珠江河口及其附近水域银鲳生长与死亡参数估计

对珠江河口及其附近水域银鲳的生长与死亡参数进行估算，得von Bertalanffy生长方程的相关参数为：L∞=36．0cm，K=0．230，t0=-1．137；根据生长方程进一步计算得到自然死亡系数为0．586；20世纪9H0年代捕捞死亡系数为0．944，是20世纪80年代的近2倍；根据等渔获量曲线图分析，若在当前的捕捞规格(开捕叉长为12．0cm)下仍维持现行的捕捞强度(捕捞死亡系数)，资源将受到破坏，而且不符合经济效益的要求。依据性成熟特征，开捕叉长最小应为15．0cm；综合考虑性成熟特征、当前可能的捕捞强度及经济效益，在提高产量而不破坏资源的前提下，建议珠江河口及附近水域银鲳的开捕叉长应由12．0cm增加至15．0cm。     

放大网囊网目尺寸对南海多齿蛇鲻的影响

根据南海北部多齿蛇鲻生物学参数和20世纪80年代南海区底拖网选择性试验数据,运用Beverton Holt模型,分析在不同捕捞死亡系数F时,网囊网目尺寸从目前的平均27mm放大到39mm后多齿蛇鲻的单位补充量渔获量YW/R、单位补充量渔获尾数YN/R、渔获平均体长 LY、渔获平均体重 WY和渔获平均年龄 TY的变化情况。结果表明:网目尺寸放大后,在捕捞强度不变的情况下,YW/R、 LY、 WY、 TY的值均有不同程度的提高,且当前的捕捞死亡系数F越大,增幅越明显;YN/R,而的值却有所降低,降幅基本不受F的影响。F在0.4～3.0范围时,网目放大后多齿蛇鲻在年渔获尾数下降15%的情况下,产量反可增加11%～69%;同时 LY提高16%～30%、 WY提高31%～99%、 TY提高22%～50%。就39mm网目而言,F值为0.6时,多齿蛇鲻可获得最大产量。     

南海北部主要捕捞种类最适开捕规格研究

根据南海水产研究所使用elefan技术基于体长数据求得的南海北部50种主要捕捞种类的von Bertalanffy生长参数，以Beverton-Holt模型计算最适开捕年龄后用von Bertalanffy生长方程计算其相应开捕体长，再参考实际调查最小性成熟体长、临界体长、拐点体长和Froese-Binohlan经验公式计算的初次性成熟体长范围等数据确定最适开捕规格；部份分海区研究的种类先确定同一种类于各海区的最适开捕规格，再考虑不同海区的适用性确定其在南海北部的最适开捕规格。本文研究了南海北部50种主要捕捞种类的最适开捕规格，结果表明，所求得的最适开捕规格比原广东、广西、福建“水产资源繁殖保护实施细则暂行规定”的开捕规格都大；建议选择19种在以往的生产中和历次调查研究中出现频率较高、产量较高的主要捕捞种类作为南海北部实行开捕规格保护幼鱼幼虾措施的指标种，并提出开捕规格的随机抽样检查方法。     

南海北部陆架水域多齿蛇鲻与花斑蛇鲻的年龄与生长

2014年7月至2015年5月采集南海北部陆架海域的多齿蛇鲻(Sauridatumbil)和花斑蛇鲻(Sauridaundosquamis)样本,测量其叉长、体重、性腺成熟度,并读取其耳石和日龄数据,对这2个种的生物学特征进行比较,发现多齿蛇鲻和花斑蛇鲻叉长、体重雌雄间差异显著(P0.05)。多齿蛇鲻雌性与雄性样本,叉长范围分别为109～310 mm、117～283 mm,体重范围分别为13～358 g、20～297 g,日龄范围分别为76～558 d、73～526 d, von Bertalanffy生长方程的相关参数分别为:L_(∞♀)=278 mm, L_(∞♂)=276 mm; K_♀=1.30, K_♂=1.30; t_(0♀)=-0.07 a, t_(0♂)=-0.08 a。雌性性腺成熟度Ⅲ期样本从350～400 d日龄组开始出现,雌性与雄性样本孵化高峰期在3月、7月、9—10月。花斑蛇鲻雌性与雄性样本,叉长范围分别为105～269 mm、95～264 mm,体重范围分别为11～220 g、8～228 g,日龄范围分别为79～486 d、84～488 d, von Bertalanffy生长方程的相关参数分别为:L_(∞♀)=269 mm, L_(∞♂)=265 mm, K_♀=1.29, K_♂=1.29, t_(0♀)=-0.06 a, t_(0♂)=-0.06 a,雌性性腺成熟度Ⅲ期样本从200～250 d日龄组开始出现,雌性与雄性样本孵化高峰期在6—11月。与历史资料进行对比,发现南海海域多齿蛇鲻与花斑蛇鲻出现个体大小逐渐减小、性成熟提前等适应性特征。结论认为,为了南海多齿蛇鲻与花斑蛇鲻渔业资源的可持续发展,需要降低南海近海的捕捞压力以促进南海渔业资源的发展。     

北部湾二长棘鲷生长和死亡参数估计

根据上世纪90年代及60年代的生物学资料，运用体长频率分析法估算二长棘鲷的生长和死亡参数。vonBertlanffy生长方程的主要参数L∞=27．3cm，K=0．45，t0=-O．34；体重的生长拐点为2．12龄；瞬时总死亡率(Z)、瞬时自然死亡率(M)和瞬时捕捞死亡率(F)分别为2.825，1．045和1．78。当前开发率为0．63，资源处于过度利用状态。根据等渔量曲线图分析，当前的捕捞强度过高，而开捕年龄和开捕体长过低，资源出现衰竭现象。综合考虑当前的捕捞强度和社会经济效益，建议北部湾二长棘鲷的最适开捕年龄大于1龄，开捕体长大于120mm。     

东海北部哈氏仿对虾资源量评估

根据2005～2008年东海北部哈氏仿对虾的生物学数据,应用FISATⅡ软件的ElEFANⅠ技术计算生长参数,得到VonBertalanffy生长方程的相关参数为L∞=123.4mm,K=1.70,t0=-0.16,自然死亡系数M=2.55,总死亡系数Z=5.81,捕捞死亡系数F=3.26。应用长度结构的实际种群分析,得出稳定状态下资源量为2.86×104吨。利用Beverton-Holt和Thompson-Bell模型对单位补充量的产量Y/R和单位补充量的产值Yv/R进行分析,表明在现行状态下,该群体未出现过度捕捞现象。综合考虑当前可能的捕捞强度及经济效益,在有利于保持较高产量的前提下,建议在适当降低捕捞强度的同时把哈氏仿对虾的开捕体长由55.6mm增加至74.0mm。     

东海北部和黄海南部鲐鱼生长特性及合理利用

采用2002年11月~2003年8月在东海北部和黄海南部区域(30°~34°N、126°E以西范围)所获取的鲐鱼(Scomberjaponicus)样品,通过观察鲐鱼耳石生长轮和基础生物学测定,研究了鲐鱼的年龄和生长;再依据不完全β函数渔获量方程,计算、分析在不同开捕年龄和不同捕捞强度下的单位补充量渔获量(Yw/R)的变化情况。结果表明,采用Walford方法拟合的鲐鱼生长方程,其生长参数K、L∞、t0分别为0.320、451.4和-1.203。比较不同时期鲐鱼的生长情况显示,20世纪60、80年代和21世纪初期鲐鱼的生长较接近,而20世纪70年代的鲐鱼生长情况与其他3个时期的鲐鱼生长相差较大。比较不同海域鲐鱼的生长情况显示,随着纬度的增加,鲐鱼的个体有增大的趋势,经分析很可能与海水温度有关。根据历史资料推算出鲐鱼的最大年龄(tλ)为9龄;根据最近的采样,推算出鲐鱼的开捕年龄和补充年龄都为0.4年,鲐鱼的自然死亡率为0.355,捕捞死亡率为2.27。利用上述参数,动态综合模型模拟的结果显示,该资源过度捕捞已很严重。若保持当前捕捞强度,则必须把开捕年龄限制在2.9龄;若能同时改变捕捞强度和开捕年龄,则可以把当前的开捕年龄限制在2.0龄,捕捞死亡率降到1.3,这样鲐鱼资源才能够得到保护与合理利用。     

福建近海渔业资源结构及其主要种群生态的变化

本文通过对福建近海主要渔获种类组成与结构的变化和大头狗母鱼、多齿蛇鲻、蓝圆鲹、鲐鱼和竹荚鱼的种群结构及其生态学参数、捕捞死亡系数、开发比率的变化的研究,揭示了近海渔业开发力度的加大对资源衰退及其生态学的影响,旨在为渔业决策部门制定21世纪初期福建近海捕捞渔业持续发展规划提供重要的决策依据。     

南海北部拖网30．3mm方形网目网囊的渔获选择性分析

根据1997年10月和2000年11月在南海北部珠江口以外传统拖网渔场进行的网目选择性试验资料,分析了网目内径为30·3mm的方形网目网囊对南海北部多种渔获的选择性能。结果表明,这种规格的方目网囊平均尾数逃逸率为29·76%,平均重量逃逸率为8·46%;出现在套网中的经济种类少、数量少,条尾绯鲤、金线鱼、多齿蛇鲻、大头狗母鱼4种鱼的尾数和重量分别占套网抽样渔获的95·4%和86·0%;网囊中带鱼、长尾大眼鲷、黄鳍马面鲀、白姑鱼、深水金线鱼等鱼种的体长小于可捕标准的个体尾数比例均超过或接近50%,枪乌贼、乌贼、乌鲳等幼鱼尾数比例达90%以上,多齿蛇鲻和金线鱼50%选择体长均未达到最低可捕标准,表明该种规格网囊对多数经济种类幼体的损害比较严重。总体来说,使用该规格的方目网囊作业不利于南海北部多数种类资源的繁殖、恢复及其可持续利用,不利于海洋生物多样性保护。     

黄海南部小黄鱼生长、死亡和最适开捕体长

根据2008-2009年在黄海南部海域底拖网采集的小黄鱼(Larimichthys polyactis(Bleeker,1877)]样本的生物学资料,应用FiSAT软件对小黄鱼的生长、死亡参数进行估算,通过Beverton-Holt模型评价小黄鱼资源的利用状况,并与临界体长、拐点体长等进行比较,以确定最适开捕体长.结果显示:(1)小黄鱼的体长(L)和体质量(W)关系式为W=0.0268×L2814.(2)应用FiSAT软件拟合的von Bertalanffy生长方程参数为L=27 cm,k=0.45 a-1,to=-0.47 a;(3)总死亡系数Z=2.40,自然死亡系数M=0.77,捕捞死亡系数F=1.63,开发率E=0.68.(4)在现行的捕捞死亡系数F=1.63下,Yw/R达到最大值时开捕年龄和开捕体长分别为1.41 a和15.42 cm;拐点年龄和体长分别为1.83 a和17.41 cm;临界年龄和体长分别为1.70 a和16.82cm.现阶段小黄鱼资源已处于过度开发状态,综合考虑渔民利益和资源修复需要,建议黄海南部小黄鱼的最适开捕规格定为体长14.83 cm.     

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.