Alterations in blood electrolytes of a freshwater catfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Heteropneustes fossilis</Emphasis> in response to treatment with a botanical pesticide, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nerium indicum</Emphasis> leaf extract

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of Nerium indicum leaf extract on the blood electrolytes of Heteropneustes fossilis for short- and long term. Fish were subjected to Nerium indicum leaf extract for short term (11.27 mg/L i.e. 0.8 of 96 h LC₅₀) and long term (2.81 mg/L i.e. 0.2 of 96 h LC₅₀). Fish were killed on each time intervals from control and experimental (Nerium indicum) groups after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in short-term exposure and after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in long-term experiment. Blood samples were analyzed for calcium and inorganic phosphate levels. Acute exposure of Nerium indicum leaf extract caused a progressive decrease in the serum calcium levels after 48 h in fish H. fossilis, which persists till the close of the experiment (96 h). The serum inorganic phosphate levels remain unaffected till 48 h in the Nerium indicum leaf extract–exposed fish. After 72 and 96 h, the levels exhibit a decrease. Chronic Nerium indicum leaf extract treatment provoked a decrease in serum calcium levels at day 14. This decrease continues till 28 days. The serum phosphate level of the Nerium indicum leaf extract–treated fish decreases on day 14 and 21. However, on day 28, the levels become close to the normal values. We conclude that Nerium indicum leaf extract exposure alters the blood electrolytes of the fish, thus causing physiological disturbances which might affect seriously the normal vital functions, growth rate, reproduction, and their survival in nature.     

The effects of freshwater rearing on the whole body and muscle tissue fatty acid profile of the European sea bass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicentrarchus labrax</Emphasis>)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of freshwater rearing on the fatty acid profiles of the whole body and muscle tissue of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Half of initial fish were gradually acclimated to freshwater (FW) kept at the same temperature to salt water and grown in same conditions as their counterparts in saltwater (SW). The decrease in salinity caused an increase in the percentages of 18:1n − 9, 24:1n − 9, 18:3n − 3, 18:2n − 6 and decrease in the percentages of 14:0, 15:0, 20:0, 21:0, 20:5n − 3 and 22:6n − 3 both in the whole body and in the muscle tissue fatty acid profiles. The lipids of FW-reared fish contained significantly (P < 0.01) higher percentages of 18:2n − 6 and 18:3n − 6 than that of SW-reared fish. However, percentages of 20:5n − 3 and 22:6n − 3 fatty acids decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with those of salt water-reared European sea bass. There was a clear trend of decrement in the percentages of n − 3 PUFA fatty acids due to the decrease in water salinity. However, the percentages of n − 6 PUFA fatty acids were also increased with the decrease in water salinity. We concluded that the FW acclimation is followed by changes in certain lipid classes of sea bass muscle tissue and whole body samples. n − 3/n − 6 PUFA ratios were characteristic to previously reported ratios for both FW- and SW-reared European sea bass. In addition, EPA/DHA ratios were basically similar for the fish reared in both SW and FW indicating the equal nutritional value of the final products in terms of providing PUFA’s for human nutrition.     

Effects of conventional and organic feed on the mineral composition of cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a widely consumed marine fish in Mediterranean areas, and different farming techniques are applied for fish culturing to satisfy the growing demand for seafood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conventional and organic feed on the quality of cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) collected during the growth period. The concentrations of ash, moisture, essential macro‐elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P), micro‐elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) and toxic elements (As, Cd, and Pb) were determined in feeds and in fillets of cultured fish. The results were compared to those obtained from wild sea bass. Results showed that the differences between organic diet‐fed and conventional diet‐fed sea basses varied in relation to the specific element measured and the growth period. The former showed higher concentration of Fe, Mg and Cr, and lower Na content. The amount of P, Na, Fe, Cu and Cr in wild sea bass was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than that found in farmed fish. The levels of toxic elements in cultured sea bass were always within the allowed limit for fishery products. Wild samples had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher content of arsenic and lead than farmed sea bass. Cultured fish represent a valuable dietary source of essential macro‐ and micro‐elements. Controlled rearing systems and feedings were related to a decrease in the presence of some toxic metals in cultured fish compared with wild fish.     

Outbreak of hirame rhabdovirus infection in cultured spotted sea bass Lateolabrax maculatus on the western coast of Korea

In this study, we determined the cause of a disease outbreak in spotted sea bass, Lateolabrax maculatus reared in culture cages on the western coast of Korea in 2013. The major signs in the diseased fish exhibited were haemorrhaging on the membranes of the abdomen, gastrointestinal organs and opercular gills, as well as an enlarged spleen. No external morphological signs of infection were visible, except for a darkening in colour. No parasites or pathological bacteria were isolated from the diseased fish; however, epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells inoculated with tissue homogenates from the diseased fish showed cytopathic effects (CPEs). Virus particles in the EPC cells were bullet‐shaped, 185–225 nm long and 70–80 nm wide, characteristic of Rhabdoviridae. Polymerase chain reaction analyses of homogenized tissues from the diseased fish and supernatants of cell cultures with CPEs indicated specific, 553‐bp‐long fragments corresponding to the matrix protein gene of the hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV). Phylogenetically, the HIRRV phosphoprotein gene of spotted sea bass was more closely related to phosphoproteins from Chinese and Polish HIRRV strains than from other Korean strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of HIRRV infection in cultured spotted sea bass.     

Incidence and prevalence of Diplectanum aequans and its influence on the fitness of juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in the Black Sea

High rates of unexplained mortalities (up to 70%) are anticipated in the cultured juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in farms in the eastern Black Sea at least for the last 8 years. Diplectanum aequans, often blamed for the observed mortalities, is the only prevalent parasite impacting the health of sea bass in the brackish water of the Black Sea. To investigate the seasonal fluctuation of D. aequans prevalence, mean intensities and the potential effects of D. aequans on the fitness of sea bass, eight cages from one farm (Farm A) and four cages at another distinct site (Farm B) were surveyed monthly from May to October of 2008. Six hundred and sixty‐one juvenile sea bass from Farm A and 236 from Farm B were individually examined for the presence and intensity of the parasite. The prevalence of D. aequans in cultured sea bass (96.3 ± 11.11; Mean ± SD) ranged from 66.7% to 100% in June, the beginning of 6‐month growing season. The mean intensity was 6.08 ± 2.19, significantly higher than that (2.74 ± 0.87; P < 0.05) in December (P < 0.05), the end of the growing season. Fish with low fitness had significantly higher number of parasite than the fish with higher fitness (P < 0.005). Although D. aequans negatively influenced host's condition factor, the impact was not enough to lead mortalities in the cultured sea bass in the Black Sea.     

Motility Parameters of Rainbow Trout (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>) Spermatozoa in Relation to Sequential Collection of Milt,Time of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Post-mortem</Emphasis> Storage and Anesthesia

The present study investigated the effects of sequential collection of milt, time of post-mortem storage and anesthesia on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sperm motility parameters (using computer-assisted sperm analysis – CASA) as well as seminal plasma osmolality and sperm concentration. The post-mortem storage and time of anesthesia altered motility characteristics of rainbow trout sperm to different extents. The moderate impact of time of anesthesia was manifested in a shortened duration of sperm motility after 10 min exposure of fish to anesthetic. The prolonged post-mortem storage (≥40–60 min), in addition to lowering sperm motility duration, also significantly influenced sperm motility parameters, such as sperm velocities, percentage of motile sperm and sperm trajectory parameters. These results clearly demonstrate that when milt from sacrificed fish is used for sperm motility studies, the time of post-mortem storage significantly alters sperm motility characteristics. Since sperm motility rate and swimming velocity could predict fertilizing ability, detrimental effects of prolonged post-mortem storage may lead to reduced fertilization success. Sperm concentration and seminal plasma osmolality were lower in the first fractions and increased with successive collections of milt. It suggests the presence of urine contamination of the first milt fractions which were collected by stripping. Therefore, testing of sperm concentration and/or seminal plasma osmolality should be mandatory while handling stored milt.     

Acute toxicity of ammonia on juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum, Linnaeus, 1766) according to the salinity

Juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum) (total length 15.16 ± 0.92 cm and weight 19.26 ± 4.5 g) were exposed to different concentrations of ammonia–N (unionized plus ionized ammonia as nitrogen), using the static renewal method at different salinity levels of 5, 20, and 35‰ at pH 8.1 and 25°C. The 24, 48, 72, 96 h LC₅₀ values of ammonia–N for R. canadum juveniles were 60.28, 48.57, 37.42, 22.73 mg l⁻¹ at 35‰; 51.25, 43.63, 28.17, 19.05 mg l⁻¹ at 20‰; and 39.48, 25.31, 19.50, 8.13 mg l⁻¹ at 5‰, respectively. The 24, 48, 72, 96 h LC₅₀ values of NH₃–N (unionized ammonia as nitrogen) were 1.81, 1.46, 1.12, and 0.68 mg l⁻¹ at 35‰; 1.75, 1.49, 0.96, and 0.65 mg l⁻¹ at 20‰; and 1.52, 0.97, 0.71, and 0.31 mg l⁻¹ at 5‰, respectively. As the salinity decreased from 35 to 5‰, susceptibility of ammonia–N increased by 34.5, 47.88, 50.56, and 64.23% after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h exposure, respectively. Furthermore, we found that exposure of fish to ammonia–N caused an increase in oxygen consumption of 129.1, 157.5, and 192% and a decrease in the ammonia excretion level of 53.4, 38.2, and 23.3% with respect to the control.     

Bacterial host interaction of GFP‐labelled Vibrio anguillarum HI‐610 with gnotobiotic sea bass,Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), larvae

The location and cell damage caused by Vibrio anguillarum, the causative agent of classical vibriosis, within the developing gut of the newly hatched sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), is unknown. A gnotobiotic sea bass model was used to investigate the early interactions of V. anguillarum with sea bass larvae. In the present study, germ‐free sea bass larvae were orally exposed to a V. anguillarum HI‐610 pathogen labelled with the green fluorescent protein (GFP‐HI‐610) and sampled at regular intervals. Pathogenic colonization of gut enterocytes was observed 2 h post‐exposure (p.e.) and onwards, whereas bacteria within the swim bladder were visualized 48 h p.e and onwards. Ultrastructural findings demonstrated direct bacterial contact with the host cell in the oesophageal mucosa and putative attachment to microvilli of mid‐ and hindgut enterocytes. The present findings form a starting point for studies assessing the impact of potential candidates (probiotics, prebiotics, antimicrobial peptides) to mitigate bacterial virulence.     

The effect of body size on post-exercise physiology in largemouth bass

Variation in individual size has important consequences for a number of characteristics of fish, which can impact fish populations. The impact of fish size on recovery following exercise, however, is poorly understood, with little information existing on the recovery of ionic/osmotic variables. The goal of this study was to quantify not only how allometry impacts the magnitude of physiological disturbance following burst exercise in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), but also how allometry impacts the time required for exercise-induced disturbances to return to baseline levels. To accomplish this goal, two size classes of largemouth bass (large = 772–1,441 g total weight, mean = 1,125 g; small = 93–238 g, mean = 148 g) were exercised for 60 s and allowed to recover for 0, 1, 2, or 4 h before being sampled for plasma and white muscle. Large largemouth bass exhibited elevated concentrations of plasma glucose and sodium relative to small fish following a common exercise challenge. Large fish required additional time to clear metabolic disturbances in plasma and failed to restore potassium to basal levels even following 4 h of recovery, indicating an improved ability of the smaller fish to recover from disturbances. Results are further discussed in the context of physiological ecology and fitness for largemouth bass.     

Behaviour of European sea bass,Dicentrarchus labrax L., in cages – impact of early life rearing conditions and management

European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax L., groups reared under different conditions during larval stages (mesocosm and intensive rearing) were monitored during on‐growing in sea cages until marketable size (350–400 g). Four caged groups were followed for a period of 17 months each at a pilot scale farm, where vertical distribution behaviour was monitored. This was performed while fish were under calm conditions, during feeding and when stress events occurred. Also during two specific periods: (i) spawning and (ii) high water temperature. Clear differences in the behavioural pattern of swimming depth, displacement and used space between the groups were observed. The individuals from the mesocosm rearing were more sensitive to human presence, showing stronger reactions (speed of displacement and vertical distribution). Most pronounced differences were observed during the ‘extreme’ warm period and the reproductive season. Within the seasons, European sea bass responded during feeding and stress showing a tendency to move deeper compared to calm conditions. The increased displacements were longer during feeding and stress.     

Acute effects of benzo[a]pyrene on liver phase I and II enzymes,and DNA damage on sea bream <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sparus aurata</Emphasis>

In the present study biotransformation and detoxification responses to acute exposure to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) were investigated in the liver of Sparus aurata (sea bream). Sexually immature gilthead sea bream were treated by intraperitoneal injection of B[a]P (20 mg kg⁻¹) for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. B[a]P accumulation was quantified in sea bream liver by mean of gas phase chromatography (GPC-MS) after the various exposure periods. The following biological responses were measured: (1) ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, as a phase I biotransformation parameter; (2) liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity as a phase II conjugation enzyme. DNA damage was assessed over time using the single-cell gel electrophoresis comet assay. B[a]P bioaccumulation in the liver resulted in a biphasic curve with an increasing uptake up to 5.55 ± 0.67 μg g⁻¹ dry weight after only 6 h exposure and 4.67 ± 0.68 μg g⁻¹ dry weight after 48 h exposure. EROD activity showed a nonsymmetrical bell-shaped kinetic with a maximum at 24 h and lower but significant activities at 12 and 48 h with respect to control animals. Hepatic GST activities were only significant after 48 h exposure. Comet assay showed an increase in liver cells DNA damage with a maximum after 48 h exposure reaching up to 12.17 %DNA in the tail.     

Biochemical and histological changes in the brain tissue of spotted murrel, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Channa punctatus</Emphasis> (Bloch), exposed to endosulfan

The present experiment was conducted to establish the relationship between selected physiological parameters and histological responses of Channa punctatus brain tissue to endosulfan exposure. The fish (35.6 ± 0.7 g) was exposed to sublethal endosulfan concentration (8.1 μg l⁻¹) for a period of 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h. Results showed that brain glucose level increased significantly after exposure, indicating a hyperglycemic state of the fish. Brain vitamin C level decreased with an increase in the exposure time. Acetylcholine esterase and adenosine triphosphatase enzyme activities also showed a significant reduction upon endosulfan exposure. Brain histopathology after 96 h endosulfan exposure showed that the apical lobe of the cerebrum (the only portion examined) had mild necrosis. Focal area of gliosis could be seen in the cerebrum, which were absent in the control fish. The results indicate that exposure of sublethal concentration of endosulfan to C. punctatus may have a direct effect on the histology of the fish's brain tissue, thereby affecting its metabolism.     

Vortex flow produced by schooling behavior of arabesque greenling <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleurogrammus azonus</Emphasis>

Arabesque greenling Pleurogrammus azonus form schools of 30,000–60,000 individuals to feed on mesozooplankton near the sea surface. The fish need to be close to the surface where mesozooplankton production occurs, but the food is not sufficiently dense there for the fish to grow optimally while avoiding predation by sea birds. Arabesque greenling use a unique method to optimize their feeding conditions while avoiding staying on the sea surface. When the school swims upward, water is pushed downward. Upward swimming of a school of 30,000 individuals generates a downward stream of about 0.8–1.1 m/s, resulting in a convergent flow near the surface. This convergence concentrates the mesozooplankton on the sea surface and transports them into deeper layers with a strong vortex about 3.0 m in diameter and 10–20 m long. Thus, schooling of this fish induces vortex flows that provide a rich feeding environment.     

Myxosporean and microsporidian infections in cultured Pacific bluefin tuna <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus orientalis</Emphasis> in Japan

During the parasitological survey of cultured juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) Thunnus orientalis in 2007 and 2008, two myxosporeans and one microsporidian were found. Morphological and molecular analysis showed that the heart-infecting and brain-infecting myxosporeans are identified as Kudoa shiomitsui and K. yasunagai, respectively. This is a new host record for both species. High prevalence of infection (77–100%) with K. shiomitsui was observed in October to December (1–2 months post-transfer to sea cages), whereas only a few fish were infected with K. yasunagai. A microsporidian observed as white “cysts” in the trunk muscle of PBT had a resemblance to Microsporidium seriolae, the causative parasite of beko disease in yellowtail. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the microsporidian from PBT is closely related to but distinct from several other muscle-infecting species such as M. seriolae, Microsporidium sp. RSB, and Microsporidium sp. SH. Additionally, the spore dimension (2.7 × 1.5 μm on average) was remarkably smaller than the others. These results suggest that the present microsporidian is an undescribed species and designated Microsporidium sp. PBT. Prevalence and intensity of infection with Microsporidium sp. PBT reached a maximum of 100% and 20 cysts/fish, respectively. Although pathogenic effects of the two Kudoa species on fish health remain unknown, the microsporidian could be of concern to PBT aquaculture due to unsightly cysts in the musculature, reducing the market value of the fish.     

Heritabilities and correlations of deformities and growth‐related traits in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax,L) in four different sites

Skeletal deformities are important traits for aquaculture as they induce slow growing and low market value. We studied their genetic determinism and their interactions with the environment at the ongrowing stage in 5839 European sea bass from a partial factorial mating of 33 sires and 23 dams, reared in four sites. All families were mixed, and fish were first reared in one site (site B) until 35 g mean weight, then distributed to the four sites. A posteriori reconstruction of pedigree with microsatellites was used. Deformities were scored internally at slaughtering, and externally from photographs. Site B, where all fish were initially stocked until 35 g and exposed to forced swimming because of fast water current showed the highest rate of deformities with 83% and 65% from internal and external scoring respectively. Heritability on the underlying scale was h² = 0.25 ± 0.03 across all sites, and varied little between sites, while genetic correlations of deformities between sites were always high (>0.85). Genetic correlations between deformities and daily growth coefficient were variable between sites(r_A = 0.50 ± 0.09, 0.43 ± 0.10, 0.32 ± 0.10, 0.18 ± 0.10 for sites A, B, C, D respectively) and were positively linked with the average growth rate in each site. These results pointed out that there could be a relation between growth rate and the evolution of deformities at the grow‐out stage.     

The interrelation between temperature regimes and fish size in juvenile Atlantic cod (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gadus morhua</Emphasis>): effects on growth and feed conversion efficiency

The present paper describes the growth properties of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) reared at 7, 10, 13 and 16 °C, and a group reared under “temperature steps” i.e. with temperature reduced successively from 16 to 13 and 10 °C. Growth rate and feed conversion efficiency of juvenile Atlantic cod were significantly influenced by the interaction of temperature and fish size. Overall growth was highest in the 13 °C and the T-step groups but for different reasons, as the fish at 13 °C had 10% higher overall feeding intake compared to the T-step group, whereas the T-step had 8% higher feeding efficiency. After termination of the laboratory study the fish were reared in sea pens at ambient conditions for 17 months. The groups performed differently when reared at ambient conditions in the sea as the T-step group was 11.6, 11.5, 5.3 and 7.5% larger than 7, 10, 13 and 16 °C, respectively in June 2005. Optimal temperature for growth and feed conversion efficiency decreased with size, indicating an ontogenetic reduction in optimum temperature for growth with increasing size. The results suggest an optimum temperature for growth of juvenile Atlantic cod in the size range 5–50 g dropping from 14.7 °C for 5–10 g juvenile to 12.4 °C for 40–50 g juvenile. Moreover, a broader parabolic regression curve between growth, feed conversion efficiency and temperature as size increases, indicate increased temperature tolerance with size. The study confirms that juvenile cod exhibits ontogenetic variation in temperature optimum, which might partly explain different spatial distribution of juvenile and adult cod in ocean waters. Our study also indicates a physiological mechanism that might be linked to cod migrations as cod may maximize their feeding efficiency by active thermoregulation.     

Biosensors applied to biochemical fish qualityindicators in refrigerated and frozen sea bass reared in aerated or hyperoxic conditions

Biosensors in the detection of K₁ value (a ratiobased on the changes in ATP catabolites contentoccurring in the muscle after death) and biogenicamines for evaluation of fish quality were tested. TheK₁ value was determined, every 24 h, from 24 to168 h after death, by HPLC and by a xanthine oxidasebiosensor on 36 sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)stored at 1°C with ice covering. TheK₁ value by biosensor and the biogenic amines byHPLC and by a diamine-oxidase biosensor were evaluatedevery 24 h after death or thawing until spoilage on150 sea bass, reared under aeration or atsupersaturated oxygen level and stored at 4°C,1°C with ice covering, –20°C × 30 d and–80°C × 90 d. Refrigerated fish were evaluatedby the EU sensory scheme. A close relation betweenHPLC and biosensor-values emerged for K₁ value.Reliable estimates by biosensor K₁% of both EUfreshness classes and the quality of frozen bass werefound. Biogenic amine levels remained fairly lowwithin the edibility period but putrescine showed moreevident changes, making it promising as a spoilageindicator in frozen fish. Storage conditions markedlyinfluenced changes after death or thawing in K₁value or, even less, in biogenic amine levels,putrescine particularly, while dissolved oxygen inwater of rearing did not.     

Use of acceleration loggers in aquaculture to determine net-cage use and field metabolic rates in red sea bream <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pagrus major</Emphasis>

We investigated the usefulness of acceleration loggers in aquaculture by examining net-cage use and metabolic rates in red sea bream, Pagrus major. First, the fish’s metabolic rate (mg O₂ kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) was measured with the logger in a swim tunnel at designated water velocities. We found that metabolic rate could be expressed by using a linear regression model of the activity rate index (unitless min⁻¹) derived from acceleration data. Using this equation, the field metabolic rates of three fish in a net cage were monitored and were estimated at 14.1–15.0 kcal kg⁻¹ day⁻¹. The results suggested that 15–19% of energy from satiation feeding ration was consumed for metabolism and activity in the net cage. The loggers showed orderly net-cage use by the fish. Tagged individuals used the whole cage from surface to bottom, but individual fish that preferred the surface area rarely used the bottom, and vice versa. Metabolic rate increased significantly with distance of the fish from their preferred depths. The logger provided information on the physiological and behavioral responses of fish in a given breeding system, and its use should contribute to the design of practical aquaculture systems.     

Luminal uptake of Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum by shed enterocytes – a novel early defence strategy in larval fish

As adhesion and translocation through fish gut enterocytes of the pathogen Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum are not well investigated, the effective cause of disease and mortality outbreaks in larval sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, suffering from vibriosis is unknown. We detected V. anguillarum within the gut of experimentally infected gnotobiotic sea bass larvae using transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labelling. Intact bacteria were observed in close contact with the apical brush border in the gut lumen. Enterocytes contained lysosomes positive for protein A‐gold particles suggesting intracellular elimination of bacterial fragments. Shed intestinal cells were regularly visualized in the gut lumen in late stages of exposure. Some of the luminal cells showed invagination and putative engulfment of bacterial structures by pseudopod‐like formations. The engulfed structures were positive for protein A‐colloidal gold indicating that these structures were V. anguillarum. Immunogold positive thread‐like structures secreted by V. anguillarum suggested the presence of outer membrane vesicles (MVs) hypothesizing that MVs are potent transporters of active virulence factors to sea bass gut cells suggestive for a substantial role in biofilm formation and pathogenesis. We put forward the hypothesis that MVs are important in the pathogenesis of V. anguillarum in sea bass larvae.     

Texture and Flavor of Hybrid Striped Bass Fed Soybean Meal Diets

Baked fillets from hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops) fed varying amounts of soybean meal and raised in ponds or tanks were evaluated for flavor and texture. Using a triangle test, panelists were able to discriminate between fillets from fish fed soybean meal in the diet as compared to fillets from fish fed only fish meal with respect to flavor and texture in most comparisons. In paired comparison tests, panelists described fillets from fish fed soybean meal as less dry or tough compared to fish-meal-fed fish. In addition, panelists were able to discriminate between fillets from fish raised in ponds compared to those raised in tanks, regardless of diet. However, in a limited test, panelists found no differences in the acceptability of fillets with respect to flavor and texture. Data showed that soybean meal in the diet of hybrid striped bass had a significant discernible effect on flavor and texture of fillets, but this effect was not important in acceptability of the fillets.