Biochemical composition of the wild and cultured seahorses, Hippocampus kuda Bleeker and Hippocampus trimaculatus Leach

The biochemical composition of wild and cultured seahorses Hippocampus kuda Bleeker and Hippocampus trimaculatus Leach was analysed in this study. The crude protein contents (% dry weight) of wild seahorses were high: 72.7±2.5% in H. kuda and 78.5±4.2% in H. trimaculatus . The crude lipid contents (% dry weight) of wild and cultured seahorses (1.1±0.1 vs. 1.4±0.2 for H. kuda and 1.2±0.1 vs. 1.2±0.2 for H. trimaculatus ) were low and did not differ significantly ( F _3, 12=1.461, P =0.12). The essential amino acids and flavour-enhancing amino acids in wild seahorses were higher than those in cultured seahorses, although the essential amino acid index in wild and cultured H. kuda and H. trimaculatus were generally low. The total amino acid content decreased with growth in cultured H. trimaculatus ( F _3, 12=14.927, P <0.05). The poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents in wild and cultured H. kuda and H. trimaculatus were 21.69%, 37.72%, 21.39% and 33.89% respectively. The fatty acid content in seahorses first decreased and then increased with growth both in wild and in cultured H. trimaculatus . The PUFA/saturated fatty acid ratio was 1.31 in cultured H. kuda and 0.87 in cultured H. trimaculatus . The trace metal concentrations in the wild seahorses were relatively low. The results presented in this study provide biochemical information necessary for understanding the medicinal value of H. kuda and H. trimaculatus and for elucidating the potential dietary requirements for their culture.     

Biochemical Composition of Six Seahorse Species, Hippocampus sp., from the Chinese Coast

The biochemical composition of six seahorse species from the Chinese coast was analyzed in this study. The crude protein content (% dry weight) of Hippocampus kuda, Hippocampus trimaculatus, Hippocampus kelloggi, Hippocampus spinosissimus, Hippocampus histrix, and Hippocampus comes was 70.70 ± 2.12%, 77.59 ± 1.06%, 78.31 ± 1.74%, 71.15 ± 1.32%, 68.07 ± 1.96%, and 76.59 ± 3.25%, respectively. The major amino acids (>5% of the total) in seahorses were arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, and glycine, and there were significant differences in essential amino acids (EAA) (as % of total protein) among the six species (P < 0.05). The scores of EAA were balanced in the seahorse species, and the essential amino acid indexes of the six species were 41.63, 40.89, 44.84, 39.60, 39.31 and 45.45, respectively. The content of flavor‐enhancing amino acids of the six seahorse species was generally high, ranging from 28.16 ± 1.12% in H. histrix to 32.90 ± 2.17% in H. kelloggi (P < 0.05). The total lipid content was generally low, ranging from 0.96 ± 0.08% in H. histrix to 2.02 ± 0.24% in H. comes. The most abundant fatty acid was C16:0, ranging from 15.04 ± 0.67% in H. trimaculatus to 31.04 ± 4.32% in H. spinosissimus. The combination of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid as the fraction of the total fatty acids was high (0.14–0.35). The polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio ranged from 0.40 in H. kuda to 1.19 in H. histrix. The trace metal concentrations in the seahorses were generally low. The six seahorse species examined provide a food source for humans with low fat, high protein, good levels of EAA, and high beneficial trace elements. These results are valuable in developing diets for culturing seahorse species.     

Identification and characterization of the pathogen associated with skin ulcer syndrome in lined seahorse,Hippocampus erectus

The lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, is an Atlantic species, which mainly inhabits shallow sea beds or coral reefs. Seahorse has become very popular in China due to its wide use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the aquaculture of the lined seahorse has been threatened by a variety of diseases, especially bacterial infections. Skin ulcer syndrome becomes more and more common in the culture of seahorses, leading to skin ulcer, liver erosion and minority tail rotting. These diseased seahorses die in only 72 hr, causing huge economic losses in aquaculture. Pathogen HMT‐1 was isolated from the lined seahorses with skin ulcer syndrome, which was identified as Vibrio harveyi. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of HMT‐1 was 2.88 × 10⁸ cfu/ml. The pathogenic mechanism of HMT‐1 was preliminarily studied, and the pathological changes of the diseased lined seahorses were also investigated. Moreover, the activities of ACP, complement 3, SOD and LZM at different time post injection were measured by commercial kits. Our findings can provide reliable reference for diagnosis and treatment in the future.     

Comparative study on nutrient composition and quality evaluation in a new variety and wild‐typed ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda)

Kesuhong No. 1 with high concentration of astaxanthin was a newly approved aquaculture variety of ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda) in China, and the information on the nutrient composition and quality evaluation of this new variety is insufficient. Thus, the proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles were analysed and compared between the new variety and the wild‐typed prawn in the present study, for its better application of the new variety. It showed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) of the proximate composition, essential amino acid and saturated fatty acid (SFA) of muscle tissue between the wild‐typed prawn and the new variety. However, for the content of some delicious amino acids (Ala and Tyr), it was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the wild‐typed prawn. Similarly, for some ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3 PUFA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapntemacnioc acid (EPA), it was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the wild‐typed prawn. In addition, higher PUFA/SFA ratio and lower ω6/ω3 ratio also improved muscle quality in the new variety. Information obtained in the present study indicates a promising natural source of ω3 PUFA with high nutritional value, and has strong potential application value in this new variety of E. carinicauda.     

Comparison of Intestinal Microbiota in Intestinal Tracts of the Wild and Cultured Seahorses,Hippocampus trimaculatus (Leach)

Seahorse aquaculture has been a focus for meeting the demand of Chinese traditional medicine and aquarium, and one of the bottlenecks for aquaculture is disease. The present study focused on the intestinal microbiota between wild and cultured seahorses. Results showed that the Alcaligenaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were the dominant intestinal flora in intestinal tracts of seahorses, and Achromobacter sp., Serratia marcescens, and Serratia sp. were the dominant intestinal flora. It was the first time that two strains (TPL14 and yb97) of Achromobacter xylosoxidans were found in cultured seahorses and even in fishes. Interestingly, Vibrio, which accounted for 19.35% of the intestinal bacterial communities, only occurred in the cultured seahorses, and it was strongly involved in the intestinal diseases in seahorse H. trimaculatus.     

Biochemical composition of juvenile cultured vs. wild silver pomfret, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pampus argenteus</Emphasis>: determining the diet for cultured fish

We evaluated the biochemical composition of juvenile cultured and wild silver pomfret Pampus argenteus. Cultured silver pomfret (SF) had significantly (P < 0.05) lower crude protein content and higher crude lipid content than wild SF. Concentrations of almost all amino acids, except glycine and arginine, were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in wild SF compared to cultured SF. Further, wild SF had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of total amino acids (TAA), essential amino acids (EAA), and a higher essential amino acid index (EAAI) than cultured SF. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) in cultured SF were significantly higher than in wild SF. However, the content of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-3 fatty acids in wild SF was significantly higher than in cultured SF. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in cultured and wild SF were not significantly different. Fatty acids C16:0 and C18:1 were the principal fatty acids of the SFAs and MUFAs, respectively, in both cultured and wild SF. The results will be useful for determining the dietary requirements for culture of SF.     

Technical and economic feasibility of integrating seahorse culture in shrimp/oyster farms

Integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture systems (IMTA) are building ecosystems designed to produce aquatic organisms with less environmental impact. We have developed a simple system and a management strategy for introducing seahorse (Hippocampus spp.) culture in shrimp/oyster farms to increase economic sustainability. The system includes broodstock, nursery and grow‐out phases of Hippocampus reidi G. culture. We performed a test in a 42.4‐ha marine shrimp/oyster farm, which showed that this system is technically feasible. Then, we performed a partial budget analysis including cost‐return, cash flow and financial feasibility analysis. More than 12 000 marketable size seahorses may be produced in 402 m² annually. Initial investment was only US$ 21 103.00. The benefit–cost ratio was ~US$ 20.00 for each US$ 1.00 spent, internal rate of return was 131% and payback period <2 years. In conclusion, the introduction of seahorse in shrimp/oyster IMTA system is technically feasible, profitable, resilient and shows high liquidity. This system may be easily established in developing countries and has potential to provide seahorses to supply different markets (live specimens for the marine aquarium trade and dried specimens for traditional Chinese medicine and the curio trade). In addition, it can indirectly contribute to preserve natural populations.     

野生与养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵的营养成分比较

以贵州省铜仁锦江河漾头河段野生黄颡鱼鱼卵和同一区域内养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵为研究对象,采用常规生化方法测定了野生与养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵氨基酸组成和含量,采用气相色谱技术检测了野生与养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵脂肪酸组成和含量。氨基酸测定结果表明,野生黄颡鱼鱼卵的氨基酸总量、必需氨基酸总量、鲜味氨基酸总量显著低于养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵(P0.05),第一限制性氨基酸均为甲硫氨酸+半胱氨酸,必需氨基酸指数分别为55.60和59.12。脂肪酸测定结果表明,野生黄颡鱼鱼卵的饱和脂肪酸总量极显著高于养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵(P0.01),单不饱和脂肪酸总量二者差异不显著(P0.05),多不饱和脂肪酸总量极显著低于养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵(P0.01),但野生黄颡鱼鱼卵的二十碳五烯酸和二十二碳六烯酸的总量极显著高于养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵(P0.01),野生黄颡鱼鱼卵的n-3系列的多不饱和脂肪酸总量与n-6系列不饱和脂肪酸总量的比值(1.57)低于养殖黄颡鱼鱼卵(1.80)。     

山东沿海养殖和野生双齿围沙蚕营养成分比较及饵料安全性评价

为全面评估养殖和野生双齿围沙蚕(Perinereis aibuhitensis)作为亲虾饵料的营养价值和安全性,本研究分别对山东沿海养殖和野生双齿围沙蚕的基本营养成分、氨基酸和脂肪酸含量、常见重金属含量和白斑综合征病毒(WSSV)及对虾传染性皮下及造血组织坏死病毒(IHHNV)携带情况进行了检测和对比分析。结果表明,养殖沙蚕的脂肪含量显著高于野生沙蚕中含量(P0.05),粗蛋白、水分、灰分含量无显著性差异(P0.05);两种沙蚕中的对虾必需氨基酸/总氨基酸(EAA/TAA)均在40%左右,对虾必需氨基酸/非必需氨基酸(EAA/NEAA)均在60%以上,符合FAO/WHO关于高品质蛋白的标准,依据两组沙蚕的氨基酸评分(AAS)和化学评分(CS),养殖沙蚕的第一限制氨基酸含量高于野生沙蚕含量;养殖沙蚕的不饱和脂肪酸(UFA)和高度不饱和脂肪酸(HUFA)的含量分别为(66.15±3.77)%和(54.11±2.58)%,均显著高于野生沙蚕的含量[(56.13±6.60)%、(43.28±5.50)%](P0.05);对常见重金属铬(Cr)、铜(Cu)、镉(Cd)、铅(Pb)、砷(As)、汞(Hg)的检测发现,养殖沙蚕重金属的含量明显低于野生沙蚕的含量(P0.05),且野生沙蚕中As的含量严重超标;在对虾常见携带病毒WSSV和IHHNV检测中,养殖沙蚕均呈现阴性,而野生沙蚕IHHNV呈现阴性,WSSV呈现阳性,说明野生沙蚕可能携带WSSV。从营养价值、饵料安全性以及生态环境保护角度考虑,养殖双齿围沙蚕作为亲虾饵料的效果明显优于野生双齿围沙蚕。     

Understanding fishing and conservation of the Pacific seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) in Sinaloa,Mexico, through local ecological knowledge

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Effects of Anesthetic Disposal on the Physiological and Behavioral Responses of the Lined Seahorses,Hippocampus erectus

Anesthetic disposal for fish often results in physiological and behavioral responses. There is limited information involved on the metabolic and behavioral responses of the seahorses. The lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, is of great interest in the sciences because of its unusual S‐shaped morphology and male pregnancy behavior. This study found that the lined seahorse could be effectively anesthetized into Stage II at the concentrations of 10 mg/L clove oil or 20 mg/L MS‐222 based on the comparison of six different treatments. The ventilation frequency, oxygen consumption, and ammonia‐N excretion of the seahorses were decreased significantly as soon as they were exposed to the anesthetic agents. A higher O : N ratio was found in seahorses anesthetized by clove oil as compared to those exposed to MS‐222. After the anesthetic treatment, the feeding frequencies of recovered seahorses were low at the beginning and then increased during the 7‐d culture. Moreover, there was no incremental difference of wet weights among the tested seahorses (P = 0.534). The findings indicate that the anesthetic process has few effects on the feeding and short‐term growth of seahorses in spite of the occurrence of physiological and behavioral responses.     

Feeding selectivity of the seahorse,Hippocampus kuda (Bleeker), juveniles under laboratory conditions

This study examined the feeding selectivity of Hippocampus kuda juveniles under captive conditions and evaluates different food organisms that could be used to improve hatchery‐rearing of this species. Newly born H. kuda were reared for 10 days in 60‐L capacity tanks and fed rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis), zooplankton (mostly Pseudodiaptomus annandalei and Acartia tsuensis) alone or both food sources. The size and amount of food ingested increased as seahorses grew. Selective feeding of seahorses appeared to change as they develop, preferring copepod adults over nauplii and rotifers. A. tsuensis was highly selected by juveniles over P. annandalei. Specific growth rate in terms of body weight (SGR‐BW, 15% day^–1) was the highest and mortality rate (9% at day 10) the lowest in seahorses fed a mixed food sources. Slowest growth rate (0.3% day^–1) and highest mortality rate (60% at day 7) were observed in seahorses fed rotifers alone. These results indicate that copepods are suitable food for seahorse juveniles, but a mixture of food organisms in the rearing tank environment enhances survivorship and growth of H. kuda, thus potentially providing a source of cultured rather than wild specimens for characterizing the life history of this threatened species.     

Modification of essential fatty acid composition in broodstock of cultured European eel Anguilla anguilla L

Farmed eels had lower levels of arachidonic acid (20:4 n‐6) (ARA) and higher ratios of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n‐3) (EPA):ARA compared to wild European eels collected from the Baltic Sea and southern Norwegian coast. Eels fed a formulated feed (JD) with a distribution of essential fatty acids (EFA) resembling wild European eel were sampled after 0, 5, 10, 14 and 44 weeks of feeding to examine changes in fatty acid composition (FAC) in ovaries, visceral fat and muscle. The results showed a slow but steady incorporation of EFA. Lipids are incorporated in the oocytes early in oogenesis, and the leading cohort of oocytes is rich in lipid droplets before the onset of vitellogenesis. This indicates that feeding with optimized broodstock feeds should start early to allow the incorporation of EFA in the first cohort of oocytes. At least 14 weeks of feeding is required to change lipid EFA in broodstock eel to resemble EFA in the diet or in wild fish. After 44 weeks of feeding, ARA was significantly higher in the neutral lipids of ovaries (1.9%) compared to visceral fat (1.2%) or muscle (1.0%). EPA:ARA ratios decreased two‐ to threefold in all tissues examined during that time. ARA and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n‐3) (DHA) had accumulated in ovarian polar lipids.     

Effect of light,temperature and diet on the fatty acid profile of the tropical sea anemone Aiptasia pallida

Sea anemones of the genus Aiptasia are used as biological models for research and as a prey for the culture of the highly priced ornamental nudibranch Aeolidiella stephanieae. Symbiotic Aiptasia display a remarkable trophic plasticity, being able to fulfil their energetic demands heterotrophically and autotrophically. Consequently, they display a highly variable fatty acid (FA) profile. The objective of the present study was to analyse how light regime (12 h light : 12 h dark versus 24 h darkness), water temperature (22 versus 26 °C) and diet (Artemia nauplii versus enriched Artemia metanauplii) affect the FA composition of A. pallida. The FA profile of wild specimens was also analysed. The dominant FAs of cultured A. pallida were 16:0, 18:1n‐9 and 22:6n‐3. Higher FA levels were recorded when anemones were exposed to light, with this factor explaining the largest amount of variation in the composition of FA profiles. Cultured A. pallida that best mimicked wild anemones were obtained when using a regular light regime, Artemia metanauplii and 22 °C water temperature. Higher FA levels were obtained at a higher temperature and by providing nauplii to cultured anemones. The present study also indicated that A. pallida has the potential to recycle nutrients in marine aquacultures.     

兴凯湖翘嘴鲌野生和养殖群体脂肪酸及相关血液指标的比较

对3龄、4龄和5龄兴凯湖翘嘴鲌(Culter alburnus)野生和养殖群体肌肉脂肪含量、脂肪酸含量以及部分血液生化指标进行了分析比较.结果表明:在兴凯湖翘嘴鲌野生与养殖群体肌肉中均检测到18种脂肪酸,以油酸、亚油酸和棕榈酸为主.野生群体肌肉饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)、二十碳五烯酸(EPA)和二...     

Determination of growth performance,meat quality and colour attributes of large rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the southern Black Sea coasts of Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the growth performance, meat quality and colour attributes of large rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in net cage systems in the southern Black Sea coasts of Turkey. In the study, large rainbow trout with an initial weight of 1,322.07 ± 57.72 g were reached to 3,385.30 ± 140.98 g and the survival rates were 95.69 ± 1.32% in 5‐month production period. Crude protein and crude fat values of fish meat were ranged between 16.75 ± 0.07–20.18 ± 0.90% and 9.22 ± 0.15–12.29 ± 0.42%, respectively (p < .05). The essential and non‐essential amino acid values were between 12.92 ± 0.02–13.09 ± 0.01 g/100 g and 11.97 ± 0.14–11.47 ± 0.01 g/100 g, respectively (p > .05). C20:5n‐3, C22:6n‐3, ?3 and ?6 values in fish meat were between 4.32 ± 0.02–4.30 ± 0.08% (p < .05), 8.31 ± 0.10–7.72 ± 0.15% (p < .05), 13.41 ± 0.10–12.93 ± 0.23% (p < .05) and 21.85 ± 0.06%‐19.74 ± 0.36 (p < .05), respectively. As a result, it can be concluded that large rainbow trout cultured in the southern Black Sea coasts of Turkey is a rich source of food in terms of fatty and amino acid compositions and atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index and hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic values.     

Investigation of the proximate composition,lipid quality,volatile and sensory profiles of wild vs. reared Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili,Risso)

Greater amberjack is one of the major candidate species for aquaculture diversification; however, with the exception of sporadic data on the proximate (PC) and fatty acid (FA) composition, limited knowledge exists regarding the quality variations occurring between wild and reared Greater amberjack. To expand this knowledge, the current study examined, besides the PC and FA composition of raw tissue, the volatile compounds (VC) and sensory profiles of cooked tissue. The studied specimens originated both from the wild and from aquaculture and were of small commercial size (0.5–1 kg). The FA profiles varied with most profound differences being the lower n‐6/n‐3 ratio and the higher arachidonic (ARA) and docohexaenoic acid (DHA) proportions of wild counterparts. A superior lipid quality was found for reared fish, which was attributed, among other reasons to their significantly (p < .001) higher fillet lipid (wild: 0.27%; reared: 3.92%). The VC profiles differed with rearing origin. Reared Greater amberjack exhibited a significantly higher content in the majority of aromatic hydrocarbons and terpenes, while wild exhibited higher contents for the majority of compounds belonging to the alcohol, aldehyde and ketone groups. Minor sensory profile differences were observed, with reared and wild counterparts exhibiting higher butter and sardine flavour, respectively.     

Effects of dietary n‐3 long‐chain unsaturated fatty acid on growth performance,lipid deposition,hepatic fatty acid composition and health‐related serum enzyme activity of juvenile Japanese seabass Lateolabrax japonicus

Studies were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 LC‐PUFA) on growth performance, lipid deposition, hepatic fatty acid composition and serum enzyme activities of juvenile Japanese seabass Lateolabrax japonicus (initial mean weight 29.2 ± 1.34 g). Triplicate groups of 30 Japanese seabass were fed with six diets containing grade levels of n‐3 LC‐PUFA (1.30, 2.98, 5.64, 10.31, 14.51, 24.13 g kg^–1 of dry weight) to apparent satiation twice daily for 9 weeks. The specific growth rate (SGR) was the highest in 10.31 g kg^–1 dietary n‐3 LC‐PUFA group. Crude lipid content of the fish decreased significantly with increasing dietary n‐3 LC‐PUFA. Meanwhile, the hepatic lipid content increased significantly in the 24.13 g kg^–1 group. Hepatic n‐3 LC‐PUFA content of total fatty acids was closely correlated with that in diet. No significant difference was observed in serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Moderate n‐3 LC‐PUFA level (10.31 g kg^–1 of dry weight) in the diet was beneficial to enhance the activity of lysozyme in serum. Based on SGR, the optimum dietary n‐3 LC‐PUFA content was estimated to be around 10.94 g kg^–1 of dry weight by second‐order polynomial regression method.     

Comparative fatty acid profiles of wild and farmed tropical freshwater fish rohu (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Labeo rohita</Emphasis>)

The proximate composition of the whole body and the fatty acid composition of the liver, muscle, eye and brain of wild and cultured rohu (Labeo rohita) were analyzed. The cultured species was found to have significantly (P < 0.05) higher lipid contents than its wild counterpart. The saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acid contents were significantly higher in the cultured species, whereas the n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels were higher in the wild species. Fatty acids C16:0 and C18:1 n-9 were the principal fatty acids of the SFAs and MUFAs, respectively, identified in the analyses. Docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid were the predominant PUFAs in both groups, and all three were found to be present at significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels in the wild species. Erucic acid (C22:1 n-9), which was the predominant fatty acid (30.76%) in the feed, was detected only at low levels in muscle (0.30%), liver (1.04%) and eye (1.28%) of cultured fish tissue.     

Frozen mysids as an alternative to live Artemia in culturing seahorses Hippocampus abdominalis

This investigation examined the effects on growth and survival of seahorses Hippocampus abdominalis Leeson 1827 fed a 25% body weight (wet weight) daily ration of live Artemia sp. enriched with Algamac‐3050, frozen mysids Amblyops kempi or a combination of live enriched Artemia and frozen mysids. After 3 months there was no difference in seahorse length, wet weight, condition factor (CF), or food conversion ratios (FCR) between the treatments. Mean daily specific growth rate (SGR) was higher for the Artemia‐only treatment than for the mysid‐only treatment (P<0.05). FCRs ranged from 6.14 g to 8.72 g dry weight of food required to give a 1‐g dry weight increase in seahorses. There was no difference in survival between treatments. Fatty acid analysis revealed that mysids had a higher percentage composition of EPA, 20 : 5n‐3, and DHA, 22 : 6n‐3, but a lower composition of AA, 20 : 4n‐6, than enriched Artemia. Percentage n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) in mysid levels were approximately twice that of Artemia. Proximate analysis revealed mysids to be higher than the enriched Artemia in protein and fats, and lower in water content. This experiment demonstrates that, although no growth advantage was derived from the use of frozen mysids, they can be used successfully as an alternative food to live enriched Artemia for H. abdominalis. The use of frozen mysids is highly recommended in commercial seahorse culture if the seahorses are to be sold into the live aquarium trade, as this may increase their chances of survival after sale.