美洲鲥当年鱼种池塘遮阴养殖试验

为提高美洲鲥鱼种池塘遮阴养殖技术,采用推迟拉盖遮阴膜、提早拆除遮阴膜、适时搭建保温大棚等措施方法改进了美洲鲥当年鱼种池塘遮阴养殖方式,并开展了相关的养殖验证试验,研究比较了改进前、后的养殖效果。结果显示,2017年(改进前),美洲鲥当年鱼种经过120d的养殖,平均体长和体质量分别为12.46cm和26.53g,分别增长284.57%和3636.62%,肥满度为1.35g/cm~3,体长日增长率和体质量日增长率分别为0.076cm/d和0.215g/d,养殖成活率为81.02%,饲料系数为2.04;2018年(改进后),美洲鲥当年鱼种经过144d的养殖,体长和体质量分别为16.50～16.89cm和65.97～69.68g,分别增长293.70%～370.09%和6066.37%～9460.87%,肥满度为1.42～1.50g/cm~3,体长日增长率和体质量日增长率分别为0.088～0.090cm/d和0.453～0.476g/d,养殖成活率为75.94%～78.96%,饲料系数为1.63～1.77。试验结果表明,改进后的池塘遮阴养殖模式,其养殖效果好于单纯的遮阴池塘或露天池塘,与大水面网箱和深井水工厂化养殖模式相近。建议在江浙地区开展美洲鲥当年鱼种池塘养殖时,于放苗1周后拉盖遮阴膜,9月中旬移除遮阴膜,10月中旬搭建池塘保温大棚。     

池塘养殖斑节对虾生长、发育与性成熟

为了解不同养殖条件下斑节对虾的生长、外生殖器发育、性腺发育及性成熟之间的关系,对其养殖进行跟踪调查研究.结果显示:①斑节对虾雌雄外生殖器官发育和头胸甲长呈线性关系;②不同养殖环境条件下,斑节对虾性成熟生物学最小型个体无显著差异.雄性精荚出现的生物学最小型个体为头胸甲长3.1 cm,体长11.1 cm,体质量20.0 g;雄性性成熟个体的头胸甲长3.7 cm,体长13.0 cm,体质量37.0 g.池养雌性斑节对虾的性成熟生物学最小型个体以纳精囊的发育完全(可与雄虾交配)为标志,其最小性成熟个体的头胸甲长4.3 cm、体长15.1 cm、体质量53.0 g,雌性性成熟个体为头胸甲长5.0 cm,体长17.0 cm,体质量75.0 g以上;③池塘养殖斑节对虾性成熟与日龄和养殖环境相关.鱼塭雄虾精荚出现的最早时间为日龄120 d前后,其性成熟日龄约为160 d;池塘养殖雄虾精荚出现的最早时间为日龄150 d前后,其性成熟日龄约为260 d.鱼媪雌虾最早交配发生在日龄165 d前后,性成熟日龄205～236 d,池养雌虾最早交配发生在日龄240～ 280 d,性成熟日龄295～360 d以上.     

池塘养殖条件下当年繁育三角帆蚌的生长

为研究池塘养殖条件下三角帆蚌幼蚌的生长情况,进而为优化三角帆蚌的养殖模式提供参考依据,在浙江省诸暨市的淡水珍珠实验基地进行了池塘养殖试验。结果表明:经过86 d培育,当年繁育三角帆蚌的壳长从3.4 cm增长到6.4 cm,体质量从3 g增加到18 g;试验期间,壳长的增长率为0.035±0.005cm/d,体质量的增长率为0.192±0.044 g/d;吊养水层深度可显著影响幼蚌的生长速度,吊养在水面下40cm处的蚌,其壳长和体质量的增长速度显著高于吊养在水面下10 cm和80 cm处。     

四种引进鲟幼鱼的培育及生长特性

为了丰富鲟鱼养殖种类,特引进了闪光鲟（Acipenser stellatus）、欧鳇（Huso huso）、西伯利亚鲟（Acipenserbaerii）和杂交鲟（西伯利亚鲟♂×俄罗斯鲟A.gueldenstaeti♀）受精卵,在直径2m的玻璃钢池中进行驯养和流水养殖,水温16-22℃,溶氧5-7mg·L-1。定期测定了上述4种鲟鱼的体长和体质量,应用计算机软件Excel和SPSS对测量的数据进行处理分析。结果表明：孵出的闪光鲟、欧鳇、西伯利亚鲟和杂交鲟鱼苗平均体质量分别为0.01349g、0.02818g、0.02016g,及0.02416g,经过60d驯化养殖,平均体质量分别达到3.80g、11.22g、7.85g,及4.19g;平均体长分别达10.61cm、13.37cm、12.98cm,及9.78cm。全长与日龄之间均呈线性关系,且R2〉0.9,全长日均增长量的大小顺序为：欧鳇〉西伯利亚鲟〉闪光鲟〉杂交鲟;体质量均与日龄呈指数函数关系,且R2〉0.9,体质量日均增长量大小顺序为：欧鳇〉西伯利亚鲟〉杂交鲟〉闪光鲟;体质量与全长的回归曲线中b〈3,均呈异速生长;肥满度分别变动在0.67～0.30、0.86～0.47、0.58～0.35,及0.71～0.44之间,均呈逐渐降低的趋势,且各个时期欧鳇肥满度最高;驯化期结束后30～40日龄生长离散最明显。     

池养条件下1龄异育银鲫“中科3号”的生长特性

为了解池塘养殖条件下1龄异育银鲫“中科3号”的生长特性,在池塘自然水温(18.5~30.6℃)条件下,对体长(4.53±0.18)cm、体质量(2.73±0.17)g的1龄异育银鲫“中科3号”的生长性能进行了研究。试验结果:经过125 d培育,异育银鲫“中科3号”体长增长237.53%,体质量增长3312.45%;体长与体质量呈幂函数关系,关系式为W=0.0356L2.8885(R2=0.985),属等速生长型;体质量日增长量从试验开始到100 d始终呈增高态势,75~100 d的平均体质量日增长量为最高值(1.346 g/d),之后随着水温下降而降低;体质量相对增长率在0~25 d为最高(269.60%),而后逐渐降低,至125 d试验结束时为30.37%;生长指数(0.1054~0.4647)和生长常数(1.318~5.809)随着试验的进行逐渐降低;肥满度为2.6062~2.9480 g/cm^3,呈先降低、后升高、再降低的小幅波动;生长离散逐渐小幅增加。     

刀鲚当年鱼种池塘养殖培育试验

为了提高刀鲚当年鱼种池塘培育的成活率,根据其生物学特性,将鱼种按不同密度放养,进行刀鲚当年鱼种池塘培育技术研究。3年的池塘培育结果显示:2016年,按2500尾/亩(15亩=1 hm²,下同)[HT5"SS]的养殖密度放养刀鲚当年鱼种,经过141~146 d的培育,其体长增至11.21~11.43 cm,体质量增至4.23~4.62 g,成活率在69.3％~88.0％;2017年,按3750尾/亩的养殖密度放养刀鲚当年鱼种,经过152~157 d的培育,其体长增至11.32~11.65 cm,体质量增至4.44~4.88 g,成活率在42.1％~77.9％;2018年,按5875尾/亩的养殖密度放养刀鲚当年鱼种,经过180 d的培育,其体长增至11.01~11.04 cm,体质量增至2.41~2.44 g,成活率在57.5％~65.1％。结果表明,随着养殖密度提高,刀鲚当年鱼种的成活率呈下降趋势,天然适口活体饵料数量对刀鲚当年鱼种养殖密度的设定以及成活率有一定的影响。     

刀鲚当年鱼种池塘培育试验

为了提高刀鲚当年鱼种池塘培育的成活率,根据其生物学特性,将鱼种按不同密度放养,进行刀鲚当年鱼种池塘培育技术研究。3年的池塘培育结果显示:2016年,按2500尾/亩(15亩=1 hm~2,下同)的养殖密度放养刀鲚当年鱼种,经过141～146 d的培育,其体长增至11.21～11.43 cm,体质量增至4.23～4.62 g,成活率在69.3%～88.0%;2017年,按3750尾/亩的养殖密度放养刀鲚当年鱼种,经过152～157 d的培育,其体长增至11.32～11.65 cm,体质量增至4.44～4.88 g,成活率在42.1%～77.9%;2018年,按5875尾/亩的养殖密度放养刀鲚当年鱼种,经过180 d的培育,其体长增至11.01～11.04 cm,体质量增至2.41～2.44 g,成活率在57.5%～65.1%。结果表明,随着养殖密度提高,刀鲚当年鱼种的成活率呈下降趋势,天然适口活体饵料数量对刀鲚当年鱼种养殖密度的设定以及成活率有一定的影响。     

美洲鲥当年鱼种池塘大棚越冬养殖试验

于2017—2019年采用在池塘上方搭建简易保温大棚的方式开展了美洲鲥当年鱼种越冬养殖试验,研究探讨了越冬养殖相关的技术参数。结果显示:搭建保温大棚后,冬季池塘水温可保持在10℃以上,在美洲鲥当年鱼种(0+龄鱼种,平均体长12.45~16.65 cm,平均体质量27.29~66.41 g)放养密度为1518~2970尾/亩(15亩=1 hm^2,下同)和81.04~100.78 kg/亩的条件下,在越冬前中期(12月至次年3月中旬),日投饲量在0.8~1.6 kg/亩,越冬后期(次年3月中旬至4月上中旬),日投饲量也由2.0 kg/亩左右迅速增加到4.0~5.0 kg/亩。经过125~130 d的越冬养殖,鱼种平均体长达17.48~21.19 cm,增长28.04%~40.40%,平均体质量77.57~137.96 g/尾,增加了106.53%~184.24%,鱼种的体长和体质量特定生长率分别为(0.193~0.261)%/d和(0.585~0.804)%/d,日均增长量和日增重分别为0.036~0.039 cm/d和0.387~0.572 g/d;收获时美洲鲥鱼的肥满度为1.42~1.43 g/cm3,养殖成活率为89.29%~94.81%,饲料系数为1.50~1.65,亩产量为198.50~205.68 kg。试验结果表明,在江浙地区,养殖池塘上方搭建保温大棚后,冬季池塘水温(10~20℃)在美洲鲥当年鱼种的适宜水温范围,能获得较理想的越冬养殖效果。     

水温对施氏鲟、小体鲟和西伯利亚鲟幼鱼生长的影响

在电子控温循环水系统中,研究不同水温(15℃、18℃、21℃、24℃和27℃)对56日龄的施氏鲟Acipenser schrenckii、小体鲟A.ruthenus和西伯利亚鲟A.baerii幼鱼生长的影响。结果表明,24℃组施氏鲟幼鱼的体长特定生长率(SGRL)显著高于其它温度组(P<0.05),而体质量特定生长率(SGRW)差异不显著(P>0.05);在18~27℃范围内,体长绝对增长率(AGRL)随温度的升高而降低,且显著高于15℃组(P<0.05)。18~24℃组的体质量绝对增长率(AGRW)显著高于15℃和27℃组(P<0.05)。在18~24℃范围内,施氏鲟幼鱼的体长相对增长率随温度的升高而增加,显著高于15℃和27℃组(P<0.05),最适生长温度为24℃。18℃组小体鲟幼鱼的SGRL显著高于其他温度(P<0.05),SGRW则差异不显著(P>0.05)。在15~27℃温度范围内,小体鲟幼鱼的AGRW升高后降低,其中18℃和24℃的SGRW分别为0.61g/d和0.64g/d,显著高于其他组。15℃组AGRL最低(1.6mm/d),显著低于其他组(P<0.05)。小体鲟幼鱼的最适生长水温范围为18~24℃,最适生长温度为18℃。在15~27℃范围内,21℃组西伯利亚鲟幼鱼的SGRL、AGRL和体长相对生长率均显著高于其他温度组(P<0.05),但27℃组存活率最低。西伯利亚鲟幼鱼的最适生长范围为15~24℃,最适生长水温为21℃。不同温度下,3种鲟幼鱼的肥满度变化不同,施氏鲟幼鱼的生长类型为强异速度生长,不同于小体鲟幼鱼与西伯利亚鲟幼鱼。在15~27℃范围内,3种鲟幼鱼的最适生长温度不同,在早期生长培育时应选用不同的培育温度。     

室内养殖的1龄和2龄褐菖鱼由生长特性研究

对室内养殖的1龄和2龄褐菖鲉的生长特性进行了初步研究和比较。1龄褐菖鲉的初始体长、体质量分别为(5.91±0.74)cm、(7.15±2.44)g,2龄褐菖鲉的初始体长、体质量分别为(11.18±0.54)cm、(41.56±6.23)g。经63 d培育,1龄褐菖鲉体长增至(8.64±0.54)cm,日均增长量0.043 cm/d,体长相对增长率为46.19%;体质量增至(19.95±3.39)g,日均增长量0.203 g/d,体质量相对增长率为179.02%。体质量(W)与体长(L)呈幂函数关系,关系式为:W=0.052 5L~(2.737 4)(R~2=0.922 1),b值接近于3,属于等速生长型。体长(L)与日龄(t)的相关关系式为:L=0.0389t+0.4734(R~2=0.937 3,P0.01)。体质量(W)与日龄(t)的相关关系式为:W=0.199 9t-22.487(R~2=0.986 3,P0.01)。2龄褐菖鲉经63 d培育,体长增至(12.32±0.61)cm,日均增长量0.018 cm/d,体长相对增长率为10.19%;体质量增至(56.56±7.68)g,日均增长量0.238 g/d,体质量相对增长率为36.09%。体质量(W)与体长(L)呈幂函数关系,关系式为:W=0.075 5L~(2.624 5)(R~2=0.801 7),b值接近于3,属于等速生长型。体长(L)与日龄(t)的相关关系式为:L=0.014 7t+3.607 5(R~2=0.897 4,P0.01),体质量(W)与日龄(t)的相关关系式为:W=0.226 1t-76.214(R~2=0.977 9,P0.01)。     

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.