Light intensity affects the survival and growth of matrinxã larvae,Brycon amazonicus (Spix & Agassiz, 1829)

We evaluated the effect of light intensity on survival rate and zootechnical performance in matrinxã larvae (Brycon amazonicus) that is an important species for fish farming in the Amazon region. For this, the larvae were submitted to three experimental stages : Stage I—10–72 hr after hatching (HAH), Stage II—72–168 HAH and Stage III—168–288 HAH. The animals were submitted to three treatments of different light intensities: low (±20 lx), intermediate (±200 lx) and high (±2,000 lx). The low light intensity increased the survival rate in 24, 48, 72, 120, 168 and 288 HAH. The size of the animals was homogeneous in 72 and 168 HAH in the low and intermediate treatments. The high light intensity increased the zootechnical parameters in 288 HAH. We suggest the use of low light intensity in the initial periods of observation (24 and 48 HAH) to reduce aggressiveness and increase the survival and homogeneity of the animals. On the other hand, it is possible to suggest an increase in the light intensity in the final period of observation (288 HAH), as the increase in intensity stimulated growth and affected the survival rate of the matrinxã larvae.     

Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n‐3) alters cortisol response after air exposure in Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes) larvae fed on enriched Artemia

This study investigated the effect of different proportions of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) on the growth, survival and stress response of curimba (Prochilodus lineatus Valenciennes) larvae, an omnivorous freshwater species, fed on enriched Artemia. Six different experimental emulsions were formulated to have two levels of ARA (A‐0.5 and A‐1.0), two levels of DHA (D‐0.5 and D‐1.0) two combinations of ARA and DHA (AD‐3:1 and AD‐1:3). There were no significant effects of treatments on curimba standard length and survival at the end of the experiment. The results showed a negative correlation between dietary DHA and whole‐body cortisol after 60 s of air exposure. The resting concentration of cortisol was not affected by the diets (p = .424). After air exposure, all treatments except for D‐1.0 (p = .137) and D‐0.5 (p = .545) exhibited a marked cortisol rise. These results showed that DHA supplementation can have an attenuating effect on cortisol response after air exposure.     

Effects of delayed first feeding on larval growth,survival and development of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Holothuroidea)

The time of first feeding is an important factor for establishing successful exogenous feeding in aquaculture hatcheries as it is crucial for larval survival and growth. The effects of delayed first feeding by the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus larvae were investigated. Groups of larvae were fed immediately after completion of the digestive tract (fed control) or starved for 24, 48, 72, 108 and 120 h post fertilization. The growth rates of A. japonicus larvae were the same as those of the control group when first feeding was delayed for less than 72 h. When the period of starvation was beyond 72 h, growth rates were reduced. The fed control group had the highest percentage of late auricularia larvae (70.0%) on day 11, followed by the groups starved for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, which had 35.00%, 43.48% and 41.67% of late auricularia larvae. When larvae were starved for more than 72 h, the percentage of late auricularia larvae never exceeded 12.0%. Most larvae halted in development and were deformed before reaching metamorphosis when starved for 108 and 120 h. Prolonged exposure to starvation (more than 48 h) resulted in a significant decrease in percentage of larvae reaching settlement. The point‐of‐no‐return (PNR) of A. japonicus larvae was calculated 110.4 h. Ratios of stomach length to total length, stomach width to total width were more sensitive to starvation than other larval morphometrics. To avoid mortality and obtain adequate growth and development, A. japonicus larvae in commercial culture should be fed within 48 h of the completion of the digestive tract.     

The effects of methionine‐enriched Artemia nauplii on growth,amino acid profiles,absorption enzyme activity and antioxidant capability of common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) larvae

The effects of methionine‐enriched Artemia nauplii on growth, amino acid profiles and activity of absorption enzymes and antioxidant capability of common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) larvae were investigated in this study. The newly hatched Artemia nauplii enriched with methionine at four levels (0, 400, 800, 1,600 mg/L) for 16 hr was used as live food for common carp larvae for 21 days. The results demonstrated that the level of methionine in nauplii enriched with methionine increased significantly as the level of supplemental methionine rose (p < 0.05). The specific growth rate (SGR) and body length growth rate (BLGR) values in all experimental groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05) in the trial period. With the supplement of methionine, the amino acid profiles vary depending on the type of amino acid and/or the level of methionine applied. Further examination revealed that the activity of absorption enzymes in the 800 and 1,600 mg/L groups were all significantly higher compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). Similar results on the antioxidant capability of fish larvae were also observed among the treatments. The changes in these physiological factors allowed for the control of the content of supplemental methionine in Artemia nauplii for larvae and potentially the ability to improve the growth performance of common carp larvae.     

Effects of light intensity on growth,feeding activity and development in common sole (Solea solea L.) larvae in relation to sensory organ ontogeny

The effects of four light intensities (1000 lx, 500 lx, 50 lx, 3 lx) on growth, survival and feeding activity in common sole (Solea solea L.) larvae were studied from 4 to 51 days post hatching (dph). During the pelagic larval stage (4–12 dph), larvae reared at 3 lx showed a lower growth. From 19 onwards, the larvae reared under 3 lx displayed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) higher SGR than the other treatments and a higher final weight compared to 1000 lx and 500 lx. Survival rate was higher under intermediate light intensities (500 and 50 lx). Larvae reared at 3 lx displayed a significant delay in the degree of metamorphosis compared to the other treatments, while at 33 dph metamorphosis was completed under all treatments. Histological examination revealed the importance of vision and light in the first feeding of this species, while after metamorphosis, the full development of other sensory organs indicated that feeding activity is also mediated by chemosensory perception. Results indicate that high light intensity seems to be more suitable during the pelagic larvae, while the opposite would ensure better growth from the onset of metamorphosis to the benthic phase.     

Influence of temperature on yolk resorption in common snook Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch, 1792) larvae

To determine the optimal rearing temperature for Centropomus undecimalis larvae during the yolk resorption period, changes in larval development were measured at four different temperatures (23, 25, 28 and 31°C). Yolk and oil‐globule volume was recorded for 25 larvae at four different times. This involved an initial measurement at hatch and at 24, 48 and 72 h posthatch (hph). Additional morphological measurements included standard length, body height and eye diameter. On average, at the end of the three trials, larvae reared at 25°C had a longer mean standard length than larvae reared at 23, 28 and 31°C. Larvae reared at 25°C also had more yolk and oil globule reserves than larvae raised at 28 and 31°C. The body height:length residuals were also the highest at 25°C (i.e. larvae had deeper or stockier bodies). The yolk sac was present up to 72 hph at 23 and 25°C, while it was entirely consumed after 48 hph in larvae held at 28 and 31°C. Larvae showed the fastest growth during the first 24 hph in all temperature treatments; this period corresponded to the highest energy consumption as determined by the decrease in yolk sac and oil‐globule volume. Eye diameter did not vary significantly with time during yolk‐resorption. We conclude that a temperature near 25°C is optimal for raising snook larvae during the yolk‐resorption period.     

Applying the ontogeny of digestive enzyme activity to guide early weaning of pigfish,Orthopristis chrysoptera (L.)

Weaning marine fish larvae from live prey to a dry microdiet is an important step towards optimizing the commercial production, but early weaning is constrained by the lack of sufficient digestive enzymes at first feeding. This study quantified the activity of five digestive enzymes throughout the larval period of pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera [L.]) to assess ontogenetic changes in digestive abilities, and then trials were conducted that determined the optimal time for weaning. The activity of all digestive enzymes was low or undetectable at first feeding (3 days post hatching, dph; 2.5 mm standard length, SL). A substantial increase in activity occurred at 5.7 mm SL (17 dph), 6.9 mm SL (21 dph), 7.7 mm SL (23 dph), 8.4 mm SL (25 dph) and 11.2 mm SL (30 dph) for bile salt‐dependent lipase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase and acid protease respectively. During the weaning experiment, larvae were co‐fed live prey and microdiet beginning 15 dph (4.8 mm SL). Live prey was withdrawn from the diet at 24, 28, 32 or 36 dph, with the control receiving live prey and microdiet throughout (to 43 dph). There were no significant differences in mean final SL among treatments, but survival was significantly lower when larvae were weaned at 24 dph compared to 32–43 dph. Based on the digestive enzyme activity and survival, weaning larval pigfish at 32 dph (11.7 mm SL) when reared at 24°C is recommended.     

Biochemical responses of common carp,Cyprinus carpio,to transportation in plastic bags using thymol as a sedative agent

The present study aimed at assessing the effects of addition of thymol [0 (T0), 2.5 mg/L (T2.5), 5 mg/L (T5) and 10 mg/L (T10)] to water on biochemical and antioxidant responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, during 3-h transportation. The lowest dissolved oxygen and ammonia levels after transportation were related to T2.5 and T5 treatments respectively. T5 treatment exhibited lower cortisol/glucose responses after transportation and 24 h after that, whereas T2.5 and T10 exhibited elevations in these parameters at the same times. Hyperammonaemia and hyperchloraemia were observed in T2.5 treatment immediately after transportation, but such changes were observed in all treatments, 24 h after transportation. Addition of 10 mg/L thymol to water prevented uraemia after transportation, but all thymol-treated fish exhibited uraemia, 24 h after transportation. Thymol treatment failed to mitigate lactate elevation immediately after transportation; nevertheless, T2.5 and T10 had, respectively, the lowest and highest lactate levels, 24 h after transportation. T5 treatment inhibited alteration in superoxide dismutase activity, immediately after transportation, and T10 exhibited a similar effect, 24 h after transportation. Addition of 2.5 mg/L thymol to water significantly increased catalase activity immediately after transportation, but such a response was observed in all treatments, 24 h after transportation. T2.5 and T10 exhibited higher malondialdehyde levels than T0 immediately after transportation, but such a response was observed in all thymol-treated fish, 24 h after transportation. In conclusion, addition of 5 mg/L thymol is beneficial in reducing water ammonia concentration and stress in carp during transportation.     

Effect of ammonia and nitrite on vigour,survival rate,moulting rate of the blue swimming crab <Emphasis Type="Italic">Portunus pelagicus</Emphasis> zoea

The effects of ammonia and nitrite on vigour, survival rate, moulting rate of zoea of blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus, were studied. A total of five nitrite-N treatments (26.67, 53.34, 106.68, 213.36, 426.72 mg/l) and a control (no nitrite-N added) were set up for the acute nitrite-N toxicity experiment; a total of five ammonia-N treatments (8.43, 16.86, 33.72, 67.44, 134.88 mg/l) and a control (no ammonia-N added) were set up for the acute ammonia-N toxicity experiment. The results showed that the vigour, survival rate and moulting rate of zoea of the blue swimming crabs exposed to over 53.34 mg/l were significantly different (P < 0.05) from the control group. The zoea LC₅₀ values (mg/l) of nitrite-N were 179.47, 76.56, 66.70, 37.49, 25.01, 25.35, 25.34 mg/l for 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 h, respectively. The vigour, survival rate and moulting rate of zoea of the blue swimming crabs exposed to over 16.86 mg/l were significantly different (P < 0.05) from the control group. The zoea LC₅₀ values (mg/l) of ammonia-N were 51.04, 39.62, 38.72, 24.43, 16.90, 13.42, 11.16 mg/l for 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 h, respectively. The zoeae are highly sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, and the toxicity of ammonia and nitrite on Portunus pelagicus decrease with development of this crab.     

Impact of marination,pre‐harvest salt acclimation and sodium chloride concentration on the sensory acceptability of freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii

This study was conducted to evaluate the consumer acceptability of post‐harvest freshwater prawns marinated in salt solutions (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% NaCl in the cooked product), and to compare the sensory acceptability of these treatments against prawns that had been salt acclimated pre‐harvest while still alive. The salt‐acclimated prawns were transferred to 250‐L tanks containing 10 ppt solar salt (NaCl with small concentrations of CaCl₂ and KCl). Salts were increased by 5 ppt in 2 h increments until 30 ppt was reached. After 18 h of salt acclimation, prawns were chill killed. Prawns that were used for post‐mortem marination treatments were transferred to 250 L tanks with freshwater for 18 h prior to harvest and post‐mortem marination. Two consumer‐based sensory tests were conducted (n = 102). Results indicate that flavour, texture and overall acceptability of prawns increased (P < 0.05) as the salt concentration increased from 0.5% to 1.5% in marinated prawns. In addition, marinated prawns that contained 1% sodium chloride after cooking did not differ (P > 0.05) in acceptability when compared to salt acclimated prawns which contained 0.5% sodium chloride in the cooked product. The salt‐acclimated product was preferred (P < 0.05) over the 0.5% salt marination treatment, although they did not differ in final salt concentration. This indicates that salt acclimation enhanced product acceptability through increased salt concentration as well as due to the salt acclimation process, thus lowering the amount of sodium chloride that was necessary to enhance product acceptability.     

Improvement of Matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus,Larviculture by Exposing Eggs to Triiodothyronine

This work evaluated the effect of triiodothyronine (T₃) on larviculture of matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus. Oocytes of three females were pooled, fertilized with pooled semen of two males and separated in four batches that were immersed in triiodothyronine solutions as follows: M₁ (control – water); M₂ (0.01 mg/L T₃); M₃ (0.05 mg/L T₃); and M₄ (0.1 mg/L T₃). Triiodothyronine did not affect fertilization rate and number of hatched larvae. Weight of hatched larvae was significantly higher in treatments M3 and M4, as well as among larvae sampled at Day 12 in all treatments. After 12 d of rearing, biomass gain was higher in the hormone treatments (M₁ 688 ± 569 mg; M₂ 2436 ± 562 mg; M₃ 3572 ± 569 mg; and M₄ 4129 ± 770 mg). In general, coefficients of variation of weight (CV_w) and length (CV_l) did not differ among treatments and cannibalism was registered between 36 and 72 hours post‐hatching (h.p.h.) without differences among treatments. Larval survival increased in the hormone treatments (M₁ 26.5%; M₂ 37.6%; M₃ 40.6%; and M₄ 40.8%). The results indicate that the immersion of matrinxã eggs in triiodothyronine can promote beneficial effects to its larviculture and indicate promising perspectives for culture of this tropical species.     

EDCs‐induced glucocorticoid receptor related genes expression of the river pufferfish,Takifugu obscurus

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of substantial concern when contaminating waters. We studied gene expression of larvae from river pufferfish, Takifugu obscurus exposed to EDCs. We cloned the full‐ or partial‐length cDNA sequence of genes related to the cortisol pathway, such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and 90, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and the FK506‐binding protein 4 (FKBP52). The tissue and time‐dependent expression of mRNA was studied by real‐time PCR in T. obscurus exposed to two representative EDCs (bisphenol‐A and 4‐tert‐octylphenol). HSP70, HSP90, MR and FKBP52 mRNA expression level was much higher than GR and PEPCK expression. GR mRNA expression level was significantly upregulated after 48 h in both EDC‐treated fish groups compared with the control. Both groups also showed down‐regulation patterns after 48 h. The initial expression of PEPCK in both groups was down‐regulated after 24 h. In the bisphenol‐A treated group, the expression of FKBP52 showed substantially high up‐regulation from 6 to 48 h after exposure, and then strikingly reduced its expression level at 72 h. Our results provide insights into the EDCs metabolizing system of T. obscurus and offers baseline information for further research related to the possible use as a bio‐indicator of this commercially important aquaculture fish species.     

Clove oil attenuates stress responses in lambari,Astyanax altiparanae

The effects of clove oil anaesthetic on mitigating the physiological responses to air exposure, a stressful and routine situation in fish farming, laboratory conditions and sport fishing (catch and release), were evaluated in lambari (A. altiparanae). Adult females (n = 80) were randomly sorted to receive one of four treatments: control, anaesthesia (clove oil 50 mg/L), stress (5 min air exposure) and pre‐anaesthesia associated to stress. Their cortisol, glucose, lactate and haematocrit levels, the hepatosomatic index (HSI), liver and muscle glycogen, lipid peroxidation and the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR), were recorded. Glucose levels increased (53.9%) after anaesthesia and/or stress. The stress situation increased plasma cortisol (146.6%), lactate (294.6%) and lipid peroxidation in white muscle (45%) and decreased glycogen in white muscle (40.1%). The haematocrit increased after stress or anaesthesia (7.9%) while the liver glycogen and HSI did not change. Anaesthesia or stress did not affect the LDH but reduced the activity of CAT (46.1%) and GR (30.3%). We concluded that the anaesthetic clove oil in the concentration 50 mg/L modulates the physiological responses to air exposure stress improving the welfare; air exposure and clove oil affect the antioxidant defences of lambari; the activity of CAT and GR and the concentration of MDA can be used as biomarkers of stress in A. altiparanae.     

Egg hatching rate and fatty acid composition of Acartia bilobata (Calanoida,Copepoda) across cold storage durations

To investigate egg storage capacity of the copepod Acartia bilobata for aquaculture interest, we tested hatching success rate (HSR) of inclusive eggs (mixture of all egg types) after 4°C storage. The HSR peaked after 14 days storage when incubating at 28°C for 48 hr (85.8 ± 1.6%) and 72 hr (87.6 ± 0.9%), then gradually declined until 1 year (48 hr: 7 ± 0.6%; 72 hr: 19.4 ± 3.9%). Reallocation of fatty acid profile suggests that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is correlated with the HSR of A. bilobata eggs. Additionally, we investigated the HSR of diapausing eggs (unhatched eggs after 72 hr incubation of the inclusive eggs) after 4°C storage. Their HSR peaked after 14 days storage (48 hr:75.3 ± 3.5%; 72 hr:78.2 ± 2.1%), then gradually declined until 60 days (48 hr HSR:42.1 ± 2.3%; 72 hr HSR:53.0 ± 3.2%). Overall, we illustrated the hatchability of diapausing and quiescent eggs of A. bilobata after 4°C storage. The cold storage capacities were low (<60% HSR after 60 days), and it could be limited by the egg DHA content. Our findings provide implications for future studies aiming to improve cold storage techniques of tropical copepod eggs for aquaculture applications.     

Effects of dietary orange peel on growth performance,antioxidant activity,intestinal microbiota and liver histology of Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) larvae

This study investigated the effects of dietary orange peel (OP) on growth performance, feed utilization, antioxidant activity, intestinal microbiota and liver histology of Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) larvae (0.32 ± 0.01 g/fish) (mean ± SD). Fish fed iso‐nitrogenous (480 g/kg protein) and iso‐energetic (23 MJ/kg) diets supplemented with OP at concentrations of 0, 1, 3 or 5 g/kg diet, for 60 days. Growth performance and feed utilization parameters were significantly improved by the elevation of dietary OP level, and the optimum level was 5 g/kg diet. The maximum activity of the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, alkaline phosphatase enzyme and malondialdehyde in the liver was found at 5.5, 4.6, 3.4, 2.9, 3.7 and 3.8 g OP/kg diet, respectively. All tested bacteria (Staphylococcus spp., Vibrio spp. and Salmonela spp) and total bacterial count decreased significantly in the gut of fish fed high levels of OP (3.0 or 5.0 g/kg). No differences were found in the liver histo‐architecture among treatments after 60 days feeding on OP diets. In summary, dietary OP improved growth rate, antioxidant activity and intestinal microbiota of S. aurata larvae with an optimum range from 2.9 to 5.5 g/kg diet.     

Change in blood stress and antioxidant markers and hydromineral balance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) anaesthetized with citronellal and linalool: Comparison with eugenol

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of anaesthesia with citronellal and linalool on stress, antioxidant and hydromineral responses of common carp. Eugenol was used as control anaesthetic, as it is a common anaesthetic in aquaculture. The fish (110 ± 5.65 g) were exposed to 406 mg/L citronellal, 982 mg/L linalool or 43 mg/L eugenol within 5 min (short‐term anaesthesia) or 10 and 20 mg/L of each anaesthetic for 3 hr (long‐term exposure), before blood sampling. The results showed that the short‐term anaesthesia had no significant effects on plasma lactate, sodium, chloride and phosphorus levels and blood catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activities. The short‐term anaesthesia with linalool led to higher stress responses (increased cortisol and glucose levels) and oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde [MDA] level and decreased total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity) compared to the eugenol and citronellal. Citronellal group had significantly higher cortisol and lower TAC level and GPx activity compared to eugenol group. Under the long‐term exposure, increase in anaesthetic concentration led to significant increase in plasma cortisol, glucose and phosphorus levels. The linalool‐treated fish had significantly higher cortisol and MDA levels compared to the other groups. The eugenol group had significantly higher lactate and phosphorus and lower TAC levels compared to the other groups. Although citronellal causes slight increase in plasma cortisol level, it induces lower tissue damages compared to eugenol. Thus, citronellal might be an alternative anaesthetic for carp anaesthesia based on the present tested parameters.     

Effects of linalool on physiological responses of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) and water physico‐chemical parameters during transportation

This study investigated the potential of linalool as an anaesthetic during transportation of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The fish were transported at a loading density of ~103 g/L for 3 hr in 12 plastic bags (3 L water and 6 L pure oxygen) divided into four triplicated treatments: control (without linalool), L50 (50 mg linalool/L), L100 (100 mg linalool/L) and L200 (200 mg linalool/L). After 3‐hr transportation, serum physiological responses and water physico‐chemical parameters were compared among the treatments. Results showed that water total and un‐ionized ammonia increased and dissolved oxygen decreased in all treatments after transportation. Water total ammonia and dissolved oxygen levels in the linalool‐treated bags were significantly lower than the control. After transportation, the control fish showed significant elevation in serum cortisol and glucose levels; however, the levels were significantly lower than the linalool‐treated fish. All fish showed similar serum lactate levels, significantly lower than the value obtained before transportation. The control fish showed serum urea levels similar to the level obtained before transportation; however, the linalool‐treated fish had significantly higher serum urea levels compared to the control and before transportation levels. After transportation, all fish had decreased serum chloride and sodium levels compared to the before transport level. Overall, the present results showed that linalool is not beneficial for carp transportation in plastic bags, because it reacts with water oxygen, increases stress in fish, interferes with ammonia excretion and has no benefits in preventing ion loss.     

Winter monsoon promotes the transport of Japanese temperate bass Lateolabrax japonicus eggs and larvae toward the innermost part of Tango Bay,the Sea of Japan

Northwesterly cold winds characteristic of the East Asian Winter Monsoon (EAWM) dictate winter climatic conditions over the Japanese Archipelago. Japanese temperate bass Lateolabrax japonicus is a commercially important coastal fish that spawns offshore in winter and uses shallow waters as nursery habitats. To investigate the effects of EAWM on the planktonic period of L. japonicus, eggs, larvae, and juveniles were quantitatively collected in Tango Bay on the Sea of Japan side in winter and spring from 2007 to 2017. Although eggs occurred close to the mouth of the bay, planktonic larvae occurred further inside as they developed. The horizontal distribution of planktonic larvae, combined with water velocity data obtained from mooring observations, indicated that planktonic larvae are transported south‐ to westward through Ekman current and an anticyclonic circulation, which are driven by northwesterly winds. To evaluate survival during the planktonic period in each year class, the abundance of benthic larvae/juveniles was divided by winter total landings of Lateolabrax spp. (proxy of the spawning stock size). This survival index exhibited a positive correlation with the northwesterly component of winter winds, and a negative correlation with winter air temperature (average from December to February, Spearman's correlation, p < .05). There was, however, no significant correlation with winter water temperature or winter freshwater discharge in the bay. We conclude that northwesterly cold winds of EAWM play a critical role in transporting L. japonicus eggs and larvae toward nursery habitats, specifically beaches and estuaries fringing the innermost part of Tango Bay.     

Aluminium chloride‐induced toxicity in zebrafish larvae

Embryos at shield stage and larvae at protruding mouth stage were exposed to different concentrations of aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) for 72 h with the purpose to analyse their phenotype and lethality. After 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment, higher toxicity of the metal was observed on larvae with minimal lethal concentration of 0.25, 0.20 and 0.08 mm , respectively, while for embryos the corresponding values were 40, 25 and 16 mm . We observed pericardial oedema and alteration of heart rate in 50% of larvae after 48 h of exposure to 100 μm . In larvae exposed to the same concentration, there was also a neurological injury at the level of glial cells, with the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive cells being significantly reduced. This study confirms the toxic nature of this metal and shows that aluminium could also interestingly represent a cardiotoxin in addition to its neurotoxic ability.     

Why is cannibalism less frequent when larvae of sutchi catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus are reared under dim light?

Survival rates of the larvae of sutchi catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus are reported to be three times higher under dim conditions (0.1 lx) than those under 100 lx. In this study, larval behaviour of sutchi catfish was examined under various light intensities (<0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 lx) using a CCD camera to understand why survival rates vary under different light intensities. Five‐day‐old larvae showed significantly higher swimming activity under <0.01, 0.1 and 1 lx than those under 10 and 100 lx. On the other hand, the larvae showed significantly higher aggressive behaviour under 10 and 100 lx; swimming larvae attacked resting individuals more frequently under 10 and 100 lx than those under 0 and 0.1 lx. Aggressive behaviour was considered to induce lesions, inflicted by the sharp teeth of attacking larvae, on larval skin surfaces. It is considered that the chemical substances would generate from injured skin surfaces then acted as stimuli, causing the cannibalistic behaviour in other fish around the injured fish. This study provided evidence that the observed higher survival rates depended on lower frequency of aggressive behaviour under dark or dim conditions. It is therefore recommended that larval rearing of sutchi catfish be conducted under dim (less than 1 lx) conditions.