Early development and allometric growth patterns in burbot Lota lota L.

This study analyzed the morphological development and allometric growth patterns of Lota lota L. (burbot) larvae reared under controlled laboratory conditions. From hatching to day 50, twenty larvae were sampled each [between 1 and 14 days post-hatch (DPH)] or every second day (between 14 and 50 DPH) and measured under a stereoscopic microscope using analytic software. Based on the external morphology, the different stages during early development of burbot were identified: yolk sac larva 0–8 DPH [3.92–4.37 mm total length (TL)]; preflexion larva 9–26 DPH (4.57–12.06 mm TL); flexion larva (between notochord degradation and its replacement with rays) 28–34 DPH (14.00–16.34 mm TL) and postflexion larva/juvenile 36–50 DPH (18.20–29.27 mm TL). Allometric growth patterns of some parameters (e.g., total length, head length, body length, tail length, head depth, body depth, eye diameter) were modeled by a power function and described by the growth coefficient. Organogenesis and changes of body proportions in burbot larvae were more rapid and complex during the yolk sac and preflexion phase of development as larvae developed most of their sensorial, feeding, respiratory and swimming systems and after notochord flexion, when most morphological changes were related to the progressive transformation from pelagic larva to demersal larva/juvenile.     

Early development and allometric growth in hatchery‐reared characin Brycon orbignyanus

The characin piracanjuba, Brycon orbignyanus (Valenciennes, 1850), has been recognized as a candidate species for aquaculture. The early morphological development and allometric growth of hatchery‐reared piracanjuba were studied from hatching to the juvenile stage, at water temperature of 27.9 ± 0.6°C. Growth, in total length (TL), was linear during that period. At hatching (3.4 ± 0.2 mm TL), the non‐pigmented free embryo had most functional systems not fully differentiated. The primordial finfold was almost completely absorbed, except the preanal segment, in individuals measuring 9.1 ± 0.4 mm TL. Retinal pigmentation occurred as early as 24 hours posthatching (hph). The yolk sac was no longer observed after 60 hph. Body proportion and growth rates changed considerably during early morphological development. The head experienced positive allometric growth in length throughout the interval of study, and at the inflexion point of 6.6 mm TL, head growth had reduced significantly, but still remained allometrically positive. Trunk length showed negative allometric growth throughout the period of study. The growth of the postanal length was allometrically positive until the inflexion point at 7.1 mm TL, and thereafter decreased to near isometric. The allometric growth changes in the piracanjuba during initial life likely result from selective organogenesis directed towards survival priorities.     

Embryonic and larval development of serpae tetra Hyphessobrycon eques (Steindachner, 1882)

In this study, the embryonic and larval development stages of one of the most important ornamental fish serpae tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) are described. The early life stage is documented from fertilization until the beginning of the juvenile period. The fertilized eggs (the average diameter = 938.55 ± 35.20 µm) were incubated at a water temperature of 26 ± 0.5°C. The cleavage finished in 1:10 hr (=h) and the early blastula stage occurred at 1:26 hr post fertilization (hpf). The gastrulation started at 3:05 hpf, and 50% epiboly was observed at 3:25 hpf. Segmentation stage was monitored at 7:26 hpf. Embryonic developmental stage was completed and hatching occurred 20–21 hpf. The total length (TL) of newly hatched larvae was 2.64 ± 0.21 mm. The larval development of serpae tetra was divided into four different periods: Yolk‐sac larva (1–4 DAH, TL = 2.77 ± 0.09 mm ‐ 3.85 ± 0.11 mm), preflexion larva (5–12 DAH), flexion larva (13–15 DAH, TL = 5.78 ± 0.46 mm on the 15th day) and post‐flexion larva (16–30 DAH, TL = 10.7 ± 0.27 mm on the 28th–30th days). The mouth and anus are closed at 1 DAH. The mouth and anus opened at 4 DAH. Exogenous feeding started on the 4th day. The first gulping of the swim bladder was on days 3. The larva begins to swim freely, and the yolk sac was completely consumed at 4 DAH. Histological structures of the eye and brain of new hatched larva were clearly identified at 1 day after hatching (DAH). According to histological findings, the digestive system (stomach, intestine) started to develop and the liver could be seen on the ventral side of the swim bladder at 5 DAH. No histological difference was observed between the anterior intestine and the posterior intestine at 15–16 DAH. The larval metamorphosis was completed, and the larvae transformed into juveniles at 28–30 DAH.     

Morphological development and allometric growth of yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi V. larvae under culture conditions

Morphological development and allometric growth patterns of Seriola lalandi larvae were assessed to characterize normal growth patterns under culture conditions. Early ontogenetic stages of yellowtail kingfish exhibited an exponential growth in terms of standard length as a function of age. Five development stages were characterized from hatching to the juvenile stage: larval stage I (0–2 days post hatch, dph) with endogenous feeding, characterized by a small yolk sac, unpigmented eyes, primordial finfold surrounding the body and a closed mouth; larval stage II (2–15 dph) characterized by mouth opening, complete pigmentation of eyes and the beginning of the exogenous feeding; subsequently, in the larval stage III (15–25 dph) the posterior tip of notochord of the larvae bended upward and the first rays appeared in fins, concomitant with a change in swimming behaviour; thereafter, larval stage IV (post‐flexion stage; 25–30 dph) began when larvae resembled in morphology to a juvenile organism; however, caudal and dorsal fins were not completely development. Lastly, the juvenile stage was reached 30 dph characterized by a morphology and fin structures similar to those of the adults. Growth and development of structures and organs associated with vital functions such as feeding, sensorial and breathing systems seemed to be more critical previous to 23 dph, which was reflected with a positive allometric growth of head and eyes during this period. The results from this study can be used as a tool‐guide to assess normal development in larval research with S. lalandi to improve existing rearing protocols in hatchery production.     

Allometric growth patterns and development in larvae and juveniles of thick‐lipped grey mullet Chelon labrosus reared in mesocosm conditions

Allometric growth and ontogeny were studied in thick‐lipped grey mullet Chelon labrosus reared in mesocosms from 1 to 71 day post hatching (dph). Multivariate allometric analysis of morphometric growth distinguished three distinct developmental stanzas separated by two morphometric metamorphosis lengths (L_m1 = 4.46 ± 0.06 mm; L_m2 = 28.56 ± 1.04 mm). Body mass growth also showed three distinct episodes separated by two inflections, correlated with morpho‐functional changes. First episode concerned pre‐flexion larvae and ended around 4.5 mm‐L_T (14‐dph), coinciding with estimated L_m1. It was distinguished by reduced growth, but intense morphogenesis and differentiation processes. Organogenesis and allometric changes indicated that development priorities concerned feeding efficiency, by improving detection ability (sensory system development), ingestion capacity (head growth) and assimilation performance (digestive system differentiation), together with respiration efficiency (gill development). Second episode concerned post‐flexion larvae and, ended around 8.6 mm‐L_T (25‐dph). It was distinguished by fast growth of trunk and tail, acquisition of adult axial muscle distribution and completion of gill filament development, improving locomotion and oxygenation performances. It corresponded to transition towards metamorphosing stage as indicated by later isometric growth, musculature maturation and acquisition of juvenile phenotype. Metamorphosis seemed to end at L_m2, suggesting to avoid zootechnic handling before this size.     

Ontogenetic development of attack behaviour by turbot larvae when exposed to copepod prey

Identification of fish larval behavioural traits permitting capture of specific live prey sizes is an important part of optimizing production of marine larvae. We investigated the capture success of turbot larvae (Scophthalmus maximus) at two development stages, 8 and 10 days post‐hatch (DPH), when offered small nauplii (129–202 μm), large nauplii (222–278 μm) and copepodites (342–542 μm), of the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa. At 8 DPH, turbot larvae had the highest capture success (67%) when offered small nauplii, with a lower capture success of large nauplii (27%) but totally lacked the capabilities to capture copepodites. At DPH 10, the larvae increased the capture success of large nauplii (47%) and achieved a few successful attacks on copepodites. Energetically, large nauplii were the most beneficial at both larval development stages. The swimming kinematics of the period prior to a strike by the larva on the copepod was examined, and the approach pattern of the larva was identified as a controlling mechanism for their strike distance, with the initial approach speed of larva at DPH 10 being significantly less than at DPH 8. In all successful attacks, the strike distance was less than 1.17 mm and was significantly lower than unsuccessful attacks. Since the approach pattern of the larva is linked to its capture success, it could be used as the basis for a feeding scheme based on the swimming performance of individual batches of turbot larvae.     

Effect of two temperatures on yield and increase in cranial skeletal abnormalities during early development of palm ruff,Seriolella violacea (Guichenot 1848)

The present study evaluates the effect of two temperatures, 14°C (T14) and 18°C (T18), on yield and the presence of cranial abnormalities during early development in north palm ruff (Seriolella violacea). Different time indices – days post‐hatching (DPH), degree‐days (D°) and effective degree‐days (D°_eff) – were used to analyse growth during cultivation. Several ontogenetic events were achieved in less time during cultivation at 18°C. Additionally, a larger total length and final weight, as well as a higher survival rate, were achieved after 80 days of culture at higher temperatures (T18 = 55.5 ± 1.5 mm; 2.87 ± 0.21 g; 1.80 ± 0.18% and T14 = 24.3 ± 2.2 mm; 0.26 ± 0.08 g; 1.33 ± 0.12%). D° and D°_eff were valid as independent temperature indices for predicting the growth response of S. violacea against thermal variations. The frequencies of cranial skeletal abnormalities (mouth and opercular complex) were evaluated in the pre‐flexion, flexion, post‐flexion and juvenile stages. However, the frequency of cranial skeletal abnormalities at the end of this study was not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by temperature, and values below 21% were recorded in both treatments. These results can be of practical use for optimizing culture conditions to maximize the yield and quality of S. violacea juveniles.     

Studies on the broodstock production and larval rearing of Coral demoiselle Neopomacentrus nemurus (Bleeker 1857)

Steps taken for broodstock development of Neopomacentrus nemurus, Coral demoiselle (Bleeker, 1857) in a hatchery, its spawning and development of egg to the juvenile stage are described. Among the three treatments tried, only the trial using Parvocalanus crassirostris nauplii as the first diet helped in the development of larvae. Larval and post‐larval growth was studied for a period of 65 days post hatch. The larva measured 2–2.4 mm in total length at the time of hatching. The mouth size of larva at the time of hatching measured 237.92 µm. By the 5th day, the width of the larval body had significantly increased. All the fins were conjoined, except for the caudal fin which had begun its appearance on the 2nd day itself. The digestive system was functional by the 5th day and the copepod remains were seen in the digestive tract. The larva metamorphosed by the 15th day with fully developed fins and fin rays. On the 20th day, the larval body had begun to display signs of fin pigmentation. The larva assumed adult pigmentation by the 35th day. By the 65th day, the larva grew to a total length of about 27 mm and weighed about 0.56 g.     

Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis growth and fish community structure,inside and outside a marine‐protected area in the Baltic Sea

Growth of Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L. and fish community structure between sites within a marine‐protected area (MPA) and unprotected sites in the Baltic Sea were examined. Von Bertalanffy, logistic and Gompertz growth models were fitted to P. fluviatilis length at age data, and the logistic model was the most parsimonious for growth between locations. A larger mean maximum size (L_∞) and a smaller instantaneous growth rate (g) were found within the MPA. All three models also predicted that after age seven, fish inside the MPA would be larger. Community structure differed with more P. fluviatilis collected outside of the MPA, and more roach Rutilus rutilus (L.) and bleak Alburnus alburnus (L.) collected inside the MPA. These growth differences may be indicative of recreational fishing effects on P. fluviatilis outside of the MPA, a result of complex interspecific and intraspecific species interactions, or other undetected environmental variation between locations.     

Organogenesis of the digestive system in Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru) larvae

This study reports the ontogenetic development of the digestive system of larval Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru), an important candidate species for aquaculture on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Histological sections of larvae were cut and dyed using the haematoxylin–eosin technique. The development of the digestive tract of Pacific red snapper larvae follows a general pattern of differentiation that can be divided into three stages. Stage I lasted from 1–3 days post hatching (DPH) and included the endogenous nutrition period; it was characterized by the initial differentiation of the digestive tract in preparation for the onset of exogenous feeding (3 DPH). At this time, the digestive tract was differentiated into buccopharynx, oesophagus, stomach anlage, anterior intestine, posterior intestine and a short rectum. The liver, pancreas and kidney were also present. The mouth and anus were open. Stage II occurred after first feeding, lasted for 16 days (4–23 DPH) and included both preflexion and flexion larvae. The main changes that occurred during this stage reflected the adaptation to exogenous feeding and the concomitant growth. Stage III (24–30 DPH) included post‐flexion larvae and started with the appearance of the gastric glands and pyloric caeca. The presence of the gastric glands suggests that early weaning during culture trials of the Pacific red snapper larvae may be possible at this early age.     

Splenic lipidosis in intensively cultured perch,Perca fluviatilis L.

Macroscopically visible lipid deposition varying in size from pinpoint to 8‐mm diameter was found in spleens of a population of intensively farmed perch, Perca fluviatilis L. over a 24‐month rearing period. Large agglomerates of adipocytes distinguishable from surrounding normal tissue occurred in all individuals with spleen lipidosis. Several affected fish presented total dystrophy of large clusters of hepatocytes. Prevalence of lipidosis was 5.0% at 12 months and 16.6% at 24 months. There was no significant difference between fatty acid profiles of liver or perivisceral fat of perch with and without lipidosis except for linoleic, myristic, γ‐linoleic, cis‐eicosatrienic, palmitooleic acid. Body weight and hepatosomatic, perivisceral fat and splenosomatic indices were not associated with lipidosis. There was no significant effect of lipidosis on mortality or growth.     

The effect of age,size and digestive tract development on burbot,Lota lota (L.), larvae weaning effectiveness

The effect of burbot weight (BW) and length (TL) on the efficiency of weaning under controlled conditions was investigated. Growth, survival rate, cannibalism and histological analysis of digestive tract were examined. The experiment lasted 49 days (40–89 days post hatch [DPH]). The fish (BW 0.12 g; TL 14.1 mm) were divided into four groups: a control group (C) exclusively fed Artemia sp. nauplii and groups F40, F47 and F54 that were weaned to dry feed on 40, 47 and 54 DPH, respectively. The highest survival rate was observed in groups C (78%) and F54 (58%). In group F54, similar TL (53.8 mm) and higher BW (1.36 g) at the end of experiment, in comparison with group C (43.9 mm, 0.84 g for TL and BW, respectively), were obtained. At the end of the experiment, the length of enterocytes in groups C and F54 was at a similar level (over 23 μm), whereas in group F47 was significantly lower (approximately 20 μm; P < 0.05). This study for the first time presents successful weaning of the burbot. The data indicate that live food should be offered until the fish reach 25 mm and 0.20 g.     

Digestibility of microbial and mussel meal for Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for four protein‐rich alternative feed ingredients, intact baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), extracted baker's yeast (S. cerevisiae), zygomycetes (Rhizopus oryzae) and blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), were determined for Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis). Diets contained 30% of test ingredients, and ADCs were compared to a reference diet containing fish meal. For Arctic charr, ADCs for dry matter (DM, 71–99%), sum of amino acids (SAA, 84–99%) and gross energy (70–99%) were significantly lower for intact S. cerevisiae than for extracted S. cerevisiae, R. oryzae and M. edulis. The ADCs for the indispensable amino acids (IAA) in Arctic charr varied between 84% and 99%. Significant differences were found in ADCs for IAA between the test ingredients for Arctic charr, with higher values for extracted S. cerevisiae and M. edulis. The ADCs in Eurasian perch varied between 83% and 95% for DM, 89% and 98% for CP, 92% and 100% for SAA, 81% and 96% for gross energy. No significant differences were found for ADCs between the test ingredients in Eurasian perch, indicating a species effect on digestibility. Furthermore, the absence of intact cell walls had a positive effect on digestibility of S. cerevisiae for Arctic charr.     

Embryonic and larval development of black skirt tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi,Boulenger, 1895) under laboratory conditions

The embryonic and larval development of black skirt tetra, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, are described under controlled laboratory conditions. In addition, major histomorphological changes and the allometric growth patterns during larval development have been described. The laboratory‐reared broodstock, that is 1 year of age, were spawned. Hatching occurred 20–21 h after spawning at 24 ± 0.5°C. The cleavage was finished in 2 h and the early blastula stage occurred at 2:04 hours after spawning. The gastrulation started at 3:20 hours and 30% epiboly was observed at 3:34 hours after spawning. Eight‐somite stage was observed at 08:33 hours. And embryonic developmental stage was completed at 21 h after spawning. The newly hatched larvae were 1442 ± 14.3 μm in mean total length (TL). The mouth opened at 3 days after hatching (DAH). The yolk sac had been totally absorbed and the larvae started to swim actively within 3–4 days. Notochord flexion began at 11 DAH. The metamorphosis was completed and the larvae transformed into juveniles at 32 DAH. In this paper, the full developmental sequence from egg to juvenile of G. ternetzi is described for the first time.     

Cranial osteological development and abnormalities in northern palm ruff,Seriolella violacea (Guichenot, 1848), larvae and juveniles

Seriolella violacea, a new species to be potentially farmed in Chile and Peru, has shown cranial malformations during farming that could adversely affect its commercial development. This study seeks to generate early knowledge of the osteological development and type of cranial abnormalities that this species presents under culture conditions. Larvae from wild caught broodstock were reared from 1 to 60 days post hatching (DPH) (4.8 ± 0.1 mm TL and 11.8 ± 1.0 mm TL respectively). Larvae samples were collected throughout the experimental trial for recording cranial osteological development and abnormalities in cartilage and bone. At 5.7 ± 0.1 mm TL, coraco‐scapular, sclerotic, ethmoid plate and quadrate cartilages were present. At 8.0 ± 0.6 mm TL, early ossification was observed in the jaw, premaxilla and maxilla. At 11.8 ± 1.0 mm TL, the branchiostegal rays, jaw, maxilla and opercular complex were ossified. The first cartilaginous structures observed were the Meckel's cartilage, the branchial arches and the suspensory ligament. The first cranial malformations were detected at 5.7 ± 0.1 mm TL, coinciding with mouth opening. The most frequent malformations were a curvature of the lower jaw (23.1%), abnormal separation between branchial arches and the Meckel's cartilage (19.4%) and bulging jaws (15.7%).     

Fine‐scale movement ecology of a freshwater top predator,Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), in response to the abiotic environment over the course of a year

Fine‐scale underwater telemetry affords an unprecedented opportunity to understand how aquatic animals respond to environmental changes. We investigated the movement patterns of an aquatic top predator, Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), using a three‐dimensional acoustic telemetry system installed in Kleiner Döllnsee (25 ha), a small, shallow, mesotrophic natural lake. Adult piscivorous perch (N = 16) were tagged and tracked in the whole lake at a minimum of 9‐s intervals over the course of one year. Perch increased swimming activity with higher water temperature and light intensity. Air pressure, wind speed and lunar phase also explained perch movements, but the effects were substantially smaller compared to temperature and light. Perch showed a strong diel pattern in activity, with farther swimming distances and larger activity spaces during the daytime, compared to the night‐time. To investigate the influence of prey distribution, we sampled the prey fish in both littoral and pelagic zones in both day and night monthly using gill nets. We found that the prey fish underwent diel horizontal migration, using the littoral zone during the day and the pelagic zone during the night. However, perch showed the opposite patterns, suggesting either that the prey fish avoided predation risk or that the horizontal diel migration of perch was driven by other mechanisms. Our results collectively suggest that the movement ecology of piscivorous perch is mainly governed by a foraging motivation as a function of abiotic variables, especially temperature and light.     

Larval development in European hake (Merluccius merluccius L.) reared in a semi-intensive culture system

Eggs of European hake (Merluccius merluccius L.) were stripped from fish caught at sea. Larvae were kept under semi‐intensive conditions at around 12°C. In addition, eggs were incubated in single wells at 9.2, 12.7 and 14.5°C, where hatching, development and survival were closely examined. During the larval stage, a total of 299 larvae were sampled to follow development and growth. In addition a small number of juveniles were sampled. Larvae hatched approximately 4 days after fertilization, and were 2.9 mm in total length (TL). At 6‐day post hatching (dph), the larvae were 4.1 mm (TL), the jaw apparatus was developed, and the larvae had started to feed. Most of the growth during the early larval period is restricted to the head, and there is almost no increase in length for the first 3–4 weeks post hatching. Teeth and pelvic fins appear at 25 dph. Development of unpaired fins at approximately 30 dph marks the start of the larval–juvenile transition. Weaning to formulated feed was accomplished 50 dph, when external morphology was similar to that of adult hake.     

Effects of Tank Wall Color and Up-welling Water Flow on Growth and Survival of Eurasian Perch Larvae (Perca fluviatilis)

The influence of tank wall color and up‐welling water flow on growth and survival of Eurasian perch larvae (Perca fluviatilis) was tested in an intensive culture system. Newly hatched larvae were fed Artemia nauplii, later combined with dry feed, and reared for 5 wk in either black tanks with up‐welling water flow or in gray tanks with or without up‐welling water flow. The perch larvae grew significantly faster in black tanks than in gray tanks regardless of water flow. Two weeks after hatching, a significantly higher mean weight was shown in larvae reared in black tanks compared to larvae reared in gray tanks with up‐welling water flow, and after 4 wk, the mean weight was significantly higher than in both of the other treatments. The difference in growth was further enhanced during the last week of the experiment, and the final mean weights were 51.1 ± 1.9 mg in black tanks with up‐welling water flow, 23.8 ± 2.1 mg in gray tanks with up‐welling water flow, and 23.7 ± 2.2 mg in gray tanks without up‐welling water flow. The cumulative mortality at the end of the experiment averaged 75% in all treatment groups. Taken together, the enhanced growth of Eurasian perch larvae in black tanks could be explained by high prey contrast and increased prey consumption. Up‐welling water flow had no impact on growth and survival of the perch larvae in gray tanks, indicating that the availability and consumption of the prey were independent of water movement.     

Ontogenetic development of digestive tract and digestive enzymatic activities in Squaliobarbus curriculus larvae

Squaliobarbus curriculus is an economically important freshwater fish. The ontogenetic development of the digestive system of S. curriculus larvae was studied histologically and enzymatically from hatching to 30 days posthatching (DPH). Amylase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase and pepsin activities were detected from the hatching stage, indicating that these enzymes were genetically preprogrammed. Marked increases in intestinal amylase, trypsin and alkaline phosphatase activities between 10 and 20 DPH corresponded to feed acquisition and transformation. Larval development in S. curriculus could be divided into three phases: phase I (endotrophic period): 1–3 DPH; phase II (endo‐exotrophic period): 4–5 DPH; and phase III (exclusively exotrophic period): from 6 DPH onward. At hatching, the digestive tract of the larvae was an undifferentiated straight tube. On 3 DPH, the digestive tract differentiated into the mouth cavity, oesophagus and intestine. On 6 DPH, feeding was totally exotrophic and the yolk sac was completely exhausted. During the growth of S. curriculus larvae, the intestinal mucosa formed and the number of goblet cells and microvilli increased, demonstrating maturation of the digestive system. The study about the digestive development of S. curriculus larvae will contribute to better larval‐rearing strategies.