Light intensity preference of juvenile pikeperch Sander lucioperca (L.)

Light intensity preference of the pikeperch was tested in 1‐m² tanks divided into four lateral compartments with a hole in the middle to allow the fish to move between compartments. Two experiments were carried out with both 0+ and 1+ pikeperch: one testing intensities from 25 to 300 lx and the other from 1 to 50 lx. Light preference was observed individually for 5 days at 8, 11, 14 and 17 h. On the first and fifth day, the preference was tested without differences in light intensity (control). In both experiments, both age groups showed preference for the lowest available light intensity. Preference for low light intensity in pikeperch may be related to innate activity and feeding behaviour and to avoidance of harmful effects of light. It is suggested that under aquaculture operations, pikeperch should be reared under very dim conditions.     

Conventional and molecular cytogenetics of the pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.)

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) is a percid fish species of high commercial value and potential for being aquacultured in Europe. As such, pikeperch needs to be karyologically studied with special attention dedicated to arrangement of the homologous chromosomes into pairs and chromosomal location of the chosen DNA sequences. The karyotype of the pikeperch consists of 48 small chromosomes: One pair of metacentric chromosomes, 15 pairs of submetacentric chromosomes and eight pairs of subtelo‐acrocentric chromosomes (FN = 80). Original data on the chromosomal distribution of early and late replication regions, segments resistant to AluI, DdeI, HinfI and HaeIII restriction endonucleases and identification of the C‐banded heterochromatin presented herein have been used to arrange pikeperch chromosomes into the karyotype. After Primed in situ labeling (PRINS) technique with primers enabling amplification of 5S rDNA sequences, hybridization spots observed on the short (p) arms of two the largest pikeperch submetacentric chromosomes (no. 2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with telomeric PNA (Peptide Nucleic Acid) probe enabled recognition of the conservative telomeric DNA sequences on the pikeperch chromosomes. No interstitial signals were observed. The specimens studied did not show any morphologically differentiated sex chromosomes.     

Effect of different dietary fat content and fat type on the growth and body composition of intensively reared pikeperch Sander lucioperca (L.)

Two, 42‐day feeding experiments were carried out in aquaria working in a recirculation system, to determine the influence of the different dietary fat levels and fat sources on the growth and body composition of pikeperch fingerlings. In the first experiment three levels of dietary fat (F0: 60; F1: 120; F2: 180 g kg^?1) were tested, compared with a commercial diet (Trouvit, 240 g kg^?1 fat content). F1 and F2 were formulated by adding fish oil. Best growing and feed conversion ratio was obtained with the commercial control diet, which produced also the highest total body fat (117 g kg^?1) while respective values of fish fed on the other three diets varied between 74.1 and 85.1 g kg^?1. Different feeds had no significant differences in crude protein content of the fish body. In the second test, besides feeds F0, F1 and F2, two additional feeds were formulated containing 127 g kg^?1 (L1) and 178 g kg^?1 (L2) crude fat (from linseed oil). Dietary fat levels and fat sources had significant effect neither on growth nor on feed conversion ratio. Chemical composition of the whole body did not change significantly due to the different feeds. Linseed oil had a decreasing effect on the sum of saturated fatty acids and increased the oleic and the α‐linoleic acid proportions in fillet. However, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportion remained constant.     

Substituting vegetable oil for fish oil in pikeperch diets: the impact on growth,internal organ histology,blood biochemical parameters,and proximate composition

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of supplementing feed with vegetable oil on the growth, blood biochemical parameters, and histological structures in the liver, intestines, spleen, and the chemical composition of juvenile pikeperch. The fish were fed isoprotein and isoenergetic feeds with 190 g kg^?1 of fat. Feeds was supplemented with fish oil (FO), linseed oil (LO), or peanut oil (PO) in the same quantities (160 g kg^?1). The fourth group of fish was fed commercial feed (CF). Feeding juvenile pikeperch with various lipid quantities did not result in differences in fish growth. The highest apparent protein retention and the lowest apparent lipid retention values were observed in pikeperch fed feed with LO. LO resulted in a low content of palmitic acid and high of α‐linolenic acid in the feed and was linked to a significantly lower lipid and higher protein content in the viscera, and pathological changes in the liver. Vegetable oils increased the viscerosomatic index value and activity in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, ceruloplasmin, and higher bilirubin content. Supplementation with vegetable oils in pikeperch feed lowered the content of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in fillets compared to feed with FO.     

Growth in juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) stimulated with yeast,Saccharomyces cerevisiae,extract

Thanks to the content of valuable bioactive substances, yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is finding wider applications in aquaculture and marine fish husbandry. Highly bio‐available and bio‐assimilable yeast extracts, which are obtained through processes that remove cell walls, are of special interest. The current study examined the impact of yeast extracts added to commercial feed at concentrations of 2% (group F2), 4% (group F4) and 6% (group F6) on growth, blood biochemistry parameters, liver and intestinal morphology, proximate body composition and the content of free amino acids in the muscle tissues of European pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (initial body weight = 10 g). At the termination of the experiment that ran for 60 days, the highest increases in body weight were noted in all the groups of fish that had received yeast extract (final body weight ≈ 35 g vs. control group ≈ 31 g). The daily and specific growth rates indexes were the highest in group F6. The alanine aminotransferase activity in this group was half of that in the control group (group C) (p < .05). The lowest levels of plasma bilirubin were noted in groups F4 and F6, while these groups had the highest hepatosomatic indexes that differed significantly to those of group C (p < .05). Microscopic analysis of the intestines indicated significant growth in the enterocyte height and supranuclear zone, or the so‐called absorption space, as the quantity of yeast extract added to the diets increased. Yeast supplementation was not noted to have a significant impact on the proximate body composition or the contents of free amino acids in the fish muscle tissues. In conclusion, the lowest analysed dose of yeast (i.e. 2% yeast extract) stimulates the growth of pikeperch.     

Effect of feeding regime and temperature on ongrowing results of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.)

This study aimed to determine the effect of feeding rates and water temperatures on the growth, feed utilization and size heterogeneity changes in subadult pikeperch. Fish with an average weight of 84±19 g were fed with a commercial trout diet for 18 weeks at a water temperature of 20 °C and 25 °C. Four feeding rates (PSFR) were predicted at both temperatures, which corresponded to 1.0%, 1.25%, 1.50% and 2.0% of body weight per day (bw day⁻¹) for the first, and to 0.8%, 1.0%, 1.2% and 1.4% of bw day⁻¹ for the second 9 weeks respectively. At the end of the experiment, the individual weight averaged 273±82 g. Pikeperch showed a better growth rate [specific growth rate (SGR)] and apparent feed conversion rates (AFCR) at the higher temperature. Thermal-unit growth coefficient (TGC) was better at the lower temperature. The values of SGR, TGC and AFCR significantly increased with increasing PSFR at both temperatures. The values of TGC plotted against the computed feeding rates allowed estimation of the maximum feeding rates (1.25% and 1.15% of bw day⁻¹ for pikeperch of 150–180 g at 25 and 20 °C respectively). Size heterogeneity changes were affected neither by the feeding rate nor by temperature.     

Longer wavelengths of light improve the growth, intake and feed efficiency of individually reared juvenile pikeperch Sander lucioperca (L.)

We tested the effects of monochromatic light on the specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake and feed efficiency (FE) of juvenile pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.). Pikeperch were reared individually for 42 days in aquaria covered with blue, green, yellow or red gelatin filters or white paper (control; n =5). Linear regression analysis indicated a significant positive effect of longer wavelengths of light on the condition factor (CF), FE and SGR. The final weight, SGR and CF were significantly higher in fish reared under red than under white light, and FE was better under green, yellow and red light than under white light (Dunnett's post hoc test, P <0.05) while blue was comparable to white light in terms of the measured parameters. After the growth trial, the spectral sensitivity of photoreceptor cells in the retina was tested using microspectrophotometry, which revealed the presence of rods with λ_max at ca. 530 nm and two cone classes, absorbing maximally at ca. 535 and 603 nm, all containing a porphyropsin-based pigment. These results suggest that the presence of mid and long wavelength-sensitive cones enhances visual sensitivity under mid-wavelength and long-wavelength environments, and thus supports the finding that longer wavelengths of incoming light can improve FE and SGR of the cultivated pikeperch.     

Variations in fatty acids composition of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) liver with respect to gonad maturation

Abstract –  We examined seasonal variations in liver condition factor, total lipid and fatty acid composition of maturing pikeperch ( Sander lucioperca) from Lake Eğirdir, Turkey. The spawning of pikeperch in Eğirdir Lake started in March, continued very fast during May and gradually ended in July as determined by measuring the gonadosomatic index. The total lipid content of male and female liver reached its highest level in September and November (the end of dense feeding period during which temperature decreased sharply), but declined to the lowest level in May (just after spawning). The highest level of liver condition factor was observed in January and March during which gonads mature rapidly. Palmitic acid was the predominant saturated fatty acid (SFA) in female and male liver. The ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was higher than that of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in both sexes. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n -3), eicosopentaenoic acid (20:5 n -3) and arachidonic acid (20:4 n -6) were the predominant PUFA. Seasonal variations in PUFA were more evident than that in other fatty acids. PUFA, especially the n -3 fatty acids ratio, increased to the maximum level during the sharp decreases in temperature (in November). However, the amount of PUFA decreased to the lowest level in reproductive period. The results suggest that the ratio of pikeperch liver fatty acids is influenced by gonad maturation and temperature variations and that pikeperch requires a large amount of PUFA and the n -3 fatty acids for the development of gonads.     

Effects of brewer’s yeast extract on growth performance and health of juvenile pikeperch Sander lucioperca (L.)

Juvenile European pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, were fed commercial feed (group C) or experimental feed supplemented with NuPro^® nucleotide‐rich Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast protein (extract obtained through a cell wall removal process) in doses of 20, 40 or 60 g kg^?1 feed (groups N2, N4, N6) for 8 weeks. Growth, non‐specific immunity parameters, histological structure of the liver and intestine, proximate whole‐body composition and blood biochemical parameters were assayed. It was noted that brewer’s yeast extract has immunomodulatory proprieties. NuPro^® in doses of 40 and 60 g kg^?1 feed strongly stimulated non‐specific (innate) cellular and humoral immunity in pikeperch. The experimental feed did not have a significant impact on pikeperch growth (P > 0.05). The proximate composition of the fish bodies and the hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic (VSI) indices were also not affected, which indicated that the tested diets had no negative impact on the metabolism or deposition of nutrients in fish tissues. The lower levels of transaminases AST and ALT, which were noted in the groups with the two highest doses of NuPro^® (P < 0.05), might indicate improved liver function. It was also demonstrated that the brewer’s yeast extract stimulates the absorption activity of intestinal epithelial cells.     

Alcalase treatment for elimination of stickiness in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) eggs under controlled conditions

Elimination of egg stickiness is an important factor in artificial reproduction of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.). This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Alcalase enzyme to remove the adhesive layer of pikeperch eggs. The eggs were treated with Alcalase at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 5.0 mL L^?1 or a milk/talc solution 2 min post insemination. Duration of exposure was 2 min in Alcalase and 60 min in milk/talc. The highest, albeit not significant, hatching rate (85.4%) was found with 1.5 mL L^?1 of Alcalase, but hatching rates were similar in 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mL L^?1. Hatching rates were significantly lower groups treated with 5.0 mL L^?1 Alcalase enzyme (56.4%) compared to groups treated with milk powder and talc (61.3%). Nominally complete removal of adhesiveness was observed in 1.5 and 2 mL L^?1. All Alcalase treatments led to significantly lower incubation duration compared with the traditional milk/talc treatment. The application of Alcalase successfully eliminated pikeperch egg stickiness in less time than with traditional milk/clay/talc methods.     

Temperature dependent growth and yield of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, in Finnish lakes

Abstract  A non-linear growth model was used to evaluate the effects of temperature and age on annual length increments of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), in seven lakes in Finland. Length increments were derived by back-calculation using the Fraser–Lee method. Annual length increments increased from age 1 to age 3 and then decreased, while at the same time length increments and air temperature had positive correlation until age 12. Age- and size-structured yield per recruit models were used in two lakes to evaluate the effects of temperature and gillnet mesh size on pikeperch yield. In these two lakes maximum yield could be obtained with 60 and 70 mm (bar length) gill nets. In the second lake, as typically in Finland, 45–50 mm gill nets are the most frequently used. The use of larger mesh size gill nets would increase pikeperch yield from 685 to 1000 g per recruit based on the present mean temperature. In both lakes increase in temperatures would increase yield if mesh size is simultaneously increased. Higher pikeperch yield can be expected in the future because of climate warming.     

Diet and growth of stocked and wild 0+ pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca (L.)

Wild and stocked 0+ pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca (L.), were sampled with a purse seine from Lake Oulujärvi, situated at the northern edge of the distribution range of the species. The stocked fry started immediate feeding on 0+ smelt, Osmerus eperlanus (L.) after their introduction into the lake in early August at about 50 mm length, whereas the smaller wild pikeperch fry continued to feed on zooplankton. Individual wet weight of the stocked pikeperch was about six-fold compared with the wild pikeperch throughout August. The length of the ingested smelt was as on average 50%, and maximum 66%, of the pikeperch length. Wild 0+ pikeperch were too small to forage on 0+ smelt. Predation by older conspecifics on 0+ pikeperch was observed.     

The effects of dietary long‐chain essential fatty acids on growth and stress tolerance in pikeperch larvae (Sander lucioperca L.)

The nutritional requirements of pikeperch larvae have been sparsely examined. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may affect growth and physiological stress response in marine fish larvae, but these mechanisms have not received as much attention in freshwater fish. Pikeperch larvae were reared on Artemia from day 3 until 21 days posthatch. Artemia were enriched with six formulated emulsions, with inclusion of either fish oil, pure olive oil (POO) or olive oil supplemented with various combinations of ARA, EPA and DHA. Larval tissue FA was significantly related to the content in the diets, but larval growth was similar for all treatments. When exposed to stress by confinement in small tanks with culture tank water or saline water (15 g L^?1.), mortality in larvae treated with POO was significantly higher than in the remaining treatments while tissue cortisol contents in these fish seemed lower. The findings of a lower stress response in larvae fed POO may be related to the lower tissue content in these larvae of essential fatty acids especially DHA but also EPA and ARA.     

Impact of inducing general anaesthesia with MS‐222 on haematological and biochemical parameters of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of MS‐222 on the haematological and biochemical parameters of juvenile pikeperch. The experiment was conducted on fish with body weight of 112.50 ± 13.01 g and body length of 22.5 ± 1.8 cm. The fish were exposed to MS‐222 via immersion at two concentrations (100, 150 mg/L) and for two exposure periods (3, 10 min). Significantly higher values of white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit were noted in all groups of fish from which blood samples were drawn immediately after exposure. After 24 hr, only in group V (100/3/24) did the values of these parameters return to initial values. The analysis of biochemical parameters signalled significant differences in three parameters: glucose, total protein and lactates. Twenty‐four hours after exposure, the values of these three parameters returned to initial levels. Significant differences were also noted in four ion concentrations: potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron. Twenty‐four hours later, potassium and phosphorus concentrations had returned to initial values, while that of sodium still exhibited significant differences. Twenty‐four hours later, differences were also noted in iron ion concentrations in the groups subjected to the longest exposure or the highest concentration. All of the MS‐222 immersion parameters were effective. However, the smallest changes in the analysed parameters of pikeperch blood were noted in individuals from group I (100/3/0). The current study indicated, however, that longer pikeperch immersion in the anaesthetic solution (>3 min) or applying concentrations exceeding 100 mg/L are not recommended.     

Effect of dietary protein, lipid and carbohydrate ratio on growth, feed efficiency and body composition of pikeperch Sander lucioperca fingerlings

Pikeperch Sander lucioperca fingerlings were fed nine practical diets containing three levels of protein (P=34%, 43% and 50%), lipid (L=10%, 16% and 22%) and carbohydrate (C=10%, 15% and 20%) for 10 weeks in a recirculating water system at 23°C. Dietary treatments were distributed by orthogonal design with dietary energy content ranging from 15.5 to 23.1 MJ kg^?1 diet. Significant differences (P<0.05) in weight gain (%) and feed efficiency (FE) were observed after feeding trial. Relatively low growth and FE were found in fish fed diets containing 34% dietary protein level compared with that of fish fed diets with 43–50% protein levels, suggesting that 34% dietary protein probably is below the protein requirements of pikeperch fingerlings. Fish fed diets containing P43L10C15, P43L22C20 and P50L16C20 had significantly (P<0.05) higher weight gain and FE than fish fed the diets containing other dietary P/L/C ratios. There was no significant difference in weight gain and FE between fish fed diets of P43L10C15, P43L22C20 and P50L16C20. These results may indicate that pikeperch require at least 43% of dietary protein for adequate growth and FE, and considering the fish growth and feed ingredient cost P43L10C15 diet is more cost‐effective formulation for pikeperch fingerling. However, protein efficiency was not significantly affected by dietary P/L/C ratio.     

Hormonal induction of ovulation in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and mammalian GnRH analogue

The aim of the present study was to study spawning stimulation in artificial reproduction of females pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) using “Chorulon” containing the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and compare with “Supergestran” containing a mammalian GnRH ([D-Ala⁶]GnRHProNhet) analogue. The females were divided into eleven experimental groups and injected with hCG at 250, 500, 750, and 1 000 IU kg^?1 body weight (BW) and mGnRHa at 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μg kg^?1 BW. In all treatments, a single intramuscular injection of hormone was performed. Control group was injected with 0.9 % NaCl, 0.9 cm³ kg^?1 BW. The average percentages of ovulating females were 88.5 ± 12.3 and 80.8 ± 10.9 % in hCG- and mGnRHa-treated groups, respectively. The average diameter of eggs was 0.95 ± 0.06 and 0.98 ± 0.06 mm in hCG- and mGnRHa-treated groups, respectively. Neither ovulation rate nor diameter of egg was statistically differed among hormonally treated groups. Statistical difference was observed only in hatching rate, where the average were 73.6 ± 14.4 and 50.6 ± 17.7 % in hCG and mGnRHa-treated groups, respectively. Among hormonally treated groups, the best results were observed in groups treated with hCG at 500 and 750 IU kg^?1 and in groups treated with mGnRHa at 25 μg kg^?1. No ovulation was observed in the control group. This study indicated successful ovulation in pikeperch using a single intramuscular injection of hCG or mGnRHa analogue.     

Effect of different sources and levels of dietary phospholipids on performances and fatty acid composition of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary phospholipids (PL) sources (fish gonad G‐PL and soybean lecithin S‐PL) and levels (50 and 90 g kg^?1 dry matter) on the performances and fatty acid (FA) composition of pikeperch larvae. From day 10 to day 34 posthatching (p.h.), larvae were fed with three isoproteic and isolipidic microdiets. The best results of growth and skeletal development were related to a high phospholipid level regardless of their origin and FA profile. Jaw deformities seemed associated with high dietary highly unsaturated FA (HUFA) level. The optimal level of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) for pikeperch larvae appeared to be around 12 g kg^?1 (dry matter) associated with a PL level around 90 g kg^?1. FA composition of diets and larvae revealed a better incorporation of arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA into PL fraction especially in larvae fed with soybean PL. Moreover, 34‐day‐old pikeperch larvae may have capability of converting 18 carbon n‐3 FA into the n‐3 HUFA. Hence, for pikeperch larvae, PL from plant origin were as efficient as those from marine fish origin.     

Effect of two medicinal herbs (Astragalus radix and Lonicera japonica) on the growth performance and body composition of juvenile pikeperch [Sander lucioperca (L.)]

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of feeding juvenile pikeperch diets with medicinal herb adjuvants on the growth performance, proximate body composition, fatty acids profile (whole fish, muscle tissues, viscera) and cytological and histological indicators of the liver and middle intestine. The fish (mean body weight of ca. 110 g) were fed diets with a 0.1% supplement of Astragalus radix (group A), Lonicera japonica (group L) or a mixture of these herbs ( A. radix + L. japonica ; group A/L) for 8 weeks. The herbal supplementation was not noted to have had an impact on the analysed indicators of fish growth performance, condition or feed conversion ratio ( P >0.05). Statistically significant intergroup differences were noted in the value of the hepatosomatic index, hepatocyte size, their nucleus and nucleus/cytoplasm diameter ratio ( P <0.05). Significant intergroup differences were also noted in the appearance of the hepatic parenchyma. Statistically significant intergroup differences were also noted in the protein content of the whole fish body. The analysis of the proximal composition of the fish viscera, in turn, indicated significant differences in the fat content ( P <0.05). Among the analysed group of fatty acids (saturated – SFA, monoenoic – MUFA, polyenoic – PUFA) contained in the whole fish, the fillets and the viscera, significant intergroup differences were noted with regard to SFA (viscera) and MUFA (whole fish) ( P <0.05). The total PUFA content was stable, although significant intergroup differences were noted with regard to a few of the acids that belong to this group ( P <0.05).     

Effect of gonadotropin hormonal stimulation on out-of-season propagation success of different year classes of indoor-reared pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.))

Three trials of hormonally induced out-of-season spawning of cultured pikeperch were performed. Two preparations containing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (groups Bg-4 and Pl-4) were applied in experiment I. Injections of preparations containing hCG either alone (group P1-3) or in combination with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) of different producers (groups Sr-3 and Pg-3) were applied in experiment II. Spawning effectiveness was determined for four age groups (2+ to 5+) of pikeperch stimulated with hCG (groups Pl-2–Pl-5) in experiment III. The females from all the experimental groups were stimulated once with a single dose of hormone at 300 IU kg^?1 body weight (BW). Females from the control group were injected with a 0.9 % solution of NaCl (group C). The working fecundity (CF; % of BW), latency time (LaT; h), and eyed-egg survival (EES, %) were determined. No progress in oocyte maturation was noted among the females from group C. Significant differences were noted in LaT, which was lower in group Pl-3 than in groups Sr-3 and Pg-3. The youngest fish (2+) matured significantly more slowly and exhibited significantly lower values of the CF and EES indexes in comparison with older fish (LaT 102 vs 75–80 h; CF 5.4 vs 10.4–11.2 % BW; EES 47 vs 70–77 %). The hormonal preparations used had a positive impact on the ovulation and spermiation of the cultured pikeperch. No improvement in the effectiveness of out-of-season spawning was noted when combined preparations of hCG and PMSG were used.