Is the fast growth of an equatorial Micropterus salmoides population explained by high water temperature?

Britton JR, Harper DM, Oyugi DO. Is the fast growth of an equatorial Micropterus salmoides population explained by high water temperature? Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 228–238. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Marginal increment analysis of scales collected from the introduced Micropterus salmoides population of Lake Naivasha, Kenya revealed the formation of an annual growth check, validating their use to age individual fish. Subsequent analysis of scales from 372 fish collected between 2002 and 2009 revealed individuals were very fast growing compared with native populations in North America and other introduced populations in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. This was likely to be as a result of the water temperatures in Lake Naivasha exceeding 20 °C throughout the year. This was corroborated by a meta‐analysis of the growth parameters asymptotic length L_∞ and growth coefficient K from across their geographical range that revealed variance was explained by differences in mean annual air temperatures. At a break point of approximately 10 °C, there was a shift to reduced L_∞ and increased K, suggesting a temperature driven trade‐off between growth rate and ultimate length. When adjusted for temperature and weighted for sample size, there were significant differences between the growth parameters of the North American and introduced populations, suggesting that other abiotic and biotic variables were also important determinants of the growth of individuals between the two ranges.     

Modelling individual variability in growth of bull trout in the Walla Walla River Basin using a hierarchical von Bertalanffy growth model

We examined growth in length of fluvial bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Walla Walla River Basin, Washington and Oregon. Our objectives were to quantify individual variability in growth; examine growth within and among years, life history forms, life stages and sexes; and estimate von Bertalanffy growth parameters. Individual variability was evaluated by modelling asymptotic length (L_∞) and the growth coefficient (k) as random variables. All models were fit with Bayesian methods and were evaluated for fit by the deviance information criterion. By incorporating individual variability, population‐level estimates of L_∞ and k appeared appropriate and estimated growth trajectories for specific bull trout fit individual observed patterns in growth. Growth trajectories and positive correlation between individual estimates of L_∞ and k suggest that some individuals grow at a faster rate and reach a larger maximum size than other individuals and those differences are maintained throughout life. Selected models suggest that fluvial migrants have higher estimates of L_∞ and k than residents, but there were only slight differences in parameter estimates among migrants from two adjacent spawning populations in the Walla Walla River Basin, as well as between males and females. Growth rates increased for fluvial migrants after subadult emigration. Individual variability in growth is consistent with the life history diversity assumed essential for bull trout population persistence. Quantifying this variability is important for modelling population dynamics and viability to conserve this threatened species.     

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the growth hormone gene of Oreochromis niloticus and their association with growth performance

Polymorphisms in the growth hormone (GH) gene that is associated with the growth rate of farmed fish have been the target of many breeding programmes. The present study aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GH gene regions to evaluate the association of SNP variations with the growth rate of two Nile tilapia: Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) strains. The targeted regions were amplified, sequenced, aligned and screened for the presence of SNPs; thereafter, performance tests were used to check for the association between SNPs and weight. Allele and genotype frequencies were estimated for each SNP and genotype. Genotype blocks or sets of SNP genotypes and frequencies were also estimated. Association between SNPs and growth rate was statistically evaluated using a univariate linear mixed model that included both fixed and random effects. A total of 10 SNPs were identified, nine in the proximal promoter and one located in the 5′ UTR, forming 10 genotype blocks. In all weight recordings, five genotype blocks were significantly associated with the highest weights. Single nucleotide polymorphisms 6‐10 were also found to be significantly associated with growth (p‐value < .05). Genotypes with higher additive genetic values for weight were identified in the Chitralada strain, suggesting a possible impact of these additive effects of the GH SNP genotype on the growth rate of Nile tilapia. These findings may be used as part of marker‐assisted selection in tilapia breeding programmes.     

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

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

A temperature compensated von bertalanffy growth model for tagged red drum and black drum in Texas bays

Estimates of von Bertalanffy growth model (VBGM) parameters K and L_∞ were made for red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), and black drum (Pogonias cromis), tagged and recaptured in Texas bays from November 1975 through June 1985. An annual temperature model was used to examine the growth model when periods of cold temperature were excluded. The best fit of the VBGM for red drum was based on time at large expressed in day-degrees with the coldest 60 days of the year excluded and yielded VBGM parameters estimates (± SE) of K = 0.422 (0.023) and L_∞ = 918 (21) mm. Black drum data were best fitted with time at large expressed in days with the coldest 120 days of the year excluded and yielded VBGM parameters of K = 0.219 (0.027) and L_∞ = 798 (42) mm. The exclusion of cold periods added to the body of evidence suggesting that scales and otoliths may be useful for ageing these species in the Gulf of Mexico. The source of the tag return (recreational fishermen, commercial fishermen, Texas Parks and Wildlife personnel) affected the parameter estimates. The pooled data, however, appeared to give the most reliable estimates.     

Effect of salinity on carrying capacity of adult Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. in recirculating systems

Effect of salinity on carrying capacity of a recirculation system for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L.; production was assessed. Survival, growth and feed conversion ratio of adult Nile tilapia fed 30% crude protein diet for 88 days were measured at three different salinity levels (8, 15 and 25 g L^?1) and two stocking densities (20 and 40 m^?3) in three independent recirculating systems. Highest survival (98%) and a linear growth in net biomass (P<0.01) was observed in both densities at 8 g L^?1 and in 20 m^?3 treatment at 15 g L^?1. Highest net biomass growth was observed in the 40 m^?3 stocking density treatment at 8 g L^?1 salinity level (P<0.05). Overall biomass growth was significantly affected by salinity indicating a decrease in Nile tilapia carrying capacity with increased salinity. About 11 000 kg ha^?1 crop^?1 of Nile tilapia can be obtained in recirculating systems at 8 g L^?1 salinity, significantly higher than the net production at 15 g L^?1 (5200 kg ha^?1 crop^?1) and 22 g L^?1 (4425 kg ha^?1 crop^?1).     

Comparative time-course study on pituitary and branchial response to salinity challenge in Mozambique tilapia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis mossambicus</Emphasis>) and Nile tilapia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>. <Emphasis Type="Italic">niloticus</Emphasis>)

The physiological response of Mozambique and Nile tilapia transferred from fresh to brackish (15 ppt) water was compared during a one-week time course. Response in the pituitary was measured by the gene expression pattern of prolactin (PRL I), growth hormone (GH), and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), while the response in the gills was measured by the gene expression pattern of the prolactin receptor (PRL-R), Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl⁻ cotransporter (NKCC) and Na⁺/Cl⁻ cotransporter (NCC), and by activity and expression of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA). The time-course curves of plasma osmolality levels indicate a rapid elevation 24 h after transfer, which later decreased and maintained at stable level. PRL I expression decreased in both species, but with stronger response in the Nile tilapia, while no differences were found in the slightly elevated levels of GH mRNA. The branchial response demonstrated a faster up-regulation of NKA and NKCC in the Mozambique tilapia, but similar levels after a week, while Nile tilapia had stronger and constant down-regulation of NCC. The time-course response of the measured osmoregulatory parameters indicate that 24 h after transfer is a critical time point for brackish-water adaptation. The differences in responses to saltwater challenge between Mozambique and Nile tilapia shown in this study may be associated with the differences in saltwater tolerance between these two tilapiine species.     

Growth comparison of Asian Nile and red tilapia strains in controlled and uncontrolled farm conditions

Growth of several genetically improved Nile tilapia (GIFT or Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia, FaST or Freshwater Aquaculture Center Selected Tilapia, SEAFDEC-selected) and domesticated red tilapia (BFS or Binangonan Freshwater Station, NIFI-red or National Inland Fisheries Institute red, HL or Hacienda Luisita) stocks were compared in controlled (tank) and uncontrolled farm conditions (lake-based cages) with unselected NIFI or Chitralada Nile tilapia as control. Specific growth rate differed significantly (P = 0.009) in tank-reared Nile tilapia stocks where GIFT grew best at 1.358%/day followed by FaST (1.307%/day), control stock NIFI (1.257%/day) and SEAFDEC-selected (1.202%/day). Genetic effect explained 84.4% of the variance in growth of Nile tilapia in tanks. Although Nile tilapia growth in cages followed the same trend where GIFT grew best at 1.570%/day, no significant stock differences (P = 0.479) were noted. Meanwhile, red tilapia reared in either tanks or cages showed no significant stock differences in terms of growth. However, survival of the red tilapia stocks in cages differed significantly with HL having the highest percentage survival at 93.3%. The different growth responses of the Nile tilapia stocks especially under controlled (tank) farm conditions were largely due to genetic factors (stock differences).Under uncontrolled farm conditions, environmental factors were generally observed to have also affected the survival and to some extent, the growth of Asian Nile and red tilapia stocks.     

Effect of dietary probiotic Biogen® supplementation as a growth promoter on growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

Probiotic microbial feed supplements are gaining wide acceptance in livestock production, and may be applicable to aquaculture production systems. The present study was conducted to examine probiotic treatment in the fingerling diet of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.). A total of 240 of Nile tilapia fingerlings (weight ranged from 22.96 to 26.40 g) were divided into five experimental groups. The experiment was conducted for 120 days. Experimental diets were identical in all, except for the variation in probiotic levels. A probiotic (Biogen^®) was used at 0% (diet 1), 0.5% (diet 2), 1.5% (diet 3), 2.0% (diet 4) and 2.5% (diet 5) inclusion rates in the experimental diets. The growth performance and nutrient utilization of Nile tilapia including weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value and energy retention were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in the treatment receiving probiotic (Biogen^®) than the control diet. No differences were observed for moisture, ash and protein content (P≤0.01) among the experimental diets. The lowest gross energy and lipid contents were recorded for fish fed the diet containing 0.5% Biogen^® (P≤0.01). The production performance and subsequent cost–benefit analyses clearly indicated that the diets containing probiotic biogen recorded the highest net return and the lowest total cost compared with the control diet.     

Effects of exploitation on age, growth and mortality of the blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma, at Mafia Island, Tanzania

Abstract Estimates of the growth parameters (L_∞ and K), mortality coefficients (Z, M and F) and exploitation rate (E) for the blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma (Forsskål) from the Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) and adjacent intensively fished areas in Tanzania were determined. Sectioned otoliths showed that L. fulviflamma in the MIMP attained a maximum age of 18 years, with a high proportion of fish between 6 and 10 years old. The maximum age was 8 years in the intensively fished areas, with a preponderance of 2‐ and 4‐year‐old fish. The size structures of the populations in the MIMP and that in the intensively fished areas were markedly different, with the MIMP fish averaging (±SE) 211.4 ± 0.38 mm TL, but 154.6 ± 0.32 mm TL in the intensively fished areas. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L_∞ = 290.3 mm TL, K = 0.15 year^?1 and t₀ = ?2.7 years. There was no significant difference in growth between the four populations (L_∞: F‐stat = 0.14, P = 1.000, and K: F‐stat = 0.26, P = 0.992). Total mortality was 0.55 and 1.64 year^?1 in the MIMP and intensively fished areas, respectively, natural mortality 0.27 year^?1 and fishing mortality 0.18 and 1.37 year^?1 in the MIMP and intensively fished areas, respectively. The exploitation rate was 0.51 and 0.84 in the MIMP and intensively fished areas, respectively. The artisanal seine net fishery is directed mainly at younger fish in the intensively fished areas resulting in growth overfishing. The protracted life span, the slow growth and natural mortality rates imply that L. fulviflamma is vulnerable to overfishing and that the protection provided by the park, although limited, is vital for sustaining the fishery at Mafia Island.     

Use of Bayesian hierarchical models to estimate northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana,growth parameters from tag-recapture data

Bayesian hierarchical models were developed to estimate the growth parameters of northern abalone, Haliotis kamtschatkana, using tag-recapture data with a mixture of single and multiple recaptures. Individual variability in the growth parameters L_∞ and k of the von Bertalanffy model was incorporated in the analyses. The models developed fit the data well based on the Bayesian p-values. Variability in L_∞ for individuals was high relative to the variability in L_∞ for the population, and variability in k for individuals was about the same as the variability in k for the population. Simulations showed that estimates of the growth parameters were accurate (relative biases <5%), when variability in both L_∞ and k or just in L_∞ was accounted for. The “true” values of the parameters, L_∞ and k, were contained in the estimated 95% credibility intervals in 90–94 out of 100 simulation runs on 100 simulated data sets. Overall, allowing for variability for both L_∞ and k resulted in moderately more accurate estimates than allowing for just L_∞. On the contrary, estimates were unreliable when variability in just k was considered. Using the WinBUGS software program, the calculation procedure was rather simple irrespective of which growth parameter was modeled with variability.     

Effectiveness of eugenol sedation to reduce the metabolic rates of cool and warm water fish at high loading densities

Effects of eugenol (AQUI‐S^®20E, 10% active eugenol) sedation on cool water, yellow perch Perca flavescens (Mitchill), and warm water, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. fish metabolic rates were assessed. Both species were exposed to 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg L^?1 eugenol using static respirometry. In 17°C water and loading densities of 60, 120 and 240 g L^?1, yellow perch controls (0 mg L^?1 eugenol) had metabolic rates of 329.6–400.0 mg O₂ kg^?1 h^?1, while yellow perch exposed to 20 and 30 mg L^?1 eugenol had significantly reduced metabolic rates of 258.4–325.6 and 189.1–271.0 mg O₂ kg^?1 h^?1 respectively. Nile tilapia exposed to 30 mg L^?1 eugenol had a significantly reduced metabolic rate (424.5 ± 42.3 mg O₂ kg^?1 h^?1) relative to the 0 mg L^?1 eugenol control (546.6 ± 53.5 mg O₂ kg^?1 h^?1) at a loading density of 120 g L^?1 in 22°C water. No significant differences in metabolic rates for Nile tilapia were found at 240 or 360 g L^?1 loading densities when exposed to eugenol. Results suggest that eugenol sedation may benefit yellow perch welfare at high densities (e.g. live transport) due to a reduction in metabolic rates, while further research is needed to assess the benefits of eugenol sedation on Nile tilapia at high loading densities.     

Effects of Estradiol and Testosterone on the Expression of Growth‐related Genes in Female and Male Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Nile tilapia exhibits strong sexual growth dimorphism. The potential role of sex steroid hormones in sexual growth dimorphism is not fully understood. We investigated the effects of estradiol (E₂) and testosterone (T) on growth rate, plasma sex hormones, and expression of growth hormone (GH)‐insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis genes and muscle regulatory factor (MRF) genes in female and male Nile tilapia. The results revealed that serum concentrations of E₂ and T were significantly higher after correlative injection (P < 0.05). Compared to male fish, female fish had lower growth rates. E₂ increased growth performance in females with no significant effects on males, whereas T significantly increased growth performance in males, with no significant effects on females. In females, E₂ significantly increased expression of ghr1, ghr2, igf1, and igf2, while T decreased igf2 and increased ghr1 and ghr2 expression. In males, T increased expression of igf1, igf2, ghr1, and ghr2, and E₂ decreased expression of igf1, ghr1, and ghr2. Additionally, E₂ and T enhanced the expression of MRF genes (myod1, myod2, myog, and myf5) in female and male fish, respectively. The results suggest that sex steroid hormones play a role in sexual growth dimorphism by regulating the expression of GH‐IGF axis and MRF genes.     

Effects of Dietary β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate on Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus,Vaccinated Against Streptococcus iniae

Abstract

β-hydroxy-b-methylbutyrate (HMB), a leucine catabolite, has been shown to cause increased disease resistance and growth in animal production. A vaccine produced from formalin killed bacteria and concentrated extracellular products of the ARS-98-60 Streptococcus iniae isolate has been used for the prevention of streptococcal disease in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. In the present study, the effects of feeding HMB were determined in tilapia vaccinated by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of the S. iniaevaccine or unvaccinated (controls). Nile tilapia were fed diets containing either 0, 12.5, 25, or 50 mg HMB/kg diet for 14 days. The mean daily growth rate and feed efficiency showed no significant (P> 0.05) differences between the treatment groups. Dietary HMB supplementation did not enhance antibody production in unvacci-nated Nile tilapia following challenge. Dietary HMB supplementation did not enhance the survival of vaccinated Nile tilapia following challenge injection with 1 X10⁸ CFU of S. iniae.     

Extending electronic length frequency analysis in R

Electronic length frequency analysis (ELEFAN) is a system of stock assessment methods using length‐frequency (LFQ) data. One step is the estimation of growth from the progression of LFQ modes through time using the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF). The option to fit a seasonally oscillating VBGF (soVBGF) requires a more intensive search due to two additional parameters. This work describes the implementation of two optimisation approaches (“simulated annealing” and “genetic algorithm”) for growth function fitting using the open‐source software “R.” Using a generated LFQ data set with known values, the accuracy of the soVBGF parameter estimation was evaluated. The results indicate that both optimisation approaches are capable of finding high scoring solutions, yet settings regarding the initial restructuring process for LFQ bin scoring (i.e. “moving average,”) and the fixing of the asymptotic length parameter (L_∞) are found to have significant effects on parameter estimation error. An outlook provides context as to the significance of the R‐based implementation for further testing and development, as well as the general relevance of the method for data‐limited stock assessment.     

Comparative study of growth performance of three strains of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, L. at two stocking densities

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density (125 or 200 fish m^?3) on the growth performance of three strains of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: the non‐improved strain (NS), the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) and the Freshwater Aquaculture Center selected tilapia known as the FaST selected line (SL). Each strain and density combination was triplicated in 0.42 m³ fibreglass tanks within a re‐circulating water system. Water temperature was maintained at 29.0±1.0°C. Large Nile tilapia having a mean body weight of 100–110 g were stocked in each tank and hand‐fed four times daily with commercial tilapia pellets (35% protein) for 104 days. Results showed that at the two stocking densities, the GIFT and SL strains showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) mean weight (MWT), daily growth rate (DGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and gross yield (GY) than the NS. In all three strains, growth performance was negatively affected by stocking density. The lower density (125 fish m^?3) treatments had significantly higher MWT, DGR and SGR than the higher density one (200 fish m^?3). However, higher FCR and GY were observed at the higher density. Survival rates were high in all treatments and were not affected by strain or density. In general, the SL strain had better growth parameters than the GIFT strain. The findings of this study demonstrated the superior growth performance of the improved strains at both densities compared with the NS. The higher density (200 fish m^?3) could be more profitable for the tilapia farms in Kuwait than the lower density of (125 fish m^?3) in terms of reduced land cost and facilities, demand on the limited low‐salinity underground water and manpower.     

Dietary Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation decreases tissue lead accumulation and alleviates lead toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Pollution by the heavy metal lead (Pb) has become a threat to both aquaculture and food safety. In this study, the protective effects of a selected probiotic with good Pb binding capacity (Lactobacillus plantarumCCFM8661) against waterborne Pb exposure were evaluated in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). One hundred and eighty fish were divided into four groups as control, Pb‐only, Pb‐plus‐CCFM8661 and CCFM8661‐only. Fish were exposed to a dose of waterborne Pb level at 1 mg L^?1 for 4 weeks, and the probiotic was administered at 10⁸ CFU g^?1 in fish diet twice daily. The results showed that dietary supplementation of CCFM8661 ameliorated the growth performance and prevented the death of Pb‐exposed fish. Cotreatment with Pb and CCFM8661 also effectively decreased Pb accumulation in kidney, liver, gonad, brain, gills and muscle. Moreover, the administration of this probiotic alleviated Pb‐induced oxidative stress, recovered digestive enzyme activities and blood δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, reversed alterations in innate immune status and decreased the frequencies of the nuclear abnormalities in peripheral blood erythrocytes of fish. These results suggested that CCFM8661 may be a novel dietary supplement against Pb toxicity at least in tilapia.     

Stable isotope analysis to quantify contributions of supplementary feed in Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (GIFT strain) aquaculture

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is currently one of the most farmed freshwater fish and contributes significantly to total global aquaculture production. The genetically improved strain of O. niloticus (GIFT) was introduced to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1999 to improve food and income security. The high cost and low availability of commercial fish feed hinder the growth of GIFT farming in PNG. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were used to determine the role of supplementary and natural food sources in the diet of GIFT in pond‐based aquaculture. Two treatments were used: treatment 1 was daily feeding, and treatment 2 was weekly feeding, each with three replicates. Isotopic analysis of muscle tissue and all potential food sources showed that pellet feed contributed 7% to the growth of GIFT in daily‐fed ponds and 33% in the weekly‐fed ponds. Highly enriched δ¹⁵N values for chicken manure, compared to depleted values for GIFT and other natural food sources in both treatments, clearly indicate insignificant contributions of this input to production. After 90 days of cultivation, the average final body weight of GIFT receiving daily feed inputs was 134 g (average 19 cm), while for weekly‐fed it was 92 g (17 cm). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was poor (6.4:1) in the daily‐fed GIFT ponds compared to a better, and preferable, FCR (1:1) in the weekly‐fed ponds. The findings of this study show that pelleted feed was not the major contributor to the growth of GIFT. Genetically improved farmed tilapia aquaculture should focus on enhancing natural food availability for fish production.     

Effect of sublethal toxicity of some pesticides on growth parameters, haematological properties and total production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) and water quality of ponds

The effects of sublethal doses of dimethoate (20, 10 and 5 mg L^?1) and malathion (2.0, 1.0 and 0.5 mg L^?1) on growth parameters, haematological properties and total production of Nile tilapia (12.0 cm length and 40.0 g weight) and water quality were studied in fibreglass tanks (3 m²) for 24 weeks. Results showed that malathion compounds were more toxic than dimethoate. The sublethal toxicity of pesticides decreased plankton abundance and water quality in fish ponds. In comparison with controls, sublethal levels of these pesticides led to a significant decrease (P<0.05) in final body weight, specific growth rate and normalized biomass index of fish. The survival rate of Nile tilapia decreased with increasing concentrations of pesticides. Feed utilization (total food consumed, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio) varied with pesticide treatments. The erythrocyte count, haematocrit value and haemoglobin content of Nile tilapia were slightly decreased with increasing concentrations of pesticides. In addition, serum protein decreased, while serum glucose and lipid increased. Further, glycogen, protein and lipid in fish muscle gradually decreased with increased pesticide concentrations. Pesticide residues in the liver, gills and muscles of fish increased with increased pesticide concentrations in fish ponds. Their bioaccumulation in the liver was higher than in gill or muscle, which had the lowest residues for these pesticides. On the other hand, total production, net returns and profitability of reared fish decreased with increasing of concentrations of pesticides. Generally, sublethal concentrations of two pesticides in aquatic areas led to degradation of water quality and fish production in ponds.     

Efficacy of an experimentally inactivated Streptococcus agalactiae vaccine in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in Brazil

Tilapia aquaculture is one of the fastest‐growing segments of fish production in Brazil. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is largely cultivated in the state of Parana, where Streptococcus agalactiae is the cause of severe disease outbreaks. The objective of this paper was to evaluate an inactivated S. agalactiae vaccine in tilapia for the control of streptococcal disease outbreaks. Tilapia, weighing approximately 20 g each, were intraperitoneally (i.p.) inoculated with 0.1 mL of the vaccine at a dose of 2.0 × 10⁸ colony‐forming unit (CFU) mL^?1. One group of tilapia (treatment 1) received one vaccine dose, and the other group of tilapia (treatment 2) received two doses, with an interval of 21 days. The control group was i.p. inoculated with 0.1 mL tryptic soy broth fish^?1. Immunized and control tilapia were i.p. challenged with 0.1 mL of 3.0 × 10⁷ CFU mL^?1 at 30 days post vaccination. The fish were monitored daily for disease signs and for mortality for 16 days post challenge. A statistically significant difference (P=0.0045) was found between the mortality of treatments 1 and 2. The value of relative per cent of survival of 83.6% and 96.4%, respectively, indicate that this vaccine was efficient in Nile tilapia.