Size analysis of inorganic particles in the alimentary tracts of Mediterranean mullet species suitable for aquaculture

Size analyses of inorganic particles found in alimentary tracts were made for five species of Mediterranean mullets (Mugil cephalus, Liza ramada, L. aurata, L. saliens and Chelon labrosus) from two locations. M. cephalus, L. aurata and C. labrosus from a Sardinian lagoon (characterized by a substrate of sand/fine sand sediment 500-125 μm) had a preference for fine sands (250-125 μm). M. cephalus and L. aurata from a Policoro fish pond (with a substrate of fine sand/silt-clay sediments (250-<63μm) also selected fine sands, but L. ramada selected exclusively for silt-clays (<63 μm). Correlation coefficients with statistical significance indicated the ability of M. cephalus to exploit a wider range of substrates; L. aurata, L. saliens and C. labrosus were less adaptable, and L. ramada preferred only the silt-clay fraction.     

Genetic identification and phylogenetic inferences in different Mugilidae species using 5S rDNA markers

A DNA methodology was developed to discriminate fry of six Mugilidae species found in the Mediterranean, namely Mugil cephalus, Mugil so‐iuy, Chelon labrosus, Liza aurata, Liza ramada and Liza saliens. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 5S rDNA gene was used for the identification of the above six species. PCR products of two species showed different patterns on EtBr‐stained agarose gels; M. so‐iuy gave a pattern of three bands, while L. saliens gave a pattern of one band. Mugil cephalus, C. labrosus, L. aurata and L. ramada gave a pattern of two bands. Subsequent sequencing analyses revealed unique haplotypes for each of the remaining four species. This is a genetic technique that could be applied in hatcheries, for identification of fry mullet's species. Furthermore, 5S rDNA sequences of each of five of the studied species (i.e. M. cephalus, C. labrosus, L. aurata, L. ramada and L. saliens), as well as a sequence of Oedalechilus labeo that belongs to the Mugilidae family, were aligned and used for the examination of the phylogenetic relationships among them. Phylogenetic trees produced in our study are in general agreement with those presented in the literature. This is the first study to use a nuclear marker to elucidate the phylogeny of Mugilidae species.     

Distribution of juvenile mugilids in the hypersaline Bardawil Lagoon January 1973–January 1974

As part of a wider over-all investigation of the fishery dynamics, a study was made of the seasonal distribution of three size groups (≤30.00 mm, 30.1–60.0 mm and ≥ 60.1 mm total length) of juvenile mugilids at seven sampling stations in Bardawil Lagoon. For the whole period, all stations combined, 88 Mugil cephalus, 1 737 Liza ramada, 2 564 Liza aurata, 1 433 Liza saliens, 821 Chelon labrosus, 10 Liza carinata and one Oedalechilus labeo were taken by the sampling beach-seine. The results of this first year's collections of a two-year study are discussed.     

Experimental raising of golden grey mullet (Liza aurata (Risso)) in saltwater ponds

The growth and feeding habits of the grey mullet Liza aurata, raised together with Sparus auratus and Trachinotus ovatus in experimental saltwater ponds were studied. The results show that L. aurata can be stocked in saltwater ponds, and though their growth rate does not compare favourably with those of the other fishes further studies are recommended.     

Phylogenetic relationships in grey mullets (Mugilidae) in a Tunisian lagoon

The Mugilidae family is an important fish group representing a major source for fisheries and aquaculture. In the south Mediterranean bank, no data are available on this fauna, except for some morphological studies on Tunisian samples. In this study, 16 allozymic loci were used to investigate the phylogenetic relationships within Tunisian mugilids. The results obtained from Hergla lagoon samples highlight five operational taxonomic unit corresponding to the well‐known species (Liza aurata, Liza ramada, Liza saliens, Chelon labrosus, Mugil cephalus). Several loci appeared to be diagnostic of these species, but in contrast to Greek mugilid samples, we did not find any diagnostic locus fixed differently for the five species. These results can help aquaculture units to identify accurately the mullet species they subsequently use for stocking aquaculture ponds and inland waters. However, species identity represents very important information, as each species has a different growth rate and salinity tolerance. On the other hand, when compared with North Mediterranean Mugilidae analysed until now, Tunisian samples show a genetic differentiation that could be related to different physicochemical conditions between the North and South banks, similar to those recorded in the eastern and western two Mediterranean basins separated by the Siculo‐Tunisian strait. In addition, this study confirms the morphological taxonomy, except for the subdivision of the Liza genus into two sub‐genera. The phylogenetic tree is in agreement with that on Languedoc Mugilidae samples (France), indicating that the subdivision of the Liza genus into two sub‐genera appears to be without any genetic base.     

Osmoregulation and differential penetration of two grey mullets, Chelon labrosus (Risso) and Liza ramada (Risso) in estuarine fish ponds

Grey mullet ponds situated in Arcachon Bay on the western Atlantic coast of France, display contrasting mixohaline habitats.The pattern of osmoregulation of Chelon labrosus and Liza ramada exhibiting differential penetration of fish ponds has been investigated. Key variables of salinity and temperature have been considered. The tolerances to low salinities and to fresh water have been determined. The dynamics of variation in plasma osmotic pressure and major plasma electrolytes (Na⁺, Cl^?, K⁺) were studied in terms of: (1) gradual adaptation to a decreasing salinity gradient; (2) effects of a long-term adaptation in fresh water; (3) effects of low temperatures on sea water adapted fish.Both species can adapt to a wide range of salinities; however, while L. ramada show a good hypoosmotic regulation, with no alteration in plasma concentration over a wide range of salinity and after a long stay (5 months) in fresh water, C. labrosus cannot live for long periods of time in a wholly fresh water habitat. Both field samples obtained from thick-lipped grey mullets forced to stay in a freshwater pond and experimentally adapted fish showed, after 3 months, an unequivoqual decrease in plasma sodium and chloride, and plasma osmolality decreased to the same extent; this pattern of no compensation is bound, sooner or later, to end in death. The inability of C. labrosus to develop a long-term hypoosmoregulation in fresh water is referred to salinity preferences which probably limit the upstream penetration of this species.Plasma osmolality and major electrolytes (sodium and chloride) increased in cold (4 °C) sea water. This response might be due to a reduced ability of grey mullets to osmoregulate in cold waters. In the poly-mesohaline ponds, Winter drop in temperature (4–6 °C) causes grey mullets to migrate to the meso-oligohaline ponds where the mean temperature is more elevated (8 °C) and temperature changes less rapid (6–9 °C).     

Short-term hooking mortality of three marine fish species (Sparidae) caught by recreational angling in the south Portugal

Short-term hooking mortality was evaluated for three sparid species [Diplodus vulgaris (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire), Sparus aurata L. and Spondyliosoma cantharus (L.)] in the Algarve, south Portugal. Fishes were caught from the shore during October 2009 at a fish farm reservoir (Ria Formosa), using three different hook sizes. The relationships between hooking mortality and seven independent variables were analyzed using logistic regression models. In all, 384 fishes representing the three target species were caught during the angling sessions. The most caught species was S. cantharus (n = 181; 100% undersized), followed by S. aurata (n = 137; 89% undersized) and D. vulgaris (n = 66; 97% undersized). Mortalities ranged between 0% for D. vulgaris and 12% for S. aurata (S. cantharus, 3%). For S. aurata, anatomical hooking location was the main predictor of mortality, with 63% of the fishes that died being deeply hooked. Our results support the current mandatory practices of releasing undersized fish for the studied species, given the low post-release mortality rates observed.     

Marine Aquaculture in Israel with Special Emphasis on Larval Rearing

The goal of mariculture research in Israel is the development of an industry, based on available sea and brackish water, in the Arava Desert, the Gulf of Eilat and along the Mediterranean coast. Urgent progress is needed due to the shortage of fresh water for agriculture. High priced euryhaline fish like Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax are the obvious choice for development along with the more common grey mullet Mugil cephalus. The aim of this paper is to present the research and zootechnical state of the art in Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax larval rearing at the National Center for Mariculture (NCM). Fertilized eggs are stocked in 600 L tanks and hatching success estimated from aliquot counts. Rearing continued for 32 d after which larvae are removed from these tanks with minimum mortality. Under normal rearing conditions these tanks produce 15-35 32 d old (10 mg, ww) Sparus aurata larvae/L (20-40% survival). Average seabass survival to 80 mg (40 d) is 35%. Tanks were continuously supplied with filtered (10 μm), temperature and salinity controlled seawater and freshly enriched food organisms through a special delivery system. This system was recently upscaled to 1,700 L tanks with equally good results for seabream larval rearing. Live food enrichment regimes for the two species were developed to maximize their growth and survival. A microdiet is presently being used from the age of 20 d. The problems involved with using dry diets with larvae were found to be associated with both their digestibility and attractivity. As a result of a salinity reduction from the ambient 40 to 25 ppt, swim bladders developed in 90% of seabream and 75% of seabass. In addition, growth rate of larvae improved by 15%. Finally, seabream tend to show strong aggressive behavior once size differences in the population of 32 d larvae is greater than 300%. Therefore, once seabream ended their 32 d hatchery period they are graded to three size groups of 5, 10.3 and 23 mg (ww). The graded fish are counted with a locally developed Computer Aided Fish Counter (CAFIC) and stocked separately in 5 m³ nursery tanks.     

Studies on the biology of young grey mullet, Mugil cephalus L. II. Food and Feeding

This is the second of a series of investigations into the biology of young grey mullet, Mugil cephalus L., and the feasibility of its culture in the coastal, estuarine waters of Sri Lanka. The food and feeding habits of mullet, 20–55 mm in length, from the coastal Negombo Lagoon (7° 10′ N; 79° 50′ E) were studied from November 1974 to October 1975.The feeding intensity, estimated as the number of food organisms found in stomachs per feeding individual, followed a seasonal pattern with the intensity increasing from April onward and reaching a peak during June–August. Over 80% of the individuals were found to feed throughout the year. The diet consisted of 18 genera of diatoms, eight genera of green algae, some desmids, six genera of blue-green algae and eight other food groups. No sand or detritus was found to occur in fish smaller than 25 mm in length, and the percentage occurrence of detritus and/or sand particles increased with increase in body length. Quantitatively and qualitatively, diatoms were the most predominant food items, accounting for more than 50% of the total diet. Although only one genus of Xanthophyceae was found to occur in the diet, its contribution was significant.M. cephalus was found to show diurnal periodicity in feeding activity; peaks of activity occurred at dawn and around midday and were unrelated to the state of the tide.The significance of the nature of the diet and the occurrence of two peaks of feeding activity within a 24-h period is evaluated in the light of present knowledge of the food and feeding behaviour of M. cephalus at various stages of growth, and the possibilities of polyculture with other herbivorous species is discussed briefly.     

Growth of the golden grey mullet (Liza aurata (Risso)) in saltwater ponds during 1974

The growth rates of Liza aurata in saltwater ponds were measured during 1972, 1973 and 1974. The growth rate of L. aurata young of the year was 0.6–0.95 g per fish per day and that of fish in their second year of life was 0.85–1.0 g per fish per day.Body composition analyses were conducted on L. aurata in both the first and second years of life.A significant difference in length and weight was found between males and females of L. aurata in their second year of life.The results show that L. aurata can be stocked in saltwater ponds but that they will not be the main crop of fish.     

Ecological modulation of reproductive behaviour in the peacock blenny: a mini-review

The inter-populational variation in the reproductive behaviour of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo (Risso 1810), particularly the influence of the ecologic environment, was reviewed in the present work. Two populations of this species inhabiting contrasting environments were studied: the Ria Formosa population, a coastal lagoon with sandy/muddy substrate located in the south of Portugal, and the Gulf of Trieste, an area presenting rocky substrate located in the northern Adriatic sea. The remarkable differences in the mating system and reproductive behaviour between the two populations (namely sex-role reversal and high frequency of alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) at the Ria Formosa vs typical sex roles and low frequency of ARTs at the Gulf of Trieste) are interpreted as a plastic behavioural and physiological response to contrasting ecological conditions. Androgens, namely 11-ketotestosterone, seem to act as mediators of this response. The expression and activity of the enzyme aromatase in the brain also seems to play a key role in fine-tuning the behavioural output in all male morphs as well as females.     

Mugil curema in Argentinean waters: Combined morphological and molecular approach

A previously unidentified mullet species (Mugil sp.) from Mar Chiquita lagoon, Argentina, was compared with two candidate species Mugil curema and M. cephalus using 12 truss landmarks and three mitochondrial DNA genes (12S rRNA, cytochrome b and COI). Both procedures confirmed that the Argentinean fish were white mullet M. curema. Morphological comparisons clearly segregated M. curema from M. cephalus samples in PCA plot. Similarly, Argentinean haplotypes at each gene overlapped with M. curema reference samples while M. cephalus haplotypes remained distinct. These combined data provide a valuable baseline for further investigations on the geographic distribution of this commercially important species group.     

Incorporation and metabolism of14C-labelled polyunsaturated fatty acids in wild-caught juveniles of golden grey mullet,Liza aurata,in vivo

The incorporation, and the capacity for desaturation and elongation in vivo, of intraperitoneally-injected,¹⁴C-labelled n-3 and n-6 C₁₈ and C₂₀ polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were investigated in juvenile golden grey mullet,Liza aurata. The results indicate that juvenile mullet have only limited ability to convert C₁₈ polyunsaturated fatty acids to C₂₀ and C₂₂ highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA)in vivo. This suggests that juvenile golden grey mullet require the provision of preformed C_20/22 HUFA, such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, in the diet. The impairment in the desaturase/elongase pathway was similar to that found in turbot,Scophthalmus maximus, and gilthead sea bream,Sparus aurata, being primarily at the level of Δ5-desaturase. The data from the largely herbivorous golden grey mullet juveniles are consistent with the hypothesis that marine fish in general, irrespective of dietary habits, have limited capacity for the desaturation and elongation of C₁₈ PUFA. The defect in Δ5-desaturase activity combined with the consistent finding that arachidonic acid is selectively incorporated and retained in membrane phosphatidylinositol suggests that, like turbot and gilthead sea bream, golden grey mullet may also have a requirement for preformed arachidonic acid in the diet.     

Operational procedures for rearing larvae of the grey mullet (Mugil cephalus L.)

Larvae of the grey mullet Mugil cephalus L. can be reared successfully using careful procedures following induced spawning of the adults with purified salmon gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotropin.Preliminary incubation of the eggs to the gastrula stage at high density for 12 h at 22°C is preferred, using stirred irradiated seawater (32‰ salinity) and the antibiotics penicillin (80 IU/ml) and streptomycin (0.05 mg/ml). The eggs are transferred before hatching to circular rearing tanks at a density of 250 eggs/l.The mouths of the larvae are open and ossified and the eyes are sufficiently pigmented for the larvae to begin feeding on the third day. The larvae are fed cultured phytoplankton and rotifers supplemented with available natural plankton. Nauplii of Artemia are provided on the seventh day.The migratory behavior of the larvae during early development and their physiology are discussed, being relevant to the procedures and the techniques applied.Mass propagation in large (over 12-ft diameter) circular tanks with total light control is recommended.     

Administration of Probiotic Strain to Improve Sea Bream Wellness during Development

Two bacterial strains Lactobacillus fructivorans (AS17B), isolated from adult sea bream (Sparus aurata) gut, and Lactobacillus plantarum (906), isolated from human faeces, were administered contemporaneously, during sea bream development using Brachionus plicatilis and/or Artemia salina and dry feed as vectors. The probiotic treatment influenced gut colonization: at 35 days post-hatching (p.h.) L. fructivorans was not present in the gut, but the treatment induced colonization by L. plantarum. At 66 days p.h., L. fructivorans was evident also in the control; moreover, when suitable environmental conditions appeared in the post-metamorphosis gastro-intestinal tract, competition between L. plantarum and L. fructivorans occurred. At 90 days p.h., L. plantarum was displaced by L. fructivorans that became significantly higher with respect to the control. In treated groups, probiotic administration significantly decreased larvae and fry mortality.     

Experimental challenges of juvenile and adult Manila clams with the protozoan Perkinsus olseni at different temperatures

Infection with Perkinsus species, primarily P. olseni, is thought to be a major cause of the decline of Manila clam populations in Japan since the 1980s. However, the pathogenicity of the infection has not been sufficiently evaluated to estimate the impact of infection on wild Manila clam populations. We experimentally challenged juvenile (3- to 6-mm shell length) and adult (18- to 22-mm shell length) Manila clams with P. olseni at 18, 23, 28, and 30 °C. Mortality was significantly higher in challenged groups than in control groups. The difference in mean mortality between the challenged and control groups (all life stages and temperatures) was only significant above a threshold of infection intensity ~10⁶ cells/g soft wet tissue (SWT). As temperature increased, the onset of mortality occurred more rapidly. The increase in mortality occurred earlier in juveniles than adults at 28 °C and lower. Our results suggest that the pathogenicity of P. olseni is higher in juveniles than in adults and at higher water temperatures. Given the infection intensities (ca. 10⁶ cells/g SWT) previously reported in wild Manila clams, the parasite likely has considerable impact on wild Manila clam populations, particularly juveniles during periods of high temperature.     

Development of short-snouted seahorse (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippocampus hippocampus</Emphasis>, L. 1758): osteological and morphological aspects

Information about early development after male release lags behind studies of juveniles and adult seahorses, and newborn seahorses, similar in shape to adults, are considered juveniles or fry. During early life, Hippocampus hippocampus present behavioural (shift in habitat, from planktonic to benthic) and morphological changes; for this reasons, the aims of this study are to define the stage of development of H. hippocampus after they are expelled from the male brood pouch and to establish direct or indirect development through an osteological analysis. The ossification process was studied in 120 individuals, from their release to 30 days after birth. To analyse the osteological development, Alcian Blue-Alizarin Red double staining technique for bone and cartilage was adapted to this species. At birth, H. hippocampus presents a mainly cartilaginous structure that ossifies in approximately 1 month. The bony armour composed of bony rings and plates develops in 10 days. The caudal fin, a structure absent in juveniles and adult seahorses, is present at birth and progressively disappears with age. The absence of adult osteological structure in newborns, like coronet, bony rings and plates, head spines and components allowing tail prehensile abilities, suggests a metamorphosis before the juvenile stage. During the indirect development, the metamorphic stage started inside brood pouch and followed outside and leads up to reconsider the status of H. hippocampus newborns.     

Ontogenetic habitat and dietary shifts in Japanese turban snail <Emphasis Type="Italic">Turbo cornutus</Emphasis> at Nagai,Sagami Bay,Japan

A field survey and a laboratory experiment were conducted to examine ontogenetic shifts in habitat and diet of the turban snail Turbo cornutus. The main habitat of turban snail juveniles smaller than 10 mm shell height (SH) was turfs of articulated coralline algae, and that of adults larger than 50 mm SH was kelp beds of Ecklonia bicyclis and Ecklonia cava. However, the ontogenetic habitat shift during the juvenile stage of 20–50 mm SH was unclear. From the results of a long-term feeding experiment and stable isotope analysis, the gelidiacean alga Gelidium elegans was assumed to be more important as a food source for juvenile turban snail than E. cava in the field. However, the frequency of individuals inhabiting gelidiacean algal turfs was low in both juvenile and adult stages. Thus, the ontogenetic shifts in habitat and diet did not coincide and other factors, i.e., daytime refuge, are important. As the growth rate was higher in the juveniles fed on the two algal species than those fed on single algal species, co-occurrence of various algal habitats in rocky shore ecosystems as a coastal ecosystem complex may enhance growth of turban snail juveniles feeding on a combination of different algal species.     

Population structure of Ctenochaetus striatus (Acanthuridae) in Tutuila,American Samoa: The use of size-at-age data in multi-scale population size surveys

We combined size-at-age and underwater survey (UVS) data to investigate the spatio-temporal distribution of life-history stages of the bristletooth surgeonfish, Ctenochaetus striatus, around Tutuila Island, American Samoa. Three age-based size categories (recruits, juveniles and adults) were determined by examining the relationship between size, age and gonad maturity. The results from combining size-at-age with UVS density data showed varying densities at the scales examined (years, exposure, sector, and habitat) on the fore-reef slopes of Tutuila Is. While recruit densities were uniform, juvenile densities varied by year, exposure and sector, and adult densities were significantly higher at topographic sites that were comparatively more exposed to water motion than inside bays. Densities of recruits were positively correlated with habitat (rubble) illustrating the importance of this substratum for the survivorship of early life history stages. Densities of adults were positively correlated with coralline algae, which may suggest co-occurrence responding to similar physical environment of adult habitat that is possibly indirectly correlated to feeding. However, densities of juveniles were negatively correlated with food source although the variance accounted for was low. We hypothesize that some other substratum may possibly be important for juveniles. There was a negative correlation between recruit and adult densities, indicating the presence of ontogenetic shifts in habitat with age and size. It is proposed that ecosystem-based fishery management of C. striatus in Tutuila Is should consider the high abundance of adults in exposed topographic habitats in the establishment of marine protected areas. We have shown that size-at-age data when combined with underwater fish surveys significantly expands its utility in the study of the population structure of a coral reef fish thus allowing the identification of areas characterized by high abundance of particular life stages for management.