赠曲裸腹叶须鱼的年龄与生长

对2013年5月和9月在金沙江上游支流赠曲采集的98尾裸腹叶须鱼(Ptychobarbus kaznakovi)进行了年龄和生长特性的研究。渔获物的优势体长组为150~200 mm,占62.38%,优势体重组在14.3~150 g,占87.63%;体长体重关系为W=2×10-5L2.884;以臀鳞为年龄鉴定材料,结果显示,裸腹叶须鱼渔获样本由3~10龄组成,其中3~6龄个体占94.2%;von Bertalanffy生长方程为:Lt=668.35[1-e~(-0.0662(t+0.83))],Wt=2807.6[1-e~(-0.0662(t+0.83))]~(2.884);生长系数k为0.066 2,说明裸腹叶须鱼为生长缓慢型鱼类;体重生长的拐点年龄为15.17龄,对应的体长和体重分别为436.61 mm和822.35 g。     

长江口凤鲚繁殖群体的年龄结构和生长特性

2014年4~8月于凤鲚(Coilia mystus)繁殖盛期在长江口逐月采样,对凤鲚繁殖群体的雌性个体的年龄结构和生长特性进行了研究。年龄结构为1~3龄,共3个年龄组,其中1~2龄个体占87.06%。繁殖群体的平均体长和体质量分别为(151.66±21.13)mm、(16.97±6.34)g。体长与体质量关系为W=1.63×10~(-5)L~(2.75)(n=124,R~2=0.935 3),显著性差异检验表明凤鲚属于匀速生长类型(P0.05)。体长和体质量von Bertalanffy生长方程分别为:L_t=205.85[1-e~(-0.48(t+1.02)(],W_t=38.31[1-e~(-0.48(t+1.02))]2.75。体长生长速度曲线不具拐点;体质量生长速度的拐点年龄为1.11龄,与最小性成熟年龄一致,拐点年龄时对应的体长和体质量分别为131.02 mm和11.05 g。研究认为,长江口凤鲚繁殖群体低龄群体所占比例较大且体型有变小趋势。为更好地利用和保护凤鲚资源,应在拐点年龄之后进行捕捞。     

西藏布裙湖全唇裂腹鱼年龄与生长的初步研究

全唇裂腹鱼(Schizothorax integrilabiatus)仅见于西藏地区雅鲁藏布江下游墨脱县境内的布裙湖,在物种进化和资源保护方面具有重要的研究价值。以耳石为年龄鉴定材料,对分布于布裙湖全唇裂腹鱼的年龄结构和生长特性进行了初步研究。结果显示,在所采集的252个样本中共包含7个年龄组(1~7龄),其中优势年龄组为1~3龄(占72.22%);体长与体重的关系方程为W=0.015 2 L3.057,属于匀速生长;采用von Bertalanffy模拟的生长方程为Lt=27.150[1-e~(-0.154(t+0.527))],W_t=368.029[1-e~(-0.154(t+0.527))]3.057。全唇裂腹鱼的体长生长速度曲线无拐点,随着年龄增长逐年降低,体重生长具有生长拐点,拐点年龄为6.73龄,所对应的体长和体重分别为18.27 cm和109.61 g。初步研究表明,全唇裂腹鱼属小型、低龄鱼类。     

青岛胶州湾铠平鲉年龄、生长和种群繁殖力

针对2013年和2014年采自青岛胶州湾的209尾铠平鲉(Sebastes hubbsi)样本开展了年龄、生长和种群繁殖力研究。耳石轮纹结构的年龄鉴定结果显示,铠平鲉的年龄分布范围为1~+~7~+龄,2~+~4~+龄为优势年龄组(77.5%)。体长与体重呈幂函数关系:W=8×10~(-5) L~(2.797)(R~2=0.861)。Von Bertalanffy体长生长方程为L_t=131.4×[1-e~(-0.269(t+2.697))],体重生长方程为W_t=63.6×[1-~(e-0.269(t+2.697))]~(2.797)。其生长过程可分为3个阶段:(1)1~+~3~+龄为快速生长期;(2)3~+~6~+龄为成熟稳定期;(3)6~+龄以后为高龄衰老期。所采样本的性比(2.12︰1)明显偏离1︰1(P0.05),雌性个体样本数在各体长段均高于雄性个体。性腺指数(GSI)和肝脏指数(HSI)变化趋势相反,肝脏可能为其性腺发育提供物质基础和能量来源。绝对怀卵量波动于482~6166粒,平均值为3266粒;相对体长怀卵量显著低于卵生鱼类,表明卵胎生鱼类体内胚胎发育、孵化的护卵方式可能使其以较少的怀卵量即可维持种的延续。结合拐点年龄对应的拐点体重及50%性成熟体长,建议以体长80 mm、体重20 g作为铠平鲉的开捕标准,以维护青岛胶州湾铠平鲉资源的可持续利用。     

白缘鱼央的年龄结构与生长特征及生活史类型

为丰富白缘鱼央(Liobagrus marginatus)的基础生物学资料,在金沙江支流黑水河采集白缘鱼央244尾,分析其年龄结构、生长特性和生活史类型,并通过脊椎骨进行其年龄鉴定。结果显示,黑水河白缘鱼央由5个年龄组构成,其中以2龄个体为主,占50.4%。全长与体重的关系式为W=3×10~(-5)L~(2.78)(R~2=0.947),全长与体重的Von Bertalanffy生长方程分别为L_t=133.13[1-e~(-0.24(t+1.92))]和W_t=24.02[-e~(-0.24(t+1.92))]~(2.78)。体重生长速度和加速度均具有拐点,拐点年龄为2.34龄,拐点体长85.19 mm,拐点体重6.30 g。通过模糊聚类法分析,确认白缘鱼央属于r-选择鱼类。研究表明,白缘鱼央的种群结构呈现低龄化,水电开发和过度捕捞是影响其种群结构的主要因素;白缘鱼央的捕捞规格应该高于其拐点年龄,即体长大于85.19 mm,体重大于6.30 g。     

太湖鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)种群生长特征和适宜捕捞量的初步研究

对2015年9月在太湖采集的200尾鲢鱼(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)样本进行了年龄结构和生长特征的研究,结果显示:年龄结构由0~+—5~+龄共6个年龄组组成,1~+龄鱼的数量比例最大,约占42.0%,体长与体质量呈显著的幂指数关系,方程为W=1.96×10-5 L~(2.9842),太湖鲢为匀速生长类型,生长性能良好。Von Bertalanffy生长方程为L_t=105.27[1-e~(-0.1855(t+0.670))],W_t=21.2388[1-e~(-0.1855(t+0.670))]~(2.9842),其生长呈现先快速增长后逐步趋于稳定的过程,生长拐点年龄为5.22龄,建议将此年龄时的体长(约70.0 cm)作为太湖鲢开捕体长,现阶段宜将太湖鲢的捕捞量控制在614.0 t左右。研究结果为太湖鲢资源的保护与合理利用提供了参考依据。     

长江干流圆口铜鱼的年龄与生长研究

采用鳞片材料对采自长江干流宜昌和重庆江段圆口铜鱼(Coreius guichenoti)的年龄进行鉴定,并对其生长方程、生长拐点等生物学特征进行了研究。结果表明,调查江段圆口铜鱼的年龄组成以1、2龄个体为主;体长(L)和鳞径(R)呈线性关系,L=15.327R+71.349;体重(W)与体长(L)呈幂指数关系,W=0.00002L2.9942;体长von Bertalanfy生长方程为Lt=730.15[1-e-0.12(t+1.01)];体重生长方程为Wt=7493.05[1-e-0.12(t+1.01)]2.9942;其生长拐点年龄为8.13龄。圆口铜鱼体长生长3龄前为快速期,之后生长减缓。为了保护长江干流圆口铜鱼资源,建议以278mm为最小捕捞个体的体长。     

武湖翘嘴红鲌年龄和生长的研究

报道了武湖翘嘴红鲌的年龄生长特点.其渔获物中2+和3+龄个体占57.1%,体长以300～600mm为主,体长与鳞长之间呈直线相关L=6.1814+90.4837 R,体重与体长呈指数函数相关W=2.045 ×10-6L3.2585,3+龄以前生长最快,生长指标高,体长和体重的相对增长率大,其生长规律符合Von Bertalanffy方程L1=1 404.9(1-e-0.10(t+0.71)),W1=3.629×14(1-e-0.10(t+0.71))3.2585,捕捞3龄以上个体较为合理.     

长江中游宜昌-荆州江段鲢种群年龄结构和生长特征

鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)是长江重要经济鱼类之一,长江中游是其重要栖息地。为研究其种群现状,2016—2017年对长江宜昌—荆州江段鲢开展了周年调查,共采集鲢样品470尾。结果显示,鲢的年龄范围为1～7龄,体长范围为18.2～93.8 cm,优势年龄组为3～5龄(72.7%),优势体长组为40～70 cm (77.2%);体长和体重关系式为W=4.0413×10~(-5)L~(2.7546)(R~2=0.9297,n=470),为非匀速生长类型;von Bertalanffy生长方程为:L_t=104.7[1-e~(-0.1603(t+0.89))], W_t=14.81[1-e~(-0.1603(t+0.89))]~(2.7546);生长参数为φ=3.2448, L_∞=104.7 cm, W_∞=14.81 kg;鲢生长拐点为5.43龄,拐点体长和体重为L_(tp)=66.6827cm,W_(tp)=4.2753kg。本研究表明长江中游鲢种群年龄结构得到了一定恢复,但生长性能出现衰退,建议加强鲢的种群及其栖息地的保护。     

云龙湖水库青梢鲌的生长特性

采用鳞片和耳石对取自云龙湖水库的青梢鲌(Erythroculter dabryi)进行了年龄鉴定,并对其生长特性进行分析。结果显示:以鳞片和耳石为年龄鉴定材料时,二者的吻合率分别为59.57%和90.16%。年龄鉴定结果显示,所捕获的青梢鲌由1~8龄个体组成,主要是3~5龄个体;个体体长与耳石半径之间呈直线相关:L=9.5632R-0.1595(R2=0.995,n=175),体重与体长呈指数函数相关:W=1.07×10-2L3.3035,其生长规律符合von Bertalanffy方程:Lt=20.4741(1-e-0.2531(t+0.8056)),Wt=229.5864(1-e-0.2531(t+0.8056))3.3035;青梢鲌生长拐点年龄为3.92龄,对应的体长为14.28 cm,体重为69.88 g;3.92龄为合理的捕捞时期。     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.