长江口及其邻近水域春季虻鲉的食性

采用碳氮稳定同位素技术和聚类分析法对春季长江口及其邻近海域虻鲉(Erisphex potti)的饵料组成、摄食随体长的变化进行研究,结果表明:(1)虻鲉的食物由大于900 μm的浮游动物、细螯虾(Leptochela gracilis)、太平洋褶柔鱼 (Todarodes pacificus)、双喙耳乌贼 (Sepiola birostrata)、火枪乌贼(Loligo beka)、日本枪乌贼(Loligo japonica)、脊腹褐虾(Crangon affinis)和仔稚鱼组成,优势饵料为浮游动物,其重量贡献率为69%～75%.(2)虻鲉的食物组成及摄食量在体长为60 mm时发生较大变化,脊腹褐虾、仔稚鱼及软体动物等饵料对体长大于60 mm的虻鲉的贡献率增大,增幅为1%～12%.     

浙江南部近海两种石首鱼科鱼类的摄食习性及其食性重叠

对 2020 年 8 月、11 月和 2021 年 1 月在浙江南部近海进行的底拖网调查采集的 287 尾白姑鱼(Pennahia argentata)和 204 尾黑姑鱼(Atrobucca nibe)胃含物样品进行分析, 采用聚类分析等统计方法研究了这两种石首鱼科鱼类(Sciaenidae)的食物组成、摄食习性随体长变化及饵料重叠情况。结果表明, 浙江南部近海白姑鱼摄食饵料生物 48 种, 主要摄食桡足类(Copepoda), 以哲水蚤(Calanus)居多。黑姑鱼摄食饵料生物 43 种, 主要摄食鱼类(Pisces) 和虾类(Decapoda), 优势饵料种类为七星底灯鱼(Benthosema pterotum)。随着体长的增加, 两种石首鱼摄食的主要饵料生物均由浮游动物等小型饵料生物转向鱼类和虾类等大型饵料生物, 摄食强度也随之变化, 白姑鱼的摄食强度随着体长增加而逐渐降低, 而黑姑鱼的摄食强度随着体长增加呈先下降后上升的趋势。两种石首鱼的营养生态位宽度存在较大差异, 其中黑姑鱼的营养生态位宽度(3.06)高于白姑鱼(1.82), 二者间的整体饵料重叠系数为 0.22, 但在部分体长组中存在较大的饵料重叠, 这表明浙江南部近海白姑鱼与黑姑鱼在部分生长阶段有发生食物竞争的可能。     

新疆克孜勒河5种土著鱼食性分析

为探究克孜勒河 5 种土著鱼食物组成及其营养级, 本研究选取采自于克孜勒河的塔里木裂腹鱼(Schizothorax biddulphi)、宽口裂腹鱼(Schizothorax eurystomus)、厚唇裂腹鱼(Schizothorax irregularis)、叶尔羌高原鳅(Triplophysa yarkandensis)和长身高原鳅(Triplophysa tenuis) 5 种鱼样品共 46 尾作为研究对象, 运用传统形态学方法, 对样品 5 个摄食器官形态性状进行分析, 通过高通量测序技术分析其肠道食物组成, 并测定了碳、氮稳定同位素以分析其营养级。研究结果显示, 3 种裂腹鱼属鱼类摄食器官形态较为相近, 2 种高原鳅摄食器官形态基本一致; 厚唇裂腹鱼肠长比约为 2.95, 主要食物来源于初级生产者, 包括刚毛柽柳(Tamarix hispida)、野大豆(Glycine soja)和白刺(Nitraria tangutorum)等; 宽口裂腹鱼肠长比较短, 约为 2.56, 食物以初级生产者为主, 如二穗短柄草(Brachypodium distachyon), 也会捕食一些小型鱼类; 塔里木裂腹鱼肠长比较短, 约为 2.38, 食物以裂腹鱼属鱼类为主, 其次为白柠檬(Citrus latifolia); 叶尔羌高原鳅与长身高原鳅比肠长均小于 1, 肠道中裂腹鱼属鱼类丰度达到 95%以上; 塔里木裂腹鱼、宽口裂腹鱼和厚唇裂腹鱼营养级分别为 3.19、2.78 和 2.52, 叶尔羌高原鳅与长身高原鳅营养级为 3.44 和 3.55; 综合判断厚唇裂腹鱼属植食性鱼类, 宽口裂腹鱼为杂食性偏植食性鱼类, 塔里木裂腹鱼为杂食性偏肉食性鱼类, 叶尔羌高原鳅和长身高原鳅为肉食性鱼类。本研究拓展了对克孜勒河食物网的认识, 探明克孜勒河鱼类食物关系和营养级, 为克孜勒河鱼类资源保护及合理利用提供基础数据。     

黄海南部、东海北部小黄鱼饵料组成和摄食强度的变化

根据2001~2004年收集的黄海南部、东海北部的小黄鱼样品,应用研究鱼类摄食习性的常用方法,对小黄鱼的饵料组成和摄食强度的变化进行了研究。结果表明,小黄鱼摄食的饵料种类多达24种,鱼类和甲壳类是其主要的饵料类群,两者在食物中所占的重量百分比之和为93.7%。小黄鱼在不同生活时期的饵料种类和摄食强度变化较大。越冬期的摄食强度最低,为弱摄食期,3月以脊腹褐虾和七星底灯鱼为主;产卵期的摄食强度较高,为中强摄食期,产卵盛期的4月以长额刺糠虾和脊腹褐虾为主,产卵后期的5月以中华假磷虾、鰕虎鱼科和细长脚虫戎为主;索饵期的摄食强度较高,为强摄食期,6月以四盘耳乌贼、长蛸幼体、尖牙鲈和脊腹褐虾为主,7月以蓝圆鲹和虾蛄为主,10月以细条天竺鲷和带鱼幼鱼为主,11月以七星底灯鱼为主,12月以七星底灯鱼和鹰爪虾为主。与20世纪60年代初研究结果比较发现,小黄鱼食物组成发生很大的变化,由以往的浮游动物为主演变为目前的游泳动物为主;产卵时和刚产卵完的群体的摄食需求强烈,较以往的产卵群体停止摄食或少量摄食存在很大差异。     

闽南渔场沿海仔稚鱼时空分布特征及影响因子

为探明闽南渔场沿海仔稚鱼时空分布特征及与环境因子的相关关系, 根据2022 年5 月(春季)、2022 年11月(秋季)、2023 年2 月(冬季)以及2023 年7 月(夏季)开展的4 个航次仔稚鱼调查资料, 研究该海域仔稚鱼的种类组成、数量分布、群落结构和多样性, 探讨闽南渔场海域的水文特征与仔稚鱼分布的相关关系。结果显示: (1) 4 个航次共采集仔稚鱼1114 尾, 隶属于9 目40 科87 种, 其中鲈形目(Perciformes)数量最多, 占研究海域仔稚鱼总数量的65.26%;夏季仔稚鱼丰度最高, 种类数最多, 秋季仔稚鱼丰度最低, 种类数最少; 各季度间优势种差异明显, 无公共优势种。(2) 闽南渔场沿海仔稚鱼群聚的组成各季节存在显著差异, 春−夏、夏−秋、秋−冬和冬−春的季节物种更替率依次为88.46%、98.15%、100.00%、92.11%。多样性分析结果显示, 仔稚鱼Margalef 丰富度指数(D)和Shannon-Wiener多样性指数(Hʹ)均夏季最高, 但Pielou 均匀度指数(Jʹ)冬季最高。(3) 仔稚鱼群落结构相似性分析表明, 春季、夏季和冬季各站位仔稚鱼群聚划分明显, 春季仔稚鱼群落可分为近岸类群和近海类群2 个群组, 夏季和冬季仔稚鱼群落均可分为近岸类群、近海I 类群和近海II 类群3 个群组。(4) 仔稚鱼时空分布与环境因子的相关性分析表明, 不同站位间盐度变化和季节间的温度变化是影响仔稚鱼时空分布的主要原因。本研究结果可为研究闽南渔场渔业资源的补充机制及制定渔业资源养护与管理措施提供科学依据。     

长江鲟早期发育阶段肠道菌群塑造机制

为探究人工养殖条件下长江鲟(Acipenser dabryanus)早期发育过程中的肠道菌群塑造机制, 通过高通量测序技术, 开展长江鲟早期发育阶段肠道菌群与生物饵料水蚯蚓的微生物群落结构特征及相关性分析。结果显示, 在门分类水平, 长江鲟未开口摄食阶段肠道优势菌门以变形菌门(Proteobacteria)为主, 开口摄食第 10~40 天期间以变形菌门和厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)为主。在属分类水平, 未开口摄食至开口摄食第 20 天期间肠道菌群较为单一, 潘多拉菌属(Pandoraea)占比绝对优势地位, 占比超过 88%; 开口摄食第 30 天, 长江鲟肠道菌群发生重组, 物种丰富度和多样性达到峰值, 主要优势菌属变为柠檬酸杆菌属(Citrobacter)、乳球菌属(Lactococcus)、邻单胞菌属(Plesiomonas)、 葡萄球菌属(Staphylococcus)、气单胞菌属(Aeromonas)和克雷伯氏菌属(Klebsiella)。Procrustes 分析显示, 开口摄食第 40 天长江鲟肠道菌群与生物饵料水蚯蚓微生物群落组成趋于一致性, 呈现极显著相关(P＜0.01)。进一步通过 SourceTracker 物种来源分析发现, 长江鲟肠道微生物群落中开口摄食第 10 天有 18.97%来源于生物饵料水蚯蚓, 开口摄食第 20 天下降至 0.15%, 开口摄食第 30 天上升至 51.22%, 而在开口摄食第 40 天高达 97.55%。本研究表明, 采用生物饵料水蚯蚓投喂长江鲟, 开口摄食第 30 天是其早期发育阶段肠道菌群的转折点, 肠道菌群特征发生改变, 由高度的保守性转变为良好的可塑性。继续投喂至第 40 天, 其肠道菌群与生物饵料微生物群落表现出高度的一致性。研究结果为长江鲟早期发育阶段肠道菌群调控和健康养殖提供了参考依据。     

东海中北部小眼绿鳍鱼食性的季节变化

根据2008年5月~2009年2月收集到的小眼绿鳍鱼胃含物样品,对其摄食习性的季节变化进行了研究。结果表明,小眼绿鳍鱼全年摄食的饵料种类数共有93种,磷虾类、长尾类和鱼类为其主要饵料类群。其食物组成存在季节差异,春季小眼绿鳍鱼以太平洋磷虾、脊腹褐虾和鳀鱼为主要食物;夏季以细巧仿对虾、脊腹褐虾、口虾姑和葛氏长臂虾为主要食物;秋季以太平洋磷虾、戴氏赤虾、细螯虾和鳀鱼为主要食物;冬季以鳀鱼、细螯虾、褐菖鲉和对虾为主要食物。摄食强度的季节变化呈显著差异(P0.05),春季最高,夏季最低;各个季节的主要饵料类群组成存在差异,但长尾类和鱼类在四个季节都有分布。通过与历史资料进行比较发现,东海小眼绿鳍鱼的食物组成与饵料生物的季节变化息息相关。     

东海中北部小眼绿鳍鱼的食物组成及摄食习性的体长变化

应用聚类分析和单因素方差分析等方法.对2008年5月至2009年2月东海中北部小眼绿鳍鱼(Chelidonichthys spinosus)的食物组成及摄食习性的体长变化进行了研究.结果表明.小眼绿鳍鱼摄食的饵料种类有93种.优势饵料种类有太平洋磷虾(Euphausia pacifica)、细巧仿对虾(Parapenaeopsis tenella)、脊腹褐虾(Crangonafnis)和六丝矛尾虾虎鱼(Chaeturichths hexanema).摄食强度有明显的体长变化.同时主要饵料类群组成也有明显的体长差异.鱼类饵料的质量百分比随着体长的增大而增大.尤其当体长大于200 mm后.鱼类成为最重要的饵料类群.而糠虾类的比例则减少.另外.平均单个饵料的质量则随着体长的增大而增大.这符合"最佳摄食理论".聚类分析的结果表明.小眼绿鳍鱼在体长达到100 mm时.摄食范围由狭食性逐步向广食性转变.可以认为小眼绿鳍鱼食性的转变与其体长密切相关.     

北黄海细纹狮子鱼摄食生态的初步研究

根据2007年秋季在北黄海进行的定点底拖网调查,对细纹狮子鱼(Liparis tanakae)的摄食生态进行了初步研究。北黄海的细纹狮子鱼在秋季主要以虾类和底层鱼类为食,属于底栖动物食性鱼类,其优势饵料生物是脊腹褐虾(Crangon affinis)。在调查海域最北部的1号站位,细纹狮子鱼还摄食了较多的大泷六线鱼(Hexagrammos otakii)鱼卵。典范对应分析(CCA)表明,水深、经度、纬度和体长对细纹狮子鱼的食物组成有显著影响(P0.05),而性别和性腺成熟度则没有显著影响(P0.05)。脊腹褐虾体长与细纹狮子鱼体长之间呈显著的正相关(r=0.326,P0.05),而中华安乐虾(Eualus sinensis)体长与细纹狮子鱼体长之间没有显著的相关关系(r=0.219,P0.05);脊腹褐虾(r=-0.372,P0.01)和中华安乐虾(r=-0.799,P0.01)体长与细纹狮子鱼体长的比率与细纹狮子鱼体长之间均呈极显著的负相关关系。细纹狮子鱼的胃总质量和空胃质量均随着体长的增加呈指数增长。     

珠江下游7种典型鲤科鱼类摄食器官形态特征比较

为探究鲤科鱼类的摄食器官形态差异, 以珠江下游的海南鲌(Culter recurviceps)、鲤(Cyprinus carpio)、广东鲂(Megalobrama terminalis)、赤眼鳟(Squaliobarbus curriculus)、草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)、鲮(Cirrhinus molitorella)和鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) 7 种典型鲤科鱼类为研究对象, 基于形态解剖和多元分析等方法, 比较了这 7 种鱼类外部和内部摄食器官形态的特征差异。结果显示, 7 种鲤科鱼类外部摄食器官形态的种间差异主要体现在口裂宽、口裂高等与食物捕获有关的性状上, 内部摄食器官形态的种间差异主要体现在咽骨长、咽骨后肢长等与食物咀嚼有关的性状上, 内部摄食器官形态分化程度显著大于外部摄食器官。另外, 研究发现食性对鲤科鱼类内部摄食器官形态影响大于系统发育地位的影响, 外部摄食器官形态性状对于鱼类分类具有重要的参考价值。 本研究揭示了同域分布鲤科鱼类的摄食器官结构差异, 探讨了摄食器官形态结构与食性、系统演化地位的关系, 对于了解鲤科鱼类生态适应机制以及开展珠江鱼类资源保护具有重要意义。     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Growth hormone (GH) and reproduction: a review

Interaction between growth and reproduction occurs in many vertebrates and is particularly obvious at certain stages of the life cycle in fish. Endocrine interactions between the gonadotropic axis and the somatotropic axis are described, the potential role of GH being emphasised. A comparative analysis of these phenomena in mammals, amphibians and fish, suggests a specific role of GH in the physiology of puberty, gametogenesis and fertility. It also shows the original contribution made by studies on the fish model in this field of investigations.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Nitrogenous waste excretion and accumulation of urea and ammonia inChalcalburnus tarichi (Cyprinidae), endemic to the extremely alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Turkey)

The endemic, anadromous cyprinidChalcalburnus tarichi is the only fish species known to occur in alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). EightC. tarichi were maintained individually in Lake Van water (17 – 19°C; pH 9.8; 153 mEq·I^–1 total alkalinity; 22 total salinity) and tank water samples analyzed for 24 h in 2 to 4 h intervals. At zero time, < 1µM ammonia was present and urea was undetectable in the tank water; at 24 h, total ammonia and urea made up 114±32 and 35±25µM, respectively. Over the experimental period, ammonia-N and urea-N excretion averaged 1041±494 and 607±169moles·kg^–1 fish·h^–1, respectively. The extent of urea excretion was highly variable between specimens. Uric acid excretion was not detectable.Urea was present at high concentrations in all tissues and plasma (25 – 35moles·g^–1·ml^–1) of freshly caughtC. tarichi; total ammonia content of the tissues was by a factor of 1.9 (liver) to 3.0 (brain) lower. High arginase activity (2.4±0.2 U·min^–1·g^–1) was detected in the liver ofC. tarichi but ornithine carbamoylphosphate transferase, a key enzyme of the ornithine-urea-cycle, was absent. Ureagenesis is likely through degradation of arginine and/or uricolysis. High glutamine synthetase activity (11±0.6 U·min^–1·g^–1) and low ammonia content in brain suggest that, like other teleosts,C. tarichi has an efficient ammonia detoxification in the brain, but in no other tissue.Nitrogenous waste excretion at alkaline pH is discussed. The ability ofC. tarichi to excrete high levels of ammonia at extremely alkaline pH is unique among teleosts studied so far. The mechanism of ammonia excretion under Lake Van conditions remains to be elucidated.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.