澜沧江囊谦段夏秋季浮游植物群落结构初步研究

2011年夏季(6月)和秋季(9月)对澜沧江囊谦段的浮游植物进行初步研究。结果表明,澜沧江囊谦段浮游植物共计4门、57种(属);其中,硅藻门种类最多,为33种(属),占总种类数的57.9%;其次是绿藻门,为13种(属),占22.8%,蓝藻门10种(属),占17.5%,甲藻门仅检到1种,占1.8%。夏秋两季澜沧江囊谦段均以喜低温的硅藻为主,绿藻、蓝藻种类秋季多于夏季,甲藻仅在夏季出现。浮游植物优势种以硅藻为主,占75.0%,种类有尖针杆藻(Synedra acus)、普通等片藻(Diatoma vulgare)、舟形藻(Navicula sp.)、桥弯藻(Cymbella sp.)、曲壳藻(Achnanthes sp.)、异极藻(Gomphonem sp.)、颤藻(Oscillatoria sp.)和席藻(Phormidium sp.)。浮游植物数量为13.26×104～375.59×104个/L,平均数量99.36×104个/L;生物量为0.0445～1.9972mg/L,平均0.4915mg/L。浮游植物数量和生物量均以硅藻最高,分别占总数量的61.2%和总生物量的71.3%。分析显示,各采样点浮游植物多样性指数、均匀度指数较高,均值分别为2.24、0.48;表明该河段浮游植物群落比较稳定,种类分布较为均匀,体现了贫营养型河流的特征,水域环境良好。     

海河干流浮游植物群落结构特征研究

2009—2013年选取春末、夏中、秋初3个季节对海河干流浮游植物进行连续5年的调查与监测,系统分析了海河干流浮游植物种类组成、密度、生物量、优势种、优势度、群落结构以及生物多样性组成,探讨其变化趋势和主要原因,运用单因子方差分析(ANOVA)分别对各年度间密度和生物量进行差异显著性检验,并利用马加利夫(Margalef)物种丰富度指数对水质状况进行了评价。结果表明:海河干流浮游植物隶属8门92属181种。绿藻门在细胞密度和种类组成上都占绝对优势,其次为蓝藻门和硅藻门。主要优势种为:绿藻门的四尾栅藻、小球藻、卵囊藻、月牙藻和卡德藻;蓝藻门的微囊藻、胶鞘藻、螺旋藻、颤藻和蓝纤维藻;硅藻门的小环藻、菱形藻和舟形藻;隐藻门的啮蚀隐藻和卵形隐藻。海河干流浮游植物密度和生物量整体变化呈逐年下降的趋势。密度以2009年5月最高,为14 936.63×104cells/L,而在2013年5月最低,为493.6×104cells/L;生物量峰值为206.82 mg/L,最低值为4.74 mg/L。经ANOVA检验,这两者在各年份间的差异均不显著(P0.05);五年间,浮游植物群落多样性指数变化不大,基本持平,丰富度指数呈逐年下降趋势,均匀度呈逐年上升态势。海河干流浮游植物多样性指数较低,群落稳定性较差。丰富度指数分析表明,海河干流的水质处于α中污—重污型阶段。     

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.     

海河干流浮游植物群落结构特征研究张萍1，2，刘宪斌1，李宝华2，白明2，李彤2，王娟娟2

2009—2013年选取春末、夏中、秋初3个季节对海河干流浮游植物进行连续5年的调查与监测，系统分析了海河干流浮游植物种类组成、密度、生物量、优势种、优势度、群落结构以及生物多样性组成，探讨其变化趋势和主要原因，运用单因子方差分析（ ANOVA）分别对各年度间密度和生物量进行差异显著性检验，并利用马加利夫（ Margalef）物种丰富度指数对水质状况进行了评价。结果表明：海河干流浮游植物隶属8门92属181种。绿藻门在细胞密度和种类组成上都占绝对优势，其次为蓝藻门和硅藻门。主要优势种为：绿藻门的四尾栅藻、小球藻、卵囊藻、月牙藻和卡德藻；蓝藻门的微囊藻、胶鞘藻、螺旋藻、颤藻和蓝纤维藻；硅藻门的小环藻、菱形藻和舟形藻；隐藻门的啮蚀隐藻和卵形隐藻。海河干流浮游植物密度和生物量整体变化呈逐年下降的趋势。密度以2009年5月最高，为14936.63×104 cells／L，而在2013年5月最低，为493.6×104 cells ／L；生物量峰值为206.82 mg／L，最低值为4.74 mg／L。经ANOVA检验，这两者在各年份间的差异均不显著（P＞0.05）；五年间，浮游植物群落多样性指数变化不大，基本持平，丰富度指数呈逐年下降趋势，均匀度呈逐年上升态势。海河干流浮游植物多样性指数较低，群落稳定性较差。丰富度指数分析表明，海河干流的水质处于α中污—重污型阶段。     

新疆乌伦古湖浮游植物种群结构特征

2007年4月和8月,对新疆乌伦古湖的浮游植物进行了调查研究.结果显示,乌伦古湖浮游植物调查期间经鉴定共计8门172种属.其中以绿藻、硅藻为主,分别占43.0%和29.1%;蓝藻门27种属,占15.7%;裸藻门7种属,占4.1%;甲藻门6种属,占3.5%;金藻门4种属,占2.3%;隐藻门3种属,占1.7%;黄藻门1属,占0.6%.调查期间,乌伦古湖浮游植物密度与生物量均值分别为160.76×104 ind/L和2.0328 mg/L.从优势种、数量和生物量组成结果分析,乌伦古湖浮游植物是以硅藻为优势类群的湖泊,尤其尖针杆藻(Synedra acus),4月在采样点出现频率为80.0%.结合该湖浮游植物的优势种、数量和生物量的检测结果,乌伦古湖应属于贫-中营养型湖泊.     

沙河水库的浮游植物

对沙河水库浮游植物种类组成和现存量进行了四季调查,测定了其初级生产力.共计检出浮游植物7门28属,其中绿藻门为13属,硅藻门和蓝藻门各5属,其它为隐藻门、金藻门及裸藻门.浮游植物的年平均密度和生物量分别为1.50×105个/L和0.312 mg/L.生物量以裸藻和隐藻为主,夏季各门类浮游植物均达到最高值.沙河水库浮游植物的初级生产力年平均为2.097 g/m2·d.鲢鱼年总产量约56 000 kg.     

黄河一级支流泽曲河春秋季浮游植物群落结构及多样性评价

于2012年春季(4月)和秋季(9月)对黄河一级支流泽曲河的浮游植物群落结构进行了调查,并应用多样性指数H、均匀度指数J、丰富度指数d,对泽曲河进行了多样性评价。结果显示:浮游植物共4门52种(属),以硅藻门最多,37种(属),占71.2%,其次是蓝藻门9种(属),占17.3%,绿藻门5种(属),占9.6%,裸藻门1属,占1.9%。浮游植物优势种为普通等片藻(Diatoma vulgare)、尖针杆藻(Synedra acus)、曲壳藻(Achnanthes sp.)、舟形藻(Navicula sp.)、桥弯藻(Cymbella sp.)、脆杆藻(Fragilaria sp.)、异极藻(Gomphonem sp.)、小环藻(Cyclotella sp.)、小颤藻(Oscillatoria tenuis)、席藻(Phormidium sp.)和小球藻(Chlorella sp.)11种(属),其中硅藻门8种(属),占优势种类的72.7%。浮游植物平均数量23.08×104 L-1,平均生物量0.088 9mg/L,硅藻数量和生物量分别占总数量的92.3%和总生物量的98.8%,为优势种群。Shannon-Wiener指数平均值2.56,Pielou指数平均值0.79,Marggalef指数平均值0.75。结合浮游植物各项评价指标,得出泽曲河浮游植物群落结构比较稳定,种类分布较为均匀,水体属贫营养型。通过生物多样性指数法对水质进行评价,得出该河段水质属轻度污染。     

赣江中下游浮游植物群落结构及其水质生物学评价

为了探究赣江中下游浮游植物群落结构的季节变化,为渔业资源可持续利用、水质监测及生物多样性保护提供参考,2016年10月(秋季)、2017年1月(冬季)、4月(春季)和7月(夏季),对赣江中下游浮游植物群落结构进行季度调查。结果表明,赣江中下游共记录浮游植物5门、55属、95种。其中,绿藻门44种,占总浮游植物种类的46.0%;硅藻门29种,占30.5%;蓝藻门15种,占16.0%。浮游植物密度为82.3×104~906.0×104个/L,平均值为315.0×104个/L。生物量为0.43~1.26mg/L,平均值为0.69mg/L。赣江支流浮游植物的平均密度和生物量(546.0×104个/L,1.07mg/L)均高于干流(212.0×104个/L,0.52mg/L)。干流主要优势种为小席藻(Phormidium tenue)、颗粒直链藻(Melosira granulata)、卵形隐藻(Cryptomonas ovata)和尖尾蓝隐藻(Chroomonas acuta);支流主要优势种为小席藻、微小平裂藻(Merismopedia tenuissima)、四尾栅藻(Scenedesmus quadricauda)和水华束丝藻(Aphanizomenon flos-aquae)。浮游植物Shannon-Wiener多样性指数(H′)和Margalef丰富度指数(D)的年均值分别为1.87和0.94,干流的H′值高于支流,而干流的D值低于支流。研究显示,赣江中下游水域均受到不同程度的污染,干流的污染程度比支流更为严重。     

沙湖浮游植物多样性分析及水质评价

2014年4~9月调查和研究了宁夏沙湖浮游植物的种类和数量。共鉴定出浮游植物7门56种及其变种,其中绿藻门种数最多,为23种;硅藻门次之为14种;蓝藻门10种;金藻门5种;裸藻门2种;隐藻门和甲藻门各1种。浮游植物生物量在0.21~14.31mg/L之间;多样性指数中,Shannon-wiener指数变化范围在2.57~3.94之间;Pielou均匀度指数在0.32~1.22之间。Shannon-wiener指数和Pielou指数评价表明:春季沙湖水质较好,秋季次之,夏季最差。综合评价结果显示:沙湖水质为贫-富营养型。     

横江中下游春季浮游植物群落结构及多样性分析

2011年4月对横江中下游浮游植物进行了调查,研究了浮游植物的种类、现存量、群落组成和生物多样性,评价了横江流域水质营养状况。结果显示:共检出浮游植物6门26科33属78种(含变种)。浮游植物群落组成以硅藻和绿藻为主,分别占藻类总种数的71.80%和16.67%。优势种主要有变异直链藻(Melosira varians C.A.Ag)、偏肿桥弯藻(Cymblla veatricosa Kütz)、短小舟形藻(Navicula exigua(Grey.)Mull.)、普通等片藻(Diatoma vulagare Bory.)、系带舟形藻(Navicula cincta(Ehr.)Kütz)、中型脆杆藻(Fragilaria intermidia Grun.)、长鼻空星藻(Coelastrum proboscideum Bohl.)、吻状隐藻(Cryptomonat rostrata)等。浮游植物细胞密度为2.232×105~4.255×105cells/L,水富小岸坝河口(S1)最高,盐津撒渔沱(S3)最低,平均值为3.392×105cells/L;生物量为0.443~1.330 mg/L,最高和最低仍分别出现在水富小岸坝河口(S1)和盐津撒渔沱(S3),平均值为0.779 mg/L。7个采样站点,Shannon-Wiene多样性指数(H)为4.01~4.43,张窝水电站库区(S2)最低,大观河大关县城(S7)最高,平均为4.22;Pielou均匀性指数(J)为0.74~0.83,张窝水电站库区(S2)最低,洛泽河水电站库区(S4)最高,平均为0.80。生物多样性和均匀度分析结果表明,横江中下游浮游植物多样性较好,分布格局均匀,水质总体上为贫营养型。     

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.