swim bladder.     

Impact of Aeration on the Growth Performance of Silver Barb,Puntius gonionotus,during Fingerling Rearing

Impact of aeration on growth of silver barb, Puntius gonionotus during fingerling rearing was studied through a 100‐d rearing experiment conducted in 18 concrete tanks of 50 m² (10 × 5 × 1.2 m) size. Fry (0.74 ± 0.27 g, 35 ± 6 mm) were stocked in the experimental tanks at three stocking densities (25, 50, and 75 fry/m²) and were evaluated with and without provision of 6 h (2400–0600 h) of night time aeration. Aeration resulted in higher pH and dissolved oxygen regime and increased fingerling length and weight. The results suggest a rearing density of 75/m² to be ideal for rearing fry to fingerling of this species when aeration is provided, whereas, under non‐aerated condition, rearing the fry to fingerling stage at 50/m² was found advantageous over those at 25 and 75/m².     

圆斑星鲽仔稚鱼色素细胞发育和体色变化

为研究圆斑星鲽早期发育过程中色素细胞的形态和分布,实验对1~72日龄的圆斑星鲽鱼苗进行了连续的显微观察,并绘制了早期发育生长曲线。结果显示,圆斑星鲽从20日龄开始进入快速的增长期,在水温12~19.5°C时完成变态发育需要50 d,黑色素细胞最早出现,数量最多,黄色素细胞次之,虹彩细胞最后发育,数量最少。变态前黑色素细胞密度先升高后降低,在9日龄密度最大为1390个/mm~2,色素细胞逐渐密集鱼体两侧对称分布;变态开始后鱼体两侧色素不对称,有眼侧体表黑色素细胞逐渐溶解消退,由成体黑色素细胞代替,体色变深,黑色素细胞密度稳定在150个/mm~2;无眼侧黑色素细胞逐渐消溶退化,体色逐渐变白。白化个体在变态开始后出现,有眼侧不能形成成体黑色素细胞,形成白化。     

Induced breeding and larval rearing of the endangered Australian freshwater fish trout cod, Maccullochella macquariensis (Cuvier) (Percichthyidae)

Abstract. The endangered Australian freshwater fish trout cod, Maccullochella macquariensis (Cuvier), was the subject of a captive breeding programme to produce fry for reintroduction into the wild. Trout cod broodfish were maintained in earthen ponds for up to 5 years and underwent gonadal maturation each spring but did not spawn in the ponds. Infestations of the protozoan parasite Chilodonella hexasticha caused the death of at least 21 broodfish. Mature fish, removed from ponds when water temperatures had reached or exceeded 16°C, had a higher proportion of atretic oocytes and fewer fish spawned successfully compared to fish removed at lower temperatures. Ovulation was induced by a single injection of 1000–3000 iu/kg HCG. Between 1188 and 11338 eggs ranging from 2·5 to 3·6 mm in diameter were stripped from individual fish. Hatching commenced on days 5–9 and continued for up to 10 days (at 15·5–23°C). Larvae commenced feeding on days 21–25. Trout cod larvae were grown out to fry (363.3–48.6mm total length [TL]) in fertilized fry rearing ponds then released. Between 1986 and 1989, 8420 trout cod fry were released into several sites in the upper Murray River and upper Murrumbidgee River, and reports indicate that released fish are surviving.     

First data on the experimental evaluation of predation on Heterobranchus longifilis larvae (Siluroidei; Clariidae) by toad tadpoles (Bufo regularis)

An investigation was conducted under laboratory conditions to analyse the mechanisms of prey capture by tadpoles, Bufo regularis Reuss, and to determine the minimum size at which the predation pressure by tadpoles on the larvae of African catfish, Heterobranchus longifilis Val., becomes insignificant. It was observed that the tadpoles fed on the larvae by suction without any specific capture strategies regardless of their sizes. The predation pressure was very high (100% mortality) during yolk-sac absorption and reduced gradually as the larvae increased in size. Based on these results, it was suggested to transfer the fry into nursing ponds only when they have reached a size greater than 10 mm TL (5–7 days) so as to avoid their predation during the primary nursing phase.     

Substrate selection by subyearling European river lampreys (Lampetra fluviatilis) and older larvae (Lampetra spp)

More information on the habitat requirements of lamprey is needed to improve measures aiming at rehabilitation of lamprey populations. Knowledge on habitat requirements of subyearling lampreys is especially scarce. We studied substrate selection by subyearling lamprey during the first three months after hatching using aquarium experiments. Differences in substrate selection by different‐sized larvae older than one year and the substrate depth selection by large larvae were also studied. Prolarvae of an average total length (TL) of 6.9 mm actively selected substrates with existing holes. When lampreys reached TL of over 8.0 mm, they started to select substrates which enabled them to construct a burrow. Lampreys of that size avoided coarse sand and gravel without fine material. Natural gravel with fine material was a frequently selected burrowing substrate during the 10‐week experiment suggesting its importance for subyearling lampreys. Substrates where very fine sand prevailed were the most selected soft sediments by subyearling larvae. Larvae older than one year did not select clay as a burrowing substrate. Medium (TL 70–98 mm) and large (TL 110–146 mm) larvae preferred coarse organic matter to fine sand. Larvae older than one year (TL 80–110 mm) preferred the thickest layer of soft substrate (10 cm) available to thinner layers.     

On the induced spawning and larval rearing of milkfish,Chanos chanos (Forskal)

A female milkfish, captured at sea, was injected with two hormonal injections of acetone-dried salmon pituitary powder and human chorionic gonadotropin, plus Vitamin B complex. It was stripped, and produced 128,000 ripe eggs with an average diameter of 1.15 mm. Fertilization rate was 38% following artificial fertilization with milt from an uninjected male. A total of 36,000 larvae hatched (74% of fertile eggs) after 26–32 h at 34 ‰ salinity and 27–32°C. The newly hatched larvae measured 3.4 mm in mean total length and possessed a large yolk sac. The mouth of the larvae opened about 54 h after hatching. The larvae were fed with fertilized oyster eggs, rotifers, copepods, brine shrimp, flour and prepared feed, together with Chlorella. A critical period was between the 4th and 6th days with mortality over 80%. The larvae started increasing in length by Day 8, and had the appearance of the wild fry by Day 11. On Day 13 a pigmentation pattern developed and the biggest larva measured 10.0 mm. By Day 18 the larvae measured 12.5 mm, and 14.5 mm by Day 21. A total of 2,859 fry was obtained; the highest larval survival rate obtained from different experimental groups was 46.8%.     

Spawning behaviour,early development and first feeding of the bluestriped angelfish [Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)] in captivity

Successful natural spawning of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis in captivity from 19 March to 11 May, 2008 is described for the first time. A single male dominates a harem of two females, spawning with each at dusk, from 10 min before to 20 min after sunset. Each female laid an average 119 × 10³ eggs during the spawning period. Fertilized eggs were spherical, buoyant and had a diameter of 0.83 ± 0.02 mm (mean ± SD). Embryonic development lasted 15–18 h at 28.1 °C. Newly hatched larvae were 1.60 ± 0.07 mm in total length (TL) with 27 myomeres. Larvae completed yolk absorption within 3 days post hatching (ph) at 3.01 ± 0.08 mm TL. Ten days ph, the larvae had attained 3.95 ± 0.12 mm TL. Larvae were fed either 100% s‐type rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis), 100% copepods (Microsetella sp.), a combination of the two (50%:50%) or without live feed (starved control) to determine the effect of live feed on the survival rate. The survival was significantly (P<0.001) higher in larvae fed a combination of diet than the others. These results indicate that C. septentrionalis is a potential species for captive breeding programs and the use of a combination of diet (s‐type rotifers and copepods) may be a suitable first food for the larvae.     

Shape ontogeny and variation in the sharpsnout seabream, Diplodus puntazzo (Cetti 1777)

Shape ontogeny of Diplodus puntazzo was studied during the larval and metamorphosis phase (2.6–33.0 mm total length (TL)) by means of geometric morphometrics. Additionally, shape comparison was performed between newly settled wild individuals of D. puntazzo (11.0–18.0 mm TL) and reared of the same TL range. Results clearly demonstrated that shape ontogeny of D. puntazzo is not continuous during the studied period, but it is characterized by the presence of two inflection points (at 6.2 and 11.4 mm TL), which define three phases of significantly different rates of shape development (P<0.05). Spline diagrams demonstrated that shape ontogeny mainly correlated with the development of fins, caudal peduncle, snoot and the ventral abdominal profile. Concerning the comparison of reared fish with wild fish, morphometric analysis revealed a significant effect of fish origin on the shape of D. puntazzo (Wilks' λ=0.147, P<0.001). Shape differences between the two populations were mainly demonstrated at the caudal peduncle and at the ventral profile of the abdominal area. Combined with the results of shape ontogeny, spline diagrams showed that shape differences between the two populations were related to the comparatively more advanced ontogenetic state of reared fish, at the studied size range.     

Ontogenetic diet shifts of age-0 smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu Lacepède) in the New River, West Virginia, USA

Larval and juvenile smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu Lacepède; 8.5–85.0 mm total length (TL)) were collected from 2 sites in the New River, West Virginia, in the late spring and early summer to document diet shifts during early ontogeny. The first foods of smallmouth bass (TL = 9 mm) were primarily Chironomidae and microcrustaceans (primarily Copepoda). Other aquatic insects, primarily Ephemeroptera, became more abundant in the stomachs as TL increased. A shift in the proportions and types of prey consumed began at approximately 15 mm TL and was primarily attributed to fin development and increased mouth size. Foraging success, measured by number of prey per stomach, stomach fullness, and average prey volume was lower for first-feeding smallmouth bass than for later life stages. Mouth width appeared to restrict the size of prey consumed by larval smallmouth bass, but the maximum prey width never approached the mouth width for fish longer than 35 mm TL.     

Predation Potential of Some Aquatic Insects (Pantala,Coenagrion, Tropisternus,Notonecta and Sigara) on Common Carp Fry

This study deals with the predation potential of aquatic insects from five genera, upon the fry of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The fry ranged in size from 7-19 mm. Aquatic insects from five genera were divided by size into three classes. Pantala (Libellulidae). Coenaarion (Coenagrionidae) and Notonecta (Notonectidae) increased their predation potential as they increased their length. as opposed to Tropisternus (Hidrophilidae), which ate more fry when smaller. The largest insects ate very few small fry but ate larger fry that were longer than their own body length. Pantala was the most effective fry predator, eating an average of 1.64 fry per day, followed by Notonecta (1.5), Coenagrion (0.43), and Tropisternus larvae (0.35 fry/day). Sigara were not predators and did not eat any fry; The insect size/fry size interaction proved to be directly proportional for all insects; that is, the larger the insect, the larger the fry it could capture.