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。     

山瑞鳖细菌性败血症病原菌的分离鉴定及其毒力基因检测

查明广西南宁、贵港和桂平养殖山瑞鳖细菌性败血症的病原菌及其6种毒力基因的携带情况,为有效防控山瑞鳖细菌性败血症提供参考。本研究以常规方法从患病山瑞鳖的心脏和肝脏取样、分离细菌,人工感染方法确定分离菌株的致病性,细菌鉴定采用API 20NE生化鉴定和16S rRNA分子鉴定相结合的方法进行,PCR扩增法对菌株的溶血素基因(hemolysin gene,hly)、气溶素基因(aerolysin gene,Aer)、细胞兴奋性肠毒素基因(cytotonic enterotoxin gene,Alt)、细胞毒性肠毒素基因(cytotoxic enterotoxin gene,Act)、黏附素基因(major adhesin gene,ahal)和丝氨酸蛋白酶基因(serine protease gene,ahp)6种毒力基因进行检测。结果显示,从患病山瑞鳖心脏和肝脏中共分离到4株优势菌SRB125、SRB142、SRB143和SRB345,对健康山瑞鳖的平均致死率为97.50%~100.00%,是引起山瑞鳖细菌性败血症的病原菌;生化和分子鉴定结果显示,4株分离菌均为嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila),与A.hydrophila L3-5(KP716701)菌株的亲缘关系最近,同源相似性均达到99.9%;6种毒力基因共包含2种毒力基因型,在4株菌株中的分布为hly~+Aer~+Alt~+Act~+ahal~+ahp~+和hly~+Aer~+Alt~+Act~+ahal~+ahp~–各2株,来源于南宁的SRB143和桂平的SRB345菌株均缺失ahp基因。     

黄颡鱼暴发性流行病病原的分离鉴定及其3种毒力基因检测

为查明黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)暴发性流行病的病原菌及其3种毒力基因的携带情况,以常规方法进行细菌分离,人工感染试验确定病原菌的致病性,API 20NE和16S rRNA基因序列分析进行细菌鉴定,PCR扩增法检测病原菌的3种毒力基因。结果显示,从发病症状典型的黄颡鱼肝脏中分离到1株嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)GXGP1,与嗜水气单胞菌标准株ATCC 7966T的同源性为99.9%,对黄颡鱼有很强致病力,是引起黄颡鱼暴发性流行病的病原菌,该菌携带有Aer、hly和ahp 3种毒力基因。     

6株鱼源嗜水气单胞菌的分子鉴定与毒力基因分析检测

为了分子鉴定6株鱼源嗜水气单胞菌,并从分子层面验证通过检测毒力基因以推测嗜水气单胞菌潜在致病性的可行性。实验采用PCR扩增16 S rDNA和gyrB基因并结合系统发育树的构建和分析进行菌种的分子鉴定,检测气溶素（ aerolysin, aer）、溶血素（ haemoly-sin, hly）、丝氨酸蛋白酶（ serine protease, ahp）、热稳定细胞肠毒素（ heat-stable cytotonic enterotoxin, ast）和热敏感细胞肠毒素（ heat-labile cytotonic enterotoxin, alt）5种毒力基因,且使用Mega 5．2对核苷酸和氨基酸序列进行分析。结果显示6株菌均为嗜水气单胞菌Aero-monas hydrophila,检测出5种毒力基因中的至少4种,其中均检测出溶血素和2种肠毒素,序列分析表明气溶素、溶血素和丝氨酸蛋白酶的氨基酸序列高度保守。本研究基于16 S rD-NA和gyrB基因可以准确地对嗜水气单胞菌进行分子鉴定,6株菌的毒力基因丰富预示着一定的致病性, aer、 hly和ahp基因相对保守,编码的毒力因子高度同源,在临床分子诊断中建议使用aer、 ahp和hly基因对嗜水气单胞菌的潜在致病性进行检测。     

鲫源嗜水气单胞菌毒力基因多重PCR检测及ERIC-PCR分子分型

为快速了解鲫源嗜水气单胞菌株毒力基因携带情况及与菌株基因型的相关性,建立多重PCR法和ERIC-PCR分子分型,为临床快速检测、菌株分型和菌株致病性分析提供依据。通过单重PCR法检测出标准菌株ATCC7966内5个毒力基因气溶素(aerolysin,aer)、溶血素(hemolysin,hly)、细胞毒性肠毒素(cytotoxic enterotoxin,alt)、胞外蛋白酶(extracellular protease,ahp)和细胞肠兴奋性肠毒素(intestinal cells of excitatory enterotoxin,act),其扩增产物长度依次为300 bp、592 bp、442 bp、856 bp和500 bp。在此基础上,优化并建立特异性高,敏感度达7.2×102cfu·m L-1多重PCR法,用于检测从江苏射阳地区患病水产动物体内分离的17株嗜水气单胞菌5个毒力基因携带率。结果显示,毒力基因act的携带率为100%,而80%的菌株5个毒力基因均有检出。采用ERIC-PCR分子分型技术,以标准菌株ATCC7966为对照,对17株鲫源致病性嗜水气单胞菌进行基因分型,获得两种基因型,分别描述为A型和B型,其中B型菌株14株,带型与ATCC7966一致,认为是当地的主要流行株。探究菌株基因型与毒力基因分布相关性,携带5个毒力基因的均为B型菌株,而所有A型菌株存在一或多个毒力基因缺失,有可能是此类菌株更易发生毒力基因漂变,但还需进一步研究。     

27株嗜水气单胞菌致病性及ERIC—PCR指纹图谱分析

从福建省淡水养殖鱼类体内分离到27株嗜水气单胞菌,根据嗜水气单胞菌16SrDNA基因和气溶素基因（aerolysin）的保守序列,设计2对引物,对所分离到的27株嗜水气单胞菌进行双重PCR扩增,扩增结果表明,其中18株为含有Aer毒力基因的潜在致病性嗜水气单胞菌,占总菌数的66．67％。应用ERIC-PCR分型技术对27株嗜水气单胞菌菌株进行分析,以相似度54．00％为限,所有菌株可分为Ⅰ和Ⅱ两大聚类,以76．00％相似度为界,27株嗜水气单胞菌可分为11个聚类,同一个聚类中菌株分离区域基本相同。分析结果表明,分离的嗜水气单胞菌基因型的多样性和分离地域具有一定的关联,也表明ERIC-PCR可以有效应用于嗜水气单胞茵分子流行病学调查。     

水族箱气单胞菌的鉴定及致病特性分析

为了确定南京市某渔场发病鱼感染的病原,本研究采集患鱼脏器,采用平板培养、生化实验和特异性gyrB基因扩增测序等方法进行细菌的分离鉴定;利用PCR技术检测分离株毒力基因的分布,分析其生物学特性,并进一步通过动物实验确定菌株致病力.结果分离到1株水族箱气单胞菌,命名为LK-25.该菌株携带5种主要毒力基因:气溶素(aer)、细胞毒性肠毒素(act)、细胞兴奋性肠毒素(alt)、温敏胞外蛋白酶(epr)和丝氨酸蛋白酶(ahp),其溶血性和溶蛋白能力较强,对斑马鱼的半数致死量为1.02×103 CFU/尾,确定为强毒株.进化树分析表明,水族箱气单胞菌与嗜水气单胞菌达卡亚种亲缘关系较近.本研究在国内首次报道发现水族箱气单胞菌,为进一步预防该菌所引起的相关疾病的发生和传播提供理论基础.     

鱼源气单胞菌的毒力基因检测、分型及致病力

为调查鱼源气单胞菌毒力基因与其致病力的相关性,以2009—2018年从不同患病鱼分离的173株气单胞菌为研究对象,通过检测毒力相关基因、测定溶血活性、腹腔注射感染异育银鲫等方法开展评价。通过管家基因gyrB分子鉴定结果显示,173株气单胞菌中维氏气单胞菌(119/173,68.9%)和嗜水气单胞菌(50/173,28.9%)是主要流行的菌株。10个毒力基因aer(162/173,93.64%)、act(131/173,75.72%)、ast(55/173,31.79%)、alt(58/173,33.53%)、lip(152/173,87.86%)、exu(154/173,89.02%)、fla(143/173,82.66%)、gcaT(148/173, 85.55%)、 eprCAI(41/173, 23.70%)和ahyB(51/173, 29.48%)普遍存在于173株气单胞菌中。依据检测到的毒力基因数量从多到少分布情况,这些菌株可分为7大类(Ⅰ～Ⅶ)53个毒力基因型。大部分嗜水气单胞菌检测到8～10个毒力基因,主要分布于Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ类基因型;维氏气单胞菌的eprCAI、ahyB、 ast和alt等4个毒力基因检测率低,主要分布于Ⅳ、Ⅴ和Ⅵ类基因型。大部分气单胞菌(94.22%,163/173)具有溶血活性。代表性毒力基因型的38株维氏气单胞菌和20株嗜水气单胞菌腹腔注射异育银鲫攻毒结果显示,3.0×106 CFU/尾的剂量下,3株维氏气单胞菌使鲫死亡率达80%～100%,16株嗜水气单胞菌使鲫死亡率达90%～100%。研究表明,维氏气单胞菌是目前最主要流行的气单胞菌,但其检测到的毒力基因普遍少于嗜水气单胞菌,且对异育银鲫的致病力普遍弱于嗜水气单胞菌。本研究能够为气单胞菌败血症的流行病学调查和疫苗研究提供理论依据。     

不同来源的嗜水气单胞菌（Aeromonas hydrophila）对三角帆蚌的致病性研究

探讨了４种不同来源的嗜水气单胞菌对三角帆蚌的致病力。４种来源的嗜水气单胞菌菌种经复壮、分离、鉴定、人工感染健康三角帆蚌均能引起其发病死亡,临床发病症状相似,但对三角帆蚌的毒力有差异,以甲鱼嗜水气单胞菌对三角帆蚌的毒力最强,牛蛙嗜水气单胞菌的毒力最弱。     

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.     

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.