Balistes Capriscus Research Articles

The Grey Triggerfish (Balistes carolinensis Gmelin), a balistid fish new to the Norwegian fauna

Four specimens of Balistes carolinensis (Balistidae, Plectognathi) were taken in Norwegian waters in autumn 1995. The first was taken 21 August in the Norwegian Sea SW of Perjohanneset (63°11' N, 04°45' E), while the three others were caught on the west coast of Norway: Ølvesvikjo (60°00'38" N, 05°48'30" E) on 16 September, Skjelangersundet (60°36'06" N, 04°57'00" E) on 19 September, and Hyllestad (61°10'30" N, 05°17'54" E) on 3 November. These are the first records of the species in Norway and also the northernmost records. The distribution of the species is described. Two of the specimens are kept alive at the Bergen Aquarium.

Zinc isotope composition of enameloid, bone and muscle of gilt-head seabreams (Sparus aurata) raised in pisciculture and their relation to diet

The isotope ratios of zinc (66Zn/64Zn expressed as δ66Zn), a vital nutrient, increasingly demonstrate trophic discrimination among vertebrates, making δ66Zn a valuable dietary proxy for ecological, archaeological, and palaeontological studies. Given the novelty of the methodology, tissue-diet and tissue-tissue zinc isotope fractionation factors remain poorly understood and have so far only been studied in a few terrestrial mammals. Here, we investigate δ66Zn compositions of enameloid, bone, and white muscle of seven artificially-fed pisciculture gilt-head seabreams (Sparus aurata) from offshore Israel, in comparison to the Zn isotope composition of their diet. In addition, we also analysed δ66Zn values in the same tissues of wild-caught S. aurata, bluespotted seabream (Pagrus caeruleostictus) and grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) caught off the coast of Israel. We determine a tissue-diet δ66Zn offset for Sparus aurata of − 0.04 ± 0.09 ‰ (2SD) for bone, − 0.29 ± 0.06 ‰ (2SD) for enameloid, and − 0.45 ± 0.07 ‰ (2SD) for white muscle. Wild-caught fish have much higher among-individual δ66Zn variability with values distinct from the pisciculture S. aurata, documenting a much more isotopically heterogeneous diet consumed by the wild individuals. Still, tissue–tissue δ66Zn differences in wild-caught individuals are close to those observed in the pisciculture ones with progressively lower δ66Zn values in the order bone > enameloid > white muscle. Our results demonstrate predictable tissue-diet and tissue-tissue δ66Zn differences among fish hard and soft tissues and can be applied to identify the δ66Zn values of dietary input, thereby informing trophic (palaeo)ecological reconstructions.

Validation of annual growth zone formation in gray triggerfish Balistes capriscus dorsal spines, vertebrae, and otoliths

Uncertainty in age estimates from dorsal spines has been a persistent issue in stock assessments of gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus. This study sought to validate the annual deposition of growth zones on dorsal spines, vertebrae, and otoliths of gray triggerfish through chemical marking. Fish (n = 101) were collected from offshore habitats and held in an aquaculture facility. 74 adult fish were chemically marked with a 50 mg/kg body weight injection of calcein, and reared for an average of 527 days post-marking. At intervals, fish were sacrificed and first dorsal spines, vertebrae, and otoliths were extracted and sectioned. Annuli, were enumerated for spines (n = 96), vertebrae (n = 94), and otoliths (n = 48) and ranged from 0 to 11 annuli for spines and vertebrae, and 1–12 annuli for otoliths. Age bias plots showed strong agreement between spine and vertebra annuli counts for all observed ages, while counts from spines and vertebrae appeared to underage beginning at age 5 when compared to otolith annuli counts. Tests of symmetry indicated that the annuli counts between paired age structures were not biased (p > 0.05). Analysis of growth zones observed distal to calcein marks in all of the age structures confirmed that these zones were deposited annually, and the expected number of these zones, or annuli, were observed in 91% of spine, 90% of vertebrae, and 100% of otolith sections. Marginal increment analysis of ageing structures indicated that annuli form during summer months. Percentages of annuli deposited on the margins peaked in June for spines (58%) and otoliths (29%), and August for vertebrae (30%). Results from this study validate the annual deposition of growth zones but further consideration needs to be taken when ageing older than age-4.

Increased fishery-independent sampling effort results in improved population estimates for multiple target species

The power of fishery-independent surveys for stock assessments and management decisions is in their consistency over time and space. Although the preference is to limit change to survey execution, such changes may be necessary. In multi-species surveys, changes that improve metrics for one species may be a detriment to survey performance for others. In 2010, the Southeast Reef Fish Survey (SERFS) was formed to better address sampling needs off the U.S. Southeast Atlantic coast by intensifying a historical chevron trap survey (MARMAP), especially at the northern and southern extent of the sampling range. We used several performance metrics (encounter rate, annual coefficient of variability, standard error, and relative abundance index values) to determine the impact of this change in survey coverage on trend estimates for three commonly encountered species with varying centers of distribution in the survey region. Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) is found throughout the range of both surveys (i.e. centrally-distributed), while White Grunt (Haemulon plumierii) and Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) are centered near the northern and southern extent of the sampling range, respectively. For Gray Triggerfish, the survey intensification had no effect on encounter rate, but reduced the coefficient of variation and indicated that the historical index of relative abundance may have been overestimated. For White Grunt, the survey intensification slightly improved CV but did not affect the index of relative abundance value or encounter rate. For Red Snapper, SERFS increased encounter rates, reduced CV overall, and detected a population increase 5 years earlier than MARMAP. Overall, the intensification of the survey improved at least one performance metric for each species and showed few deleterious effects on performance, suggesting that intensification of the survey was a net-positive for the accurate estimation of population trends in several species of interest.

Physico-chemical and Microbiological Characterisation of Pheasant and Salted Fish (Lanhouin) Produced and Sold in Lomé

Aim: To assess the quality of Lanhouin produced and sold in Lomé, physico-chemical and microbiological characterisations were carried out on this commodity. Materials and Methods: 45 samples of pheasant and salted fish obtained from the species Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Balistes capriscus, Scomberomus tritor, Decacttylus galéides, Cheilopognon nigricans were collected at Katanga and at the Kodomé market. The standardised routine methods described by the Association Française de Normalisation were used to search for the suspected germs. Physico-chemical analyses were carried out on 10 of the 45 samples taken and concerned water content, fat and protein levels obtained by the AOAC methods. Results: The results showed that samples have water contents ranging from 51% to 65.85% and fat contents from 1.24% to 2.53%. Protein content varied from 33.41% to 53.69%. Microbiological analyses revealed the absence of salmonella. Hygienic quality of the samples analysed was unsatisfactory at 24.44% in relation to total mesophilic flora, at 88.89% in relation to total coliforms, at 33.33% in relation to Escherichia coli, at 62.22% and 8.89% respectively in relation to Sulphite Reducing Anaerobes and Staphylococcus aureus. Yeasts and moulds were found in all the samples collected, which indicates a potential risk of altering the hygienic and marketable qualities of the products. The presence of lactic acid bacteria found in the Lanhouin could result in the possible presence of biogenic amines. Conclusion: These results imply the need to rigorously apply good manufacturing and hygienic practices in order to improve the sanitary quality of pheasant and salted fish for the well-being of its consumers

Morfologia e filogenia molecular das metacestodes de tripanorhynchid que infectam os peixes comerciais do Mar Mediterrâneo

ABSTRACT Members of the order Trypanorhyncha are cestode parasites that are frequently found infecting the muscles of several marine fish species, affecting fish health, and resulting in consumers’ rejection of fish. Fifty-two specimens of marine fish were freshly caught throughout the year 2020 from boat landing sites at the Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, including the grey trigger fish Balistes carolinensis (F: Balistidae); the mottled grouper Mycteroperca rubra (F: Serranidae) and the common sole Solea vulgaris (F: Soleidae). Blastocysts were isolated and ruptured; the generated pleurocerci were described morphologically and morphometrically by light and scanning electron microscopy. Also, multiple-sequence alignment was performed, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed following maximum likelihood analysis of the 18s and 28s ribosomal RNA sequences of the recovered worms. Thirty fish were infected; the infection was recorded as blastocysts embedded in fish flesh. Three different parasitic species were recovered and classified morphologically as Gymnorhynchus isuri, Pseudotobothrium dipsacum and Heteronybelinia estigmena. The taxonomic position of these parasites was justified by molecular analysis of their 18s and 28s rRNAs, which revealed high percentages of homology with species recovered from the GenBank. The accession numbers ON157059, ON139663 and ON139662 were respectively assigned to the recovered parasites after their deposition in GenBank. The results obtained from the molecular analyses confirmed the morphological records of the recovered parasites. Since metacestodes are found in the musculature of infected fish specimens, it is necessary to remove these areas in the commercialization of fish.

A New Maximum Length for the Grey Triggerfish, Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789 for the Mediterranean Sea and First Confirmed Record in the Çanakkale Strait (Turkish Strait System)

A single specimen of the grey triggerfish, Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789, was caught by a speargun at 18 m water depth in the vicinity of the Çanakkale Strait in the Turkish Straits System, between the Aegean Sea and the Marmara Sea. Its total length was 57.8 cm and weight was 2270 g. The given size is the maximum observed length for the grey triggerfish, B. capriscus, in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, this paper also documented the first confirmed record of the grey triggerfish, B. capriscus in the Çanakkale Strait (the Turkish Straits System).

Direct estimates of reef fish abundance across an artificial reef network

Fisheries-independent surveys are commonly used to create indices of relative abundance. If properly designed and calibrated, these surveys may also be used to estimate absolute abundance. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of this approach by estimating the absolute abundance of red lionfish ( Pterois volitans), gray triggerfish ( Balistes capriscus), and red snapper ( Lutjanus campechanus) across an extensive network of artificial reefs using camera counts, indices of relative abundance, calibration factors, and index-removal estimators. From 2012 to 2017, per reef estimates increased for red lionfish (20×), gray triggerfish (2.1×), and red snapper (2.2×). Network-wide absolute abundances were calculated by multiplying the average per reef estimate by the estimated number of reefs in the network. All increases were consistent with predictions of stock assessment (red snapper), management actions (gray triggerfish), or invasive species colonization (red lionfish). Our methodology demonstrates how estimates of absolute abundance can be derived from fishery-independent surveys and used to evaluate the outputs of stock assessments both in direction and magnitude and quantify critical ecosystem components.

Illuminating otoliths: New insights for life history of Balistes triggerfishes.

Our understanding of fish life-history strategies is informed by key biological processes, such as growth, survival/mortality, recruitment and sexual maturation, used to characterize fish stocks (populations). Characterizing the life-history traits of fish populations requires the application of accurate age estimation for managed species. Grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus and queen triggerfish Balistes vetula are important reef-associated species for commercial and recreational fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean. Both species exhibit a unique reproductive strategy for large-bodied fisheries-targeted reef fishes in that they are nesting benthic spawners and invest substantial energy in defence and care of their benthic nests and fertilized eggs. Until recently, our understanding of the life-history strategies of triggerfishes assumed the main method used to obtain age estimates, increments counted from thin sections of the first dorsal spine, provided an accurate characterization of population age-based parameters. However, results from bomb radiocarbon validation studies on the two Balistes species demonstrated that spines do not provide accurate ages, but sagittal otoliths do. The main goal of the current study was to provide an updated understanding for triggerfish life-history strategies by using otolith-based age estimates to characterize population age structure and growth for grey triggerfish and queen triggerfish from waters of the south-eastern U.S. Atlantic. The current study is the first to report on sex-specific age and growth information for grey triggerfish using the Δ14 C-validated otolith-based age estimation method and the results indicate that the previous characterization of Balistes species as exhibiting moderately rapid growth and as relatively short-lived, based on spine-derived age estimates, are flawed. Otolith-based ages indicated that grey triggerfish and queen triggerfish are moderately slow-growing and long-lived species, attaining maximum ages of 21 and 40 years, respectively. Management efforts for triggerfishes should evaluate these new insights and incorporate the results of otolith-based age estimation into future population monitoring efforts.

Fine-scale movement of northern Gulf of Mexico red snapper and gray triggerfish estimated with three-dimensional acoustic telemetry

Red snapper and gray triggerfish are ecologically, economically, and culturally important reef fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM). Scientists and managers have sought to understand the effects of artificial reefs on reef fish ecology by focusing on fish residency and movement at artificial reefs with less attention paid to broader spatial and temporal patterns in reef fish movements among a seascape of artificial reefs and other natural habitats. We used novel large-scale (> 15 km2) geopositioning acoustic telemetry arrays to track the 3-dimensional movements of tagged red snapper (n = 59) and gray triggerfish (n = 15) among multiple nGOM artificial reefs up to 333 days. Tagged fish moved frequently among artificial reefs and had shorter residence times at the release reef (43 days for red snapper and 3 days for gray triggerfish) than reported in previous studies. Both species displayed high individual variability in movement dynamics, as well as seasonally variable diel patterns of habitat use, height above bottom, and distance to reefs, which may have been driven by dynamic influences of predation risk, physiological constraints, or foraging over time and space. The wider seascape view revealed in this study demonstrates the importance of including multiple artificial reefs over long timescales to capture individual, spatial, and temporal variability in reef fish movement.

Development of active edible coatings based on fish gelatin enriched with Moringa oleifera extract: Application in fish (Mustelus mustelus) fillet preservation.

An edible coating was developed using gelatin extracted from the skin of gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) and applied to the fillet of the smooth-hound shark (Mustelus mustelus). Moringa oleifera leaf extract was added to gelatin coating solution to improve its preservative properties. The phenolic profiles and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of M. oleifera extracts were determined. Phenolic acids constituted the largest group representing more than 77% of the total compounds identified in the ethanol/water (MOE/W) extract, among which the quinic acid was found to be the major one (31.48 mg/g extract). The MOE/W extract presented the highest DPPH• scavenging activity (IC50=0.53 ± 0.02 mg/ml) and reducing (Fe3+) power (EC0.5=0.57 ± 0.02 mg/ml), as well as interesting inhibition zones (20-35 mm) for the most tested strains. Coating by 3% of gelatin solution significantly reduced most deterioration indices during chilled storage, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), weight loss, pH, and mesophilic, psychrophilic, lactic, and H2S-producing bacterial counts. Interestingly, coating with gelatin solution containing MOE/W extract at 20 μg/ml was more effective than gelatin applied alone. Compared with the uncoated sample, gelatin-MOE/W coating reduced the weight loss and MDA content by 26% and 70% after 6 days of storage, respectively. Texture analysis showed that the strength of uncoated fillet increased by 46%, while the strength of fillet coated with gelatin-MOE/W only increased by 12% after 6 days of storage. Fish fillet coated with gelatin-MOE/W had the highest sensory scores in terms of odor, color, and overall acceptability throughout the study period.

Mortality estimates for gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico based on acoustic telemetry

Mortality estimates for gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico based on acoustic telemetry

Potential Implications of Excluding Live‐Bottom Habitat from a Bottom‐Trawl Survey in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico

AbstractData provided by the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) shrimp/groundfish trawl survey have long been used in assessing diverse managed taxa, including several reef fishes; however, there are rising concerns over the impacts of trawling on live‐bottom habitats. Using data collected from summer SEAMAP trawl surveys (2009–2016; N = 1,103), we examined how avoiding areas of live‐bottom habitat might affect the survey's ability to assess interannual changes in abundance of managed reef fish taxa. Trawl samples at 48% of sampling sites contained <50 kg of sponge, and 12% of sampling sites contained at least 50 kg of sponge, while 40% of sites had zero sponge bycatch. Mean number of taxa, taxonomic richness, and taxonomic diversity were significantly higher as sponge bycatch increased, while the total number of individuals remained the same. To examine interannual variability of managed reef fish taxa, annual indices of relative abundance were calculated on different subsets of data (all data, data excluding sites with sponge bycatch ≥50 kg, and data excluding all sites with sponge bycatch). For Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus and pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum, indices and general trends were largely unaffected by excluding sites with sponge, but for most selected taxa (e.g., Gray Triggerfish Balistes capriscus and Red Grouper Epinephelus morio), overall trends were affected by excluding sites that contained sponge bycatch, and in some cases the frequency of occurrence did not meet the requirement to calculate an index of abundance (i.e., <5%) when sponge sites were excluded (e.g., Hogfish Lachnolaimus maximus). Efforts to mitigate survey interactions with live‐bottom habitats will likely alter the utility of survey data and the ability to assess managed species, so careful consideration is needed to evaluate any trade‐offs between the benefits of the trawl survey for fishery assessments and the benefits of protecting the habitat.

Cestode and nematode larvae of hygienic-sanitary importance parasitizing Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789, collected from fish markets of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Balistes capriscus is an appreciated fish species in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, due its excellent quality flesh. The constant presence of helminth larvae in the abdominal musculature, viscera and serosa of individuals of the species has been the subject of complaints among local fish traders because of economic losses due to their repugnant aspect. Considering their hygienic-sanitary importance and significance for collective health, the presence of helminth larvae was investigated in 44 individual fish of B. capriscus purchased from fish markets in the municipalities of Rio de Janeiro, Niterói, Campos dos Goytacazes and Cabo Frio, state of Rio de Janeiro, in 2017–2018. Cestode larvae, identified as Diphyllobothriidae gen. sp. and Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, were found parasitizing the abdominal cavity, abdominal musculature, mesentery and liver serosa. Nematode (Raphidascaridiidae) third-instar larvae, identified as Hysterothylacium deardorffoverstreetorum and Raphidascaris sp., were found parasitizing stomach, intestine, liver, spleen, liver serosa, mesentery and abdominal cavity. The highest parasitic indices were for Raphidascaris sp., with prevalence of 70.45%, mean intensity of 15.61, mean abundance of 11 and infection range of 1–76 specimens per host. Considerations of the zoonotic potential and hygienic-sanitary significance of these helminths are presented to increase food safety for consumers.

ERRATUM: Cestode and nematode larvae of hygienic-sanitary importance parasitizing Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789, collected from fish markets of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ERRATUM: Cestode and nematode larvae of hygienic-sanitary importance parasitizing Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789, collected from fish markets of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Trophic inferences of the gray triggerfish Balistes capriscus based on stable isotopes analyses, in the Colombian Caribbean

The demersal fish are a commercial resource of small-scale fisheries of northern Colombian Caribbean. Balistes capriscus is frequently and important in fishing landings, but this species has not economic value and its trophic ecology is unknown. Due to this, the diet was examined using the stomach contents and stable isotopes analysis. The individuals were collected with fish pots during two seasonal research expeditions in May and August of 2018. The δ15N and δ13C values were significantly different between size classes, indicating ontogenetic shifts in habitat use and consumption of prey. The δ13C shows that the triggerfish tends to feed in areas closer to the coast and his source of its origin can possibly change from the pelagic zone when they are juveniles, to the benthic trophic networks in his adulthood. The trophic position mean according to Bayesian inferences and Post's estimates was 2.98 and 3.03 and increased with size. Likewise, isotopic niche width corroborates the ontogenetic shift related with the maturity groups.

Absolute Abundance Estimates for Red Snapper, Greater Amberjack, and Other Federally Managed Fish on Offshore Petroleum Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico

AbstractOffshore petroleum platforms provide habitat utilized by an array of reef fish that are valuable to both commercial and recreational fishers. However, thousands of offshore platforms have been decommissioned in the Gulf of Mexico over the past decade, with many of the removals being accomplished using explosive severance methods. Here, we estimate the impact of platform removal in the Gulf of Mexico on five stocks of federally managed reef fish based on the percentage of each stock that is resident on platforms. We conclude that the gulfwide impact of removal will be relatively minor (1% to 8% of the estimated stock abundance) for four species, Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus, Gray Triggerfish Balistes capriscus, Vermilion Snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens, and Cobia Rachycentron canadum. In contrast, losses for the Greater Amberjack Seriola dumerili stock would potentially represent 45% of the known stock. An alternative explanation is that the actual abundance of Greater Amberjack is much larger than the most recent stock size estimate; in either case, we suggest this issue needs further examination. Removal impacts could also be significant for reef‐fish fisheries (especially the Red Snapper fishery) in areas where platforms are presently abundant but other high‐relief natural or artificial reefs are not present. Removal of the platforms from these areas will greatly impact the local fisheries.

Risk assessment and study of trace/heavy metals in three species of fish of commercial interest on the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, eastern-central Atlantic)

The levels of toxic heavy metals (Al, Cd, Pb), macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na) and microelements and trace elements (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, V, Zn) were determined in 54 muscle samples from three species of fish for human consumption, Balistes capriscus (grey triggerfish), Canthidermis sufflamen (oceanic triggerfish) and Heteropriacanthus fulgens (rock catalufa), using spectrometry of inductively coupled plasma optical emission (ICP-OES). The aims of this study is to determine if the three species are good bioindicators of environmental pollution and to verify whether they are suitable for human consumption. Significant differences were found in the levels of Al, B, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Na and Zn between the three species studied. The results suggest that the underwater volcano off El Hierro influences the metallic content (Al, K the most characteristic) of H. fulgens. An evaluation of the toxic risk derived from the ingestion of B. capriscus, C. sufflamen and H. fulgens was carried out, analyzing the Admissible Daily Intake (ADI) and the Safety Margin (MoS). For the nutritional study, the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) index was used. Therefore, once the study has been carried out and under the conditions established in terms of daily / weekly fish consumption, proposed by AESAN, there would not be any type of toxic risk after ingesting B. capriscus, C. sufflamen and H. cruentatus.

Effects of Vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Quality and Shelf-Life of Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) Fillets.

Seafood products are perceived as healthy foods. However, several species of seafood are still not fully utilized for different reasons or can be valued outside the original locale, if issues with the short shelf-life and/or the preparation/presentation form are overcome, e.g., gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus. Consumed mostly fresh, its flesh is of excellent quality. We studied the effect of different types of packaging (in air (AIR), vacuum (VP), and modified atmosphere (MAP)) on physicochemical (color and texture, pH, and total volatile basic nitrogen), microbiological (total viable count, psychrotrophic, sulphide-reducing bacteria, and acid-lactic bacteria), and sensory qualities, and shelf-life of gray triggerfish fillets stored at refrigeration temperature for 15 days. The samples were analyzed on days 0 (fresh fish), 5, 10 (8 and 12 for sensory analysis), and 15 after filleting and packaging. During the trial, fillets became lighter (increased L*) and yellower (b* >> 0) with time of storage. Distinct patterns were observed for pH among treatments. Unexpectedly, the increasing trend observed in the texturometer-derived hardness of VP and MAP fillets, contrasted with the sensory assessment, wherein panelists perceived a clear softening of fillets. VP delayed and MAP inhibited the increase in TVB-N contents of fillets compared to fillets packed in AIR. Total viable count and psychrothropic bacteria of fillets in AIR exceeded the conventional limit of 7 log(CFU/g) on day 10, while in fillets packed in VP and MAP, their abundance remained below that limit during the trial. The organoleptic attributes of fillets perceived by a sensory panel changed significantly in all treatments during the storage trial. Willingness to consume the fillets decreased constantly in AIR and MAP, but not in VP fillets. Considering primarily sensory, but also biochemical and microbiological parameters, namely panelists’ rejection, total volatile basic nitrogen content, and total viable count and psychrotrophic bacteria abundance, the shelf-life of fillets packed in air was eight days. Vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging extended the shelf-life to 15 and 12 days, and thus can add value to this product. Future research regarding the VP and MAP of gray triggerfish fillets could involve the optimization of mixtures of gases use and/or the application of combined processes.

Implications of comparative ventral body wall histology on selection of abdominal surgical approach and closure in 12 species of fish.

A ventral midline surgical approach for fish celiotomy is commonly performed in veterinary clinical medicine and research, although the relevant ventral body wall anatomy of many fish species is not well documented. Histological evaluation of tissue samples from the ventral body wall of 12 fish species was performed to provide a reference for surgical approach and closure decisions. The width between muscle bundles running parallel to the long axis and total thickness of tissue layers varied among species. An appreciable space between longitudinal muscles of the ventral body wall and a lack of muscle, vessels and nerves on midline in all species examined supports recommendations of ventral midline incisions to spare important structures. Dense connective tissue consistent with an aponeurosis between musculature along the ventral body wall was not observed in any species evaluated. Connective tissue was concentrated within the dermis of all species evaluated, with an additional layer of collagen along the coelomic membrane in Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, koi Cyprinus carpio, goldfish Carassius auratus, black drum Pogonias cromis, black seabass Centropristis striata, tomtate Haemulon aurolineatum and scup Stenotomus caprinus. A sufficiently wide space on ventral midline for practical targeting during the surgical approach is present in A. gueldenstaedtii, C. carpio, striped bass Morone saxatilis, H. aurolineatum, P. cromis, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta. Sand perch Diplectrum formosum, C. auratus, S. caprinus, grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus and black sea bass Centropristis striata have a negligible space between longitudinal muscles on midline. The variation in ventral body wall structure observed in this study helps inform surgical decision making for celiotomy incision and closure in these species.