Growth performance and physiological responses in striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus, held under different photoperiods

The growth performance and stress response in striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus (body weight 100–300 g) reared under four photoperiods (6L:6D, 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D) were investigated. Fish were fed a commercial diet to apparent satiation, two times a day for 8 weeks. A trial of acute handling and confinement stress was also carried out to investigate the stress-induced levels of different stress indicators in O. fasciatus. Blood was also collected from undisturbed fish which was considered as control. Although there were no significant differences in weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in fish exposed to 6L:6D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods, all parameters in these photoperiods were significantly higher than those of 12L:12D photoperiod (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in protein retention efficiency (PRE) between fish exposed to 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods, but PRE in both photoperiods was significantly higher than that of 12L:12D photoperiod.Acute stress significantly increased the plasma levels of cortisol (110.3 ng ml^− 1) and glucose (195.4 mg dl^− 1), and decreased plasma levels of total protein (0.8 g dl^− 1); however, all parameters were returned back to the levels indistinguishable from those of control, undisturbed fish within 24 h. The levels of cortisol, glucose and total protein in fish exposed to different photoperiods during the study were far from the stress-induced levels (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the growth performance of O. fasciatus reared from 100 to 300 g can be stimulated significantly by using the manipulated photoperiods where feeding time may be playing an important role to increase food intake and feed conversion efficiency. It also revealed that the artificial photoperiods did not cause significant stress response in fish.     

Reproduction,growth and stress response in adult red sea bream,Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel) exposed to different photoperiods at spawning season

Adult red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight, 1.0–2.0 kg) was exposed to three photoperiods [12 h light:12 h dark (12L:12D), 16 h light:8 h dark (16L:8D) and 24 h light:0 h dark (24L:0D)] from 2 months before spawning till the end of the spawning season to investigate growth, spawning and stress response. During the spawning season, tanks were checked every morning for spawned eggs. The growth performance in fish under 24L:0D was stimulated with significantly higher feed intake than those under other photoperiods (P<0.05). The number of eggs and gonadal histology confirmed that three and five females out of six in each of duplicate tanks of the 16L:8D treatment spawned. In contrast, only two out of six females in one tank of the 24L:0D treatment spawned, and no spawns were observed in the 12L:12D treatment. At the end of the spawning period, both 17β‐estradiol and testosterone levels were significantly higher in fish exposed to 16L:8D followed by 12L:12D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P<0.05). Photoperiod manipulation did not cause significant stress response in fish (P>0.05). The results suggest that stimulating the growth performance of red sea bream at reproductive stage with a 24L:0D photoperiod is possible if the fish are subjected to this photoperiod long before the onset of the spawning season.     

Photoperiod influences the growth, food intake, feed efficiency and digestibility of red sea bream (Pagrus major)

Two consecutive trials were conducted to investigate the effects of photoperiod manipulation on growth rate, food intake and feed conversion efficiency (Trial 1), and the digestibility of nutrients and energy (Trial 2) in red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight 19–120 g). Fish were exposed to four photoperiods (6L:6D, 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D) with light intensity 1500 lx on the water surface. The fish were fed with a commercial diet to apparent satiation. In Trial 2, 0.5% chromic oxide (Cr₂O₃) was used as an inert marker. Significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rates were observed in fish exposed to a 24L:0D photoperiod followed by 16L:8D, 6L:6D and 12L:12D photoperiods (P < 0.05). Food intake and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were also significantly higher in fish exposed to 24L:0D followed by 16L:8D, 6L:6D and 12L:12D photoperiods (P < 0.05). Fish exposed to 24L:0D and 16L:8D photoperiods showed significantly higher lipid and energy digestibility than those exposed to a 12L:12D photoperiod (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the enhancement of growth performances under 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods were attributed to improved appetite, greater food intake and higher feed conversion efficiency as well as higher digestibility.     

Effects of light intensity, tank colour and photoperiod on swimbladder inflation success in larval striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum)

Striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), larvae, although physoclistous as adults, initially need to inflate their swimbladders by passing ingested air through a pneumatic duct to the swimbladder. Failure to inflate the swimbladder results in swimbladder atrophy, dysfunctional buoyancy control, deformities, and poor larval survival and growth. The present investigation studied the effects of light intensity, tank colour and photoperiod on the initial swimbladder inflation success of striped bass. In the first experiment, newly hatched larvae were reared for 2 weeks in black or white 350-L circular tanks exposed to incandescent lighting at 163 or 10 lux. Larvae were fed Artemia from 6 days post-hatching (dph). The standard length, and oil globule and yolk areas were measured. Swimbladder condition and evidence of feeding were recorded. To study the effects of photoperiod on inflation, larvae were reared in black tanks exposed to either 8 h:16 h or 16 h:8 h light:dark photoperiods at 139 lux. Striped bass inflated their swimbladders between 6 and 9 dph at 17 ^oC. Inflation success was significantly higher in black tanks (65%) compared with white tanks (42%), but light intensity did not significantly affect swimbladder inflation. Larval growth and food consumption were better in black tanks, primarily because this treatment resulted in more larvae with inflated swimbladders, although larvae with uninflated swimbladders in black tanks were longer at 12 dph than larvae with inflated swimbladders in white tanks. Larvae that successfully inflated their swimbladders fed earlier and exhibited better growth than larvae with noninflated swimbladders. Larvae reared at higher light intensities used up yolk reserves faster. Exposing striped bass larvae to 8 h:16 h light:dark photoperiods resulted in higher inflation rates (55%) compared to larvae reared at 16 h:8 h light:dark photoperiods (30%). Therefore, black tanks and short photoperiods are preferable for early rearing of striped bass larvae to maximize swimbladder inflation success.     

Effects of Light Intensity on the Growth Performance and Stress Response in Striped Knifejaw, (Oplegnathus fasciatus)

Six light intensities (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 lx) were used under a photoperiod of 16 h light : 8 h dark (16L : 8D) to investigate the growth performance and stress response of striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus. Forty juveniles of mean weight approximately 27 g were randomly distributed into each of eighteen 300 L tanks, fed to apparent satiation two times a day for 8 wk. At the end of the rearing trial, there were no significant differences in final mean weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, and survival among the treatments (P > 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in feed intake, fish exposed to 50–200 lx showed significantly higher feed efficiency (FE) compared to that of other treatments (P < 0.05). There was a decreasing trend in retention efficiency of protein and lipid with increasing light intensities (400–1500 lx), but there were no significant differences among the treatments. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, and total protein among the treatments (P > 0.05). To consider the FE and given the fact that an intensity of 50 lx is insufficient to monitor fish activity during feeding, light intensity of 100–200 lx would be better for rearing of striped knifejaw.     

Stimulation of growth performance without causing stress response in young red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel), by photoperiod manipulation

Three photoperiods (12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D) were used to investigate the growth performance and stress response in red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight 200–400 g). Fish were fed a commercial diet to apparent satiation, two times a day for 8 weeks. Fish exposed to a 24L:0D photoperiod showed a significantly higher weight gain (%) than those exposed to other photoperiods (P<0.05). The best specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency were achieved at 24L:0D and 16L:8D, without significant differences among them. Although fish exposed to 16L:8D showed a significantly higher plasma level of cortisol than those exposed to other photoperiods in the third week, there was no major variation in the cortisol level among the treatments either at the sixth week or at the end of this study. There were no significant differences either in the haematocrit level or the plasma levels of glucose, total cholesterol and total protein among the treatments during this study. The results revealed that the growth performance of red sea bream reared from 200 to 400 g can be stimulated significantly using a continuous (24L:0D) photoperiod without any measurable significant stress response in fish.     

The effect of photoperiod on growth, survival, colour and activity of juvenile southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii

Juvenile (1–10 g) southern rock lobsters, Jasus edwardsii, were subjected to five photoperiods [0L(light):24D(dark); 6L:18D; 12L:12D; 18L:6D; 24L:0D] during a 112‐day trial, and growth, survival, colour, food consumption and activity were examined. Lobsters grown under the 6L:18D and 24L:0D photoperiods had significantly lower (P < 0.05) final mean weight and specific growth rate than any other treatments. Photoperiod had no effect on survival or colour of lobsters. Food consumption differed significantly during the first week of the trial; after 5 weeks, food consumption was similar in all treatments. Major peaks in activity occurred during dark periods for lobsters exposed to photoperiods that had a light:dark regime. Activity of lobsters exposed to continuous light or dark regimes remained constant and at low levels during the 24‐h period. Food consumption or activity does not appear to determine the rate of growth of lobsters in the different photoregimes. One over‐riding outcome of this and other studies on photoperiod is that the growth and survival response of juvenile J. edwardsii was not significantly better than those of the standard 12L:12D cycle.     

The effect of photoperiod and feeding frequency on larval of the Amazonian ornamental fish Pyrrhulina brevis (Steindachner, 1876)

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Pyrrhulina larvae, Pyrrhulina brevis, under different photoperiods and feeding frequencies. A completely randomized design was used, with four replicates in a 5 × 2 factorial, with five photoperiods (6L:18D, 12L:12D, 16L:8D, 20L:4D, 24L:0D) and two feeding frequencies (two or four times a day). Four hundred larvae with an initial length of 4.6 ± 0.09 mm were randomly distributed in 40, 1‐L containers at a density of 10 larvae/L. Feeding was performed with Artemia nauplii in the ratio of 150 Artemia nauplii/larva/feeding. After 15 days, all larvae were euthanized for measurements of length (mm), final weight (mg), survival rate (%) and larvae uniformity in weight an length (%). The data were subjected to analysis of variance and subsequently, in case of significance, a Tukey test was performed to compare means. There was no interaction between photoperiod and feeding frequency on studied variables (P > 0.05). Likewise, there was no influence of feed rate on the same variables (P > 0.05). There was only influence of photoperiod, where the larvae subjected to longest photoperiods (24L:0D and 20L:4D) showed improved weight and length (P < 0.05). Therefore, a photoperiod of 20L:4E, with feeding twice a day is recommended.     

Growth and age at first maturity in turbot and halibut reared under different photoperiods

The effect of extended photoperiods on growth and age at first maturity was investigated in 166 (79 females and 87 males) individually tagged Atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus and in 114 (50 females and 64 males) individually tagged turbot Scophthalmus maximus. The halibut were reared at 11 °C on four different light regimes from 10 February to 6 July 1996: simulated natural photoperiod, (LDN), continuous light (LD24:0), constant 8 h light and 16 h darkness (LD8:16) and LD8:16 switched to continuous light 4 May 1996 (LD8:16–24:0). From 6 July 1996 to 9 February 1998 the LD24:0 and LD8:16–24:0 were reared together under continuous light and the LDN and LD8:16 together under natural photoperiod. The turbot were reared at 16 °C on three different light regimes: constant light (LD24:0), 16 h light:8 h darkness (LD16:8), or simulated natural photoperiod (LDN). After 6 months on the different photoperiods, the turbot was reared together on LDN for approximately 12 months until first maturation. Juveniles subjected to continuous light (halibut) or extended photoperiods (halibut and turbot) exhibited faster growth than those experiencing a natural photoperiod or a constant short day. Moreover, when the photoperiod increased naturally with day-length or when fish were abruptly switched from being reared on short-day conditions to continuous light, a subsequent increase in growth rate was observed. This growth enhancing effect of extended photoperiods was more apparent on a short time scale in Atlantic halibut than in turbot, but both species show significant long-term effects of extended photoperiods in the form of enhanced growth. In both species lower maturation of males was seen in groups exposed to extended or continuous light compared to LDN and this could be used to reduce precocious maturation in males leading to overall increase in somatic growth. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of photoperiod,light intensity,turbidity and prey density on feed incidence and survival in first feeding yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)(Bennett)

Zebrasoma flavescens (Bennett) aquaculture is limited by high mortality during first feeding. Photoperiod, light intensity, turbidity and prey density are culture parameters that have been shown to affect feed incidence and survival in some food fish species, offering a logical starting point to improve first feeding in Z. flavescens. This study aimed to determine the effect of photoperiod, light intensity, turbidity and prey density on feed incidence and survival in larval yellow tang age 3 DPH to 5 DPH (days post hatch). Larvae were reared in four photoperiods (24L:0D, 16L:8D, 12L:12D, 0L:24D), four light intensities (1,500, 3,000, 4,500 and 6,500 lx), three turbidity ranges (0 cells/ml, 100,000–200,000 cells/ml and 400,000–600,000 cells/ml) and four prey densities (1, 3, 6 and 9 per mL). Photoperiod at 16L:8D and 12L:12D significantly increased feed incidence; 16L:8D significantly increased survival. Light intensities at 3,000 and 4,500 lx significantly increased feed incidence. Larvae reared in 400,000–600,000 cells/ml fed and survived significantly better than those in clear water. Larvae in 1 per mL fed and survived significantly less than those fed at 6 per mL.     

Effects of photoperiod on growth and spawning efficiency of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) broodstock in a recycling system

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of photoperiod on the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and spawning performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock. Duplicate groups of two males (66±3.04 g) and six females (50.5±1.58 g) were stocked in 0.4 m³ fibreglass tanks in a recirculating water system at a male:female ratio of 1:3. The fish were subjected to four photoperiod treatments: 24:0 light:dark (L:D), 18L:6D, 12L:12D and 6L:18D. Light intensity was kept constant at about 2500 lx throughout the study. The fish were fed a commercial tilapia diet (35% crude protein and 16.6 MJ GE kg⁻¹) at a daily rate of 2–3% of tank biomass, twice a day, for 130 days. Males grew significantly faster than females under all photoperiod regimes. The best growth rate and FCR were attained at 18L:6D, followed by 24L:0D, 12L:12D and 6L:18D respectively. The number of eggs per female, number of eggs per spawn and number of spawnings per female were all significantly higher in the 12L:12D treatment than in all other photoperiod cycles. Interspawning intervals and days elapsed per spawn were also shorter in the 12L:12D treatment. The time to first spawning was slightly longer in the 24L:0D and 6L:18D than in 12L:12D and 18L:6D light phases. The 18L:6D and 6L:18D photoperiods produced the lowest spawning performance. It is concluded that a 12L:12D photoperiod regime should be adopted for maximum fecundity, seed production and spawning frequencies of Nile tilapia broodstock reared in intensive, recirculating systems. If maximum reproduction is desired, a near‐natural day length photoperiod should be used.     

Effect of Photoperiod Manipulation on Growth Performance,Physiological and Hematological Indices in Juvenile Persian Sturgeon,Acipenser persicus

The effect of five different light regimes on growth, stress and hematological indices was studied in Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus. Fish with average weight of 645.3 ± 11.2 g were subjected to different photoperiods (24 L, 12 L:12 D, 16 L:8 D, 8 L:16 D and 24 D) for 8 wk. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment for measuring cortisol, glucose and hematological features. The whole growth parameters showed no significant difference. Plasma cortisol concentration was significantly higher in 12 L:12 D, while the lowest level was observed in fish exposed to 24 D. No significant changes were observed among the treatments for glucose concentration. Lactate concentration varied significantly among the treatments. Some hematological indices including hematocrit and number of white blood cells were affected by different light regimes, but the others (hemoglobin and number of red blood cells) were not affected significantly. The results showed that photoperiod manipulation can alters some stress‐related metabolites and may enhance growth rate in fish exposing to continuous darkness.     

不同光周期下欧洲舌齿鲈幼鱼生长、摄食和肌肉营养成分的比较

选取450尾欧洲舌齿鲈（）幼鱼，体长（13.50±0.52）cm，体重（46.04±0.61）g，监测其在5种光周期（0L：24D、8L：16D、12L：12D、16L：8D、24L：0D，L表示光照时间，D表示黑暗时间）下的生长、摄食及肌肉营养成分等相关指标。实验周期为60 d。结果表明，8L：16D处理组的欧洲舌齿鲈的日增重系数显著高于其他各组（<0.05）；0L：24D和8L：16D处理组粗脂肪含量分别较16L：8D处理组分别提高了19.70%和21.67%（<0.05）。5种光周期下的欧洲舌齿鲈幼鱼肌肉中均检测到17种氨基酸，其中8L：16D和12L：12D处理组的肌肉中氨基酸总含量较0L：24D组分别提高11.60%和9.16%（>0.05）；肌肉中二十碳五烯酸（EPA）与二十二碳六烯酸（DHA）总含量在8L：16D处理组中最高，为14.21%，在0L：24D处理组中最低，为12.30%。不同光照周期对欧洲舌齿鲈幼鱼生长、摄食和肌肉营养品质均产生了不同程度的影响，综上所述，8L：16D和12L：12D光照环境更适宜欧洲舌齿鲈的生长。     

Effects of decreases in photoperiod on growth and bimodality in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.

Two experiments were performed to study the relative significance of the absolute daylength and the change in photoperiod on the growth and development of bimodality in juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. In Experiment A juveniles were reared on 24 h daily light until they were seven months old (65–82 mm in length after size grading). They were then divided into six groups and subjected to six photoperiods (6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 h of light). In Experiment B the decrease in photoperiod was made in two steps. First, the day length was reduced to 18 and 21 hours, three months after first feeding when the weight of the juveniles averaged 2.5 g and one group was kept under 24 hour daily light. Two months later, each of these treatment groups was subdivided to produce new groups of juveniles (65–82 mm in length) under 6, 9 and 12 h of daily light. Irrespective of whether the photoperiods were reduced in one or two steps, groups held under short-day photoperiods, 6–12 h, grew significantly slower (Exp. A) and showed higher proportions of lower modal group fish (Exp. B) than groups treated with long-day photoperiods, greater than 12 h. There were low proportions of lower modal group fish among juveniles larger than 75 mm at the dates of decreases in daylength irrespective of photoperiod (Exp. B, 0–16%), and high or variable proportions among fish smaller than 75 mm, depending on photoperiod (Exp B. 32–71%). It is concluded that the growth response of juvenile Atlantic salmon changes in the range of 12–15 hours of daily light. This mechanism is probably linked to the size of the parr and is one important reason for the development of bimodal length-frequency distributions.     

Enhanced growth and retarded gonadal development of farmed rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) following a long‐day photoperiod

Long‐day photoperiods are considered as an effective managerial tool in manipulating of reproduction and somatic growth in a number of fish species. In this study, the effects of three different artificial photoperiods on the gonadal development and somatic growth of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss L.) were investigated. Two years‐old immature female rainbow trout (279.94 ±2.25 g) were exposed to three artificial photoperiod regimes of 24L:0D, 18L:6D and 6L:18D and natural light (NL) regime for 5 months. The highest gonadosomatic indices were recorded in NL and 6L:18D groups while the rates were significantly lower in fish maintained under 18L:6D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P < 0.05). Mean oocyte diameters in fish exposed to 24L:0D and also to 18L:6D were significantly lower than the 6L:18D and NL groups. Photoperiods with 24L:0D and 18L:6D regimes resulted in significantly higher mean final weights and specific growth rates (SGR) than NL regime. The highest mean final weight (635.45 ± 16.19 g) and SGR (1.03 ± 0.04% day^?1) were obtained under 24L:0D photoperiod. Fish exposed to 24L:0D and 18L:6D showed the highest condition factor as 1.44 ± 0.01 and 1.44 ± 0.02 respectively, when compared with the NL (1.27 ± 0.01) and 6L:18D (1.34 ± 0.02) groups. Basically, the results suggested that continuous artificial lightning can be used as an influential factor in delaying gonadal development and enhancing somatic growth in rainbow trout during gonadal growth phase.     

光照周期对褐牙鲆幼鱼生长、能量分配及生化指标的影响

在循环水实验系统中,设置1 L∶23 D、9 L∶15 D、12 L∶12 D、15 L∶9 D、24 L∶0 D(光L∶暗D)共5个光照周期处理组,研究其对褐牙鲆幼鱼生长及部分生化指标的影响。实验结束时褐牙鲆幼鱼的体质量为41.10~43.98 g,不同处理组间无显著差异,体质量未表现出与日光照周期长短的相关性。日生长系数只在21~30 d阶段内出现显著差异,整个实验期间的平均日生长系数为1.86~2.02,不同处理组间不存在显著差异,日生长系数随日光照周期的延长略呈下降趋势。不同阶段的摄食率在31~40 d阶段出现显著差异,12 L∶12 D处理组摄食率显著高于9 L∶15 D处理组。在整个实验期间,1 L∶23 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼摄食率为1.64,显著低于12 L∶12 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼的摄食率(1.79)。整个实验期间,1 L∶23 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼平均饲料转化效率为113.49,显著高于12 L∶12 D、15 L∶9 D、24 L∶0 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼,并略高于9 L∶15 D的褐牙鲆幼鱼,饲料转化效率随光照时间的延长呈下降趋势。实验期间摄食能的分配比例仅在排泄能上出现显著差异,15 L∶9 D最高,12 L∶12 D最低,其他各项能量分配均无显著差异。不同光照周期对耗氧率影响显著,15 L∶9 D最高,为0.252 mg/(g·h),24 L∶0 D最低,为0.173 mg/(g·h)。耗氧率随着光照时间的延长呈先上升后下降的趋势。血浆生长激素和类胰岛素生长因子I含量在不同处理组间也不存在显著差异,随光照时间延长也未表现出明显变动趋势。血浆褪黑素含量随光照时间的增加呈先下降后上升的趋势,12 L∶12 D处理组MT含量最低,但与其他处理组差异不显著。实验结束时肌肉RNA/DNA比值随光照周期延长呈先上升后下降变动趋势,其中15 L∶9 D和24 L∶0 D处理组的肌肉RNA/DNA比值显著高于1 L∶23 D处理。肝脏RNA/DNA比值以12 L∶12 D最高,15 L∶9 D最低。实验结果表明光照周期对褐牙鲆幼鱼摄食量和饲料转化效率产生显著影响,但摄食量减少的处理组由于耗氧率降低因而饲料转化效率得到提高,因此光照周期对生长没有显著影响。光照周期明显影响血浆褪黑素、肌肉和肝脏RNA/DNA比值,但生化指标的差异与生长无明显相关性。     

Effects of photoperiod on egg production and hatching success, naupliar and copepodite development, adult sex ratio and life expectancy of the tropical calanoid copepod Acartia sinjiensis

The tropical calanoid copepod Acartia sinjiensis has good potential for mass culture as live feed for reef fish larvae. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of photoperiod on various parameters related to A. sinjiensis productivity in culture.Five photoperiods of Light:Dark = 0:24; 6:18; 12:12; 18:6 and 24:0h were setup. Daily egg production of individual females under each photoperiod was monitored for 8 consecutive days. The females were randomly selected daily from stock cultures kept under respective photoperiods and discarded after experiment. The results showed a clear trend of increasing egg production with longer illumination period. Under constant darkness, acclimatization was evident as egg output increased steadily over the 8 day period. Statistics showed that photoperiod significantly (p < 0.005) affected mean daily egg production, with the highest egg output recorded at 18L:6D and 24L:0D (17.6 ± 1.7 and 17.6 ± 1.8 eggs/female/day respectively), which were significantly higher than all other treatments. Photoperiod also significantly affected 48 h egg hatching success (p < 0.005), a trend of increased hatching success with longer light phase was demonstrated. The highest hatching rate (87.2 ± 1.4%) was recorded at 24L:0D, which was significantly higher than the 0L:24D and 6L:18D treatments but not significantly different from the second highest (85.3 ± 2.6%) hatching rate of 18L:6D treatment.Photoperiod was further confirmed to significantly (p < 0.005) affected naupliar and copepodite development with accelerated development observed with increased illumination period of photoperiods. Mean development time from egg to adult was the shortest at 6.00 ± 0.33 days under constant light (24L:0D), followed by 6.24 ± 0.24 days at 18L:6D, both were significantly shorter than that of 0L:24D and 6L:18D treatments although no significantly difference was detected between themselves. Adult life expectancy was also found significantly (p < 0.005) affected by photoperiod with the shortest adult life span recorded under constant light (24L:0D) (9.4 ± 0.4 days), which was significantly shorter than all other photoperiods tested. Adult sex ratio was the only parameter tested that was not significantly affected by photoperiod, a skewed sex ratio in favor of female was found across all photoperiod treatments.Based on results of current study, it is recommended that a photoperiod of 18L:6D being adopted for A. sinjiensis culture to maximize its productivity for aquaculture hatcheries.     

The effects of temperature and photoperiod on egg hatching success,egg production and population growth of the calanoid copepod,Acartia grani (Calanoida: Acartiidae)

Calanoid copepods, including species of the genus Acartia, are commonly used as larval diets for marine finfish. This study aimed to determine the separate effects of water temperature (18, 22, 24, 28° ± 0.5°C) and photoperiod (24L:0D; 18L:6D; 12L:12D; 8L:18D; 0L:24D) on Acartia grani egg production (EP), hatching rate (EHR) and population growth. Egg production rate was not affected by the two abiotic parameters. A. grani eggs incubated at T24°C and T28°C were the first to achieve 50% hatching rate (23–25 hr), with significant differences at the end of the experiment (48 hr) between T28°C treatment (EHR 88 ± 5%) and T18°C treatment (EHR 65 ± 2%). However, different temperature regimes did not affect final number of individuals in population growth experiment. Still, when eggs were excluded from data, population at lower temperatures (18°C) was mainly composed by the nauplii stage (72%), while at higher temperatures (24°C and 28°C) more than 60% of the population was composed by copepodites and adults. A. grani subjected to long‐day photoperiods had significantly lower EHR (16.7% at 24L:0D; 20.8% at 18L:6D) than at short‐day photoperiods (52.6% at 6L:18D; 50.0% at 0L:24D). In population growth experiment, eggs were the most common life stage after 12‐day culture. Lowest population number was found at constant light conditions (665.0 ± 197.1), suggesting higher metabolic rates and depletion of energy reserves in long‐day conditions. This study expanded knowledge on the biological response of A. grani to separate temperature and photoperiod regimes, and provided ground to improve the culture of this potential life feed species for hatcheries.     

Effect of stocking density and photoperiod on growth and survival in cultured early juvenile pot‐bellied seahorses Hippocampus abdominalis Lesson, 1827

The effect of stocking density and photoperiod on Hippocampus abdominalis was examined in this study. Stocking densities of 45, 30, 15 and 5 seahorses 3 L^?1 were tested on newborns. Growth and survival were independent of stocking density. A second stocking‐density experiment aimed to remove the effect of an early mortality experienced in experiment 1 using older juveniles at 25, 15 and 5 seahorses 3 L^?1. There were no differences in the parameters measured. Also, the effect of photoperiod was investigated on seahorses cultured under 24:00, 16:08 and 08:16 (L:D) photoperiods. A single Artemia meal was delivered at 10:00 hours. Survival and body growth in 16:08 and 08:16 hours were higher than in 24:00 hours. In a second experiment, seahorses were cultured in the photoperiods and conditions described for experiment 1, except they were fed twice the amount in two meals delivered at 10:00 and 16:30 hours. The seahorses in 16:08 hours showed better growth than the other treatments, but there were no differences in survival. These results suggest that early juvenile H. abdominalis can be cultured at higher stocking densities than previously reported, without compromising growth and survival, and when feeding was not limiting, grew better in an extended photoperiod (16:08) but not in 24:00 hours.     

Effect of photoperiod and feeding frequency on growth and feed utilization of fingerlings Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus)

The effects of photoperiod (12L:12D and 18L:6D) and feeding frequency (three, four and five evenly spaced daily feedings) of 10% biomass per day during light hours on growth and stress response of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) fingerlings were evaluated. The interaction between photoperiod and feeding frequency was not significant (P>0.05). Faster growth was observed in fish exposed to an 18L:6D photoperiod (P<0.01). The feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was also better with an 18L:6D photoperiod (P<0.05). Fish fed four and five meals per day grew similarly (P>0.05) and faster than when fed only three meals (P<0.01). The FCE with four or five meals per day was better than with three meals (P<0.05). At harvest, the proximate composition was similar in all treatments (P>0.05). Stress indicators (cortisol, glucose and haematocrit) did not differ between photoperiods (P<0.05). The results showed that 0.9–8.0 g Persian sturgeon fingerlings should be reared with an 18L:6D photoperiod and fed four times per day to obtain good growth and FCE.