Different responses between orange variant and cultured population of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas at early life stage to temperature‐salinity combinations

Although breeding of rare shell colour variants has drawn widespread attention from shellfish breeders, the potential disadvantages of their adaptive capacity have been ignored in practice. To explore the difference in adaptive capacity between orange shell variant (OSO) and commercially cultured population (CPO) of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas at early life stage, the development to D‐larvae and larval survival and growth (just 23 and 30°C for larval experiment) of them were compared under different temperature (16, 23 and 30°C) and salinity (17, 25 and 33 psu) combinations. In this study, at 23°C and 25 psu, for both OSO and CPO there was no difference in fertilization rates and survival (p > .05) (mean percentages of D‐larvae after fertilized 40 hr ≥ 95.00%; mean larval survival rates on day 10 > 80.00%). However, the percentage of D‐larvae of CPO at 40 hr was significantly (p < .05) higher than OSO at temperatures of 16 and 30°C and 25–33 psu and 17 psu at 23°C. Similarly, CPO has a better larval survival on day 10 and growth than OSO at salinities of 17 and 33 psu at 23°C. Overall, our results indicate that OSO can have an equally good performance like CPO at early life stage under optimal condition (23°C; 25 psu), but the potential disadvantages in adaptive capacity will be shown at suboptimal conditions. These findings can guide future hatchery breeding of OSO, and suggest the potential disadvantages in adaptive capacity in rare colour variants need more attention in further breeding.     

Effects of temperature and salinity on oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of juvenile miiuy croaker, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Miichthys miiuy</Emphasis> (Basilewsky)

The metabolic responses of the juvenile Miichthys miiuy in terms of oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion to changes in temperature (6–25°C) and salinity (16–31 ppt) were investigated. At a constant salinity of 26 ppt, the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of the fish increased with an increase in temperature and ranged between 133.38 and 594.96 μg O₂ h⁻¹ g⁻¹ DW. The effect of temperature on OCR was significant (P < 0.01). Q₁₀ coefficients were 6.80, 1.41, 1.29 and 2.36 at temperatures of 6–10, 10–15, 15–20 and 20–25°C, respectively, suggesting that the juveniles of M. miiuy will be well adapted to the field temperature in the summer, but not in the winter. The ammonium excretion rates (AER) of the fish were also affected significantly by temperature (P < 0.01). The O:N ratio at temperatures of 6, 10, 15 and 20°C ranged from 13.12 to 20.91, which was indicative of a protein-dominated metabolism, whereas the O:N at a temperature of 25°C was 51.37, suggesting that protein-lipids were used as an energy substrate. At a constant temperature of 15°C, the OCRs of the fish ranged between 334.14 (at 31 ppt) and 409.68 (at 16 ppt) μg O₂ h⁻¹ g⁻¹ DW. No significant differences were observed in the OCR and AER of the juveniles between salinities of 26 and 31 ppt (P > 0.05). The OCR and AER at 16 ppt were, however, significantly higher than those at 26 and 31 ppt (P < 0.05), indicating salinity lower than 16 ppt is presumably stressful to M. miiuy juveniles.     

Effects of temperature and salinity on oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion in different colour strains of the Manila clam,Ruditapes philippinarum

The metabolic responses of different colour strains of Ruditapes philippinarum in terms of oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion to changes in temperature (15–35°C) and salinity (20–40) were investigated. In our range of temperatures (15–35°C), oxygen consumption rate (OCR) increases in cultivated strains (White and Zebra) in opposition to the effect in the wild strain which reach a maximum at 25°C. The highest Q₁₀ coefficients were 2.741 for zebra strain, 4.326 for white strain, and 1.944 for wild at temperatures of 25–30, 30–35 and 20–25°C respectively. In our range of salinity (20–40°C), OCRs of white strain and zebra strain firstly decreased to lowest level at 25 and 30, and then increased to highest level at 35 and 40 respectively. When the salinity is beyond 35, the OCR decreased and the turning point was found in the white strain and wild, but the zebra strain OCR still increased to a highest level (1.906 mg g^?1 h^?1) at 40 (P < 0.05). These results show that the cultivated colour strains of R. philippinarum were different from wild in terms of metabolic responses, and information on its response to different temperature and salinity have implications in the aquaculture industry.     

Fluctuating salinity effect on Sphoeroides annulatus (Jenyns 1842) physiological responses

Euryhaline fish, such as the Bullseye puffer Sphoeroides annulatus (Jenyns 1842), experience sudden salinity changes in their natural environment, which is more common than the exception, so they must adapt to survive and cope with extreme salt conditions. Therefore, Bullseye puffer juveniles were exposed to short‐term stress (39 hr) by fluctuating salinity conditions (41, 35, 29, 23, 17, 11, 5, 11, 17, 23, 29, 35, 41 psu) with a 3‐hr interval between each point at 26 ± 1ºC in a respirometer chamber and acclimation reservoirs. Responses to oxygen consumption rate (OCR: 23–35 mg O₂ h^–1 kg^–1), ammonium excretion rate (AER: 1–1.85 mg NH4⁺ h^?1 kg^?1), oxygen‐nitrogen atomic ratio (O:N 17–30), osmoregulatory pattern (blood osmotic pressure from 342.4 to 332.8 mmol/kg) and changes in expression levels of Na⁺/K⁺‐ATPase in the gills (higher values at higher salinities) were measured. Although some signs of stress were detected below the iso‐osmotic point (11.4 psu), the puffer fish is a strong euryhaline fish that survives under these conditions. Nonetheless, it could recover when salinity returned to the initial acclimation point because Sphoeroides annulatus is able to live in a wide range of environments with wide natural salinity fluctuations; thus, a common practice in aquaculture has been to expose fish to low salinity for several reasons discussed in this study. This capacity reveals its high plasticity to saline adaptation from 41 to 5 psu an up from 5 to 41 psu, all in less than 2 days.     

Attachment and growth of vegetative propagules of Chondria crassicaulis Harvey (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta) under various culture conditions

The red alga Chondria crassicaulis has a wide‐ranging bioactive chemical composition and is used as a local foodstuff, representing a potentially new cultivar in Korea. The cultivation techniques were developed by examining the monthly changes in frond weight in a field population of C. crassicaulis from November 2016 to October 2017. For seedling production, temperature and irradiance effects on the attachment and growth of vegetative propagules of C. crassicaulis were evaluated. In addition, effects of day length and salinity on the propagule growth were examined. C. crassicaulis is a year‐round species with a maximum frond wet weight of 817 mg observed in July 2017, as seawater temperature increases to 20°C. The attachment of vegetative propagules was significantly affected by temperature and irradiance, with maximal values detected at 20–25°C and 60 µmol photons m^?2 s^?1. The relative growth rates of vegetative propagules of C. crassicaulis were the highest at 20–25°C, 60 µmol photons m^?2 s^?1, and a salinity of 25 psu. In conclusion, due to its tremendous tolerance under variable environmental conditions, the vegetative propagules of C. crassicaulis can be used as seedlings for mass cultivation.     

Combined effects of temperature and salinity on yolk utilization in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The combined effects of temperature and salinity on the yolk utilization of sac fry in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were investigated using central composite experimental design and response surface approach. Based on the preliminary trials, temperature was determined to range from 22 to 34°C, and salinity ranging from 2 ppt to 10 ppt. The utilization was mensurated in terms of yolk sac volume. Results showed that the linear effects of temperature and salinity on the yolk utilization was significant (P < 0.01); the quadratic effects of and the interaction between the two factors were significant (P < 0.05); temperature was more important than salinity in influencing the yolk utilization. The model equation of yolk sac volume towards temperature and salinity was established. From those high R² values, the model had excellent goodness of fit to experimental data and could be applied for predictive purpose. What with the production cost, it is suggested that the temperature/salinity combination, i.e. 28–30°C/4–6 ppt, be employed during the period of sac fry rearing, in which the yolk utilization was on average 98.6%.     

Effect of salinity and temperature on salinity tolerance of the sea cucumber <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apostichopus japonicus</Emphasis>

Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus juveniles acclimated to different environmental conditions (23, 25, and 27°C combined with 25, 30, and 35 psu) were assessed for tolerance to increasing and decreasing levels of salinity at a rate of 2 psu h⁻¹. They were also tested for the LS₅₀ (median lethal salinity) when transferred directly into a series of higher salinity (32–46 psu) and lower salinity (9–25 psu). The CSMax (critical salinity maximum), CSMin (critical salinity minimum), USTL (upper salinity tolerance limit), and LSTL (lower salinity tolerance limit) were positively correlated to the acclimated salinity level but negatively correlated to temperature. The CSMax of A. japonicus was 6.2–10.0 psu higher than the USTL, and the CSMin was 5.5–8.5 psu lower than the LSTL, indicating that gradual changes in salinity resulted in the wide range of salinity tolerance that was observed, but that abrupt changes in salinity resulted in the narrow range of tolerance. Two-way analysis of variance revealed that salinity and temperature had a significant effect on 50% CSMax, 50% CSMin, USTL, and LSTL (P < 0.001). The information obtained in this study will be valuable for the further development of the sea cucumber aquaculture industry in China.     

Effect of dietary lipid level on growth,lipid metabolism and health status of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei at two salinities

Three isonitrogenous diets containing 60 g kg^–1, 90 g kg^–1 or 120 g kg^–1 lipid were formulated and fed to the Litopenaeus vannamei (2.00 ± 0.08 g) under two salinities (25 or 3 psu) in triplicate for 8 weeks. Shrimp fed 90 g kg^–1 lipid had higher weight gain and specific growth rate than shrimp fed the other two diets regardless of salinity, and the hepatosomatic index increased with increasing dietary lipid at both salinities. The shrimp at 3 psu had significantly lower survival and ash content, higher condition factor, weight gain and specific growth rate than the shrimp at 25 psu. Increasing dietary lipid level induced the accumulation of serum MDA regardless of salinity, and at 3 psu, it reduced the serum GOT and GPT activities and the mRNA expression of TNF‐α in intestine and gill of L. vannamei. The hepatopancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (TGL) and CPT‐1 mRNA expression showed the highest value in shrimp fed 90 g kg^–1 lipid diet at 3 psu. This study indicates that 120 g kg^–1 dietary lipid may negatively affect the growth and induce oxidative damage in shrimp, but can improve immune defence at low salinity; 60 g kg^–1 dietary lipid cannot afford the growth and either has no positive impact on the immunology for L. vannamei at 3 psu.     

Effects of temperature and salinity on oxygen consumption of tawny puffer Takifugu flavidus juvenile

The respiratory rates of Tawny puffer Takifugu flavidus juvenile were measured at four temperatures (20, 23, 26 and 29 °C) and seven salinities (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 g L^?1). The results showed that both temperature and salinity significantly affected the oxygen consumption of tawny puffer juvenile. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) increased significantly with an increase in the temperature from 20 to 29 °C. Over the entire experimental temperature range (20–29 °C), the Q₁₀ value was 1.59, and the lowest Q₁₀ value was found between 23 and 26 °C. The optimal temperature for the juvenile lies between 23 °C and 26 °C. The OCR at 25 g L^?1 was the highest among all salinity treatments. The OCRs show a parabolic relationship with salinity (5–35 g L^?1). From the quadratic relationship, the highest OCR was predicted to occur at 23.56 g L^?1. The optimal salinity range for the juvenile is from 23 to 25 g L^?1. The results of this study are useful towards facilitating an increase in the production of the species juvenile culture.     

Long‐term low‐salinity stress affects growth,survival and osmotic related gamma‐aminobutyric acid regulation in the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

A 30‐day experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of long‐term low‐salinity stress on the growth performance and osmotic related chlorine ion channel ligand regulation: gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) content and GABA_A receptor‐associated protein (GABARAP) expression in Portunus trituberculatus. The salinity levels of both the control group and the experimental group were 30 and 12 psu respectively. After rearing for 30 days, the specific growth rate and survival rate were compared between the two groups, and salinity 6 psu was used to test the salinity tolerance. The results were as follows: (a) Both the specific growth rate and survival rate were significant lower in the experimental group (p < 0.05) after 30 days; (b) After challenge with salinity 6 psu for 72 hr, the crabs of experimental group had a 100% survival rate, whereas the crabs of the control group were all dead within 48 hr; (c) The content of GABA and the gene expression level of GABARAP in experimental group were significant different from control group (p < 0.05) after challenge via salinity 6 psu. In the control group, the GABA content increased rapidly from 9.96 ± 2.09 to 42.00 ± 5.94 µg/g; however, in the experimental group, it only increased to 27.82 ± 2.55 µg/g; the gene expression of GABARAP in the experimental group increased to the maximum at 24 hr, then decreased and stabilized at 48 hr, suggesting that GABA and GABARAP were trigged during the early stage of low‐salinity stress resistance.     

The effects of temperature on respiration of Amur sturgeon,Acipenser schrenckii,at two acclimation temperatures

In order to clarify the respiratory responses strategy of Amur sturgeon Acipenser schrenckii exposed to water temperature changes, respiratory parameters of the fish were studied under two temperature regimes: fish acclimated at 13°C for Group I, temperature was increased to 16°C, 19°C, 22°C and 25°C and then returned stepwise to 22°C, 19°C, 16°C and 13°C; and fish acclimated at 25°C for Group II, the water temperature was reduced in steps to 22°C, 19°C, 16°C and 13°C, subsequently, returned to 16°C, 19°C, 22°C and 25°C. The results showed that the respiratory frequency (f_R), oxygen consumption rate (VO₂) and gill ventilation (V_G) of the fish were directly dependent on the acute temperature in both acclimation groups (p < .05). The initial 25°C VO₂ in Group II was significantly higher than the initial 13°C VO₂ in Group I (p < .05), but was significantly lower than that at 25°C in Group I (p < .05). In Group I, respiratory stroke volume (V_S.R) of fish significantly increased or decreased with the acute temperature increases or decreases, respectively (p < .05); oxygen consumption efficiencies (EO₂) of fish did not significantly show differences when temperature increased to 25°C from 13°C (p > .05), but the EO₂ significantly declined while returning to acclimation temperature (p < .05). In Group II, the V_S.R of the fish did not significantly change with acute temperature fluctuations between 25 and 13°C (p > .05), while the EO₂ increased with acute temperature increases (p < .05). The Q₁₀ values for f_R, VO₂, V_S.R, V_G and EO₂ were 1.53–1.72, 1.92–2.06, 1.07–1.60, 1.78–2.44 and 1.11–1.65 at 13–25°C of temperature interval respectively. Amur sturgeon showed partial metabolic compensation to temperature changes. The study results suggest that the ability of Amur sturgeon to regulate metabolism in response to acute temperature changes makes this species good adaptability in the aquaculture rearing.     

Effect of salinity and temperature on marine leech,Zeylanicobdella arugamensis (De Silva) under laboratory conditions

The high prevalence (80–100%) of the marine leech Zeylanicobdella arugamensis (De Silva) on cage‐cultured Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer (Bloch) led us to investigate the percentage of juvenile leeches hatched from deposited cocoons, survival of juvenile and adult marine leeches at different salinity and temperature. The results showed that the hatching percentage of juvenile leeches was highest at salinity of 30 ppt (32.5 ± 2.8%) followed by 20 ppt (18.0 ± 4.3%) and 10 ppt (12.1 ± 1.4%), respectively. It was found that the adult and juvenile leeches could live up to an average range of 4–7 days at salinity ranging from 10 to 40 ppt. The juvenile leeches were able to hatch at temperature ranging from 25 to 35 °C but unable to hatch at 40 °C. The survival period of adult and juvenile leeches ranged from 11 to 16 days at 25 °C, which was comparatively longer than 5–13 days and 10 h – 5 days at 27–30 °C and 35–40 °C, respectively. The study provided the information on the physical parameters of salinity and temperature which are most optimal for the marine leech Z. arugamensis to propagate.     

Large‐scale mortality and limited expression of heat shock proteins of aestivating sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus after acute salinity decrease

This study deals with the mortality and related physiological responses of aestivating sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus to acute salinity decrease. Aestivating and active sea cucumbers were exposed to a decrease in salinity (from 30 to 20 psu) at a rate of 2.5 psu every 6 h, and then maintained at 20 psu for 96 h. The mortality of aestivating sea cucumbers was ~30%, which was significantly higher than that of active sea cucumbers (~10%). This result indicated that sea cucumbers in aestivation were more susceptible to hypo‐salinity stress. To elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms, the osmotic pressure in coelomic fluid and the levels of hsp70 and hsp90 mRNA in aestivating and active sea cucumbers were measured. No significant difference in osmoregulation was observed between the two groups. The osmotic pressure of coelomic fluid in both groups changed with decrease in ambient salinity. There were significant differences in the time course and magnitude of hsp70 and hsp90 expression between the two groups. After exposure to decreased salinity, aestivating sea cucumbers showed a delayed up‐regulation of hsp70 and hsp90 expression compared with animals in active state, and these levels decreased rapidly to control values. The expression of hsp70 and hsp90 in aestivating sea cucumbers were significantly lower than those in active sea cucumbers after salinity change. The differences in hsp70 and hsp90 expression between the states may partly explain the higher mortality of sea cucumbers in aestivation when exposed to low salinity.     

Assessment of temperature or salinity effects on larval development by catecholamine‐induced metamorphosis of hatchery‐reared flat oyster,Ostrea angasi (Sowerby 1871) larvae

A need to improve larval rearing techniques led to the development of protocols for catecholamine‐induced settlement of flat oyster, Ostrea angasi, larvae. To further refine these techniques and optimize settlement percentages, the influence of salinity or temperature on development of O. angasi larvae was assessed using epinephrine‐induced metamorphosis. Larvae were reared between salinities of 15–35 and temperatures between 14.5 and 31°C. The greatest percentage survival, growth, development occurred when larvae were reared between 26 and 29°C and between salinities of 30 and 35. Larvae reared outside this salinity and temperature range exhibited reduced growth, survival and/or delayed development. Short‐term (1 h) reduction in larval rearing temperature from 26°C to 23.5°C significantly increased larval metamorphosis without affecting larval survival. Short‐term (1 h) increase in larval rearing temperature from 26°C to 29 and 31°C decreased larval survival and metamorphosis. To ensure repeatability in outcomes, tests showed that larvae sourced from different estuaries did not vary significantly in their metamorphic response to short‐term temperature manipulation and epinephrine‐induced metamorphosis.     

Gonadic conditioning and maturation of the queen conch (Dosinia ponderosa) fed three microalgae at three temperatures

Gonadic conditioning and maturation of queen clam Dosinia ponderosa fed three microalgae (Isochrysis galbana, Tetraselmis suecica and Chaetoceros calcitrans) at three temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C) were assessed. Histological analysis showed six gonadic stages, indicators of maturity. The evaluation included sex proportion, oocyte diameter and frequency of gonadic stages after 22 (middle of trial) and 44 days (end of trial). At day 22, around 60% of females conditioned at 20°C, reached stage III (advances grade of maturation) when fed T. suecica. At day 44, around 50% of females were on stage III, conditioned at 20 and 25°C and fed T. suecica and C. calcitrans. For males, the best combination was C. calcitrans at 20 and 25°C. The temperature of 30°C resulted inadequate for maturation, especially when fed the diatom Isochrysis galbana. High mortalities occurred at that temperature with the three microalgal diets, especially in females. The results permits conclude that T. suecica and C. calcitrans are good sources of feed for D. ponderosa and that the best range of temperature for gonadic development is 22–25°C. These results may be basic for a best management and culture of this clam.     

Thermal challenge of the Indian shrimp Penaeus indicus

This study investigated short‐term effects of increasing water temperature from 27 to 41°C on survival and feed consumption of Penaeus indicus at three different ages: PL₂₅ (postlarvae 25 days old), PL₅₀ and PL₉₀. For each age group, water temperature was maintained at 27°C in the control, but increased to 32, 35, 38 and 41°C at a rate of 1°C every eight hours. The temperature was then kept stable until the end of the 7‐day experiment. Results showed that increasing water temperature affected both survival and feed consumption of the experimental shrimps (p < .01). Survival was highest at 32 and 35°C ranging from 93.8% to 100%, but significantly reduced to 40.0%–81.6% at 38°C. No shrimp survived the 41°C treatment. PL₂₅ were more tolerant to 38–41°C than PL₅₀ and PL₉₀ in terms of survival. Increasing water temperature had no effects on feed consumption of PL₂₅ (p > .05). For PL₅₀ and PL_90, feed consumption significantly increased at 38 and 41°C (p < .01) and was similar within the range of 27–35°C. This study suggests that P. indicus in tropical areas can tolerate water temperatures of at least 35°C and should be considered for farming during the summer time.     

Quality evaluation of indoor‐ and outdoor‐cultured sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) seedlings: Insight from survival and immune performance in response to combined stress of hyperthermia and hyposalinity

The mass mortalities of sea cucumber Apostichpous japonicus have prevailed in northern China, mainly attributing to the emergence of extreme environmental conditions, that is hyperthermia and hyposalinity. The high‐quality sea cucumber seedlings appear to possess more robust resistance to adverse conditions. There are usually indoor‐ and outdoor‐cultured seedlings in industrial production of sea cucumbers. Although the outdoor‐cultured sea cucumbers are practically considered to be more strong and robust, the effective evaluation approach to distinguish these seedlings has been scarce. The current study compared survival and immune performances of indoor‐ and outdoor‐cultured A. japonicus under combined exogenous stressors, that is hyperthermia and hyposalinity. Results based on secondary stress induction revealed that the activities of immune enzymes and levels of catecholamines in body wall of outdoor‐cultured seedlings were prominently higher than those of indoor‐cultured seedlings recovered for 0–72 hr following sublethal stress (30°C and 25 psu of salinity). The opposite case occurred on immune enzymes in coelomic fluid of the two sources of seedlings except for myeloperoxidase. Importantly, the outdoor‐cultured seedlings, which were recovered for 72 hr after sublethal stress, exhibited a 93% of cumulative survival rate following 7 days of recovery after lethal stress (33°C and 20 psu of salinity), 27% higher than the indoor‐cultured seedlings. Collectively, the outdoor‐cultured A. japonicus seedlings showed more superior quality than the hatchery‐produced seedlings in terms of survival and immune performance. These findings provide practically useful information towards quality distinction of the indoor‐ and outdoor‐cultured sea cucumbers, which could benefit the aquaculture industry to obtain high‐quality seedlings.     

Exploring the temperature optima and growth rates of Atlantic cod at the south‐easterly limit of its range

Four size groups of juvenile farmed Celtic Sea cod (2.7–41.8 g) were reared at a range of constant temperatures (8–19°C). The optimum temperature for growth (T_opt.G) decreased from 15.1°C for ~3 g fish to 12.5°C for ~42 g fish. A comparison of these results with those published for a more northerly population (Icelandic) suggests that there is no significant difference in the optimal temperature for growth of cod stocks within the size range studied. In contrast, the growth rates of Celtic Sea cod were lower than those derived from these established models (for a northerly stock) for small juveniles (<5 g), but similar for larger fish (>40 g). Thus, while T_opt.G appears fixed across the range, there may be high plasticity in local growth performance throughout the Holarctic distribution. Some possible explanations for these differences are considered.     

Feeding physiology and scope for growth of the oyster Crassostrea corteziensis (Hertlein, 1951) acclimated to different conditions of temperature and salinity

There is a particular interest in Mexico for the grow-out and breeding in captivity of the native oyster Crassostrea corteziensis. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the effect of temperature and salinity on the feeding physiology that maximizes the growth and eventually achieves the maturation of C. corteziensis. Our aim was to evaluate the filtration and clearance rates, oxygen consumption, ammonium excretion rates, assimilation efficiency, and scope for growth of the oyster C. corteziensis acclimated during 2 weeks to different combinations of temperature (23, 26, 29, and 32 °C) and salinity (20, 30, 40, and 50 psu). Oysters were fed with a standard suspension of the microalga Chaetoceros muelleri as total particulate matter, which was supplied at 4.2 L h^?1 into 10 1-L tanks used as experimental chambers. The results showed that filtration and clearance rates increased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing salinity, with the highest values obtained at 29 °C and 20 psu. Ammonium excretion and, to lesser extent, oxygen consumption matched with the variations in the feeding rate. The values of the scope for growth (SFG) suggested that C. corteziensis is able to grow out in all combinations of temperatures and salinities tested in this work. However, the SFG decreased at higher salinity (50 psu) in both extreme temperatures (23 and 32 °C), with highest value occurring at intermediate temperature and the lowest salinity. The SFG increased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing salinity, which was explained by the increase in the feeding rates and ammonium excretion, coupled with higher absorption efficiency of the food. We concluded that higher filtrations and scope for growth of oysters occurred at 29 °C in brackish-water (20 psu) rather than in marine-water conditions. The results obtained can be considered highly useful information for aquacultural management of this oyster species, and useful to establish suitable sites to enhance their cultivation and maximize the growth of C. corteziensis.     

High light might alleviate inhibitory effects of high temperature on growth and physiological parameters of Ulva prolifera

In order to explore the effects of high temperature (HT) and light on the physiological and biochemical aspects of macroalga Ulva prolifera, we cultured this species under two temperatures (20°C: low temperature, LT; 30°C: HT) and two light intensities (80 μmol m^?2 s^?1: low light, LL; 400 μmol m^?2 s^?1: high light, HL) for 5 days. It was found that (a) compared to 20°C, the chlorophyll a (Chl a) content was increased at 30°C under LL conditions, the relative growth rate (RGR) was significantly decreased at 30°C; (b) compared to LL treatment, HL significantly increased RGR but significantly decreased Chl a content; (c) LL‐grown U. prolifera at 30°C showed the highest photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate; however, there were no significant effects of temperature and light on the relative electron transport rate; (d) superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased by HL, but no significant effects of temperature were observed; and (e) compared to LL, HL significantly increased the soluble sugar content at 20°C, but significantly reduced at 30°C. These results showed that the inhibitory effects of HT can be offset by HL intensity.