气泡幕对许氏平鲉的阻拦效果研究

气泡幕可作为海洋牧场鱼群控制的技术手段之一。本研究通过改变气泡幕在水槽中的相对位置和试验许氏平鲉(Sebastes schlegeli)的密度来观察许氏平鲉的行为反应,运用了观察法、对照试验法和控制变量法探究了气泡幕对不同密度下的许氏平鲉的阻拦效果。结果显示:1)试验鱼20尾时,气泡幕的位置分别设置在矩形水槽长的1/4、1/2和3/4处(鱼的密度为12.52、6.26、4.17尾/m2),阻拦率分别达到了98.2%、88.4%和92.9%,阻拦效果明显。2)气泡幕设置在水槽长度方向的1/2处,试验鱼分别为5尾、10尾、15尾和20尾时,气泡幕阻拦率分别达到了100%、85.7%、100%和88.4%(鱼群密度分别为1.56、3.12、4.69、6.26尾/m2),阻拦效果良好。3)由于阻拦率较高,试验鱼群密度和阻拦效率没有明显的关系。本研究结果可为我国投放许氏平鲉的海洋牧场鱼群控制技术以及取水口拦鱼技术提供参考。     

鲢幼鱼游泳能力及游泳行为的试验研究

为了探究四大家鱼的游泳能力,指导鱼道水力学设计,提高鱼道过鱼成功率,增殖鱼类资源总量,以四大家鱼之一的鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)为试验对象,研究其游泳能力及游泳行为。在(30±1)℃水温下,采用流速递增法,鲢的体长7.3~16.8 cm,体重6.10~66.50 g,按体长将鲢分为(8.17±0.59)cm、(10.09±0.53)cm、(11.84±0.67)cm、(13.94±0.68)cm、(15.90±0.64)cm共计5个试验组。结果表明,鲢的临界游泳速度为52~100 cm/s,相对临界游泳速度为5.90~7.14 BL/s,摆尾频率为98.7~432.2次/min。鲢的临界游泳速度随体长增加而增大,其线性拟合方程为Ucrit=4.908L+17.63(R2=0.998);其相对临界游泳速度随体长增加而减小,线性拟合方程为U'crit=-0.130L+8.025(R2=0.979);在整个试验过程中,根据鱼类对水流速度的游泳行为响应,鲢摆尾频率随水流速度的增大而增加,两者呈线性关系;在相同流速下,较长个体鲢的摆尾频率显著小于较小的个体。     

鲢幼鱼运动能量代谢研究

可靠的能量消耗估算可以更好地衡量鱼体在上溯过程中的能量分配方式,为鱼道水力设计提供依据,实现鱼道过鱼的高通过率。为探究鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)幼鱼运动过程中游泳行为和能量消耗的关系,利用丹麦Loligo Systems公司生产的鱼类行为视频跟踪系统,对24尾鲢幼鱼进行了室内游泳行为实验。采用流速递增法测得鲢幼鱼的活动代谢率,水体溶氧量由每个流速工况下等时距读取,静水条件下通过AutoRespTM测定水体溶氧变化值,计算标准代谢率;利用水槽上方架设的摄像头(25帧/s)记录鱼体运动行为,连接uEye Cockpit程序观测鱼体运动情况,采用LoliTrack进行运动行为分析,获取鱼体运动行为学参数。结果表明,鲢幼鱼的游泳速度与摆尾频率(TBF)呈显著正相关关系,其耗氧率(MO2)与摆尾频率(TBF)的拟合方程为MO2=318.3+1.04TBF2.87(R2=0.99,P0.001),拟合指数值为2.87,且摆尾频率的幂指数越大,表征鱼体游泳效率越低。实验测得鲢幼鱼的标准代谢率(SMR)为(284.47±30.75)mg/(kg·h),耗氧率方程得到的标准代谢率拟合值为318.3mg/(kg·h),与实测值较为接近;通过建立活动代谢率(AMR)与鱼体重量(M)及游速(U)的关系,得出鲢幼鱼生物能量模型AMR=10.39 M0.12 U0.39(R2=0.95,P0.001)。生物能量模型的建立,可以为鱼道不同过鱼目标的水力设计提供参考。     

鲢幼鱼对氨氮胁迫的行为响应特征研究

为了深入揭示城市水体中氨氮胁迫对鱼类生存和栖息地的影响,有必要针对特定鱼类对氨氮胁迫的行为响应进行探究。为此,本文选择对氨氮非常敏感的重要经济鱼类鲢鱼作为目标物种,通过氨氮急性毒性预实验确定氨氮浓度范围,并设计了“静水多室”实验装置, 开展了鲢幼鱼对氨氮胁迫的行为响应实验。结果表明,在本文实验条件(水温25±1℃,pH值7.9±0.1,溶解氧>5.0mg/L)下,鲢幼鱼((体长5±1cm))对氨氮的96小时半致死浓度为19.3mg/L。鲢幼鱼行为响应实验中,氨氮浓度为0.0 mg/L 、0.5mg/L、1.0mg/L、5.0mg/L、10.0mg/L、20.0mg/L单元中的鲢幼鱼平均分布率分别为44.4%,13.9%、4.9%、13.2%、13.2%和10.4%,相应的鲢幼鱼平均回避率分别为-58.0%、-48.1%、68.9%、20.8、33.3%和37.5%。鲢幼鱼对氨氮胁迫的回避阈值小于1.0mg/L(相对应的非离子氨浓度小于0.05mg/L)。当氨氮浓度超过1.0mg/L后,鲢幼鱼回避率呈现先下降再上升的变化趋势。本研究表明,鲢幼鱼能够探测到水体中的氨氮产生回避行为响应,其表现类型为“低浓度吸引、高浓度回避”。回避阈值远远小于与文献中报道的致死浓度,因此可以有效的保护鲢幼鱼免受氨氮毒性侵害。此外,氨氮浓度过高会导致鲢幼鱼的应激反应能力降低。本文研究结果可为进一步探讨氨氮胁迫对鲢幼鱼生存活动的影响提供依据。     

二、三倍体细鳞鲑幼鱼生长特性的研究

细鳞鲑Brachymystax lenok成熟卵受精后20min,在26℃下处理20min,获三倍体细鳞鲑幼鱼。将二、三倍体细鳞鲑幼鱼饲养在210cm×50cm×45cm(水深60cm)的玻璃钢水槽内,每槽30尾,每种倍性鱼类设3个平行,水温8～10℃下常规养殖90d后,测定试验鱼体长、体质量和肥满度等生长指标。结果表明,三倍体细鳞鲑幼鱼的日增重、增重率和特定生长率显著高于二倍体幼鱼(P0.05),但二、三倍体细鳞鲑幼鱼的肥满度、饲料系数和存活率等差异不显著(P0.05)。二、三倍体细鳞鲑幼鱼的体长(L)与体质量(W)呈幂指数增长相关,均为异速生长。两者的特定生长率随体质量的变化趋势相同,均呈显著负相关。本研究结果表明:三倍体细鳞鲑幼鱼的生长特性优于二倍体,可示范养殖、推广。     

大黄鱼续航时间和临界游泳速度的初步研究

采用续航时间作为游泳能力的评测指标,研究了大黄鱼(Pseudosciaena crocea)幼鱼、1龄鱼的续航时间和临界游泳速度.试验结果显示,在45cm/s流速下,大黄鱼幼鱼的平均续航时间为12 min;在60 cm/s流速下,大黄鱼1龄鱼的平均续航时间为22 min 20 s;大黄鱼幼鱼和1龄鱼的续航时间与水流流速呈乘幂递减关系;摆尾频率与水流流速呈线性关系.在给定的6个流速条件下,大黄鱼幼鱼和1龄鱼的平均临界游泳速度分别为39.85cm/s和50.02 cm/s.研究表明,大黄鱼幼鱼不宜在流速长时间超过40cm/s的海区进行养殖,大黄鱼1龄鱼不宜在流速长时间超过50cm/s的海区养殖,否则应采取适当的减流或分流措施.     

不同运动模式下鲢幼鱼游泳特性研究

为探索鱼类在自发性运动和强迫式运动模式下的游泳特性,以鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)幼鱼为研究对象,采用船闸式水槽鱼类呼吸装置和环形水槽实验装置,Loli Track软件对游泳行为进行视频分析,解析不同运动模式下鲢幼鱼游泳特性变化情况。结果表明,在自发性运动模式下,鲢幼鱼的耗氧率随游泳速度、加速度、旋转角度和摆尾频率增加而增大。通过逐步回归拟合出多因素能量模型,得出游泳速度对耗氧率变化的影响最大。在两种运动模式中,唯一相同的相对游泳速度为0.5 BL·s~(-1)[BL为体长(cm)]下,能量消耗利用率为2.35。研究还发现在不同运动模式下鲢幼鱼的最优游泳速度大小差异性显著,但呼吸耗氧率差异性不显著。表明鲢幼鱼运动过程中相比于最优游泳速度,存在表征能量利用率最高且与游泳模式无关的最优耗氧率。     

障碍物对鲢幼鱼游泳动力学的影响

为了解鱼在复杂水流环境中的运动行为,提升鱼道过鱼效果,实验通过在水槽中放置障碍物,分析不同来流速度(1,3和5 BL/s)(BL/s即体长每秒)下鲢幼鱼顶流静止和顶流前进时的游泳动力学表现,提取的游泳动力学指标有摆尾频率、摆尾幅度、对地游泳速度、游泳加速度和运动步长。结果发现,半流速度1 BL/s下,与自由来流相比,鲢幼鱼在障碍物后方顶流静止时,摆尾频率降低,摆尾幅度增加;顶流前进时,摆尾频率、对地游泳速度、游泳加速度和运动步长降低,摆尾幅度增加。半流速度3 BL/s下,障碍物有助于节省鱼类运动能量的消耗。在有障碍物的水流中,顶流静止时的摆尾频率随流速的增加而增加;顶流前进时,摆尾频率、摆尾幅度和游泳加速度随流速增大而增大,而运动步长随流速增大而减小。位置偏好研究表明,当流速为3 BL/s时,鲢幼鱼明显集中在距离障碍物后方约5～30 cm处游动,停留时间占比达92.5%,可能采用了卡门步态的运动模式;当流速为1和5 BL/s时,鲢幼鱼没有表现出非常明显的位置偏好;在自由来流中,鲢常贴壁游泳,亦没有明显的位置偏好,表明障碍物和流速的结合可为鱼类提供水流藏匿场,研究结果为鱼道设计提供重要参考依据。     

10种人工鱼礁模型对黑鲷幼鱼的诱集效果

为了解不同人工鱼礁的集鱼效果,在试验水槽内观察了深圳杨梅坑人工鱼礁区实际投放的10种礁体模型对黑鲷的诱集效果。结果表明,未投放礁体模型时,试验鱼在距离水槽中心40~70 cm的区域出现频次最高,且在试验水槽中分布较为分散。分别将10种礁体模型放入水槽后,对有礁及无礁时试验鱼随距离出现的频次进行曲线趋势回归显示,1-8号礁体模型试验中试验鱼出现频次最大的区域为距离水槽中心20~50 cm,而9号和10号礁为体试验鱼出现频次最大的区域则为距离水槽中心10~40 cm,分别比对照组试验鱼最大出现频次区域向中心点近移了20 cm和30 cm,说明10种礁体模型对试验鱼均有一定的诱集效果。对试验结果做模型礁诱集效率指数显示,模型礁体对试验鱼的诱集效果由强到弱分别为10号礁>9号礁>1号礁>2号礁>7号礁>4号礁>5号礁>6号礁>8号礁>3号礁。     

不同投饲率对黄颡鱼幼鱼生长和存活的影响

将黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco Richardson)幼鱼(体长1.621±0.1561cm,体重0.093±0.02g)放养在12个容水50L(40cm×30cm×41.6cm)水槽中,每个水槽30尾,投喂含粗蛋白40.53%、粗脂肪13.14%的配合饲料,以搅碎的泥鳅(Misgurnus anguilli-caudatus)为黏合剂(二者的比例为4∶1),投饲率为15%(1组)、20%(2组)、25%(3组)和30%(4组),每组三个重复。60d的饲养表明,4组鱼的成活率最高(81.57%),1组最低(18.75%),2组和3组分别为54.83%和54.54%。统计分析表明,随投饲率增加,鱼的增重率不断增加,2、3、4组鱼的增重率显著高于1组(P<0.05),但这三组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。1组鱼的呼吸代谢率高于其他组是生长缓慢的原因。本实验证明,黄颡鱼夏花培育期间,投饲率以25%~20%为宜。     

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.