皱纹盘鲍染色体C带和rDNA定位

为了提高对皱纹盘鲍染色体的辨识水平,实验利用 Ba(OH)₂ 处理显示了皱纹盘鲍染色体的C带,并用荧光原位杂交分析(fluorescence in situ hybridization,FISH)研究了核糖体大亚基rDNA在皱纹盘鲍中期染色体上的数目与位置。核型结果显示,皱纹盘鲍染色体组包含7对中部着丝粒染色体和8对亚中部着丝粒染色体,另有3对染色体介于中部着丝粒染色体与亚中着丝粒染色体之间(m/sm)。C显带结果显示,8对染色体有稳定的着丝粒C带,5～7对染色体上有中期相间多态的端部C带,3对染色体上有同源染色体异态的臂间C带。FISH 分析显示,皱纹盘鲍中期染色体上分布着4个大亚基 rDNA位点,分别位于2号短臂(2S)、7号短臂(7S)、12号短臂(12S)和18号长臂(18L)的端部。研究结果为皱纹盘鲍染色体辨识提供了新的特征与标记,为进一步研究皱纹盘鲍种群的染色体多态和鲍属染色体进化提供了基础资料。     

黄姑鱼染色体识别与重复序列定位

黄姑鱼是我国重要的海水经济鱼类。然而,由于细胞遗传标记匮乏,黄姑鱼染色体仍然难以辨识。为了提高黄姑鱼染色体的配对识别水平,本研究利用荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization,FISH)、吉姆萨染色和荧光染色技术分析了黄姑鱼染色体的特征。以总DNA为探针进行基因组DNA荧光原位杂交(genomic fluorescence in situ hybridization,GISH),从而获得黄姑鱼染色体图谱,可使每对染色体呈现特定的荧光信号。依据GISH荧光信号分布模式,可以辨识黄姑鱼的24对染色体。18S r DNA FISH结果显示,18S r DNA只有一对信号,分布于1号染色体臂间,并与吉姆萨染色呈现的次缢痕、DAPI阴性带和DPI染色高亮区域同位。5S r DNA有一强一弱两对信号,信号强的一对分布于1号染色体着丝粒端,信号弱的一对分布于4号染色体的远端。端粒信号在所有染色体的端部显示,但个别染色体一端信号微弱。本研究结果丰富了黄姑鱼的细胞遗传标记,为解决黄姑鱼染色体辨识问题提供参考依据,也为进一步研究石首鱼科染色体进化提供了资料。     

核糖体DNA在厦门白姑鱼和大黄鱼染色体上的比较定位

为了探究石首鱼核型微观结构上的变化,实验利用荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization,FISH)比较定位了厦门白姑鱼和大黄鱼18S rDNA和5S rDNA的分布特征。结果表明,厦门白姑鱼与大黄鱼在宏观核型以及18S rDNA和5S rDNA染色体分布等3个方面均存在较大差异。厦门白姑鱼的核型公式为2n=48t,臂数FN=48;单对18S rDNA信号分布于1号染色体臂间;单对5S rDNA信号分布于3号染色体近着丝粒区域。大黄鱼的核型公式为2n=2sm+4st+42t,臂数FN=50;单对18S rDNA信号分布于18号染色体短臂端部;5S rDNA信号9~11对,除一对分布于臂间外,其余全部分布于着丝粒端或短臂端部。综合其他石首鱼核型数据可以推断:厦门白姑鱼呈现原始核型特征,而大黄鱼核型是原始核型经染色体重排和/或转座衍生的特化核型;石首鱼宏观核型和18S rDNA分布模式总体保守,仅少数物种存在变化,而5S rDNA位点的分布模式存在高度的种间变化。本研究首次揭示了石首鱼物种间核型微观结构的变化,为进一步开展石首鱼分子细胞遗传学研究奠定了基础。     

洞庭青鲫的染色体核型分析及品种鉴定

对洞庭青鲫(Carassius auratusvar.Dongtingking)肾细胞染色体的核型进行了分析,并对此鱼种进行了品种鉴定。核型分析表明,洞庭青鲫的肾细胞染色体组是由100条染色体组成,染色体组型按着丝粒位置可分为四组,分别是中部着丝粒染色体、亚中部着丝粒染色体、亚端部着丝粒染色体、端部着丝粒染色体。其中中部着丝粒染色体15对,亚中部着丝粒染色体10对,亚端部着丝粒染色体13对,端部着丝粒染色体12对,每对染色体均由二条同源染色体组成。洞庭青鲫肌肉细胞的DNA相对含量(55.75±1.59)(17尾)与二倍体红鲫(Carassiusauratusvar.Red)肌肉细胞DNA相对含量(55.68±1.64)(15尾)基本相等。结果说明,洞庭青鲫是一种二倍体鲫鱼,其染色体数目为2n=100,核型公式为2n=30m+20sm+26st+24t,NF=150。     

四种鲍45S rDNA在染色体上的比较定位

为了研究皱纹盘鲍、西氏鲍、绿鲍和杂色鲍等4种鲍的核型特征,实验利用荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization, FISH)技术比较定位了上述4种鲍的45S rDNA位点。皱纹盘鲍中约83%的中期细胞均检出2对45S rDNA位点,分别位于13号和16号染色体的长臂端部。西氏鲍中约75%的中期细胞均检出3对45S rDNA位点,分别位于6号染色体短臂端部、14号和17号染色体长臂端部。绿鲍中约85%的中期细胞均检出3对45S rDNA位点,分别位于4号、6号和8号染色体长臂的端部。杂色鲍中约65%的中期细胞均检出3对45S r DNA,位点,分别位于3号、4号和12号染色体短臂的端部。此外,4种鲍均有少数中期相的45S rDNA位点数高于众数,这提示,除了明确的45S rDNA位点外,4种鲍可能均有若干个不稳定的45S rDNA位点。实验结果丰富了鲍细胞遗传学研究资料,同时为鲍的遗传育种研究提供了基础数据。     

异源三倍体鲫鲂的遗传组成和生殖特性观察

红鲫属鲤亚科,其染色体数目为2n=100;团头鲂属于鲌亚科,其染色体数目为2n=48。在红鲫(♀)×团头鲂(♂)的远缘杂交F1代中获得了异源三倍体鲫鲂和异源四倍体鲫鲂。本研究对异源三倍体鲫鲂进行了染色体核型分析、染色体FISH杂交检测和性腺结构观察,结果表明:1)异源三倍体鲫鲂的染色体数目为3n=124,染色体核型公式为31m+45sm+26st+22t,染色体组由2套红鲫染色体和1套团头鲂染色体组成;2)利用红鲫特有重复序列为探针进行FISH杂交,红鲫的100条染色体均被标记上荧光信号,而团头鲂的染色体均未标记上荧光信号,异源三倍体鲫鲂中有100条染色体被标记上荧光信号,说明异源三倍体鲫鲂含有2套红鲫来源的染色体组;3)异源三倍体鲫鲂的性腺发育异常,其卵巢型和精巢型性腺发育呈现出退化的特征。研究还讨论了异源三倍体鲫鲂的形成机制。实验结果为鱼类远缘杂交和多倍体鱼研究提供了实验数据,在鱼类遗传育种方面具有重要意义。     

青石斑鱼(♀)×蓝身大斑石斑鱼(♂)杂交后代及其父母本群体的染色体核型分析

为了探究杂交后代与双亲染色体组型的差异, 证明青石斑鱼(Epinephelus awoara)和蓝身大斑石斑鱼 (Epinephelus tukula)杂交在染色体水平上的可行性, 以及建立石斑鱼外周血淋巴细胞培养制备染色体制片技术, 本研究以 4 月龄和 16 月龄青石斑鱼(♀)×蓝身大斑石斑鱼(♂)杂交后代、4 月龄母本后代和父本为实验材料, 通过头肾 -秋水仙素法和外周血细胞培养法制备染色体制片, 经油镜观察和分裂相统计, 结果表明青石斑鱼的染色体数目为 2n=48, 占比 91.00%, 核型公式为 2n=48t, NF=48; 蓝身大斑石斑鱼具两个亚中部着丝粒染色体, 染色体数目为 2n=48, 占比 82%, 核型公式为 2n=2sm+46t, NF=50, 臂比为 1.76±0.11; 杂交后代(E. AT)具一个亚中部着丝粒染色体, 染色体数目为 2n=48, 占比 78%, 核型公式为 2n=1sm+47t, NF=49, 臂比为 1.75±0.29。同时, 本研究对 4 尾 16 月龄杂交后代鱼的性腺进行组织切片, 观察发现所有个体性腺中具有大量卵母细胞, 杂交后代均为雌性, 初步说明杂交后代所具有的异形染色体与性别无关, 推断异形染色体形成的原因是父本提供了 23 条端部着丝粒染色体和 1 条亚中部着丝粒染色体, 母本提供了 24 条端部着丝粒染色体。研究结果为石斑鱼杂交后代异形染色体发生、遗传变异, 以及杂交后代性状选育和种质改良提供了丰富的资料。     

虹鳟杂交胚胎(2n♀×3n♂)的发育状况及其DNA倍性分析

雄性三倍体虹鳟(Oncorhyncus mykiss)可以发育至生理成熟并表现出较强的雄性副性征,性腺发育基本正常；雌性三倍体虹鳟性腺几乎不发育,并且存在着类雄性化的发育趋势.本研究拟通过对虹鳟杂交胚胎(2n♀×3n♂)发育状况及其DNA倍性的分析,进而确认三倍体虹鳟是否具有与二倍体虹鳟类似的生育能力并分析其原因.选取经两个世代家系选育的虹鳟优良品系二倍体雌性虹鳟作为母本,以热休克方法人工诱导的优质雄性三倍体虹鳟为父本,常规人工采集精卵授精,获得三倍体雄性与二倍体雌性杂交胚胎,观察杂交胚胎的发育进程,通过流式细胞仪检测杂交胚胎的DNA含量,进而与二倍体雌雄交配获得的胚胎对照确定杂交胚胎的倍性.结果表明,杂交胚胎的受精率、发眼率和孵化率均显著地低于对照组,杂交胚胎多数在发眼期之前死亡,破膜的胚胎在仔鱼期上浮前全部死亡.杂交胚胎的DNA含量分布范围较大,大致可以分为两个水平,接近84％的胚胎的DNA含量介于二倍体与三倍体之间,约为对照组DNA含量的2.5倍；约有16％的胚胎的DNA含量在三倍体和四倍体之间.本研究认为,染色体非整倍体化可能会引起杂交胚胎细胞核质不相容,进而导致基因表达调控紊乱,从而使杂交胚胎不能正常发育,无法完成由母体卵黄供给的内源营养向外源营养的转换,成为导致杂交胚胎发育过程中大量死亡,以及杂交仔鱼在破膜之后开始进食之前全部死亡的一个重要原因.     

点带石斑鱼的核型、C带、Ag-NORs

采用PHA活体注射结合秋水仙素培养，取点带石斑鱼全肾，低渗处理，空气干燥制片法制作染色体标本，对染色体进行Giemsa染色、C带及Ag-NORs等系列研究。结果表明：(1)点带石斑鱼2n=48，核型组成为48t，NF=48，没有异型性染色体分化；(2)在最小一对染色体的着丝粒与其染色体臂之间，靠近着丝粒部位有明显的次缢痕；(3)在间期核中，通过银染表现出核仁的数目为1～4个，1个核仁的间期核数目最高，多达55％，4个核仁的间期核数目占2％；(4)50％有丝分裂中期相能观察到Ag-NORs，Ag-NORs主要出现在第24对同源染色体上，第5对同源染色体也可观察到，但其它染色体上则没有；(5)Ag-NORs的数目在不同的细胞中表现出多态性，数目为1～4个，出现4个Ag-NOR~的频率最低(6．8％)，出现2个Ag-NORs的频率最高(58．1％)；(6)第24对同源染色体近着丝粒的臂内具次缢痕，是A乎NORs所在的区域，该区域分布有大量的结构异染色质，即Ag-NORs与C带强阳性呈现严格的同步对应；(7)点带石斑鱼所有染色体着丝粒为阳性C带，而且第24对染色体几乎整个染色体臂都呈C带阳性，着色强度与该对染色体上的着丝粒C带相同。最后讨论了核型演化规律和Ag-NORs、C带的发生机制。     

渔业生物学

021134自转基因三倍体泥鳅生长快、个大且不育”Aeeelerated growth,gigantism and1 ikely sterility in autotran笔enie triploid mudloach斌sg“r1l“mizolePis〔刊,英〕用amYK,Cho HJ,Cho YS.二// J .WorldAquae.S叉.一2001,32(4)一353一363 转基因鱼因其生长快而缩短了养殖时间,具有明显的经济效益。对韩国重要经济鱼类泥鳅进行了三倍体诱导试验,细胞DNA、染色体等均被证实成功地诱导了三倍体。南方杂种泥鳅和自转基因三倍体泥鳅的GHm RNA与自转基因二倍体泥鳅的表现型近似。自转基因三倍体泥鳅的生长速度是普通二倍体泥鳅的22…     

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.