Morphological and biochemical changes in the muscle of the marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei during the molt cycle

Morphological changes and biochemical composition of abdominal muscles over the molt cycle were investigated in juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. Eight molt stages were characterized and clear uropod images are presented. Molt frequency was highly correlated with the age of the shrimp. Juvenile shrimps appeared to molt faster at one month of age (4.6 ± 0.5 days/cycle), slow to 11.8 ± 1.7 days/cycle at three months of age, and reach a long molt cycle at six months (17.2 ± 2.7 days/cycle). Myofiber cross-sectional images revealed specific morphological changes in abdominal muscle associated with each molt stage. Expanded fiber size was observed during intermolt stages. Water content and total soluble proteins were balanced throughout the molt cycle. Total DNA concentration increased in intermolt and premolt, while total RNA concentration remained stable except in late-premolt stages. SDS-PAGE analysis showed high levels of actin and myosin in postmolt, reaching a plateau in intermolt and declining in premolt. These results suggest the occurrence of muscle fiber rearrangement in both the premolt and postmolt stages. Abdominal muscle buildup occurs mostly during the intermolt stage.     

Role de la temperature et de la salinite sur le taux de survie et la morphogenese au cours du developpement embryonnaire chez les oeufs du loup de mer Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces,Teleostei, Serranidae)

The rate of hatching, duration of embryo stages and total length of newly-hatched larvae were measured in Dicentrarchus labrax, reared in 36 different combinations of temperature and salinity. Temperature varied from 4 to 20°C and salinity from 2 to 47‰. When salinities were between 11 and 20‰, this species was able to hatch at temperatures varying from 11 to 20°C. For salinities of 29, 38 and 47‰, the temperature range over which hatching occurred extended from 8 to 20°C. The Van 't Hoff equation can be adapted to calculate the relation between the rate of embryo development and the water temperature. The Q₁₀ values vary from 2.64 minimum at a salinity of 47‰ to 3.35 maximum at 20‰. The effect of temperature is significant for the means of incubation duration (P < 0.001) and the total length of newly-hatched larvae (P < 0.001).A tridimensional model of the combined effects of temperature and salinity on hatching rate has been constructed for this species.     

Growth of age-0 smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu Lacepéde): interactive effect of temperature, spawning date, and growth autocorrelation

Abstract– We examined the growth of individual age-0 smallmouth bass collected from the North Anna River, Virginia (USA), to determine whether growth during early life stages was most affected by temperature, duration of growing season, growth during previous stages, or whether growth was a stochastic process. Spawning was delayed in 1990, all individuals grew in warm temperatures, and their growth rates during early life stages were not correlated with prevailing temperatures or with growth during previous stages. By the end of the summer, swim-up date was not correlated with size at the time of collection. In 1991, individuals that swam-up earliest consistently grew slower (and in colder temperatures) during early life stages. Late swim-ups (that were exposed to warmer temperatures) grew faster during early life stages but had a shorter growing season. By the middle of the summer, all individuals had an equal chance of being among the largest members of the cohort. The size distribution of the age-0 cohort at the end of the summer did not differ between years, despite the fact that spawning occurred 3–5 weeks later in 1990 (when temperatures were maximized) than in 1991 (when temperatures were still rising).     

THE ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION AND CULTURE OF BEAR SHRIMP,Penaeus semisulcatus de HAAN,IN HONG KONG

Penaeus semisulcatus (bear shrimp) was used for biological and culture studies. A peak of reproductive periodicity was shown in the months of May, June and July. Increase in body weight and in gonad weight coincided with the increase in sea water temperature. This suggested that sexual maturation might be a direct response to increased sea water temperature. Fecundity of mature female shrimp was estimated as 415,000 to 479,000 ova. In most cases, half-spent spawnings led to the production of poor eggs, characterized by irregular cytoplasmic formation and final autolysis. The embryonic and larval development of P. semisulcatus proceeded satisfactorily in a slightly alkaline medium (pH range from 7.5–8.5), and in water of salinity ranging from 28 to 35 ppt for egg and nauplius stages, and thereafter 25–35 ppt for zoea and mysis stages. The shrimps exhibited faster increase in body length than body weight in early growth. Later, after the shrimps had reached a body length of about 7.0 cm, the growth rate of body weight increased more markedly than body length. The rate of daily increase in weight was 1.01% in 7.0 cm shrimp. The feed efficiency of the formulated shrimp pellets was found to be 31.4%. During the nutritional study of P. semisulcatus, it was found that the combination of high dietary protein (about 40%) and low dietary lipid produced best growth and survival of bear shrimp. High increase of biomass of the shrimp fed with clam meat and high quality fish meal demonstrated the favorable response of shrimp to these diets. The use of cages for culturing bear shrimp was found to be practicable, but not efficient.     

Influence combinee des facteurs temperature et salinite sur la metamorphose et la croissance larvaire de la crevette rose Palaemon serratus (Pennant) (Crustacea,Decapoda, Palaemonidae)

The rate of metamorphosis of larvae, duration of larval stages and carapace lengths of postlarvae were measured in the common prawn, Palaemon serratus, reared in 30 different combinations of temperature and salinity. Temperature varied from 13°C to 29°C and salinity from 13‰ to 43‰. When salinity.was 13‰, this species was able to metamorphose at a temperature of 21°C. For salinities of 19‰, 25‰, 31‰, 37‰ and 43‰, the temperature range over which metamorphosis occurs extends from 17°C to 25°C. The equation of Van't Hoff can be adapted to calculate the relation between the rearing rate, which is the converse of the duration of larval stages, and the water temperature. The Q₁₀ values vary from 1.39 minimum at a salinity of 37‰ to 2.28 maximum at 31‰. Neither the effect of temperature (at 0.1%) nor that of salinity (at 1%) is significant for the carapace lengths of postlarvae.Tridimensional models of the combined effects of temperature and salinity on the rate of metamorphosis and on the number of metamorphosed postlarvae appearing daily were constructed for this species.     

Practical Molt Staging of Penaeus setiferus and Penaeus stylirostris

Molt staging has many applications in penaeid aquaculture as a routine procedure. Using criteria developed for various crustaceans, a method of rapid molt staging was applied to Penaeus stylirostris and Penaeus setiferus adults. The most useful characters were the degree of epidermal retraction from the setal bases and epidermal retraction from the cuticle coupled with the development of new setae. The duration of the molt cycle of P. stylirostris was 11.5 ± 1.0 days ( N = 5) at 27–29 C. The early postmolt, late postmolt, intermolt, early premolt and late premolt stages were readily determined. For P. stylirostris , the duration of postmolt was 27% of the cycle; intermolt, 17%; and premolt, 56%. The length of the molt cycle of P. setiferus at 27–29 C was 13.6 ± 1.0 days ( N = 21) with postmolt occupying 22% of the cycle; intermolt, 19%; and premolt, 59%. Unilaterally eyestalk enucleated P. setiferus had a significantly shorter molt cycle than intact P. setiferus (11.7 ± 1.21 days vs. 13.6 ± 1.02 days, P < 0.05). There were no differences in molt cycle duration between the sexes, whether enucleated or intact ( P > 0.05). A series of illustrations identifies the key characteristics for determining stage of molt in these penaeids.     

Modeling the effects of temperature on the survival and growth of North Sea cod (Gadus morhua) through the first year of life

Temperature and body size are widely agreed to be the primary factors influencing vital rates (e.g., growth, mortality) in marine fishes. We created a biophysical individual‐based model which included the effects of body size and temperature on development, growth and mortality rates of eggs, larvae and juveniles of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) in the North Sea. Temperature‐dependent mortality rates in our model were based on the consumption rate of predators of cod early‐life stages. The model predicted 35%, 53% and 12% of the total mortality to occur during the egg, larval and juvenile stages, respectively. A comparison of modeled and observed body size suggested that the growth of survivors through their first year of life is high and close to the growth rates in ad libitum feeding laboratory experiments. Furthermore, our model indicates that experiencing warmer temperatures during early life only benefits young cod (or theoretically any organism) if a high ratio exists between the temperature coefficients for the rate of growth and the rate of mortality. During the egg stage of cod, any benefit of developing more rapidly at warmer temperatures is largely counteracted by temperature‐dependent increases in predation pressure. In contrast, juvenile (age‐0) cod experiences a higher cumulative mortality at warmer temperatures in the North Sea. Thus, our study adds a new aspect to the ‘growth–survival’ hypothesis: faster growth is not always profitable for early‐life stages particularly if it is caused by warmer temperatures.     

Influence of temperature and size on menthol anaesthesia in Chinese grass shrimp Palaemonetes sinensis (Sollaud, 1911)

Chinese grass shrimp, Palaemonetes sinensis (Sollaud, 1911), is an economically important freshwater shrimp in China and adjacent areas. It is advisable to use anaesthesia in this species for certain handling and shipping operations; however, there have been no investigations into the recommended dosages. Here, the influence of five menthol concentrations (varying from 100 to 500 mg/L) on three different size classes of P. sinensis were examined at 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28°C. Induction and recovery times for each shrimp were recorded, and effects of temperature, size and menthol dose on induction and recovery times were observed. Results showed that menthol dose, water temperature and shrimp size significantly influence anaesthesia in P. sinensis. Induction time decreased linearly with increasing water temperature and concentration of menthol, and increased with body weight. However, recovery times lengthened with concentration and temperature, and became shorter with body weight. Average body weight of the shrimps generally decreased after anaesthesia. Mortality of shrimps was correlated with temperature, dose and size. These results suggest that menthol is an effective rapid anaesthetic for P. sinensis, but there may be some disadvantages, including slow recovery and possible mortality for small shrimps and at higher temperatures and dosages.     

Effects of body size and water temperature on food consumption and growth in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) with special reference to aestivation

To investigate the effects of body size and water temperature on feeding and growth in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka), the maximum rate of food consumption in terms of energy (C_maxe; J day^?1) and the specific growth rate in terms of energy (SGRe; % day^?1) in animals of three body sizes (mean±SE) – large (134.0±3.5 g), medium (73.6±2.2 g) and small (36.5±1.2 g) – were determined at water temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. Maximum rate of food consumption in terms of energy increased and SGRe decreased with increasing body weight at 10, 15 and 20°C. This trend, however, was not apparent at 25 and 30°C, which could be influenced by aestivation. High water temperatures (above 20°C) were disadvantageous to feeding and growth of this animal; SGRe of A. japonicus during aestivation was negative. The optimum temperatures for food consumption and for growth were similar and were between 14 and 15°C, and body size seemed to have a slight effect on the optimal temperature for food consumption or growth. Because aestivation of A. japonicus was temperature dependent, the present paper also documented the threshold temperatures to aestivation as indicated by feeding cessation. Deduced from daily food consumption of individuals, the threshold temperature to aestivation for large and medium animals (73.3–139.3 g) was 24.5?25.5°C, while that for small animals (28.9–40.7 g) was between 25.5 and 30.5°C. These values are higher than previous reports; differences in sign of aestivation, experimental condition and dwelling district of test animals could be the reasons.     

Adaptation de la teneur en enzymes digestives de l'hepatopancreas de Palaemon serratus (Crustacea,Decapoda), a la composition d'aliments experimentaux

The effects of the carbohydrate and protein composition of compound diets on growth rate and on the amylase and protease content of the hepatopancreas have been studied in Palaemon serratus.The best growth rate for animals weighing between 80 and 380 mg is obtained with a diet containing 3.5% carbohydrate and 64% protein. Diets which are very rich in carbohydrate and poor in protein result in poor growth and high mortality; the same is true for foods containing a high concentration of only one protein.Variations in the wet weight of the hepatopanereas and in the total digestive enzymatic activities are linked to variations in the growth rate of the shrimp.Maximal specific amylase activity is reached when assimilable carbohydrate amounts to 2.8%. Maximal specific protease activity is reached when the food protein level reaches 45%. When the amounts of carbohydrate and protein are higher or lower, the values of specific enzymatic proteins diminish.     

Biotic and abiotic controls on body size during critical life history stages of a pelagic fish,Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii)

Variation in growth and body size during critical life history stages can have important implications for life history schedules and survivorship. For Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), there is still debate as to whether juvenile body size is governed by density‐dependent or ‐independent processes and few have evaluated whether the relative importance of either process shifts over the course of early ontogeny. We used a unique data set consisting of seasonal measurements of abundance, body size, and spatial distribution within a semi‐enclosed basin of Puget Sound (Washington State, U.S.A.) to measure the relative importance of temperature and cohort abundance on body size at distinct time periods, and evaluated whether density‐dependent habitat shifts might be responsible for density‐dependent growth. Over the 9 years of sampling (2001–2010) midsummer body size was positively related to temperatures experienced during the egg/yolk sac and larval stages and unrelated to cohort abundance. However, fall body size was negatively correlated with abundance and uncorrelated with both midsummer body size and temperature, indicating a shift from density‐independent to density‐dependent control over the course of the growing season. Thus, density‐dependent effects may supplant density‐independent effects exhibited early in herring life history. Our data on spatial distributions of herring and their zooplankton prey indicate that density‐dependent reductions in growth may be explained by density‐dependent habitat shifts that lead to reduce overlap of herring with zooplankton. Evidence of density‐dependent growth in marine fish populations is often attributed to exploitative competition, but our results suggest that these patterns may partly be mediated by density‐dependent distribution expansions in to prey‐poor habitat.     

Setal development and molt prediction in the larvae and adults of the crayfish,Astacus leptodactylus (Nordmann, 1842)

The criteria for determination, given by Drach (1939), have been adapted to divide the molt cycle into different stages for larvae and adults of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus. The setal formation in the transparent appendages can be used for the definition of stages and substages in the premolt period. In order to evaluate the post-and intermolt stages in more detail, one can combine this method with changes occurring in the cuticle.     

Influence de la photoperiode sur la croissance et la survie de la larve et du juvenile de sole (Solea solea) en elevage

The effect of photoperiod on survival and growth of cultured young soles (Solea solea) was investigated from hatching to the age of three months, at 18° C. Two experiments were performed, comparing days with 12, 18 and 24 h light. The fishes were reared in 60 1 tanks, conical ones before metamorphosis, square ones with a sandy bottom from metamorphosis to the age of three months. They were fed on live food organisms for 1 month, on frozen flesh of the bivalve Laevicardium crassum for the two other ones.During the larval period, no significant difference was recorded in the survival rate but a better growth was obtained with 18 and 24 h light, suggesting a predominant diurnal feeding. From metamorphosis to the age of three months (mean weight: 1 g) no significant effect of the photoperiod on the survival and growth of the juveniles could be demonstrated.     

Spatiotemporal variability in the phenology of the initial intra‐annual molt of American lobster (Homarus americanus Milne Edwards, 1837) and its relationship with bottom temperatures in a changing Gulf of Maine

This study uses the Maine Department of Marine Resources Lobster Sea Sampling data (2000–2016) and logistic models to develop the first time series for the timing and suddenness of onset of the initial intra‐annual molt of American lobster in the Gulf of Maine (GoM), an annual fishery recruitment event crucial to fishermen. Data from three GoM regions (eastern, central, and western coastal Maine) were further divided by sex and estimated maturity of sampled lobsters for analysis. We found differences in the patterns of initial molt timing and suddenness between the regions, sexes, and stages of maturity. Using the Northeast Coastal Ocean Forecasting System hindcast temperatures, seasonal accumulated degrees above 5°C were used to describe the thermal history for each region at ocean depths of about 5 and 110 m. These temperature metrics were used in generalized linear models to investigate the potential effects of seasonal temperatures on the initial molt season. Results showed that initial intra‐annual molting of lobsters was variable from 2000 to 2016, with periods of both earlier and more sudden molts and later and more protracted molts. Warmer temperatures, specifically inshore temperatures, were generally associated with an earlier molt, but without complete uniformity in the direction and magnitude across seasons, regions, and lobster demographics. We also discuss why developing molt time series and quantifying the connection to the bottom temperatures are necessary and emphasized why existing monitoring programs and the applied quantification techniques herein make this relationship difficult to quantify.     

中华绒螯蟹蜕壳过程中螯足肌肉组织学及主要蛋白质含量变化

为探讨中华绒鳌蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)蜕皮过程中肌肉生长机制,采用石蜡切片、电镜技术及生物化学方法,以中华绒鳌蟹幼蟹为对象,研究了其蜕壳过程中螯足闭螯肌肌肉的显微结构、超微结构及主要蛋白质含量的变化。结果显示,在蜕皮间期,螯足肌纤维充分伸展,多核,横截面呈不规则圆形或者多边形;肌原纤维排列有序,具有甲壳动物骨骼肌的典型特征,A带、I带及肌质网、二联体、线粒体等细胞器清晰可见。蜕皮前期,肌纤维降解以致其横截面大小不一;肌原纤维内部降解,出现腐蚀性空洞。蜕皮之后,在肌纤维末端的肌节处于超收缩状态,这些肌节长度缩短至正常长度的50%,肌纤维典型结构消失,A带、I带模糊不易区分,但肌质网、二联体、线粒体等结构仍然完整;肌纤维中间部分的肌节结构正常如蜕皮间期。生物化学研究发现,蜕皮前后螯足肌肉中肌原纤维蛋白和可溶性蛋白含量的变化同其结构特征的变化一致。本研究结果表明,中华绒螯蟹蜕皮后螯足肌肉可能的一种生长机制是通过增加新的肌节来伸长,动物刚蜕壳后,这些新形成的肌节以超收缩的形式存在,随着动物吸水身体膨大,外骨骼伸展、硬化,这些较短的肌节由于被拉伸而达到正常肌节的长度,从而完成肌肉的生长。     

中华绒螯蟹蜕皮周期中肝胰腺细胞组成的变化

取一年生未成熟中华绒螯蟹 (Eriocheir sinensis)幼蟹, 甲壳宽度在15~40 mm, 暂养在75 cm×50 cm×45 cm的玻璃缸内, 24 h充气, 自然光照, 每天换水1/3, 每次换水后投喂土豆、杂鱼等食物, 动物适应实验室条件1周后进行实验。为得到蜕皮后的样本, 将处于蜕皮前晚期的个体在相同条件下单独饲养。根据已报道方法, 将中华绒螯蟹的蜕皮周期分为蜕皮间期C期、蜕皮前D₀、D₁和D_3–4期、蜕皮后A-B期等5个时期。采用细胞学和组织学方法观察中华绒螯蟹蜕皮过程中肝胰腺细胞组成的变化, 结果显示, R细胞数量在蜕皮间期和蜕皮前期都占绝对优势, 虽然在蜕皮前早期D₀期数量显著下降(P<0.05), 但从D₁期开始上升, 于蜕皮前晚期D_3–4期达到最高(62.06 ± 3.92)%, 而在蜕皮后A-B期又显著降低(P<0.05)。F细胞的数量除在D₁期显著增加外(P<0.05), 其余时期的变化无统计学差异(P>0.05)。B细胞数量在蜕皮前早期D₀期显著增高(P<0.05), 随后开始下降, 直到蜕皮前晚期D_3–4期恢复到间期水平, 而蜕皮后A-B期数量又显著增高(P<0.05)。E细胞数量除在蜕皮前早期D₀期稍微上升外, 其余时期基本稳定(P>0.05)。饥饿对处于不同蜕皮时期的中华绒螯蟹肝胰腺细胞组成的影响不同, 饥饿48 h后, 处于D₀时期的中华绒螯蟹与正常组相比, 肝胰腺R细胞数量无显著变化, B细胞和E细胞数量显著下降, F细胞数量上升。处于D₁时期的中华绒螯蟹与正常组相比, 肝胰腺R细胞、B细胞、F细胞和E细胞数量均无显著变化。说明中华绒螯蟹蜕皮过程中肝胰腺细胞组成的变化和蜕皮周期密切相关。本研究通过探讨中华绒螯蟹蜕皮过程中肝胰腺组织结构及细胞组成变化, 了解甲壳动物蜕皮过程的基础生物学现象, 并为其健康养殖提供理论基础。

     

Effects of Using Live Grass Shrimp (Palaemonetes varians) as the only Source of Food for the Culture of Cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

The life cycle of cuttlefish fed ad libitum exclusively on live grass shrimp (Palaemonetes varians) was studied during 5 consecutive generations. Different culture temperatures promoted different (P < 0.05) exponential growth for each life cycle, being summer generations shorter than those of winter. Higher temperatures promoted higher IGR’s and mortality, while lower temperatures promoted increased life span, reproduction stages, total fecundity and total egg biomass. Increased generations also seemed to increase fertility. A “hybrid” generation promoted the best results in terms of hatchling weight, individual fecundity and fertility. Mean egg weight was related to female size and embryonic development took longer at lower temperatures. Brood stock sex ratios seemed to be temperature related. All of these culture aspects were also compared between themselves in order to establish future brood stock methodologies. Grass shrimp proved to be a good diet for the culture of cuttlefish throughout the life cycle. The use of only one species reduces costs and labor associated to cuttlefish culture.     

太湖秀丽白虾不同生长阶段主要消化酶活性研究

研究了太湖秀丽白虾（Exopalaemon modestus）不同生长阶段的消化酶活性。结果表明,太湖秀丽白虾的生长可分为3个阶段,体质量小于0．1g时,蛋白酶活性维持在较高水平;体质量介于0．1～0．3g之间时,蛋白酶活性呈现不同程度的下降;体质量大于0．4g以后,蛋白酶活性进一步降低;其中脂肪酶、淀粉酶和纤维素酶活性均很低。成虾肝胰腺、胃和肠3种不同消化器官的消化酶活性差异显著,蛋白酶活性依次为胃〉肝胰腺〉肠,淀粉酶活性则为胃〉肠、肝胰腺。     

Effects of live prey availability on growth and survival in the early stages of cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) life cycle

This investigation examined the effects of live prey availability on growth and survival of Sepia officinalis. Two independent experiments, comprising two feed rations each, were performed, using adequate prey size. In the first experiment, cuttlefish hatchlings were fed live mysids, Paramysis nouvelli [(feed ratio I (fr I)], at 15% body weight per day (bw day^?1) (fr I₁₅) and 30% bw day^?1 (fr I₃₀). In the second experiment, juvenile cuttlefish were fed live Atlantic ditch shrimp, Paleomonetes varians (fr II), under the same experimental design. In both experiments, the final mean weight, feeding rate and instantaneous growth rate were higher when animals were fed feed ratio fr II₁₅ and fr II₃₀ (30% bw day^?1). The results indicate that prey availability influenced weight gain, irrespective of the prey used, during the first 2 months of cuttlefish life cycle. This effect seems to be more noticeable when a certain limit of prey is achieved. For cuttlefish fed fr II, the optimal prey density is thought to be under 2.5 g prey L^?1 (i.e. 14 shrimp L^?1). Results indicate that cuttlefish can withstand prey densities up to 120 mysids L^?1 for cuttlefish up to 3 weeks old and 19 shrimps L^?1 for cuttlefish up to 6 weeks old.     

Larval molting and growth of the Japanese spiny lobster Panulirus japonicus under laboratory conditions

ABSTRACT:   Ten newly hatched phyllosoma of Panulirus japonicus were cultured individually to monitor body length ( BL ) and intermolt period, and 2000 were cultured in groups to sample specimens for measurement of body weight. Phyllosoma were fed with Artemia and mussel gonad; the culture seawater temperature was 24–26°C. The individually cultured phyllosoma showed an increment in body length by the first molt of approximately 0.5 mm, and the molt increment increased to approximately 1 mm at 5 mm BL ; it was constant to 15 mm BL . Thereafter, the molt increment increased exponentially. The duration of the first instar was 6–7 days. Instar duration increased with development up to approximately 2 weeks at the 20th instar (∼16 mm BL ) and then became constant. Of the 10 larvae reared individually, five metamorphosed to the puerulus stage. The entire phyllosoma life ranged from 245–326 days (mean 289.0 days), and the number of instars ranged from 22–29 (mean 26.2). Body length in the final instar ranged from 28.50–33.10 mm (mean 30.280 mm). For the phyllosoma cultured in groups, relationships between BL and wet/dry body weights ( WW / DW , mg) were expressed as exponential equations: WW  = 0.0686 BL ^2.2023 and DW  = 0.0209 BL ^2.1905.