瓦氏黄颡鱼仔稚鱼发育过程中消化酶活性变化研究

测定了瓦氏黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus vachelli)仔稚鱼从出膜至30日龄时的生长、可溶性蛋白含量及消化酶活性.结果表明,在仔鱼出膜后第1天,蛋白酶、淀粉酶、脂肪酶均能检测到活性,而胃蛋白酶活性在第22日龄才检测到.可溶性蛋白的含量随日龄的增加而增加.蛋白酶、淀粉酶、脂肪酶的活性随着仔稚鱼的发育而发生变化,其全活力与比活力呈现出不同的变化模式.蛋白酶比活力在仔鱼4日龄时达到最大值(4.193±0.04)U/mg protein;之后随日龄的增加比活力降低,直至15日龄达到最小值(0.452±0.07)U/mg protein.之后从15日龄到30日龄比活力逐渐增加.淀粉酶比活力从1日龄逐渐增加,至4日龄达到最大值(4.611±0.12)U/mg protein,从10日龄到18日龄维持在一较低水平,随后随日龄的增加淀粉酶比活力增加.脂肪酶比活力从1日龄到3日龄逐渐增加,到3日龄达到最大值(4.398±0.07)U/mgprotein,3日龄以后直到30日龄,脂肪酶比活力随日龄的增加而降低,并且一直处于一较低的水平.瓦氏黄颡鱼发育过程中,主要消化酶活性随生长变化显著,反映瓦氏黄颡鱼随着生长其消化功能逐渐完善.     

不同饲料对黄颡鱼消化酶活性的影响

将40尾成熟黄颡鱼(Pseudobagrus fulvidraco)分成两组,分别饲喂高蛋白的幼鳗人工配合饲料和低蛋白的鲤鱼人工配合饲料50 d,每10 d分别从各组中随机取3尾做消化酶测定。结果显示:幼鳗人工配合饲料组的黄颡鱼胃中淀粉酶比活力呈下降趋势,蛋白酶比活力呈上升趋势,肠中淀粉酶比活力变化不明显,而蛋白酶比活力呈上升趋势;鲤鱼人工配合饲料组的黄颡鱼胃内和肠内淀粉酶比活力均呈上升趋势,而蛋白酶比活力均呈下降趋势。淀粉酶比活力与蛋白酶比活力的比值(A/P值)比较显示:高淀粉成分的食物长期诱导下可以使黄颡鱼体内淀粉酶相对含量上升,并且出现食性转化的现象;高蛋白成分的食物长期诱导不能使淀粉酶相对含量一直下降。     

不同饲料对军曹鱼组织消化酶活力的影响

比较研究了投喂冰鲜鱼和人工配合饲料的军曹鱼胃、前肠以及肝脏消化酶(蛋白酶、胰蛋白酶、淀粉酶和脂肪酶)活力.试验结果表明,(1)蛋白酶活力:前肠与肝脏的蛋白酶比活力,投喂配合饲料组显著高于冰鲜鱼组(P<0.05),而胃中的蛋白酶比活力以冰鲜鱼组显著高于配合饲料组(P<0.05);(2)胰蛋白酶活力:胃中胰蛋白酶比活力,冰鲜鱼组显著高于配合饲料组(P<0.05),前肠与肝脏的胰蛋白酶比活力配合饲料显著高于冰鲜鱼组(P<0.05);(3)淀粉酶活力:胃中的淀粉酶比活力,冰鲜鱼组显著高于配合饲料组(P <0.05),前肠的淀粉酶比活力则是配合饲料组显著高于冰鲜鱼组(P<0.05),两种饲料对军曹鱼肝脏淀粉酶比活力影响不显著(P>0.05);(4)脂肪酶活力:胃及前肠的脂肪酶比活力两种饲料间差异不显著(P>0.05),但肝脏的脂肪酶比活力则以配合饲料组显著高于冰鲜鱼组(P<0.05).     

投喂卤虫无节幼体条件下黄颡鱼仔稚鱼生长、存活率、摄食力和体成分的变化

试验分析了投喂卤虫无节幼体条件下黄颡鱼(Pseudogrus fulvidraco)仔稚鱼生长、存活率、摄食力和体成分的变化。随着仔稚鱼的生长和发育,摄食率和胃充塞度逐渐加大,体长大于10 mm的仔鱼,摄食率都在93.3%以上,大多数个体胃充塞度都在3～5级。投喂卤虫无节幼体的黄颡鱼仔稚鱼生长较传统育苗方式生长快,存活率高。体内粗养分、氨基酸与脂肪酸含量都发生相应变化。黄颡鱼淀粉酶、蛋白酶与脂肪酶活性均在1日龄时即可检测到,开口期即5日龄时,3种消化酶比活力均达到较高值,15日龄后消化酶比活力又都降低到较低水平。卤虫无节幼体体内营养物质含量丰富,大小适口,是黄颡鱼仔稚鱼开口摄食的优质生物饵料。     

蓝宝石鱼仔稚鱼发育过程中各消化酶活性变化的研究

对蓝宝石鱼仔稚鱼从破膜至25日龄时的可溶性蛋白含量及各种消化酶活性进行了测定。结果表明，在仔鱼出膜后第1天，均能检测到活性，而胃蛋白酶活性在第613龄后才明显检测到，并趋于稳定。可溶性蛋白的含量随日龄的增加而增加。蛋白酶、淀粉酶、脂肪酶的活性随着仔稚鱼的发育而发生变化，其全活力与比活力呈现出不同的变化模式。蛋白酶比活力在仔鱼7日龄时达到最大值，之后随日龄的增加比活力降低，并趋于稳定。淀粉酶比活力从1日龄逐渐增加，至7日龄达到最大值，之后一直维持在一较低水平。脂肪酶的全活力与比活力呈现出完全不同的变化方式，全活力从3日龄到6日龄逐渐增加，到6层龄达到最大值，以后急剧下降；刚破膜时，比活力有较高的水平，后来始终降低．但在5～6日龄有所减缓。10日龄后脂肪酶的全活力、比活力都处于较低水平，12日龄时已经无法检出。蓝宝石鱼发育过程中，主要消化酶活性随着生长变化显著，反映蓝宝石鱼随生长其消化功能逐渐完善。     

中华倒刺鲃仔稚鱼期消化酶及碱性磷酸酶活性变化的研究

本试验选取了中华倒刺鲃从初孵仔鱼到30日龄稚鱼，分析测定了中华倒刺鲃的特定生长率、胰蛋白酶、淀粉酶、脂肪酶和碱性磷酸酶的活性。结果表明：在整个试验期间，中华倒刺鲃的SGR为26.43%。在初孵仔鱼体内就能检测到胰蛋白酶、淀粉酶、脂肪酶和碱性磷酸酶的活性。胰蛋白酶在内源营养阶段具有较高的活性，在4日龄开口时其比活力降到一较低值，随后呈现增加的趋势，在18日龄达到最低值后又缓慢增加。淀粉酶在试验期间表现出较高的活性，比活力一直呈增加的趋势。脂肪酶在18日龄前其比活力一直增加，并且在7-18日龄表现出较高的比活力水平，18日龄后快速下降。碱性磷酸酶活性则呈现出一直增加的趋势。     

饲料蛋白水平对瓦氏黄颡鱼消化酶活性的影响

为了探讨饲料营养与鱼类消化酶之间的相互作用,以优质秘鲁鱼粉为饲料蛋白原,研究了5种蛋白水平(31.1%、35.5%、40.9%、46.5%、50.3%)的饲料对平均体重为(12.13±0.25)g的瓦氏黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus vachelli)胃、肠和肝胰脏消化酶活性的影响。经过35d的养殖试验,结果表明:(1)随着饲料蛋白水平的增加,鱼的蛋白酶活性均有所增加,其中胃和肠组织的40.9%组酶活性与各实验组显著差异(P<0.05),肝胰脏的各实验组间蛋白酶活性差异不显著(P>0.05);(2)各实验组的脂肪酶活性均随饲料蛋白水平的增加而略有下降,但变化趋势不明显,各实验组间胃、肠、肝胰脏的酶活性无显著差异(P>0.05);(3)饲料蛋白水平对瓦氏黄颡鱼肠淀粉酶有一定的影响,其活性随着饲料蛋白水平的升高略显下降,但对胃和肝胰脏淀粉酶活性无显著影响(P>0.05),随着饲料蛋白水平的升高,其淀粉酶活性变化无明显规律。     

饲料蛋白水平对瓦氏黄颡鱼消化酶活性的影响

为了探讨饲料营养与鱼类消化酶之间的相互作用,以优质秘鲁鱼粉为饲料蛋白原,研究了5种蛋白水平(31.1%、35.5%、40.9%、46.5%、50.3%)的饲料对平均体重为(12.13±0.25) g的瓦氏黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus vachelli)胃、肠和肝胰脏消化酶活性的影响.经过35 d的养殖试验,结果表明:(1)随着饲料蛋白水平的增加,鱼的蛋白酶活性均有所增加,其中胃和肠组织的40.9%组酶活性与各实验组显著差异(P<0.05),肝胰脏的各实验组间蛋白酶活性差异不显著(P>0.05);(2)各实验组的脂肪酶活性均随饲料蛋白水平的增加而略有下降,但变化趋势不明显,各实验组间胃、肠、肝胰脏的酶活性无显著差异(P>0 05);(3)饲料蛋白水平对瓦氏黄颡鱼肠淀粉酶有一定的影响,其活性随着饲料蛋白水平的升高略显下降,但对胃和肝胰脏淀粉酶活性无显著影响 (P>0 05),随着饲料蛋白水平的升高,其淀粉酶活性变化无明显规律.     

延迟投饵对瓦氏黄颡鱼仔鱼存活、摄食和生长的影响

以瓦氏黄颡鱼仔鱼为研究对象，将其分为15个处理组，每组200尾（各设3个平行组），分别在孵化后3、4、5、6、7．8、9、10、11、12、13、14、15和16d开始投喂大型涵，第15组为饥饿组，从不投饵。水温24．5～25．5℃，实验周期为30d。结果表明：（1）孵化后3d的瓦氏黄颡鱼仔鱼初次摄食，15日龄不能建立外源性营养的仔鱼进入PNR期，卵黄囊已耗尽。混合营养期持续4．12h。（2）瓦氏黄颡鱼仔鱼在不同饥饿阶段初次摄食率的变化为：开始较低，此后迅速上升，在4～10日龄达到高峰，最高初次摄食率为100％，此后逐步下降。（3）延迟5天投饵对瓦氏黄颡鱼仔鱼的存活率影响不显著，延迟6d投饵瓦氏黄颡鱼仔鱼的存活率随延迟投饵天数的增加而降低。延迟6d投饵，瓦氏黄颡鱼仔鱼的体长增长率随延迟投饵天数的增加而降低。     

杂交黄颡鱼、雄性瓦氏黄颡鱼和黄颡鱼的形体指数及肌肉营养组成比较分析

为评估商品规格杂交黄颡鱼的食用营养价值,对杂交黄颡鱼[Pelteobagrus fuividraco(♀)×P.vachelli(♂)]、雄性瓦氏黄颡鱼和黄颡鱼商品鱼的形体指数、出肉率和肌肉的营养组成、氨基酸含量及脂肪酸组成进行了比较分析。结果表明,杂交黄颡鱼的肥满度与雄性黄颡鱼无显著差异;杂交黄颡鱼的胴体率、含肉率和脏体比均与雄性瓦氏黄颡鱼及雄性黄颡鱼无显著差异(P0.05)。杂交黄颡鱼肌肉水分含量最高,脂肪含量最低,而蛋白质和灰分含量与雌、雄黄颡鱼均无显著差异;雄性瓦氏黄颡鱼肌肉中水分、蛋白质和灰分的含量较低,脂肪含量最高;杂交黄颡鱼肌肉的氨基酸总量和7种人体必需氨基酸与黄颡鱼无显著差异(P0.05),但均显著高于雄性瓦氏黄颡鱼(P0.05);杂交黄颡鱼肌肉脂肪中C22:6n3的比例和n3系列不饱和脂肪酸总量的比例与雌性黄颡鱼无显著差异(P0.05),但均高于雄性瓦氏黄颡鱼,均低于雄性黄颡鱼。试验表明,杂交黄颡鱼的体形和出肉率与雄性黄颡鱼一致,其肌肉为低脂蛋白食品,营养价值与黄颡鱼接近。     

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.     

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.     

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.