广西黄颡鱼源嗜水气单胞菌及其致病性、耐药性调查

以常规方法分离细菌,API 20NE进行细菌鉴定,人工感染检测细菌的致病性,K-B纸片扩散法进行耐药性试验,对梧州市等3个不同养殖区域黄颡鱼源嗜水气单胞菌及其致病性、耐药性进行调查。结果显示,从广西梧州等3个市/县网箱养殖的患病黄颡鱼(Pseudobagrus fulvidrico)分离到17株嗜水气单胞菌,总检出率41.46%,永福县的检出率最高(76.92%),桂平市次之(26.67%),梧州市最低(23.08%)。除YF13无致病力外,其余16株菌株对健康黄颡鱼的平均致死率70.00%~100%。抑菌效果最好的药物有环丙沙星、左氟沙星和盐酸沙拉沙星3种,抑菌效果最差的是青霉素G和氨苄青霉素。高度敏感的药物梧州市有9种,永福县10种,桂平市12种;不敏感药物梧州市6种,永福县3种,桂平市2种。对3个养殖区域黄颡鱼源嗜水气单胞菌都高度敏感的药物有头孢他啶等8种,都不敏感的是青霉素G和氨苄青霉素2种。     

胡子鲶致病性气单胞菌的分离鉴定及其致病力与毒力基因型相关性

为探讨广西南宁市、浦北县和玉林市暴发性死亡胡子鲶的病原菌及其所携带6种毒力基因对其致病力的影响,用常规方法从病鱼的心脏、肝脏等部位分离细菌,人工感染实验确定病原菌的致病性,以API 20NE生化鉴定和16S r RNA分子鉴定相结合的方法对病原菌进行鉴定,采用PCR扩增法检测病原菌的6种毒力基因携带情况。结果显示,从患病鱼中共分离到5株病原菌,其中嗜水气单胞菌3株,温和气单胞菌2株。3株嗜水气单胞菌与标准菌株Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966(CP000462)的亲缘关系最近,相似性均为99.8%,2株温和气单胞菌与标准菌株Aeromonas sobria NO.106(AB472903.1)的亲缘关系最近,相似性均达99.9%。6种毒力基因在5株病原菌中的阳性检出率分别为Act和Aer基因100%,ahal、hly和Alt基因均为80%,ahp基因仅20%;毒力基因型共3种,在5株气单胞菌中分布情况为Act+ahal+hly+Alt+ahp-Aer+3株,占实验菌株的60%,为主要的毒力基因,Act+ahal+hly+Alt+ahp+Aer+和Act+ahal-hly-Alt-ahp-Aer+各1株,各占20%。携带全部所检6种毒力基因的菌株致病力最强,只携带Act和Aer 2种毒力基因的菌株致病力最弱。ahp基因在菌株的致病力中起重要作用,病原菌的致病力是多种毒力基因协同作用的结果。     

怀头鲇体表溃烂症病原鉴定及致病性分析

为探讨黑龙江流域怀头鲇体表溃烂症的病因及防控措施,本研究采用常规方法从患病鱼的肝脏、脾脏和肾脏等部位分离病原菌,通过人工感染试验确定分离菌株的致病性,并对菌株的基本形态、理化特性、分子特征、毒力基因携带情况及耐药性等进行了系统研究。结果显示,从患病鱼体内分离得到3株病原菌,分别命名为NY-8、NY-9和NY-12;人工感染试验发现,NY-8和NY-9株对试验鱼有较强的致病力,NY-12株毒力较弱;3株细菌混合感染后,鱼体发病症状与临床自然发病症状一致,试验鱼死亡率高达到100%。综合理化特征和16S r RNA基因序列分析结果,确定NY-8、NY-9和NY-12株分别为气单胞菌属的维氏气单胞菌、杀鲑气单胞菌和嗜水气单胞菌。5种毒力基因在3株气单胞菌中的分布表现为两种基因型,h l y+/a e r+/a c t+/a l t+/G C A T+和h l y+/a e r-/act+/alt+/GCAT+,同时携带5种毒力基因的NY-8和NY-9分离株致病性显著高于NY-12株。3株细菌在耐药谱上有一定差异性,NY-8和NY-9株均对4种氟喹诺酮类药物敏感,对氨基糖苷类、呋喃类等药物耐药;NY-12株仅对左氧氟沙星和氟苯尼考等2种药物敏感。     

一株黄颡鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌弱毒株的分离鉴定及特性分析

为探明湖北荆州市某养殖基地患病黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)以烂身、腹水为主要症状且持续性死亡的确切病因，本研究对患病黄颡鱼进行了病原筛查，从患病黄颡鱼组织中分离到一株优势菌，经过形态特征、生理生化鉴定、16S rRNA测序和系统进化分析确定分离菌株为迟缓爱德华氏菌，命名为Et-4。结果显示：分离菌株Et-4具有较强的生物被膜形成能力，不携带esaV、fimA、gadB和katB四种主要的毒力基因。分离菌株Et-4人工感染健康黄颡鱼出现与自然发病类似的症状，并能从病鱼中再次分离出该菌，证实迟缓爱德华氏菌是引起此次黄颡鱼持续性死亡的致病原；分离菌株Et-4对黄颡鱼的LD₅₀为3.9×10⁶ CFU/g,结合毒力基因谱判定其为弱毒株。分离株Et-4携带耐药基因tet A、sulⅠ和add A1,对头孢类药物、庆大霉素、新霉素等敏感；对四环素类、青霉素类、万古菌素等耐药；中药抑菌实验表明乌梅和丁香对迟缓爱德华氏菌Et-4有明显的抑制效果。     

斑点叉尾■溃烂症的病原鉴定和致病特性

为探明斑点叉尾[鱼回](Ictalunes punctatus)溃烂症的病因,从4尾患鱼肝脾中分离纯化出4株优势菌株,并进行病原鉴定、毒力基因检测、动物回归感染和药敏试验。4株优势菌经鉴定并命名为杀鲑气单胞菌无色亚种(Aeromonas salmonicida subsp achromogenes)X-G1,杀鲑气单胞菌杀鲑亚种(A.s subsp salmonicida)X-P2、X-P3和嗜水气单胞菌(A.hydrophila)X-P4。15℃时,杀鲑气单胞菌X-G1、X-P2和X-P3的世代时间(约14 min)均小于嗜水气单胞菌X-P4(约20 min);25℃时,杀鲑气单胞菌X-G1、X-P2和X-P3株的世代时间(约20 min)均大于嗜水气单胞菌X-P4株(约16 min)。X-G1株可检到弹性蛋白酶、溶血素和甘油磷脂胆固醇酰基转移酶等3种毒力基因;X-P2株仅可检到弹性蛋白酶1种毒力基因;X-P3株可检测到弹性蛋白酶、溶血素、细胞毒性肠毒素、丝氨酸蛋白酶、酯酶、气溶素和甘油磷脂胆固醇酰基转移酶等7种毒力基因;X-P4株可检测到鞭毛、弹性蛋白酶、气溶素、细胞毒性肠毒素、热不稳定性肠毒素、丝氨酸蛋白酶和溶血素等7种毒力基因。分离株X-G1、X-P2、X-P3和X-P4在15~17℃水温下腹腔注射攻毒的半数致死浓度(LD 50)依次为0.49×10^4、0.78×10^4、0.53×10^4、3.84×10^4 CFU/g;而在23~26℃水温下测得的LD 50依次为1.48×10^4、1.80×10^4、0.82×10^4、0.68×10^4 CFU/g。分离株混合感染比单一株感染均表现出更强的致死能力。分离菌株对多西环素、恩诺沙星、氟苯尼考均敏感,但因患病鱼不能摄食药饵而导致治疗失败。     

嗜水气单胞菌拮抗菌的筛选

用平板划线法或点种法对212株分离自养殖水体和水产动物胃肠道的细菌进行筛选,得到1株对嗜水气单胞菌(Aerom onas hydrophila)有拮抗作用的细菌MLS-7。经过生理生化的初步鉴定,该菌为粪肠球菌(Entero-coccus faecalis)。MLS-7上清液抑菌试验和共培养试验表明其对嗜水气单胞菌有较强的抑菌作用。进一步对MLS-7抑菌谱进行测定,确认其对鱼源的病原菌有一定的抑菌作用。     

不同来源嗜水气单胞菌耐药基因检测

采用PCR方法,对分离于唐山和秦皇岛养殖场的宽体金线蛭(Whitmania pigra)、中国林蛙(Rana temporaria chensinensis)、牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)、草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellua)、青鱼(Mylopharyngodon piceus)以及鲤(Cyprinus carpio)肝脏的42株不同水产养殖动物的致病性嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)进行了4种耐药基因β-内酰胺类(TEM)、氨基糖苷类(ant(3″)-I)、磺胺类(Sul3)和四环素类(tet(A))的检测。结果表明:42株嗜水气单胞菌均100%携带TEM、ant(3″)-I和Sul3,不携带tet(A)。所检不同水产动物源嗜水气单胞菌均携带TEM、ant(3″)-I及Sul3耐药基因,从分子层面表明该致病菌多重耐药或潜在耐药严重。     

黄颡鱼源温和气单胞菌的分离鉴定及中草药体外抑菌效果研究

为探明遵义金鼎镇合江源养殖场患病黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)的致病原因,通过对患有腹水、鳍条充血和游动缓慢等症状的黄颡鱼进行了病原菌分离纯化,得到纯培养菌株MLT-1,经过回归感染证实其为黄颡鱼的致病菌,经生理生化和16S rDNA鉴定为温和气单胞菌(Aeromonas sobria)。同时采用乙醇提取法获得30种中草药醇提物,固体培养基打孔测试中药醇提物对MLT-1的抑菌作用,结果显示：诃子、大黄、烟叶、樟叶、桑白皮5种中草药对MLT-1的抑菌效果较好,诃子和大黄的最小抑菌浓度(MIC)及最小杀菌浓度(MBC)均为0.49 mg/mL,烟叶的MIC和MBC均为0.98 mg/mL,樟叶和桑白皮抑杀温和气单胞菌效果相同,MIC和MBC分别为0.195 mg/mL和3.91 mg/mL。结果表明诃子、大黄、烟叶、樟叶、桑白皮5种中草药可用于防治黄颡鱼温和气单胞菌细菌病。     

不同来源嗜水气单胞菌外膜蛋白基因检测及序列分析

采用PCR方法,对分离于发病宽体金线蛭(Whitmania pigra)、中国林蛙(Rana temporaria chensinensis)、牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)、草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellua)、青鱼(Mylopharyngodon piceus)、鲤(Cyprinus carpio)的42株致病性嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)进行了外膜蛋白(OMP)基因的检测;将代表菌株的外膜蛋白基因通过DNAStar软件与GenBank中报道的4株嗜水气单胞菌(FJ437030.1、AF183931.1、AF276639.2、CP000462.1)和1株温和气单胞菌(A.sobria,FJ437029.1)参考菌株进行了核苷酸同源性比较分析。结果表明,所检不同来源嗜水气单胞菌的OMP基因携带率为100%;所测代表菌株的OMP基因与参考菌株的同源性在86.0%～99.2%之间。所测得的不同来源嗜水气单胞菌OMP基因的同源性98.3%～100%,其中分离于宽体金线蛭的HTQ010505-1与青鱼的HL060811-4两菌株间同源性高达100%。     

黄沙鳖源嗜水气单胞菌的致病力与毒力基因型相关性

为探明黄沙鳖(Truogx sinensis)源嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)所携带毒力基因种类对其致病力的影响,以从广西各地患病黄沙鳖中分离得到的嗜水气单胞菌为材料,通过对黄沙鳖和小鼠进行人工感染测定试验菌株的致病力,PCR检测供试菌株的hly、Aer、Alt、Act、ahal和ahp 6种毒力基因。结果表明,47株黄沙鳖源嗜水气单胞菌共包含9种毒力基因型,48.94%的菌株携带全部6种毒力基因,基因型为hly+Aer+Alt+Act+ahal+ahp+,是主要的毒力基因型;95.79%的菌株携带hly基因,均为有毒株;嗜水气单胞菌对黄沙鳖的致病力是多个毒力基因共同作用的结果,hly和Act是重要的毒力基因,Alt和ahal基因对菌株的致病力与其他毒力基因之间存在协同作用,ahp基因缺失对菌株的致病力无影响;将对黄沙鳖的致死率达到和超过50%的菌株判定为强毒株,致死率不足50%判定为弱毒株时,强毒株至少携带4种毒力基因,并同时携带有hly和Act基因,弱毒株只携带包括hly在内的2种或3种毒力基因,本研究首次发现只携带Alt和ahal 2种毒力基因的菌株对黄沙鳖和小鼠均无致病力;在所检测的6种毒力基因中,较易缺失的基因主要有Alt、ahal和ahp;在有毒株中,不同基因型的菌株对黄沙鳖和对小鼠的平均致死率差异均为极显著(P0.01),当存在基因缺失现象时,同一基因型的菌株对黄沙鳖的平均致死率也极显著高于对小鼠的致死率(P0.01),表明黄沙鳖源嗜水气单胞菌对黄沙鳖的致病力显著强于对小鼠的致病力。根据本研究结果,可将hly基因作为嗜水气单胞菌有毒株的鉴定标准,携带hly和Act基因并同时携带Aer、Alt、ahal、ahp中的2种或2种以上毒力基因作为强毒株的鉴定标准。     

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.