长江口海域浮游软体动物生态特征的季节变化

根据2002-2003年长江口28°00′-2°00′N、122°00′-123°30′E海域4个季节的海洋调查资料,运用定量、定性方法,探讨了长江口邻近海域浮游软体动物总丰度的平面分布、季节变化、种类组成及优势种的环境适应类型。结果表明,长江口海域浮游软体动物总丰度分别为:春季64.61ind/m3,夏季191.84ind/m3,秋季59.11ind/m3,冬季1.4ind/m3。四季共出现软体动物24种,其中春季8种,夏季21种,秋季10种,冬季2种。马蹄螔螺(Limacina trochiformis)适温较低,是春季主要优势种;明螺(Atlanta peroni)作为暖水种,是夏季主要的优势种;秋季主要优势种为尖笔帽螺(Creseis acicula),适应于较高的水温;强卷螺(Agadina stimpsoniji)适温较低,是冬季的主要优势种。春季浮游软体动物大多聚集在苏北沿岸流和长江径流交汇处或偏沿岸流一侧,夏季在河口咸淡水水团内,秋季的高丰度则主要出现在台湾暖流和长江径流交汇偏暖水的一侧,冬季出现种类较少,低温是其最主要的因素。浮游软体动物作为一种偏大洋性的种类,在外海的数量和种类分布要远高于近海。     

东海发光鲷生物量分布及其与环境的关系

根据2005年12月~2006年11月东海(27°00′~34°00′N、122°00′~127°00′E)底拖网资源调查资料,分析了东海发光鲷的生物量的分布特征以及与环境条件的关系。结果表明:春、秋季发光鲷主要分布在东海南部外海,生物量较高;夏季分布较广,以东海北部外海为主,生物量较低;冬季分布较为集中,以东海南部外海为主。夏季发光鲷的生物量与温度、盐度以及水深的关系的曲线拟合显示,夏、秋季发光鲷主要分布于24℃左右的水温,最适盐度在33左右,最适水深在75 m左右。     

东海浮游桡足类的数量分布

根据1997-2000年在东海23°30′～33°N、118°30′～128°E水域进行的4个季节海洋调查资料,对东海浮游桡足类生态特征,分数量、群落特征、种类组成及优势种三部分从不同侧面作了探讨,本文为该研究的第一部分。结果表明,东海浮游桡足类丰度占浮游动物总丰度的55.5%,占饵料浮游动物总丰度的64.8%;秋季丰度最高、夏季次之、春季最低;平面分布不均匀,呈斑块状分布,一般东海近海高于外海和台湾海峡海域;高值区一般出现在不同水系的交汇区,其中,大陆沿岸水和东海外海水交汇区丰度值较其它混合区高。本次调查东海北部(29°～32°N、125°E以西)水域桡足类丰度约为20年前同期的1/3;东海浮游桡足类丰度的平面分布往往取决于中华哲水蚤(Calanussinicus)、精致真刺水蚤(Euchateconcina)和亚强真哲水蚤(Eucalanussubcrassus)的分布。     

黄海南部及东海中小型浮游桡足类生态学研究Ⅱ.种类组成及群落特征

重点探讨黄海南部及东海(28°00′～34°00′N、121°00′～127°00′E)中小型浮游桡足类的种类组成和多样度以及与环境的关系.结果表明鉴定到种的中小型浮游桡足类有71种,4季皆出现的种类比例高达83.1%,种类季节变化不大明显.种数平面分布呈南部高、北部低、外海高、近海低的分布特征,种数分布与该海域水团势力消长相关,在水系交汇处,种类较多的往往位于暖流的一侧.4季共出现优势种15种(优势度Y≥0.02),主要有拟长腹剑水蚤(Oithona similis)、小拟哲水蚤(Paracalanus par)和近缘大眼剑水蚤(Corycaeus affinis)等,但在秋季,上述优势种类由尖额保猛水蚤(Aegisthus mucronatus),孔雀丽哲水蚤(Calocalanus pavo),锦丽哲水蚤(Calocalanus pavoninus)等替代.优势种更替率R值分析结果表明,黄海南部及东海调查区中小型桡足类群落所栖息的环境从夏季转至秋季的变化较大,从冬季转至夏季的变化相对较小.桡足类物种多样度(H′)、均匀度(J′)和单纯度(C)指数4季均值分别为2.58(2.27～2.99)、0.72(0.64～0.7)和0.26(0.21～0.38),H′值平面分布趋势与种数分布基本一致.     

东海赤潮高发区春季浮游桡足类与环境关系的研究

根据2002年4-5月东海122°00′～123°30′E、29°00′～32°00′N海洋综合调查资料,对东海赤潮高发区春季浮游桡足类种类组成、优势种、群落特征及其与环境和赤潮生物的关系作了探讨.结果表明共鉴定桡足类40种,优势种有中华哲水蚤(Calanus sinicus)、真刺水蚤幼体(Eucheta larvae)、精致真刺水蚤(Euchaeta concinna)等,并以中华哲水蚤占绝对优势.桡足类总丰度均值为154.97 ind·m-3(5.00～649.85 ind·m-3),最高丰度区(＞500 ind·m-3)主要分布于长江口30°30′～31°15′N、123°15′E以东水域.多样性指数值在长江口以北是近海高于外海,长江口以南是外海高于近海.桡足类种类数与表层水温(℃)有非常显著的正相关性(R=O.713,P＜0.01).桡足类总丰度与表层水样中硅藻丰度,桡足类总丰度与夜光藻丰度呈非线形相关关系,前者可用肥力与产力模型描述,后者可用有效积温模型表达.     

东海北部鱼类组成特征分析

利用1997-2000年东海北部(29°30′～33°00′N,122°30′～128°00′E)四个季节的底拖网调查资料,选取生物量占总生物量90％的前27种鱼类,运用聚类分析和多维标度分析法,研究了东海北部鱼类组成的空间格局特征。结果显示东海北部鱼类组成可分为三个群聚类型,即近海群聚、较深海域群聚和外海群聚。近海群聚的主要种类有凤鲚(Coilia mystus)、龙头鱼(Harpadon nehereus)、黄鲫(Setipinna taty)等;较深海域群聚的主要种类有鳀(Engraulis japonicus)、带鱼(Trichiurus japonicus)、日本鲭(Scomber japonicus)、鳄齿鱼(Champsodon capensis)、细条天竺鲷(Apogon lineatus)、发光鲷(Acropoma japonicum)等;而竹(竹夹)鱼(Trachurus japonicus)、星康吉鳗(Conger myriaster)、黄鲷(Taius tumifrons)、水珍鱼(Argentina kgoshimae)、日本海鲂(Zeus fober)、绿鳍马面鲀(Thamnaconus sepremtrionalis)等为外海群聚的主要种类。同时分析了水深、底层温度、底层盐度等环境因子与鱼类群聚的关系,表明影响鱼类群聚的主要环境因子有水深、底层盐度。不同群聚间的种类分布是重叠交错的,并没有明显的群聚边界,但密集分布海域各异,不同群聚的种类组成在不同季节具有一定的持续性,其种类组成保持了相对的稳定。     

东海浮游桡足类的种类组成及优势种

根据1997-2000年东海23°30′～33°N、118°30′～128°E水域4个季节海洋调查资料,对浮游桡足类种类组成及优势种作了探讨。东海浮游桡足类经鉴定共有226种,呈外海高近海低的分布趋势,夏季(163种)>秋季(152种)>春季(140种)>冬季(123种),4个季节皆出现的有78种。优势种(优势度Y≥0.02的17种,主要有中华哲水蚤(Calanus sinicus)、普通波水蚤(Undinula vulgaris)、精致真刺水蚤(Euchate conicina)和亚强真哲水蚤(Eucalanus subcrassus)等,季节更替明显,在秋、冬季优势种中还新出现了多种中、小型桡足类。北部近海(29°～32°N、125°E以西)春季中华哲水蚤、夏秋季精致真刺水蚤与水温、盐度多元一次逐步回归相关性显著(P<0.05),秋季普通波水蚤与水温、盐度相关性非常显著(P<0.01),春季鳀(Engraulis japonicus)中心渔场(>100kg·h~(-1))分布与中华哲水蚤高密集区(50～100ind·m~(-3))平面分布具有良好的对应关系;春、夏季鳀鱼仔、稚鱼高密度区(≥100ind·net~(-1))与中华哲水蚤高丰度区(50～100ind·m~(-3))相重叠。     

东海区七星底灯鱼数量分布以及与温盐度的关系

本文利用从2000年12月到2001年9月一个周年的渔业资源调查数据,对东海区七星底灯鱼的数量分布及其与温盐度的关系进行了研究。结果表明:东海区的七星底灯鱼可分为东海北部和浙江中南部近海2个群体。以东海北部群体较大,主要分布在30°N以北的海域;浙江中南部近海群体较小,且只有零星分布。七星底灯鱼在东海北部海域从沿岸到外海都有分布,但沿岸数量较少,主要分布在30°30′~32°30′N、124°00′~126°30′E之间的海域;以冬春季节分布面较广,夏秋季节的分布面较窄。东海北部群七星底灯鱼栖息海域的表层温度值变化较大,以春季最低,秋季最高;密集分布区的等温线变化范围在1~2℃左右。浙江中南部近海群的栖息水温变化较小,全年都在20℃以上。各季节浙江中南部近海群的适宜水温均高于东海北部群。各季节东海北部群密集分布区的表层盐度在32.0~34.5之间,以冬春季的盐度值较高,夏秋季的盐度值较低;浙江中南部近海群的栖息海域表层盐度除冬季较高外,其余季节相对较低。     

东海浮游十足类数量分布与环境的关系

根据1997~2000年东海23°30′~33°N、118°30′~128°E海域4个季节海洋调查资料,运用定量、定性方法,探讨东海浮游十足类(Decapods)总丰度的平面分布、季节变化以及变化的动力学机制。结果表明,浮游十足类总丰度有明显的季节变化,夏季最高为451 ind/(100 m3),秋季次之为71 ind/(100 m3),春季最低为24 ind/(100 m3)。北部近海(29°30′~33°N、123°30′~125°E)水域春季几乎没有分布,除冬季外,总丰度基本呈近海高于外海的分布趋势。中型莹虾(Luciferintermedius)是影响总丰度变化最主要的种类;夏季与秋季及四季总丰度的变化同水温有非常显著的线性相关关系,与盐度的相关关系不显著;冬季则仅仅与盐度有关,春季则与温度和盐度相关。从春季到夏季,高丰度区随台湾暖流向北扩展,并在闽浙沿岸水团与台湾暖流交汇处形成高丰度分布区[>2 500 ind/(100 m3)];从夏季到秋季,浮游十足类随着台湾暖流继续向北,在与长江冲淡水交汇处形成较高丰度区。水温和海流是影响东海浮游十足类总丰度分布的主要环境因子。     

东海浮游十足类优势种环境适应的研究

根据1997-2000年东海23°30′~33°N、118°30′~128°E海域4个季节海洋调查资料,对东海浮游十足类优势种的生态特征进行了研究,探讨这些优势种对环境的适应及与渔场的关系。结果表明:主要优势种有中型莹虾Lucifer intermedius、刷状莹虾Lucifer penicillifer、细螯虾Leptochela gracilis和汉森莹虾Lucifer hanseni。前2个优势种是近海暖水种,细螯虾是广温高盐种,汉森莹虾是外海暖水种。近海暖水种不但平均丰度高,而且优势度和占浮游十足类总丰度的百分比均大于其它优势种。广温高盐优势种具有较高的出现率,细鳌虾丰度不高,但在每个季节、各个海区均有出现。在夏季,低温环境适应力差的暖水种往往有很高的聚集强度。与东海其它类群的浮游动物不同,浮游十足类以夏季丰度最大。就个体数量而言,以近海暖水种个体居多,主要分布在位于东海沿岸河口附近的鱼类产卵场。     

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.