Effects of Dietary Chlorella ellipsoidea Supplementation on Growth, Blood Characteristics, and Whole-Body Composition in Juvenile Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Chlorella powder (C) supplementation on growth performance, blood characteristics, and whole-body composition in juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus . Four experimental diets were supplemented with C at 0, 1, 2 and 4% (C₀, C₁, C₂, and C₄) on a dry-weight basis. Three replicate groups of fish averaging 1.13 ± 0.02 g (Mean ± SD) were randomly distributed in each aquarium and fed one of four experimental diets for 12 wk. After 12 wk of the feeding trial, fish fed C₂ diet had higher weight gain (WG), feed efficiency (FE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than did fish fed C₀ and C₁ diets ( P 0.05); however, there was no significant difference among fish fed C₁ and C₄ diets, and among fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets ( P > 0.05). Fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets had a lower serum cholesterol level than did fish fed C₀ and C₁ diets ( P 0.05). Fish fed C₂ and C₄ diets had a lower body fat than did fish fed C₀ ( P 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation of 2% Chlorella powder in the commercial diets could improve growth, feed utilization, serum cholesterol level, and whole-body fat contents in juvenile Japanese flounder.     

Residues of [14C]-malachite green in eggs and fry of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), after treatment of eggs

Abstract. Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), eggs were exposed to [methane-¹⁴C] malachite green chloride on day 0 and on every third day thereafter through day 24, with a final treatment administered to fry on day 31. Eggs or fry were sampled before each treatment, and at selected times from day 31 to day 59. Malachite green equivalence in eggs and fry was determined by sample oxidation and liquid scintillation counting. Total malachite green residues increased throughout the exposure period to 0.271 ± 0.042 μg g⁻¹ (± SD) on day 31. Residues declined to 0.055 ± 0.011 μg g⁻¹ on day 59. The depuration phase declined monoexponentially with a half-life of 13.3 days for the absolute amount (μg sample⁻¹) and a half-life of 9.7 days for the concentration of malachite green residues (μg g⁻¹). Growth dilution accounted for the 25% increase in the elimination (9.7 days) of malachite green residues. Extracts from treated eggs and fry were analysed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Three peaks were resolved in treated eggs: chromatic malachite green, leuco malachite green and an unknown polar metabolite. Only two peaks were resolved in the fry: leuco malachite green and the unknown polar metabolite. The most prominent residue in all samples was leuco malachite green.     

Carbon sources of Amazonian fisheries

Variation in the seasonal and spatial isotopic composition of plant C₄ (aquatic macrophytes) and C₃ (forest, C₃ aquatic macrophytes and algae), and that of fish [ Prochilodus nigricans Agassiz, Mylossoma duriventre (Cuvier), Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier), Semaprochilodus insignis (Schomburgk) and S. taeniurus Steindachner in the Amazon floodplain were analysed to test whether the fisheries deliver plant carbon to the population of Manaus in the same proportion as it is available in the floodplain. The contribution of C₄ plants was significantly lower in ¹³C during the season of high water levels and increased toward the west of the basin. Mylossoma duriventre and C. macropomum changed δ¹³C levels, while the δ¹³C of P. nigricans and C. macropomum shifted spatially. The contribution of C₄ to the fisheries yield was small. C³ plants (excluding phytoplankton) also contributed less than expected. This was explained by the importance of detritivores to the yield of the fisheries and the dependence of these species on algal carbon.     

Carbonic anhydrase and Na/K-ATPase activities at different molting stages of the giant freshwater prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   In the present study, the role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) and Na/K-ATPase in the gill and epidermal tissues in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii was examined as a function of molting stage. CA activity levels in the front and back gills were low at the intermolt stage C₀, but increased significantly at premolt stage D₃, and then decreased after molting. In the epidermal tissue, activity levels decreased gradually towards premolt to a minimum level at stage D₃, but became elevated at postmolt stages A and B. Na/K-ATPase levels in the front and back gills did not change significantly during the molt cycle. CA in the gill is possibly involved in supplying counter-ions for ion uptake, while CA in the epidermal tissue may play a role in mineralizing the exoskeleton after ecdysis. Na/K-ATPase in the gills may function in ion uptake from the ambient medium; however, since its activity was not influenced by the molt cycle, it probably does not have a major role in osmoregulation in the freshwater environment.     

Nutritional evaluation of waste date fruit as partial substitute for soybean meal in practical diets of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L.

The potential of waste date meal (WDM; low-quality date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L.) as a carbohydrate source in formulated diets for Nile tilapia was evaluated. Four isocaloric-practical diets (15.7 kJ g⁻¹) were formulated incorporating WDM at 0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg⁻¹ levels as partial substitutes for soybean meal (SBM). These were designated D₀ [284 g crude protein (CP) and 383 g carbohydrate (CHO) kg⁻¹ diet], D₁ (279 g CP and 446 g CHO kg⁻¹ diet), D₂ (207 g CP and 495 g CHO kg⁻¹ diet) and D₃ (175 g CP and 578 g CHO kg⁻¹ diet). Each diet was fed to three replicate groups of 30 fish [20.20 ± 0.09 g (±SE)] for 75 days. No feed-related mortality was observed during the entire experimental period. Final body weight (FBW) and specific growth rate (SGR) in the different treatments were statistically not significantly different ( P  > 0.05). Protein efficiency rate (PER) was lowest in diet D₀ and increased with decrease of SBM content (D₁–D₃). A significant increase in whole body lipid content was recorded in fish fed diets D₂ and D₃. Results showed that WDM could be a substitute for SBM up to 300 g kg⁻¹ in practical Nile tilapia diets without compromising growth.     

Tissue distribution of vitamin D3 in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar: effect of dietary level

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were given three dietary doses of vitamin D₃ for a period of 11 weeks: diet groups I, II and III received a 0.04, 2.21 and 28.68 μg g⁻¹ diet of vitamin D₃, respectively. The tissue distribution of vitamin D₃ was investigated, and between diet groups II and III, the level of vitamin D₃ found in the tissues was increased by a factor similar to the increased level in the feed. No effects were observed on weight gain, survival, plasma level of calcium, red blood cell count or haematocrit, relative to the dietary levels of vitamin D₃. The results showed that while the plasma concentration of 25(OH)D₃ increased between diet groups II and III, the concentration of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ decreased.     

Three different levels of dietary vitamin D3 fed to first-feeding fry of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): effect on growth, mortality, calcium content and bone formation

Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.) fry were reared on a fishmeal-based diet with three different levels of vitamin D₃ (0.2, 5 and 57 mg vitamin D₃ kg^–1 feed, ww) from first-feeding for 14 weeks. No significant differences were recorded in weight, length, specific growth rate, mortality, or kidney calcium concentration between the different dietary groups. No skeletal malformations or histopathological changes were recorded in any of the dietary groups. These results suggest Atlantic salmon fry to be highly tolerant of megadoses of vitamin D₃ over a limited period of time.     

Influence of site area on the estimation of the density of fish populations in a small river

Abstract. Successive adding of catches (C₁+ C₁+ C₁…, C₂+ C₂+ C₂…, etc.) obtained from nine similar, small, contiguous sections (0–50 up to 0–450 m) improved the accuracy of estimating fish density using the Leslie & Davis method. The method presented enables the sampling time to be minimized even though the errors attached to the density estimates are small.     

Toxicity of malachite green to cultured american lobster larvae

Malachite green has been used to control fungal and epibiotic infestations of larval lobsters. The concentration of malachite green and the exposure period are critical to survival. The effects of increasing concentrations and exposure periods show survival to be adversely effected with treatments above 8 ppm for 16 min and above 20 ppm for 8 min administered every other day throughout the larval period. Development of the larvae is retarded with increasing treatment levels. Survivors of high treatment levels show no immediate post-treatment effects.     

Effect of Exposure to Potassium Permanganate on Stress Indicators in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Juvenile channel catfish Ictulurus punctatus were exposed to 1× (0.44 mg/L), 3× (1.32 mg/L), or 5× (2.19 mg/L) the recommended therapeutic concentrations of waterborne potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) for 36 h to determine the toxicity of the chemical. The fish were observed for 14 d after exposure. Gill, liver, and blood samples were collected before exposure, at 12, 24, and 36 h of exposure, and at 48-h intervals for 14 d thereafter. Analysis of homogenized gill tissue showed a transient increase in manganese content that quickly disappeared once exposure was discontinued. Fish exposed to the 3× and 5× concentrations of KMnO₄ experienced 9 and 50.6% mortality, respectively. Plasma cortisol was elevated more than ten-fold at the 5× concentration. Both plasma chloride and osmolality were significantly reduced at the 3× and 5× concentrations but were unchanged at the 1×. Packed cell volumes (PCV) of whole blood rose significantly in response to 3× and 5× concentrations of KMnO₄ Mortality may have been the result of blood electrolyte depletion as indicated by increased PCVs, loss of chloride, and reduced osmolality. All stress indicators measured, except PCV at the 5× concentration, were indistinguishable from unexposed controls within 48 h after exposure was discontinued. At the l× concentration (the concentration most like that employed in a disease treatment) no changes were observed in any stress indicators measured suggesting that KMnO₄ may be safely used as a disease therapeutant for channel catfish.     

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Vitamins A, D3, E, and C on Yearling Rice Field Eel, Monopterus albus: Serum Indices, Gonad Development, and Metabolism of Calcium and Phosphorus

Abstract.— The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary vitamins A, D₃, E, and C on the gonad development, lipid peroxidation, and immune response of yearling rice field eel, Monopterus albus . A 6-wk feeding trial was designed according to an L₁₆(4⁵) orthogonal design, in which four vitamins, each at four supplementation levels, were arranged. Sixteen diets were mixed with the different vitamin levels and randomly assigned to 16 groups of fish. Increasing dietary vitamin E supplementation level significantly ( P  ≤ 0.05) increased the gonadosomatic index and lowered the serum content of malondialdehyde of rice field eel. Increasing dietary vitamin A and C levels also showed similar effect, but the differences were not statistically significant. Serum immunoglobulin M content increased significantly ( P  ≤ 0.01) as dietary vitamin C supplementation levels increased. The concentrations of calcium in bones showed significant ( P  ≤ 0.05) trend with vitamin D₃ and A supplementation levels, but the bone phosphorus content was not affected by the dietary vitamin levels.     

Evaluation of potassium permanganate against an experimental subacute infection of Flavobacterium columnare in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

An experiment was performed to evaluate the efficacy of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) as a prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of an experimental subacute infection of Flavobacterium columnare in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus . Fish were cutaneously abraded and divided into five treatment groups: (i) challenged by waterborne exposure to F. columnare and not treated with KMnO₄ (positive control), (ii) challenged and simultaneously treated with KMnO_4, (iii) challenged and treated with KMnO₄ at 1, 6 and 9 days post-challenge, (iv) not challenged and treated with KMnO₄ at 1, 6 and 9 days post-challenge (first negative control) and (v) not challenged and not treated (second negative control). The dosing of KMnO₄ was 2.0 mg L⁻¹ above the potassium permanganate demand for 2 h duration. The survival of the group challenged and simultaneously treated with KMnO₄ (99%) was significantly higher than the positive control (78%) and was not significantly different from the negative control groups. The challenged fish treated with KMnO₄ post-challenge had 7% higher survival than the positive control (85% compared with 78%), but that difference was not statistically significant. The results demonstrate that KMnO₄ has a clear prophylactic value but probably a marginal therapeutic value once the infection has established.     

Seasonality of energy sources of Colossoma macropomum in a floodplain lake in the Amazon – lake Camaleão, Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract  Stomach content and stable isotopes of tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier), were use to determine seasonality of energy sources in a floodplain lake in the central Amazon. The turnover time of carbon in young tambaqui was fast enough to detect a broad seasonal variation both in stomach content and tissue isotopic signal of carbon and nitrogen. The relative importance of food items varied with water level. C₃ plants (seeds and fruits) contributed between 55% and 95% of the biomass fraction of tambaqui. Zooplankton contributed a minimum of 26% of the nitrogen fraction during periods of flooding, and a maximum of 67% in the dry season. C₄ plants (macrophyte leaves and roots) contributed a maximum of 26% of the biomass fraction and 13% of the N fraction mainly during the flooding period. The feeding habits and behaviour of tambaqui are complex and linked to the flood pulse.     

In vitro hydroxylation of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 in tissues of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus, Atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus and Atlantic cod Gadus morhua

The in vitro metabolism of ¹⁴CD₃ and ³H25OHD₃ was investigated in different tissues from Atlantic salmon Salmo salar , Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus , Atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus and Atlantic cod Gadus morhua . The tissues analysed were liver, kidney, head kidney, gills, spleen and intestine. The metabolites were extracted in methanol–chloroform and separated by normal-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) followed by scintillation counting. Identification of the metabolites was by comigration with standards on normal and reversed-phase HPLC systems and by protein-binding assays. All tissues from all species analysed produced hydroxylated derivatives identified as 25OHD₃, 24,25(OH)₂D₃ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃. In addition, some unidentified derivatives were recorded, one probably being 25,26(OH)₂D₃. Organs producing great amounts of one metabolite also produced considerable amounts of the other possible derivatives, suggesting a lower degree of specificity in fish organs than in human organs. The predominating metabolite was 24,25(OH)₂D₃ in all organs from salmon and mackerel during incubation with ¹⁴CD₃ and within most organs from all species during ³H25OHD₃ incubation. The latter observation probably results from the need for decreasing rather than increasing the calcium absorption in these species, which live at least some periods of life in a marine environment.     

Toxicity of Ammonia and Nitrite to Penueus monodon Juveniles

Pcnaeus monodon juveniles (35.4 ± 2.2 mm TL) were exposed to seawater (20 ppt) having different concentrations of total ammonia (NH₃+ NH,+) and nitrite. Median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was determined with static-renewal tests. The LC₅₀, of total ammonia-N, NH₃-N and niMte-N on shrimps decreased with increase of exposure time. The 24, 48, 72, % and 120 h LC₅₀ were 94.96, 61.09, 47.47 45.58 and 38.00 mg/L total ammonia-N (2.68, 1.73, 135, 1.29 and 1.08 mg/L NH₃-N) and 215.85, 185.33, 88.54, 54.76 and 37.97 mg/L nitrite-N, respectively. The 144h LC₅₀ of total ammonia-N and NH₃-N was 36.71 mg/L and 1.04 mgL. The "threshold" of ammonia and nitrite was found at 144h and 120h respectively, from the toxicity curve approaching asymptote. A "safe value" was 3.7 mg/L total ammonia-N, 0.1 mg/L NH₃-N (20 ppt, pH 7.70, 27C) and 3.8 mg/L nitrite-N for P. monodon juvenile .     

Effects of Carbon Dioxide Exposure on Intensively Cultured Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss: Physiological Responses and Fillet Attributes

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (261.6 × 24.7 g initial weight, mean × SEM) at 13.1 × 0.2 C were exposed for 94 d to one of three CO₂ treatments: control (22.1 × 2.8 mg/L), medium (34.5 × 3.8 mg/L), or high (48.7 × 4.4 mg/L). Trout were checked daily for survival, and fish were sampled at 0, 28, 56, and 84 d for physiological responses, growth, and fillet quality assessments. Trout were also challenged to a 15-min crowding stress at 93 d to assess their ability to initiate a stress response during hypercapnia. Chronically exposed trout showed nearly 100% survival through 84 d exposure (1 of 1,500 fish died). Growth and physiological results showed that increasing elevated CO₂, concentrations result in corresponding decreased growth rates and CO₂specific physiological parameters: The medium and high CO₂ treatments had significantly slower growth and subsequently smaller fish by 84 d. Exposed trout also showed significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased plasma chloride for medium and high CO₂ treatments compared to the control from 28 through 84 d. Decreased growth and smaller fish in the medium and high CO₂ treatments resulted in correspondingly smaller fresh and smoked fillet weights. Chronic CO₂ exposure did not result in notable changes in ultimate muscle pH. Exposure to 15-min crowding stress at 93 d resulted in significant changes in hematocrit, plasma cortisoI, glucose, and chloride for all treatment groups. CO₂-specific changes were detected in hematocrit, plasma cortisoI, and plasma chloride responses following the 15-min crowding stress.     

Nephrocalcinosis in rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Richardson; the effect of exposure to elevated CO2 concentrations

Abstract. Rainbow trout exposed to environmental free C0₂ concentrations ranging from 12–60 mg/1 for a minimum of 275 days developed nephrocalcinosis. Gross, histopathological and chemical examinations demonstrated that prevalence and severity of nephrocalcinosis increased with increasing CO₂ concentrations. The condition was characterized by calcification and granuloma formation in kidney and stomach. Diet, but not water, PO₄ -P concentration appeared to modify the prevalence and severity at each CO₂ concentration tested.     

Hemolymph Oxyhemocyanin and Protein Levels and Acid-Base Balance in the Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon Exposed to Copper Sulfate

Abstract.— Subadult tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (30.15 ± 2.19 g) were exposed individually in sea water of 25%o to 0 (control), 1.11, 4.76, 10.06 and 19.09 mg/L copper for 24 h. Hemolymph pH, PO₂ (partial oxygen pressure), PCO₂ (partial carbon dioxide pressure), HCO₃, oxyhemocyanin and protein levels were determined. Hemolymph PO₂ increased, whereas hemolymph pH, PCO₂, HC0₃-, oxyhemocyanin. protein and the ratio of oxyhemocyanidprotein levels decreased with increasing concentrations of ambient copper in the range of 1.11 to 19.09 ma/L. It is concluded that P. monodon following 24-h exposure to ambient copper as low as 4.76 mg/L shows a reduction of oxyhemocyanin, protein, and the ratio of oxyhemocyanin to protein, and develops metabolic acidosis in the hemolymph.     

Histopathology of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, exposed to diurnally fluctuating un-ionized ammonia levels in static-water ponds

Abstract. Rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, were reared intensively in nine aerated static-water ponds. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were maintained above 5 mg/l and un-ionized ammonia (NH₃) levels were monitored in all ponds. Fish were removed periodically and gill, liver and trunk kidney samples were removed for histological examination. Average NH₃ concentrations did not exceed a previously reported chronically toxic level, but average daily maximum concentrations exceeded this level in all but two ponds. Gills exhibited lesions characteristic of those attributed to ammonia exposure in all ponds and fish with the most damaged gills had livers demonstrating reduced glycogen vacuolation. No histological changes were noted in kidney tissue. Because gills were damaged even though average NH₃ levels were quite low, it is recommended that research in static water carefully consider the cyclical nature of NH₃ concentrations.     

Blood electrolyte and prolactin regulation in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), exposed to nitrite

Abstract. Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), exposed to environmental nitrite for 3h showed significantly reduced chloride concentrations from 120·9 ± 0·5 to 113·8 ± 2-4 mmol/1, the result of nitrite uptake by the gills with a compensatory loss of blood chloride. This change could be prevented by injection of 10 mg/kg sulpiride, which stimulates prolactin secretion through antagonism of dopamine D₂ receptors, thus increasing circulating prolactin levels. Prolactin is known to decrease membrane permeability and the increased levels of the hormone probably account for the relatively unchanged (compared to controls) plasma chloride and potassium levels in nitrite-exposed, sulpiride-treated fish.