GeO2对海带幼孢子体培育过程中硅藻污染的抑制效应

采用叶绿素荧光技术,以光系统Ⅱ最大荧光产量(Fv/Fm)为指标,结合形态显微观察,研究了GeO2在海带幼孢子体培育过程中菱形藻污染的抑制效应。结果表明,1)对于菱形藻,当GeO2浓度在5mg/L以上时,对其Fv/Fm值有显著影响,达到或超过15mg/L时菱形藻趋于死亡。2)对于海带幼孢子体,GeO2浓度在20mg/L以上时,对其Fv/Fm值有显著影响,达到或超过30mg/L时其趋于死亡。3)对于受到菱形藻污染的海带幼孢子体,GeO2浓度在15mg/L以上时对其Fv/Fm值有显著影响,达到或超过20mg/L时其趋于死亡。综合来看,当GeO2浓度为5～15mg/L时,菱形藻光合作用受到较强的抑制,而对海带幼孢子体影响不大。     

拟态弧菌的绿色荧光蛋白标记及其在感染草鱼体内的动态分布

为了示踪研究拟态弧菌感染草鱼的动态过程,将增强型绿色荧光蛋白编码基因EGFP克隆至质粒pBAD24,并转化到拟态弧菌04-14菌株构建荧光标记重组菌.重组菌经阿拉伯糖诱导后,能高效表达EGFP蛋白;荧光显微镜观察和流式细胞仪检测均发现重组菌能够发出明显的绿色荧光信号,且传至30代后质粒稳定率仍为100％;生物学特性检测结果显示,与野生株相比,重组菌的形态、生长特性和细胞黏附性均未发生明显改变.用标记重组菌浸泡感染草鱼,定点采集鳃、肠道、肌肉、头肾、脾脏和肝脏,借助荧光信号检测4d内细菌在不同组织脏器中的动态分布.结果发现感染4h后即可在肠道和鳃中检测到绿色荧光信号,标记菌检出量分别为3.60×108和2.36×106 CFU/g,直至10 h,其含量无明显变化,12 h后含菌量逐渐下降,但持续存在直至鱼死亡.标记菌在肌肉、头肾、脾脏和肝脏中呈现相似的动力学,感染24 h后才检测到荧光信号,24～ 85 h时间段含菌量呈现先增加后下降的变化,48 h达到峰值,检出量分别为9.58×104(肌肉)、8.75×104(头肾)、1.50×104(脾脏)和4.50×104 CFU/g(肝脏),但均低于肠道中的检出量,结果表明肠道是拟态弧菌黏附定植与繁殖的主要靶器官.     

海带孢子体光合活性对不同温度和光照的响应

为了从生理生态学角度解答温度和光照对海带孢子体生长过程的影响,探索海带孢子体对温度和光环境的生理响应机制,实验在测定养殖海域海带孢子体生长参数的基础上,设定了6、10、14和18°C 4个水温梯度的海带孢子体暂养实验,以及它们在0、25、70、133、230、317、421、582、786μmol photons/(m2·s) 9个光合有效辐射(PAR)梯度下的光合活性荧光参数测定。结果显示:①在6°C水温条件下,海带孢子体荧光参数Fv/Fm和Fv/F0最大,分别为0.71和2.40;在18°C水温条件下,其Fv/Fm和Fv/F0最小,分别为0.65和1.85;②暂养海带孢子体的光化学淬灭(qP)和非光化学淬灭(qN或NPQ)在18°C水温条件下达到最大,分别为0.92和3.29;③海带孢子体的快速光曲线随着光合有效辐射(PAR)的增强呈现先上升后下降的趋势;④海域养殖海带孢子体的最大叶长增长速率、叶宽增长速率和干重增重率分别为1.34 cm/d、0.33 cm/d和1.01 g/d。研究表明,海带孢子体干重生长率变化与不同水温条件下的快速光曲线变化一致,高温抑制了海带孢子体光合效率;当环境光合有效辐射大于样品光饱和点(Em)后,海带孢子体相对电子传递速率下降,光合作用受到抑制。     

绿色荧光蛋白基因重组子的构建及其在鱼类受精卵中的表达

通过体外重组，将绿色荧光蛋白基因编码序列克隆到鲤鱼肌动蛋白基因启动子下游，构建成能在鱼体内表达绿色荧光蛋白的重组分子。用限制性内切酶PvuI酶切线性化后，通过显微注射法导入金鱼受精卵内，在转化后48h，可观察到绿色荧光，经PCR初步筛选后，对显阳性个体进行Southern杂交检测，结果表明，转化个体表现出较强的杂交信号。这说明绿色荧光蛋白基因能在金鱼体内整合、表达。     

温度和时间对海带(Saccharina japonica)孢子囊孢子放散及后期生长发育的影响

为了能够节约制冷成本,合理延长种海带在海上的预留时间,系统研究了不同温度(20、21、22、23、24℃)和培养时间(4、8、12、16d)对两个海带品系(“205”和“C033”)孢子放散能力及胚孢子萌发率、受精率、雌配子体发育和幼孢子体生长的影响.结果显示,当海水温度达到24℃时,孢子囊几乎丧失了放散能力,20-23℃的游孢子放散量差别不显著.在相同温度下,孢子囊培养时间为12、16d的胚孢子萌发率大于4、8d;同时,孢子囊培养16d的雌配子体和幼孢子体具有最小值.在相同培养时间下,23℃(或24℃)的雌配子体和幼孢子体远远小于20-22℃的.相关性分析表明,海带雌配子体大小与幼孢子体大小具有显著正相关性(P＜0.01).结果显示,当温度达到23℃或培养时间达到16d时,海带孢子囊受到了胁迫,不利于雌配子体的发育和幼孢子体的生长.温度对孢子囊的作用更迅速,而时间对孢子囊的作用较为缓慢,可能是一种累积效应.     

海带染色体的DAPI染色及核型初步分析

鉴于海带染色体比较小且数目存在分歧等原因,利用0.2%秋水仙素对海带配子体及孢子体处理10 h左右,经过卡诺试剂固定、多种酶组合处理及30 cm的高位滴片,可以获得质量比较高的海带染色体;使用灵敏度高、特异性强的DNA荧光染料DAPI进行染色,结果显示,海带雌、雄配子体的染色体各为31条,孢子体染色体为62条,大多为短杆状或者点状;雌配子体染色体的大小为0.78～2.61μm,稍大于雄配子体(大小为0.57～2.17μm)。根据染色体的大小,对海带配子体的染色体核型进行了初步分析。这些结果为分子标记的染色体定位等细胞学研究奠定了技术基础。     

利用液相氧电极技术研究“海天1号”海带(Saccharina japonica)幼孢子体光合及呼吸速率

“海天1号”海带是南方耐高温品种与北方高产品种杂交后,经过几代选育获得的海带新品系,具有产量高、耐高温、成熟稍早等特点(暂命名为“海天l号”海带).为探究“海天1号”海带幼孢子体在不同环境因子下的生理适应性,设置了温度、光强及营养盐3个单因素实验,利用液相氧电极技术研究其对“海天l号”海带幼孢子体(1-2 cm)表观光合速率(Pn)和呼吸耗氧速率(R)的影响,并测定相对生长速率(Relative growth rate,RGR).结果显示:(1)温度为14℃、光强为80 μmolphotons/(m2.s)、氮营养盐为6 mg/L(N/P=10∶1,下同)环境下,幼孢子体的RGR和Pn均较大.在温度为22℃、光强为1 00 μmol photons/(m2·s)、氮营养盐浓度为10 mg/L条件下,R最强.(2) 22℃组的幼孢子体生长受到抑制,其RGR显著低于14℃组(P＜0.05).20 μmol photons/(m2·s)与80 μmolphotons/(m2·s)光强组的RGR存在显著性差异(P＜0.05).单因素方差分析显示,5个营养盐浓度组之间幼孢子体的RGR无显著性差异(P＞0.05).(3)随着温度、光强、营养盐浓度增加,幼孢子体的Pn呈先上升后下降的趋势,14℃组Pn显著高于其他温度组,氮营养盐浓度4 mg/L和6 mg/L组的Pn显著高于2、8和10 mg/L组(P＜0.05).在本实验条件下,R和Pn呈负相关.(4)光强对幼孢子体P/R(总光合速率/呼吸耗氧速率)的影响较小,温度和营养盐浓度对其影响较大.正交实验结果显示,适宜“海天1号”海带幼孢子体培养的条件为光强50 μmol photons/(m2·s)、温度16℃、氮营养盐浓度5 mg/L.     

镉对凡纳滨对虾离体血细胞的毒性影响

对凡纳滨对虾血细胞进行离体镉离子应激,Cd2+浓度为10-3-10-9M,在应激6h后取样,利用流式细胞术（FCM）检测血细胞的活性和活性氧（ROS）含量。结果显示,当Cd2+浓度为10-5M时,血细胞的ROS含量显著升高;当Cd2+浓度为10-3和10-4M时,血细胞的死亡率和ROS含量均显著上升。这些结果表明Cd2+的细胞毒性作用与其浓度相关,Cd2+浓度达到10-5M时即可诱导血细胞ROS的产生,但当Cd2+浓度达到10-4M及以上时,被诱导产生的ROS对细胞造成氧化伤害从而导致细胞死亡。     

高温对海带(Saccharina japonica)抗氧化酶及叶绿素荧光参数的影响

以海带(Saccharina japonica)幼苗为材料,研究了高温(25℃)条件下其抗氧化酶、叶绿素含量、叶绿素荧光参数的变化.研究表明,(1)高温组的可溶性蛋白含量在处理12 h后达最大值(P＜0.05),相比初始含量升高了37.9％.(2)随着胁迫时间的延长,高温组的丙二醛(MDA)含量呈增加趋势,在48h时达最大值,与对照组差异显著(P＜0.05).(3)高温组海带幼苗的叶绿素含量随胁迫时间延长呈下降趋势,胁迫48 h时,叶绿素含量达最小值,与初始值相比下降了38.5％ (P＜0.05).(4)在高温条件下,过氧化物酶(POD)活性随胁迫时间延长逐渐下降,在48 h时达最小值,与初始值相比下降47.2％,呈显著性差异(P＜0.05);超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性呈现波动趋势,处理8h后,SOD活性达最小值;40h后,SOD活性达最大值,与初始值相比上升了36％ (P＜0.05).过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性随胁迫时间延长呈下降趋势,处理36h后,海带幼苗的CAT活性略有升高;处理48 h后,CAT活性达最小值,与初始值相比下降了75.8％ (P＜0.05).(5)高温条件下,海带幼苗的光化学最大量子产量(Fv/Fm)随着胁迫时间延长呈现下降趋势,处理48 h后,高温组的Fv/Fm达最小值,与初始条件相比下降了56.8％,呈显著性差异(P＜0.05).本研究可为海带的耐高温品种选育提供理论依据.     

9个海带栽培品种自交系后代遗传多样性和亲缘关系的AFLP分析

于2007-2008年采集养殖生产中使用的海带烟杂和单克隆海带配子体杂交培育的东方3号等9个海带(Laminaria japonica)品种/系成熟孢子体,采集游孢子后,通过人工育苗获得自交子一代.以青岛野生海带自交子一代作为对照,运用AFLP分子标记技术对以上10种海带幼孢子体进行遗传多样性和亲缘关系分析.用10对引物组合共扩增条带434条,其中多态性带141条,多态性平均检出比例32.5%.UPGMA聚类分析,可将10个海带品种/系自交子一代分成三大类群(相似系数0.87).其中90%受试海带品种/系亲本的纯合性较高,自交系个体后代遗传相似系数在0.97以上.分析结果表明,中国北方栽培海带品种/系与青岛的野生海带可能来源于同一种群,而福建的栽培海带则在亚热带水域长期栽培后特化成一个相对独立的地理种群.早厚成海带和真海带之间有较近的亲缘关系,推测早厚成海带的亲本可能是真海带.而烟杂海带亲本杂合度明显高于其他海带品种/系,从品种的角度考虑,还需进一步筛选纯化.     

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.