Effect of dose escalation on multiple dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered praziquantel in kingfish Seriola lalandi

Oral praziquantel (PZQ) preparations, administered using multiple dosing regimens, have recently been investigated for the treatment of monogenean parasites of Seriola species cultured in sea-cages. To evaluate existing dosing regimens, the pharmacokinetics of two oral PZQ doses, 50 mg kg^− 1 body weight (BW) and 150 mg kg^− 1 BW, administered every 24 h for 8 days and 3 days respectively were compared in the plasma and skin of kingfish Seriola lalandi using HPLC. In the skin of kingfish, significantly higher maximum tissue PZQ concentrations (C_max) were achieved with a 150 mg kg^− 1 PZQ dose, but no difference in plasma C_max occurred between the two doses. The higher dose resulted in, on average, 2.4 fold higher PZQ concentrations in skin than the lower dose. Although no difference was found between the residual PZQ concentrations (C_min) of either dose measured prior to dosing each day, there were significant differences in this parameter between days of drug administration. Praziquantel C_min varied significantly in kingfish skin regardless of dose, but similar differences were only found at the lower dose in plasma. A non-linear relationship between tissue drug concentration and dosage indicated potential saturation of active absorption mechanisms; a 3-fold increase in the administered dose only led to an average 1.5 fold increase in plasma and 2.4 fold increase in skin PZQ concentrations over the three days the doses could be compared. Concentrations of the drug in the skin of kingfish were found to be 40-50% of that in plasma and the drug appeared not to accumulate significantly in either tissue over the administration period. These initial studies indicate that under existing oral dosing regimens, using a fixed 24 h dosing interval, parasites will be exposed to similar and highly variable anthelmintic concentrations on a daily basis, which may be sub-optimal for the treatment of monogeneans in this finfish species.     

Development of lipid microbeads for delivery of lipid and water-soluble materials to Artemia

Lipid spray beads (LSB) containing high concentrations of phospholipids were produced in order to improve their dispersion in both fresh and saltwater. The beads were developed to deliver both fat-soluble and water-soluble micronutrients to Artemia and other suspension feeders. LSB were prepared by spraying molted lipid into a chamber that was cooled with liquid nitrogen in order to solidify the lipid beads. Addition of soy lecithin to LSB did not affect retention of glycine when the beads were suspended in distilled water. There was an initial loss of 80% incorporated glycine after LSB were suspended in water for 20min. Artemia readily ingested riboflavin-containing LSB and their full guts were evident within 30min of feeding. The riboflavin content of Artemia could be increased from 55 ±  0.6 mg kg^− 1 (dw) to 329 ± 62 mg kg^− 1 (dw) after 1h enrichment. LSB prepared with phospholipids are promising vehicles for enrichment of suspension-feeding organisms used as feed for larval marine fish and crustaceans as well as other suspension feeders.     

Effects of α-lipoic and ascorbic acid on the muscle and brain fatty acids and antioxidant profile of the South American pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus

The effects of dietary α-lipoic acid (LA) and vitamin C on the fatty acid (FA) composition in the brain and muscle and vitamins E and C levels in the brain were studied in the fish Piaractus mesopotamicus. A two-factorial design, where diets were devoid or supplemented with ascorbate (500 mg AA kg^− 1) and/or lipoic acid (1000 mg kg^− 1), was used. The levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n − 3, EPA) increased (P < 0.01) in muscle polar lipids (PL) in LA groups (6.93% ± 0.43 vs. 5.83% ± 0.40 and 6.68% ± 0.53 vs. 6.00% ± 0.39), and the same trend was also seen in the brain, however not significant. These changes are suggested to be caused by a change in lipid metabolism rather than being a direct effect of protection by LA against lipid peroxidation. No interaction of vitamin C and LA neither effects of LA on vitamin E (15.1-19.2 mg α-tocopherol g^− 1 tissue) or vitamin C (total AA, 41.7-89.8 μg g^− 1 tissue) in brain was detected.     

Effects of dietary vitamin C on survival, growth, and immunity of large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea

An 8 weeks growth experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary vitamin C on the survival, growth, tissue ascorbic acid contents and immunity of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) with initial weight of 17.82 ± 0.68 g. Seven practical diets were formulated to contain 0.1, 12.2, 23.8, 47.6, 89.7, 188.5 and 489.0 mg ascorbic acid equivalent kg^− 1 diet, supplied as l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (LAPP). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish in seawater floating cages (1.5 × 1.5 × 2.0 m), and each cage was stocked with 120 fish. Fish were fed twice daily (05:00 and 17:00) to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. The water temperature fluctuated from 19.5 to 25.5 °C, the salinity from 25 to 28‰ and dissolved oxygen content was approximately 7 mg l^− 1 during the experimental period. Results showed that the specific growth rate (SGR) (from 1.80 to 1.96% d^− 1) had an increasing trend with the increase of dietary vitamin C, but no significant difference was observed among dietary treatments. No gross deficiency signs were observed in any of the experimental fish. Survival rate, however, significantly increased with increasing dietary vitamin C (P < 0.05). The vitamin C contents in liver and muscle correlated positively with the vitamin C in diets. The vitamin C requirement was estimated to be 28.2 mg kg^− 1 based on survival, and 87.0 mg kg^− 1 on liver content of vitamin C. The activities of serum lysozyme and alternative complement pathway (ACP), phagocytosis percentage (PP) and respiratory burst activity of head kidney significantly increased with increasing dietary vitamin C. The challenge experiment with Vibrio harveyi showed that fish fed the diets with supplementation of vitamin C had significantly lower cumulative mortality compared to the control group (66.7%), and the cumulative mortality (16.7%) in fish with 489.0 mg kg^− 1 ascorbic acid was significantly lower than that (41.7%) in fish with 23.8 mg kg^− 1 ascorbic acid. These results suggested that vitamin C significantly influenced the immune response and disease resistance of large yellow croaker.     

Inducing relaxation in the queen conch Strombus gigas (L.) for cultured pearl production

Five potential relaxant chemicals were evaluated: 2-phenoxyethanol, menthol crystals, benzocaine, MS-222, and magnesium chloride to induce relaxation in the queen conch for cultured pearl production. S. gigas were exposed to each chemical and were observed continuously for 30 min. Conch were placed on the bottom of the container with the aperture facing upwards (i.e., in an inverted position). When conch returned to their ‘normal’ position, they were turned facing upwards again. This process continued until conch were unable to return to their normal position. Only 30 g L^− 1 magnesium chloride induced adequate relaxation in S. gigas to attempt pearl seeding. Conch exposed to all other treatments, except 0.25 g L^− 1 menthol, showed a strong ‘kicking’ (escape) reaction during the initial 2 min to 7 min of exposure. After such reaction, conch retracted into their shells and within the 30 min exposure period they showed no signs of relaxation. Conch exposed to 0.25 g L^− 1 menthol did not attempt to right but slowly retracted into their shells and did not show signs of relaxation. Conch can be relaxed in 20 min with magnesium chloride. They showed an extended mantle, a relaxed foot and a slow response to physical manipulation.     

Effect of temperature and photoperiod on the growth, feed consumption, and biochemical content of juvenile green abalone, Haliotis fulgens, fed on a balanced diet

Juvenile green abalone, Haliotis fulgens (31.3 ± 0.1 mm, 3.7 ± 0.04 g live weight) were reared in laboratory for six months in order to determine their survival, growth, tissue composition, feed consumption (C), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) under two temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C) and three photoperiods (00:24, 12:12 and 24:00 light:dark hours). Survival was ca. 100% at 20 °C, and between 68% and 75% at 25 °C. The highest gross growth rate (109 ± 4.3 μm d^− 1, 69 ± 3.9 mg d^− 1) was observed in abalone from the combination 20 °C-00:24 L:D. Slowest GGR (38 ± 4.1 μm d^− 1, 26 ± 1.5 mg d^− 1) was observed in the combination 25 °C-24:00 L:D. Organisms from 25 °C exhibited signs of the withering syndrome at the end of the experiment. Gross energy content (4.4 to 4.6 kcal g^− 1 tissue dry wt, TDW) and crude protein (60 to 68% TDW) were not significantly affected by either temperature or photoperiod, but organisms from 20 °C exhibited lower moisture content (86.8 to 88.6%) and higher tissue:shell ratio (0.34-0.40) than those from 25 °C (88.9 to 92.1%; 0.22-0.31 respectively). Feed consumption markedly increased at night, decreased with age, and was higher at 25 °C than 20 °C, irrespective of photoperiod. Highest C was observed under continuous darkness (0.66 to 0.95% BW d^− 1 at 20 °C and 0.84 to 1.25% BW d^− 1 at 25 °C), and was lowest under continuous light (0.50 to 0.82% BW d^− 1 at 20 °C and 0.71 to 1.02% BW d^− 1 at 25 °C). FCR and PER were both affected by temperature but not by photoperiod. Higher PER (2.2 to 3.4) and lower FCR values (0.69 to 1.05) were observed at 20 °C, when compared to 25 °C (PER 1.35 to 2.09, FCR 1.10 to 1.86). Sex ratios were ca. 1:1 in the 00:24 and 12:12 L:D photoperiods, yet ca. 50% of abalone from the 24:00 L:D photoperiod were immature at the end of the experiment. It is concluded that H. fulgens can be best cultured at 20 °C and 00:24 or 12:12 L:D regimes, while sustained temperatures at or above 25 °C may result in cumulative stress, altered physiological rhythms, and delayed maturation.     

Growth performance of the rotifers Brachionus plicatilis, B. ‘Nevada’ and B. ‘Cayman’ under different food concentrations

Numerical response experiments were conducted using three strains of the Brachionus plicatilis species complex. They are commonly used in aquaculture, and could also coexist in nature although this has not been studied yet. Brachionus plicatilis sensu stricto (s.s.), B. ‘Cayman’ and B. ‘Nevada’ were cultured at different concentrations of Nannochloropsis oculata (0-40 mg C l^− 1). Growth rate, egg female ratio (EF), fecundity and percentage of ovigerous females were determined at each food concentration. From the growth rate and EF, the egg development time and mortality rate were estimated using the Paloheimo equation. Monod curves with a threshold for zero growth described the relationship between growth rate and food concentration. The three strains had different growth rates at low (< 0.04 mg C l^− 1) and high (> 5.0 mg C l^− 1) food concentrations, but were similar at intermediate food levels. B. ‘Cayman’ had the highest maximum growth rate (1.57 ± 0.07 d^− 1), whereas B. plicatilis s.s. had the less negative minimum growth rate and the highest maximum EF (0.96 ± 0.02 eggs ind^− 1). These differences were attributed to the lowest egg development time of B. ‘Cayman’ (5.95 ± 0.24 h) and the higher starvation resistance of B. plicatilis s.s. (84 ± 12 h), respectively. B. ‘Nevada’ was the inferior competitor at high and low food concentrations due to the higher investment in body growth rather than reproduction. The outcome of competition in hatcheries is predicted to favor B. ‘Cayman’ under high food concentrations, whereas the three species may coexist under moderate food limitation.     

Rearing of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and vundu catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis) in traditional fish ponds (whedos): Effect of stocking density on growth, production and body composition

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (initial body weight: 34.8 ± 4.8 g) and vundu catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis) (initial body weight: 39.1 ± 8.2 g) fingerlings were stocked at densities of 4, 6 or 8 fish m^− 3 in traditional fish ponds (whedos) constructed in the floodplain of the Oueme River (South Benin, West Africa), for 70 days from March to June 2005. Fish were fed twice a day with 34% crude protein feed formulated with locally available ingredients. The effects of stocking density were evaluated in growth responses, gross production and body composition. Water quality variables were similar (p > 0.05) in all compartments. Temperature and pH were at the optimum level for fish. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 0.9 to 1.2 mg l^− 1 during the experiment and secchi disc transparency was low (< 14 cm). In both species, growth responses increased with the increasing density, significantly in African catfish stocked at density of 8 fish m^− 3 compared to the other densities (4 and 6 fish m^− 3) but not significantly in vundu catfish. Production data ranged from 3.1 ± 0.5 to 22.8 ± 4.5 t ha^− 1 year^− 1 in African catfish and from 6.1 ± 1.2 to 15.1 ± 3.1 t ha^− 1 year^− 1 in vundu catfish. Production increased with increasing stocking densities but only significantly (p < 0.05) between the density of 8 fish m^− 3 and the other densities. In both species, carcass fat increased with increasing density (p < 0.05) while carcass protein and moisture decreased (p > 0.05). These results are important because they indicate that, as far as growth rate and production are concerned, African catfish is more profitable than vundu catfish for culture at high density in whedo.     

Effect of temperature on growth and energy budget of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Growth and energy budget of juvenile cobia (initial body weight ∼ 22 g) at various temperatures (23, 27, 31 and 35 °C) were investigated in this study. Maximal ration level (RL_max, %/day) increased as temperature (T, °C) increased from 23 °C to 31 °C but decreased at 35 °C, described as a quadratic equation: RL_max = −0.023T² + 1.495T − 17.52. Faecal production (f, mg g^− 1 day^− 1) increased with increased temperature (T, °C), described as a power function: lnf = 0.738lnT − 0.806. As temperature increased, feed absorption efficiency in dry weight (FAE_d, %), protein (FAE_p, %) and energy (FAE_e, %) all increased first and then decreased, but the variation of feed absorption efficiency was small, with ranges of 89.59-91.08%, 92.91-94.71%, 93.92-95.32%, respectively. Specific growth rate in wet weight (SGR_w, %/day), dry weight (SGR_d, %/day), protein (SGR_p, %/day) and energy (SGR_e, %/day) showed a domed curve relative to temperature (T, °C), described as quadratic equations: SGR_w = − 0.068T² + 3.878T − 50.53, SGR_d = − 0.079T² + 4.536T −59.64, SGR_p = − 0.084T² + 4.783T − 63.08 and SGR_e = − 0.082T² + 4.654T − 60.99, and SGR_w, SGR_d, SGR_p and SGR_e maximized at 28.5 °C, 28.6 °C, 28.4 °C, 28.5 °C, respectively, as calculated from the regression equations. The relationships between feed conversion efficiency in wet weight (FCE_w, %), dry weight (FCE_d, %), protein (FCE_p, %), energy (FCE_e, %) and temperature (T, °C) also took on a domed curve described as quadratic equations: FCE_w = − 0.726T² + 39.71T − 473.8, FCE_d = − 0.276T² + 15.31T − 190.6, FCE_p = − 0.397T² + 22.05T − 277.9 and FCE_e = − 0.350T² + 19.39T − 239.9, and FCE_w, FCE_d, FCE_p and FCE_e maximized at 27.4 °C, 27.8 °C, 27.7 °C and 27.7 °C, respectively, as calculated from the regression equations. Energy budget of juvenile cobia fed satiation was 100C = 5F + 67(U + R) + 28G at water temperature 27 °C and 100C = 5F + 70(U + R) + 25G at water temperature 31 °C, where C is food energy, F is faeces energy, (U + R) is excretion energy and metabolism energy, and G is growth energy.     

Effect of saponin on hematological and immunological parameters of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Giant freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (17.9 ± 2.7 g), exposed to different concentrations of saponin at 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 mg l^− 1 for 168 h were examined for osmolality, electrolyte levels, oxyhemocyanin, protein levels, acid-base balance status, total hemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase activity, and respiratory bursts. Hemolymph oxyhemocyanin, protein, and pO₂ were inversely related to the saponin concentration. Hemolymph oxyhemocyanin, protein, pO₂, pCO₂, and pH of prawns exposed to 1.2 mg l^− 1 saponin were significantly lower than those of prawns exposed to 0.3 mg l^− 1 and control solutions. However, no significant difference was observed in osmolality or electrolyte levels of prawns exposed to different concentrations of saponin for 168 h. The THC of prawns following 168 h of exposure to 0.9 and 1.2 mg l^− 1 saponin increased, but the phenoloxidase activity decreased suggesting that the decrease in phenoloxidase activity under saponin stress was not a consequence of the increase in THC. We concluded that saponin at as low as 0.9 mg l^− 1 decreases the respiratory protein level and acid-base balance, and modulates the immune system of M. rosenbergii.     

First feeding of Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 paralarvae using Artemia: Effect of prey size, prey density and feeding frequency

Different assays related to the first feeding of Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 are compiled in this paper. They include: age at initial feeding age, prey size selection and optimal density, attack timing after feeding, and effect of dose number on the number of captures. Prey capture and ingestion processes were also analysed. Food supplied was cultured Artemia sp. Each assay lasted 15 min.Although paralarvae already start to feed on the hatching day (day 0), it is during day 2 when a greater number of attacks is recorded (81.7 ± 14.7% paralarvae attack). They mainly prefer (significance level α = 0.05) large Artemia, 1.4 ± 0.4 mm (77.0 ± 5.6% of the total attacks) than small Artemia, 0.8 ± 0.1 mm (23.0 ± 5.6%). There is also a slight predilection for the lowest Artemia concentration (33.3 ±12.6% paralarvae attack in a 0.1 Artemia ml^− 1 density, opposite 16.7 ± 7.6 and 18.3 ± 7.6% in densities of 0.5 and 1 Artemia ml^− 1 respectively). The greatest predatory activity is recorded during the first 5 min after food is supplied (72.2 ± 25.5%). An increase in the predatory activity was also observed when food was distributed in several doses instead of a single dose (75.0 ± 10.0% and 46.7 ± 17.6% respectively). It was proved for the first time that paralarvae completely ingest their preys (including their exoskeletons), in this case Artemia. Time needed for their total ingestion ranges between 4 and 10 min.     

Effects of moderately oxidized dietary lipid and the role of vitamin E on the development of skeletal abnormalities in juvenile Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

A study was conducted to characterize the effects of oxidized marine fish oil (MFO) on skeletal development in juvenile Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) and to determine the role of vitamin E on their bone health and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Juvenile halibut (4.5 ± 0.1 g) were fed six experimental diets containing untreated (peroxide value (POV)  =0.6 meq kg^− 1), mod`rately oxidized (POV = 7.5 meq kg^− 1) and highly oxidized (POV = 15 meq kg^− 1) MFO either with or without α-tocopherol acetate (0 or 300 IU kg^− 1) supplementation for 14 weeks. No significant effects on growth, survival, hepatosomatic indices, or hematocrit were observed among the dietary treatments. Fish fed diets without vitamin E and highly oxidized dietary lipids showed increased hepatic malonaldehyde concentrations indicating a response to oxidative stress. Both muscle and liver α-tocopherol concentrations were significantly lower in fish fed diets without vitamin E supplementation. Alkaline phosphatase levels in serum and bone were increased when vitamin E was present within the diet indicating higher bone formation activity by osteoblasts. Oxidized lipids and lack of dietary vitamin E significantly increased saturated and decreased polyunsaturated hepatic fatty acids. Liver lipids of fish fed diets without vitamin E also exhibited a lower ratio of 22:6n-3 to 22:5n-3 and n-3 fatty acids. The most frequent skeletal deformity observed was scoliosis, spanning the cephalic/prehemal regions, as well as the anterior hemal region of the vertebral column, which increased the frequency according to elevated levels of oxidized dietary lipid. Lordosis was also observed, with no specific pattern along the vertebral column. The pattern and type of abnormalities observed were similar to those reported in an earlier study in halibut from a commercial hatchery.     

The effects of fish hydrolysate (CPSP) level on Octopus maya (Voss and Solis) diet: Digestive enzyme activity, blood metabolites, and energy balance

As has been demonstrated in previous studies, Octopus maya can be fed on artificial diets. In the present study six different diets were assayed. Five diets were designed to test the effect of percentage of inclusion of fish protein concentrate (CPSP: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) and were offered to octopuses as a specifically designed artificial diet. The sixth diet consisted of frozen crab (Callinectes spp) and was used as control diet. Blood metabolites and energy budget of octopuses were evaluated to determine how CPSP levels modulate the digestive capacity and allow retaining energy for growth. Wild animals (316.4 ± 9.8 g) were used in the study. Results showed that CPSP produced a positive specific growth rate (SGR, % day^− 1) with high value in octopuses fed 15% CPSP level. A maximum growth rate of 0.86% day^− 1 was recorded in these animals, a value that is extremely low when compared with the SGR obtained when animals were fed fresh crab (3.7% day^− 1). In general, blood metabolites were affected by diet composition, indicating that some metabolites could reflect the nutritional and/or physiological status of octopus. Preliminary reference values for O. maya fed crab were found for glucose (0.09 ±0.02 mg/ml), lactate (0.004 ± 0.002 mg/ml), cholesterol (0.16 ± 0.02 mg/ml), acylglycerol (0.14 ± 0.01 mg/ml), protein (0.37 ± 0.04 mg/ml), hemocyanin (1.85 ± 0.04 mmol/l), and digestive gland glycogen (1.86 ± 0.3 mg/g). Total energy content can be used as an indicator of tissue metabolic reserves. In the present study, higher energy content in the digestive gland and muscle was observed in octopuses fed crab, followed by animals fed 15% CPSP. Results from the digestive gland indicated that the retained energy derived from glycogen, suggesting that lipids and protein were the main sources of variation linked with energy content. In general, digestive gland proteases activity and trypsin were induced in octopuses fed 15% CPSP. The capacity of O. maya juveniles to adjust their digestive enzymes to different types of food was evidenced. Essential amino acid content (EAA) of the diet was not a limiting factor. When dietary EAA profiles were compared with O. maya EAA profiles, all dietary EAA resulted in a higher concentration than whole body octopus composition. In the present study, all experimental groups ingested between 3300 and 4106 kJ wk^− 1 kg^− 1 without statistical differences among treatments, indicating that experimental diets were as attractive as crab. Differences were recorded in the proportion of absorbed energy (Ab, %) between CPSP-based and crab meat diets, suggesting digestion limitations associated with artificial diets. The present results indicate that the 15% CPSP diet had characteristics that stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce energetic costs associated with its digestion (HiE or SDA), channeling more biomass production than the other experimental diets.     

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) seed production in irrigated rice-fields in Northwest Bangladesh—an approach appropriate for poorer farmers?

Participatory research was conducted with poorer farmers in two communities, Girai (G) and Bahagili (B) in NW Bangladesh to assess the production of Nile tilapia seed in irrigated spring rice-fields. All the selected households (G = 15; B = 4) had previous experience producing common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the rice-fields allocated a separate plot in which a deeper area had been excavated for this trial. Mature GIFT strain Nile tilapia (12 female and 6 male; 121 ± 34 g and 158 ± 54 g size, respectively) were supplied to each household irrespective of the size of their trial plot (mean < 0.15 ha). The trial started in the spring rice season (boro) in February and ended at the end of main season (amon) in December 1999. Management practices, production and sales of fish were monitored weekly.The majority of farmers succeeded in producing fingerlings in their plots; 11% failed totally but around 70% produced more than 2000 fingerlings from a single plot. Production during boro and fallow period was much higher (> 90% total) than during the subsequent amon crop (< 10% total). Total production was highly variable among households but not different between the two study areas (G = 4092 ± 3277; B = 3730 ± 4232 fingerlings household^− 1). Daily production of fingerlings per unit area was relatively low (< 1 fish m^− 2 day^− 1) but efficiency of production was high, averaging 17.3 fingerlings. kg^− 1 female day^− 1. Mean individual harvest weight was 21 g.Most fingerlings were sold (43%) and/or stocked for further culture in their own grow-out system (39%), but some were used directly for household consumption (17%).     

Nutrient digestibilities and gut function in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed diets with cellulose or non-starch polysaccharides from soy

Duplicate groups of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), kept in saltwater, were fed fish meal based cold-pelleted diets where graded levels of native or extruded non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) from soybeans replaced cellulose, at a total NSP level of 100 g kg^− 1 for 28 days. The study also included a diet where defatted soybean meal (SBM) constituted the NSP at a level of 100 g kg^− 1 and a reference diet without NSP supplementation.The SBM diet resulted in a significant reduction in faecal dry matter content, apparent digestibilities of starch and organic material, and growth, and an increased faecal output of several elements (K, Na, Zn), compared to all the other diets. Morphological changes were only seen in the intestine of the fish fed the SBM, i.e. the diets holding purified soy-NSP did not induce enteritis. When compared to the diet without NSP, cellulose addition increased faecal dry matter, while inclusion of native soy-NSP reduced it. Dry matter in faeces and apparent digestibility of crude protein decreased in a linear manner, while the digestibility of starch and faecal output of K and Na increased linearly when native soy-NSP replaced graded levels of cellulose from 0 to 100 g kg^− 1 feed. When diets with 75 or 100 g kg^− 1 of native NSP and extruded soy-NSP were compared, fish fed native soy-NSP had reduced faecal dry matter, higher digestibility of starch, and increased faecal output of Cu, Fe, and K. Dry matter in faeces and faecal output of Cu was lower for the highest inclusion level, while digestibility of starch and faecal output of Mn and K were higher.In conclusion, soy-NSP was inert compared to the fish meal reference, with respect to nutrient digestibilities and intestinal pathologies, but affected faecal mineral excretion in Atlantic salmon.     

Effects of Echerichia coli lipopolysaccharides and dissolved ammonia on immune response in southern white shrimp Litopenaeus schmitti

The success of penaeid shrimp aquaculture has been limited by endemic and epidemic infectious diseases around the world and shrimp defense mechanisms are a priority for control, prevention, and diagnosis. The lethal dose (LD₅₀) of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides was calculated and pathogen injection and dissolved ammonia concentration on immune response were evaluated in southern white shrimp Litopenaeus schmitti. The lethal dose of lipopolysacharides was 3.78 mg kg^− 1 body weight. Injection caused changes in phenoloxidase activity in plasma and nitric oxide and total haemocyte counts within the first 24 h. High concentration of dissolved ammonia caused a decrease in haemocytes by 66% within the first 72 h, when compared to the control. Hemagglutination in plasma was not affected by injection or high concentrations of dissolved ammonia. The results showed that white shrimp recognized the lipopolysacharides and responded to this microbial elicitor, as indicated by a variety of immunological indicators and that increased dissolved ammonia affected the number of circulating haemocytes.     

Ammonia toxicity and its effect on the growth of the South African abalone Haliotis midae Linnaeus

The current study investigated acute toxicity to ammonia of the South African abalone, Haliotis midae, from three size classes relevant to mariculture operations, and the chronic impact of sub-lethal ammonia levels on growth of juvenile abalone.Results showed that tolerance to ammonia (at pH 7.8 and T_a = 15 °C) increases with body size (i.e. age) as indicated by 36 h LC₅₀ values: juvenile abalone (1-2.5 cm shell length) had the lowest LC₅₀ of 9.8 μg l^− 1 FAN, whereas LC₅₀ was 12.9 μg l^− 1 FAN in “cocktail”-size abalone (5-8 cm shell length). The highest LC₅₀ of 16.4 μg l^− 1 FAN was observed in “brood stock”-size animals (10-15 cm). When “cocktail”-size abalone were allowed to acclimatize to sub-lethal ammonia levels for 48 h, their ammonia tolerance increased compared with non-acclimatized abalone of the same size: LC₅₀ was 2.0 μg l^− 1 FAN higher at 14.8 μg l^− 1 FAN.Growth of juvenile abalone (1-2.5 cm shell length) during chronic exposure to sub-lethal FAN levels is inhibited: specific growth rate (SGR) is significantly reduced by 58.7% to 0.10 ± 0.03% d^− 1 (weight) compared with 0.24 ± 0.06% d^− 1 of abalone of a control group (no ammonia).The results demonstrate the negative effects of ammonia not only on survival but also on growth of farmed abalone, both impair profitability of the farming operation. The information from the present study will be helpful in determining water quality requirements in South African abalone farms.     

Growth, survival and biochemical composition of spider crab Maja brachydactyla (Balss, 1922) (Decapoda: Majidae) larvae reared under different stocking densities, prey:larva ratios and diets

The spider crab Maja brachydactyla is overexploited on the NW coast of Spain. Aquaculture of this species can be the solution to the problem, and consequently, several attempts of intensive larval rearing have been conducted. However, most of the studies already published do not provide enough zoo technical data, especially in terms of larval and prey densities or the nutritional quality of diets used for rearing.Three experiments were carried out to evaluate the conditions for intensive larval rearing of M. brachydactyla. Larval stocking density (10, 50 and 100 larvae L^− 1), prey:larva ratio (15, 30 and 60 enriched Artemia larva^− 1) and diet (enriched Artemia, non-enriched Artemia and polychaete supplement) effects on growth and survival of this species were studied. For larval culture nine, 35 L, 150 μm mesh-bottomed PVC cylinders (triplicates for each treatment and larval stage) connected to a recirculation unit, were used. Temperature and salinity were kept constant at 18 °C and 36‰ respectively. A 12 to 18 day trial was conducted for each experiment and samples of larvae were collected at each larval stage (zoea I, zoea II, megalopa) in the inter-molt phase and at first juvenile. Survival, carapace length and width, dry weight (DW), and proximate biochemical content (protein, carbohydrates and total lipid) as well as lipid class composition were determined.Stocking densities of 100 larvae L^− 1 resulted in higher growth in DW and higher content in lipids and protein for zoea I (ZI) and zoea II (ZII) than 10 larvae L^− 1. However, survival decreased with increasing stocking density.The use of 60 preys larva^− 1 produced larvae with significantly higher DW and protein content, especially at ZII stage, than lower prey densities. Survival rate obtained feeding 60 preys larva^− 1 up to the megalopa stage was almost two-fold (42.2%) the rate obtained using 15 preys larva^− 1 (24.8%).Larvae fed on enriched Artemia (EA) showed an increase in weight up to megalopa (518.9 ± 26.5 μg) in contrast to larvae fed on non-enriched prey (A) (467.9 ± 6.9 μg). Variation in DW correlated with the total lipid content (L) of the larvae (L_EA = 70.1 ± 37.5 μg ind^− 1; L_A = 28.9 ± 3.2 μg ind^− 1) especially in terms of neutral lipids. The use of an initial density of at least 50 larvae L^− 1 and 60 enriched Artemia larva^− 1 can be considered the most adequate rearing parameters in order to obtain good results in growth and survival of M. brachydactyla.     

Gill ATPase activities of silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus (Mitchell), and golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Richardson): Effects of environmental salt and ammonia

The Australian freshwater fish, silver and golden perch, are increasingly being used for aquaculture. Addition of salt to water is commonly used in commercial aquaculture to reduce stress attributed to high ammonia concentrations. The activities in gill homogenates of ouabain-sensitive Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and NEM-sensitive ATPases (as a measure of H⁺-ATPases) of silver and golden perch were measured after maintaining the fish in water containing different salt and ammonia concentrations. Six treatments were applied in a 2 × 3 factorial design: two salt treatments, low salt (LS) of 2.5 g l^− 1 and high salt (HS) 5 g l^− 1, and three ammonia treatments, no added ammonia (NA), low ammonia (LA), 3 mg total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) l^− 1 and high ammonia (HA), 5 mg TAN l^− 1. In both species, activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was lowest in fish kept in the LSNA treatment (7.4 ± 0.4 μmol Pi mg protein^− 1 h^− 1 for silver perch and 3.1 ± 0.6 for golden perch) and highest in the HSHA treatment (15.2 ± 1.0 μmol Pi mg^− 1 protein h^− 1 for silver and 8.4 ± 1.2 for golden perch). In both species there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity with increase in salt concentration and with an increase in ammonia concentrations. A significant interaction (P < 0.036) between salt and ammonia on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was observed in silver but not in golden perch. In contrast, the lowest activity for NEM-sensitive ATPase was observed in the HSNA treatment (1.0 ± 0.2 μmol Pi mg^− 1 protein h^− 1 for silver and 1.5 ± 0.4 for golden perch) and highest in LSHA treatment (2.9 ± 0.4 μmol Pi mg^− 1 protein h^− 1 for silver and 3.6 ± 1.2 for golden perch). In both species there was a significant decrease in NEM-sensitive ATPase activity with increase in salt concentration and an increase in activity with increase in ammonia (P < 0.003). In silver perch, a significant interaction between the treatments was observed (P < 0.02). The results suggest that in these species of freshwater fish the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase has a role in salt and ammonia homeostasis and that the NEM-sensitive ATPases are more active in fish kept in water with a lower salt content. It is possible that the increase in ammonia resistance when salt is added to the environmental water in commercial aquaculture systems may be due to the effects of salt on gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity rather than the NEM-sensitive ATPases.     

Sedimentation from mussel (Perna canaliculus) culture in the Firth of Thames, New Zealand: Impacts on sediment oxygen and nutrient fluxes

Shellfish aquaculture is growing worldwide and previous studies have shown a range of associated environmental impacts. In the Firth of Thames, New Zealand, there are more than 2000 ha of existing and approved farm area with applications pending for approximately another 6000 ha, however, no previous studies have examined the impacts of mussel culture in this region. To determine the impact of a mussel farm (45 ha) in the Firth of Thames we measured sedimentation rates by deploying sediment traps, sediment characteristics by collecting sediment cores and sediment oxygen and nutrient fluxes by deploying benthic chambers in four seasons. Sedimentation under the farm was increased by 106 g m^− 2 d^− 1 compared to the reference site. Similarly sediments under the farm had elevated organic carbon, nitrogen, chlorophyll a and phaeopigment concentrations indicative of the additional organic input due to bivalve biodeposition. Oxygen consumption was higher under the farm compared to a reference site (1.1-2.1×) but this increase was only significant (p < 0.001) in summer when rates reached 3083 μmol m^− 2 h^− 1 under the farm. Ammonia release rates ranged from 80 to 319 μmol m^− 2 h^− 1 and were higher under the farm compared to the reference site in spring (1.8×, non-significant p = 0.588) and autumn (3×, significant p = 0.006) but in summer release rates at the reference site (275 μmol m^− 2 h^− 1) were 1.4× higher than those under the farm. Nitrate fluxes (3.1 to 21.8 μmol m^− 2 h^− 1) were significantly (p = 0.001) higher at the farm site. Oxygen and nutrient fluxes generally demonstrated the typical response to increased organic input due to sedimentation from mussel culture. Unusually low nitrogen release rates in summer may indicate enhanced denitrification under the farm. Benthic regeneration at the reference site could supply 74% of nitrogen required by pelagic primary producers whereas under the farm it could account for 94%. This demonstrates the importance of benthic nutrient regeneration in this region and that mussel culture can lead to a redistribution of nutrients. The farm we studied is small and located in a high-energy environment and impacts from larger farms or in areas where biodeposit dispersal is limited are likely to be even more significant and we suggest that site-specific hydrodynamic and biogeochemical conditions have to be taken into account when planning new mussel farms to prevent excessive modifications of nutrient dynamics.