投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼生长、生理指标及肝脏hsp70基因表达丰度的影响

为探究投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀(Tharnnaconus septentrionalis)幼鱼生长、生理指标及肝脏hsp70基因表达的影响,本研究设5个投喂频率,分别为1、2、3、4和5次/d (分别简称为F1、F2、F3、F4和F5),每个处理组设3个平行,每缸养殖30尾鱼[(6.47±0.56)g]。实验期间,水温为17℃~26℃,盐度为30~31,pH为6.8~7.6,溶解氧≥5 mg/L,养殖周期为30 d。结果表明,不同投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的生长、体成分、消化酶和抗氧化酶活性均有影响。随着投喂频率的增加,绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的摄食和生长均呈上升趋势,F5组数值最大,摄食率为3.95%,增重率为347.19%,特定生长率为5.07%/d,增重率为F1组的2倍多。F1组的肥满度为1.79,显著低于其他4组(P<0.05);肝体比逐渐升高,F4和F5组的肝体比显著高于其他3组(P<0.05)。增加投喂频率,鱼体的粗蛋白含量呈先升高后降低的趋势,F2组最高,为59.82%;粗脂肪含量呈逐渐升高的趋势,F5组最高,为31.23%。胰蛋白酶活性随投喂频率增加呈先降低后增加的趋势,F3组活性最低,为37.48 U/μg prot;脂肪酶活性逐渐升高,F5组最高,为2.67 U/g prot;淀粉酶活性不受投喂频率的影响(P>0.05)。过氧化氢酶、超氧化物歧化酶活性和丙二醛含量最高均在F5组,分别为14.71 U/mg prot、250.32 U/mg prot和2.73 nmol/mg。肝脏中hsp70基因的相对表达量不受投喂频率的影响(P>0.05)。基于绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的生长性能和生理效应的综合考虑,其最适投喂频率为3次/d。     

投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼生长和肌肉品质的影响

为研究不同投喂频率对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼生长性能和肌肉品质的影响,在室内循环水养殖系统中,采用人工配合饲料,以1次/d、2次/d、3次/d、4次/d等4种投喂频率,对体质量(13.8±0.83)g的绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼进行了饲养试验,试验时长为42 d。结果显示,随着投喂频率增加,绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的终末体质量呈逐渐升高的趋势,特定生长率呈先升后降的变化趋势,其中3次/d组幼鱼的特定生长率最高,显著高于1次/d组(P<0.05);饲料系数也随着投喂频率的增加而升高,3次/d组的饲料系数显著高于1次/d组(P<0.05),4次/d组的饲料系数显著高于1次/d组和2次/d组(P<0.05);肌肉品质方面,4次/d组幼鱼的肌肉粗脂肪含量显著高于1次/d组(P<0.05),不同投喂频率组间肌肉粗蛋白质含量和灰分含量无显著性差异(P<0.05)。综合考虑生长性能和肌肉品质指标,绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼适宜的投喂频率为日投3次。     

绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼昼夜摄食节律及胃排空模型研究

为探究绿鳍马面鲀(Thamnaconus septentrionalis)幼鱼昼夜摄食节律及胃排空模型,分别采用一次饱食投喂法(将一昼夜划分为8个时段,分别为06:00、09:00、12:00、15:00、18:00、21:00、00:00和03:00,每个时段作1个处理,每天每个处理饱食投喂1次)和分段式连续投喂法(将一昼夜划分为与一次饱食投喂法相同的8个时段,每天每个实验桶连续投喂8次)两种方法研究绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的昼夜摄食节律,实验持续7 d。此外,分别测定绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼[体重为(4.28±0.46) g]饱食后0、2、4、6、8、10、12、14、16、20、24和28 h时的胃内容物湿重,并用线性模型、指数模型和平方根模型3种数学模型拟合了绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的胃排空率。结果显示,(1)在两种投喂方式下,实验鱼均表现为24 h一周期的摄食节律。在分段式连续投喂方式下,摄食率在03:00、06:00、09:00和12:00无显著差异,在15:00达到峰值后急速降低(P<0.05),并在00:00达到最低值;饲料效率与一次饱食投喂方式下的03:00、06:00、15:00和18:00投喂组无显著差异,特定生长率显著高于一次饱食投喂(P<0.05)。(2)在一次饱食投喂方式下,实验鱼在18:00后摄食率急速降低(P<0.05),并在00:00达到最低值;实验鱼在09:00和12:00投喂组的特定生长率和饲料效率显著高于一天中的其他时间(P<0.05),每天09:00~12:00时间段投喂绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼可显著提高其生长和饲料效率。(3) 3种模型中,胃排空率用平方根模型拟合得最好,方程为y0.5=2.802?0.204t (R2=0.987);根据平方根模型,胃内饲料在饱食投喂10 h左右完全排空,达到投喂前水平,80%胃排空时间为6 h。综合上述指标,建议在生产实践中每天09:00~15:00时间段饱食投喂绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼3次,每次间隔3 h。     

绿鳍马面鲀(Navodon septentrionalis)对4种大型水母的捕食行为

以绿鳍马面鲀为研究对象,通过室内受控实验,比较研究了其对我国沿海4种常见大型水母(海蜇、沙海蜇、海月水母和白色霞水母)的捕食差异。结果显示,体重为(215±20)g的绿鳍马面鲀对海月水母的捕食能力最强,日均最大摄食量为(150.7±18.6)g/fish,其次是海蜇和白色霞水母,日均摄食量分别为(129.7±11.6)和(120.0±19.3)g/fish,对沙海蜇的摄食量最少,为(92.5±11.3)g/fish;绿鳍马面鲀对海月水母与海蜇摄食量主要受投喂量影响,与规格无关,当投喂量小于其最大捕食量时,绿鳍马面鲀可捕食其周围所有水母,当投喂量超过其最大摄食量并继续增加时,绿鳍马面鲀摄食量保持不变,但残余水母的触手和伞部边缘均被啃食,继而导致水母摄食能力丧失,难以继续生存;在适口饵料冰鲜玉筋鱼充足的情况下,绿鳍马面鲀对水母具有明显的摄食偏向性,与仅投喂水母实验组相比,其对海月水母和海蜇的日均摄食量仅降低了20.2%和16.9%。研究结果表明,绿鳍马面鲀对上述4种水母皆能捕食。     

绿鳍马面鲀(Navodon septentrionalis)对4种大型水母的捕食行为

以绿鳍马面鲀为研究对象,通过室内受控实验,比较研究了其对我国沿海4种常见大型水母(海蜇、沙海蜇、海月水母和白色霞水母)的捕食差异。结果显示,体重为(215±20)g的绿鳍马面鲀对海月水母的捕食能力最强,日均最大摄食量为(150.7±18.6)g/fish,其次是海蜇和白色霞水母,日均摄食量分别为(129.7±11.6)和(120.0±19.3)g/fish,对沙海蜇的摄食量最少,为(92.5±11.3)g/fish;绿鳍马面鲀对海月水母与海蜇摄食量主要受投喂量影响,与规格无关,当投喂量小于其最大捕食量时,绿鳍马面鲀可捕食其周围所有水母,当投喂量超过其最大摄食量并继续增加时,绿鳍马面鲀摄食量保持不变,但残余水母的触手和伞部边缘均被啃食,继而导致水母摄食能力丧失,难以继续生存;在适口饵料冰鲜玉筋鱼充足的情况下,绿鳍马面鲀对水母具有明显的摄食偏向性,与仅投喂水母实验组相比,其对海月水母和海蜇的日均摄食量仅降低了20.2%和16.9%。研究结果表明,绿鳍马面鲀对上述4种水母皆能捕食。     

镉对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼急性毒性、肝脏抗氧化能力及组织结构的影响

本研究采用静水生物测试法测定了镉(Cd2+)对绿鳍马面鲀(Thamnaconus septentrionalis)幼鱼的急性毒性。根据预实验结果,设定8.19、9.18、10.30、11.56 mg/L共4个Cd2+浓度梯度进行急性毒性实验,根据急性毒性实验结果,设定1.84、2.76、3.68和4.60 mg/L 4个不同浓度Cd2+急性暴露实验,分别在6、12、24、48、72和96 h检测肝脏中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷胱甘肽抗氧化酶(GSH-PX)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,观察肝脏、鳃组织结构的变化。结果显示,随着Cd2+浓度的增加,急性毒性效应逐渐增强,24、48、72和96 h半致死浓度 (LC50)分别为11.47、10.82、9.84和9.19 mg/L,Cd2+对绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的96 h安全浓度为0.92 mg/L。6 h时,各浓度组SOD和CAT活性与对照组相比显著升高;6—48 h时,SOD、CAT、GSH-PX活性均呈先上升后下降的趋势;48—96 h时,各浓度组酶活性均呈下降趋势,且时间越长,浓度越大,活性越低。与对照组相比,MDA含量整体呈先降低后增加的趋势,12—48 h时,1.84和2.76 mg/L组MDA含量有波动,3.68、4.60 mg/L组MDA含量与时间和浓度成正比。24 h时,1.84 mg/L组肝脏组织未见明显变化,2.76、3.68和4.60 mg/L组肝脏组织开始受到明显损伤,表现为细胞体积增大且形状不规则,细胞膜边界模糊,1.84和2.76 mg/L组鳃组织相比无显著变化,3.68和4.60 mg/L组出现鳃小片弯曲,上皮细胞水肿膨大,相邻鳃小片相互黏连融合,无游离端,细胞坏死脱落等损伤现象。在安全浓度为0.92 mg/L内绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼可健康生长,SOD、CAT和GSH-PX活性变化及MDA含量反映了绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼受损害程度,可作为安全性风险评价的参考依据。     

4个温度下绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼耗氧率和窒息点的研究

为探明绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼在不同温度下随水体溶解氧量下降过程中的耗氧和活动变化规律，于5.4 L圆桶状呼吸室中采用封闭式呼吸室的方法，在12、16、20、24℃4个温度条件下，测定平均体长为(9.5±0.08) cm、体质量为(15.34±0.15) g的绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼的耗氧率和窒息点。试验结果显示：绿鳍马面鲀幼鱼在12、16、20、24℃的窒息点分别为(0.85±0.06) mg/L、(0.97±0.04) mg/L、(1.10±0.05) mg/L、(1.40±0.07) mg/L,窒息点随温度升高而升高；4个温度下溶解氧质量浓度分别为2.14、2.37、2.40 mg/L和3.06 mg/L时，幼鱼出现不适行为、开始死亡至全部死亡，各温度组的溶解氧质量浓度下降幅度均接近0.3 mg/L,温度越高幼鱼全部死亡时间越短；耗氧率随温度的升高而升高，随着溶解氧质量浓度的降低，4个温度组的耗氧率从开始的0.104、0.131、0.187 mg/(g·h)和0.318 mg/(g·h)降低到结束时的0.02～0.03 mg/(g·h),温度越高下降越快。将各温度组溶解氧含量下降过程的耗氧率变化分为...     

投喂频率对福瑞鲤幼鱼摄食与生长的影响

研究不同投喂频率(1次/d,2次/d,3次/d,4次/d)对福瑞鲤(FFRC strain common carp)幼鱼摄食与生长的影响,试验周期为30 d。结果显示:当投喂频率从1次/d增加到4次/d时,福瑞鲤幼鱼的摄食率逐步提高,1次/d组的摄食率显著低于其他组(P0.05);体重增长率、体长增长率和特定生长率随投喂频率的增加均有不同程度提高,在4次/d时达到最高;饲料转化率逐步升高,1次/d组显著低于其他组(P0.05)。各试验组福瑞鲤幼鱼的个体体重/体长差异随着投喂频率的增加而先升后降,最终幼鱼的规格趋于一致。综合本试验结果,投喂频率对福瑞鲤幼鱼的摄食与生长存在显著影响,在4次/d的投喂频率下其摄食水平、生长性能、饲料转化效率及大小分化差异系数等均表现出较好状态。     

慢性密度胁迫对绿鳍马面鲀肌肉转录组的影响

为了解慢性密度胁迫下绿鳍马面鲀(Thamnaconus septentrionalis)肌肉组织的分子响应机制,挖掘密度胁迫下的相关信号通路和差异表达基因,设置2个养殖密度组(即100尾/m³的中密度组和500尾/m³的高密度组)对绿鳍马面鲀肌肉转录组进行了研究。分别于第25天和第50天时获得养殖绿鳍马面鲀的肌肉组织,利用Illumina测序平台对肌肉组织样本进行了转录组测序,得到103.3 Gb高质量测序数据。对照开始时暂养的绿鳍马面鲀,各试验组均筛选出大量的差异表达基因。通过GO(Gene Ontology)功能注释与KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes)功能富集分析,筛选出涉及破骨细胞分化、MAPK、PI3K-Akt等路径以及黏着斑相关的信号传导机制,发现nfatc1、tgfbr2、map3k14、pparg、fos、flna、flnc、fn1、tln1、thbs1等关键基因在绿鳍马面鲀肌肉组织中的差异性表达。研究表明,这些差异表达基因可能在调节绿鳍马面鲀的细胞生长和分化、免疫能力等方...     

不同生物饵料组合对脊尾白虾幼体变态发育的影响

本研究以脊尾白虾(Exopalaemon carinicauda)幼体为研究对象,研究了牟氏角毛藻(Chaeroeeros moelleri)、褶皱臂尾轮虫(Brachionus plicatilis)和卤虫(Artemia salina)无节幼体搭配投喂对脊尾白虾幼体的存活率(SR)、变态发育和消化酶的影响。结果显示,单一卤虫组的幼体变态发育速度最快,14 d内全部变态为仔虾,其他3组则需要15 d;单一卤虫组、牟氏角毛藻+卤虫组和轮虫+卤虫组的幼体变态为仔虾时的SR分别为84.33%、84.67%和83.00%,各组间差异不显著(P>0.05);投喂牟氏角毛藻+轮虫+卤虫混合饵料组的幼体在Z5~P阶段大量死亡,变态为仔虾时的SR为35.67%。单一卤虫组投喂的脊尾白虾幼体的胃蛋白酶(1.94 U/mg prot)、脂肪酶(2.35 U/mg prot)和α-淀粉酶(0.13 U/mg prot)活力在4个组中最高,牟氏角毛藻+轮虫+卤虫组的胃蛋白酶(0.08 U/mg prot)、脂肪酶(0.91 U/mg prot)和α-淀粉酶(0.08 U/mg prot)活力在4个组中最低;牟氏角毛藻+卤虫组和轮虫+卤虫组的α-淀粉酶活力均为0.12 U/mg prot,而轮虫+卤虫组幼体的脂肪酶(1.78 U/mg prot)和胃蛋白酶(0.39 U/mg prot)比牟氏角毛藻+卤虫组分别高0.35和0.04 U/mg prot。研究表明,在脊尾白虾育苗过程中,投喂卤虫无节幼体(3~5 ind./mL),能提高幼体SR和加快变态发育速度,同时,在养殖过程中加入一定的牟氏角毛藻可减缓养殖水体恶化的速度。     

Anguilla huangi Teng, Lin, and Tzeng, 2009, is a junior synonym of Anguilla luzonensis Watanabe, Aoyama, and Tsukamoto, 2009

Anguilla luzonensis and A. huangi were each described in 2009 using eels obtained from northern Luzon Island. We examined the taxonomic status of these two groups of eels using morphological and molecular genetic characters. There were no significant differences in two vertebrae counts between eels of A. luzonensis and A. huangi. Mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA and cytochrome b genes sequences were obtained and compared among 28 specimens of A. luzonensis, the holotypes of A. luzonensis and A. huangi, and one specimen of the other 15 anguillid species. The specimens of A. luzonensis exhibited almost identical sequences, including the holotype, with only a few site differences, and the genetic difference between the holotypes of A. luzonensis and A. huangi was within the range of differences of specimens of A. luzonensis. The other anguillid species were genetically very different from A. luzonensis and A. huangi, although A. interioris is a closely related species. It is clear that A. luzonensis and A. huangi are the same species, and according to the principle of priority in zoological nomenclature, A. luzonensis Watanabe, Aoyama, and Tsukamoto, 2009 is the valid species name, and A. huangi Teng, Lin, and Tzeng, 2009 is a junior synonym of A. luzonensis.     

Surface disinfection of Pacific threadfin, Polydactylus sexfilis, and amberjack, Seriola rivoliana, eggs

The effects of exposing the eggs of Pacific threadfin and amberjack eggs (AEs) to different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for 5 min on hatch rate and survival were assessed in a series of experiments using a petri dish model rearing system. Despite significant inter‐batch variation in hatch rate, it was shown that eggs of both species could be safely exposed to up to 11 340 mg L⁻¹ H₂O₂ for 5 min. Exposure to 34 230 mg L⁻¹ H₂O₂ for 5 min was shown to be lethal to AEs at a late stage of development. In two further experiments, it was demonstrated that Pacific threadfin eggs were resistant to all tested concentrations of a range of polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (PVP‐I) concentrations and contact times (up to 1000 mg L⁻¹ PVP‐I for 10 min). The level of bacteria adhering to the eggs of both species was highly variable. Where eggs were heavily colonized (>10⁴ cfu egg⁻¹), hydrogen peroxide concentrations of at least 11 340 mg L⁻¹, or PVP‐I concentrations higher than 500 mg L⁻¹ for 10 min, were required for effective sterilization. In less colonized batches, rinsing in sterile seawater or exposure to lower (550 mg L⁻¹) concentrations of H₂O₂ was sufficient to result in high apparent levels of surface sterility (<1 cfu egg⁻¹).     

Effect of Lead on Survival,Osmoregulation, and Histological Changes of the Gills of the White Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,Boone, 1931

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of lead for different life stages of shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, and to determine the effect of its sublethal concentrations on osmoregulatory capacity (OC) as well as the possible histological alteration in the gills of juvenile shrimp. The 24‐, 48‐, and 96‐h LC₅₀ values for lead to L. vannamei increased progressively with increasing life stage, from nauplii < zoeae < mysis < postlarvae < juvenile. After 15‐d exposure to 3.25, 6.50, and 9.75 mg Pb/L, the OC values of exposed shrimp were reduced by 39, 73, and 157%, respectively compared to control animals. Compared to controls, the lead concentrations in gill tissues increased significantly by 127,500, 137,500, and 141,000% in shrimps exposed to 3.25, 6.50, and 9.75 mg Pb/L, respectively. After lead exposure, hemocytic congestion in efferent vessels and multiple hyperplasia were observed in gill filaments, resulting in narrowed hemolymphatic lacuna. The histopathological effects increased with increasing Pb concentration.     

Effects of Mosquitofish,Gambusia affinis,on Channel Catfish,Ictalurus puncatatus,Production Ponds

Mosquitofish, Gambusia sp., have been spread throughout the world to biologically control mosquitoes. However, the fish has gained a reputation as an invasive species and has been implicated in displacing native aquatic species. Gambusia affinis are native to the southeastern United States and commonly occur in commercial channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, production ponds. We investigated effects of mosquitofish presence on zooplankton populations, water quality, disease occurrence, and fish production in experimental ponds. There were no differences between ponds with or without mosquitofish in numbers of calanoid copepods, cyclopoid copepods, total copepods, Bosmina sp., Ceriodaphnia sp., Moina sp., Daphnia sp., or total cladocerans. There were also no differences in copepod and cladoceran sizes. Copepod nauplii were more numerous during the summer months in ponds with mosquitofish. There were no differences in water quality variables (soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pH) or phytoplankton density between ponds stocked with and without mosquitofish. Catfish production and disease occurrence were also similar between ponds with and without mosquitofish. Although mosquitofish may cause problems when stocked outside their native range, there does not appear to be any adverse effects of mosquitofish presence in catfish production ponds.     

Recruitment strategy of swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus, in Hiuchi-Nada, Japan

The recruitment strategy of swimming crabs, Portunus trituberculatus, was investigated by field observations and numerical experiments in Hiuchi-Nada, Japan. Calculated dispersal patterns of zoeal and megalopal stages in a three-dimensional numerical model reproduce observed patterns accurately. The temporal change of vertical migration patterns between the 1st and 2nd zoeas and the 3rd and 4th zoeas plays an important role in the process of recruitment of P. trituberculatus from spawning ground to nursery ground.     

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

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

Effect of Temperature on Growth,Energy Budget,and Physiological Performance of Green,White, and Purple Color Morphs of Sea Cucumber,Apostichopus japonicus

As an intertidal species, Apostichopus japonicus is subject to diel and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Color variation is a distinct characteristic of A. japonicus, and a new color morph, purple A. japonicus, was recently found on the coast of Rushan, Weihai City. This study was conducted to compare the performance of green, white, and purple color morphs of A. japonicus at different water temperatures to help improving aquaculture technology and management. In this study, green, white, and purple color morphs of juvenile A. japonicus (1.5 ± 0.1 g) were cultured at 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 C for 60 d, according to the suitable temperature range for sea cucumber growth. Temperature was shown to have a significant effect on growth, energy budget, and physiology of sea cucumbers (P < 0.05). Specific growth rates, feed conversion efficiencies, and the proportion of energy allocated to growth of all three color morphs were optimal at 18 C. Activities of the enzymes related with oxidative stress, immune response, and digestion were determined. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and trypsin activities generally reached a maximum in all three color morphs at 18 C. The purple color morph of A. japonicus was higher in growth rate, food conversion efficiency, and proportion of energy allocated to growth than green and white color morphs at 18 and 22 C, consistent with its higher trypsin and SOD activity, indicating the mutual effect of growth and physiology. At 18, 22, and 26 C, the green color morph had the highest level of lysozyme activity and purple color morph had the lowest, indicating possible infection by external pathogens of green color morph, which might be caused by high temperature. These results suggested that the optimum temperature for culture of the three color morphs was approximately 18 C, the purple had a better adaption to high temperature, and the green and white color morphs may be more susceptible to thermal stress than the purple color morph.     

Age,growth, maturity and the overfishing of the iconic sciaenid,Argyrosomus japonicus,in south-eastern,Australia

Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) occur in estuarine and coastal waters surrounding Australia, Africa, India, Pakistan, China, Korea and Japan, where they are important in fisheries. This study identified that mulloway in south-eastern Australia had similar growth rates, but matured at smaller lengths and younger ages, to those in South Africa and Western Australia. Growth of both sexes was similar to about 5 years, after which females grew faster and attained a greater maximum length than males. Female mulloway matured at 4–5 years of age with a L₅₀ of 68 cm, whereas males matured at 2–3 years of age with a L₅₀ of 51 cm. The commercial fishery in New South Wales was characterised by declining catches and a reduction in the proportion of mulloway of mature lengths in landings. During 2002–2005 commercial landings were dominated (83%) by fish within 15 cm of the current minimum legal total length of 45 cm and aged 2 and 3 years (>80%), even though mulloway can attain lengths of 200 cm and live >30 years. Estimates of the rates of instantaneous total mortality ranged between 0.34 and 0.45, whilst the rate of instantaneous natural mortality (M) was estimated to be approximately 0.12. Yield-per-recruit analyses indicated that mulloway in New South Wales are being growth overfished and substantial increases in yield could be achieved by increasing the length at first harvest. Values of the spawning potential ratio were below 0.2 under a range of mortality estimates, suggesting that mulloway are at risk of recruitment overfishing. These results suggest that the spawning stock of mulloway in south-eastern Australia has been depleted and that remedial management action is required to protect this iconic species.     

Effect of Salinity on Embryonic Development,Hatchability, and Growth of African Catfish,Clarias gariepinus,Eggs and Larvae

Abstract

Effects of salinity on embryonic development and growth of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, eggs and larvae were studied. Eggs were incubated at 27-29°C in 2,4,6,8, and 10 ppt sodium chloride. Rate of embryonic development was delayed in all salt solutions by 15, 15,28 and 30 minutes, in 2,4,6, and 8 ppt sodium chloride, respectively, when compared with the control group (0% salt); total mortality occurred at 12 hours after gastrula stage in the 10 ppt concentration. Percentage hatching was 45.1,47.7, 59.5,49.2, and 26.6% while percentage deformity was 10.4, 16.1, 52.0, 28.6, and 71.6% in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 ppt salt treatments, respectively. There were significant differences (P <0.05) in the hatching percentage and in deformity percentage between 4, 6, and 8 ppt. Rate of yolk absorption was significantly faster in the control and 2 ppt salt treatments, but slower in 4, 6, and 8 ppt. Rate of increase in length was slower with increasing salinity. The optimum salinity for African catfish eggs and was between 0-2 ppt and acceptable up to 6 ppt. The results suggest that increasing salinity delayed hatching and development of African catfish eggs and larvae, respectively, as well as increased the deformity of the larvae.     

Effect of Stocking Density on Growth,Yield, and Costs of Producing Rainbow Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss,in Cages

Abstract

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, were raised in culture cages (1 m³) to determine the effect of stocking density on growth, survival, and percentage of market-size fish. Large fingerling rainbow trout (20-25 cm, 232 g average weight) were stocked into six cages located in a 0.4-ha pond. Two stocking densities (100 or 200 fish/cage) were used, and fish were grown for 140 days (2000-April 2001). Average total harvest weight (35.0 kg) in the low-density cages was approximately one-half the average total harvest weight (61.2 kg) in the high-density cages. Average weight gain (11.7 kg to 15.1 kg) and feed conversion (1.2 to 1.5) were also smaller for the low-density cages. Average survival was 96.7% for the low-density cages and 94.2% for the high-density cages, with the percentage of market-size fish (< 29 cm) averaging 50.3% and 52.0%, respectively. Production costs for the actual experiment and the revenues from fish sold at the end of the study were collected. An enterprise budget based on the experimental results for the two densities was developed to determine if a culture operation of this size would produce a net return. Production costs and revenues from the experiment resulted in a large negative return (-$3,124) and high breakeven price ($13.53/kg).