Length reduction and dry weight loss in frozen and formalin-preserved larval walleye, Stizostedion vitreum (Mitchill)

Abstract We examined the relationships between fresh and preserved measurements of length and dry weight for larval walleye, Stizostedion vitreum (Mitchill), subjected to freezing and preservation in formalin. Length reductions for both preservation techniques were <5% and decreased with larval size. Dry weight losses ranged from 32·1 to 54·0% for frozen larvae and from 18·2 to 30·1% for larvae preserved in formalin with larger larvae losing proportionately less weight. Freezing caused significantly greater length shrinkage and dry weight loss than preservation in formalin.     

Epidermal hyperplasia of walleye, Stizostedion vitreum vitreum (Mitchill), associated with retrovirus-like type-C particles: prevalence, histologic and electron microscopic observations

Epidermal hyperplasia consisting of discrete translucent raised outgrowths of cells were observed on the skin of walleye, Stizostedion vitreum vitreum (Mitchill), during their spawning period in the spring. The cells constituting the hyperplastic growths were limited to the epidermal layer, and were associated with surface budded, 120-nm-diameter, retrovirus-like particles located in the expanded intercellular spaces. These tumour-like growths were distinct from the other virus-associated skin lesions of walleye including dermal sarcoma, lymphocystis disease and herpesvirus-associated hyperplasia. Lesions could be differentiated by careful observation in the field and comparison of portions of each growth by histologic and electron microscopic observations.     

Preservation-induced changes in morphometrics of fishes: influence on prey size-choice in juvenile walleye, Stizostedion vitreum (Mitchill)

Abstract– Juveniles of the Gulf coast population of walleye, Stizostedion vitreum , 22.4–89.9 mm SL ( n =111) shrank significantly in SL and throat diameter over 12 months after being fixed in 10% formalin for 1 week and preserved in 50% isopropyl alcohol thereafter. Significant changes in body depth and total length (TL) were also determined for select larval fish prey that juvenile walleye might encounter in nature. The relationship between fresh SL and throat diameter in juveniles of the Gulf coast population of walleye (22.4–172.4 mm SL) is: throat diameter (mm) =−0.8783 + 0.0786 SL (mm) ( r ²= 0.988, P < 0.0001, n = 135). In laboratory experiments on prey size choice, walleye selected available prey near or less than their mean throat diameter, although several larger prey (7.4% of total) were also consumed. To determine the actual spectrum of prey sizes available to juvenile piscivores, we must adjust the realized size of the predator and prey for changes caused by preservation. Preservation-induced alterations in morphology translated into errors in the perceived pattern of prey size choice in walleye. The preservation-induced changes documented in this study, which are also supported by a number of other empirical data sets, must be included when modeling the relationships between feeding ecology, morphology, growth, and ecologically relevant indices (condition factors, relative weights, etc.).     

Acceptability of various microparticulate diets to first-feeding walleye Stizostedion vitreum larvae

The acceptability of eight diets made by a wide variety of microparticulate manufacturing processes was studied using first-feeding walleye Stizostedion vitreum larvae. Diets were formulated using a common dietary mix but differed in manufacture technique. The microparticulate diets fed were (1) carrageenan bound, (2) alginate bound, (3) starch/konjack bound, (4) microextruded/maurmurized (MEM), (5) zein bound, (6) carboxymethyl cellulose bound (CMC), (7) particle-assisted rotationally agglomerated (PARA) and (8) a commercial microparticulate diet (Fry Feed Kyowa B-700, FFK). Controls were groups fed live Artemia nauplii and unfed. Gut fullness was measured as the cross-sectional optical area of the bolus visible through the transparent body of the larvae using computer-aided image analysis. Feeding incidence on MEM particles (71 ± 8%, mean ± standard error), zein-bound particles (69 ± 7%), alginate-bound particles (68 ± 2%) and PARA particles (65 ± 6%) were not significantly different ( P   0.05) from the feeding incidence for Artemia (71 ± 6%). FFK (49 ± 14%) and particles bound with carboxymethyl cellulose (27 ± 0.07%), starch (21 ± 10%) or carrageenan (20 ± 0.8%) had significantly ( P  < 0.05) lower feeding incidence. Larvae that did initiate feeding did not differ significantly ( P  > 0.05) in the amount of each microparticulate diet or Artemia consumed. This data indicates that once first-feeding walleye start on a diet, they will consume that diet to a similar fixed level of satiation. Given the differences in the amounts of water and nutrients in the various diets, more nutrients were delivered to the gut of walleye larvae feeding on microparticulate diets than on the Artemia control.     

Changes in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) growth associated with the establishment of a walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) population in Canadarago Lake, New York (USA)

Abstract – Piscivorous fish can affect prey growth in two ways: directly by reducing prey density and indirectly by inducing predator-avoidance behaviors. We investigated these two pathways in yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ) growth responses to walleye ( Stizostedion vitreum ) stocking in Canadarago Lake, New York (USA) using a 25-year time series. Before walleye stocking, yellow perch growth rate was low and independent of body size. As walleye abundance increased, yellow perch growth increased and became size-dependent. The switch to size-dependent growth occurred in 1 year, indicating a rapid behavioral response to predators. Mean growth rate increased more gradually and was linearly related to walleye density, indicating a slower numerical effect of walleye on yellow perch densities. Although the net effect was an increase in perch growth, small perch growth initially decreased as walleye became established. Therefore, the combination of numerical and behavioral effects produced a complex pattern of size-dependent changes in growth of yellow perch.     

Pond Production of Fingerling Walleye,Stizostedion vitreum,in the Northern Great Plains

The cultural practices used to produce fingerling walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, in drainable earthen ponds are described for a state fish hatchery in Nebraska and two federal hatcheries in North Dakota. The ponds were filled 1 to 7 days before D2-D4 (Dl=the day of hatch) walleye fry were stocked. At one hatchery, ponds were sometimes double-cropped, first for production of northern pike, Esoxlucius. The two federal hatcheries fertilized ponds with ground alfalfa hay or pellets, while the standard practice at the Nebraska hatchery was not to fertilize walleye ponds, because of concern that fertilization would result in weed problems and oxygen depletion. One hatchery seeded the ponds with rye grass in the fall. Two of the hatcheries regularly used herbicides to prevent the stranding of fingerlings during harvest and their mortality caused by entangment with net algae, Hydrodicton. When used, herbicide treatment was applied before ponds were filled (Aquazine^TM) or as needed during the culture interval (Aquazine^TM) or copper sulfate). Harvesting was done after 24 to 58 days; the extreme range represented variation among hatcheries; the variation among ponds at a given hatchery ranged from 4 to 10 days. Harvest occurred when fingerlings were 25 to 50 mm total length and weighed 1,500-5,440 fish/kg. Harvests ranged from 11,933 to 308,537 fingerlings/ha. Survival ranged from 3 to 104% of the estimated number of fry stocked.     

大眼狮鲈在小石河水库的生长发育

通过对大眼狮鲈移入小石河水库后生长发育的测定 ,得出大眼狮鲈的体长—体重关系式 :W =O 9795L1 73 0 7,最大日增重 1 2 9g ,性成熟年龄 2～ 3龄 ,摄食旺盛 ,表明大眼狮鲈移植小石河水库是适宜的     

The effect of vitamins C and E in (n-3) highly unsaturated fatty acids-enriched Artemia nauplii on growth, survival, and stress resistance of fresh water walleye Stizostedion vitreum larvae

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of enriching Artemia nauplii with vitamin C (ascorbyl-6 palmitate) or vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate), 20% w/w, together with a mixture of concentrated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) on the growth, survival, and stress resistance of fresh water walleye Stizostedion vitreum larvae. Either cod liver oil (CLO) or EPA/DHA ethyl esters concentrate was used as lipid sources in the Artemia enrichment. Walleye larvae were fed ad libitum for 40 days. At day 40, submersion in salt water (25 g L⁻¹) was performed to evaluate larvae resistance to stress. EPA and DHA levels in walleye juveniles fed EPA/DHA-enriched Artemia increased significantly, by an average of 650% compared with fish fed non-enriched Artemia . A significant increase was found for vitamins C (71.8 ± 1.0 and 42.7 ± 1.2 μg g⁻¹ wet weight (WW)) and E (17.0 ± 3.7 and 6.5 ± 0.9 μg g⁻¹WW) concentrations in fish fed enriched and unenriched Artemia , respectively. Growth was comparable throughout treatments, whereas survival was significantly higher in fish fed CLO-enriched Artemia nauplii compared with fish fed Artemia nauplii enriched with EPA/DHA concentrate. The addition of vitamin C increased fish survival by 1.4-fold compared with fish fed Artemia enriched with only EPA/DHA concentrate. The survival of the latter was similar to control fish ( Artemia without enrichment). The supplementation of vitamin E did not affect fish survival significantly. Stress tests revealed that the resistance of walleye larvae to salinity changes increased when Artemia enrichment was supplemented with vitamin C. However, walleye larvae fed CLO-enriched Artemia had the best performances in the stress test.     

Comparison of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers for the Pond Production of Walleye,Stizostedion vitreum

ABSTRACT

Walleye were stocked at 20 fry/m³ and raised for 45-47 days in earthen ponds that were fertilized with organic or inorganic fertilizers. Organically fertilized ponds received periodic doses of alfalfa meal and torrula yeast. Nitrogen and phosphorus levels of 600 ug/L and 30 ug/L, respectively, were maintained by twice-weekly additions of liquid fertilizers in ponds of the inorganic treatment. Growth, survival, and production offish were not affected by the fertilizer treatment. The use of inorganic fertilizers is recommended for the pond production of walleye because it is easier and less costly than traditional methods involving the use of organic fertilizers.     

Endocrine and gonadal changes during the annual reproductive cycle of the freshwater teleost,Stizostedion vitreum

The annual reproductive cycle of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) was characterized by documenting changes in gonadal development and serum levels of estradiol-17β (E₂), testosterone (T), 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20-P), and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in wild fish captured from upper midwestern lakes and rivers throughout the year. Fish from the populations used in this study spawn annually in early- to mid-April. Walleye showed group synchronous ovarian development with exogenous vitellogenesis beginning in autumn. Oocyte diameters increased rapidly from ∼ 200 μm in October to ∼ 1,000 μm in November, and reached a maximum of 1,500 μm just prior to spawning. Changes in gonadosomatic indices (GSIs) paralleled changes in oocyte diameters. Serum E₂ levels in females increased rapidly from low values in October (< 0.1 ng ml⁻¹) to peak levels of 3.7 ng ml⁻¹ in November, coinciding with the period of the most rapid ovarian growth. Subsequently, E₂ levels decreased from December through spawning. Serum T levels exhibited a bimodal pattern, increasing to 1.6 ng ml⁻¹ in November, and peaking again at 3.3 ng ml⁻¹ just prior to spawning. We detected 11-KT in the serum of some females at concentrations up to 5.6 ng ml⁻¹, but no seasonal pattern was apparent. In this study (unlike our results in a related study) 17,20-P was not detected. In males, differentiation of spermatogonia began in late August, and by January the testes were filled (> 95% of germ cells) with spermatozoa. Mature spermatozoa could be expressed from males from January through April. GSIs ranged from 0.2% (post-spawn) to 3.2% (pre-spawn). Serum T levels rose from undetectable levels in post-spawn males to 1.6 ng ml⁻¹ by November, remained elevated throughout the winter, and peaked at 2.8 ng ml⁻¹ I prior to spawning. Levels of 11-KT in males remained low (< 10 ng ml⁻¹, from post-spawning through January, then increased significantly by March and peaked just prior to spawning at 39.7 ng ml⁻¹. Our results indicate that vitellogenesis and spermatogenesis are complete or nearly so, in walleye by early winter, and suggest that it may be possible to induce spawning in this species several months prior to the normal spawning season by subjecting fish to relatively simple environmental and hormonal treatments.     

Effects of Fertilization and of Fry Stocking Density on Pond Production of Fingerling Walleye,Stizostedion vitreum

The influence of fertilization and of fry stocking density on production of fingering walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, was evaluated in earthen ponds at North Platte State Fish Hatchery, North Platte, Nebraska. In 1990, five 0.4-ha ponds were fertilized with alfalfa pellets, and five were fertilized with soybean meal; four unfertilized ponds served as controls. All ponds were stocked with D2 (Dl = the day at hatch) walleye fry at 250.000ha. Differences in yield, number of fingerlings harvested, mean length, and mean weight amone treatments were not statistically significant (P> 0.05). In 691, two fertilization schedules (no fertilizer and fertilization with alfalfa pellets) and two fry stocking rates (250.000 and 375,000 fry/ha) were evaluated. Four ponds were used for each treatment. Statistically significant treatment differences were found in yield, number of fingerlings harvested/ha, average length, and average weight. Yield was higher in fertilized ponds compared with yield from unfertilized ponds at both stocking densities, but yield did not differ significantly between stocking density treatments given the same fertilizer treatment. Survival did not differ between density treatments, but total number of fish harvested was significantly greater from ponds stocked at the higher density. Fingerlings with the largest average weight were raised in fertilized ponds that were stocked at 250,00O/ha, while the smallest fingerlings were from unfertilized ponds that were stocked at 375,000ka. Days in culture interval, which varied among ponds by 9 days in 1990 and 10 days in 1991, was significantly correlated with most production variables in 1990 and with all production variables in 1991. Means of water quality variables were not significantly different between fertilized and unfertilized ponds in either year, but significant differences were found in means of three water quality variables between 1990 and 1991. Yield in both fertilized and unfertilized ponds in 1991 was less than in 1990.     

Survival and Growth of Walleye Stizostedion vitreum Fry as Affected by Water Recirculation, Feed Transition Age, and Stocking Density

Abstract.— The effects of recirculation aquaculture on walleye Stizostedion vitreuin fry culture was evaluated from hatch (day 0) to day 65 and compared to traditional flow-through aquaculture used at New York State's Fish Culture Station, Oneida, New York, USA. A comparison of survival rates of walleye fry through a feed transition period was also conducted with the variable being the age (d) at which dry feed was first introduced to fingerlings; this trial was conducted using recirculation aquaculture systems only. Comparisons were made of growth rates and survival rates broken down into two life stages: stage one was from day 0 to day 45 and stage two from day 45 to day 65. All systems were taken off live feed completely on day 45 resulting in a feed transition period between days 45 and 65. Fish in the flow-through system had the highest cumulative growth rates through day 70 (P < 0.05) while fish in the recirculating system grew faster through day 53 (P < 0.10). The recirculating system showed significantly higher survival rates during the feed transition period (day 45–65) than fish in the conventional flow-through system (P < 0.05). This is important because the transition period is the most stressful period in training fingerlings onto dry feed from a live diet. It was found that fish started on a dry diet on day I or day 14 in addition to the live diet had a significantly higher survival rate through the feed transition period than fish started on dry feed on day 30 (P < 0.1). The age at which dry feed was introduced had no significant impact on growth rates. There was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) between survival rates and the initial stocking density over a range of densities from 3,500 to 7,000 fish/m³.     

Production of Walleye,Stizostedion vitreum,in Earthen Ponds Fertilized with Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers and Stocked at Three Rates

Walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, fry were raised at densities of 20,30 and 40/m³ in ponds initially fertilized with alfalfa and yeast and supplementally fertilized with liquid inorganic fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers were added weekly to maintain N and P concentrations of 600 and 30 ug/L, respectively. Fish growth was not affected by stocking rate, but survival was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in ponds stocked at the two higher rates. The fertilization procedure we used did not provide a sufficient forage base to support more that 20 walleye/m³.     

Characterization of fast skeletal myosin from white croaker in comparison with that from walleye pollack

ABSTRACT:   Enzymatic and structural properties of white croaker fast skeletal muscle myosin were determined and compared with those of walleye pollack counterpart. Ca²⁺-ATPase activity of white croaker myosin was decreased to approximately 70% of the original activity during 1 day of storage at 0°C and pH 7.0 in 0.5 M KCl and 0.1 mM dithiothreitol, whereas that of walleye pollack was decreased to approximately 20% under the same condition. The activation energy ( E _a) for inactivation of white croaker myosin calculated by the Arrhenius plot for inactivation rate constant (K_D) was 1.2-fold higher than that of walleye pollack. While Ca²⁺-ATPase showed a similar KCl-dependency for the two species, the maximal activity was observed at pH 6.2 and 6.3 for white croaker and walleye pollack, respectively. Actin-activated myosin Mg²⁺-ATPase activity of white croaker was approximately half that of walleye pollack at 0.05 M KCl and pH 7.0, although the two myosins showed a similar affinity to F-actin with K _m of 1.7 and 1.4, respectively. Limited proteolysis with α-chymotrypsin cleaved heat-denatured white croaker myosin mainly at heavy meromyosin/light meromyosin (HMM/LMM) junction, whereas walleye pollack myosin was cleaved at several sites in LMM as well as at the HMM/LMM junction.     

Characterization of Edwardsiella tarda strains isolated from turbot, Psetta maxima (L.)

The biochemical, serological and molecular characteristics of a group of 21 Edwardsiella tarda strains isolated from turbot, Psetta maxima, in two different areas of Europe were analysed and compared with a total of 13 strains of this bacterial species with different geographical and host origins. All the turbot isolates were biochemically identical to the E. tarda strains included as reference. The use of different techniques including microagglutination, dot blot and Western blot of lipopolysaccharides allowed us to determine that all the turbot isolates constitute an homogeneous and distinctive serological group. Genetic analysis by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis demonstrated that although the E. tarda strains from turbot were compiled in a unique group using the primers P3 and P6, two clonal lineages could be detected when oligonucleotides P4 and P5 were employed.     

Detection of channel catfish virus in asymptomatic adult channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)*

Abstract. Two populations of channel catfish were examined for the presence of channel catfish virus (CCV) by use of a nucleic acid probe. In one population of 22 fish with no history of CCV, viral DNA was found in every liver. These fish had previously been examined by a technique involving co-cultivation of their leucocytes with catfish tissue culture cells. The co-cultivation method had identified virus in 10 of these fish. The second fish population consisted of 14 adults that had survived a CCV outbreak in 1980. Of the 14 fish, 11 showed positive indication of CCV DNA. The tissue distribution of the CCV differed from fish to fish. All fish from the first group and one fish from the second group showed some alterations in the DNA banding patterns expected from pure CCV DNA. This might be indicative of modifications in the genomic structure of the CCV DNA when the virus is latent in a fish.     

Pathogenesis of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus infection in brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), following intraperitoneal injection

Abstract. The pathogenesis of IPNV infection was examined in young brook trout following intraperitoneal inoculation. Fish were sampled sequentially and the distribution of virus determined by virus isolation, histopathology and immunofluorescence. Following intraperitoneal inoculation, virus entered the peritoneal cavity and by 2 days post-inoculation virus had interacted with the pancreatic exocrine cells. Replication in these cells resulted in the production of IPNV-specific antigen, necrosis of infected cells, and spread of infectious virus to adjacent tissue. Areas of viral replication were at first multifocal but tended to merge as they grew. Eventually, most of the acinar tissue became involved and only small pockets of normal acinar cells remained. Twelve-week old brook trout survived with only a small amount of functional exocrine pancreas and limited virus replication continued in this tissue for weeks. Extensive virus replication appeared to take place only in the pancreas although viral antigen and slight pathological changes were found in the renal interstitium and livers of some fish.     

Atkinsiella hamanaensis sp. nov. isolated from cultivated ova of the mangrove crab,Scylla serrata (Forsskål)*

Abstract. Atkinsiella hamanaensis sp. nov. a marine mastigomycete isolated from ova of the mangrove crab, Scylla serrata (Forsskål), is described and illustrated. The fungus grew over a temperature range of 15–32°C, with an optimum of 29–32°C. Its growth was observed in peptone-yeast extract glucose broth containing 1–5% NaCl, with optimum growth at 2–3% NaCl concentration. At 6% or more NaCl concentration, growth was inhibited. Its pH tolerance ranged from 4 to 9.