Differences In Larval Growth Research Articles

Addition of β-glucans in diets for tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae: effects on growth, digestive enzymes and gene expression of intestinal epithelial integrity and immune system.

The effect of β-glucans 1,3/1,6 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast at different inclusion percentages (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8%) in the diet for tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae was evaluated on growth, digestive enzyme activity and, relative expression of the immune system genes. The bioassay started on the third day after hatching (DAH) and lasted 21days, using a total of 1500 larvae of 0.055 ± 0.008g and, a total length of 2.46 ± 0.26cm. Larviculture was carried out in a recirculation system with 15 tanks of 70 L using a density of 100 organisms per experimental unit. No significant differences in larval growth were observed by the inclusion of β-glucans (p > 0.05). Digestive enzymes showed changes in lipase and trypsin activities, presenting higher values in fish fed 0.6% and 0.8% β-glucans diets compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). Leucine-aminopeptidase, chymotrypsin, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activity showed higher activities in larvae fed with a 0.4% β-glucan diet compared to the control group. The relative expression of intestinal membrane integrity (mucin 2) muc-2, (occludins) occ, (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) nod-2, and immune system lys (lysosome) genes showed over-expression in larvae fed the 0.4% β-glucan diet to the rest of the treatments (p < 0.05). The inclusion of β-glucans at 0.4-0.6% in diets for A. tropicus larvae could improve larviculture, as effects on the increase in the activity of several digestive enzymes and the expression of genes of the immune system.

Differences in larval growth of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) between two spawning areas, and an evaluation of the growth-dependent mortality hypothesis

The larval growth of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) was compared between two main spawning areas, the Sea of Japan (SOJ) and the western North Pacific (WNP). Growth trajectories indicate that the larval survival depends on their growth in both areas. Until the flexion stage, larvae of the SOJ showed lower growth than those of the WNP, but after the post-flexion stage, there was no significant differences in larval growth between two areas. The observed growth differences were likely driven by the sea surface temperature (SST): the lower SST in the SOJ negatively affected the larvae until they reached to the flexion stage. Survival over the flexion stage is one of the major ontogenetic milestones during the larval development in the SOJ. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were negatively correlated with SST and tended to be higher in the SOJ than in the WNP. Prey availability was presumed to be higher in the SOJ. As larval swimming and feeding abilities improved with flexion, larvae would have been able to capitalize on the favorable feeding environment in the SOJ, thus eliminating the temperature mediated growth difference in pre-flexion larvae.

Stock-specific advection of larval walleye (Sander vitreus) in western Lake Erie: Implications for larval growth, mixing, and stock discrimination

Physical processes can generate spatiotemporal heterogeneity in habitat quality for fish and also influence the overlap of pre-recruit individuals (e.g., larvae) with high-quality habitat through hydrodynamic advection. In turn, individuals from different stocks that are produced in different spawning locations or at different times may experience dissimilar habitat conditions, which can underlie within- and among-stock variability in larval growth and survival. While such physically-mediated variation has been shown to be important in driving intra- and inter-annual patterns in recruitment in marine ecosystems, its role in governing larval advection, growth, survival, and recruitment has received less attention in large lake ecosystems such as the Laurentian Great Lakes. Herein, we used a hydrodynamic model linked to a larval walleye (Sander vitreus) individual-based model to explore how the timing and location of larval walleye emergence from several spawning sites in western Lake Erie (Maumee, Sandusky, and Detroit rivers; Ohio reef complex) can influence advection pathways and mixing among these local spawning populations (stocks), and how spatiotemporal variation in thermal habitat can influence stock-specific larval growth. While basin-wide advection patterns were fairly similar during 2011 and 2012, smaller scale advection patterns and the degree of stock mixing varied both within and between years. Additionally, differences in larval growth were evident among stocks and among cohorts within stocks which were attributed to spatiotemporal differences in water temperature. Using these findings, we discuss the value of linked physical–biological models for understanding the recruitment process and addressing fisheries management problems in the world's Great Lakes.

Larval growth of hake (Merluccius hubbsi) in the Patagonian shelf: Analysis of two reproductive seasons

The Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) represents the most abundant fish resource in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. Larval age, daily growth, and temporal distribution of birthdates of individuals collected throughout two reproductive seasons (2004–2005 and 2009) were studied by analyzing daily growth increments in their sagittae otoliths. Samples were obtained in the Northern Patagonian shelf, which constitutes the main spawning area reported for this species. A total of 365 hake larvae sampled with different types of gears was used in this study. Back-calculated hatching periods extended from mid November to the end of March and several larval cohorts were identified. Length-at-age relationships were best described by exponential models: TL=2.227 exp(0.032t) and TL=2.581 exp(0.035t) (for 2004–2005 and 2009, respectively). Growth rates obtained by deriving the models ranged from 0.07 to 0.48mm day−1 in 2004–2005, and from 0.09 to 0.74mmday−1 in 2009. Differences in larval growth were detected between both periods and within them; differential growth would not be attributed to thermal effect since temperature values were quite similar along both seasons. Prey availability could explain the growth variation detected within the 2009 season.

The contrasting hatching patterns and larval growth of two sympatric clingfishes inferred by otolith microstructure analysis

Larval abundance, age, growth and hatching patterns of two sympatric clingfishes, Gobiesox marmoratus and Sicyases sanguineus (Pisces, Gobiesocidae), were estimated by using otolith microstructure analysis and compared on the basis of collections performed during the austral spring in 2010 off the coast of central Chile. G. marmoratus larvae were more abundant than S. sanguineus larvae during the study period. For both species, the sagittae deposited micro-increments during embryonic development (before hatching) and a hatch mark was observable in all examined otoliths. The sagittae otoliths of G. marmoratus grew in radius, perimeter and area faster than did the otoliths of S. sanguineus. Both species showed significant (P &lt; 0.05) differences in larval growth and lunar periodicity of the hatching events. G. marmoratus hatched at smaller sizes (2.6 mm) mainly during the first-quarter moon and the larvae grew at rates of 0.24 ± 0.01 mm day–1. S. sanguineus hatched as larger larvae (&gt;3 mm) during the first-quarter and full moons and grew at slower rates (0.14 ± 0.01 mm day–1) during the initial 25 days. The high abundance of larval clingfish in near-shore waters, temporal decoupling among the hatching events, and the different growth rates may be tactics to increase self-recruitment in coastal waters.

Effects of dietary arachidonic acid on larval performance, fatty acid profiles, stress resistance, and expression of Na +/K + ATPase mRNA in black sea bass Centropristis striata

Dietary arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) supplementation on larval performance, tissue fatty acid profiles, resistance to hypersaline stress and expression of Na +/K + ATPase mRNA was studied in black sea bass Centropristis striata from the first feeding through metamorphosis at 24 days post-hatching (d24ph). Thirty 15-L aquaria were stocked with d1ph yolksac stage larvae at 100 ind/L. Salinity (34 g/L), temperature (22 °C), photoperiod (18L:6D), light intensity (1000 lx), diffused aeration (100 mL/min) and D.O. (> 5 mg/L) were held constant. Non-viable microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata was maintained at 300,000 cells/mL as background. To evaluate the effects of dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) supplementation, live prey, rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis and Artemia sp., was enriched with emulsions containing 10% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and five different levels of ARA (0, 6, 8, 10 and 12% total fatty acids, TFA). In a sixth treatment, live prey was enriched with a premium commercial fatty acid booster (26% DHA, 0% ARA). Rotifers were fed from d2 to d20ph at 10–23 ind/mL, while Artemia were fed from d18 to d22ph at 0.5–3 ind/mL. On d24ph, larval fatty acid profiles reflected dietary levels, and no significant (P > 0.05) differences in larval growth (notochord length, wet and dry wt.), survival (range = 24.3–32.7%), or hypersaline stress resistance (ST-50 = 27.1–31.8 min) among treatments were evident. However, larvae fed diets supplemented with ARA (6–12% TFA) demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Na +/K + ATPase mRNA 24 h after a sublethal salinity (43 g/L) challenge, whereas larvae fed 0% ARA and the commercial diet (devoid of ARA) showed no significant increase. The results suggested that dietary supplementation with ARA at 6–12% promoted the adaptive physiological responses to hypersalinity stress and hypo-osmoregulatory ability in black sea bass larvae.

Regional variation in larval retention and dispersal drives recruitment patterns in a temperate reef fish

Although there is wide appreciation for the influence of variable larval transport on recruitment, few studies have investigated the relationship between recruitment intensity and the origin(s) of recruits. We evaluate this relationship for the common triplefin Forsterygion lapillum in Wellington Harbour (a semi-enclosed bay) and the adjacent open coast of North Island, New Zealand. As the harbour is productive, with many F. lapillum adults, we predicted the harbour would be an important source of recruitment for both regions. We estimated larval origins and dispersal histories using embryonic and larval otolith chemistry, respectively, with differences in otolith elemental composition consistent with birth and/or development in either harbour or open ocean waters. In the harbour, recruitment was greatest when locally spawned larvae were retained. Although large recruitment pulses to the open coast were comprised mostly of larvae originating from the open coast, 72 % of all recruits to the south coast were actually spawned in the harbour. Dispersal of larvae from the harbour was frequent, but in low numbers, and was unrelated to opportunities for transport from the harbour. Given recent evidence for differences in larval growth between regions, we suggest that (1) faster larval growth combined with nearshore larval distributions result in high recruitment to the harbour and moderate, but demograph-ically important, dispersal from the harbour to the open coast. In contrast, we suggest that (2) the combination of strong tidal currents in Cook Strait and slower larval growth result in lower recruitment and greater transport of larvae among open coast populations. The mechanisms that underlie such context-dependent dispersal have important implications for patterns of connectivity. © Inter-Research 2010.

Unequal and Genotype-Dependent Expression of Mitochondrial Genes in Larvae of the Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas

Mitochondria are essential for regulation of energy metabolism, but little is known about patterns of mitochondrial genome expression in invertebrates. To explore the association of mitochondrial expression with differential growth of Crassostrea gigas, the Pacific oyster, we crossed two inbred lines to produce inbred and hybrid larvae, which grew at different rates under the same environmental conditions. Using high-throughput cloning and sequencing methods, we identified 1.1 million expressed sequence tags from the mitochondrial genome, 96.7% of which were perfect matches to genes targeted by the method. Expression varied significantly among genes, ranging over nearly four orders of magnitude, from mt:lRNA, which constituted 21% of all transcripts, to mt:CoII, which constituted less than 0.02% of all transcripts. Variable expression of genes coding for subunits of macromolecular complexes (e.g., mt:CoI and mt:CoII) implies that stoichiometry in these complexes must be regulated post-transcriptionally. Surprisingly, the mitochondrial transcriptome contained non-coding transcripts, which may play a role in the regulation of mitochondrial function. Finally, mitochondrial expression depended strongly on maternal factors and nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions, which may explain previously observed growth differences between reciprocal hybrids. Differences in mitochondrial gene expression could provide a biochemical index for the metabolic basis of genetically determined differences in larval growth.

Maroon clownfish, Premnas biaculeatus 초기 자어의 최적 성장과 생존을 위한 먹이생물 급이 계열

Feeding regimens was investigated for the growth and survival rate of juvenile Maroon clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) in order to establish a seed production technique for this fish. Three types of feeding regimens were used, and growth and survival were highest under the following regimen: rotifer from day 0, Artemia from day 4, copepod from day 9 and artificial food from day 15, respectively (P, and in the Nannochloropsis oculata, Isochrysis galbana and control treatments conducted with 3 larvae/L, respectively (P0.05). There were no significant differences in larval growth between the treatments at densities of 3-9 larvae/L (P>0.05). At highest density level, the larvae reared in I. galbana had the highest survival rate whereas survival was lowest in the control.

The life cycles of Claassenia sabulosa AND Hesperoperla pacifica (Plecoptera: Perlidae) in two Colorado streams

We compared the life cycles of Claassenia sabulosa (Banks 1900) and Hesperoperla pacifica (Banks 1900) (Plecoptera: Perlidae) in allopatry and sympatry by studying 4 populations in 3 streams of the South Platte River Watershed, Colorado. We estimated 2-year life cycles for both C. sabulosa and H. pacifica in allopatry and sympatry. Evidence of egg diapausing and extended larval recruitment was noted for both species in allopatry and sympatry. There were no apparent differences in larval growth, larval recruitment, or adult emergence periodicity between allopatric and sympatric populations of C. sabulosa. In contrast, allopatric and sympatric H. pacifica populations exhibited differences in the timing of larval growth, larval recruitment, and adult emergence. We feel that the differences in the life cycles of these populations were likely related to water temperature because a substantial water temperature difference (degree days of 1761 and 2563) occurred between study reaches. In sympatry, H. pacifica adults began emerging 2 weeks earlier than C. sabulosa, when water temperature reached 9°C. The emergence of H. pacifica was synchronous and male biased. The emergence of C. sabulosa was protandrous and male biased and began when water temperature reached 17°C. Claassenia sabulosa emergence was extended and lasted for 6 weeks during July and August. The abundance of C. sabulosa adults during this period corresponded closely to fluctuations in water temperature.

Cross-Resistance Responses of Cry1Ac-Selected Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to the Bacillus thuringiensis Protein Vip3A

One susceptible and three Cry1Ac-resistant strains of tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were used in laboratory studies to determine the level of cross-resistance between the Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) toxins Cry1Ac and Vip3A by using concentration–mortality and leaf tissue experiments. Concentration–mortality data demonstrated that the three Cry1Ac-resistant H. virescens strains, YHD2, KCBhyb, and CxC, were at least 215- to 316-fold resistant to Cry1Ac compared with the susceptible strain, YDK. Results from Vip3A concentration–mortality tests indicated that mortality was similar among all four H. virescens strains. Relative larval growth on Cry1Ac reflected concentration–mortality test results, because YHD2 larval growth was mostly unaffected by the Cry1Ac concentrations tested. Growth ratios for KCBhyb and CXC indicated that they had a more moderate level of resistance to Cry1Ac than did YHD2. Relative larval growth on Vip3A was highly variable at lower concentrations, but it was more consistent on concentrations of Vip3A above 25 μg/ml. Differences in larval growth among strains on Vip3A were not as pronounced as seen in Cry1Ac experiments. Mortality and larval growth also was assessed in leaf tissue bioassays in which YDK, CxC, and KCBhyb neonates were placed onto leaf disks from non-Bt and Bt cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., for 5 d. Three Bt lines were used in an initial bioassay and consisted of two Vip3A-containing lines, COT203 and COT102, and a Cry1Ac-producing line. Mortality of KCBhyb and CXC was lower than that of YDK larvae in the presence of leaf tissue from the Cry1Ac-producing line. Additionally, increased larval growth and leaf tissue consumption on Cry1Ac-containing leaf disks was observed for KCBhyb and CXC. Mortality and larval weights were similar among strains when larvae were fed leaf tissue of either non-Bt, COT203, or COT102. A subsequent leaf tissue bioassay was conducted that evaluated four cotton lines: non-Bt, Cry1Ab-expressing, Vip3A-expressing, and pyramided-toxin plants that produced both Cry1Ab and Vip3A. Mortality levels were similar among strains when fed non-Bt, Vip3A-expressing, or pyramided-toxin leaf tissues. Mortality was higher for YDK than for KCBhyb or CXC on Cry1Ab-expressing leaf tissues. No differences in larval weights were observed among strains for any genotype tested. Results of these experiments demonstrate that cross-resistance is nonexistent between Cry1Ac and Vip3A in H. virescens. Thus, the introduction of Vip3A-producing lines could delay Cry1Ac-resistance evolution in H. virescens, if these lines gain a significant share of the market.

Cross-Resistance Responses of Cry1Ac-Selected &lt;I&gt;Heliothis virescens&lt;/I&gt; (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to the &lt;I&gt;Bacillus thuringiensis&lt;/I&gt; Protein Vip3A

One susceptible and three Cry1Ac-resistant strains of tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were used in laboratory studies to determine the level of cross-resistance between the Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) toxins Cry1Ac and Vip3A by using concentration-mortality and leaf tissue experiments. Concentration-mortality data demonstrated that the three Cry1Ac-resistant H. virescens strains, YHD2, KCBhyb, and CxC, were at least 215- to 316-fold resistant to Cry1Ac compared with the susceptible strain, YDK. Results from Vip3A concentration-mortality tests indicated that mortality was similar among all four H. virescens strains. Relative larval growth on Cry1Ac reflected concentration-mortality test results, because YHD2 larval growth was mostly unaffected by the Cry1Ac concentrations tested. Growth ratios for KCBhyb and CXC indicated that they had a more moderate level of resistance to Cry1Ac than did YHD2. Relative larval growth on Vip3A was highly variable at lower concentrations, but it was more consistent on concentrations of Vip3A above 25 microg/ml. Differences in larval growth among strains on Vip3A were not as pronounced as seen in Cry1Ac experiments. Mortality and larval growth also was assessed in leaf tissue bioassays in which YDK, CxC, and KCBhyb neonates were placed onto leaf disks from non-Bt and Bt cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., for 5 d. Three Bt lines were used in an initial bioassay and consisted of two Vip3A-containing lines, COT203 and COT102, and a Cry1Ac-producing line. Mortality of KCBhyb and CXC was lower than that of YDK larvae in the presence of leaf tissue from the Cry1Ac-producing line. Additionally, increased larval growth and leaf tissue consumption on Cry1Ac-containing leaf disks was observed for KCBhyb and CXC. Mortality and larval weights were similar among strains when larvae were fed leaf tissue of either non-Bt, COT203, or COT102. A subsequent leaf tissue bioassay was conducted that evaluated four cotton lines: non-Bt, Cry1Ab-expressing, Vip3A-expressing, and pyramided-toxin plants that produced both Cry1Ab and Vip3A. Mortality levels were similar among strains when fed non-Bt, Vip3A-expressing, or pyramided-toxin leaf tissues. Mortality was higher for YDK than for KCBhyb or CXC on Cry1Ab-expressing leaf tissues. No differences in larval weights were observed among strains for any genotype tested. Results of these experiments demonstrate that cross-resistance is nonexistent between CrylAc and Vip3A in H. virescens. Thus, the introduction of Vip3A-producing lines could delay Cry1Ac-resistance evolution in H. virescens, if these lines gain a significant share of the market.

EFFECT OF SALINITY, TEMPERATURE, AND FOOD VALUE OF FOUR MICROALGAE TO OYSTER, Crassostrea iredalei LARVAL GROWTH

Published accounts of Crassostrea iredalei are only of its distribution in the Philippines. In Indonesia, this species is known to occur on the coast of South Sulawesi as well as in Banten. The purposes of the present studies were to investigate effect of salinity, temperature and food value of four microalgae to C. iredalei larval growth. Fine filtration of water was carried out using Sartorius capsule filter cartridge (1.2 im and 0.2 im) and sterilization was achieved by passing the water through an ultraviolet light unit. Low-salinity water was prepared by diluting filtered seawater with distilled water. High-salinity water was made by adding synthetic sea salts. All cultures were kept in constant temperature baths. Experiments of 8-days (for temperature and salinity trials) and 10-days (for diet trial) duration were duplicated in 500 mL glass beakers with larval density of 104 per liter. Seawater was changed every 48 h. The algae, Isochrysis galbana, I. galbana clone T-ISO, and Pavlova lutheri were added to the glass beakers at a rate of 100 cells/iL; cell density of Chaetoceros calsitrans was 250 cells/il at the start of the experiment and after every water change. Using thermostat chambers, 5 temperatures were tested, ranging from 14o to 34o in 5 steps. Four salinities were used, they ranged from 10 to 35‰ in 5‰ steps. For environmental condition trial, I. galbana as food was used. In diet trials, 4 species of algae were tested e.g. I. galbana, I. galbana T-ISO, P. lutheri, C. calcitrans and a mixture of algae, T-ISO/C. calcitrans. The optimum salinity range for growth of larvae was recorded at 20‰—30‰ at which the mean shell length was 85.1—87.7 im. The highest survival rate was recorded at salinity of 25‰—30‰, it was 91.6%—92.7%. There were significant differences in larval growth between temperature treatments. The optimum temperature for larval growth was at 24°C—29°C, with survival rate of 91.6%—93.0%. P. lutheri and I. galbana proved to be of equal value as diet for larval growth, with survival rates of 89.4%—90.6%. The best algal food was I. galbana clone T-ISO, which resulted in mean shell length 107.7 im and survival rate 86.7%.

Foraging selectivity by larval yellow perch (Perca flavescens): implications for understanding recruitment in small and large lakes

Growth and survivorship of larval yellow perch (Perca flavescens) have been examined in many systems but can conclusions from well-studied perch populations in smaller lakes be applied to populations in meso-oceanic systems like Lake Michigan, USA? Laboratory experiments were conducted with yellow perch (hatch to 35 mm total length) to develop an empirical selectivity function based on Chesson's α to describe larval diet as a function of changes in prey community composition. This function was used in an individual-based foraging and growth model (IBM) to describe changes in foraging decisions resulting from changes in prey composition between different systems. Larval perch made three selective transitions during ontogeny. Initial positive selection for rotifers and the relative selectivity for cladocerans vs. copepods in late-stage larvae were both dependent on prey composition. Larvae exposed to prey assemblages differing only in composition had different diets. The empirically based IBM accurately predicted these dietary differences and resulting differences in larval growth and likelihood of starvation between systems at equal prey density. The importance of feeding behavior to larval survival will differ between Lake Michigan and smaller lakes, and these results are important for comparisons of recruitment dynamics between large and small systems.

Growth variation in larval Makaira nigricans

The Atlantic blue marlin Makaira nigricans larvae were collected from Exuma Sound, Bahamas and the Straits of Florida over three summers (2000–2002). Sagittal otoliths were extracted and read under light microscopy to determine relationships between standard length (LS) and age for larvae from each year and location. Otolith growth trajectories were significantly different between locations: after the first 5–6 days of life, larvae from Exuma Sound grew significantly faster than larvae from the Straits of Florida. Exponential regression coefficients were similar among years for Exuma Sound larvae (mean instantaneous growth rate, GL = 0·125), but differed between years for larvae from the Straits of Florida (GL = 0·086–0·089). Differences in larval growth rates between locations resulted in a 4–6 mm difference in LS by day 15 of larval life. These differences in growth appeared to be unrelated to mean ambient water temperatures, and may have been caused by location‐specific differences in prey composition or availability. Alternatively, population‐specific differences in maternal condition may have contributed to these differences in early larval growth.

Supplementation or in situ conservation? Evidence of local adaptation in the Italian agile frog Rana latastei and consequences for the management of populations

Relocation of endangered species can be an effective conservation tool if it does not mix populations that represent significant intraspecific variation. The threatened Italian agile frog, Rana latastei, has small populations with low genetic diversity: translocation has been proposed to improve the likelihood of survival of populations. Using a common environment experiment and field surveys, we investigated whether there were differences in larval growth and developmental rate between foothill and lowland R. latastei populations, to evaluate if they are evolutionarily significant units. In nature, the colder climate of the foothills causes delayed metamorphosis. Conversely, in a common environment, larvae from foothill populations show faster growth and development. We did not find a significant egg-size related maternal effect or any differences in size at metamorphosis. We hypothesise that counter-gradient selection promoted fast growing phenotypes in a cold environment, where low temperatures slow down larval development. Foothill populations, despite being only a small geographical distance away from lowland populations, seem to be adapted to a colder climate and represent an evolutionarily significant unit. Different populations should, therefore, be managed independently, avoiding translocation. We suggest that evolutionary divergence between populations should be verified prior to planning relocation programmes, to prevent the risk of genetic homogenisation.

Lipid Nutrition and Feeding of Cobia Rachycentron canadum Larvae

AbstractThis study examined the fatty acid composition of cobia Rachycentron canadum eggs and yolksac larvae, as well as the ovaries of wild caught females as an initial guide to lipid nutritional requirements. A 2‐wk feeding study also was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of four dietary treatments on the growth and survival of cobia larvae. Cobia eggs in the tailbud stage contained 31.4 ± 1.3 μg lipid/egg. After hatching, the amount of lipid decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) from 28.3 ± 0.3 to 23.2 ± 0.1 μg lipid/larvae during the yolksac larval stage (days 1 to 3 after hatching). Ovaries from wild caught adults and captive spawned eggs and yolksac larvae contained high levels of PUFAs with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (ARA) accounting for approximately 80% of the total suggesting that cobia larvae may have a high dietary requirement for these fatty acids. For the feeding study, larvae were fed: 1) Artemia only; 2) enriched rotifers for 1 d only + microparticulate diet (day 313); 3) enriched rotifers for 3 d (day 3–5) + Artemia (day 3–13); and 4) enriched rotifers for 6 d (day 3–8) + Artemia (day 3–13). Cobia larvae began feeding on rotifers 3 d after hatching and on newly hatched Artemia nauplii by the fifth day following the onset of exogenous feeding (day 7). On day 7, no differences in larval growth were found among larvae fed rotifers for 3 versus 6 d, whereas larvae fed only Artemia or rotifers for I d followed by microparticulate diet were significantly smaller (P &lt; 0.05) and did not survive beyond day 9 and 13, respectively. The results of the feeding study indicate that cobia larvae require rotifers for a minimum of 4 d following the onset of exogenous feeding.

The effect of different HUFA enrichment emulsions on the nutritional value of rotifers ( Brachionus plicatilis ) fed to larval haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus ).

A feeding study was conducted in the winter 2001 to determine the effects of feeding rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) enriched with various levels of essential fatty acids on the growth and survival of haddock larvae (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). Rotifer enrichment treatments were: 1) mixed algae, 2) high DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3), 3) high DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3), and 4) DHA, EPA, and AA (arachidonic acid, 20:4n-6). Larvae were fed rotifers enriched with the different treatments from days 1 to 16 post-hatch. From day 17 until 25 all treatment groups were fed rotifers reared on mixed algae and then weaned onto the International Council for Exploration of the SEA (ICES) Standard Reference Weaning diet (http://allserv.rug.ac.t/aquaculture/rend/rend.htm) over a five day period. The experiment was terminated on day 41 post-hatch. The enrichment treatments affected the fatty acid composition of the rotifers and correlated with the accumulation of these fatty acids in the haddock larvae. However, no significant differences in larval growth or survival to 40 days post hatch were detected, suggesting that all treatments provided the minimal essential fatty acid requirements for haddock.

Effect of an experimental microparticulate diet on the growth, survival and fatty acid profile of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurataL.) larvae

In recent years, a great deal of interest has emerged in the development of microdiets as an economic alternative to live food, in the larval culture of marine fish species. The ability to grow Sparus aurata larvae on a prototype microparticulate diet was examined. To achieve this objective, four feeding regimes differing in the time when the microdiet was introduced (3, 7 or 12 days) and one based exclusively on an inert diet were tested, during the first 22 days of larval life. Significant differences in larval growth were found between the experimental feeding regimes and their corresponding controls (enriched rotifers during the whole experimental period); the larvae in the co-feeding regimes and with an exclusive microparticulate diet were always significantly smaller than larvae fed on rotifers alone. However, the difference was minimised by introducing the inert diet at a later date. A lower survival was found in larvae with a co-feeding regime, in comparison with the control treatments and the survival was significantly lower in larvae fed exclusively on a microparticulate diet. The fatty acid analysis revealed that the experimental microencapsulated diet and the rotifers enriched with Protein Selco® presented relatively similar fatty acid content. In spite of the slightly higher (n−3)/(n−6) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratios and somewhat lower highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) content found in the inert diet, the fatty acid composition of the diets cannot explain the differences found in larval performance. The results revealed that the complete replacement of live prey with the tested microparticulate diet is still not possible in S. aurata larval rearing. Nevertheless, better growth and survival results and a substantial reduction in the daily supply of live food can be achieved with a combination of microdiet and live prey.

Evaluation of partial substitution of live algae with dried Tetraselmis for larval rearing of black-lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera (L.)

Experiments were conducted with larvae of theblack-lip pearl oyster, Pinctadamargaritifera fed on a regime of living algae(an equal mixture of Tahitian Isochrysisaff. galbana and Pavlova salina)either partially or completely substituted withheterotrophically grown spray-dried algae (Tetraselmis suecica). Two experiments wereconducted; in the first, 1-day old larvae werecultured for 13 days and, in the second, 13days old larvae were culture for 7 days. Inboth experiments larvae were fed the followingproportions of live algae (LA) and dried Tetraselmis (DT); (1) 100% LA, (2) 75% LA +25% DT, (3) 50% LA + 50% DT, (4) 25% LA +75% DT; and (5) 100% DT. The optimal dietsfor maximum larval growth were 100% LA and75% LA + 25% DT resulting in larvae with amean shell length (SL) of 132 ± 3.8 and 131± 2.7 µm, respectively, at day 13. Thisshowed that 25% substitution of livemicro-algae with DT is possible withoutaffecting growth of P. margaritiferalarvae of less than 150 µm SL. There was nosignificant difference in survival of P.margaritifera larvae fed 100% LA, 75% LA +25% DT and 50% LA + 50% DT over a period of13 days. Highest survival (43.7%) occurred inlarvae fed 100% DT while lowest (approximately18%) occurred in controls (50% livemicro-algae and unfed) during the firstexperiment. The result of the second experimentindicated that with increasing size, larvae arecapable of accepting a higher proportion ofdried Tetraselmis in their diet. Therewere no significant differences in larvalgrowth or survival, between treatments where LAwas partially and completely substituted dietswith DT.