An effective and practical method of net settings in rearing tank to suppress hypermelanosis in Japanese flounder

In Japanese flounder aquaculture, hypermelanosis occurs widely on the blind side. Rearing flounders in a net-lined tank was recently reported to prevent hypermelanosis. To effectively apply this method to larger tanks for aquaculture farming, the net setting method was examined. Juvenile flounders without darkened areas on the blind side [total length (TL) 13 cm] were selected, and reared for 6 months (TL 32 cm). In the control tank without a net, the median value of darkened area ratio (darkened area to blind side area) was 46%. By only covering the tank bottom with slack net, the darkened area ratio was suppressed to 8%, less than 1/5 of that in the control tank. At the end of experiment, bottom coverage ratios of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, and 100% revealed a negative correlation between bottom net coverage and darkened area ratio. In this experiment, the darkening area in the tank with 50% bottom net coverage decreased to 1/3 of the control. Although the occurrence of hypermelanosis differs depending on the production lot, these results are expected to serve as a reference for selecting the suitable net size to meet the level of clearness of the blind side.

     

Formation process of staining-type hypermelanosis in Japanese flounder juveniles revealed by examination of chromatophores and scales

Staining-type hypermelanosis, defined as blind-side melanosis occurring after completion of metamorphosis, reduces commercial value in hatchery-produced flatfishes. Detailed characterization was performed on the stained area of juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus to physiologically understand this phenomenon. From 80 to 120 days after hatching, juveniles were reared in sandy and sandless tanks. By classifying the staining degree into 7 levels, about 2 times higher occurrence of middle-level staining was reconfirmed in sandless tank (about 80 %) than in sandy tank (about 40 %). In the stained area, we found 3 types of chromatophores (melanophore, xanthophore, and iridophore) and ctenoid scales, which would be typically observed on the normal ocular side. Detailed examination on the melanophores revealed further similarity between the stained area and the normal ocular side, in terms of the distribution at 2 layers (shallower and deeper than scale), and the densities in both layers (about 1000 cells/mm² above scale and 200 cells/mm² beneath scale). These results strongly suggest that the staining is a status change in the body surface conditions from the blind side to that on the ocular side, and not a simple darkening caused by disordered proliferation of melanophores on the blind side.     

Importance of bottom type and background color for growth and blind-side hypermelanosis of the olive flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus

When flatfishes are cultured at high-density in an artificial facility, the bright background color and the carpeted bottom substratum (sand or gravel) help significantly to enhance growth and prevent blind-side hypermelanosis. However, how the bright background and carpeted gravel enhance growth and prevent the hypermelanosis is unknown. Thus, we performed three experiments using the olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. In the first, the acupressure of gravel to blind skin and the burrowing behavior of flounder were assessed to determine which eventually suppressed hypermelanosis. In the second experiment, we assessed whether the color of the carpeted gravel affected flounder hypermelanosis and growth. In the final experiment, we assessed whether hypermelanosis of flounder reared on a gravel bottom was continuously inhibited after removal of the gravel substratum, and whether tank color affected the hypermelanosis and fish growth. The results showed that the burrowing of flounder into gravel was more important than the stimulus of rough gravel on blind-skin to prevent blind-side hypermelanosis. The color of the gravel and tanks did not affect hypermelanosis. Removal of the gravel substratum resulted in enhancement of blind-side hypermelanosis. However, fish growth was enhanced by a bright-colored tank but not a bright-colored bottom substratum. In conclusion, these results confirm that the absence of shelter in which flounder can burrow or hide induces blind-side hypermelanosis, and that flounder consistently burrow beneath the substratum to prevent malpigmentation. Additionally, our results show that a bright-colored tank resulted in increased growth, indicating that flounder should be reared in a bright-background to enhance growth.     

Prediction of water velocities in circular aquaculture tanks using an axisymmetric CFD model

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software was used to construct two-dimensional axisymmetric simulations of the turbulent flow inside 1.5, 5, 9.15 and 10 m tanks containing rotating water. The water rotation was induced mathematically by either placing a rotating cover on the surface of the water or locating a tangential water inlet near the top of the side wall. Central and side drains evacuated the water from the tank when using an inlet. The rotating cover produced a forced vortex in the tanks similar to the one observed in actual rearing tanks when the majority of the flow is leaving via the side drain. The predicted flow structure in tanks with an inlet can be divided into three regions: a narrow region along the side wall where the rotating water is moving down toward the floor, a thin boundary layer along the floor where the rotating water is moving radially inward, and a large region in the bulk of the tank where radial and axial velocities are small and the tangential velocity is independent of elevation but varies with radial position. Calculations were performed with the k-ε (RNG) and Reynolds stress turbulence models. Converged solutions were easier to obtain with the k-ε (RNG) model but only the Reynolds stress model could predict the strong vortex which is experimentally observed to form in the central portion of the tank as the flow leaving via the center drains is increased. The simulations predict that the thickness of the floor boundary layer is proportional to the tank diameter and that the radial velocity within the floor boundary layer is maximum at an elevation equal to about 10% of the boundary layer thickness. At any given radial position, the maximum value of the radial velocity next to the floor is between 15 and 45% of the tangential velocity in the bulk of the tank. Predicted shear stresses along bounding surfaces were used to obtain correlations for the side-wall and floor friction coefficients in terms of the Reynolds number. These correlations were in turn substituted in an overall moment balance to obtain an analytical model for predicting the maximum tangential velocity V_θw near the side wall of multi-drain rearing tanks. The predictions of the analytical model are in excellent agreement with V_θw values reported in the literature for tanks with diameters ranging from 1.5–15 m and indicate that the drag from inlet structures is non-negligible. The results demonstrate that the axisymmetric CFD model can simulate the main features of the rotating flow inside circular tanks and provide valuable boundary-layer information that is difficult to obtain experimentally.     

Progression of staining-type hypermelanosis on the blind side in normally metamorphosed juveniles and pigmentation progression in pseudoalbino juveniles of the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus using individual identification

Abnormal flounder coloration frequently occurs in flounder hatcheries and diminishes the commercial value of the fish. To understand hypermelanosis, the progression of staining-type hypermelanosis in normally metamorphosed juveniles and ocular-side pigmentation in pseudoalbino juveniles were examined in the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Sixty-five days post hatching, juveniles (total length, 6 cm) were individually identified by color-marker implantation, and the darkened area of the body surface was examined for 10 weeks by image analysis of digital photographs of the fish taken from above or below the transparent tank. Staining was observed to mainly begin at the upper and lower bases of the tail fin, expanded anteriorly along the peripheral part of the trunk, and ceased after 2 months. The individuals in which staining occurred earlier expressed severe staining and small body size by the end of the experiment. Further, pigmentation of the ocular side in pseudoalbino juveniles ceased after 2 months, but the order of pigmentation was different from that on the blind side. In this case, darkening began from the posterior, but expanded from the center to the periphery of the trunk. Even at the end of the experiment, ctenoid scales were exclusively found within the darkened area, together with cycloid scales.     

Effects of time and duration of rearing with bottom sand on the occurrence and expansion of staining-type hypermelanosis in the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

We previously reported that the progression of staining-type hypermelanosis spontaneously ceased at a specific time and area in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. To examine whether time is a limiting factor in the spontaneous cessation of staining, we experimentally controlled the initiation and duration of staining by manipulating the bottom substrate condition in the fish tanks. At 151 days post hatching (DPH; 11 weeks), spontaneous cessation of staining was observed in fish reared in tanks without a sandy substrate. However, staining resumed (or was initiated) in tanks where sand was removed from 11 weeks, indicating a strong but temporary effect of bottom sand and the absence of time limitation in the staining progression by 151 DPH. Extended duration of the inhibitory period of hypermelanosis expansion (9 weeks or more) aided in only a 20 % reduction of the final staining area because of the increased rate of staining expansion. The bottom sandy substrate decreased the visibility of the staining area in individuals, but this was observed only before the completion of the staining expansion. These findings are discussed in relation to possible presence of area limitation of future staining, as well as the fundamental nature of staining.     

Effect of artemia nauplii enriched with vitamin A palmitate on hypermelanosis on the blind side in juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

ABSTRACT:   The effect of Artemia nauplii enriched with different level of vitamin A (VA) palmitate (1 µg = 1 IU) on the occurrence of hypermelanosis on the blind side of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus was determined. Artemia were enriched with 0, 1, 2, 5 or 10 mg VA palmitate/L (control group, and 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-mg groups). The enriched Artemia were fed to the larvae from 27 to 31 days post hatching (dph) corresponding to the F–G stage. VA palmitate, retinol and retinoic acid (RA) contents of Artemia were correlatively elevated with increasing VA palmitate in the culture medium. RA was detected in Artemia enriched with 5 mg and 10 mg, and a significantly high frequency of hypermelanosis on the blind side was observed in these groups at 65 dph ( P  < 0.05). These results suggest that RA synthesized from VA palmitate in Artemia could induce hypermelanosis on blind side of flounder when Artemia are enriched with more than 5 mg VA palmitate/L.     

Shelter colour preference of the postlarvae of the giant freshwater prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis>

The addition of artificial shelters of various materials has been used in Macrobrachium rosenbergii tanks and ponds as a means of increasing productivity. The present study investigated the shelter colour preference of M. rosenbergii postlarvae (age 15–18 days after metamorphosis) in the laboratory. Shelter occupancy tests were performed on four groups of 200 postlarvae in four 57-l aquaria, into which were placed shelters made of rigid coloured netting sewn into four-layered cubes open on two sides. The shelters were presented in six colour pairs: black vs dark green, black vs light green, black vs blue, dark green vs light green, dark green vs blue, and light green vs blue. Colour preference was tested six times for each colour pair. The data obtained were analyzed using Thurstone’s law of comparative judgment. The mean z-score was significantly highest (i.e., highest preference) for the black shelter. Vision was involved in the detection of and approach to the shelter. When released in aquaria, intact-eyed individual postlarvae directly approached the shelter straight away, whereas blind postlarvae (paint over the eyes) swam around randomly and occupied the shelter only after accidental contact much later. Postlarvae in open water out of the shelter exhibited frequent aggressive contact, while those in the shelter were quiescent. The use of black shelters in rearing tanks is thus recommended for reducing stress and aggression among M. rosenbergii postlarvae in the hatchery.     

Transplantation of pigmented and non-pigmented scales into the ocular and blind sides of the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus,suggesting the presence of ocular-side characteristic inducer in pigmented scales

After metamorphosis, both eyes of the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus are located on its left side, with only the ocular side becoming pigmented. Staining, or hypermelanosis, occurs on the blind side at 2–3 months after metamorphosis, thereby lowering the market price of the fish. To understand the pigmentation expansion process, we performed scale transplantation between the blind and ocular sides of an individual. About 40 % of transplanted scales were successfully engrafted, regardless of donor or recipient site. When blind-side scales were transplanted to the ocular side, they became pigmented after 2 weeks, while no change was observed when the scales were transplanted to the blind side. Ocular-side scales did not lose pigment, regardless of the recipient site. However, after removal of transplanted ocular-side scales, pigmented scales regenerated after 3 weeks, even at blind-side sites. Identical results were obtained when the stained area on the blind side was used as the recipient location. When an ocular-side scale with skin tissue was inserted under blind-side scales, the scales immediately above the transplanted area became pigmented, whereas ocular-side scales stripped of tissue did not induce pigmentation. These results strongly suggest the presence of an ocular-side characteristic inducer in pigmented scale tissues.     

Development of phototaxis in the early life stages of Pacific bluefin tuna <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus orientalis</Emphasis>

We investigated the development of phototaxis in larval and early juvenile stages of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis to detail behavior development in relation to light. We observed the distribution of Pacific bluefin tuna in an illumination gradient tank from 1 to 26 days after hatching (DAH). Two long rectangular tanks (100 × 10 × 10 cm) were used for experiments; each tank was divided into four sections for observations and one tank was equally illuminated at 1.0 × 10³ lx as the control tank, and the other was at 4.0 × 10², 1.0 × 10³, 1.0 × 10⁴ and 7.0 × 10⁴ lx as the illumination gradient tank. Laboratory-reared larvae and juvenile were released into each tank and acclimatized for 10 min. Thereafter, the number of individuals in each section was counted for 5 times with 10-min intervals. Until 2 DAH (3.6 ± 0.1 mm BL), larvae distributed homogeneously in each section in both tanks. After 3 DAH (3.7 ± 0.1 mm BL) when the eyes of the larvae were pigmented, most fish moved into the 7.0 × 10⁴ lx section in the illumination gradient tank, while fish in the control tank maintained a uniform distribution during the experimental period (Chi-square test, P < 0.05). The results suggest that the post-larvae and juvenile stages show strong positive phototaxis.     

Nutritional evaluation of rotifers in rearing tanks without water exchange during seed production of amberjack <Emphasis Type="Italic">Seriola dumerili</Emphasis>

We evaluated the nutrient contents of rotifers sampled from larval-rearing tanks (tank rotifers) without water exchange during the seed production of amberjack Seriola dumerili at three facilities (Kamiura, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki) and compared them with the nutrient contents of freshly enriched rotifers. Compared to the enriched rotifers, the lipid contents, especially neutral lipids and proportion of 22:6n-3, tended to decrease in the tank rotifers. These trends were clearer at Miyazaki where the tank rotifers were sampled before daily supplementation of microalgae (Nannochloropsis). Crude protein content of the tank rotifers did not decrease markedly although the proportion of lysine tended to decrease. Vitamin C and E contents of the tank rotifers decreased significantly only at Miyazaki. Calcium content of the tank rotifers increased at Kamiura and Miyazaki, and the increases in iron and manganese contents of the tank rotifers at Miyazaki and zinc content at Kagoshima were pronounced. These results suggest that the nutritional value of rotifers in larval-rearing tanks without water exchange can be maintained by appropriate supplementation of microalgae. The effect of certain minerals that became high in tank rotifers on subsequent larval development requires further investigation.     

Influence of density and background color to stress response, appetite, growth, and blind-side hypermelanosis of flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

To study the relevance of density and background color to stress response, appetite, and growth in olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, we reared two duplicate groups of juveniles (total length 4.46 ± 0.06 cm, body weight 0.77 ± 0.03 g) in flat-bottom aquaria with dark-green (control) and white backgrounds for 120 days. We measured cortisol and glucose levels in blood and calculated the daily food intake, food conversion efficiency, survival rate, and growth rate. To study the relevance of density and background color to malpigmentation (hypermelanosis) on the blind side, we also compared malpigmented ratios and prepro-melanin-concentrating hormone mRNA activities in the brain between the dark-green and white background groups, as well as between a relatively lower density (60 days) and higher density (120 days). Although we measured relatively higher levels of cortisol and glucose in the white background group and over 200 % of coverage area [PCA]), the bright background failed to induce an acute stress response of more than 20 ng/ml cortisol and 40 mg/dl glucose both in 60 days and 120 days, but did enhance appetite and growth. Also, a bright background color delayed hyperpigmentation only at a low density below 200 % PCA, but did not inhibit malpigmentation at a high density of more than 200 % PCA. In addition, below 200 % PCA, expression of MCH mRNA was significantly higher in the white group, but the level was reversed and was lower in the white group at more than 200 % PCA. In conclusion, although did not induce a high stress response over 200 % PCA, the bright background color resulted in a moderate increasing of cortisol level in blood below 20 ng/ml and enhanced appetite and growth. Moreover, at a density below 200 % PCA, the bright color inhibited hypermelanosis with high MCH mRNA activity, but at more than 200 % PCA did not inhibit malpigmentation, and the fish showed low MCH mRNA activity, indicating that the inhibitory effect of a bright background color on hypermelanosis is density dependent.     

Effects of tank color on the growth,stress responses,and skin color of snakeskin gourami (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichogaster pectoralis</Emphasis>)

The effects of tank color on the growth, stress responses, and skin color of snakeskin gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis) were investigated in this study. Fish with initial body weights of 5.03±0.00 g were reared in five experimental tank colors (white, red, green, blue, and black) for 8 weeks. Each tank color was tested in triplicate with an initial stocking density of 15 fish per tank. Fish were fed with commercial sinking pellets at 4% of the average body weight per day. Growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, stress indicators (hematocrit, blood glucose, plasma cortisol levels), and skin color parameters were investigated. The fish reared in blue tanks had a significantly higher average final body weight (9.73?±?0.14 g) and significantly lower average feed conversion ratio (3.42?±?0.12) than the fish reared in black tanks (P?<?0.05). The fish reared in black tanks exhibited higher average hematocrit (36.63?±?1.11%), blood glucose (48.33?±?1.45 mg dL^?1), and plasma cortisol (9.00?±?0.56 μg dL^?1) levels than those reared in the other tank colors. However, the blood glucose levels in only the fish reared in black tanks were significantly higher than those in the fish reared in the other tank colors. The fish skin color ranged from very pale (high skin lightness) in the white tanks to very dark (low skin lightness) in the black tanks, and 80% of the variation in skin lightness were explained by the tank lightness. The use of a blue tank resulted in normal skin color; hence, blue tanks will not affect the customer acceptance of the fish. Our study revealed that blue is the most appropriate tank color for culturing snakeskin gourami.     

Development of Aquaculture Methods for Southern Flounder,Paralichthys lethostigma

ABSTRACT

A detailed spawning and larval rearing protocol for the production of southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, is presented. The protocol is based on the results of spawning, larval culture and fingerling production trials with the southern flounder, which were completed during 1998 and 1999. Seventy-six brood fish (0.1-3.8 kg) were collected from the wild, acclimated to captivity, and stocked in matura tion tanks. Sex ratio (male:female) was 1.1:1. Males (0.1-1.0 kg; mean = 0.5 kg±0.30 SD) were significantly smaller (P > 000.1) than females (0.5-3.8 kg; mean =1.8 kg±0.75 SD). Spermatogenesis was achieved using temperature manipulation during a 3-month period. Vitellogenesis was nearly completed when most females were caught, and final ovulation was accomplished using gonadotropin releasing hormone-analogue (GnRH-a) implants and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Eggs were obtained from both tank and strip spawnings. At 24-26°C, fertilized eggs hatched within 24-28 hours. Weaning to artificial diets was completed after 5 weeks, when metamorphosis was completed. Epizootics of Vibriosis and Amyloodinium ocellatum caused massive mortalities. Average survival rate from eggs to fully metamorphosed fingerlings was 30%, ranging from 5-40%. A total of 14,562 juveniles measuring 5 cm were produced in these experimental trials. Approximately 25% of the fingerlings exhibited pigment abnormalities known as hypomelanosis or pseudo-albinism on the dark side and hypermelanosis or ambicoloration on the blind side. Reversed asymmetry was observed in 5% of the fingerlings and a few individuals (0.02%) exhibited no ocular migration at all. A large size variation was observed during early larval development stages, with larger individuals growing faster through post-larval, juvenile, and adult stages. Results suggest that hatchery production of southern flounder fingerlings should rely on early culling of runts.     

Effect of tank proportions on survival of seven-band grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg) and devil stinger Inimicus japonicus (Cuvier) larvae

We examined the effects of rearing‐tank proportions on early survival, surface death and growth of the seven‐band grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg) and the devil stinger Inimicus japonicus (Cuvier). Fertilized eggs were introduced into three differently shaped 100 L rearing tanks. The three tanks had different water surface areas, and included a shallow tank (S; 71 × 26 cm in diameter and depth, respectively), an intermediate tank (I; 57 × 39 cm) and a deep tank (D; 44 × 70 cm). Both species showed their highest survival rate and the lowest numbers of surface death in the D tank (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between fish reared in the three tank shapes in notochord length, total length, growth rate and dry weight. Rearing‐tank shape affected larval movement in the water column, with the duration of larval movement under the water surface being the shortest in the D tank. These results suggest that using a rearing tank of a suitable shape could significantly reduce the surface death of marine fish larvae.     

Effect of cultivation methods on nutritional enrichment of euryhaline rotifer <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachionus plicatilis</Emphasis>

This study aimed at comparing fatty acid contents of rotifers cultured with different methods after nutritional enrichment in order to evaluate the rotifer quality produced by these methods. Rotifers were cultured using either a batch or a continuous culture. From the batch culture, three experimental subpopulations were used, sampled from the culture at 1, 24, and 48 h after rotifer inoculation. The continuous culture was performed with two tanks; one was for cultivation with continuous feeding and water supply (cultivation tank), and another was for harvesting from the cultivation tank by overflow (harvest tank). From the continuous culture, two subpopulations were used: one from the cultivation and one from the harvest tank. Nutritional enrichment was performed after each culture. Each population was enriched with Nannochloropsis oculata or a commercial enrichment diet. When the enrichment was performed with N. oculata on populations at 24 h after inoculation originating from either of the two tanks of continuous culture or the batch culture tank, a higher quantity of arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was obtained from the two tanks of continuous culture. The same results were obtained when enrichment diet was used, this time including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).     

Water velocity in commercial RAS culture tanks for Atlantic salmon smolt production

An optimal flow domain in culture tanks is vital for fish growth and welfare. This paper presents empirical data on rotational velocity and water quality in circular and octagonal tanks at two large commercial smolt production sites, with an approximate production rate of 1000 and 1300 ton smolt/yr, respectively. When fish were present, fish density in the two circular tanks under study at Site 1 were 35 and 48 kg/m³, and that in four octagonal tanks at Site 2 were 54, 74, 58 and 64 kg/m³, respectively. The objective of the study was twofold. First, the effect of biomass on the velocity distribution was examined, which was accomplished by repeating the measurements in empty tanks under same flow conditions. Second, the effect of operating conditions on the water quality was studied by collecting and analysing the water samples at the tank’s inlet and outlet. All tanks exhibited a relatively uniform water velocity field in the vertical water column at each radial location sampled. When fish were present, maximum (40 cm/s) and minimum (25–26 cm/s) water rotational velocities were quite similar in all tanks sampled, and close to optimum swimming speeds, recommended for Atlantic salmon-smolt, i.e., 1–1.5 body lengths per second. The fish were found to decrease water velocity by 25% compared to the tank operated without fish. Flow pattern was largely affected by the presence of fish, compared to the empty tanks. Inference reveals that the fish swimming in the tanks is a major source of turbulence, and nonlinearity. Facility operators and culture tank designers were able to optimize flow inlet conditions to achieve appropriate tank rotational velocities despite a wide range of culture tank sizes, HRT’s, and outlet structure locations. In addition, the dissolved oxygen profile was also collected along the diametrical plane through the octagonal tank’s centre, which exhibits a close correlation between the velocity and oxygen measurements. All tanks were operated under rather intensive conditions with an oxygen demand across the tank (inlet minus outlet) of 7.4–10.4 mg/L. Estimates of the oxygen respiration rate in the tank appears to double as the TSS concentration measured in the tank increases from 3.0 mg/L (0.3 kg O₂/kg feed) up to 10–12 mg/L (0.7 kg O₂/kg feed). Improving suspended solids control in such systems may thus dramatically reduce the oxygen consumption and CO₂ production.     

池塘养殖牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)无眼侧体色黑化消褪机理

针对池塘养殖牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)无眼侧体色黑化消褪的现象,本研究从形态、血清和mRNA水平上对其生理学机制进行了研究.光镜观察显示,无眼侧消褪区域的黑色素细胞数量显著少于有眼侧和无眼侧黑化区域(P＜0.05),电镜观察发现,无眼侧消褪区域皮肤中黑色素颗粒模糊,黑色素细胞中色素体存在凋亡现象.无眼侧黑化区域消褪过程中,鳞片类型经历了由栉鳞—弱栉鳞—圆鳞转变的过程,栉鳞上硬棘数量也随之减少.无眼侧黑化消褪的牙鲆血清中的黑色素聚集激素(MCH)肽含量显著高于无眼侧正常和无眼侧黑化的牙鲆(P＜0.05),但无眼侧体色黑化的牙鲆血清中的黑色素细胞刺激激素(MSH)肽含量显著高于其他2种类型的牙鲆(P＜0.05).基因表达分析显示,无眼侧黑化消褪鱼垂体MCH mRNA表达水平显著高于无眼侧黑化鱼(P＜0.05),而垂体POMC1 mRNA表达水平显著低于无眼侧黑化鱼(P＜0.05),但都与无眼侧正常鱼无显著差异.研究结果可为阐释池塘养殖牙鲆无眼侧体色黑化调控机制提供理论支持.     

Diel and ontogenetic body density change in Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis (Temminck and Schlegel), larvae

Diel and ontogenetic changes in larval body density related to swim bladder volume were investigated in Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis, to determine the causality of larval mortality – adhesion to the water surface and contact with the tank bottom during seedling production. The density of larvae with deflated swim bladders increased with total length and days post hatch. Diel density change was observed after day 2 post hatch; owing to daytime deflation and night‐time inflation of the swim bladder, the density was relatively higher during the daytime. Increased swim bladder volumes clearly reduced larval density during the night‐time after day 9 post hatch. However, the density of larvae with inflated swim bladders was greater than rearing water density (Δρ>0.0099). The small density difference between larvae and rearing water (Δρ=0.0022?0.0100) until day 4 post hatch may have caused larval mortality by adhesion to the water surface because larvae can be easily transported to the water surface by aeration‐driven upwelling in rearing tanks. Density increased noticeably from day 5 to day 9 post hatch. The increased density difference (Δρ=0.0065?0.0209) in larvae and rearing water possibly induced mortality by contact with the tank bottom because larvae sink particularly during the night‐time on ceasing swimming.     

Survey of large circular and octagonal tanks operated at Norwegian commercial smolt and post-smolt sites

A survey was conducted to determine the geometry, operating parameters, and other key features of large circular or octagonal culture tanks used to produce Atlantic salmon smolt and post-smolt at six major Norwegian Atlantic salmon production companies. A total of 55 large tanks were reported at seven land-based hatchery locations, i.e., averaging 7.9 (range of 4–12) large tanks per land-based site. In addition, one 21,000 m³ floating fiberglass tank in sea was reported. Culture volume ranged from 500 to 1300 m³ for each land-based tank. Most tanks were circular, but one site used octagonal tanks. Land-based tank diameters ranged from 14.5 to 20 m diameter, whereas the floating tank was 40 m diameter. Maximum tank depths ranged from 3.5 to 4.5 m at land-based facilities, which produced diameter-to-average-depth ratios of 3.6:1 to 5.5:1 m:m. The floating tank was much deeper at 20 m, with a diameter-to-average-depth ratio of only 2.4:1 m:m. All land-based tanks had floors sloping at 4.0–6.5% toward the tank center and various pipe configurations that penetrated the culture tank water volume at tank center. These pipes and sloping floors were used to reduce labor when removing dead fish and harvesting fish.Maximum flow ranged from 3 to 19 m³/min per land-based tank, with 400 m³/min at the floating tank, but tank flow was adjustable at most facilities. Land-based tanks were flushed at a mean hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 35–170 min. Maximum feed load on each land-based tank ranged from 525 to 850 kg/day, but the floating tank reached 3700 kg/day. Almost half of the large tanks reported in this survey were installed or renovated since 2013, including the three tank systems with the highest flow rate per tank (greater than 17.6 m³/min). These more recent tanks were operated at more rapid tank HRT’s, i.e., from 34.8 to 52.5 min, than the 67–170 min HRT typical of the large tanks built before 2013. In addition, flow per unit of feed load in land-based tanks that began operating before 2010 were lower (19–30 m³ flow/kg feed) than in tanks that began operating later (33–40 m³ flow/kg feed). In comparison, the floating tank operates at a maximum daily tank flow to feed load of 160 m³ flow/kg feed, which is the least intensive of all tanks surveyed. Survey results suggest that the recently built tanks have been designed to operate at a reduced metabolic loading per unit of flow, a tendency that would improve water quality throughout the culture tank, all else equal. This trend is possible due to the ever increasing application of water recirculating systems.