Conventional and molecular cytogenetics of the pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.)

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) is a percid fish species of high commercial value and potential for being aquacultured in Europe. As such, pikeperch needs to be karyologically studied with special attention dedicated to arrangement of the homologous chromosomes into pairs and chromosomal location of the chosen DNA sequences. The karyotype of the pikeperch consists of 48 small chromosomes: One pair of metacentric chromosomes, 15 pairs of submetacentric chromosomes and eight pairs of subtelo‐acrocentric chromosomes (FN = 80). Original data on the chromosomal distribution of early and late replication regions, segments resistant to AluI, DdeI, HinfI and HaeIII restriction endonucleases and identification of the C‐banded heterochromatin presented herein have been used to arrange pikeperch chromosomes into the karyotype. After Primed in situ labeling (PRINS) technique with primers enabling amplification of 5S rDNA sequences, hybridization spots observed on the short (p) arms of two the largest pikeperch submetacentric chromosomes (no. 2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with telomeric PNA (Peptide Nucleic Acid) probe enabled recognition of the conservative telomeric DNA sequences on the pikeperch chromosomes. No interstitial signals were observed. The specimens studied did not show any morphologically differentiated sex chromosomes.     

Out-of-season spawning of cultured pikeperch [Sander lucioperca (L.)]

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of out‐of‐season spawning of cultivated pikeperch (fish that were reared from the larval stage in re‐circulating systems and fed commercial feed exclusively) stimulated hormonally with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The impact of fish age (2+ and 3+) and hormone dosage [200 or 400 IU hCG kg⁻¹ body weight (BW)] on spawning was analysed and expressed as the share of stripped females, commercial fecundity (% BW) and survival of embryos until the eyed‐egg stage (EES index). The possibility of utilizing changes in female pikeperch body weight (CBW index) that are observed following hormone injections as an additional indicator for determining maturity was also investigated. The age and hormone dosage were not noted to have a significant impact on the number of stripped females (≥80% on all groups), the latency period (90–100 h), commercial fecundity (11.3–13.3% BW) or the values of the EES index (61–73%; P>0.05). The mean value of EES from the 3+ age group females was higher than that in the 2+ females, and the interaction between the tested factors (fish age and hormone dosage) wasstatistically significant (P<0.05). In the fish from the control group (injected with a 0.9% NaCl solution), no progress was noted in the maturation of oocytes and no eggs were obtained from any female. It was noted that these females lost BW over the course of the subsequent 24 h of the measurements (P<0.05). In the groups of females that were stimulated hormonally, the opposite phenomenon was observed; in these groups, the CBW index increased significantly between 48 and 96 h following hormone injection. The value of the CBW index was not noted to have been statistically significantly determined by either hormone dose or fish age (P>0.05). The regression equations that described the dependence between CBW and the oocyte maturity stage were highly significant statistically, and the determination coefficient R² assumed a value of 0.76. The most significant increase in BW was related to the oocytes achieving maturity stage III. The BW of pikeperch females with oocytes in this stage was 103% higher than the initial BW. This might be a valuable and useful tool for determining maturity in females of this fish species.     

Light intensity preference of juvenile pikeperch Sander lucioperca (L.)

Light intensity preference of the pikeperch was tested in 1‐m² tanks divided into four lateral compartments with a hole in the middle to allow the fish to move between compartments. Two experiments were carried out with both 0+ and 1+ pikeperch: one testing intensities from 25 to 300 lx and the other from 1 to 50 lx. Light preference was observed individually for 5 days at 8, 11, 14 and 17 h. On the first and fifth day, the preference was tested without differences in light intensity (control). In both experiments, both age groups showed preference for the lowest available light intensity. Preference for low light intensity in pikeperch may be related to innate activity and feeding behaviour and to avoidance of harmful effects of light. It is suggested that under aquaculture operations, pikeperch should be reared under very dim conditions.     

Spatial variability in the somatic growth of pikeperch Sander lucioperca,an invasive piscivorous fish

Introduced fishes can develop invasive populations that impact native species and ecosystems. Understanding the population ecology of introduced species in their extended ranges and how this compares to their native ranges is therefore important for informing their management. Here, the age and somatic growth rates of the piscivorous freshwater fish pikeperch Sander lucioperca were analysed across their invasive and native ranges to determine their spatial patterns and drivers. Analyses were initially completed in their invaded range in central and western England. Populations varied spatially in their growth rates; being slowest for a population in a narrow and shallow canal and fastest in a large, impounded lowland river. A meta‐analysis of parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth model then revealed that across their native and invasive ranges, their theoretical ultimate lengths (L_∞) and growth coefficients (K) were significantly related to latitude, but not longitude. Their relationships with latitude were nonlinear, with higher values of L_∞ and lower values of K being evident towards their northerly and southerly range limits. Faster growth rates were evident in the middle of their range (45 to 55°N), suggesting temperatures here were most optimal for growth, but were in a trade‐off with reduced ultimate lengths. These spatial patterns suggest that whilst introduced S. lucioperca can colonise new waters across a wide area, the expression of their life‐history traits will vary spatially, with potential implications for how invasive populations establish and integrate into native fish communities.     

Supplementing the feed of pikeperch [Sander lucioperca (L.)] juveniles with MacroGard and its influence on nonspecific cellular and humoral defense mechanisms

This study examined the influence of β‐1.3/1.6‐glucan (MacroGard) on the innate immune system in healthy pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) juveniles. MacroGard was fed in a pelleted ration of 1 or 2 g kg^?1 feed for 6 weeks. The control group of fish was fed feed with no supplement. Blood, pronephros and spleen samples for the study of nonspecific cellular and humoral defense mechanisms were collected from 10 fish from each group. No changes were observed in either the behaviour or the health of the fish throughout the rearing period. Fish mortality was not noted in any of the groups. Additionally, the supplementation of feed with MacroGard did not have a significant impact on the fish growth rate as expressed in both absolute and relative values (P>0.05). The condition of the fish from the experimental group did not differ from that of the control group specimens, and the feed conversion ratios were also very similar (P>0.05). The results showed that MacroGard administered in two doses significantly (P<0.05) activated the metabolic activity and potential killing activity of spleen phagocytes, compared with the control‐fed pikeperch. The highest phagocyte activity was observed with a dose of 2 g kg^?1. The proliferative response of pronephros lymphocytes indicated a similar pattern. MacroGard significantly increased proliferative response of lymphocytes stimulated by mitogens (P<0.05). MacroGard also significantly increased the lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulin levels in the serum. In this study neither significantly different ceruloplasmine activity or total protein level in serum were observed. The result showed that MacroGard at the optimal dose of 1 g kg^?1 feed and a twofold higher dose does not have a negative influence on the hepatocytes or increased nonspecific cell‐ and humoral‐mediated immunity in healthy pikeperch.     

Reproduction biology of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.)) – a review

Abstract –  The present review focuses on the reproduction biology of pikeperch ( Sander lucioperca (L.)). Aspects like maturity, fecundity, spawning migrations, spawning habitats, onset of spawning, and development time of eggs were reviewed. The onset of maturity is reached at younger age in southern than northern populations due to higher growth rate in the south. Males mature at smaller size and are on average younger than females. Absolute fecundity is closely related to the length and weight, but no clear relationship could be found between relative fecundity and length. Statistically significant relationships were found between the onset of spawning and latitude, and between the duration of the development time of eggs and stable water temperature. Near the southern limits of distribution, the onset of spawning is in February while near the northern limits it is in June. The interannual variability in fecundity and in the onset of maturity and further the factors affecting them have not been studied much. Furthermore, it is not known whether these variations could affect the population dynamics of pikeperch. Little is also known about the actual spawning behaviour of pikeperch in natural habitats. This is probably due to the typical spawning habitats located at 1–3 m depth in waters with high turbidity and low visibility. Even though the homing behaviour to the same spawning areas is well developed in adults, it is not known whether the adults were actually born in the same area.     

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.     

Effect of gonadotropin hormonal stimulation on out-of-season propagation success of different year classes of indoor-reared pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.))

Three trials of hormonally induced out-of-season spawning of cultured pikeperch were performed. Two preparations containing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (groups Bg-4 and Pl-4) were applied in experiment I. Injections of preparations containing hCG either alone (group P1-3) or in combination with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) of different producers (groups Sr-3 and Pg-3) were applied in experiment II. Spawning effectiveness was determined for four age groups (2+ to 5+) of pikeperch stimulated with hCG (groups Pl-2–Pl-5) in experiment III. The females from all the experimental groups were stimulated once with a single dose of hormone at 300 IU kg^?1 body weight (BW). Females from the control group were injected with a 0.9 % solution of NaCl (group C). The working fecundity (CF; % of BW), latency time (LaT; h), and eyed-egg survival (EES, %) were determined. No progress in oocyte maturation was noted among the females from group C. Significant differences were noted in LaT, which was lower in group Pl-3 than in groups Sr-3 and Pg-3. The youngest fish (2+) matured significantly more slowly and exhibited significantly lower values of the CF and EES indexes in comparison with older fish (LaT 102 vs 75–80 h; CF 5.4 vs 10.4–11.2 % BW; EES 47 vs 70–77 %). The hormonal preparations used had a positive impact on the ovulation and spermiation of the cultured pikeperch. No improvement in the effectiveness of out-of-season spawning was noted when combined preparations of hCG and PMSG were used.     

Investigations on the effect of formalin and iodophor on embryo and larvae development in pikeperch,Sander lucioperca

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of incubating pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, eggs in formalin and iodophor solutions for 15 min on embryo survival, the hatching rate, as well as on the rate of misshaped larvae, in order to develop methods for egg surface disinfection. Embryos in the morula stage, in the epiboly stage, and at the beginning of heart beat and blood circulation tolerated formalin concentrations up to 1,500 ppm for 15 min. However, they were very susceptible to iodophor treatment, as >0.1% iodophor solution (=13 ppm active iodine) significantly decreased the percentage of ready-to-hatch embryos and the percentage of hatched larvae. These data of this study recommend the use of formalin at a concentration of up to 1,500 ppm to disinfect pikeperch eggs.     

Impact of fish size,water temperature,and MS‐222 concentration on inducing general anesthesia in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)

The aim of the study was to determine the optimum concentration of MS‐222 for given size groups of pikeperch and water temperatures. The study considered three size groups of pikeperch (body weight [BW] 8.56, 15.72, 52.91 g), an MS‐222 water solution (50, 100, and 150 mg/L), and two temperatures (20 or 23°C). It was revealed that the optimum MS‐222 concentration depended largely on the size of the pikeperch and on water temperature. For fish with a BW <10 g the recommended concentration is 100 mg/L but only at 23°C. For fish with a BW of 10–40 g at an immersion temperature of 20°C the safe MS‐222 concentration ranges from 100 to 150 mg/L. However, at a temperature of 23°C the recommended concentration of the anesthetic is 100 mg/L. Similarly for larger fish, that is, fish with a BW >40 g, the optimum MS‐222 concentration at a water temperature of 20°C is in the range of 100–150 mg/L, but at a temperature of 23°C is it approximately 100 mg/L. Additionally, when exposure to the anesthetic is shorter (several min), a concentration of 150 mg/L is also safe for juvenile pikeperch of this size.     

Temperature dependent growth and yield of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, in Finnish lakes

Abstract  A non-linear growth model was used to evaluate the effects of temperature and age on annual length increments of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), in seven lakes in Finland. Length increments were derived by back-calculation using the Fraser–Lee method. Annual length increments increased from age 1 to age 3 and then decreased, while at the same time length increments and air temperature had positive correlation until age 12. Age- and size-structured yield per recruit models were used in two lakes to evaluate the effects of temperature and gillnet mesh size on pikeperch yield. In these two lakes maximum yield could be obtained with 60 and 70 mm (bar length) gill nets. In the second lake, as typically in Finland, 45–50 mm gill nets are the most frequently used. The use of larger mesh size gill nets would increase pikeperch yield from 685 to 1000 g per recruit based on the present mean temperature. In both lakes increase in temperatures would increase yield if mesh size is simultaneously increased. Higher pikeperch yield can be expected in the future because of climate warming.     

Alcalase treatment for elimination of stickiness in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) eggs under controlled conditions

Elimination of egg stickiness is an important factor in artificial reproduction of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.). This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Alcalase enzyme to remove the adhesive layer of pikeperch eggs. The eggs were treated with Alcalase at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 5.0 mL L^?1 or a milk/talc solution 2 min post insemination. Duration of exposure was 2 min in Alcalase and 60 min in milk/talc. The highest, albeit not significant, hatching rate (85.4%) was found with 1.5 mL L^?1 of Alcalase, but hatching rates were similar in 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mL L^?1. Hatching rates were significantly lower groups treated with 5.0 mL L^?1 Alcalase enzyme (56.4%) compared to groups treated with milk powder and talc (61.3%). Nominally complete removal of adhesiveness was observed in 1.5 and 2 mL L^?1. All Alcalase treatments led to significantly lower incubation duration compared with the traditional milk/talc treatment. The application of Alcalase successfully eliminated pikeperch egg stickiness in less time than with traditional milk/clay/talc methods.     

Effects of turbidity on feeding of the young-of-the-year pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in fishponds

The effect of water turbidity on the prey selection and consumption of the young-of-the-year (YOY) pikeperch in the planktivorous feeding stage was studied. Attention was paid particularly to the question of how the food selectivity depends on the size of YOY pikeperch and how the turbidity affects feeding in different size classes. Studies were carried out in ponds of two fish farms in Estonia over 4 years. Small cladocerans were the most preferred prey in the smallest pikeperch size class. In larger size classes, the most selected prey were the large cladocerans. Water turbidity affected the prey selection of the planktivorous pikeperch significantly. In more turbid environments, the larger zooplankters were more positively selected than the smaller ones. Turbidity decreased both total zooplankton consumption and Fulton's condition factor of fish only in the largest size class of pikeperch. The effect of turbidity on foraging and growth, and thus on the size of juvenile pikeperch of a particular year class is substantial under conditions where juveniles cannot shift from planktivory to piscivory.     

The use of tannic acid to remove adhesiveness from pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, eggs

The studies conducted in 2003–2004 focused on the possibilities of applying a tannic solution to remove adhesiveness from pikeperch eggs. Spawners were caught in Lake P?tnowskie (central Poland) and then transported to the Gos?awice Fish Farm. After initial selection, the fish were weighed, measured and stimulated with human chorionic gonadotropin. Gametes were obtained 5 days after the first injection. The weight and diameter of the eggs, and the commercial fecundity of individual females were determined. The eggs were fertilized with the dry method. After the addition of water, the eggs were mixed for 4 min, and then divided into 20 g portions. After determining the number of eggs in the various portions, the adhesiveness removal procedure was performed. Three concentrations of tannic acid solution (500, 1000, 1500 mg L^?1) and three exposure times (0.5, 2, 5 min) were applied. The eggs were incubated in Weiss jars. The studies indicated that both the solution concentration and the exposure time significantly (P<0.05) impacted pikeperch egg hardening, the degree of adhesive removal and embryo survival. The tannic acid solution concentration of ≤500 mg L^?1 applied for 0.5–2 min was not effective; the eggs clumped and it was impossible to separate them even with intensive mixing. Better results were obtained using higher tannic acid concentrations and/or by lengthening exposure time. The adhesiveness of pikeperch eggs disappeared completely after 5 min exposure to tannic acid solution concentrations of 500–1500 mg L^?1 or after 2 min exposure to solution concentrations of 1000–1500 mg L^?1. In these variants, the embryo survival rate to the eyed‐egg stage was 78.0–84.0% (2003) and 82.3–84.7% (2004). However, high tannic acid concentration had a negative impact on the pikeperch larvae hatching. The greatest decrease in survival rate was observed in groups exposed to a tannic acid solution of 1500 mg L^?1 for 2 and 5 min periods. Thus, the optimum method for removing pikeperch egg adhesiveness was to apply a solution of tannic acid at a concentration of 500 mg L^?1 for 5 min or 1000 mg L^?1 for 2–5 min.     

The effect of 11 β-hydroxyandrostenedione on pikeperch Stizostedion lucioperca (L.)

Oral administration of 11 β-hydroxyandrostenedione was used to sex inverse juvenile Stizostedion lucioperca (L.) reared under intensive culture conditions. Androgen was mixed into the commercial trout food in the following doses: 0, 30, 60 and 90 mg kg^?1 diet. Administration (for 21 days) of 60 mg 11 β-hydroxyandrostenedione kg^?1 of the diet produced 93% males and 7% bisexual fish. In hormone-treated groups, no morphological changes were observed in the liver. No significant differences were observed in growth or in the hepatosomatic index between the androgen-treated groups and the control group.     

Effects of brewer’s yeast extract on growth performance and health of juvenile pikeperch Sander lucioperca (L.)

Juvenile European pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, were fed commercial feed (group C) or experimental feed supplemented with NuPro^® nucleotide‐rich Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast protein (extract obtained through a cell wall removal process) in doses of 20, 40 or 60 g kg^?1 feed (groups N2, N4, N6) for 8 weeks. Growth, non‐specific immunity parameters, histological structure of the liver and intestine, proximate whole‐body composition and blood biochemical parameters were assayed. It was noted that brewer’s yeast extract has immunomodulatory proprieties. NuPro^® in doses of 40 and 60 g kg^?1 feed strongly stimulated non‐specific (innate) cellular and humoral immunity in pikeperch. The experimental feed did not have a significant impact on pikeperch growth (P > 0.05). The proximate composition of the fish bodies and the hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic (VSI) indices were also not affected, which indicated that the tested diets had no negative impact on the metabolism or deposition of nutrients in fish tissues. The lower levels of transaminases AST and ALT, which were noted in the groups with the two highest doses of NuPro^® (P < 0.05), might indicate improved liver function. It was also demonstrated that the brewer’s yeast extract stimulates the absorption activity of intestinal epithelial cells.     

Effects of hormonal manipulation on stress responses in male and female broodstocks of pikeperch Sander lucioperca

This study was designed to determine the effects of hormonal manipulation on stress responses in female and male pikeperch. Two-year-old cultured female and male broodstocks with an average weight of 337.4 ± 20.1 (mean ± SE; n = 16) and 318.7 ± 15.1 g (n = 16), respectively, were randomly allocated into four hormonal treatments each containing 4 fish. Two sexual groups of 16 fish for each gender were considered. Sexually mature male and female pikeperch were injected with either physiological saline solution (as control group), common carp pituitary extract (CPE), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog (LHRHa₂). The blood samples were taken before hormonal injection and after ovulation and spermiation. Then the plasma levels of stress indices (cortisol, glucose, and lactate) were determined. The results showed that all CPE-, HCG-, and LHRHa_2- injected males produced sperm. In females treated with CPE and hCG, three of four ovulated, but none of LHRHa_2- and saline-injected fish spawned. Significant changes in cortisol, glucose, and lactate levels were observed among the females injected with different hormones. Plasma cortisol and glucose levels increased significantly in males injected with CPE and females injected with hCG, but no significant change was observed in lactate levels before and after hormonal induction. Comparison of two sexes revealed significant differences in glucose levels for females in some groups before injection, while CPE-injected sexes showed significant changes in cortisol and lactate concentrations. The results indicated that the induction of ovulation or spermiation stimulated stress responses especially in female pikeperch, and therefore, all the procedures should be made to minimize the disturbance during the artificial spawning.     

Effect of partial or total replacement of forage fish by a dry diet on the quality of reproduction in pikeperch, Sander lucioperca

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the influence of different feeding regimes on the quality of reproduction in pikeperch. Three diets were tested: forage fish (FF), a commercial dry feed (DD) and a mix of both (FD).  The diets were given to fish throughout a complete reproductive cycle. During the spawning season, couples were injected with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and let to spawn on nests. Proportion of running males, spawning and hatching success and larval quality (weight, length, body protein, total lipid, fatty acid and lipid class compositions and resistances to osmotic shock and starvation stress tests at hatching) were evaluated. The proportion of running male was lower in the DD group than in the FF and FD groups (54% for DD against 76–89% for FF and FD). In addition, 25%, 62.5% and 75% of injected couples gave spawning that hatched in DD, FF and FD groups respectively. Larval quality parameters were not significantly different between treatments. The results indicate that overall quality of reproduction was higher in FF and FD treatments than in DD. It suggests that the dry feed used was not totally adequate for pikeperch reproduction. Relations between breeder reproductive performances and the feed compositions are discussed.