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.     

美人鱼发光杆菌对凡纳滨对虾非特异性 免疫功能及抗病力的影响

在基础饲料中分别添加0.1%和1%美人鱼发光杆菌灭活菌、0.1%美人鱼发光杆菌活菌配制成3种免疫实验饲料,以基础饲料为空白对照组饲料,每组设3个平行样。对个体质量为(4.83±0.36)g的凡纳滨对虾进行为期20 d的饲养实验,分别在0、5、10、15和20d进行取样,以血清中的酚氧化酶(PO)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和溶菌酶(UL)活性为免疫指标,探讨了美人鱼发光杆菌作为免疫制剂对凡纳滨对虾非特异性免疫效应的影响;在投喂免疫饲料后的第22天,按0.004 2 kg/kg体重的剂量,直接投喂对虾白斑综合征病毒(WSSV)病料,并记录累积死亡率。结果表明,美人鱼发光杆菌免疫实验组对凡纳滨对虾血清中PO、ACP、AKP、UL和SOD活性影响明显高于对照组,并且在饲料中添加美人鱼发光杆菌后,明显提高了对虾抵御WSSV感染的能力。其中0.1%美人鱼发光杆菌活菌实验组的抗病毒感染能力最强,WSSV感染14d内累计死亡率为63.3%±5.8%;而对照组为96.7%±3.3%。研究表明,美人鱼发光杆菌添加在对虾饲料中能提高凡纳滨对虾非特异性免疫水平,增强抵抗疾病的能力,将其作为对虾免疫增强剂具有良好的应用前景。     

Effects of Spirulina platensis as a feed additive on growth and coloration of blue dolphin cichlids (Cyrtocara moorii Boulunger, 1902)

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with dietary Spirulina as a feed supplement on the growth performance and coloration of blue dolphin cichlids (Cyrtocara moorii). Five isonitrogenous (47% crude protein) and isocaloric (17.36 kJ/g digestible energy) diets were for formulated to replace FM with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% Spirulina (designated as Control, SP5, SP10, SP15 and SP20 respectively) and fed to the fish (initial body weight, 3.15 ± 0.01 g). Fish were randomly distributed into fifteen 120 L aquariums (26.5 ± 1.00°C), 15 fish per aquarium. The diets were tested in triplicate for 12 weeks. Experimental groups were fed twice daily (09:00 and 17:00) by hand to satiation. At the end of the feeding trial, significantly (p < 0.05) higher weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in fish fed the SP10 diet when compared to the SP20 diet. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the other groups. The skin coloration of blue dolphin cichlid fed a diet containing Spirulina meal was enhanced. The best coloration was observed in the SP15 group. These impressions were objectively validated by chemical determinations of carotenoids extracted from fish skins and passed statistical tests of significance. The study findings show that Spirulina meal does not diminish growth rates except at very high levels.     

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.     

循环水养殖系统生物挂膜的消氨效果及影响因素分析

针对工厂化循环水养殖系统,利用海水中的自然净化微生物挂膜,挂膜成功后,形成了很好的硝化作用,进行不同水温、进水氨氮浓度和水力停留时间(HRT)影响因素实验。结果表明,相同的进水氨氮浓度,随着水温的升高,不同水温之间氨氮浓度变化差异显著(P0.05)。在28℃水温时,经过生物膜120 h的净化处理,进水氨氮浓度降低到最低;随着进水氨氮浓度和HRT的增大,氨氮去除率及特殊去除率也不断的增大,但在同一进水氨氮浓度下,氨氮特殊去除率随着水力停留时间的延长反而降低。     

Metabolic responses of matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), exposed to environmental nitrite

Nitrite is usually found in aquatic environments where nitrification process occurs. This ion can cause several injuries to aquatic species, particularly fish. Nitrite reacts with haemoglobin yielding the non‐functional methaemoglobin, which leads to many physiological consequences such as functional anaemia and supposed hypoxia. Metabolism of the freshwater teleost matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, exposed to environmental 0.6 mg L^?1 of nitrite N‐NO₂^? for 96 h was studied, and the fermentative/oxidative preference was gauged. Concentrations of glycogen, glucose, lactate, pyruvate and ammonia, plus the activities of lactate, glutamate and malate dehydrogenase were assayed. The exposure resulted in a metabolic profile that allowed inferring the continuity of oxidative metabolism. Catabolism of amino acids prevailed or was apparently exacerbated by inferred branchial injury and consequent impairment of nitrogen excretion. Moreover, the studied enzymes glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase from brain and heart were little affected by nitrite. The expected fermentative metabolism due to the high methaemoglobin formation was not observed.     

Can patch size and patch distance improve the recolonization of mussel‐seed beds exploited for aquaculture?

1. Industrial‐scale exploitation of mussel seed from the rocky intertidal of north‐western Iberia is known to be detrimental for many organisms that live on or among the competitively dominant Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis).
2. Searching for practices that may ameliorate the damage caused by mussel‐seed harvesting, the influence of two properties of the exploitation (patch size and patch distance) on the recolonization of the intertidal assemblage was assessed using a split‐plot design, replicating the techniques used by professional collectors. Patch recolonization was monitored by monthly records of the cover of sessile and sedentary organisms within and outside clearings throughout the official closed season (7 months).
3. Patch distance and patch size had a moderate influence on recolonization. Regardless of size and/or distance, richness and diversity stayed below control values until the end of the study, whereas total coverage was significantly smaller in the smallest patches than in control plots, but it recovered to control values in medium and large ones. Patch separation had a mostly non‐significant effect on assemblage attributes, except for a slightly greater richness and diversity in patches cleared close together than when they were apart.
4. Larger, close patches were more readily recolonized than smaller, isolated ones, possibly because the neighbouring herbivores had a negative impact during the early recolonization of the open space during the season when the shore is closed to commercial seed mussel harvesting. Nonetheless, the recolonizing assemblage consistently displayed a distinctive species composition until the end of the study, in part because clearings favoured the arrival of early colonizers, such as Ulva spp., Chthamalus sp., or Porphyra umbilicalis.
5. The consistently distinctive species composition of the recolonizing assemblage suggests that time—a too short closed season—rather than patch size and/or distance is the major obstacle to a more complete recovery of mussel‐seed exploited beds.

     

Maërl community in the north‐western Iberian Peninsula: a review of floristic studies and long‐term changes

• 1. A review of floristic studies on the Galician maërl community (north‐west Spain) and updated information on the distribution of maërl beds, their associated flora and long‐term changes is presented.
• 2. The Galician maërl community has been poorly studied; most of the previous studies were of short duration and focused on isolated beds. Studies on the associated maërl flora and overall Galician maërl bed distribution are required to put these in context with other Atlantic and Mediterranean European areas.
• 3. A literature review of all Galician studies produced a list of 198 maërl associated species (204 infraspecific taxa including life history stages) recorded from a total of 111 maërl beds. The current survey (2003–2006) increased the Galician maërl epiflora records to 226 species (232 intraspecific taxa including life history stages: 9 Cyanophyta, 160 Rhodophyta, 36 Heterokontophyta and 27 Chlorophyta), highlighting the occurrence of 10 non‐native species. The current Galician catalogue is compared with maërl studies from different Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.
• 4. In order to assess the long‐term changes in Galician maërl beds and their conservation status, 60 maërl beds which have been previously studied by various different workers were resampled to compare their current distribution, area and cover with historical data from the literature.
• 5. A reduction in the study area of maërl beds and their cover was detected. Most of the lost maërl areas were within or in the vicinity of myticulture areas where burial of maërl by fine sediment has a deleterious effect.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in healthy and Vibrio alginolyticus-infected large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)

The present study was designed to explore pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in healthy and Vibrio alginolyticus-infected large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) after a single 10 mg/kg oral dose. Concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in serum, liver, kidney, muscle and skin of fish were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analysed based on classical compartmental model analysis. The overall changes in enrofloxacin concentration–time curves in serum and tissues of diseased fish were similar to those of healthy fish. However, the peak concentration and peak time of enrofloxacin in serum and tissues were different in healthy and diseased fish. A delay of enrofloxacin peak time in serum and all tissues appeared in the diseased fish. The peak concentrations in serum and tissues of the diseased fish were lower than those of healthy fish. In healthy fish, the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) was in the order serum >liver > kidney >muscle > skin, while AUC was serum >live > muscle >kidney > skin in the diseased fish. The peak concentrations of ciprofloxacin in the liver, serum, kidney, muscle and skin of healthy fish were 0.93 μg/g, 0.55 μg/ml, 0.36 μg/g, 0.37 μg/g and 0.12 μg/g respectively. T_max of ciprofloxacin in the corresponding tissues was 8, 24, 12, 12 and 16 h respectively. In the diseased fish, the peak concentrations of ciprofloxacin in the corresponding tissues were 0.52 μg/g, 0.52 μg/ml, 0.41 μg/g, 0.27 μg/g and 0.13 μg/g respectively. T_max in the corresponding tissues were 0.5, 8, 12, 16 and 48 h respectively. These data indicate that the health status of fish affects drug absorption and metabolism.     

Effects of triiodothyronine and propylthiouracil on thyroid function and smoltification of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Yearling coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were fed diets containing triiodothyronine (T₃; 4 or 12gmg), propylthiouracil (PTU; 1.5 or 6.0 mg/g), or both T₃ (12g/g) and PTU (1.5 mg/g) from January 10 to May 29. Plasma T₄ and T₃, concentrations were maintained within normal physiological limits in all groups of treated fish. Increases in plasma thyroxine (T₄) occurred in late April in groups receiving the high dose of T₃ or PTU, or the combination of T₃, and PTU. Peaks of plasma T₄ occurred in May in the other groups. Thyroid follicle epithelial cell height was increased in the groups in the following order: highest; PTU (6.0 mg/g), PTU (1.5 mg/g), PTU + T₃, control, T₃ (4gmg/g), T₃ (12g/g); lowest. In March specific binding of T₃ by liver nuclei was not affected by treatment with T₃ (12g/g) but was decreased 30% by treatment with PTU (6.0g/g). Body growth, food conversion efficiency, and pigmentary changes were increased by T₃ (12g/g), decreased dose-dependently by PTU, and unaffected by the other dietary treatments. All treatments altered body proximate composition. Food consumption and the ability to osmoregulate in seawater were decreased in fish fed 6.0 mg/g PTU, but were unaffected by the other dietary treatments. These results suggest that during smoltification: 1) Thyroid hormones may be involved in control of thyroidal function and body growth and pigmentary changes, 2) Hypo-osmoregulatory competence is not further stimulated by exogenous T₃ and 3) PTU does not block T₄ synthesis but may block T₃, action by interfering with nuclear T₃ binding.     

Effects of density on growth,body composition and antioxidant indicators of Perinereis aibuhitensis and total nitrogen in sediments

Perinereis aibuhitensis is a marine polychaete living in intertidal zones that has important economic values. The present study investigated the effects of density on growth, body component and indices of antioxidant status of P. aibuhitensis as well as content of total nitrogen in sediments. When density was above 600 ind/m², specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio both decreased, suggesting that the optimal density ranged from 400 to 600 ind/m². Survivorship and content of crude protein of P. aibuhitensis significantly decreased at densities above 700 ind/m². At densities above 700 ind/m², activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as contents of methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) were significantly up‐regulated, suggesting oxidative stresses to clamworms, which might explain the reduced survivorship. Moreover, total nitrogen content in sediment per kilogram of P. aibuhitensis significantly increased at density above 600 ind/m², suggesting that high density resulted in the extra release of N to the environment, which might pollute the habitats and become toxic to clamworms.