Cellular responses to temperature stress in steelhead trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) parr with different rearing histories

This study compared the heat-shock response and metabolic energy status in hatchery-raised and two groups of wild-caught steelhead trout parr collected from the Navarro River watershed, California. Wild parr were from coastal and inland sites with different thermal regimes. Fish were exposed in the laboratory to 25 ± 0.2°C for 2-h and the heat-shock response was assessed in muscle tissue via induction of heat-shock proteins (hsps) 63, 72, 78, and 89. Metabolic measurements included muscle phosphocreatine (PCr), ATP, ADP, and AMP, and hepatic glycogen. Inland and coastal fish overlapped considerably with regard to their hsp responses and energetic endpoints, but hatchery fish were distinct in the biochemical patterns they exhibited. Hsp expression levels after temperature shock were significantly lower in hatchery than in wild fish. Hatchery fish also had significantly lower hepatic glycogen and higher muscle ADP, ATP, and PCr concentrations than wild fish. Coastal and inland steelhead did not differ significantly with regard to peak hsp72 and hsp89 levels or to concentrations of energy metabolites. However, fish from the warm-water, inland site expressed significantly less hsp63, maintained higher basal levels of hsp72, and induced hsp89 more slowly than fish from the cold-water, coastal site. Discriminant function analysis revealed that hatchery fish can be distinguished from wild Navarro River fish with 84.9% certainty using the following function: f(x) = − 43.6 + 0.14(Gly) + 4.1(PCr) + 186.4(AMP) + 80.8(ADP) − 0.14(hsp63) + 0.005(hsp72). This study demonstrates that within a single species, rearing conditions or genetic variation can influence an organism’s disposition and cellular response to thermal stress. Extrapolation of results from laboratory studies on hatchery fish to wild fish may therefore not be possible, and caution must be used when interpreting hsp data obtained for wild fish with different thermal histories.     

Developmental rates,structural asymmetry,and metabolic fingerprints of steelhead trout (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>) eggs incubated at two temperatures

Temperature stress on developing steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was evaluated using asymmetry of skeletal characters, fish condition factor, and metabolic fingerprints. Eggs from three female hatchery steelhead were fertilized by a single male. The eggs from each female were divided into two groups and incubated at either 8°C or 18°C. Mortality, growth, and condition factor were measured at stage 6 (32 cells), stage 20 (eyed), and stage 21 (caudal flexing). In addition, ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to establish metabolic fingerprints of developing eggs at the three stages. After hatching, all alevins were moved to tanks at 18°C and allowed to develop to 60 days post-emergence (DPE), at which point they were examined for structural asymmetry. Eggs incubated at 18°C experienced higher mortality, with all eggs from one hen dying at the higher temperature. Eggs incubated at the higher temperature that did survive hatched as larger larval fish than eggs incubated at the lower temperature. Fish incubated at the higher temperature exhibited greater structural asymmetry than fish incubated at the lower temperature. A principle components (PC) analysis of the metabolic fingerprints indicated that PC1 and PC2 accounted for 60% of the variance in the metabolites. Separation along PC1 corresponded to differences in developmental stage, and separation along PC2 corresponded to differences in hen. Eggs incubated at 18°C lagged behind eggs incubated at 8°C along PC1, indicating a potential problem with embryo staging. PC1 scores were highly correlated with the accumulated thermal units during development, indicating that scores along PC1 were a robust measure of developmental stage.     

Effects of food deprivation on white muscle energy reserves in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): the relationships with body size and temperature

The relationship between body size and the depletion of white muscle metabolites (e.g., PCr, ATP, glucose and glycogen) was examined in two sizes (30 or 700 g) of rainbow trout deprived of food for one, four or seven days at either 5 or 15 °C. Following 7 days of food deprivation at 15 °C, the levels of muscle glycogen decreased by approximately 50% in small fish relative to control values (i.e., day 1). In comparison, small fish acclimated to cold temperatures did not exhibit a significant reduction of muscle glycogen over the seven day fasting regime. In contrast to small fish, the levels of white muscle glycogen in large fish remained unchanged after food deprivation, regardless of acclimation temperature. A seven day deprivation of food also resulted in a 50% depletion of white muscle glucose concentrations in small and large fish acclimated to warm temperatures, but there were no significant changes in this variable in fish acclimated to cold temperatures. In contrast to the negative effects of food deprivation on white muscle glycogen and glucose levels, the concentrations of white muscle PCr and ATP were not greatly affected by food deprivation under any of the experimental conditions. Taken together, these results clearly show that food deprivation can have an important influence on the storage of energy metabolites for anaerobic energy production, particularly in small fish at warm temperatures. In the future, it may be very important to consider the physiological effects of short-term food deprivation when interpreting results from studies in which fish have been fasted prior to treatments such as exercise.     

Impact of bacteria on short-term storage of salmonid eggs

Unfertilized eggs of steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792), were stored at a low temperature (～0°C) with antibiotics (penicillin and streptomycin) for up to 22 days and fertility assessed. Unfertilized eggs of chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum 1792), were stored at a low temperature (～0°C) either with or without antibiotics for up to 24 days and fertility assessed. There were no significant decreases in fertility under these conditions. Steelhead eggs were maintained at 4°C for up to 15 days with or without added bacteria and with or without gentamicin. Gentamicin inhibited bacterial growth during storage at 4°C and its use resulted in a less pronounced decline in fertility with storage. These results suggest that low temperatures and antibiotics play an important role in extending the period over which salmonid eggs can be successfully stored.     

Estimating thermal exposure of adult summer steelhead and fall Chinook salmon migrating in a warm impounded river

Rising river temperatures in western North America have increased the vulnerability of many Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) populations to lethal and sublethal risks. There is a growing need to predict and manage such risks, especially for populations whose life history or geography increases the likelihood of warm‐water exposure. We estimated thermal exposure of adult summer steelhead (O. mykiss) and fall‐run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) as they migrated through a warm (often > 20 °C), 157‐km reach of the impounded Snake River, Washington. Archival temperature loggers and radiotelemetry were used to reconstruct thermal histories for 50 steelhead and 21 salmon. Encountered temperature maxima were mostly inside dam fishways and ranged from 15.8 to 24.0 °C (mean = 19.6 °C) for steelhead and from 18.0 to 21.6 °C (19.9 °C) for salmon. Behavioural thermoregulation was evident for ~50% of steelhead and ~30% of salmon in one of three reservoirs. Degree days (DDs) calculated from archival tags ranged from 74 to 973 DDs (median = 130) for steelhead and from 56 to 220 DDs (133) for salmon. Models using river temperature data and fish migration times accurately estimated total DDs for both species except some steelhead with extended thermoregulation. In a predictive application, we estimated exposure for 10,104 steelhead and 9071 Chinook salmon with passive integrated transponder‐tag detections at dams and found considerable DD variability across individuals, species and years. This estimation method, combined with baseline thermal surveys and existing monitoring infrastructure, can help to address long‐standing questions about how warm‐water exposure affects Snake River salmon and steelhead phenology, bioenergetics, physiology, survival and reproductive success.     

Prevention of thaw-rigor during frozen storage of bigeye tuna Thunnus obesus and meat quality evaluation

Thaw-rigor is often found in frozen meat of bigeye tuna Thunnus obesus. Excessive amounts of drip loss and stiffness greatly lower the commercial value of tuna meat. In order to prevent thaw-rigor in meat stored at −60°C post-capture, we adapted a temperature shift technique that stores the meat at −7°C for 1 day or −10°C for 7 days before thawing. Biochemical changes in muscle of bigeye tuna before and after the temperature shift to −7 or −10°C were characterized. Contents of ATP, NAD⁺, glycogen, and creatine phosphate decreased after the temperature shift. NAD⁺ levels decreased faster than ATP levels and were highly correlated with the rigor index. Thaw-rigor occurred in muscle containing NAD⁺ at 1 μmol/g and ATP at 7 μmol/g. On the other hand, the meat color of tuna during frozen storage changed to brown depending on the storage temperature and reflected the rate of metmyoglobin (met-Mb) formation. Met-Mb formation increase was dependent on the decrease in NADH levels during the frozen storage. A temperature shift technique with storage at −7°C for 1 day or −10°C for 7 days before thawing prevented thaw-rigor and met-Mb formation.     

Suppressive effect of ATP on autoxidation of tuna oxymyoglobin to metmyoglobin

The discoloration of tuna meat proceeds during frozen storage at around ?20 °C. On the other hand, the discoloration of highly fresh tuna meat could effectively be suppressed even if stored at ?20 °C. However, the suppressive mechanism of the discoloration is not well understood. Here the effects of ATP on the autoxidation rate and molecular structure of tuna myoglobin are reported. The autoxidation rate of southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii myoglobin at 25 °C was suppressed in the presence of ATP especially in acidic pH range. Mixing ATP with myoglobin induced a spectral perturbation in the soret region of myoglobin. This spectral perturbation was observed as a function of the ATP concentration. Quenching of myoglobin fluorescence was also caused by ATP, saturating at around 0.5 mM ATP. According to dynamic light-scattering measurements, the molecular weights of tuna Mb changed from 15.5 to 11.3 kDa with ATP and zeta-potential measurements gave also a negative surface charge without ATP and a positive one with ATP, respectively. The above results indicate that ATP-induces changes in the conformational structure of myoglobin. The effects of ATP on myoglobin could thus provide a possible mechanism to regulate the autoxidation of myoglobin.     

Effects of long-term feed deprivation on body weight loss,muscle composition,plasma metabolites,and intermediate metabolism of meagre (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Argyrosomus regius</Emphasis>) under different water temperatures

The effect of feed deprivation at four water temperatures (17, 20, 23, 26 °C) was investigated in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) of initial mean weight ± SD, 116.16?±?4.74 g, in triplicate groups. Fish were deprived of feed for a period of 60 days and sampled on days 0, 14, 41, and 60, during which body weight, specific growth rate, somatic indices, muscle proximate composition, plasma metabolite levels (total lipids, proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose), and liver and muscle enzymatic activities [L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH), citrate synthase (CS), malate dehydrogenase (MDH)] were evaluated. Long-term feed deprivation resulted in a significant decrease in body weight, condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), muscle lipids, and plasma metabolites (all except proteins) and increase in muscle moisture. Plasma glucose concentration decreased with time and became significantly lower at 41 and 60 days. Glucose concentration and weight loss expressed a different response in the short term (14 days) than in the long term (14 and 60 days) of feed deprivation, suggesting a change in glucose metabolic profile. After 60 days of feed deprivation, there was an increase in the L-LDH activity in the liver at all temperature levels, which reflects a rising glycolytic potential by activating the carbohydrate metabolism and an ATP-dependent demand. MDH activity increased in the liver and muscle, except at 17 °C in the muscle, which indicates aerobic glycolysis and lipolysis. CS activity in the liver increased after the 60 days, whereas that in the muscle decreased, indicating the muscle is less dependent on aerobic oxidation for energy reserves.     

Molecular cloning and expression of the heat shock protein 70 gene in the Kumamoto oyster <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crassostrea sikamea</Emphasis>

Episodes of summer mortality of the Kumamoto oyster Crassostrea sikamea are a major problem for its cultivation. Expression of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is induced by various environmental stresses, including heat. We cloned and sequenced hsp70 complementary DNA from C. sikamea to investigate the relationship between hsp70 expression and heat tolerance in this oyster. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed using gill tissue dissected from oysters before and after heat shock for 1 h. The results showed hsp70 expression was faster and greater in oysters cultured at 20–22 °C than at 10–12 °C, and survival was lower among oysters cultured at 20–22 °C than at 10–12 °C. Moreover, heat tolerance was investigated by a 1-h pre-heat treatment, followed by exposure to heat shock conditions 5 days later. Survival was higher and hsp70 expression was notably lower in oysters that received the pre-heat treatment compared with those that did not. We conclude that a pre-heat treatment of only 1 h may be useful for inducing heat tolerance in C. sikamea, and that a low level of hsp70 expression after heat shock is an important index in selecting for high heat tolerance in these oysters.     

Effects of short‐chain fructooligosaccharides on growth performance and hepatic intermediary metabolism in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) reared at winter and summer temperatures

The effect of short‐chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) incorporation on growth, feed utilization, body composition, plasmatic metabolites and selected liver enzyme activities of turbot juveniles reared at winter (15 °C) and summer (20 °C) temperatures was studied. Four comparable diets were formulated to contain circa 50 : 50 fish meal and plant ingredients as protein sources. Experimental diets included increasing levels of scFOS (0, 5, 10 and 20 g kg^?1). Final weight was higher at 20 °C, but thermal growth unit, feed efficiency, nitrogen and energy retention were better at 15 °C. scFOS supplementation did not affect fish growth performance. Fish reared at 15 °C had higher liver glycogen, visceral and hepatosomatic indices. Liver lipids, plasma triglycerides, total lipids, cholesterol HDL and LDL were higher in turbot reared at 20 °C. Malic enzyme, fatty acid synthetase, alanine aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities were higher in fish reared at 15 °C. Malic enzyme was lower in turbot fed with 20 g kg^?1 scFOS compared to control diet; however, fatty acid synthetase presented an increasing trend as dietary scFOS increased up to 10 g kg^?1. Glutamate dehydrogenase activity was higher in fish fed the control diet. Results seem to indicate no benefits of scFOS incorporation to diets on growth performance of turbot.     

Maintenance of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sperm at different in vitro oxygen tensions alters ATP levels and cell functional characteristics

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in sperm from steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were found to be 12.0 ± 1.4 pmol ATP per 10⁶ sperm cells. Sperm were stored at 0–2 °C for up to 72 h under 100 and 21% O₂, and 100% N₂. The sperm ATP content of samples maintained under 100 and 21% O₂ both decreased to about 70 and 50% of initial values after 24 and 72 h, respectively. ATP levels of sperm stored under 100% N₂ decreased to 20% of initial values after only 4 h and to less than 10% of initial values after 24 h; they remained unchanged throughout the following 48 h. These low levels, however, were reversible. Following 4 h incubation under 100% N₂, sperm ATP levels rose upon exposure to and maintenance under 100% O₂, increasing to 50% of initial values after a total of 72 h. ATP levels in sperm maintained with cyanide for 4 h decreased to less than 5% of initial values. The magnitude of the change in sperm ATP levels after 24 h in samples maintained under 100% O₂ correlated positively with the initial sperm ATP levels. Sperm ATP levels, motility, and fertility were all correlated positively in a subset of samples examined. The initial percent of living sperm (sperm viability) was 97.5 ± 0.5% and was unaltered through 24 h under all O₂ tensions. Sperm viability remained unchanged through 72 h under 21% O₂ and decreased by 10 and 30% by 72 h under 100% O₂ and 100% N₂, respectively. Therefore, reductions in sperm ATP levels could not be attributed to cell death as viability decreased only modestly over these durations. Spermatocrit values were unaltered throughout the 72 h incubation for samples maintained under 100 and 21% O₂, however, a 95% increase in spermatocrit occurred after 72 h in samples maintained under 100% N₂. These data indicate that intracellular ATP in steelhead trout sperm can be modulated by ambient oxygen without significant loss of viability and that this ATP has a probable role in cell motility and fertility, and sperm packing and cell flexibility.     

Influence of temperature on growth,feed consumption and chemical composition in the muscle of Pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus

The zootechnical performance of fish can be influenced by temperature through the induction of metabolic changes that are likely to affect growth and body composition. Thus, the objectives of this study were: (a) to examine the influence of five different temperatures (18, 21, 24, 27 and 30°C) on growth performance and metabolic parameters and (b) to evaluate the relationship of the protein efficiency ratio (PER) with the fillet proximate composition of Pacu juveniles. Growth and feed consumption (FC) were positively correlated with temperature (R² = .95), while PER and FC were negatively correlated with temperature (R² = .89). For the fillet composition, ethereal extract increased, and moisture decreased with the temperature. Protein content was lowest at 18 and 30°C and highest at 21, 24 and 27°C. The robust adjusted curve between PER and fillet protein content in relation to temperature showed the best result at 21°C. The obtained results indicate that Pacu juveniles reared between 21 and 27°C showed better protein efficiency with regard to FC, and this effect reflected better meat quality.     

Effect of temperature on muscle lactate metabolic recovery in sea bass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicentrarchus labrax</Emphasis>, L.) juveniles exposed to exhaustive exercise

Muscle lactate metabolic recovery in sea bass juveniles was studied in respect to the water temperature. The fish used in this study were cultured with the semi-extensive mesocosm method, and the water temperatures were 15 and 20°C. Fish were led to exhaustion by exercising in a swimming channel, and the muscle lactate levels were measured seven times before and after exercise. The results showed that muscle lactate concentration rises during exercise until it reaches a maximum (exhaustion point), and then it keeps falling during the recovery time. Also, fish exercised at 20°C exhibited higher lactate values at the exhaustion point and faster decomposition rates during recovery.     

Effects of rested-harvest using the anesthetic AQUI-S™ on channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,physiology and fillet quality

Trials were conducted to determine effects of AQUI-S™ sedation during harvest (rested-harvest) on physiological responses and fillet quality of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Rested-harvest is defined as application of an anesthetic immediately before harvest to reduce fish activity associated with a normal harvest. Doses of 25–35 ppm AQUI-S™ were effective for rested-harvest of catfish (loss of equilibrium in 3 to 10 min and 100% survival following recovery). Time to loss of equilibrium and time to recovery following sedation with 35 ppm AQUI-S™ increased as water temperature decreased from 30 °C to 10 °C. Catfish exposed to 25 ppm AQUI-S™, 35 ppm AQUI-S™, 100 ppm trincaine methanesulfonate, and 8 ppm metomidate had lower blood lactate, cortisol, and glucose and higher blood pH than unsedated fish exposed to a low-water stress. Rested-harvest (RH) catfish had higher muscle and blood pH, lower blood and muscle lactate, and higher muscle ATP levels than catfish exposed to a 45 min low-water stress. Rates of muscle pH decrease, ATP decrease, and lactate increase accelerated as storage temperature decreased from 15 °C to 5 °C in RH fish acclimated to summer temperatures (33 °C), conversely these rates accelerated as storage temperature increased from 5 °C to 15 °C in RH fish acclimated to winter temperatures (7 °C). Based on physiological response (higher muscle pH, lower blood lactate, delayed time to rigor), post-sedation euthanasia by CO₂ was superior to post-sedation euthanasia by AQUI-S™ overdose (150 ppm), nitrogen gas, or electrical stunning. Compared to fillets from fish exposed to simulated industry transport conditions, fillets from RH/CO₂ euthanised fish had higher pH 1 h post-slaughter, and less drip-loss and lower L^⁎ and a^⁎ color values during 7 days of iced storage. RH/CO₂ and control fillets were not different for shelf-life based on bacterial counts. Rested-harvest with AQUI-S™ followed by CO₂ euthanasia has potential to improve catfish fillet quality, but AQUI-S™ approval, development of rested-harvest strategies, and demonstration of economic benefits of rested-harvest will be required for adoption of rested-harvest to commercial catfish production.     

Muscle cellularity in relation to somatic growth in the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (L.)

Sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), juveniles (1.32 g) grew at a rate of 4.2% per day, when fish were fed ad libitum and reared at optimal thermal conditions (ambient sea water temperature, 20-26°C). At 13°C, feeding and spontaneous activity were severely restricted and somatic growth was reduced to 0.6% per day. Over a period of 6 weeks, both muscle fibre hyperplasia and nuclear division were higher in the ambient-temperature group compared with the fish reared at 13°C. Despite the differences in growth rate and spontaneous activity, muscle fibre hyperplasia was paralleled by nuclear division in the lateral axial muscle in both temperature groups and the number of nuclei per myofibre did not differ significantly between the two temperature groups. It is concluded that at optimal thermal and feeding conditions, somatic growth of sea bass juveniles is mediated through an increase in the number of nuclei and muscle fibres.     

High dietary protein combats the stress of Labeo rohita fingerlings exposed to heat shock

The amelioration effect of high dietary protein against stress was evaluated in Labeo rohita fingerlings, exposed to heat shock. Two hundred and forty fingerlings (6.57 ± 0.04 g, average weight ± SE) were randomly distributed into 4 treatment groups, each with 4 replicates was fed with either of four diets containing different levels of protein (20, 30, 40 or 45%). Water temperatures of all the treatments were within the range of 25.5–26.5°C throughout the experimental period of 30 days. After 30 days of feeding, fish were given heat shock by exposing to 38°C for 2 h. Heat shock significantly decreased (P < 0.05) liver glycogen content in treatment groups fed with 20 and 30% dietary protein, whereas unaffected in the 40 and 45% protein-fed groups. Heat shock significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum glucose and cortisol level in all the treatments. The 40 and 45% dietary protein–fed groups registered significantly higher survival (%) after the heat shock compared with their lower-protein counterparts. Heat shock increased the glycolytic, gluconeogenic, protein metabolic and antioxidative enzymes to cope up with thermal stress. Our results indicate that high-protein diet (≥40%) combats the stress due to heat shock in Labeo rohita.     

Postmortem Biochemical and Microbiological Changes in Loricariid Catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) Muscle During Ice Storage

ABSTRACT

Postmortem biochemical and microbiological changes in loricariid catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) muscle were evaluated during ice storage for 20 days. Values of pH remained stable for 15 days (7.4 ± 0.2), and total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) remained under acceptable limits throughout storage, with a final value of 25.2 ± 3.3 mg N/100 g muscle at Day 20. Adenosine-5´-triphosphate (ATP) and derivatives followed a postmortem degradation pattern similar to other species, with the K-value being the best freshness loss indicator. Biochemical and microbiological changes indicated that the shelf life of iced loricariid catfish muscle was 15 days under optimal (0°C) storage conditions.     

Growth and gonad development of the tropical black-lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera (L.), in the Gambier archipelago (French Polynesia)

The growth and reproductive cycle of cultured black-lipped pearl oysters, Pinctada margaritifera (L.), were studied in the Gambier Islands (134°52′ W, 23°07′ S) from September 2002 to August 2003. Temperatures were recorded throughout the year, revealing seasonal temperature variations between 22.3 and 27.8°C. The mean annual chlorophyll a value, as computed from satellite data, was 0.188 ± 0.075 μg L⁻¹. To study growth and reproduction, 720 two-year-old individuals were ear hung on long-lines suspended at a depth of 7 m. Samples were taken twice a month to obtain the following measurements: shell height; wet weight of flesh and total oyster; dry weight of adductor muscle, mantle and visceral mass; and glycogen content. Gonad development was also studied by histology on parallel samples. Growth was relatively fast during the first 6 months of the study: average shell height increased from 89.1 ± 9.1 to 119.7 ± 10.8 mm and total weight from 93.4 ± 24.5 to 155.1 ± 33.6 g, between September and the end of March. Subsequently, from April to August, no significant growth was observed for shell and flesh, while the muscle weight decreased significantly. Condition index (CI), defined as the ratio of wet weight of the visceral mass to shell weight, and histological changes in the gonad revealed 3 significant reproductive events of different intensities. The analysis of correlations revealed a specific effect of the chlorophyll a concentration on the growth of shell and soma, and one of the temperature on tissue glycogen content. This study also showed also that CI could be an efficient indicator of reproductive events in pearl oyster. It thus appears that the development of gonads goes on throughout the year in the Gambier Islands, without any detectable phase of sexual rest.     

Effect of Temperature on Quality-Related Changes in Cod (Gadus morhua) During Short- and Long-Term Frozen Storage

Cod (Gadus morhua) was stored at eight temperatures (?10 to ?80°C) for 1 to 18 months, after which quality indicators were measured—including drip loss, water holding capacity, low field NMR spin-spin relaxation, color, amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and lysosomal Cathepsin D activities. Results from samples stored up to 12 months showed no significant differences between ?30°C and lower temperatures. The NMR measurements, however, indicated some changes in the water distribution of samples stored at ?30°C for 12 or more months compared to storage at ?40°C or lower.     

Thermal Optima for the Culture of Juvenile Summer Flounder,Paralichthys dentatus

Abstract

Summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, aquaculture has shown promise over the recent past and a considerable body of knowledge is amassing for this species of flatfish. Even with the amassing data, basic information on environmental parameter ranges to maintain in indoor culture systems is still lacking. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to elucidate a temperature range that may be best suited for juvenile summer flounder production in indoor recirculating aquaculture. A 10-week study was designed to address 19, 24 and 29°C as potential temperatures for the culture of summer flounder. Fish averaging 9.5 g initial weight were stocked into triplicate 20-L aquaria per treatment after conditioning to their respective temperatures for 1 week. Fish were fed to apparent satiation twice daily a 50% crude protein fingerling diet and weighed every 2 weeks to assess growth rates.

Juvenile summer flounder grew better at 24 and 29°C (167 and 197% increase initial weight, respectively) than at 19°C (97% increase in initial weight) with increased individual fish variation within a treatment as temperature increased above 19°C. Feed efficiency was greatest at 24 and 29°C (0.65 and 0.57, respectively), but survival decreased at temperatures above 19°C (93, 60 and 57% for 19, 24 and 29°C, respectively). There was no effect of temperature on the hepatosomatic index or interior muscle ratio, but the finray muscle ratio was slightly elevated when flounder were cultured at 29°C. The lipid content of the finray muscle and liver also increased at 29°C. Therefore, 24°C appears to be the best culture temperature for summer flounder with respect to growth rates and efficiency, but survival and homogeneity of flounder may be lowered at temperatures above 19°C.