桑沟湾筏式养殖鼠尾藻(Sargassum thunbergii)的生长特性

2014年4–6月在桑沟湾海区进行鼠尾藻(Sargassum thunbergii)海上筏式养殖实验,分析了鼠尾藻在桑沟湾的生长特性,调查了藻体上的附着生物。结果显示,(1)鼠尾藻在桑沟湾海域生长迅速,水温为10–17℃时特定生长率最高,可达6.10%/d;根据特定生长率与水温的关系,获得了鼠尾藻的最佳生长温度为14.9℃;(2)5月10日开始有生殖托形成,水温达到20.4℃时,鼠尾藻生殖托大量成熟,并有放散;(3)养殖期间,鼠尾藻最大长度达187.05 cm,均长可达112.31 cm;干湿比由0.147(4月)上升至0.189(6月);每公顷产量可达43.95 t(湿重),相当于干重为8.25 t;(4)藻体上有大型附着生物16种,主要优势种为尖嘴扁颌针鱼鱼卵、玻璃海鞘和海绵;附着生物的生物量随着水温升高而增加。研究表明,海区的附着生物对鼠尾藻的生长影响不大,在桑沟湾大规模养殖鼠尾藻是可行的。     

鼠尾藻池塘秋冬季栽培生态观察

2010年10月～2011年3月对鼠尾藻池塘秋冬季栽培的生长情况进行了观察与分析。选择池塘水温、光强、盐度和pH,研究其对鼠尾藻1年苗、两年苗在不同水层的养殖效果。结果表明,1)40～60cm水层鼠尾藻生长最好;其次是80～100cm水层;0～20cm水层生长最慢;2)1年苗、2年苗在整个试验期间均未发现生殖托。其中部分两年苗藻体生长出1～2cm左右次生分枝,而1年苗均未发现次生分枝;1年苗于11月中旬开始生长出气囊,两年苗于试验开始时就有气囊,12月中旬鼠尾藻气囊开始腐烂脱落,至翌年1月上旬池塘水温降至0℃以下,池塘水体表层出现结冰现象,此时鼠尾藻气囊已大部分脱落,同时有腐烂脱落现象,藻体缩短、变瘦,湿重降低,体色呈黑褐色。2月下旬随着水温的逐渐回升,鼠尾藻又有生长现象,体长及湿重均有增长,至3月上旬发现气囊。3)鼠尾藻两年苗生长情况比1年苗略好,其同一时期测量的藻体平均体长和单株藻体平均湿重均比1年苗大,鼠尾藻两年苗S值(S=单株藻体平均湿重(g)/藻体平均体长(cm))大于1年苗。     

烟台芦洋湾鼠尾藻种群生物量结构的季节变化

2005年2月至2006年1月对烟台芦洋湾鼠尾藻(Sargassum thunbergii)的生长情况进行了生态学调查。实验设立固定样方观测了鼠尾藻种群结构的季节变化,采用逐步回归分析法分析了生境因子对鼠尾藻生物量的影响。结果表明,(1)鼠尾藻分布在低潮线以上50～125cm的中潮带和低潮带之间;(2)生物量消长和平均藻体长度消长的季节变化趋势一致,呈双峰曲线(7月份和12月份达到峰值,9月份达到最低值);(3)生活周期可以划分为4个时期:休止期、生长期、繁殖期和衰退期,6月中旬到7月下旬为有性生殖期;(4)营养生殖贯穿全年,并呈现一定的季节变化;(5)快速生长期内(5-7月),其大小级层次明显,近似正态分布;(6)水温为影响其生长的主要因素,其次为浪冲击度和人为干扰,干露对鼠尾藻的生长影响不显著。总之,本调查区域的鼠尾藻种群呈现明显的季节变化,并与其他海区种群差异显著,生长地区的环境因素是导致差异的根本原因。     

工厂化循环水养殖条件下大口黑鲈生长特点分析

在水温17.3～28.0℃下,将体质量(4.60±0.30) g的大口黑鲈饲养在4口60 m~3工厂化循环水养殖池中,放养密度67尾/m~3,投喂大口黑鲈专用浮性颗粒配合饲料,研究大口黑鲈在工厂化循环水养殖条件下的生长规律。试验结果显示,养殖195 d后,大口黑鲈平均体质量为(303.14±73.17) g、平均体长为(26.76±3.13) cm;体质量(m)与日龄(t)间呈指数关系:m=0.0651t~(1.6147),r~2=0.9974,平均体质量特定生长率为0.46%,平均体质量日增加量为(1.82±0.57) g;体长(L)与日龄间呈线性关系:L=0.0961t+9.1442,r~2=0.9766,平均体长特定生长率为0.15%,平均体长日增长量为(0.10±0.04) cm;体质量与体长符合幂函数:m=0.0132L~(3.0455),r~2=0.9828。在工厂化循环水养殖条件下大口黑鲈的相对增加量、特定生长率趋势基本一致,水温20℃以下明显影响其生长。     

桑沟湾海带标准化养殖模式的优势探析

针对桑沟湾养殖海区海带(Laminaria japonica)的超容量养殖现象，研究了该海区中标准化养殖模式和传统养殖模式的海带生长差异。结果显示，在标准化养殖模式下，海带长、宽、平均厚度、湿重、投影面积和特定生长率均高于传统养殖模式，单棵海带重量显著提高，且海带的碳、氮和蛋白质含量明显高于传统养殖模式，海带品质大大提升。养殖后期，标准化养殖海区养殖海带垂直投影面积之和与对应养殖海区面积之比为6.33，而传统养殖模式的比值为9.15；标准化养殖海区海带所处水层下方的光照强度显著高于传统养殖区，海带所处水层的海流流速也高于传统养殖区。研究表明，桑沟湾海带标准化养殖模式使海带养殖密度降低，海带生长速度和品质均得以提高；在标准化养殖模式下，海带重叠较小，接受的光照比传统养殖模式充足；较快的海流使标准化养殖海区营养盐更新速度更快，这两方面可能是导致2种养殖模式下海带生长和品质产生差异的原因。     

鼠尾藻人工苗种保苗及海上养殖技术研究

为了完善鼠尾藻(Sargassum thunbergii)人工苗种培育及海上养殖技术,在大连旅顺海区及刺参池塘进行了鼠尾藻人工苗种保苗及养殖试验。试验结果表明,鼠尾藻人工苗种在室内培养20 d左右,株高2 mm以上,假根15根以上时,下海保苗为宜。鼠尾藻幼苗保苗、人工养殖方式为表层平养。保苗海区选择风浪不大的海湾。在刺参池塘保苗要求选择水深2 m以上的池塘,养殖位置在进水口附近。保苗3个月后海上鼠尾藻平均株高4.26 cm,刺参池塘鼠尾藻平均株高1.98 cm。将6 cm以上的幼苗夹直径1.5 cm的聚乙烯绳上进行海上养殖试验。养殖8~9个月后,鼠尾藻长至平均株高61 cm。     

鼠尾藻(Sargassum thunbergii)对刺参生长及水环境的影响

研究了在一定养殖空间内刺参–鼠尾藻适宜的养殖容量和养殖密度。将不同密度的平均体重为(16.7±0.95)g的刺参和鼠尾藻混养在1 m3水体的塑料桶内,实验分为12组,每组设3个重复,对刺参、鼠尾藻的生长及养殖水环境因子的变化情况进行了研究与分析。结果显示,1)刺参、鼠尾藻平均日增重率(Mdwg)和特定生长率(SGR)受刺参密度和鼠尾藻密度影响显著(P<0.05)。作为对照,无鼠尾藻、刺参密度为750、500、250 g/m3时,其生长均相对较差;刺参密度为250 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为1000、1500 g/m3时,刺参生长相对最好。刺参密度为750 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为500 g/m3时,鼠尾藻特定生长率(SGR)最大;刺参密度为250 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为1500 g/m3时,鼠尾藻特定生长率(SGR)最小;2)NH4+-N、NO2–-N、NO3–-N和PO4–-P含量变化受刺参和鼠尾藻养殖量的影响显著(P<0.05)。无鼠尾藻,刺参密度为750、500、250 g/m3时,实验组NH4+-N、NO2–-N、NO3–-N和PO4–-P含量相对较高,其中,刺参为750 g/m3实验组含量最高;刺参密度为250 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为1000、1500 g/m3时,实验组NH4+-N、NO2–-N、NO3–-N和PO4–-P含量相对较低。研究结果显示,鼠尾藻密度的大小对促进刺参的生长有非常显著的影响,同时对养殖水体中的营养因子具有较强的吸收能力。本研究条件下,刺参密度为250 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为1000、1500 g/m3模式参藻搭配比例较合适,其生态互利效果最好。     

光、温对鼠尾藻卵子排放和幼孢子体生长的影响

以成熟的鼠尾藻生殖托为材料,研究了不同温度(13～23℃)、光照度(3000～12000lx)和光照周期(15L∶9D,12L∶12D,9L∶16D)对鼠尾藻排卵及幼孢子体生长的影响。结果显示,温度在20～23℃范围,有利于鼠尾藻卵子的排放;在3000～12000lx范围内,光照度越高,越有利于鼠尾藻卵子的排放;光周期不是影响卵子排放的主要因素,光照度是鼠尾藻幼孢子体生长的重要因子;温度是制约鼠尾藻幼孢子体生长的关键因子,水温低于16℃时不利于幼孢子体的快速生长。     

鼠尾藻(Sargassum thunbergii)对刺参生长及水环境的影响

研究了在一定养殖空间内刺参–鼠尾藻适宜的养殖容量和养殖密度。将不同密度的平均体重为(16.7±0.95)g的刺参和鼠尾藻混养在1 m3水体的塑料桶内,实验分为12组,每组设3个重复,对刺参、鼠尾藻的生长及养殖水环境因子的变化情况进行了研究与分析。结果显示,1)刺参、鼠尾藻平均日增重率(Mdwg)和特定生长率(SGR)受刺参密度和鼠尾藻密度影响显著(P0.05)。作为对照,无鼠尾藻、刺参密度为750、500、250 g/m3时,其生长均相对较差;刺参密度为250 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为1000、1500 g/m3时,刺参生长相对最好。刺参密度为750 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为500 g/m3时,鼠尾藻特定生长率(SGR)最大;刺参密度为250 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为1500 g/m3时,鼠尾藻特定生长率(SGR)最小;2)NH4+-N、NO2–-N、NO3–-N和PO4–-P含量变化受刺参和鼠尾藻养殖量的影响显著(P0.05)。无鼠尾藻,刺参密度为750、500、250 g/m3时,实验组NH4+-N、NO2–-N、NO3–-N和PO4–-P含量相对较高,其中,刺参为750 g/m3实验组含量最高;刺参密度为250 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为1000、1500 g/m3时,实验组NH4+-N、NO2–-N、NO3–-N和PO4–-P含量相对较低。研究结果显示,鼠尾藻密度的大小对促进刺参的生长有非常显著的影响,同时对养殖水体中的营养因子具有较强的吸收能力。本研究条件下,刺参密度为250 g/m3、鼠尾藻密度为1000、1500 g/m3模式参藻搭配比例较合适,其生态互利效果最好。     

长牡蛎夏季死亡与养殖环境及自身体质关系的初步研究

选取桑沟湾和爱连湾两个典型牡蛎养殖区为研究对象,调查了两个海区高温季节牡蛎的死亡情况,监测了不同养殖区的水温、盐度、pH和DO等环境指标,并测定了牡蛎体内超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和生长指标的差异,初步探讨了桑沟湾养殖长牡蛎夏季高温死亡的原因。结果表明,实验期间(5～10月)桑沟湾崖头养殖海区(E122.498,N37.151)长牡蛎夏季累积死亡率为37%,最高死亡率出现在8月17日,高达51%,而爱连湾养殖海区(E122.582,N37.179)的累积死亡率仅为2.5%,最高死亡率出现在9月28日,为4.5%。单因子方差分析(ANOVA)表明死亡率与水温具有很强的正相关(R=0.804,P0.01),与溶氧呈明显负相关(R=-0.377,P0.01);死亡率与体重、软体湿重、性腺湿重等生长状况指标呈明显的负相关(R分别为-0.690、-0.498、-0.358),与SOD活性呈正相关(R=0.21,P0.05)。     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of cortisol on hepatic carbohydrate metabolism and responsiveness to hormones in the sea raven,Hemitripterus americanus

The sea raven, Hemitripterus americanus, is a sit-and-wait, low metabolic rate, marine teleost. The objective of this study was to determine i) whether cortisol implantation (50 mg. kg^-1) for 7 days altered hepatocyte metabolism, and hepatocyte responsiveness to epinephrine, glucagon and insulin, and ii) whether 8 weeks of food-deprivation modified the above response. Cortisol implantation significantly increased hepatocyte total glucose production and oxidation from alanine compared to the sham group. There was no cortisol effect on glycogen breakdown, suggesting that the activation of other pathways, including gluconeogenesis, are required to account for the increased glucose production. Epinephrine-mediated (10^-5M) glycogen breakdown and insulin-mediated (10^-8M) total glucose production were enhanced in hepatocytes of cortisol implanted sea ravens, but there were no change in any glucagon (10^-7M) effects. The enhanced glycogen breakdown in the absence of similar increases in total glucose production with epinephrine indicates mobilization of carbohydrate reserves for endogenous use by the liver. Food-deprivation for 8 weeks significantly decreased condition factor, plasma cortisol concentration and liver glycogen content in the sea raven, but had no effect on plasma glucose concentration. Hepatocyte total glucose production and flux rates from alanine increased significantly with food-deprivation. Moreover, food-deprivation increased responsiveness of total hepatocyte glucose production to the actions of glucagon and insulin, but not to epinephrine; none of these effects were modified by cortisol implantation. Our results indicate that cortisol in the sea raven exerts both a direct and an indirect or permissive effect on hepatocyte metabolism by modifying hepatocyte responsiveness to epinephrine and insulin stimulation. Cortisol implantation did not modify the effects of glucagon or food-deprivation in this species.     

Simulation and quantification of enrichment and retention processes in the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem

Important environmental processes for the survival and recruitment of early life stages of pelagic fishes have been synthesized through Bakun's fundamental triad as enrichment, concentration and retention processes (A. Bakun, 1996, Patterns in the Ocean. Ocean Processes and Marine Population Dynamics. San Diego, CA, USA: University of California Sea Grant). This conceptual framework states that from favourable spawning habitats, eggs and larvae would be transported to and/or retained in places where food originating from enrichment areas would be concentrated. We propose a method for quantifying two of the triad processes, enrichment and retention, based on the Lagrangian tracking of particles transported within water velocity fields generated by a three‐dimensional hydrodynamic model. We apply this method to the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem, constructing putative maps of enrichment and retention. We comment on these maps regarding main features of the circulation in the region, and investigate seasonal variability of the processes. We finally discuss the results in relation to available knowledge on the reproductive strategies of two pelagic clupeoid species abundant in the southern Benguela, anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardinops sagax). Our approach is intended to be sufficiently generic so as to allow its application to other upwelling systems.     

Antimicrobial activity of the biopolymer chitosan against Streptococcus iniae

The antimicrobial activity and mode of action of chitosan were evaluated against Streptococcus iniae, a pathogenic Gram‐positive bacterium of fish worldwide. Cell proliferation kinetics were examined following exposure to varying concentrations of chitosan. The action of chitosan on S. iniae was also investigated by measuring agglutination activity, conductivity, and extracellular and intracellular bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Chitosan exhibited antibacterial activity against S. iniae at concentrations of 0.1% and above and was lethal at a concentration of 0.4% and higher. The mechanism of antibacterial activity of chitosan at the inhibitory level of bacterial growth appears to hinge upon the interaction between chitosan and the oppositely charged bacterial surface. This interplay causes agglutination, which was readily observed grossly and microscopically. After interacting with the cell surface via adsorption, an efflux of intracellular ATP was documented, which suggests that chitosan disrupts the bacterial cell causing leakage of cytosolic contents and ultimately cell death. Results suggest chitosan may be worth evaluating as a natural alternative to antibiotic against S. iniae infection of fish.     

The effects of introduced tilapias on native biodiversity

• 1. The common name ‘tilapia’ refers to a group of tropical freshwater fish in the family Cichlidae (Oreochromis, Tilapia, and Sarotherodon spp.) that are indigenous to Africa and the southwestern Middle East. Since the 1930s, tilapias have been intentionally dispersed worldwide for the biological control of aquatic weeds and insects, as baitfish for certain capture fisheries, for aquaria, and as a food fish. They have most recently been promoted as an important source of protein that could provide food security for developing countries without the environmental problems associated with terrestrial agriculture. In addition, market demand for tilapia in developed countries such as the United States is growing rapidly.
• 2. Tilapias are well‐suited to aquaculture because they are highly prolific and tolerant to a range of environmental conditions. They have come to be known as the ‘aquatic chicken’ because of their potential as an affordable, high‐yield source of protein that can be easily raised in a range of environments — from subsistence or ‘backyard’ units to intensive fish hatcheries. In some countries, particularly in Asia, nearly all of the introduced tilapias produced are consumed domestically; tilapias have contributed to basic food security for such societies.
• 3. This review indicates that tilapia species are highly invasive and exist under feral conditions in every nation in which they have been cultured or introduced. Thus, the authors have concluded that, despite potential or observed benefits to human society, tilapia aquaculture and open‐water introductions cannot continue unchecked without further exacerbating damage to native fish species and biodiversity. Recommendations include restricting tilapia culture to carefully managed, contained ponds, although exclusion is preferred when it is feasible. Research into culture of indigenous species is also recommended.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.