Ontogenetic and diel variation in the vertical distribution of larvae of jack mackerel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trachurus japonicus</Emphasis> in the East China sea

Larvae of jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus were sampled in seven depth layers (0–10 m, 10–20 m, 20–30 m, 30–40 m, 40–50 m, 50–70 m, and 70–100 m), with a closing-type frame net, on 26th–27th February, 2003, at Sta. V (27°50′N, 126°00′E) continental shelf edge in the southern part of East China Sea, to examine their vertical distribution. Most of the larvae (>90%) occurred in the upper 50 m layer during both day and night. In the daytime, larvae of length from 3.0 mm to 4.5 mm were most abundant in the 10–20 m layer, those from 5.0 to 6.0 mm were most abundant in the 20–30 m layer, those from 6.0 to 8.0 mm occurred at greater depth, in the 30–40 m layer, and those more than 9.0 mm were found in the 0–10 m layer and performed ontogenetic vertical migrations. Larvae from 6 mm to 8 mm length performed diurnal vertical migration, for the percentage (16.7%) of larval number in the 0–20 m layer in the daytime increased to 42.1% at night and the percentage (78.1%) in the 20–50 m layer in the daytime decreased to 49.0% at night.     

Larval rearing of hilsa shad,Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton 1822)

Hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha has received much attention for culture due to decline of the natural population. Lack of knowledge on larval rearing is the bottleneck for its culture. This study was aimed at developing larval rearing protocols for hilsa shad. Hilsa larvae (4 days old, 4.76 ± 0.06 mm/0.49 ± 0.01 mg) were stocked in fibreglass‐reinforced plastic tanks (1.7 m³ water volume) at 300, 600 and 1,200 nos/m³ in triplicates in three experimental systems viz., E‐I (circular, 0.567 m water depth), E‐II (circular, 0.962 m water depth) and E‐III (rectangular, 0.567 m water depth) and reared for 46 days. The larvae were supplied with Chlorella vulgaris, Brachionus calyciflorus, mixed phytoplankton and mixed zooplankton during 4–50, 6–25, 8–50 and 26–50 days of their age respectively. In each system, higher (p < 0.05) fry survival at 300 nos/m³ than in higher densities indicates density dependent stress. Circular tanks showed higher survival (13.3%–61.31%) than in rectangular tanks (6.88%–27.26%) in each stocking density, indicating the importance of tank shape for rearing. Water depth affected fry survival in circular tanks (E‐I and E‐II) at 300 nos/m³; at 0.962 m depth, survival was higher (61.31%, p < 0.05) than that of 0.567 m depth (49.93%). Good fry survival was achieved through feeding the larvae initially with Chlorella followed by co‐feeding with Brachionus, mixed phytoplankton and zooplankton and rearing in circular tanks at 300 nos/m³ densities at 1 m depth. This first‐ever larval rearing protocol is useful for mass production of fry to support hilsa aquaculture in future.     

The influence of triiodothyronine (T<Subscript>3</Subscript>) on the early development of piracanjuba (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brycon orbignyanus</Emphasis>)

This paper reports the triiodothyronine’s (T₃) effects on the early growth and survival of piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) produced from fertilized eggs hormone exposed. The study was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, eggs divided in 6 batches were immersed in T₃ solutions: 0.01; 0.05; 0.1; 0.5 ppm; 1 ppm and control (no T₃). After a 15-min immersion, eggs were transferred to incubators where larvae were kept up to 72 h after hatching. Larval weight, length and yolk sac volume were determined every 12 h. Sixty and 72 h after hatching, larvae exposed to 0.5 ppm T₃ were significantly heavier than the others, and those exposed to 1 ppm T₃ showed the lowest weight. The yolk sac absorption was not affected. In the second experimental phase, the resulting fry from the first phase were stocked into 3 boxes per treatment (5 larvae L⁻¹) and fed with plankton, fish larvae and feed prepared in the hatchery (48% CP) in the first 3 days, plankton and feed from the 4th to the 10th day and only feed in the next (last) 5 days. Fry weight, length and specific growth rate were determined at 1, 5, 10 and 15 days. Survival was calculated in the last day. In the 15th day, fry length did not differ among treatments but the weight of the control group was higher. Higher survival in the T₃-treated groups suggested lower predation among fry. The results allowed us to conclude that there was no expressive effect of T₃ on the growth, but it improved the survival of the piracanjuba progeny.     

Optimum food particle size in relation to body size of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., fry

Abstract. An investigation was conducted under laboratory conditions to determine the optimum food particle size of an inert diet for common carp fry ranging in size from 15 to 466mg body weight and 13 to 31 mm total length (TL). Speed of consumption of a standard quantity of food was used as a measurement of feeding preference/efficiency for different particle size ranges. It was observed that for carp of this size range preferred food particle size increases with fish size. On the basis of ingestion time and feeding behaviour, food particle sizes in the ranges 125-300μm. 300-500μm, 300-790μm and 500-1000μm diameter were found to be most appropriate for carp fry weighing 15-23mg(TL 13-18), 46-97 mg(TL 17-22), 105-209 mg (TL 20-25) and 210-466mg (TL 24-31) respectively. This study also demonstrated that for carp fry of these size ranges the mean preferred food particle sizes are about 02-04 that of mouth size. Based on this relationship, general recommendations are made on the optimum food particle sizes for different size classes of carp fry reared under hatchery and nursery conditions.     

The efficiency of three fry trawls for sampling the freshwater pelagic fry community

Avoidance reactions of young-of-the-year fish assemblages were investigated in the offshore zone of three reservoirs in the Czech Republic during late summer. Pikeperch (Stizostedion lucioperca) strongly dominated in the Lipno Reservoir in 2003, bream (Abramis brama) and bleak (Alburnus alburnus) were the most abundant species in the Slapy Reservoir in 2004 and roach (Rutilus rutilus) and bleak dominated in the Želivka Reservoir in 2004 and 2005. Densities of fry ranged between 1.09 ind./100 m³ in the Lipno Reservoir and 2.95 ind./100 m³ in the Slapy Reservoir. In each reservoir, three trawl nets of different widths (dimensions 1.5 m × 3 m, 3 m × 3 m, 6 m × 3 m) were used in the pelagic area at night. For each trawl the estimated fish density was determined as the catch per 100 m³ of water and was compared between all three trawls. The fish length–frequency distribution was also compared between all the trawls. Day catches were much lower compared with those taken at night. Adult fish showed very clear avoidance of fry trawls. At night, no important differences in estimated fry density, obtained by these trawls, were observed in any locality for any fish species, nor in the length distribution of important species between trawls. According to these results, the avoidance reactions of fry in the late summer (August, September), at night, are unimportant. At this time of year, nighttime pelagic trawling appears to be an effective method for quantitative fry sampling. We recommend the 3 m × 3 m trawl for quantitative night sampling of the fry community as a good compromise between assured efficiency and relatively easy handling.     

Food selection of burbot (Lota lota L.) larvae reared in illuminated net cages in mesotrophic Lake Maróz (north-eastern Poland)

Feeding and food selection of burbot (Lota lota L.) larvae reared in illuminated cages were studied. The experiment was carried out in mesotrophic Lake Maróz, in north-eastern Poland, for 6 weeks in two successive years. The initial stocking density was 1,250 larvae (20 DPH) per cage. Food selection according to the zooplankton groups (Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda) and length classes was expressed by the Strauss linear selectivity index (L). Zooplankton species composition in the lake was similar in the two seasons of the study and organisms shorter than 0.5 mm prevailed in the plankton. The mean number of prey found in burbot alimentary tracts increased from about 40 up to over 200 during the course of the study. A very large inter-individual variation in the amount of food organisms consumed by fish was noted. Analysis of the values of the Strauss food selectivity index shows that at the beginning of the first year of the experiment, burbot larvae preferred copepods, most numerous in the environment at that time; later, fish tended to select cladocerans. In the second year of the study, fish more often ate copepods, irrespective of their quantities in the environment. During the whole study, reared burbot larvae did not eat rotifers, even when they were numerous in cages. Similarly to the rotifers, the smallest planktonic organisms, measuring up to 0.5 mm in length, were typically neglected by fish, while the 0.6–1.0 mm group was most frequently selected. There were also considerable individual differences between particular burbot specimens in their food preferences.     

傀儡湖鱼类群落结构及其食物组成研究

为了分析傀儡湖鱼类对水环境的影响,于2010年1-12月研究了傀儡湖的渔获量、组成比例和主要鱼类食物组成。结果表明,傀儡湖渔获物中,发现有9科、26种鱼类,其中鲤科鱼类最多,有18种,占鱼类种数的69.23%;鱼类组成中,鲢和鳙为优势种,分别占总渔获量的（20.82±8.06）%和（41.58±19.24）%;主要鱼类...     

On the induced spawning and larval rearing of milkfish,Chanos chanos (Forskal)

A female milkfish, captured at sea, was injected with two hormonal injections of acetone-dried salmon pituitary powder and human chorionic gonadotropin, plus Vitamin B complex. It was stripped, and produced 128,000 ripe eggs with an average diameter of 1.15 mm. Fertilization rate was 38% following artificial fertilization with milt from an uninjected male. A total of 36,000 larvae hatched (74% of fertile eggs) after 26–32 h at 34 ‰ salinity and 27–32°C. The newly hatched larvae measured 3.4 mm in mean total length and possessed a large yolk sac. The mouth of the larvae opened about 54 h after hatching. The larvae were fed with fertilized oyster eggs, rotifers, copepods, brine shrimp, flour and prepared feed, together with Chlorella. A critical period was between the 4th and 6th days with mortality over 80%. The larvae started increasing in length by Day 8, and had the appearance of the wild fry by Day 11. On Day 13 a pigmentation pattern developed and the biggest larva measured 10.0 mm. By Day 18 the larvae measured 12.5 mm, and 14.5 mm by Day 21. A total of 2,859 fry was obtained; the highest larval survival rate obtained from different experimental groups was 46.8%.     

Effect of substituting live feed with formulated feed on the reproductive performance and fry survival of Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens (Regan, 1910)

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of partial or complete replacement of live feed (LF) (Tubifex) with formulated feed (FF) on the reproductive performance of Betta splendens. Three hundred B. splendens fry (average weight 0.19 ± 0.01 g) were equally distributed into five different groups, each with three replicates. They were fed for 105 days with following different diets: control (C)—100% LF; T1—75% LF, 25% FF; T2—50% LF, 50% FF; T3—25% LF, 75% FF, and T4—100% FF. Results showed that the average number of hatched larvae (654 ± 101) and fry survival after 2 weeks of rearing (428 ± 70), after completion of three spawning, were recorded highest in the control group, which was, however, not significantly different from the T1, T2, and T3 groups. At the end of the feeding trial, the highest hatching percentage (90.3%) was registered in the T2 group, which was not significantly different from the control and T1 groups. The T2 group also recorded highest fry survival (65.54%) after completion of three spawning, which was not significantly (P < 0.05) different from the T1 and T3 groups. Control diet contained higher saturated fatty acid (63.23%) than formulated diet (29.80%). In the whole-body tissue, highest level of EPA (0.42%) and DHA (3.13%) were found in the T4 group followed by T3 group. The DHA/EPA ration was recorded highest in the T2 group (10.96%), which did not differ significantly from the T1 and T3 groups. Significant positive correlation was observed between saturated fatty acid levels in fish whole-body tissue and number of hatched larvae (Y = 30.81 × −825.3, R ² = 0.968) and fry survival after 2 weeks of rearing (Y = 21.38 × −580.9, R ² = 0.967). Considering all these factors, it can be concluded that the live feed Tubifex can be replaced up to 50% without any adverse effect on the reproductive performance and fry survival of B. splendens.     

Use of the freshwater rotifer <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachionus angularis</Emphasis> as the first food for larvae of the Siamese fighting fish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Betta splendens</Emphasis>

Larvae of the Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens were reared on the mass-cultured small freshwater rotifer Brachionus angularis Laos strain (UTAC-Lao), Paramecia sp., and Artemia as live food sources. Larvae fed live food were found to have a significantly high survival rate (97.5–100%) 18 days after hatch (DAH) in comparison to the control unfed larvae, which died by 12 DAH. Rotifer-fed larvae were found to grow faster than paramecia-fed larvae. The fastest growth rate was observed in larvae fed a combination of rotifer and Artemia, with growth in these larvae increasing by 282% by 18 DAH [total length (TL) 11.3 ± 1.2 mm] relative to body measurements taken 3 DAH. The next fastest growth rate was observed in rotifer-fed larvae, with a 158% increase in growth observed by 18 DAH (TL 7.6 ± 0.5 mm). The paramecia-fed larvae were found to grow by only 54.3% (TL 4.6 ± 0.1 mm) during the same period.     

Structural development of Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru from hatching to the onset of first feeding

Successful rearing of larval fish requires culture conditions and feeding strategies matching the ontogenetic status of larvae. This study describes the external morphology and development of organs and structures involved in the feeding process (i.e. sensorial organs, mouthparts and digestive system) from hatching until first feeding in Pacific red snapper. Hatching occurred 26 h after fertilization at 26°C and total length (TL) was 2.45 ± 0.08 mm. The larvae showed an undifferentiated eye and digestive tract. At 48 hah, TL was 3.31 ± 0.12 mm. Yolk and oil globule were still present. The mouth was still closed, but the Meckel's, quadrate, hyoid and hyomandibular cartilages were present. The retina was formed by 5 layers, and a thin layer of pigment epithelium was observed in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). At 70 hah, TL was 3.44 ± 0.22 mm. A remnant of oil globule was still present. The mouth and anus were open. At 93 hah, the number of cones in the ONL of the retina have increased and there was more pigment in the pigment epithelial layer. A joint between Meckel's and the quadrate cartilage and also a joint between the hyomandibular cartilage and the skull were present. The presence of live feed was detected in the digestive tract of these larvae. Based on these observations, the Pacific red snapper larvae is functional to start ingesting live feed between the 3rd and 4th day after hatching.     

中华沙鳅人工繁殖技术初探

对从长江、金沙江和岷江水域中收集质量为25.0～100.0 g的中华沙鳅(Botia superciliaris Günther)进行人工驯养、亲鱼培育和人工繁殖试验.结果显示:野生中华沙鳅能在人工饲养条件下生长和繁殖.注射人工催产药物鲤鱼脑垂体(PC)和促黄体素释放激素类似物(LHRH-A2)可促使亲鱼产卵和排精,催...     

西江肇庆江段鱼类早期资源时空分布特征研究

2006年5～7月对西江肇庆江段鱼苗的时空分布进行了研究,结果表明:5月17日及6月1日前后该江段有苗汛发生,鱼苗密度平均值为0.83尾/m3,最大值为7.9尾/m3;鱼苗密度昼夜分布有显著性差异(n=26,P<0.01),夜间的密度比白天的高;鱼苗的种类在昼夜分布上也有明显差异,四大家鱼鱼苗的分布主要集中于夜间;鱼苗的分布具空间差异性,近岸的鱼苗密度高于江中央的。     

Determination of the optimum transfer time of kutum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rutilus frisii kutum</Emphasis>) larvae from live food to artificial dry feed

Kutum Rutilus frisii kutum is known as a valuable commercial species in the southern part of Caspian Sea. Artificial rearing of fry has been introduced as an alternative to supply kutum fry in order to restock the kutum population in the Caspian Sea. The aim of this study was to find the suitable time to transfer kutum larvae from live food to artificial feed. The experiment began on day 3 post- hatching and lasted for 21 days. Mean initial weight of larvae was 4.5 mg. Five experimental groups including Group A (zooplankton alone for 21 days), Group B (12 days zooplankton + 9 days artificial feed), Group C (8 days zooplankton + 13 days artificial feed), Group D (4 days zooplankton + 17 days artificial feed) and Group E (artificial feed alone for 21 days) were considered for this experiment. According to the obtained results, the specific growth rate of kutum larvae varied from 8.01 to 13.58% day⁻¹, and the highest and lowest specific growth rate were found in A and E treatments, respectively. The lowest mean body weight (24.6 mg) was found in larvae fed on artificial feed for 21 days. However, survival rates of kutum larvae fed mixed zooplankton for 8 and 12 days (85.83 and 89.33%, respectively) were comparable with those of larvae fed live food during the entire experiment (91.6%). The lowest survival rate (69.16%) was found in larvae fed artificial feed during the entire experiment.     

Effect of the supplementation of live preys enriched in cod liver oil on the survival rate,growth and fatty acid profile of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) larvae

First‐feeding diets employed in the rearing of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) larvae are based on live preys that are commonly enriched to compensate for their deficiency of essential fatty acids. A feeding trial was conducted on meagre larvae (Argyrosomus regius) fed rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) and Artemia salina enriched in lipids from an emulsion of cod liver oil (CLO) and a commercial product (CP). The effect of both enrichment products was evaluated on the survival rate, size and lipid composition of meagre larvae. The results showed that larvae fed CLO presented significant higher values of survival rate (35.0 ± 3.2%) and larval size (12.06 ± 1.17 mm) at the end of the experiment, compared to the CP diet (26.0 ± 2.5%, 11.41 ± 0.91 mm, respectively). Both zootechnical parameters were related to the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the larvae. Indeed, the larvae fed CLO presented a higher ratio DHA/EPA than those enriched in commercial product (0.82 ± 0.18 and 0.38 ± 0.12 at 26 days after hatching, respectively). Both larval groups presented similar body content of arachidonic acid (1.4 wt.% on average at 26 days after hatching), regardless the enrichment source. From all above, we can conclude that the enrichment of live preys with an emulsion of cod liver oil is an economically viable alternative to commercial products. Indeed, cod liver oil emulsions are able to fully meet the requirements for fatty acids of meagre larvae. Furthermore, cod liver oil is easily available from fish processing facilities.     

Evaluation of the effect of stock enhancement in the coastal waters of Guangdong,China

A total of 14.573 million fish fry and 96.32 million shrimp larvae were released across 31 locations into the coastal waters off Guangdong, China, in 2010. The released fish and shrimp were sampled through a combination of market and fishing log‐book surveys. The combined fishery production reached 362 868 kg. The input–output ratio was 1:5.99 for released fish (over 3 years) and 1:11.01 for released shrimp (over 2 years). The average increase in income was 721 RMB per capita. Approximately 240 thousand fish (after 3 years) and 1.2 million shrimp (after 2 years) survived to sexual maturity and could contribute to the spawning stock. The stockings were approximately one‐seventh of the fish and one‐half of the shrimp stocking carrying capacities, respectively. Based on these results, the intensity of stocking could be increased. Stocking and recapture strategies should be adjusted to align with the optimal stocking carrying capacity determined from this study.     

Application of synthetic hormone LHRH-A<Subscript>2</Subscript> on the artificial propagation of Persian sturgeon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser persicus</Emphasis>

For studying the effect of LHRH-A₂ hormone on the induction of final maturation and ovulation of Persian sturgeon, 71 matured females and 20 matured males were used. Five groups of breeders were injected with sturgeon pituitary gland hormone (50 mg per fish) and LHRH-A₂ in dosages of 3.5, 7, 8 and 10 μg kg⁻¹ for females and 3 and 5 μg kg⁻¹ for males. Results showed that LHRH-A₂ successfully induced final maturation and ovulation in females, and there was no significant difference between five groups of breeders in ovulation proportion, fertilization rate, survival rate of incubation, survival of yolk-sac absorption period and active feeding period of larvae. It can be concluded that the LHRH-A₂ is a proper alternative for pituitary gland hormone in artificial propagation of Persian sturgeon.     

Morphological development of larval and juvenile blacktip grouper, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Epinephelus fasciatus</Emphasis>

The morphological development of larval and juvenile blacktip grouper, Epinephelus fasciatus, was examined using a hatchery-reared series. By about 5 mm body length (BL), the larvae developed characteristic pigmentation patterns of groupers, such as melanophores on the dorsal part of the gut, on the tips of the second-dorsal and pelvic fin spines, and on the midpoint of the tail to form a cluster. In addition, characteristic spines of groupers, such as spinelets on the second-dorsal and pelvic fin spines, and the preopercular angle spine developed by about 6 mm BL. The notochord end was in the process of flexion in larvae of 6–7 mm BL, by when major melanophores, spines, and jaw teeth started to appear. After the fin ray counts attained the adult complement at about 14 mm BL, somewhat densely pigmented bands started to appear on the body. The fish had the five distinct transverse bands and attained adult-like attire at about 40 mm BL when the major head spines disappeared and body parts in relation to BL became stable.     

Effects of temperature and salinity on oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of juvenile miiuy croaker, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Miichthys miiuy</Emphasis> (Basilewsky)

The metabolic responses of the juvenile Miichthys miiuy in terms of oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion to changes in temperature (6–25°C) and salinity (16–31 ppt) were investigated. At a constant salinity of 26 ppt, the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of the fish increased with an increase in temperature and ranged between 133.38 and 594.96 μg O₂ h⁻¹ g⁻¹ DW. The effect of temperature on OCR was significant (P < 0.01). Q₁₀ coefficients were 6.80, 1.41, 1.29 and 2.36 at temperatures of 6–10, 10–15, 15–20 and 20–25°C, respectively, suggesting that the juveniles of M. miiuy will be well adapted to the field temperature in the summer, but not in the winter. The ammonium excretion rates (AER) of the fish were also affected significantly by temperature (P < 0.01). The O:N ratio at temperatures of 6, 10, 15 and 20°C ranged from 13.12 to 20.91, which was indicative of a protein-dominated metabolism, whereas the O:N at a temperature of 25°C was 51.37, suggesting that protein-lipids were used as an energy substrate. At a constant temperature of 15°C, the OCRs of the fish ranged between 334.14 (at 31 ppt) and 409.68 (at 16 ppt) μg O₂ h⁻¹ g⁻¹ DW. No significant differences were observed in the OCR and AER of the juveniles between salinities of 26 and 31 ppt (P > 0.05). The OCR and AER at 16 ppt were, however, significantly higher than those at 26 and 31 ppt (P < 0.05), indicating salinity lower than 16 ppt is presumably stressful to M. miiuy juveniles.     

Induced breeding and larval rearing of the endangered Australian freshwater fish trout cod, Maccullochella macquariensis (Cuvier) (Percichthyidae)

Abstract. The endangered Australian freshwater fish trout cod, Maccullochella macquariensis (Cuvier), was the subject of a captive breeding programme to produce fry for reintroduction into the wild. Trout cod broodfish were maintained in earthen ponds for up to 5 years and underwent gonadal maturation each spring but did not spawn in the ponds. Infestations of the protozoan parasite Chilodonella hexasticha caused the death of at least 21 broodfish. Mature fish, removed from ponds when water temperatures had reached or exceeded 16°C, had a higher proportion of atretic oocytes and fewer fish spawned successfully compared to fish removed at lower temperatures. Ovulation was induced by a single injection of 1000–3000 iu/kg HCG. Between 1188 and 11338 eggs ranging from 2·5 to 3·6 mm in diameter were stripped from individual fish. Hatching commenced on days 5–9 and continued for up to 10 days (at 15·5–23°C). Larvae commenced feeding on days 21–25. Trout cod larvae were grown out to fry (363.3–48.6mm total length [TL]) in fertilized fry rearing ponds then released. Between 1986 and 1989, 8420 trout cod fry were released into several sites in the upper Murray River and upper Murrumbidgee River, and reports indicate that released fish are surviving.