短蛸的早期生长特征

对孵化后1~50日龄短蛸(Octopus ocellatus)幼体的体重、全长、腕长及胴长进行测量，观察并分析其早期生长变化特征。在水温为22℃~24℃的养殖条件下，初孵短蛸平均全长为10.03 mm。11日龄幼体开始营底栖生活，以此为分界线划分为浮游期和底栖期。 结果显示，1~11日龄浮游短蛸体重增长为立方函数增长类型，y = 0.0001x3 – 0.0019x2 + 0.0098x + 0.0409；11~50日龄的底栖短蛸体重增长为指数函数增长类型，y = 0.0284e0.092x。在1~50日龄短蛸幼体的生长过程中，体重(g)与全长(mm)呈立方函数关系，y = –8e–07x3 + 0.001x2 – 0.011x + 0.099；全长(mm)与腕长(mm)呈线性关系，y = 1.314x + 4.952；体重、全长及腕长分别与日龄呈立方函数关系，y = 6e–05x3 – 0.003x2 + 0.036x – 0.03、y = 0.0004x3 + 0.002x2 + 0.307x + 10.604、y = 0.0004x3 – 0.007x2 + 0.364x + 4.205。通过研究短蛸幼体的生长发育特征，从而加深了对幼体生长的了解，并为短蛸人工繁育的研究提供参考依据。     

短蛸的早期生长特征

对孵化后1～50日龄短蛸(Octopusocellatus)幼体的体重、全长、腕长及胴长进行测量,观察并分析其早期生长变化特征。在水温为22℃～24℃的养殖条件下,初孵短蛸平均全长为10.03 mm。11日龄幼体开始营底栖生活,以此为分界线划分为浮游期和底栖期。结果显示,1～11日龄浮游短蛸体重增长为立方函数增长类型,y=0.0001x~3–0.0019x~2+0.0098x+0.0409;11～50日龄的底栖短蛸体重增长为指数函数增长类型,y=0.0284e~(0.092x)。在1～50日龄短蛸幼体的生长过程中,体重(g)与全长(mm)呈立方函数关系,y=–8e–07x~3+0.001x~2–0.011x+0.099;全长(mm)与腕长(mm)呈线性关系,y=1.314x+4.952;体重、全长及腕长分别与日龄呈立方函数关系,y=6e–05x~3–0.003x~2+0.036x–0.03、y=0.0004x~3+0.002x~2+0.307x+10.604、y=0.0004x~3–0.007x~2+0.364x+4.205。通过研究短蛸幼体的生长发育特征,从而加深了对幼体生长的了解,并为短蛸人工繁育的研究提供参考依据。     

18日龄曼氏无针乌贼选育子代F_2生长性状相关关系分析

采用相关关系、通径分析和多元回归分析法对18日龄曼氏无针乌贼(Sepiella maindroni)选育子代F2全长(x1)、胴长(x2)和体质量(y)生长性状的相关关系分析,并统计了生长性状的变异系数和现实遗传力,结果表明:体质量(36.15%)的变异系数最高;体质量(0.057)的现实遗传力最大;全长与胴长的相关关系最大,为0.973;全长对体质量的直接通径系数最大,达0.573;建立了以体质量(y)为因变量,自变量为全长(x1)和胴长(x2)的回归方程:y=-0.232+0.256x1+0.145x2,决定系数等于0.861,全长和胴长对体质量的偏回归系数及回归常数均达到了极其显著水平(P0.01),回归模型满足正态性假设。     

人工育苗条件下银鲳仔稚幼鱼摄食与生长特性

在人工育苗条件下,对0～50d银鲳仔稚幼鱼的摄食行为和生长特性进行了研究。水温19.0～24.0℃时,初孵仔鱼～12d为仔鱼期,13～40d为稚鱼期,41d起转为幼鱼期。全长、肛前长和体高的特定生长率分别为5.489%、3.228%和5.371%。45d银鲳幼鱼全长、肛前长和体高的生长虽有差异,但不会造成相互间的残杀。鱼苗全长与日龄的关系式为y=4.6233-0.0352x-0.0088x2 0.0003x3,R2=0.996;全长与肛前长的关系式为y=1.6929 0.0927x 0.0018x2,R2=0.978;体高与日龄的关系式为y=0.8424 0.0168x 0.0053x2,R2=0.990。银鲳孵化后3d开始开口摄食,试验用饵料为轮虫、卤虫无节幼体、配合饵料。在仔鱼阶段其摄食率为25%～100%,饱食率为25%～80%;到稚幼鱼阶段摄食率均达到100%,饱食率60%～88%。银鲳消化时间随生长发育而延长。摄食高峰基本出现在白天,属白天摄食类型。     

四川华鳊仔稚鱼生长与形态发育研究

为积累四川华鳊(Sinibrama taeniatus)的发育生物学资料和完善苗种培育技术，本研究使用显微数码拍摄系统对四川华鳊仔稚鱼的外部形态与内部结构特征进行观察。结果显示，在水温为(25.0±0.5)℃条件下，四川华鳊初孵仔鱼全长为(4.54±0.04) mm，卵黄囊前部呈椭圆，后部呈棒状，体积为(0.26±0.01) mm3。卵黄囊期仔鱼从初孵到卵黄吸收完全为止，历时8 d，全长特定生长率(SGRL)为5.99%。仔鱼出膜后3 d开始摄食，混合营养期为5 d，卵黄囊体积(V)与日龄(D)的关系：V= –0.0049 D3+0.0369 D2–0.1333 D+0.2583(R2=0.9947)。晚期仔鱼从卵黄囊消失到鳞片出现，历时25 d，SGRL为2.16%。稚鱼期从鳞片开始出现到鳞片完整，历时53 d，SGRL为0.90%。整个仔稚鱼阶段全长(TL)和日龄(D)的相关方程为：TL= –7×10–7 D3–0.0011 D2+0.2820 D+4.7083(R2= 0.9957)。     

网箱中鳜的生长,性腺发育和摄食的初步研究

1986——1987年,对网箱养殖条件中鳜(Siniperc achuatir)的生长、性腺发育和营养特征进行了研究,结果表明:在网箱中饲养的294日龄的鳜体重达887.95±226.26克(x±S.D),1龄鳜体长生长曲线L=-4.8249+2.9272×10~(-1)t—5.6368×10~(-4)t~2,r=0.9999;体重与体长的关系式: W=2.6903L~(2.(?)724);r=0.9996。2龄鳜为L=1.5859×10+4.2964×10~(-2)t,r=0.9492;鱼群的体长、体重呈正态分布。1冬龄雌、雄鱼性腺发育趋于成熟。饵料系数变化于3.0—7.0,日粮有随个体增大而减少的趋势;摄食高峰出现在拂晓和傍晚。     

海捕野生曼氏无针乌贼选育F_1的生长

2016年从诏安海域捕捞的野生曼氏无针乌贼中,挑选2000尾平均胴长(12.12±0.15)cm、体质量(203.88±14.82)g的成熟个体人工繁育出子代(F_1)后,室内常规饲养,与未经选育的对照组子代的生长性状进行比较。结果显示,拟合0~90日龄体质量(y)与胴长(x_1)、体质量(y)与胴宽(x_2)的生长式型,选育F_1组生长关系y=0.2272x_1~(2.6506)(r~2=0.9825),y=0.5356x_2~(2.9824)(r~2=0.9845),对照组生长关系为y=0.2894x_1~(2.5781)(r~2=0.9953),y=0.6802x_2~(2.7145)(r~2=0.9725),选育F_1组的生长快于对照组;选育F_1组体质量绝对增加率为0.03~0.69g/d,绝对增长率为0.017~0.123cm/d,增积量为0.0001~0.0788,肥满度为0.104~0.374,优于对照组;选育F_1组胴长、胴宽和体质量的现实遗传力分别为0.033~0.599、0.015~0.244和0.001~0.294,说明选育具有一定的效果。     

条纹锯鮨(Centropristis striata)仔、稚、幼鱼形态发育的异速生长模式

采用实验生态学方法对条纹锯仔、稚、幼鱼形态发育的异速生长模式进行研究。对条纹锯(0–80日龄)的可量性状进行测量并运用统计学方法进行分析。结果表明,0–80日龄条纹锯全长的生长符合Y=4.529-(9.227×10-5)X3+0.015X2-0.189X(R2=0.994),干重增长符合Y=0.002X3-0.151X2+3.257X-18.232(R2=0.993),其变化曲线呈"J"型增长。多数功能器官具有异速生长的特性,与摄食、运动相关的功能器官的生长拐点相对较早,在拐点之前,相对于全长呈正异速生长,拐点之后相对于全长呈负异速生长或等速生长。口裂、吻长、眼径、胸鳍、尾鳍的生长拐点分别为20、44、32、36、19日龄,其他相关器官的生长拐点相对较晚,头长、头高、腹长、体高的生长拐点分别为56、37、44、60日龄,其中头长相对于全长在拐点之前呈负异速生长,拐点之后呈等速生长。条纹锯部分功能器官的优先发育保证了在个体发育过程中的早期摄食能力和对敌害的躲避能力的完善,有效地提高了其生存能力。条纹锯异速生长模型的建立,有助于针对性地为其提供适宜条件,从而获得其最适和最大生长效能,为人工繁育和养殖条纹锯提供理论基础。     

条纹锯(Centropristis striata)仔、稚、幼鱼形态发育的异速生长模式

采用实验生态学方法对条纹锯仔、稚、幼鱼形态发育的异速生长模式进行研究。对条纹锯(0–80日龄)的可量性状进行测量并运用统计学方法进行分析。结果表明,0–80日龄条纹锯全长的生长符合Y=4.529-(9.227×10-5)X3+0.015X2-0.189X(R2=0.994),干重增长符合Y=0.002X3-0.151X2+3.257X-18.232(R2=0.993),其变化曲线呈"J"型增长。多数功能器官具有异速生长的特性,与摄食、运动相关的功能器官的生长拐点相对较早,在拐点之前,相对于全长呈正异速生长,拐点之后相对于全长呈负异速生长或等速生长。口裂、吻长、眼径、胸鳍、尾鳍的生长拐点分别为20、44、32、36、19日龄,其他相关器官的生长拐点相对较晚,头长、头高、腹长、体高的生长拐点分别为56、37、44、60日龄,其中头长相对于全长在拐点之前呈负异速生长,拐点之后呈等速生长。条纹锯部分功能器官的优先发育保证了在个体发育过程中的早期摄食能力和对敌害的躲避能力的完善,有效地提高了其生存能力。条纹锯异速生长模型的建立,有助于针对性地为其提供适宜条件,从而获得其最适和最大生长效能,为人工繁育和养殖条纹锯提供理论基础。     

不同流速下中国鲎稚鲎游泳模式研究

中国鲎(Tachypleus tridentatus)资源量近30年来骤减,亟待保护与增殖恢复。为了确定不同水流速度对稚鲎行为的影响,水温(24±2)℃条件下,选择头胸甲宽(0.58±0.02) cm的增殖放流用中国鲎稚鲎为研究对象,测定其在不同水流速度(0.00 cm/s,0.06 cm/s,0.07 cm/s,0.08 cm/s,0.10 cm/s,和0.12 cm/s)下的书鳃收缩频率、持续游泳时间和暴发-滑行游泳运动指标。结果显示,稚鲎在不同流速下的书鳃收缩频率随流速增大而增大(y=2.02x–0.23,R²=0.89,P<0.05)。稚鲎持续游泳时间先随流速增加呈先增加后减少的趋势(y=10⁶x³–387726x²+36885x–1062.80,R²=0.85,P<0.05)。各流速组稚鲎单次最大持续游泳时间均可达70 s。暴发游泳的平均暴发时间随水流速度增加呈下降趋势(y=–239.53x+32.19,R²=0.90,P<0....     

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.