Fish In Iran Research Articles

Effects of Processing on Nickel Content and its Relationship with Proximate Composition in dead fresh and canned tuna fish in Iran

Background: The presence of toxic metals in food can be a risk to food safety and public health. Methods: The Iranian canned tuna was analyzed for nickel level after wet digestion with acids using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS). Results: The average concentration of nickel in canned and dead fresh fish found 4.20 ppb and 1.64 ppb. A significant difference in nickel level was observed between canned and dead fresh fish samples in this study. Although the concentration of nickel per g in the fillet after processing was relatively low, but the total amount of nickel in the sample shown change (256.01%). The results in present study showed the protein content in the canned fish increased to 13.17%. The moisture content in the processed fish decreased to 8.80%. The fat content in the canned fish increased to 12.86%. Conclusion: Although the protein and moisture contents significantly increased and decreased respectively after processing, but none of these factors were related to the change in nickel concentration. It may be recommended to regularly monitor the concentration of nickel metal in aquatic food products, so that human health was not at risk.

Mapping endemic freshwater fish richness to identify high-priority areas for conservation: An ecoregion approach.

Freshwater ecosystems are experiencing accelerating global biodiversity loss. Thus, knowing where these unique ecosystems' species richness reaches a peak can facilitate their conservation planning. By hosting more than 290 freshwater fishes, Iran is a major freshwater fish hotspot in the Middle East. Considering the accelerating rate of biodiversity loss, there is an urgent need to identify species-rich areas and understand the mechanisms driving biodiversity distribution. In this study, we gathered distribution records of all endemic freshwater fishes of Iran (85 species) to develop their richness map and determine the most critical drivers of their richness patterns from an ecoregion approach. We performed a generalized linear model (GLM) with quasi-Poisson distribution to identify contemporary and historical determinants of endemic freshwater fish richness. We also quantified endemic fish similarity among the 15 freshwater ecoregions of Iran. Results showed that endemic freshwater fish richness is highest in the Zagros Mountains while a moderate level of richness was observed between Zagros and Alborz Mountains. High, moderate, and low richness of endemic freshwater fish match with Upper Tigris & Euphrates, Namak, and Kavir & Lut Deserts ecoregions respectively. Kura - South Caspian Drainages and Caspian Highlands were the most similar ecoregions and Orumiyeh was the most unique ecoregion according to endemic fish presence. Precipitation and precipitation change velocity since the Last Glacial Maximum were the most important predictors of endemic freshwater fish richness. Areas identified to have the highest species richness have high priority for the conservation of freshwater fish in Iran, therefore, should be considered in future protected areas development.

Evaluation of nutritional quality and fatty acid profile of carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed with diet based on oil sources

Background: The Cyprinus carpio as commercial fish in Iran contains nutritive components and plays an important role in human health. The present study research evaluated the nutritive quality of carp including proximate and fatty acid compositions. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of diet based on oil sources on the fatty acids composition of fish fillets of Cyprinus carpio. Methods: The carp (Cyprinus carpio) were fed with four diets based on soybean oil (SO), palm oil (PO), fish oil (FO), and (soybean and palm) oil (SPO). Results: The quality of fatty acids in the body of fish fed with SO and PO diets was found significantly better (p <0.05) than those fish fed with FO diet. Total SFA (Saturated fatty acids) was highest significant in the fillet fat of the carp fish fed with PO diet, but there were no significant differences between the MUFA (Mono unsaturated fatty acids), PUFA (Poly unsaturated fatty acids), HUFA (High unsaturated fatty acids), and n-3/n-6 fatty acids of fillet in the carp fish fed with the experimental diets. Fillet fatty acid composition reflected dietary fatty acid profile. The highest level of α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid was observed in fish fillets fed FO and SO, respectively. Although the eicosapentaenoic acid level of fish fillets fed diets FO and SPO was higher than other treatments, no significant difference was found in docosahexaenoic acid content among all dietary treatments. Conclusion: The present study showed that the suitable diet fat sources (SO, PO, SPO) fed by the carp, Cyprinus carpio, for 56 days, was suitable their productivity.

The Prevalence Rate, Pattern of Antibiotic Resistance, and Frequency of Virulence Factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Fish in Iran

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a pathogenic bacterium and one of the seafood's most common spoilage microorganisms. In this study, 470 fish samples collected randomly were evaluated for the presence of P. aeruginosa, antibiotic resistance, and frequency of virulence factors. Isolation of P. aeruginosa from fish samples was performed on cetrimide agar after an initial enrichment. Representative colonies were selected, and biochemical tests were conducted. An antibiotic resistance test was performed using the disk diffusion method. DNA was extracted, and antibiotic resistance genes, as well as virulence genes, were detected using PCR. Fresh fish showed the highest prevalence of P. aeruginosa (5%). No positive samples contaminated with P. aeruginosa were isolated from frozen fish samples. From smoked, salted, and dried fish, two samples (2.85–4%) were contaminated with P. aeruginosa. The antibiotic resistance against meropenem, imipenem, carbapenem, erythromycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and enrofloxacin was 0%. The lowest antibiotic resistance pattern was observed in fresh fish, and the highest was observed in smoked, salted, and dried fish. Respectively, blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV were the most abundant genes encoding antibiotic resistance. The most virulence genes were algD, algU, lasB, toxA, exoS, exoT, and apr. This study suggests that raw seafood could be a source of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa and helps to spread resistance genes through the food chain. It seems that cross-contamination in the fishing, transportation, and supply of seafood can cause increased contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in these products. Therefore, the hygienic principles can effectively reduce contamination by P. aeruginosa. Also, the prophylactic use of antibiotics in these products should be controlled.

Determining the Lithium and Calcium Concentrations in Canned Tuna Fish in Iran

Backgrounds and aims: Nutrition is the main way to receive the trace elements that human body needs. Lithium (Li) and calcium (Ca) are two trace elements, which have important roles in human body. There are a few studies about the amounts of calcium and lithium in canned tuna fish. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of calcium and lithium in canned tuna fishes. 
 
 Materials and Methods: To this aim, 150 samples of canned tuna fishes from two well-known brands (Majid and Poolak), marketed in Khuzestan province of Iran, were obtained. Li contents of the samples were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with atomization in graphite furnace. Ca contents of the samples were measured by AAS using nitrous oxide-acetylene flame. 
 
 Results: The mean concentrations of calcium in canned tuna fish of Majid and Poolak brands were 448.47 and 398.22 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, the mean concentrations of lithium in canned tuna fish of Majid and Poolak brands were 38.42 and 39.67 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentration of calcium in the investigated canned tuna samples fish was lower than provisional tolerable intake (PTI) per day (1000 ppm) set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, the mean concentration of lithium in the studied canned tuna fish samples was higher than PTI/day (0.650- 3.1 ppm) Set by EPA.
 
 Conclusion: The results of current study showed that the marine food industries need a more-precise and serious monitoring by public health organizations. Additionally, protecting the marine environment from pollutions is an obligation that needs the attention of related organizations and authorities. 

Research Article: Molecular genetic divergence of five genera of cypriniform fish in Iran assessed by DNA barcoding

Research Article: Molecular genetic divergence of five genera of cypriniform fish in Iran assessed by DNA barcoding

Isolation and characterization of SNP markers of rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) from transcriptomic sequences

Rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) is one of the most important freshwater aquaculture fish in Iran. It is necessary to develop available molecular marker such as SNPs, which represent a useful tool in detecting adaptive signals in populations and also parentage assignment for O. mykiss. Genetic architecture of broodstock populations is important for breeding programs, as it enables decisions on broodstock screening and genomic selection. In this study, 52 novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for O. mykiss were discovered and validated based on transcriptome sequencing, by means of paired-end sequencing in an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The SNPs were identified through liver transcriptome sequencing from fifteen samples. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.177 to 1.000 and 0.239 to 0.638, respectively. The minimum allele frequency (MAF) ranged from 0.166 to 0.489. Among these SNP loci, twenty-two loci showed significant departures from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05) and significant linkage disequilibrium was found. The SNP markers identified in this research could be useful for novel studies, such as those related to associations between high-resolution molecular markers and quantitative traits studies. Moreover, these SNP markers would be used in genetic studies helping economic performance improvement and management of this species.

Hormuz River System as a micro hotspot of diversification for the aphaniid fishes in Iran

The Hormuz River System (HRS) is located in the southern coastal plain of the Zagros Mountains. Two main river drainages i.e., Mehran and Kol are known from this region, which are directly discharged to the Persian Gulf. The HRS has surprising diversity for tooth-carp fishes (family Aphaniidae). The present study aims to accentuate this notable diversity and discuss the possible cause of diversification of the tooth-carps in the HRS. To date, 15 Aphaniid species have been discovered from the Iranian drainage basins. Among them, 10 species belong to the genus Aphanius , four species belong to the genus Aphaniops , and a single species belonging to the genus Paraphanius . The HRS by having four species (22% of the Iranian tooth-carps) demonstrated the highest diversity among the other Iranian basins. Of these, one belongs to the genus Aphanius ( A. darabensis ) and three species belong to the genus Aphaniops ( A. furcatus , A. ginaonis, and A. hormuzensis ). By considering the degree of endemicity of the tooth-carps fauna relative to the territorial boundaries of drainages, the HRS has the highest endemicity, in which 31% of the Iranian endemic tooth-carp species present only in the HRS. The last connection of the Makran Basin with the HRS dates back to the late Pliocene and lower Pleistocene about 1.8 million years ago. Also, the other vicariance-based events like those events related to the last glacial maximum (21000-18000 BP), population migration during the Early Holocene sea-level rise, and the Holocene to present-day have promoted the intra- and interspecific differentiation of tooth-carps in the HRS. Also, the geological situation of the HRS provided various extreme environmental conditions, which caused a particular increase in the diversification of the tooth-carp species.

Ichthyofauna From Iranian Freshwater: Annotated Checklist, Diagnosis, Taxonomy, Distribution and Conservation Assessment.

This is an annotated checklist of all the recognized and named taxa of freshwater fishes in Iran. It documents recent changes and controversies in the nomenclature and includes primary synonyms updated from the Jouladeh-Roudbar et al. (2015b) checklist. We provide an updated comprehensive listing of taxonomy, diagnostic and meristic characters, names, and conservation status, including detailed distribution maps. We strive to record the most recent justified taxonomic assignment in a hierarchical framework, providing annotations, including alternative possible arrangements, for some proposed changes. We provide common English and Persian names, and detail distributional data for all taxa, listing occurrence by basins, including indications of native, endemic, and translocated populations. We used the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria for classifying species at high risk of global extinction. This checklist consists of 274 recognized species in 100 genera, 33 families, 20 orders and 3 classes. We also report and confirm for the first time the presence of seven species from Iran's basins: Aphanius kruppi, Capoeta kaput, Luciobarbus conocephalus, Oxynoemacheilus veyselorum, O. gyndes, O. hanae and Squalius latus. The confirmed freshwater fishes of Iran comprise 264 species in 97 genera, 33 families, 20 orders and 3 classes. The 241 endemic and native fish species can be divided into the following conservation statuses: 1 Extinct in the Wild (EW), 17 Critically Endangered (CR), 12 Endangered (EN), 15 Vulnerable (VU), 9 Near Threatened (NT), 148 Least Concern (LC) and 39 Data Deficient (DD). Forty-four fish species (18.3% of the 241 species listed) are officially regarded as globally Threatened (Critically Endangered [CR], Endangered [EN], or Vulnerable [VU]). These numbers and percentages of Threatened species have increased since the last checklist.

Definite diagnosis of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia infected farmed rainbow trout and histopathologic study of acutely diseased fish in Iran.

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) is one of the most important viral diseases in rainbow trout that has caused great losses to the Iranian rainbow trout aquaculture industry in few recent years. In the early autumn of 2015, in order to identify the possible causes of loss, farmed fish were sampled from the epicenter where massive mortalities and economic losses had occurred. Three samples were collected from relevant tissues (i.e. liver, kidney, spleen, heart, and brain) of the rainbow trout with clinical signs of VHS disease. The samples were stored in 70% ethanol, Eagle’s minimum essential medium (EMEM) and 10% formalin to perform RT-PCR, cell-culture and histopathology examinations, respectively. A virus was isolated using fish cell lines inoculated with a homogenate of the internal organs. Sequencing analysis of truncated N gene confirmed the existence of VHS virus. RT-PCR and histopathology tests indicated the suitability and simplicity of the test as a paraclinical diagnostic method for VHS virus in the region. Haemorrhage, necrosis and other changes in histological sections of the diseased fish demonstrated pathological changes identical with the typical VHS pathology in target organ of the virus (i.e. heart, spleen, liver and kidney). To our knowledge, this is one the first studies that fully focused on the identification of VHSV from farmed trout in Iran by using histopathology examinations.

Review of the East Asian minnows of Iran (Family Xenocyprididae)

The systematics, morphology, distribution, biology and economic importance of the East Asian minnows of Iran are described, the species are illustrated, and a bibliography on these fishes in Iran is provided. There are five species, all exotics, in the genera Ctenopharyngodon (1 species), Hemiculter (1), Hypophthalmichthys (2) and Mylopharyngodon (1), variably introduced throughout Iran for fish farming and, in the case of Hemiculter , accidentally.

Morphohistological characteristic of digestive tract of an endemic cichlid fish, Iranocichla hormuzensis Coad, 1982 (Teleostei: Cichlidae)

Objective of the current study was to investigate morphohistology of digestive tract of Iranocichla hormuzensis , one of two native cichlid fishes in Iran. The species present omnivorous feeding habits and restricted in shallow, high temperatures and high salinity water in Mehran River and its drainages. This species has a terminal mouth with several rows of serrated incisive teeth, which covered the upper and lower lips. Esophagus is a short tubular between pharynx and stomach, stomach is relatively small and sac-shape, and intestine is long. Gastric wall, through the digestive tube, consists of four layers of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa with some characters specialized for each organ, such as a well-developed mucosa layer and numerous goblet cell in the ventral section of stomach. Morphohistology of digestive tract of I. hormuzensis supports its generalist diet.

Using endemic freshwater fishes as proxies of their ecosystems to identify high priority rivers for conservation under climate change

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most endangered ecosystems on Earth and are vulnerable to climate change. Studies have shown that climate change has already altered the phenology and distribution of freshwater species. However, there are still major gaps in our understanding of potential impacts of climate change on freshwater ecosystems and their organisms. Freshwater fishes were used as effective indicators for identifying the degree, direction and scale of changes in aquatic ecosystems and as indicators of freshwater ecosystem quality and health. However, they are rarely used to determine sensitive freshwater ecosystems to climate change using species distribution modeling. We modeled current and future distribution of 15 endemic freshwater fish in Iran to identify winners and losers of climate change and high priority rivers for conservation under climate change. In addition, we assessed changes in elevational distribution of the species under climate change. Our results showed that five species will lose some parts of their current suitable range under climate change while ten species will gain new suitable habitats. Considering their restricted range, endemic species are of special conservation concern, so results of this study can be used for conservation of endemic freshwater fishes. Species which were identified to be negatively affected by climate change should be prioritized for monitoring and conservation and can be the subject of future conservation programs. Using the five species for which reductions of range size were predicted, 20 rivers were identified as targets of future conservation actions to reduce negative impacts of climate change on freshwater fish.

A DNA barcoding approach to identify species of Nemacheilidae: a complex family of cypriniform fishes in Iran

Nemacheilian loaches are a group of freshwater fishes which are distributed in many inland waters of Iran. They are complex species from aspects of systematic and many species of this family are morphologically undistinguishable. Therefore, due to limitations behind the morphology-based identification of such species, genetic approaches such as DNA barcoding can be helpful to distinguish species, although their genetic relationships are not well determined yet. The present investigation provides data on genetic structure of some species of Nemachilidae including Paraschistura bampurensis, Oxynoemacheilus kiabii and Turcinemacheilus saadii from inland waters of Iran. These species were sequenced for a 652 base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. All species were identified by cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequence. The sequences of P. bampurensis showed that specimens collected from two streams (Shapour and Fahlian, south-west of Iran), with 1.89% within-species Kimura two parameter distance, shared haplotype in neighbor joining tree. The results provided the first genetic evidence for O. kiabii, which has recently been recorded as a new species in Iran, and also cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene data showed that O. kiabii is completely different from other species of Nemacheilidae. The results suggested that cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequencing can be used to identify species of Nemachilidae from the Iranian streams.

Review of the tenches of Iran (Family Tincidae)

The systematics, morphology, distribution, biology and economic importance of the tench of Iran are described, the species is illustrated, and a bibliography on this fish in Iran is provided. There is a single species, Tinca tinca , found in the Caspian Sea basin.

A narrative review of the control of mosquitoes by Larvivorous fish in Iran and the world

Background and purpose: Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of many pathogens such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and so on. The control of mosquitoes using chemical insecticides is not always a sensible approach, so, alternative biological control methods, especially the use of larvivorous fishes, can play a significant role in controlling of mosquito larvae.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this narrative review study, papers and dissertations were collected without time and language limits from international electronic databases in Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Ovid, Medline and WHO site, and Iranian scientific databases including: Barakatkns, SID, Civilica, Magiran, and Medlib using appropriate keywords from 1937 to 2018. Finally, 55 sources were selected and criticized, interpreted, and analyzed.&#x0D; Results: In the study, some of larvivorous fishes including Aphanius dispar, Carassius auratus (goldfish), Gambusia affinis, and Poecilia reticulate (guppy) have been investigated as important predators of mosquito larvae. Among these fish, Gambusia, Aphanius dispar, Colisa Lalia, Danio rerio, Goldfish, Guppy and Oreochromis mossambica are present in different regions of Iran.&#x0D; Conclusion: Given the fact that malaria carriers are present in many regions of Iran and the climate of Iran is also potentially suitable for the transmission of malaria, it is recommended to use larvivorous fishes that are compatible with the environmental conditions of each area.

Review of the gobionids of Iran (Family Gobionidae)

The systematics, morphology, distribution, biology and economic importance of the gobionids of Iran are described, the species are illustrated, and a bibliography on these fishes in Iran is provided. There are three native species in the genera Gobio and Romanogobio found in northeastern and northwestern Iran respectively and a widely introduced exotic species Pseudorasbora parva .

Review of the bitterlings of Iran (Family Acheilognathidae)

The systematics, morphology, distribution, biology and economic importance of the bitterlings of Iran are described, the species is illustrated, and a bibliography on this fish in Iran is provided. There is a single species, Rhodeus amarus , found in the Caspian Sea basin and introduced to the Lake Urmia and Tigris River basins.

Review of the danionids of Iran (Family Danionidae)

The systematics, morphology, distribution, biology and economic importance of the danionids of Iran are described, the species are illustrated, and a bibliography on these fishes in Iran is provided. There are two native species in the genera Barilius and Cabdio found in southwestern and southeastern Iran, respectively.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of metal concentrations in canned tuna fish in Iran and human health risk assessment

Human consumption of fish protein, including canned tuna fish, is increasing steadily worldwide. However, there are some concerns about the potential exposure to elevated concentrations of metals in canned tuna fish. Several studies have been conducted in Iran regarding the concentration of metals in seafood, including copper (Cu), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), and cadmium (Cd) in canned tuna fish. The main aim of this study was to gather data from existing papers and to perform a meta-analysis of the pooled concentrations of metals to evaluate their non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in children and adults consumers. Search was conducted retrieving data from the international biomedical databases with highly public access and consultation, e.g., Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus, and national database (SID and Irandoc) between 1983 and November of 2017. Data from 23 articles and 1295 samples were assessed and extracted. The ranking order of metals based on mean concentrations (μg/g wet weight) were Fe (13.17) > Zn (9.31) > Se (2.23) > Al (1.8) > Cr (1.63) > Cu (1.52) > As (0.38) > Ni (0.33) > Pb (0.24) > Cd (0.14) > Hg (0.11) > Sn (0.1). Except for Cd and Se, concentrations of other metals in the canned tuna fish were lower than the limits recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Iran National Standards Organization (INSO). The minimum and maximum target hazard quotient (THQ) for adults were 5.55E-5 for Al and 2.23E-08 for Cr. For children, they were 7.23E-05 for Al and 2.91E-08 for Cr. THQ, and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) were ≤1.0 for adult and children consumers. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) of As was 3.21E-5 in adults and 4.18E-5 in children. Adults and children that consume canned tuna fish in Iran are not at non-carcinogenic risk but have a carcinogenic risk due to As.