3种水质调控方式下参池沉积物—水界面N、P通量的研究

为探究不同水质调控方式下仿刺参池塘沉积物—水界面N、P营养盐物质交换,采用沉积物—水界面N、P营养盐扩散通量室内培养法,研究2015年10月至2016年9月位于庄河市海参养殖基地的自然纳潮、微孔曝气(空压机0.1 kW/667 m~2)和养水机(750 kW/h)3种不同水质调控技术下605 m×85 m参池沉积物—水界面N、P通量。试验结果显示,自然纳潮和微孔曝气池塘的NO_x~-通量的变化为-36.0～10.8、-12.0～7.8 mg/(m~2·d),且在3月、7月和8月产生了负通量,通量值于7月分别达到了全年最低[-36.0、-12.0 mg/(m~2·d)],而养水机池塘全年均为正值且变化为0.6～5.4 mg/(m~2·d);自然纳潮池塘、微孔曝气池塘NH_4~+通量变化为-102.6～71.4、-90.6～78.0 mg/(m~2·d),在7、8月均为负值,而养水机池塘全年均为正值且变化为5.4～81.6 mg/(m~2·d);3种参池PO_4~(3-)通量全年均为正值且于7、8月达到最大,变化为自然纳潮池塘18.6～76.2 mg/(m~2·d)、微孔曝气池塘30.0～73.2 mg/(m~2·d)、养水机池塘29.4～50.4 mg/(m~2·d);养水机池塘沉积物—水界面N、P通量极差较另两池塘均最小。试验结果表明,养水机的作用有助于池底形成稳定氧化环境,有利于池底N、P物质释放。     

仿刺参夏眠前后池塘沉积物—水界面氮、磷通量研究

在仿刺参夏眠前后(6-10月),原位采集仿刺参养殖池塘的沉积物一水界面样品,检测沉积物上覆水的氨氮、亚硝态氮、硝态氮和无机磷酸盐含量及变化,研究沉积物一水界面氮、磷通量变化规律。试验结果显示,亚硝态氮+硝态氮(NO_x~--N)通量呈先降后升的变化规律,8月的NO_x~--N通量达到极低值,为-(66.12±7.66) mg/(m~2·d);氨氮(NH_4~+-N)通量呈先升后降再升高的变化规律,7月的NH_4~+-N通量达到最高值,为(6.21±0.55) mg/(m~2·d),9月达到极低值,为-(14.88±1.44) mg/(m~2·d);可溶性无机磷酸盐通量呈先升后降的变化规律,8月的可溶性无机磷酸盐通量达到最高值,为(4.20±0.56) mg(m~2·d),10月达到极低值,为-(3.48±0.43) mg/(m~2·d)。相关性分析发现,可溶性无机磷酸盐通量与水温呈显著的正相关,与水体中可溶性无机磷酸盐含量呈显著负相关;NO_x~--N通量与水体中亚硝态氮和硝态氮含量呈显著正相关。试验结果表明,仿刺参夏眠期间池塘沉积物是重要的氮汇和磷源,对水体的氮磷含量起着重要的调节作用。     

草鱼混养与单养的温室气体昼夜变化特征研究

为探究草鱼混养与单养两种养殖模式的温室气体昼夜变化特征与影响因素，采用静态暗箱-气相色谱仪法对2个草鱼养殖池塘的水-气界面CO₂、甲烷(CH₄)和氧化亚氮(N₂O)通量进行了24 h观测。结果显示：草鱼混养和单养CO₂通量的昼夜变化范围分别为(-119.03±76.25)～(59.79±52.19)和(-199.88±163.25)～(186.64±48.06) mg/(m²·h),CH₄通量范围分别为(1.81±2.07)～(7.25±7.06)和(-11.75±14.38)～(17.77±14.84) mg/(m²·h),N₂O通量范围分别为(24.4±16.4)～(77.4±34.7)和(43.8±12.8)～(165.7±122.2)μg/(m²·h)。草鱼混养的CO₂、CH₄和N₂O日平均排放量均低于单养模式，其中，...     

蟹塘生态调控技术对“淤泥-水界面”N,P交换通量的影响

调节pH值、加钙和增氧是常用的蟹塘生态调控技术,为明确其对水质和N,P养分交换的影响,通过实验室模拟并测定了水体N,P含量及"淤泥-水界面"交换通量。结果表明:3种措施对水体N,P均有显著影响,且增氧对水体N,P的调节效应显著强于加钙和调节pH。增氧96 h后水体TN和NO_3~--N含量分别是不增氧处理的1.68和7.43倍,同时增氧削减了水体NH4+-N含量至试验结束,增氧处理NH_4~+-N含量平均降低70%～75%。"淤泥-水界面"N,P交换通量表明,增氧后TN交换通量平均提高2.47～3.74 mg·m~2/h,而对TP交换通量均无显著影响,平均仅为-0.1 mg·m~2/h。     

淡水池塘养殖温室气体排放研究进展

全球气候变暖日益引起各国政府和公众的普遍关注,温室气体排放成为近年来新兴研究热点之一。作为温室气体重要来源的淡水养殖池塘并未得到足够重视。文章对国内外现有的淡水池塘温室气体排放研究进行了系统的回顾,着重介绍二氧化碳(CO_2)和氧化亚氮(N_2O)排放量的估算方法和相关结果,重点探究影响温室气体排放量的因素,探讨目前研究的局限与改进方向。其中估算方法包括评估二氧化碳的碳足迹概念、ORNL法、IPCC排放因子法、评估氧化亚氮的排放系数法。结果显示,池塘排放量巨大,不可忽视。主要从水温、排水活动、养殖品种和养殖模式4个方面的影响因素进行阐述分析,温室气体排放机制具有复杂性。最后,针对当前温室气体排放的研究现状与趋势,从排放结构的具体分析和估算方法的规范两个方向对淡水养殖池塘温室气体排放研究进行了展望,以期推动相关理论和实践的发展。     

不同光强处理对长茎葡萄蕨藻叶绿素荧光特性的影响

通过调制叶绿素荧光仪(MINI-PAM),对长茎葡萄蕨藻(Caulerpa lentillifera)在10μmol/(m~2·s)、120μmol/(m~2·s)、360μmol/(m~2·s)光强下的叶绿素荧光特性进行了研究。结果表明:随着光照强度从10μmol/(m~2·s)上升到360μmol/(m~2·s),长茎葡萄蕨藻最大光量子产量(F_v/F_m)、实际光量子产量、相对电子传递速率(rETR)、快速光曲线初始斜率均呈下降趋势;用120μmol/(m~2·s)和360μmol/(m~2·s)光强处理的样品光化学猝灭(qP)较高,而非光化学猝灭(NPQ)较低;不同光强处理4 h和8 h时,与10μmol/(m~2·s)处理组相比,120μmol/(m~2·s)处理组最大相对电子传递速率(rETR_(max))、半饱和光强(I_k)均显著上升,360μmol/(m~2·s)处理组I_k显著上升,rETR_(max)明显降低;在360μmol/(m~2·s)光强下处理12 h与处理8 h相比,样品rETR_(max)、I_k均显著降低。上述结果说明长茎葡萄蕨藻偏向适应10μmol/(m~2·s)的低光条件,在120μmol/(m~2·s)和360μmol/(m~2·s)的高光条件下能通过不同的方式提高对光强的耐受能力,但是在360μmol/(m~2·s)光强下处理12 h会引起光氧化对光合结构造成破坏。     

桑沟湾春季海–气界面CO_2交换通量及其与养殖活动的关系分析

为研究不同养殖活动对海–气界面CO_2交换通量(F)的影响,于2014年5月采用走航式CO_2分压仪对中国北方典型的多营养层次混合养殖海域—桑沟湾养殖区的表层水CO_2分压(pCO_2)进行了大面调查,并通过数据计算桑沟湾海区的F值。在调查过程中,选择在网箱养殖区、贝类养殖区、藻类养殖区等区域内进行24 h定点连续观测。探讨了春季桑沟湾海–气界面CO_2的交换通量及其主要影响因素。大面调查结果显示,桑沟湾内海水中pCO_2总体变化趋势是由湾内向湾外递减,网箱养殖区海水中pCO_2远远高于其他区域。在大面调查中,贝类、藻类、贝藻混养、网箱养殖区的F值分别为(–1.02±0.83)、(–15.40±1.28)、(–4.32±1.41)、8.14 mmol/(m~2·d)。定点连续监测显示,藻类、贝类、网箱养殖区的pCO_2 24 h平均值分别为(320±14)、(330±10)、(413±37)μatm。研究表明,光合作用是海–气界面CO_2交换通量的主要影响因素之一,不同养殖区之间的海–气界面CO_2交换通量差异显著。影响各养殖区海–气界面CO_2交换通量日变化规律的影响因子与走航调查结果一致。养殖活动是影响海–气界面CO_2交换通量的主导因素。     

CO_2浓度对细基江蓠繁枝变型生长和光合特性的影响

比较了低CO_2浓度(充无CO_2空气,low CO_2,简称LC)、正常CO_2浓度(充正常空气,normal CO_2,简称NC)、高CO_2浓度(充正常空气+0.2%CO_2,high CO_2,简称HC)3种条件下细基江蓠繁枝变型(Gracilaria tenuistipitata var.liui Zhang et Xia)的特定生长率、光合色素含量、光合放氧速率和叶绿素荧光参数。结果表明:培养6 d后,与NC组相比,LC组细基江蓠繁枝变型特定生长率(SGR)、100μmol·(m~2·s)~(-1)光强净光合放氧速率及PSII最大光量子产率(Fv/Fm)均显著降低(P0.05);类胡萝卜素含量显著增加(P0.05);而藻红素、叶绿素a含量、PSII实际光量子产率(Fv/Fo)、快速光响应曲线初始斜率(α)、最大电子传递效率(ETR_(max))及半饱和光强(I_k)均无显著差异(P0.05)。与NC组相比,HC组细基江蓠繁枝变型的SGR、Fv/Fm及α显著增加(P0.05),藻红素含量显著下降(P0.05),而叶绿素a、类胡萝卜素含量、600μmol·(m~2·s)~(-1)光强净光合放氧速率、Fv/Fo、α、ETR_(max)及I_k均无显著差异(P0.05)。与LC组相比,HC组细基江蓠繁枝变型的100μmol·(m~2·s)~(-1)光强净光合放氧速率、SGR、Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo、α均显著增加(P0.05),而藻红素、叶绿素a、类胡萝卜素含量却显著下降(P0.05),600μmol·(m~2·s)~(-1)光强净光合放氧速率、ETR_(max)、I_k无显著变化(P0.05)。对于细基江蓠繁枝变型,CO_2浓度升高降低了光合色素含量,同时提高了光系统光能转换效率,而对藻体饱和光强下净光合放氧速率的促进作用不显著。但是CO_2浓度升高却仍然可能通过降低无机碳利用的能量消耗及提高营养盐吸收利用而显著促进藻体的生长。比较不同CO_2浓度下细基江蓠繁枝变型生长和光合特性的差异,有助于初步揭示其对大气CO_2浓度变化的响应特征。     

盐度对辽东湾四角蛤蜊和光滑河蓝蛤摄食率和滤水率的影响

以辽宁盘锦蛤蜊岗四角蛤蜊与光滑河蓝蛤为研究对象,采用室内静水系统对其滤水率和摄食率进行测定。试验结果表明,不同盐度(16、18、20、22、24、26、28、30、32、34)梯度下,两种贝类的滤水率和摄食率均随盐度的升高呈先升后降趋势。盐度32时,四角蛤蜊滤水率最大,为(0.265±0.032)L/(个·h),盐度(x)与滤水率(y)关系为y=-0.0041x2+0.0681x-0.0181(r2=0.9893);盐度30时,摄食率最大,为(3.12±0.89)mg/(个·h),盐度(x)与摄食率(y)关系为y=-0.0481x2+0.7965x-0.1862(r2=0.9975)。盐度30时,光滑河蓝蛤的滤水率和摄食率均最大,分别为(0.112±0.029)L/(个·h)和(1.91±0.49)mg/(个·h),盐度与滤水率关系为y=-0.0016x2+0.0262x-0.0010(r2=0.9940),盐度与摄食率关系为y=-0.0326x2+0.5038x-0.0247(r2=0.9816)。试验结果表明,盐度对两种贝类的滤水率和摄食率有显著影响。     

全球气候变暖对淡水渔业的可能影响

<正> 一、全球气候变暖全球气候变暖趋势已引起全世界许多学科科学家的普遍关注。气候学家们运用各种气候模式和气象记录等方法对气候变暖及其产生的影响作了大量的研究和预测工作。Keeling(1989)等的研究表明大气中二氧化碳浓度已从工业革命前的280ppb上升到本世纪80年代的350ppb,原因是人类的生产和经济活动诸如使用化石燃料、砍伐森林、农业生产和近几十年生产氯氟烃类促进了二氧化碳等温室气体的排放,而这些温室气体——CO_2、N_2O、CH_4和氯氟烃类等对太阳能在近地表的长波热福射具有重要的吸收效果,使大     

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.     

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.     

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.