饥饿对褐菖鲉消化道组织及肌肉营养成分的影响

在室内可控环境下对褐菖鲉进行了不同饥饿时间处理,通过分析饥饿对褐菖鲉消化道指数及肌肉成分的变化情况,研究了饥饿对褐菖鲉消化道指数及肌肉成分的影响.褐菖鲉在饥饿胁迫下,随着饥饿时间的延长,其肠道萎缩,比肠长逐渐变小,与对照组相比,差异显著(P＜0.05);比肝重、比胃重、比幽门重指标均随着饥饿时间的延长而下降,其中比肝重下降幅度最大,饥饿21d的比肝重与对照组相比下降了85.033%;饥饿对褐菖鲉肌肉中水分、蛋白质、脂肪和灰分含量变化有显著影响,蛋白质、脂肪含量皆显著下降(P＜0.05),水分含量显著增加(P＜0.05),而灰分含量变化不大,差异并不显著(P＜0.05).     

饥饿和再投喂对黑尾近红鲌幼鱼体成分、消化酶活性和RNA/DNA比值的影响

在室内水温23～26℃的条件下,分别对黑尾近红鲌(Ancherythroculter nigrocauda)幼鱼进行不同时间(0、5、10、15、20和25 d)的饥饿处理和饥饿后恢复投喂(25 d)试验。结果显示:在饥饿过程中,幼鱼随着饥饿时间的延长,体重和RNA/DNA比值不断减小。脂肪含量在饥饿前期下降明显,后期下降缓慢;蛋白质含量在饥饿前期下降缓慢,后期下降明显,表明幼鱼是优先利用脂肪作为能量来源,其次再利用蛋白质。饥饿5、10 d组幼鱼的消化酶活性下降显著(P<0.05)。肝脏的蛋白酶、淀粉酶活性饥饿至15 d下降显著,之后随着饥饿时间延长,下降趋于平缓;消化道的脂肪酶、淀粉酶活性饥饿至15 d显著下降,之后下降趋于平缓。恢复投喂后,饥饿5、10、15、20 d组幼鱼的消化酶、生化组成及RNA/DNA比值均恢复到对照组水平,而饥饿25 d组幼鱼的水分含量、蛋白质含量、RNA/DNA比值、消化酶均未恢复到对照组水平(P<0.05)。饥饿5、10 d组幼鱼体重均恢复到对照组水平(P>0.05),饥饿15、20、25 d组幼鱼体重与对照组差异显著(P<0.05),这表明黑尾近红鲌幼鱼的补偿生长随饥饿时间的不同而异。     

不同性别沙塘鳢体重与生化组成和能值的关系

研究了体重增加时不同性别沙塘鳢鱼体生化组成和能值的变化。结果显示,雌性沙塘鳢的干物质、脂肪含量和能值随体重的增加而显著增加,蛋白质含量与体重没有显著相关性;雄性沙塘鳢的脂肪含量和能值随体重的增加而显著增加,蛋白质含量显著下降,干物质含量与体重没有显著相关性。随着体重增加,雌性沙塘鳢的脂肪、蛋白质含量和能值以及雄性沙塘鳢的蛋白质含量和能值都与各自鱼体的干物质含量呈显著的直线相关,雄性沙塘鳢的脂肪含量与干物质含量没有显著相关性。     

不同蛋白质、脂肪水平对三疣梭子蟹生长和卵巢色素沉积的影响

以鱼粉和豆粕为蛋白源,鱼油和大豆油为脂肪源,配制蛋白质水平分别为35％、40％、45％和脂肪水平分别为7％、9％、11％的二因子三水平的实验饲料,并以鲜杂鱼饲料为对照,对三疣梭子蟹(Portunus trituberculatus)(体质量36.5～42.9 g)进行为期20周的养殖实验,研究三疣梭子蟹对蛋白质、脂肪的需要量,以及对卵巢色素沉积的影响.养殖实验采用海区串笼吊养方式,每个吊笼放养1只雌蟹.实验共10个处理,每个处理18个蟹,3个重复.结果表明,不同蛋白质、脂肪水平饲料对三疣梭子蟹增重率(269.2％～404.90％)、饲料系数(2.01～2.55)、蛋白质效率(1.02％～1.29％)和肥满度(16.26％～23.97％)均有显著影响（P＜0.05）;增加饲料蛋白质和脂肪水平,可显著提高三疣梭子蟹生长,降低饲料系数（P＜0.05）.对照饲料组的三疣梭子蟹获得了最高的增重率(461.69％),但饲料系数也是最高(6.35),而且肥满度(21.15％)低于P40Lll组（蛋白质40％、脂肪11％组）.三疣梭子蟹水分、肌肉蛋白、脂肪、灰份和卵巢灰份不受饲料蛋白质、脂肪水平变化的影响(P＞0.05),但卵巢蛋白质、脂肪影响显著(P＜0.05),而且高蛋白饲料组的卵巢脂肪含量总是显著低于其他各组.在同一饲料蛋白质水平下,9％脂肪饲料组的三疣梭子蟹卵巢类胡萝卜素总量、虾青素含量和成色比色值都显著高于其他各饲料组（P＜0.05）.与对照饲料组比较,实验饲料组的三疣梭子蟹卵巢类胡萝卜素总量和虾青素含量呈显著优势.综合考虑生长、饲料系数和色素沉积,三疣梭子蟹饲料的适宜蛋白质水平和脂肪水平分别为40％～45％和9％.本研究旨在为制定三疣梭子蟹饲料配方和改善其品质提供理论依据.     

饥饿对斜带石斑鱼肝脏和肌肉脂肪酸组成的影响

在室外水泥池(4m×1.5m×1m)进行石斑鱼(62.3±0.6g)的饥饿实验,每池放养35尾,设3个重复,实验时间分别为0、1、2、3和4周。随着饥饿时间的延长,体重减轻,肥满度和肝体比显著降低;肌肉水分显著增加而蛋白质含量显著下降(P<0.05),脂肪含量在第1周下降后基本保持稳定。肝脏饱和脂肪酸在饥饿前3周基本保持不变,第4周显著下降。单不饱和脂肪酸在饥饿第1周保持不变,然后呈下降趋势。多不饱和脂肪酸和高不饱和脂肪酸的总和随着饥饿时间的延长,含量显著增加。与肝脏相比,肌肉中脂肪酸变化程度较小。随着饥饿时间的延长,肌肉中140减少而205增加。饥饿使肌肉中DHA/EPA比率呈下降趋势,但肝脏DHA/EPA比率显著上升;肌肉和肝脏中DHA EPA的百分比都随饥饿时间的延长而显著上升。     

饥饿和再投喂对白斑狗鱼生长性能和生化组成的影响

选用体重196.77±7.60g的白斑狗鱼（Esox Lucius Linnaeus）为研究对象,试验设置饥饿14d、21d、28d、35d、42d组和正常投喂对照组,各组饥饿结束后恢复饱食投喂,试验周期为56d,水温为22～26℃,研究了饥饿和再投喂对白斑狗鱼生长性能、体生化组成和肌肉、肝脏RNA/DNA比值的影响。结果表明：饥饿再投喂后各处理组均出现补偿生长现象,在恢复生长结束后,饥饿14d组体重显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）,其他各饥饿处理组体重与对照组无显著性差异（P＞0.05）;随着饥饿时间的延长,饥饿各处理组肌肉的脂肪含量显著下降（P＜0.05）,水分含量显著升高（P＜0.05）,恢复投喂结束时各饥饿处理组蛋白质和水分含量恢复到对照组水平;在恢复投喂初期各处理组的特定生长率、摄食率和食物转化效率显著高于对照组水平（P＜0.05）,随着恢复生长时间的延长,逐渐恢复到对照组水平（P＞0.05）;肌肉和肝脏的RNA/DNA比值均随饥饿时间的延长呈逐渐下降的趋势,在恢复投喂结束时,RNA/DNA比值均在饥饿28d组达到最大值。由此表明饥饿14d组的白斑狗鱼在恢复生长过程中出现了超补偿生长效应,21d组、28d组、35d组和42d组出现了完全补偿生长效应,该补偿效应是由摄食率和食物转化效率升高共同作用的结果。     

养殖密度对杂交鳢生长和生理指标的影响

设置0.8、1.1、1.4、1.7kg/m~3 4个养殖密度,研究放养密度对杂交鳢[均质量为(16.5±0.5)g]生长和生理指标的影响。60d的饲养表明,随着养殖密度的增加,杂交鳢的终末体质量、摄食率、特定生长率和蛋白质效率显著降低,而饲料系数显著升高(P0.05)。杂交鳢红细胞数随放养密度的增加而显著升高(P0.05),而白细胞数无显著变化(P0.05)。0.8kg/m~3密度组血红蛋白含量显著低于其他试验组(P0.05)。随着放养密度的增加,血清总胆固醇和血糖含量显著升高(P0.05),而甘油三酯、球蛋白含量以及碱性磷酸酶和超氧化物歧化酶活性显著下降(P0.05)。各试验组血清总蛋白含量无显著变化(P0.05)。1.7kg/m~3密度组血清丙二醛含量显著高于其他密度组(P0.05)。总之,高密度养殖对杂交鳢生长、摄食和代谢产生不利的影响。     

哲罗鱼继饥饿后的补偿生长及其机制

对平均初始体重为80 g的哲罗鱼(Hucho taimen)进行了8周养殖实验,以检验其继饥饿后的补偿生长。实验共设5个处理组,4组鱼分别被饥饿1周、2周、3周、4周后再恢复正常投喂,1组正常投喂作为对照,分别用S1、S2、S3、S4、C表示。实验结果显示:饥饿过程中各饥饿组鱼体重随饥饿时间的延长而逐渐下降,饥饿结束时S2、S3、S4组鱼体重均显著低于对照组(P<0.05),恢复投喂结束时S1、S2、S3组鱼体重与对照组无显著差异(P>0.05),S4组鱼体重与对照差异显著(P<0.05)。恢复投喂期间除S1组外其他饥饿组鱼的摄食率和特定生长率均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。在饥饿过程中,其耗氧率随着饥饿时间的延长逐渐下降,恢复投喂后逐渐上升,其中S1、S2、S3组在各自恢复投喂后5 d、9 d、12 d恢复到对照组水平,而S4组则在其恢复投喂后24 d恢复到对照组水平。饥饿导致鱼躯干脂肪含量下降,躯干水分和灰分含量升高,蛋白质含量变化不大。恢复投喂结束时各饥饿组鱼躯干水分、脂肪、蛋白质含量与对照无显著性差异(P>0.05);躯干灰分含量除S4组显著高于对照组(P<0.05)外,其余与对照差异不显著(P>0.05)。实验结果表明,人工养殖哲罗鱼饥饿1~3周表现出完全补偿生长,饥饿4周表现出部分补偿生长。恢复投喂期间各饥饿组鱼对食物的利用效率得到明显提高,表明哲罗鱼恢复生长中出现的补偿生长效应主要是通过提高摄食水平和食物转化率共同作用实现的。     

饥饿与再投喂对方斑东风螺生长、基本营养成分及RNA/DNA比值的影响

在(25.8±1.7)℃条件下,测定了方斑东风螺(5.25±0.53)g在不同时间(7、15、25和40d)饥饿处理后再投饵30d过程中的生长参数、基本营养成分及组织RNA/DNA比值的变化。饥饿状态下,螺体水分含量逐渐上升,第15天时显著高于对照组;脂肪与糖原含量均下降,并分别于饥饿15d、25d时显著低于对照组(P<0.05);而蛋白质含量在不同处理组间无显著性差异(P>0.05);足肌与肝胰脏中RNA/DNA比值均随饥饿时间延长而逐渐降低。恢复生长后,除饥饿40d组含水量显著高于对照组外(P<0.05),该组其余营养成分及其它各组相应指标均恢复至或接近对照组;RNA/DNA比值除在饥饿40d组肝胰脏中仍较低外均接近或显著高于对照组。各组幼螺摄食率(FR)均高于或显著高于对照组(P<0.05),体重增量、食物转化率(FCE)在前3处理组及特殊生长率(SGR)在饥饿7d与25d组均与对照组间无显著差异(P>0.05),而饥饿15d组的SGR显著高于对照组(P<0.05);饥饿40d组尽管FR显著提高,但体重增量、FCE及SGR均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。结果表明,方斑东风螺幼螺饥饿时主要消耗脂肪与糖原...     

饲料中脂肪水平对方格星虫稚虫生长性能、体组成及消化酶活性的影响

以初始体重为15.50±0.04 mg的方格星虫稚虫为实验对象,分别饲喂脂肪水平为0.36％、3.32％、6.49％、9.31％、12.16％、15.14％和18.36％的7种等氮、等能饲料56 d,研究饲料脂肪水平对方格星虫稚虫生长、体组成及消化酶活性的影响.实验结果表明,(1)饲料脂肪水平对方格星虫稚虫的生长性能有显著影响(P＜0.05).随着饲料中脂肪水平的提高,方格星虫稚虫的增重率和特定生长率都呈先增后降的趋势,当饲料中脂肪水平为9.31％时,方格星虫稚虫增重率和特定生长率达到最大值.二次曲线回归分析确定当增重率达到极值时,饲料脂肪水平为8.70％;(2)饲料脂肪水平对方格星虫稚虫体组成中脂肪和蛋白质的含量影响显著(P＜0.05),方格星虫稚虫体脂肪含量随着饲料脂肪水平的上升有显著升高的趋势,18.36％组星虫体脂肪含量最高,显著高于0.36％、3.32％、6.49％、9.31％和12.16％组(P＜0.05).体蛋白含量随着饲料脂肪水平的上升有降低的趋势,18.36％组星虫的体蛋白含量最低,显著低于0.36％、3.32％、6.49％、9.31％和12.16％组(P＜0.05).饲料脂肪水平对方格星虫稚虫体组成中水分和粗灰分含量没有显著影响(P＞0.05);(3)随着饲料脂肪水平的增加,方格星虫稚虫蛋白酶活性和脂肪酶活性均呈先增后降的趋势,两种酶活性的最大值均出现在脂肪水平为9.31％时,但是饲料脂肪水平对方格星虫稚虫的淀粉酶活性没有显著的影响(P＞0.05).以增重率为评价指标时,方格星虫稚虫对饲料中脂肪的适宜需求量为8.70％.     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of cortisol on hepatic carbohydrate metabolism and responsiveness to hormones in the sea raven,Hemitripterus americanus

The sea raven, Hemitripterus americanus, is a sit-and-wait, low metabolic rate, marine teleost. The objective of this study was to determine i) whether cortisol implantation (50 mg. kg^-1) for 7 days altered hepatocyte metabolism, and hepatocyte responsiveness to epinephrine, glucagon and insulin, and ii) whether 8 weeks of food-deprivation modified the above response. Cortisol implantation significantly increased hepatocyte total glucose production and oxidation from alanine compared to the sham group. There was no cortisol effect on glycogen breakdown, suggesting that the activation of other pathways, including gluconeogenesis, are required to account for the increased glucose production. Epinephrine-mediated (10^-5M) glycogen breakdown and insulin-mediated (10^-8M) total glucose production were enhanced in hepatocytes of cortisol implanted sea ravens, but there were no change in any glucagon (10^-7M) effects. The enhanced glycogen breakdown in the absence of similar increases in total glucose production with epinephrine indicates mobilization of carbohydrate reserves for endogenous use by the liver. Food-deprivation for 8 weeks significantly decreased condition factor, plasma cortisol concentration and liver glycogen content in the sea raven, but had no effect on plasma glucose concentration. Hepatocyte total glucose production and flux rates from alanine increased significantly with food-deprivation. Moreover, food-deprivation increased responsiveness of total hepatocyte glucose production to the actions of glucagon and insulin, but not to epinephrine; none of these effects were modified by cortisol implantation. Our results indicate that cortisol in the sea raven exerts both a direct and an indirect or permissive effect on hepatocyte metabolism by modifying hepatocyte responsiveness to epinephrine and insulin stimulation. Cortisol implantation did not modify the effects of glucagon or food-deprivation in this species.     

Simulation and quantification of enrichment and retention processes in the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem

Important environmental processes for the survival and recruitment of early life stages of pelagic fishes have been synthesized through Bakun's fundamental triad as enrichment, concentration and retention processes (A. Bakun, 1996, Patterns in the Ocean. Ocean Processes and Marine Population Dynamics. San Diego, CA, USA: University of California Sea Grant). This conceptual framework states that from favourable spawning habitats, eggs and larvae would be transported to and/or retained in places where food originating from enrichment areas would be concentrated. We propose a method for quantifying two of the triad processes, enrichment and retention, based on the Lagrangian tracking of particles transported within water velocity fields generated by a three‐dimensional hydrodynamic model. We apply this method to the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem, constructing putative maps of enrichment and retention. We comment on these maps regarding main features of the circulation in the region, and investigate seasonal variability of the processes. We finally discuss the results in relation to available knowledge on the reproductive strategies of two pelagic clupeoid species abundant in the southern Benguela, anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardinops sagax). Our approach is intended to be sufficiently generic so as to allow its application to other upwelling systems.     

Effects of capture,loading density and transport stress on the mortality,physiological responses,bacterial density and growth of rohu <Emphasis Type="Italic">Labeo</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic"> rohita</Emphasis> fingerlings

This study evaluated the effects of three levels of loading density (200, 300 and 400 g L⁻¹) and four levels of duration (1, 3, 6 and 9 h) on the mortality, plasma cortisol and chloride levels and growth of rohu Labeo rohita fingerlings in a transport simulation. While total immediate mortality was low (4–12%), delayed mortality was high (27–49%). Initial capture and handling were found to constitute the most stressful phase as indicated by elevated plasma cortisol. The levels of cortisol continued to rise at 6 and 9 h after transport, with the highest level observed at 9 h after transport. The level of plasma chloride fell after transport across all density levels and treatment durations. Specific growth rate (SGR, %/day) and total bacterial density (cfu/g) were not different between and within treatments, and between treatments and the controls. This study demonstrates that transport has a profound effect on the stress responses of rohu fingerlings. Although the level of immediate mortality was low, the higher level of delayed mortality has serious implications in terms of production inefficiency for grow-out farmers.     

The effects of introduced tilapias on native biodiversity

• 1. The common name ‘tilapia’ refers to a group of tropical freshwater fish in the family Cichlidae (Oreochromis, Tilapia, and Sarotherodon spp.) that are indigenous to Africa and the southwestern Middle East. Since the 1930s, tilapias have been intentionally dispersed worldwide for the biological control of aquatic weeds and insects, as baitfish for certain capture fisheries, for aquaria, and as a food fish. They have most recently been promoted as an important source of protein that could provide food security for developing countries without the environmental problems associated with terrestrial agriculture. In addition, market demand for tilapia in developed countries such as the United States is growing rapidly.
• 2. Tilapias are well‐suited to aquaculture because they are highly prolific and tolerant to a range of environmental conditions. They have come to be known as the ‘aquatic chicken’ because of their potential as an affordable, high‐yield source of protein that can be easily raised in a range of environments — from subsistence or ‘backyard’ units to intensive fish hatcheries. In some countries, particularly in Asia, nearly all of the introduced tilapias produced are consumed domestically; tilapias have contributed to basic food security for such societies.
• 3. This review indicates that tilapia species are highly invasive and exist under feral conditions in every nation in which they have been cultured or introduced. Thus, the authors have concluded that, despite potential or observed benefits to human society, tilapia aquaculture and open‐water introductions cannot continue unchecked without further exacerbating damage to native fish species and biodiversity. Recommendations include restricting tilapia culture to carefully managed, contained ponds, although exclusion is preferred when it is feasible. Research into culture of indigenous species is also recommended.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.