Prevalence and Species Identity of Trypanorhyncha in Cultured and Wild Amberjack,Seriola spp. in Hawaii – Implications for Aquaculture

The advent of molecular technologies allow for identification of organisms that were previously challenging or not possible. Conventional polymerase chain reaction analyses of a segment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene from trypanorhynch plerocerci obtained from cultured and wild caught amberjacks, Seriola dumerili, and Seriola rivoliana of the family Carangidae from Hawai‘i and Japan were found to be 100% identical, indicating that the cestodes from Japan and Hawai‘i are the same species, Protogrillotia zerbiae. The prevalence of the trypanorhynch plerocerci found in the musculature of Hawai‘i wild‐caught S. dumerili and S. rivoliana was 86.9 and 72.7%, respectively. In stark contrast, no trypanorhynch plerocerci have been detected in S. rivoliana cultured in Hawai‘i and they are only rarely seen in S. dumerili cultured in Japan. Trypanorhynch plerocerci are part of a complex life cycle that involves the transmission in at least two intermediate hosts before finally residing in a host shark species. The results of this study indicate that artificial propagation of the amberjacks using manipulated diets has most likely disrupted the life cycle of this tapeworm, thus reducing the prevalence of this parasite in farmed amberjacks and enhancing the marketability of cultured amberjack.     

The effects of trichlorfon, praziquantel and copper sulphate on various stages of the monogenean Benedeniella posterocolpa, a skin parasite of the cownose ray, Rhinoptera bonasus (Mitchill)

Abstract. Monogeneans of the superfamily Capsaloidea have been a severe problem in maintaining both teleosts and elasmobranchs in captivity. Infestations of Benedeniella posterocolpa on the skin of the cownose ray, Rhinoptera bonasus , provided an excellent model for testing the effects of trichlorfon (0-7ppm), praziquantel (20ppm) and copper sulphate (0-25 ppm) on adult monogeneans in situ , and on adult monogeneans, oncomiracidia and eggs in vitro. One treatment with praziquantel eliminated 100% of the worms from the skin of rays. Two treatments with trichlorfon only eliminated 81% of the worms. Praziquantel killed all worms tested in vitro within 6h and prevented egg deposition. Trichlorfon killed all worms within 21 h, but some eggs were deposited. Copper sulphate had little effect on worms in vitro. Both trichlorfon and praziquantcl immobilized oncomiracidia while copper sulphate had little effect. Eggs were relatively resistant to these chemicals; however, trichlorfon and praziquantel were the most effective in killing eggs.     

Differences in activity level between cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) and Atlantic stingrays (Dasyatis sabina) are related to differences in heart mass, hemoglobin concentration, and gill surface area

Aquatic animals are faced with the challenge of extracting oxygen from water, a medium that is metabolically expensive to ventilate and that contains just a fraction of the oxygen concentration relative to air, yet the physiologies of fishes have evolved to support a wide range of activity levels in nature. Oxygen delivery components, including gill surface area (oxygen uptake), blood chemistry (oxygen transport), and the heart (system pump), have been positively correlated to activity level in teleost fishes, yet relatively little is known about how these components are related to activity in elasmobranches. The current study addresses this question by examining heart mass, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit level, and gill surface area in wild-caught representatives of the benthic Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina) and active cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus). Allometric scaling exponents are similar for all four measures between the study species. Heart mass, gill surfaces areas, and hemoglobin concentrations were 2.1 times, approximately 7.1 times, and 2.0 times higher, respectively, in active cownose rays, when compared to benthic Atlantic stingrays, after correcting for differences in body mass. When considered in the context of functional plasticity within the oxygen delivery systems of benthic and active species, data from the current study indicate that higher activity levels in cownose rays are supported by modifications that, at least in part, are likely to enhance oxygen uptake.     

福建三沙湾鱼类群落组成特征及其多样性

根据2008年福建海区三沙湾春季和秋季两个季度月鱼类调查资料,分析和研究福建三沙湾鱼类群落结构及生态类型特点。结果表明:渔获鱼类经鉴定共有94种,其中,软骨鱼类的须鲨目、鲼形目和电鳐目各1种;硬骨鱼类的鲈形目最多,47种,其次鲱形目10种,鲽形目9种。以暖水性种类为主,占总种数70.2%,具有明显的热带和亚热带特征。从种类重量和数量组成看,整个调查港湾以具有一定经济价值种类为主,优势种为半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus sem ilaevis)、硬头鲻(Mugil strongylocephalus)、棘头梅童鱼(Collichthys lucidus)、红狼牙虾虎鱼(Odontam blyopus rubicundus)、大黄鱼(Larim ichthys crocea)、孔虾虎鱼(Trypauchen vagina)、龙头鱼(Harpodon neherus)、棱鮻(Liza carinatus)、海鳗(Muraenesox cinereus)等;总平均资源相对密度为3.49 kg/h,种类多样性指数H为2.017,种类均匀度指数J′为0.820,种类丰富度指数D为2.434。整个海区优势种明显,平均资源相对密度低,多样性指数和均匀度指数分布处于中下水平。     

Effect of starvation and refeeding on the hepatopancreas of whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei (Boone) using computer‐assisted image analysis

Under normal farming conditions, shrimp can experience starvation periods attributable to disease outbreaks or adverse environmental conditions. Starvation leads to significant morphological changes in the hepatopancreas (HP), being the main organ for absorption and storage of nutrients. In the literature, limited research has described the effect on the HP of periods of starvation followed by refeeding and none in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) using computer‐assisted image analysis (CAIA). This study describes the effect of starvation and starvation followed by refeeding on the HP of whiteleg shrimp using CAIA. Visiopharm^® software was used to quantify the following morphological parameters, measured as ratio to the total tissue area (TLA): total lumen area (TLA:TTA), haemocytic infiltration area in the intertubular spaces (HIA:TTA), B‐cell vacuole area (VBA:TTA), lipid droplet area within R cells (LDA:TTA) and F‐cell area (FCA:TTA). Significant changes were measured for HIA:TTA and LDA:TTA during starvation (increase in HIA:TTA associated with decrease in LDA:TTA) and starvation followed by refeeding (decrease in HIA:TTA associated with increase in LDA:TTA). In the future, HIA:TTA and LDA:TTA have the potential to be used in a pre‐emptive manner to monitor the health of the HP, facilitate early diagnosis of diseases and study the pathophysiology of the organ.     

Histopathology caused by Caligus epidemicus Hewitt (Copepoda: Caligidae) on captive Acanthopagrus australis (Günther) (Pisces: Sparidae)

Abstract. Highest densities of copepodids (≤5.3 cm ^-2), chalimus (≤8.5 cm ^-2) and redundant filaments (≤6.7 cm^-2) of Caligus epidemicus were found on the anterodorsal and anteroventral flanks, head and pectoral fins of Acanthopagrus australis (Günther). Copepodids eroded the epidermis and usually attached their frontal filament to the basement membrane on the inter-ray region of fins, as well as the fin rays or scales. Chalimus stages were associated with a healed epidermis and little tissue response. The most extensive tissue response was associated with the redundant frontal filament, and was characterized by infiltrating macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and epidermal and fibroblast proliferation. No significant pathology could be attributed to either pre-adult or adult copepods.     

Reducing the dietary protein:energy (P:E) ratio changes solubilization and fermentation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) faeces

Nutrients discharged from aquaculture industries can detrimentally affect water recipients, and this problem must be addressed if the production is to be decoupled from the natural environment. Denitrification is a process by which nitrate is removed using soluble, readily biodegradable carbon compounds. Hydrolysis and concomitant fermentation of organic solids produces such soluble carbon compounds e.g. in the form of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The current study examined the hydrolysis and the production of VFAs, the carbon:nitrogen ratio (C:N), and the release of nutrients (phosphorus and ammonium) from hydrolyzing and fermenting settable faecal solids (SFS) obtained from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Triplicate tanks of fish were fed five isoenergetic experimental diets with different protein:energy (P:E) ratios: 15, 17, 19, 21, and 23. The SFS from four consecutive days were collected and pooled prior to incubation in 15, 1 L anoxic/anaerobic batch reactors maintained at 20 ± 2 °C and continuous magnetic stirring. Daily samples from the batch reactors were obtained for 7 successive days and analyzed for total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), phosphorus expressed as orthophosphate (PO₄³⁻-P), VFA, and soluble COD (sCOD). The results showed that the two lowest P:E ratio diets (i.e. 15 and 17) produced SFS with a significantly higher degree of solubilization measured as sCOD:total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD), compared to the higher P:E ratio diet 21 (0.30–0.29 versus 0.24 g sCOD/g TCOD). Inversely, SFS deriving from the lowest P:E ratio diet (i.e. 15) displayed the lowest degree of fermentation measured as VFAs/sCOD, compared to SFS deriving from the four higher P:E diets (0.36 versus 0.51–0.56 g VFA/g sCOD). In the same way, the lowest P:E diet showed a significantly lower solubilization of nitrogen measured as TAN:total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) compared to the three highest P:E diets (i.e. 19–23; 0.14 versus 0.26–0.34 g TAN/g TKN). The two lowest P:E diets (i.e. 15–17) showed on the contrary the highest solubilization of phosphorus expressed as PO₄³⁻-P/total phosphorus (TP) (0.15 and 0.08 g/g, respectively) probably due to the lower pH obtained. All SFS produced enough soluble carbon, measured as VFAs, to stoichiometrically denitrify the nitrogen (N) contained in the faeces and potentially additionally 86–100% of all N produced from the fish culture process.     

Evaluation of relationship between Chilean octopus (Octopus mimus Gould, 1852) egg health condition and the egg bacterial community

The objective of this study was to evaluate how bacterial community associated with Chilean octopus (Octopus mimus) egg was related to egg health condition using a culture dependent method and PCR‐DGGE fingerprinting technique. Total heterotrophic bacterial number of fresh egg was much lower than infected egg. However, biodiversity of culturable bacterial community associated with the fresh egg exhibited a higher diversity than the infected egg. Result of a culture dependent method showed that Roseobacter clade was predominant in the fresh egg, while predominant species in the infected egg was γ‐proteobacteria. DGGE fingerprinting technique showed that fresh egg associated unculturable bacterial community was constituted of Roseobacter clade and Bacteroidetes, whereas Bacteroidetes was predominant bacteria in the infected egg. These results suggest that there might be some sort of relationship between octopus eggs associated bacterial community and egg health condition. Moreover, Roseobacter clade and Bacteroidetes might be potential symbiotic bacteria associated with the octopus egg, and some γ‐proteobacteria might be involved in octopus egg disease. In particular, Roseobacter clade may play an important role in octopus egg health and it raises the possibility that this clade can be utilized as potential probiotics for octopus aquaculture.     

Lakeshore residential development and growth of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides): a cross‐lakes comparison

Gaeta JW, Guarascio MJ, Sass GG, Carpenter SR. Lakeshore residential development and growth of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides): a cross‐lakes comparison.
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2011: 20: 92–101. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Lakeshore residential development is associated with changes in littoral habitat, riparian habitat, and ecosystem function with potential impacts ramifying through aquatic food webs. Effects of these changes on economically important game fishes may vary with fish size. We investigated largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) size‐specific growth rates across 16 lakes spanning the range of lakeshore residential development in Wisconsin’s Northern Highland Lake District using a longitudinal multilevel model. Growth rates of small fish had a strong positive relationship with lakeshore residential development. The strength of the relationship decreased with length and became increasingly negative for fish longer than 210 mm. This pattern may be driven by a release from density‐dependent growth, shifts in available prey sources, reduced macrophyte cover, or angling‐induced selection pressures. Regardless of the mechanism, our results indicate, relative to undeveloped lakes, largemouth bass in highly developed lakes take 1.5 growing seasons longer to enter the fishery (356 mm).     

Serum enolase: a non‐destructive biomarker of white skeletal myopathy during pancreas disease (PD) in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.

Diseases which cause skeletal muscle myopathy are some of the most economically damaging diseases in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., aquaculture. Despite this, there are limited means of assessing fish health non‐destructively. Previous investigation of the serum proteome of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., during pancreas disease (PD) has identified proteins in serum that have potential as biomarkers of the disease. Amongst these proteins, the enzyme enolase was selected as the most viable for use as a biomarker of muscle myopathy associated with PD. Western blot and immunoassay (ELISA) validated enolase as a biomarker for PD, whilst immunohistochemistry identified white muscle as the source of enolase. Enolase was shown to be a specific marker for white muscle myopathy in salmon, rising in serum concentration significantly correlating with pathological damage to the tissue.     

The epidemiology of Argulus spp. (Crustacea: Branchiura) infections in stillwater trout fisheries

Problem infections caused by species of the crustacean ectoparasite, Argulus, in UK stillwater trout fisheries appear to have increased in recent years. A cross-sectional study of 77 such fisheries was conducted to establish the perceived problem and the extent and severity of this problem, and to identify associated risk factors. An interview-based study was conducted in 2001 using a standardized questionnaire based on the management and infection status of each fishery in the previous year. Logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors. Argulus spp. were perceived to cause economic losses in infected fisheries through a reduction in the number of anglers due to reduced aesthetic appeal and catchability of fish. Of the sites studied, 29% experienced such a problem infection in 2000. Argulus foliaceus was identified in all but one case and was found to be widely distributed throughout the UK. The remaining case was identified as Argulus coregoni. Three risk factors were associated with problem infections: the presence of an algal bloom, slow rates of stock turnover and whether water level dropped by <1 m during the summer months.     

Physical and biochemical properties of effluent leaving an onshore Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua,Linnaeus 1758; Gadiformes: Gadidae) aquaculture facility and potential use in integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture

The physical and biochemical properties of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) wastes were analysed, and the waste remediation potential of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) was assessed. Waste generated daily by Atlantic cod represented 24.9% of the cod feed added to the system. Particle distributions determined using a Coulter Multisizer and image analysis revealed that the majority of the particles in terms of numbers occupy the smaller size ranges; however, larger particles occupy a larger proportion of the volume. Effluent was composed of particles <70 μm (36%), 70–500 μm (31%) and particles >500 μm (33%) by weight. The amount of dissolved carbon and nitrogen associated with the effluent represented 3.1% and 3.7%, respectively, of the total feed added to the system daily. Particles <70 μm had significantly less organic matter, lipids and fatty acids and were expected to be ingested more by mussels than larger particles. The major lipid classes present in effluent were free fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, acetone mobile polar lipids and sterol. Cod effluent contained two essential fatty acids DHA and EPA, a diatom marker (16:1ω7), as well as two zooplankton markers 22:1ω11 and 20:1ω9, which accumulated in mussels and may serve as markers for aquaculture wastes. Although only 36% of the effluent was of a size suitable for mussel ingestion, this size fraction has the greatest potential to spread to surrounding areas. These particulates may be useful as an alternate food source when natural seston is low.     

黄条鰤生长性状全基因组关联分析

利用2b-RAD技术对119尾黄条鰤(Seriola lalandi)个体进行测序,共获得黄条鰤SNP分子标记26665个,对黄条鰤个体的体质量和全长这2个重要生长性状进行全基因组关联分析,筛选与体质量和全长性状相关的SNP位点和候选基因。结果显示,黄条鰤体质量性状中共筛选到17个体质量显著关联的SNP位点,找到17个可能的候选基因,全长性状共筛选到12个潜在显著关联位点,找到12个可能的候选基因。利用KEGG数据库对可能的候选基因进行Pathway分析,得知候选基因主要参与了细胞或组织生长发育相关的代谢通路调控过程,可能是影响黄条鰤生长性状密切相关的重要候选SNP位点和功能基因,结果可为今后黄条鰤种质资源可持续利用和育种提供遗传信息资料积累。     

Characterisation of the environmental impact of a turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) re-circulating production system using Life Cycle Assessment

The environmental impacts of a water re-circulating system for fish farming were studied through the case study of an inland turbot farm located in Brittany (France). Life Cycle Assessment methodology was used to evaluate the potential environmental impact through the following indicators: Eutrophication Potential, Acidification Potential, Global Warming Potential, Net Primary Production Use and Non Renewable Energy Use. Two methods were used to assess the farm's nitrogen, phosphorus and solids emissions: nutrient measurement accounting and nutrient balance modelling. The two methods gave similar results for solids and phosphorus emissions, while for nitrogen the measurement-based approach resulted in half the emissions predicted by the model. The uncertainty regarding the potential gaseous nitrogen emissions led us to assess impacts according to three scenarios, differing with respect to emissions of N₂, N₂O and NH₃. This approach illustrates that the uncertainty concerning nitrogenous emissions to the atmosphere leads to uncertainty with respect to the production system's Eutrophication Potential and its Global Warming Potential. The comparison of our results with similar results for large rainbow trout production in a flow-through system points out the impacts associated with the high level of energy consumption in the studied re-circulating system (i.e. Non Renewable Energy Use, Global Warming potential, Acidification Potential). The nitrogenous gas emissions of re-circulating systems require further studies, in order to precisely identify the substances involved and the technological solutions allowing reduced impacts.     

Investigating the genetic structure of trout from the Garden of Ninfa (central Italy): Suggestions for conservation and management

Mediterranean populations of brown trout (Salmo trutta L. complex) have lost a large part of their genetic distinctiveness, mostly due to massive restocking, and the waters of the Gardens of Ninfa (province of Latina, central Italy, Site of Community Importance since 2013) are regarded as one of a few potential reservoirs of autochthonous trout lineages in the Tyrrhenian drainage of the Italian peninsula. In this study, nuclear and mitochondrial markers were used on brown trout samples from Ninfa to estimate non‐Mediterranean influence in the population gene pool, potential changes of genetic structure over time and genetic relationships with other sites known (or suspected) to host native trout gene pools. Striking changes in both microsatellite and mtDNA allele frequencies over a 9‐year time span were found and provided evidence of unrecorded stocking from the nearby Lake Fibreno. Results are analysed in the light of potential ecological consequences of such events on a longer time scale and provide a scientific background for fisheries management and conservation programmes in the area.     

Molecular characterization and confocal laser scanning microscopic study of Pygidiopsis macrostomum (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) parasites of guppies Poecilia vivipara

Pygidiopsis macrostomum and Ascocotyle (Phagicola) pindoramensis (Digenea: Heterophyidae) parasitize guppies as intermediate hosts and, respectively, fish‐eating mammals or birds as definitive hosts. Heterophyids have zoonotic potential, and molecular studies associated with morphological and ecological aspects have helped to clarify their taxonomy and phylogeny. Poecilia vivipara naturally parasitized by metacercariae of both species (100% prevalence) exhibit no external signs of parasitism. In this work, four new sequences of P. macrostomum (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and ITS2 rDNA) and one new sequence of A. (P.) pindoramensis (mtDNA cox‐1) are presented. Phylogeny reconstructions linked P. macrostomum to other heterophyids, but the separation of the Heterophyidae and Opisthorchiidae remains unclear. Additionally, we used indirect immunocytochemistry and the phalloidin‐fluorescence techniques allied with confocal laser scanning microscopy to describe muscular and neuronal structures of P. macrostomum. A complex arrangement of muscular fibres is associated with the tegument, suckers, gut and reproductive system. Radial fibres around the ventral sucker are thick, branched and extend to the body wall. High‐resolution confocal imaging revealed a typical digenean muscular arrangement and important heterophyid morphological traits. These data will support future control measures to reduce the parasitism in guppies reared in fish farming systems, especially for aquarium and experimental purposes.     

黄条[鱼师]生长性状全基因组关联分析

利用2b-RAD技术对119尾黄条[鱼师](Seriola lalandi)个体进行测序,共获得黄条[鱼师]SNP分子标记26665个,对黄条[鱼师]个体的体质量和全长这2个重要生长性状进行全基因组关联分析,筛选与体质量和全长性状相关的SNP位点和候选基因。结果显示,黄条[鱼师]体质量性状中共筛选到17个体质量显著关联的SNP位点,找到17个可能的候选基因,全长性状共筛选到12个潜在显著关联位点,找到12个可能的候选基因。利用KEGG数据库对可能的候选基因进行Pathway分析,得知候选基因主要参与了细胞或组织生长发育相关的代谢通路调控过程,可能是影响黄条[鱼师]生长性状密切相关的重要候选SNP位点和功能基因,结果可为今后黄条[鱼师]种质资源可持续利用和育种提供遗传信息资料积累。     

Ovoviviparously produced Artemia nauplii are a suitable live food source for the larvae of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus: Burchell, 1822)

Brine shrimp Artemia, the most common live food organism used in larviculture, can reproduce either oviparously (production of dormant cysts) or ovoviviparously (direct production of nauplii), depending on environmental conditions. Ovoviviparous Artemia nauplii have seldom been considered as a source of live food in aquaculture, partly due to the convenience and the developed techniques associated with the production and use of the dormant cysts. In many countries in Africa, however, hatchery managers do not have access to a reliable supply of affordable good quality cysts. In this study, we therefore demonstrated the potential of a system designed for the continuous ovoviviparous production of nauplii at low salinity, using Great Salt Lake Artemia franciscana and micronized agricultural material as feed. The suitability of the produced nauplii was tested by feeding them directly to Clarias gariepinus larvae in comparison with oviparous nauplii and decapsulated cysts. Higher survival (100%), better protein efficiency ratio (2.6 ± 0.1) and food conversion ratio (1.0 ± 0.1) was observed in larvae fed with the ovoviviparous nauplii (p < 0.05). Overall, we conclude that the ovoviviparous nauplii could serve as an alternative live food for larval fish. If optimized, the system could be validated for integration in hatcheries.     

The Biochemistry of Sabella spallanzanii (Annelida: Polychaeta): A Potential Resource for the Fish Feed Industry

To prevent over‐exploitation of global fish stocks by the aquaculture industry, interest is growing in the identification of nontraditional species with potential value as fish feed. In this study, we investigated the biochemical composition of the polychaete Sabella spallanzanii. Its elemental composition, gross protein and proximate composition, amino acid composition, total lipid and fatty acid content, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and the extent of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination were determined over an annual cycle. Sabella spallanzanii showed particularly high gross protein (54.8 ± 5.8%) and gross energy (4.89 ± 0.5 kcal/g) content. All samples had high concentrations of Na, K, Ca, and Cl. Saturated fatty acids were higher than monounsaturated and polyunsaturated ones. A low ω‐6/ω‐3 ratio (1.7) was recorded. Our results suggest that S. spallanzanii can be used as a dietary supplement for farmed fish. The high concentrations of certain amino acids that improve potential palatability for many farmed fish species suggest that S. spallanzanii extracts can be used in artificial fish diets as an attractant. A further original aspect highlighted by this study is the high concentration of GAGs, which are useful in pet nutrition and also in the nourishment of farmed fish with a partially cartilaginous skeleton .