Whole-body corticosteroid and plasma cortisol concentrations in larval and juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. following acute stress

Methods were developed to assess whole‐body immunoreactive corticosteroid concentrations (IRC) and plasma levels of cortisol in Atlantic cod subjected to several common, acute stressors. A measurable corticosteroid stress response was observed at the first sampling in whole bodies of 8‐day post‐hatch (dph) larvae. Two groups of juveniles (～5 and 30 g) were subjected to a 30 s net stressor and whole‐body IRC and plasma cortisol levels were determined. Post‐stressor IRC in smaller fish rose approximately 14‐fold, peaked at 1 h, were sustained for 3–6 h and returned to pre‐stressor levels within 24 h. Post‐stressor plasma cortisol levels in larger fish rose approximately 18‐fold, peaked at 0.5–1 h, were sustained for 1–3 h and then returned to near pre‐stressor levels after 24 h. Immunoreactive corticosteroid concentrations appeared to remain elevated longer than plasma cortisol levels suggesting that steroids other than cortisol were contributing to total immunoreactivity in homogenates. Juveniles exposed to either a grading procedure or high density transport had maximal IRC and plasma cortisol levels within 90 min which returned to pre‐stressor levels within 24–72 h. A reduction in water salinity (20 g L^?1) did not moderate the corticosteroid response in juveniles. The results show that Atlantic cod respond to common, acute stressors in a manner similar to other teleosts. Whole‐body homogenates can be used to identify changes in IRC in response to acute stress in cod with the caveat that recovery IRC may differ from plasma cortisol concentrations.     

Effects of developmental stage, seawater concentration and rearing temperature on cryopreservation of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas larvae

ABSTRACT: For the development of a stepwise cryopreservation technique for larvae of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas , various conditions were examined. Larvae at 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 h after insemination were cooled at a rate of −1°C/min (seeding at −8°C for 15 min) and then plunged into liquid nitrogen at −35 or −40°C using 1.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 250 mM trehalose as cryoprotectants. Among these larvae, 15 h after insemination (the trochophore stage before formation of the shell gland) showed the highest motility and the best external appearance after thawing. Trochophore larvae were cryopreserved in preservation media containing different dilutions (1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/10 and 1/30) of seawater. Larvae preserved in the 1/4 seawater medium showed the highest appearance of shelled larvae 4 days after thawing. Trochophore larvae reared in seawater at 21, 25 or 29°C were cryopreserved for 8 months and then reared at 26°C after thawing. Larvae reared at 25°C showed the highest survival rate and normal larval ratio at day 6 after thawing, although larvae reared at 21°C showed the highest rates until day 4. One larva developed at 25°C succeeded to settle.     

Reduction of stress response in carp,Cyprinus carpioL., held under deteriorating environmental conditions, by oral administration of bovine lactoferrin

Bovine lactoferrin (LF) was evaluated for its ability to suppress stress reactions in carp, Cyprinus carpio L., held under deteriorating environmental conditions. Three test diets containing different levels of LF (0.01, 0.1 and 1%) were fed at 2% of fish body weight per day, i.e. LF at 2, 20 and 200 mg kg(-1) body weight day(-1) was administered orally to carp for 14 days at 20 °C. In the fish reared at a density of 2 individuals 10 l(-1) , plasma cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline decreased in the groups fed with 0.1 and 1% LF content diets. In the fish held at a density of 10 individuals 10 l(-1) for 3 days, plasma cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and glucose were higher than those at 2 individuals 10 l(-1) in both the control and LF-treated groups. The extent to which these parameters were elevated in the fish held at the same density was reduced with increasing LF content of the diet. Twenty-four hours after exposure to hypoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen level, 2.5 mg l(-1) ), haemoglobin, haematocrit, plasma cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine increased significantly in all groups. The responses of hypoxic fish fed with 0.1 and 1% LF diets for 14 days were smaller than those of the controls. These results suggest that LF has an ability to reduce the stress response of carp held under deteriorating environmental conditions.     

Influence of temperature and feeding regimes on growth and notochord deformity in reared <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla japonica</Emphasis> leptocephali

The high mortality rate of reared Japanese eel Anguilla japonica larvae is largely due to lower growth rate and the higher rate of deformed larvae. To establish an effective rearing protocol for this species, we examined the effects of water temperature and feeding regimes on their growth and notochord kyphosis. Larvae at 165 days post hatching were reared for 28 days at mean temperatures of 24, 25 and 27 °C, and were fed 4 or 6 times per day. Larval growth rate was significantly higher in larvae reared at 24–25 °C and fed 6 times per day. However, growth rate was significantly reduced at 27 °C, suggesting a shortage of metabolic energy due to an elevated cost of the higher basal metabolic rate at higher temperatures and low nutritional performance of currently used artificial diet. Notochord kyphosis was promoted by elevated water temperature, and two-way ANOVA showed that water temperature and feeding frequency had combined effects on the deformity. These findings suggest the importance of concurrently manipulating both environmental and nutritional factors to produce healthy eel larvae in captivity.     

The effect of light on activity and growth of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L., yolk-sac larvae

The growth and activity of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L., yolk-sac larvae exposed to light of differing intensities and wavelengths were investigated every fifth day. The experiments were conducted at 6 ^oC from day 1 until day 34 post hatch. Four intensities of constant white light (2.0, 0.3, 0.03 and 0.005 μ Em^?2 s^?1, λ_max 590 nm), and constant coloured light of equal intensities (0.03μ Em^?2s^?1) in the blue, green and red spectrums (λ_max 450, 560 and 670 nm, respectively) were used. In addition to a control treatment in constant darkness, one treatment was incubated in a 12:12 h light: dark photoperiod. The light treatments did not have any discernible effect on the total length, myotome height, dry weights or yolk conversion efficiencies. The most intense white light resulted in an increased activity on days 24 and 30 post hatch, resulting in a temporarily reduced length and myotome height for the larvae in these groups compared to the other treatments. Larvae from all treatments were of the same size 34 days post hatch. The dry weights of the larvae and yolk-sacs were unaffected by light treatment. The activity increased independently of light treatment until 120 degree-days, and thereafter, the strongest white light resulted in an temporarily increased activity. The distribution of activity changed independently of light regime in the beakers during development.     

Effects of light intensity, tank colour and photoperiod on swimbladder inflation success in larval striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum)

Striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), larvae, although physoclistous as adults, initially need to inflate their swimbladders by passing ingested air through a pneumatic duct to the swimbladder. Failure to inflate the swimbladder results in swimbladder atrophy, dysfunctional buoyancy control, deformities, and poor larval survival and growth. The present investigation studied the effects of light intensity, tank colour and photoperiod on the initial swimbladder inflation success of striped bass. In the first experiment, newly hatched larvae were reared for 2 weeks in black or white 350-L circular tanks exposed to incandescent lighting at 163 or 10 lux. Larvae were fed Artemia from 6 days post-hatching (dph). The standard length, and oil globule and yolk areas were measured. Swimbladder condition and evidence of feeding were recorded. To study the effects of photoperiod on inflation, larvae were reared in black tanks exposed to either 8 h:16 h or 16 h:8 h light:dark photoperiods at 139 lux. Striped bass inflated their swimbladders between 6 and 9 dph at 17 ^oC. Inflation success was significantly higher in black tanks (65%) compared with white tanks (42%), but light intensity did not significantly affect swimbladder inflation. Larval growth and food consumption were better in black tanks, primarily because this treatment resulted in more larvae with inflated swimbladders, although larvae with uninflated swimbladders in black tanks were longer at 12 dph than larvae with inflated swimbladders in white tanks. Larvae that successfully inflated their swimbladders fed earlier and exhibited better growth than larvae with noninflated swimbladders. Larvae reared at higher light intensities used up yolk reserves faster. Exposing striped bass larvae to 8 h:16 h light:dark photoperiods resulted in higher inflation rates (55%) compared to larvae reared at 16 h:8 h light:dark photoperiods (30%). Therefore, black tanks and short photoperiods are preferable for early rearing of striped bass larvae to maximize swimbladder inflation success.     

Larval development in European hake (Merluccius merluccius L.) reared in a semi-intensive culture system

Eggs of European hake (Merluccius merluccius L.) were stripped from fish caught at sea. Larvae were kept under semi‐intensive conditions at around 12°C. In addition, eggs were incubated in single wells at 9.2, 12.7 and 14.5°C, where hatching, development and survival were closely examined. During the larval stage, a total of 299 larvae were sampled to follow development and growth. In addition a small number of juveniles were sampled. Larvae hatched approximately 4 days after fertilization, and were 2.9 mm in total length (TL). At 6‐day post hatching (dph), the larvae were 4.1 mm (TL), the jaw apparatus was developed, and the larvae had started to feed. Most of the growth during the early larval period is restricted to the head, and there is almost no increase in length for the first 3–4 weeks post hatching. Teeth and pelvic fins appear at 25 dph. Development of unpaired fins at approximately 30 dph marks the start of the larval–juvenile transition. Weaning to formulated feed was accomplished 50 dph, when external morphology was similar to that of adult hake.     

Feeding rhythm and growth of the tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther, during its early life stages

The feeding rhythm and growth characteristics of the early life stages of the tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther, were studied. Larvae began to prey on rotifers about 2–3 days after hatching at 23°C. About 12 days after hatching, larvae had grown to 8–9 mm in total length and were able to prey on Artemia larvae. As the larvae grew, they showed an increasing feeding capacity and a distinct feeding rhythm. Feeding intensity for day‐6 larvae was highest at 12:00 and 18:00 hours, about 2–3 h after the maximum feeding incidence. The highest levels of feeding intensity for day‐16 larvae occurred between 09:00 and 18:00 hours. By day 26, when the larvae had metamorphosed, feeding capacity had again increased considerably and, in contrast to the earlier stages, feeding intensity peaked at 18:00 and 24:00 hours concurrently with feeding incidence. Thus, tongue sole were found to have different feeding rhythms in the pre‐ and post‐metamorphosis stages, with the highest feeding activity in the daytime during the larval planktonic stage, and at night during the juvenile benthic stage. The estimated maximum daily feeding rates were 65%, 40% and 11% of body weight on days 6, 16 (larvae) and 26 (juveniles) respectively. Size variation increased markedly with development.     

Morphological development and growth patterns of the leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea during larval development

At 25 °C, metamorphosis in leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea larvae took 60 days after hatching. The total length at day 1 was 1.95±0.22 mm and juveniles reached a length of 30.64±0.23 mm at day 60; the increase was approximately linear. We describe eight stages of development during this period. Larvae with the yolk sac attached occur from days 1 to 4 (Stages 1 and 2). The preflexion occurs on days 5–20 (Stages 3 and 4). Bending notochord occurred at day 25 (Stage 5). The other morphological changes that precede the juvenile phase occurred progressively until day 60 (Stages 6–8). Allometric growth in the height and length of the head, trunk length, height and length of the tail and the diameter of the eye compared with the total length showed two distinct stages of growth. Inflexion point, where growth is positive, occurred when larvae reached between 18.75 and 21.59 mm, which corresponds to larvae at days 35–40.     

Influence of temperature on yolk resorption in common snook Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch, 1792) larvae

To determine the optimal rearing temperature for Centropomus undecimalis larvae during the yolk resorption period, changes in larval development were measured at four different temperatures (23, 25, 28 and 31°C). Yolk and oil‐globule volume was recorded for 25 larvae at four different times. This involved an initial measurement at hatch and at 24, 48 and 72 h posthatch (hph). Additional morphological measurements included standard length, body height and eye diameter. On average, at the end of the three trials, larvae reared at 25°C had a longer mean standard length than larvae reared at 23, 28 and 31°C. Larvae reared at 25°C also had more yolk and oil globule reserves than larvae raised at 28 and 31°C. The body height:length residuals were also the highest at 25°C (i.e. larvae had deeper or stockier bodies). The yolk sac was present up to 72 hph at 23 and 25°C, while it was entirely consumed after 48 hph in larvae held at 28 and 31°C. Larvae showed the fastest growth during the first 24 hph in all temperature treatments; this period corresponded to the highest energy consumption as determined by the decrease in yolk sac and oil‐globule volume. Eye diameter did not vary significantly with time during yolk‐resorption. We conclude that a temperature near 25°C is optimal for raising snook larvae during the yolk‐resorption period.     

Histopathological changes in two estuarine fishes, Menidia beryllina (Cope) and Trinectes maculatus (Bloch and Schneider), exposed to crude oil and its water-soluble fractions

Abstract. The tidewater silverside, Menidia beryllina, and the hogchoker, Trinectes maculatus, were exposed to south Louisiana whole crude oil (WCO) and its water-soluble fractions (WSF) to assess histopathological effects on their gills, olfactory organ, and liver. Both fishes were exposed to 5 mg WCO/1, 100 mg WCO/1, 5% WSF, and 50% WSF. Additionally, M. beryllina was exposed to 100 mg WCO/1 with 20 ppm Terramycin® to study possible complications caused by bacteria. Exposure of M. beryllina lasted 21-30 days, whereas experiments using T. maculatus continued for 38-60 days. Pathological changes in M. beryllina appeared by day 7 and became severe as experiments progressed to day 30. Histological alterations in the silverside included epithelial hyperplasia and fusion of gill lamellae, separation of respiratory epithelium from underlying tissue, hyperplasia of sustentacular cells of olfactory lamellae, necrosis of both neurosensory and sustentacular epithelium, extensive lipid vacuolation in hepatocytes, and atrophy and necrosis of intrahepatic exocrine pancreatic nodules. Of the tissues examined, the pancreas served as the most specific pathological indicator of oil pollution. In T. maculatus, hepatocytes of exposed individuals did not become vacuolated, and, except for gills exposed to 100 mg WCO/1, response by gills in the other three tests remained limited to slight hyperplasia. Olfactory mucosa of the hogchoker exhibited severe necrosis of both neurosensory and sustentacular cells in the high concentrations of oil, but no damage in low concentrations. The intrahepatic pancreas of fish exposed to all test-concentrations atrophied and became necrotic by the end of experiments. Limited studies using both Terramycin and a combination of Terramycin and WCO indicated lack of bacterial involvement in tissue damage in oil-exposed silverside, but the size of hepatic nuclei increased in the Terramycin-control fish, and the shape of lipid vacuoles appeared unusual subsequent to exposure to the combination. Menidia beryllina became hyperactive and refrained from feeding for up to 6 h after the initial administration of oil, whereas T. maculatus apparently never fed, and it exhibited hyperactivity after all exchanges of sea water and fresh oil. Deaths appeared to correspond both to degree of pathological damage and to exposure-concentrations. Partial to complete recovery was observed in gills, olfactory organ, and pancreas of M. beryllina exposed to WCO or WSF for 20 days and then maintained in oil-free sea water for 17 days.     

Survival and growth of silver catfish larvae exposed to different water pH

The objective of this study was to determine the influence ofwater pH (5.5, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 8.5) on survival and growth ofsilver catfsh (Rhamdia quelen) larvae. Larvae were obtained frominduced spawning in November and maintained under controlledconditions of 25 (1) °C using a water re-use system incontinuously aerated 40 L polyethylene tanks (350 larvae/tank).Larvae were fed until satiation six times a day. At days 0, 7, 14,and 21 and after yolk absorption, 10 larvae from each group wererandomly chosen to evaluate length, weight, and specific growthrate (SGR). Length, weight, survival, and biomass at the end of 21days were significantly higher at pH 8.0 and 8.5. As expected,specific growth rate decreased with time. These results suggest that 8.0–8.5 isthe best pH range for survival and growth of the larvae of thisspecies.     

Combined effects of water temperature and daily food availability period on the growth and survival of tench (Tinca tinca) larvae

A 16‐day experiment was designed to find the best combination of water temperature (27, 30, 33°C) and daily duration of food availability (12, 18, 24 h) for larval tench (Tinca tinca) growth and survival. Larvae with an initial mean size of 5.7 mm total length (TL) and 0.7 mg wet body weight (BW) were stocked at 15 L^?1. Larvae were fed in excess with live Artemia nauplii with the period of food availability lasting 12, 18 or 24 h daily. The largest final larval size was recorded at 27 and 30°C in groups fed for 24 h a day (17.7 and 17.9 mm TL, 76.1 and 77.7 mg BW, respectively). The combination of the highest temperature and the longest daily food availability was the only set of conditions under which final larval survival was affected (95.4% survival; 98.7–99.9% under all other conditions). The combination of water temperature of about 28.6°C and continuous food availability is recommended as the optimum combination for rearing T. tinca larvae under controlled conditions. Providing continuous food supply to fish larvae under aquaculture conditions was also advantageous in helping to mitigate the effects of slower growth relative to developmental progress, which can occur at high water temperatures. However, should one wish to limit the daily feeding period to 12 h per day, the use of a water temperature between 27.4 and 27.9°C would be the best solution.     

Transpositional feeding rhythm of loach <Emphasis Type="Italic">Misgurnus anguillicaudatus</Emphasis> from larvae to juveniles and its ontogenesis under artificial rearing conditions

The diel feeding rhythm and ontogenesis during early life stage of loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus were investigated under experimental conditions (light: L 06:00–18:00, D 18:00–06:00 h). Morphological and behavioral developments of loach from newly hatched to 40 days after hatching were observed. Larvae were able to prey on daphnia 3–4 days after hatching at 23 ± 0.5°C. As the larvae grew, they showed an increasing feeding capacity and a distinct feeding rhythm. Feeding intensity and incidence for day-4 larvae were highest at 10:00 and 16:00 h. The highest levels of feeding intensity for day-12 larvae occurred at 08:00, 12:00, and 18:00 h as did feeding incidence. By day 20, when the larvae metamorphosed, the highest levels of feeding intensity occurred at 06:00, 18:00, and 24:00 h and were concurrent with the highest feeding incidence. After metamorphosis, feeding capacity had again increased considerably and, in contrast to the earlier stages before day 20, feeding intensity for day-30 juveniles peaked at 05:00 and 20:00 h, about 1–2 h after the maximum feeding incidence. The feeding rhythm of loach juveniles at day 40 was almost the same as the day-30 juveniles. The estimated maximum daily feeding rates were 43.1%, 33.4%, 19.0%, 12.8%, and 5.8% of body weight on days 4, 12, 20, 30, and 40, respectively. Thus, loach was found to have different feeding rhythms in the pre- and post-metamorphosis stages, with the highest feeding activity in daytime during the larval planktonic stage before metamorphosis, and intensely nocturnal feeding behavior during the juvenile benthic stage after metamorphosis.     

The effects of photoperiod and water exchange rate on growth and survival of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, Linnaeus; Sparidae) from hatching to metamorphosis in mass rearing systems

The effects of photoperiod and water exchange rate on the larvae of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, from hatching to metamorphosis, 60–70 days later, were tested. Survival, growth rate and condition factor were determined with photoperiods of 12 and 24 h, and water exchange rates of 0 and 25%/day.Continuous light supported the highest mean survival (3.25%), with a maximum of 7.8% from hatching to metamorphosis. Growth rate in dry weight was best under continuous light in a water system with no exchange, up to 20 days post-hatching. Highest growth rates of larvae 40–60 days old were obtained in tanks with 25% of their water exchanged daily, along with a 12-h photoperiod. Condition factor was directly correlated with larval age. For the first 30 days after hatching, condition factor was affected by photoperiod and was highest for larvae exposed to continuous light.     

Effects of a superoptimal temperature on aquacultured yellowtail <Emphasis Type="Italic">Seriola quinqueradiata</Emphasis>

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a superoptimal temperature on growth, body composition, body size heterogeneity, and relationships among these factors in juvenile yellowtail. Fish (mean body weight?=?24 g) were tagged individually and reared for 70 days under two different water temperature regimes [optimal (25 °C) and superoptimal (30 °C)]. After rearing, fish reared at 30 °C showed lower survival, less food, feed and protein utilization, significantly lower growth performance, and a lower hepatosomatic index than fish raised at 25 °C. Variations in body indices among individuals were larger for fish reared at 30 °C than for fish reared at 25 °C. Mean whole body protein content was significantly lower in fish reared at 30 °C than fish reared at 25 °C. In addition, several glucogenic and/or aromatic amino acids were lower in fish reared at 30 °C than in fish reared at 25 °C. Whole body lipid levels tended to be lower in fish with lower body weight reared at 30 °C. These results suggest that fish raised at 30 °C will have lower growth performance, and lower concentrations of specific amino acids. Moreover, heterogeneity in body size and body lipid content is expanded by a superoptimal temperature.     

A method of experimental infection of kuruma shrimp larvae, Penaeus japonicus Bate, with baculoviral mid-gut gland necrosis (BMN) virus

Abstract. Infectivity experiments were undertaken by water-borne inoculation of kuruma shrimp, Penaeus japonicus Bate, larvae with BMN virus. Mysis stage larvae were inoculated with the virus by exposure for 2h in sea water containing a homogenized and filtered preparation (450nm) of naturally BMN virus-infected shrimp stored for about 7 weeks at −80°C. Inoculated shrimp stocked in rearing jars were examined to determine whether nuclear hypertrophy of the mid-gut gland epithelial cells characteristic for BMN virus infection could be observed in fresh squash preparations under dark field illumination equipped with a wet-type condenser. Four days post-inoculation at 25–30°C incubation temperature were considered to be satisfactory for the experimental trial.     

5-Hydroxytryptamine enhances larval development of the giant freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on larval development of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, was investigated. Four days after hatching, larvae were exposed to 5, 50 or 100 μg/ml 5-HT in 12 ppt commercial seawater for a period of 2 or more days. Continuous exposure to 50 μg/ml or 100 μg/ml 5-HT over 2 days reduced the survival significantly and all larvae died by 13 days post-hatch (after 9 days of exposure). On the contrary, there was no significant difference in the survival of larvae exposed to various concentration of 5-HT for 2 days compared to that of the control. Exposure to 5-HT for 2 days stimulated growth and developmental rate of the larvae. Furthermore, pigmentation of the exoskeleton was also induced within 1 h of exposure. The larvae exhibited bright-orange color on their eyestalks, cephalothoraxes and abdomens. Exposure to 100 μg/ml 5-HT for 2 days produced the highest growth, developmental rate and the strongest pigmentation. The average body lengths 25 days post-hatch of larvae exposed to 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml 5-HT for 2 days were 3.5 ± 0.6 mm and 4.3 ± 0.7 mm, respectively, compared to 2.8 ± 0.4 mm that of the control. Furthermore, the rate of transformation of larvae to postlarvae during 30–40 days post-hatch was significantly higher in those exposed to 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml 5-HT compared to that of the control. The present study indicates that brief exposure of early stage larvae to 50–100 μg/ml 5-HT enhances growth, developmental rate and pigmentation of the giant freshwater prawn larvae.     

驼背鲈(Chromileptes altivelis)的胚胎发育及仔、稚、幼鱼形态观察

对驼背鲈(Chromileptes altivelis)的胚胎发育及仔、稚、幼鱼的形态特征进行了详细的观察与研究,描述了从受精卵到仔、稚、幼鱼各发育期的时间和形态特征变化。结果表明,在水温25-26℃、盐度30的海水中,受精卵历时27 h 25 min完成整个胚胎发育过程,经历从卵裂、囊胚、原肠、神经胚到肌节形成、各器官的逐渐形成、变化、完善等一系列的胚胎发育和变化过程;根据其卵黄囊消长情况、鳞片的覆盖状态、体色发生的不同变化以及第二背鳍和腹鳍的消长,将胚后发育分为仔、稚、幼鱼3个阶段。在水温22-26℃、盐度29-31、DO≥5 mg/L的条件下,2-3 d仔鱼卵黄囊消失,开口摄食;生长发育至31 d,仔鱼已变态进入稚鱼期;培育至57 d,稚鱼完成变态,成为幼鱼。第二背鳍棘和腹鳍棘的生长与收缩等石斑鱼类早期发育的共性生长特征及其体表特性体色变化特征为驼背鲈胚后发育过程中最明显的特征。     

Growth and survival of eel leptocephali (Anguilla japonica) in low-salinity water

We investigated the effects of low-salinity water on the growth, survival, and activity of artificially reared Japanese eel larvae (Anguilla japonica), proceeding from the assumption that such water quality saves energy due to lower cost for osmoregulation. We reared 5-day-old larvae in 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% seawater (SW) with or without diet for 13 days. All larvae reared in 0% and 10% SW died within 6 days, while larvae in 70% and 100% SW survived until 9 days. Larvae in 30% and 50% SW further survived until 13 days without diet. Significant growth in body depth was observed in 30% and 50% SW after 7 days rearing with diet (0.65 ± 0.02 and 0.62 ± 0.02 mm, respectively) as compared with the initial size (0.49 ± 0.03 mm), while no significant growth was observed under the other salinity conditions examined. Larvae swam actively in the light (about 2000 lx) in 50%, 70%, and 100% SW, while they were apparently inactive in 0%, 10%, and 30% SW. The long-term rearing trial showed a 2.2-fold higher 2-month cumulative survival rate in 50% SW (18.2%) than in 100% SW (8.2%). The body depth of larvae in 50% SW (1.58 ± 0.47 mm) was also significantly larger than in 100% SW (1.32 ± 0.35 mm). These findings indicate that the intermediate salinity can result in better growth and survival performance in Japanese eel larvae.