中华花鳅的繁殖生物学特性研究

探究中华花鳅(Cobitis sinensis)的繁殖生物学特性,可为其人工增养殖和资源保护利用提供科学依据。2017年11月至2018年5月,在贵州境内舞阳河施秉段采集中华花鳅样本381尾,以鳞片作为年龄鉴定材料,将样本解剖后进行性别鉴定和性腺分期。结果表明,舞阳河中华花鳅体长(L)为58.9~100.2 mm,体重(W)为2.0~13.7 g,年龄在1~4龄。381尾样本中,性别不可辨样本有23尾,雄248尾,雌110尾,性腺发育至IV期最多。经肉眼观察发现,中华花鳅的精巢和卵巢均可分为6期,有70尾雌鱼性腺发育达到IV期,其绝对繁殖力(F)为542~2 865粒,体长相对繁殖力(FL)为6.6~28.6粒/mm,体重相对繁殖力(FW)为99.8~490.7粒/g;绝对繁殖力(F)、体长相对繁殖力(FL)均与体长(L)、体重(W)、净体重(W0)、性腺重(W1)、成熟系数(GSI)之间具有极显著相关性(P<0.01),体重相对繁殖力(FW)与性腺重(W1)、成熟系数(GSI)之间具有极显著相关性(P<0.01)。实地调查发现,中华花鳅的产卵场主要在砂质底质、水质清新、水流较缓、水草丰富的浅水区,繁殖期为5-8月,繁殖高峰期为5月中旬至6月上旬。研究显示,中华花鳅的繁殖力较低,繁殖高峰期时间较短,低龄化严重,亟需对其进行资源保护和系统研究。     

东北鳈繁殖力的研究

2018年6—7月,在乌苏里江抚远江段采集了284尾东北鳈Sarcocheilichthys lacustris,研究其生物学体征、种群年龄组成及繁殖力。结果表明:284尾东北鳈中有雌鱼226尾、雄鱼58尾,雌雄比例为3.9∶1;年龄范围1~5龄,3~4龄年龄组个体为优势年龄组,占总样本量的68%;性腺成熟系数(GSI)为(11.27±5.62)%,绝对繁殖力(F)为(5924.69±2177.01)粒,相对繁殖力(F1)为(60.81±15.25)粒/g,体长相对繁殖力(FL)为(33.02±10.66)粒/mm,体质量相对繁殖力(FW)为(49.41±11.61)粒/g;个体绝对繁殖力与体长(L)、体质量(W)及GSI的关系分别为:F=1170.8L-2.6L2-119577,F=320.65W-0.9W2-18919,F=143.89GSI1.452。     

长江中游贝氏繁殖生物学研究

2016年4-12月在监利长江何王庙故道采集591尾样本,对长江中游贝氏(Hemiculter bleekeri)性比、初次性成熟大小、繁殖季节、产卵类型、产卵群体组成及繁殖力等繁殖生物学指标进行了分析。结果显示:贝氏总体雌雄性比1.44∶1,与1∶1存在极显著性差异;繁殖期间雌雄比2.5∶1,非繁殖季节雌雄比为0.91∶1。繁殖群体年龄结构为1-3龄,以1龄补充群体为主,属于第Ⅱ类型。初次性成熟体长:SL♀50=8.08 cm,SL♂50=8.47 cm,最小观测性成熟个体分别为:雌性7.5 cm,体重6.65 g,1龄;雄性8.2 cm,体重8.13 g,1龄。根据成熟系数变化和性腺发育期观察,推测其繁殖季节为4-6月,可能延至7月份。贝氏绝对繁殖力为1 703~9 601粒/尾,平均为(5 876.6±1 837.8)粒/尾,与体重、性腺重均呈线性关系,与体长呈幂函数关系。相对繁殖力(FW)为204.7~406.5粒/g,平均(322.3±49.7)粒/g,与成熟系数呈幂函数相关;相对繁殖力(FL)为212.0~827.6粒/cm,平均(552.4±136.1)粒/cm,与体重幂函数相关。     

图们江陆封型马苏大麻哈鱼的个体繁殖力

为研究马苏大麻哈鱼(Oncorhynchus masou)资源保护策略和人工繁殖技术,对人工养殖的图们江陆封型马苏大麻哈鱼繁殖力进行了研究。选取122尾不同养殖区域卵巢发育Ⅳ-Ⅴ期的马苏大麻哈鱼样本(其中延吉42尾、山东35尾、北京45尾)进行统计分析。试验马苏大麻哈鱼体重209~845 g,平均为(512±206)g;体长17.0~39.5 cm,平均为(26.81±6.53)cm。结果表明,大麻哈鱼的绝对繁殖力410~3 075粒,平均为(1 485±797)粒;体重相对繁殖力1.93~3.64粒/g,平均为(2.72±0.47)粒/g;体长相对繁殖力23.60~77.85粒/cm,平均为(51.35±17.60)粒/cm;Ⅴ期卵巢性腺指数14.85%~27.93%,平均为(20.97±3.57)%;繁殖力随着体重、体长、性腺指数增加而提高(P0.01)。通过人工驯养和移植培育,改变了马苏大麻哈鱼在自然环境下雌鱼卵巢发育不成熟的现象,而且繁殖力明显提高。移植到北京和山东后,其繁殖力极显著高于原产地(P0.01)。国产陆封型马苏大麻哈鱼具有规模化人工繁育的优势,能够为野生种群资源增殖提供苗种补充。     

长江干流长鳍吻鮈(Rhinogobio ventralis)繁殖生物学

2012年3月–2014年12月对长江上游宜宾江段采集的521尾野生长鳍吻鮈进行了繁殖生物学研究。结果显示,长鳍吻鮈种群雌雄比为1.41:1,繁殖期为3–5月,盛期为4月上旬至5月上旬。繁殖季节可通过吻端细小"珠星"鉴别雌雄,雄鱼最小性成熟年龄为2~+龄,最小成熟体长为173 mm,体重为90.4 g,成熟系数为0.36%;雌鱼最小性成熟年龄为3~+龄,最小成熟体长为185 mm,体重为119.6 g,成熟系数为11.30%。繁殖群体中,雌性优势龄组为3~+龄,雄性优势龄组为2~+龄和3~+龄。统计结果显示,长鳍吻鮈绝对繁殖力(F)为16399–39835(26816±7875)粒/尾,体重相对繁殖力(F_W)为162–234(189±23)粒/g,体长相对繁殖力(F_L)为877–1659(1231±246)粒/cm。通过对性腺成熟系数、卵径分布频率以及性腺组织切片结果的综合分析认为,长鳍吻鮈属于完全同步产卵类型。     

长江中游贝氏(鳖)繁殖生物学研究

2016年4-12月在监利长江何王庙故道采集591尾样本,对长江中游贝氏(鳖)(Hemiculter bleekeri)性比、初次性成熟大小、繁殖季节、产卵类型、产卵群体组成及繁殖力等繁殖生物学指标进行了分析.结果显示:贝氏(鳖)总体雌雄性比1.44:1,与1:1存在极显著性差异;繁殖期间雌雄比2.5:1,非繁殖季节雌雄比为0.91:1.繁殖群体年龄结构为1-3龄,以1龄补充群体为主,属于第Ⅱ类型.初次性成熟体长:SL♀50=8.08 cm, SL♂50=8.47 cm,最小观测性成熟个体分别为:雌性7.5 cm,体重6.65 g, 1龄;雄性8.2 cm,体重8.13 g, 1龄.根据成熟系数变化和性腺发育期观察,推测其繁殖季节为4-6月,可能延至7月份.贝氏(鳖)绝对繁殖力为1703~9601粒/尾,平均为(5876.6 ± 1837.8) 粒/尾,与体重、性腺重均呈线性关系,与体长呈幂函数关系.相对繁殖力(FW)为204.7~406.5粒/g,平均(322.3 ± 49.7) 粒/g,与成熟系数呈幂函数相关;相对繁殖力(FL)为212.0~827.6粒/cm,平均(552.4 ± 136.1) 粒/cm,与体重幂函数相关.     

呼伦湖蒙古油繁殖生物学的研究

对蒙古油(Hemiculter bleekeri warpachowskyi)的繁殖季节、繁殖习性、繁殖力、性比等繁殖生物学指标进行了研究。结果表明:蒙古油属敞水性产卵类型,粘性卵,为一次产卵类型。蒙古油初次性成熟年龄为1龄,繁殖季节为6月中旬至7月下旬,以7月中旬为产卵盛期。蒙古油个体绝对生殖力F为2021~15470粒,个体体长相对生殖力FL为230~1137粒/cm,个体体重相对生殖力FW为273~700粒/g;个体体长相对生殖力、个体体重相对生殖力分别和体长、体重成二次方程和三次方程关系。繁殖前期雌雄性比1∶0.83,繁殖期雌雄性比为1∶1.11。     

甬江溪口段宽鳍鱲的种群结构及繁殖力初步研究

利用鱼类种群调研法,于2015年8月至2016年4月在甬江溪口段收集宽鳍鱲(Zacco platypus)个体样本,研究该区域宽鳍鱲种群的年龄组成、性比、个体大小以及繁殖力等种群结构生物学特征。结果表明:(1)调查期间甬江溪口段宽鳍鱲种群由3个年龄组组成,其中2龄为优势年龄组;雄性个体中2龄组占雄体总数的55.5%,雌性个体中的2龄组占雌体总数的63%;(2)宽鳍鱲全长(L)的分布区间为7.0～14.0 cm,8.0～12.0 cm的个体占总数的87.83%;(3)体重(W)分布范围为4.0～36.0 g,其中体重5.0～13.0 g的个体占总个体数的72.75%;(4)根据不同性别(性别难辨、雌、雄、群体)拟合体重与体长的幂函数关系式:W_(ui)=1×10~(-4)L~(2.4917)、W_♀=2×10~(-5)L~(2.9337)、W_♂=3×10~(-5)L~(2.8471)和W=4×10~(-5)L~(2.8035);(5)雌雄个体比例127∶238与理论值1∶1存在极显著差异(P0.01);(6)重量法计数得出种群个体的绝对繁殖力平均值为(2 850.39±2 107.49)粒,分布区间为532.00～13 717.89粒,其中1 000～3 000粒占绝对优势(65.12%);个体体长相对繁殖力为(354.39±234.47)粒/cm,分布区间74.93～1 541.34粒/cm;体重相对繁殖力平均值为(363.73±178.55)粒/g,分布区间为91.25～1 027.56粒/g;比较了国内外不同地区间宽鳍鱲种群结构和繁殖力的异同。     

鄱阳湖刀鲚生殖群体特征及状况分析

研究鄱阳湖刀鲚群体的生殖特征和条件状况,为制定开发利用渔业资源的政策提供基础资料,以实现鄱阳湖刀鲚资源的可持续开发和保护。2013、2014年4-7月,分别在鄱阳湖及湖口八里江段进行了实地渔业资源调查,随机抽样定置网、流刺网和拖网采集的鄱阳湖刀鲚样本共658尾,测量了体长、体重、净重、性腺重和性别。雌性287尾、雄性371尾,体长18.6~38.1 cm、体重16.3~198.2 g。雌性刀鲚的体长和体重均大于雄性(P0.01),雌、雄个体的体长和体重差异均为极显著(P0.01)。随着体长的增加,雌雄体重差异越大;同等体长的雌性体重大于雄性。6月中旬、下旬的刀鲚卵巢发育仍参差不齐,有些可挤出卵粒,已发育到Ⅳ期末和Ⅴ期,有些还处在Ⅳ期初,但成熟系数在2.0以下的个体数量已显著减少。绝对繁殖力为960~13 820粒,相对繁殖力为123.4~753粒/g。平均丰满度为0.30±0.03(0.19~0.45)。鄱阳湖刀鲚雌雄比在1∶1.25~1.44,表现出雄多雌少的现象;刀鲚繁殖种群已呈现出逐渐变小的趋势,资源已出现严重的过度利用。     

长江宜昌段鳙的繁殖生物学初步研究

研究长江宜昌江段鳙(Aristichthys nobilis)野生群体的性比、年龄结构、初次性成熟体长、繁殖力和产卵类型等生活史特征,为三峡水库生态调度方案的优化、鳙增殖放流和人工繁殖提供科学数据。2015年3月至2016年5月,在长江中游宜昌江段月度采样,共收集鳙样本940尾,其中可区分性别个体135尾(♀68尾,♂67尾)。性腺发育达到IV期及以上个体共计55尾,其中雌鱼32尾、雄鱼23尾。繁殖群体雌雄性比为1.4∶1,体长370～900 mm,体重500～11 650 g,由2～7龄共6个年龄组组成。采用Logistic方程推算出初次性成熟个体特征,雌性平均体长480.1 mm,对应体重2 137.6 g,平均年龄3.33龄;雄性平均体长464.0 mm,对应体重1 937.5 g,平均年龄2.91龄。卵径(3.75±0.14) mm,大小分布呈双峰型,推测为分批同步产卵型鱼类。绝对繁殖力(390 000±79 000)粒,相对繁殖力为(72.4±3.0)粒/g,绝对繁殖力随着鱼体长、体重增长而增大。性腺成熟系数周年变化规律显示,宜昌江段鳙的繁殖时间为5月下旬至8月上旬,以6-7月为盛产期。建议提高鳙开捕年龄,严格限制捕捞未性成熟个体;同时加强产卵场的修复和栖息地的保护,并定期实施合理的增殖放流和生态调度。     

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.     

Metabolic responses of matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), exposed to environmental nitrite

Nitrite is usually found in aquatic environments where nitrification process occurs. This ion can cause several injuries to aquatic species, particularly fish. Nitrite reacts with haemoglobin yielding the non‐functional methaemoglobin, which leads to many physiological consequences such as functional anaemia and supposed hypoxia. Metabolism of the freshwater teleost matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, exposed to environmental 0.6 mg L^?1 of nitrite N‐NO₂^? for 96 h was studied, and the fermentative/oxidative preference was gauged. Concentrations of glycogen, glucose, lactate, pyruvate and ammonia, plus the activities of lactate, glutamate and malate dehydrogenase were assayed. The exposure resulted in a metabolic profile that allowed inferring the continuity of oxidative metabolism. Catabolism of amino acids prevailed or was apparently exacerbated by inferred branchial injury and consequent impairment of nitrogen excretion. Moreover, the studied enzymes glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase from brain and heart were little affected by nitrite. The expected fermentative metabolism due to the high methaemoglobin formation was not observed.