Digestive enzyme activity of the red porgy (Pagrus pagrus, L.) during larval development under culture conditions

The ontogenic development of the main digestive enzymes (proteases, amylase and lipase) in the red porgy, Pagrus pagrus, larvae was assayed during the larval development. The green water technique was carried out for larval rearing and whole‐body homogenates were used for enzymatic assays in triplicate. Significant alterations in specific activities of all digestive enzymes measured during the period of this study were mostly related to metamorphosis and weaning. Trypsin‐ and chymotrypsin‐specific activities were first detected on day 3, together with opening of the mouth, and slightly increased until 25 days after hatching (DAH). After this period, the specific activities of these enzymes slightly decreased. Pepsin was first detected on day 28, concurrent with stomach formation, and a sharp increase was observed until 30 DAH. A slight decrease was measured from this date until the end of the experiment. Both amylase and lipase were measured for the first time on days 2 and 4 respectively, and the specific activities of these enzymes showed similar patterns during the first week of the study. Then, slight variations were observed until 30 DAH and while lipase‐specific activity declined, an increase in the specific activity of amylase was found until the end of the experiment. It is concluded that the variations observed in the specific activity of digestive enzymes were related to either metamorphosis, such as the formation of the stomach (28 DAH), or to changes in food composition. The profile of the developmental pattern of the main digestive enzymes detected in P. pagrus is similar to that described for other Sparid species.     

Developmental changes in digestive enzyme activity in American shad, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alosa sapidissima</Emphasis>, during early ontogeny

In order to assess the digestive physiological capacity of the American shad Alosa sapidissima and to establish feeding protocols that match larval nutritional requirements, we investigated the ontogenesis of digestive enzymes (trypsin, amylase, lipase, pepsin, alkaline phosphatase, and leucine aminopeptidase) in larvae, from hatching to 45 days after hatching (DAH). We found that all of the target enzymes were present at hatching, except pepsin, which indicated an initial ability to digest nutrients and precocious digestive system development. Trypsin rapidly increased to a maximum at 14 DAH. Amylase sharply increased until 10 DAH and exhibited a second increase at 33 DAH, which coincided with the introduction of microdiet at 30 DAH, thereby suggesting that the increase was associated with the microdiet carbohydrate content. Lipase increased until 14 DAH, decreased until 27 DAH, and then increased until 45 DAH. Pepsin was first detected at 27 DAH and then sharply increased until 45 DAH, which suggested the formation of a functional stomach. Both alkaline phosphatase and leucine aminopeptidase markedly increased until 18 DAH, which indicated intestinal maturation. According to our results, we conclude that American shad larvae possess the functional digestive system before mouth opening, and the significant increases in lipase, amylase, pepsin, and intestinal enzyme activities between 27 and 33 DAH suggest that larvae can be successfully weaned onto microdiets around this age.     

Development of digestive enzyme activity in spotted rose snapper,Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869) larvae

We describe digestive enzyme activity during the larval development of spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, leucine aminopeptidase, pepsin, amylase, lipase, and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were evaluated using spectrophotometric techniques from hatching through 30 days. The spotted rose snapper larvae present the same pattern of digestive enzyme activity previously reported for other species in which pancreatic (i.e., trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, and lipase) and intestinal (i.e., acid and alkaline phosphatases and leucine aminopeptidase) enzymatic activities are present from hatching allowing the larvae to digest and absorb nutrients in the yolk-sac and live prey by the time of first feeding. The digestive and absorption capacity of the spotted rose snapper increases during the larval development. A significant increase in individual activity of all enzymes occurs at 20 DAH, and around 25 DAH, the juvenile-type of digestion is observed with the appearance of pepsin secreted by the stomach, suggesting that maturation of the digestive function occurs around 20–25 DAH. Our results are in agreement with a previous suggestion that early weaning may be possible from 20 DAH. However, the patterns of enzymatic activities reported in our study should be considered during the formulation of an artificial diet for early weaning of the spotted rose snapper.     

泥鳅仔稚鱼发育期间消化酶及碱性磷酸酶比活力的变化

研究了泥鳅(Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)从孵化至30 DAH(日龄,Days after hatching)几种消化酶及碱性磷酸酶比活力的变化情况。胃蛋白酶直至30 DAH仍未检出活性。而胰蛋白酶表现出较高的比活力,其比活力在初次摄食之后显著上升,6 DAH达到最大值之后开始显著降低(P<0.05)。脂肪酶与淀粉酶的变化模式相似,在内源性营养向外源性营养转变及仔鱼向稚鱼转变这两个时间段出现两个高峰值。碱性磷酸酶比活力在2-6 DAH显著上升(P<0.05),之后开始下降并趋于平稳。研究表明,泥鳅在仔稚鱼阶段只具有结构性的胃而缺乏分泌细胞的分化。2-6 DAH是泥鳅仔鱼肠道功能迅速发育的阶段,也是向成鱼消化模式转变的一个重要过程。脂肪酶和淀粉酶比活力的持续性表明了泥鳅仔鱼对糖类和脂肪有较好的利用能力。     

Ontogenic development of digestive enzymes in bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana)

Bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) is an economically important exported aquatic animal in Thailand, but little is known about its husbandry, which needs to be clarified. In this study, the ontogenic development of the main digestive enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase and amylase) was investigated within 30 days after hatching (DAH). Fertilized eggs of the wild cuttlefish were hatched and then distributed into four replicate aquaria assigned to varying collection times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 DAH). The development of pepsin suggests acidic digestion functionality at 5 DAH, and its specific activity was maintained over the studied period. Specific activities of the serine proteases, trypsin and chymotrypsin, fluctuated significantly with similar pattern, and appear to be the key enzymes contributing ontogenic changes in protein catabolism. The specific activity of lipase was relatively high at 0 DAH, dramatically increased by 5 DAH, and then appeared constant until the end of observations, suggesting important role in utilizing the lipid from yolk at hatching, as well as probably in sparing protein utilization. Dramatic increase in amylase specific activity occurred by 10 DAH after which the activity was constant until 30 DAH, suggesting the utilization of carbohydrate as energy evolves comparatively late. Findings from the current study could be used to manage nutritional protocols according to the digestive enzyme patterns, as well as to develop artificial diets for rearing S. lessoniana.     

Ontogenic development of enzymatic activity and digestive system in Jullien's golden carp (Probarbus jullieni Sauvage, 1880)

Ontogenic development of the main enzymes and histological structure of digestive organs were studied in Jullien's golden carp (Probarbus jullieni) from hatching until 50 days after hatching (DAH). The larval fish were produced by artificial insemination and fed only Moina sp. till end of experiment. Body weight (mg) and total length (cm) of Jullien's golden carp increased exponentially and linearly. The results indicate the fish weight grew fast with increasing rate, while length increased at a constant rate over the studied period. Up‐regulation of acid protease was observed in newly hatched larvae and the specific activity gradually decreased with time. Trypsin specific activity was relatively stable within the first 35 DAH, while fluctuations in chymotrypsin were observed. Among these three proteolytic enzymes, acid proteases exihibited relatively high specific activity in newly hatched larvae, suggesting a role in yolk protein degradation. Alkaline proteases became more prominent with age and correlated with an abrupt decrease in acid proteases. Increased lipase‐specific activity appeared within 3 DAH and then gradually decreased with time, indicating the capacity to digest yolk lipid reserve. Amylase and cellulase‐specific activities changed in a similar manner, and the sensitivity to time was higher in amylase than in cellulase. The digestive organs and accessory organs developed around 3–5 DAH. However, intestinal histology was almost fully developed around 18 DAH. These findings should be useful for deciding the preferred timing for weaning, as well as on developing artificial diets referenced to the physiological changes of digestive enzymes.     

Growth and ontogenetic development of digestive functionality in black Amur bream (Megalobrama terminalis)

The function of digestive physiology during ontogenetic development is essential to ensure high survival and growth rates. In order to evaluate the digestive physiological capacity of the black Amur bream (Megalobrama terminalis), changes of morphology and digestive enzyme activity (trypsin, lipase, amylase, pepsin, leucine aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase) in larvae were examined from hatching to 40 days after hatching (DAH). Results indicated that fluctuation patterns differed between the total and specific activities of the digestive enzymes. The total activities of these six enzymes gradually increased throughout the fish growth. The specific activity of trypsin peaked at 5 DAH and then decreased dramatically, while it increased remarkably again from 8 to 10 DAH and remained stable level after 20 DAH. Pepsin activity was first examined in M. terminalis at 15 DAH and gradually elevated towards the end of the experiment. The specific activity of lipase displayed obvious peaks at 5 and 20 DAH. For the amylase, its specific activity reached plateau at 4 DAH, underwent sharp decrease, and remained stable after 20 DAH. In addition, we found that the specific activity of alkaline phosphatase raised significantly from hatching to 5 DAH, and tended to keep slight fluctuation after 15 DAH. From the above, we concluded that the specific activities of digestive enzymes in the larvae varied constantly from 3 to 20 DAH and turned relatively stable after 20 DAH. The present study provides effective information that is useful to improve the seedling cultivation and the technology for healthy breeding.     

Effects of illumination on early life development and digestive enzyme activities in common pandora Pagellus erythrinus L. larvae

The activities of main digestive enzyme (proteases, amylase and lipase) and animal husbandry (mainly growth and survival) were studied in common pandora Pagellus erythrinus larvae until 30 days after hatching (DAH). Three different illumination levels (10, 30 and 100 lx) were compared in triplicate and green water technique was carried out. At the end of the experiment, illumination did not affect neither survival nor growth except 10 lx treatment. Similarly, specific growth rate (SGR) was different in 10 lx treatment (p < 0.05), although no differences were found in group 30 and 100 lx treatments (p > 0.05). In all groups, trypsin and chymotrypsin specific activities were firstly detected on day 3 related with mouth opening and slightly increased until 20 and 25 DAH respectively, and after this date specific activities of those decreased. Although, there was a significant difference between 10 lx treatment and other experimental groups (p < 0.05), no differences were found in other treatments (p > 0.05). Pepsin was firstly detected on day 25 related with stomach formation and sharp increase was observed until 30 DAH and then slight decrease was measured from this date and no differences were found between all groups. Amylase was firstly determined on day 2 and increased to day 5. After this date, slight decreases were measured in all groups and continued until end of experiments. The highest specific activity of amylase was determined in 30 lx treatment and no significant differences were found between groups (p > 0.05). Lipase was firstly detected on day 4 and increased to day 10. Then, activity of lipase decreased until day 15 and increased again until 25 DAH. Slight decreases were found in all groups until day 30 and continued to end of experiments. No significant differences were detected among groups (p > 0.05).

Finally, the significant improvement in survival, larval development and specific enzyme activities of larvae were determined in 30 lx treated group. It is thought that this phenomenon is related to optimal keeping conditions provided by the medium illumination level for Pagellus erythrinus larvae.     

Digestive enzyme activity during early larval development of the Cuban gar Atractosteus tristoechus

The ontogenesis of digestive enzymes (proteases, amylases, lipases, and phosphatases) in Cuban gar Atractosteus tristoechus was determined in larvae between 5 and 18 days after hatching (DAH). Variations in specific activities of most enzymes were related to the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding and to the transition from the larval to the juvenile stage. Alkaline protease activity was not detected until 8 DAH in contrast to acid protease activity, which was quantifiable at 5 DAH. Acid protease activity was consistently higher than alkaline protease activity, indicating the presence of a functional stomach in the early stages of larval development. The acid protease activities of larvae and adults were compared by means of zymogram analysis. Four acid protease bands were found in adults (two more than in larvae). This result is the first time that more than one band of acid proteolytic activity has been found in Lepisosteidae. High lipase activity indicated the importance of lipid utilization, particularly during yolk-sac absorption. In contrast to the other enzymes studied, amylase activity was consistently low, probably due to the strictly carnivorous diet of gar larvae and their low capacity for carbohydrate digestion. High activities of aminopeptidase and acid and alkaline phosphatases suggest intestinal absorption. This result, together with the existence of a short gut and a lower proteolytic activity in the intestine than in the stomach, suggest that most of the proteolytic activity takes place in the stomach, while the primary function of the intestine is nutrient uptake.     

Ontogenetic development of digestive enzymes in yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi larvae

The development of digestive enzymes was examined in laboratory-reared yellowtail kingfish larvae from hatching to 36 days after hatching (DAH). The specific activities of amylase, lipase, and alkaline phosphatase showed three distinct phases: a sharp increase in enzyme activity from hatching to the onset of exogenous feeding on 3 DAH, followed by a fluctuation and a general decline toward 18 DAH, and then a period of low activity from 18 to 36 DAH. The total activities of these three enzymes showed a gradual increase from hatching to 18 DAH, followed by a sharp increase toward 36 DAH. In contrast to other enzymes, the specific and total activities of trypsin reached the maximum on 15 DAH and 24 DAH, respectively, and then both activities declined to low levels toward 36 DAH. The dynamics of digestive enzymes corresponded to the anatomical development of the digestive system. The enzyme activities tend to be stable after the formation of gastric glands in the stomach on 15 DAH. The composition of digestive enzymes indicates that yellowtail kingfish is able to digest protein, lipid and carbohydrates at an early stage. However, due to the low level of amylase specific activity after 18 DAH, the carbohydrate component should remain at a low level in formulated diets for fish larvae.     

Functional changes in digestive enzyme activities of meagre (Argyrosomus regius; Asso, 1801) during early ontogeny

The ontogenesis of main pancreatic and intestinal enzymes was investigated in the recent promising Mediterranean candidate species of meagre, Argyrosomus regius, during larval development until 40 days after hatching (DAH). The green-water technique was carried out for larval rearing. Whole-body homogenates were used for enzymatic analysis in larvae younger than 15 DAH; after this date, older larvae were dissected into two segments as pancreatic and intestinal segment. Trypsin was detected as early as hatching and sharply increased concurrently with age and exogenous feeding 15 DAH, but constant decline was observed until the end of experiment. Amylase was determined at 2 DAH and sharply increased 10 DAH. Then, slight decreases were found between 10 and 15 DAH, and then slow alterations were continued until the end of the experiment. Lipase was firstly measured on day 3; then, sudden decline was observed between 20 and 25 DAH. After this date, slow fluctuations were maintained until the end of the experiment. Pepsin was firstly assayed 15 DAH related to gastric gland secretion and sharply increased 30 DAH. Then, it slowly varied until end of the experiment. Enzymes of brush border membranes, alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase N showed similar pattern on specific activities during the first 10 days. Thereafter, while specific activity of alkaline phosphatase slightly decreased 15 and fluctuated until 20 DAH, aminopeptidase N activity slowly increased 20 DAH. Then, activity of alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase N constantly increased 30 DAH, indicating maturation of the intestinal digestive process, and also, these activities continued to slowly increase until the end of the experiment. The specific activity of cytosolic peptidase, leucine–alanine peptidase, smoothly increased on day 8, then fluctuated until 15 DAH. After this date, in contrast to enzymes of brush border membranes, it sharply decreased 25 DAH and continued to gradually decline until the end of the experiment. These converse expressions were indicative of a maturation of enterocytes and the transition of an adult mode of digestion.     

Temporal expression analyses of pancreatic and gastric digestive enzymes during early development of the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

The olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is one of the most important aquaculture species in Korea. Previous studies focused on the morphological changes and only analysed digestive enzyme expression patterns of certain digestive systems. A comprehensive analysis of the pancreatic and gastric digestive enzymes of the olive flounder in its early developmental stages has not been performed. In this study, we determined the mRNA expression levels of pancreas and stomach digestive enzymes by extracting total RNA from the whole body of olive flounders from hatching to post‐metamorphosis and conducting real‐time PCR analysis with gene‐specific primers for each isoform. The pancreatic digestive enzymes were initially and strongly expressed from the first feeding period to pre‐metamorphosis. The expression of trypsinogen 3 was detected from the early stage of development to metamorphosis, whereas trypsinogen 2 was significantly increased only in the post‐metamorphosis period. The mRNA expression of pepsinogen was only detected at metamorphosis and corresponded to stomach differentiation. The lipid digestive‐related enzymes had already reached a certain level at the beginning of hatching, then increased during the early developmental stage and gradually decreased before metamorphosis. These results suggest that food ingestion is exclusively digested by pancreatic digestive enzymes and trypsinogen 3 during the early developmental stage until pre‐metamorphosis, and it then fully switches to digestion by pepsinogen and trypsinogen 2 in mid‐metamorphosis. In conclusion, understanding the expression profiles of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and stomach during the early developmental stages is an important consideration when developing formulated larval diets for aquacultured olive flounder.     

Ontogenic changes in the digestive enzyme activities and the effect of different starvation duration on the digestive enzyme activities of larval red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

This study was performed to determine the effect of starvation and delayed feeding on activities of digestive enzymes and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of larval red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), so as to reveal the tolerance to prolonged starvation and the recovery of digestive enzymes after delayed feeding in larval and juvenile P. clarkii. In the control group, activities of trypsin and ALP increased significantly (p < .05) with day‐age and then kept constant at 24 days after hatching (DAH) and 10 DAH, respectively, whereas the activities of amylase and pepsin increased firstly then decreased with day‐age, and the activity of lipase increased firstly then decreased and then increased again during the development period of juvenile P. clarkii (1–31 DAH). In the group with continuous starvation (CS), activities of pepsin and lipase both decreased (p < .05) after fasting, and the activities of pepsin, lipase and trypsin in the groups with delayed feeding all increased (p < .05) and recover to the levels of the control group after food supply. However, the activity of amylase increased (p < .05) in the CS group, and it decreased to normal level after food supply. The ALP activity did not significantly (p > .05) vary after starvation, whereas it decreased in the groups with delayed feeding after 1 day of food supply, and then increased back to the level similar with the control group. Results from this study could provide information for diet preparation and feeding regime in larval and juvenile red swamp crayfish culture.     

Changes in digestive enzyme activities during larval development of leopard grouper (Mycteroperca rosacea)

The leopard grouper is an endemic species of the Mexican Pacific with an important commercial fishery and good aquaculture potential. In order to assess the digestive capacity of this species during the larval period and aid in the formulation of adequate weaning diets, this study aimed to characterize the ontogeny of digestive enzymes during development of the digestive system. Digestive enzymes trypsin, chymotrypsin, acid protease, leucine–alanine peptidase, alkaline phosphatase, aminopeptidase N, lipase, amylase and maltase were quantified in larvae fed live prey and weaned onto a formulated microdiet at 31 days after hatching (DAH) and compared with fasting larvae. Enzyme activity for trypsin, lipase and amylase were detected before the opening of the mouth and the onset of exogenous feeding, indicating a precocious development of the digestive system that has been described in many fish species. The intracellular enzyme activity of leucine–alanine peptidase was high during the first days of development, with a tendency to decrease as larvae developed, reaching undetectable levels at the end of the experimental period. In contrast, activities of enzymes located in the intestinal brush border (i.e., aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase) were low at the start of exogenous feeding but progressively increased with larval development, indicating the gradual maturation of the digestive system. Based on our results, we conclude that leopard grouper larvae possess a functional digestive system at hatching and before the onset of exogenous feeding. The significant increase in the activity of trypsin, lipase, amylase and acid protease between 30 and 40 DAH suggests that larvae of this species can be successfully weaned onto microdiets during this period.     

Digestive enzyme activity during larval development of the Senegal sole (Solea senegalensis)

The activities of the main digestive enzymes (proteases, amylase, lipase) as well as those of acid and alkaline phosphatases were assessed during the larval development of the Senegal sole, Solea senegalensis. Important variations in specific activities of all the enzymes were observed during the period of study and were mostly related to the beginning or the end of metamorphosis. Both acid and alkaline protease activities were identified at early stages of development. Acid proteases accounted for only 10% of total protease activity in a 9 days-old larva, but exceeded 75% in a 33 days-old individual. Maximum lipase activity was related to the development of exocrine pancreas (days 6 to 10) and to metamorphosis. It is suggested this can be related to the metabolism of lipid reserves taking place during this morphological change. Activity of alkaline phosphatase decreased from day 5 to day 20 but therafter revealed a sharp increase, possibly linked to the development of enterocytes. The pattern of development of the main digestive enzymes found in S. senegalensis is similar to that described in other flatfish species.     

Comparative digestive enzyme ontogeny in two marine larval fishes: Pacific threadfin (Polydactylus sexfilis) and bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus)

The specific activity of digestive enzymes; aspartic and serine protease, collagenase, lipase, acid and alkaline amylase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, and chitinase was assayed throughout early development in two species of marine fishes: the Pacific threadfin (Polydactylus sexfilis) and bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus). Specific enzyme activities were determined on whole larval extracts sampled at selected stages of development, from day 0 to day 30 post-hatching. Similar developmental patterns of enzyme specific activity were observed in the two species, although differences in timing, amplitude and effects of first feeding were noted. Amylase activity increased prior to first feeding, peaking at the middle of the larval period, and becoming nearly undetectable by the time of larval-to-juvenile metamorphosis. Serine protease, collagenase, lipase and alkaline (and acid for threadfin) phosphatase activities increased gradually, followed by sharp increases to a plateau during the second half of larval development. Aspartic protease and chitinase activities, in addition to acid phosphatase (for trevally), were low to undetectable in the first half of development, increasing through metamorphosis. In the trevally only, this group of enzymes exhibited high activity levels at the time of hatching, followed by a precipitous drop. Species-dependent differences in enzyme specific activity at first feeding may have been a result of differences in yolk utilization. These results, taken in the context of earlier reports, lead us to conclude that carbohydrate utilization may play a significant role in the earlier phases of development among some marine larvae, followed by a shift to protein and lipid utilization.     

温度对波纹龙虾消化酶活力的影响

研究了波纹龙虾温度对不同消化器官中消化酶活力的影响,为人工饲料科学配制依据。用酶学分析方法,设计6个温度梯度(20℃、25℃、30℃、35℃、40℃和45℃),分别测定波纹龙虾胃、肠和肝胰脏的类胃蛋白酶、胰蛋白酶、淀粉酶和脂肪酶的活力。结果显示:在反应温度20℃~45℃范围内,波纹龙虾胃、肠、肝胰脏内的消化酶均随着温度的升高表现为先升后降趋势;不同消化器官中胃蛋白酶活力值出现拐点的温度不一样,胃、肠和肝胰脏的胃蛋白酶活力最大的温度分别是30℃、35℃和40℃;不同消化器官胃蛋白酶的活力有显著差异(P0.05),大小依次为胃肠肝胰脏;波纹龙虾不同消化器官的类胰蛋白酶出现最大酶活力的温度相同,为40℃,但胃的类胰蛋白酶活力明显较肠和肝胰脏的低(P0.05),差值最大可达40 U/mg;波纹龙虾胃、肠和肝胰脏的淀粉酶活力在25℃均出现最大值;在消化器官中,肠道淀粉酶活力最大,与胃和肝胰脏的酶活力有显著性差异(P0.05);波纹龙虾胃、肠和肝胰脏内的脂肪酶活力最大的温度为30℃,活力最高的是肝胰脏,胃内的脂肪酶活力明显的比肠和肝胰脏的要低(P0.05)。     

Ontogenetic development of digestive enzymes in larval and juvenile crimson snapper Lutjanus erythopterus (Bloch 1790)

Ontogenetic development of digestive system in crimson snapper (Lutjanus erythopterus Bloch 1790) larvae was histologically and enzymatically (alkaline phosphatase, amylase, lipase, pepsin, trypsin) examined from hatching to 36 days post hatching (DPH). The ontogenetic development of crimson snapper larval fish ontogeny was divided into three distinct phases: phase I starting from hatch to the onset of exogenous feeding, phase II starting from first feeding (2–3 DPH) until the formation of gastric glands (13–14 DPH) and phase III beginning from the appearance of gastric glands and continuing onwards. The specific activities of amylase, lipase, trypsin showed sharp increase and reached to the maximum from hatch to 4 DPH, 10 DPH, 20 DPH, respectively, followed by a declining trend with irregular fluctuation. In contrast to other enzymes, the specific activities of alkaline phosphatase showed a gradual increase from hatch to 29 DPH, followed by a sharp increase towards 36 DPH. The specific activity of pepsin was firstly detected on 17 DPH and gradually increased towards the end of this study. The total activities of these five enzymes showed a gradual increase till 29 DPH, followed by a sharp increase towards 36 DPH except for amylase and lipase reaching maximum at 32 DPH. The present study provides better understanding of the digestive ontogeny of crimson snapper during the larval stage and a guide to feeding and weaning of this economically important fish in hatcheries.     

Ontogenetic development of digestive functionality in golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus 1758)

Ontogenetic development of the digestive system in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus, Linnaeus 1758) larvae was histologically and enzymatically studied from hatch to 32 day post-hatch (DPH). The development of digestive system in golden pompano can be divided into three phases: phase I starting from hatching and ending at the onset of exogenous feeding; phase II starting from first feeding (3 DPH) and finishing at the formation of gastric glands; and phase III starting from the appearance of gastric glands on 15 DPH and continuing onward. The specific activities of trypsin, amylase, and lipase increased sharply from the onset of first feeding to 5–7 DPH, followed by irregular fluctuations. Toward the end of this study, the specific activities of trypsin and amylase showed a declining trend, while the lipase activity remained at similar levels as it was at 5 DPH. The specific activity of pepsin was first detected on 15 DPH and increased with fish age. The dynamics of digestive enzymes corresponded to the structural development of the digestive system. The enzyme activities tend to be stable after the formation of the gastric glands in fish stomach on 15 DPH. The composition of digestive enzymes in larval pompano indicates that fish are able to digest protein, lipid and carbohydrate at early developmental stages. Weaning of larval pompano is recommended from 15 DPH onward. Results of the present study lead to a better understanding of the ontogeny of golden pompano during the larval stage and provide a guide to feeding and weaning of this economically important fish in hatcheries.     

Ontogenetic development of digestive enzymes and effect of starvation in miiuy croaker <Emphasis Type="Italic">Miichthys miiuy</Emphasis> larvae

The ontogenetic development of the digestive enzymes amylase, lipase, trypsin, and alkaline phosphatase and the effect of starvation in miiuy croaker Miichthys miiuy larvae were studied. The activities of these enzymes were detected prior to exogenous feeding, but their developmental patterns differed remarkably. Trypsin activity continuously increased from 2 days after hatching (dah), peaked on 20 dah, and decreased to 25 dah at weaning. Alkaline phosphatase activity oscillated at low levels within a small range after the first feeding on 3 dah. In contrast, amylase and lipase activities followed the general developmental pattern that has been characterized in fish larvae, with a succession of increases or decreases. Amylase, lipase, and trypsin activities generally started to increase or decrease at transitions from endogenous to exogenous feeding or diet changes, suggesting that these enzymatic activities can be modulated by feeding modes. The activities of all the enzymes remained stable from 25 dah onwards, coinciding with the formation of gastric glands and pyloric caecum. These results imply that specific activities of these enzymes underwent changes due to morphological and physiological modifications or diet shift during larval development but that they became stable after the development of the digestive organs and associated glands was fully completed and the organs/glands functioned. Trypsin and alkaline phosphatase were more sensitive to starvation than amylase and lipase because delayed feeding up to 2 days after mouth opening was able to adversely affect their activities. Enzyme activities did not significantly differ among feeding groups during endogenous feeding; however, all activities were remarkably reduced when delayed feeding was within 3 days after mouth opening. Initiation of larvae feeding should occur within 2 days after mouth opening so that good growth and survival can be obtained in the culture.