复合微生物净水剂在仿刺参养殖中的应用

为探究光合细菌与芽孢杆菌复合微生物制剂的净水能力,以实验室分离保存的1株光合细菌PSB1和1株芽孢杆菌BS1为研究对象,通过测量人工污水中氨氮质量浓度、硫化物质量浓度、化学需氧量的变化确定2株菌混合的最优密度配比为2∶1。在该混合配比下,污水中氨氮的质量浓度由4.68 mg/L降至0.39 mg/L,硫化物质量浓度由0.62 mg/L降至0.26 mg/L,化学需氧量由4.02 mg/L降至2.35 mg/L。安全性试验表明,复合微生物净水剂砷含量为0.017 mg/kg,镉含量为1.634×10~(-4) mg/kg,均低于国家标准中规定的含量,且未检测出黄曲霉素B_1、志贺氏菌等成分,符合安全标准。为进一步探究复合微生物净水剂对养殖污水水质的影响,研究在仿刺参养殖试验过程中投放该复合微生物净水剂,测量养殖污水中化学需氧量及氨氮、硫化物质量浓度变化。结果表明,在水体pH 7.0～8.5、盐度25～35时,复合微生物净水剂对氨氮、硫化物和化学需氧量均有很好的降解作用。     

不同氨氮和溶解氧条件下循环海水养殖系统生物滤池对氨氮、化学耗氧量及颗粒悬浮物的处理效果

为了建立优化的循环海水养殖系统,采用水质国标检测方法分析了珊瑚石生物滤池在不同氨氮和溶解氧(DO)负荷实验条件下对养殖废水中氨氮、化学耗氧量(COD)及颗粒悬浮物(SS)的处理效果。结果显示,进水氨氮浓度对出水氨氮(正相关)、COD(正相关)均有极显著的影响(P0.01),对SS处理效果影响不显著。当进水氨氮浓度为0.45~0.65 mg/L时,滤池对水体处理效果最优(氨氮平均清除率为82.1%±3.3%;COD平均清除率为7.1%±1.5%;SS平均清除率为5.8%±1.6%)。DO浓度对水体氨氮(负相关)和COD(负相关)处理效果的影响显著(P0.05),对SS处理效果影响不显著。DO浓度为5.0~7.0 mg/L时,水体处理效果最优(氨氮平均清除率为78.7%±3.5%;COD平均清除率为23.0%±5.3%;SS平均清除率为7.1%±2.0%)。因此,本实验环境下的循环海水养殖系统珊瑚石生物滤池在氨氮浓度为0.45~0.65 mg/L,DO浓度为5.0~7.0 mg/L时,对水体中的氨氮、COD、SS的综合处理效果最优。     

移动床生物膜反应器处理低浓度氨氮养殖废水试验

采用移动床生物膜反应器(MBBR)处理低浓度氨氮养殖废水,在不同水力停留时间(HRT)和不同曝气条件下,分析MBBR处理人工模拟的低浓度氨氮(2 mg/L左右)养殖废水的进出水氨氮、亚硝酸盐氮和硝酸盐氮的浓度变化,探讨HRT和曝气量对MBBR处理低浓度氨氮养殖废水的影响,并以实际鲟鱼养殖废水(氨氮浓度0.5～1.5 mg/L)和其他研究成果进行验证和比较.结果显示:MBBR的最优HRT为6～8 min,最优曝气量为180 L/h,相应的氨氮去除率为70％ ～ 75％,氨氮去除负荷为560～700 g/(m3.d),填料生物膜厚度为26～38 μm;膜表层结构多样,物种丰富,膜生长良好.该反应器对处理低浓度氨氮养殖废水具有的高效能力.     

芽孢杆菌与光合细菌协同作用对养殖刺参的影响

为研究芽孢杆菌和光合细菌协同作用对刺参养殖水质及其生长、消化和免疫的影响,测定了水体化学需氧量(COD)、氨氮(NH4+-N)和亚硝酸盐氮(NO2--N)24 h的变化量、肠道蛋白酶和淀粉酶的活性以及体腔液超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)和溶菌酶(LSZ)的活力。结果显示,混合菌投喂组优于单一菌投喂组。在芽孢杆菌和光合细菌投喂浓度以1.86×105和1.75×104CFU/mL搭配时,该实验组协同作用效果最优,水体COD、NH4+-N和NO2--N含量均显著低于对照组(P<0.05);刺参特定生长率最大(0.76%/d),较对照组提高56.8%,成活率亦最高(97.8%);蛋白酶和淀粉酶活性最高(96.72和98.72 U/mg prot),较对照组显著提高149%和44.82%;体腔液SOD活力最高(65.16 U/mL)。而两种菌对刺参AKP和LSZ活力的影响较小。研究表明,芽孢杆菌和光合细菌搭配合理效果更佳,能够有效改善养殖环境,提高刺参消化酶活性和免疫力,促进刺参生长。     

3种有益微生物对菲牛蛭养殖水体理化因子及成活率的影响

为减少高密度养殖下菲牛蛭(Hirudinaria manillensis)疾病发生和养殖废水排放,研究比较了3种商品化有益微生物制剂(硝化细菌T1、光合细菌T2和EM复合菌T3)对养殖水体的净化效果。结果表明,3种有益微生物制剂在15d内均能使养殖水体的pH稳定在6.8以上,溶氧量(DO)分别比对照组提高30.12%、26.95%和46.12%;化学耗氧量(COD)分别比对照组低1.02mg/L、1.13mg/L和1.53mg/L;3个处理组对氨氮(NH4+-N)的平均降解率分别为48.48%、45.23%和63.10%,亚硝态氮(NO2-N)平均值分别比对照组低0.16mg/L、0.19mg/L和0.27mg/L;菲牛蛭存活率均高达90%以上,明显高于对照组的53%。3种有益微生物制剂均有显著增加溶氧量、降低氨氮、亚硝态氮和化学耗氧量的效应,对菲牛蛭养殖水体均具有很好的净化作用,其中以EM复合菌效果最佳。     

竹子填料海水曝气生物滤器除氮性能

生物滤器是循环水养殖系统的关键水处理单元,主要用于去除水体中水溶性的氮化物.采用人工模拟海水养殖废水,在系统运行的水力停留时间HRT为1h,水温为18～25 ℃,气水比为3∶1,初始C/N＝3∶1,pH为8.05～8.53条件下,对竹子填料浸没式生物滤器的挂膜过程和稳定运行阶段系统去除氨氮的运行特性,以及挂膜过程中的硝化细菌群落变化进行了实验研究.结果表明,在较低的NH+4-N浓度条件下,采用竹子填料的生物滤器有较快的挂膜速度,挂膜成功后滤料表面上生长的氨氧化细菌和亚硝酸氧化细菌的数量分别为4.5×105、1.5×105(光面)和1.1×106 CFU/ml(粗面).具有较高且稳定的氨氮去除效果,氨氮去除效率达到80%,出水浓度小于0.06 mg/L,满足海水循环养殖系统中的应用要求.     

一种自行研制的养殖水原位净化装置的应用效果试验

基于硝化细菌、聚磷菌等微生物种群分布于自然水体中,且喜欢吸附在固体表面形成生物膜,吸收水中氨氮、亚硝酸盐氮、磷等营养成分进行繁殖和生长的生物学原理,研制了一个由支架浮力系统、微生物附着基、上升流系统、锁磷区和光伏发电系统5部分组成的圆柱形(半径75 cm、高100 cm)养殖水原位净化装置。试验结果显示:生物膜建成后,装置在1 mg/L、3 mg/L和5 mg/L氨氮质量浓度组的淡水(水温22~25℃)和海水(水温27~31℃)中,日消减氨氮量分别为304.587 g、283.748 g、314.753 g和247.274 g、261.756 g、282.721 g,日消减淡水和海水中总磷量分别为0.485 g、0.427 g、0.462 g和0.566 g、0.595 g、0.493 g,显示出较强的氨氮和总磷的消减能力。日氨氮消减量差异性,淡水3个质量浓度组间不显著(P>0.05),海水3个质量浓度组间显著(P<0.05)。日总磷消减量差异性,淡水3个质量浓度组间、海水3个质量浓度组间均不显著(P>0.05)。该装置具有较强的氨氮和磷的消减能力和使用方法简单、运行成本低等特点,可在水产养殖尾水净化处理中推广使用。     

米尔伊丽莎白菌拮抗菌X2的筛选鉴定及其特性分析

本实验旨在筛选对米尔伊丽莎白菌(Elizabethkingia miricola)有抑制作用的拮抗菌，并对其生长特性及其去除氨氮和亚硝酸盐的作用进行分析。实验采用平板对峙法从“稻蛙”养殖稻田土壤中分离到1株对米尔伊丽莎白菌有较强抑制作用的菌株X2。采用形态学特征观察和16s rDNA测序对X2进行鉴定，随后对X2在不同pH、盐度、温度等条件下的生长曲线进行了测定，以评估其环境适应性，并将X2接种于氨氮和亚硝酸盐培养基中，测定去除率以评估其去除氨氮和亚硝酸盐的能力。结合形态学特征及菌株16s rDNA序列分析，X2鉴定为侧孢短芽孢杆菌(Brevibacillus laterosporus)。结果显示：X2在pH 5～9、盐度5‰～50‰、温度20～40℃之间均能生长，最适pH、盐度、温度分别为7、5‰和35℃。这表明X2对环境的适应性较强，具有较强的耐酸碱性、耐盐性，适温性广等特性。X2在去除氨氮、亚硝酸盐方面也表现出了很强的能力，在X2接种浓度为5.0×10⁷ CFU/mL时氨氮的去除率最高，达到74.95%;接种浓度为5.0×10⁵ CFU...     

固定化微生物在凡纳滨对虾养成池中的应用

通过监测池塘水体藻类群落组成、多项水质指标、底泥总有机碳(TOC)和底泥异养细菌数等指标值,研究了固定化微生物对凡纳滨对虾生产性养殖池塘水质调控和污染底泥的修复能力,微生物固定所用载体为改良沸石和生物活性炭(相应的固定化微生物分别记为ZE-M组和BE-M组)。试验结果显示,处理组(ZE-M组和BE-M组)池塘水体中藻类组成呈多元化,隐藻、蓝藻和绿藻数量比较接近,而对照组则是蓝藻占绝对优势。试验过程中,对照池的氨氮浓度和COD呈直线上升,而处理组氨氮浓度和COD的增长幅度缓慢,ZE-M、BC-M载体微生物的使用是产生差异的直接原因。对照组和处理组的其它水质指标变化规律及差异性不明显,可能是由于池塘水体由诸多不确定因素影响所致。固定化微生物对池塘底泥TOC含量和异养细菌数的影响显著(P<0.05),试验过程中,试验组和对照组池塘底泥TOC含量随着养殖时间均有增加的趋势,但对照组这一趋势更加明显;试验初期,各组表层底泥中的异养细菌数量在3.367×105～8.60×105CFU/g范围内,试验结束时增长到85×105～393.7×105CFU/g。处理组和对照组的异养细菌差异显著(P<0.05),其中ZE-M处理组...     

一株芽孢杆菌的分离鉴定及在生物絮团对虾养殖中的应用

从对虾养殖池中分离到1株细菌(编号2013042402,简称菌株02),分别用16S rDNA序列比对法和细菌全细胞脂肪酸气相色谱法对该菌进行鉴定.结果显示,菌株02为芽孢杆菌(Bacillus sp.).为探讨该芽孢杆菌在生物絮团对虾养殖中的使用效果,实验分别设置加菌加糖组(菌株02的量为2.0× 104 CFU/ml,蔗糖量为饵料的70％)、加菌组、加糖组(生物絮团组)及空白对照组,研究了菌株02对养殖水质(温度、盐度、溶氧、pH、氨氮及亚硝酸氮)、对虾存活率及水体中主要菌群组成等指标的影响.结果显示,加菌加糖组能显著降低养殖水体中的氨氮和亚硝酸氮浓度,提高对虾存活率.生物絮团对虾养殖系统中添加菌株02,能够改善菌群结构,抑制弧菌生长.研究结果可为生物絮团对虾养殖中定向培养有益微生物提供技术支持.     

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.