Diet of largemouth bass,Micropterus salmoides (Centrarchidae), an invasive alien in the lower reaches of an Eastern Cape river,South Africa

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) have been introduced to many South African river systems where they become invasive and pose a threat to native biota. The diets of small (32–138 mm TL) and large (192–448 mm TL) sized bass were analysed and compared in a marine fish nursery area in the lower Kowie River on the warm temperate coast of South Africa over a one-year period from March 2009 to February 2010. Dietary differences were detected between the two size groups. Amphipod sp. (% index of relative importance (IRI) = 69.2) and dipterans (Insecta) (%IRI = 21.9) dominated gut contents of small bass while larger bass preyed mostly on odonates (Insecta) (%IRI = 16.3) and the brachyuran Potamonautes sidneyi (%IRI = 80.0). Fish prey was of low importance during this study but comparisons with previous work on the lower Kowie River showed that when the river is flowing, young marine fish recruiting into the freshwater from the estuary become important prey items. These data suggest that in the lower Kowie River bass utilize invertebrate prey at low fish prey abundance and opportunistically feed on migrant fish when these are available.     

Ontogenetic dietary shift and morphological correlates for Diplodus capensis (Teleostei: Sparidae) in southern Angola

Allometric growth patterns of functional morphological variables that reflect resource use in fish were correlated with the diet of Diplodus capensis in southern Angola. A total of 114 individuals (76–336 mm FL) were collected for stomach content analysis and a further 35 individuals (80–320 mm FL) for morphometric analysis. The major dietary components belonged to the groups Chlorophyta, Cirripedia, Rhodophyta and Bivalvia, and made up 71.7% of the diet in terms of a computed ranking index. There was a clear ontogenetic dietary shift with small fish feeding predominantly on algae and large fish on barnacles and mussels. This increasingly durophagous diet corresponded with a positive allometric growth pattern in the gape dimensions (width, height and surface area), adductor mandibulae muscle process and incisor width. Conversely, the relative gut length followed an isometric growth pattern, suggesting a decreased absorptive capacity. This isometric growth pattern is attributed to the better digestibility of the durophagous prey items when compared with algae and further corroborates a link between the morphology and an ontogenetic dietary shift observed in this species.     

Ecological studies of helminth parasites of the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, from Lake Naivasha and the Oloidien Bay, Kenya.

The parasites of 541 largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, were studied over a period of 12 months. The results showed that the bass from Lake Naivasha are paratenic hosts of Contracaecum sp. larva and final hosts for the acanthocephalan Polyacanthorhynchus kenyensis. The nematode occurred in large numbers in fish caught in the more saline Oloidien Bay but only in small numbers in those in the main lake. Bass in the main lake, however, were more heavily infected with acanthocephalans than those in Oloidien Bay. One of the major pathological effects of the acanthocephalan was perforation of the liver by the spiny proboscis. Seasonal variation was not apparent for either of the parasites. The intensity of infection by Contracaecum sp. larva increased with the size of the host and female fish were more heavily infected than males.     

Seasonal variation in the diet of Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) in a marine habitat

Seasonal changes in the diet of Cape clawless otters Aonyx capensis feeding in the surf zone in False Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa, were investigated by spraint (faecal) analysis. The most common prey species, during all seasons, was the Cape rock crab, Plagusia chabrus. The next most important prey species was the Cape rock lobster, Jasus lalandii, with the fish species Clinus superciliosus being equally important in winter. Other prey were fresh-water crabs, Potamonautes perlatus, octopus, Octopus granulatus, and 17 other species of fish, frogs and mammals. In winter and autumn the most important prey category was fish while in spring and summer, crustaceans were the most important. Diversity of prey was lowest in winter, increasing through the seasons from spring to autumn.     

Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection of Mycobacterium shottsii and M. pseudoshottsii in Striped Bass

Abstract

Wild striped bass Morone saxatilis in Chesapeake Bay are experiencing a high prevalence of mycobacteriosis, which produces granulomatous lesions of the skin and visceral organs. Culture-based studies have indicated that the newly described species Mycobacterium shottsii and M. pseudoshottsii are the dominant isolates from diseased fish. The classical fish pathogen M. marinum is also found, albeit at much lower frequencies. Both M. shottsii and M. pseudoshottsii are extremely slow-growing on standard selective media, and up to 12 months may be required for isolation and characterization. Epidemiological studies of mycobacteriosis in Chesapeake Bay would therefore benefit from rapid molecular assays with which to detect these species in fish. In this paper, we describe the development of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) assays capable of detecting M. shottsii, M. pseudoshottsii, and, in most instances, coinfections thereof in striped bass tissues. In addition, PCR–RFLP assays were designed to detect M. marinum and other as-yet-undescribed Mycobacterium spp. present in Chesapeake Bay striped bass. Comparison of these molecular assays with culture-based techniques using splenic tissue from wild striped bass yielded generally concordant results and demonstrated the applicability of these techniques to the study of wild fish.     

Competition and niche partitioning in a floodplain ecosystem: a cladoceran community squeezed between fish and invertebrate predation

Seasonal floodplains occasionally comprise highly productive zooplankton communities which are exposed to rapid shifts in predator regimes, also between vertebrate and invertebrate predators.We recorded the impact of two co-occurring zooplankton predators, the notonectid Anisops sardea and 0+ fish fry of Tilapia rendalli (max gape size 1 mm), on a cladoceran community dominated by Ceriodaphnia reticulata (0.25–0.78 mm), Daphnia laevis (0.6– 1.8 mm) and Scapholeberis kingi (0.27–0.8 mm). Both predators strongly reduced abundance of all prey species, yet with a striking size-selective effect for Daphnia prey only, where fish showed a strong preference for small individuals, while Anisops preferred large Daphnia individuals. This contrasts with the general view of size selection in invertebrate versus vertebrate predators, but is logically caused by the feeding mode of the notonectid, and the gape size limitation of the fish fry. The two predators also showed a dietary niche differentiation in terms of both prey selection and habitat choice. T. rendalli fed preferably on small species and size classes, whereas predation from A. sardea concentrated on large prey. Competitive interference was indicated when feeding on Ceriodaphnia, and niche partitioning when feeding on the two other species. The predatory pattern suggests long-lasting coexistence in the system.     

A survey to determine the presence and distribution of largemouth bass virus in wild freshwater bass in New York State

During 2004 and 2005 a survey was conducted to investigate the presence and geographic distribution of largemouth bass virus (LMBV) in New York State. This iridovirus is widely distributed across the eastern United States; however, it had not previously been reported in New York State. Two hundred and eighty-three wild largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and 8 smallmouth bass M. dolomieu were collected from 37 locations across the state. No clinical signs of LMBV or mortalities attributable to the virus were observed in the fish collected. Using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) method, we detected LMBV in 28 fish from 13 locations. Viral cytopathic effect in cell culture was observed in 5 fish from 3 locations. The virus isolated from cell culture was confirmed to be LMBV by an independent PCR method. Statistical analysis of the largemouth bass samples collected during 2005 revealed a wide difference in prevalence between the QPCR results and the cell culture results. Analysis of possible predictors, including age, sex, and month collected, showed no significant associations with the QPCR results. This survey confirms the presence and wide distribution of a potentially pathogenic form of LMBV in multiple water systems across New York State.     

Prédation and prey selectivity by Argyrosomus hololepidotus (Osteichthyes: Sciaenidae) in south-eastern Cape waters of South Africa

Argyrosomus hololepidotus (kob) is a top predator in the shallow marine environment of the south-eastern Cape. There is considerable change in prey taken over the size range of predators examined (256-1701 mm). Young A. hololepidotus are planktivorous taking swarming mysids, but as they grow they become piscivorous, feeding on both pelagic and demersal prey associated with soft sediments. The pelagic cephalopod Loligo reynaudi is also taken by large specimens. Prey selection varies with locality and time of year. A field experiment in which the prey were compared with fish caught in a small-mesh net revealed a preference for some slow-moving demersal species. The length distributions of dominant prey species are given and these clearly show that larger prey are preferred by larger predators.     

Cardiac tamponade in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

A public aquarium with a 4-mo history of occasional fish mortalities submitted for necropsy an adult female largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) that died unexpectedly. Gross necropsy revealed that the pericardial cavity was markedly distended with partially coagulated blood. Examination of the heart revealed multiple nodular masses in the area of the atrium and two small perforations on the surface of one of the nodular masses. Histopathologic exam of the atrium revealed severe fibrinonecrotic endocarditis and transmural myocarditis with intralesional bacteria. A pure culture of Edwardsiella tarda was obtained from culture of posterior kidney and spleen. An area of stagnant water that may serve as the source of E. tarda was identified, and steps to rectify this problem were taken. Low-level supersaturation was also a significant stressor; the source of the supersaturation was not identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cardiac tamponade in a largemouth bass.     

Movement behaviour of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in a South African impoundment

The objectives of this study were to describe movements and area use patterns of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in relation to abiotic factors (water temperature, river inflow and water level). The study was conducted in the Kubusi arm of Wriggleswade Dam, Eastern Cape, South Africa where nine largemouth bass (310–385?mm FL) were surgically implanted with individually coded acoustic transmitters and monitored for nine months (May 2010 to January 2011) using an array of five moored acoustic data-logging receivers. The daily position occupied by largemouth bass was significantly affected by water temperature (P<0.001) and river inflow (P<0.001), whereas water level had no effect. Largemouth bass spent little or no time in the shallow river inlet areas when water temperature was <12.5 °C, but as water temperature increased, their utilisation of shallow areas increased significantly. The results from this study demonstrate the importance of environmental factors, particularly water temperature, on the movement of largemouth bass.     

Diet composition and breeding cycle of blacktail,Diplodus sargus capensis (Pisces: Sparidae), caught off St Croix Island,Algoa Bay,South Africa

The contents of the alimentary tracts of D. sargus capensis were analysed to establish diet composition. The importance of analysing stomach, intestine and total alimentary tract, separately, is emphasized. D. sargus capensis is an omnivore preying on lower intertidal and shallow subtidal benthic species. Cirripedia and algae were the most important groups and constitute ca. 60% of the total dietary composition. Ulva sp., Perna perna and Balanu, spp. were prefered species. A new index for ranking prey items, which combines the modified points method and the frequency of occurrence method, is suggested. It is especially useful for omnivorous fish where prey items sucl as seaweed and colonial organisms are difficult to enumerate. Ambosexual individuals differentiate into functional males or functional females. Active spermatogenesis in the ovo-testis suggests a special type of protandric development. D. sargus capensis has an extended breeding cycle with a peak spawning period from October to December.     

Diet of Chinese skink,Eumeces chinensis: is prey size important?

The diet of the skink, Eumeces chinensis (Lacertilia: Scincidae), in Xiamen (Amoy), China was examined using stomach analysis during April and May, and its selection of prey size was tested by feeding trials. Insects (primarily Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera), gastropods and arachnids constituted most of the E. chinensis diet, but earthworms, leeches, crustaceans and fish were also consumed. In the field, male skinks ate more prey items that were 11–20 mm in length than other size classes. When presented with a choice of different‐sized prey in the laboratory, male E. chinensis exhibited a strong preference for prey items 11–20 mm in length over other size classes. The relationship between prey size and handling time was exponential, indicating that there is an upper limit to the ability of E. chinensis to process prey. Mean energy intake for handling different‐sized prey showed that selection of midsizeclass prey items would provide male E. chinensis with the most energy‐efficient prey option. These results indicate that prey size selection in E. chinensis favors maximization of rates of energy intake, which is in agreement with optimal foraging theory.     

Laboratory transmission of the monogenean Acolpenteron ureteroecetes infecting the posterior kidneys of largemouth bass: time course and pathology

Acolpenteron ureteroecetes infections in the kidneys of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides have been reported, but the time course of infection and progression of pathology in experimentally infected fish remain unknown. We exposed 299 naive juvenile largemouth bass at 19.8 degrees C to A. ureteroecetes-infected largemouth bass via recirculating water without direct contact. For 7 months, prevalence and density were determined monthly in squashes of posterior kidney (20 exposed fish, 20 nonexposed fish), and histopathology was assessed in 5 fish from each group. Prevalence increased steadily from months 1 (5%) to 4 (85%), thereafter remaining relatively stable. Mean density of infection doubled monthly (month 1, 0.1 individuals/2 cm2 squash; month 7, 15.1 individuals/2 cm2 squash). Eggs were first observed at month 3, and mean density increased markedly from month 4 to month 5 (2.9-15.3 eggs/2 cm2 squash). Histopathology showed damage in renal collecting ducts that got progressively worse between 5 and 7 months. The infected ducts were dilated, had a hyperplastic epithelium, and were surrounded by chronic inflammation, including eosinophilic granular cells and varying degrees of fibrosis. Eggs within granulomas were present in the interstitium; this response is newly reported. The infection system developed in this study provides a reproducible and consistent source of infected individuals that will facilitate further study of the parasite and potential treatments.     

Trout mortalities as a result of Streptococcus infection.

Excessive mortalities were experienced in the bigger rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) at an efficiently managed trout farm. All tests for known toxins in the feed and water proved to be negative. A faecal Streptococcus which belongs to the Lancefield group D but which could not be identified as belonging to any of the recognized species within this group, was isolated from the spleens, livers and kidneys of affected fish. Pathogenicity studies with this organism proved it to be highly fatal to trout but not to Mozambique bream (Sarotherodon mossambicus), banded bream (Tilapia sparrmenii), carp (Cyprinus carpio) or largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The isolation and biochemical characteristics of the organism are described. The symptoms, gross- and histopathology of this disease are described and discussed. The disease resembles a haemorrhagic septicaemia and appears to be associated with intensification and conditions of stress.     

Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy of Dicentrarchus labrax and Sparus aurata farmed in Tunisia

Viruses belonging to the Nodaviridae family cause disease worldwide among a large number of species of marine fish, and have been described in all continents. In the present study, a total of 69 farmed Tunisian sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and 24 sea bream (Sparus aurata) samples were tested monthly for the detection of betanodavirus. The virus was identified in both species using indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAT) and RT-PCR. In addition sequence analysis of part of the coat protein gene indicated that both species were infected by highly related, but distinct, strains belonging to the RGNNV genotype. The sequence of the coat protein gene of several strains was identical but up to 9 different sequences were detected in a single farm. In addition, viral sequences obtained from fish that were held at lower temperature (<20°C) were distinct from the rest of the sequences.     

SONOGRAPHY OF THE NORMAL FELINE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

The normal sonographic appearance of the stomach in various degrees of distension, the duodenum, the small intestine, and the large intestine was determined in awake and sedated cats. The mean stomach rugal fold thickness was 4.38 mm, and the interrugal thickness was 2.03 mm. No significant difference in stomach wall thickness was seen when the stomach was empty, half full, or full. The duodenal wall thickness was significantly greater than other parts of the small intestine, and this difference was accentuated by sedation (awake mean 2.4 mm; sedated mean 2.71 mm). The mean small intestinal wall thickness was 2.1 mm, and the mean colonic wall thickness was 1.67 mm. The five characteristic sonographic layers similar to that seen in the gastrointestinal tract of other species were routinely identified at all regions of the feline gastrointestinal tract.     

冰鲜杂鱼和人工配合饲料对大口黑鲈肌肉品质及健康状况影响的评价

本试验通过测定血清生化指标和肌肉营养成分,评价冰鲜杂鱼和人工配合饲料对大口黑鲈肌肉品质及健康状况的影响。养殖过程中冰鲜组大口黑鲈全程投喂冰鲜杂鱼,饲料组大口黑鲈全程投喂大口黑鲈专用人工配合饲料。在商品鱼上市前,冰鲜组和饲料组各随机采集6尾用于测定血清生化指标,再各随机采集6尾用于测定肌肉营养成分。结果显示:饲料组大口黑鲈血清中谷草转氨酶(AST)活性显著高于冰鲜组(0.01≤P0.05),血清中碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性极显著高于冰鲜组(P0.01),血清中总蛋白(TP)和白蛋白(ALB)含量极显著低于冰鲜组(P0.01)。冰鲜组大口黑鲈肌肉中总氨基酸(TAA)含量显著高于饲料组(0.01≤P0.05),且肌肉中各种氨基酸的氨基酸评分(AAS)和化学评分(CS)以及必需氨基酸指数(EAAI)均高于饲料组。饲料组大口黑鲈肌肉中亚油酸(C18∶2)含量极显著高于冰鲜组(P0.01)。结果表明,本试验条件下,冰鲜组大口黑鲈肌肉营养品质特别是蛋白质品质及氨基酸组成要优于饲料组,且健康状况也优于饲料组,但饲料组大口黑鲈肌肉中亚油酸含量较冰鲜组极显著升高。因此,大口黑鲈的人工配合饲料配方还需要进一步的优化,来满足消费者对大口黑鲈的营养需求。     

Survival of Largemouth Bass Iridovirus in Frozen Fish

Abstract

Juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides were infected with largemouth bass iridovirus by injection and frozen at ?10°C, and the visceral organs and tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, gonads, swim bladder, and muscle) of individual fish were periodically assayed for virus for 155 d postfreezing. The virus was isolated from 35 of 39 (89.7%) of the frozen fish. However, virus loss occurred more rapidly in fish that were dead when frozen than in fish that were alive when frozen. Overall, largemouth bass iridovirus was stable in frozen tissue when the fish were fresh upon freezing.     

Turbidity-induced changes in feeding strategies of fish in estuaries

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of turbidity on the feeding strategies of fish in estuaries. Three species representing different feeding guilds were selected for the investigation. These were Elops machnata (representative piscivore), Pomadasys commersonnii (a macrobenthivore) and Atherina breviceps (a planktivore). The stomach contents of these fish were examined from a clear and a turbid estuary and some experimental work was carried out on A breviceps to test the hypothesis that turbidity affects feeding behaviour. Turbidity was found to have no effect on size selection of prey, but feeding rate, particularly of visual predators, was reduced at higher turbidity levels. This was caused by a decrease in the reactive distance of the fish. It would appear that in order to optimize the aquisition of food under different turbidity conditions fishes have the ability to change their feeding strategies. Visual predators are more affected by turbidity than are macrobenthic feeders.     

Evaluation of Dairy–Yeast Prebiotic Supplementation in the Diet of Juvenile Goldfish in the Presence or Absence of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton

Abstract

Prebiotics recently have been shown to increase immune responses and disease resistance in certain fish species; therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the commercially available dairy–yeast prebiotic, GroBiotic-A, for use with juvenile goldfish Carassius auratus. The study consisted of two 10-week feeding trials in which juvenile goldfish were fed practical diets that were either unsupplemented or supplemented with the dairy–yeast prebiotic at 2% by dry weight. Juvenile fish were sorted by size and stocked into 12 units within each of two culture systems: one indoor system supplied with recirculated well water and one system located outdoors with a continuous flow of pond water to provide a source of phytoplankton and zooplankton. Both diets were fed to fish in six units within each system at the same fixed percentage of body weight twice daily. Culture system (i.e., presence or absence of phytoplankton and zooplankton) was the primary factor influencing (P < 0.0001) percent weight gain, feed efficiency, and survival of goldfish during the feeding trials. No dietary effect was detected, although there was a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between culture system and diet, with supplementation of the dairy–yeast prebiotic tending to improve weight gain and feed efficiency of fish in the presence of phytoplankton/zooplankton. During a controlled disease challenge with an intraperitoneally administered dose of Aeromonas hydrophila that was equivalent to a predetermined LD50 (dose lethal to 50% of test fish), average survival values ranged between 67% and 83% for fish that previously had access to phytoplankton/zooplankton compared with 17–33% for fish that had no access to phytoplankton/zooplankton. The dairy–yeast prebiotic, however, did not enhance resistance of goldfish to the bacterial pathogen and did not greatly alter microbiota of the anterior or posterior gastrointestinal tract based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis. In conclusion, the dairy–yeast prebiotic did not improve feed efficiency in goldfish or resistance to a bacterial pathogen as previously observed in golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas and hybrid bass (white bass Morone chrysops × striped bass M. saxatilis).