豹纹鳃棘鲈抗哈维氏弧菌遗传参数分析

哈维氏弧菌(Vibrio harveyi)是引起豹纹鳃棘鲈(Plectropomus leopardus)患“烂身病”的主要致病菌,每年6―8月发病率极高,严重影响了该品种养殖业的可持续发展。因此,培育抗病良种是豹纹鳃棘鲈养殖业的迫切需求。为评估豹纹鳃棘鲈抗哈维氏弧菌遗传参数,本研究基于高密度单核苷酸多态性位点构建的基因组亲缘关系矩阵,使用4种模型(BLM、BTM、LLM和LTM)拟合了2种抗病表型(测试日性状,TDS;二元死亡存活性状,TS),并用约束最大似然法(REML)估算方差组分。经分析,豹纹鳃棘鲈抗哈维氏弧菌遗传力为0.182~0.486,属中高遗传力性状,加性遗传方差为0.071~0.262。其中,利用线性模型(BLM和LLM)估算的遗传力分别为0.382和0.476,利用阈值模型(BTM和LTM)估算的遗传力分别为0.182和0.207。表明可以通过遗传选育提高豹纹鳃棘鲈抗弧菌能力。对不同模型估算的基因组估算育种值(GEBV)进行相关性分析,不同模型拟合同种抗病表型时,GEBV之间相关系数> 0.9,属于高强度正相关关系,表明使用同种表型定义时,阈值或线性模型对GEBV排名影响很小。对不同模型估算的GEBV与不同表型进行相关性分析的结果显示,纵向模型(LLM和LTM)估算的GEBV与表型TS之间的相关系数高于横截面模型(BLM和BTM),说明表型TDS可能比表型TS更适合作为抗病表型。此外,在线性模型中,使用表型TDS和表型TS估算的GEBV之间的相关系数< 0.85,说明采用2种表型定义下估计的豹纹鳃棘鲈抗哈维弧菌GEBV排名不一致。但基于表型TDS估算的GEBV与表型TS之间的相关系数较强(0.824),表明使用表型TDS和纵向模型(LLM)估算豹纹鳃棘鲈抗哈维氏弧菌遗传参数更有优势。本研究补充了豹纹鳃棘鲈抗哈维氏弧菌遗传参数研究,为豹纹鳃棘鲈抗哈维氏弧菌良种选育提供了参考。     

Influence of dietary protein level on growth performance,digestibility and activity of immunity‐related enzymes of leopard coral grouper,Plectropomus leopardus (Lacépède, 1802)

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to assess the interaction between dietary protein levels and fish growth, digestibility and activity of immunity‐related enzymes of Plectropomus leopardus. Five diets with different protein levels (400 g/kg, 450 g/kg, 500 g/kg, 550 g/kg and 600 g/kg protein) were designed. P. leopardus fed with 500 g/kg, 550 g/kg and 600 g/kg dietary protein, showed higher weight gain rates than fish fed 400 g/kg and 450 g/kg dietary protein. Ingestion rate in fish fed with 500 g/kg dietary protein was significantly higher than those with other diets. P. leopardus fed with 500 g/kg, 550 g/kg and 600 g/kg dietary protein, showed that feed coefficients were significantly lower than those fed with 400 g/kg and 450 g/kg dietary protein. Net protein utilization was significantly lower in fish fed with 400 g/kg diet than those with other diets. Fish fed with 400 g/kg and 450 g/kg dietary protein had an apparent feed digestibility coefficient for dry matter that was significantly lower than that with other diets. Protease activity was highest in fish fed on 500 g/kg dietary protein. Fish fed with 500 g/kg dietary protein, had the highest superoxide dismutase activity. Fish fed with 600 g/kg dietary protein, had the highest alkaline phosphatase activity. Thus, a diet containing 500 g/kg protein is recommended for P. leopardus aquaculture.     

水温对东星斑幼鱼存活、摄食及生长的影响

在实验室条件下,初步研究了水温对东星斑幼鱼摄食、生长及存活的影响。温度设5个水平(15、20、25、30、35℃),东星斑幼鱼在玻璃蓄养槽内养殖40d。结果显示20℃组、25℃组和30℃组的鱼没有死亡,35℃组的存活率为88.9%,15℃组的存活率仅为50%;总摄食量在30℃组最高,15℃组最低;特定生长率在30℃组最高,15℃组、35℃组为负值;在可以生长的组别里,30℃组饵料系数最小。本研究表明,水温对东星斑幼鱼生长发育的影响明显,东星斑的适宜摄食温度为20～30℃,最佳摄食温度为25～30℃;水温<20℃东星斑幼鱼不能正常摄食、生长,甚至会死亡,水温15℃时,几乎不摄食;水温>30℃,东星斑幼鱼可以正常摄食,但是不能正常生长,甚至会死亡。     

豹纹鳃棘鲈消化道粘液细胞的类型与分布

应用AB-PAS染色法对工厂化养殖条件下豹纹鳃棘鲈(Plectropomus leopardus)消化道粘液细胞的类型与分布进行了观察研究。结果显示:豹纹鳃棘鲈粘液细胞在消化道各部位均有分布,不同部位的粘液细胞密度和类型均有差异,豹纹鳃棘鲈消化道粘液细胞可分为Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型、Ⅲ型、Ⅳ型。其中,食道粘液细胞以Ⅲ型为主,胃以Ⅰ型为主,幽门盲囊和肠以Ⅲ型为主,直肠以Ⅲ型和Ⅳ型为主;胃部粘液细胞分布密度最大,达(111.37±21.74)cell·mm~(-2),极显著高于消化道其它部分,直肠、幽门盲囊、肠的粘液细胞分布密度分别为(35.09±8.74)、(30.23±5.37)、(28.00±4.67)cell·mm~(-2),相互之间差异不显著,食道的粘液细胞分布密度最低,为(10.83±1.94)cell·mm~(-2),与消化道其它部分相比差异极显著。另外,消化道各段单位面积内粘液细胞的分泌能力顺序为食道直肠肠幽门盲囊胃。通过对消化道各部位粘液细胞的分类对比可以发现,粘液细胞的类型和分布与其所在部位的功能有密切关系。     

Influence of light intensity on feeding, growth, and early survival of leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) larvae under mass-scale rearing conditions

This study investigated the effect of different light intensities on feeding, growth and survival of early stage leopard coral grouper Plectropomus leopardus larvae. Four different light intensities (0, 500, 1000 and 3000 lx) were used and larvae were kept under constant light conditions from 0 day after hatching (DAH) to 5 DAH. The larvae were fed a small S-type of Thai strain rotifers at a density of 20 individuals/mL from 2 DAH. The number of rotifers in larval digestive organ and total length of larvae were examined at 3 h intervals between 04:00 and 22:00 h on 3 DAH, and thereafter at 6 h intervals until the end of the experiment (5 DAH). Four experimental trials of the larval rearing were repeated using by 60 kL mass-scale rearing tanks. The results indicate that coral grouper larvae are visual feeders and their food intake increases with increasing light intensity. Food intake of larvae reared at 3000 lx was significantly higher than those reared at 0–1000 lx on 3 DAH despite being the first-feeding day (P < 0.01). On 4 DAH, total length of larvae reared at 3000 lx was significantly larger than those reared at the lower light intensities (0, 500 and 1000 lx), and thereafter light intensity significantly influenced larval feeding and growth until the end of the experiment. Survival on 5 DAH did not show a significant difference between light intensities, but survival rate at 3000 lx and 1000 lx had a tendency to be higher than those reared at the lower light intensities (0 and 500 lx). In contrast, larvae reared at 0 lx exhibited stagnant and/or negative growth. These results indicate that light intensity is significantly the factor affecting larval feeding, growth, and survival in coral grouper larvae under the rearing conditions.     

Effects of thyroxine and thiourea on the metamorphosis of coral trout grouper Plectropomus leopardus

The contribution of the thyroid hormone to the metamorphosis of the coral trout Plectropomus leopardus was examined. Juveniles, aged 35 days, were exposed to thyroxine (T4, 0.1 p.p.m) and thiourea (TU; inhibitor of thyroid hormone synthesis, 30 p.p.m) for 13 days. All the fish in the T4-treated group had completed metamorphosis (second metamorphosis, pigmentation and resorption of fin spines) within three days after the beginning of the experiment (day 3), whereas it took 13 days for this to occur in the control fish. Moreover, the fish in the TU group had not completed metamorphosis even by day 13. Settling behavior was significantly stimulated by T4 treatment, as was the resorption of the dorsal and pelvic fin spines, the reduction of serration on the spines, and the transition of body color into an opaque reddish hue. Fish in the TU group had longer dorsal and pelvic spines, retarded pigmentation and an abnormal black coloration. These results suggest that thyroid hormone accelerates most changes during the second metamorphosis in the coral trout.     

养殖密度对豹纹鳃棘鲈生长和血液生化指标的影响

采用实验生态学方法研究了饥饿对豹纹鳃棘鲈(Plectropomus leopardus)仔鱼形态发育、生长和成活的影响,并测定了饥饿仔鱼的初次摄食率和不可逆点(PNR)。结果显示,水温23~24 ℃下豹纹鳃棘鲈仔鱼2.5 DPH(孵化后天数)开口摄食,3.0 DPH卵黄囊和油球消失,混合营养期仅0.5 d,容易遭受饥饿胁迫。饥饿仔鱼最高初次摄食率为65%,出现在3.5 DPH; PNR发生在4.5~5.0 DPH,仔鱼具有初次摄食能力的时间仅2.0~2.5 d。对照组和饥饿组仔鱼在3.5 DPH前全长无明显差异(P>0.05),之后饥饿组仔鱼出现生理性萎缩,全长开始与对照组差异显著(P < 0.05)。饥饿组仔鱼在内源性营养消耗完毕后出现了一系列因饥饿所导致的形态发育特征,并于6.5 DPH全部死亡,因此豹纹鳃棘鲈仔鱼最佳投喂时间为2.5~3.5 DPH。

     

Gill pathology caused by infestations of adult and preadult Dissonus manteri Kabata (Copepoda: Dissonidae) on coral trout, Plectropomus leopardus (Lacépède), (Serranidae)

Adult and preadult Dissonus manteri attached to the gills of Plectropomus leopardus cause significant pathology in the form of large hyperplastic nodules on the afferent (leading) edges of gill filaments. Nodules result from the dual actions of parasite attachment and feeding. The host response is characterized by severe epithelial hyperplasia, supplemented by fibroplasia and inflammation. Parasites attach close to the gill arch near the base of filaments. They have little effect on gill vasculature as the maxillipeds penetrate the filament superficial to the efferent filament artery and do not interfere with the blood vessels of the secondary lamellae. Tissue proliferation is limited to the wide portion of filament 'edge' epithelium in the proximal third and also does not extend to the secondary lamellae. Nodules are most numerous towards the ends of hemibranchs and are generally absent from the central regions. Leading hemibranchs bear significantly more nodules than their trailing counterparts. Of the total number of nodules, 20.5% are located on the pseudobranchs. Distribution patterns are considered to be primarily the result of D. manteri avoiding strong water currents, although this cannot explain the difference between numbers on leading and trailing hemibranchs.     

The response of coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) to capture, handling and transport and shallow water stress

The stress response of coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus ) to wild capture or controlled shallow water stressors was investigated. Stress associated with capture from the wild, handling and transport and shallow water evoked significant changes in circulating levels of cortisol, glucose, lactate, haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) in coral trout. Plasma glucose, Hb and Hct increased over 30 to 60 min in response to the controlled stressor and then returned toward unstressed levels, even if the stressor persisted. Cortisol increased to maximum levels over the 60 min following the onset of the stressor and remained elevated for 4 h in the case of a single 30 min shallow water event or 3 d in response to the capture, handling and transport. The difference between the responses of blood glucose and cortisol suggests that cortisol does not maintain blood glucose during stress in coral trout. The concentrations of circulating thrombocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes were also significantly affected by shallow water stress. As lymphocytes and granulocytes are important immune components, reduced concentrations of these cells may explain the increases in disease susceptibility, commonly observed in stressed fish during live transport.     

Skeletal development and deformities in cultured larval and juvenile seven-band grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg)

The seven‐band grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg), is currently recognized as a potential new species for aquaculture in Japan. This study describes normal and abnormal skeletal development of the jaw and vertebrae in cultured larvae and early juveniles of E. septemfasciatus. The ontogenetic stages at which skeletal deformities of jaw and vertebra developed were also described for this species. Osteological observations were made using a clearing and staining method for larvae and soft X‐ray photographs for juveniles. A high incidence of skeletal deformities was observed in the jaws and vertebral column during the larval and juvenile stages. Most of the jaw deformities were explained by an abnormal maxilla curvature. Jaw deformities were visually evident from flexion stage after ossification of the deformed elements. Deformities in the vertebral column (mostly lordosis) were observed from the post‐larval stage and became more evident as growth proceeded. The lordosis generally occurred on the positions of the 8–11th vertebra. These types of deformities are compared with those of other species, and possible causative factors of the skeletal deformities are discussed.
     

环境光色对工业化养殖豹纹鳃棘鲈幼鱼生长、肤色及生理指标的影响

为探究环境光色对工业化养殖豹纹鳃棘鲈(Plectropomus leopardus)幼鱼生长、肤色和生理指标的影响,本试验设计了红色光、蓝色光、黑暗和昼夜4种养殖光照环境处理,进行豹纹鳃棘鲈幼鱼(64.2g±1.1g)94 d动物实验及其相关指标检测。结果表明:1)试验鱼增重率,昼夜组较黑暗组和红光组分别显著和极显著提高28.6%和39.2%(P0.05,P0.01),与蓝光组差异不显著;而蓝光组比红光组显著提高31.2%(P0.05)。2)试验鱼皮肤胡萝卜素含量,昼夜组分别显著高于蓝光组和黑暗组45.7%和68.5%(P0.05),与红光组的差异不显著。同时新发现,各处理组试验鱼皮肤胡萝卜素和黑色素含量出现增减同时进行,但增减量前者较大后者较小的"同步异幅"现象。3)昼夜组试验鱼胃蛋白酶活性较其他组显著提高48.0%~88.5%(P0.05),血清SOD和LZM活力极显著提高20.4%~39.7%和140.4%~161.2%(P0.01);蓝光组试验鱼胰蛋白酶活力显著高于红光组和昼夜组(P0.05);红光组试验鱼Na~+,K~+-ATP酶活力极显著高于蓝光组和黑暗组(P0.01)。总之,豹纹鳃棘鲈幼鱼在昼夜组光照下,生长、肤色及生理等指标都表现出显著优势;蓝色光提高蛋白质消化能力、促进生长;红色光提高皮肤胡萝卜素含量和吸收能力;"同步异幅"新发现,对调控和优化鱼类肤色具有重要价值。     

Propagation of yellow grouper nervous necrosis virus (YGNNV) in a new nodavirus-susceptible cell line from yellow grouper, Epinephelus awoara (Temminck & Schlegel), brain tissue

A nodavirus was isolated from diseased yellow grouper, Epinephelus awoara , larvae cultured in southern Taiwan. The histopathology and RT–PCR results confirmed that it was a fish nodavirus; its coat protein gene sequence was similar to that of red spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) and it is named yellow grouper nervous necrosis virus (YGNNV). A new nodavirus-susceptible cell line, grouper brain (GB) was established and characterized from the brain tissue of yellow grouper. The GB cells multiplied well in Leibovitz's L-15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum at temperatures between 24 and 32 °C, and have been subcultured more than 80 times, becoming a continuous cell line. The GB cell line consists of fibroblast-like cells and some epithelioid cells. The cell line yielded titres of YGNNV up to 10^8.5 TCID₅₀ mL^–1. The GB cells effectively replicated the virus at 28 °C, which could be purified to homogeneity by caesium chloride gradient centrifugation. Electron microscopy studies showed that purified virus particles were 25–30 nm in diameter. The cytoplasm of infected cells was filled with aggregates of virus particles. These results indicate that the GB cell line is a significant tool for the study of fish nodaviruses.     

Parasites of cultured and wild brown‐marbled grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775) in Lampung Bay,Indonesia

A total of 210 Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (brown‐marbled grouper) was examined for parasites. During three consecutive seasons (two rainy and one dry season from 2002 to 2004), 35 specimens each taken from floating net cages of the National Sea Farming Development Centre (Balai Budidaya Laut) and from wild catches in Lampung Bay, South Sumatra, Indonesia were studied. Twenty‐five (cultured grouper) and 30 (wild grouper) parasite species/taxa were identified, with an infracommunity ranging from one to nine (cultured) and three to 14 parasite species (wild), demonstrating a species‐rich parasite fauna even in the cultured fish. Protozoans (1 species), microsporeans (1), myxozoans (1), digeneans (8), monogeneans (5), cestodes (3), nematodes (8), acanthocephalans (2) and crustaceans (6) were found. The most abundant parasites were the monogeneans Pseudorhabdosynochus epinepheli and Pseudorhabdosynochus lantauensis for both, cultured and wild grouper during all seasons. For the cultured fish, the prevalence of monoxenous ectoparasites (e.g. P. epinepheli, P. lantauensis, Capsalidae gen. et sp. indet., Benedenia epinepheli) was in most cases higher than that of heteroxenous endoparasites. This contrasts the wild grouper, where heteroxenous parasites such as Allopodocotyle epinepheli and Raphidascaris sp. occurred at a similar prevalence compared with the fairly abundant Pseudorhabdosynochus spp. No seasonality of infestation was observed for both cultured and wild fish. The high levels of infestation of potentially pathogenic monogeneans throughout the year could result in significant parasite outbreaks at the locality studied.     

Pathology of attachment and vascular damage associated with larval stages of Dissonus manteri Kabata, 1966 (Copepoda: Dissonidae) on the gills of coral trout, Plectropomus leopardus (Lacépède) (Serranidae)

Abstract. Tissue responses in Plectropomus leopardus gills infested with Dissonus manteri copepodid and ehalimus larvae were almost entirely proliferative, with little or no cellular infiltration. The pathological changes were related to attachment, feeding and parasite size, and comprised progressive mechanical erosion, epithelial hyperplasia and fibrosis. When present, infiltrating cells were associated with initial attachment by the copepodid and with the frontal filament basal plate. Approximately 2.4% of the respiratory area was lost as a result of direct vascular damage. Disruption of branchial blood flow resulted from the burrowing and feeding activities of the larvae and compression of adjacent vessels as the parasite increased in size. Chalimus stages were attached by a frontal filament which consisted of a stem with a terminal anchor, and a basal plate in contact with the cartilaginous filament ray. Following chalimus release, the branchial tissue appeared to repair rapidly. No frontal filament remains were found.     

Effect of tank proportions on survival of seven-band grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg) and devil stinger Inimicus japonicus (Cuvier) larvae

We examined the effects of rearing‐tank proportions on early survival, surface death and growth of the seven‐band grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg) and the devil stinger Inimicus japonicus (Cuvier). Fertilized eggs were introduced into three differently shaped 100 L rearing tanks. The three tanks had different water surface areas, and included a shallow tank (S; 71 × 26 cm in diameter and depth, respectively), an intermediate tank (I; 57 × 39 cm) and a deep tank (D; 44 × 70 cm). Both species showed their highest survival rate and the lowest numbers of surface death in the D tank (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between fish reared in the three tank shapes in notochord length, total length, growth rate and dry weight. Rearing‐tank shape affected larval movement in the water column, with the duration of larval movement under the water surface being the shortest in the D tank. These results suggest that using a rearing tank of a suitable shape could significantly reduce the surface death of marine fish larvae.     

Diurnal variation of tryptic activity in larval stage and development of proteolytic enzyme activities of malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus) after hatching

Diurnal variation in tryptic activity and developmental changes in proteolytic enzyme activities of malabar grouper larvae (Epinephelus malabaricus) were examined. Five different groups were prepared for the experiment of diurnal variation of tryptic activity in larvae: larvae were fed Thai-type rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis from the time of mouth opening, fed rotifers from 6 h after mouth opening, 12 h, 24 h and not fed rotifers (starved control). The experimental tanks were placed in temperature-controlled baths at 28 °C under 24 h light. Developmental changes in proteolytic activity of trypsin and pepsin-like enzyme were measured from hatching to 57 days after hatching (DAH).

The tryptic activity of all fed groups showed the same pattern, and the diurnal variation of tryptic activity was clearly observed from 3 to 6 DAH. The highest tryptic activities were found at 19:00, and the activities were lowest from 01:00 to 07:00. In contrast, that of non-fed larvae was low compared to the fed groups, however the diurnal variation of tryptic activity was shown same tendency to the fed groups. Interestingly, both groups (fed and non-fed) were exhibited a circadian rhythm under the 24 h light conditions and delaying of first-feeding. Tryptic activity of larvae notably increased from 40 to 45 DAH and markedly decreased at 52 DAH. In contrast to the tryptic activity, that of pepsin-like enzyme clearly increased from 47 to 51 DAH. The results suggest that a functional change of protein digestion occurs from 40 to 50 DAH related with metamorphosis in malabar grouper. These results could contribute to determining appropriate feeding schedules, such as feeding time, frequency and optimal time to change food items, in mass-scale production of the present species.     

Determination of optimal temperature(s) in juvenile red‐spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara (Temminck & Schlegel) based on growth performance and stress responses

This study sought to determine the optimal temperature(s) for aquaculture of juvenile red‐spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara (Temminck & Schlegel) (mean initial BW: 3.1 g). Growth performance, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) expression and thermal stress responses (plasma cortisol, glucose, and hepatic heat shock protein 60 expression) were evaluated at three constant temperatures (24°C, 26°C and 28°C) in a 2‐week trial. At the end of the trial, final BW was significantly higher at 26°C and 28°C than at 24°C (p < 0.05); a quadratic regression analysis of final BW showed the optimum temperature for growth was 27.5°C (p < 0.05, R² = 0.806). The highest hepatic IGF‐1 expression was observed at 26°C (p < 0.05). On the other hand, hepatic heat shock protein 60 expression was highest at 28°C (p < 0.05), suggesting thermal stress. In conclusion, temperature optima, which support excellent growth but induce minimal thermal stress, was 26°C. This fine information within a narrow temperature range is expected to give empirical information for red‐spotted grouper farmers to sustain maximal production efficiency with avoiding thermal stress and to determine the future location of production, especially in consideration of arising seawater temperatures.     

Effects of dietary choline on growth performance,lipid deposition and hepatic lipid transport of grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

The number of 360 individuals with an average initial weight of 87.8 ± 0.04 g was fed six diets containing graded levels of choline at 8.1 (control group), 602.5, 1119.0, 1511.5, 1970.0 and 4029.0 mg choline kg^?1 diet, respectively, to investigate the effects of dietary choline on growth performance, lipid deposition and hepatic lipid transport for grouper, Epinephelus coioides. Dietary methionine was estimated to be 10.02 g kg^?1, less than the requirement (13.10 g kg^?1). The results of 10‐week study period indicated that the best values of specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion rate (FCR) and protein efficiency rate (PER) all occurred in 1119.0 mg choline kg^?1 diet (P < 0.05). The survival range increased from 8.1 to 1511.5 mg choline kg^?1 diet and then plateaued. Dietary choline supplementation significantly decreased the liver lipid content of grouper (P < 0.05), but the lipid content of the muscle tended to be increased firstly and then decreased (P < 0.05). Liver choline concentration reached a plateau in 1511.5 mg choline kg^?1 diet and then levelled off (P < 0.05). Serum high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) and total cholesterol (TCHO) levels were firstly decreased and then increased with dietary choline supplementation. A reversed tendency, however, was found in triglyceride. Broken‐line regression analysis of SGR and liver choline content indicated that choline requirement of grouper was 1093.7 and 1579.7 mg kg^?1 diet, respectively.     

Effects of dietary inclusion of soybean meal and cholesterol on the growth,cholesterol status and metabolism of the giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)

The study evaluated effects of cholesterol supplementation in a diet with high soybean meal (SBM) on the growth and cholesterol metabolism of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus). All‐fish‐meal diet was used as control. The diet including SBM (replaced 50% of the fish meal protein, SBM diet) and the SBM diet supplemented with 10 g/kg cholesterol (SBM + cholesterol) were used as experimental diets. Three diets were each fed to triplicate groups of juvenile grouper (initial body weight: 12.39 ± 0.36 g) in a recirculating aquaculture system for 8 weeks. Grouper fed the control diet showed higher (p < .05) weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio than the other two dietary treatments. Hepatic cholesterol concentrations and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase gene expressions were higher in fish fed the control diet than fish fed the control diet and SBM + cholesterol diet. Hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase gene expression was higher in fish fed the SBM + cholesterol diet than that in fish fed the control diet. Results indicate that giant grouper on a diet low in cholesterol can regulate cholesterol synthesis, suggesting that the reduced dietary cholesterol intake in the fish fed diet containing SBM is sufficiently compensated by increased cholesterol synthesis.