鹤地水库叶绿素a时空分布特征及其与环境因子的关系

为全面了解鹤地水库水体富营养变化趋势及导致水体富营养化的环境因子,于2010-2015年2月、5月、8月和11月,对鹤地水库叶绿素a含量及主要环境因子进行测定,分析鹤地水库叶绿素a含量的时空分布特征,运用逐步回归分析方法探讨鹤地水库叶绿素a和环境因子之间的相关关系,建立逐步回归方程,并运用主成分分析法对影响鹤地水库水质的主要环境因子进行了分析。结果表明,鹤地水库叶绿素a含量在0.8~44.5μg/L,该水库处于富营养化水平;在时空分布上,叶绿素a含量季节变化表现为枯水期最低、平水期其次、丰水期相对较高;空间变化表现为河流区浓度较高,过渡区和湖泊区较低。运用逐步回归分析法建立的全库区叶绿素a回归方程为:Y_(Chl-a)=7.690X_(COD_(Mn))-32.587 X_(TP)-8.689(P0.001),影响鹤地水库叶绿素a含量的显著影响因子为高锰酸盐指数和总磷,总磷可能为浮游植物生长的限制性因子。主成分分析结果表明,影响水库水质的主要环境因子有透明度、氨氮、总磷、总氮和硝态氮。     

三峡库区神农溪不同时期溶解氧与叶绿素a垂向分布特征

为探究三峡库区支流垂向水环境的分布特征及其影响因素,采用2018年2月（高水位期）和7月（汛期）对三峡水库典型一级支流——神农溪回水区水质监测数据,分析和对比了神农溪不同季节的溶解氧和叶绿素a等指标垂向分布特征,讨论了影响其垂向分布的环境因子。结果表明,神农溪高水位期与汛期的溶解氧含量在0~12 m和0~6 m水体分层现象明显,其表层水体的溶解氧饱和度(SDO)分别为104.04%和171.96%,已经达到过度饱和状态（SDO>100%）;中层水体溶解氧浓度存在分层现象,底层水体溶解氧浓度较稳定,无分层现象。高水位期与汛期的叶绿素a含量在0~10 m水体分层现象明显,表层水体的叶绿素a浓度整体上表现为中度富营养化（5 μg/L相似文献   

三峡水库小江回水区叶绿素a与环境因子的时空变化

2013年1-12月在小江水华暴发的敏感区域高阳断面开展了水文、营养盐、叶绿素a等指标长期、定点监测,分析库湾水体叶绿素a及环境因子的时空变化特征及其相互关系。结果表明,高阳断面水体在1月、10-12月处于混合状态,3-8月则处于弱分层到稳定分层状态。水体处于混合状态时,各层营养盐浓度变化不显著,处于分层状态时,则呈现较显著差异;时间分布上,冬季氮磷营养盐浓度(TN:1.52~1.74 mg/L,TP:0.092~0.095 mg/L)略高于夏季(TN:1.16~1.56 mg/L,TP:0.037~0.085 mg/L),干流水体倒灌作用对其影响显著。叶绿素a浓度呈现夏季高、冬季低的趋势,水体分层对叶绿素a垂向分布影响显著;当水体处于分层状态时,表层叶绿素a浓度(18.56~92.23 mg/m~3)明显高于中、底层(2.54~21.56 mg/m~3)。营养盐为小江高阳叶绿素a变化的限制因素,各层水体叶绿素a浓度与硝氮和可溶性磷酸盐呈显著负相关。表层水体叶绿素a与环境因子相关性较强,叶绿素a与营养盐、溶解氧、透明度、水温、表底温差等呈极显著相关(P0.01);中层叶绿素a与营养盐、水温、透明度、水深、水体稳定系数等呈极显著相关(P0.01),表明水体扰动是影响中层水体叶绿素a增长的关键因素之一;底层水体叶绿素a与硝氮(P0.01)、磷酸盐(P0.05)、水深(P0.05)呈极显著或显著相关。     

乌溪江水库富营养化程度及其影响因子时空分布探讨

为了解乌溪江水库主要水质指标的时空分布特征,探究其营养化程度的变化趋势,2019-2020年,对丽水市乌溪江水库的7个采样点（S1-S7）的水温、pH、总氮、总磷、叶绿素a等理化因子进行了监测。分析对比了综合营养指数和理化因子等关键指标在不同时期的分布特征。结果表明,乌溪江水库的营养盐浓度呈现出春夏高秋冬低、从上游（S1）至下游（S7）逐渐下降的趋势,平均综合营养指数也从47.1（S1）下降到32.5（S7）,整体上属于中营养化水库。总磷浓度在0.002-0.040mg/L间,平均值为0.012mg/L;总氮浓度在0.412-2.826mg/L间,氮的主要赋存形式为硝酸盐。叶绿素a含量均值为3.77 ug/L,河流区的叶绿素a含量显著高于下游的过渡区和湖泊区。分析表明：汛期地表径流带来的富营养化压力最大,同时也是氮磷等外源性营养盐输入水体的主要途径;WD、pH、TP和叶绿素a含量中等程度相关,水库生态系统具备很强的净化能力。但近年来富营养化程度加剧。     

杭州地区17座水库浮游植物群落组成及其与环境因子的关系

于2008年和2009年的丰水期(8月)和枯水期(12月)分别对杭州地区17座大中型水库进行采样调查。结果表明,浮游植物有85种,其中绿藻最多,有29种,硅藻26种,蓝藻15种,裸藻6种,隐藻、甲藻和金藻各3种。各水库浮游植物年均密度为1.27×106~6.55×106个/L,最高密度为12.20×106个/L,最低密度为0.168×106个/L。叶绿素a浓度年均值为2.86~28.35μg/L,最高浓度为33.60μg/L,最低浓度为1.36μg/L;丰水期浮游植物密度和叶绿素a浓度高于枯水期。多数水库丰水期优势种为蓝藻,枯水期优势种为硅藻;各水库间浮游植物密度无显著差异,但叶绿素a浓度差异显著。从营养状态指数(TLI)、浮游植物密度及叶绿素a浓度等综合分析,杭州地区17座大中型水库基本处于中营养-轻度富营养状态。对浮游植物群落组成及动态与环境因子之间的关系进行典范对应分析(CCA),发现营养盐和透明度对浮游植物的增长起到关键作用。     

香溪河库湾不同季节叶绿素a浓度影响因子分析

研究叶绿素a浓度与环境因子之间的相关关系,为香溪河水质预警、水华防治等水环境保护工作提供科学依据。监测点为香溪河库湾XX06站点,2015年每日1次定点采样,监测指标为氮磷营养盐、叶绿素a浓度、水温、溶解氧、pH、浊度、混合层深度、真光层深度、表底温差、水位及流量等。使用SPSS20.0对环境因子指标和叶绿素a进行person相关性分析。叶绿素a浓度季节性变化显著,夏季最高、春秋季次之、冬季最低,全年平均值为14.38μg/L,变化范围为0.36~108.00μg/L。总氮、总磷和叶绿素a的浓度水平均指示香溪河水体处于富营养化状态。叶绿素a浓度春季与水温、pH、混合层深度正相关,与浊度、总氮、真光层深度负相关;夏季与水温、pH、滞留时间、混合层深度正相关,与总氮负相关;秋季与水温、混合层深度正相关,与浊度、真光层深度负相关;冬季与各环境因子具有一定的相关性,但相关性不显著。     

三峡水库试验性蓄水后小江沿岸水质研究

根据2010年3月－12月对三峡水库小江沿岸水体的水质监测数据,分析总氮、总磷、化学需氧量和叶绿素a等水质因子的时空变化规律,以及叶绿素a与水质因子之间的相互关系,评价水体富营养化水平。结果表明：总氮、总磷、化学需氧量和叶绿素 a含量分别为1.980±0.119mg/L、0.114±0.018mg/L、9.520±1.748 mg/L和23.342±8.810 mg/L,小江沿岸水体呈现中度富营养化水平。叶绿素a与水质因子间的相关关系分析发现,叶绿素a含量与温度、pH、溶解氧、亚硝酸氮和化学需氧量显著相关,与总氮、总磷不具有显著相关性。这说明小江沿岸水体叶绿素a含量与总营养盐无关,而主要与水体所含的有机质含量有关。     

三峡水库小江回水区叶绿素a与环境因子时空变化

于2013年1-12月在小江水华暴发的敏感区域高阳断面开展了水文、营养盐、叶绿素a等指标长期、定点监测,分析库湾水体叶绿素a及环境因子的时空变化特征及其相互关系。结果表明高阳断面水体在1月、10-12月处于混合状态,3-8月则处于弱分层到稳定分层状态。水体在混合状态时各理化因子、营养盐及叶绿素a分层变化不显著；而处于分层状态时,各层水体氮磷营养盐呈现较显著差异,时间分布上冬季略高于夏季,干流倒灌对高阳断面营养盐的季节分布影响显著。叶绿素a浓度呈现明显的夏季高、冬季低的趋势,水体分层对叶绿素a垂向分布影响显著,当水体处于分层状态时,表层叶绿素浓度明显高于中、底层。高阳断面各层水体叶绿素a浓度与硝氮和可溶性磷酸盐呈显著负相关,表明营养盐是小江高阳叶绿素变化的限制因素。表层水体叶绿素a与硝氮、磷酸盐、溶解氧、透明度、水温、表底温差等呈显著相关(P<0.01),表明表层叶绿素a与环境因子相关性较强；中层叶绿素a与硝氮、总氮、总磷、磷酸盐、水温、透明度、水深、水体稳定系数等呈显著相关(P<0.01),表明水体的扰动是影响中层水体叶绿素a增长的关键因素之一；底层水体叶绿素a与硝氮(P<0.01)、磷酸盐(P<0.05)、水深(P<0.05)呈显著相关。     

南四湖水域水环境状态分析与评价

根据南四湖主要入湖河流及湖内15个站点的水质监测参数-叶绿素a(Chl-a)、总磷(TP)、总氮(TN)、透明度(SD)和高锰酸盐指数(CODMn),从年际、年内不同时间段和不同监测点对南四湖及其入湖河流水质进行综合分析,旨在为南四湖的资源保护、南水北调东线工程建设及可持续发展提供依据。结果表明,湖区氮、磷浓度分布不均,空间分布具有非均一性;2010年与2004年相比,TN、CODMn有波动,总磷和叶绿素a分别下降了65.00%和60.59%,透明度升高了40.62%。南四湖及其周边河流水质总体有改善,水体的富营养化状况有所好转,但远低于Ⅲ类水质标准,尤其南阳湖,有些监测点已达重度富营养。通过对该水域的富营养化状况进行综合分析与评价。     

南四湖水环境状态分析与评价

根据南四湖主要入湖河流及湖内15个站点的水质监测参数-叶绿素a (Chl-a)、总磷(TP)、总氮(TN)、透明度(SD)和高锰酸盐指数(CODMn),从年际、年内不同时间段和不同监测点对南四湖及其入湖河流水质进行综合分析,旨在为南四湖的资源保护、南水北调东线工程建设及可持续发展提供依据.结果表明,湖区氮、磷浓度分布不均,空间分布具有非均一性；2010年与2004年相比,TN、COlMn有波动,总磷和叶绿素a分别下降了65.00％和60.59％,透明度升高了40.62％.南四湖及其周边河流水质总体有改善,水体的富营养化状况有所好转,但远低于Ⅲ类水质标准,尤其南阳湖,有些监测点已达重度富营养.通过对该水域的富营养化状况进行综合分析与评价.     

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.     

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.