桃山水库浮游植物群落结构及水质营养状态评价

2009年的枯水期（5月）和丰水期（7月）,在桃山水库对浮游植物结构群落和水质状况进行了调查研究,结合生物监测和理化监测手段,基于浮游植物优势度、丰度、优势度以及综合指数评价方法,对研究水库进行了生态评价。结果显示：（1）桃山水库浮游植物共有7门46属73种及变种,其中以绿藻为主,分别占44 %;（2）生物量在2.29-10.96 mg﹒L-1之间,丰度变幅在(38.76-124.44)×105 ind.﹒L-1之间;（3）枯水期优势种以硅藻为主,丰水期优势种以以蓝藻、绿藻为主;（4）综合营养指数为42.0-60.1。综合评价结果表明：桃山水库枯水期和丰水期水质营养状态为轻富营养化,化学需氧量是影响桃山水库浮游植物群落结构的主要环境因子。     

三角湖浮游植物群落结构与水质评价

2011-2012年对三角湖浮游植物进行季节性调查,以了解浮游植物群落结构特征及其对水质的指示作用,为污染防治和生态修复提供依据。结果表明,在三角湖共采集浮游植物94种(变种),隶属于8门、25科、51属;其中,绿藻种类最多,约占总种数的59.6%,其次是硅藻、蓝藻和裸藻,分别占12.8%、11.7%和8.5%,其他门类种类较少。浮游植物细胞密度平均值为(102.32±59.89)×106个/L;其中,蓝藻密度最大,占浮游植物总丰度的86.69%,其次是绿藻和硅藻,分别占7.77%和4.91%,其他门类密度较低。浮游植物密度具有明显的季节变化规律,夏季的密度最大,秋季次之,冬季和春季较低。夏季和秋季蓝藻细胞密度占绝对优势,绿藻和硅藻次之,而冬季蓝藻密度下降,硅藻和绿藻占优势,春季蓝藻又重新占据优势。三角湖浮游植物Margalef丰富度指数、Shannon-Weaver多样性指数和Pielou均匀度指数平均值分别为2.75、1.78和0.46。Shannon-Weaver多样性指数和Pielou均匀度指数以冬季和春季较高,秋季最低,表明冬季和春季浮游植物群落结构相对复杂,而秋季的群落结构相对简单。综合水质生物学和水体理化指标评价结果,三角湖水体为中-富营养型。     

亚热带水库浮游植物群落结构季节演替及其春季水华成因分析——以浙江汤浦水库为例

为了研究汤浦水库浮游植物群落结构季节演替及水质状况,于2010年5、8、11月及2011年2月连续4个季节分别对其浮游植物、水文特征和理化因子进行调查分析.结果表明,浮游植物有7门、58属、105种,主要由绿藻、硅藻和蓝藻组成,其物种数季节变化为:夏＞秋＞冬＞春.各样点物种数呈现出由河流区向湖泊区递减的变化趋势.浮游植物丰度变幅较大,在3.27×106～128.90×106个/L,其中冬季丰度最低,春季最高.春季浮游植物主要由硅藻和蓝藻组成,夏季主要由蓝藻和绿藻组成,秋季为隐藻和硅藻,冬季主要由硅藻组成.浮游植物丰度及其多样性指数均表明春季水质最差,且暴发藻类水华,其中微型硅藻链状弯壳藻(Achnanthidium catenatum)为春季水华的绝对优势种.水华暴发可能受降水、水库调度、营养盐等因素的综合影响所致.     

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。     

合浦水库浮游植物及营养现状评价

于2006年10月至2007年7月对合浦水库浮游植物进行调查，通过浮游植物数量及生物量现状，结合综合营养状态指数法对其营养现状进行评价。结果表明合浦水库已处于富营养化水平。同时Shannon—Veaner指数也表明合浦水库为富营养化状态。     

江苏横山水库浮游植物群落结构的动态变化

研究横山水库浮游植物群落的动态变化特征和综合分析水质,为库区的水资源保护和开发利用提供参考依据。2014年7月至2015年6月,设置5个采样点,每月上旬上午9时左右、天气状况良好时采水样1次。共采集鉴定浮游植物7门63属147种(包含变种及变型),绿藻门28属63种、硅藻门16属46种、蓝藻门10属23种、甲藻门3属6种、裸藻门3属3种、隐藻门2属3种、金藻门1属3种,浮游植物的种类组成为绿藻-硅藻-蓝藻型。浮游植物密度2.3×106~8.0×106个/L、平均4.2×106个/L,硅藻门、绿藻门和蓝藻门密度占比分别为57.3%、29.8%和8.4%。浮游植物的多样性指数H'变化范围为1.52~3.67,平均2.48;均匀度指数J 0.53~0.86、平均0.71;丰富度指数d 0.83~3.32、平均2.05。浮游植物主要优势种为绿藻门的美丽鼓藻(Cosmariumformosulum),硅藻门的变异直链藻(Melosiravarians)、颗粒直链藻(Melosira granulate)、尖针杆藻(Synedraacus)和肘状针杆藻(Synedra ulna)等。相关性分析表明,游植物密度与总磷、水温、透明度呈正相关关系,与溶解氧呈负相关关系,与总氮没有相关关系。硝酸盐和溶解氧对浮游植物密度有显著影响,亚硝酸盐氮、氨氮、CODMn、浊度、p H、UV254的水平变化和浮游植物密度没有相关性。根据浮游植物多样性分析以及富营养化指数值TLI(∑)评价,横山水库水质属于轻度富营养状态。     

亚热带水库浮游植物群落结构季节演替及其春季水华分析——以浙江汤浦水库为例

汤浦水库位于浙江省曹娥江支流的小舜江流域,是绍虞平原区域性供水专用水源地。为了研究其浮游植物群落结构季节演替及其水质状况,于2010年5、8、11月及次年2月连续四个季节分别对其浮游植物、水文特征和理化因子进行调查分析。共鉴定到浮游植物7门58属105种,主要由绿藻、硅藻和蓝藻组成。浮游植物物种数季节变化为：夏>秋>冬>春。各样点物种数呈现出由库尾至取水口递减的变化趋势。浮游植物丰度变幅较大,在3.27×106~128.90×106 Cells /L之间,其中冬季丰度最低,春季最高。春季浮游植物主要由硅藻和蓝藻组成,夏季主要由蓝藻和绿藻组成,秋季为隐藻和硅藻,冬季主要由硅藻组成。浮游植物丰度及其多样性指数均表明春季水质最差,且暴发藻类水华,其中微型硅藻链状弯壳藻(Achnanthidium catenatum)为春季水华的绝对优势种。此次水华暴发可能受降水、水库调度、营养盐等因素的综合影响所致。     

牧野湖浮游植物时空分布及水质分析

2012年9月至2013年8月,按月对牧野湖的水质及浮游植物群落结构开展了初步调查。共发现浮游植物87属147种;其中,黄藻门和隐藻门各6种,金藻门和甲藻门各4种,绿藻门57种,裸藻门23种,硅藻门29种,蓝藻门18种。2012年秋季到2013年春季浮游植物密度在7 400×104~9 100×104个/L,2013年夏季最高,为16 000×104个/L。秋、冬、春季密度较高的为绿藻和硅藻,所占比例:秋季绿藻32.2%、硅藻23.9%,冬季绿藻39.2%、硅藻24.5%,春季绿藻40%、硅藻51.7%;夏季密度较高的种群是蓝藻,占83%。湖区秋、冬、春、夏季Shannon多样性指数分别为1.3、1.27、1.06、0.48,Pielou均匀度指数也从0.35下降到0.175,表明从2012年秋季到2013年夏季牧野湖的水质是不断下降的。皮尔逊相关分析表明,湖区浮游植物的平均密度与Chl-a、CODCr、水温显著正相关(P0.05);与TN、TP、NH+4-N也有一定的正相关性,但未达到显著水平;与SD、NO-3-N之间有一定的负相关,但未达到显著水平。     

三道河水库浮游植物群落结构特征及其渔产潜力分析

2007年8月-2008年4月调查并分析三道河水库浮游植物的群落结构及时空分布特征,并探讨水库的浮游植物多样性及渔产潜力.结果显示,该水库浮游植物有8门49属79种,主要由绿藻、硅藻和蓝藻组成;各采样点浮游植物种类数为43 ～56,但种类组成相似;不同季节浮游植物种类组成有很大差异,秋季种类数最多,冬季最少.浮游植物年平均细胞数量为20.33×104个/L,年平均生物量为0.21 mg/L.Shannon-Wiener多样性指数年均值为2.10,Pielou均匀度指数为0.85,且冬季最高,秋季最低.根据浮游植物水质评价标准,三道河水库为中营养型.据估算,三道河水库浮游植物渔产潜力9 072.45 kg,单产为22.68 kg/hm2.     

茜坑水库浮游植物时空分布及水质风险评价

浮游植物是判断水体富营养化程度的关键指标之一,藻类水华中有害蓝藻释放的蓝藻毒素会危害人类健康,对饮用水的安全构成威胁。2010年4月至2011年3月,按月对广东省深圳市茜坑水库的浮游植物群落进行了调查。结果表明,茜坑水库共采集到浮游植物7门、66属、127种,种类组成以绿藻(54%)和硅藻(25%)为主,水库属绿藻-硅藻型水体;浮游植物细胞密度年均值为1.10×107个/L,绿藻门、硅藻门、隐藻门和蓝藻门细胞密度所占比例较高;浮游植物多样性在茜坑水库各样点间不存在显著性差异(P>0.05),表明水体交换能力较强;结合3种水质评价方法,初步判断茜坑水库为轻污-中污型水体,并通过对潜在产毒蓝藻现存量的分析来评价水质安全存在的风险。7月的水质风险最大,应进行藻毒素测定。对理化因子的测定显示,水库总氮和总磷浓度均超过《GB3838-2002地表水环境质量标准》中Ⅱ类标准值。     

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.