Reproductive biology of the Japanese butterfish,Psenopsis anomala,in the waters off southwestern Taiwan

The dramatic decline in annual yield of the Japanese butterfish, Psenopsis anomala, in southwestern Taiwan over the past decade suggests that this stock might have been overexploited. However, its fishery biology and stock status is poorly understood. This study therefore provides the first information on P. anomala reproductive biology based on 983 specimens collected by small trawlers in southwestern Taiwan waters between February 1999 and February 2000. The sex ratio, 0.44 (431/983), differed significantly from 0.5 and females predominated in fork length above 180 mm. The relationships between body weight (BW) and fork length (FL) were estimated as BW = 1.62 × 10^?4 × FL^2.637 (r² = 0.74; n = 430, P < 0.01) for females and BW = 1.28 × 10^?4 × FL^2.671 (r² = 0.82; n = 552, P < 0.01) for males. Oocytes were mature at 0.5 mm in diameter or larger, and transparent eggs were found at diameters of 0.85 mm. Mean fecundity was estimated at 171 900 ± 61 700 and fecundity (F) was found to increase exponentially with gonad weight (GW) F = 5.4967GW^0.511 (n = 132, r² = 0.74). Mean batch fecundity was estimated to be 83 400 ± 44 600, and relative fecundity from 377 to 2588 (mean 1040) per gram body weight. Logistic curves describing the relationship between proportion of maturity (Pr) at each length interval and fork length were estimated as Pr = 1/(1 + e^{11.4194?0.0749FL}) (r² = 0.99, n = 351) for females and Pr = 1/(1 + e^{11.5113?0.0732FL}) (r² = 0.99, n = 258) for males. Size at 50% maturity was estimated as 15.7 and 15.3 cm FL for females and males, respectively. A multi‐spawning pattern was observed in the Japanese butterfish whereby it spawns throughout the year with a peak from February to July. A seasonal closure from April to July (spawning season for most fish species) can provide better breeding opportunities for adults and is believed to be a good fishery management measure for this species.     

Length‐weight relationship and biological data of a threatened fish,Ptychobarbus chungtienensis (Tsao, 1964) in Bita Lake of Shangri‐La,Yunnan, China

This paper provides the length‐weight relationship (LWR) and other biological information of a threatened plateau freshwater fish species Ptychobarbus chungtienensis in the subfamily Schizothoracinae of the family Cyprinidae, from the Bita Lake of Shangri‐la, in Yunnan, China. The LWR was BW = 0.00954 TL^2.95 for a total of 392 individuals, where the coefficient b was close to 3.0, suggesting a near‐isometric growth in this species. The total length: standard length relationship was TL = 0.399 + 1.151 SL. Fitting a von Bertalanffy growth function to the observed length‐at‐age data resulted in L_(t) = 53.1 (1‐e^?0.08(t?0.2)). The natural mortality rate (M) was 0.20 year^?1. Length at first maturity (Lm) was 20.57 cm, and 6.3 years the theoretical estimated age at first maturity (Am). Ptychobarbus chungtienensis mature gradually beginning in May, reaching a reproduction peak around August, with most individuals completing reproduction by October. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was highest in August (GSI = 0.1351) and lowest in October (GSI = 0.0467). The male index (GSI = 0.0866) was lower than in females (GSI = 0.1466) (P < 0.05). Mean condition factor (Km) of P. chungtienensis was 0.8500, and not significantly different between sexes (P = 0.124), but differing significantly between seasons. In October the condition factor (Km = 0.9211) was significantly higher than in May (Km = 0.8379) or in August (Km = 0.8412) (P < 0.05).     

Age and growth characteristics of Schizopygopsis younghusbandi Regan, 1905 in the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet,China

To better understand the biology of Schizopygopsis younghusbandi Regan, 1905 and its relationship with management considerations, this study describes the relationships between otolith size and fish length and age, verifies annual periodicity of otolith annulus formation, and estimates the S. younghusbandi growth parameters. These age and growth characteristics were studied using 694 specimens collected from August 2008 to August 2009. Otoliths grew asymmetrically throughout the range of standard length (SL) studied, showing a clear pattern of alternating translucent and opaque bands. Marginal increment ration (MIR) analysis of specimens up to 6 years of age indicated that one opaque band and one translucent band were laid down each year. Maximum observed age was 17 years, corresponding to a female of 35.8 cm SL and 589.1 g body weight (BW). The SL‐BW relationship was described as BW = 1.122 × 10^?5 SL^3.030 for sexes combined. The von Bertalanffy growth function was used to model back‐calculated lengths as L_t = 338.4 (1?e^{?0.233 (t + 0.403)}) for males, and L_t = 433.9 (1?e^{?0.194 (t + 0.397)}) for females. Growth performance of S. younghusbandi was relatively higher than those of other Schizothoracinaes inhabiting the same river.     

Reproductive strategy of Psectrogaster rhomboides Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889, a freshwater fish from Northeastern Brazil

Several environmental parameters related to the spawning season of the freshwater fish, Psectrogaster rhomboides were identified. The hypothesis predicts synchrony of the spawning season with the rainy period, presenting a seasonal reproductive strategy. This study investigated the total body length and body mass, sex ratio, body size at first sexual maturity, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, fecundity and reproductive period of P. rhomboides in the natural environment. Twelve monthly samplings (mean n = 20) were carried out from March 2009 to February 2010. Fish were captured using 4 cm diameter cast nets and environmental parameters such as rainfall, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and electrical conductivity of the water were registered. The sampled population of P. rhomboides (n = 444) showed a sex ratio of 1 : 1. Females attained first sexual maturity at 15 cm total length and males at 15.3 cm total length. Spawning occurred from March to May, with high gonadosomatic index values during the rainy season. This species is a total spawner, with a mean fecundity of 6188 (±367) mature oocytes. P. rhomboides presents a seasonal reproductive strategy, providing a population increase and exploitation of the environmental resources during the rainy period. Rainfall (196.5 ± 4.9 mm) and the concentration of dissolved oxygen (7.82 ± 0.7018 mg L^?1) were influential factors during the spawning season. Gonadosomatic index and the condition factor were negatively correlated during the gonadal development cycle of this species. The monthly gonadosomatic index values show that spawning begins when the rainy season is at its maximum and ends synchronously (females r = 0.9171; males r = 0.889) with the end of the rainy season.     

Life history characteristics of an invasive cyprinid fish (Carassius gibelio) in Chimaditis Lake (northern Greece)

The life history characteristics of an invasive cyprinid fish, the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) were examined in Lake Chimaditis (northern Greece). The population is dominated by females that are able to reproduce gynogenetically. Fish samples were collected using trammel nets from August 2004 to July 2005. Their total length (TL) ranged between 21.9 and 37.0 cm. The length–weight relationship was W = 0.0336TL^2.81 (r² = 0.92, n = 600) and the mean Fulton condition factor exhibited monthly variation from 0.172 (May) to 0.186 (August). According to the annual growth marks present, the lifespan of the Prussian carp in Lake Chimaditis is 6 years. The growth parameters were estimated as L_∞ = 34.46 cm, K = 0.297 year^?1, t₀ = ?1.994 year. Absolute fecundity (F_A) ranged between 26 000 and 176 600 oocytes (mean = 66990) and relative fecundity between 78 and 251 oocytes per gram of total weight (mean = 158). Absolute fecundity increased exponentially with length (F_A = 0.286 × TL^3.66, r² = 0.66) and weight (F_A = 17.93 × W^1.36, r² = 0.73) of the fish.     

Length‐weight relationship and reproductive parameters of Botia dario (Hamilton, 1822) in Assam,India

The length‐weight relationships, spawning season, sex ratio, size at first maturity and fecundity of Botia dario (Hamilton, 1822), also known as the Bengal loach, were analyzed based on 556 specimens collected from the wetlands of Majuli Island, Assam between June 2012 and May 2013. The sex ratio (M : F) was 1 : 0.68, differing significantly (P < 0.05) from a 1 : 1 ratio. Size at first maturity (L_m50) was estimated as 6.8 cm for males and 7.4 cm for females. Analysis of monthly variations in the gonado‐somatic index (GSI), the monthly proportions of macroscopic gonadal maturity, and the ova diameter suggest a prolonged spawning season of B. dario from May to August, with a peak in July for both males and females (GSI = 15.0 in females; 7.0 in males). Absolute fecundity varied from 2523 to 51 377, with a mean of 18 367 ± 1254 oocytes per ovary. A positive correlation was recorded between total fecundity and body weight (r² = 0.678).     

Reproductive strategy of Leporinus piau (Fowler, 1941), a neotropical freshwater fish from the semi‐arid region of Brazil

This study concerns the reproductive strategy of the freshwater fish, Leporinus piau, native to the Brazilian semi‐arid region. The hypothesis of this work predicts that the species would spawn during the rainy season, presenting a seasonal reproductive strategy. The study investigated the structure of total body length and body mass, sex ratio, body size at first sexual maturity, developmental stages of gonads, fecundity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), condition factor (K) and the spawning season of L. piau. Twelve monthly samplings (mean n = 18) were carried out in 2009 and environmental parameters such as rainfall, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and concentration of dissolved oxygen of water were registered. The sampled population of L. piau (n = 211) showed a slight predominance of males (55%), but with larger and heavier females. First sexual maturation in males occurred earlier (16.5 cm total length) than in females (20.5 cm total length). The species is a total spawner with an average fecundity of 55 000 mature oocytes. Rainfall (225 ± 7.2 mm) and concentration of dissolved oxygen (8.5 ± 0.2 mg L^?1) acted as influential factors during the spawning season. The monthly GSI shows that spawning starts when the rainy season is at its maximum and ends synchronously (females r = 0.91; males r = 0.89) with the end of the rainy season. L. piau presents a seasonal reproductive strategy with high reproductive output, providing a population increase and exploitation of the environmental resources.     

The effects of productivity and seasonality on life history: comparing age at maturity among moose (Alces alces) populations

The productivity hypothesis in respect of an animal species’ geographical range predicts that whereas higher productivity at the equatorial periphery of a species’ range favours superior competitors, lower productivity at the centre of a species’ range favours high reproduction and reduced competitive traits. I test whether life‐history patterns follow this hypothesis, using demographic data from 15 Canadian moose (Alces alces) populations. Two models are contrasted; the first assumes that intraspecific variation in age at maturity is explained proximately by density and juvenile mortality. Age at maturity was found to increase with decreasing juvenile mortality (P = 0.01) and increasing density (P = 0.006). To test the productivity hypothesis, the second model additionally included primary productivity and seasonality as geographical explanatory variables that would ultimately influence age at maturity via juvenile mortality and density. Path analysis indicated that including productivity and seasonality improved the model predictions of variation in age at maturity (R_a² 0.56 and 0.85). In bivariate comparisons, seasonality was negatively associated (P = 0.01) with age at maturity. In the best model, however, primary productivity was the environmental variable that explained 25% of the variance in age at maturity, and forest cover replaced seasonality as an explanatory variable. The positive association between primary productivity and age at maturity is consistent with the productivity hypothesis. Relative to populations that lived at the centre of the species’ range (51°N), moose populations living in relatively high productivity and low seasonality environments (equatorial periphery of species’ range; 48°N) experienced less juvenile mortality, more variable year‐to‐year density, higher relative density and slower life history (slower growth rate, later age at maturity, lower fecundity).     

Size at first sexual maturity,fecundity, length–weight and length–length relationships of Puntius sophore (Cyprinidae) in Bangladeshi waters

The present study describes the size at first sexual maturity, fecundity, length–weight (LWRs) and length–length relationships (LLRs) of the pool barb, Puntius sophore, using data obtained from different geographical locations in Bangladesh. A total of 905 specimens were caught by traditional fishing gear from March 2010 to February 2011. Additionally, a total of 121 females were collected from a commercial catch of the Padma River during June–July 2011 to estimate size at first maturity and to determine fecundity. Total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) were measured with digital slide calipers. Individual body weights (BW) were determined for all specimens, and gonad weights (GW) from 121 females were weighed to an accuracy of 0.001 g. The female gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated as [GSI (%) = (GW/BW) × 100]. Female size at first maturity was estimated using GSI and TL as indicators, and estimated as 5.00 cm TL in the Padma River. Specimens larger than 5.00 cm TL were used to determine fecundity. Mean total fecundity was 5300 ± 2700, ranging from 1580 to 16590. A positive exponential correlation was recorded between total fecundity and total length (r² = 0.421). Relative fecundity ranged from 466 to 4036 (mean 1100 ± 580) in the Padma River. The LWR of pooled data for sexes combined was estimated as BW = 0.0155 TL^2.98 as ancova revealed no significant differences in LWRs between rivers (P > 0.05). All LLRs were highly correlated (r² > 0.983; P < 0.001), and ancova analyses further indicated that LLRs did not differ between rivers (P > 0.05). These results will help in further studies on the population assessment of the species.     

Age and growth of the Giant Kelpfish,Heterostichus rostratus Girard 1854, in Southern California,USA

In order to update existing life history parameters, age and growth patterns were determined for Giant Kelpfish, Heterostichus rostratus sampled from nearshore kelp forest and estuary habitats in southern California (USA) from April 2012 through June 2015. Fish were collected by pole spear, beach seine, beam trawl, purse seine, and square enclosure. Using age‐at‐length data derived from otolith readings, Giant Kelpfish were found to have a relatively short life span with the largest examined fish reaching a maximum total length of 413 mm at an age of 5 years. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated for this species were: L_∞ = 45.1 cm, k = 0.25, t₀ = ?0.66. Standard length (SL, cm)‐total length (TL, cm) and total length (TL, cm)‐weight (W, g) relationships were described by the equations: SL = 0.90 TL – 1 and W = 2.21 × 10^?3 TL^3.39, respectively. Wild juvenile Giant Kelpfish collected for this study had a higher growth rate than laboratory‐reared fish from a previous study.     

Reproductive biology of female striped marlin Kajikia audax in the western Pacific Ocean

Length and mass data for 1260 (536 females, 683 males, 41 sex unknown) striped marlin Kajikia audax were collected at the fish markets of Tungkang, Singkang and Nanfangao from July 2004 to September 2010. Of these samples, 534 gonads (236 females and 298 males) ranging from 95 to 206 cm in eye‐to‐fork length (L _EF ) and 8 to 88 kg in round mass (M _R), were collected. Chi‐square tests indicated sex ratios were homogeneous among months in 2004 and 2006–2008, but not in 2005, 2009 and 2010; and there were significant differences in sex ratio by size. The overall sex ratio (R _S ) differed significantly from the expected 0·5. Kajikia audax are sexually dimorphic and the proportions of females increased with size between 140 and 210 cm L _EF . Reproductive activity was assessed using a gonado‐somatic index (I _G ), external appearance of the gonads and histological examination and results indicated that the spawning season occurred from April to August with a peak in June to July. Based on histological observations and the distribution of oocyte diameters, K. audax are multiple spawners and their oocytes develop asynchronously. The estimated length‐at‐50% maturity (L _EF50 ) was c . 181 cm (c . 4·8 years of age) for females. The proportion of reproductively active females in the spawning season with ovaries containing postovulatory follicles (0·27) indicated that they spawned every 3·7 days on average. The hydrated oocyte method estimated mean ± S.D. batch fecundity (F _B ) to be 4·4 ± 2·02 million eggs; average relative fecundity was 53·6 ± 13·9 oocytes g^?1 M _R; and the average annual fecundity was 181·3 ± 48·3 million eggs. The parameters estimated in this study are key information for stock assessments of K. audax in the north‐western and central Pacific and will contribute to the conservation, management and sustainable yield of this species.     

Age,growth and reproduction of the black sea bream Spondyliosoma cantharus (Linnaeus, ) (Sparidae) in the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria)

The objective of this study was to determine the basic population‐specific parameters necessary for fish stock assessment in the Gulf of Annaba and to compare these with data from other Mediterranean regions. Black sea bream Spondyliosoma cantharus (Linnaeus, 1758) (N = 501) were collected monthly from January to December 2008 along the Algerian eastern coasts. More than 22 fish were collected each month and ranged in size from 13.4 to 40 cm total length, weighing from 36 to 1080 g eviscerated weight. Biological sampling included weighing and measuring the fish, gonad weighing, sex and maturity stage determination, and age estimation through otolith readings. Validity of the otolith readings for estimating age and growth was supported using the back‐calculation method. Estimated parameters of the von Bertalanffy model are: L_∞ = 33.54 cm, W_∞ = 633.46 g, k = 0.52 year^?1 and t_o = ?0.04 year. The growth performance index (φ) is: 2.76. The length‐weight relationship is: EW = 4.4.10^?6 TL^3.23. The spawning period occurred from February to May, while the gamete emission peaked in April. Females reached sexual maturity at 19.3 cm (2 years) and males at 21.3 cm (3 years). Sexual inversion occurs at approximately 24.3 cm. Spondyliosoma cantharus was characterized as being a protogynic hermaphrodite.     

Evaluation of the causality of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor gene (LDLR) for serum lipids in pigs

A significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and total cholesterol (TC) was identified around the LDLR gene on chromosome 2 (SSC2) in a White Duroc × Erhualian F₂ resource population and Sutai pigs in our previous study. However, in previous reports, the causality of LDLR with serum lipids is controversial in pigs. To systematically assess the causality of LDLR with serum lipids, association analyses were successively performed in three populations: Sutai pigs, a White Duroc × Erhualian F₂ resource population and a Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) population. We first performed a haplotype‐based association study with 60K SNP genotyping data and evidenced the significant association with LDL‐C and TC around the LDLR gene region. We also found that there is more than one QTL for LDL‐C and TC on SSC2. Then, we evaluated the causalities of two missense mutations, c.1812C>T and c.1520A>G, with LDL‐C and TC. We revealed that the c.1812C>T SNP showed the strongest association with LDL‐C (P = 5.40 × 10^?11) and TC (P = 3.64 × 10^?8) and explained all the QTL effect in Sutai pigs. Haplotype analysis found that two missense SNPs locate within a 1.93‐Mb haplotype block. One major haplotype showed the strongest significant association with LDL‐C (P = 4.62 × 10^?18) and TC (P = 1.06 × 10^?9). However, the c.1812C>T SNP was not identified in the White Duroc × Erhualian intercross, and the association of c.1520A>G with both LDL‐C and TC did not achieve significance in this F₂ population, suggesting population heterogeneity. Both missense mutations were identified in the Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) population and showed significant associations with LDL‐C and TC. Our data give evidence that the LDLR gene should be a candidate causative gene for LDL‐C and TC in pigs, but heterogeneity exists in different populations.     

A study on age and growth characteristics of spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei Blanc & Hureau, 1973), northeastern Mediterranean Sea

This study investigated the age and growth characteristics of spiny gurnard, Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei, from the northeastern Mediterranean. Samples were collected by commercial trawls during the 2012–2013 fishing seasons. A total 1,878 speciments ranged from 7.10 to 15.90 cm total length and 2.28–35.88 g in weight. Female/male ratio was 1.2/1. The total length–weight relationship was W = 0.002 TL^3.579 (r² = .909) for sexes combined, W = 0.0021 TL^3.551 (r² = .914) for males and W = 0.0019 TL^3.602 (r² = .904) for females. Age determination was conducted using the sagittal otoliths. Ages of examined individulas ranged from 3 to 11 years. Total length‐at‐age data were fitted using the von Bertalanffy growth model. Estimated growth functions were TL_t = 18.100 [1?e^{?0.14 (t + 0.63)}] for sexes combined, TL_t = 23.587 [1?e^{?0.08 (t + 1.56)}] for males and TL_t = 16.612 [1?e^{?0.19 (t + 0.15)}] for females.     

Similarities and differences in 13C and 15N stable isotope ratios in two non‐lethal tissue types from shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (Rafinesque, 1820)

We tested the hypothesis that δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N signatures of pectoral spines would provide measures of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N similar to those obtained from fin clips for adult shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus. Thirty‐two shovelnose sturgeon (fork length [FL] = 500–724 mm) were sampled from the lower Mississippi River, USA on 23 February 2013. Isotopic relationships between the two tissue types were analyzed using mixed model analysis of covariance. Tissue types differed significantly for both δ¹³C (P < 0.01; spine: mean = ?23.83, SD = 0.62; fin clip: mean = ?25.74, SD = 0.97) and δ¹⁵N (P = 0.01; spine: mean = 17.01, SD = 0.51; fin clip: mean = 17.19, SD = 0.62). Neither FL nor the FL × tissue type interaction had significant (P > 0.05) effects on δ¹³C. Fin clip δ¹³C values were highly variable and weakly correlated (r = 0.16, P = 0.40) with those from pectoral spines. We found a significant FL‐tissue type interaction for δ¹⁵N, reflecting increasing δ¹⁵N with FL for spines and decreasing δ¹⁵N with FL for fin clips. These results indicate that spines are not a substitute for fin clip tissue for measuring δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N for shovelnose sturgeon in the lower Mississippi River, but the two tissues have different turnover rates they may provide complementary information for assessing trophic position at different time scales.     

Age,growth and reproduction of the sand smelt Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810 in Mellah Lagoon (Eastern Algeria)

This aim of this paper was the study of the reproductive biology and growth of the sand smelt, Atherina boyeri, in Mellah Lagoon (Algeria). These data are important for the sustainable exploitation of the stocks of this species. Examined was a total of 1402 Atherina boyeri specimens captured monthly from March 2010 to March 2011, in a population with a 3‐year life cycle. Length–weight relationship was estimated as W = 0.0047 L^3.077 (r² = 0.935) for males and W = 0.0047 L^3.176 (r² = 0.935) for females. Using scales, the von Bertalanffy growth function fitted to back‐calculated size‐at‐age data was Lt = 9.49 [1 ? e^{?0.316 (t + 0.928)}] for males, and Lt = 11.67 [1 ? e^{?0.179 (t + 1.514)}] for females; using otoliths this was Lt = 9.68 [1 ? e^{?0.3 (t + 1.02)}] for males, and Lt = 11.93 [1 ? e^{?0.171 (t + 1.55)}] for females. The growth performance index (Φ) indicated that males (Φ_scales = 3.34, Φ_otoliths = 3.33) grew at the same rate as females (Φ_scales = 3.19, Φ_otoliths = 3.24), with a sex ratio of 1 : 1.6 in favor of females. The reproductive season extended from February to June. Individual length at first sexual maturity was 4.20 cm for 1‐year‐old males and 4.35 cm for 1‐year‐old females.     

Growth,length–weight relationship and biological information on the clearhead icefish (Protosalanx hyalocranius Abbott, 1901) in Lake Khanka (Xingkai)

This paper reports the growth pattern and length‐weight relationship and summarizes biological data for the clearhead icefish (Protosalanx hyalocranius) in Lake Khanka (Xingkai), on the border between China and Russia. The von Bertalanffy growth was estimated as SL = 20.3(1 ? e^{?2.93 (t ? 0.21)}). The length‐weight relationship was W = 0.00448 SL^2.99 for juveniles, and W = 0.000896 SL^3.59 for adults. P. hyalocranius mature in December and spawn in January, when the lake is still covered with ice, then die after spawning. The larvae hatch in March. Juveniles feed mainly on zooplankton whereas adults also feed on other fishes.     

Determination of enalapril maleate and atenolol in their pharmaceutical products and in biological fluids by flow‐injection chemiluminescence

A chemiluminescent method using flow injection (FI) was investigated for rapid and sensitive determination of enalapril maleate and atenolol, which are used in the treatment of hypertension. The method is based on the sensitizing effect of these drugs on the Ce(IV)–sulfite reaction. The different experimental parameters affecting the chemiluminescence (CL) intensity were carefully studied and incorporated into the procedure. The method permitted the determination of 0.01–3.0 µg mL^?1 of enalapril maleate in bulk form with correlation coefficient r = 0.99993, lower limit of detection (LOD) 0.0025 µg mL^?1 (S/N = 2) and lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) 0.01 µg mL^?1. The linearity range of atenolol in bulk form was 0.01–2.0 µg mL^?1 (r = 0.99989) with LOD of 0.0003 µg mL^?1 (S/N = 2) and LOQ of 0.01 µg mL^?1. In biological fluids the linearity range of enalapril maleate was 0.1–2.0 µg mL^?1 in both urine and serum, and for atenolol the linearity range was 0.1–1.0 µg mL^?1 in both urine and serum. The method was also applied to the determination of the drugs in their pharmaceutical preparations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Exploring the electrochemiluminescent behavior of procaterol hydrochloride in the presence of Ru(bpy)32+ and its analytical application in pharmaceutical preparation

Based on the strong enhancement effect of procaterol hydrochloride on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) in an alkaline H₃PO₄–NaOH buffer solution on a bare Pt electrode, a simple, rapid and sensitive method was developed for the determination of procaterol hydrochloride. The optimum conditions for the enhanced ECL have been developed in detail in this work. Under optimum conditions, the logarithmic ECL enhancement vs. the logarithmic concentration of procaterol hydrochloride is linear over a wide concentration range of 2.0 × 10^?7 to 2.0 × 10^?4 M (r =  0.9976), with a limit of detection of 1.1 × 10^?8 M (S/N =  3), and a relative standard deviation of 2.1% (n =  7, c =  5.0 × 10^?6 M). The proposed method was applied to the determination of this drug in tablets with recoveries of 89.7%–98.5%. In addition, a possible mechanism for the enhanced ECL of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, which is caused by ProH, has also been proposed.     

Maturity and spawning of painted lizardfish,Trachinocephalus myops (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) in the southeastern China Sea

Ovaries of 1159 Trachinocephalus myops were examined, and six oocyte stages were histologically identified whereby each stage of ovary development was observed almost every month. The sex ratio was not different from 1 : 1 (P > 0.01). The weight‐length relationship was estimated as BW = 0.0077FL^3.1207 (r² = 0.976, n = 2256). Monthly composition of the oocyte stages gonadosomatic index (GSI), and condition factor (CF) were examined. The spawning season had two peaks: February to April and August to October. Sizes at 50% maturity were estimated at 18.0 and 18.7 cm FL for females and males, respectively. Fecundity estimates ranged from 11 100 to 426 200 (mean: 178 600), based on an oocyte diameter >0.2 mm. Batch fecundity was estimated to range from 1724 to 120 951 (mean: 60 200), germinal vesicle migration and mature oocytes >0.8 mm in diameter were counted, and the relative fecundity was estimated to range from 346 to 3115 (mean: 1087). The results suggest that reproductive activity occurred throughout the year, suitable for the highly variable environments utilized by this species.