大泷六线鱼仔鱼摄食及生长的研究↑（*）

本文以大泷六线鱼(Hexagrammosotakii)人工孵化所得的卵黄囊期仔鱼为材料,对仔鱼早期阶段的摄食及生长情况作了实验研究。结果表明:在13.5～14℃条件下,大泷六线鱼仔鱼6日龄开始摄食,约8日龄卵黄囊耗尽,10日龄饥饿仔鱼进入PNR期,混合营养期为2d;饥饿仔鱼的开口率(初次摄食率)开始较低,此后上升,到卵黄囊耗尽时达高峰(63%),以后又下降。仔鱼前期的生长率平均为0.254mm/d,饥饿仔鱼生长几乎停止,同期喂食仔鱼的生长率亦下降为0.102mm/d;摄食仔鱼在孵化后20d内的全长(L)和日龄(d)的相关式为L=0.085d 7.04。仔鱼存在昼夜摄食节律,在1昼夜中有2个摄食高峰,分别出现在14:00和20:00。     

胭脂鱼早期发育过程中集群行为的形成

为了探讨胭脂鱼个体发育过程中集群行为的发生机理,在20℃水温下,在胭脂鱼孵化后第5天开始至第39天,记录体长,采用视频分析的方法连续观察其游泳行为,计算胭脂鱼的游泳速度(V),相对全长最近邻距离(DNNL),分离游泳指数(ISS),根据胭脂鱼的游泳速度计算基于全长雷诺系数(RL).结果显示,随着日龄的增加,胭脂鱼仔鱼全长呈y=1.26033-0.015 58x+0.003 15x2-(4.849 78E-5)x3增加,游泳速度先增加后降低并趋于稳定,在19日龄后相对全长游泳速度稳定于(2.45 +0.15) TL/s.胭脂鱼仔鱼ISS随着时间显著降低,至第19天时显著低于随机分布预期值,至32天时稳定于最低值;DNNL的变化趋势与ISS相符;表明胭脂鱼仔鱼集群行为于19日龄(1.77 cm全长)开始,至32日龄(2.40 cm全长)时形成紧凑的集群行为.RL随日龄的增加呈y=-607.891 61+156.809 12x-4.212 9x2 +0.037 9x3方程增加,在仔鱼开口期(5-6日龄)即大于200,在19日龄时值为1 111.结果表明,仅从RL的角度不能解释胭脂鱼集群行为的发生,胭脂鱼的集群行为可能更多的与生物学因素如游泳行为有关,其游泳模式随着集群行为的发生由间歇高速游泳向持续巡游游泳转变.     

短须裂腹鱼仔稚鱼底质选择性初步研究

为探讨短须裂腹鱼(Schizothorax wangchiachii)仔稚鱼对不同底质类型的选择性,共设置砾石(1～2 cm)、沙石(0.2 cm)和泥三种底质类型。分别以15日龄(体长(13.99±0.40) mm,n=40)、35日龄(体长16.75±0.75 mm,n=40)和55日龄仔稚鱼(体长21.47±1.14 mm,n=10)为对象进行试验。结果表明:15日龄仔鱼对砾石底质具有明显的偏好,停留在砾石、沙石和泥底质上的试验鱼数量百分比依次为(35.69±6.77)%、(27.15±4.50)%和(26.94±3.33)%;35日龄仔鱼和55日龄稚鱼均对沙石和泥底质具有更高的偏好性,其中35日龄仔鱼停留在三种底质上的数量百分比为砾石(22.85±5.17)%、沙石(31.53±3.09)%和泥(34.51±3.61)%,55日龄稚鱼停留在三种底质上的数量百分比为砾石(22.43±7.83)%、沙石(29.10±6.98)%和泥(33.96±8.86)%。结果表明,短须裂腹鱼仔稚鱼对底质存在选择性,不同生长期的仔稚鱼对不同底质的选择性具有显著差异。     

大黄鱼仔鱼摄食节律与生长的初步研究

本文研究了大黄鱼仔鱼的昼夜摄食习性及生长。实验结果表明:全长5.0—5.5mm的大黄鱼仔鱼具有明显的昼夜摄食节律,白天摄食,夜间不摄食。白天有三个摄食高峰,以下午13:00最高,早上9:00和下午17:00次之。仔鱼在12日龄前生长较慢,12日龄后生长明显加快。全长与日龄之间的关系可用方程TL=3.7545e~(0.047D)表示。     

日龄对虹鳟仔鱼全长生长的影响

对2003、2004年不同日龄虹鳟仔鱼生长的研究结果表明:在16～17.5℃水温下,破膜仔鱼的平均全长1.382 cm,6日龄上浮,上浮仔鱼平均全长2.090 cm,14日龄平均全长达3.905 cm,平均日增长0.180 cm。日龄与全长的关系呈线性正相关,2003、2004年的表达式分别为:L=0.1324T 1.2812(R2=0.9854)、L=0.1364T 1.3523(R2=0.9814)。24～日龄的全长特定生长率较高,5～11日龄的全长特定生长率较低,12日龄以后的全长特定生长率又升高。     

拉氏仔稚鱼发育、饥饿不可逆点及适时下塘研究

为探明拉氏■仔稚鱼发育生物学特性及适宜下塘时间,对拉氏■进行了胚后仔稚鱼发育显微观察、仔鱼饥饿试验和仔鱼下塘试验。胚后仔稚鱼发育观察结果显示,水温16～18℃,拉氏■初孵仔鱼全长(4.69±0.37)mm,卵黄囊全长(3.12±0.10)mm,2日龄眼点变黑,5日龄消化道开始贯通,6日龄仔鱼鳔一室开始充气,7日龄脊索末端开始弯曲,仔鱼开口摄食,9日龄卵黄囊消失,12日龄鳔二室形成,21日龄仔鱼鳔二室充气,23日龄仔鱼背鳍、臀鳍开始形成,27日龄仔鱼腹鳍开始形成,至35日龄仔鱼各鳍发育完善。仔鱼饥饿不可逆点试验结果表明,16～18℃,拉氏■仔鱼开口第1天(7日龄)初次摄食率为36.36%,9日龄达最高初次摄食率85.71%,饥饿不可逆时间临界点为仔鱼14日龄,此时仔鱼摄食率为40.91%。仔鱼开口前全长(L)与日龄(t)符合von-Bertalanffy生长方程:L=8.0031[1-e⁽-0.3139(t+2.8093))]。拉氏■适宜下塘试验结果表明,水温14.5～20.1℃,池塘轮虫生物量8.30～18.58mg/L,拉氏■仔鱼最高成活下塘时间、体质量增长的适...     

延迟首次投喂对胭脂鱼仔鱼氨基酸和脂肪酸的影响

为考察饥饿及恢复摄食对胭脂鱼仔鱼氨基酸和脂肪酸的影响.在水温(19±0.5)℃下,对胭脂鱼仔鱼实施延迟首次投喂0、1、3、5、7、9和11d共7个处理,随后进行饱食投喂,分别在延迟处理结束时以及摄食后(19日龄和29日龄)取材对鱼体的含脂量、脂肪酸和氨基酸含量进行检测.结果如下:(1)随延迟首次投喂时间的增加,胭脂鱼仔鱼鱼体的脂肪含量呈显著下降趋势.在实验结束时(29日龄),各处理组仔鱼的脂肪含量均与对照组无显著性差异,表现出完全补偿效应.(2)胭脂鱼仔鱼在饥饿期间,主要以单不饱和脂肪酸作为能量代谢基质,按n-6＞n-9＞n-3顺序被先后利用,且C22∶6n-3 (DHA)优先于C20∶5n-3(EPA)被保存下来.同时,鱼体中DHA和ARA的百分含量与仔鱼体质量和含水率存在极显著相关关系.(3)随延迟首次投喂时间的增加,胭脂鱼仔鱼的丙氨酸、异亮氨酸、亮氨酸和组氨酸显著下降;天冬氨酸和谷氨酸显著上升;而甘氨酸、赖氨酸和精氨酸则呈先上升后下降的趋势.结果表明:胭脂鱼仔鱼对饥饿有较强的适应性,在饥饿初期以消耗脂类物质为主,当脂类物质趋于阈值,氨基酸开始被大量消耗;胭脂鱼仔鱼在饥饿后恢复摄食时,鱼体氨基酸的恢复比脂肪酸更慢.     

美洲西鲱仔鱼不可逆点及仔、稚鱼摄食特性研究

在水温(20.5±1.0)℃的条件下,采用实验生态学的方法,对美洲西鲱(Alosa sapidissima)仔鱼在饥饿状态下的生长、形态、不可逆点(PNR)及仔、稚鱼期的摄食节律进行了研究,旨在阐明美洲西鲱早期发育过程中的摄食规律和特点。实验结果表明,美洲西鲱初孵仔鱼全长(7.45±0.15)mm,体质量为(2.15±0.03)mg,卵黄囊体积为(5.99±0.13)mm3,第5日龄,仔鱼卵黄囊被完全吸收。对照组仔鱼全长及体质量随着卵黄囊的消耗、外源性营养的建立逐渐增加;饥饿组仔鱼自6日龄开始,全长及体质量开始呈现负增长,至10日龄全部死亡。美洲西鲱初孵仔鱼初次摄食时间在3日龄,摄食率为46.67%,5日龄摄食率达到最大为89.29%,PNR发生在7~8日龄,综上所述,美洲西鲱仔鱼最佳投喂时间应在2~3日龄。美洲西鲱仔、稚鱼摄食节律研究表明,美洲西鲱早期仔鱼(4日龄)昼夜摄食高峰出现在14:00,平均摄食量达到0.14 mg;晚期仔鱼(17日龄)在10:00和14:00出现较高的摄食量,分别为0.92和1.36 mg;28日龄稚鱼在10:00、14:00和18:00 3个时间段维持着较高的摄食量,摄食量分别为1.77、2.45和1.55 mg,属于典型的白天摄食类型,且随着仔稚鱼的生长发育,摄食高峰期逐渐延长。美洲西鲱仔、稚鱼各阶段的日摄食率分别为20.08%(4日龄)、29.48%(17日龄)和12.41%(28日龄),可将其作为美洲西鲱日投喂量的参考标准。     

鲇胚胎及其仔鱼发育的连续观察

鲇的成熟卵为典型的多黄卵,为不完全盘状卵裂;水温(24±1)℃时,鲇胚胎发育历时35 h,总积温840~875℃.h;脱膜后第1 d,仔鱼口未形成,2日龄口基本形成,口裂宽(B)与日龄(d)的关系可表示为:B=0.0165 0.3282d(r=0.9756,n=7,P<0.01,2≤d≤8);仔鱼孵出后第3 d开口摄食,仔鱼存在混合营养期,持续时间1 d,仔鱼开口摄食的适口食物为枝角类;发育至8日龄时,仔鱼期结束,此时鲇鳍褶消失,鳍条分化,外形与成鱼相似。     

长江中游洪湖段仔鱼昼夜变化特征的初步研究

为了解长江中游洪湖段仔鱼漂流的昼夜变化特征,于2015年6-7月,在该江段进行了3次昼夜连续采样调查,共采集仔鱼101 349尾,分属于6目8科22种,数量以贝■氏最多(占93.6%),其次是鳊(占4.3%)。仔鱼种类数和平均密度最大值均出现在20∶00-22∶00,分别为18种和(15.73±2.03)ind./m~3。以时间段为因素对部分仔鱼进行单因素分析检验,结果显示贝■氏(Hemiculter bleeker)、鳊(Parabramis pekinensis)、鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)、太湖新银鱼(Neosalanx taihuensis)仔鱼的漂流密度在不同时间段具有显著性差异,而子陵吻虾虎鱼(Rhinogobius giurinus)、鳜(Siniperca chuatsi)、鲤(Cyprinus carpio)在不同时间段差异不显著。聚类分析和非度量多维尺度排序(n MDS)结果显示,仔鱼出现时间段可分为昼和夜两组。光照强度和种间差异可能是引起仔鱼漂流特征昼夜差异的主要原因。研究结果表明将仔鱼漂流过程分时间段研究,对提高资源量精度评估也具有借鉴意义。     

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.