南四湖大鳞副泥鳅生物学特性及人工繁育技术试验

为建立大鳞副泥鳅(Paramisgurnus dabryanus)的科学投喂策略,在实验室内开展了大鳞副泥鳅的养殖模拟实验,通过72 h的观察,探讨了不同体质量和不同性别大鳞副泥鳅的昼夜摄食节律及日摄食量。结果表明,大鳞副泥鳅属于典型的夜间摄食类型,一天中有2个极明显的摄食高峰,集中在04:00—05:00和20:00—21:00。大鳞副泥鳅的昼夜摄食节律与个体大小和性别无显著相关性。小规格雌、雄群体均具有最大的日摄食量,且雌性群体的日摄食量随着个体大小的增加显著降低。15 ℃条件下,大鳞副泥鳅群体的日摄食量占群体总体质量的2.2%~4.8%,个体的日摄食量约占个体体质量的3.0%。建议大鳞副泥鳅的投饲频率为一天2次,以体质量的3%~5%进行饲料投喂,最佳投饵驯化时间集中在6:00—7:00和18:00—19:00。     

Nuclear transfer in loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus Sauvage) by cell-to-cell electrofusion

To study nuclear transfer in the loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus Sauvage), blastula and gastrula cells were fused with UV-inactivated oocytes by cell-to-cell electrofusion. To facilitate nuclear transfer, blastula and gastrula cells were cultured or incubated at 4 °C in different solutions. TC-199 medium supplemented with 20% calf serum was the best culture solution, and effectively retained the totipotence of blastula or gastrula cells for up to 10 days. It was found that gastrula cells incubated at 4 °C had the same totipotence as blastula cells. The optimal UV dosage for inactivation of the oocyte chromatin was 180–240 mJ cm⁻². Electrofusion was carried out in a cone-shaped fusion chamber, which permitted the recipient oocyte and the donor blastula cell to contact one another. The electrofusion procedure resulted in a 10% success rate of normal-appearing fish. Genetic analysis indicated that the nuclear material originated from the donor cell (blastomere) and the oocyte pronucleus did not take part in development.     

Survival and growth of induced tetraploid mud loach

Tetraploid mud loach (Misgurnusmizolepis) were produced by heat shock(40.5°C for 3 min, 28 minpost-fertilization) and their survival andgrowth up to 9 months of age were examined. Theincidence of tetraploidy in 1-month-oldsurvivors of the heat shock was 22.6%.Tetraploids had a mean erythrocyte nuclearvolume of 38.8 µm³, modal chromosomenumber of 4n = 96, and average DNA content of5.6 pg/cell, all of which were double those ofdiploid control values. The survival rate oftetraploids was similar to that of diploidcontrols throughout the experiment (from 1 to 9months of age; P > 0.05), but theheat-shocked group had significantly highermortality during early developmental stages(P < 0.05). Growth rates of tetraploidswere significantly depressed until 7 months ofage (P < 0.05), but were not differentfrom diploid controls at ages 8 and 9 months(P > 0.05).     

氨和空气暴露对大鳞副泥鳅组织中谷氨酰胺含量的影响

为研究氨对大鳞副泥鳅(Paramisgurnus dabryanus)(体重18~25 g)生理指标的影响,将其暴露于30 mmol/L NH_4Cl溶液和空气中0 h,6 h,12 h,24 h,48 h,72 h,以研究体外和体内氨对其体组织中谷氨酰胺含量、谷氨酰胺合成酶和谷氨酸脱氢酶活性的影响。研究发现,氨和空气暴露下,随着暴露时间的延长,大鳞副泥鳅肝脏和肌肉组织中谷氨酰胺含量有明显累积的趋势,脑、肝脏和肠道组织中谷氨酰胺合成酶活性均显著上升。氨和空气暴露显著影响大鳞副泥鳅脑和肠道组织中谷氨酸脱氢酶活性,但对肝脏组织中谷氨酸脱氢酶活性并没有显著性影响。结果表明,大鳞副泥鳅可通过体组织中累积谷氨酰胺来应对体外或体内氨浓度的上升,氨暴露和空气暴露可刺激体内谷氨酰胺的合成,将氨转化为无毒性的谷氨酰胺。肠道中谷氨酸脱氢酶活性显著上升,可能在鱼类应对氨氮毒性中,肠道谷氨酸脱氢酶比谷氨酰胺合成酶有更重要的作用。而大鳞副泥鳅肝脏组织中谷氨酸脱氢酶活性并不受氨和空气暴露的影响,这可能是由于肝脏组织中转氨酶催化生成了足量的谷氨酸。     

Effects of ultra-violet irradiation on sperm motility and diploid gynogenesis induction in large yellow croaker (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudosciaena crocea</Emphasis>) undergoing cold shock

Large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea, exhibit sexually dimorphic growth, with females growing faster and reaching larger adult sizes than males. Thus, development of techniques for preferentially producing females is necessary to optimize production of these species. We have established a protocol to produce all-female croaker P. crocea through induction of meiotic gynogenesis with homologous sperm. The first set of experiments investigated the ultra-violet (UV) irradiation on sperm motility and duration of sperm activity to determine the optimal UV dosage for genetic inactivation of sperm, yet retaining adequate motility for activation of eggs. Milt from several males was diluted 1:100 with Ringer’s solution and UV irradiated with doses ranging from 0–150 J cm⁻². The results indicated that motility and duration of activity generally decreased with increased UV doses. At UV doses greater than 105 J cm⁻², after fertilization, motility was <10% and fertilization rates were significantly lower. Highest hatching rate was obtained at 75 J cm⁻². A second set of experiments was carried out to determine appropriate conditions of cold shock for retention of the 2nd polar body in P. crocea eggs after fertilization with UV-inactivated sperm by altering the timing, temperature and duration of shock. At 20°C, shock applied at 3 min after fertilization resulted in higher survival rate of larvae at 6 h after hatching. Results of different combinations of three shock temperatures (2°C, 3°C or 4°C) and five shock durations (4 min, 8 min, 12 min, 16 min or 20 min) at 3 min after fertilization demonstrated that shocks of 12 min gave highest production of diploid gynogens. Statistical analysis revealed that maximum production of diploid gynogens (44.55 ± 2.99%) were obtained at 3°C. The results of this study indicate that the use of UV-irradiated homologous sperm for activation of P. crocea eggs and cold shock for polar body retention is an effective method for producing gynogenetic offspring.     

蚯蚓粉替代鱼粉对大鳞副泥鳅生长、肌肉成分、血清生化指标及免疫性能的影响

以初始体重为(3.86±0.23)g的大鳞副泥鳅(Paramisgurnus dabryanus)为试验对象,研究蚯蚓(Eisenia foetida)粉替代鱼粉对其生长、肌肉成分、血清生化指标及免疫性能的影响。以0代替鱼粉为对照组,用蚯蚓粉替代25%、50%、75%、100%的鱼粉配制成5组等氮等能饲料,在网箱中进行10周的养殖试验。结果显示,饲料中的蚯蚓粉替代鱼粉对大鳞副泥鳅的存活率无显著影响;随着替代水平的升高,饲料系数、增重率升高(P0.05),肥满度、肝体比降低(P0.05)。各组间脾体比、特定生长率均无显著性差异;75%和100%替代组肌肉粗脂肪含量显著高于对照组(P0.05),100%替代组粗蛋白和水分含量显著低于对照组(P0.05)。随着饲料中蚯蚓粉水平的上升,鱼体肌肉蛋白质的精氨酸、胱氨酸、天门冬氨酸含量升高(P0.05),脯氨酸、组氨酸、蛋氨酸、苏氨酸、苯丙氨酸含量显著降低(P0.05);各组间血清谷丙转氨酶活力、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量、脂肪酶和淀粉酶活性均无显著性差异(P0.05)。随着代替水平的上升,血清甘油三酯和总胆固醇含量显著升高(P0.05),谷草转氨酶显著降低(P0.05);随着替代水平的继续上升,肝胰脏过氧化氢酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、溶菌酶活力下降,肝胰脏丙二醛含量、碱性磷酸酶活力、攻毒后的发病率和死亡率上升。各组间的肝胰脏总超氧化物歧化酶活力和总抗氧化能力均无显著性差异(P0.05)。研究表明,本实验条件下,蚯蚓粉可部分替代(22%)饲料鱼粉而不影响大鳞副泥鳅的生长和存活,且能提高鱼体肌肉成分,有效预防肝胰脏损伤和过氧化,但显著降低了鱼类免疫性能(P0.05)。     

Growth and gonadal development in diploid and triploid turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

This study determined the effect of triploidy on the survival, growth and gonadal development of turbot from 6 to 48 months of age. From 6 to 24 months of age (first sexual maturity), survival was similar in both ploidies (P > 0.05). From 24 to 48 months of age, after the first sexual maturity, survival was 91.9% in diploids and 100% in triploids, which did not exhibit the post-spawning-associated mortality. Growth was similar for both ploidies during the first year of life. After that, triploids grew significantly (P < 0.05) more that diploids, with more marked differences after each spawning season. From 24 to 48 months, the average weight difference between both ploidies was 11.4 ± 1.9%, ranging from 4.3 to 23.0%. At 47 months of age, the biomass of triploids was 10.3% greater in total weight and 14.3% greater in eviscerated weight. Gonads of triploid males were similar to that of diploids, whereas in triploid females, they were significantly smaller and rudimentary. A histological analysis carried out at 47 months of age showed complete sterility of triploids in both sexes. Sex ratio was 1 male (M):0.6 female (F), for diploids, significantly (P < 0.05) different from 1:1, and 1 M:3.3 F for triploids, significantly (P < 0.05) different from 1:1 and from the diploids. Since females grow more than males, culture of triploids benefited from the high female ratio, which helped to reduce size dispersion. In addition, their sterility allowed better performance by avoiding the reduction in growth that takes place during the spawning periods. Together, these observations indicate that triploidy induction can be an interesting option for turbot aquaculture, especially for the production of large-size fish of more than 2 years of age.     

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.     

Chromosome set manipulations in the black carp

The mollusc-eating black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) has economic and health-care potential for biological control of nuisance aquatic molluscs. The present study investigates the production of gynogenetic-monosex and triploid-sterile populations of black carp. The goal was to provide a method which would eliminate unwanted biological and environmental impacts of introducing this exotic species into areas with nuisance mollusc infestation. Meiotic gynogenesis was induced by inseminating black carp eggs with UV-irradiated (800 Jm⁻²) sperm of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) or Japanese ornamental (koi) carp. Diploidy was restored through retention of the second polar body (2PB), by shocking activated eggs at 1–8 min post-fertilization (embryological age of 0.07–0.57τ₀, a parameter defined by the cell cycle duration) at 1 min intervals, with heat-shocks (41.0±1.0 °C for 1 min) or pressure-shocks (7500–7600 psi for 1.5 min). Highest survival was found when embryos were heat-shocked 1.5–4.5 min post-fertilization (0.10–0.25τ₀). The highest survival of free-swimming larvae from pressure-shocked eggs, was achieved at 7500 psi at 1–2 min post-fertilization (0.08–0.16τ₀). Triploidy was induced by retention of 2PB following normal fertilization. Batches of 30 000 eggs were fertilized with intact sperm and pressure-shocked (6000–8500 psi for 1.5 min) 2 min post-fertilization (0.15–0.16τ₀). The highest survival of triploid swim-up larvae was 5.1% in eggs shocked with 7500 psi. In random samples of individual larvae taken from each treatment, triploidy was analysed by cytofluorometry of the cellular DNA content. In DNA analysis performed in fingerlings (N≥15), 50% of the fish were triploids.     

花鲈冷冻精子诱导漠斑牙鲆雌核发育

采用紫外线(UV)对冻存的花鲈精子进行照射使其遗传物质失活,作为异源精子诱导源,与漠斑牙鲆卵子进行“授精”,可以诱导漠斑牙鲆卵进行雌核发育。结合静水压处理,抑制第二极体排出,成功获得了漠斑牙鲆雌核发育二倍体鱼苗。实验表明,同源精子和异源精子均可在紫外线照射遗传失活后诱导漠斑牙鲆卵雌核发育,经实验筛选出异源精子诱导漠斑牙鲆雌核发育的最佳条件为花鲈冻存精子采用80 mJ/cm²的紫外线照射,然后与漠斑牙鲆卵子进行授精,培育水温18 ℃条件下,受精后4~5 min,施以65 MPa的静水压休克处理6 min,可有效诱导漠斑牙鲆卵的雌核发育。采用形态学、流式细胞仪DNA含量分析和微卫星标记技术对雌核发育鱼苗进行了分析,证明了雌核发育鱼苗为雌核发育二倍体。本文首次报道了采用异源冷冻精子诱导漠斑牙鲆鱼卵进行雌核发育的技术方法,为漠斑牙鲆性别控制和遗传改良提供了技术手段。     

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) grazing on duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza)

The aims of this experiment were (1) toquantify the ability of grass carp to processduckweed and (2) to assess indirect changes inwater chemistry and phytoplankton community,caused by grass carp feeding. Yearling grass carp sized 126 ± 7.7 mm (TL) and19.6 g in weight were kept in 9 laminate tanksof 1 m³ for 14 days. Two stockingdensities (2 and 6 fish per m³) anda control without fish were used. Standard growthrate (SGR) of grass carp fed exclusively onduckweed was 0.70% body weight (BW) d^–1and food conversion ratio (FCR) reached 2.0(average water temperature =21.1 ± 3.8 °C). Daily food intakewas 0.2 g of duckweed dry weight (DW), i.e.,1% of average BW of grass carp. SGR ofduckweed growing in 20 × 20 cm floatingenclosures, differed significantly[F(6,2) = 417.9; p = 0.002] between the twostocking densities of grass carp and thecontrol tanks (without fish). Mean SGR ofduckweed was 0.02 g g^–1 day^–1 and thehighest SGR was recorded in the control tanks.Both decrease in NH₄-N and increase inNO₂-N concentrations differedsignificantly between the treatments[F(2,2) = 45.3; p = 0.02 and F(2,2) = 19.2; p = 0.04 respectively]. Changes in other nitrogenand phosphorus components (NO₃-N, TN, TPand PO₄-P) caused by stocking of grasscarp were not significant. Biomass ofphytoplankton, dominated by filamentous algaeand blue-greens, increased proportionately tostocking density of grass carp. Althoughduckweed has a large potential for nutrientremoval, the most common pathway for thenutrients released through grass carp grazingif duckweed cover is loose is theirincorporation into phytoplankton biomass.     

Hematological parameters and phagocytic activity in fat snook (Centropomus parallelus): Seasonal variation, sex and gonadal maturation

The objective of this work was to determine hematological parameters and the phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages of the fat snook related to sex, stage of gonadal maturation and seasonal cycle. The hematological results did not show significant differences between males and females. With respect to stage of gonadal maturation, only erythrocytes numbers (RBC), in females, was found to be significantly elevated in stage III (maturing) and decreased in V (spent). An analysis of the results of the erythrocyte and leukocyte series, thrombocytes and phagocytic activity related to sex and seasonal cycle showed statistically significant differences: a) hematocrit (Ht) and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) were elevated in the spring and low in the winter in males; b) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was high in the spring and summer and low in the fall in both sexes; c) thrombocytes numbers were elevated in the fall and low in the other seasons in females; d) phagocytic capacity (PC) and phagocytic index (PI) were higher in the summer and lower in the fall in females. The results showed that spring and summer correspond to seasons of the year for better hematological and phagocytic responses for survival of the fat snook in its natural habitat. The parameters studied could be utilized for evaluation of the health status fat snook in its own habitat or in captivity.     

Increased winter temperature did not affect completion of smolting in Atlantic salmon

Four groups of 1+ year-old Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, pre-smolts were reared under various temperature regimes: constant 10 °C from November onwards; ambient temperature until either 15 December or 1 February, then 10 °C; or ambient temperature throughout (control; 2–3 °C November–March). From 20 May onwards, temperature in all groups was ambient, increasing from 10 °C to 17 °C in late July. Rearing temperature had no significant effect on either the timing of completion of smolting, or the duration of the smolt-window. Mean gill Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase activity was not significantly affected by temperature regime; it increased in all groups from < 2.0 mol Pi mg protein^–1 h^–1 (units) in January to 5–7 units in mid-April, then back to < 2.0 units in July. Survival in 96 h, 37) salinity (S) tolerance tests was similar in all groups, increasing from < 10% in early March, to > 90% from mid-April to mid-June, then decreasing to < 20% by early July. Increased winter temperature significantly increased growth and condition factor compared with the control, but during April–May all four groups exhibited similar temporary decreases in condition factor in association with the completion of smolting.     

黄鳍棘鲷家系亲缘关系鉴定

为了建立黄鳍棘鲷微卫星亲子鉴定技术,利用荧光引物和自动测序技术检测了自主开发的12对微卫星分子标记在505尾黄鳍棘鲷个体中的遗传多态性,并构建了亲子鉴定技术。结果显示,该研究中筛选的12个微卫星标记共检测到119个等位基因,平均等位基因数(N_a)为9.91,平均观测杂合度(H_o)为0.651,平均期望杂合度(H_e)为0.661,平均多态性信息含量(PIC)为0.621,具有丰富的多态性。此外,运用Cervus 3.0软件对已知系谱信息的112尾黄鳍棘鲷亲本和393尾子代个体进行模拟分析,结果显示,当双亲未知且置信度为95%时,12个标记的累积排除概率达99.58%;当微卫星标记数量为8时,累积排除概率达到99.1%。因此确定AL49、AL37、AL01、AL20、AL14、AL18、AL15和AL51共8个多态性较高的微卫星标记为黄鳍棘鲷微卫星亲子鉴定的核心体系。在双亲性别未知的情况下,其双亲的累积排除率为99.1%。根据黄鳍棘鲷子代的实际基因分型数据,实际鉴定率为89.31%。该研究构建的微卫星标记组合能为黄鳍棘鲷不同...     

黄喉拟水龟性别调控相关lncRNA和mRNA的筛选及初步分析

性别异形在动物界广泛存在,长期以来一直是生物学中的热门话题。黄喉拟水龟性别分化属温度依赖型,其温度响应分子机制仍不清楚。为了进一步解析龟鳖动物性别分化的分子机制,本研究初步比较分析了黄喉拟水龟转录本中性别差异表达(different expressed, DE)的长链非编码RNA(long noncoding RNA, lncRNA)及其调控的靶基因。首先,运用Illumina深度测序平台,通过转录组测序(RNA-Seqs)对黄喉拟水龟的精巢和卵巢进行了比较转录组学分析并筛选鉴定出雌雄差异转录本,共筛选获得8 237个DE mRNA和9 573个DE lncRNA。通过GO功能注释及KEGG通路富集分析发现,上述差异转录本主要参与龟鳖动物性别分化和性腺发育等相关信号通路。此外,通过顺式和反式作用分析,筛选获得了一系列与生殖发育相关的(性腺发育和性别分化)受DE lncRNAs调控的靶基因。本研究为进一步阐明黄喉拟水龟温度依赖型性别的分子机制提供了线索,特别是为进一步挖掘利用龟鳖动物性别决定因子,进行龟鳖动物性控育种技术研究奠定了基础。     

Optimal dietary carbohydrate to lipid ratio in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted in a recycling water system at 28±1°C to investigate carbohydrate to lipid ratio (CHO:L ratio) in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (12.32±0.04g). Five isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) and isoenergetic (20kJg^–1 gross energy (GE)) fishmeal based diets with varying carbohydrate to lipid (CHO:L g/g) ratios of 0.74, 1.13, 1.66, 2.47 and 3.42 for diets 1–5, were tested, respectively. The diets containing a fixed protein to energy ratio (P:E ratio) of 20-mg proteinkJ^–1 GE were fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish (per 30-L tank). Fish were fed 5% of their body weight per day adjusted fortnightly. Diet 1, containing 14% carbohydrate and 21% lipids with a CHO:L ratio of 0.74 produced the poorest (P<0.05) growth rates, feed and protein efficiency. Increasing carbohydrate content in the diets to 27% concomitant with a reduction in lipid content to 16% with a CHO:L ration of 1.66 of diet 3 significantly improved (P<0.05) growth rates, feed and protein efficiency. A further increase in dietary carbohydrate up to 38% and a decrease in lipids levels to 11% with a CHO:L ratio ranging from 1.66 to 3.42 (diet 3 – 5) did not significantly improve the fish performance. Apparent net protein utilisation (ANPU) of fish fed diet 4 was higher (P<0.05) than for diets 1–3 but did not differ from diet 5. Higher lipid deposition (P<0.05) in whole body and liver were observed with decreasing dietary CHO:L ratios as increasing lipid levels. Whole body protein and liver glycogen content, digestive enzyme activities (protease and lipase) and histological examination of intestine and liver of fish fed varying CHO:L diets did not show any discernible changes among the dietary treatments. However intestinal -amylase activity increased (P<0.05) with increasing dietary carbohydrate levels. This study revealed that African catfish can perform equally well on diets containing carbohydrate ranging from 27 to 38% of the diet, with lipid content ranging from 16 to 11% or at CHO:Lg/g ratio of 1.7–3.4.     

Effects of daphnia (Moina micrura) plus chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) or microparticle diets on growth and survival of larval loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

Culture performance beyond metamorphosis of larval loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) was examined in a feeding experiment of the early development stage (20 days after hatch; DAH). Total length, dry weight, length- and weight-specific growth rate (SGR) and survival were monitored in different diet regimes. During 20 days, diet treatments included: microparticle diets (A); live daphnia (Moina micrura) (B); live daphnia plus live chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) (C); and live daphnia plus microparticle diets (D). Fish survival rates during 20 days were 21.23 ± 4.2% (A), 73.19 ± 2.8% (B), 90.76 ± 3% (C) and 91.46 ± 3.1% (D), respectively. Length- and weight-specific growth rate after 20 DAH (final mean SGR; % day⁻¹) were 5.36 ± 0.44 and 15.75 ± 1.52 (A), 9.29 ± 1.25 and 23.47 ± 2.23 (B), 9.42 ± 1.55 and 24.88 ± 2.9 (C) and 9.55 ± 1.23 and 24.40 ± 2.75 (D), respectively. Fish in treatments B, C and D displayed higher growth rates and were significantly longer and heavier than fish in treatment A by the end of the experiment (Ρ < 0.05). Fish in treatment A had highly significant greater (Ρ < 0.001) mortalities than in treatments B, C and D. There were no significant differences in any growth parameter between fish in treatments B, C and D, but the survivals in treatments C and D (90.76% and 91.46%) were significantly higher than in treatment B (73.19%, Ρ < 0.05). The results demonstrated that enriched prey and co-feeding may serve as a potential feeding strategy for loach larvae, and the form of co-feeding reduces the costs and dependence on live foods to a certain extent. We concluded that larval loach should be reared over metamorphosis using either of the following methods: feed with live daphnia supplemented with microparticle diets or with live chlorella. However, a prolonged rearing period of loach larvae is needed to detect nutritional problems and observe remote effects of co-feeding on weaning in the future.     

Influence of temperature and salinity on length and yolk utilization of striped bass larvae

The effects of temperature and salinity on yolk utilization and growth of larval striped bass (Morone soxatilis) from Canadian maritime stocks were studied to determine optimal rearing conditions. Larval length increased during yolk utilization and maximum length (L_max) was attained at about 70 degree-days post-hatch. Dry weight declined during yolk utilization, whereas, larval wet weight was relatively constant and only declined when yolk was depleted. Temperature and salinity significantly affected the L_max. Temperatures exceeding 18 C resulted in lower L_max. Higher L_max values were attained at 5 % than at 1 or 10 %. Time to reach L_max was longer at 5 and 10 % than at 1 % for any experimental temperature. Time to reach L_max was 3 days post-hatch longer than times to maximum embryo dry weight. The Q₁₀ of yolk utilization was 1.71, 1.53 and 2.52 at 1, 5 and 10 %, respectively. Times to terminal yolk utilization were about 1.2 d shorter than times to L_max. Morphological changes during yolk utilization indicated rapid development of locomotory and predatory capabilities. These and other developmental strategies were compared to those of salmonids. Rearing striped bass larvae at 14 \-16C and 5 % throughout yolk utilization should result in longer larvae at initial first feeding.     

Vitellogenin in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus): Induction of two forms by estradiol,quantification in plasma and characterization in oocyte extract

Two forms of vitellogenin were isolated by DEAE agarose ion-exchange chromatography from plasma of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. The monomers have apparent molecular masses of 200 and 130 kDa, as indicated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and a total amount of phosphorus of 1.7 and 0.1%, respectively. Antibodies specific to the two forms, designated tVTG-200 and tVTG-130, were generated in rabbits and used to develop enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and in Western blot analyses of plasma and oocyte extract. SDS-PAGE of the oocyte extract showed a major protein band at 106.6, minor bands at 26.6, 24.2, and 23.7 kDa, and very faint bands at 83.4 and 17.5 kDa. Western blots of the oocyte extract revealed that the antiserum to tVTG-200 recognized strongly the protein bands at 24.2 and 23.7 kDa, and less strongly the bands at 25.1 and 22.6 kDa, whereas the antiserum to tVTG-130 recognized mainly the protein band at 106.6 kDa. The presence of both VTGs in untreated male tilapia was detected with the ELISAs using relatively high plasma volumes. Their presence in males was confirmed by VTG-like immunoreactive materials eluting from the ion-exchange column at the same positions as tVTG-200 and tVTG-130. The concentrations of the VTGs in males were several orders of magnitude lower than in vitellogenic females. Treatment of male tilapia with estradiol-17β (E₂) induced both VTGs within 24h. After 7 days, tVTG-130 reached a maximum concentration in plasma, whereas tVTG-200 continued to increase. Our findings demonstrate that the two vitellogenins are biochemically distinct, possibly differentially regulated, and made by both sexes.