不同工作姿态下立式双曲面网板水动力及周围流场特性研究

网板是单拖网中实现网具扩张的重要属具,其稳定状态直接决定拖网网口扩张程度,进而影响渔获效率和经济效益。该研究以立式双曲面网板为研究对象,利用水槽模型试验和数值模拟(Computational fluid dynamics,CFD)探究立式双曲面网板在不同倾斜状态(内、外倾斜,前、后倾斜)和冲角下的水动力性能变化,并对网板周围流场和表面压力进行可视化。结果显示:1)模型试验和数值模拟的网板升力系数均在倾角为0°,冲角为25°时达到最大值,分别为1.69和1.88;而两者的阻力系数均随倾角增大逐渐减小。2)模型试验和数值模拟的升阻比均随倾角增大逐渐减小;当内倾角为5°时,两者的升阻比均达到最大,分别为3.27和3.69。3)压力中心系数Cpb随倾角变化基本保持不变;但当网板处于前倾状态时,Cpc随倾角增大而增加;而网板处于后倾状态时,Cpc随倾角增大逐渐减小。4)CFD结果显示,网板中心面后部旋涡随倾角增大逐渐减小;当网板处于内、外倾状态时,前端流速衰减区随倾角增大逐渐增加;但当网板处于前、后倾状态时,衰减区随倾角增大逐渐减小;网板处于前倾状态时,压力中心随倾角增大逐渐向网板上端翼弦移动,网板处于后倾状态时则出现相反结果。研究结果可为今后研究网板稳定性和合理使用及调整网板提供科学参考。     

南极磷虾拖网网板水动力性能分析

为提高南极磷虾单船拖网低拖速作业时的网具扩张性能,针对一种立式曲面中空式拖网网板,利用水槽模型试验测得不同迎流冲角状态下的升力系数(CL)、阻力系数(CD)和升阻比(K)。结果表明,CL和K值随冲角的增大呈先升后降趋势,CD随冲角的增大呈上升趋势;升力系数最大值CLmax=1.436(冲角α=30°),此时CD=0.649,K=2.213,升阻比最大值Kmax=4.671(α=10°),此时CL=0.981,CD=0.210;工作冲角范围为10°~30°时,南极磷虾拖网网板升力系数CL0.98且升阻比K2.21。比较不同类型网板的水动力性能,南极磷虾拖网网板具有阻力系数较低、升阻比较高的优点,可为进一步优化南极磷虾拖网网板性能提供参考依据。     

双开缝矩形曲面网板水动力性能及影响参数研究

为满足渔业现代化的发展需求,渔具的改良是其不可或缺的一部分,而网板是提供拖网网衣水平张力主要属具。采用矩形曲面网板有利于提高网板的升力系数和升阻比,而网板开缝有利于减小网板的背面涡流,增加网板的水动力性能,提高网板操作稳定性。为研究小型拖网渔船网板的水动力性能,通过数值模拟的方法,在其他参数一定的情况下,采用控制变量法控制双开缝矩形曲面网板的速度、开缝尺寸以及展弦比等参数的单一变化,研究其对拖网网板水动力性能的影响规律。数值计算结果表明:该网板升力系数和升阻比随冲角的增大呈先增后减的趋势,最佳升阻比出现在冲角为10°左右的时候;速度对网板水动力性能无显著影响;升力系数随开缝尺寸的增加总体呈上升趋势,当开缝尺寸大于50 mm时,升力系数无显著变化,升阻比随开缝尺寸增大总体呈先增后减的趋势;不同展弦比的网板在升力系数达到最大时对应的最佳冲角随展弦比的增加而逐渐减小;同时,升力系数峰值随展弦比的增加呈先增后减的趋势,当展弦比为0.6左右时,升力系数的峰值达到最大。研究结果可为同类型的小型拖网渔船拖网网板的结构优化设计提供更加可靠的参考。     

叶板尺度比例变化对单缝曲面网板水动力性能的影响

利用风洞模型试验研究单缝曲面网板模型,通过改变叶板尺度比例对单缝曲面网板其水动力性能变化进行了考察。试验中采用了3种不同叶板尺度比例的模型网板,在风速28 m/s,冲角(α)范围0°~70°时,利用塔式六分量机械-应变天平对网板所受到的阻力、升力和力矩进行了测量,通过换算得到网板的阻力系数Cx、升力系数Cy、俯仰力矩系数Cm、压力中心系数Cp和升阻比Cy/Cx,对比各系数的变化分析各模型网板的水动力性能差异。结果显示,2号与3号模型网板的最大升力系数更高,分别为1.919(α=30°)和1.911(α=30°),导流板尺度比例较小的1号与2号模型网板的最大升阻比较高,分别为5.991(α=10°)和5.994(α=12.5°),且2号模型网板的作业冲角选择范围较大;在稳性对比方面,导流板尺度比例较小的1号模型网板的Cp变异系数最低,为6.02%,说明1号模型网板的稳性更好。研究结果可为拖网网板的结构优化设计提供参考。     

立式V型曲面网板的水动力性能

采用正交优选法来考察网板板面折角、展弦比以及后退角对立式V型曲面网板水动力性能的影响。试验结果证明影响网板水动力性能的最重要的因素是网板板面折角,其次是展弦比和后退角。当网板的板面曲率为14%、板面折角为12°、展弦比为1.60、后退角为10°时,网板具有较高的水动力性能。当冲角为25°和28°时,网板的升力系数均为1.68。另外,通过对优选网板添加模拟海底的试验证明,网板在底层作业时,其临界冲角从28°减小为25°;在常用工作冲角范围内,网板在底层时的扩张性能要高于中层,同时,网板的升阻比也略有上升,并能在较宽的冲角范围内持续保持较高的扩张性能。     

展弦比和最大相对弯度对南极磷虾拖网网板水动力学性能的影响

为了研究展弦比和最大相对弯度对南极磷虾拖网网板水动力学性能的影响,通过水槽模型实验分析网板临界冲角(α0)、最大升力系数(CL_(max))、临界冲角时的升阻比(Kα0)和最大升阻比(K_(max))等主要水动力学性能参数的变化规律。结果表明:1)展弦比对CL_(max)、K_(max)和Kα0值的影响极显著(P0.01),对α0无显著影响(P0.05)。随着展弦比的增加,CL_(max)和K_(max)呈上升趋势,Kα0呈先升后降趋势,λ=2.0时Kα0值相对较高。随着展弦比的增加,α0分别呈下降(最大相对弯度为12%和14%)和上升(最大相对弯度为8%)趋势。最大相对弯度为10%时,α0在27.5°~30°间波动变化,趋势线基本保持水平。2)最大相对弯度对CL_(max)和K_(max)值的影响极显著(P0.01),对α0值的影响显著(0.01P0.05),对Kα0无显著影响(P0.05)。展弦比和最大相对弯度两者间交互项对Kα0影响极显著(P0.01),而对CL_(max)和K_(max)无显著影响(P0.05)。随着最大相对弯度的增加,CL_(max)和α0呈上升趋势,K_(max)呈下降趋势。综合考虑拖网网板的水动力学性能,实际应用中建议立式双弧面网板最大相对弯度设计为12%,展弦比设计为2.0,此时网板的主要水动力学性能参数均为前40%水平,具有最大升力系数和最大升阻比相对较高、阻力系数较低的优点。     

倾斜状态对V形网板水动力和周围流场特征的影响

为了探究 V 形网板在各种工作姿态下水动力特性的变化规律, 作者采用数值模拟(computational fluid dynamics, CFD)方法对比了 4 个展弦比(0.4、0.5、0.6、0.7)和 4 个板面夹角(16°、19°、22°、25°)的网板的水动力性能, 遴选出水动力性能最佳的 V 形网板, 并分析其在不同姿态下, 前后倾和内外倾分别为 5°、10°、15°、20°时的水动力系数、周围流场分布和表面压力变化规律, 结果表明：(1)展弦比 λ=0.7、板面夹角 Γ=16°的 V 形网板(13 号网板)的水动力性能最优, 升力系数在冲角为 37.5°时最大, 为 1.482, 冲角为 10°时扩张效率最大。(2)随着冲角的增大, 13 号网板迎流面的压力逐渐增大, 网板迎流面和背流面的速度差亦呈增大趋势。(3) 13 号网板发生不同程度的前后倾或内外倾时, 升力系数降低, 阻力系数则随着倾角的增大而减小。(4)当网板发生内外倾斜时, 随着倾角的增加, 迎流面压力中心向网板前端移动, 网板中心面后涡旋变化不明显; 当网板前后倾斜时, 网板迎流面压力分布变化明显, 即随着倾角的增加, 压力中心分别逐渐向前端上下两侧移动, 并且网板中心面后涡旋逐渐变小。本研究结果可以为预测不同工作姿态网板水动力特性变化, 调整网板稳定性提供科学参考。     

矩形V型曲面网板水动力性能的研究--Ⅱ展弦比、缝口位置、缝口宽度对网板水动力性能的影响

本研究采用正交优选法着重分析矩形V型曲面网板的展弦比、缝口位置、缝口宽度3个因数对网板水动力性能的影响.研究表明,当矩形V型曲面网板导流板曲率为9%时,展弦比为0.8,缝口位置距网板前缘的距离为0.28 L,缝口宽度为80 mm配合的网板具有较高的水动力性能.当冲角30°时,升力系数为1.30,阻力系数为0.67,升阻比可达1.94.试验表明优选网板添加模拟海底后,网板的临界冲角由35°减小为30°.在工作冲角范围内,网板在底层作业时扩张性能要优于中层,并且具有良好的稳定性.     

网板水动力性能研究综述

网板是单拖网渔业中实现网具水平扩张的重要渔具构件,网板水动力性能的优劣直接关系到拖网的渔获效率。综述了国内外矩形平面网板、立式曲面网板、立式V型曲面网板和双翼型网板的相关研究进展,分析了这4种网板类型的各自水动力性能,总结了影响其水动力性能的几种主要因素,旨在为旧式网板的改良优化和新型网板的开发研制提供参考。同时,还分别从机翼理论、模型(实物)实验和CFD数值模拟技术3个角度阐明我国网板研究存在的问题和未来发展方向。     

基于导流板形状变化的双开缝曲面网板水动力性能研究

开展风洞试验研究导流板形状变化对双开缝曲面网板水动力性能的影响,以优化网板导流板结构,提高双开缝曲面网板的水动力性能。试验设计4种导流板形状的网板模型,分别为矩形、扇形、凸梯形和凹梯形,4块网板模型的基本结构参数相同,展弦比2.5,叶板的曲率12%,双层导流板的预设角度30°和25°,主面板角度12°,试验风速28 m·s~(-1),冲角(α)范围0°~70°,模型安装于塔式六分量机械-应变天平的立柱上,分别对网板所受到的阻力、升力和力矩进行测量。结果显示:在网板升力系数方面,4块网板模型的最大升力系数为Cy(凸梯形)Cy(矩形)Cy(扇形)Cy(凹梯形),具有凸梯形结构的网板模型的最大升力系数较高,为1.946(α=47.5°);在网板阻力系数方面,在冲角为30°时,Cx(扇形)Cx(矩形)Cx(凹梯形)Cx(凸梯形),具有凸梯形结构的网板模型阻力系数较低;4块网板模型的最大升阻比关系为Cy/Cx(凸梯形)Cy/Cx(矩形)Cy/Cx(扇形)Cy/Cx(凹梯形),具有凸梯形结构的网板模型最大升阻比较高,为7.486(α=30°);在稳性对比方面,扇形导流板结构网板模型稳性较好,Cm绝对值与Cp变异系数分别为0.061和5.43%。试验表明,具有凸梯形导流板的双开缝曲面网板可以产生较大的升力,且阻力较小,具有良好的工作效果;具有扇形导流板的双开缝曲面网板稳性较高。试验结果可为拖网网板的结构优化设计提供参考。     

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.