陡河水库浮游植物群落特征及水质评价

2008年12月至2009年10月对陡河水库浮游植物进行了调查,在上游、中游和下游各设1个监测点。结果表明,该水库共有浮游植物6门、75属、118种,以绿藻门(Chlorophyta)种类最多,占总数的33.90%;其次为硅藻门(Bacillariophyta),占30.51%。浮游植物年均个体密度和生物量分别为5.71×105个/L和3.99mg/L,藻类个体密度春季最高。同时利用指示生物、细胞密度、Shannon-Weaver多样性指数、生物量指数及浮游植物多度和频度方法评价其水质。从Shannon-Weaver多样性指数来看,浮游植物多样性指数以上游最大、中游次之、下游最小;Shannon-Weaver多样性指数变化范围为2.01～3.01,水质为轻污染到中污染水平。综合结果显示,陡河水库为中-富营养型水体。     

红水河流域梯级水库夏季浮游植物群落结构特征

为了解红水河流域水生态系统的健康状态,2009年夏季(6-7月)对其干流龙滩、岩滩、大化、百龙滩、乐滩、桥巩6座梯级水库及主要支流水体中浮游植物的种类组成和分布进行了调查。共鉴定出浮游植物6门、75属、84种,以硅藻种类最多,其次是绿藻和蓝藻;其中硅藻51种,占60.71%;绿藻17种,占20.24%;蓝藻门10种,占11.90%;甲藻门、金藻门、红藻门各2种,分别占2.38%。优势度分析表明,龙滩水库和百龙滩水库浮游植物优势种为硅藻和绿藻,岩滩水库、大化水库、乐滩水库浮游植物优势种为硅藻、绿藻和蓝藻,桥巩水库浮游植物优势种为硅藻、绿藻和金藻;6座水库浮游植物密度变化范围2.12×105~6.03×105个/L,百龙滩水库的密度最高,龙滩水库的密度最低;浮游植物生物量变化范围0.60~2.45 mg/L,龙滩水库的浮游植物生物量最高,大化水库的生物量最低。Shannon-Wiener多样性指数为2.14~3.22,均匀度指数为0.56~0.85。各梯级水库浮游植物组成相似性系数为0.35~0.70,龙滩水库和桥巩水库之间浮游植物组成相似性最大(0.70),岩滩水库和百龙滩水库的相似性最小(0.35)。综合多种指标对水质进行评估,龙滩水库为贫-中营养型,岩滩、大化、百龙滩、乐滩、桥巩水库为贫营养型。     

温榆河夏季浮游植物群落结构及其与环境因子的关系

随着温榆河龙道河段生态修复工程的运行,水质发生变化,浮游植物群落结构也随之改变。于2011年7月中旬夏季浮游植物水华发生期对温榆河水质和浮游植物进行同步监测,4个河段共计布设17个采样点,温榆河上段、龙道河、清河段各4个采样点,温榆河下段选取5个采样点,调查各河段浮游植物种类,分析其群落组成与多样性,评价生态修复工程效果;同时运用冗余分析（RDA）研究流域浮游植物与环境因子的关系。结果表明,夏季温榆河流域浮游植物共检出8门、55属、99种,优势种共15种,以微囊藻和颤藻为主,其中温榆河上段和龙道河优势种类最多,均为9种;流域浮游植物平均密度为237.99×106个/L,其中,清河段平均密度最大,为430.05×106个/L、温榆河上段浮游植物密度最低,为85.18×106个/L;清河段蓝藻门占浮游植物群落的93.84%,而龙道河段蓝藻门比例为66.57%;4个河段的Shannon-Wiener多样性指数和均匀度指数大小依次是龙道河、温榆河上段、温榆河下段、清河段。浮游植物密度与水体环境因子的RDA分析表明,DO和pH是影响浮游植物分布的显著性因子;裸藻门、黄藻门和甲藻门的密度与DO和pH呈显著正相关,微囊藻密度和DO和pH呈显著负相关。比较4个河段的微囊藻频度、密度、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数和均匀度指数得出,龙道河段的生态修复工程措施能有效降低微囊藻水华的爆发,减少浮游植物密度,增加浮游植物生物多样性,但水质仍属于中污染状态。     

四明湖水库浮游生物现状调查及评价

2006-2007年分4次对余姚四明湖水库水质理化指标、浮游生物群落结构进行了调查,并进行了多样性指数分析及渔产潜力估算。结果表明,四明湖水库浮游植物种类共计8门、47种(属),其中以绿藻为最优势类群,占总密度的36.2%;浮游动物共计3大类、30种,其中原生动占40%;浮游植物年均生物量为10.20mg/L,浮游动物年均生物量2.36mg/L。从水体理化指标数据来看,四明湖水库水质属于II～IV类;从浮游植物群落结构和多样性指数分析结果来看,水库属于富营养水平;根据相关公式估算四明湖水库的鱼产潜力为2076kg/hm2。     

长江天鹅洲故道浮游植物群落结构及水质评价

基于浮游植物群落结构对水质的进行评价,为长江天鹅洲故道江豚保护提供科学依据,在故道上下游共布设10个采样点,于2011年4月(春季)、7月(夏季)、10月(秋季)、2012年1月(冬季)和2012年8月(夏季)各采样1次。结果表明,长江天鹅洲故道共发现浮游植物7门、77属、143种,其中蓝藻门(Cyanophyta)14属、28种,占浮游植物总种类数的19.6%;硅藻门(Bacillariophyta)14属、22种,占15.4%;绿藻门(Chlorophyta)32属、64种,占44.8%;甲藻门(Pyrrophyta)3属、4种,占2.8%;裸藻门(Euglenophyta)3属、12种,占8.4%;隐藻门(Cryptophyta)3属、4种,占2.8%;金藻门(Chrysophyta)8属、9种,占6.3%,以喜好富营养型水体的蓝藻和绿藻为主。天鹅洲故道浮游植物的年平均密度为5.6×107个/L,其中以蓝藻为主,占总密度的88.8%;其次为绿藻,占总密度的7.7%。浮游植物年均生物量为7.2 mg/L,以硅藻、蓝藻和绿藻为主,分别占总生物量的61.5%、17.9%和12.8%;其中12种优势种中的富营养型指示种粘液胶鞘藻(Phormidium mucicola)、铜绿微囊藻(Microcystis aeruginosa)、细小平裂藻(Merismopedia minima)和四角十字藻(Crucigenia quadrata)以群体形式存在。现存量法、优势种群法以及多样性指数评价结果显示,天鹅洲故道水体属于富营养型,与Shannon-Weaver多样性指数和Pielou均匀度指数评价水质为中污染水平的结果一致。     

大明湖浮游生物群落结构调查

于2021年秋季,对济南大明湖开展了浮游生物群落结构调查。结果表明,共采集到浮游植物5门49种,其中绿藻门种类数最多,占总种类数的48.98%;浮游植物密度和生物量平均值分别为26.31×10⁶cells/L和28.964 mg/L。浮游动物4类10种,其中原生动物种类数最多,占浮游动物总种类数的40.00%;浮游动物密度和生物量平均值分别为3.80 ind./L和0.018 mg/L。浮游植物和浮游动物的多样性指数平均值分别为2.554和1.935。多样性指数水质评价表明,湖区水质整体处于中污染状态,污染程度存在区域差异。     

四明湖水库浮游生物现状调查及评价

2006-2007年分4次对余姚四明湖水库水质理化指标、浮游生物群落结构进行了调查,并进行了多样性指数分析及渔产潜力估算。结果表明,四明湖水库浮游植物种类共计8门、47种（属）,其中以绿藻为最优势类群,占总密度的36.2%;浮游动物共计3大类、30种,其中原生动占40%;浮游植物年均生物量为10.20mg/L,浮游动物年均生物量2.36mg/L。从水体理化指标数据来看,四明湖水库水质属于II～IV类;从浮游植物群落结构和多样性指数分析结果来看,水库属于富营养水平;根据相关公式估算四明湖水库的鱼产潜力为20     

锦江河国家级水产种质资源保护区浮游植物群落时空动态及其多样性指数

2015年1月到12月,通过对锦江河国家级水产种质资源保护区浮游植物群落结构进行调查,分析了浮游植物群落的时空动态,运用细胞密度及群落多样性指数等进行了水质综合评价。研究表明,浮游植物6门17目1亚目32科45属101种,其中硅藻门最多,共42种,占总数的41.58%;绿藻门次之,共32种,占总数的31.68%,该保护区为硅藻-绿藻型河流;在夏季浮游植物密度达到2.59×106cells/L,为全年最大值,冬季密度最低,仅为1.82×105cells/L;Margalef指数(Dm)、Shannon-Wiener指数(H'')、Pielou指数(J'')季节变化趋势一致,夏季、秋季、春季到冬季依次减小。利用浮游植物细胞密度评价,锦江河国家级水产种质资源保护区水体为贫营养水体;从多样性指数分析来看,水体介于β-中污染带到寡污染带之间。通过综合分析,锦江河国家级水产种质资源保护区整体上说为β-中污染或贫营养水平。     

长江湖北宜昌中华鲟自然保护区浮游植物群落结构及水质生物评价

为了解长江湖北宜昌中华鲟自然保护区浮游植物群落周年变化特征及水质生物评价，2021年春、夏、秋和冬四个季节在保护区水域设置了10个断面，开展了保护区浮游植物现状监测调查。结果显示：共采集到浮游植物102种，隶属于8门49属，其中硅藻门种类最多，其次为绿藻门。优势物种共计16种，以绿藻门种类为多。浮游植物的密度范围为10.21～102.09×104 Cells/L,全年平均密度为27.92×104 Cells/L;物量范围为0.10～6.96 mg/L,平均生物量为2.26 mg/L;生物量及密度变化趋势为夏季高冬季低、上游高下游低。浮游植物Shannon多样性指数(H)变化范围为1.39～3.25,年均值为2.43;Pielou均匀度指数(J)的波动范围为0.25～0.87,年均值为0.47。浮游植物多样性和均匀度指数指示水体较为清洁，浮游植物密度指示水体营养类型为极贫营养。浮游植物生物量与环境因子之间的冗余分析及Pearson相关分析结果表明，浮游植物群落结构变化受温度、溶解氧和流速影响较大。     

黄河一级支流泽曲河春秋季浮游植物群落结构及多样性评价

于2012年春季(4月)和秋季(9月)对黄河一级支流泽曲河的浮游植物群落结构进行了调查,并应用多样性指数H、均匀度指数J、丰富度指数d,对泽曲河进行了多样性评价。结果显示:浮游植物共4门52种(属),以硅藻门最多,37种(属),占71.2%,其次是蓝藻门9种(属),占17.3%,绿藻门5种(属),占9.6%,裸藻门1属,占1.9%。浮游植物优势种为普通等片藻(Diatoma vulgare)、尖针杆藻(Synedra acus)、曲壳藻(Achnanthes sp.)、舟形藻(Navicula sp.)、桥弯藻(Cymbella sp.)、脆杆藻(Fragilaria sp.)、异极藻(Gomphonem sp.)、小环藻(Cyclotella sp.)、小颤藻(Oscillatoria tenuis)、席藻(Phormidium sp.)和小球藻(Chlorella sp.)11种(属),其中硅藻门8种(属),占优势种类的72.7%。浮游植物平均数量23.08×104 L-1,平均生物量0.088 9mg/L,硅藻数量和生物量分别占总数量的92.3%和总生物量的98.8%,为优势种群。Shannon-Wiener指数平均值2.56,Pielou指数平均值0.79,Marggalef指数平均值0.75。结合浮游植物各项评价指标,得出泽曲河浮游植物群落结构比较稳定,种类分布较为均匀,水体属贫营养型。通过生物多样性指数法对水质进行评价,得出该河段水质属轻度污染。     

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.