分水江水库鱼类群落结构多样性研究

2008年11月至2009年10月对分水江水库鱼类资源进行了调查,共调查8船次,统计渔获物142.48kg,测量鱼类标本1304尾,经鉴定共发现鱼类36种,隶属5目、8科、31属;其中,鲤形目26种,占总数的72.2%;鲈形目和鲶形目各4种,分别占总数的11.1%;鳗鲡目和合鳃目各1种,分别占总数的2.8%。群落优势度分析发现,优势种有5种,优势度变化范围0.38～0.61。多样性指数分析表明,鱼类种群丰富度指数（D）值为1.14～5.42,Shannon-Wiener多样度指数（H＇）为0.69～2.60,种类均匀度指数（J＇）为0.31～1.21。鱼类群落的季节差异性较高,种类变化波动以夏季最大。     

北江鱼类群落结构及其与环境因子的关系

为详细了解北江鱼类群落结构,于2014年3月-2016年2月对北江鱼类资源进行了每月一次的野外调查。结果显示:共采集鱼类77种,隶属于8目16科56属。其中鲤形目44种,占总数的57.1%;鲈形目10种,占总数的13.0%;鲇形目8种,占总数的10.3%;其余的鳉形目、合鳃鱼目、鲱形目、鲑形目和鲻形目种数均少于5种。在全部77种鱼类中,只有(Hemiculter leucisculus)、鲤(Cyprinus carpio)和鲮(Cirrhina molitorella)三种鱼类属于年度优势种。典型对应分析(CCA)显示,水温(Tem)、溶氧量(DO)和盐度(Sal)是影响北江鱼类群落结构季节变化的主要环境因子。     

大渡河乐山段鱼类群落结构特征研究

为了解大渡河乐山段鱼类群落结构和多样性的分布特征,2015年11月至2017年4月,在大渡河河口乐山市沙湾区至市中区长约30km的河网段布置7个采样断面,采用定置刺网、地笼和电捕等方法,进行了4次鱼类资源调查。结果表明,调查期间共采集到鱼类57种,隶属于5目、13科、48属;其中,鲤形目(38种)占总数的66.67%;鲇形目(13种)占22.81%;鲈形目(4种)占7.02%;合鳃目(1种)和鳉形目(1种)均占1.75%。该区域鱼类群落以杂食性、底栖、适应缓流生境的种类为主。根据优势度指数(index of relative importance,IRI)分析,安谷电站坝上库区河段鱼类优势种有7种,坝下河段有8种,生态河道有8种。鱼类群落多样性指数以安谷电站坝下河段最高。生态类群分析表明,安谷电站坝上与坝下江段的鱼类群落结构差异显著,渔获物个体小型化趋势明显。目前的水电开发和过度捕捞是影响大渡河乐山段鱼类资源最主要的胁迫因素。     

澜沧江中上游功果桥—乌弄龙江段鱼类资源现状及物种多样性

为了解澜沧江中上游功果桥—乌弄龙江段现有鱼类的种类组成和多样性特征,于2018—2020年连续3年对我国境内澜沧江中上游不同江段进行了鱼类资源调查,分析了该江段的鱼类资源现状及物种多样性。结果显示,调查共获鱼类39种,隶属于5目10科8亚科32属,其中鲤形目有26种,占总种数的66.67%;土著鱼类占调查总数的56.41%,外来种占总数的43.59%;鱼类食性结构较单一,大多为肉食性和杂食性鱼类,其中杂食性鱼类24种,占调查总数的61.54%,肉食性鱼类10种,占调查总数的25.64%,其他食性不详的占调查总数的12.82%;在3种栖息水层类型中,底层鱼类物种数比例较高,占56.41%。该江段鱼类的优势种是光唇裂腹鱼、长须纹胸鱼兆、大鳞副泥鳅和澜沧裂腹鱼,7个采集点的平均香农-维纳多样性指数(H’)、辛普森优势度指数(D)、物种均匀度指数(J)和物种丰富度指数(d)分别为1.48、0.41、2.69和0.80。总体看,处于中游(功果桥库区、腊马登村)采样点的物种多样性各项指数要高于处于上游的5个采样点;乌弄龙库区与里底库区、里底库区与拉古村、腊马登村与功果桥库区的鱼类种类相似性指数(I...     

长江下游镇江和畅洲北汊江段鱼类群落多样性研究

在和畅洲北汊开展鱼类资源调查评估,丰富鱼类资源本底资料,为长江中下游流域鱼类生物多样性保护及加强镇江长江豚类省级自然保护区就地保护工作提供科学依据。2015年2月至2016年1月,采用定置张网采集渔获物,每月监测2 d,每天放网24 h。结果显示,共采集鱼类48种,隶属7目13科38属,以鲤形目和鲈形目占优,分别占总种类数的74.47%和10.20%;鱼类生态类型以淡水定居性、杂食性、中下层占优;群落优势种为鳊(Parabramis pekinensis)、鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)、鳙(Aristichthys nobilis)、似鳊(Pseudobrama simony);渔获物规格以单尾均重50 g以下的鱼类占优;基于渔获尾数的多样性特征值为：丰富度指数(R) 5.67,Shannon-wiener指数(H’) 2.68,优势度指数(D) 0.12,均匀度指数(E) 0.30;聚类分析和非度量多维标度排序表明,调查江段鱼类群聚在不同时间段内存在差异,鱼类群落结构存在极显著差异,同时种间的分离程度高。     

饮用水水源地盐龙湖鱼类群落结构特征及调控策略研究

为探明饮用水水源地盐龙湖鱼类群落结构特征,于2015年10月-2016年10月对盐城市饮用水水源地盐龙湖的鱼类群落结构特征及其物种多样性进行了多网目复合刺网和电捕的调查研究。结果显示:盐龙湖现有鱼类6目9科36种,其中鲤形目种类最多,为27种,占物种总数的75%。群落优势种均为小型鱼类,分别占总渔获量和渔获物个体总数的65.87%和76.67%。主要优势种为似鳊(Pseudobrama simony)、鲫(Carassius auratus)、■(Hemiculter leucisculu)、短颌鲚(Coilia brachygnathus)。代表物种多样性特征的Shannon-Wienner多样性指数(H_N)为2.08,Wilhm改进指数(H_W)为2.30,Simpson优势度指数(λ)为0.21,Piesous均匀度指数(J)为0.59,Margalef物种丰富度指数(D)为4.49;相对稀有种数(R)为63.89%。这些结果表明:盐龙湖鱼类群落结构简单、小型化形势严峻,且食鱼性鱼类鳜(Siniperca chuatsi)、翘嘴鲌(Channa argus)和乌鳢(Culter alburnus)等密度和生物量偏低,无法对小型鱼类进行有效控制。因此,水源地湖泊中应采用提高食鱼性鱼类生物量的经典生物操纵手段对鱼类群落进行调控,以利于生态系统健康和水质保护。     

三峡库区干流鱼类资源现状与物种多样性保护

为掌握三峡库区干流现有鱼类种类组成和物种多样性状况,2013-2015年在三峡库区干流涪陵、云阳、巫山和秭归4个江段开展渔获物调查,分析了该区域的鱼类资源现状及物种多样性。结果表明,调查期间共收集到鱼类84种,隶属于5目、13科,以鲤形目和鲇形目为主,其中包括厚颌鲂(Megalobrama pellegrini)、岩原鲤(Procypris rabaudi)、圆口铜鱼(Coreius guichenoti)等12种长江上游特有鱼类,鱼类种类数没有显著变化;多样性分析显示,以相对重要性指数(IRI)大于2%为标准,三峡库区鱼类群落优势种共15种,其中飘鱼(Pseudolaubuca sinensis)和黑尾歺又鱼(Hemiculter nigromarginis)的优势度最高。渔获物调查表明,三峡库区日平均单船产量为8.93kg;鱼类群落的Shannon-Wiener多样性指数(H)和Simpson优势度指数(D)呈现逐年增加趋势。基于本调查结果,提出了栖息地恢复、严格控制捕捞强度等措施,以保护三峡库区干流的鱼类多样性。     

金沙江下游巧家江段鱼类生物多样性及群落结构的年际动态

2006-2012年在金沙江下游非倒灌区域的巧家江段进行了渔获物调查,对该区域的鱼类生物多样性和群落结构的年际动态进行了研究。5年共调查发现鱼类57种,隶属于3目8科42属。鲤形目3科33属43种,占总种类数的75.44%;鲇形目4科8属12种,占总种类数的21.05%;鲈形目2科2属2种,占总种类数的3.51%。长江上游特有鱼类20种,占总种类数的35.09%;其中长薄鳅(Leptobotia elongata)列入中国濒危动物红皮书保护名录。2006、2008、2011和2012年之间的鱼类种类数(分别为36、32、37、37种)差异很小,均与2010年种类数(47种)有差异,但One-way ANOSIM检验差异在统计学上不显著(R=1,P=20%0.05)。除2010年外,调查区域的优势度在4年间总体上呈下降趋势,而Shannon多样性指数和均匀度呈上升趋势,丰富度则各年大致相当。聚类分析(CA)和非度量多维标度(NMDS)方法对5年间的鱼类群落结构的年际变化的分析结果表明:5年的鱼类群落结构可以分为2组,但One-way ANOSIM检验结果显示各组间无显著性差异(R=1,P=10%0.05)。SIMPER分析的结果表明,5年间丰度减少的种类均为喜流水性鱼类,而丰度增加的种类既有喜流水性的鱼类也有适应静、缓流水的鱼类。鱼类丰度在年份梯度上的变化不明显,各年间各种鱼类的丰度呈偏正态分布。研究结果表明,非倒灌区域的鱼类仍然受到流域内梯级电站修建的影响。     

温州南部沿岸海域鱼类群落特征及其与环境因子的关系

根据2015年春季(5月)和秋季(9月)温州南部沿岸海域渔业资源调查数据,利用物种多样性指数、多元分析及其典范对应分析等方法,对该海域鱼类种类组成、多样性和群落与环境因子间的关系进行了分析。结果表明:温州南部沿岸海域共鉴定鱼类47种,隶属于9目27科41属,主要以暖水性和暖温性为主,鲈形目(Perciformes)种类最多,共26种;其次为鲱形目(Clupeiformes),共6种;再次为形目(Tetraodontiformes),共4种。春季,优势种依次为日本鳀(Engraulis japonicas)、镰鲳(Pampus echinogaster)、六丝矛尾虾虎鱼(Amblychaeturichthys hexanema)和棘头梅童鱼(Collichthys lucidus),其渔获量占总渔获量的49.3%;秋季,优势种为龙头鱼(Harpodon nehereus)、棘头梅童鱼和六指马鲅(Polynemus sextarius),占总渔获量的50.8%。日本鳀、蓝圆鲹(Decapterus maruadsi)、刺鲳(Psenopsis anomala)、龙头鱼、鳓(Ilisha elongata)和六指马鲅等是各季节各站位组的典型种及造成不同站位组间群落差异的主要分歧种。此外,组内的典型种一定程度上是组间的分歧种和群落的优势种。经Pearson分析,Margalef种类丰富度指数(D)和Shannon-Wiener多样性指数(H')与溶解氧呈极显著正相关,而与盐度和温度均呈显著正相关。通过典范对应分析(CCA)得出,影响鱼类群落的主要环境因子为酸碱度p H、水深和盐度。     

流溪河保护区鱼类群落结构及其时空变动

为了解流溪河光倒刺鲃国家级水产种质资源保护区鱼类群落结构,分析不同河段、不同季节鱼类群落多样性的变化,于2017年12月-2018年10月对保护区上、中、下游的鱼类开展了每个季度一次的调查。调查结果显示,共采集鱼类57种,隶属于5目14科50属,其中鲤形目43种、鲈形目6种、鲇形目5种,合鳃鱼目2种,鳉形目1种;计算57种鱼类的相对重要性指数,结果显示,尼罗罗非鱼、越南■及鲤鱼为2017-2018年度优势种;Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Margalef丰富度指数和Pielou均匀度指数计算结果显示,下游鱼类群落的多样性及均匀度最高,夏季鱼类群落的多样性、丰富度及均匀度最高;各监测点之间的种类相似性系数显示,保护区上中游、上下游之间鱼类种类组成为中等不相似,中下游种类组成为中等相似,春夏、春冬、夏冬及夏秋季节鱼类种类组成为中等不相似,春秋、秋冬季节为中等相似;ABC分析结果显示,春、夏及冬季鱼类群落处于稳定状态,秋季处于中度干扰状态。     

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.