Effects of temperature, salinity and irradiance on the growth of the toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum (Dinophyceae) isolated from Hiroshima Bay, Japan

ABSTRACT: Temperature and salinity ranges in which Gymnodinium catenatum (Hiroshima Bay strain) showed specific growth rates higher than 0.2/day were approximately 20–30°C and 20–32. The specific growth rate (μ), expressed as a polynomial equation as functions of temperature ( T ; °C) and salinity ( S ) were μ = (−6.84 × 10⁻⁴ T ² + 0.0354 T – 0.213) × (−1.03 × 10⁻³ S ² + 0.0579 S – 0.548)/0.31; the maximum growth rate (0.31/day) was obtained at 25°C and 30. From a comparison with field data recording temperature, salinity and light intensity, this species may be expected to bloom from summer to autumn in Hiroshima Bay.     

Growth Characteristics of a Neurotoxin-Producing Chloromonad Fibrocapsa japonica (Raphidophyceae)

The effects of temperature, salinity, irradiance and pH on the growth of Fibrocapsa japonica (Raphidophyceae) were examined to determine how environmental factors affect the distribution of this species. Optimal growth was observed at temperatures of 15–25 C, salinities of 25–35 parts per thousand (ppt), irradiances of 60–140 μmol quanta/m² per s and pH between 7.5–8.5. Growth did not occur at temperatures below 10 C or above 30 C nor at salinities below 15 ppt. Fibrocapsa japonica grew when subjected to irradiances of 20–180 μmol quanta/m² per s, and could tolerate a pH range of 6.5–8.5.     

The growth rate of two species of microalgae used in shellfish hatcheries cultured under two light regimes

Abstract. The production potential of any shellfish hatchery depends on the capacity of its algal system. The hypothesis that microalgal cultures grown under 12:12h light:dark photoperiod may produce the same cell densities as those using constant light is tested.
Two species of marine microalgae used in shellfish hatcheries. Chaetoceros gracilis Schütt and Isochrysis galbana clone T-iso, were grown in cultures at 18°C, under continuous light (1.43 × 10⁷μ^-2day^-1) and 12:12h light:dark cycles (2.87 × 10⁷μE m^-2 day^-1). Both light regimes provided equal amounts of light per day. In the continuous light cultures the mean doublings per day for exponentially growing cells were 1.37 and 1.49 for C. gracilis and I. galbana respectively and for the 12:12h light:dark cycles were 1.47 and 1.56 respectively. After 14 days of growth, the numbers of cells per unit of volume showed no significant differences between the two light regimes. The results are discussed in terms of a review of other authors' findings and in terms of the usefulness of the continuous light method in producing algae to be used in shellfish hatcheries.     

Determination of the optimal water temperature for the culture of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus Temminck and Schlegel 1843

The effects of temperature on growth, food-conversion ratio (FCR) and feeding intensity of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus (23.7±2.6 g fish⁻¹) were assessed over the temperature range 17.5–28.5 °C in a 42-day growth trial. Growth increased with increasing temperature up to an optimum after which it declined. Specific growth rates were 2.05% and 1.2% day⁻¹ for the fastest (25.3 °C) and the slowest (17.5 °C) treatments respectively. Food-conversion ratio peaked at a lower temperature than growth. Optimal (0.72 kg kg gain⁻¹) and least efficient (1.40 kg kg gain⁻¹) FCR were found at 21.7 and 17.5 °C respectively. Feeding intensity was linearly related to temperature within the range of 17.5–28.5 °C. These results corresponded to the thermal preference (25–26.4 °C) and natural temperature distribution (12–28 °C) of South African dusky kob. Determination of the temperature range that does not limit growth is a prerequisite to assess the relationship between growth and environmental variables such as light intensity, feeding regime and stocking density. Consequently, experiments to determine the effects of these environmental variables on growth and aquaculture potential of dusky kob should be conducted at 24–26 °C.     

Observations on the effect of salinity and photon fluence rate on the induction of sporulation and rhizoid formation in the green alga Enteromorpha prolifera (Müller) J. Agardh (Chlorophyta, Ulvales)

ABSTRACT: Although most members of the genus Enteromorpha are important edible green algae, some species are also potentially economically valuable crops. Samples of E. prolifera were obtained from the Yoshino River estuary, Tokushima, Japan and cultured in laboratory conditions at 10°C, a salinity of 20 psu, under white light with 12 h light : 12 h dark cycle and at a photon fluence rate (PFR) of 40 μmol/m² per s for 30 days. In the present study, the effect of salinity and PFR on the induction of reproductive cells and rhizoid formation were investigated. Synchronous formation of swarmers by thalli was induced in excised disks of 1.2 mm diameter after 2–5 days incubation. The optimum salinity for maturation of reproductive cells was between 5.0 and 52.0 psu, and between 13.2 and 45.3 psu for swarmer release, although the lower limit for swarmer release was 5.0 psu. Maturation of reproductive cells and swarmer release required a PFR higher than 16 μmol/m² per s. The minimum PFR for swarmer release was 8 μmol/m² per s. Many rhizoids were formed between 1.6 and 52.0 psu and photon fluence rates between 8 and 320 μmol/m² per s. Rhizoids were formed in a polarized manner.     

Seasonal changes in respiration rates of copepodite stage V Calanus finmarchicus (Gunnerus)

Copepodite stage V Calanus finmarchicus were collected at locations on the continental shelf north of Scotland, in the Faroe–Shetland Channel and west of Ireland on six occasions covering winter, spring and summer from October 1993 to June 1995. Oxygen consumption by the overwintering and active spring/summer population of animals was determined at temperatures close to in situ temperatures. Laboratory measurements of oxygen consumption were also made at standardized temperatures (0°C, 5°C, 7°C and 12.5°C) to determine the sensitivity of animals to temperature change in the different seasons. Rates of oxygen consumption were very low (7–30 μmol O₂ gC⁻¹ h⁻¹) at in situ temperatures during the winter and early spring and significantly higher (105–219 μmol O₂ gC⁻¹ h⁻¹) for the active surface population in May and June. Animals collected from the overwintering population showed no significant response to changes in temperature. Due to the low respiration rates, the calculated rate of decrease in carbon content in diapausing copepodite stage CV was very low (approximately 0.250 μgC day⁻¹). The respiration rates were used to construct a model to estimate survival of the animals with an initial carbon content equivalent to that expected of animals in October. The results showed that in order to survive during winter and have enough energy for moulting and migration to the surface in the spring, these animals have to live at temperatures close to 0°C and be in a diapause state.     

Relationships between critical photon irradiance for growth and daily compensation point of juvenile Sargassum macrocarpum

SUMMARY: This study was designed to determine the critical photon irradiance for growth and daily compensation point of juvenile Sargassum macrocarpum . Sampling and measurement of natural light conditions were carried out in the S. macrocarpum population at a depth of 8 m off Kiwado in Fukawa Bay, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, from April to June 1998. Photosynthesis and respiration of the juvenile thalli, and diurnal changes in solar irradiance were measured for the same period. The critical photon irradiance for growth of the juvenile thalli observed on the population floor was 1.0–1.5% on the sea surface. The photosynthetic rate of leaf of juvenile thalli increased linearly with increasing photon irradiance when light levels were lower than 50 μM/m² per s. The respiratory rate and light compensation point of the juvenile thalli were 2.49 μL O₂/cm² per h and 4.98 μM/m² per s, respectively. The daily compensation point was estimated with a mathematical model based on photosynthesis–light equations and diurnal changes in solar irradiance. For a day of average solar irradiance over the period of the present study, the estimated daily compensation point of the juvenile thalli was 1.3% on the sea surface. This value agreed well with the observed critical photon irradiance for growth of juvenile S . macrocarpum on the population floor. The results of the study confirm that the mathematical model is effective for estimating the daily compensation point.     

Temperature and salinity tolerances of yellowfin sea bream, Acanthopagrus latus, at different salinity and temperature levels

Abstract Yellowfin sea bream Acanthopagrus latus (Houttuyn) (0.98 ± 0.27 g) were examined for temperature and salinity tolerances at nine different environmental regimes (0.3, 15 and 33 ppt combined with 10, 25 and 32 °C), in which the fish were subjected to gradual and sudden changes in temperature and salinity respectively. The 50% CTMax (critical thermal maximum) and the UILT (upper incipient lethal temperature) were in the range of 34.8–38.2 °C and 32.8–36.4 °C respectively. The 50% CTMin (critical thermal minimum) and the LILT (lower incipient lethal temperature) were in the ranges of 4.9–9.4 °C and 7.1–17.6 °C respectively. The 50% CSMax (critical salinity maximum) and the UILS (upper incipient lethal salinity) were in the ranges of 54–69‰ and 9–44‰, respectively. The fish at lower temperature (10 °C) and salinity of 33‰ tolerated temperature as low as 6 °C when the temperature was decreased gradually. The fish at 33 and 15‰ and lower temperature (10 °C) tolerated salinity as high as 66–67‰, whereas those at freshwater salinity level (0.3‰) and 32 °C tolerated salinity to 50‰ when salinity was increased gradually. The relationships among UILT, LILT, 50% CTMax, 50% CTMin, UILS, 50% CSMax, salinity and temperature are given.     

Anaesthetic efficacy and physiological responses to clove oil-anaesthetized kelp grouper Epinephelus bruneus

The efficacy of clove oil as an anaesthetic and at producing a physiological response (plasma cortisol and glucose) was evaluated in the kelp grouper, Epinephelus bruneus . To acquire complete anaesthesia in less than 3 min and recovery in <10 min, three doses of clove oil were tested at 18, 22 and 26 °C. Although higher anaesthetic doses resulted in shorter induction times and longer recovery times, and a lower temperature resulted in longer anaesthesia induction and slower recovery, we found the optimal dose and administering temperature of clove oil to be 250–300 mg L⁻¹ at water temperature of 18 °C, 150–200 mg L⁻¹ at water temperature of 22 °C and 50–100 mg L⁻¹ at water temperature of 26 °C respectively. Following the administration of 150 mg L⁻¹ of clove oil at 22 °C, the plasma cortisol level was highest (4.24 ± 1.571 μg dL⁻¹) after 12 h and the plasma glucose was highest (92.7 ± 9.61 mg dL⁻¹) after 2 h. These results should be useful to the aquaculture industry, where anaesthesia is necessary for a range of activities.     

Environmental preferences of longlining for yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in the tropical high seas of the Indian Ocean

A survey of yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares , fishing ground was carried out on board of the Chinese longliners from September 15 to December 12, 2005 in the tropical high seas of the Indian Ocean. The depth at which each yellowfin tuna was hooked was estimated using a stepwise regression analysis of theoretical hook depth and observed average hook depth measured using a temperature depth recorder. Water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll  a , dissolved oxygen and thermocline, which are important variables influencing yellowfin tuna habitats, were measured in the survey. Catch rates of yellowfin tuna were then analyzed with respect to depth, temperature, salinity, chlorophyll  a , dissolved oxygen and thermocline. We suggest that the optimum ranges of swimming depth, water temperature, chlorophyll  a and dissolved oxygen concentration for yellowfin tuna are 100.0–179.9 m, 15.0–17.9°C, 0.090–0.099  μ g L⁻¹, 2.50–2.99 mg L⁻¹, respectively; that salinity has less influence on the vertical distribution of adult yellowfin tuna; and that yellowfin tuna are mainly distributed within the thermocline in the high seas of the Indian Ocean. Our results match the yellowfin tuna's vulnerability to deep longline fishing gear well.     

Effects of dietary protein and lipid level, and water temperature, on the post-feeding oxygen consumption of Atlantic cod and haddock

Tank respirometry was used to study the interactive effects of protein:lipid level (55%:11% vs. 42%:16%; both diets isoenergetic) and temperature (11, 6 and 2 °C) on the magnitude and duration of specific dynamic action (SDA) in juvenile Atlantic cod and haddock. The protein:lipid level did not affect any measured variable. However, numerous temperature and species effects were observed. For example, although the maximum post-feeding oxygen consumption (30–50% above routine metabolic rate; RMR) and SDA duration (∼55–85 h; SDA_DUR) were not affected by temperature, SDA_DUR g⁻¹ of food increased from 11 to 2 °C (from ∼3 to 12 h g food⁻¹). While absolute SDA (mg O₂) decreased by ∼60–65% in cod and ∼75% in haddock from 11 to 2 °C, due to a concomitant decrease in food consumption from ∼2.0% to 0.6% body mass, SDA comprised between 3.3% and 5.2% of the dietary energy content at all temperatures. Finally, RMR at 11 and 2 °C and SDA_DUR at 2 °C were 25–35% and 25% greater in cod, respectively, as compared with haddock. These results suggest that feeding reduced protein diets at low water temperatures is unlikely to improve the growth of these species.     

Optimum temperature and salinity conditions for growth of green algae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorella ellipsoidea</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannochloris oculata</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   The effects of temperature and salinity on growth of green algae Chlorella ellipsoidea and Nannochloris oculata were determined to compare the optimum culture conditions. A four-temperature (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) × three-salinity (10, 20, and 30) factorial design with triplicates was applied. Specific growth rate (SGR), maximum density, and duration to reach maximum density of C. ellipsoidea were significantly affected by both temperature and salinity. The highest SGR was observed in C. ellipsoidea at 25°C and salinity 10, but the maximum density was very low. The highest maximum density was achieved in C. ellipsoidea at 15°C and 10. The slope constant of the linear relationship between semilogarithmic growth of C. ellipsoidea and day of culture was highest at 15°C and 10. The SGR and duration to reach maximum density of N. oculata were significantly affected by both temperature and salinity. However, maximum density of N. oculata was significantly affected by temperature, but not salinity. The highest maximum density was achieved in N. oculata at 25°C and 30, but SGR was significantly lower than that of N. oculata at 25°C and 10. The slope constant of the linear relationship between semilogarithmic growth of N. oculata and day of culture was highest at 25°C and 30. Based on these results, the condition of 15°C and salinity 10 seemed to be optimal for maximum density of C. ellipsoidea , and the condition of 25°C and 10 and 30 for SGR and maximum density for N. oculata , respectively.     

Effect of feeding regime and temperature on ongrowing results of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.)

This study aimed to determine the effect of feeding rates and water temperatures on the growth, feed utilization and size heterogeneity changes in subadult pikeperch. Fish with an average weight of 84±19 g were fed with a commercial trout diet for 18 weeks at a water temperature of 20 °C and 25 °C. Four feeding rates (PSFR) were predicted at both temperatures, which corresponded to 1.0%, 1.25%, 1.50% and 2.0% of body weight per day (bw day⁻¹) for the first, and to 0.8%, 1.0%, 1.2% and 1.4% of bw day⁻¹ for the second 9 weeks respectively. At the end of the experiment, the individual weight averaged 273±82 g. Pikeperch showed a better growth rate [specific growth rate (SGR)] and apparent feed conversion rates (AFCR) at the higher temperature. Thermal-unit growth coefficient (TGC) was better at the lower temperature. The values of SGR, TGC and AFCR significantly increased with increasing PSFR at both temperatures. The values of TGC plotted against the computed feeding rates allowed estimation of the maximum feeding rates (1.25% and 1.15% of bw day⁻¹ for pikeperch of 150–180 g at 25 and 20 °C respectively). Size heterogeneity changes were affected neither by the feeding rate nor by temperature.     

Growth Rate Responses of Five Commercial Strains of Gracilaria (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales) to Temperature and Light

Abstract Growth rate responses of five strains of four economically important species of Gracilaria from South America, Africa and Asia were studied under several temperature and light combinations, in experiments lasting from one to four weeks. Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui from the People's Republic of China was the most eurythermic of the species studied, growing at temperatures from 13.5 to 33.1 C, and all photon flux densities (15–91 μmol-photons/m² per sec). Gracilaria caudata from Brazil did not survive at 13.5 C and G. chilensis did not survive at 30.2 C, while G. gracilis from Namibia and Argentina survived up to 33.1 C. No strain survived at 35.8 C or higher. In general, there was a trend to an increase in growth rate with temperature, but this varied with the irradiance and the duration of the experiments. There was a clear interaction between temperature and photon flux density, and the duration of the experimental period interfered significantly in the growth responses. All strains tested, including G. chilensis from Chile and G. gracilis from Argentina and Namibia, could be cultivated under ambient conditions of temperature and photon flux density on the southern coast of Brazil.     

Temperature and feed rate effects on Chinese catfish, Clarias fuscus (Lacepède), growth

Abstract. Chinese catfish, Clarias fuscus (Lacepède), within three size ranges were evaluated for growth, survival and feed conversion ratios (FCR). A 4 × 3 factorial design was used during year-long trials which included four temperatures (20,25,30 and 35 °C) and three feeding rates with commercially formulated salmon/trout feed. Specific growth rates of juvenile fish (1–60g) were highest, ranging from 1–64% body weight/day at 20°C (2%/day feed rate), to 4–94%/day at 25°C (6%/day feed rate). Specific growth rates of sub-adult fish (60–150g) averaged 0–65%/day, with no significant difference between temperature-feed rate treatments. Specific growth rates of adult fish (>150g) were lowest, averaging 0–30%/day for grouped feed rate treatments at 25°C, and 0–16%/day at 30°C. Most mortalities occurred during the juvenile stage, with survival ranging from 0% at 35°C(2% feed rate) to 96% at 30°C(6% feed rate). Survival was 95–100% with sub-adults and adults. FCR were 1 to 4 with juveniles, 2 to 12 with sub-adults, and 3 to 22 with adults. These trials suggest that optimal growth and FCRs were obtained at 25°C; with feed rates of 6%/day with juveniles, 2%/day with sub-adults, and 1%/day with adult fish. Final yields at 25 and 30°C indicate that even though growth and FCR are optimal at 25°C, survival was greater at 30°C, which compensated for reduced growth performance at this temperature. Yields at 25 and 30°C were almost double those at 20°C.     

Short-term salinity tolerance of northern pike, Esox lucius, fry, related to temperature and size

Abstract  The short-term tolerances of northern pike, Esox lucius L., fry reared in a freshwater hatchery, to salinity were examined in the laboratory. Survival of two size groups of pike fry (mean length 21 ± 2 mm SD and 37 ± 4 mm SD) was examined over 72- to 96-h periods at 9–14 ppt salinity in combination with temperatures of 10, 14 and 18 °C. A parametric survival model found a significant correlation between survival of pike fry and temperature and salinity, respectively. L _C50 values after 72 h were between 11.2 and 12.2 ppt, being lowest at 10 °C. Pike fry did not survive more than 13 ppt. Mortality at 12 ppt was significantly faster at 18 °C than 10 or 14 °C. Moreover, mortality was higher and faster for large than for small pike fry at 12 ppt and 14 °C. These results imply that pike raised in fresh water can survive stocking into brackish waters below 11 ppt at least for a short time.     

Growth and proximate composition of the Chaetoceros calcitrans f. pumilus under different temperature, salinity and carbon dioxide levels

The marine diatom Chaetoceros calcitrans f. pumilus has been examined for its potential source as live feed in aquaculture. The present study investigated effects of temperature (20, 25 and 30 °C), salinity (25 and 35) and carbon dioxide addition (air+CO₂) on the growth and proximate composition of C. calcitrans under laboratory conditions. The growth and biomass of C. calcitrans were primarily affected by carbon dioxide addition, and to a lesser extent by temperature and salinity. In general, lipid and carbohydrate contents were higher at lower temperatures (20 and 25 °C), while the protein content was unaffected. Carbon dioxide addition increased protein, while lowering carbohydrates, but had no effect on lipid content. Carbohydrates were increased while lipids and protein decreased at the highest salinity (35±0.9). These results should be taken into consideration when evaluating the dietary value of this micro alga for aquaculture.     

Influence of starvation, body size and temperature on ammonia excretion in the marine bivalve Tapes decussatus (L.)

Abstract. Ammonia excretion rate of the marine bivalve Tapes decussatus (L.) varied with body weight, temperature and starvation. There was a steady state in the excretion rates, in which these rates neither increased nor decreased during the first 6 days of starvation. The highest rates of ammonia excreted during the steady state (before decline to lower level) depended on the temperature (715 ± 86 and 395 ± 55 μg NH₄.N/clam/h × 10⁻²) at 28°C and 20°C, respectively. At 16°C, the steady state extended from 6h to 18d starvation. Ammonia excretion rates were higher for starved clams than for fed clams at all sizes, e.g. clams of 0·07 g dry flesh weight (28 ± 9 and 13 ± 5 μg NH₄.N/clam/h × 10⁻² respectively) at 16°C but not at 20°C and 28°C. At each temperature, weight-specific ammonia excretion rates were related to dry flesh weight of starved clams but were not related to fed ones.     

Thermal tolerance of a rainbow trout <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis> strain selected by high-temperature breeding

ABSTRACT:   Thermal tolerance was studied in a rainbow trout strain successively selected through high temperature breeding at 20–27°C since 1966 in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The hatching rate and fry mortality at high temperatures were examined in the selected strain along with normal strains cultured at water temperature of 9–17°C. The hatching rate of embryos fertilized at either 10 or 14°C and subsequently subjected to high temperatures in the blastula or neurula stage of the selected strain, was marginally higher than that of the normal strain counterparts. The upper 50% lethal temperatures (LT₅₀) for embryos in the early segmentation, blastula and neurula stages of the selected strain were also higher than those of the normal strain counterparts. Death temperatures and LT₅₀ of fries acclimated to 20°C of the selected strain were significantly higher than those of the normal strains. However, no difference in the critical thermal maximum was detected between the different strains. These results suggest that the selected strain of rainbow trout established by selecting successively for many generations at high temperatures acquired a degree of thermal tolerance.     

Physiological investigations of a neurotoxin-producing phytoflagellate, Chattonella marina (Raphidophyceae)

The effects of temperature, salinity, light intensity and pH on the growth and morphology of Chattonella marina (Subrahmanyan) Hara & Chihara were examined. Optimal growth was observed at temperatures of 20-25°C, salinities of 20-30%o, light intensities of 60-140 μE m^?2 s^_1 and pH 7.5-8.5. Growth did not occur at temperatures below 15°C or above 30°C, and at salinities below 10%o. The morphology (shape) of the cells was strongly affected by temperature. At 20°C and 25°C, the population occurred mostly in a spindle-like form, whereas at 10°C, 90% of the cells became spherical within 10 days of inoculation and stationary phase cultures consisted entirely of spherical cells. Morphology was also markedly affected at 30°C. The number of spindle-like cells was highest at 20-30%o and was less at lower salinities. Light intensity and pH did not influence morphology markedly under the range of light intensities (20-180 μE m ^?2 s-^?1) and pH (6.5-8.5) tested.