Age and growth during immature stages of the mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus in waters around Ishigaki Island, southern Japan

Age and growth during immature stages of the mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus were examined using 129 sectioned otoliths of fish collected in rivers and coastal areas around Ishigaki Island. Monthly changes in the marginal growth index indicated that ring marks (inner edge of opaque zone) are formed once a year around May. Estimated ages of the sampled fish ranged from 0.2 to 4.5 years. The proportion of mangrove red snappers collected in each sampling set in the rivers was associated with age, namely, the older the fish, the smaller the proportion. This result suggests that the mangrove red snapper gradually moves from the river habitat to coastal areas with increasing age between 1 and 3 years. The relationship between standard length (Y; cm) and age (X; year) was expressed by the linear regression Y = 6.30X + 5.41. Both the somatic and otolith growth of age-one and age-two fish collected in coastal areas were faster than those of fish collected in rivers, suggesting that individuals with fast growth leave the rivers earlier than those with slow growth. Whereas the basic growth pattern obtained in this study is similar to that of the mangrove red snapper in waters around Great Barrier Reef, Australia, there is a clear difference in length of time spent in rivers between the two populations, probably associated with the difference in the scale of the rivers used as nursery grounds.     

Toxicity of chlorothalonil to marine organisms

We evaluated the acute toxicity of the antifouling biocide 2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1,3-benzenedicarbonitrile (chlorothalonil, TPN) to an alga (Skeletonema costatum), crustacea (Tigriopus japonicus, kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus), and a teleost fish (red sea bream Pagrus major) commonly found in the coastal waters of Japan. We also performed acute toxicity and early-life-stage tests for TPN using mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus and used the results to predict the chronic toxicity of TPN to red sea bream. The acute toxicity values of TPN (based on measured concentrations) for S.?costatum, T.?japonicus, M.?japonicus, red sea bream, and mummichog were 0.95, 16, 290, 35, and 61???g/l, respectively. The early-life-stage test with mummichog embryos revealed that hatchability and growth were the most sensitive indicators, and the lowest- and no-observed-effect concentrations, based on the measured concentrations, were 32 and 11???g/l, respectively. We estimated the chronic toxicity value for red sea bream to be 11???g/l based on these toxicity values. Considering the current measured concentrations of TPN in coastal waters of Japan, its environmental impact would appear to be limited.     

Culture method and growth characteristics of marine benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis spp. isolated from Japanese coastal waters

Blooms of toxic dinoflagellates of the genus Ostreopsis, which is known as a producer of palytoxin (PTX) analogs, may pose a threat to human health in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. In the present study, we established a suitable culture method for Ostreopsis spp. isolated from Japanese coastal waters and characterized their growth potential using the method to discuss their bloom dynamics. Each clonal strain of Ostreopsis cf. ovata, Ostreopsis sp.?1, Ostreopsis sp.?5, and Ostreopsis sp.?6 was incubated in 25?×?150?mm test tubes with a flat bottom containing various kinds of medium. Since Ostreopsis spp. strains grew well in IMK and/or f/2 media, we selected these media for cultivation of all the Ostreopsis spp. isolates. Growth rates of O. cf. ovata (0.834?divisions/day), Ostreopsis sp.?1 (0.619?divisions/day), and Ostreopsis sp.?6 (1.04?divisions/day) that produce PTX analogs significantly differed (p?<?0.05) respectively and are clearly higher than those of other reported epiphytic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus, Prorocentrum lima, and Coolia monotis cultures, which suggest that these species have ecological advantages to predominate through the algal succession in Japanese coastal waters, resulting in a potential risk to human health in this region.     

Determination of genome size of Haliotis discus hannai and H.?diversicolor aquatilis (Haliotidae) and phylogenetic examination of this family

Genome size (C value) is an important index for phylogenetic studies. Haliotidae (abalones) includes many species widely distributed throughout the world??s oceans, which makes this family interesting for phylogenetic studies. To examine Haliotidae phylogeny, we determined the C value and adenine and thymine base pair content (AT?%) of Haliotis discus hannai and H.?diversicolor aquatilis by using flow cytometry. The C values of H.?discus hannai and H.?diversicolor aquatilis were 1.84 and 1.45?pg, with AT?% of 62.3 and 66.3?%, respectively. These data represent the first report of abalones classified as Pacific Northwest (H.?discus hannai) and Indo-Pacific (H.?diversicolor aquatilis) groups, and provides new validation for previous theories related to Haliotidae phylogeny.     

Population genetic structure and gene flow in the Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus across Toyama Bay, Japan

The Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus has a pelagic-lecithotrophic larva. Here, we clarify larval dispersal among Japanese sea cucumber populations by describing the levels of distinctiveness and gene flow among red and green variant populations of A. japonicus across Toyama Bay using 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Samples of Japanese sea cucumber populations were collected from three localities (Noto, Shinminato, and Uozu) around Toyama Bay. Geographically separated populations of red and green variants were determined to be genetically distinct, supported by phylogenetic analysis and the distinctiveness range values of pairwise multilocus estimates of F _ST. Contemporary migration analyses indicated that the majority of estimated migration events occurred within A. japonicus populations comprised of only either red or green variants. In a historical gene flow analysis, two best-fit models (n-island and stepping stone models) showed circulation for the gene migration in Toyama Bay among red variant populations. Our results provide useful information on the genetic structure of Japanese sea cucumber populations and will be helpful for genetic conservation and fisheries management of sea cucumber populations in Toyama Bay.     

Effect of low dissolved oxygen on the oxygen consumption rate and rhythm of the mudskipper Scartelaos gigas (Pisces, Gobiidae)

The mudskipper Scartelaos gigas is expected to experience repeated severe hypoxia in its environment. Hence, we conducted experiments on the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and OCR rhythm of S.?gigas at low graded dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, without access to atmospheric air, to estimate its tolerance to hypoxia. A dominant circadian OCR rhythm was observed at the control DO level of 6.96?C7.78?mg?O₂/l. This rhythm was unchanged until 2.06?mg?O₂/l, even though the amplitude of the peak was somewhat diminished at 2.06?C2.87?mg?O₂/l. The OCR rhythm amplitude was greatly diminished and the rhythm period was also greatly changed at 1.23?C2.05?mg?O₂/l. Nevertheless, the mean OCR (0.11?ml?O₂/g WW/h) at 1.23?C2.05?mg O₂/l was similar to that of control (0.12?ml O₂/g?WW/h). Thus, the weakness and period change of the OCR rhythm kept the metabolic rate level similar to control. These results suggest that S.?gigas does not have normal metabolic activity at 1.23?C2.05?mg O₂/l but barely manages to endure this DO level as a pre-emergency state. This species could be inhibited under a longer maintenance period at DO level of 1.23?C2.05?mg?O₂/l or still lower. It can be concluded that S.?gigas is quite tolerant to low DO environment and may have a specific strategy for such tolerance.     

Alternative pathways in the life history of Gracilaria gracilis (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) from north-eastern Sicily (Italy)

The reproductive phenology of Gracilaria gracilis has been followed closely in a brackish water lake in Sicily. The life history of this red alga deviated from the typical Polysiphonia-type cycle and was characterized by the predominance of the tetrasporophytic phase over gametophytes, in situ development of germinated gametophytes and the presence of sterile pleustophytic thalli. Release of spherical agglomerates of cells produced by young tetrasporophytes was observed as well. Their ability to germinate forming new thalli appears to represent an alternative reproductive strategy of this organism. The population structure appears to reflect a predominance of the diploid phase except during the warmer summer season when only vegetative juveniles were found in the lake. Release and early stages of development of carpospores and tetraspores were critically observed in culture. A Dumontia type pattern of germination was observed for both types of spores, showing an erect thallus arising from a multicellular basal disk. Compared to tetraspores, carpospores are less readily released resulting in a subsequent delay in the development of new gametophytes.     

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of two Na+/H+ antiporter genes in the marine red alga Porphyra yezoensis

Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters are known to play a crucial role in pH and Na⁺ homeostasis. In the present study, we characterized the molecular structures and expression patterns of two Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters from the marine red alga Porphyra yezoensis (designated PySOS1 and PyNhaD). The full-length cDNAs of PySOS1 and PyNhaD were 5122 and 1804?bp, and contained open reading frames (ORFs) of 4773 and 1275?bp, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences showed high similarity to SOS1 and NhaD from the higher plant Arabidopsis thaliana. PySOS1 and PyNhaD contained conserved sequences found in the cation?Cproton antiporter. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that both antiporter genes were expressed in both the gametophyte and sporophyte of P. yezoensis. In addition, mRNA expression of PySOS1 and PyNhaD was simultaneously upregulated by light irradiation, suggesting that coordinated activity between the two is important in pH and Na⁺ homeostasis under light conditions. Moreover, the expression levels of both genes were partially reduced by the photosynthetic inhibitors DCMU and DBMIB, suggesting that upregulation is linked to photosynthesis-related metabolism. These findings provide an initial step towards understanding Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters in marine red algae.     

Effects of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on growth performance and non-specific immunity of juvenile red drum fed diets with low or adequate phosphorus levels

This study evaluated the effects of α-ketoglutarate (AKG) on the growth performance, body, and skeletal composition, as well as non-specific immunity of juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fed adequate or low-phosphorus diets. A 2?×?2 factorial design was arranged with two levels of total phosphorus (1.0 or 1.6%) and two levels (0 or 1%) of AKG. Each diet was fed to red drum in four replicate 110-L aquaria (15 fish/aquarium) twice daily for 7 weeks. The results indicated that the low-P diets significantly (P <?0.05) decreased weight gain, feed efficiency, and condition factor of red drum, but increased moisture content and decreased ash content of whole body, as well as decreased ash content of skeletal tissue and decreased plasma lysozyme. Supplementation of AKG significantly improved the fillet yield and plasma lysozyme and tended to improve neutrophil oxidative radical production (P?=?0.097). Based on these results, phosphorus level had the greatest effect on growth performance and non-specific immunity of red drum, while AKG supplementation had limited positive effects on immunological responses and fillet yield of juvenile red drum.     

A new system for bottom co-culture of the scallop,Patinopecten yessoensis,with the sea cucumber,Apostichopus japonicus,and the sea urchin,Anthocidaris crassispina,in shallow water in China

A new system for bottom co-culture of scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis, sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka), and sea urchin, Anthocidaris crassispina, is reported. To evaluate the system, scallops (average shell height, 3.904 ± 0.511 cm) were placed in nine “Hailong” units at densities of 10, 30, and 50 individuals per cell (ind/m²), and the units were placed in shallow waters with a muddy, sandy, or semi-sandy seabed. After more than 9 months, the scallops cultured on the semi-sandy seabed were larger than those cultured on sandy or muddy seabed (p < 0.05). The index of the adductor muscle was higher for scallops cultured on the sandy seabed than for those cultured on semi-sandy or muddy seabed (p < 0.05). More sea cucumbers were harvested from the units on the sandy seabed than from those on semi-sandy or muddy seabed (p < 0.05). The highest yield of sea urchins was from units on the muddy seabed, followed by those on the semi-sandy seabed and then from those on the sandy seabed (p < 0.05). Seaweed communities developed on the units located on sandy seabeds.     

The effect of irradiance and temperature on the photosynthesis of two agarophytes Gelidium elegans and Pterocladiella tenuis (Gelidiales) from Kagoshima,Japan

The effect of irradiance and temperature on the photosynthesis of two Japanese agarophytes, Gelidium elegans and Pterocladiella tenuis (Gelidiales), was determined using dissolved oxygen sensors and pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry. Gross photosynthesis and dark respiration rates were determined over a range of temperatures (8–36 °C). The highest gross photosynthetic rates were 40.3 and 37.0 mg O₂ g _ww ^?1  min^?1 and occurred at 24.3 and 25.5 °C [95 % Bayesian credible interval (BCI) 20.7–28.0 and 23.4–28.3 °C], respectively. The dark respiration rate in G. elegans and P. tenuis increased with increasing temperature at a rate of 0.10 and 0.31 mg O₂ g _ww ^?1  min^?1 °C^?1 , respectively. Modeling the net photosynthesis–irradiance (P–E) responses of G. elegans and P. tenuis at 20 °C revealed that the net photosynthetic rates quickly increased at irradiance levels below the estimated saturation irradiance of 88 and 83 µmol photons m^?2 s^?1, with a compensation irradiance of 14 and 19 µmol photons m^?2 s^?1, respectively. The highest value of the maximum effective quantum yield (Φ _PSII) occurred at 20.1 °C (BCI 18.9–21.5 °C) and 21.3 °C (BCI 20.2–22.5 °C) for G. elegans and P. tenuis and was 0.49 and 0.45, respectively. These optimal temperatures of Φ _PSII were relatively lower than those determined by the photosynthesis–temperature model of oxygen evolution. The temperature response of these species indicates that they are probably well adapted to the current range of seawater temperatures in the study site but that they are near the boundary of their tolerable limits.     

Genetic diversity of red sea bream Pagrus major in western Japan in relation to stock enhancement

SUMMARY: Stock enhancement is used in Japan as a tool to help the replenishment of wild populations of red sea bream Pagrus major . In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and composition of wild red sea bream at seven locations around Shikoku Island, South-west Japan, using three microsatellite loci. This analysis was done to test the hypothesis that: (i) red sea bream comprises a single Mendelian population along Japan; and (ii) stock enhancement programs around Shikoku Island are causing genetic differentiation among wild stocks. The results indicated that some locations from the Shikoku area were not significantly different from the rest of Japan, supporting the hypothesis of a single Mendelian population. Significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and significant pairwise F_ST among locations indicated genetic instability within this region. We suggest that the stock enhancement programs made in the region are the possible cause of this genetic instability. A management scheme for the hatcheries involved in the stock enhancement of red sea bream is presented.     

Feeding of the short-spined sea urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Strongylocentrotus intermedius</Emphasis> on macroalgae and benthic animals

To examine the feeding ecology of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius, two types of macroalgal diet (kelp Saccharina longissima and red alga Ptilota filicina) and four types of benthic animal diet [barnacle Balanus glandula, limpet Lottia cassis, free-living Perinereis aibuhitensis and P. aibuhitensis attached to a stainless steel wire (wired polychaete)], were separately or simultaneously provided for urchins of 5- to 60-mm test diameter (TD). Sea urchins of even 3-mm TD could graze the kelp, and began to graze the red alga, the wired polychaete and limpet by 5-mm TD, the barnacle by 8-mm TD and the free-living polychaete by 15-mm TD, respectively. These results suggest that the variety of macroalgae and benthic animals which the urchin can graze increases with the ontogeny of their feeding organs, motility and ability to catch animals. Both juvenile and adult sea urchins preferred to eat the polychaete as well as the kelp fronds. Feed conversion efficiency and daily growth rate of the small sea urchins fed benthic animals like the polychaete were higher than those fed macroalgae. The sea urchins are likely to grow better when feeding on animals than on macroalgae, even in habitats where they can access adequate quantities of kelp.     

A method for predicting the occurrence of paralytic shellfish poisoning along the coast of Hokkaido in the Okhotsk Sea in summer

To design a method for predicting outbreaks of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in scallop fishing grounds, the relationship between the distribution of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense and the dynamics of the Soya Warm Current (SWC) was examined in the Okhotsk Sea off Hokkaido. Surveys were conducted from May to June to clarify the transportation mechanism of A.?tamarense from the oceanic area to the coastal area. The sea-level difference (SLD) between Wakkanai and Abashiri was monitored as an index of the strength of the SWC southeastward flow in an alongshore belt to examine the possible occurrence of A.?tamarense in the coastal area during temporal weakening of the SWC. A bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) was used for direct observations of the SWC. The results indicated that PSP occurred when low-salinity water contaminated with A.?tamarense extended to the coast during temporal weakening of the SWC due to a decrease of the SLD. Our results strongly indicate that predictions can be realized by monitoring the decrease of SLD as an index of temporal weakening of the SWC after surveys of the distribution of A.?tamarense in the oceanic area before the period of PSP occurrence.     

Historical ecology can inform restoration site selection: the case of black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) along California's Channel Islands

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Vegetative propagation of the carrageenophytic red alga Gigartina skottsbergii Setchell et Gardner: Indoor and field experiments

The carrageenophytic red alga Gigartina skottsbergii presents several biological constraints for its cultivation such as restricted temporal availability and high spore mortalities that affect the development of its mass cultivation. For this reason, research to develop alternative propagation methods has been undertaken. Previous laboratory studies demonstrated that manipulating temperature, light and nutrients could enhance healing and regeneration of this seaweed. In this study nursery and field experiments were undertaken to establish the possibility to regrow G. skottsbergii in conditions similar to those applied in mass cultivation practices. Frond fragments and rhizoids were tested as alternative ways to obtain new plants. Our results indicate that regeneration occurs in the field, and can be managed in nursery conditions. The addition of a nitrogen source enhances the growth from 0.6 to 1.0% d^− 1 of the healed fragments and the use of a photon flux density above 50 μmol m^− 2 s^− 1 increases the growth rate but decrease the survival of the explants. Explants can be transferred to field conditions and grow at similar rates to those registered in the nursery (0.5% d^− 1). It is also possible to propagate rhizoids of G. skottsbergii and it seems that the attachment of a frond portion to the substratum, enhanced its survival and regeneration capacity. Finally, this study demonstrated that rhizoids attached to rocks can regenerate complete plants in nature, a feature which could be a useful for developing a sustainable harvesting methodology.     

Chronic effect after acute exposure to commercial petroleum fuels on physiological status of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

Quantitative and qualitative analyses of bacterial flora associated with pond water, gills, and intestine of polycultured healthy common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were carried out and identified to species level where possible. Total viable bacterial counts in the pond water ranged from 9.2?±?5.5?×?10³ to 6.6?±?5.1?×?10⁴ colony-forming units (cfu)/mL; in the gill filaments of carp and catfish, 3.3?±?3.8?×?10⁶ to 7.9?±?5.6?×?10⁶ and 1.1?±?4.6?×?10⁵ to 2.3?±?5.2?×?10⁶ cfu/g, respectively; and in the intestine of carp and catfish, 1.4?±?2.9?×?10¹⁰ to 1.7?±?6.0?×?10¹¹ and 2.7?±?3.4?×?10¹⁰ to 1.0?±?4.5?×?10¹¹ cfu/g, respectively. Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria dominated the populations: 90% in carp, 89% in catfish, 80% in water, and 86% in the total populations. Altogether, 14 bacterial species of 10 genera were identified in total populations. Pond water bacteria had a reflection on the bacterial composition of the gills and intestine of carp and catfish. Aeromonas hydrophila, Shewanella putrefaciens, Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus sp., and Vibrio vulnificus appeared as the common bacteria in the populations, where the first three were highly significantly abundant (P?<?0.0001). Moreover, A. hydrophila was the most significantly dominant bacteria (32%; P?<?0.005) among the total populations. Pantoea sp. and Pasteurella pneumotropica were present only in carp and catfish, respectively, but Corynebacterium urealyticum and Micrococcus sp. were present only in pond water.     

基于AFLP的海萝野生群体遗传多样性分析

应用AFLP分子标记技术对广东深圳、汕头和山东长岛的海萝(Gloiopeltis furcata)群体进行遗传多样性分析。应用筛选出的10对多态性丰富的AFLP引物,对这3个地理群体的90个个体进行扩增,共得到427个位点,多态性位点数为392(91.75%),各引物扩增位点数为30~59。长岛群体扩增位点最多,多态性也最高。群体内的等位基因数(Na)、有效等位基因数(Ne)、遗传多样性指数(H)和Shannon信息指数(I)变化趋势一致,均由高到低依次为长岛群体、汕头群体、深圳群体,表明长岛群体遗传多样性最高。3个海萝群体遗传变异主要来自群体间。群体间的基因流为0.368 9,群体分化系数(Gst)为0.575 4,表明群体间有高度分化。深圳群体和汕头群体的遗传距离最小(0.110 2),与长岛群体的遗传距离最大(0.357 7)。UPGMA聚类分析显示广东深圳和汕头群体聚为一支,山东长岛群体为另一支,表明群体间的遗传差异与地理距离有关。本研究结果为海萝资源的保护与利用提供了基础数据。     

Genetic connectivity of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) across Atlantic and Pacific oceans revealed by mitochondrial genes

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The effects of green and blue-green algal diets on the reproductive rate of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis

The reproductive rate of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis cultured on a variety of diets was investigated. Unialgal and mixed diets of the green alga Chlorella and the blue-green alga Schizothriz were compared. Rotifer reproductive rate was found to be an average of 2.7 times higher on a mixed diet of Chlorella and Schizothrix than on either Chlorella or Schizothrix as a unialgal diet. Enhancement of rotifer reproductive rate was not observed on a mixed diet of Chlorella and Dunaliella compared with a unialgal diet of Chlorella. Ingestion of Schizothrix was shown not to be required for enhancement of rotifer reproduction. It was further shown that the enhancing factor is a heat labile substance.