柱形病对黄颡鱼血液生化指标的影响

为探究柱形病对黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)生理机能的影响,随机选取患病和健康黄颡鱼各10尾,采集其血液,静置后离心分离血清以测定血液生化指标如皮质醇、乳酸(LD)含量,乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性,葡萄糖、白蛋白(ALB)、总蛋白(TP)、尿素氮(BUN)、总胆固醇(TCHO)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDLC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDLC)含量,谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)活性。结果显示:患病黄颡鱼血清皮质醇浓度和LDH、AST活性均极显著高于健康鱼,LD含量和ALT活性显著高于健康鱼。与健康鱼相比,患病黄颡鱼血清葡萄糖含量极显著降低,而HDLC、LDLC、TCHO、ALB、TP、BUN浓度和ALP活性无显著差异。健康鱼肝细胞呈近圆形,形状较规则,细胞界线清晰,细胞核多位于细胞中央,呈圆形或椭圆形,肝细胞以中央静脉为中心形成放射状排列。患病鱼肝细胞出现局部坏死、空泡化,形成坏死灶,伴有大量中性粒细胞、淋巴细胞浸润。结果表明:柱状黄杆菌感染可引起黄颡鱼鱼体显著的应激反应,并引起鱼体肝脏损伤。     

黑鲷幼鱼力竭运动后代谢酶活性的恢复水平

为探讨鱼类力竭运动后代谢水平的恢复情况,以黑鲷(Sparus macrocephlus)为实验对象,用手持续逆流追赶黑鲷幼鱼使其做力竭运动。结果显示,全长8.9～9.9 cm的黑鲷幼鱼力竭运动后,不同恢复时间血清中的乳酸(LD)和血糖(GLU)浓度,以及谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、琥珀脱氢酶(SDH)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、丙酮酸激酶(PK)和己糖激酶(HK)活性均有极显著变化(P0.01)。力竭运动后第0小时,血清中的LD和GLU浓度及AST、ALT、SDH、LDH、PK、HK活性均显著升高(P0.05);力竭运动后第4小时,血清中的LD浓度基本恢复到对照组水平(P0.05);力竭运动后第16小时,血清中的SDH、HK、PK、AST活性恢复至对照组水平(P0.05),但血清中的GLU浓度及LDH、ALT活性水平仍低于对照组(P0.05),这表明黑鲷幼鱼力竭运动后第0到第4小时处于应激反应中,其无氧代谢水平得到短时提高。从血乳酸恢复水平上看,黑鲷幼鱼在首次力竭运动后4 h可再次进行力竭运动,但血糖检测结果显示此后无氧代谢耐力降低。     

温度胁迫对大鳞副泥鳅抗氧化与非特异性免疫指标的影响

为研究大鳞副泥鳅(Paramisgurnus dabryanus)对温度胁迫的适应能力,开展了温度胁迫与恢复实验。设置对照组(22℃)、高温组(29℃)、降温组(15℃)与低温组(8℃)4个处理,在胁迫期的第1、2、4、8、12h与恢复期第4、8、12、24h取肝脏,测定其超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、溶菌酶(LZM)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活力和丙二醛(MDA)、血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)含量。结果显示,胁迫期内肝脏SOD和CAT活力均在温度骤变的影响下受到抑制,显著低于对照组水平(P0.05),MDA含量则显著升高(P0.05);恢复期内各实验组SOD和CAT活力均逐渐升高,MDA含量逐渐降低,至恢复期结束时,对照组与各实验组间无显著差异(P0.05)。温度骤变条件下,各实验组肝脏LZM与AKP活力显著降低(P0.05),恢复期内高温组LZM与AKP活力无明显变化,降温组与低温组LZM与AKP活力则逐渐升高,至恢复期结束时与对照组无显著差异(P0.05)。温度胁迫显著升高血清中AST与ALT含量(P0.05),恢复期内各实验组AST与ALT含量均呈下降趋势,至恢复期结束时,除高温组ALT含量外均降至对照组水平。研究表明,温度胁迫显著降低大鳞副泥鳅SOD、CAT、LZM与AKP活力,MDA与血清转氨酶AST、ALT含量升高,其中,高温胁迫会对大鳞副泥鳅非特异性免疫机能造成不可逆破坏,其他抑制均为可恢复的。     

饲料中豆粕替代鱼粉及添加牛磺酸对翘嘴鲌生长及若干生理指标的影响

为研究豆粕替代鱼粉和添加牛磺酸及其交互作用对翘嘴鲌(Culter alburnus)幼鱼生长等指标的影响,试验设计豆粕替代鱼粉水平为0.00%、20.00%、35.00%、50.00%,牛磺酸水平为0.00%、1.00%,采用4×2双因素试验,配置了D1~D8共8个等氮(45.43%±0.80%)、等脂(9.2%±0.44%)的饲料处理组。结果显示,饲料中添加豆粕及牛磺酸对翘嘴鲌幼鱼生长性能无显著影响;随豆粕替代比例的增加,鱼体粗蛋白、粗脂肪含量显著降低(P0.05);血清谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性及甘油三酯(TG)含量显著提高(P0.05);总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)含量显著降低。牛磺酸显著降低了粗脂肪含量;AST、ALT、AKP活性及TG、TC、HDL-C、LDL-C含量均显著降低。豆粕替代鱼粉比例及牛磺酸对肥满度(CF)、IPF、脏体比(VSI)、AST、AKP活性及TG、TC、HDL-C、LDL-C含量具有显著交互作用。综合各项指标,本试验条件下推荐翘嘴鲌幼鱼的豆粕替代鱼粉比例是35%;添加1%牛磺酸可以改善鱼体生长性能。     

光合细菌对罗非鱼免疫功能的影响

为评价光合细菌在罗非鱼养殖过程中使用效果的生物学指标,本试验设计在养殖罗非鱼的水体里添加不同浓度的光合细菌,通过测定罗非鱼酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、溶菌酶(LZM)五种免疫酶活性指标,探讨在养殖水体里添加光合细菌对罗非鱼的免疫酶活性及生长性能的影响。结果表明:添加光合细菌的浓度为104cfu/mL的鱼血清的ACP活性显著高于其他组,光合细菌的浓度为105cfu/mL的鱼血清的AKP活性显著高于其他组,光合细菌的浓度为103cfu/mL的鱼血清AST活性显著高于其他组,光合细菌的浓度为104cfu/mL和105cfu/mL添加组的鱼血清ALT活性显著高于其他组,光合细菌的浓度为104cfu/mL的鱼血清的LZM活性显著高于其他组,且实验组显著高于对照组。为推广光合细菌在罗非鱼养殖过程中提高免疫功能提供了理论依据。     

β-葡聚糖对江黄颡鱼生长性能、血清生化指标的影响

为了解β-1,3-葡聚糖添加到配合饲料中对江黄颡鱼生长性能、血清生化指标、机能、体成分等重要指标产生的影响,选用初始体重为(1.75±0.01)g的江黄颡鱼720尾,随机分为6组,每组4个重复。1组投喂基础饲料,5组投喂分别添加200、400、600、800和1 000mg/kgβ-1,3-葡聚糖的试验饲料,进行42d的养殖试验。由试验结果显示,各组江黄颡鱼之间的增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)、饲料系数(FC)、成活率(SR)、肥满度(CF)和肝体比(HSI)差异不显著(P0.05)。其中,与对照组相比,添加β-葡聚糖的组实验前后体重、增重率和特定生长率都有一定程度的增高,在G600达到最高,饲料系数与对照组相比有所下降。饲料中添加β-1,3-葡聚糖对各组江黄颡鱼血清总蛋白、尿素胆固醇、甘油三酯、谷丙转氨酶活性和谷草转氨酶活性没有显著性影响(P0.05)。其中,与对照组相比,添加组的血清总蛋白含量有所升高(P0.05),β-葡聚糖添加组血清谷丙转氨酶和谷草转氨酶活性有所降低(P0.05)。结果表明,饲料中添加一定水平β-1,3-葡聚糖对江黄颡鱼的生长性能和血清生化指标均没有显著影响。造成该结果的原因和机制有待进一步研究。     

水霉病对草鱼血液生化指标和肌肉泛素-蛋白酶体系统的影响

本研究探讨了感染水霉病后草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)的血液生化特性和肌肉泛素-蛋白酶体系统(UPS)活性变化。随机选取患病和健康草鱼各10尾,测定血清葡萄糖(GLU)、白蛋白(ALB)、总蛋白(TP)、胆固醇(CHO)及甘油三酯(TG)含量和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、谷草转氨酶(AST)及谷丙转氨酶(ALT)活性,检测肌肉nrf2、hsp70、hsp90和UPS相关基因表达,并定量测定了肌肉组织泛素化蛋白水平。结果显示,感染水霉病草鱼的血清CHO、ALB、TP和TG浓度显著下降,AST和LDH活性显著提高,患病草鱼肌肉组织nrf2、hsp70和hsp90的mRNA表达量显著升高。水霉病显著上调了肌肉chip、ub、psma2、psmc1、murf1和mafbx的mRNA表达水平和泛素化蛋白含量。感染水霉病改变了草鱼血清生化指标,诱导草鱼机体产生细胞应激反应,显著上调了骨骼肌泛素-蛋白酶体系统的活性。研究结果可为水霉病的诊断和防治提供科学的参考依据。     

三峡水库水域牧场鲢放流后对环境的生理适应

为了解人工养殖鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)放流后对环境变化的生理应激响应和适应过程,将池塘养殖鲢放流至三峡水库水域牧场后,测定鲢血清和肝胰脏生理生化指标变化。结果显示,放流后鲢肝胰脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性,血清碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的活性以及血清总蛋白(TP)、甘油三酯(TG)、总胆红素(TBIL)和总胆固醇(TC)的含量均呈现先升高后降低的趋势。其中SOD、ALP、ALT、AST和LDH活性及TP、TC和TBIL含量在5 d时显著高于放流前水平,TG含量在28 d显著高于放流前水平,CAT活性在14 d显著高于放流前活性。在放流68 d肝胰脏SOD、CAT、ALP、ALT、AST、LDH活性及TP和TBIL含量与放流前无显著差异。以上结果表明,鲢放流后5～14 d内机体产生了氧化应激反应,肝胰脏受到氧化应激损伤,各项指标在14～28 d之后逐渐下降,放流后60～68 d恢复到放流前水平或达新的稳态。结果表明,鲢从池塘养殖环境转换到天然水体后,会产生短期氧化应激反应,需要1-2月的生理适应期各项机能才能调节至稳定状态。     

患肌肉溃烂病中华倒刺鲃血清生化指标变化

采集嘉陵江网箱养殖中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis Bleeker)病鱼和健康鱼,测定二者血清谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、胆固醇(CHOL)、甘油三酯(TG)、血糖(GLU)、肌酐(CREA)、尿素(UREA)、总蛋白(TP)、白蛋白(ALB)、血清氯(Cl-)、血清钙(Ca2+)等指标并进行对比。结果显示,相对于健康鱼,病鱼ALT、AST、Cl-和Ca2+显著升高(P<0.05);AKP、TP、ALB显著降低(P<0.05);TG、GLU、CREA和UREA虽未体现显著差异(P>0.05),但两组间有较大差别。整体而言,肌肉溃烂病引起中华倒刺鲃肌肉、肝、肾等多种重要组织器官病变,相应血清指标出现明显变化。     

运输对养殖黄颡鱼血液生化和肌肉物性分析指标的影响

测定了在10.4~11.2℃下运输4 h后不同时间(0 h、1 h、3 h、6 h、12 h、1 d、3 d、7 d和20 d)养殖黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)血液生理生化指标和肌肉物性分析指标的变化。结果显示,运输引起了黄颡鱼血清皮质醇和血糖浓度的显著升高(P0.05),在运输结束12 h后恢复到正常水平。运输后鱼体血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)均有显著性升高,随着恢复时间的推移逐渐回降到正常水平;但过氧化物酶(POD)活性并未出现显著性差异,维持稳定的水平。运输后肌肉硬度、弹性、胶黏性、凝聚性、咀嚼性、回复性等物性分析指标均显著性降低。除了凝聚性和咀嚼性之外,其他肌肉物性分析指标在运输结束72 h后恢复到正常水平。研究表明,长途运输造成了养殖黄颡鱼的应激反应,对肌肉物性特征产生了显著的影响,但运输后的恢复可使鱼体抗氧化能力和肌肉物性分析指标回复到正常水平。     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Production of diatom–bacteria biofilm isolated from Seriola lalandi cultures for aquaculture application

Controlled incorporation of selected microalgae and bacteria in aquaculture systems can be beneficial because they can act as microbiological control. That is why the characteristics of biofilm generated naturally in Seriola lalandi culture cages were analysed, their potential benefit to the growth of larvae was studied, and their controlled use for improving the larval viability and as a vector to improve incorporation of previously studied probiotic bacteria was tested. According to biodiversity results, these biofilms are composed of a diatom–bacteria mix showing a decrease in biodiversity in laboratory culture conditions being dominated by Navicula phyllepta and bacteria of the family Rhodobacteraceae. This can be produced on mesh substrates incorporated in bioreactors with rapid growth rate and adhesiveness. Preliminary results from the addition of substrates with this specific biofilm in larvae culture systems showed that it is consumed by the larvae without negative effects, while positive effects on the viability of larvae in combination with probiotics were observed. Considering preliminary results, the addition of these specific substrates with diatom–bacteria biofilms could be a good improvement for aquaculture systems and together with the use of probiotics can contribute to maintaining a stable and controlled system improving the viability of the larval fish culture in its early stages.