Effect of photoperiod manipulation on the growth performance of juvenile lenok,Brachymystax lenok (Pallas, 1773)

The effect of four different light regimes on growth was studied in lenok, Brachymystax lenok. Fish with average weights of 5.5 g were subjected to four different photoperiods (0L:24D, 6L:18D, 12L:12D and 24L:0D) for 35 days. The specific growth rate (SGR) of lenok in 24‐h darkness had a significantly higher SGR than those in the continuous light regime (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference among fish exposed to 6L:18D, 12L:12D and 24L:0D photoperiods. There was a tendency for higher food intake over the light period extension from 0L to 24L, and feed intake was significantly higher in the continuous light group than in 24‐h darkness (P < 0.05). No significant difference in feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was observed between fish exposed to 0L:24D and 6L:18D photoperiods, however, the FCE in both photoperiods was significantly higher than that in the other two groups. The final survival rate of juveniles varied from 79.67 to 95.33%, with significant differences among experimental groups. Fish tested in continuous illumination spent much more energy on respiration and excretion while depositing less energy for growth than in the other photoperiods. In contrast, fish in 24‐h darkness deposited more energy for growth and spent less energy on respiration and excretion. Results show that photoperiod manipulation can affect growth, and that a continuous dark regime could improve growth in lenok at this stage of development.     

Age and growth comparisons of Hovsgol grayling (Thymallus nigrescens Dorogostaisky, 1923), Baikal grayling (T. baicalensis Dybowski, 1874), and lenok (Brachymystax lenok Pallas, 1773) in lentic and lotic habitats of Northern Mongolia

Despite concern over the conservation status of many Mongolian salmonids and the importance of their ecological role in Mongolia's aquatic ecosystems, little is known about their basic biology. Hovsgol grayling (Thymallus nigrescens) is endemic to Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia and listed as endangered on the Mongolian Red List. Baikal grayling (T. baicalensis) and lenok (Brachymystax lenok) are found in lakes and rivers throughout the Selenge drainage. A detailed study of the age and growth of these three salmonids was conducted based on 1,682 samples collected from July 2006 to July 2013 in Lake Hovsgol, its outlet the Eg River, and one of the Eg's largest tributaries, the Uur River. Our results suggest that Hovsgol grayling in particular can reach a much older maximum age (17 years in our samples) than previously believed based on aging from scales. Female Hovsgol grayling were heavier at a given length than their male counterparts. Lenok had a greater average length‐at‐age in Lake Hovsgol compared to the rivers and greater weight‐at‐length in the warmer Uur River than in the Eg; female lenok from the rivers had a greater average length‐at‐age than their male counterparts. This study provides critical new information for the management and conservation of these threatened salmonid species in Mongolia.     

Effects of different food on growth and survival of first‐feeding taimen Hucho taimen (Pallas, 1773) larvae

A study was conducted to compare growth and survival of Hucho taimen larvae from 21 to 76 days after hatch (DAH) fed one of three diets: formulated feed alone (group F); a co‐feeding diet of water fleas, tubifex and formulated feed (group C); or live food of water fleas and tubifex (group L), and to investigate the potential use of dietary L‐alanyl‐L‐glutamine (L‐AG) in larval taimen for a more nutritious starter diet. Triplicate groups of 5000 fish were randomly assigned to each aquarium provided with water from a flow‐through system, and fed to apparent satiation. The results show that larvae can feed efficiently on floating crumbled particles of formulated feed. Weight gain of larvae fed only formulated feed was significantly lower than other groups at 34 DAH (P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, weight gain reached the highest value in group F and was lowest in group L (P < 0.05). Condition factor reached the highest values in group F and lowest in group C (P < 0.05). Specific growth rate was in accordance with weight gain at 76 DAH. Survival showed no differences among the groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, H. taimen larvae can be fed formulated feed alone and L‐AG may be used as a feeding attractant during the weaning process, which should lead to a better understanding in the rearing improvement in the feeding of larvae.     

利用线粒体DNA控制区序列分析细鳞鲑种群的遗传结构

细鳞鲑(Brachymystaxlenok)是我国重要的经济鱼类,由于过度捕捞、环境污染及其他因素的影响,其种群已处于濒危状态。研究细鳞鲑种群的遗传结构对于探讨这一物种的形成与演化及其有效保护等问题具有十分重要的意义。本文测定了我国东部水系的细鳞鲑7个种群71个个体的线粒体DNA控制区序列片段(835bp),发现43个变异位点,共计15个单倍型。AMOVA分析结果表明,不同的地理区域之间存在显著的遗传分化(63.55%),而区域内和种群内的遗传变异分别只有24.17%和12.28%。采用邻接法(NJ)构建分子系统树,结果表明,单倍型被分成3个与各自的地理区域相对应的族群,各地理区域之间没有共享的单倍型。细鳞鲑的这种独特的遗传结构与其进化历史(例如地理隔离造成基因流的长期中断)和生物学特性(例如有限的散布能力和基因交换能力)有密切的关系。根据上述研究结果,我们建议对这3个遗传分化显著的地理区域加以保护,并按照不同的水系来保护种群,避免不同区域的种群之间发生基因交流。     

不同适应条件对细鳞鲑幼鱼游泳能力的影响

为了研究适应条件对鲑科鱼类幼鱼续航游泳能力的影响,在(16.0±0.2)℃和8 mg/L溶解氧条件下,以续航时间作为评定游泳能力的关键指标,通过适应时间、适应流速、加速时间以及测试流速对细鳞鲑幼鱼的续航游泳时间的影响进行了研究,试验采用4因素8水平的均匀设计方案。结果表明,最大适应流速应控制在1—1.5 BL/s为宜,相应的最佳适应时间应为1 h,在合理条件下适应流速和适应时间对续航游泳能力的影响可忽略不计;加速时间只在大流速条件下(0.5 m/s)对续航时间有极显著影响,其他情况的影响可以忽略不计;尽管长时间适应环境更有利于鱼类身体机能的充分调整,但适应时间仍建议控制在1—2 h以内,且受试鱼类要经过试验前的适应能力筛选;测试流速建议控制在3—4 BL/s以内,以避免超过鱼类的最大游泳耐受范围。测试流速对细鳞鲑幼鱼的续航时间有极为显著的影响,其续航时间随测试流速的增加呈幂函数规律衰减。     

Effects of stocking density on growth and skin color of juvenile darkbarbel catfish Pelteobagrus vachelli (Richardson)

A 3‐month experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of stocking density on growth performance and skin color of juvenile darkbarbel catfish. Experimental fish (5.0 ± 0.6 g; n = 160) were stocked in triplicate in 2 m² concrete tanks in a greenhouse at the initial density of 50, 150, 400 and 650 fish m^?2, respectively (0.42, 1.25, 3.33 and 5.42 kg m^?3). At the end of the experiment, 60 fish from each tank were sampled to record body weight and total length, and six fish from each tank were sampled to measure skin color by instrumental color analysis. Results showed that stocking density affected growth performance significantly (P < 0.05). Final mean weight (W), final mean total length (L) and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly higher at 150 fish m^?2 treatment and lower in both the highest and lowest (650 and 50 fish m^?2) density treatments (P < 0.05). The condition factor (CF) was higher in 150 and 50 fish m^?2 and lowest at 650 fish m^?2 treatment; the coefficient of variation of weight (CV) tended to increase with the increase in stocking density, which was lowest in 50 fish m^?2 and highest in 650 fish m^?2. Stocking density also affected the skin color parameters, L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness) and h* (hue), significantly (P < 0.05). The values of these parameters tended to decline with the increase in stocking density. Results of the present study suggest that growth performance and skin color responses to stock density exhibit different patterns for darkbarbel catfish juveniles: highest and lowest densities impaired growth rate, and higher density had a darkening effect on skin color.     

养殖密度对史氏鲟稚鱼生长的影响

养殖密度对史氏鲟生长影响的研究结果表明 ,在养殖密度分别为 0 .2 32、0 .6 6 5、1.34 7和 2 .46 9kg·m-2 的流水环境中 ,各密度组的史氏鲟稚鱼的生长表现为不等速性 ,但生长离散没有加剧 .试验持续 2 8d后 ,各组的生长表现出显著差异 ,生长效率、特定生长率和日增重都随密度的增大而降低 ,而饵料转化率和净增重随密度的增大而增大 .特定生长率 (SGR)与养殖密度 (D)之间存在着显著的负相关     

Effects of environmental factors on organ mass of midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus Pallas, 1773)

We measured and analyzed the organ masses of midday gerbils (Meriones meridianus Pallas, 1773) to test whether organ masses would respond to the variation in environmental factors. The results showed that organ masses (as expressed in log of organ dry mass) of midday gerbils changed significantly in different environmental gradients. Altitude was the best predictor of variation for heart dry mass, while it was frost-free period for the dry masses of kidneys, liver, and lung. The integrative effect of frost-free period and precipitation explained the 54.9% of the variables for kidney dry mass and 47.7% of the variables for liver dry mass. Precipitation and latitude explained 8.9% of the variables for spleen dry mass. We concluded that environmental factors had an integrative influence on organ masses. Midday gerbils’ heart mass became larger at higher altitude to respond to hypoxia and higher level of energy demand. Primary productivity (surrogated by frost-free period, precipitation, and their interaction) played the most significant role in determining the organ masses of midday gerbils. When encountering unfavorable conditions, midday gerbils had the tendency to grow larger organ masses to promote organ function.     

The evolutionary history of sharp- and blunt-snouted lenok (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachymystax lenok</Emphasis> (Pallas, 1773)) and its implications for the paleo-hydrological history of Siberia

Background  

Broad-scale phylogeographic studies of freshwater organisms provide not only an invaluable framework for understanding the evolutionary history of species, but also a genetic imprint of the paleo-hydrological dynamics stemming from climatic change. Few such studies have been carried out in Siberia, a vast region over which the extent of Pleistocene glaciation is still disputed. Brachymystax lenok is a salmonid fish distributed throughout Siberia, exhibiting two forms hypothesized to have undergone extensive range expansion, genetic exchange, and multiple speciation. A comprehensive phylogeographic investigation should clarify these hypotheses as well as provide insights on Siberia's paleo-hydrological stability.     

Effects of salinity on survival,daily food intake and growth of juvenile round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) from a brackish water system

The growth response of juvenile round gobies was tested in various salinities to assess the potential performance of the species in widely differing salinities in the Baltic Sea and adjacent waters. An experimental approach analysed the survival, daily food intake and growth of juvenile Neogobius melanostomus from the brackish water region of the Kiel Canal, Germany. Round gobies (TL = 61.5 ±5.3 mm; n = 40) were fed ad libitum (diet = mysid shrimp; energy content = 4.7 cal per mg dry weight) at salinity levels of 0.1, 7.5, 15 and 30 over 12 weeks. Two replicate tanks (125 × 30 × 30 cm; 100 L) were maintained for each salinity level, each holding five specimens at a mean temperature of 19.90°C (±0.64°C; n = 136). Survival at all levels was 100%, except for 0.1 with 90%. Mean daily food intake (% of body weight) increased from salinity level 0.1 to 15 (from 17.76% to 19.95%); specimens at level 30 showed a more diversified and lower mean food intake (18.44%). Mean cumulative body weight gain appeared greatest at a level of 7.5 (224.52%), closely followed by 0.1 (206.57%) and 15 (191.92%). In contrast, fish growth was significantly lower at a salinity level of 30 (100.57%). Results of the experiment indicate that salinity tolerance estimates of the round goby made by other authors are too low regarding specimens that stem from brackish habitats. Growth patterns of some specimens, even in the salinity 30 treatment, show that a further spread of this species into regions with higher salinities is quite possible.     

Effects of stocking density and food density on survival,growth and yield of laboratory-reared larvae of sea bream Archosargus rhomboidalis (L.) (Sparidae)*

Growth and survival of sea bream, Archosargus rhomboidalis (L.) larvae were affected by both abundance of eggs that were initially stocked in 75 1 rearing systems and by the concentration of copepod nauplii and copepodites that were fed to larvae. Stocking levels were 2, 4, 8,16 or 32 per litre while food abundance was maintained at approximately 100, 500, 1500 or 3000 per litre. Experiments were of 16 days duration at 26° C. Survival was best, often exceeding 60%, when food levels were 1500 or 3000 per litre and when stocking density did not exceed 8 eggs per litre. Growth was best at the lowest stocking densities and highest food levels. The highest total yields in wet weight occurred at 8 per litre stock density and 3000 per litre food level. Mean wet weight per survivor and yield per stocked egg were greatest at the lowest stocking densities and highest food levels. A 500 per litre food level was marginal for growth and survival, and 100 per litre produced significant survival only at the 2 per litre stocking density. Two experiments at 6000 and 10 000 per litre food levels at 4 per litre stock density gave the best observed growth, and survival as good as in any other experiments. Possible relations between sea bream larvae and their food supply in the natural environment are discussed. Results also are discussed in terms of their possible contribution to aquaculture efforts.     

High stocking density during larviculture and effect of size and diet on production of juvenile Lophiosilurus alexandri Steindachner, 1876 (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae)

Different stocking densities were investigated in larviculture and feeding of Lophiosilurus alexandri, as well as analyses of the effects on juveniles of two size‐classes and two different commercial formulated diets. The first experiment was two‐phased: (a) larvae stocked at densities of 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 larvae L⁻¹ fed with Artemia nauplii and reared for 15 days; (b) in phase 2, densities of 5, 10, 15, 30, and 40 juveniles L⁻¹ were evaluated during feed training (20 days). Mean water temperature in both phases was 28°C. In the first phase of experiment 1, the different stocking densities did not affect fish growth or survival. In phase 2, growth was similar in all densities; however, survival was lower at higher densities. The increased density provided a rise in biomass and number of individuals produced in both phases. In the second experiment, two size‐classes of feed‐trained juveniles (30.22 ± 1.84 and 34.66 ± 2.41 mm) were given pellets of two different diameters (1.2 and 2.6 mm) for 20 days. The largest juveniles fed the 1.2 mm inert diet had higher final weights and lengths. Larviculture and feed training of L. alexandri can thus be performed successfully at high stocking densities of 300 larvae L⁻¹ during the first 15 days of feeding, and at densities of up to 40 juveniles L⁻¹ during the 20 days of feed training, respectively.     

Effect of feeding frequency on growth, feed utilization, and size variation of juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

Juvenile (3.0 ± 0.2 g) gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) were fed to satiation for 8 weeks to investigate the effect of feeding frequency on growth, feed utilization and size variation. Five feeding frequencies were tested: two meals per day (M2), three meals per day (M3), four meals per day (M4), 12 meals per day (M12) and 24 meals per day (M24). The results showed that daily food intake increased significantly with the increase in feeding frequency and there was no significant difference between daily food intakes in M12 and M24 treatments. Growth rate, feed efficiency increased significantly with increasing feeding frequencies. Size variation was not affected by feeding frequency. Apparent digestibility of dry matter was not influenced by feeding frequency, while apparent digestibility of protein and energy increased significantly at high feeding frequencies. The feeding frequency had no significant effect on the moisture, lipid, protein, or energy contents of gibel carp, while the ash content decreased with increased feeding frequency. It was recommended that 24 meals per day was the optimal feeding frequency for juvenile gibel carp.     

细鳞鲑细菌性败血症病原菌的分离鉴定及药敏实验

从21尾患病细鳞鲑Brachymystax lenok体内分离到1株致病菌,经分离培养、生化鉴定、16S r DNA序列分析及人工感染实验,确定该病原菌为嗜水气单胞菌Aeromonas hydrophila。采用26种抗菌药物进行药敏分析,结果发现,分离菌株对氨苄西林、头孢呋辛钠、卡那霉素等10种抗生素敏感;对羧苄西林、头孢噻肟、环丙沙星、新霉素等9种抗生素中度敏感;对大观霉素、诺氟沙星、四环素等7种药物耐受,为细鳞鲑细菌性疾病的防控提供了重要依据。     

Effect of ration size and feeding frequency on growth, size distribution and survival of juvenile clownfish, Amphiprion percula

This study describes the growth of juvenile clownfish, Amphiprion percula Lacépède 1802, fed with an artificial diet at six ration sizes of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12% of body mass per day (BM day^?1) each at a feeding frequency of once, twice and three times per day. The effect of ration size on growth depended on the feeding frequency. In fish fed once a day growth did not improve above a ration size of 8% BM day^?1. At two feedings per day fish required a ration size of at least 6% BM day^?1 to achieve good growth, and fish fed three times per day grew at similar rates above a ration size of 4% BM day^?1. A model to estimate the combined effect of ration size and feeding frequency is presented. The results lead to the suggestion of a simple length‐based feeding regimen that could be tested in future studies on this species or adapted for use in other species.     

Effects of salinity on survival, growth, metabolism, and behavior in juvenile hogchokers, Trinectes maculatus fasciatus (Achiridae)

To understand the biological significance of the southern hogchoker's seasonal migration pattern, the effects of salinity (0, 7 and 15 ppt) on survival, growth, metabolism, and behavior were examined. Survival averaged 96% and salinity did not affect (p = 0.25) the growth rates of juvenile hogchokers during the 60 day experimental growth period. However, oxygen consumption rates suggest that juvenile metabolism is influenced by salinity. Circadian patterns of metabolic rates were present in the 7 and 15 ppt treatments, but absent in the freshwater group. The juveniles in the 7 ppt treatment exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower overall rates than the freshwater fish, while the fish in the 15 ppt condition had intermediate metabolic rates. Juvenile hogchokers also showed shifts in diel activity and feeding patterns among salinities, with the active time period shortening with increasing salinity. The main conclusion is that juvenile salinity intolerance is not the driving mechanism of their migration pattern, but salinity does affect juvenile metabolism and behavior. The metabolic effects of salinity can explain summer migration in juvenile hogchokers. Additionally, the shifts in their behavioral responses can generally be explained by the summer migration movements.