The study of feeding preferences using radiography: oxytetracycline as a feeding deterrent and squid extract as a stimulant in diets for Atlantic salmon

A method for identifying and confirming the efficacy of feeding stimulants and deterrents is described. Feeding studies carried out using Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., have shown that the addition of squid extract as a stimulant to feeds may lead to modification of feed intake, and may ameliorate the negative effects of unpalatability when fish are presented with medicated diets.     

Injuries to chemical sense organs of fish due to sublethal levels of water pollution

Histopathological investigations of taste organs of loaches (Noemacheilus barbatulus, L.) taken from creeks with differing grades of pollution demonstrate variable degrees of damage to taste bud structures. The degree of cell and tissue alteration (including sensory cells) is obviously directly correlated to the level and effective duration of the type of water pollutant. Based on the appearance of taste bud damage due to sublethal grades and qualities of pollution, the gustatory organs of fish may well be suited as a monitoring system for toxic substances in their environments.     

Gustatory sensitivity of the external taste buds of Oreochromis niloticus L. to amino acids

The gustatory sensitivity of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., to different amino acids was studied using an electrophysiological approach. The electrical responses were recorded from a branch of the facial nerve innervating the external taste buds of the upper lip. The relative stimulatory effectiveness (RSE) of nine amino acids and betaine were determined at a concentration of 1 mm and all of them elicited neural responses. This species responded well to the neutral, basic and acidic amino acids. The most stimulatory amino acids were L‐histidine, L‐arginine, L‐serine, L‐methionine and L‐glutamine; L‐proline and betaine were the least stimulatory. The results of this study suggest that the Nile tilapia has high external gustatory sensitivity to some amino acids as a physiological adaptation to search effectively for their sources. The effect of the pH, ranging from 4.0 to 9.0, on the RSE of three neutral amino acids and artificial pond water (APW) was also studied. The RSE increased below pH 6.0 and was relatively unaffected from 7.0 to 9.0, indicating that acidified stimulants are highly stimulatory in this species. Nile tilapia did not discriminate the pH of APW as effectively as some of the species studied earlier.     

The effects of trout culture on diet and food availability of native freshwater fish populations

Cultivation of a species or population and distribution to various regions has raised the idea of negative impacts on native species. The effect of non‐native species on native species may be caused by competition for source, predation, hybridization, and parasite/disease transport. The present study aims to evaluate the possible effects of a trout farm established on the banks of Kocaba? Stream (Çanakkale, Turkey) on feeding characteristics of some freshwater fish (Phoxinus phoxinus, Barbus oligolepis, and Squalius cii). The samples were collected monthly over a year at two stations located before and after the trout farm and at a control station on the tributary not impacted by the effects of the farm. Fish and environmental samples were gathered monthly with an electroshocker and some fishing tools between August 2015 and July 2016. The fish diet and resource incorporation into biomass were evaluated by gut content and stable isotope analyses. Changes in diet preferences when the species are exposed to source stresses and some individuals fed on farm‐based feed contaminated from the farm in Kocaba? Stream. In this study, it was observed that native fish populations in aquaculture regions were influenced by diet preferences. Designing enclosed systems limiting feed and waste transit in aquaculture establishments may be suitable for sustainability of these species.     

Effects of dietary protein sources on feed intake,growth and plasma thyroid hormones levels of Japanese flounder (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis>)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to compare the effects of dietary protein sources on growth performance and plasma thyroid hormones levels of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain one of the followings as main protein source: fish meal (FM), fish protein concentrate (FPC), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and soy protein isolate (SPI). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate aquaria stocked with 25 fish each. The feed intake, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio in fish fed fish protein-based diets were significantly higher than those in fish fed soy protein-based diets. Feed intake and specific growth rate were significantly higher in FM treatment compared to FPC treatment and higher in SPI treatment compared to SPC treatment. The FM treatment had significantly higher levels of plasma cortisol, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin than the other treatments. These results indicate that high inclusion levels of soy protein in diets markedly inhibit the feeding rate and growth of P. olivaceus due to poor palatability caused by the removal of feeding stimulants and/or the incorporation of feeding deterrents. The reduced growth may be partly attributed to the amino acid imbalance, absence of small nitrogen compounds, and presence of antinutritional factors.     

Effect of feeding stimulants on growth performance,feed intake and appetite regulation of mandarin fish,Siniperca chuatsi

Mandarin fish is a typical carnivorous fish, it can accept artificial diet after domestication, which is significantly essential to optimize its artificial diet. Nevertheless, only few studies were conducted on artificial diet of mandarin fish. Therefore, an 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of feeding stimulants on growth performance, feed intake and appetite regulation of mandarin fish. In this trial, six diets were formulated, a basal diet contained 80% of Fish Meal without feeding stimulants, named as Control, 0.4% inosinic acid meal, 0.4% L‐Alanine meal, 3% Yeast meal, 3% a commercial squid extract meal and 0.4% betaine meal were added into the basal diet to make five experimental diets, which were named as IM, AM, YM, SVO and BM respectively. At the end of feeding trial, SVO group showed higher feed intake, up‐regulated mRNA expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and down‐regulated mRNA expression of pro‐opiomelanocorticoid (POMC) significantly as compared to control group, which suggested that squid extract improved feed acceptability and promoted appetite in mandarin fish. Similarly, compared to control group, SVO group showed low food conversion ratio, high weight gain and SGR, indicated that squid extract enhanced the growth performance. Our results suggested that the appropriate level of squid extract addition could contribute to optimize artificial diet in mandarin fish.     

去除鱼类土腥味养殖系统的构建技术研究

以团头鲂、鲫鱼为试验对象,构建了一种基于人工生态系统的循环水养殖系统。通过底层陶粒吸附细菌、流水养鱼加快鱼类的代谢、湿地去除氨氮提高鱼的活性、生化箱培养硝化菌和反硝化菌来调控水质并起到控制水流速度的作用等技术手段来去除鱼类土腥味,同时研究不同盐度对其调控效果的影响。结果表明:本养殖系统对水体中的藻类和放线菌以及鱼体中的放线菌有明显的抑制作用。把(土池)池塘内养殖的鱼放入系统中暂养,一个月后土腥味显著降低,3个月后土腥味几乎消失;且随着水体盐度的升高,效果越加明显。     

微生物促进传统鱼酱油发酵和品质改善的研究进展

鱼酱油是一种在东亚和东南亚地区被广泛使用的海鲜调味品,一般是以新鲜海鱼或虾为原料,并拌入大量的食盐(一般20%~30%),在开放环境下经过长期缓慢发酵而制成,具有味道鲜美、营养丰富等特点。传统的鱼酱油生产存在发酵周期过长、生物胺积累、产品品质不一致等问题,利用特定的微生物发酵剂有望解决上述问题。文章在概述传统鱼酱油生产工艺的基础上,着重介绍了传统鱼酱油中的产酶微生物种类,以及利用微生物促进鱼酱油发酵和改善鱼酱油产品品质的研究和应用情况。     

Exposure of taste buds to potassium permanganate and formalin suppresses the gustatory neural response in the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus)

Abstract The effects of exposing the taste receptors to two common aquaculture therapeutants, potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) and formalin, on the gustatory responses in the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) were studied using an electrophysiological approach. Electrical responses to the stimuli before and after perfusing the receptors with the toxicants were compared. Responses to 1.0 mM l ‐methionine (l ‐met) were significantly reduced when the receptors were perfused with 2.0 mg L^?1 KMnO₄ or 200.0 mg L^?1 formalin. KMnO₄ suppressed the responses to 56%, whereas formalin reduced them to 83%. Both toxicants reduced the responses to l ‐arginine to a similar extent to that of l ‐met, indicating that the action of the toxicants is not specific for the receptor sites for amino acids. On the other hand, the toxicants suppressed the responses to quinine significantly more than those to amino acids, which indicates that the transduction pathways for bitter substances are much more sensitive. The suppressions were reversible, suggesting that these toxicants do not cause any permanent damage to the physiological features of the taste receptors, but only interfere with their normal functioning. The possible mechanisms of suppression and their consequences on the feeding process are discussed.     

Feeding patterns in a fish community of Baia da Onça,a floodplain lake of the Aquidauana River,Pantanal, Brazil

Abstract The stomach contents of 24 species of fish and unidentified species from four genera in a floodplain lake of the Pantanal were studied. Fish were collected during the dry season when the lake was isolated from the main river. A community food ingestion index (feeding index weighted by consumer biomass, FIWCB, where 0 < FIWCB < 1) was calculated to quantify feeding patterns. Detritus and algae ingested by Curimatidae were responsible for 46.5% of the FIWCB, while that for algae ingested by Loricariidae (armoured catfish) accounted for 13.2%. The importance of detritus in fish diets is discussed as a strategy for shortening food chains, thereby increasing community efficiency, and as a consequence, fish biomass. It was learnt that the main route of energy flow in this perennial lake was through the detritus chain. The floodplain lakes function as a dry season feeding ground for small-sized species of fish, which are potential prey for the more highly valued larger species of fish.     

Feed discrimination and selection in self-fed European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax L.

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate feed discrimination and preference of European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax L., taking into account the effects of feed location, previous feeding experience and light conditions. Fish (63 g) were held in tanks and exposed to a 12L:12D photoperiod and ambient temperature. The following feeding practices were applied in triplicate: three‐choice feeding (self‐ feeding with feeds formulated for carnivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous fish rotated on a weekly basis) and monofeeding (self‐feeding with one of these feeds). After 9 weeks (phase I), fish previously held in monofeeding, were subjected to three‐choice feeding for 2 weeks (phase II). In phase I, fish discriminated between feeds after their rotational displacements and preferred the feed formulated for carnivorous species. This also supported the best growth. Fish used in phase II preferred the same feed. There was no preference for any location within tanks. Feeding was generally diurnal, although in some tests with the feeds for herbivores and omnivores, diurnal and nocturnal feed demands were similar and fewer in number than with the feed formulated for carnivores.     

Foraging behaviour and invasiveness: do invasive Gambusia exhibit higher feeding rates and broader diets than their noninvasive relatives?

Abstract –  Serious impacts by nonindigenous species often occur via predation. The magnitude of impact is expected to be closely tied to the invading species niche breadth. For predatory impacts, diet breadth should be particularly important. We examined the relationship between a species foraging behaviour and its invasiveness and impact by comparing the feeding behaviour of four Gambusia species, two invasive and of high impact and two noninvasive. Individual feeding rates, feeding preferences, and diet breadths were tested across three prey items in a sequence of four laboratory feeding trials. Invasive Gambusia consistently fed at higher rates, but no species differences were found in feeding preferences or diet breadth. All Gambusia preferred Daphnia , avoided Lirceus , and consumed Drosophila in proportion to their availability. Female size affected most feeding variables. Larger fish consumed more prey per unit time and were able to incorporate larger prey items into their diets, thus increasing diet breadth.     

Fish utilisation of managed realignments

Abstract  One area of ecological benefit not yet fully evaluated in European waters is the utilisation of restored saltmarsh habitats by fish species. This study examines the utilisation of managed realignments and relic saltmarsh by fish species. Factors affecting habitat heterogeneity and fish populations are discussed, and recommendations are made with respect to scheme design and management that will maximise the biological and socio-economic values. Fish populations in the high intertidal areas were assessed using a suite of techniques, including observations on feeding behaviour. Each microhabitat was discussed as a function of the extent of fish colonisation. A positive relationship between the degree of fish utilisation and habitat heterogeneity was ascertained using species richness, abundance and behavioural observations. This study will aid habitat valuation for economic justification of managed realignments, over and above existing drivers, such as compensatory habitat for encroachment, flood defence and the European Union Habitats Directive. The work now forms part of a wider European Interreg IIIb project, COMCOAST.     

Differences in fish assemblage structures between fragmented and continuous seagrass beds in Trang,southern Thailand

Fish assemblage structures in fragmented and continuous seagrass habitats in Trang Province, Thailand, were examined in detail to elucidate the effects of habitat fragmentation. The assemblage structures clearly differed: fish species diversity was apparently higher in the fragmented seagrass beds, although total fish numbers did not differ between them. A total of 37 fish species were collected, including 24 and 34 species from the continuous and fragmented beds, respectively. Thirteen species were restricted to the fragmented beds, compared with three restricted to the continuous beds. In addition, eight species were more abundant in the fragmented beds and only two in the continuous beds. Such differences may have arisen, at least in part, from differences in microhabitat diversity and the relative amounts of microhabitats between the two habitat types, as well as specific microhabitat preferences of the resident fishes. Although fragmented beds supported greater fish species diversity at the present study sites, it is axiomatic that habitat fragmentation caused by anthropogenic disturbance is unacceptable, with seagrass-habitat conservation being essential for both the preservation of high overall biodiversity and the successful management of local fisheries.     

Optimization of feeding quantity and frequency to rear the cyprinid fish Garra rufa (Heckel, 1843)

Garra rufa has a high commercial value, but their rearing methods are still unknown. Aspects like an adequate daily dose and feeding frequency need to be investigated. This work aimed to establish the optimal feed dose per day to obtain satiation and the optimal frequency of feeding to rear a specific size class of G. rufa. A total of 60 fish were distributed by six aquaria containing 10 fish. First, the fish were fed twice per day, by providing a feed dose correspondent to 1% of their body weight and increasing 0.1 g/fish on the following days, until finding feed leftovers on the next morning. Afterwards, the fish went through a 1 month experimental trial to evaluate the optimal feeding frequency. Fish growth was compared between feeding the optimal daily dose distributed in two or three feeding moments per day. The optimal dose that ensured satiation was 0.042 g fish^?1 day^?1 (3.2% of fish’ body weight). Feeding the fish three times per day promoted higher growth rates, since the fish’ total length was statistically different between feeding frequencies. Statistically significant differences between feeding frequencies were not observed for growth performance parameters. These results contribute to the aquaculture of this target species, allowing fish industry to more efficiently respond to the high demand for G. rufa and, simultaneously, for its preservation in the wild.     

摄食促进物质对许氏平鲉摄食和生长的影响 不同地理群体星突江鲽养殖子一代群体遗传多样性分析

以初始体重为49．83±．17g的许氏平鲇Sebastesschlegeli为实验对象,进行为期30d的摄食生长实验。共配制6种等氮等能饲料,其中5种饲料以鱼粉和豆粕为蛋白源（豆粕蛋白替代30％的鱼粉蛋白）配制出基础饲料,分别在基础饲料中不添加摄食促进物质和添加0．3％的商品诱食剂、二甲基-β-丙酸噻亭（DMPT）、甜菜碱和柠檬酸配制成5种豆粕替代饲料,其余1种为鱼粉不替代饲料作为对照组,研究摄食促进物质对许氏平鲇摄食和生长的影响。结果表明,当豆粕取代饲料中添加甜菜碱和柠檬酸时,许氏平铀的特定生长率、饲料效率、蛋白质效率以及肝脏、肠胰蛋白酶活力都显著高于不添加摄食促进物质组（P〈0．05）;当不添加摄食促进物质时,摄食率显著低于鱼粉不替代组（P〈O．05）;而添加DMPT、甜菜碱和柠檬酸时,摄食率与鱼粉不替代组比较没有显著差异（P〉0．05）;肝体指数都明显地低于鱼粉不替代组。结果表明,豆粕替代30％的鱼粉蛋白时,添加0．3％的甜菜碱或柠檬酸能够显著提高许氏平鲇幼鱼对饲料的摄食率和生长率。     

Quality of wild-captured saithe (Pollachius virens L.) fed formulated diets for 8 months

Fish farms may attract wild fish that feed on waste feed from the cages. Saithe, Pollachius virens L., are particularly numerous around salmon cages in northern Europe and may obtain a significant proportion of their diet from waste feed. It has been claimed that these fish are of inferior quality to saithe that feed on natural diets; differences are said to include soft muscle tissue and a different taste. In order to document such changes in quality we performed a feeding experiment. Young wild saithe were collected and fed either a lipid-rich salmon diet or a lean cod diet for 8 months. All fish were individually tagged and growth was monitored throughout the experiment. Parameters related to flesh quality were measured. Diet clearly influenced the growth rate of the fish, and many fish reached a very high hepatosomatic index when fed on a salmon diet. However, many fish had a low feed intake and thus a low rate of growth. There were some differences in skin and muscle colour, pH and in sensory parameters between wild-caught and artificially fed saithe at the end of the experiment. Those fed the cod diet were more similar to wild saithe than those fed the salmon diet.     

Sex‐dependent responses of perch to changes in water clarity and temperature

Rising temperatures and decreasing water transparency of lakes have strong wide ranging effects on fish. Fish responses to various changes in the environment are usually species‐dependent, but responses may also vary within species. In general, large individuals are considered to be more sensitive to environmental variation due to higher energy demand, than smaller individuals. Similarly, large individuals require more food to maintain bodily functions and are thus more sensitive to resource and food scarcity. These size‐specific responses to environmental gradients are also sex‐dependent in species that exhibit sexual size dimorphism (SSD). We studied in enclosures with short‐term experiments how rising temperatures and decreasing water transparency regulate the feeding rates of female and male European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.). To explore experimental results, we calculated perch SSD in nine lakes with varying environmental conditions using previously collected field data. The results of the experiments revealed that the combined effect of water transparency and temperature on the feeding rate of fish is gender‐dependent: feeding rate of females decreased more than that of males. The experimental results were also supported by field data that revealed a negative relation between water transparency and the magnitude of SSD in perch. Our results suggest that rising temperatures and decreasing water transparency may potentially decrease fish size in a sex‐dependent manner. As female size is one of the main demographic traits determining the reproductive success of a fish population, changing environments may have unexpected and far‐reaching consequences on fish population dynamics.     

Does the presence of microalgae influence fish larvae prey capture?

The green water technique has been widely shown to improve fish larvae growth, survival and feed ingestion. Therefore, fish larvae (Sparus aurata L. and Solea senegalensis Kaup) feeding behaviour was studied through gut content analysis, when using different species of microalgae, as the ‘green water’ technique. Six treatments were used: Stain – food green stain; Tetra – microalgae Tetraselmis chuii; Iso – microalgae Isochrysis galbana; Tetra Sup –T. chuii supernatant (obtained from centrifugation); Phyto – a microalgae paste, Nannochloropsis oculata, (Phytobloom^®); and C water – clear water, as control. At 9, 16 and 23 days after hatching (DAH) for S. aurata, and 4, 9 and 14 DAH for S. senegalensis, 40 unfed fish larvae were transferred to 3 L experimental tanks, filled with the different ‘green water’ technique. Fish larvae were sampled 2 h after being fed with live prey, anaesthetized and fixed in buffered formaldehyde for posterior gut content determination. Feeding was evaluated by the feeding rate, percentage of larvae with prey items in the digestive tract and feeding intensity, number of prey in each larva digestive tract. Fish larvae feeding ability was influenced by the interaction between light conditions and substances provided by the presence of microalgae during fish larvae development. Sparus aurata was more dependent on microalgae addition than S. senegalensis larvae, which may be related to the type of prey, larval behaviour, ontogeny and physiology. The presence of microalgae influenced the selection of larger prey (Artemia over rotifers) by S. aurata aged 23 DAH.