The effects of temperature and photoperiod on ovarian development in captive grey mullet (Mugil cephalus L)

A series of sixteen environmental experiments, conducted under controlled laboratory conditions during the refractory period in the reproductive cycle of the grey mullet, determined the effect of photoperiod and temperature on the vitellogenesis of intraovarian oocytes. Fish subjected to the natural light cycle and ambient water temperatures (24–26°C) served as controls. A classification of stages of vitellogenesis (I–V) is used to determine the percentage composition of oocytes for each fish at intervals throughout the experiment following sampling in vivo.Onset of vitellogenesis is timed by the environmental conditions. A retarded photoperiod, irrespective of preconditioning photoperiod, plays a dominant role in stimulating oocyte growth. Temperature regulates vitellogenesis towards functional maturity. The combination of retarded photoperiod (6L/18D) and constant temperature of 21°C is the most effective for the completion of vitellogenesis of oocytes to functional maturity.Regular injections of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) at 1 IU/g body weight are effective in initiating vitellogenesis.     

Seasonal variation in the prevalence of 'red spot' disease in estuarine fish with particular reference to the sea mullet, Mugil cephalus L.

Abstract. In March 1972 an epizootic of a non-specific fish disease (red spot), was reported in estuarine fish stocks of the Burnett River in central Queensland, Australia. The disease, characterized by the presence of external lesions, infected a wide range offish species. Red spot has now reportedly spread to the river systems of New Guinea in the north and southwards to central New South Wales. The sea mullet, Mugil cephalus , was selected as a target species for the monitoring of epizootics within the Noosa River system of southern Queensland. Disease epizootics appeared to be related to the occurrence of certain environmental changes such as low or rapidly changing temperatures and rapid or prolonged depressions of salinity in the estuarine habitat. The effect of crowding, migration and spawning upon the transmission of this disease is also discussed. Simultaneously conducted microbiological investigations indicated that the bacterium, Vibrio anguillarum was the causative agent of red spot epizootics.     

Effects of dietary protein on growth performance,nutrient utilization,digestive enzymes and physiological status of grey mullet,Mugil cephalus L. fingerlings reared in inland saline water

A 60 days feeding trial was conducted to illustrate the effect of graded levels of protein on the growth and metabolic enzymes of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus L.) fingerlings reared in inland saline water (ISW). Six isoenergetic (16 MJ/kg) and isolipidic (60 g/kg) diets containing 240, 260, 280, 300, 320 and 340 g crude protein (CP)/kg diet were formulated and fed to triplicate. Weight gain %, specific growth rate, protein utilizing efficiency, feed efficiency and RNA:DNA ratio were significantly higher (p < .05) in 320 and 300 g CP/kg diets. Fish fed with 240 g CP/kg diet showed significantly higher (p < .05) feed intake, whole‐body lipid content, hepatosomatic index value and liver glycogen content. Transaminase enzymes and malate dehydrogenase activities were elevated in fish fed 340 g CP/kg diet. Protease activity increased with increasing dietary CP level, but amylase activities showed an inverse relationship. No significant (p > .05) variations were observed for lactate dehydrogenase, oxidative stress enzymes, blood parameters and serum osmolality among all the treatment groups, but red blood cell count increases with increasing dietary CP levels. Based on the results, feeding dietary protein level of 300 g CP/kg is economically viable for rearing of grey mullet in ISW.     

Bacteriology and parasitology of red spot disease in sea mullet, Mugil cephalus L., from eastern Australia

Abstract. Bacteria and cutaneous ectoparasites associated with red spot disease (RSD) in sea mullet, Mugil cephalus L., from the Clarence and Richmond Rivers in north-east New South Wales were identified. Various bacteria, including Aeromonas spp., Alcaligenes spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Vibrio spp. were recovered from lesions designated erythematous dermatitis, necrotizing dermatitis and dermal ulcer, but no genus was consistently dominant in cultures from any of the lesion types. Vibrio anguillarum , previously proposed as the cause of RSD, was recovered from four of 37 lesions of erythematous dermatitis, none of 46 lesions of necrotizing dermatitis and eight of 36 dermal ulcers. Bacteria were recovered only rarely from liver and posterior kidney of diseased fish. These results suggest that none of the bacteria isolated is the primary cause of RSD. There was no evidence that cutaneous ectoparasites, including the digencan Prototransversotrema steeri , are significant in the pathogenesis of RSD in sea mullet. None were found on eight normal fish collected in the month preceding a major RSD outbreak. In the first 2 months of the outbreak, none were found on 18 fish with erythematous dermatitis, eight with dermal ulcers or 11 of 12 normal fish. A single digenean, morphologically consistent with P. steeri , was recovered from a normal fish collected during this latter period.     

17β－雌二醇诱导鲻鱼雌性化的机制：芳香化酶和雌激素受体双染定位研究

用免疫细胞化学双重染色技术和鼠抗人芳香化酶抗体、兔抗人雌激素α受体与β受体亚型(ER-α和ER-β)抗体、兔抗人雌激素(E2)抗体，对鲻鱼(Mugil cephalus)脑各部位进行定位研究。结果显示，芳香化酶和E2、芳香化酶和ER-α、芳香化酶和ER-β、ER-α和E2的双染免疫活性物质分布在鲻鱼嗅脑、大脑、间脑和小脑的神经细胞的胞核或胞质及其突起或神经纤维上。值得指出的是，鲻鱼下丘脑视前区芳香化酶免疫活性细胞上共存有雌激素α受体与β受体亚型，提示E2诱发鲻鱼雌性化的作用机制是，E2先与芳香化酶样神经细胞上的雌激素受体结合，而后激发与性分化相关的芳香化酶基因的表达。     

A systemic iridoviral disease in mullet, Mugil cephalus L., and tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Forsskal: a first report and study

A systemic iridoviral disease associated with high mortality was initially recognized in cultured mullet, Mugil cephalus L., and tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Forsskal, by histopathology and transmission electron microscopy. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on tissues and viral isolates, using four published primer sets developed for the Red Sea bream iridovirus (RSIV). An indirect fluorescent antibody test was also performed on virus-infected ATCC gruntfin (GF) and seabass, Lates calcarifer Bloch, (SB) cells using a monoclonal antibody, RSIV M10. Our results suggested that the mullet and tiger grouper iridovirus bears genetic and antigenic similarities to RSIV.     

In vitro induction of oocyte maturation in the Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus by cubifrin and the developmental ability of the eggs

We describe the process of cubifrin-induced in vitro oocyte maturation in the Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, and we propose a procedure for practical hatchery application. Oocyte maturation occurred 40–50 min after stimulation of the ovaries by cubifrin. Concurrently, eggs were released from the ovarian tubules, initially by slow peristalsis, followed by active release after about 60 min. The first and second polar bodies were released from the eggs at 90–100 min and about 140 min, respectively. Cubifrin was more effective in inducing oocyte maturation at 1–100 nM than at 100 pM. Cubifrin at 1 pM–10 nM in rearing seawater had no effect on larval development. Delayed fertilization reduced the developmental ability of eggs. Broodstock could be maintained at 15–16 °C for up to about 50 days without affecting the developmental ability of eggs. Eggs matured in vitro and in vivo were similar in their developmental ability. In conclusion, the in vitro induction of oocyte maturation is effective in Japanese sea cucumber and represents a viable alternative to the induction of spawning by cubifrin injection.     

In vitro steroidogenesis by testicular fragments and ovarian follicles in a hybrid sturgeon, Bester

In this study, developmental changes in the steroidogenic capacity of testicular fragments and isolated ovarian follicles of a hybrid sturgeon, Bester, at a variety stage of developments were examined. Testicular fragments or isolated ovarian follicles were incubated in L-15 medium in the presence or absence of different concentrations of five preparations; forskolin, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), pregnenolone (P₅), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) and testosterone (T) for 18 h at 15 °C. After incubation, concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone (11 KT) (testis) and, 17-estradiol (E₂) (ovarian follicles) and 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) (testis and ovarian follicles) were measured. 11KT was detected in the media following incubation with P₅, 17OHP and T. Its concentration was higher during late spermatogenesis and prespermiation and lower at the degeneration stage. Both P₅ and 17OHP were converted to DHP during the prespermiation stage. Forskolin had little stimulatory effect on the synthesis of 11KT and DHP and HCG did not induce the production of these steroids.E₂ was detected in the medium following incubation of follicles with P₅, 17OHP and T at all stages of oocyte development. The concentration of E₂ in the medium increased during vitellogenesis with the peak production occurring at the tertiary yolk stage. In contrast, the potencies of follicles to produce steroids shifted to the production of DHP during migratory nucleus stage. Forskolin and HCG had little effect on the synthesis of E₂ and DHP. These results demonstrated that the failure of spontaneous spermiation or ovulation is not due to the insufficient synthesis of DHP, but may due to the lack of availability of precursors.     

Joint action of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) pituitary homogenate and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in carp oocyte maturation and ovulation: In vitro and in vivo studies

In an in vitro study it has been shown that HCG at a dose of 100 i.u./ml does not cause an increase in the percentage of mature oocytes (follicles) compared to a control incubation. However, HCG together with carp pituitary homogenate (c.p.h.) at ratios of 6:4, 5:5, 4:6 (dosages of 60, 50, 40 i.u./ml of HCG and 40, 50, 60 μg/ml of c.p.h.) gave a higher mean percentage of mature follicles than did c.p.h. alone at a dose of 100 μg/ml.Based on the in vitro results, in vivo experiments with HCG and c.p.h. were conducted in order to decrease the amount of c.p.h. used in the induction of artificial spawning in carp.Experiments were carried out on 200 adult female carp. The use of HCG and c.p.h. in two injections (ratios 6:4, 5:5 and 4:6) at a dose 10 times higher than in the in vitro experiment did not increase either the percentage of mature oocytes or the number of ovulated females compared to groups injected with c.p.h. alone at the same dose. Classical hypophysation induced ovulation in the majority of injected females (60–80%).The results indicate that HCG with c.p.h. is ineffective in reducing the amount of c.p.h. required for artificial spawning of carp.     

Pubertal development of male African catfish,Clarias gariepinus. In vitro steroidogenesis by testis and interrenal tissue and plasma levels of sexual steroids

In fish, sex steroids initiate and/or accelerate the maturation of the brain-pituitary-gonad axis. In order to obtain information on the steroid milieu during the pubertal development of male African catfish, we have monitored the conversion of [³H]-pregnenolone and [³H]-androstenedione by testis and [³H]-pregnenolone by interrenal tissue fragmentsin vitro. Pubertal development occurs between two and six months of age. Testicular development proceeds through four main stages that are characterised histologically by the presence of spermatogonia (stage I), spermatogonia and spermatocytes (stage II), spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids (stage III), and all germ cells including spermatozoa (stage IV). 11β-Hydroxyandrostenedione and cortisol were the main products of testes and interrenal tissue, respectively, in all stages of the pubertal development; a change in the steroidogenic pattern was not observed during this period. The interrenal tissue displayed no significant conversion of [³H]-pregnenolone to 11-oxygenated androgens. Blood plasma was analyzed for the presence of five androgens; testosterone, 11β-hydroxytestosterone, 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, androstenetrione, and 11-ketotestosterone. 11-Ketotestosterone was the quantitatively dominating androgen in the circulation at all stages of development, which was more pronounced in stages III and IV. The obvious differences between thein vitro andin vivo results, namely 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione being the main testicular productvs. 11-ketotestosterone dominating in the blood, may indicate that 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione is converted to 11-ketotestosterone at extratesticular sites.     

Effect of inland water salinity on growth,feed conversion efficiency and intestinal enzyme activity in growing grey mullet, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mugil cephalus</Emphasis> (Linn.): Field and laboratory studies

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of inland water salinity on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and intestinal enzyme activity in grey mullet. In experiment I, a 90 day monoculture of grey mullet at different salinity levels (0, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) was carried out. The fingerlings were stocked at 5000 per hectare and fed on a supplementary diet at 5% BW d^–1. This Study revealed that fish growth mean body weight (90.5 ± 4.5 g) and mean length (21.6 ± 0.4 cm), SGR (4.70%) and growth per day (0.99 g d^–1) were significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in fish maintained at 10% salinity in comparison with other treatments. Nutrient levels, phytoplankton population, NPP and chlorophyll a all decreased with an increase in salinity (>10%). In addition, zooplankton populations increased with an increase in the salinity level. Most of the other hydrochemical characteristics remained at optimal levels in all other treatments. Fish weight gain showed a significant positive correlation with productivity indicating parameters viz. alkalinity (r = 0.53), turbidity (r = 0.62), NPP (r = 0.75) and chlorophyll a (r = 0.46), clearly revealing that fish growth is also related to the trophic status of the ponds. In the second experiment (Experiment II), mullet fry were exposed to five different salinity levels (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) and maintained for 70 days in the laboratory. Significantly (p < 0.05) high growth, (SGR and per cent increase in body weight), feed conversion efficiency and intestinal enzyme activity were observed in the group maintained at 10 salinity in comparison with other groups maintained at similar salinity levels. Carcass composition, musc1e and liver glycogen levels were also significantly (p < 0.05) affected by salinity changes.     

Effects of rearing density on sexual maturation and growth in sea-cage reared Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.

Abstract. Paired subgroups of fish were derived in January from each of two parent sea-cages of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. The proportion of fish which later became sexually mature in each parent group, after one winter (as grilse) and under commercial rearing density, was determined. Maturity rates in the subgroups, reared in sea-cages at lower density, were significantly greater than in the parent groups. Rearing at reduced density was associated with increased growth in some, hut not all, comparisons. Periodic anaesthesia, handling and sampling of blood for steroid hormone determinations did not consistently affect maturation rate or growth among fish in one of each pair of subgroups. Sexual development was assessed by determining levels of the steroid hormones 11-oxotestosterone or 17β-oestradiol in samples of blood serum taken monthly from individually marked fish in one of each pair of subgroups. Between February and April specific growth rates in maturing male grilse were significantly higher than in fish subsequently shown to have remained immature. Growth rates in maturing female grilse differed similarly between March and April. Between July and August, however, growth rates of non-maturing salmon exceeded those of grilse.     

In vitro and in vivo passage of bacteria across restricted areas and isolated tissues of trout, Salmo trutta L. and S. gairdneri Richardson

Abstract. Isolated areas of the skin and gills of rainbow and brown trout were subjected to hyperosmotic infiltration with E. coli both in vitro and in vivo and examined for the passage of bacteria. Bacteria were recovered from the isolated gill arches only after treatment with balanced salt solution at x 10 concentration, followed by the bacterial suspension. All the skin flap experiments were negative. Bacteria were recovered from the blood offish when that part of the animal anterior to the pectoral fins was exposed to the infiltrating bacteria. They were only recovered when the animal was exposed to the full hyperosmotic infiltration schedule. The evidence strongly supports the view that the bacteria enter the animal through the gills.     

Reduced growth,condition factor and body energy levels in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. during their first spring in the sea

We have investigated the feed intake and growth in autumn‐transferred Atlantic salmon (S0) during their first spring in the sea, a period of low performance in commercial production. We have compared the results with those obtained from spring‐transferred smolt (S1), in order to determine whether this reduction in performance is accompanied by changes in nutrient retention, levels of muscle fat, energy status or condition factor (CF). The practical importance of the results obtained in the small‐scale experiments was evaluated by studies performed at two commercial farms, both using S0 salmon. The feeding rate, rate of growth and degree of feed utilization were low during the first spring in sea, for both S0 and S1 smolt. In both commercial farms, the apparent feed intake in S0 was reduced by approximately 50% in the spring. This low‐performing period coincided with reduced fat and energy retention, low levels of muscle fat and poor CF. Fat retention was reduced from 44.8% (March–May) to 15.4% (May–June) in S0, whereas protein retention did not change, indicating that the energy demand was high during the first spring in sea.     

The effect of free ammonia nitrogen,pH and supplementation with oxygen on the growth of South African abalone,Haliotis midae L. in an abalone serial‐use raceway with three passes

The farming of abalone, Haliotis midae L., can be intensified in serial‐pass systems, but water re‐use increases the concentration of NH₃ (free ammonia nitrogen, FAN) and reduces water pH. Changing the percentage dietary protein from 33% to 26% reduced the concentration of FAN (F_{42, 252} = 2.79; P < 0.0001) in a serial‐pass system and did not reduce weight gain (F_{1, 12} = 1.09; P = 0.31) or length gain (F_{1, 12} = 1.08; P = 0.31). Low water pH was the most important variable to contribute to a reduction in abalone growth (weight gain: F_{1, 19} = 64.5; P < 0.0001; r² = 0.76; length gain: F_{1, 19} = 41.9; P < 0.0001; r² = 0.67). In addition, supplemental oxygen (103% saturation) improved length gain (t = 3.45, P = 0.026) in abalone exposed to an average FAN concentration of 2.43 ± 1.1 μg L^?1) and an average pH value of 7.6 ± 0.13, relative to a treatment with no oxygen supplementation. Thus, in an abalone serial‐use raceway with three passes, FAN was not the first growth‐limiting variable. It is suggested that future studies should examine the major causes of reduced water pH in serial‐use systems and their effect on the growth and health of H. midae.     

Efficacy of an equal blend of canola oil and poultry fat as an alternate dietary lipid source for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in sea water. I: effects on growth performance, and whole body and fillet proximate and lipid composition

This study assessed the suitability and cost efficacy of an equal blend of canola oil (CO) and poultry fat (PF) as a supplemental dietary lipid source for juvenile Atlantic salmon. Quadruplicate groups of Atlantic salmon (～400 g) held in 4000 L outdoor fibreglass tanks supplied with running (35–40 L min^?1), aerated (dissolved oxygen, 7.88–10.4 mg L^?1), ambient temperature (8.6–10.9°C) sea water (salinity, 26–35 g L^?1) were fed twice daily to satiation one of three extruded dry pelleted diets of equivalent protein (488–493 g kg^?1 dry matter) and lipid (267–274 g kg^?1 dry matter) content for 84 days. The diets were identical in composition except for the supplemental lipid (234.7 g kg^?1) source viz., 100% anchovy oil (AO; diet COPF‐0), 70.2% AO and 29.8% CO and PF (diet COPF‐30), and 40.3% AO and 59.7% CO and PF (diet COPF‐60). Atlantic salmon growth rate, feed intake, feed efficiency, protein and gross energy utilization, percent survival and whole body and fillet proximate compositions were not affected by diet treatment. Cost per kilogram weight gain was about 10% less for fish fed diet COPF‐60 than for diet COPF‐0. Percentages of saturated fatty acids in dietary and fillet lipids varied narrowly. Moreover, percentages of 18:1n‐9, monounsaturated fatty acids, 18:2n‐6, n‐6 fatty acids, 18:3n‐3, and ratios of n‐6 to n‐3 fatty acids in the flesh lipids were directly related to the dietary level of CO and PF whereas 22:6n‐3, the total of 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid; EPA) and 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid; DHA), and n‐3 fatty acids revealed the opposite trend. Percentages of 22:6n‐3, EPA and DHA, and n‐3 fatty acids were significantly depressed in fish fed diet COPF‐60 versus diet COPF‐0. We conclude that a 1:1 blend of CO and PF is an excellent cost‐effective dietary source of supplemental lipid for Atlantic salmon in sea water.