Melanocyte-stimulating hormone facilitates hypermelanosis on the non-eyed side of the barfin flounder, a pleuronectiform fish

A pleuronectiform fish, the barfin flounder, Verasper moseri, is promising for aquaculture and resource enhancement in Northern Japan due to its high commercial value. Hypermelanosis of its non-eyed side, which frequently occurs under culture conditions, diminishes its commercial value. Two peptide hormones, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), having opposing actions, are associated with the color changes of fish. We have previously reported the positive effect of MCH in preventing hypermelanosis. Here, we examined the effects of MSH on the occurrence of hypermelanosis. A single injection of Des-Ac--MSH [0.01 nmol/g–10 nmol/g (0.016 μg–16 μg/g)] did not change the eyed-side body color, while a single injection of MCH [0.1 nmol/g (0.21 μg/g)] made the eyed-side color paler. No difference was observed in eyed-side lightness between fish injected with MCH (0.1 nmol/g) and those receiving MCH (0.1 nmol/g) and an increased amount of Des-Ac--MSH (0.01 nmol/g–10 nmol/g) simultaneously. These results indicate that MSH does not suppress the in vivo body color-paling effects of MCH in barfin flounders. On the other hand, implantation of a cholesterol pellet containing Des-Ac--MSH (280 μg, twice at 29-day interval) increased hypermelanosis of the non-eyed side of barfin flounders compared to control fish. Eyed-side bodies of MSH-treated fish were darker than control fish; thus, MSH is involved in morphological color change including ectopic melanin synthesis in non-eyed-side skin.     

Effects of photoperiod on gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels in the brain and pituitary of underyearling male barfin flounder

ABSTRACT:   A pleuronectiform fish, the barfin flounder Verasper moseri , expresses three gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) forms in the brain: salmon GnRH (sGnRH), chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II) and seabream GnRH (sbGnRH). To clarify the effects of photoperiod on GnRH systems, changes in brain and pituitary GnRH peptide levels were examined using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays. In experiment 1, 5-month-old male barfin flounder (mean total length 9.0 cm, body weight 11.0 g) were divided into short (8:16 h light : dark [L:D] cycle; lights on 08.00–16.00 hours) and long photoperiod (16:8 h L:D cycle; lights on 04.00–20.00 hours) groups in mid September and maintained until November under natural water temperature (19.3–15.2°C). Brain sGnRH concentrations were significantly higher in the 16:8 h L:D group than in the 8:16 h L:D group, whereas no significant differences were observed in total length, body weight, plasma testosterone concentration, brain cGnRH-II concentration and pituitary sbGnRH content. In experiment 2, 7-month-old male barfin flounder (mean total length 16.5 cm, body weight 76.8 g) were divided into short and long photoperiod groups in mid December and maintained until February under natural water temperature (12.5–6.6°C). Total length, body weight and condition factor were significantly greater in the 16:8 h L:D group than in the 8:16 h L:D group, whereas no significant differences were observed in plasma testosterone concentration and GnRH levels in the brain and pituitary. These results indicate that levels of sGnRH in barfin flounder are influenced by photoperiodic treatment dependent on water temperature and/or body size.     

Development of new self-feeding system for mass rearing of ayu <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis</Emphasis> under artificial and natural light-dark cycles

Self-feeding of grouped ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis was examined under an artificial light-dark (LD) cycle and natural day length using a trigger with a photosensitive sensor. In Experiment 1, approximately 15 juvenile fish (mean body weight, 0.6 g) were kept in 60-L glass tanks (four tanks) under LD 12∶12 (lighting period 06∶00–18∶00 hours) and self-feeding and locomotor activities were simultaneously recorded. Self-feeding was detected within one day and feeding activities were strongly synchronized to the LD cycle, with almost strictly diurnal feeding (98.2%). Although locomotor activities in the upper part of the tank were also greatest during the light phase (76.8%), the activity profiles were different from those of self-feeding, suggesting the validity of the photosensitive sensor. In Experiment 2,25 fish (mean body weight, 15 g) were kept in outdoor 1000-L tanks (four tanks) under natural day length and water temperatures in May, and self-feeding was recorded from mid-August. Stable self-feeding was observed from early September in all the tanks. Nearly all food demands were diurnal, and usually crepuscular. Somatic growth was seen in all tanks. These results demonstrate that the self-feeding system using a photosensitive sensor is applicable for grouped juvenile ayu as small as 0.6 g and adult fish reared under natural conditions.     

Self-feeding behavior of yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, in net cages: diel and seasonal patterns and influences of environmental factors

The self-feeding pattern of yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, maintained in floating net cages was examined throughout a year, and the influence of seasonal changes of the photoperiod and water temperature on the feeding pattern was investigated. Two groups of 50 yellowtail (initial mean body weight about 50 and 80 g, respectively) were kept in two experimental net cages (2×3×4 m deep), with a self-feeding device installed on each. It was possible to maintain yellowtail in net cages using a self-feeder throughout almost a year. The number of daily food demands was greatly affected by the seasonal changes in water temperature. Yellowtail showed high self-feeding activity, above 18 °C; depressing water temperatures did not influence the activity when the water temperature was over 18 °C. However, the activity decreased when the water temperature fell below 18 °C. The feeding pattern in a 24-h period was greatly affected by the temporal changes in light intensity. Annual observations revealed that yellowtail showed generally crepuscular plus nocturnal feeding behavior and had two peaks of feeding activity a day. These peaks appeared at dawn and dusk; moreover, a clear association between the most active time of self-feeding and the period of the greatest change in light intensity was observed. The results suggest that a change in light intensity might stimulate the appetite of yellowtail or that there is a light level at which yellowtail prefer to eat.     

Prolonged photoperiod improves the growth performance for a hatchery reared right-eyed flatfish

Rearing winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) in captivity for aquaculture and stock enhancement is a viable option to relieve fishing pressure and aid in ongoing recovery strategies. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of photoperiod on growth and survival of young-of-the-year juvenile winter flounder. Juveniles were reared for 12 weeks at three photoperiods: 24 light/0 dark, 18 light/6 dark, and 12 light/12 dark. Twenty fish were stocked into each of 18 enclosures with six enclosures per treatment. Fish in all treatments were fed to satiation every four hours. All fish were imaged at stocking and at three-week intervals. Growth was measured as changes in standard length (SL) and body area (BA). As early as Week 3, fish in all treatments were significantly different in terms of SL and BA. In general, fish grown under continuous 24 light were the largest and fish in the 12 light/12 dark regime were the smallest. Maximum specific growth rates of 0.41 % per day for SL and 0.83 % per day for BA were achieved in the 24 light/0 dark photoperiod. Average mortality rate over the course of the experiment was 9.17 % and there were no significant differences in the number of dead fish among the treatments. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that a longer day coupled with available food will increase growth rate for winter flounder juveniles, without affecting survival. By extending the photoperiod, growth in young-of-the year winter flounder is accelerated, bringing the growth rate of winter flounder close to that of other commercially produced flatfish.     

Growth and Survival of Larval Red Sea Bream Pagrus major and Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus Fed Microbound Diets

To establish the practical use of microbound diets (MBD) for larval fish in mass seedling production, rearing experiments of larval red sea bream, Pagrus major , and Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaeeus , were conducted. A mixture of various protein sources was used, and dietary amino acid patterns were approximated to those of larval whole body protein. Two thousand red sea bream larvae and 1,000 Japanese flounder larvae, all 10 days old, were placed in 100 liter tanks with running sea water under ambient water temperature, which ranged from 18 to 20C. The particle size of MBD was 125 μm at the beginning of the experiment and adjusted as fish size increased thereafter. Employing MBD together with a small amount of live food could sustain the growth and survival of larval red sea bream and Japanese flounder. Thus, data from the present study indicates that substitution of artificial feeds for live foods is possible for larval fish production, although improvements in MBD diets may be necessary before they are adequate for large scale seedling production.     

光照周期对半滑舌鳎生长和抗氧化指标的影响

在水温25.2～28.2℃下,将半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)(体质量120.65±1.57g)饲养于底面积为0.75m2的圆形水族内(30尾/箱),用黑塑料布遮光,研究了4种光照周期(0L/24D,6L/18D,18L/6D,24L/0D)对生长和抗氧化指标的影响。28 d的饲养结果表明:光照周期为6L/18D时,饲料系数最低、增重率和净增重最大;光照周期为18L/6D时,血清中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力最高,而在24L/0D光照周期下,肝脏中SOD比活力最高,在四种光照周期下,脾脏、肾脏SOD比活力差异不显著(P>0.05);光照周期为6L/18D时,血清过氧化氢酶(CAT)活力最高,6L/18D组鱼脾脏中CAT比活力显著高于其他组(P<0.05);肝脏、肾脏中CAT的比活力差异不显著(P>0.05);肝脏的还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量均显著高于血清、脾脏和肾脏,6L/18D组鱼肝脏中(GSH含量显著高于0L/24D组和24L/0D组(P<0.05);6L/18D组血清中丙二醛(MDA)含量显著低于其他组(P<0.05),肝脏中0L/24D组MDA含量最低,18L/6D组MDA含量显著高于0L/24D组(P<0.05),6L/18D组鱼脾脏、肾脏中MDA含量最低。光照周期为6L/18D时最适合半滑舌鳎生长。     

Endocrine (plasma cortisol and glucose) and behavioral (locomotor and self-feeding activity) circadian rhythms in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis Kaup 1858) exposed to light/dark cycles or constant light

The existence of daily rhythms under light/dark (LD) cycles in plasma cortisol, blood glucose and locomotor and self-feeding activities, as well as their persistence (circadian nature) under constant light (LL), was investigated in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). For the cortisol and glucose rhythms study, 48 soles were equally distributed in 8 tanks and exposed to a 12:12 LD cycle and natural water temperature (experiment 1). After an acclimation period, blood was sampled every 3 h until a 24-h cycle was completed. Blood glucose levels were measured immediately after sampling, while plasma cortisol was measured later by ELISA. In experiment 2, the fish were exposed to LL for 11 days, and after this period, the same sampling procedure was repeated. For the study of locomotor and self-feeding rhythms (experiment 3), two groups of sole were used: one exposed to LD and the other to LL. Each group was distributed within 3 tanks equipped with infrared photocells for the record of locomotor activity, and self-feeders for feeding behavior characterization. The results revealed a marked oscillation in cortisol concentrations during the daily cycle under LD, with a peak (35.65 ± 3.14 ng/ml) in the afternoon (15:00 h) and very low levels during the night (5.30 ± 1.09 ng/ml). This cortisol rhythm persisted under LL conditions, with lower values (mean cortisol concentration = 7.12 ± 1.11 ng/ml) and with the peak shifted by 3 h. Both rhythms were confirmed by COSINOR analysis (p < 0.05). The synchronizing role of temperature and feeding schedule, in addition to light, is also discussed. Diel rhythms of glucose were not evident in LD or LL. As to locomotor and self-feeding activity, a very marked rhythm was observed under LD, with higher activity observed during the night, with acrophases located at 2:14 and 3:37 h, respectively. The statistical significance of daily rhythms was confirmed by COSINOR analysis. Under LL, both feeding and locomotor rhythms persisted, with an endogenous period (τ) around 22.5 h. In short, our findings described for the first time the existence of circadian cortisol and behavioral circadian rhythms in flat fish. Such results revealed the importance of taking into account the time of day when assessing stress responses and evaluating physiological indicators of stress in fish.     

Nutrients removed by Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae) in integrated cultivation with fishes in re-circulating water

The potential of the red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii to remove nutrients was tested to treat effluents of Trachinotus carolinus fish cultivation, and the production of carrageenan in this condition was analyzed. Experiments were conducted in four tanks of 8000 L with approximately 1200 fishes of 30 g each integrated with three tanks of 100 L with 700 g of K. alvarezii, as initial biomass per tank. Seawater was re-circulated between tanks with seaweed and with fish. As a control, three tanks with seawater circulating in an open system were utilized. Seawater samples were collected daily for 10 days and concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and phosphate were determined in the inflow and outflow water of the tanks. Significant differences between both collecting points were considered as nutrient removal by the seaweed. Growth rates and carrageenan yields were also analyzed in seaweed cultivated in seawater and in effluents. Growth rates of seaweed cultivated in tanks were lower than those obtained in open sea and in laboratory cultivation. Effluents had concentrations of nitrate and nitrite ca. 100 times higher than in the control. Maximum values of nutrient removal on effluents were: nitrate = 18.2%; nitrite = 50.8%; ammonium = 70.5% and phosphate = 26.8%. All plants survived throughout the experimental period, but some developed “ice–ice”, a disease associated with physiological stress. After the experimental period, some plants selected and cultivated in open sea presented higher growth rates in 40 days, indicating nutrient storage. No significant differences between carrageenan yields of K. alvarezii cultivated in seawater and in the effluents were observed. Our results show that K. alvarezii can be utilized as a biofilter for fish cultivation effluents, reducing the eutrophication process and can also be processed for carrageenan production, which provides an additional benefit to the fisheries.     

Interaction of orexin/hypocretin-like immunoreactive neurons with melanin-concentrating hormone and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone neurons in brain of a pleuronectiform fish, barfin flounder

Immunohistochemical localization of orexin/hypocretin in the brain of a pleuronectiform fish, the barfin flounder Verasper moseri was examined as the first step in unraveling the possible function of the hormone in the brain. Orexin-A-like immunoreactive (ir) cell bodies were found to be located in the nucleus posterioris periventricularis (NPPv) of the hypothalamus, and orexin-A-like-ir fibers were detected not only in the hypothalamus but also extensively throughout the brain. The orexin-A-like-ir cell bodies did not project their fibers to the pituitary gland. Since melaninconcentrating hormone (MCH) and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) are suggested to regulate food intake in addition to orexin/hypocretin in the teleost fish, it was examined whether neural connections exist between orexin neurons and the MCH and α-MSH neurons in the barfin flounder brain by using double-staining immunohistochemistry. Some orexin-A-like-ir fibers were in close contact with the MCH-ir and α-MSH-ir cell bodies in the hypothalamus. Moreover, a few MCH-ir and α-MSH-ir fibers were in close contact with the orexin-A-like-ir cell bodies in the hypothalamus. These results suggest that reciprocal connections exist between the orexin and MCH neurons and between the orexin and α-MSH neurons in the brain of the barfin flounder.     

Diurnal variation of tryptic activity in larval stage and development of proteolytic enzyme activities of malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus) after hatching

Diurnal variation in tryptic activity and developmental changes in proteolytic enzyme activities of malabar grouper larvae (Epinephelus malabaricus) were examined. Five different groups were prepared for the experiment of diurnal variation of tryptic activity in larvae: larvae were fed Thai-type rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis from the time of mouth opening, fed rotifers from 6 h after mouth opening, 12 h, 24 h and not fed rotifers (starved control). The experimental tanks were placed in temperature-controlled baths at 28 °C under 24 h light. Developmental changes in proteolytic activity of trypsin and pepsin-like enzyme were measured from hatching to 57 days after hatching (DAH).

The tryptic activity of all fed groups showed the same pattern, and the diurnal variation of tryptic activity was clearly observed from 3 to 6 DAH. The highest tryptic activities were found at 19:00, and the activities were lowest from 01:00 to 07:00. In contrast, that of non-fed larvae was low compared to the fed groups, however the diurnal variation of tryptic activity was shown same tendency to the fed groups. Interestingly, both groups (fed and non-fed) were exhibited a circadian rhythm under the 24 h light conditions and delaying of first-feeding. Tryptic activity of larvae notably increased from 40 to 45 DAH and markedly decreased at 52 DAH. In contrast to the tryptic activity, that of pepsin-like enzyme clearly increased from 47 to 51 DAH. The results suggest that a functional change of protein digestion occurs from 40 to 50 DAH related with metamorphosis in malabar grouper. These results could contribute to determining appropriate feeding schedules, such as feeding time, frequency and optimal time to change food items, in mass-scale production of the present species.     

Effect of reward level on the number of food demands in yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata

ABSTRACT: The effect of reward level (amount of food received in response to one trigger actuation) on the self-feeding activity of juvenile yellowtails was examined. Three groups of 10 juvenile yellowtails (mean bodyweight, 65.6 g) were allocated randomly to three 200 L cylindrical tanks set in the experiment room. Each tank was illuminated by overhead fluorescent lamps with a light : dark photoperiod regimen of 12 h : 12 h (light 06.00–18.00 hours). A rod-type tactile switch was used to activate the self-feeding device. Three levels of reward were set up by installing a different number of identical feeders for each group: one feeder for the low-reward group, three feeders for the medium-reward group and five feeders for the high-reward group. Each feeder delivered 3–7 pellets per actuation. Yellowtails in all groups showed a clearly diurnal feeding pattern that was synchronized to the given photoperiod. Average number of feeder actuations per day was highest (219/day) in the low-reward group. Second highest was the medium-reward group (116/day), and last was the high-reward group (67/day). The resultant average feed intake per day was 27.1 g/day in the low-reward group, 31.5 g/day in the medium-reward group and 28.4 g/day in the high-reward group. Thus, yellowtails appear to have the ability to regulate the amount of feed delivered daily by increasing the number of food demands when the reward is low and decreasing the number of food demands when the reward is high.     

Comparative performance of Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) and 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the diet of larvae and post larvae of giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii: Effect of dose and route of administration on growth and survival

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different dose and route of administration of 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) on growth, survival and pigmentation of giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, larvae (experiment 1) and post larvae (experiment 2 and 3). In experiment 1 larva were stocked at 100 /L in seven different treatments with each of three replicates. The treatments were T1 (control), T2 (100 μg/ml of 5-HT bath exposure for 2 days), T3 (1 μM of GABA bath exposure for 2 days), T4 (0.5% 5-HT in feed), T5 (0.25% 5-HT in feed), T6 (0.5% GABA in feed) and T7 (0.25% GABA in feed). Highest growth, transformation rate, pigmentation and survival of larvae were recorded in T2 group in experiment 1. In experiment 2, post larvae were stocked at 70 per tank with 200 L of water for 45 days. This experiment consisted of 5 treatment groups with each of 3 replication viz. T1 (control), T2 (0.5% 5-HT in feed), T3 (0.25% 5-HT in feed), T4 (0.5% GABA in feed) and T5 (0.25% GABA in feed). At the end of this experiment growth was found to be higher in the control than the other treatment group showing inhibitory effect of 5-HT and GABA on growth of post larvae. To confirm the result, a third experiment was conducted for 30 days. Thirty numbers of post larvae having similar size were segregated from the previous experimental tanks (experiment 2) and stocked in the tanks of 100 L of water for experiment 3. All treatments were fed with control diet. There was similar growth pattern in all the treatments, which were higher (P < 0.05) than control, confirms the inhibitory effect of neurotransmitter in the diet of PL. Therefore, the overall results of the present study suggest that the bath treatment of neurotransmitter is superior to the dietary addition with regard to the growth, survival and pigmentation of M. rosenbergii larvae. 5-HT is more effective than the GABA for larvae of M. rosenbergii.     

Growth and survival of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) larvae reared on different photoperiod regimes from hatch to metamorphosis

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of photoperiod on growth and survival of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, from hatch until metamorphosis. Sixteen 100 L upwelling tanks were stocked with larvae at an initial stocking density of 20 larvae/L. Larvae in eight tanks were provided with continuous light (24 hr light/0 hr dark), while those in the remaining eight tanks were grown under a photoperiod of 14 hr light/10 hr dark. Tanks were sampled for larval standard lengh from 6 to 28 days post‐hatch, and the number of live larvae, live metamorphosed and dead metamorphosed fish were recorded at the termination of the experiment (starting 46 dph). Results indicated that larvae provided with continuous light were larger than those sampled from 14 hr light/10 hr dark treatment. No effect of photoperiod on the number of non‐metamorphosed fish recovered at the end of the experiment was detected. On the contrary, over three times as many fish survived and reached metamorphosis under continuous light. An ANCOVA model showed a significant interaction between light and age. Both regressions were significant and provided the following growth equations: SL_{24 hr light/0 hr dark} = 0.101 × age + 2.55 (r² = 0.96) and SL_{14 hr light/10 hr dark} = 0.094 × age +2.45 (r² = 0.97). Using 6.36 ± 0.059 mm SL as the mean size at metamorphosis, larvae experiencing continuous and 14 hr light/10 hr dark photoperiods would reach metamorphosis in 38 and 42 days respectively.     

Growth and survival of larval and juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum in a recirculating raceway system

Cobia Rachycentron canadum is a fast-growing, pelagic marine species that has recently attracted aquaculturists in both the research and commercial sectors. The typical method of grow-out for this species is in outdoor systems where production is limited to locations and seasons conducive for adequate growth and survival. Expanding the culture of cobia to indoor recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) would allow for the production of fingerlings throughout the year and extend production to cooler regions. Two rearing trials were conducted to examine the growth and survival of cobia from hatching through 4 (trial 1, T1) or 35 (trial 2, T2) g in RAS. Cobia larvae were reared in circular tanks placed in a raceway to control water temperature and quality. During early juvenile grow-out, fish were transferred without grading to a second raceway on 29 dph (T1) or over a period of grading from 29–43 dph (T2). Larval growth (1–22 dph) measured as standard length was similar for both trials ranging from  3.9 to 14.7 mm. However, larval growth measured as wet weight (0.033 g, T1; 0.026 g, T2) or dry weight (5.7 mg, T1; 3.9 mg, T2) was significantly greater on 22 dph during T1 as was the ratio between myotome height and standard length. These differences may have resulted from an increase in initial densities from 8.7 larvae l^− 1 (T1) to 14.7 larvae l^− 1 (T2) which apparently caused an increase in food competition and overall aggression. During juvenile grow-out, cobia reached 4.0 g on 43 dph in T1 and 35.4 g on 71 dph in T2 matching weights achieved during grow-out in outdoor ponds. Over the course of both trials, survival was similar to that reported in outdoor ponds. Mean survival (± S.D.) during the early rearing phase (hatching through 29 or 43 dph) averaged 13.2 ± 3.2 % and 10.4 ± 3.2 % corresponding to final densities of 0.9 ± 0.2 and 1.2 ± 0.4 fish/l for T1 and T2, respectively. During the first grow-out phase (29–43 dph), survival of fish moved into the open raceway was 64.5% in T1 and 88.7 % in T2. Survival of cobia during the second grow-out phase (43–71 dph) for T2 was 92.5%. The results of this study indicate that cobia can be successfully cultured in indoor systems from hatching through at least 35 g without negatively affecting growth or survival.     

Effects of Water Velocity on Conditioning of Summer Flounder,Paralichthys dentatus,for Net Pens

Abstract

Attempts to rear summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, in net pens have suffered from high mortality during the month after fish were transferred from a nursery facility to pens. We investigated whether exposing summer flounder to increased (and constant) current velocity in the nursery stage would condition them for better performance in cages. Three experiments were conducted with different water velocities in tanks, using fish of 124±4 g (exposed to 0, 15, or 30 cm/sec for 60 d), 257±12 g (exposed to 0, 20, or 40 cm/sec for 60 d) and 387±13 g (exposed to 0, 15, or 30 cm/sec for 30 d), in a raceway system with adjustable paddlewheels. For all of the size groups of fish, survival was significantly reduced at the highest current velocity. For both 124-g and 257-g fish, growth in the medium-velocity treatment was significantly better than that in the control (0 cm/sec) treatment, which in turn was better than that in the high-velocity treatment. For 387-g fish, growth at medium velocity was significantly greater than that at high velocity; control fish were lost due to a system malfunction. Food consumption data from the 257-g fish showed that the fish in medium velocity grew most because they consumed significantly more food during the experiment than did fish in the control, which in turn consumed significantly more than fish in high velocity. Similarly, 387-g fish in medium velocity consumed the most food, but the difference was not significant in this case. At the end of the laboratory experiment with 124-g fish, fish from the control and medium-velocity treatments were moved to cages in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, where currents of about 1 knot (approx. 55 cm/second) are routine. After three weeks in the cages, no significant differences in survival were observed (control = 83±12%; medium velocity = 81±2%). Subsequent damage to some of the cages and escapement of the fish precluded further statistical analysis of survival, as well as any growth measurements. At the end of the laboratory experiment with 387-g fish, fish from medium- and high-velocity treatments were moved to the cages; however, survival in this case was very low (<10% in all cages), perhaps due to heavy waves from an offshore hurricane. We conclude that current velocities of 15-20 cm/second in the nursery improve growth of juvenile summer flounder, that current velocities of 30-40 cm/second are excessive, but that increased current velocity in the nursery does not improve fish survival upon transfer to cages.     

Effects of dietary estradiol-17β in juvenile shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, Lesueur

Shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, were fed estradiol-17β (E₂) in commercial salmon feed in two separate experiments, with the aim of creating all-female populations for aquaculture. In the first experiment, 5-month-old fish were fed 0 (control), 10, 50 and 100 mg E₂/kg feed during a 9-month trial starting in September. This experiment was confounded by copper contamination of the heated water source that appeared to cause E₂-dose-dependent mortality. As a result, a second, parallel experiment was conducted on the same year class of fish starting at age 7 months in November, but with hormone dosage reduced to 0, 10, 25 and 50 mg E₂/kg feed in a 7-month trial. In both experiments, control and 10 mg E₂/kg groups remained active and fed well, but the other fish were less active and fed less as E₂ dosage increased. Histological observations indicated that anatomical differentiation of the ovaries had begun in 3 of 5 individuals examined at the start of Experiment 2. In January, sub-samples of 6 fish from each group showed that E₂-treated fish had mottled livers, swollen kidneys and reduced gonad size. The number of hepatocytes and their staining characteristics were similar in both the control and 10 mg E₂/kg groups. At 25 mg E₂/kg and higher, the number of hepatocytes and the presence and quantity of yolk protein increased with the E₂ dosage. At final sampling in May, all of the treatment groups showed some individuals with these pathologies evident macroscopically, and their frequency and severity increased with E₂ dosage such that all individuals of the 100 mg E₂/kg group were affected. In general, fish grew better and had lower mortality in Experiment 2 (8.5%, as compared to 15.2% for Experiment 1) during the period of E₂ treatment. Final sampling revealed that all treated fish were apparently feminized in both experiments, based on anatomical differentiation of the gonads. Control groups, on the other hand, were 65 and 58% female in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively.     

Photic and circadian regulation of self-feeding activity in ayu

ABSTRACT:   The self-feeding rhythms of ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis were examined. Individual ayu (mean body weight 40 g) were held in 60-L glass tanks equipped with self-feeders. Six of 14 fish learned self-feeding during the experiment. Under two different light–dark (LD) conditions (16 h:8 h and 8 h:16 h LD), self-feeding was synchronized to the LD cycle, and feeding occurred almost exclusively during the light phase. During exposure to constant light (LL), circadian feeding rhythms were observed. These results indicate self-feeding rhythms in ayu are restricted to the light phase under LD conditions and are controlled by the circadian clock under LL conditions.     

Involvement of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Thyroxine Release in Three different forms of Teleost Fish: Barfin Founder, Masu Salmon and Goldfish

Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on thyroxine (T₄) release in vivo and in vitro were studied in barfin flounder Verasper moseri, masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou and goldfish Carassius auratus. Seabream GnRH (sbGnRH) at a dose of 200 ng/50 g body weight (BW) significantly increased plasma T₄ levels 1 h after the in vivo injection in the barfin flounder, but thereafter the levels normalized. Salmon GnRH (sGnRH) significantly increased plasma T₄ levels l h after the injection with a significant return to initial levels in male masu salmon and male goldfish. In contrast, sGnRH and cGnRH-II in barfin flounder, and cGnRH-II in male masu salmon and male goldfish were not effective in stimulating T₄ release. To clarify direct involvement of GnRH in T₄ release, dissected lower jaw including scattered thyroid follicles was incubated with sbGnRH (1 μg/well) in barfin flounder, and with two doses (0.1 and 1 μg/well) of sGnRH in masu salmon and goldfish in vitro. T₄ concentrations of control were stable during 24 h. Incubation of lower jaw with high dose (1 μg/well) of GnRH significantly (P<0.05) increased T₄ concentrations of incubation medium at 1 h in all experimental fishes. These results indicate that direct stimulation of T₄ secretion by GnRH occurs widely in teleost fish.     

Gonadal maturation and spawning migration of stocked female barfin flounder Verasper moseri off the Pacific coast of northern Japan

Commercial catches of barfin flounder Verasper moseri, an important target flatfish for stock enhancement programs in northern Japan, have recovered remarkably since the large-scale release of seedlings from Hokkaido in 2006. However, their reproductive ecology remains unclear. Our study of 2008–2012 investigated seasonal changes in the maturity of stocked female barfin flounder (n = 4,123) off the Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Tohoku (35.7°–43.4°N). Histological observation of ovaries revealed that fish undergoing vitellogenesis were observed mainly off Hokkaido and partially off northern Tohoku during August–January (40.2°–43.4°N). However, fully matured or spawning fish were not found near those areas. They were observed only in southern Tohoku. Ongoing spawning was observed off southernmost Tohoku (35.8°–37.5°N around 300 m depth) from early February through late April, when commercial landings had decreased drastically off Hokkaido. Spent fish were caught only rarely off southern Tohoku, but were observed frequently off Hokkaido during April–June. These results demonstrate that spawning grounds form at the upper continental slope off southernmost Tohoku during February–April. Relations between maturation traits and seasonal landings strongly suggest that female barfin flounder repeatedly migrate more than 700 km from feeding grounds off Hokkaido to spawning grounds off southern Tohoku.