南海区金线鱼刺网网目选择性研究

为科学制订南中国海区金线鱼(Nemipterus virgatus)刺网最小网目尺寸标准,2008年5月在南海北部进行了5种网目(40mm、45mm、50mm、55mm、60mm)刺网联合捕鱼实验,渔获种类合计达72种,其中5种网目刺网均有捕获的仅13种.根据刺网渔获的种类、数量和生物量,利用研究生物群落的多样性指数、相似性指数和ABC曲线方法,研究了金线鱼刺网的种问选择性,探讨了不同网目刺网作业对渔业资源的影响.结果表明,不同网目实验刺网的渔获组成存在明显差异,随着网目尺寸的缩小,渔获种类和数量呈上升趋势,渔获平均体质量则呈下降趋势.多齿蛇鲻(Saurida tumbil)、长尾大眼鲷(Priacanthus tayenus)、金线鱼、带鱼(Trichiurus haumela)和花斑蛇鲻(Saurida undosquamis)为主要渔获种类,其渔获生物量分别占总渔获量的21.35%、15.76%、14.78%、8.43%、7.20%,40 mm和45 mm刺网中多齿蛇鲻和花斑蛇鲻的渔获比例较高,50mm、55 mm和60 mm刺网中长尾大眼鲷、金线鱼和带鱼的渔获比例较高.根据ABC曲线计算的40 mm、45 mm、50 mm、55 mm和60 mm 5种网目刺网W统计值分别为-0.023、-0.012、0.039、0.083和0.073.40mm和45mm刺网对渔获生物群落的干扰较大.南海区金线鱼刺网最小网目尺寸标准的制订应综合考虑金线鱼、带鱼、长尾大眼鲷这3种主捕经济种类的尺寸选择性和最小可捕标准,同时注意网线粗度对捕捞能力的影响.     

南海区金线鱼刺网网目选择性

为科学制订南中国海区金线鱼(Nemipterus virgatus)刺网最小网目尺寸标准,2008年5月在南海北部进行了5种网目(40mm、45mm、50mm、55mm、60mm)刺网联合捕鱼实验,渔获种类合计达72种,其中5种网目刺网均有捕获的仅13种。根据刺网渔获的种类、数量和生物量,利用研究生物群落的多样性指数、相似性指数和ABC曲线方法,研究了金线鱼刺网的种间选择性,探讨了不同网目刺网作业对渔业资源的影响。结果表明,不同网目实验刺网的渔获组成存在明显差异,随着网目尺寸的缩小,渔获种类和数量呈上升趋势,渔获平均体质量则呈下降趋势。多齿蛇鲻(Saurida tumbil)、长尾大眼鲷(Priacanthus tayenus)、金线鱼、带鱼(Trichiurus haumela)和花斑蛇鲻(Saurida undosquamis)为主要渔获种类,其渔获生物量分别占总渔获量的21.35%、15.76%、14.78%、8.43%、7.20%,40mm和45mm刺网中多齿蛇鲻和花斑蛇鲻的渔获比例较高,50mm、55mm和60mm刺网中长尾大眼鲷、金线鱼和带鱼的渔获比例较高。根据ABC曲线计算的40mm、45mm、50mm、55mm和60mm5种网目刺网W统计值分别为-0.023、-0.012、0.039、0.083和0.073。40mm和45mm刺网对渔获生物群落的干扰较大。南海区金线鱼刺网最小网目尺寸标准的制订应综合考虑金线鱼、带鱼、长尾大眼鲷这3种主捕经济种类的尺寸选择性和最小可捕标准,同时注意网线粗度对捕捞能力的影响。     

南海北部拖网35．2与30．3mm方目网囊渔获选择性比较

根据1997年10月和2000年11~12月的拖网网囊网目选择性试验资料,对网目内径35.2mm方目和30.3mm方目网囊的渔获选择性进行了比较和分析。对比试验结果表明,35.2mm方目网囊渔获尾数总逃逸率为39.28%、重量总逃逸率为16.18%,高于30.3mm方目网囊的28.40%和7.47%,35.2mm方目网囊的渔获选择性有所提高;2种规格方目网囊及其套网中出现的渔获种类较为相似,具有释放鱼类种类少、数量低的共同特点,且在渔获选择性能上的差别还不明显,对渔获种类数量的释放效果都相当有限;作为优势释放种类,大头狗母鱼、条尾绯鲤和多齿蛇鲻在2种规格方目网囊中的尾数逃逸率和重量逃逸率分别在42.9%~65.8%和24.2%~45.0%之间;其中条尾绯鲤和多齿蛇鲻的50%选择体长均未达到最低可捕标准。总体来看,2种规格方目网囊对渔获的总体释放效果还不理想,要实现负责任捕鱼,需进一步放大拖网方目网囊的网目尺寸。     

南海北部拖网30．3mm方形网目网囊的渔获选择性分析

根据1997年10月和2000年11月在南海北部珠江口以外传统拖网渔场进行的网目选择性试验资料,分析了网目内径为30·3mm的方形网目网囊对南海北部多种渔获的选择性能。结果表明,这种规格的方目网囊平均尾数逃逸率为29·76%,平均重量逃逸率为8·46%;出现在套网中的经济种类少、数量少,条尾绯鲤、金线鱼、多齿蛇鲻、大头狗母鱼4种鱼的尾数和重量分别占套网抽样渔获的95·4%和86·0%;网囊中带鱼、长尾大眼鲷、黄鳍马面鲀、白姑鱼、深水金线鱼等鱼种的体长小于可捕标准的个体尾数比例均超过或接近50%,枪乌贼、乌贼、乌鲳等幼鱼尾数比例达90%以上,多齿蛇鲻和金线鱼50%选择体长均未达到最低可捕标准,表明该种规格网囊对多数经济种类幼体的损害比较严重。总体来说,使用该规格的方目网囊作业不利于南海北部多数种类资源的繁殖、恢复及其可持续利用,不利于海洋生物多样性保护。     

南海区拖网网囊最小网目尺寸选择性研究

为了科学地确定南海区拖网网囊的结构和适宜网目尺寸，于2000年11月25日-12月20日在南海北部珠江口以外海域，水深36-70m拖网渔场，对4种不同网目尺寸的方形网目网囊进行了2个航次34网次的网囊套网式捕鱼选择性试验。4种网囊的网目尺寸（Mex)分别为30．3mm、35．2mm、39．4mm和43．6mm。结果表明，蓝圆参(Decapterus maruadsi)、多齿蛇鲻(Saurida tumbil)和条尾绯鲤(Upeneus bensasi)仍是南海拖网渔获中常见的鱼种；4种方形网目网囊的数量平均逃逸率均高于重量平均逃逸率；网囊渔获的优势体长总是大于套网渔获的优势体长；方形网目网囊有利于释放纺锤形鱼类和圆体形鱼类(如蓝圆参、多齿蛇鲻、条尾绯鲤)的幼鱼；3种主要鱼种的50％选择长度(L0.5)与Mex之间的线性回归方程为：蓝圆参L0.5=57．98 1．80Mex；多齿蛇鲻L0.5=72．71 1．64Mex；条尾绯鲤L0.5=37．62 1．66Mex。经综合分析认为，南海区拖网最好使用方形网目网囊，最小网目尺寸不应小于40mm。     

南海北部陆架水域多齿蛇鲻与花斑蛇鲻的年龄与生长

2014年7月至2015年5月采集南海北部陆架海域的多齿蛇鲻(Sauridatumbil)和花斑蛇鲻(Sauridaundosquamis)样本,测量其叉长、体重、性腺成熟度,并读取其耳石和日龄数据,对这2个种的生物学特征进行比较,发现多齿蛇鲻和花斑蛇鲻叉长、体重雌雄间差异显著(P0.05)。多齿蛇鲻雌性与雄性样本,叉长范围分别为109～310 mm、117～283 mm,体重范围分别为13～358 g、20～297 g,日龄范围分别为76～558 d、73～526 d, von Bertalanffy生长方程的相关参数分别为:L_(∞♀)=278 mm, L_(∞♂)=276 mm; K_♀=1.30, K_♂=1.30; t_(0♀)=-0.07 a, t_(0♂)=-0.08 a。雌性性腺成熟度Ⅲ期样本从350～400 d日龄组开始出现,雌性与雄性样本孵化高峰期在3月、7月、9—10月。花斑蛇鲻雌性与雄性样本,叉长范围分别为105～269 mm、95～264 mm,体重范围分别为11～220 g、8～228 g,日龄范围分别为79～486 d、84～488 d, von Bertalanffy生长方程的相关参数分别为:L_(∞♀)=269 mm, L_(∞♂)=265 mm, K_♀=1.29, K_♂=1.29, t_(0♀)=-0.06 a, t_(0♂)=-0.06 a,雌性性腺成熟度Ⅲ期样本从200～250 d日龄组开始出现,雌性与雄性样本孵化高峰期在6—11月。与历史资料进行对比,发现南海海域多齿蛇鲻与花斑蛇鲻出现个体大小逐渐减小、性成熟提前等适应性特征。结论认为,为了南海多齿蛇鲻与花斑蛇鲻渔业资源的可持续发展,需要降低南海近海的捕捞压力以促进南海渔业资源的发展。     

莱州湾海域春季不同网目尺寸地笼网渔获性能分析比较

为了让地笼网在人工鱼礁区进行捕捞许可提供科学依据,2018年4月在渤海莱州湾海域采用套网法进行地笼网不同网目尺寸(20、30、40、50、60 mm)的渔获物调查,探讨不同网目尺寸地笼网的渔获性能。对试验结果从相对重要性指数(IRI)、渔获量、主要渔获物优势体长、尾数和重量逃逸率、经济品种渔获量和口虾蛄体长分布进行分析。结果显示,试验共捕获渔获物37种,其中优势种8种;渔获物的数量与种类逃逸率随着网目尺寸增加而增加,40~60 mm网目种类逃逸率达80%左右,尾数逃逸率超过90%,质量逃逸达50%以上,表明40~60 mm网目具有明显的释放效果;经济品种渔获量占比与网目尺寸呈正相关;以主要渔获种类口虾蛄分析,使用50 mm网目捕捞未达到可捕体长的口虾蛄占比最少,为10.3%;经综合分析,50 mm网目尺寸地笼网的渔获性能较好,符合生产和生态的要求,因此推荐在海洋牧场海域使用50 mm网目地笼网。     

南海北部多齿蛇鲻生物学分析

综合20世纪60～90年代南海北部多齿蛇鲻(Sauridatumbil)的生物学资料,利用ELEFAN技术计算生长参数,得到的VonBertalanffy生长方程的相关参数为:L∞=58.5cm,K=0.30,t0=-0.39。根据生长参数及鱼类栖息环境平均水温用Pauly公式计算得自然死亡系数为0.61。根据各个年代的资料采用长度变换曲线法计算总死亡系数,进一步计算捕捞死亡系数,20世纪80年代捕捞死亡系数为1.55,是20世纪60年代的近2倍,20世纪90年代捕捞死亡系数与80年代相比又增加了1倍,在目前的开捕规格下,渔业点进一步偏离了最适产量区;若维持当前的开捕规格及捕捞强度不变,会导致多齿蛇鲻资源的进一步衰竭,而且也不符合经济效益的要求。综合考虑多齿蛇鲻的性成熟特征、当前可能的捕捞强度及经济效益,在有利于恢复资源又能保持相当产量的前提下,建议尽可能的降低捕捞强度的同时对南海北部多齿蛇鲻的开捕体长由13.5cm增加至22.0cm。     

北部湾多齿蛇鲻摄食习性及随生长发育的变化

2008年10月至2009年9月,对北部湾多齿蛇鲻逐月采样共749尾(实胃数408个),通过胃含物分析法研究其摄食习性及随生长发育的变化。结果表明,北部湾多齿蛇鲻捕食种类包括鱼类、头足类以及虾类等饵料生物,其中可鉴定出的鱼类种类有17种。以相对重要性指数百分比为指标,鱼类为最主要饵料(98.8%),其中优势饵料种类有蓝圆鲹(34.9%)、少鳞犀鳕(26.6%)、长颌棱鳀(4.30%)和条鲾(2.5%)。多齿蛇鲻摄食强度、饱满指数和成熟系数的月份差异十分显著,而以Brillouin指数表征的各月份营养多样性则无显著差异。一年中呈现3个产卵高峰期(3-4月、6月及11月),产卵期间摄食强度没有降低,仍然强烈索饵。随着体长的增长,北部湾多齿蛇鲻饵料生物个数变化较小,但平均单个饵料生物质量却明显增加。聚类分析表明,北部湾多齿蛇鲻各体长组间食物组成相近,其中136～255mm各体长组相似性系数均大于60%。     

福建近海渔业资源结构及其主要种群生态的变化

本文通过对福建近海主要渔获种类组成与结构的变化和大头狗母鱼、多齿蛇鲻、蓝圆鲹、鲐鱼和竹荚鱼的种群结构及其生态学参数、捕捞死亡系数、开发比率的变化的研究,揭示了近海渔业开发力度的加大对资源衰退及其生态学的影响,旨在为渔业决策部门制定21世纪初期福建近海捕捞渔业持续发展规划提供重要的决策依据。     

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.