Nutritional status assessed in groups off smolting Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., developing cataracts

There has been an increasing number of reports on cataracts in Norwegian and international salmon farming. The present study was undertaken to examine physiological and nutritional conditions during an outbreak of cataracts observed in rapidly growing Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolt with emphasis on zinc status. During this study, the cataracts were classified as irreversible. The outbreak of cataracts was positively related to fish growth and negatively related to the condition factor of the fish. Zinc concentrations in liver, eye and plasma were recorded in fish with cataract and in healthy fish from December to May. Lower zinc status (around 20%) was found in fish with cataracts compared to healthy fish, both over time and with regard to severity of the cataract. The decline in organ zinc concentrations seems to be explained by increased relative liver size, lower dry matters in liver and eye, and lower plasma protein. From the present data, the incidence of cataracts could not be directly related to zinc or any of the other nutrients (vitamin A, iron) examined, although relative deficiencies caused by other unknown rearing factors cannot be excluded. The lower condition factor and differences in organ water composition in fish with cataracts indicate that the cataracts may be related to the smoltification processes. Smoltification in the fish population was most probably accelerated by elevated water temperatures.     

Water temperature regimes affect cataract development in smolting Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.

The effect of fluctuation in water temperature during the freshwater rearing stage on cataract development in Atlantic salmon was investigated. Presmolts were exposed to either constant low or high temperatures, or high temperature with cold-water fluctuations. Temperature fluctuations caused the fastest growth rate and most severe cataracts, whilst low temperature resulted in slow growth and minor cataracts. The fish were then individually marked and maintained together in a seawater net pen for 7 months. Cataract progressed in all groups, fish from the low temperature group showed the fastest subsequent growth, and developed cataracts to the same degree as fish from the other groups. There were no statistically significant differences in selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase levels in pooled samples of aqueous humour, lens and plasma from fish with or without cataract, except from the last freshwater samples, where cataractous fish showed lower plasma activity. Plasma cortisol and glucose levels did not differ, nor did whole eye riboflavin levels. Higher concentrations of some free amino acids in whole eyes were found in fish with cataract. This study shows that fluctuation in water temperature may cause both increased growth rate and cataract development in Atlantic salmon and that cataract development initiated in the freshwater rearing phase continues after transfers to seawater.     

Comparison of diet composition,feeding, growth and health of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) fed either feed blocks or pelleted commercial feed

Two duplicate groups of individually tagged lumpfish (mean initial weight: 21.5 ± 3.2 g) were fed either a commercially available lumpfish feed or feed blocks for a period of 123 days. The aim was to evaluate and compare the effects of these feed types on growth, cataract development and histopathology in lumpfish. There were significant differences in growth rates between the groups with fish fed pelleted feed having the highest growth rates. The development of cataracts was significantly different with fish fed pelleted feed having a cataract prevalence of 87% at the end of the study period whilst fish fed with feed blocks had 10% prevalence. The results of the histological examination undertaken in this study showed overall small differences between the two dietary treatments. In some individuals in groups receiving both diets, there was mild to moderate expansion of the lamina propria with tissue most likely to represent fibrous tissue with scattered leucocytes. Overall, the findings of the present study show that lumpfish will readily graze from feed blocks and although growth is lower the prevalence of cataract is greatly reduced using feed blocks.     

Efficacy and toxicity of praziquantel in helminth‐infected barbel (Barbus barbus L.)

This study evaluated efficacy and toxicity of the pyrazinoisoquinoline anthelmintic praziquantel (PZQ) in barbel infected with metacercariae of Diplostomum spathaceum and adult Pomphorhynchus laevis, and assessed antioxidant biomarkers and the lipid peroxidation response in juvenile barbel post‐treatment. The estimated 96‐hr LC50 of PZQ was 28.6 mg/L. For evaluation of efficacy, barbel naturally infected with D. spathaceum were exposed to a 10 and 20 mg/L PZQ 4‐day bath treatment. Both concentrations were 100% effective against D. spathaceum and significantly (p < .01) affected the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione‐S‐transferase as well as levels of reduced glutathione in liver and muscle. The efficacy of orally administered PZQ was assessed in adult barbel naturally infected with P. laevis. Fish were administered 10, 30 and 50 mg/kg of body weight and examined via gut dissection after 6 days. The 50 mg/kg dose significantly decreased the intensity of infection. Praziquantel is a feasible bath treatment for barbel infected with D. spathaceum and has potential for oral treatment of broodfish infected with P. laevis.     

Partial replacement of fish oil with terrestrial lipid blend and effects on growth performance,body composition,immune parameter and growth‐related genes in yellow drum (Nibea albiflora)

The imbalance of fish oil (FO) supply and demand has motivated efforts to identify an alternative for aqua feed. An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary fish oil partial replacement with mixed oil from linseed and lard (1:1) on growth, body composition and immunity when the N3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (N3 LC‐PUFAs) requirement is met for Nibea albiflora. Two types of experimental diets were formulated with 100% fish oil (FO) or 69% mixed oil (Mix). The results indicated that the Mix diet significantly improved the specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), feed efficiency ratio (FER), muscle tissue growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) gene expression of the yellow drum (p < .05). No significant difference in the survival rate (SR), feed intake (FI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI), condition factor (CF), N3 PUFA percentage, liver antioxidant enzyme activities or pro‐inflammatory gene expression was observed between the two treatments. Therefore, terrestrial blend lipid from linseed and lard could be used as an alternative for dietary fish oil without compromising growth performance and immunity for the juvenile yellow drum.     

A Preliminary Study on the Effects on Growth,Condition, and Feeding Indexes in Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,after the Prophylactic Use of Potassium Permanganate and Oxytetracycline

The prophylactic use of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) and oxytetracycline and its effects on catfish growth were assessed. For eleven weeks, healthy channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, juveniles were exposed to KMnO₄ and oxytetracycline. KMnO₄‐treated fish were exposed to 1 ppm twice a week for 1 h, while oxytetracycline‐treated fish received a 50 mg/kg dose in the feed (35 fish per tank, two tanks per treatment). Assessed parameters included body weight and length, specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), condition, and feed conversion index (FCI). Potassium permanganate did not have a suppressive effect on growth, while oxytetracycline significantly enhanced growth on channel catfish (weight and length), as they were heavier (12.5%) than KMnO₄‐treated fish and controls at the end of the trial. SGR (%/d), FI, and FCI were not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the three groups of fish. Condition index (K) was significantly higher (ANOVA, P < 0.05) in the oxytetracycline‐treated fish. The present study suggests that, at concentrations commonly used in aquaculture, exposure of healthy channel catfish to oxytetracycline enhanced growth, while KMnO₄ does not induce growth suppression.     

Effects of dietary oxidized oil and vitamin E on the growth,blood parameters and body composition of juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (Linnaeus 1758)

The effects of oxidized dietary lipid and the role of vitamin E on the growth performance, blood parameters and body composition of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were evaluated over a 9‐week feeding period. Four isonitrogenous experimental diets containing fresh or oxidized fish oil with or without added vitamin E (α‐tocopherol or mixed tocopherols) were fed to juvenile cod. The oxidized lipid used had a peroxide value of 94 mEq kg^?1 oil. No significant (P>0.05) differences in growth performance (weight gain and specific growth rate) or feed utilization (feed consumption and feed efficiency ratio) were observed when oxidized dietary lipid was used. The hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI) and haematocrit did not show any significant (P>0.05) differences among the treatments. However, erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), referred to as susceptibility to haemolysis, of fish fed oxidized oil without added vitamin E was high in comparison with those fed unoxidized oil. Supplementation with α‐tocopherol appeared to decrease haemolysis, but mixed tocopherols had no significant (P>0.05) effect on EOF. The proximate composition of fish whole body was also affected by diet treatment. Fatty acid composition of liver total lipid reflected that of dietary lipid. Variations in tissue (liver and muscle) fatty acid composition among the treatments followed the same trend as those of the dietary fatty acids. Fish fed fresh oil had a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in muscle and liver lipid than those fed oxidized oil. The results suggest that oxidized dietary oil affected juvenile Atlantic cod in certain tissues and that these effects could be alleviated by supplementation of sufficient amounts of vitamin E in the diet.     

Effects of three commercial diets on growth,cataract development and histopathology of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.)

Three duplicate groups of individually tagged lumpfish (mean initial weight: 20.0 ± 4.0 g) were fed three commercially available diets (A, B and C) for a period of 147 days. There were significant differences in growth rates between the groups with fish fed diet A having the highest growth rates whilst fish fed diet C achieved the lowest growth. Lumpfish fed diets A and B had lower prevalence and severity of cataracts compared with fish fed diet C, suggesting a possible dietary effect on cataract, alone or in combination with other environmental factors. There was a significant difference in the degree of liver vacuolization between the three dietary treatments at the end of the study period with fish fed diets A and B showing moderate to severe vacuolization compared with liver tissue from fish fed diet C, which had milder vacuolizations. There was little or no inflammation in pyloric caeca, midgut and hindgut and similarly for epithelial necrosis or vacuolization for all three dietary treatments at the end of the study. Fish fed diet A had the longest intestinal folds whilst fish fed diet C had the shortest.     

Influence of low concentrations of Trichlorfon on haematological parameters and brain acetylcholinesterase activity in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Trichlorfon, an organophosphorus insecticide, is used in aquaculture to eliminate fish ectoparasites. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effects of low concentrations of Trichlorfon (0.25 and 0.50 mg L^?1 for 1 and 24 h) on selected haematological parameters and brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of subadults of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Results showed that Trichlorfon had no significant effect on the survival and haematocrit values of the exposed fish. However, all fish exposed to Trichlorfon exhibited leucopenia coupled with lymphocytopenia. Upon transfer to clean water, leucopenia did not return to normal in seven days. Brain AChE activity of the fish exposed to Trichlorfon for 24 h was reduced by 55–57% compared with the controls and inhibition was not restored fully within seven days. Hence, precautions should be taken when even low concentrations of Trichlorfon are used in carp culture, especially for long‐term treatments.     

Growth compensation in juvenile tongue sole,Cynoglossus semilaevis (Güther, 1873): responses to thermal stress and feed restriction

Responses of compensatory growth to high temperature and feed restriction in juvenile tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis (Güther, 1873), were investigated during a 56‐days experiment. Fish were divided into seven groups including three high‐temperature treatments which were reared at 28°C for 1, 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, then returned to 22°C (recorded as T1, T2 and T3), three feed‐restricted treatments which were fed 25% satiation for 1, 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, then fed ad libitum (recorded as R1, R2 and R3) and a control (continuously reared at 22°C). The results showed that juvenile tongue sole exposed to thermal stress for 1 week exhibited overcompensatory growth. However, complete compensation occurred in T2, T3 and R1 fish, while partial compensation occurred in R2 and R3 fish. The body composition and energy content of fish were not significantly different among all treatments (P > 0.05). The specific growth rate and feed efficiency of fish in T1 were significantly higher than other treatments during the whole experiment period (P < 0.05). Higher feed efficiency and apparent digestion rate during recovery might account for the compensatory growth in tongue sole in the present study. Hyperphagia played an important role in compensatory growth for feed‐restricted fish, but was not involved in the compensatory response in thermal stressed fish in the present study. The results from the present study suggested that a suitable thermal stress could be more feasible to elicit compensatory growth than feed restriction in juvenile tongue sole.     

Increased ability to compete for food by growth hormone-transgenic coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum)

In salmonids, growth hormone (GH) stimulates growth, appetite and the ability to compete for food. This study tested the hypothesis that increased GH levels in GH-transgenic coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum) increase competitive ability through higher feeding motivation. The transgenic strain of salmon used contained a gene construct consisting of the sockeye metallothionein-B promoter fused to the type 1 growth gene coding region. The transgenic animals (mean size = 250 g) were F₁ individuals. In six consecutive feeding trials, the intake of contested food pellets by size-matched pairs consisting of one control (1 year older non-transgenic coho salmon) and one GH-transgenic coho salmon was compared. Pellets were provided sequentially until neither fish took three consecutive pellets; the identity of the fish taking each pellet was noted. Calculated on the three first pellets offered at each feeding trial, the transgenic coho salmon consumed 2.5 times more contested pellets than the controls, supporting the hypothesis that GH transgenesis increases the ability to compete for food. Overall, the transgenic fish consumed 2.9 times more pellets that the non-transgenic controls, indicating a high feeding motivation of the transgenic fish throughout the feeding trials. It appears that GH transgenesis and GH treatments can induce similar changes in the feeding behaviour of salmonids. Depending on how transgenic and wild individuals differ in other fitness-related characters, escaped GH transgenic fish may compete successfully with native fish in the wild.     

The effects of dietary long‐chain essential fatty acids on growth and stress tolerance in pikeperch larvae (Sander lucioperca L.)

The nutritional requirements of pikeperch larvae have been sparsely examined. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may affect growth and physiological stress response in marine fish larvae, but these mechanisms have not received as much attention in freshwater fish. Pikeperch larvae were reared on Artemia from day 3 until 21 days posthatch. Artemia were enriched with six formulated emulsions, with inclusion of either fish oil, pure olive oil (POO) or olive oil supplemented with various combinations of ARA, EPA and DHA. Larval tissue FA was significantly related to the content in the diets, but larval growth was similar for all treatments. When exposed to stress by confinement in small tanks with culture tank water or saline water (15 g L^?1.), mortality in larvae treated with POO was significantly higher than in the remaining treatments while tissue cortisol contents in these fish seemed lower. The findings of a lower stress response in larvae fed POO may be related to the lower tissue content in these larvae of essential fatty acids especially DHA but also EPA and ARA.     

Dietary sour lemon (Citrus limon) peel essential oil supplementation for reduction of deltamethrin‐induced stress in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary effects of using essential oil from sour lemon peel (Citrus limon) on growth performance, carcass composition, blood and serum parameters, and liver enzymes of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to deltamethrin (DMN) pesticide. Treatments with no lemon peel essential oil (LPEO) and without DMN (control), as well as four treatments with 10% of 96‐h lethal concentration of DMN were prepared with dietary supplementation of LPEO (zero, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg). Trout juveniles (95.12 ± 0.53 g) were randomly allocated to the treatments (each with three replicates). The results showed that dietary LPEO inclusion improved fish growth parameters in the DMN‐containing treatments. The highest fat content was found in zero LPEO treatment with no DMN while it was lowest in DMN treatments containing 400 and 600 mg/kg of LPEO. Carcass protein content was the highest in DMN treatment with 400 mg/kg of LPEO. Blood and serum biochemical parameters showed statistical differences between no LPEO treatment with DMN exposure and those detected in the control fish (p < .05). Overall, the results indicate that dietary inclusion of LPEO at 400 mg/kg level can decrease some negative effects of DMN exposure.     

Effects of stocking density on the survival, growth, size variation and condition index of juvenile rabbitfish Siganus rivulatus

Spinefoot rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus, is an economically important species of herbivorous fish that is relatively easy to rear and thus considered to be suitable for aquaculture. Juveniles are generally reared in nursery systems before being stocked into growout cages or ponds. We report here our evaluation of the effects of stocking density on the survival, growth, feed efficiency and condition index of S. rivulatus juveniles in nursery tanks. The experiment was conducted in a recirculating system of twelve 52-l aquaria connected to a biological filter and a sand filter. Juvenile fish (average weight 6.5 g) were stocked into aquaria at four stocking densities (10, 20, 30, and 40 fish/aquarium) with three replicate aquaria per treatment. Diet was provided at 3% body weight daily divided into two feedings. Fish were weighed weekly for 8 weeks and the diet increased accordingly. Survival was greater than 95% in all treatments, with no significant differences observed among treatments. There were also no differences in specific growth rate (SGR 2.12–2.27) of the fish among treatments. Growth rate was linear during the 8 weeks in all treatments, and harvested biomass increased proportionally to stocking density (198, 401, 600 and 785 g per increasing stocking density, respectively). Feed efficiency (FE 0.67–0.71) of the fish did not vary significantly among treatments. The coefficient of variation was high (35–41%) among the harvested fish, but it also did not differ significantly among treatments. The final condition indices of the fish in all treatments were similar to each other but significantly greater than the initial values (P < 0.05). The results suggest that there is no apparent effect of stocking density at the levels tested on the survival and growth of juvenile rabbitfish.     

The differential effects of Ligula intestinalis (L.) plerocercoids on host growth in three natural populations of roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.)

Abstract – This study reports the differential effect of the pseudophyllidean cestode, Ligula intestinalis , on the growth rates of three fish populations of the roach, Rutilus rutilus , under field conditions. Here, we show that only one host-population is affected by parasite-induced gigantism in the first 2 years of host life. Paradoxically, this increase in fish growth is strongly correlated with the parasitic load in plerocercoid stages, in that only the roach population subjected to the heaviest parasitic pressure shows an enhanced growth of cestode-parasitized individuals. This host gigantism observed in only one locality is associated with parasite-induced fish mortality occurring, on average, one year earlier in this fish population when compared to other populations. We discuss the different reasons for this differential parasite effect on growth enhancement across host-population in natural settings. Whether the growth effects represent an adaptive response by the host or a manipulation by L. intestinalis of the host, remains to be elucidated.     

Combined effects of fertilization rate, manuring and feed pellet application on fish performance and water quality in polyculture ponds

This study analyses the combined effects of organic and inorganic fertilization and of feeding with pellets on fish performance and water quality in a polyculture of common carp. Cyprinus Carpio L., silver carp. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Val.), grass carp. Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.) and hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L. x O. aureus Stetndachner. Experiments included six treatments, which are combinations of inorganic fertilisation (daily or fortnightly), manuring (supplied or not), feed pellets (supplied or not) and density of phytoplanktivorous fish species (high-density treatments with 50% more hybrid tilapia and 300% more silver carp than low-density treatments). The effects of the management procedures on fish weight, growth, survival and yield. plankton abundance, water quality, and their complex interactions at the different levels of the natural food web were analysed. The hypothesis that daily fertilization should increase algal production, which in turn should sustain a higher density of phytoplanktivorous fish, proved to be correct within certain limits. Algal reproduction rate was higher under daily fertilization, pointing to better supply of food for herbivorous fish, while algal biomass was similar under both fertilization regimes, pointing to the utilization of that algal food supply. The increased algal food supply sustained a 50% density increase of the omnivorous tilapia, but not the 300% density increase of the grazer silver carp.     

Influence of pond fertilization and feeding rate on growth performance, economic returns and water quality in a small-scale cage-cum-pond integrated system for production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

The effects of pond fertilization and feeding rate on growth, economic returns and water quality were investigated to develop a low‐cost cage‐cum‐pond integrated system for production of Oreochromis niloticus (L.). Hand‐sexed male fingerlings averaging 19±0.39 and 32±0.69 g were stocked in cages and open ponds at 150 fish cage^?1 and 2 fish m^?2 respectively. Fish were cultured for 114 days in five triplicate treatments. Cages were installed into ponds and caged fish were fed a 24% protein diet at 3% (T1) and 6% (T2) body weight day^?1 (BWD) without pond fertilization, and 6% BWD with pond fertilization (T3). The open water in the fourth treatment (T4) was not stocked but contained caged fish, which were fed 6% BWD for the first 57 days followed by 3% BWD for the remaining period. Ponds in the control (T5) had no cages and were neither fertilized nor open‐pond fish fed. Feeding rate and pond fertilization significantly (P<0.05) affected fish growth, profitability and water quality among treatments. Fish growth, feed utilization, fish yield, water quality and profits were significantly (P<0.05) better in T3 than the other treatments. It was concluded that fish production and economic returns were optimized at 6% BWD in fertilized ponds.     

Heavy loads of parasitic freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) larvae impair foraging,activity and dominance performance in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

The life cycle of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) includes a parasitic larval phase (glochidia) on the gills of a salmonid host. Glochidia encystment has been shown to affect both swimming ability and prey capture success of brown trout (Salmo trutta), which suggests possible fitness consequences for host fish. To further investigate the relationship between glochidia encystment and behavioural parameters in brown trout, pairs (n = 14) of wild‐caught trout (infested vs. uninfested) were allowed to drift feed in large stream aquaria and foraging success, activity, agonistic behaviour and fish coloration were observed. No differences were found between infested and uninfested fish except for in coloration, where infested fish were significantly darker than uninfested fish. Glochidia load per fish varied from one to several hundred glochidia, however, and high loads had significant effects on foraging, activity and behaviour. Trout with high glochidia loads captured less prey, were less active and showed more subordinate behaviour than did fish with lower loads. Heavy glochidia loads therefore may negatively influence host fitness due to reduced competitive ability. These findings have implications not only for management of mussel populations in the streams, but also for captive breeding programmes which perhaps should avoid high infestation rates. Thus, low levels of infestation on host fish which do not affect trout behaviour but maintains mussel populations may be optimal in these cases.     

Mud crab pen culture: replacement of fish feed requirement and impacts on mangrove community structure

Brackishwater pond culture has been a major factor in mangrove loss in Southeast Asia, hence, the need to develop environment‐friendly technologies such as mud crab Scylla (Portunidae) culture in mangrove pens exists. This study evaluated the effects of mud crab netpen systems in central Philippines on mangrove macroflora, and the replacement of dietary fish with low‐cost pellets. Wild or hatchery‐sourced Scylla olivacea and Scylla serrata were stocked at 0.5–0.8 m⁻² in 167–200 m² nylon netpens (2.3 cm stretched mesh) in Avicennia‐dominated mangrove habitats. The feeding treatments were: (A) Zarraga: (1) no feeding (natural productivity), (2) no feeding for 1 month+supplementary feeding, (3) fish biomass and (4) low‐cost pellets, and (B) Batan: (1) fish biomass and (2) pellets+fish biomass. Feeds were given ad libitum twice daily. Growth and survival rates of S. olivacea in Zarraga pens were not significantly different among treatments, although crabs fed fish biomass had the highest survival, body weight and production. Similarly, growth and survival of S. serrata were not significantly different between the Batan treatments. Economic analysis of the latter gave a 38.5% return on investment (ROI) and 2.6 years payback period (PP) for pellets+fish biomass treatment compared with 27.5% ROI and 3.6 years PP for fish alone. Sensitivity analysis showed an improved economic performance of the pellets+fish biomass treatment by increasing the survival rate. Evaluation of mangrove community structure showed that crab culture reduced species diversity, numbers and biomass of seedlings and saplings, but not of mangrove trees. Therefore, mud crab pen culture is recommended for mangrove sites with mature trees, but not seedlings and saplings, and low‐cost pellets can reduce dependence on fish biomass.     

Effects of Thyroxin and Domperidone on Oocyte Maturation and Spawning Performances in the Rabbit Fish,Siganus guttatus

Thyroxin (T₄) is proven to have various functions in fish reproduction. In this study, we investigated oocyte maturation and spawning performance in the rabbit fish, Siganus guttatus, orally exposed to different doses of T₄ (0.05, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg fish) during vitellogenesis. No statistically significant differences of reproductive characteristics were observed among the treatments. However, the group that was exposed to the dose of 0.5 mg/kg spawned after receiving a hormone injection. The findings suggest that feeding T₄ during vitellogenesis did not advance oocyte maturation, but probably could induce spawning in rabbit fish. In a separate experiment, we investigated the effects of orally administered domperidone (DOM) on reproductive performances of the female rabbit fish. The study showed that oral administration of DOM during the early stages of the reproductive cycle had no significant effects on oocyte maturation and spawning performance. Overall, these findings suggest that DOM may not be needed for the induction of maturation and spawning of this species under aquaculture conditions. These practical investigations were conducted with a view to attempt reducing drug use, production costs, and support sustainable aquaculture.