金海水库浮游植物调查及群落结构研究

为了了解和掌握金海水库水质状况,于2012年6月至2013年5月对金海水库水体理化指标及浮游植物的群落结构进行了逐月监测。采样期间共鉴定出浮游植物7门33属45种,其中绿藻门最多,15属24种;硅藻门次之,8属11种;蓝藻门、裸藻门、甲藻门、隐藻门和金藻门分别鉴定出4属4种、2属2种、2属2种、1属1种、1属1种。金海水库浮游植物数量变化范围20.1×104~335×104个/L,夏季最多,春季最少。浮游植物数量与环境因子相关性分析表明,水体中浮游植物数量主要受水温以及总磷浓度影响。优势度分析表明,金海水库浮游植物优势种有小球藻、肥壮蹄形藻、中型脆杆藻、微小色球藻等31种。金海水库浮游植物多样性指数和均匀度指数分别变化在1.29~3.52和0.38~0.82。金海水库水体浮游植物群落结构较为稳定,整体上以绿藻-硅藻型为主。金海水库水质总体为轻度污染。     

达里诺尔湖夏季浮游植物群落结构及分布特征

为了探究达里诺尔湖夏季浮游植物群落结构特征及水质状况,对浮游植物的种类组成、多样性及环境理化因子进行监测。2015年夏季在湖区设置9个采样点进行定期采样,通过Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Pielou均匀度指数等数据处理,结合Pearson相关分析,研究浮游植物群落结构空间分布特征、多样性及其与环境因子的相关性。结果表明,调查期间共发现浮游植物5门、39属、77种;其中绿藻门29种,占总种数37.66%;蓝藻门和硅藻门均有23种,均占29.87%。达里湖夏季浮游植物优势种为3门、14种,主要优势种为单生卵囊藻(Oocystis solitaria)、湖生卵囊藻(Oocystis lacustris)、不定微囊藻(Microcystis incerta)、小球藻(Chlorella sp.)和细小隐球藻(Aphanocapsa elachista)。浮游植物丰度为4.55×10~4~26.78×10~4个/L,其平均值为:水面下0.5 m(22.46×10~4个/L)1.5 m(20.86×10~4个/L)4.5 m(14.15×10~4个/L)底泥上0.5 m(9.32×10~4个/L);浮游植物生物量为0.682~6.695 mg/L,垂向变化趋势与浮游植物丰度一致。相关分析表明,夏季达里诺尔湖浮游植物丰度与温度、p H值、溶解氧及叶绿素a呈极显著正相关,与盐度相关性不明显。浮游植物群落Shannon-Wiener指数为3.330~4.452,Pielou指数为0.799~0.912,结合浮游植物丰度、优势种及多样性指数分析结果,达里诺尔湖属于绿藻-蓝藻-硅藻型,且水体处于寡污染水平。     

贵州草海秋季浮游植物群落结构与水质因子的关系

为了探究贵州草海浮游植物群落结构特征及其与水质环境因子的关系,为其水资源保护和可持续发展提供参考依据。于2017年11月(秋季)对贵州草海16个采样点的浮游植物种类组成、细胞密度、优势种及环境因子进行调查,同时利用分层聚类分析、冗余分析(RDA)和主成分分析(PCA)的方法探讨浮游植物群落结构、环境因子、采样点三者之间的关系。结果显示,本次调查共鉴定出浮游植物7门、66属、139种;其中蓝藻门12属、22种,绿藻门28属、69种,硅藻门16属、29种,隐藻门2属、3种,裸藻门4属、11种,甲藻门3属、4种,金藻门1属、1种;其中绿藻为优势门类,占浮游植物总数的49.64%;硅藻次之,占20.86%;蓝藻居第三位,占15.83%,金藻最少,仅占0.72%。调查期间,样点6、7、11、12的叶绿素a含量较高,均高于5.0μg/L,细胞密度也较大,均超过了107个/L。各采样点浮游植物的群落结构聚类分析表明,样点7、11、12聚为一类,其优势门类均为蓝藻,且位于靠近威宁县城的沿岸带。各采样点与环境变量之间的主成分分析(PCA)结果显示,6、7、11、12号采样点主要受营养盐、总溶解固体和盐度的影响,浮游植物与环境因子的冗余分析(RDA)得出蓝藻受营养盐的影响较大。研究表明,威宁县城沿岸带的藻类细胞密度明显高于其它位点,其优势门类为蓝藻,营养盐是导致威宁县城沿岸带藻类细胞密度过高的主要原因。     

大纵湖浮游植物群落特征及其与环境因子的关系

里下河腹地位于江淮两大水系交融地带,人类活动严重影响区域水生态环境。鉴于浮游植物群落结构及多样性可作为水环境变化重要指示生物,于2015-2017年对里下河腹地典型湖泊大纵湖浮游植物群落结构及环境因子进行逐月采样调查,分别采用藻类生物学指标和综合营养指数对大纵湖营养状态进行综合评价,并且基于相关性分析法,探讨浮游植物与水环境因子的响应关系。结果显示,大纵湖在调查期间共鉴定出浮游植物7门、123种,以绿藻、硅藻、蓝藻为主,分别为50、35、18种,占总种数的40.65%、28.46%、14.63%。全湖各采样点浮游植物的平均丰度为3.70×106 ~6.25×106 个/L;空间上略有差异,夏季藻类丰度较高,冬季最低。大纵湖各个采样点浮游植物优势种基本相同,共8种。浮游植物物种多样性指数和均匀度年均值分别为2.74和0.78,表明大纵湖处于轻-中度污染状态。综合营养指数显示,大纵湖处于轻度富营养状态,两者结果基本一致。相关性分析表明,水温（T）、透明度（SD）、浊度（TUB）和总氮（TN）是影响大纵湖浮游植物群落结构的主要水质指标。     

连环湖铁哈拉泡浮游植物群落结构及其与水环境因子的关系

2021年4月(春季)、7月(夏季)、10月(秋季)和2022年1月(冬季),采用规范方法调查监测和分析受面源污染的浅水铁哈拉泡(46°30’～46°50’N,123°59’～124°15’E)浮游植物群落结构特征及其与水环境因子的关系,并对湖泡水生态保护和治理提出了建议。连环湖铁哈拉泡共鉴定出浮游植物7门66属115种及变种,绿藻门、硅藻门和蓝藻门种类优势占比较大,占总种类数的85.22%。浮游植物的总平均丰度为464.4×10⁴ind./L,总平均生物量为1.533 3 mg/L,绿藻门、硅藻门和蓝藻门丰度和生物量均高于其他门类,其中蓝藻门平均丰度(217.8×10⁴ind./L)和平均生物量(0.489 4 mg/L)均最高。铁哈拉泡浮游植物群落结构季节变化显著,春季蓝藻门、硅藻门和绿藻门为优势门类;夏季和秋季分别为蓝藻门的微囊藻(Microcystis sp.)和硅藻门中的小环藻(Cyclotella sp.)凸显出较大优势;冬季则演变为隐藻门、裸藻门、甲藻门和硅藻门共同占优势的群落结构。TSIM评价结果表明,湖泡营养状态为轻微的富营...     

黄河口及其邻近水域夏季浮游植物群落结构及其与环境因子的关系

根据2013年调水调沙前(6月)、后(8月)在黄河口及其邻近水域进行浮游植物与环境调查数据,研究该水域夏季浮游植物种类组成、优势种、群落多样性的变化,应用典范对应分析(CCA)研究黄河口浮游植物群落空间结构与环境因子的关系,并探讨黄河调水调沙事件对浮游植物群落结构的影响。结果显示,本次调查共鉴定浮游植物88种,隶属于4门40属。其中,硅藻门种类最多,共30属66种,占总种数的74.2%;甲藻门次之,共6属16种,占总种数的18.2%;绿藻门共3属5种,占总种数的5.7%;金藻门仅1属1种。调水调沙前浮游植物优势种为旋链角毛藻和细弱圆筛藻,调水调沙后的优势种为梭状角藻和旋链角毛藻。浮游植物群落物种丰富度指数D、多样性指数H'和均匀度指数J'均呈现调水调沙前高后低的趋势。典范对应分析表明,调水调沙前影响浮游植物群落空间结构的主要因素为硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐、溶解氧和透明度;调水调沙后影响浮游植物群落空间结构的主要因素为溶解氧、活性硅酸盐、铵盐和透明度。黄河调水调沙带来的营养盐变化可能是引起调水调沙前、后浮游植物种类组成和群落结构差异的主要因素。     

新疆乌伦古湖春、秋季浮游植物群落结构的聚类和多维分析

2007年4月和8月对乌伦古湖浮游植物进行了调查。经鉴定,调查区域内浮游植物共计8门172种(含未定种)。其中绿藻门74种(含未定种),硅藻门50种(含未定种),蓝藻门27种(含未定种),其他种类占12.2%。4月浮游植物平均细胞密度和生物量分别为33.49×104ind/L和0.4552mg/L;8月分别为276.28×104ind/L和3.6578mg/L。依据浮游植物物种组成和细胞密度,利用Bray-Curtis相似性测定,对浮游植物群落结构进行聚类(Cluster analysis)和多维(Multidimensional scaling,MDS)分析。结果显示,春、秋季布伦托海浮游植物群落结构聚为两大类,吉力湖聚为三大类;由于各采样点的水深、水温、pH值、透明度等环境因子的差异导致浮游植物群落结构发生变化,采用聚类和多维分析,有效地揭示了乌伦古湖春、秋季各采样点间浮游植物群落结构的相似性;多维分析与聚类分析结果一致,从二维空间角度证实了聚类结论。乌伦古湖属高纬度地区水体,春、秋两季出现以硅藻为优势类群的浮游植物群落类型;结合乌伦古湖浮游植物的优势种、数量和生物量的检测结果,该湖属于贫-中营养型湖泊。本研究旨在群落结构层面探讨春、秋季乌伦古湖浮游植物的变化规律,为今后进一步合理利用该湖丰富的水生生物资源提供科学依据。     

鸭绿江下游浮游植物群落结构与环境因子的关系*

为了探究鸭绿江下游浮游植物群落的演替规律及与环境因子的关系,2012-2016年每年的春季(4月枯水期)和秋季(9月丰水期)进行2次采样调查。根据鸭绿江下游的环境特点,遵循采样点具有代表性的原则,以鸭绿江下游的宽甸县河口村为起点,以丹东市振兴区浪头镇为终点,共设7个采样点,对鸭绿江下游连续5年进行了浮游植物群落结构及水体理化因子的监测。结果表明,鸭绿江下游共鉴定出浮游植物77种,分属于7门47属,其中硅藻门30种,绿藻门28种,裸藻门6种,甲藻门3种,金藻门2种,隐藻门1种,群落组成以硅藻和绿藻为主。主要优势种有梅尼小环藻(Cyclotella meneghiniana)、颗粒直链藻(Melosira granulata)、克罗顿脆杆藻(Fragilaria crotonensis)、辐射圆筛藻(Coscinodiscus radiatus)和美丽星杆藻(Asterionella formosa)。浮游植物生物量从上游至下游逐渐升高,2012-2014年的年际生物量较高,从2015年开始生物量骤减。影响浮游植物生物量最主要的环境因子是水温、透明度和总氮,生物量与水温、总氮呈极显著正相关(P0.01),与透明度呈显著负相关(P0.05)。     

新疆大泉沟水库浮游植物群落特征及其与环境因子的关系

为了探究大泉沟水库浮游植物群落结构的动态变化特征及综合水质状况,为库区水资源保护和渔业可持续发展提供参考依据,于2015年10月(枯水期)、2016年4月(丰水期)和7月(平水期),对库区内4个采样点进行了浮游植物群落与水质调查。结果表明,本次调查共鉴定出浮游植物8门161种,其中绿藻67种、硅藻48种、蓝藻26种、裸藻6种、隐藻6种、黄藻6种、金藻1种、甲藻1种,浮游植物群落结构组成属于绿藻-硅藻型;浮游植物主要优势种为小球藻(Chlorella vulgaris)、尖针杆藻(Synedra acus)、拟气球藻(Botrydiopsis intercedens)、四尾栅藻(Scenedesmus quadricauda)、细小平裂藻(Merismopedia minima)等;浮游植物密度为0.86×106~5.54×106个/L、平均值为2.13×106个/L;浮游植物的Shannon-Wiener指数(H)、Margalef指数(Dm)及Pielou均匀度指数(J)变化范围分别为1.97~2.56、1.83~3.01和0.68~0.77。研究显示,大泉沟水库目前处于中污染状态;相关分析表明,水温、总磷、透明度和溶解氧是大泉沟水库浮游植物群落结构变化的主要影响因子,大泉沟水库属中营养至中度富营养水库。     

淮北采煤塌陷区小型湖泊浮游植物群落结构特征

本研究于2017年4、7、10月和2018年1月调查淮北采煤塌陷区东湖和刘桥湖浮游植物群落结构的季节变化及其与环境因子的关系,以期为采煤塌陷区湖泊渔业资源的可持续利用、水质监测和生物多样性保护提供参考。结果表明,东湖浮游植物7门53属88种,刘桥湖浮游植物7门47属80种。东湖主要优势种为小席藻(Phormidium tenue)、针形纤维藻(Ankistrodesmus acicularis)、弯形尖头藻(Raphidiopsis curvata)、中华尖头藻(R.sinensia)和长菱形藻弯端变种(Nitzschia longissima var.reversa)。刘桥湖主要优势种为小席藻(P.tenue)、微小平裂藻(Merismopedia tenuissima)、卵形隐藻(Cryptomonas ovate)和狭形纤维藻(A.angustus)。刘桥湖浮游植物的平均密度和生物量(656.7×10^5 cells/L和12.71 mg/L)高于东湖(654.8×10^5 cells/L和6.24 mg/L)。东湖和刘桥湖呈现富营养化状态。冗余分析(RDA)表明,水温、TN、TP和浮游甲壳动物是影响2个湖泊浮游植物群落结构变化的主要因素。     

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.