不同脂肪(能量)蛋白比饲料对梭鲈幼鱼生长的影响

比较了5种不同脂肪(能量)蛋白比的配合饲料对初始平均体重(7.75±1.17)g梭鲈幼鱼生长性能的影响。结果表明,投喂不同脂肪蛋白水平的饲料,以能量蛋白比为45.94kJ/g试验组的生长速度最快[SGR为(2.86±0.17)%/d]、饲料系数最低(FCR为1.57±0.12)、蛋白质沉积率和能量保留率最大,分别为98.44%±2.38%和30.88%±3.83%;以饲料中蛋白质含量、脂肪含量为变量因子,以梭鲈幼鱼的特定生长率、蛋白质沉积率和能量保留率为指标,通过二元二次回归方程得出梭鲈最大生长速度时饲料中蛋白质含量为39.80%,脂肪含量为8.79%,总能为18.53MJ/kg,脂肪蛋白比为0.22,能量蛋白比为46.56kJ/g;梭鲈获得最大的蛋白质沉积率时,饲料蛋白质含量为38.76%,脂肪含量为9.18%,总能为18.65MJ/kg,脂肪蛋白比为0.24,能量蛋白比为48.12kJ/g;梭鲈获得最大的能量保留率时饲料蛋白质含量为38.55%,脂肪含量为9.45%,总能为18.72MJ/kg,脂肪蛋白比为0.25,能量蛋白比为48.56kJ/g;饲料中脂肪水平的增加可以降低鱼类耗能时对蛋白质的需求量,表...     

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。     

下三横山岛养殖海域海-气界面CO2交换通量的空间分布特征及影响因素

为研究下三横山岛养殖海域海-气界面CO₂交换通量及影响因素,从2020年7月开始,在该海域开展为期一年(4次)的监测和分析,主要剖析其温度、盐度、pH、总碱度(TA)及水体中溶解无机碳(DIC)、溶解有机碳(DOC)、颗粒有机碳(POC)分布差异,估算下三横山岛养殖海域表层海水CO₂分压(pCO₂)及海-气界面CO₂通量(FCO₂)值,并分析pCO₂的影响因素,探讨下三横山岛该养殖海域海-气界面CO₂交换通量。结果表明,下三横山岛海域表层海水4个季节的温度、盐度、pH、TA、DIC、DOC、POC的分布在季节上差异极显著(P<0.01)。下三横山岛海域pCO₂全年的变化范围为29.93～836.80μatm, FCO₂值的变化范围为-45.67～216.50 mmol·(m²·d)^-1。pCO₂与FCO₂     

二龄菊黄东方鲀和脊尾白虾混养的能量收支及转化效率研究

为研究菊黄东方鲀与脊尾白虾混养模式下鱼虾的生长、饲料系数、能量收支和利用效率等,进行了混养试验,并与菊黄东方鲀单养模式进行比较。试验设置3个处理组,分别为菊黄东方鲀单养组(C组),菊黄东方鲀与脊尾白虾混养组(A、B组),其中A、B组分别混养4、8 kg脊尾白虾,养殖试验进行139 d。试验结果:A、B、C组菊黄东方鲀的产量和成活率分别为4 623.3、4 325.0、4 722.8 kg/hm2和93.6%、98.0%、100%;脊尾白虾产量分别为352.9、882.4、0 kg/hm2;饲料系数分别为1.85、1.78、2.04。试验期间各系统接受的总太阳辐射能为1604.2 MJ/m2;单养组(C)的光能利用率、光合能转化效率、饲料能转化效率、总能转化效率、底泥沉积率、单位净产量耗饲料能、单位净产量耗总能分别为0.56%、0.46%、68.6%、30.3%、98.6%、38.9 MJ/kg、55.3 MJ/kg;混养A组的对应指标分别为1.01%、0.48%、75.7%、24.7%、62.2%、34.4 MJ/kg、49.7 MJ/kg;混养B组的对应指标分别为0.57%、0.49%、73.6%、32.3%、64.3%、33.6 MJ/kg、48.0 MJ/kg。研究结果表明,菊黄东方鲀与脊尾白虾混养可提高生物总产量和饲料利用率,降低沉积能,改善池塘底质。     

山涧水流水养殖黑脊倒剌鲃试验

利用山涧水开展流水养殖黑脊倒剌鲃,在128m2水泥池中放养规格为10-11尾/kg的鱼种1042kg(10560尾),养殖密度82尾/m2.经271d养殖,收获平均体重511g的倒剌鲃商品鱼5039kg,净产量3997kg;饵料系数2.58,养殖成活率93.34%,净单产31.24kg/m2,利润119.05元/m2,投入产出比为1∶1.78,取得较好的经济效益.     

桑沟湾养殖海区沉积物-海水界面氮、磷营养盐的通量

20 0 2年 5月和 7月分 4个航次对桑沟湾养殖海区海底沉积物进行了底质与间隙水营养盐(NH+ 4,NO- 3,NO- 2 ,PO3- 4)的分析 ,并使用Fick第一定理对该海区沉积物 海水界面营养盐的通量进行了估算。研究结果表明 ,各站点间隙水三氮和磷酸盐的平面分布和垂直分布有较大的差异。用 4个航次的数据估算全年由沉积物向上覆水扩散的NH+ 4的通量为 376 33μmol/m2 ·d ,NO- 3、NO- 2 和PO3- 4的通量分别是 33 0 2、6 4 1、10 .0 8μmol/m2 ·d。估算桑沟湾全年由沉积物扩散进入上覆水的总无机氮的量为 2 81 7t,可以满足该湾浮游植物初级生产需要的 2 8 73% ,释放的无机磷的总量为 4 16 2t,可以完全满足该湾全年浮游植物的需求。研究结果为桑沟湾海湾沉积物 海水界面氮、磷营养盐的通量建模提供了重要数据 ,结论可以运用到规模化养殖海湾养殖容纳量的进一步研究之中。     

牡蛎壳特性总结:热力特性

探讨了牡蛎的热力特性和热传递以应用于牡蛎去壳。根据对所使用的牡蛎进行的研究,牡蛎壳的导热率在0.9~2.27 W/m℃间变化。牡蛎壳密度在1710~1940 kg/m3之间变化。使用加热或冷冻法似乎可以令闭合的牡蛎壳开启。加热去壳比冷冻去壳更可靠,但热必须通过壳体外部作用于壳体的闭合     

对虾养殖中后期虾塘沉积物的硝化与反硝化作用

2009年7～8月,通过使用乙炔抑制技术对对虾养殖池塘的投饵区和非投饵区沉积物硝化与反硝化速率进行了测定,并同时用气相色谱法测定了虾塘表层N2O浓度.结果表明,虾塘沉积物硝化、反硝化和硝酸盐还原速率分别为10.70～337.47 μmol/m2·h、1.10～17.92 μmol/m2·h、0.090～7.48 mmol/m2·h,虾塘表层N2O浓度为5.98～10.90 nmol/L,海-气交换通量为1.76～3.89μmol/m1·d.虾塘硝化与反硝化作用较为复杂,不仅存在着显著的区域性差异,而且呈现出明显的养殖季节变化特征,其中8月中旬硝化与反硝化速率达到最高值,而在整个养殖季节,投饵区硝化速率约为非投饵区的2～10倍,反硝化速率约为非投饵区的1～4倍.反硝化作用在虾塘生态系统的氮循环中扮演着重要角色,其日无机氮去除量为2.80 g/d,占虾塘无机氮总输入的2.34%,占总输出的2.56%.     

近期福建海坛海峡海床冲淤变化及影响因素研究

基于1999年、2007年、2010年、2013年及2015年5个年份的水深资料,采用三角网构建地形的技术,对近期福建海坛海峡的海床冲淤变化及剖面变化进行了定量计算研究,并对其影响因素进行了分析。结果表明:1999—2015年,福建海坛海峡除北部和平村海域至竹屿口外,整体处于轻微淤积状态,淤积厚度在0. 5~2. 0 m之间,其中局部区域由于受到围填海工程及航道疏浚影响,存在较强烈的海床冲淤变化。和平村至竹屿口的幸福洋西侧海域由于大量海砂的开采,海床发生强烈冲刷,冲刷厚度为1. 77 m,年平均冲刷速率为0. 11 m/a。由于幸福洋西侧冲刷区净冲刷量远大于整个研究区域淤积量,导致研究区域在1999年至2015年表现为净冲刷状态,平均净冲刷厚度为0. 29 m,年平均净冲刷速率为0. 04 m/a。     

不同日粮能量水平对幼兔生长发育的影响

研究选择90只35日龄的加利福利亚健康幼兔为试验材料,随机分为D1、D2和D33个试验组,每组30只,公母各半。在其它营养水平相同的情况下,3个试验组的日粮能量水平分别设计为消化能11MJ/kg、10.5MJ/kg、10MJ/kg,研究不同能量水平日粮对幼兔日增重、料肉比、腹泻率、死亡率等指标的影响。结果表明,D3组的平均日增重最高(29.84g),D1次之(28.67g),D2最低(26.58g);3个试验组的料肉比分别为4.60:1、4.33:1和3.55:1,而生产1kg兔肉需要饲料成本最低的是D3组。D3组无死亡,腹泻率是3.3%。经济效益分析发现,并依据本研究结果,推荐幼兔饲养的日粮适宜能量需求水平为10.0MJ/kg。     

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.