Introduction and cage culture of exotic carps and their impact on fish harvested in Lake Begnas,Nepal

The suitability of exotic carps namely Aristichthys nobilis (Bighead carp), Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver carp), Ctenopharyngodon idellus (Grass carp), Cyprinus carpio (Common carp) and Labeo rohita (Rohu) in a sub-tropical lake was evaluated. The impact of their introduction on native fishes was also studied. After the introduction and cage culture of exotic carps the total harvest reached 92 kg·ha^–1; an increase of 266% within eight years. The planktivorous bighead and silver carps were most successful. The harvest of the other three species was poor. Since the introduction of exotic carp the harvest of indigenous fishes declined by 42%. Considering the food habits of these fish, further stocking should be limited to bighead and silver carps to limit the adverse effects on the indigenous species.     

Trophic reorganization of native planktivorous fishes at different density extremes of bigheaded carps in the Illinois and Mississippi rivers,USA

The widespread introduction of non-native fishes has contributed to freshwater ecosystems being considered among the most altered ecosystems globally. Of particular concern are invasive planktivorous fishes (e.g., silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and bighead carp H. nobilis, collectively known as bigheaded carps) that have the potential to modify basal food web structure and compete for planktonic resources with native planktivores and young-of-year fishes. Bigheaded carps have proliferated throughout the Mississippi River basin, creating an outsized potential for resource competition with native fishes. Studies have showed niche overlap between bigheaded carps and native planktivores is generally high but that overlap varies among rivers. Importantly, niche overlap has not been assessed for density extremes of bigheaded carps within a river to determine whether trophic niches changed as a result of the invasion. The objectives of this study were to determine whether (1) silver and/or bighead carps share a similar isotopic niche with four native planktivores, and (2) that association varies ecologically (i.e., low- and high-densities of bigheaded carps) and spatially (i.e., between rivers). Our results generally show high trophic overlap among species, suggesting potential direct resource competition. Niche overlap was higher in study reaches with low densities of bigheaded carps compared to reaches with high densities, presumably due to intense resource competition and limiting of resources under high densities of bigheaded carps. Across density extremes, trophic reorganization by bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus) was divergent from other native planktivores. Species-specific responses may be due to subtle differences in feeding strategies, degree of planktivory, food selectivity, and correlated food size distributions.

     

Genetic constitution and phylogenetic relationships of Japanese crucian carps (Carassius)

The genetic constitution and phylogenetic relationships among the proposed species and subspecies of the crucian carp complex in Japan (Carassius cuvieri, C. auratus subspp. 1 and 2, C. a. grandoculis, C. a. buergeri, and C. a. langsdorfii) were investigated based on analyses of the partial nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial DNA control region and amplified fragment length polymorphisms of nuclear DNA. Our results demonstrate that C. cuvieri and C. auratus are different entities. However, although several distinct lineages were observed for C. auratus, none corresponded to the proposed subspecies. Moreover, the five subspecies of C. auratus were not necessarily separated genetically from each other. Triploid fish, which are currently classified as a single subspecies (C. a. langsdorfii) but are sometimes treated as an independent species, fell into various clades along with diploid individuals of other subspecies that have the same or similar mitochondrial haplotypes. This suggests that gynogenetic triploid crucian carps distributed throughout the Japanese Archipelago have polyphyletic maternal origins. Our results indicate that Japanese crucian carps are a much more complex assemblage than previously believed.     

Changes in abundance of larvae of the four domestic Chinese carps in the middle reach of the Yangtze River, China, before and after closing of the Three Gorges Dam

The four domestic Chinese carps, i.e. grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), cast their drifting eggs in the running water of the Yangtze River. In 1997 ~ 2005, a systematic study on the dynamics of the abundance the larvae of the four domestic Chinese carps was performed in the middle reach of the Yangtze River, close to Sanzhou city. It was calculated that in breeding seasons from early May to late June every year the abundance of fry drifting through the section of Sanzhou was 3.59 billion in 1997, 2.75 billion in 1998, 2.15 billion in 1999, 2.85 billion in 2000, 1.90 billion in 2001, 1.90 billion in 2002, 406 million in 2003, 339 million in 2004 and 105 million in 2005 respectively. Several environmental parameters related to the dynamics of larval abundance were also examined simultaneously. The construction of the Three Gorges Dam near Yichang between the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River has apparently had a drastic influence on the abundance of fish larvae.     

Preliminary evidence of delayed spawning and suppressed larval growth and condition of the major carps in the Yangtze River below the Three Gorges Dam

Commercial catches of the ‘major carps’ (grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus and bighead carp Aristichthys nobilis) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River have declined precipitously since construction of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD). To assess specific environmental effects, young-of-the-year major carps were collected below TGD in the Yangtze River at Jianli (larvae) and E’zhou (juveniles) and in the Dongting Lake (juveniles) during June–August 2007. Lapillar otoliths were analyzed to determine early growth. There were no discernible growth increments in otoliths for a majority of the larvae (38 of 63 grass carp and 40 of 47 silver carp), while increments were evident in otoliths formed in the larval stage for all the juveniles, indicating that larvae without discernible increments failed to recruit to the juvenile stage. Back-calculated hatch dates of major carps were between 31 May and 24 July. The initiation of the spawning season was delayed about 1 month compared to pre-TGD records. Larval growth rates, as reflected by otolith-increment width, were lower at Dongting Lake (closer to TGD) than at E’zhou (farther from TGD), indicating that TGD-moderated effects on early growth and development of carps are more apparent for fishes hatched nearer to the dam. The delay in spawning and decreased early growth may partly explain the recent decline of the major carp resources in the middle and lower Yangtze River.     

Development of the olfactory organ in the ontogeny of carps (Cyprinidae)

Morphogenesis of the olfactory organ is followed with a light microscopy method in silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, common carp Cyprinus carpio, Eurasian minnow Phoxinus phoxinus, shemaya Alburnus chalcoides, zebra danio Danio rerio, and bitterling Rhodeus sericeus amarus. In these fishes with different reproductive ecology, the olfactory organ develops in a similar way, and it is characterized by a similar structure in the representatives of different species of the same body length. Morphological features revealed in different species are not numerous, and they are not associated with the development of main structures of the olfactory organ. However, the interspecific differences can be connected with different developmental rates of these structures. Based on developmental rate of the olfactory organ, the studied species are divided into three groups with (1) accelerated development (the litophils, Eurasian minnow and shemaya); (2) moderate development (a pelagophil, silver carp, and the phitophils, common carp and zebra danio; and (3) retarded development (an ostracophil, bitterling). The differences in the degree of development of the olfactory organ in the species from various ecological groups are particularly evident to the beginning of the juvenile period. The appearance of all main structures of the olfactory organ is completed in the litophils at the onset of the second juvenile step (XVII); that in the pelagophils and phitophils is by the end of this step, that in ostracophils is substantially later (young of the current year), and that in zebra danio is to the beginning of sexual maturation. In the studied species, olfactory organ becomes differentiated/formed at different age and at various morphological states of the progeny, but at similar body size (29–30 mm). Thus, the body length of carps can be regarded as an indicator of a level of morphological development of the olfactory organ.     

Modelling bioenergetic and population-level impacts of invasive bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) on native paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in backwaters of the lower Mississippi River

1. While invasions of large rivers by exotic fish species are well documented, assessing actual or potential impacts on native species is a challenge. Rapid assessments may be possible through the application of a combination of bioenergetic and population dynamic models.
2. Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is a native species in the central USA with a history of population decline due to waterway development and overharvesting for roe. It is not known whether paddlefish are impacted by resource competition from invasive bigheaded carp populations, including silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), which have expanded dramatically in the Mississippi River.
3. We used bioenergetic models to project the potential impact of invasive silver and bighead carp on zooplankton density and paddlefish somatic growth in backwater habitat. Bioenergetic outputs were translated to impacts on fecundity, becoming inputs for 50-year metapopulation simulations of backwater habitat connected to the main-stem Mississippi River by episodic flood events.
4. Competition with carp reduced growth and increased the risk of population decline for paddlefish. Impacts increased disproportionately with increased carp abundance and were further exacerbated in scenarios with increased diet overlap or decreased zooplankton abundance.
5. We also analysed paddlefish condition data collected at sites near the lower Mississippi River with varying histories of carp invasion. These data give credence to the bioenergetic model output; paddlefish had reduced body condition at sites with long-established, high-density carp populations.
6. We conclude that invasive bigheaded carps have great potential to reduce paddlefish growth, fecundity, and abundance. The pairing of bioenergetics and population models is likely to be broadly useful in assessing the risks posed by other invasive species.

     

The ingestion of bacteria in suspension by the common carp Cyprinus carpio L.

Groups of large (65 -75 g) and small (8-17 g) common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) fingerlings were exposed to the bacterium Chromobacterium violaceurn in order to establish whether they could detect and ingest unattached bacteria. Small fish exposed to both bacteria and to cell-free bacterial extracts showed a significant increase in opercular beat rates, thus demonstrating that they are able to detect the presence of unattached bacteria in suspension. Examination of carp gut contents showed that the proportion of small fish ingesting bacteria increased with exposure time although no significant relationship was observed among larger fish. Significant, positive correlations between numbers of viable bacteria isolated from the intestinal tracts and concentration in the environment were observed. Possible mechanisms of bacterial ingestion are discussed.     

Long-term changes in fish community structure in relation to the establishment of Asian carps in a large floodplain river

The Upper Mississippi River System, including the Illinois River, has been invaded by a number of nonnative species including silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitirx and bighead carp H. nobilis, collectively referred to here as Asian carps. Silver carp densities in the Illinois River have increased dramatically and now represent some of the highest densities of wild silver carp anywhere in the world. Asian carps have the potential to alter existing ecosystems by consuming planktonic resources and therefore, could have the ability to alter existing fish communities as most fishes are dependent on planktonic resources during early development. However, identifying the relationship of fish community structure to the establishment of Asian carps has yet to be thoroughly investigated. Using long-term fish community data collected by the Upper Mississippi River Restoration’s Long Term Resource Monitoring element, we investigate changes in fish community structure pre- and post-establishment of Asian carps. Significant differences in the pre- and post-establishment communities were observed for the majority of gears and habitats. Species contributing to changes between establishment periods included most sportfish species and catostomids, which were less abundant post-establishment of Asian carps, while shortnose gar, grass carp, and emerald shiner were more abundant. While our analyses show Asian carps are likely contributing to major differences in fish community structure, future research and long-term monitoring should investigate the mechanisms and interactions responsible for community changes as well as identifying any potential concurrent or confounding factors such as changes in river hydrology or sedimentation.     

Relationship between meteorological conditions and natural reproduction behavior of the four famous Chinese carps

Known as the four famous carps in China, black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) are commercially important fish species with a high production in China. To reveal the relationships between meteorological conditions and the natural spawning behavior of these fishes, we considered six meteorological factors (including wind, rainfall, temperature, air pressure, sunshine hours and humidity) and the weather conditions in 80 spawning events. The results showed that the spawning activities were more likely to be activated in consecutive rainy days or days when weather changed drastically, while the spawning activities showed no tendency for the weather type except consecutive rainy days. Our analyses also showed that the average rainfall in the initial spawning days is higher than that in the spawning time windows (the time from the earliest spawning activity to the latest spawning activity), while other meteorological elements remained at more or less the same values in both time periods; spawning activity tended to happen in days when the average air pressure was going down or the average temperature going up, while the other meteorological elements showed no consistent tendency.     

Structural conservation and food habit-related liver expression of uncoupling protein 2 gene in five major Chinese carps

The full-length cDNA of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) was obtained from liver. The grass carp UCP2 cDNA was determined to be 1152 bp in length with an open reading frame that encodes 310 amino acids. Five introns (Intron 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) in the translated region, and partial sequence of Intron 2 in the untranslated region of grass carp UCP2 gene were also obtained. Gene structure comparison between grass carp and mammalian (human and mouse) UCP2 gene shows that, the UCP2 gene structure of grass carp is much similar to that of human and mouse. Partial UCP2 cDNA sequences of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) and mud carp (Cirrhinus molitorella), were further determined. Together with the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) UCP2 sequence from GenBank (AJ243486), multiple alignment result shows that the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the UCP2 gene, were highly conserved among the five major Chinese carps that belong to four subfamilies. Using beta-actin as control, the ratio UCP2/beta-actin mRNA (%) was determined to be 149.4 +/- 15.6 (common carp), 127.4 +/- 22.1(mud carp), 96.7 +/- 12.7 (silver carp), 94.1 +/- 26.8 (bighead carp) and 63.7 +/- 16.2 (grass carp). The relative liver UCP2 expression of the five major Chinese carps, shows a close relationship with their food habit: benthos and detritus-eating fish (common carp and mud carp) > planktivorious fish (silver carp and bighead carp) > herbivorous fish (grass carp). We suggest that liver UCP2 might be important for Chinese carps to detoxify cyanotoxins and bacteria in debris and plankton food.     

Five New Species of Myxobolus (Myxosporea: Protozoa), Parasitic in Cirrhina mrigala (Hamilton) and Labeo rohita (Hamilton), with a Note on a New Host Record for M. curmucae Seenappa & Manohar, 19801

Five new species of the genus Myxobolus (Myxosporea) infecting the fresh-water carps are described. M. bhadrensis n. sp. was noticed in the musculature of the fry of Labeo rohita, collected from Bhadra Fish Seed Farm, in September 1979; and M. shettii, M. vedavatiensis, M. venkateshi, and M. hosadurgensis n. spp. were found in the gills of Cirrhina mrigala sampled from Vanivilasa Sagar Fish Farm in April 1980. Also, a new host record for M. curmucae is reported.     

Polymorphism of microsatellite markers in Russian common carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis> L.) breeds

Using five microsatellite loci, genotyping and genetic diversity estimates were obtained for nine samples representing seven common carp breeds most widespread in Russia. For comparison, the samples of Amur wild common carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) and a sample of European Hungarian carp were used. In the samples examined (n = 148) a total of 78 alleles were revealed. The highest mean allele number per locus (7.3) was identified in Amur wild common carp, while the lowest number was found in Cherepets carps (4.0). In different breeds, the observed heterozygosities varied from 0.819 (Altai carp) to 0.651 (Cherepets scaly carp). Three out of five microsatellite loci (MFW-24, MFW-28, and MFW-19) revealed a high level of population differentiation. In the dendrogram of genetic differences, all breeds clustered into two groups. One of these groups was composed of the two strains of Ropsha carp, Stavropol carp, Amur wild common carp, and the two samples of Cherepets carp. The second cluster included Altai carp (Priobskii and Chumysh populations), two Angelinskii carp breeds (mirror and scaly), and Hungarian carp. The pairs of breeds/populations/strains, having common origin, were differentiated. Specifically, these were two populations of Altai carp, two strains of Ropsha carp, as well as the breeds of Angelinskii and Cherepets carps. The reasons for genetic differentiation of Russian common carp breeds, as well as the concordance of the evolutionary histories of these breeds, some of which originated from the European breeds, while the others contain substantial admixture of the Amur wild common carp, are discussed.     

几种鲤鲫鳞片色素细胞和体色发生的观察

通过普通鲫、红鲫、水晶彩鲫、普通鲤、蓝鲤、荷包红鲤和锦鲤的不同色彩鳞片色素细胞和体色发生过程观察,确定组成鳞片的色素细胞有4种:红色素、黄色素、黑色素和鸟粪素细胞,分布在鳞片的上层和下层,由于组合不同、大小不同和形状不同,就形成了多种多样的不同体色。本研究描述了不同品种鲤、鲫鱼从出苗到体色形成的发生过程,总结和归纳了不同时期体色变化的异同点,以期为鱼类的体色研究提供理论依据。     

Ecological niche modeling as a predictive tool: silver and bighead carps in North America

The silver carp and bighead carp (Cyprinidae), native to eastern Asia, have been introduced into the United States in attempts to improve water quality in aquaculture ponds, reservoirs, and sewage pools. Escaped or released specimens from fish farms have been reported in many states, and both species are already locally established and spreading further. We used the Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Prediction (GARP) to model the niches of these two carps in their native ranges using hydrologic and general environmental parameters in concert with native distributional data. The results accurately predicted native occurrence data withheld from the modeling process (P < 0.01). We then projected the niche models onto the North American landscape. Native niche range models significantly predicted known occurrence data from North American introductions (P < 0.001). Further, the models suggest that both species have the potential of spreading throughout the eastern U.S. and selected areas of the West Coast.     

Temperature dependent effects of carbon dioxide on avoidance behaviors in bigheaded carps

Effective behavioral deterrents are needed to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering novel ecosystems. One deterrent strategy that shows promise is elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations in water which can alter the behavior of freshwater fishes, including invasive bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.). However, few studies have evaluated behavioral responses to elevated CO₂ concentrations at different water temperatures. The objective of this study was to quantify CO₂ concentrations needed to achieve avoidance (voluntary response) and narcosis (involuntary response observed by loss of equilibrium) behaviors in silver carp (H. molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) at 5, 15, and 25 °C. Overall, silver carp and bighead carp displayed avoidance and narcosis behaviors to CO₂ at each water temperature, however bighead carp responded at higher CO₂ concentrations than silver carp. Behavioral avoidance and narcosis were observed at approximately 40% lower CO₂ concentrations in 5 °C water relative to 25 °C suggesting considerable influence of water temperature on a CO₂ stimulus for both species. Results indicate that fluctuating water temperature (e.g., spatial and temporal variation across management sites) can influence how fish respond to elevated CO₂, and may usefully be considered when applying CO₂ as a behavioral deterrent.     

Characteristics of plankton communities in Chinese integrated fish ponds: effects of excessive grazing by planktivorous carps on plankton communities

Biomass and production of plankton communities were investigated in two Chinese integrated fish culture ponds in August, Dianshanhu Pond (with high density of planktivorous carp) and Pingwang Pond (with low density of planktivorous carp). The plankton communities were composed of rotifers, protozoans, phytoplankton (<40 µm) and bacteria. The large phytoplankton (>40 µm), cladocerans and copepods were rare because of grazing pressure by the carp. The density or biomass of bacteria (1.93 × 10⁷ and 2.20 × 10⁷ cells ml^–1 on average in Dianshanhu and Pingwang Ponds, respectively), picophytoplankton (24.6 and 18.5 mg m^–3 Chla on average) and rotifers (5372 and 20733 ind. 1^–1 on average) exceeded the maximum values reported for natural waters.The average [³H]thymidine uptake rates were 694 and 904 pmoles 1^–1 h^–1 (13.4 and 20.6 µgC 1^–1) and the bacterial production by the >2 µm fraction amounted 21–28% of total [³H] thymidine uptake rate in both ponds. The mean chlorophylla concentrations were 59.1 and 183 mg m^–3 in Dianshanhu and Pingwang Ponds, respectively. 82.4% and 65.3% of the total Chla was contributed by the <10 µm nano- and picophytoplankton in each pond, respectively. In particular, the picophytoplankton contribution amounted 41.2% of thtal Chla in Dianshanhu Pond. Primary production was 2.5 and 3.4 gC m^–2 d^–1 in each pond, respectively, and >50% of production was contributed by picophytoplankton. The mean biomasses of protozoa were 168 µg 1^–1 and 445 µg 1^–1 and those of rotifers were 763 µg 1^–1 and 1186 µg 1^–1 in Dianshanhu and Pingwang Ponds, respectively. The ecological efficiencies expressed in terms of the ratios of primary production to zooplankton production were 0.22 and 0.31, for the two ponds.     

哈尼梯田稻鲤共作与单养模式下福瑞鲤肠道菌群结构比较研究

【目的】分析不同养殖模式的福瑞鲤肠道菌群结构组成和群落特征。【方法】通过16S rRNA高通量测序技术,分析比较哈尼梯田稻鲤共作、传统池单养、水泥池单养模式下的福瑞鲤肠道菌群的结构组成和丰度差异。【结果】梯田稻鲤组(RCIC)、传统池鲤组(YPIC)和水泥池鲤组(HPIC)分别获得了2345、238和118个OTU。RCIC组的Sobs指数及PD指数最高,显著高于YPIC组(P<0.05),极其显著高于HPIC组(P<0.01);池塘单养模式下,两组之间多样性指数也存在显著差异,YPIC组大于HPIC组(P<0.05)。含量大于10%优势菌门：RCIC组主要为变形菌门(39.39%)、梭杆菌门(38.55%)和厚壁菌门(15.4%);YPIC组为变形菌门(21.87%)、梭杆菌门(58.27%);HPIC组为变形菌门(46.63%)、梭杆菌门(53.14%)。变形菌和梭杆菌为3组福瑞鲤肠道样品的优势菌群,其中的鲸杆菌属(Cetobacterium)、气单胞菌属(Aeromonas)为核心优势菌属。LEfSe线性判别分析(LDA>3)显示17个具有差异的标记菌属,...     

传统稻鱼系统中“田鲤鱼”的形态特征

稻田养鱼是一种重要的传统农业系统,养殖在稻田中的鲤鱼,在长期的自然选择和人工选择下逐渐形成了适应于稻田浅水环境的“田鲤鱼”.本研究以具有千年历史的全球重要农业文化遗产系统“青田稻鱼共生系统”和“从江稻鱼鸭系统”的青田田鱼和从江田鱼为范例,通过采样对两种“田鲤鱼”进行传统形态学分析和地标几何形态学分析;采用线粒体基因构建系统发育树;通过数据库数据提取和采样测量对两种“田鲤鱼”和其他常见鲤鱼种群或品系进行传统形态学聚类分析.传统形态学分析和地标几何形态学分析表明,青田田鱼和从江田鱼在形态上存在差异,与青田田鱼相比,从江田鱼尾部长而窄,体型较细长,尾部长度占身体长度比例小.对这两种田鱼及养殖于其他水体的其他鲤鱼种群进行系统发育树分析表明,青田田鱼和从江田鱼在遗传上是独立的种群;但形态聚类分析表明,这两种田鱼归为一类,明显不同于其他鲤鱼种群或品系,与其他鲤鱼种群的差异主要表现在背鳍和尾鳍上.这些研究结果说明,长期生活在稻田环境的青田田鱼和从江田鱼在遗传和形态上均明显不同于其他水体养殖鲤鱼种群,且青田田鱼和从江田鱼之间形态上存在差异.