肌注和口灌氟苯尼考在吉富罗非鱼体内的药代动力学

通过肌内注射、口灌两种给药方式,研究氟苯尼考在罗非鱼体内的药物代谢动力学特征。把吉富罗非鱼(GIFT Oreochromis niloticus)随机分成2组,控制水温在30℃,以15 mg/kg分别单剂量肌内注射、口灌给药。经高效液相色谱法(HPLC)测定血浆中氟苯尼考浓度,用Win Nonlin药动学软件分析药动学参数。结果表明:肌内注射氟苯尼考后,药物吸收较慢,消除较快,达峰时间(T_(max))=4 h,峰浓度(C_(max))=4.64μg/mL,消除半衰期(T_(1/2λ)z L)=10.45 h,药-时曲线下面积(AUC)=91.06μg·h/mL。口灌氟苯尼考后,药物吸收较快,消除较慢,T_(max)=1 h,C_(max)=5.92μg/mL,T_(1/2λ)z L=13.13 h,AUC=61.96μg·h/mL。肌内注射、口灌氟苯尼考后,二者的药动学参数差异显著,这一差异表明肌内注射给药吸收相对较慢,但更为完全(肌内注射氟苯尼考的AUC明显较大),消除相对较快。     

氟苯尼考在花鲈体内的代谢及残留消除规律

为了解氟苯尼考在花鲈(Lateolabrax japonicus)体内的代谢动力学特征和残留消除规律,利用高效液相色谱法检测氟苯尼考混饲口灌给药后在花鲈血浆、肌肉、肝和肾等样品中的时间-浓度变化。在代谢动力学研究中,将20 mg/kg氟苯尼考单次混饲口灌给药于花鲈后,获得48 h内的药时数据,利用DAS和Win Nonlin软件进行比较分析。结果表明,不同药代动力学分析软件或者不同权重系数所获得的房室参数值有较大差异,特别是消除相半衰期(T_(1/2β));而非房室参数值则比较接近。其中DAS软件非房室模型分析氟苯尼考在花鲈血浆中的药代动力学参数显示,药时曲线下面积(AUC_(0—∞))为257.591 mg/(L·h),表观分布容积(Vz/F)为1.401 L/kg,平均滞留时间(MRT_(0—∞))和消除半衰期(T_(1/2z))分别为18.505和12.508 h,达峰浓度(C_(max))和达峰时间(T_(max))分别为18.356μg/mL和3 h。在残留消除研究中,氟苯尼考以60 mg/kg的高剂量单次给药后,采集30 d内的药时数据,利用WT程序计算的结果显示,氟苯尼考在花鲈肌肉、肝、肾和血浆中的理论休药期分别为6.54、8.69、8.30和5.89 d。研究结果为氟苯尼考在花鲈养殖中的用药方案和休药期的制定提供理论依据。     

2种水温条件下罗非鱼体内氟苯尼考的药物动力学比较

采用药饵给药,药物剂量为10mg·kg^-1,比较研究了22和28℃水温条件下奥尼罗非鱼（Oreochromis niloticus×O．aureus）体内氟苯尼考的药物动力学。结果得出,22℃组和28℃组罗非鱼血浆的峰药浓度（Cmax）分别为4．46和3．90μg·mL^-1,达峰时间（Tmax）均为12h,消除半衰期（T1/2β）分别为10．03和8．12h,药-时曲线下面积（AUC）分别为86．68和72．44h·μg·mL^-1。相应条件下的肌肉Cmax分别为6．88和4．59μg·g^-1,Tmax均为12h,T1／2β分别为10．97和8．03h,AUC分别为112．71和73．66h·μg·g^-1。低温组罗非鱼血浆和肌肉中药物的T1／2β均长于高温组,前者分别比后者长1．91和2．96h,表明低温组罗非鱼体内药物的消除速度慢于高温组。虽然2个水温组血浆和肌肉中药物的Tmax相同,但低温组血浆、肌肉的Cmax和AUC均明显高于高温组,表明低温组罗非鱼吸收利用药物程度高于高温组。     

氟苯尼考在欧洲鳗鲡体内的药物代谢动力学的研究

应用反相高效液相色谱法对口灌和肌肉注射氟苯尼考在欧洲鳗鲡(Anguilla anguilla)体内的代谢规律进行了研究.按100 mg·kg-1口灌给药后血浆、肌肉、肝脏、肾脏中氟苯尼考浓度的达峰时间分别为2h、6h、0.5h、1h,以后开始缓慢下降,给药2d后血浆、肌肉、肝脏、肾脏中的氟苯尼考浓度分别为4.209μg·mL-1、0.792μg·g-1、0.493μg·g-1、1.448μg·g-1,给药3d后血浆中的氟苯尼考浓度分别为0.0836μg·mL-1,肌肉、肝脏、肾脏中的氟苯尼考浓度均未检出;按100mg·kg-1肌肉注射给药后血浆中氟苯尼考浓度达峰时间为0.5h,以后开始缓慢下降,给药5d后血浆中的氟苯尼考浓度为0.1151μg·mL-1,给药10d后血浆中的氟苯尼考浓度未检出.口灌氟苯尼考在欧洲鳗鲡体内血浆、肌肉、肝脏、肾脏中分布可用开放性二室模型来描述,口灌给药的血浆、肌肉、肝脏、肾脏中的消除半衰期(T1/2β)分别为27.939h、18.844h、11.83h、36.87h;肌肉注射氟苯尼考在欧洲鳗鲡体内血浆、肌肉、肝脏、肾脏中分布可用开放性一室模型来描述,肌肉注射给药的血浆中的消除半衰期(T1/2β)为37.52h.     

甲砜霉素在大菱鲆体内的代谢及消除规律

为研究甲砜霉素(thiamphenicol)在大菱鲆(Scophthalmus maximus)体内的代谢动力学特征和残留消除规律,本研究采用液相色谱-串联质谱法检测甲砜霉素混饲口灌后在大菱鲆血浆、肌肉、肝脏和肾脏等样品中的时间-浓度变化。甲砜霉素以30 mg/kg的剂量单次混饲口灌,采集给药后48 h内的药时数据,并以DAS软件非房室模型进行分析,结果显示,甲砜毒素在大菱鲆血浆中达峰浓度(C_(max))和达峰时间(T_(max))分别为21.968μg/m L和9 h,药时曲线下面积[AUC_((0—∞))]为319.754 mg/(L·h),表观分布容积(Vz/F)为6.206 L/kg,平均滞留时间[MRT_((0—∞))]和消除半衰期(T1/2z)分别为33.984 h和45.841 h。甲砜霉素在大菱鲆的肌肉、肝脏和肾脏组织中达峰浓度(C_(max))分别至22.346、27.128和47.718μg/g;在肝脏中达峰时间较快(4 h),在肌肉和肾脏组织中均在9 h;在肾脏中的达峰浓度(C_(max)=47.718μg/g)和药时曲线下面积AUC(0-∞)最大,为517.768 mg/(L·h),表明肾脏对甲砜霉素的吸收能力最高;在肝脏中的平均滞留时间[MRT_((0—∞))=36.565 h]最长,消除半衰期T1/2z为42.370 h,即给药后48 h内甲砜霉素在肝脏中的消除较慢。甲砜霉素以60 mg/kg的高剂量单次给药后,采集30 d内的药时数据并以WT程序进行计算,结果显示甲砜霉素在大菱鲆血浆、肌肉、肝脏和肾脏中的理论休药期分别为8.90、10.64、18.19和23.95 d。本研究结果可为甲砜霉素在大菱鲆中的合理应用提供科学依据。     

地克珠利在鲫体内的药代动力学研究

在(25±1)℃水温条件下,按照鲫体质量为3.0 mg/kg的剂量混饲投喂地克珠利,每天1次连用5 d,并于第5天投喂后0.5、1、1.5、2、3、5、7、10、12、15、18、24、36、48、72、120、240、360、480、720、1080、1440、2160、2880、3600 h采集鲫的血浆和肌肉样品用高效液相色谱法测定血浆和肌肉中的药物浓度,研究了地克珠利在鲫体内的药代动力学特征。结果表明鲫混饲投喂地克珠利后,其血浆和肌肉中地克珠利经时过程均符合一级吸收二室开放模型,其理论方程分别为C_(血浆)=9.89e~(-6.710E-3t)+3.66e~(-9.04E-4e)-0.74e~(-4.379t),C_(肌肉)=1.026e~(-6.379E-2t)+0.1001e~(-1.53E-2t)-1.82e~(-5.566t)。鲫血浆和肌肉的达峰时间(T_(max))分别为11.11和11.00 h,峰浓度(C_(max))分别为30.58和1.108 mg/L药时曲线下面积(AUC)分别为16783和20.05 mg/(L·h),消除半衰期(T_(1/2β))分别为827.6、45.41 h。实验结果表明地克珠利在鲫体内代谢缓慢。本研究为鲫的实际养殖过程中合理使用地克珠利提供理论依据,同时也为地克珠利在其他水产品中残留量的测定及药代动力学的研究提供技术支持。     

丁香酚在罗非鱼体内的药物代谢动力学研究

为了解丁香酚在罗非鱼体内的代谢动力学特征,利用高效液相色谱法(HPLC)检测经丁香酚麻醉后苏醒的吉富罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)血浆、肝脏及肌肉中丁香酚的质量浓度变化。试验结果:采用30 mg/L丁香酚药浴后,罗非鱼血浆、肝和肌肉中的药时数据均符合非房室模型;丁香酚在罗非鱼血浆、肝脏和肌肉中的药代动力学参数显示,峰值浓度(Cmax)分别为8 257.52μg/m L、88.62μg/kg和73.78μg/kg,达峰时间(Tmax)分别为0.5、1和2 h,消除半衰期(t1/2)分别为11.267 3、75.616 1和24.147 4 h,药时曲线下面积(AUC0~∞)分别为83 738.054 3 h·μg/m L、1 466.467 7 h·μg/kg和1 131.101 7 h·μg/kg,0~∞平均滞留时间(MRT0~∞)分别为11.498 2、85.284 4和39.388 7 h,表观分布容积(Vz)分别为1.941 2m L/kg、743.903 0 kg/kg和307.994 9 kg/kg。结果表明,丁香酚在罗非鱼体内分布广泛、消除慢、停留时间长。本研究可为罗非鱼活体运输中麻醉剂的安全使用提供参考。     

甲砜霉素在鲤鱼中的药代动力学研究

本实验在(26±2)℃的养殖水温下,采用高效液相色谱–串联质谱法(HPLC-MS/MS)研究了以30 mg/(kg·bw)的剂量对鲤鱼(Cyprinus carpio)进行单次投喂药饵后甲砜霉素(Thiamphenicol,TAP)在鲤鱼体内的药物代谢动力学。通过DAS 2.0动力学软件分析TAP在鲤鱼体内的药–时数据,结果表明符合一级吸收二室模型。TAP在肌肉、肾脏、肝脏、鱼皮、鳃、脾脏和血浆各组织的药物达峰时间(T_(peak))分别为16、2、16、8、0、2和16 h,达峰浓度(C_(max))分别为15.6、35.3、12.4、9.0、33.0、11.6 mg/kg和21.0 mg/L;药–时曲线下面积(AUC)分别为1084.5、1578.1、777.3、541.1、0.1、478.1 mg/(kg·h)和485.1 mg/(L·h),消除半衰期(t_(1/2β))分别为11.4、100.2、54.2、41.1、69.5、38.0和71.9 h。TAP在鲤鱼体内各组织的分布和消除速率相差较大;在肾脏中的药物达峰时间短且达峰浓度高于其他组织,其消除半衰期也明显高于其他组织,推测肾脏是鲤鱼体内TAP蓄积和代谢的主要器官。按照农业部《动物性食品中兽药最高残留限量》文件规定,TAP在水产动物中最高残留限量(MRL)不得高于50μg/kg,本研究中,肌肉、肾脏、肝脏、鱼皮、脾脏和血浆的TAP残留量低于MRL的时间分别从第16、16、12、12、12、10和12天开始,将肌肉和肾脏作为TAP药物残留的靶组织,建议休药期不得低于16 d。     

诺氟沙星在日本鳗鲡体内的代谢动力学及残留消除规律

为研究诺氟沙星(NFX)在鳗鲡体内的代谢和消除规律,以超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定日本鳗鲡在混饲口灌后血液和组织中NFX的含量变化,并进行药动学分析。结果表明,NFX以30 mg/kg的剂量单次混饲口灌日本鳗鲡后,吸收分布迅速,达峰时间(T_(max))、吸收(T_(1/2Ka))和分布半衰期(T_(1/2α))分别为3.000、1.012和1.570 h;NFX在鳗鲡体内消除较快,消除半衰期(T_(1/2β))为15.267 h,总清除率(CL)为1.315 L/(h·kg)。此外,峰浓度(C_(max))为1.273 mg/L,药时曲线下面积(AUC_(0~∞))为22.670 mg/(L·h)。NFX以30 mg/kg的剂量连续3 d混饲口灌日本鳗鲡后,在肌肉、肝脏、肾脏和血浆中的消除速率常数分别为0.144、0.125、0.102和0.093 1/d。根据WT1.4计算的理论休药期(WDT)分别为肌肉22.97 d,肝脏21.30 d,肾脏33.40 d,血浆18.29 d。本研究结果为诺氟沙星在水产动物中的实际应用提供理论依据。     

氟苯尼考在日本囊对虾体内的药代动力学研究

为了给养殖日本囊对虾制定正确的用药方案、确定氟苯尼考的休药期提供科学依据,应用反相高效液相色谱法( RP - HPLC)研究了氟苯尼考在日本囊对虾体内的药物代谢动力学.试验结果表明,在水温23±0.5℃,盐度29.91的条件下,氟苯尼考在肝脏、肌肉和血淋巴的平均回收率为93.37％、91.79％、91.82％;试验数据经药代动力学软件3p97分析表明,日本囊对虾采用氟苯尼考单次腹部肌肉注射,其肌肉药一时数据符合二室模型,肝脏和血淋巴药一时数据符合一室模型.其中,氟苯尼考在肝脏、肌肉和血淋巴中的主要动力学参数分别为:浓度一时间曲线的曲线下面积AUC分别为10.31、50.77、14.33(μg/g)·h;药物的峰值浓度C(max)分别为13.03、10.46、8.031 μg/g;药物浓度处于峰值时的时间Tp分别为0.2044、0.2298、0.6544 h;吸收半衰期分别为0.6771、0.4746、0.4193 h;消除半衰期分别为3.766、16.16、4.917 h.建议在23 ±0.5℃的水温条件下,氟苯尼考对日本囊对虾的休药期不少于7d.     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of cortisol on hepatic carbohydrate metabolism and responsiveness to hormones in the sea raven,Hemitripterus americanus

The sea raven, Hemitripterus americanus, is a sit-and-wait, low metabolic rate, marine teleost. The objective of this study was to determine i) whether cortisol implantation (50 mg. kg^-1) for 7 days altered hepatocyte metabolism, and hepatocyte responsiveness to epinephrine, glucagon and insulin, and ii) whether 8 weeks of food-deprivation modified the above response. Cortisol implantation significantly increased hepatocyte total glucose production and oxidation from alanine compared to the sham group. There was no cortisol effect on glycogen breakdown, suggesting that the activation of other pathways, including gluconeogenesis, are required to account for the increased glucose production. Epinephrine-mediated (10^-5M) glycogen breakdown and insulin-mediated (10^-8M) total glucose production were enhanced in hepatocytes of cortisol implanted sea ravens, but there were no change in any glucagon (10^-7M) effects. The enhanced glycogen breakdown in the absence of similar increases in total glucose production with epinephrine indicates mobilization of carbohydrate reserves for endogenous use by the liver. Food-deprivation for 8 weeks significantly decreased condition factor, plasma cortisol concentration and liver glycogen content in the sea raven, but had no effect on plasma glucose concentration. Hepatocyte total glucose production and flux rates from alanine increased significantly with food-deprivation. Moreover, food-deprivation increased responsiveness of total hepatocyte glucose production to the actions of glucagon and insulin, but not to epinephrine; none of these effects were modified by cortisol implantation. Our results indicate that cortisol in the sea raven exerts both a direct and an indirect or permissive effect on hepatocyte metabolism by modifying hepatocyte responsiveness to epinephrine and insulin stimulation. Cortisol implantation did not modify the effects of glucagon or food-deprivation in this species.     

Simulation and quantification of enrichment and retention processes in the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem

Important environmental processes for the survival and recruitment of early life stages of pelagic fishes have been synthesized through Bakun's fundamental triad as enrichment, concentration and retention processes (A. Bakun, 1996, Patterns in the Ocean. Ocean Processes and Marine Population Dynamics. San Diego, CA, USA: University of California Sea Grant). This conceptual framework states that from favourable spawning habitats, eggs and larvae would be transported to and/or retained in places where food originating from enrichment areas would be concentrated. We propose a method for quantifying two of the triad processes, enrichment and retention, based on the Lagrangian tracking of particles transported within water velocity fields generated by a three‐dimensional hydrodynamic model. We apply this method to the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem, constructing putative maps of enrichment and retention. We comment on these maps regarding main features of the circulation in the region, and investigate seasonal variability of the processes. We finally discuss the results in relation to available knowledge on the reproductive strategies of two pelagic clupeoid species abundant in the southern Benguela, anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardinops sagax). Our approach is intended to be sufficiently generic so as to allow its application to other upwelling systems.     

Effects of capture,loading density and transport stress on the mortality,physiological responses,bacterial density and growth of rohu <Emphasis Type="Italic">Labeo</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic"> rohita</Emphasis> fingerlings

This study evaluated the effects of three levels of loading density (200, 300 and 400 g L⁻¹) and four levels of duration (1, 3, 6 and 9 h) on the mortality, plasma cortisol and chloride levels and growth of rohu Labeo rohita fingerlings in a transport simulation. While total immediate mortality was low (4–12%), delayed mortality was high (27–49%). Initial capture and handling were found to constitute the most stressful phase as indicated by elevated plasma cortisol. The levels of cortisol continued to rise at 6 and 9 h after transport, with the highest level observed at 9 h after transport. The level of plasma chloride fell after transport across all density levels and treatment durations. Specific growth rate (SGR, %/day) and total bacterial density (cfu/g) were not different between and within treatments, and between treatments and the controls. This study demonstrates that transport has a profound effect on the stress responses of rohu fingerlings. Although the level of immediate mortality was low, the higher level of delayed mortality has serious implications in terms of production inefficiency for grow-out farmers.     

The effects of introduced tilapias on native biodiversity

• 1. The common name ‘tilapia’ refers to a group of tropical freshwater fish in the family Cichlidae (Oreochromis, Tilapia, and Sarotherodon spp.) that are indigenous to Africa and the southwestern Middle East. Since the 1930s, tilapias have been intentionally dispersed worldwide for the biological control of aquatic weeds and insects, as baitfish for certain capture fisheries, for aquaria, and as a food fish. They have most recently been promoted as an important source of protein that could provide food security for developing countries without the environmental problems associated with terrestrial agriculture. In addition, market demand for tilapia in developed countries such as the United States is growing rapidly.
• 2. Tilapias are well‐suited to aquaculture because they are highly prolific and tolerant to a range of environmental conditions. They have come to be known as the ‘aquatic chicken’ because of their potential as an affordable, high‐yield source of protein that can be easily raised in a range of environments — from subsistence or ‘backyard’ units to intensive fish hatcheries. In some countries, particularly in Asia, nearly all of the introduced tilapias produced are consumed domestically; tilapias have contributed to basic food security for such societies.
• 3. This review indicates that tilapia species are highly invasive and exist under feral conditions in every nation in which they have been cultured or introduced. Thus, the authors have concluded that, despite potential or observed benefits to human society, tilapia aquaculture and open‐water introductions cannot continue unchecked without further exacerbating damage to native fish species and biodiversity. Recommendations include restricting tilapia culture to carefully managed, contained ponds, although exclusion is preferred when it is feasible. Research into culture of indigenous species is also recommended.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.