Early ontogeny of the big roughy Gephyroberyx japonicus (Beryciformes: Trachichthyidae) in captivity

Development of eggs and larvae of the big roughy Gephyroberyx japonicus are described on the basis of specimens reared in captivity. Spherical eggs (diameter 1.26–1.35?mm) with a single oil globule were pelagic. Newly hatched larvae (2.8–3.1?mm in body length, BL) had strong linear pigmentation on the head and trunk. The mouth opened at ca. 3.5?mm BL; thereafter the yolk was absorbed. Notochord flexion started at ca. 4.5?mm BL when body depth increased rapidly, and melanophores spread to all of the body. Notochord flexion was completed at ca. 5.0?mm BL. Head spination and pelvic fins began to develop during the flexion stage.     

Early development of the laboratory-reared flounder,Pleuronichthys cornutus

Fertilized eggs ofPleuronichthys cornutus were obtained by both artificial fertilization and natural spawning of laboratory-reared fish. The present paper describes in detail the early development of the fish and the rearing methods employed to provide basic information for mass production of this species. Eggs and sperm for artificial fertilization were obtained from adult fish caught in the Ariake Sound, Kyushu in November and December of 1984. Their maturation was successfully induced by intermuscular injection of pituitary homogenate of the silver carp,Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. Fertilized eggs were also obtained in 1985 by natural spawning of a broodstock kept in a tank for a year. Hatched larvae were fed successively with rotifers,Artemia nauplii and the harpacticoid copepod,Tigriopus japonicus and reared for 80 days. Ten thousand young fish of about 33 mm TL were obtained in 1984 and 1985 with the survival rate of about 17%. Ten developmental stages were defined on the basis of the morphological characteristics: A) newly hatched to 4 day old larvae, 2.7 to 4.1 mm TL (2.6 to 3.9 mmNL), yolk sac present; B) 4 to 16 day old larvae, 3.8 to 5.9 mm (3.6 to 5.6 mm), yolk resorbed, actively feeding on rotifers; C) 15 to 30 day old larvae, 6.3 to 8.3 mm (6.0 to 7.9 mm), notochord straight, hypural fin ray visible; D) 24 to 40 day old larvae, 6.7 to 9.2 mm (6.4 to 8.8 mm), caudal notochord upturned (45°); E) 28 to 45 day old larvae, 7.9 to 10.8 mm (7.5 to 10.3 mm), caudal notochord upturned (45°–90°); F) 32 to 50 day old larvae, 10.8 to 15.7 mm (8.8 to 12.8 mm BL), eyes symmetrical; G) 35 to 66 day old larvae, 13.4 to 20.0 mm (10.9 to 16.3 mm), eyes asymmetrical, but left eye not visible from the right side; H) 40 to 75 day old larvae, 13.8 to 26.2 mm (11.3 to 21.4 mm), the upper edge of left eye visible over top of the head from the right side; I) 46 to 89 day old larvae, 20.1 to 27.4 mm (16.4 to 22.4mm), left eye on the edge of the head and pupil visible from the right side; and J) juveniles of 51 day old or over, 23.6 mm or more (19.3 mm or more), metamorphosis completed. One to three inflections were found for relative growth of total length, eye diameter, upper jaw length, preanal length, and distance between the base of the pectoral fin and the anus against the notochord length or body length. Two inflections were found for body length (or notochord length)-body weight relationship. Most inflections appeared at the stages of D, F and J, corresponding to the body length of 8, 9–12 and 18–22 mm respectively.     

The eggs and larvae of the giant mudskipper, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Periophthalmodon schlosseri</Emphasis>, collected from a mudflat in Penang,Malaysia

 Eggs of the giant mudskipper, Periophthalmodon schlosseri were collected from a burrow in Penang, Malaysia, in November 1998, and hatched larvae were reared in the laboratory. The eggs were demersal with adhesive filaments and elliptical in shape (0.83–1.43 mm in long-axis diameter). Newly hatched larvae (2.1–2.6 mm in notochord length) possessed a yolk sac. The number of myomeres was 10 + 17 = 27. The mouth and anus were already opened. The larvae started feeding one day after hatching and completely absorbed the yolk by the third day at a water temperature of 24.5–28.0°C. Received: April 9, 2002 / Revised: October 25, 2002 / Accepted: December 10, 2002     

Spawning,eggs and larvae of the hawkfish,Cirrhitichthys aureus,in an aquarium

Spawning of the hawkfish,Cirrhitichthys aureus, occurred repeatedly between a female and a male in the aquariums of the Marine Science Museum, Tokai University. The pair was collected from Suruga Bay by scuba diving and maintained for 50 days prior to spawning. In early September, 1979, the first successful spawning took place at 17:40 h after several repetitions of a courtship behavior sequence, which was initiated by the male. Spawning continued daily for 104 days between the two fish. Fertilized eggs were spherical, transparent and pelagic, and measured 0.75–0.78 mm in diameter. Hatching took place 19–22.5 hours after fertilization at 26.2–28.4°C. Newly hatched larvae, measuring 2.23–2.28 mm in total length, had a rather slender body with 12+18 = 30 myotomes and a large ellipsoid yolk sac. The front tip of the yolk sac protruded forward beyond the snout of the larvae. A single oil globule was situated in the front part of the yolk sac. The larvae were maintained for 4 days after fertilization. Larval characteristics ofC. aureus bore a close resemblance to those of other cirrhitid species especially in melanophore pigmentation along the dorsal and ventral surfaces.     

微流水培养条件下斑鳜仔鱼的摄食与生长

在孵化环道连续微流水培养、水温(24±2)℃条件下,斑鳜(Siniperca scherzeri Steindachner)初孵仔鱼全长为(4.87±0.10)mm(n=50),卵黄囊体积为(1.461±0.172)mm3(n=50),油球直径为(0.47±0.04)mm(n=50).仔鱼孵出12h,胸鳍增大,具有一定阵发性水平游动能力,1日龄巡游模式建立;2日龄口膜消失,开始主动摄食,进入混合营养期,3 日龄外源性摄食关系完全建立.5日龄仔鱼的卵黄和油球全部消失.进入外源营养期;15日龄全长达到(13.72±0.76)mm(n=12).仔鱼发育过程中,其全长生长存在内源性营养阶段的较快速生长,混合营养阶段的慢速生长以及外源性营养阶段的快速生长三个生长期相,平均增长率为0.59 mm/d,对仔鱼全长TL(mm)与日龄D(d)进行同归,其生长模型为:TL=-0.0004D3+0.0283D2+0.2159D + 4.9335(R2=0.985,n=261).2-15 日龄,口宽与全长呈正比关系.仔鱼从初孵到PNR仅为5-6d,具有摄食能力的时间4d,仔鱼依赖外源性营养开始时间较早,对饥饿的耐受力较差.     

Pelagic eggs and larvae of Coelorinchus kishinouyei (Gadiformes: Macrouridae) collected from Suruga Bay, Japan

Pelagic eggs and larvae of the macrourid fish Coelorinchus kishinouyei, collected from Suruga Bay, southern Japan and subsequently identified by 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences, are described. The spherical eggs, 1.18–1.31 mm in diameter, contained a single oil globule, 0.28–0.33 mm in diameter, and had hexagonally patterned ornamentation on the chorion, 0.017–0.022 mm in width. Melanophores were present on the embryo, yolk and oil globule after the blastopore had closed. Within 1 day after hatching, the body axis of the yolk-sac larvae was bent slightly at the anterior trunk region. During this stage many melanophores formed on the head, trunk, tail, yolk and oil globule, along with small irregular wrinkles on the dorsal and ventral finfolds. Pelagic eggs (after the caudal end of the embryo had detached from the yolk) and yolk-sac larvae also developed xanthophores on the embryo and yolk, and head, trunk, dorsal and ventral finfolds just before tail tip, and yolk, respectively. The pelagic larvae had a short tail, stalked pectoral-fin base and no elongate first dorsal and pelvic-fin rays. Three clusters of melanophores were present on the tail (anterior two embedded to muscle and one just before tail tip subsequently lost with development) and a cluster around the anus (beyond 3.9 mm head length). Nucleotide sequence analyses of comparative adult specimens appeared to confirm a previous proposal that C. productus is a junior synonym of C. anatirostris.     

Effects of growth rates on the otolith increments deposition rate in capelin larvae (Mallotus villosus)

Otolith microstructure analysis was applied to known age capelin larvae (Mallotus villosus) in order to examine the formation of daily increments. In two validation experiments, newly hatched yolk sac larvae were stocked into eight 10 m³ plastic bags where environmental conditions were kept as natural as possible. The bags were terminated after 35-79 days, the surviving larvae were collected and the otoliths were analysed. Survival in the bags varied between 39 - 71% with average individual length growth rates of 0.25 mm day^- 1. The ages of most larvae were underestimated and the accuracy in age estimation was generally low. Highest accuracy was found for fast growing larvae. On average, the larvae started to form increments about 12 days after hatching, and the increment width increased with age and/or length of the larvae. Larvae showing low body growth rates had fast otolith growth relative to body length.     

Developmental morphology of the Indian cyprinid fish Barilius canarensis

Embryonic and larval development of an Indian cyprinid fish, Barilius canarensis, is described from laboratory-reared specimens. The eggs, measuring 2.1–2.4 mm in diameter, were demersal, almost spherical in shape, transparent and unpigmented, with a pale yellow yolk without oil globules. Hatching occurred 39–45 h after fertilization at 26.8°–27.4°C. The newly hatched larvae, measuring 4.8–5.1 mm in body length (BL) with 22 + 17 = 39 myomeres, were characterized by melanophores already deposited on the eyes. The eggs of B. canarensis resembled those of the related danionin species Candidia barbatus, Opsariichthys uncirostris uncirostris, Zacco platypus, Z. sieboldii, and Z. temminckii. Although the larvae of B. canarensis were also similar to those of the foregoing species in general morphology, they differed in having a straight notochord tip and pigmentation on the eyes at hatching and the almost entire absence of melanophores on the ventral body surface from the yolk sac to postflexion larval stages. Conversely, melanophores occurred on the anterior abdominal and pericardial cavities from the preflexion to postflexion larval stages.     

Spawning, egg development and early ontogenesis in rock cod Patagonotothen ramsayi (Regan, 1913) caught on the Patagonian Shelf and maintained in captivity

Rock cod Patagonotothen ramsayi (Regan, 1913) is one of the most abundant fish of the family Nototheniidae inhabiting the Patagonian Shelf and upper Slope in the southwest Atlantic. Recently, P. ramsayi became an important commercial species around the Falkland Islands with annual catch of 60,000–75,000 t. The present study aimed to reveal previously unknown aspects of reproductive biology of P. ramsayi during the first successful maintenance of adults for more than a year in an aquaculture facility with running seawater. The fish spawned at the end of austral winter. During spawning, males changed their coloration dramatically, occupied artificial shelters on the bottom and showed aggressive territorial behaviour. Egg masses were light-yellow to light-orange irregular spongiform. They were negatively buoyant, but located outside shelters and were ignored by males. Egg diameters varied between 2.1 and 2.3 mm, and the number of eggs per egg mass ranged from 26,800 to 123,400. Embryogenesis lasted 28–32 days. Total lengths of newly hatched larvae ranged from 6.2 to 6.7 mm. The yolk sac feeding period lasted approximately 11 days, during which the larvae showed negative phototaxis. One-month-old larvae attained 8.8–9.0 mm in length. This study confirms that P. ramsayi exhibit the reproductive strategy typical for nototheniid species occupying low-latitude peripheries of their distributional range, characterised by a combination of r-features (small eggs and larvae, high fecundity) and K-features (territorial behaviour and possible nest guarding).     

Maturation and hatching of eggs from silkworm ovaries preserved in liquid nitrogen

Ovarian imaginal discs prepared from fifth-instar larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori were treated with graded concentrations of glycerol, cooled at a rate of 1°C/min to ?35°C and preserved in liquid nitrogen for 2 days or more and then rapidly thawed (500°C/min). The frozen and thawed ovaries were transplanted into fifth-instar female larvae, in which more than 20% of the ovaries developed to produce mature eggs with a chorion according to the state of host development. By parthenogenetic activation, the mature eggs started embryogenesis and hatched to produce larvae. About 50% hatching occurred in the eggs developed in a C 108 × Cambodge host, and about 10% in a C 108 × Aojuku host. The hatched larvae completed post-embryonic development as did the normal larvae.     

Larval development,growth and age determination in the sharpnose pufferfishCanthigaster valentini (Teleostei: Tetraodontidae)

The eggs, early larvae and juveniles of the sharpnose pufferfishCanthigaster valentini are described, based on material collected in Great Barrier Reef waters. Eggs were obtained in the field by divers and reared in the laboratory. The eggs are spherical, strongly adhesive, 0.68–0.72 mm in diameter, possess a dense cluster of small oil droplets, and hatch around sunset 3 to 5 days after fertilization. Newly hatched larvae have a small yolk sac, pectoral fin folds, 17 myomeres (6 pre-anal, 11 post-anal) and measure 1.30–1.40 mm in notochord (standard) length. The eggs ofC. valentini differ from those of other tetraodontids in being much smaller and having a longer incubation time. The larvae can be distinguished from other tetraodontid larvae by pigmentation, myomere count and size at hatching. Growth is most rapid during the first day of larval life. Age determinations (based on otolith microstructure) of field collected juveniles, both pelagic and newly settled, indicate a pelagic phase of between 64 and 113 days for this species. This estimate appears consistent with the extended pelagic juvenile stages observed in other tetraodontiform fishes and could indicate thatC. valentini can delay settlement for some time after becoming competent to settle at a minimum age of 64 days.     

Eggs and larvae of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Awaous melanocephalus</Emphasis> (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

The morphology of eggs and larvae of Awaous melanocephalus is described. The eggs measured 0.33–0.35 mm in long-axis diameter and 0.32–0.34 mm in short-axis diameter. Newly hatched larvae (0.90–0.99 mm in notochord length, NL; 0.93–1.04 mm in total length, TL) were poorly developed, lacking a mouth and having a large yolk sac and unpigmented eyes. The mouth opened and the eyes became fully pigmented 3 days after hatching (1.78–2.00 mm NL, 1.88–2.10 mm TL). The yolk sac was completely absorbed 5 days after hatching at a water temperature of 27°–28°C.     

Pelagic eggs and larvae of Coryphaenoides marginatus (Gadiformes: Macrouridae) collected from Suruga Bay, Japan

The pelagic eggs, yolk-sac and pelagic larvae of the macrourid fish, Coryphaenoides marginatus, from Suruga Bay in southern Japan, are described. The identification of the pelagic eggs based on 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences agreed with that obtained from morphological analyses. The spherical eggs, 1.14–1.30 mm in diameter, contained a single oil globule 0.30–0.38 mm in diameter, and had hexagonally patterned ornamentation on the chorion, 0.025–0.033 mm in width. Many melanophores were present on the anterodorsal region of the embryo after the caudal end had detached from the yolk. Within a day after hatching, each of the yolk-sac larvae had a body axis that was bent slightly at the anterior trunk region, many dorsal and lateral melanophores on the trunk plus several on the gut, and small irregular wrinkles on the dorsal and anal fin membranes. The pelagic larvae had a short caudal region in comparison to other known congeners (length 2.0–3.2+ times head length vs. 4–7, respectively), a short stalked pectoral fin base, and no elongate first dorsal and pelvic fin rays. They were further characterized by the presence of numerous very dense melanophores from just behind the eye to the anterior part of the caudal region at 5.1 mm head length (25.8+ mm total length). The significant difference in vertical distribution between the pelagic eggs and larvae (dominant depths ca. 200–350 m vs. ca. 10–100 m, respectively), with no subsequent collection of pelagic larvae with greater than 6 mm head length, indicate two stages (rising and falling) of ontogenic vertical migration.     

Subsidies for production of Chironomus calligraphus larvae (Chironomidae,Diptera) in the laboratory

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature, type of mineral substrate, and type and amount of feed on the growth of Chironomus calligraphus as a subsidy for the production of Chironomus larvae to feed the fish. Egg production was evaluated at 22, 25, and 28?°C on fine (0.074–0.210?mm), or silty sand (0.002–0.250?mm), and no mineral substrate as control. For larval production, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30?mg/larvae of fish feed, poultry feed, or turkey manure were used as food. The highest number of egg masses was produced when mineral substrates and 25?°C were used, but the higher number of eggs/mass was registered in the control. Therefore, the total number of eggs and hatched larvae produced was the same in the presence or in the absence of mineral substrates (p?>?0.05). The best results for survival and growth were recorded for larvae reared with fish or poultry food. The increase in the amount of feed was correlated with weight gain only for larvae fed with poultry feed, with no reduction in survival.     

Development and growth of laboratory reared Engraulis japonica (Houttuyn) larvae

The development and growth of Japanese anchovy larvae, Engraulis japonica , are described from laboratory-reared specimens. Fertilized eggs were collected from cultured parental fish. Rotifers, Anemia and copepods were offered to larvae of different sizes. Fin ray formation was completed at 21 mm S.L. Pigmentation during development is described. Newly hatched larvae grew to 29·38 mm standard length in 62 days. The daily length increment averaged 0·43 mm.     

Effects of temperature and salinity on the eggs and early larvae of Caranx mate (Cuv. & Valenc.) (pisces: carangidae) in Hawaii

Eggs and larvae of the carangid fish, Caranx mate (Cuv. & Valenc.), were incubated at various temperature (17.2 to 33.1 °C) and salinity (10 to 42 ‰) combinations in five experiments. The following rates were directly proportional to temperature: embryonic development, yolk absorption, eye and jaw development, and increase in length. Unfed C. mate larvae attained a maximum size at 25 °C and 20 ‰ Eyes and jaws of larvae were functional by the end of the yolk sac stage at all temperature and salinity levels tested.Hatching success and larval survival at the end of the yolk sac stage were generally greater than 50 % between 22° and 32°C. Hatching success and larval survival at the end of the yolk sac stage were reduced at salinity extremes, especially in low temperature-low salinity and high temperature-high salinity combinations. The frequency of morphological abnormalities was also high at extreme temperatures and salinities.The incipient upper thermal TL_m for unfed C. mate larvae acclimated to 23.8°C increased from 31.5°C for newly hatched larvae, to 34.2°C for 72 h larvae, but decreased to 32.0°C for starving larvae after the exhaustion of the yolk supply.     

Embryonic and larval development of a Japanese spinous loach,Cobitis takatsuensis

The embryonic and larval development ofCobitis takatsuensis, a mountain stream spinous loach, was surveyed by incubating artificially inseminated eggs. The mean diameter of the inflated eggs and mean total length of newly-hatched larvae were 2.7 mm and 5.7 mm, respectively. The eggs were spherical, transparent and unpigmented, with a pale yellow yolk and no oil globule. The daily cumulative temperature to hatching was estimated to be 70–110°C. day. Hatched larvae were unpigmented with outer gill filaments on their cheeks, as in otherCobitis species, but the melanophores were comparatively less obvious at each developmental stage. The larvae started feeding eleven days after hatching yolk absorption being completed sixteen days after hatching. All the fin rays were fully developed and the juvenile stage reached at 16 mm TL, 38 days after hatching. Embryonic and larval developmental traits ofC. takatsuensis, such as egg size, clutch size and larval pigmentation, were similar to the Korean species,Niwaella multifasciata, that lives in the upper reaches of the Nak-tong river, andN. delicata, which inhabits Japanese mountain streams, rather than to its congeners. Among cobitine fishes, the spawning of a small number of larger eggs yielding larger larvae without pigmentation, characteristics shared byC. takatsuensis, N. multifasciata andN. delicata, is attributable to adaptation to cold mountain streams.     

裸项栉鰕虎鱼的全人工繁殖及其胚胎发育

目的研究裸项栉鰕虎鱼全人工繁殖及胚胎发育,为该鱼的实验动物化研究奠定基础。方法对胚胎和仔稚幼鱼各个发育期的连续取样,系统地观察了裸项栉鰕虎鱼各发育期的形态变化及生长特征。结果水温25．8℃～26．5℃,裸项栉鰕虎鱼受精后约82h仔鱼开始出膜,初孵仔鱼全长1．42～1．73mm,1d开口摄食,3d卵黄囊消失,23d第一背鳍形成,鳞片出现;33d全身被鳞;初孵仔鱼经97d发育成熟,繁殖周期约为36d;雌鱼性腺成熟系数可达40％,个体相对生殖力达每克8193．5粒。结论裸项栉鰕虎鱼具有个体小、性成熟早、生殖季节长、繁殖周期短、繁殖力强等特点,可进行室内规模化人工繁殖和培育。     

A case of abnormal size in eggs and larvae of the Taiga tick,Ixodes persulcatus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Egg batches laid by females of Ixodes persulcatus (maintained under a photoperiod of L:D 20:4 before feeding) contained eggs of two sizes: numerous normal eggs of 0.578 × 0.421 mm and some giant eggs of 0.776×0.515 mm. Giant eggs were 32–34% greater in length and 22–24% greater in width than normal eggs. Females maintained under a short-day photoperiod (L:D 12:12) laid only normal eggs (0.588×0.417 mm). There were no differences between these eggs in viability and developmental time, but larvae hatched from giant eggs were larger (length of body 23–28% greater and of gnathosoma 12–15% greater) than larvae from normal eggs. This dimorphism of eggs and larvae was not sex determined, but may be a maternal photoperiodic effect.     

Bemerkungen zur Biologie sowie Haltung und Vermehrung des Sokotra-Riesengeckos, Haemodracon riebeckii (Peters, 1882)

The Socotra Giant Gecko, Haemodracon riebeckii, is the largest species of lizard on Socotra Island. The nocturnal, arboreal and rupiculous living geckos are omnivorous. Two pairs were kept in terrariums and were fed with various insects (crickets, locusts, cockroaches), sweet fruits and other feeding stuff (such as meat, fish). Temporarily H. riebeckii was kept together with other lizards (Eublepharis macularius, Trachylepis socotrana), without any signs of aggressive behaviour. Juveniles and adults of both sexes are able to produce a sound. These acoustic signals seem to be related to predators, because never any intraspecific function could be observed. Within seven years of captive breeding two females produced 253 eggs. Usually two white and sticky soft-shelled eggs were laid within one clutch, more rarely a single egg was laid. The two eggs of a clutch were always laid on the same day. H. riebeckii belongs to the geckos that bury their eggs and practice some brood care, but no special parental care. The female is able to proof with her hind legs the deep and shape of a hollow in the substrate to bury the eggs, which were buried in a sticky and soft-shelled condition. They are oval in shape (egg length 16.4-19.8 mm, egg width 12.4-17.8 mm, quotient EL:EW 1.22±0.05) and have in the beginning a weight ranging from 1.7100 to 2.5201 g. As typical for geckos with hard-shelled eggs the egg weight decreases during the incubation period. The loss can be between 5.59 to 30.29%. The development of eggs up to hatching of young depends upon temperature and the germinal stage in the laid egg. The time difference between the hatching of the young within one clutch of two eggs was usually 1 to 5 days. In some cases there were, however, longer differences (up to 61 days), which are probably caused by different developmental stages of the embryos during the time of egg laying. The shortest incubation period recorded during our investigations was 83 days for eggs incubated at constant temperature of 28 to 29.5 °C and the longest 359 days at 26 to 26.5 °C. Constant high incubation temperatures caused a premature hatching of young. In normal hatched young were the yolk sac retracted and the navel closed. In premature hatched young were the yolk not resorbed and the mortality within the first three month comparatively high. The snout-vent length (SVL) of newly hatched young is from 27 to 39 mm and the tail length (TL) from 25 to 38 mm (SVL:TL index 0.90-1.27), the weight is from 0.7688 to 1.5366 g. Young specimens are distinguished from adults by the brown/white striped lower jaw and the white-banded tail. Young which hatched in the terrarium were eaten by the adults. A loss of young can be avoided if they are raised individually.