Particle Size Distribution in Two Lipid Emulsions Used for the Enrichment of Artemia nauplii as a Function of Their Preparation Method and Storage Time

The present study examined the distribution of particle sizes in two experimental standardized lipid emulsions (distributed by ICES, International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) as a function of the preparation method (hand shaking or ultrasonic blending) and as a function of storage time. A 24-h enrichment trial compared the incorporated HUFA levels in the nauplii of Artemia franciscana .
The emulsion droplets in the 50% HUFA emulsion (ICES 50, ethyl ester based) were much smaller than in the 30% HUFA emulsion (ICES 30, triacylglycerol-based) in which 90% of the droplets had a diameter below 12.3 μm as compared to 1.3 pn in ICES 50. The blending method highly affected particle sizes. High-shear blending instead of the classical hand shaking of the emulsion of both ICES 30 and 50 reduced the mean particle size from 5.06 to 1.07 μm and from 0.38 to 0.11 μm, respectively. The particle size distributions remained stable during the 1-wk storage, suggesting the absence of agglomeration or bacterial development. The fatty acid composition of 24-h enriched Artemia reflected differences in the HUFA profile of the emulsions, but was independent of observed differences in the size of the particles.     

Examination of the Interaction of Chitosan and Oil-in-Water Emulsions Under Conditions Simulating the Digestive System Using Confocal Microscopy

ABSTRACT

Chitosan is a cationic biopolymer that has been used extensively in dietary supplements to reduce fat absorption in the fight against obesity. The mechanism of fat binding of chitosan is still not fully understood and has been the subject of controversy. This study was designed to improve the understanding of the underlying mechanism by investigating the interaction of chitosan with oil-in-water emulsion droplets. Our results indicated that (0.1% w/w) chitosan adsorbed to a 20% w/w phosphatidylcholine-stabilized anionic primary emulsion to form a secondary cationic emulsion by electrostatic attraction forces under conditions resembling the stomach (pH 2). Bile salts (6 mM) were added to simulate secretion in the small intestine and pH increase. Bile salts adsorbed to the chitosan secondary emulsion, which resulted in aggregation of oil droplets followed by coalescence due to close packing of droplets. Increased viscosity (267–2531 cp) and increased degree of deacetylation (40–92% DDA) of chitosan enhanced emulsion breakdown. Increasing the pH to 7.5 without addition of bile salts yielded little aggregation. Pronounced aggregation is thought to decrease the accessibility of lipase to the oil resulting in lower bioavailability and reduced caloric intake. Understanding how chitosan interacts with oil droplets in the digestive tract is vital to developing a comprehensive model of the influence of chitosan on the bioavailability of dietary lipids. The information gained in this study may be useful for the interpretation and experimental design of animal and human feeding studies and for the rational design of chitosan-based functional foods for fat reduction.     

Development of an emulsion prepared with lipophilized gelatin and its application for hormone administration in the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica

A new water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) type emulsion using lipophilized gelatin (LG) and cotton-seed oil was developed for a novel method of hormone administration in fishes. LG was prepared by attaching palmitic anhydride to gelatin. The best conditions for preparing stable emulsions were determined where the final concentrations of LG in the emulsion and the volume ratio of LG solution to cotton-seed oil were 2% and 1:2, respectively. Hormone releasing properties of LG emulsion were compared with a water-in-oil (W/O) type emulsion prepared with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) and saline solution by monitoring plasma profiles of salmon gonadotropin (sGtH) II in the Japanese eel. sGtH II is gradually released from the LG emulsion. LG emulsion had hormone-releasing properties different from those of the saline solution and the FIA emulsion. Immature female Japanese eel (BW, 566 to 1017 g) received a weekly intramuscular injections (total of 10 injections) of the LG emulsion, the FIA emulsion or the saline solution, each of which contained sGtH fraction. The LG emulsion was found to be more effective in inducing ovarian maturation. In mature eel, final maturation and ovulation could be induced by simultaneous administration of sGtH fraction and 17-hydroxyprogesterone using LG W/O/W emulsion.     

肉制品中脂肪氧化影响因素研究

肉中的脂肪氧化伴随着肉的整个成熟过程,脂肪的氧化对肉的产品品质造成双面影响,文章主要从影响水包油型乳浊液的几个方面:接触面的面积、接触面的相互作用、乳浊液电荷、接触面的厚度及接触面的通透性等几个影响脂肪氧化的因素,介绍了乳化液滴中抗氧化剂的作用及液滴中其他成分与脂肪氧化之间的关系,从而为生产中合理控制肉中脂肪氧化及寻找新的抗氧化剂、抗氧化技术提供依据。     

Comparison of volatile compounds formed by autoxidation and photosensitized oxidation of cod liver oil in emulsion systems

ABSTRACT:   Volatile compounds formed by photosensitized oxidation and autoxidation of cod liver oil were compared. A 5-mL portion of oil-in-water emulsion (10% oil, 1% Tween 20 and 0.1 mM of rose bengal or 0.1 mM of ferrous chloride) was sealed into a 50-mL crimp top vial. The vial with added rose bengal was exposed to a 100-watt tungsten bulb (6000 lux) in an oven at 40°C, while the vial with added ferrous chloride was wrapped in aluminum foil to shield light and kept in the same oven. Volatiles in the headspace of the vials were collected by solid phase microextraction technique and analyzed with a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and a gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Approximately 51 kinds of volatiles were identified from oxidation of cod liver oil. All the volatiles identified in the sample with added rose bengal were identified in the sample with added ferrous chloride, however, tremendous differences of their relative ratios were found, which probably is useful to explain the flavor differences between sun-dried seafood and mechanical-dried seafood. The formation mechanisms of certain volatiles were proposed.     

Feeding selectivity of the marine ascidian Styela clava

The sessile suspension feeding ascidian, Styela clava , plays an important role in the functioning of estuarine systems. The feeding selectivity of S. clava was examined using standard physiological techniques in terms of particle sizes and diet concentrations. Styela clava increased its retention efficiency (the proportion of available particles retained in ascidian) with increasing particle size at a lower diet concentration [expressed as particulate organic matter (POM)] from 2.11 to 10.06 mg POM L⁻¹, and the highest retention was reached for 5–20 μm particles. With increasing diet concentration to 20.12 mg POM L⁻¹, S. clava retained small particles (<3.5 μm) more efficiently and large ones (>15 μm) less efficiently. The selectivity of ascidian with different sizes was similar at the same concentration. At every diet concentration, larger ascidians retained more 5–20 μm cells than the smaller ones. All these results indicate that S. clava possesses a particle selection mechanism that may affect the zooplankton communities to a certain degree.     

Optimizing initial feeding of the Pike silverside Chirostoma estor: oil droplet depletion,point of no return,growth and fatty acid utilization in larvae fed enriched rotifers

The point of no return (PNR) and disappearance of the oil droplet were measured in Chirostoma estor larvae as a function of the time of first feeding. In a separate trial, growth and survival of larvae fed rotifers enriched with Chlorella sp., cod liver oil and corn oil were assessed. Fatty acid and lipid composition of eggs, oil droplets, egg yolk, feed and larvae were also evaluated. The PNR was found between 7 and 8 days posthatching (dph). Total oil droplet depletion occurred between 7 and 11 dph, depending on the time of first feeding. Best growth and survival were obtained in larvae fed with Chlorella‐enriched rotifers, followed by those fed cod liver oil‐enriched rotifers. In larvae fed corn oil, Chlorella and cod liver oil‐enriched rotifers, total oil droplet depletion took place on days 9, 10 and 11, respectively. There was a direct relationship between presence and duration of oil droplets and the survival of larvae under different starvation conditions. The feed source could prolong the existence of the oil droplet depending on particular dietary supply of essential fatty acids; the time of its disappearance could be a useful indicator of larval vigour and health status.     

Application of soya phosphatidylcholine in tuna orbital oil enrichment emulsions for Artemia

Oil-seawater emulsions of 12%, 8%, 4% and 2% soya phosphatidylcholine (PC) in tuna orbital oil (TOO) (w:w) were tested with respect to their suitability as Artemia enrichment media. Levels of essential fatty acids (EFA) accumulated by feeding Artemia nauplii were measured after enrichment periods of 0, 14, 18 and 20 h, and the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids levels in the emulsions were also monitored throughout the enrichment process. Artemia enrichment efficiency in terms of %DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6w-3) and DHA:EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5w-3) ratios were similar for all four types of emulsions (10-12% and 1.7-1.8, respectively). However, 8% and 12% soya PC/TOO emulsions yielded nauplii with slightly higher mean lipid contents than the other two treatments (235-243 and 217-229 mg lipid g-1 dry body weight, respectively). Stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels within the emulsions in seawater, and of DHA and EPA levels in particular, correlated with soya PC concentration. In 12% soya PC/TOO emulsions, PUFA levels remained high after 20 h enrichment whilst those in the 2% and 4% soya PC emulsions showed a marked reduction by 18 h enrichment time. It is suggested that soya PC may protect PUFA levels in the emulsions in a dose-dependent manner, probably by acting as an antioxidant. No significant improvement in Artemia total lipid content or DHA:EPA ratio occurred when enrichment was continued for longer than 18 h. When using this enrichment system, it is preferable, therefore, to employ the 12% soya PC/TOO emulsion and to terminate the enrichment process at 18 h, thus preventing the risk of PUFA levels deteriorating in the emulsion.     

Transformation of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) oil into nanoemulsion as an ethanol-free herbal anesthetic for surgery on koi carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Fish are frequently anesthetized to reduce stress and injury during various procedures, particularly surgery. Nonetheless, the majority of chemical fish anesthetics have some negative effects on both fish and humans. 2-Phenoxyethanol (2-PE), for example, which is normally used as an anesthetic for ornamental fish, can cause neuropsychological syndromes in humans. To reduce toxicity, some herbal essential oils have been applied as an anesthetic to fish. However, essential oils must be dissolved in ethanol, which has side effects such as disrupting gas exchange in fish. This study aimed to develop mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) oil as a nanoemulsion without ethanol and determine their optimal concentrations to use as an anesthetic for surgery on koi carp (Cyprinus carpio). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to examine the chemical compositions of mugwort oil. The droplet size of mugwort oil nanoemulsion was measured by the dynamic light scattering method. The results revealed that mugwort oil consisted of three major active compounds which were b-pinene (11.7%), 1,8-cineole (10.34%), and a-pinene (8.29%). The average diameter of mugwort oil nanoemulsion droplets was 22.08 ± 0.70 nm. The lowest effective concentrations were 0.6 ml/L for mugwort oil and 12.5 ml/L for mugwort oil nanoemulsion.

     

HUFA content and DHA/EPA improvements of Artemia sp. with commercial oils during different enrichment periods

Several commercial oils of plant and animal origin were tested in order to improve the HUFA content and the DHA:EPA ratio of Artemia sp. metanauplii. The relationship between the n-3 and n-6 fatty acid series, and more recently, the DHA:EPA ratio seem to be indicators for better survival and growth of marine fish larvae. The tested plant oils were derived from linseed, peanut and sunflower, and the animal oils came from squid, sardine, cod liver and Selco emulsion. For each oil emulsion tested, four different enrichment periods (9, 24, 33 and 48 h) were evaluated in the same Artemia sp. strain (Artemia EG from Artemia Systems Inc., Baasrode, Belgium). The results show that oil emulsions of plant origin give very poor results in relation to either HUFA content or DHA:EPA ratio. All the oil emulsions from animal origin resulted in HUFA incorporation. Sardine oil was the poorest and squid oil the best. The HUFA content and the DHA:EPA ratio increased with enrichment periods up to 33 h, followed by a negligible variation up to the final 48 h.     

Larval development and salinity tolerance of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) from hatching to juvenile settlement

Salinity tolerance and growth of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at different developmental stages were evaluated, including newly hatched larvae (nhl), yolk sac larvae (ysl), oil droplet larvae (odl), post oil droplet larvae (podl), premetamorphic larvae (preml) and prometamorphic larvae (proml), at 11 salinities from 5 to 55 g L^?1 for 96 h. The ontogenesis during the early life of P. olivaceus was investigated under hatchery salinity 35 g L^?1. The results showed that suitable salinities for nhl, ysl, odl, podl, preml and proml larvae were 10 to 25 g L^?1, 10 to 30 g L^?1, 20 to 30 g L^?1, 30 g L^?1, 10 to 30 g L^?1, 15 g L^?1, respectively, demonstrating an ontogenetic variation of salinity tolerance. The salinity tolerance of nhl, ysl, preml was higher than that of odl, podl and proml. The ysl and preml larvae displayed wide salinity tolerances. The present findings demonstrate that the suitable salinity for larviculture of P. olivaceus is 20–25 g L^?1 before the depletion of oil droplet; after that, higher salinity (30 g L^?1) should be ensured for the post‐oil droplet larvae; the premetamorphic larvae can be cultured at a wide salinity range (10–30 g L^?1), and the metamorphosed larvae should be reared at salinity about 15 g L^?1.     

Alginate coarse/nanoemulsions containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil as edible coatings and the impact on microbial quality of trout fillet

In this study, the effect of edible coarse/nanoemulsions of alginate as coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) on the microbial quality of fish fillets was investigated at three concentrations (i.e. 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% [w/v]) in 16 days of storage at 4°C. Moreover, a comparison was made between the fabricated coarse emulsion and nanoemulsion coatings by particle size and polydispersity index analyses. Sample analysis was performed with regard to total viable count (TVC), total psychrophilic count (TPC), hydrogen sulphide‐producing bacteria count (HSC) and Enterobacteriaceae count (ENC) on days 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. According to the findings, all the samples showed increased microbial counts during the storage periods. The highest reduction rates of TVC (about 2 log CFU/g), TPC (about 1 log CFU/g), HSC (about 1.5 log CFU/g) and ENC (about 3 log CFU/g) were observed in the nanoemulsion of alginate containing 1% w/v ZEO (NE 1%) samples, compared with alginate and control samples. The microbial growth was significantly inhibited in all treatments, compared with that in the control (p < .05). Accordingly, it can be concluded that nanoemulsion coating was more effective than coarse emulsion to prolong the durability of fish fillets and revealed a faster and greater inhibition of microbial flora, compared with coarse emulsions during the storage time.     

Size selectivity of the Spisula solida dredge in relation to tooth spacing and mesh size

A study was undertaken on the northwestern coast of Portugal to evaluate the selectivity effect of both tooth spacing and mesh size on the catch of the white clam (Spisula solida). Two typical clam dredges, equipped with different tooth spacing and mesh size, were towed side by side. Three tooth spacing (20, 40 and 60 mm) and three mesh sizes (35, 40 and 50 mm) were investigated. The dredge selectivity experiments were performed by attaching a cover bag with a 20 mm mesh to the gear. Individual hauls were analysed by the SELECT model. The Fryer’s mixed model of between-haul variation was also applied to data. The results showed that the space between teeth does not have an effect on selectivity. Tooth length was directly related to the dredge’s capture efficiency. The only factor that contributed to dredge size selection was mesh size. The 50% retention lengths estimated for mesh sizes 30, 40 and 50 mm were 25.68, 26.35 and 31.94 mm, respectively. For all mesh sizes, very narrow selection ranges were observed. The most appropriate mesh size to be enforced within the Portuguese northwestern S. solida fishery should be 40 mm.     

Analysis of sediment transport modeling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for aquaculture raceways

A simulation model to analyze the water flow and sediment transport in aquaculture raceways was developed using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package. The simulation was used to evaluate the efficiency of solids settling in the quiescent zone of existing trout raceways. This efficiency was based on the percentage of solids removed, which corresponds to the percentage of solids introduced into the raceway that settle in it, with settling taking place primarily in the quiescent zone.

The raceway selected for model validation was a rectangular concrete raceway 30.0 m long, 3.0 m wide, 0.9 m deep, with a slope of 0.01. The raceway included a quiescent zone of approximately 5.3 m in length, which was separated from the rearing area by a screen. The water flow rate through the raceway was approximately 0.058 m³/s. Velocity measurements were recorded at 230 stations along the raceway using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter, for comparison with the results obtained from the simulations.

For the purpose of simulating sediment transport, six groups of particles were used to account for the total suspended solids. The sizes of the particles selected were based on an experimentally determined distribution for solids from a similar raceway, and were 692, 532, 350, 204, 61, and 35 μm for Groups 1–6, respectively. The particle density for each size was assumed to be 1150 kg/m³. Values of the percentage of solids removed for the different particle sizes were 100.0% for the largest particles, and 54.7, 0.9, and 0.1% for the three smallest particles, respectively. This methodology of analyzing the raceway sediment transport in terms of its percentage of solids removed based on CFD simulations can also be used to examine raceway design alternatives for improving the particle removal efficiency.     

Maturation and reproductive cycle of female armorhead <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudopentaceros wheeleri</Emphasis> from the southern Emperor—northern Hawaiian Ridge Seamounts

ABSTRACT:   The stage of ovarian development and annual reproductive cycle of female armorhead Pseudopentaceros wheeleri collected from seamounts of the southern Emperor–northern Hawaiian Ridge in 1993 and 1995–1996 was investigated through use of the gonadal somatic index ( GSI ) and ovarian histology. The stages of oocyte development were classified into eight developmental stages (perinucleolus, cortical alveolus, oil droplet, early yolk globule, late yolk globule, migratory nucleolus, prematuration, and maturation) based on histological characteristics. Oocytes of different size and developmental stage were present within ovaries during the spawning season. Oocyte development appears to be asynchronous and armorhead apparently spawn several times during the spawning season. The stage of the most developed oocyte was used to classify the stage of ovarian maturation. The GSI increased gradually with ovarian development. Oocytes in the perinucleolus, cortical alveolus, and oil droplet stages were present in ovaries throughout the year. Early and late yolk globule stages appeared during August–September indicating that yolk formation begins during late summer. The migratory nucleolus through maturation stages were detected during November–January. Post ovulatory follicles were present during November–March, and GSI values rapidly decreased in February. Results indicate that spawning occurs during November–February and peaks during December–January.     

Alternative use of food resources causes intra-cohort variation in the size distribution of young-of-the-year perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Abstract –  Body sizes of young-of-the-year (YOY) perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) at the end of their first summer are extremely variable and range in different studies between 4 and 15 cm. To analyse whether size divergences in YOY perch may be attributed to alternative use of food resources, adult perch were stocked into two previously fishless ponds and growth, size distribution and food intake of the YOY perch were recorded. In addition to perch, adult bream ( Abramis brama ) were introduced to produce juvenile bream that could serve as a food resource for YOY perch. The body sizes of YOY perch at the end of the experiment ranged from 32 to 168 mm with a bimodal size distribution. The combination of stomach content analyses and stable isotope signatures revealed that the small size cohort were planctivorous/benthivorous while the large size cohort was piscivorous/cannibalistic. Results implicated that different feeding behaviour contributed to the size divergences in YOY perch and that the extreme growth of the large size cohort was induced by piscivory.     

Bioencapsulation and pharmacokinetic study of oxolinic acid in rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis), Artemia franciscana nauplii and metanauplii

The uptake of oxolinic acid by the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, Artemia franciscana nauplii and metanauplii was studied as a function of its concentration in the enrichment medium and the duration of the enrichment period. An emulsion containing 5, 10, 20 or 30% (w/w) oxolinic acid was administered and the enrichment period lasted 4, 8, 12 or 36 h. Highest incorporation of oxolinic acid was achieved using a 20% emulsion and a 12 h enrichment for rotifers (205.05 ± 17.1 μg g^?1 dry weight), a 24 h enrichment for nauplii (2528.8 ± 254.6 μg g^?1 dry weight), and an 8 h enrichment for metanauplii (1236.58 ± 22.9 μg g^?1 dry weight). Higher concentrations of oxolinic acid in the enrichment emulsion or longer enrichment times resulted in decreased survival. Two hours post enrichment the contents of the drug appeared significantly decreased. The concentration data of oxolinic acid were best fit to a two phase exponential elimination model, the first phase elimination half‐life (t_1/2α) being 1.86, 1.08 and 1.74 and the terminal phase elimination half‐life (t_1/2β) 26.83, 29.67 and 17.48 in rotifers, nauplii and metanauplii correspondingly. Enrichment with an emulsion containing 20% oxolinic acid is recommended employing a duration of 12, 24, or 8 h enrichment for rotifers, nauplii and metanauplii respectively, while enriched carriers should be used shortly after enrichment.     

Lidocaine hydrochloride—sodium bicarbonate as an anesthetic for soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis

ABSTRACT:   Attempts were made to understand how the different sizes (mean body weight of 4.1 ± 0.8 g for small and 182.6 ± 23.7 g for large) of the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis are affected by different temperature (25°C or 30°C), and different concentrations (700, 1000 and 1300 p.p.m.) of anesthetic lidocaine hydrochloride–sodium bicarbonate. The soft-shelled turtles were fed to satiation once daily. Three-way anova design (size × temperature × concentration of lidocaine hydrochloride) with duplicate was used. Twenty each of large and small soft-shelled turtles were distributed into six 30-L tanks. Exposure time of the soft-shelled turtle was affected by all factors (temperature, concentration and size). Exposure time of the soft-shelled turtle for anesthetizing decreased with increase in temperature and in concentration of lidocaine hydrochloride, and decrease in size. Recovery time for the soft-shelled turtle was also affected by all factors. Recovery time of the soft-shelled turtle increased with increase in temperature, concentration of lidocaine hydrochloride, and size. According to these results, lidocaine hydrochloride (1000 p.p.m.)–sodium bicarbonate seemed an effective anesthetic for sedating and handling the soft-shelled turtle. However, when an anesthetic is recommended for wide use, especially on commercially important edible organisms, the time organism takes to metabolize and excrete anesthetic chemicals from its body to a safe level must be given to allow fitness for human consumption.     

Size selectivity of diamond and square mesh codends for hairfin anchovy Setipinna taty in Chinese stow net fisheries

ABSTRACT:   Selectivity experiments of diamond and square mesh codends with different mesh size (30, 35, 40 and 45 mm) for hairfin anchovy Setipinna taty were carried out using the covered codend method in Chinese stow net fisheries. In the present study, 5151 specimens were subsampled and asymmetric and symmetric selectivity curves (Richards and Logistic curves) were fitted to the catch data, using the maximum likelihood method according to the SELECT model. The results show that the Richards curve gives a better fit to the selectivity curve for diamond mesh codends with 30, 35 and 40-mm mesh sizes, whereas the logistic curve gives a better fit for the diamond mesh codend with 45 mm mesh size and square mesh codends with 30, 35, 40 and 45-mm mesh size. With the exception of 45-mm mesh size codends, the L ₅₀ of diamond mesh codends were insignificantly larger than those of square mesh codends. However, the selectivity curves of square mesh codends were steeper than those of diamond mesh codends, except the 30-mm mesh size codends. As for diamond mesh codends, according to the linear relationship between the L ₅₀ and mesh size, 36.5-mm mesh size codends could release 50% juvenile hairfin anchovy (below 1-year old). However, diamond mesh codends with such a mesh size are not selective for other species.     

Dietary value of benthic diatoms for post-larval abalone <Emphasis Type="Italic">Haliotis diversicolor</Emphasis> associated with feeding transitions

ABSTRACT:   The feeding behavior and growth of post-larval Haliotis diversicolor with initial shell lengths (SL) of approximately 500 μm (Exp. 1-1 and 1-2), 800 μm (Exp. 2), and 1200 μm (Exp. 3) were studied in a laboratory setting while they fed on four species of benthic diatom Achnanthes longipes , Cocconeis sublittoralis , Cylindrotheca closterium , and Navicula ramosissima . Exp. 1-1 and 1-2 revealed no marked differences in post-larval growth rates (mean 24–39 μm SL/day) among the diatom species. However, marked differences in growth rates among the species were revealed in Exp. 2 and 3. Three species, A. longipes , Co. sublittoralis, and Cy. closterium , produced faster growth (Exp. 2 mean 29–51 μm/day, Exp. 3 mean 36–44 μm/day) than N. ramosissima (Exp. 2 mean 18 μm/day, Exp. 3 mean 23 μm/day). Post-larvae fed N. ramosissima had lower digestion efficiency (42.8%) than those fed other diatom species (90.7–100%). Diatom extracellular substances appeared to be principally used from post-settlement to 800 μm SL, and diatom cell contents were required to produce rapid growth of larger post-larvae (>800 μm SL). It is likely that the availability of each diatom for post-larvae was affected by diatom morphology, attachment strength, frustule strength, and post-larval size.