不同牙鲆群体遗传力和育种值分析

以牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)抗病群体(RS)、RS(♂)与从日本引进的日本群体(♀)交配建立的群体(RJ)、日本群体(♂)与RS(♀)交配建立的群体(JR)、以及韩国群体(KS)为基础群体, 通过随机交配建立牙鲆家系, 研究了4个群体作为亲本的育种性能。待所建立的家系生长至19月龄左右时, 测量家系生长性状, 包括全长和体质量, 测量所得数据用SPSS及DMU软件中的REML算法和BLUP方法进行分析。结果显示, 从表型参数可以看出KS(♂)×RJ(♀)杂交后代表现出明显的生长优势。19月龄牙鲆全长和体质量的遗传力分别为0.301、0.295, 都属于中等遗传力。因此, 牙鲆群体具有较好的遗传改良潜力。全长、体质量育种值与其表型值的相关系数分别为0.838和0.827, 且呈极显著相关(P<0.01), 表明个体育种值的预测结果具有较高的准确性。对父母本分别进行育种值比较可知, 父本中KS的育种值最高, 母本中RJ的育种值最高, 因此选用KS(♂)和RJ(♀)杂交可培育出生长迅速的牙鲆新品种。本研究通过比较4个资源群体牙鲆生长性状的育种性能, 并以此作为筛选优良亲本群体的重要依据, 旨在为牙鲆新品种的成功选育奠定理论基础, 同时为牙鲆的进一步遗传改良提供重要的科学依据。

     

博斯腾湖浮游动物群落结构特征与分布的季节性变化

于2010年6月至2011年1月对博斯腾湖大湖区浮游动物群落进行了4次调查研究。结果表明, 共鉴出浮游动物83种(属), 其中原生动物27种(属), 轮虫42种(属), 枝角类10种(属), 桡足类4种(属)。浮游动物在种类上以淡水习见的广温性种类为主, 兼有嗜暖种和嗜冷种; 数量上小型浮游动物占优势(>64.8%); 生物量上大型浮游动物(主要是枝角类)占主导地位(>85.2%)。物种丰富度指数8月(夏季)最高(1.52), 1月(冬季)最低(0.74); 物种多样性指数和物种均匀度指数10月(秋季)最高(3.01和0.95), 1月最低(0.75和0.63)。群落多变量分析表明, 博斯腾湖西北部(黄水区)和西南部浮游动物群落结构差异较大, 从春季到秋季这种差异逐渐增大, 冬季差异最小。本研究通过分析博斯腾湖浮游动物群落结构的种类组成、现存量、多样性指数和群落多变量探讨该湖浮游动物群落特征及其分布的季节性变化规律, 以期为博斯腾湖水环境评价与保护、渔业资源合理利用和可持续发展提供理论依据。

     

基于线粒体COI基因序列的5种鲤养殖品种遗传多样性研究

本研究通过对5个鲤养殖品种即高寒鲤(Cyprinus carpio Frigid carp)、松浦鲤(Cyprinus carpio Songpu carp)、蓝鳞鲤(Cyprinus carpio blue var)、松浦镜鲤(Cyprinus carpio Songpu mirror carp)和红镜鲤(Cyprinus carpio Red mirror carp)的线粒体COI基因部分序列的测定, 比较并分析了其遗传多样性和系统进化关系。在5个鲤品种共100个样本的线粒体COI序列中检测到8种单倍型, 其中5个单倍型(H1、H2、H4、H5、H6)涵盖样本较多, 占总样本数的94.06%。蓝鳞鲤的单倍型数最少, 仅有1个, 红镜鲤单倍型数为2个, 其余3个品种的单倍型数均为5个。5个品种单倍型多样性(H_d)在0.160±0.070~0.811±0.055, 其中, 遗传多样性最高的为高寒鲤。AMOVA结果表明, 品种间变异(50.28%)略高于品种内变异(49.72%), 各品种间的F_ST值在0.711 4~0.831 2, 其中蓝鳞鲤与其他群体之间差异最大。用MEGA4.0软件构建的基于遗传距离的进化树表明, 5个养殖品种中, 高寒鲤和红镜鲤的遗传距离最近(D=0.31), 聚为一支; 松浦镜鲤和松浦鲤的遗传距离较近(D=0.33), 聚为一支; 蓝鳞鲤与其他品种存在较大遗传差异, 单独形成一个分支。除蓝鳞鲤外, 其余4个养殖品种间均存在共享的单倍型(H2、H4、H5、H6), 可能是由于其在选育过程中亲本的遗传背景存在交叉, 同时也证明DNA条码在分析种内品种间遗传关系时具有可行性但具有一定的局限性。

     

杜仲对凡纳滨对虾生长、血清非特异性免疫和肌肉成分的影响

在基础饲料中分别添加0.0%(对照组)、0.5%、1.0%、2.0%和3.0%的杜仲(Eucommia ulmoides), 饲喂体质量为(7.5±0.2) g的凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei), 实验共分5个处理组, 每处理组4个重复, 每重复40尾虾。经过42 d养殖, 各处理组均有较高的存活率, 且无显著差异(P>0.05); 2.0%杜仲组的虾体增重率最高(136.1%), 饲料系数最低(1.33), 较对照组提高增重率9.8%(P<0.05), 降低饲料系数0.13(P<0.05); 饲料中添加0.5%、1.0%杜仲, 显著提高了对虾血清LSZ、PO活性, 添加1.0%杜仲, 显著降低了血清MDA含量, 提高了肝胰腺蛋白酶活性(P<0.05); 攻毒实验结果表明, 以溶藻弧菌(Vibrio alginolyticus)肌肉注射虾体后96 h, 0.5%、1.0%、2.0%杜仲组的虾体死亡率均较对照组显著降低(P<0.05); 在肌肉成分方面, 添加2.0%、3.0%杜仲显著提高了肌肉胶原蛋白含量, 各处理在肌肉水分、灰分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪含量方面没有显著差异。上述研究表明, 在凡纳滨对虾饲料中添加杜仲2.0%, 可显著改善生产性能, 提高肌肉胶原蛋白含量; 在饲料中添加杜仲0.5%～1.0%, 可提高凡纳滨对虾非特异性免疫能力。本研究旨在考察杜仲对凡纳滨对虾生长、血清非特异性免疫和肌肉成分的影响, 为杜仲在对虾饲料中的合理应用提供科学依据。

     

草鱼呼肠孤病毒逆转录环介导等温扩增(RT-LAMP)检测方法的建立

根据草鱼呼肠孤病毒 (grass carp reovirus, GCRV)衣壳蛋白VP6编码基因的序列设计特异性引物, 以病毒全基因组RNA为模板, 通过对反应条件进行优化, 建立了GCRV的逆转录环介导等温扩增(RT-LAMP)检测方法。检测结果表明, 本方法可在63℃下1 h内实现靶片段的大量扩增, 扩增产物经凝胶电泳呈现梯型条带, 反应体系中添加SYBR Green I 荧光染料后, 绿色阳性结果明显区别于橙色阴性结果。该检测体系针对草鱼呼肠孤病毒的检测灵敏度高, 其最低检测限为33 pg, 与常规RT-PCR方法相比较, 灵敏度高10倍, 且与斑点叉尾鮰呼肠孤病毒(CCRV)、鲤春病毒血症病毒(SVCV)、锦鲤疱疹病毒(KHV)、大鲵虹彩病毒(GSIV)等无交叉反应。该方法灵敏度及特异性高, 且不需昂贵仪器设备, 为快速检测草鱼呼肠孤病毒与诊断草鱼出血病提供了简捷快速的技术手段。

     

利用低盐度养殖的凡纳滨对虾培育亲虾初探

以在盐度2~3条件下养殖至9月龄的凡纳滨对虾( Litopenaeus vannamei )成虾为材料, 研究低盐度养殖对虾在不同盐度驯养条件下的繁殖性能, 以期为利用低盐度养殖对虾培育亲虾提供科学依据。实验盐度梯度设置为1、8、15、23和30。雌虾经剪切单侧眼柄后进行促熟培育, 促熟期间的雄虾养殖水温控制在(27±0.5)℃, 雌虾水温控制在(28±0.5)℃。定期检查雌虾卵巢和雄虾精荚的发育情况, 采用精荚人工移植技术对不同盐度条件下培育的亲虾进行组合交配, 统计受精率和孵化率, 组织切片观察卵巢发育, 综合评价各实验组合的繁殖性能。结果表明, 在实验盐度梯度范围内, 雌虾卵巢都可发育成熟; 盐度1组雌虾成熟比例仅10%, 且全部死亡; 盐度8和15下发育成熟的雌虾达70%, 可正常产卵, 但产出的卵子受精率较低, 不能孵化出无节幼体; 盐度23和30下发育成熟的雌虾超过76%, 可正常产卵、孵化, 但孵化率较低。组织切片观察, 盐度8~30范围内各组雌虾卵巢发育无明显差异。在盐度8~30范围内, 凡纳滨对虾雄虾精巢都能够正常发育成熟, 但盐度30和23实验组的雄虾精巢发育速度明显快于盐度15和8组; 随着盐度的降低, 精荚发育成熟所需要的时间明显延长; 所有盐度实验组的精荚被移植后都可与卵子受精并孵化出无节幼体。

     

牙鲆亲本对子代贡献率的实验研究

利用18对高度多态性微卫星标记, 对13尾牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)亲鱼的188尾后代进行亲子鉴定, 计算其非亲排除率、鉴定准确率以及亲本对子代的贡献率。使用4个微卫星标记进行亲子鉴定, 排除率≥0.999 9, 准确率为92.02%; 用6个标记的排除率≥0.999 999, 准确率为96.81%; 用8个标记的排除率≥0.999 999 999, 准确率为97.87%; 用10个标记的准确率为99.47%; 用12～18个标记的准确率为100%。亲子鉴定准确率随非亲排除率和微卫星标记数目的增多而升高。检验所有子代全部是实验亲本的后代, 即13个亲本对子代均有贡献, 但不同亲本的贡献率不同, 最高为47.34%, 最低为0.53%。实验表明, 基于多标记的非亲排除率检测方法可以用于牙鲆亲子鉴定, 其鉴定准确率可以达到100%; 不同亲本对子代贡献率不同, 差异很大, 产生差异的原因有待进一步研究。

     

桑沟湾不同养殖区水体微生物群落结构特征

采用PCR-DGGE分子指纹图谱技术研究了2007年夏季桑沟湾不同养殖区水体微生物群落结构特征。DGGE指纹图谱分析表明, 不同站位之间既存在共同图谱, 又具有各自的特征谱带, 总体上可分为4个区, 湾外区、湾口区, 湾中区和湾底区, 分别与非养殖区、海带养殖区、综合养殖区、贝类单养与网箱养殖区行相对应; 扇贝养殖区和牡蛎养殖区微生物相似性最高为94%, 贝类单养与网箱养殖区和非养殖区相似性最低为41%, 仅在网箱区发现对含氮污染物有去除作用的玫瑰杆菌属(Roseobacter)。17个站位表层水样共获得30个优势菌群, 选择比较明显的12条带进行回收、扩增和测序, 与GenBank中已经登录的细菌种群的同源性进行比较(相似性92%~98%), 结果表明, 这12条序列所代表的细菌分属于变形菌亚门(α-proteobacteria和γ-proteobacteria)、放线菌门(Actinobacteria)、厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)。研究结果说明贝类单养和网箱养殖对环境的改变较大, 海带养殖对环境的改变较小, 综合养殖能减少贝类和网箱养殖对环境的污染程度, 是一种值得大力推广的养殖模式。

     

半滑舌鳎 WT1a 基因的克隆与性别分化期的表达分析

从半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)全基因组序列中获得肿瘤抑制基因 WT1a 的部分序列, 然后利用 RACE 技术克隆了WT1a 基因的全长, 运用组织学方法, 对半滑舌鳎性腺分化早期的组织切片进行了观察, 并分析了该阶段WT1a 的表达特征。克隆结果显示, WT1a 基因cDNA全长为1 886 bp, 开放阅读框(ORF)长为1 470 bp, 编码490个氨基酸, 并且包含 KTS 三肽, 5′-UTR 和3′-UTR 分别长为245 bp 和171 bp。在 ORF 末端发现2个微卫星(SSR)序列和2个跨膜螺旋区域, 而在其他物种中未发现这些区域。氨基酸序列分析显示, WT1a 基因的保守性很高, 与人的同源性高达90%。通过组织切片观察发现, 该批半滑舌鳎在56 d时性腺开始分化, 并且卵巢分化早于精巢。荧光实时定量分析结果显示, WT1a 在半滑舌鳎成鱼性腺中表达量显著高于其他各组织, 在肝、肾、脾、心脏等组织中有微量表达, 并且在成鱼性腺中, 雄鱼表达量显著高于雌鱼, 雌鱼显著高于伪雄鱼。在胚胎发育各时期以及初出膜后WT1a的表达结果显示, 在12 h (原肠早期)显著升高, 20 h (神经胚期)达到最高。在性腺分化早期雌雄性腺中的表达结果显示, WT1a 在雌雄半滑舌鳎16~66 d 的性腺中表达量持续平稳升高, 在性腺分化时期表达量并没有特殊的变化。这些研究结果说明, WT1a 基因是半滑舌鳎性别相关基因, 并在半滑舌鳎的性腺分化、发育过程中持续表达, 但可能对性腺的分化过程并不起决定作用。

     

半滑舌鳎类胰岛素生长因子-Ⅰ的原核表达及活性分析

根据半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis Güther)类胰岛素生长因子-Ⅰ(IGF-I)基因的cDNA序列, 设计引物扩增编码IGF-I成熟肽序列, 此序列由210个碱基组成, 包括B-C-A-D 4个功能域。利用PCR方法将扩增片段克隆到原核表达载体pET-28a上, 得到重组质粒, 将重组质粒导入到大肠杆菌BL21( DE3)后经IPTG诱导产生N端含6个组氨酸的融合蛋白。以SDS-PAGE电泳检测和SigmaScan软件分析获得的多肽, 结果表明: IGF-I融合蛋白大小为11.4 kD, IPTG诱导3 h时目的蛋白表达量最高, 占细菌总蛋白的58.5%, 1 L菌液表达目的蛋白40.7 mg, 主要以包涵体形式存在。利用Western-blotting方法验证融合蛋白可特异性的被6×His抗体识别。诱导表达后的菌液沉淀经6 mol/L盐酸胍变性、Ni²⁺离子亲和柱纯化和尿素梯度复性, 获得大小为11.4 kD的纯化蛋白。细胞增殖实验表明, IGF-I融合蛋白可显著促进乳腺癌细胞MDA231细胞的增殖, 具有生物学活性。本研究通过原核表达技术获得了体外重组的具有生物活性的半滑舌鳎IGF-I融合蛋白, 结果可为半滑舌鳎生长调控技术研究提供基础资料。

     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Growth hormone (GH) and reproduction: a review

Interaction between growth and reproduction occurs in many vertebrates and is particularly obvious at certain stages of the life cycle in fish. Endocrine interactions between the gonadotropic axis and the somatotropic axis are described, the potential role of GH being emphasised. A comparative analysis of these phenomena in mammals, amphibians and fish, suggests a specific role of GH in the physiology of puberty, gametogenesis and fertility. It also shows the original contribution made by studies on the fish model in this field of investigations.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Nitrogenous waste excretion and accumulation of urea and ammonia inChalcalburnus tarichi (Cyprinidae), endemic to the extremely alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Turkey)

The endemic, anadromous cyprinidChalcalburnus tarichi is the only fish species known to occur in alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). EightC. tarichi were maintained individually in Lake Van water (17 – 19°C; pH 9.8; 153 mEq·I^–1 total alkalinity; 22 total salinity) and tank water samples analyzed for 24 h in 2 to 4 h intervals. At zero time, < 1µM ammonia was present and urea was undetectable in the tank water; at 24 h, total ammonia and urea made up 114±32 and 35±25µM, respectively. Over the experimental period, ammonia-N and urea-N excretion averaged 1041±494 and 607±169moles·kg^–1 fish·h^–1, respectively. The extent of urea excretion was highly variable between specimens. Uric acid excretion was not detectable.Urea was present at high concentrations in all tissues and plasma (25 – 35moles·g^–1·ml^–1) of freshly caughtC. tarichi; total ammonia content of the tissues was by a factor of 1.9 (liver) to 3.0 (brain) lower. High arginase activity (2.4±0.2 U·min^–1·g^–1) was detected in the liver ofC. tarichi but ornithine carbamoylphosphate transferase, a key enzyme of the ornithine-urea-cycle, was absent. Ureagenesis is likely through degradation of arginine and/or uricolysis. High glutamine synthetase activity (11±0.6 U·min^–1·g^–1) and low ammonia content in brain suggest that, like other teleosts,C. tarichi has an efficient ammonia detoxification in the brain, but in no other tissue.Nitrogenous waste excretion at alkaline pH is discussed. The ability ofC. tarichi to excrete high levels of ammonia at extremely alkaline pH is unique among teleosts studied so far. The mechanism of ammonia excretion under Lake Van conditions remains to be elucidated.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.