厚颌鲂幼鱼的胃排空特征及其数学模型研究

为研究厚颌鲂幼鱼摄食配合饲料后胃内容物变化特征并确定其最优数学模型,以体质量(38.17±2.45) g的厚颌鲂幼鱼为研究对象,在水温(15.0±0.3)℃条件下,分别在饱食后0、2、4、6、8、12、16、20、24 h测定胃内容物的湿质量,并利用线性模型、指数模型以及平方根模型对试验数据进行拟合分析。试验结果表明,通过比较残差平方和和残差的标准差确定平方根模型对厚颌鲂幼鱼胃内容物湿质量的拟合效果最优,拟合方程为:y~(0.5)=0.951-0.036t(r~2=0.899,P0.001)。根据平方根模型,在本试验条件下,厚颌鲂幼鱼的胃排空率为0.036 g/h, 80%理论胃排空时间为14.83 h。据此测算,养殖过程饵料投喂间隔以15 h为宜,投喂频率以2次/d为宜。     

绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼昼夜摄食节律及胃排空模型研究

为探究绿鳍马面鲀(Thamnaconus septentrionalis)幼鱼昼夜摄食节律及胃排空模型，分别采用一次饱食投喂法(将一昼夜划分为8个时段，分别为06:00、09:00、12:00、15:00、18:00、21:00、00:00和03:00，每个时段作1个处理，每天每个处理饱食投喂1次)和分段式连续投喂法(将一昼夜划分为与一次饱食投喂法相同的8个时段，每天每个实验桶连续投喂8次)两种方法研究绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的昼夜摄食节律，实验持续7 d。此外，分别测定绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼[体重为(4.28±0.46) g]饱食后0、2、4、6、8、10、12、14、16、20、24和28 h时的胃内容物湿重，并用线性模型、指数模型和平方根模型3种数学模型拟合了绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的胃排空率。结果显示，(1)在两种投喂方式下，实验鱼均表现为24 h一周期的摄食节律。在分段式连续投喂方式下，摄食率在03:00、06:00、09:00和12:00无显著差异，在15:00达到峰值后急速降低(P<0.05)，并在00:00达到最低值；饲料效率与一次饱食投喂方式下的03:00、06:00、15:00和18:00投喂组无显著差异，特定生长率显著高于一次饱食投喂(P<0.05)。(2)在一次饱食投喂方式下，实验鱼在18:00后摄食率急速降低(P<0.05)，并在00:00达到最低值；实验鱼在09:00和12:00投喂组的特定生长率和饲料效率显著高于一天中的其他时间(P<0.05)，每天09:00~12:00时间段投喂绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼可显著提高其生长和饲料效率。(3) 3种模型中，胃排空率用平方根模型拟合得最好，方程为y0.5=2.802?0.204t (R2=0.987)；根据平方根模型，胃内饲料在饱食投喂10 h左右完全排空，达到投喂前水平，80%胃排空时间为6 h。综合上述指标，建议在生产实践中每天09:00~15:00时间段饱食投喂绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼3次，每次间隔3 h。     

史氏鲟幼鱼胃排空特征及其数学模型

为了解史氏鲟幼鱼消化和胃排空之间的关系,在水温20.5℃的条件下,测定了体质量为(26.29±1.14)g的史氏鲟幼鱼的胃排空率,并比较分析了线性模型、指数模型和平方根模型对其排空曲线的拟合程度。结果表明:(1)史氏鲟幼鱼的胃排空方式基本属于先慢后快再慢的方式;(2)通过比较线性、指数和平方根模型的相关系数(R~2)、残差平方和(RSS)及残差的标准差(SDR),发现最适合描述史氏鲟幼鱼胃排空特征的模型是平方根模型,其方程为Y~(0.5)=1.366-0.042t(R~2=0.975,P0.001);由平方根模型可知,史氏鲟幼鱼的胃排空率为0.042 g/h,50%胃排空的时间(食欲恢复50%)、80%胃排空的时间(食欲基本恢复)和99%胃排空的时间(食欲完全恢复)分别为9.53、17.98、29.27 h,即史氏鲟幼鱼在饱食投喂9.53~17.98 h后食欲最少恢复一半。因此在养殖生产中,建议史氏鲟幼鱼的投饲时间间隔设定为9.53~17.98 h,投饲频率为1.33~2次/d,这样可以减少饲料的浪费,使养殖效益最大化。     

南方鲇幼鱼的胃排空特征及其数学模型

为考察摄食后专性肉食性鱼类南方鲇幼鱼胃内容物重量的变化特征并确定其最优数学模型,研究以南方鲇幼鱼为实验对象,在25℃条件下以6%(5.8%±0.2%)鱼体重的新鲜泥鳅肉块[(3.33±0.09)g]为实验饵料,分别在摄食后0、2、4、8、16、24、36、48 h测定南方鲇幼鱼[(58.45±1.66)g,(19.4±0.2)cm,n=48]胃内容物的湿重和干重。研究结果表明,随摄食后时间的延长,胃内容物的湿重和干重均显著下降(P<0.01),二者的摄食量百分比也具类似的变化特征(P<0.01);三种数学模型均能较好地拟合胃内容物重量的变化过程,但三者之间在以相关系数(R2)、残差平方和(RSS)及残差的标准差(SDR)为标准仍存在明显差异。用平方根模型对南方鲇幼鱼胃内容物湿重和干重数据的拟合结果最优,其方程分别为Y0.5=1.889-0.051×t(R2=0.87,P<0.001)和Y0.5=0.870-0.024×t(R2=0.86,P<0.001);南方鲇幼鱼在25℃下的胃排空率为0.051 g/h,其99%胃排空时间为36.7 h,该种鱼近99%胃排空时间的实测值为餐后36 h,这与最优数学模型的计算...     

许氏平鲉仔、稚鱼的摄食特性及幼鱼胃排空率

为阐明人工育苗条件下许氏平鲉早期发育阶段的摄食特性及变化规律,采用实验生态学方法,对人工育苗条件下许氏平鲉仔、稚鱼摄食特性及不同生长阶段幼鱼的胃排空率进行了研究。结果显示,许氏平鲉仔、稚鱼已具有较强的摄食能力,前期仔鱼(2日龄)昼夜摄食高峰出现于16:00;后期仔鱼(15日龄)与稚鱼(25日龄)的摄食高峰均出现在16:00—20:00,表现为白天摄食类型。许氏平鲉仔、稚鱼各阶段的日摄食率分别为42.26%(2日龄)、16.25%(15日龄)和13.07%(25日龄),可将其作为许氏平鲉早期发育阶段日投喂量的参考标准。在水温(22±0.5)°C条件下,摄食人工配合饵料的不同规格许氏平鲉幼鱼(平均体质量1.78和8.52 g)表现出明显不同的胃排空特征。采用线性模型、指数模型、平方根模型和Logistic模型均能较好地拟合实验幼鱼的胃排空数据。以R2、RSS、SDR为标准进一步比较,结果显示,体质量1.78和8.52 g幼鱼胃排空最佳拟合模型分别为线性模型和Logistic模型,其胃排空率分别为0.007和0.047 g/h,根据其胃排空特征以及投喂频率对幼鱼生长离散的影响等,建议将饱食投喂2~3次/d作为60~90日龄幼鱼的适宜投喂频率。     

日本黄姑鱼幼鱼的胃排空率

为考察日本黄姑鱼(Nibea japonica)幼鱼摄食配合饲料后胃内含物的变化特征并确定最优数学模型,在26.4℃下测定了其摄食后每小时胃含物的干重和湿重,并用线性、指数和平方根三种模型对其进行了拟合。结果发现,三种模型均能较好地拟合排空率数据,但对干重的拟合优于湿重,原因可能是用湿重表示胃内食物存在偏差。对于干重,线性模型最优,其方程为:Y=0.408-0.025t,其50%和99%理论排空时间分别为7.88 h和16.15 h;对于湿重,平方根模型最优,其方程为:Y0.5=1.15-0.047t,其50%和99%理论排空时间分别为7.95 h和22.31 h。日本黄姑鱼幼鱼摄食约8 h后胃排空50%以上,食欲基本得到恢复。据此,按8 h的时间间隔进行投喂效果较好。     

两种规格大西洋鲑胃排空特征及其模型分析

为探究大西洋鲑(Salmo salar)的胃排空特征及其模型, 本研究采用胃含物分析法对两种规格[(176.15±27.52) g 和(323.33±43.91) g]大西洋鲑进行胃排空实验。经暂养 27 d 适应后, 两种规格大西洋鲑停食 48 h, 分别在饱食投喂后第 0、3、6、9、12、18 和 24 小时测定其胃含物湿重和干重, 并用 4 种数学模型拟合; 在筛选出其最佳胃排空模型后, 计算最佳干重模型下 80%干重胃排空时间作为其最适投喂频率。结果表明, 与湿重模型相比, 干重胃排空模型能更准确反映大西洋鲑胃排空时间的状况。小规格和大规格大西洋鲑的最佳干重胃排空模型分别为指数模型和平方根模型, 其 80%干重胃排空时间分别为 12.23 h 和 18.06 h。小规格大西洋鲑胃排空比大规格更快, 这可能是因为小规格大西洋鲑消化前期干燥饲料被水分软化的时间更短。本研究结果可为大西洋鲑智能投喂系统提供生物学参数, 为实际生产中智能投喂策略提供理论参考。     

投喂频率对尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼胃排空、生长性能和体组成的影响

通过胃排空试验与养殖试验研究了不同投喂频率对尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的胃排空、生长性能以及体组成的影响.在试验开始时,观测尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的胃内饲料排空情况,胃排空试验结果表明,胃排空率的最佳描述为平方根函数,胃内饲料在饱食投喂后15 h左右完全排空,达到投喂前水平,80％胃排空为9h,也就是投喂后大约9h恢复食欲.360尾试验鱼(初始体质量3.72 g)以不同的投喂频率(1d4次、1d3次、1d2次、2d4次、2d3次、2d2次)分组,每组设立3个平行组,随机养殖于18个网箱中,每箱养殖20尾鱼,按饱食量投饲膨化饲料.养殖期为6周.尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼在投喂频率为1d4次、1d3次和1d2次时特定生长率和饲料效率显著高于投喂频率为2d4次、2d3次和2d2次时(P＜0.05)；投喂频率为1d2次、2d4次、2d3次和2d2次时其摄食量显著低于1d4次和1d3次时(P＜0.05).随着投喂频率降低,鱼体水分含量逐步上升,脂肪和蛋白质含量逐步下降,其中1d4次、1d3次组鱼与2d2次组鱼有显著性差异(P＜0.05).各投喂频率组间的肝体指数无显著性差异(P＞0.05).3.7～48.0 g尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的适宜投喂频率为1d2次,较2d2次、2d3次和2d4次时明显提高了生长速度和饲料效率,较1d3次、1d4次摄食量显著降低.2种试验结果较为一致.     

条纹锯鮨胃排空特征和适宜投喂频率研究

适宜的投喂频率是水产养殖中保障养殖对象正常生长、优化水产养殖经济效益的关键因素。以条纹锯鮨(Centropristis striata)幼鱼为实验对象,研究了胃排空率和不同投喂频率对其生长、存活率、饲料系数、营养成分及酶活性等相关指标的影响。结果显示,在水温22℃条件下,条纹锯鮨胃含物湿重在4 h内下降明显,随后下降趋于平缓,最后降到0;比较线性模型、指数模型和平方根模型3种数学模型拟合条纹锯鮨胃排空率的结果表明,平方根模型的拟合效果最好,方程为Y~(0.5)=2.050-0.084t。水温22～26℃条件下,设置4个投喂频率处理组:F1(1次·d~(-1))、F2(2次·d~(-1))、F3(3次·d~(-1))和F4(4次·d~(-1)),进行8周养殖实验。结果显示,条纹锯鮨幼鱼的体质量、增重率、特定生长率和肥满度均随着投喂频率增加而增加,且F1组与其他各组差异显著(P0.05)。随着投喂频率的增加,饲料系数先降后升;其中,F1组饲料系数最高,F2组饲料系数最低。随着投喂频率的增加,各组鱼体内水分、灰分、粗蛋白、蛋白质效率和蛋白质生产值呈降低趋势,粗脂肪呈升高趋势。F1组血清总蛋白与其他各组间差异显著(P0.05);白蛋白各组间没有显著性差异(P0.05);F2组球蛋白最高,葡萄糖和甘油三酯值随投喂频率的增加而升高,谷丙转氨酶和谷草转氨酶值随投喂频率增加先升高后降低。综合胃排空率、生长性能、饲料系数、营养成分等指标,在本实验条件下,条纹锯鮨幼鱼的适宜投喂频率为2次·d~(-1)。研究结果可为养殖生产实践中饲料投喂频率管理提供理论指导。     

美国红鱼的胃排空率

在实验室内,25℃条件下测定了体长为22.8±2.6cm、体重为237.8±74.2g的美国红鱼的胃排空率,并比较了线性、指数、平方根3种常用数学模型对其排空曲线的拟合程度。统计检验结果表明,3种数学模型都能很好地拟合实验数据,但通过统计学进一步分析发现,不论是用湿重还是用干重表示胃含物时都以线性模型拟合得最好,用湿重表示胃含物时,其模型为Y=92.93-3.33t(R2=0.94,P<0.001);用干重表示胃含物时,其模型为Y=97.00-3.36t(R2=0.91,P<0.001)。实验还得出在该条件下美国红鱼的胃排空率为每小时排出摄入食物量的3%~4%或每小时排出胃内残余食物量的6%~7%。     

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.