日本有明海及周边水域刀鲚耳石微化学研究

刀鲚在日本仅分布于有明海及与之相通的一些河流中,为重要的渔业资源,现已被列入了"危急种"名录。为探明相关水域该资源种的生活史履历及生境需求特征,本研究利用鱼类耳石微化学分析技术,对采自有明海海区及六角川、筑后川河口水域的刀鲚进行了耳石锶(Sr)和钙(Ca)的微化学研究。耳石由核心到边缘Sr、Ca定量线及Sr面分布分色图谱分析结果发现,3种水域刀鲚个体总体上可分为淡水产卵场起源(即溯河洄游)和非淡水产卵场起源(即海生刀鲚)2种生态类型,其中前者刀鲚中还进一步包含有3种不同淡水、海水间生境履历模式,反映出3种水域分布刀鲚生活史和生境需求的多样性及对不同盐度生境较好的适应性。此外,微化学结果还显示,研究涉及的17尾刀鲚中,有30%是在河口半咸水生境孵化起源。这在一定程度上提示,相关水域除传统淡水起源的资源补充量外,河口域半咸水起源的补充量同样不能忽视。     

基于耳石微化学分析的丹东鸭绿江刀鲚不同生态表型生境履历的研究

为了解东北地区刀鲚(Coilia nasus)的生活史履历特征,2020年7月对丹东鸭绿江水域刀鲚进行调查,获得传统长颌鲚10尾、短颌鲚3尾,并首次采集到“杂颌鲚”6尾。通过电子探针微区分析技术对不同刀鲚进行了研究。耳石Sr和Ca定量线分析及Sr面分布图谱分析结果显示,长颌鲚既有具江海洄游生境履历的生态表型,亦有仅具淡水定居生境履历的生态表型;而短颌鲚及“杂颌鲚”个体则全为河口孵化起源、具江海洄游生境履历的生态表型。结果表明,丹东鸭绿江刀鲚类型的组成非常复杂,生境履历极富多样性,显示其可能是一个独特资源地理种群。     

长江南京江段长颌鲚生境履历的反演

利用电子探针显微分析技术(EPMA),对2009年和2014年采自长江南京段的长颌鲚耳石微化学进行了研究,反演了其生境履历。结果显示,这些长颌鲚耳石上元素Sr/Ca值的动态可分为两类。一类Sr/Ca值出现显著波动,不仅具有对应淡水生境的低值(1.87±0.36),而且有对应于河口半咸水生境的较高值(4.80±0.80),甚至出现了外海高盐度生境的高值(7.85±0.57),反映了溯河洄游的生境履历特征。另一类Sr/Ca值稳定3.0以下(14NJC09和14NJCE10),仅反映出在淡水生境中生活的履历。上述结果均得到了耳石Sr面分布的验证。上述"反演"的结果首次发现,传统上认为的一定是溯河洄游的长颌鲚,也可能存在有淡水定居个体。单纯利用上颌骨的长短并不能作为有效判别长江刀鲚资源群体中溯河洄游个体和淡水定居个体的标准。     

长江南京江段长颌鲚生境履历的反演研究

利用电子探针显微分析技术(EPMA),对2009年和2014年采自长江南京段的长颌鲚耳石微化学进行了研究,反演了其生境履历.结果显示,这些长颌鲚耳石上元素Sr/Ca值的动态可分为两类.一类Sr/Ca值出现显著波动,不仅具有对应淡水生境的低值(1.87±0.36),而且有对应于河口半咸水生境的较高值(4.80±0.80),甚至出现了外海高盐度生境的高值(7.85±0.57),反映了溯河洄游的生境履历特征.另一类Sr/Ca值稳定3.0以下(14NJC09和14NJCE10),仅反映出在淡水生境中生活的履历.上述结果均得到了耳石Sr面分布的验证.上述“反演”的结果首次发现,传统上认为的一定是溯河洄游的长颌鲚,也可能存在有淡水定居个体.单纯利用上颌骨的长短并不能作为有效判别长江刀鲚资源群体中溯河洄游个体和淡水定居个体的标准.     

鄱阳湖刀鲚耳石的两种微化学特征

为确认鄱阳湖中是否仍存在有溯河洄游的刀鲚个体,利用X射线电子探针微区分析技术(EPMA)研究了采自鄱阳湖星子县水域2尾刀鲚个体矢耳石的锶和钙微化学特征.定量线分析结果显示,上颌骨较短个体(PYCB02)的耳石锶钙比值(即Sr/Ca×1 000)为稳定的低值(1.66±0.54),反映了其淡水定居的生活习性;而上颌骨较长个体(PYCE05)的锶钙比值波动显著,不仅具有对应淡水生活的低值(1.82 ±0.50),而且出现了对应于海水生活的高值(5.79±0.91),显示出其溯河洄游的“履历”.这些结果更得到了耳石元素面分布分析结果的支持.这两种截然不同的耳石微化学特征类型首次直观地反映和证实了目前距长江河口约800 km的鄱阳湖中同时存在有溯河洄游和淡水定居的两类刀鲚个体.     

鄱阳湖同时存在溯河洄游和淡水定居的刀鲚

为确认鄱阳湖中是否仍存在有溯河洄游的刀鲚个体,利用X射线电子探针微区分析技术(EPMA)研究了采自鄱阳湖星子县水域2尾刀鲚个体矢耳石的锶和钙微化学特征。定量线分析结果显示,上颌骨较短个体(PYCB02)的耳石锶钙比值(即Sr/Ca×1 000)为稳定的低值(1.66±0.54),反映了其淡水定居的生活习性;而上颌骨较长个体(PYCE05)的锶钙比值波动显著,不仅具有对应淡水生活的低值(1.82±0.50),而且出现了对应于海水生活的高值(5.79±0.91),显示出其溯河洄游的"履历"。这些结果更得到了耳石元素面分布分析结果的支持。这两种截然不同的耳石微化学特征类型首次直观地反映和证实了目前距长江河口约800 km的鄱阳湖中同时存在有溯河洄游和淡水定居的两类刀鲚个体。     

长江短颌鲚耳石Sr/Ca值变化特征及其江海洄游履历

为确证长江刀鲚生殖洄游季节的短颌刀鲚是否为江海洄游个体,采用X射线电子探针微区分析技术(EPMA)研究了2013年4月27日采自长江靖江段的1尾短颌鲚(XGC-A)和1尾长颌鲚(XGC-B)矢耳石的锶(Sr)和钙(Ca)的微化学特征,同时将实验结果与确认是江海洄游型长江刀鲚矢耳石的Sr和Ca的微化学特征进行了比对分析。定量线分析结果显示,短颌鲚和长颌鲚个体的Sr/Ca值均波动显著,不仅具有对应淡水生活的低值(1.59±0.80、1.55±0.74),而且出现了对应于海水生活的高值(4.38±1.33、3.56±0.94),显示出其溯河洄游的履历;耳石元素面分布分析结果同时验证了短颌鲚和长颌鲚均参与江海洄游的事实。研究表明,目前长江中存在参与江海洄游的短颌鲚个体。     

基于耳石微化学的黄河垦利段刀鲚生活史初步研究

为研究黄河刀鲚(Coilia nasus)生境履历特征,利用电子探针微区分析技术(EPMA)对采集自黄河垦利段5尾刀鲚个体(D1、D2、D4、D5和D6)的矢耳石进行微化学特征研究。定量线分析结果显示,黄河口刀鲚生境履历较为复杂,所有个体核心区Sr/Ca值较低,表明其淡水孵化特征,但随着个体生长表现出不同的生活履历。个体D2生活史较复杂,其生长轨迹多次往返于淡水—半咸水生境,不具备洄游型刀鲚应有的规律性特征;个体D1、D4、D5和D6具有明显的洄游特征,不同的是个体D1和D4的Sr/Ca最大值分别为6.1和6.2,D5、D6生境已延伸至Sr/Ca值较高的区域,最大值分别达到8.44、8.63,但是由于调水、调沙对黄河口盐度变化影响较大,尚不能判断D5、D6个体生境已延伸至海水区域。分析的结果显示了同样的特征,个体D1、D4核心区表现为蓝色,外缘区域表现为蓝绿色;个体D2核心区表现为蓝色、绿色、黄色交替出现,个体D5、D6核心区域表现为Sr值较低的蓝色区域,随着生长耳石外围逐渐形成较为明显的黄色圆环。基于以上结果,本研究重新建立了黄河口刀鲚的生境履历,多数个体孵化和早期的生活主要在淡水生境完成,之后进入盐度较高的区域,往返于半咸水—海水生境中进行索饵、育肥,直至被捕获。以个体D2为代表的群体生活史较为复杂,推测可能是由于当年山东东平湖汛期放水而被动进入黄河的定居型刀鲚。     

刀鲚胸鳍条和耳石微化学“指纹”相似性研究

耳石微化学被广泛应用于鱼类洄游生态学研究,但耳石的摘取难免会造成鱼的死亡和损伤,故寻找可以快捷、非致死地替代耳石进行微化学分析的材料很有意义。为此,本研究比较了刀鲚(Coilia nasus)胸鳍条和耳石微化学的相似性特征。耳石的锶钙比值(Sr/Ca)和Sr含量图谱分型结果分别很好地对应了所研究的洄游型、淡水定居型和陆封型的典型个体。胸鳍条微化学结果显示,湖鲚和短颌鲚2类个体呈现出稳定的低Sr/Ca值?(1.38±0.52)~(2.04±0.74)和(1.40±0.32)~(1.81±0.66)?与刀鲚胸鳍条生活史第一阶段的特征相吻合?(2.06±0.64)~(2.26±0.29)?,这些均反映了淡水生境“指纹”的特征。刀鲚胸鳍条Sr含量图谱和耳石相似,自核心至边缘可分为明显的3个阶段,分别对应于面分布图上自核心至边缘的蓝色、绿色、蓝色之间微化学“指纹”的变化。由此可见,刀鲚胸鳍条可以作为耳石的非致死、低损伤的代替材料,用于刀鲚洄游习性、生境履历等研究。同时,由于胸鳍条具有取样和前处理的优势,在其他鱼类资源或标志放流评价研究时,可以考虑以胸鳍条代替耳石来开展研究。     

长江口及邻近海域凤鲚生境履历重建

利用 X-射线电子探针微区技术(EPMA)对长江口崇明和邻近吕四凤鲚(Coilia mystus)耳石 Sr 和 Ca 的微化学进行了分析。定量线分析和 Sr 含量面分布图谱显示,凤鲚耳石核区的 Sr/Ca 比值存在 Sr/Ca<3、37 这 3 种类型,分别对应的耳石核心面分布同心环区域颜色为蓝色、绿色和黄-红色,据此推断长江口及邻近海域凤鲚孵化场存在 3 种,即淡水孵化场、河口半咸水孵化场及海水孵化场。凤鲚个体耳石从核心到边缘的 Sr/Ca比值变化波动极为显著,有对应淡水生活的低值阶段(Sr/Ca<3,最小为 2.04±0.87),也有对应海水生活的高值阶段(Sr/Ca >7,最大为 7.81±0.91),可将凤鲚的生境履历类型分为 4 种类型:淡水河口半咸水型、河口半咸水定居型、河口半咸水海水型和淡水河口半咸水海水型。长江口邻近海域吕四凤鲚有淡水和河口半咸水孵化个体,其生境履历类型包括淡水河口半咸水型、河口半咸水海水型和淡水河口半咸水海水型,而长江口崇明岛海域有海水及河口半咸水孵化个体,其生境履历类型包括淡水河口半咸水型、河口定居型及淡水河口半咸水海水型,这反映了长江口崇明岛及邻近海域吕四 2 个海域凤鲚个体间的共性以及差异性。通过本次研究,首次证明了长江口及邻近海域凤鲚存在 3 种孵化场及 4 种生境履历类型,准确反映了凤鲚个体组成及其生活史的多样性和复杂性。     

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.