Effect of broodstock diets on total lipids and fatty acid composition of larvae of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) during yolksac stage

Total lipid content and total lipid fatty acid compositions were studied in larvae at the yolksac stage of gilthead sea bream from two different broodstocks. The two broodstock diets had the same total lipid content but were different with respect to their fatty acid levels. There were differences in the fatty acid composition of total lipids in the two groups of larvae, reflecting the influence of fatty acid levels in the diets fed to the broodstock. The main fatty acids in both larvae lots during yolksac stage were 16:0, 18:1n-9 and 22:6n-3. The desaturation index Δx = [P + Σ (n − x) − Σ (n − x) diet]/P allowed the determination of the relative importance of the Δ9, Δ6, Δ5 and Δ4 desaturations during the egg and larval yolksac stages. The levels of total lipid fatty acids in eggs and larvae during yolksac period were almost constant and very low desaturation and elongation activities were apparent. A competitive inhibition was observed between the fatty acids of the n-6 series with respect to the ones of the n-3 series in those eggs and larvae from broodstock whose diet contained a high proportion of linoleic acid and its derivatives.     

Dietary effects of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid levels on egg and larval quality, and the fatty acid composition of the eggs of Chilean flounder Paralichthys adspersus broodstock

The effects of dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (n-3 HUFA) on eggs and larval quality were investigated in the Chilean flounder Paralichthys adspersus . Broodstock were fed with three formulated diets with similar proximate compositions but different n-3 HUFA (2.1%, 3.1% or 4.1%) estimated levels from 5 months before and during the spawning period. The diet with an intermediate n-3 HUFA level resulted in a significantly higher ( P <0.05) percentage of buoyant eggs (68.2 ± 2.9%), fertilization (92.8 ± 3.9%), normal cell cleavages (93.5 ± 1.9%), hatching rate (87.7 ± 4.1%) and normal larvae (76.3 ± 3.7%) compared with the other two diets. In contrast, high levels of n-3 HUFA produced larvae with a higher survival capacity when subjected to fasting. The diet with the lowest content of n-3 HUFA produces lower quality eggs and larvae. The n-3 HUFA level in eggs increased with an increase in the dietary level, and the n-3/n-6 ratios were 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1. The DHA/EPA and EPA/ARA ratios of 2 and 4 in eggs, respectively, were associated with improved egg and larval quality and were similar to the ratios found in eggs from wild broodstock. Attainment of optimal fatty acid contents in broodstock diets is one of the key factors for producing the high-quality spawning required for managed culture of this flounder.     

Fatty acid profiles of spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) phyllosoma fed enriched Artemia

Three different life stages of spiny lobster larvae (phyllosoma) of Panulirus homarus were fed A1‐Selco‐enriched Artemia in two culture treatments, one with the microalgae Nannochloropsis salina (green water) and the other without the microalgae (clear water) to assess the ability to manipulate their fatty acid composition. Phyllosoma fed with 3‐h A1‐Selco‐enriched Artemia salina attained Stage VIII (5.3 mm) and Stage V (3.4 mm) in 42 days in the green and clear water treatments respectively. The higher content of the essential fatty acids in N. salina (eicosapentaenoic acid, 25.8%; arachidonic acid, 9.5%; and docosahexaenoic acid, 4.2%) in the green water system increased the fatty acid content of the live food Artemia, and ultimately the phyllosoma. In spite of phyllosoma being fed with enriched Artemia in the clear water system, the total polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the early (Stages I–III) and mid stage (Stages IV–V) phyllosoma were significantly smaller (18.8% and 14.6% respectively) (P<0.05) than in the green water system (25.3% and 21.2% respectively). These results indicate the positive role of the microalgae in boosting the essential fatty acid content of lobster larvae.     

Lipid classes and fatty acids during embryogenesis of captive and wild silverside (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chirostoma estor estor</Emphasis>) from Pátzcuaro Lake

Lipid classes and fatty acid levels were analyzed in freshly fertilized eggs, early and late embryo development, and freshly hatched larvae obtained from wild and captive silverside Chirostoma estor estor broodstock, as well as in plankton, Artemia, and pelleted feed. The concentration of triglycerides (TGs) and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) in neutral lipid fraction significantly decreased during early development and especially after hatching, whereas phospholipids and HUFA in polar lipid fraction remained constant. These results indicate that TGs rather than PLs are used as energy sources and that all HUFAs [20:4n-6/arachidonic acid (ARA), 20:5n-3/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 22:6n-3/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] of polar lipids are selectively conserved during early development. High levels of DHA (30%, on average, of total fatty acids) and low levels of EPA (4%) were observed in eggs, embryos, and larvae and did not reflect the proportions of these fatty acids in food. Preferential accumulation of DHA from food consumed by broodstock, and then transference to eggs, was probably occurring. The main difference between eggs from both origins was a low level of ARA in eggs from captive fish (4% of total fatty acids) compared to wild fish (9%). This could be associated with a deficiency in the diet that is not compensated for by desaturation/elongation of 18:2n-6 and, possibly, with greater stress in captive fish. In any case, particular requirements of ARA should be determined to optimize the culture of C. estor.     

Influence of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid deficiency on the lipid composition of broodstock gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) and on egg quality

A feeding experiment was conducted on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) broodstock to investigate the incidence of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFA) dietary deficiencies on the lipid composition of female liver, gonads and eggs, in relation to spawning quality. Broodstock were fed a control (C) diet or a n-3 HUFA deficient (D) but linolenic acid rich diet. After 20 weeks of feeding, the results showed that levels of total neutral (TNL) and total polar (TPL) lipids of female gonads and eggs were independent of diet. However the fatty acid composition of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) of female liver, gonads and eggs in the two groups of fish showed marked differences, reflecting the influence of fatty acid levels in the broodstock diets. This influence was even higher in TNL than in the phospholipid classes examined. In fish fed n-3 HUFA deficient diet, fatty acid composition of TNL of female gonads and eggs reflected the diet more than liver. A higher egg production in broodstock fed C diet (1.8% n-3 HUFA in diet) was extended to spawning quality such as percentages of fertilised and hatched eggs.     

Advanced broodstock diets for the mangrove red snapper and a potential importance of arachidonic acid in eggs and fry

Mangrove red snapper fed advanced broodstock diets containing squid meal and squid oil exhibited higher hatching rates, cumulative survival and survival activity index than those fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with mixture of antioxidants. On the other hand, fatty acid analyses of ovaries and fry of wild fish and eggs and larvae of broodstock fed raw fish revealed high arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and relatively lower eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels consequently showing high ARA/EPA and DHA/EPA ratios compared to cold water species. This suggests that ARA may be nutritionally more important for egg and larval development and survival in tropical marine fish and its supplementation in broodstock diets may enhance reproductive performance of mangrove red snapper.     

Effect of dietary marine lipids on female white bass ova compositions and progeny survival

We evaluated white bass ovum fatty acid composition as well as embryonic and larval survival after varying n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) concentrations in maternal diets. Diets containing graded levels (0, 33, 66, or 100%) of squid to menhaden oils were fed daily to apparent satiation to female white bass for 8 weeks prior to spawning. Embryonic survival was negatively related to maternal squid oil intake (P = 0.015, R ² = 0.970). Squid oil-fed broodstock produced ova with decreased 20:5n-3 and increased C₁₈ polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations, largely reflecting the fatty acid profile of squid oil. Within ovum phospholipid, accumulation of 18:2n-6 may have altered biological function resulting in the lower embryonic survival among ova produced from the squid oil-fed broodstock. Our data suggest the importance of feeding white bass broodstock diets high in total n-3 LC-PUFA (at least 4.0% dry matter), and 20:5n-3-rich lipid sources such as menhaden oil can be effectively utilized by female white bass to produce quality ova.     

Effect of different diets on larval production, quality and fatty acid profile of the marine ornamental shrimp Lysmata amboinensis (de Man, 1888), using wild larvae as a standard

The present work evaluates the influence of broodstock diets [Marine Cuisine^®– MC, MC supplemented with highly unsaturated fatty acid- (HUFA) enriched Artemia biomass – MC + AB, and MC supplemented with squid – MC + S] on larval production, newly hatched and early zoeal stage survival and fatty acid profile of newly hatched larvae of Lysmata amboinensis . These parameters are compared with those from larvae hatched from embryos spawned in the wild. The number (±SE) of larvae produced with MC and MC + S (1077 ± 219 and 1103 ± 184, respectively) was similar to that in broodstock carrying embryos spawned in the wild (1224 ± 111), while those fed MC + AB displayed significantly lower values (1044 ± 161). Larvae produced with MC + AB displayed lower survival for all starvation periods, while larvae spawned in the wild displayed the highest survival. No larvae resisted 144 h of starvation and none moulted to zoea II. The fatty acid comparison revealed that larvae from embryos spawned in the wild displayed the highest levels of DHA, as well as higher DHA/EPA and n -3/ n -6 ratios. These results suggest that broodstock diets commonly used to promote ornamental shrimp's maturation (based on mixed frozen components) are far from being optimal.     

The Effects of Enriching Live Foods With Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids on the Growth and Fatty Acid Composition of Larval Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus

Three experiments were carried out to test the effects of enrichment of live food (rotifers) with varying levels of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) on the growth rate and fatty acid composition of red drum larvae. Additionally, the fatty acid compositions of red drum eggs and day-1 larvae were compared. The enrichment techniques were successful in that the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were elevated in the rotifers fed the enrichment diet. Red drum larvae fed the control rotifers produced the highest growth rate of the three experiments. Larvae fed rotifers with no HUFA supplement (NHUFA) had a significantly lower growth rate than the controls for that experiment. The fatty acid compositions of the eggs and day-1 larvae did not vary significantly and contained high levels of 16:0, 16:1 n-7 and DHA (22:6 n-3). Based on these data, the lack of DHA in the diet significantly reduced the growth rates of larval red drum. The 10-day-old red drum larvae had similar fatty acid profiles at the end of the experiments regardless of the diet they were fed, indicating that dietary inputs have little effect on the fatty acid composition of larvae during the first ten days of growth. Red drum larvae appear to have the ability, though limited, to bioconvert EPA to DHA since there was a significant increase in the levels of DHA from day 1 to day 10 in the NHUFA larvae. However, the efficiency of this bioconversion is not sufficient for optimal growth and supplemental DHA at least to the level found in the control rotifers (0.3–0.4mg/100mg tissue) is necessary to maximize growth. The exact role of EPA could not be determined from this study due to the inability to produce an EPA-free rotifer.     

Seasonal shift in spawning of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) by photoperiod manipulation: egg quality in relation to temperature and intensive larval rearing

Commercial intensive fry production of Atlantic cod will be dependent on production of viable eggs independent of season. This can only be done by manipulation of maturation by photoperiod, but little is known about potential effects on egg characteristics and larval viability. In two cod broodstocks, maturation was successfully advanced or delayed 6 months compared with normal spawning season (March–April) by manipulation of photoperiod. The advanced broodstock spawned both in spring and autumn the same year. In two of the spawning tanks during autumn, ambient temperature was reduced after reaching 13.7°C during the first half of the spawning period. Egg quality and viability were monitored, and several egg batches were incubated, hatched and start‐fed for examination of growth and survival. Temperatures above 9.6°C resulted in significant reductions in fertilization and normal egg development. Concurrently, fractions of dead and unfertilized eggs increased with elevated temperature. Actual relative fecundity was not affected by temperature. Egg characteristics improved when temperature was controlled and lowered below 9.6°C. Occurrence of irregular spawners suggests that handling of broodstock fish should be avoided during maturation and spawning. Cod larvae originating from eggs of the advanced or delayed broodstocks were successfully reared beyond metamorphosis. Survival was 9.0–46.6% and 29.3% in green and clear water respectively. Survival correlated with both initial and average feeding conditions, but growth rate did not correlate with either of survival and feeding conditions. Specific growth rates (8.3–13.6% day⁻¹) is comparable with other intensive rearing trials with cod, but were lower than reported from nature‐like systems.     

海水鱼类亲体必需脂肪酸营养的研究进展

脂肪酸营养特别是其中的必需脂肪酸在海水鱼类生殖调控方面具有重要的生理作用。饲料中二十碳五烯酸(EPA)、二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)以及花生四烯酸(ARA)含量在调控海水鱼类性腺发育、排卵、孵化率及仔鱼质量等方面作用显著。本文主要从必需脂肪酸需求量、对繁殖性能影响、对机体脂肪酸存储影响及对内分泌调控作用4个方面归纳总结了海水鱼类亲体脂肪酸营养的研究概况,并重点分析探讨了在内分泌调控方面的研究进展,同时对后续的研究重点提出了一些建议。     

Egg quality determinants in cod (Gadus morhua L.): egg performance and lipids in eggs from farmed and wild broodstock

Lipids and essential fatty acids, particularly the highly unsaturated fatty acids, 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid; EPA), 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid; DHA) and 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid, AA) have been shown to be crucial determinants of marine fish reproduction directly affecting fecundity, egg quality, hatching success, larval malformation and pigmentation. In Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) culture, eggs from farmed broodstock can have much lower fertilization and hatching rates than eggs from wild broodstock. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that potential quality and performance differences between eggs from different cod broodstock would be reflected in differences in lipid and fatty acid composition. Thus eggs were obtained from three broodstock, farmed, wild/fed and wild/unfed, and lipid content, lipid class composition, fatty acid composition and pigment content were determined and related to performance parameters including fertilization rate, symmetry of cell division and survival to hatching. Eggs from farmed broodstock showed significantly lower fertilization rates, cell symmetry and survival to hatching rates than eggs from wild broodstock. There were no differences in total lipid content or the proportions of the major lipid classes between eggs from the different broodstock. However, eggs from farmed broodstock were characterized by having significantly lower levels of some quantitatively minor phospholipid classes, particularly phosphatidylinositol. There were no differences between eggs from farmed and wild broodstock in the proportions of saturated, monounsaturated and total polyunsaturated fatty acids. The DHA content was also similar. However, eggs from farmed broodstock had significantly lower levels of AA, and consequently significantly higher EPA/AA ratios than eggs from wild broodstock. Total pigment and astaxanthin levels were significantly higher in eggs from wild broodstock. Therefore, the levels of AA and phosphatidylinositol, the predominant AA‐containing lipid class, and egg pigment content were positively related to egg quality or performance parameters such as fertilization and hatching success rates, and cell symmetry.     

Dynamics of Total Body Fatty Acids During Early Ontogeny of Pikeperch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sander lucioperca</Emphasis>) Larvae

The fatty acid composition of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) was determined according to their physiological status, during starvation (10 days) and feeding (28 days). In starved larvae, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids were utilized as metabolic substrates until day 9. At day 10, all fatty acid levels remained stable or, at least, increased in larval body. Among fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid 22:6 n-3 was used preferentially (20.3% from total fatty acids utilized) followed by palmitoleic acid 16:1 n-7 (13.9%) and then by oleic 18:1 n-9 (12.3%), linoleic 18:2 n-6 (10.1%), linolenic 18:3 n-3 (9.7%) and eicosapentaenoic 20:5 n-3 (9.1%) acids. On the other hand, arachidonic acid 20:4 n-6 was utilized very lowly (0.3%). In fed larvae, no utilization of body fatty acids was observed during the experiment. It seems that energy requirements (and others) of fed larvae were satisfied by feed.     

Preliminary investigations on the effects of dietary lipid on the spawning performance and egg quality of black sea bass Centropristis striata L

Adult black sea bass Centropristis striata broodstock ( N =162) were fed three different dietary treatments: two commercially prepared diets with 45% protein and two different lipid levels (12% and 20%) (diets 1 and 2), and a diet of frozen Atlantic silversides Menidia menidia (SS, diet 3). Broodstock were held under controlled photothermal conditions and induced to spawn with an LHRHa pellet (72 μg kg⁻¹ bw). Dietary lipid had pronounced effects on spawning performance and egg quality. Diet 3 (SS) produced a significantly ( P <0.05) higher fertilization success (22.4%) than diets 1 (0.6%) and 2 (4.8%). The hatching success of fertilized eggs was similar in all diets (range=40–58.6%), but only two spawns from diet 1 (12% lipid) yielded viable yolk-sac larvae (YSL). Diet 3 (SS) also produced significantly more YSL per female (21.8 × 10³) than the diet 1 (0.3 × 10³). Eggs from diet 3 (SS) contained a significantly greater proportion of n-3 series fatty acids, with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as the largest fraction. Eggs from commercially prepared dietary treatments contained significantly more n-6 fatty acids. The poor spawning performance of fish fed diet 1 (12% lipid) may be related to higher levels of linoleic acid and lower levels of DHA in the diet.     

Effects of a diet lacking HUFA on lipid and fatty acid content of intestine and gills of male gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) broodstock at different stages of the reproductive cycle

A feeding experiment was carried out to determine the effect of a diet lacking n-3 and n-6 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) on lipid and fatty acid content in intestine and gills of male gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) broodstock at different stages of the reproductive cycle: November (pre-spermatogenesis), March (spermatogenesis), and June (post-spermatogenesis). For this purpose, gilthead seabream broodstock were fed either a control diet (C) or an n-3 and n-6 HUFA-deficient diet (D). The results showed no changes in fatty acid content of polar lipids of intestine and gills from fish fed diet C at different stages of the reproductive cycle. However, significant changes were observed in the fatty acid content of neutral lipids in intestine but not in gills in this group. Thus, between November and March, saturates and n-3 HUFA decreased while monoenes increased. In June, the contents of these fatty acids had returned to their initial values (November). Moreover, in fish fed diet D, the fatty acid content of neutral lipid changed in both intestine and gills. In intestine NL, a decrease in saturates and n-3 HUFA and an increment in monoenes were observed from November to June. In gills, a decrease was also observed in n-3 HUFA from NL along the cycle. Nevertheless, n-6 HUFA content remained unchanged. These results show both tissue specificity in seasonal mobilization of fatty acids linked to reproductive processes and the influence of dietary fatty acids on body composition.     

丁(鱼岁)不同生长阶段肌肉脂肪酸和微量营养元素的比较

对丁不同生长阶段鱼体肌肉中脂肪酸组成及微量营养元素含量进行了比较。结果表明:丁不同生长阶段肌肉中的脂肪酸含量及组成有明显差异。脂肪酸总量、不饱和脂肪酸总量和饱和脂肪酸总量,亲鱼均高于幼鱼和成鱼,成鱼均高于幼鱼;不饱和脂肪酸/饱和脂肪酸总量,成鱼和亲鱼均高于幼鱼;同时,成鱼和亲鱼肌肉中高度不饱和脂肪酸花生三烯酸、花生四烯酸、二十二碳五烯酸和EPA、DHA含量明显高于幼鱼肌肉。成鱼和亲鱼肌肉中微量营养元素Fe和Mn含量显著低于幼鱼(P<0.05);亲鱼肌肉中Zn含量显著低于成鱼和幼鱼(P<0.05),成鱼显著高于幼鱼(P<0.05);亲鱼肌肉中Cu含量显著低于成鱼和幼鱼(P<0.05)。     

An Intensive Approach to Atlantic Halibut Fry Production

The larval stage is regarded to be the main bottleneck of halibut production. Halibut eggs were obtained from captive broodstock both by stripping and by natural spawning. Artificial photoperiods were used to increase the total spawning season. Yolk sac larvae are presently produced either in small stagnant units or in large flow through systems. A major consideration is to avoid stress of the larvae, caused by mechanical disturbances of the larvae and by high bacterial load or high ammonia levels in the water.
The experiments showed that halibut larvae began to ingest algae earlier than rotifers Brachionus sp. Supplementation of algae to first feeding tanks resulted in enhanced survival and growth rate of the larvae. Both rotifers and Artemia can be enriched with very high levels of highly unsaturated n-3 fatty acids (n-3 HUFA). Enriched live feed, containing high levels of n-3 HUFA and total lipids, enhanced both survival and growth of the halibut larvae. The highest growth rates were obtained with wild zooplankton and addition of algae, but enriched cultivated feed combined with algae resulted in growth of the same magnitude as with wild zooplankton.     

Effects of starvation and feeding on the fatty acid profiles of Stage I phyllosoma of the spiny lobster, Jasus edwardsii

Fatty acid analyses were conducted on newly hatched and 8‐day‐old‐starved and fed Stage I phyllosoma larvae of the spiny lobster, Jasus edwardsii. Fed animals were offered excess 1.5 mm juvenile Artemia (enriched using the alga Isochrysis galbana, Tahitian isolate, T. iso.). After 8 days, there were significant increases in larval dry weight and the proportion of lipid in fed phyllosoma, whereas these parameters decreased in starved phyllosoma. The abundance of the saturated fatty acids 16 : 0 and 18 : 0 increased in both starved and fed phyllosoma, whereas the main monounsaturated fatty acids 16 : 1n‐7, 18 : 1n‐9 and 18 : 1n‐7 increased with feeding but decreased with starvation. There were no significant differences in the relative proportions of the highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) arachidonic (AA, 20 : 4n‐6), eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20 : 5n‐3) and docosahexanoic (DHA, 22 : 6n‐3) acids between newly hatched and starved animals, whereas quantitatively DHA decreased with starvation and feeding. The DHA/EPA ratio was significantly lower in the starved and fed phyllosoma (0.5) compared with that found in the newly hatched phyllosoma (0.9). The lipid profiles of the newly hatched, starved and fed phyllosoma contained large amounts of n‐6 fatty acids resulting in low n‐3 : n‐6 ratios (2.8, 2.7 and 1.6 respectively). The importance of these results and the ability of enriched Artemia to provide a suitable fatty acid profile for this species are discussed.     

The effect of PUFA enriched Artemia on growth, survival and lipid composition of western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus, phyllosoma

Western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus, phyllosoma were grown from hatching to stage IV. Larvae were fed with Artemia enriched with a (i) base enrichment (Base) containing 520 g kg^?1 squid oil or tailor made enrichments in which oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) have been added at the expense of squid oil. These treatments were (ii) base enrichment supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) rich oil, (iii) base enrichment supplemented with arachidonic acid (AA) rich oil, or (iv) base enrichment supplemented with DHA and AA (D + A) rich oils. Total survival of phyllosoma to stage IV was high, with no significant difference between treatments (range 12.3–17.5%). By stage IV, the larvae fed the DHA or AA enriched Artemia were significantly larger (3.33 mm length) than larvae fed the Base or D + A enriched Artemia (3.18–3.24 mm length). Phyllosoma were sampled at stages II and III for biochemical analysis. The major lipid class (LC) in all phyllosoma was polar lipid (PL) (88.9–92.4%), followed by sterol (ST) (6.2–9.7%). Triacylglycerol (TAG), free fatty acid (FFA) and hydrocarbon/wax ester were minor components (≤1%) in all phyllosoma samples. In contrast, the major LC in all enrichments and enriched Artemia was TAG (76.3–85.1% and 53.4–60.2%, respectively), followed by PL (11.4–14.8% and 30.6–38.1% respectively). The main fatty acids (FA) in phyllosoma were 16:0, 18:1n‐9, 18:1n‐7, 18:0, AA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA. Addition of AA, and to a lesser extent DHA, to enrichments resulted in increased levels of those FA in Artemia and phyllosoma compared with the Base enrichment. This was particularly evident for stage III larvae. Comparatively, elevated growth for phyllosoma to stage IV was achieved with DHA and AA enriched diets. Our findings highlight the importance of lipids and in particular essential long‐chain PUFA, as nutritional components for phyllosoma diets.     

Development of a broodstock diet to improve developmental competence of embryos in European eel,Anguilla anguilla

We examined the effect of dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the production of embryos and hatched larvae in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla. Two diets with high and intermediate levels of ARA and low and intermediate levels of EPA (Feed 1: ARA 1.9%, EPA 4.2%; Feed 2: ARA 1.2%, EPA 5.1% of total fatty acids) were tested against a commercial diet (DE: ARA: 0.5%, EPA: 8.2% of total fatty acids). After 24 weeks of feeding, ARA levels in the muscles and ovaries increased to 0.9% and 1.3% of total fatty acids, respectively, in Feed 1 and were significantly higher than in Feed 2 and DE. Female broodstock was not fed during hormonal treatment to induce vitellogenesis and ovulation. EPA levels in females fed the test diets decreased in the both muscle and ovary and were significantly lower in eggs from females fed Feed 1. The highest percentage of stripped females, producing viable eggs and larvae, were those females fed the highest dietary ARA levels (Feed 1). The level of lipid peroxidation products in eggs was similar among treatment, indicating that the lowest dietary levels of vitamin C and vitamin E were sufficient. In the unfertilized eggs, ARA levels were also highest (1.1% of total fatty acids) in the diet with highest ARA levels (Feed 1).