Fatty acid and carotenoid composition of eggs from two nonanadromous Atlantic salmon stocks of cultured and wild origin

Two Swedish landlocked (nonanadromous) salmon (Salmo salar) stocks were investigated with the aim of characterising their egg fatty acid (FA) and carotenoid profiles. Fish from one of the stocks were also cultured over the past few decades as part of the Swedish program for genetic preservation, allowing a comparison between the eggs from females on a diet based on lipids of limnic (natural food chain) origin and eggs from females fed an artificial diet of marine origin. No significant differences in the FA profile of the phospholipid (PL) or triacylglycerol (TAG) fraction were found between the two wild stocks. The content of EPA (20:5n-3, eicosapentaenoic acid) in PL fraction was significantly higher in eggs from cultured females (13.0%) compared with eggs from both wild stocks (5.7 and 6.4%). Further, in PL fraction, AA (20:4n-6, arachidonic acid) levels in these eggs were significantly lower (2.4% versus 6.7 and 6.2%). The AA content of the TAG fraction differed greatly between wild (4.4 and 4.9%) and cultured (1.2%) eggs, whereas this fraction showed almost no corresponding difference in EPA content. The level of DHA (22:6n-3, docosahexaenoic acid) did not differ between the two wild stocks or between wild and cultured fish. This was in spite of widely different levels of DHA in the diet. The composition of carotenoids was altered in the cultured eggs which had a higher proportion and higher content (1.16 g egg^–1) of astaxanthin than the wild eggs (0.56 and 0.62 g egg^–1, respectively). Hatching success varied markedly between wild (>95%) and cultured fish (40–75%). We conclude that changes in the lipid source in the diet of female salmon during gonadal maturation will alter the egg fatty acid composition with an increased risk of disturbances in embryonic development as a consequence. Further, the lack of any difference between wild and cultured females in terms of their egg DHA content indicates that there is a strong genetic influence on levels of this fatty acid in salmon eggs.     

Effects of Using Live Grass Shrimp (Palaemonetes varians) as the only Source of Food for the Culture of Cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

The life cycle of cuttlefish fed ad libitum exclusively on live grass shrimp (Palaemonetes varians) was studied during 5 consecutive generations. Different culture temperatures promoted different (P < 0.05) exponential growth for each life cycle, being summer generations shorter than those of winter. Higher temperatures promoted higher IGR’s and mortality, while lower temperatures promoted increased life span, reproduction stages, total fecundity and total egg biomass. Increased generations also seemed to increase fertility. A “hybrid” generation promoted the best results in terms of hatchling weight, individual fecundity and fertility. Mean egg weight was related to female size and embryonic development took longer at lower temperatures. Brood stock sex ratios seemed to be temperature related. All of these culture aspects were also compared between themselves in order to establish future brood stock methodologies. Grass shrimp proved to be a good diet for the culture of cuttlefish throughout the life cycle. The use of only one species reduces costs and labor associated to cuttlefish culture.     

First multi-generation culture of the tropical cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, 1831

Sepiapharaonis, the pharaoh cuttlefish was cultured through multiplegenerations in the laboratory (5 consecutive generations) using closed,recirculating water filtration systems. The eggs of the original parentalgeneration (G_P) were spawned by a wild caught Gulf of Thailandfemale in alocal fisheries laboratory, then packed and shipped air cargo to Texas wherehatching occurred. The culture temperature ranged 25°–28°C, except for one generation that was chilled intentionallyto21 °C and then warmed to 25 °C after 9.6months. Spawning occurred as early as day 161. Spawning output was high in allgenerations except the group that was cultured at 21 °C. Eggfertility was low in captivity (< 20%), but hatchling survival was high(>70%). The average egg incubation time was 13.6 d at 25–28°C. The largest spawn resulted in 600 viable hatchlings andthesmallest resulted in 11 hatchlings. The cuttlefish ate a wide variety ofestuarine crustaceans and fishes as well as frozen shrimp. There were noapparent disease problems since survival from hatching to maturity was over70%.The average life span for cuttlefish cultured at 25–28°Cwas 8.9 months and 12.3 months at 21 °C. Size at hatching wasmeasured for fourth generation (G₄) hatchlings; the mean weight athatching was 0.103 g and the mean mantle length was 6.4mm. The largest cuttlefish cultured was a male 300 mmML and 3,045 g; the oldest cuttlefish lived 340 d.This cuttlefish species presents an excellent choice for commercial mariculturebecause of its rapid growth, short life span, tolerance to crowding andhandling, resistance to disease and feeding habits.     

A comparison of fatty acid composition and quality aspects of eggs and larvae from cultured and wild broodstock of common sole (Solea solea L.)

Eggs from a F₁ cultured broodstock of sole were compared with eggs from wild‐caught breeders throughout one spawning season, to evaluate if egg quality may be affected by culture‐related conditions. Fourteen batches of eggs from cultured broodstock and 17 batches from wild‐caught sole were compared with respect to fatty acid (FA) composition, egg size, fertilization rate and hatching rate. Based on a multivariate analysis of the FA profiles, it was possible to discriminate between culture and wild inheritance. Eggs from cultured broodstock had high levels of C20:1(n‐9), C18:2(n‐6) and C18:3(n‐3), whereas eggs from wild fish had high levels of C16:1(n‐7), C20:4(n‐6) and C20:5(n‐3). Differences in FA profiles were most likely related to dietary differences. Fertilization and hatching rates were generally low and lowest in eggs from cultured broodstock, but not related to FA composition. Larval growth of one batch from each group was compared. Larval growth was not correlated to broodstock origin, FA composition or egg or larval size. However, larval survival was significantly lower for larvae from cultured broodstock.     

First multi-generation culture of the tropical cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, 1831

Sepiapharaonis, the pharaoh cuttlefish was cultured through multiplegenerations in the laboratory (5 consecutive generations) using closed,recirculating water filtration systems. The eggs of the original parentalgeneration (G_P) were spawned by a wild caught Gulf of Thailandfemale in alocal fisheries laboratory, then packed and shipped air cargo to Texas wherehatching occurred. The culture temperature ranged 25°–28°C, except for one generation that was chilled intentionallyto21 °C and then warmed to 25 °C after 9.6months. Spawning occurred as early as day 161. Spawning output was high in allgenerations except the group that was cultured at 21 °C. Eggfertility was low in captivity (< 20%), but hatchling survival was high(>70%). The average egg incubation time was 13.6 d at 25–28°C. The largest spawn resulted in 600 viable hatchlings andthesmallest resulted in 11 hatchlings. The cuttlefish ate a wide variety ofestuarine crustaceans and fishes as well as frozen shrimp. There were noapparent disease problems since survival from hatching to maturity was over70%.The average life span for cuttlefish cultured at 25–28°Cwas 8.9 months and 12.3 months at 21 °C. Size at hatching wasmeasured for fourth generation (G₄) hatchlings; the mean weight athatching was 0.103 g and the mean mantle length was 6.4mm. The largest cuttlefish cultured was a male 300 mmML and 3,045 g; the oldest cuttlefish lived 340 d.This cuttlefish species presents an excellent choice for commercial mariculturebecause of its rapid growth, short life span, tolerance to crowding andhandling, resistance to disease and feeding habits.     

Effect of temperature on resting egg formation of the tropical SS-type rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis Tschugunoff

ABSTRACT:   Tropical minute rotifer strains (SS-type) induce mixis at 30–35°C but sexual reproduction and resting egg formation do not proceed well due to rapid environmental change. The present study examined the effect of temperature regulation on rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis (Langkawi strain, SS-type) resting egg formation in small (500 mL in culture volume)- and large-scale (500 L in culture volume) experiments. Rotifers were cultured at 30°C in 15–17 p.p.t. seawater with an initial density of 1 individual (ind.)/mL. After 4 days, when cultures were in exponential growth stage with active mixis induction, the culture temperature of the experimental rotifers was changed to 25°C. Control rotifers were cultured at 30°C throughout the experiment. Fresh or frozen Nannochloropsis oculata and condensed freshwater Chlorella vulgaris were used as the rotifer diets in the small- and large-scale experiments, respectively. Significantly higher resting egg production was observed with the experimental rotifers (30→ 25°C) versus the control rotifers. In the large-scale trial, experimental rotifers produced 2.6 × 10⁶ resting eggs during a 9-day experiment, which was 1.6-fold more than the control rotifers. Moreover, the efficiency of resting egg formation was found to increase by a factor of 1.8. The present study indicates that decreasing culture temperature from 30 to 25°C after active mixis increased resting egg formation in B. rotundiformis (SS-type).     

Proximate biochemical variations in eggs of the prawn Macrobrachium americanum (Bate, 1869) during its embryonic development

Eggs of seven females were sampled to analyse the lipid, protein and carbohydrate content during the embryonic development of the prawn Macrobrachium americanum . Sampling was performed from recently spawned eggs to hatching. A hundred of eggs were sampled every 48 h during the trial. Proteins, lipids and carbohydrates were quantified. Proteins were the most abundant component, followed by lipids and carbohydrates as only minor constituents. Lipid decreased significantly from 42% to 23% of the total composition, while proteins increased from 55% to 76% and carbohydrates varied inconsistently. The change in total energy per egg through time during the embryonic development is represented by the equation y =−0.0133 x +0.334; r ²=0.94 ( y represents the energy content and x represents days). The main energy provider was lipids whose energy consumption is described by the equation y =−0.0158 x +0.203; r ²=0.96.     

Changes in lipid content, fatty acid composition and lipid class composition of eggs and developing larvae (0–40 days old) of cultured common dentex (Dentex dentex Linnaeus 1758)

Total lipid content, fatty acid (FA) composition and lipid class composition of common dentex eggs spawned at different times and larvae reared under different culture conditions until 40 days posthatch (dph) were analysed to get a general pattern of lipid composition during larval development. Two groups of larvae were kept under starvation to compare their FA composition with that obtained from normally fed larvae. To compare FA use or accumulation during larval development, results were grouped according to the developmental stage of the larvae instead of age in days posthatch. Saturated and monounsaturated FAs decreased along larval development, while polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content increased. The ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid shifted from 4 to 5 in early developmental stages to lower than 1 after metamorphosis. Arachidonic acid levels remained constant along larval development. Larvae kept 6 days under starvation consumed most of their n-3 PUFA while conserving the DHA to values at day 0. The results presented here are useful for the design of nutritional experiments, because there were differences detected in terms of lipid and FA composition between developmental stages with higher differences mainly found in first-feeding larvae and early developmental stages.     

Egg and larval quality,and egg fatty acid composition of Eurasian perch breeders (Perca fluviatilis) fed different dietary DHA/EPA/AA ratios

In Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), the variability in spawning quality is a major limiting factor for successful production, especially when breeders are fed with an artificial diet. The influence of the dietary DHA/EPA/AA ratio on the egg and larval quality and on the fatty acid and lipid class composition of eggs has been investigated in perch broodstock. Two experimental diets (16% lipids) with two different DHA/EPA/AA ratios, D1 (3/2/2) and D2 (23/9/1), were compared with a natural diet consisting of cultured carp juveniles, CC (10/10/1) and with a commercial diet for salmonids, CDS (14/16/1). Percentages of fertilization and hatching were comparable between fish fed D1, D2 and CC, with the highest hatching rate observed for D1 (63.5 ± 3.8%). These diets supported better values than the CDS. Larval survival and TL50 observed after osmotic stress were higher for the D1 group, followed by larvae produced by fish fed D2 and CC. Larvae from fish fed D1, D2 and CC were significantly more robust than larvae from the CDS group. Differences were observed regarding the fatty acid (FA) profile in the eggs, which was related to the dietary FA composition. The results indicate that a ratio of 3/2/2 seemed to be effective for obtaining eggs and larvae of good quality.     

Effect of combination feeding of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannochloropsis</Emphasis> and freshwater <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorella</Emphasis> on the fatty acid composition of rotifer <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachionus plicatilis</Emphasis> in a continuous culture

ABSTRACT:   A continuous culture of rotifer was conducted to investigate the effect of combination feeding of both a high density of Nannochloropsis oculata (N) and condensed freshwater Chlorella (FC) on the fatty acid composition of L-type rotifer Brachionus plicatilis in a continuous culture system. The algal feeding of the rotifers was carried out in three successive steps: N-feeding → N+FC-feeding → FC-feeding. The culture was conducted at 24°C and 25–27 psu in a 2000 mL bottle with 50% of water exchanged daily. The combination N+FC-feeding was effective in increasing rotifer density. The rotifers fed on N+FC (N+FC-R) had more non-polar lipids than polar ones, similar to those on N (N-R), opposite to the rotifers fed on FC (FC-R). N+FC-R contained higher levels of 16:2, 18:2n-6 (linoleic acid [LA]) and 20:2n-6, but lower levels of 18:1, 20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid), 20:5n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) and 22:5n-3 (docosapentaenoic acid [DPA]) compared with N-R. Whereas N+FC-R contained higher levels of 16:1n-7, EPA and DPA, but lower levels of 16:2 and LA compared with FC-R. N+FC-R had more DPA in polar lipids than in non-polar ones. The Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio in N+FC-R was 0.9–1.0, significantly different from those in N-R (0.4) and FC-R (6.6–8.4). Therefore, it is inferred that the fatty acid profile of the N+FC-R cultured in a continuous culture system was affected by both N and FC. Also, the combination N+FC-feeding may be effective in manipulating the Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio in continuously cultured rotifers.     

Biochemical composition and quality of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) eggs throughout the reproductive season

The present study investigated the biochemical composition and quality of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) eggs throughout the reproductive season. Results showed that the fertilization, hatching and egg floating rates were variable throughout the reproductive season, with the highest values recorded during the mid-season. Meanwhile, positive correlations were found between fertilization, hatching rate and floating rate. The composition of turbot eggs, including total lipid, protein, carbohydrate, moisture and dry weight showed no significant differences during the reproductive season. Furthermore, no correlations were found between egg compositions and viability parameters (VPs), including fertilization and hatching rates as well as larval deformity rate. However, egg diameter varied and correlated with fertilization, hatching and egg floating rates. The fatty acid in eggs at mid-season had significantly higher levels of C14:0, C16:0, C16:1n-7, C18:0, C18:1, C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3 and C22:6n-3. Moreover, significant relationships were found between fatty acids and VPs. Eggs of the middle season had significantly higher concentration of isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, valine, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and serine, whereas no significant relationships were found between amino acids and VPs. These observations suggest that the biochemical profile of eggs may be useful in evaluating egg quality and improving broodstock management for turbot.     

Spawning, early development and first feeding in the gobiid fish Priolepis nocturna

The reproductive behavior, embryonic development and early larvae of Priolepis nocturna are described. Three pairs of P. nocturna began spawning 41 days after acquisition and maintained a 5–10 day spawning cycle lasting beyond several months. Spawning was initiated by the female who signaled her readiness to spawn by displaying to the male. Egg clutch size averaged 1578 ± 51.23 eggs and ranged from 268 to 3121. Egg length averaged 0.82 ± 0.01 mm total length (TL) and ranged from 0.75 to 0.90 mm. Egg width averaged 0.51 ± 0.51 mm total width (TW) and ranged from 0.49 to 0.52 mm. Fertilized eggs were ovoid in shape and attached to the ceiling of provided shelters via adhesive filaments at the proximal end. Hatching rates averaged 97.3 ± 0.51% and ranged from 91.9 to 99.8%. Larvae measuring 1.89 ± 0.04 mm TL hatched 121 ± 0.5 h post fertilization and did not rotate position prior to hatching. Skeletal elements of the chondrocranium were simplistic and dominated by the hyoid, hyomandibulosymplectic cartilage, ethmoid and Meckel's cartilage in first feeding larvae. No elements were added to the cranial architecture by 5 days post hatch (DPH) when larvae measured 2.05 ± 0.04 mm TL. First feeding larvae consumed only dinoflagellates and tintinnids suggesting that feeding was constrained by a poorly developed feeding mechanism. Embryology and larval development are described to 5 DPH.     

Effect of Salinity on Embryonic Development of the Cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis

The effect of salinity on the embryonic development of Sepia pharaonis eggs was tested experimentally using S. pharaonis embryos at various developmental stages. The hatching rate, incubation period, hatching period, wet weight of hatchling cuttlefish, and yolk utilization efficiency ratio were quantified at salinities of 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36. These variables were significantly affected by salinity. The weight of the eggs first decreased and then increased during embryonic development. The range of suitable salinities for hatching of S. pharaonis eggs was 27–33, and the optimal salinity was 30.     

Energy content and chemical composition of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L., eggs

Abstract. Gross energy, ash content and elemental composition of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen in eggs of the gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L., have been determined throughout several spawning seasons. Also, changes in the biochemical components during embryonic development have been analysed. Gross energy of seabream eggs was approximately 1 J per egg. Dry weight of individual eggs at fertilization varied from 39 to 50μg, the chorion accounting for about 20% of total dry weight. However, there were no differences in carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and ash percentages. From fertilization to hatching eggs lost 7·2% of total energy (chorion not included). The possible relationship between egg energy content and recent emerged larvae is discussed.     

虎斑乌贼喷墨卵与正常卵的比较

为了探明虎斑乌贼喷墨卵对孵化及胚胎发育的影响,采用单因子实验研究了喷墨卵与正常卵的孵化率、培育周期、孵化周期、初孵幼体体质量,并比较了剥膜喷墨卵、剥膜正常卵、喷墨卵、正常卵4种类型卵的幼体生长和存活率。结果显示,虎斑乌贼喷墨卵和正常卵的孵化率无显著差异,喷墨卵的孵化率为90.1%±1.5%,正常卵的孵化率为87.9%±0.7%;两种卵的初孵幼体体质量也无显著差异,喷墨卵的初孵幼体体质量为(0.18±0.01)g,正常卵的初孵幼体体质量为(0.17±0.01)g;两种卵的培育周期、孵化周期均无显著差异,喷墨卵的培育周期为(34.67±0.89)d,孵化周期为(14.33±0.44)d,而正常卵的培育周期为(35.33±0.44)d,孵化周期为(14.67±0.67)d。而剥膜喷墨卵、剥膜正常卵、喷墨卵、正常卵4种类型卵的幼体存活率差异显著,剥膜喷墨卵和剥膜正常卵的存活率明显小于喷墨卵和正常卵,而剥膜喷墨卵和剥膜正常卵之间、喷墨卵和正常卵之间的存活率无显著差异;4种类型的幼体日均增长量和增重量差异显著,剥膜喷墨卵和剥膜正常卵的幼体日均增长量和增重量明显小于喷墨卵和正常卵,而剥膜喷墨卵和剥膜正常卵之间、喷墨卵和正常卵之间的幼体日均增长量和增重量无显著差异。     

Reproductive biology of whitespotted bamboo shark Chiloscyllium plagiosum in northern waters off Taiwan

ABSTRACT:   In total, 491 whitespotted bamboo sharks were collected from northern Taiwanese waters from February 2002 to February 2003. The sex ratio of the specimens was 0.65, total length (TL) ranged from 35.3–85 cm, and weight ranged 124–2580 g. The mean size at first maturity was estimated to be 64.9 and 65.6 cm TL for females and males, respectively, based on the relationship between mature percentage and TL. The ovulation season was estimated as March to May based on gonadosomatic index (GSI) variations and captive observation. The monthly changes in GSI of males suggested that the mating season was from December to January. The inconsistency between mating and ovulation seasons suggested that females have sperm storage and delayed fertilization. One or two eggs were deposited every 6 or 7 days on average. Deposition of eggs extended for 2 months, and fecundity was 8 ± 3.8 eggs. Thirteen of 48 eggs deposited in 2003 were hatched and the hatching rate was 0.27. The hatching period was 107 ± 9.3 days with accumulated water temperature ranging from 2372–2835°C.     

铠平鲉的繁殖生物学特征及胚胎发育

为了解铠平鲉繁殖生物学特征及胚胎发育规律,完善铠平鲉繁殖生物学研究内容,为其种质资源保护和资源可持续利用提供基础资料,实验利用春季于青岛胶州湾海域采集的铠平鲉生殖群体样本,开展了其繁殖生物学研究,并使用显微数码摄像系统,观察了铠平鲉体内胚胎的发育过程,定性和定量描述了各发育阶段胚胎的形态特征。结果显示,实验采集样本的体长范围为62~137 mm,体质量范围为9.4~126.8 g,雌雄性比为1.85∶1,最小性成熟年龄为2龄,生殖群体主要由2~4龄个体组成,初次性成熟体长为70.6 mm。绝对怀卵量F为656~9235粒,平均3176粒,体长相对怀卵量FL为12~67粒/mm,体质量相对怀卵量FW为72~140粒/g。雌鱼体内受精卵呈正圆球形,平均卵径为(1.50±0.03)mm,淡黄色,自心跳期开始,受精卵逐渐由正圆球形变为梨形。受精卵在海水中为沉性,具多个油球,在胚胎发育早期存在油球聚合现象,一般至原肠胚末期时仅剩1个大油球。雌鱼体内初孵仔鱼全长(5.57±0.06)mm。研究表明,虽然卵胎生铠平鲉的胚胎发育规律与大多数海水硬骨鱼类基本相似,但胚胎发育中油球数量、色素分布和受精卵外部形态变化等仍具有其特异性。     

野生和养殖曼氏无针乌贼亲体形态、生化组分及其胚胎发育的比较

为优化曼氏无针乌贼人工繁育技术,提高人工增殖苗种的产量与质量,采用实验生态学方法,对比分析了野生和养殖曼氏无针乌贼（Sepiella japonica）的表观形态、生化组分及其受精卵的形态差异,探究了光照周期与受精卵胶质外膜对曼氏无针乌贼胚胎发育的影响。结果显示：野生和养殖曼氏无针乌贼的表观形态、生化组分均存在显著差异,野生群体性成熟规格远大于养殖群体,肌肉和肝脏组织中的脂肪含量显著低于养殖群体（P<0.05）,卵巢中的蛋白质含量则显著高于养殖群体（P<0.05）;养殖亲体所产黑卵在12D12L光照周期条件下孵化率最高,所产白卵在24D和24L条件下孵化率最高,野生亲体所产卵在24D和12D12L条件下孵化率最高;随光照时间的延长,受精卵的平均孵化时间具有先增加后减小的趋势,表明光照周期是影响曼氏无针乌贼胚胎发育的重要因素;实验发现,将受精卵胶质外膜剥离处理后,养殖亲体所产黑白卵的平均孵化时间具有减少的趋势,但孵化率显著下降（P<0.05）。综上所述,建议在曼氏无针乌贼人工苗种生产过程中,尽量选用大规格野生乌贼作为繁育亲体。此外,在受精卵孵化期间,应对孵化池进行适当遮光处理,避免受精卵长时间暴露于强光照环境中,以提高孵化率和仔乌成活率。本实验研究结果可为曼氏无针乌贼人工苗种繁育技术优化提供参考。