Long‐term transportation,by road and air,of Devil‐ray (Mobula mobular), Meagre (Argyrosomus regius), and Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)

Between September 2006 and April 2007 the authors transported one 0.9 m wingspan Mobula mobular from Olhão (South of Portugal) to Valencia (East of Spain), 12 ∼1.0 m long Argyrosomus regius to Tarragona (Northeast of Spain) and four ∼0.4 m long Mola mola to Atlanta (GA, USA). These journeys had a total “water to water” duration of 17, 22 and 33 hr, respectively. The first two transports were conducted by road whereas the third involved a combination of road and air travel. Water quality parameters—specifically dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and ammonia—were monitored continuously throughout the duration of the trips and were maintained at optimum levels through the use of battery‐powered filtration and chemical supplements. All animals arrived alive and well at their destinations. This paper reports on the specific transport regime adopted in each case and provides some insight for potential improvements in future similar transports. Zoo Biol 27:234–250, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Long‐term transportation of ratfish,Hydrolagus colliei,and tiger rockfish,Sebastes nigrocinctus

On December 10, 2000, five tiger rockfish, Sebastes nigrocinctus, and 10 ratfish, Hydrolagus colliei, were transported from Vancouver, Canada, to Lisbon, Portugal, for 51 and 44 hours, respectively. The transport vessels consisted of large circular tanks (1.0‐m diameter × 0.6 m high) and filtration was added to the rockfish tank only. Filtration consisted of a combination of cartridge and activated carbon, powered by a 12‐V bilge pump placed on the middle of the transport vessel. Water quality parameters (ammonia, temperature, and oxygen saturation) were tested during the transport, and an ammonia detoxifier was added to some of the transport vessels when ammonia concentration reached 0.25 mg/L. Sodium bicarbonate was also added for pH buffering. All animals survived the trip and the subsequent 4 weeks. The water quality monitoring and treatment regimen therefore seemed appropriate for this type of long‐term transportation. Zoo Biol 20:435–441, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Vertical movement of dolphinfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coryphaena hippurus</Emphasis> as recorded by acceleration data-loggers in the northern East China Sea

Environmental changes influence foraging behavior for most animals. Dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus, are epipelagic predators and have a cosmopolitan tropical to warm-temperate (>20°C) distribution. We simultaneously obtained the ambient temperature and the foraging behavior (i.e., swimming speed, depth and tailbeat acceleration) of dolphinfish, using an acceleration data-logger in May, September, October, November 2007, June 2008, May and July 2010 for 8 individuals. Although the dolphinfish spent a mean ± standard deviation of 43.4 ± 27.7% of their time at the surface (0–5 m), dive excursions from the surface (DES) were observed in all individuals and maximum DES depths ranged from 50.1 to 95.4 m. DES events resulted dives below the thermocline for these dolphinfish, and there was a significantly positive relationship between the isothermal layer depth (ILD) and DES depth. Our results demonstrate that dolphinfish avoided the rapid thermal change beyond the thermocline, and their prey is most likely found in the upper layers of the thermocline. Gliding behavior during the DES phase was also observed and dolphinfish gradually descended to deeper waters with gliding. The gliding time was longer when the ILD was deeper, and fish tended to dive deeper. We suggest that dolphinfish adopt gliding behavior to search a broader range of depths for prey, while minimizing energy use.     

TRANSPORT OF IAA AND ACC IN FLORAL ORGANS OF IPOMOEA NIL (CONVOLVULACEAE)

The involvement of the stamens as transporters of plant growth regulators in flowers was examined by measuring the movement of ¹⁴C-indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and ^l4C-l-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) through floral organs of Ipomoea nil. During the transport of ¹⁴C-IAA through isolated filament segments, the polar accumulation of ¹⁴C-IAA in receiver blocks increased with time during filament development, which correlated with polar efflux rates at older stages of filament development. An inhibitor of polar IAA transport, 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, disrupted the polarity of auxin transport by reducing the movement of ¹⁴C- IAA from filaments into receiver blocks. Transport of both ¹⁴C-IAA and ^l4C-ACC through filaments into other floral organs also was monitored in isolated flower buds in the laboratory and intact buds in the greenhouse. In isolated and intact buds 21 hr before anthesis, substantially higher levels of isotope were recovered in corolla tissue when ¹⁴C-ACC was transported through the filaments than when ¹⁴C-IAA was transported from the filaments. In isolated buds, substantial levels of both isotopes accumulated in the pistil (69 hr and 45 hr before anthesis), but minimal amounts were observed in receptacle and calyx tissues (69 hr to 21 hr before anthesis). In intact buds, high levels of both isotopes were recovered in receptacle, calyx, and pistil tissues (69 hr to 21 hr before anthesis). The results from this study support the hypothesis that Ipomoea stamens are transporters for ACC and IAA to regulate ethylene production in the corolla and other floral tissues.     

Molecular identification of dolphinfish species (genus Coryphaena) using multiplex haplotype-specific PCR of mitochondrial DNA

A rapid and reliable method of dolphinfish species identification was designed based on PCR amplification of diagnostic DNA fragments from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. It consisted in a tetraplex reaction producing a positive control amplicon and species-specific fragments in Coryphaena hippurus and C. equiselis. It was successfully tested in specimens of known identity and in nominal C. hippurus samples among which two C. equiselis were discovered. This approach has significant advantages over other molecular species identification methods and may help in determining species composition of mixed catches, and in forensic and food control applications of dolphinfish specimens or products.     

Effects of farm management practices and transport duration on stress response and meat quality traits of suckling goat kids

Studies aimed to assess up to what extent farming and transport previous to slaughtering might affect physiology and meat quality in young goat kids are needed, with the ultimate purpose of promoting practices that minimize stress in these animals. In this regard the effects of on-farm management and transport duration on some physiological responses and meat quality parameters in goat kids were assessed. Two farms representing ‘high’ and ‘low’ welfare-friendly management practices were selected. In total, 32 suckling kids were withdrawn from each farm, transported by road for 2 or 6 h, and then slaughtered. Blood samples were collected both on-farm and in the slaughterhouse, and biochemistry, cell counts and haematocrit were determined. After slaughtering, carcass quality parameters were measured. Longissimus dorsi muscle was dissected and pH, colour parameters, water holding capacity and shear force were measured throughout 8-day ageing period. Results indicate that, regardless its duration, transport caused significant effects on some blood parameters suggesting stress in live animals, like glucose, cortisol or creatine kinase. Despite the marked stress status in animals, this condition was not decisively reflected on L. dorsi quality parameters, but some effects were observed regarding fat cover in carcasses and colour parameters. The results suggest that postmortem changes throughout ageing were more decisive in terms of meat quality than stressful management either on-farm or during transport.     

Long‐term transportation,by road and air,of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) and atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda)

During the second semester of 2009, three trips were made from Olhão (Southern Portugal) to Stralsund (Northern Germany) carrying 2.122 animals, which included multiple teleosts, elasmobranchs and invertebrates. This group included scombrids, such as 1.869 Scomber japonicus and 9 Sarda sarda, which are notoriously difficult to transport. However, multiple adaptations to transport regimes adopted regularly have allowed the authors to successfully move these animals by road and air over a total of up to 25 hr. Such adaptations included maintaining oxygen saturation rates at approximately 200%, and also the constant addition of AmQuel^®, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium carbonate. Different formulations were used during the three trips, with the best results corresponding to 20/30/30 ppm of the three aforementioned chemicals, respectively. The authors suggest, however, that a modified formula of 20/40/40 ppm will allow for an even more stable pH on future trips. Zoo Biol 30:459–472, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Benthic ctenophores (Platyctenida: Coeloplanidae) in South Florida: predator–prey interactions

The primary goal of this study was to demonstrate, from field observations and laboratory experiments, some key trophic roles of benthic ctenophores as predators and prey in subtropical communities. We examined individuals of two benthic platyctenid species: Coeloplana waltoni, a minute epibiont on octocorals in exposed, open‐water settings; and Vallicula multiformis, an associate of calm‐water biofouling communities and floating Sargassum spp. Laboratory observations of individuals of both ctenophore species revealed frequent capture and ingestion of diverse zooplankton taxa, especially crustaceans. Laboratory predation trials demonstrated the capture of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) eggs and larvae by both ctenophore species. Dolphinfish eggs and larvae larger than individuals of C. waltoni were captured but not ingested during 2‐h trial periods. These prey items were sometimes purloined and ingested by polyps of the ctenophore's octocoral host. Ingestion of dolphinfish eggs and larvae by individuals of C. waltoni was observed, however, after longer periods of exposure to prey. In predation trials, dolphinfish eggs and larvae were both captured and ingested by larger individuals of the ctenophore species V. multiformis. Field and laboratory observations revealed diverse invertebrate and fish taxa that prey on both ctenophore species. In the laboratory, the mean daily per capita consumption of individuals of C. waltoni by a pomacanthid fish ranged 0.5–2.8 individuals, and ranged 2.6–3.6 individuals for predation by an ovulid mollusc. Field population densities of these predators ranged 0.1–0.7 individuals per m² for the pomacanthid, and 0.2–1.1 individuals per m² for the mollusc. Laboratory feeding observations demonstrated frequent consumption of individuals of V. multiformis by a sea anemone, and by three species of brachyuran crabs. Field observations revealed eight fishes that probably feed incidentally on individuals of V. multiformis. These findings add to the limited knowledge base of predator–prey dynamics in both C. waltoni and V. multiformis.     

First report of gastrocotylinean post-oncomiracidia (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea: Heteronchoinea) on gills of flyingfish (Exocoetidae), snapper (Lutjanidae), dolphinfish (Coryphaenidae), and amberjack (Carangidae) from the Gulf of Mexico: decoy hosts and the dilution effect

Larvae, identified as post-oncomiracidia of the suborder Gastrocotylinea (Monogenoidea), were collected from formalin-fixed gills excised from six species of marine fishes captured from the Gulf of Mexico off Mississippi and Florida: common dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus and pompano dolphinfish, Coryphaena equiselis (both Perciformes, Coryphaenidae); gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus (Perciformes, Lutjanidae); greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili (Perciformes, Carangidae); and Atlantic flyingfish, Cheilopogon melanurus and sailfin flyingfish, Parexocoetus hillianus (both Beloniformes and Exocoetidae). Based on a combination of diagnostic morphological features, the specimens were divided into two basic forms, each of which was further subdivided into two morphotypes. No gastrocotylinean post-oncomiracidium had been reported previously from these hosts. Of the six host species, only C. hippurus serves as a host (unconfirmed) for the adult of a gastrocotylinean species, suggesting that the recorded fishes from the Gulf of Mexico comprise dead-end hosts acting as decoys for the oncomiracidia. These comparatively non-susceptible “decoy hosts” apparently dilute the susceptible fish-host population and by intercepting infective larvae (oncomiracidia) decrease the abundance of parasites on their typical hosts.     

Spatial and temporal variation in artisanal catches of dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus off north‐eastern Brazil

The sampling of fish from the artisanal fleet operating with surface lines off north‐eastern Brazil was carried out between 1998 and 2000. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to standardize mean abundance indices using catch and fishing effort data on dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus and to identify abundance trends in time and space, using 1215 surface line deployments. A standard relative abundance index (catch per unit effort, CPUE) was estimated for the most frequent vessels used in the sets, employing factors and coefficients generated in the GLMs. According to the models, C. hippurus catches are affected by the operating characteristics and power of different fishing vessels. These differences highlight the need for standardization of catch and effort data for artisanal fisheries. The highest mean abundance values for C. hippurus were off the state of Rio Grande do Norte, with an increasing tendency in areas with greater depths and more distant from the coast, reaching maximal values in areas whose depths range from 200 to 500 m. The highest mean abundance values occurred between April and June. The higher estimated abundance of C. hippurus in this period off the state of Rio Grande do Norte and within the 200–500 m depth range may be related to a migration pattern of food sources, as its main prey, the flying fish Hirundichthys affinis, uses floating algae as refuge and to deposit its pelagic eggs.     

Behavior of Lambs in Rest Pens During Long-Distance Transport

The aim of this study was to determine how one group of lambs utilized 2 consecutive rest periods in novel environments with access to food and water that occurred during 22 hr of motor transport. The 18.5 ± 0.6 kg lambs (n = 15) were transported for 8 hr and then unloaded for a 6-hr rest period. After 6 hr, the lambs were reloaded for another 8 hr of transport followed by a 24-hr rest period. Reloading for a second 8 hr of transport followed the initial rest period. The percentage of lambs engaged in drinking, eating, lying, playing, or “other” was determined at 15-min intervals. During the 6-hr rest period, peak lying behavior occurred during the 2nd and 6th hr of the period. During the first 6 hr of the 24-hr rest period, the percentage of lambs lying increased while the percentage of lambs eating decreased. In addition, the percentage of lambs lying during the first 6 hr of the 24-hr rest period was greater than during the 6-hr rest period. Lying down had a greater priority than eating during the second (24-hr) rest period.     

Decarboxylation and transport of auxin in segments of sunflower and cabbage roots

Summary The movement of ¹⁴C from indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) ¹⁴C has been examined in 5 mm root segments of dark-grown seedlings of Helianthus annuus and Brassica oleracea. Contaminants from distilled water, phosphate buffer and the razor-blade cutter increase the decarboxylation of IAA-¹⁴C, and cutting of root segments results in an activation of IAA-destroying enzymes at the cut surfaces. When these sources of errors were eliminated the following was shown: a) Both in sunflower and cabbage there is a slight acropetal flux of ¹⁴C through the root segments into the agar receiver blocks. The amount of ¹⁴C found in the receiver blocks increases with the lenght of the transport period. b) When the root segments, after the transport period, are cut in two equal parts and these assayed separately, the amounts of ¹⁴C in the two parts indicate a greater acropetal than basipetal transport. c) The total radioactivity of the receiver blocks is in part due to IAA-¹⁴C and in part to ¹⁴CO₂, the latter being a result of enzymatic destruction of auxin. d) Addition of ferulic acid, an inhibitor of IAA oxidases, to the receiver blocks markedly inhibits the decarboxylation of IAA-¹⁴C and thus increases the amount transported. This effect is more pronounced after a 20 hr than after a 6 hr transport period.     

Common dolphinfish,Coryphaena hippurus,spawn at their easternmost Atlantic range adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea

This study provides sound evidence of the spawning activity of common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Gulf of Cadiz (southwest Spain) during summer months. Along with waters off Côte d'Ivoire, this area adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea is the easternmost Atlantic spawning ground documented for the species. All the fish analysed (5 males and 15 females) were at spawning stage, except the smallest female (61.5 cm in fork length), which might not have yet reached sexual maturation. The oceanographic conditions during the samplings were similar to those occurring during the peak spawning season in the Gulf of Mexico. The study results are consistent with recent genetic studies indicating differentiation between Mediterranean and Atlantic dolphinfish populations, with the Strait of Gibraltar representing a boundary between two distinct reproductive units. The present results may contribute to improve the understanding of the dynamics of dolphinfish population and the management of eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stocks.     

Thermoregulation and heterothermy in some of the smaller flying foxes (Megachiroptera) of New Guinea

Summary Body temperature, heterothermy, oxygen consumption, heart rate, and evaporative water loss were studied in four species of flying foxes (Megachiroptera), Dobsonia minor, Nyctimene major, Nyctimene albiventer, and Paranyctimene raptor, from the vicinity of Madang on the north coast of New Guinea.The thermoregulatory response of D. minor resembled that of most other placental mammals weighing 80 to 100 g. Body temperatures were relatively stable at ambient temperatures between 5 and 34°. The mean oxygen consumption at rest between 30 and 35° was 1.26 cc O₂ (g·hr)^–1. At ambient temperatures between 5 and 35° evaporative water loss averaged 4.5 mg (g·hr)^–1 and increased sharply at higher temperatures. When subjected to heat stress the animals panted, salivated, and licked the wings, belly, and uropatagium. At temperatures above 38° the ratio of heat lost through evaporation to heat production exceeded 1. Minimal heart rates in resting animals near thermal neutrality were approximately 275/min.In those parameters measured, N. major which weighed about 80 g resembled D. minor. Nyctimene albiventer and P. raptor weigh less than 30 g and are among the smallest of the flying foxes. Each shows both homeothermic and heterothermic patterns of response. At an ambient temperature of 35° the minimal oxygen consumption of homeothermic N. albiventer and P. raptor were 1.43 and 1.38 cc O₂ (g·hr)^–1, respectively. Oxygen consumption of homeothermic N. albiventer at 25°, 2.59 cc O₂ (g.hr)^–1, was almost quadruple that of torpid animals at the same temperature. During the daytime both N. albiventer and P. raptor characteristically allowed their body temperatures to fall to near 25°. Both readily aroused from the hypothermic state through physiological means. Heart rates of homeothermic N. albiventer resting at 35° ranged from 312 to 326/min while those of animals torpid at 25° were 88 to 96/min.The capacity for heterothermy has not previously been demonstrated in any members of the Megachiroptera, but our data indicate that it can occur on a daily basis in N. albiventer and P. raptor. This capacity appears to be related to size since it occurs in none of the larger flying foxes so far studied.The data presently available indicate that the relation of body weight to standard metabolism in the Megachiroptera is similar to that of the other placental mammals. In the species we studied, thermal conductances were higher, and heart rates, lower than predicted for mammals of their sizes.These studies were carried out during the 1969 Alpha Helix Expedition to New Guinea and were supported in part by grants GB-5139, GB-3656, and GB-8445 from the U. S. National Science Foundation.     

Effects of stocking density during live transportation on haematological parameters of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii,Brandt, 1869)

In this study, we investigated the effects of different stocking densities water quality and blood parameters during the transportation of the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). Experiments were carried out in high-density polyethylene tank with three different stocking densities (50, 100 and 150 kg/m³) for 20 h. Ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N) and nitrite nitrogen (NO₂-N) were measured in the water samples. The erythrocyte, leucocyte, haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (Hb), cortisol, and sodium ion (Na⁺) were measured in blood samples. Ammonium nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen concentrations in the water have increased in parallel with the stocking density depending on the time. In the highest stocking density, the maximum levels of NH₄-N and NO₂-N at the 16^th h reached 2.64 mg/L and 4.74 mg/L, respectively. Erythrocyte, leucocyte, HCT, and Hb values did not differ significantly between the experimental groups (p > .05). The results showed that fish could be transported safely for 20 h in 15℃ water temperature at 50 kg/m³ stocking density; however, stocking density of 100 kg/m³ and over could threaten fish welfare and health as from 16^th h.     

Respiration and low oxygen tolerance of two fish species from the Arabian Sea, Cubiceps whiteleggi and Coryphaena hippurus

During the 1987 cruise of F.S. Meteor in the Arabian Sea, respiration rates and effects of low oxygen saturation on behaviour and respiration have been investigated in two fish species. Cubiceps whiteleggi is an inhabitant of the partly oxygen-depleted epipelagic zone. It is more tolerant to oxygen shortage than the second species, Coryphaena hippurus. At naturally occuring temperatures, first response to low oxygen was noted at values slightly below air saturation in C. hippurus and at 20–30% oxygen saturation in C. whiteleggi. After exposure to low oxygen saturation, the reaction patterns were completely different for the two species, reflecting the particular requirements of their living space. In C. hippurus lethal oxygen saturations seemed to be reached just below 60% oxygen saturation. In C. whiteleggi first mortality occurred at 10% oxygen saturation.     

Simulating an invasion: unsealed water storage (rainwater tanks) and urban block design facilitate the spread of the dengue fever mosquito,Aedes aegypti,in Brisbane,Australia

Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) was once highly prevalent across eastern Australia, resulting in epidemics of dengue fever. Drought conditions have led to a rapid rise in semi-permanent, urban water storage containers called rainwater tanks known to be critical larval habitat for the species. The presence of these larval habitats has increased the risk of establishment of highly urbanised, invasive mosquito vectors such as Ae. aegypti. Here we use a spatially explicit network model to examine the role that unsealed rainwater tanks may play in population connectivity of an Ae. aegypti invasion in suburbs of Brisbane, a major Australian city. We characterise movement between rainwater tanks as a diffusion-like process, limited by a maximum distance of movement, average life expectancy, and a probability that Ae. aegypti will cross wide open spaces such as roads. The simulation model was run against a number of scenarios that examined population spread through the rainwater tank network based on non-compliance rates of tanks (unsealed or sealed) and road grids. We show that Ae. aegypti tank infestation and population spread was greatest in areas of high tank density and road lengths were shortest e.g. cul-de-sacs. Rainwater tank non-compliance rates of over 30% show increased connectivity when compared to less than 10%, suggesting rainwater tanks non-compliance should be maintained under this level to minimize the spread of an invading Ae. aegypti population. These results presented as risk maps of Ae. aegypti spread across Brisbane, can assist health and government authorities on where to optimally target rainwater tank surveillance and educational activities.

     

Anaesthesia and transport of juvenile tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818) with tricaine methane‐sulphonate: Implications on secondary and oxidative stress responses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anaesthetic efficacy and the effect of sedation with tricaine (TMS^®), also known as MS‐222, on secondary and oxidative stress parameters in juvenile tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum transported in hyperoxia for 2, 6 and 10 hr. Juveniles were placed in aquaria containing six different concentrations of buffered tricaine (150, 180, 210, 240, 270 and 300 mg/L) and the times for anaesthesia induction and recovery determined. Fish transported in hyperoxic conditions were investigated for glycemia, ionic concentration (K⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Na⁺) and osmolality, haematocrit (Ht) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb), partial pressure of gases (pCO₂ and pO₂), pH and bicarbonate concentration () in whole blood collected from caudal vasculature. Total antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity and lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS) were investigated in gills, brain and liver. All concentrations of TMS^® induced deep anaesthesia in juvenile tambaqui in this study. A concentration of 240 mg/L of TMS^® was sufficient to induce rapid anaesthesia (<3 min) with uneventful recovery (<5 min). In light of the secondary and oxidative stress responses of fish transported using TMS^®, which were generally not significantly different compared to responses of fish transported in anaesthetic‐free water, sedation with 20 mg/L is not advantageous and therefore is dispensable for the transport of this species for up to 10 hr.     

CHANGES IN SENSITIVITY OF MAIZE CHROMOSOMES TO X RAYS DURING SEED GERMINATION

Latterell , Richard L., and Dale M. Steffensen . (Brookhaven Natl. Lab., Upton, L. I.. N. Y.) Changes in sensitivity of maize chromosomes to X rays during seed germination. Amer. Jour. Bot. 49(5): 472–478. Illus. 1962.—Changes in the radiosensitivity of maize seeds during early stages of germination were studied by means of somatic-mutation techniques. Seeds heterozygous for the yg₂ (yellow-green) locus were irradiated with 800 r of X rays after soaking in running tap water up to 42 hr. Yellow-green sectors, representing mutations affecting the dominant yg₂ locuss in leaves 4 and 5 of seedling plants were used as a criterion of radiosensitivity. The frequency of somatic sectors was virtually nil for dry seed and for seeds soaked up to 16 hr. Sector frequencies underwent a marked (9- to 15-fold) rise from 16 to 28 hr, reached a plateau of sensitivity and subsequently declined. Manometric studies were conducted on seeds soaked under the same conditions as those irradiated. The rate of oxygen consumption rose rapidly from 0 to 7 hr, remained essentially constant from 7 to 16 hr, then underwent an approximately 2-fold increase from 16 to 24 hr, after which the rate of progressive increase was retarded. The fact that the marked rise in frequency of X-ray-induced somatic sectors coincided with the major increase in oxygen consumption suggests that radiosensitivity of soaked seeds is conditioned by metabolic changes during seed development. Changes in radiosensitivity that followed attainment of peak sector frequencies were apparently governed by factors that influenced the rate of seed development.     

Ion flux and cortisol responses of cardinal tetra,Paracheirodon axelrodi (Schultz, 1956), to additives (tetracycline,tetracycline + salt or Amquel®) used during transportation: contributions to Amazonian ornamental fish trade

The cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi (Schultz), is the most important ornamental fish exported from Brazil and Colombia. During the transport of this species, Amazon fishermen usually add unmeasured amounts of tetracycline and/or table salt to the water in an effort to mitigate stress and mortality. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of salt, the antibiotic tetracycline and the ammonia chelating agent Amquel^® in the transport of this species. Cardinal tetras were submitted to a 24‐h boat transport in water containing either tetracycline hydrochloride (2.5 mg L^?1), Amquel^® (26.41 mg L^?1), tetracycline + table salt (2.5 mg L^?1 + 66.67 mg L^?1), or additive‐free water (control treatment). Whole‐body cortisol measurements showed that fish transported with any water additive had lower cortisol levels compared to control. However, based on ionoregulatory and water quality parameters, the addition of tetracycline, Amquel^® or the combination tetracycline + salt to the water of transport of cardinal tetras is not recommended when compared to control. Although Amquel^® helped stabilize the pH and diminish total ammonia levels in the transport water, this compound dramatically increased net Na⁺ and Cl^? uptake, and therefore compromised cardinal tetra ionoregulation.