International study on Artemia. XVIII. The hatching rate of Artemia cysts — A comparative study

A comparative study has been carried out on the hatching rate of Artemia cysts of different geographical origin and on different batches of the same source. Substantial variation, among as well as within geographical strains, indicates that the hatching-rate criterion is not strain specific.

In an attempt to identify the parameters which influence the hatching rate, it was found that the cyst-drying technique as well as the storage conditions may significantly affect this criterion. It has also been demonstrated that the cysts' hatchability is influenced by their previous drying and storing conditions. Optimal hatching results are guaranteed when a fluidized bed dryer is used and the cysts are stored under vacuum or nitrogen.     

Enriching rotifers with “premium” microalgae. Isochrysis aff. galbana clone T-ISO

The effect of semi-continuous culture on the nutritional value of microalgae was tested in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis in short-term enrichment experiments. Isochrysis aff. galbana clone T-ISO was cultured semi-continuously with renewal rates from 10 to 50% of the volume of the culture per day and used to feed the rotifers. After 24 h, dramatic differences in dry weight and protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents were observed in the rotifers depending on the renewal rate applied to the microalgal culture. Rotifers fed T-ISO cultured with low renewal rates showed low dry weight and organic content, whereas rotifers fed microalgae from nutrient-sufficient, high renewal rate cultures showed higher dry weight and increases up to 60% in protein, 35% in lipid and 100% in carbohydrate contents. Feed conversion rate (FCR) and organic FCR decreased with increasing renewal rates, indicating a more efficient assimilation of the microalgal biomass obtained at high growth rates. The fatty acid profile of rotifers reflected that of T-ISO, with maximum content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-3 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) being found in the rotifers fed microalgae from the renewal rate of 40%. Results demonstrate that the biochemical composition of B. plicatilis is strongly modified through the use of semi-continuous cultures of microalgae in short-term enrichment processes. This technique provides an excellent tool to improve the nutritional value of the live feed used in fish larvae cultures.     

“Indirect selection” for genetic change: A quantitative analysis illustrated with Macrobrachium rosenbergii

“Indirect selection” is exerted on a trait indirectly, by means other than artificial selection for the trait itself. Expressions are derived for calculating the intensity of indirect selection in aquaculture environments. The calculations are illustrated with growth-rate data on M. rosenbergii from farm ponds in Thailand, and with computer-generated data which simulate measurements made during a multiple mark-recapture experiment. Indirect selection for growth is probably negligible in Thai prawn farms and hatcheries at present, but small changes in management practice could exert strong indirect selection on growth rate. One very effective change appears to be collecting broodstock as early in the production cycle as possible. Control of indirect selection may be useful for the genetic improvement of aquaculture stock, especially in developing countries and other situations where an intensive artificial selection program is not economically or biologically desirable. Like all selection programs, the probability of success is critically dependent on the genetics of the traits being selected.     

纳米硒对齐口裂腹鱼生长、肌肉成分、血清生化及抗氧化指标的影响

为探究饲喂富硒酵母强化卤虫无节幼体对大口黑鲈仔鱼的生长、存活率、脂肪酸组成、肝肠组织结构以及抗逆性的影响,设置了0 (Y-se0)、5 (Y-se5)、10 (Y-se10)、15 (Y-se15)、20 mg/L (Y-se20)酵母硒添加浓度对卤虫无节幼体进行硒营养强化,并使用强化后的卤虫饲喂养殖在玻璃缸中的3 000尾大口黑鲈仔鱼(2.1 mg/尾,200尾/缸) 20 d。饲养实验结束后,将每缸10尾仔鱼放入35 °C恒温水浴缸中进行急性温度胁迫试验。结果显示：① Y-se15组的存活率、终末体重、体长以及特定生长率均显著高于对照组,肥满度(CF)在各组间无显著差异。② Y-se5组EPA含量显著低于对照组,Y-se5及Y-se15组DHA/EPA值显著高于对照组。③ Y-se10、Y-se15和Y-se20组肝脏中过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性显著高于对照组,所有处理组肝脏中,谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性显著高于对照组,丙二醛(MDA)含量显著低于对照组,处理组和对照组间总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性无显著差异。④ Y-se15组肝脏组织空泡化现象较轻,酵母硒添加组的肠道绒毛长度显著高于对照组。⑤ Y-se15组在35 °C应激条件下,存活时间显著高于对照组。研究表明,卤虫无节幼体强化液酵母硒添加浓度为15 mg/L时可显著提高大口黑鲈仔鱼生长、存活率及DHA/EPA水平,增强机体抗氧化以及抗应激能力,改善鱼体健康状况。本研究初步探究了饲喂酵母硒强化卤虫无节幼体对大口黑鲈仔鱼的影响,旨在为进一步完善水生动物苗种开口饵料营养强化技术提供参考,促进水产养殖业高质量发展。

     

Ontogeny of the digestive tract of thick lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) larvae reared in “mesocosms”

This work describes the ontogeny of the digestive tract in thick lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) larvae reared until day 36 post-hatching with the semi-extensive technology in mesocosms. Diet was constituted by live preys, rotifers, Artemia and wild zooplankton, then compound diet was added from day 20 (p. h.). Linear growth, weight growth and digestive enzymes specific activities were studied during larval ontogeny. Pancreatic enzymes (trypsin and amylase) and intestinal enzymes (leucine-alanine peptidase “Leu-ala”, aminopeptidase N “AN” and alkaline phosphatase “AP”) were assayed in larvae sampled throughout the rearing trial to evaluate gastrointestinal maturation along the development.The trypsin specific activities were very high during the first two weeks and then declined as observed in marine fish species. A following increase in trypsin specific activity from day 20 was attributed notably to ingestion of particle compound diet. In contrast to the pattern generally described in fish larvae, amylase specific activity showed a continuous increase. This could be attributed to the fact that C. labrosus is an omnivorous species and suggests that the fish might be able to use efficiently diets containing higher levels of starch or other carbohydrates since the end of larval development.Relative expression of intestinal brush border membrane enzymes (AP and AN) and cytosolic enzyme (Leu-ala), showed an abrupt increase of both AP/leu-ala and AN/leu-ala ratios at day 8 (p. h.), indicating that maturation of intestinal tract in C. labrosus larvae is particularly precocious. It is assumed that larvae of C. labrosus might support early co-feeding and weaning strategies, which could reasonably be initiated since mouth opening.     

Assessment of potential trade‐off between maternal colouration and offspring quality in the ornamental “red cherry” shrimp Neocaridina davidi (Bouvier)

Maternal colouration based on carotenoids has been proposed to negatively affect offspring quality in several taxa, since females might trade off their limited carotenoid resources between body colouration and eggs. This study investigated in the ornamental “red cherry” shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) the relationship between maternal colouration and female reproductive performance, as well as offspring quality. Females selected displayed a broad array of body colour, from less coloured to intensely red coloured and were paired with transparent males. The first two spawning events of each female were studied and compared. The number of newly hatched juveniles was associated to maternal weight, but not to maternal colouration. Offspring quality was measured in terms of survival at the end of the 90‐day growth period, weight and length increment for 0–30 days and 30–60 days periods, and protein, lipid and glycogen contents in 30‐day‐old offspring. Yet, neither of these variables was associated to maternal colouration. These results indicate that there is no trade‐off between maternal colouration and offspring quality in this species. Furthermore, no association was found between maternal and offspring colouration, evaluated at a similar age. However, body colouration in 180‐day old females was significantly higher than in 90‐day‐old females, indicating that female colouration is strongly influenced by age.     

Effect of diets on carotenoid content,body coloration,biochemical composition and spermatophore quality in the “red cherry” shrimp Neocaridina davidi (Caridea,Atyidae)

In aquarium industry trade markets, Neocaridina davidi, the “red cherry” shrimp, is one of the most attractive ornamental shrimps due to the striking reddish coloration of females. Five commercial diets formulated for ornamental species were evaluated over a 90‐day period in N. davidi males and females, based on survival, biochemical composition, body weight, carotenoid content and body coloration. Furthermore, histological and histochemical analyses of the male reproductive system were performed to evaluate the spermatophore quality. In all treatments, survival was >80%, and protein content was similar in both female and male shrimps. Lipid content was higher in females and males fed on a diet having the highest lipid level. Carotenoid content was higher and body coloration was brighter in females and males fed on a diet containing the highest carotenoid level. Histological and histochemical analyses of the spermatophore structure and composition showed no differences among diets, suggesting that the five commercial diets are adequate for satisfactory growth and spermatophore quality of N. davidi. The diverse sources and quantities of carotenoids in the highest carotenoid level diet render it more suitable for colour enhancement of this species.     

Inter-specific variation of the mitochondrial r16S gene among silversides, “Peces Blancos”, (Atherinopsidae: Menidiinae) and its utilization for species identification

Analysis of 570 nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial r16S gene of four species of silversides “peces blancos” (Chirostoma sp.) and of two euryhaline related species Membras martinica and Menidia menidia indicated variation that aided in development of a DNA-based method for species identification. The nucleotide sequence data showed levels of inter-generic genetic variation that ranged from 3.3–7.9% and from 1.06 to 1.6% at the inter-specific level. The variation observed allowed the identification of 18 diagnostic restriction enzymes that in any combination of two or three could aid in the diagnosis of species of “peces blancos”; six of these enzymes could also discriminate between the genera Membras and Menidia; the enzymes AseI, CviAII and FatI discriminate the genus Membras from Chirostoma; and the combination of any of the enzymes BsaAI, CviAII, FatI or HpyCH4IV discriminate Menidia from the “peces blancos”. PCR-RFLP analysis of amplified mitochondrial r16S fragments of 90 un-identified “peces blancos” from Lake Patzcuaro utilizing the restriction enzymes HpyCH41V, TaqI, BsmF1 and BbvI allowed us to diagnose unambiguously cultivated Chirostoma estor and C. humboldtianum in juvenile and adult stages. The use of a non-invasive method to PCR-amplify specific DNA markers from live brood stocks suggests use of this tool for identification of endangered or threatened species.     

A comparative molecular study of the presence of “Candidatus arthromitus” in the digestive system of rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), healthy and affected with rainbow trout gastroenteritis

Observations were made using histopathological techniques in conjunction with a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol for the specific detection of “Candidatus arthromitus” on DNA extracted from wax‐embedded tissues and fresh digestive contents of rainbow trout. Samples positive for “Candidatus arthromitus” DNA included fish with rainbow trout gastroenteritis (RTGE), clinically normal cohabiting fish, and apparently healthy controls from RTGE positive and RTGE negative sites. The results obtained from the PCR were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. “Candidatus arthromitus” DNA was found in distal intestine as well as in sections of pyloric caeca, suggesting that both these locations are appropriate for molecular detection of “Candidatus arthromitus” DNA in trout. Furthermore, rainbow trout fry distal intestinal samples from two different hatcheries where RTGE had not been reported were also positive. Differences in “Candidatus arthromitus” DNA detection between paraffin wax‐embedded and fresh digestive content samples from the same fish suggested that it may be predominantly epithelium‐associated in healthy trout. Parallel histopathological observations indicated that pyloric caeca are the preferred site for visualizing segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) in trout with RTGE. The results of this study showed that the presence of SFB was not invariably associated with clinical disease and that more information is required to understand the role of these organisms.