Identification of individuals born in different spawning seasons using otolith microstructure to reveal life history of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neosalanx taihuensis</Emphasis>

Otolith microstructure was used to distinguish specimens of Neosalanx taihuensis born in spring and autumn. Increment width during the early life stage was significantly narrower for spring-born than autumn-born juveniles, and the frequency distributions of the width of the first 5 increments were distinctive and diagnostic. Otolith growth trajectories and frequency distribution of the first 5 increments of spring-spawning adults displayed similar patterns to spring-born juveniles. Otolith growth trajectories of autumn-spawning adults were intermediate between those of spring- and autumn-born juveniles, and the frequency distribution of the width of the first 5 increments showed two modes, one similar to spring-born juveniles and the other similar to autumn-born juveniles. Populations of N. taihuensis have previously been shown to be dominated by spring-spawning fish. Thus, the putative life history of N. taihuensis can be summarized as: (1) a small part of the spring-born fish mature and spawn in autumn of the year of their birth, (2) the majority of the spring-born cohort matures and spawns in spring of the next year, and (3) offspring of the autumn-born fish mature and spawn in autumn of the following year. This stock-structure information should be considered in fisheries management for this species.     

Seasonal spawning and wind‐regulated retention‐dispersal of early life stage Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in a Newfoundland fjord

Sequential ichthyoplankton surveys were used to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of eggs and larvae over coastal spawning grounds of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in Smith Sound, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, during the spring and summer of 2006 and 2007. Egg densities showed similar patterns for both years with two peaks in abundance in spring (March–April) and late summer (late July). A clear progression of development stages (1–4) was observed in spring and summer in 2006 and summer in 2007, suggesting retention of eggs within the Sound during these periods. Modelled predictions of vertical egg distributions indicated eggs were broadly distributed near the surface during spring (March–April), but were concentrated below the pycnocline (>10 m) within the inner portions of the Sound during the summer months (July–August). Back‐calculated peaks in spawning based on water temperatures were estimated at 11 and 4 April for 2006 and 2007, respectfully, with late season peaks centred on 21–24 July for both years. Environmental data indicated cooler water temperatures and periods of high wind stress in spring, and warmer, calmer periods late summer, consistent with higher retention and faster development times on the spawning grounds later in the season. We conclude that spring and summer spawning events result in different distributions of early life stages and may lead to different distributions of juvenile and adult fish.     

Annually twice induced spawnings provide multiple benefits: Experimental evidence from an Indian major carp (Catla catla,Hamilton 1822)

Multiple spawnings are special reproductive tactics that many fish evolved to obtain different types of direct and/or indirect spawning benefits. This has led to two pertinent questions: (a) what types of benefit does a commercially important fish provide during multiple induced spawnings annually? and (b) is there any trade‐off between traits during these spawnings? To address these questions, the present study was carried out with two separate experiments during two spawning events of an Indian major carp (Catla catla) to assess: (a) male's spawning performances and (b) female's spawning performances. The male's spawning data revealed that they produced significantly higher amount of milt and hatchlings during the first spawning, while they significantly reduced hatchling deformation rate, enhanced offspring survival rate and enlarged offspring body size during the second spawning. The female's spawning information unveiled no significant differences in total egg weight, hatching rate and hatchling deformation rate between the first and second spawning. However, females had significantly higher offspring survival rate during the first spawning and enhanced offspring body size during the second spawning. Interestingly, the analysis of trait associations revealed that males allocated energy with a trade‐off between milt weight and offspring survival rate, whereas females showed a trade‐off between hatching rate and offspring survival rate. Thus, the study provides some important information for carp breeders and associated stakeholders to know which spawning season is preferable for the higher production of eggs, milt and good quality larvae.     

Effects of Varying Dietary Protein Levels and Feeding Frequencies on Condition and Reproductive Performance of Channel Catfish to Produce Hybrid Catfish

The interspecific hybridization of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, females with blue catfish, I. furcatus, males has been identified as a method to further improve production; however, lack of spawning success has affected its commercial application. To facilitate our understanding of the interaction of brood stock nutrition and reproductive performance, we evaluated the interaction of feed quality and feeding frequency. Channel catfish females were classified into two genetic groups, namely, high and low spawning. The treatments were offered during the spring season 70–90 d prior to the start of the spawning season. Induced reproduction was performed using luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog. Condition of the fish as well as reproductive performance using spawning success, egg production, egg size, and fertilization at 48 h were determined. Changing protein level of the diet from 32 to 42% did not influence spawning, fecundity, or fertilization, but affected egg size and biochemical composition of the eggs. Increasing the feeding frequency from three to six times per week negatively affected spawning in one of the two genetics groups, did not affect egg production and egg fertilization, but had a significant effect on egg size. Older fish performed better than younger fish in terms of spawning success and egg production.     

Reproductive cycle of yellow sea bream <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dentex tumifrons</Emphasis> in Wakasa Bay,the Sea of Japan off central Honshu

ABSTRACT:   To determine the spawning season and reproductive cycle of the yellow sea bream, Dentex tumifrons , in Wakasa Bay, in the Sea of Japan off central Honshu, seasonal change in the gonadosomatic index ( GSI ) was examined and histological observations of both ovaries and testes were conducted. The female GSI gradually increased from May, maintained a high level between August and October and then rapidly decreased. The histological observations of the ovary showed that vitellogenesis began from May and developed until September. Spent fish began to be observed in October and all the fish collected in December were spent. There was only one peak in the seasonal change in GSI of males and females in Wakasa Bay. Thus, yellow sea bream spawn only in autumn in Wakasa Bay. Differences in the reproductive cycle and number of spawning seasons were found between the two different latitudinal areas, Wakasa Bay and the East China Sea (low latitudinal area) where the spawning seasons were spring and autumn. An increase in water temperature is an important factor to initiate gonadal maturation (recrudescence) and is terminated by the short day-length in Wakasa Bay.     

Feeding,body condition and reproductive investment of Astyanax intermedius (Characiformes,Characidae) in relation to rainfall and temperature in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest stream

Life history theory seeks to explain how environmental variation selects for patterns of investment in growth and survival relative to production and survival of offspring. Seasonal variations in rainfall and temperature provide environmental cues for spawning by many tropical freshwater fishes. To investigate environment–life history associations, we conducted a one‐year study of Astyanax intermedius in an Atlantic Forest stream of southeastern Brazil. Our analysis focused on temporal variation in feeding, body condition and reproduction in relation to rainfall and water temperature. For mature females, food intake was not significantly correlated with rainfall or temperature; however, body condition was negatively correlated with rainfall and water temperature. Female reproductive effort was positively correlated with water temperature, but did not vary with rainfall. For males and juveniles, there was no significant relationship between food intake or body condition and either environmental variable. Testis weight was negatively correlated with rainfall, but was not significantly correlated with water temperature. We detected a negative correlation between gonad mass with body condition and food intake for females but not for males. Our results differed from other studies in tropical and subtropical areas where rainfall has been shown to be positively correlated with fish reproductive effort. Our results indicate that reproductive effort of males is relatively constant throughout the year, whereas for females, it increases with increasing water temperature. This increase in reproductive investment in concert with an increasing temperature and metabolic rate may incur a trade‐off with somatic growth and survival for this small stream fish.     

Fishery‐induced demographic changes in the timing of spawning: consequences for reproductive success*

Demography can have a significant effect on reproductive timing and the magnitude of such an effect can be comparable to environmentally induced variability. This effect arises because the individuals of many fish species spawn progressively earlier within a season and may produce more egg batches over a longer period as they get older, thus extending their lifetime spawning duration. Inter‐annual variation in spawning time is a critical factor in reproductive success because it affects the early environmental conditions experienced by progeny and the period they have to complete phases of development. By reducing the average lifetime spawning duration within a fish stock, fishing pressure could be increasing the variability in reproductive success and reducing long‐term stock reproductive potential. Empirical estimates of selection on birth date, from experiments and using otolith microstructure, demonstrate that there is considerable variation in selection on birth date both within a spawning season and between years. The few multi‐year studies that have linked egg production with the survival of progeny to the juvenile stage further highlight the uncertainty that adults face in timing their spawning to optimize offspring survival. The production of many small batches of eggs over a long period of time within a season and over a lifetime is therefore likely to decrease variance and increase mean progeny survival. Quantifying this effect of demography on variability in survival requires a focus on lifetime reproductive success rather than year specific relationships between recruitment and stock reproductive potential. Modelling approaches are suggested that can better quantify the likely impact of changing spawning times on year‐class strength and lifetime reproductive potential. The evidence presented strengthens the need to avoid fishing severely age truncated fish stocks.     

Variation in growth rate,liver weight and body composition at first sexual maturity in rainbow trout

Rainbow trout around 743 g were fed four different diets over an 8-month period. Maturing males grew faster in the period before spawning (Sept.–Dec.) than maturing females, and significantly faster than immature fish. Mature fish stagnated in growth while the immature fish surpassed the growth of mature fish during the spawning season. The condition factor was moderately influenced by the maturation process. In the period before spawning (Sept.–Jan.) maturing females had a significantly higher hepatosomatic index than males and immature fish. An increase in dry matter and fat and a decrease of protein were observed in the muscle of maturing males and immature fish towards the spawning season, while maturing females had a slight fall in dry matter and fat and a small increase in protein in the same period. Dry matter and fat in muscle of rainbow trout were positively correlated.     

Effects of feeding rate and dietary protein levels on the breeding performance of female yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

Nutritional components and feeding strategies are multifarious amongst different producers, whereas they are just designed for fish farming but not suitable for improving the reproductive performance of broodfish. Yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), an omnivorous species, is one of the important aquaculture fish in China. In order to improve the reproductive performance of female yellow catfish (119.86—134.54 g), four feeding strategies (0.5%, 0.75%, 1% and 1.5% BW/d) and three dietary protein levels (34%, 40% and 46%) were examined, respectively, in the two separate trials. The females with moderate feed restriction (1%) showed significant lower mesenteric fat index (MFI) and higher gonadosomatic index (GSI) than the satiation group (1.5%) and excessive feeding restriction groups (0.5% and 0.75%). Females with high MFI were difficult to be artificially propagated and showed a high mortality rate, whilst the fish at 1.0% feeding rate displayed low mortality rate and high ratios of spawned fish, as well as high percentages of fertilization and hatching. Meanwhile, the offspring of 1.0% feeding rate group showed a low malformation rate and high survival rate. Multiple spawning in the same breeding season are applied in yellow catfish to reduce the number of parent fish and increase the fry production, and gonadal recrudescence after spawning might be affected by different nutrient values including dietary protein levels. In the second trail, female yellow catfish were fed with 34%, 40% and 46% crude protein diet at 1% feeding rate for the second spawning, and the best reproductive and breeding performances were observed in the fish group with 46% crude protein diet. These results demonstrate that 1% feeding rate is optimum for the spawning and reproductive performance of female yellow catfish for the first artificial spawning, and 46% dietary protein group had the best reproductive performances in the second spawning.     

Reproduction,growth and stress response in adult red sea bream,Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel) exposed to different photoperiods at spawning season

Adult red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight, 1.0–2.0 kg) was exposed to three photoperiods [12 h light:12 h dark (12L:12D), 16 h light:8 h dark (16L:8D) and 24 h light:0 h dark (24L:0D)] from 2 months before spawning till the end of the spawning season to investigate growth, spawning and stress response. During the spawning season, tanks were checked every morning for spawned eggs. The growth performance in fish under 24L:0D was stimulated with significantly higher feed intake than those under other photoperiods (P<0.05). The number of eggs and gonadal histology confirmed that three and five females out of six in each of duplicate tanks of the 16L:8D treatment spawned. In contrast, only two out of six females in one tank of the 24L:0D treatment spawned, and no spawns were observed in the 12L:12D treatment. At the end of the spawning period, both 17β‐estradiol and testosterone levels were significantly higher in fish exposed to 16L:8D followed by 12L:12D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P<0.05). Photoperiod manipulation did not cause significant stress response in fish (P>0.05). The results suggest that stimulating the growth performance of red sea bream at reproductive stage with a 24L:0D photoperiod is possible if the fish are subjected to this photoperiod long before the onset of the spawning season.     

Spatiotemporal variations in nutritional status and feeding habits of immature female bighand thornyhead <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sebastolobus macrochir</Emphasis> off the Pacific coast of northern Honshu,Japan

Nutritional status and feeding habits of immature female bighand thornyhead Sebastolobus macrochir were assessed based on Fulton’s condition factor K, hepatosomatic index (HSI), and stomach observations. Fish were obtained from bottom trawl samples taken seasonally during 2006/2007 in the Tohoku area, off the Pacific coast of northern Honshu, Japan. Results of the generalized linear model (GLM) indicated that fish condition deteriorated with depth, and small fish had a lower K, HSI, and percent stomach content index (SCI) than larger specimens. The empty stomach rate was higher in deeper waters in northern Tohoku (except for small fish from spring to autumn) and in southern Tohoku (spring/summer). Changes in the index of relative importance (%IRI) showed that the main prey items changed from nutritionally high to low prey items with depth. This suggests that deeper waters, where fish with the lowest condition values occur, are a poorer quality habitat for immature bighand thornyhead and that small fish are subordinate to larger fish. The effect on growth, due to variations in nutritional status and feeding habits, produced by the distributional changes in bighand thornyhead is also discussed.     

Reproductive characteristics of the orbiculate cardinalfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphaeramia orbicularis</Emphasis> in the Chuuk Lagoon,Micronesia

Detailed knowledge of the reproductive characteristics of fish in tropical areas is currently lacking. We have performed a histological study of the reproductive aspects of Sphaeramia orbicularis, a tropical fish found on the Weno Islands of the Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia, and further estimated the gonadosomatic indices (GSI) of this fish. The sex ratio was approximately 1:1. The standard length of males and females at 50% maturity was 49.0 and 46.9 mm, respectively. Histological observation of S. orbicularis ovaries and testes revealed that the fish exhibits multiple spawner characteristics, including coexistence of primary yolk stages, migratory nucleus or mature stages, and asynchronism of the spermatogenesis process. Monthly variations in the GSI and gonadal maturity stages demonstrated that reproductive activity occurs throughout the year. The findings in this study provide important information on the spawning activity and season of S. orbicularis in Micronesia.     

Timing of spawning in cultured and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in the River Vosso, Norway

Spawning time and size of wild and nonnative cultured female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) were studied in the River Vosso, Norway. Cultured immigrants were smaller, and peak spawning occurred 21 and 26 days earlier relative to wild salmon in 1991 and 1992, respectively. It was calculated that hatching and initial feeding of offspring of cultured females peaked 12 and 9 days earlier in spring 1992 and 19 and 8 days earlier in spring 1993 relative to offspring of wild females. Spawning time of the cultured salmon is similar to most Norwegian salmon populations and to cultured fish in other streams. In the River Vosso it also overlaps with that of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.), which may increase hybridization. The early time of breeding in nonnative fish indicates local adaptation in this trait in wild salmon. The consequences of early breeding of cultured fish are unpredictable in relation to spring temperatures but probably reduce their relative breeding success. The smaller size may also reduce the success of cultured females.     

Comparative ecologies of domestic and naturalised rainbow trout in northern Lake Huron

Northern Lake Huron (Ontario, Canada) supports the largest concentration of freshwater salmonid cage culture farms in Canada and receives inputs of domestic‐strain rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through escapement. We assessed the potential effects of these domestic fish on the naturalised rainbow trout of this ecosystem by comparing their respective ecologies. Mature adults were sampled from spawning tributaries, primarily in spring, and to a lesser extent in fall. Fish of domestic origin comprised ~80% of rainbow trout sampled from sites near cage culture facilities but <20% of rainbow trout sampled from more distant sites. Domestic adults in spawning condition (gametes free‐flowing) were present in the spawning tributaries in both spring and fall sampling seasons, whereas naturalised fish in spawning condition were only observed in the spring. Domestic adults were younger and smaller (in length), appeared to have shorter lifespan and had a higher male to female ratio compared with their naturalised counterparts. Growth rates (change in length with age) of naturalised and domestic females in the wild were similar, but domestic males grew more slowly than naturalised males. Domestic females also produced smaller eggs than naturalised females. Food web positions (inferred from δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) of domestic and naturalised fish were very similar but varied more strongly with body size in the former. Domestic‐strain rainbow trout of cage culture origin can survive, grow and attempt to spawn in northern Lake Huron and have the potential to compete for food, mates and spawning habitat with naturalised rainbow trout.     

长江中游贝氏(鳖)繁殖生物学研究

2016年4-12月在监利长江何王庙故道采集591尾样本,对长江中游贝氏(鳖)(Hemiculter bleekeri)性比、初次性成熟大小、繁殖季节、产卵类型、产卵群体组成及繁殖力等繁殖生物学指标进行了分析.结果显示:贝氏(鳖)总体雌雄性比1.44:1,与1:1存在极显著性差异;繁殖期间雌雄比2.5:1,非繁殖季节雌雄比为0.91:1.繁殖群体年龄结构为1-3龄,以1龄补充群体为主,属于第Ⅱ类型.初次性成熟体长:SL♀50=8.08 cm, SL♂50=8.47 cm,最小观测性成熟个体分别为:雌性7.5 cm,体重6.65 g, 1龄;雄性8.2 cm,体重8.13 g, 1龄.根据成熟系数变化和性腺发育期观察,推测其繁殖季节为4-6月,可能延至7月份.贝氏(鳖)绝对繁殖力为1703~9601粒/尾,平均为(5876.6 ± 1837.8) 粒/尾,与体重、性腺重均呈线性关系,与体长呈幂函数关系.相对繁殖力(FW)为204.7~406.5粒/g,平均(322.3 ± 49.7) 粒/g,与成熟系数呈幂函数相关;相对繁殖力(FL)为212.0~827.6粒/cm,平均(552.4 ± 136.1) 粒/cm,与体重幂函数相关.     

Influence of size, age and maternal condition on the oocyte dry weight of Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi)

Effects of maternal age–size and condition on oocyte dry weight were analysed for Merluccius hubbsi. Samples of mature females were collected in the Patagonian spawning area during 10 research surveys carried out between 2000 and 2005. Dry weight of 50 hydrated oocytes ranged from 0.80 to 1.90 mg. Relationships of this variable with total length and age were best described by a logarithmic model during the spawning peak. At the beginning and at the end of the reproductive season no significant relationship between these variables was observed, but a decrease in egg dry weight was detected during the spawning period. In general, young spawners (≤5-year-old) showed more variability in egg dry weight, which was associated with a reproductive season shorter than that of old females. Relative condition factor did not shows a significant relationship with oocyte dry weight, and mean values of this index were similar for different months of the spawning seasons analysed.     

Spawning frequency of the Tsushima Current subpopulation of chub mackerel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scomber japonicus</Emphasis> off Kyushu,Japan

Female Japanese chub mackerel Scomber japonicus of the Tsushima Current subpopulation were collected during the spawning season from March to May 2001. A total of 137 adult females were caught between midnight and daybreak. A considerable number of fish displayed new postovulatory follicles (POF), whereas there was no evidence of germinal vesicle breakdown or hydrated oocytes in any of the fish collected. This suggests a daily spawning synchronicity toward midnight. To estimate the spawning frequency (S), the female reproductive state was classified into four criteria based on the degenerative stage of the POFs and the developmental stage of the oocytes. To stage the POFs according to age and determine the stage duration, ovaries from S. japonicus were induced to spawn in the laboratory and were sampled 0–72 h after ovulation at appropriate intervals. The average S, which is evaluated from four different indices, was 16.9%, corresponding to the average female chub mackerel spawned every 5.9 days (8.5 times) during the 50 days.     

Seasonal and sex differences in energy reserves of red snapper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lutjanus campechanus</Emphasis> on natural and artificial reefs in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico

To evaluate the energetic condition of red snapper inhabiting natural and artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, the liver-somatic index (LSI) and muscle tissue caloric density (CD) were measured for fish collected between September 2011 and October 2013. Liver energy reserves were highest in spring and decreased during summer, with greater LSI values at natural reefs in spring. While female red snapper LSI was greater than males at the natural reefs, indicating a larger energetic investment for spawning, it did not differ between males and females at the artificial reefs. Females at natural reefs have the ability to invest more energy in reproduction than females at artificial reefs, which is reflected in larger female LSI values at the natural reefs. Caloric density was highest in winter and decreased through fall at the natural reefs, with the opposite trend observed at artificial reefs. Muscle energy reserves are likely utilized for gonad development, while stored liver energy is utilized during and after spawning. Female red snapper at natural reefs can exhibit greater energy reserves, and thus a higher energetic condition than females at artificial reefs. Recognizing that energetic condition differs between habitats could enhance future red snapper stock assessments.     

Dietary fatty acid enrichment during the spawning season increases egg viability and quality in Hippocampus hippocampus

Control of the reproductive cycle is essential to achieve a successful aquaculture industry. Seahorse reared in captivity often shows eggs of poor quality and low offspring survival due to unsuitable rearing and nutritional protocols. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary enrichment, added exclusively during the spawning season, on the egg quality of Hippocampus hippocampus. The effect of enriching mysis throughout the spawning season was analysed in terms of female fecundity, egg viability, egg size and fatty acid profile. The results showed that fecundity was not affected by the enrichment of the diet, but egg viability was increased when females were fed the enriched mysis (84.9 ± 4.1% compared to 62.2 ± 9.4%). Moreover, the content of several PUFA (20:4n‐6, 18:2n‐6, 22:5n‐3, 22:5n‐6, sum of n‐6) decreased throughout the spawning season, especially in the last clutch, in eggs originated from females fed non‐enriched mysis. Eggs from females fed the enriched diet maintained the fatty acid profile throughout the spawning season. In conclusion, enrichment of the diet of H. hippocampus improved egg viability and avoided a decrease in the quality of eggs by maintaining PUFA content in the last clutches of the spawning season.     

Early out-of-season induced spawning of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) conditioned in heated earthen ponds

This study documents early out-of-season induced spawning of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. During the early spring (February–April) of 1999, 2000 and 2001, ponds containing (1) male and female channel catfish (mixed-sex ponds) or (2) male channel and blue catfish I. furcatus only, or female channel catfish only (single-sex ponds) were heated to 24–30°C to encourage gonadal maturation and spawning. Unheated ponds were stocked with males and females and were monitored during the duration of heating. When natural spawning occurred in the heated ponds, the fish were captured by seining and unspawned females were injected with 100 μg kg⁻¹ of synthetic leutenizing hormone-releasing hormone. Injected females were either paired with males or held in communal all-female groups, and monitored for ovulation. Eggs were collected and fertilized with sperm of channel catfish or blue catfish. Females paired with males were induced to spawn 44 days (mixed-sex ponds) and 50 days (single-sex ponds) before natural spawning occurred in unheated ponds. Spawning latency (the time between injection and ovulation) and the percentage of neurulated embryos from eggs fertilized using channel catfish sperm was not different between spawning before the natural season (P=0.68) and during the natural season in fish from mixed-sex ponds (P=0.57). Females held in all-female groups produced eggs 34 days before the onset of spawning in unheated ponds. Spawning latency was not different between spawns before and during the natural season (P=0.16), and the percentages of neurulated embryos from eggs fertilized with channel catfish sperm (P=0.76) or blue catfish sperm (P=0.77) before or during the natural season were not different. This study demonstrates the feasibility of conditioning of channel catfish females for early out-of-season induced spawning in the laboratory.