Grenadier Anchovy Research Articles

Reproductive biology and feeding habit of Coilia dussumieri Valenciennes, 1848 (Actinopteri: Engraulidae): A review

Coilia dussumieri, regularly referred to as the goldspotted grenadier anchovy, is a ray-finned fish species that pertains to the Engraulidae family. Estuaries and maritime waters bordering Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India are home to it. On top of that, it can be found from Thailand south to Java and the Malay Peninsula. Any species' genetic features must be scrutinized in order to govern its population smoothly and figure out whether it is well-suited for culture. Fish biology encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines, consisting of an in-depth overview of their stature, progression, gonado-somatic index (GSI), prime mating period, and fetal growth. Biology regarding consumption and procreation has been the focus of numerous research efforts in the recent past. The main goal of this review work is to bring together the disparate information, identify the knowledge gaps for additional research on this fish species, and provide aqua culturists with some information for future, more in-depth research on the culture, management, and breeding of Coilia dussumieri.

Otolith microchemistry reveals diverse habitat uses and migratory patterns of two Coilia species (Engraulidae) in the Min River Estuary, southern China

A recent study based on gonad histology revealed that the existence of the spawning grounds for Gray's grenadier anchovy (Coilia grayii) and Osbeck's grenadier anchovy (C. mystus) in the Min River Estuary, the largest in Fujian Province, southern China. Further confirming their natal sources and migratory patterns is essential to understand their life histories. We used otolith microchemistry to assess the origins and habitat uses of 23 C. grayii and 22 C. mystus, collected the Min River Estuary and the adjacent waters. The results showed that C. grayii spawned in both freshwater (n‍ = 14) and brackish water (n = 9), and C. mystus spawned mainly in brackish water (n‍ = 20) with minor in freshwater (n‍ = 1) and marine water (n‍ = 1). The migratory patterns of C. grayii (four types) and C. mystus (five types) were diverse, mainly exhibiting anadromous and semi-anadromous behaviors. The first migratory behavior of C. grayii and C. mystus occurred within the age of the first year. The findings have significant implications for fishery stock management of the Min River Estuary and its adjacent waters.

Reproductive Dynamics of Three Important Clupeiform Food Fishes in the Min River Estuary and Its Adjacent Nearshore Waters, China

AbstractReproductive dynamics of three important clupeiform food fishes (Gray’s Grenadier Anchovy Coilia grayii, Osbeck’s Grenadier Anchovy Coilia mystus, and Chinese Gizzard Shad Clupanodon thrissa) were studied in the largest estuary of Fujian Province, China: the Min River estuary and its adjacent nearshore waters. Samples were collected from May 2017 through July 2020 using trammel nets and trawlers. Females were observed to be significantly larger than males for Gray’s and Osbeck’s grenadier anchovies but not for Chinese Gizzard Shad. The overall sex ratios of all three species showed a significant female bias. Gonad histology was applied to determine spawning season, peak spawning season, and length at 50% maturity for females and males. The spawning season of females lasted from April to September (peak spawning season in April–July) for Gray’s Grenadier Anchovy, from March to September (peak in March–June) for Osbeck’s Grenadier Anchovy, and from April to July (peak in May–July) for Chinese Gizzard Shad. Spawning seasons of males were similar to those of females. The estimated SLs at 50% maturity for females and males, respectively, were 11.3 and 9.4 cm for Gray’s Grenadier Anchovy, 12.7 and 10.4 cm for Osbeck’s Grenadier Anchovy, and 12.7 and 11.6 cm for Chinese Gizzard Shad. The spawning grounds for these species were located for the first time: in the Min River estuary for Gray’s Grenadier Anchovy, mainly in the adjacent nearshore waters and extending to the estuary for Osbeck’s Grenadier Anchovy, and mainly in the lower reaches of the Min River and extending to the estuary for Chinese Gizzard Shad. As important food fishes in the region, stocks of these three species have shown certain degrees of overexploitation; therefore, stock assessments and management plans are necessary to achieve their sustainable fisheries.

The Mitochondrial Markers Provide New Insights Into the Population Demographic History of Coilia nasus With Two Ecotypes (Anadromous and Freshwater)

The Pleistocene climate oscillations have been proven to have profound influences in the evolutionary processes of marine species and left significantly tractable footprints in genomes of marine fauna. However, such history remains unknown for the Japanese grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus, a relatively large fish found in marine, freshwater and brackish water. In order to provide insight into the phylogeographic pattern and historical demography of C. nasus, we employed the mtDNA D-loop and Cyt b as molecular markers to estimate the genetic variation among populations of C. nasus. We took samples from 18 populations throughout the distribution of C. nasus. Partial sequences of mtDNA D-loop (n = 424) and Cyt b (n = 129) were obtained. Four phylogeographic lineages were revealed by the mtDNA D-loop analysis. Frequency changes of the four lineages throughout the species’ distribution indicated limited genetic exchange among three major geographic regions. Patterns of isolation-by-distance were detected among the populations. Neutrality test, mismatch distribution, and network analyses consistently showed that all the four lineages had populations with relatively stable over time and then subjected to sudden expansion during the late-Pleistocene era (c. 20 000 – 75 000 years ago). The phylogeographic and demographic history of C. nasus was highly influenced by climatic fluctuations in the Pleistocene. Geographic isolation resulted from Pleistocene climatic fluctuations might have profound impacts on the distribution pattern of genetic variation of C. nasus. Our result also indicated that the population expansion event for C. nasus occured along with habitat continuous expansion during the inter-glacial period.

Diverse downstream migration patterns of the anadromous Japanese grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus in the Chikugo River estuary and Ariake Sea, Japan

Variations in the downstream migration patterns of the anadromous Japanese grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus in the Chikugo River estuary and the inner part of the Ariake Sea, Japan were investigated using otolith Sr:Ca ratios over life history transects. Although most individuals migrated from freshwater or low salinity areas (i.e., upper estuary; salinities <10) to brackish water or sea water areas (i.e., lower estuary or sea), the timing of the downstream migration was considerably different among individuals. Based on the otolith Sr:Ca profiles, four migratory groups were distinguished and their mean standard length (SL) at the initial downstream migration were inferred: (1) the Late Migration Group (LMG), in which individuals remain within freshwater or low salinity areas, where the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) is well developed at salinities <10, during the larva and juvenile stages until initial downstream migration at a size of 154 mm in SL; (2) the Early Migration Group (EMG), in which individuals immediately migrate from freshwater or low salinity areas to relatively high salinity brackish water areas at the early juvenile stage (45 mm in SL); (3) the Middle Migration Group (MMG), in which the initial downstream migration of the fish occurs at 90 mm in SL; and (4) the Brackish-Sea water Resident Group (BSRG), in which individuals are hatched in relatively high salinity brackish water areas and spend time there during the early life period. The relative contribution of the LMG and BSRG to adult females were low, whereas adult females were dominated by the EMG and MMG (72.4% of n = 58). Based on previous studies and our current results, C. nasus may greatly depend on the ETM zones during the early life stage, but there are significant differences in the timing and downstream migration patterns of C. nasus.

Biến động quần thể cá lành canh vàng (Coilia rebentischii) ở sông Cửa Lớn, tỉnh Cà Mau

This study was conducted from 12/2017 to 02/2019 to provide the population biological parameters of the many-fingered grenadier anchovy, one of the commercially valuable fish, for sustainable use of the fisheries resources in Cua Lon river, Ca Mau province. The analysis of length-frequency data of 2,196 individuals collected every two months by using push net showed that the von Bertalanffy curve and growth performance were Lt=16.8×(1-e-0.68×(t+0,28)) and F’ = 2.28, respectively. The total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (F) of this species was 2.28 yr-1, 1.68 yr-1, 0.60 yr-1, respectively. The exploitation rate (E=0.260) was lower than that of the potential exploitation rate (E50=0.342). The length at first capture was Lc = 7.0 cm; there are two recruitment peaks per year (in July and November). Although this species has high growth rate and its population still has higher potentials for exploitation, the length at first maturity was small. Therefore, mesh sizes of the push net should be increased for sustainable use of the fisheries resources.

Genome and population sequencing of a chromosome-level genome assembly of the Chinese tapertail anchovy (Coilia nasus) provides novel insights into migratory adaptation.

BackgroundSeasonal migration is one of the most spectacular events in nature; however, the molecular mechanisms related to this phenomenon have not been investigated in detail. The Chinese tapertail, or Japanese grenadier anchovy, Coilia nasus, is a valuable migratory fish of high economic importance and special migratory dimorphism (with certain individuals as non-migratory residents).ResultsIn this study, an 870.0-Mb high-quality genome was assembled by the combination of Illumina and Pacific Biosciences sequencing. Approximately 812.1 Mb of scaffolds were linked to 24 chromosomes using a high-density genetic map from a family of 104 full siblings and their parents. In addition, population sequencing of 96 representative individuals from diverse areas along the putative migration path identified 150 candidate genes, which are mainly enriched in 3 Ca2+-related pathways. Based on integrative genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we determined that the 3 Ca2+-related pathways are critical for promotion of migratory adaption. A large number of molecular markers were also identified, which distinguished migratory individuals and non-migratory freshwater residents.ConclusionsWe assembled a chromosome-level genome for the Chinese tapertail anchovy. The genome provided a valuable genetic resource for understanding of migratory adaption and population genetics and will benefit the aquaculture and management of this economically important fish.

Genetic variation within and among range-wide populations of three ecotypes of the Japanese grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus with implications to its conservation and management

Studies of range-wide populations can contribute to the comprehension of the relative roles of historical events and contemporary factors that influence genetic variation within and among populations. Japanese grenadier anchovy, Coilia nasus, is a commercially important fish, which widely distributes in the Changjiang River, the coasts of China and Korea, and the Ariake Sea of Japan. This species exhibits three life-history strategies (anadromous, landlocked and freshwater resident forms). Using two fragments of nuclear DNA, genetic variation within and among 18 populations across the rivers and coast of China and Ariake Sea of Japan was examined. Patterns of genetic diversity and divergence among populations varied widely across C. nasus’ range, and indicated the different effects of historical events and anthropogenic factors. Strong genetic divergence between freshwater resident populations and other populations suggested that historical geographical factors greatly influenced the genetic structure of C. nasus. Significant genetic differentiation observed among lakes in lower Changjiang River and Huaihe River might be probably influenced by hydraulic facilities. The population genetic structure among the three ecotypes revealed in the present study indicated an important role for environment variation, and the factors responsible for shaping C. nasus different life history strategies might also impact population structure.

Digestive enzyme activity of the Japanese grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus during spawning migration: influence of the migration distance and the water temperature.

In this study, we investigated the activity levels of two major digestive enzymes (pepsin and lipase) in the commercially important Japanese grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus during its upstream migration to analyse the digestive physiological responses to starvation and to analyse the influence of the water temperature on enzyme activity. Water temperature had a significant effect on pepsin activity, while long-term starvation resulted in a significant decrease in pepsin activity. As starvation continued, however, a slight increase in pepsin activity between the Wuhu (440 river km) and Anqing (620 river km) regions may indicate that C. nasus had refeeding behaviour due to its large expenditure of energy reserves. In contrast, lipase activity was not significantly affected by the water temperature but the effect of fasting increased as much as 13% of lipase activity from the Chongming region (20 river km) to Anqing region, suggesting that the stored lipids of grenadier anchovy were mobilised to meet energy requirements of upstream migration activity and gonad development. Lipid mobilisation activated lipoprotein lipase (LPL; proteins with lipase activity) to hydrolyse triacylglycerides (TAG), which is the first step of lipid assimilation and obtained energy from fatty acids under fasting conditions. Therefore, the increased lipase activity is attributed mainly to the lipase that is involved in endogenous lipid hydrolysis. Grenadier anchovy appears to adapt to long-term starvation during migration and the increased lipase activity may indicate a crucial effect on lipid metabolism. This study demonstrated that distinct alterations occur in pepsin and lipase activities during the spawning migration of grenadier anchovy due to exogenous nutrition and endogenous metabolism. Furthermore, it provides a basis for further research on the digestive physiology and energy metabolism in this species.

Comparative proteomic analysis of olfactory rosettes in anadromous Coilia nasus and resident Coilia nasus

The Japanese grenadier anchovy ( Coilia nasus ) undergoes upstream migration to spawning annually but can also be observed in freshwater resident populations. It has been hypothesized that anadromous adult C. nasus may utilize olfactory cues to locate spawning grounds. We firstly performed a comparative proteome analysis about olfactory rosettes in two populations to hunt for the proteomic changes. Among 5 408 identified proteins, 1 515 proteins (629 up-regulated and 886 down-regulated) were differentially expressed. Especially, several proteins and pathways associated with olfactory signaling were found to be significantly differential. Compared with resident C. nasus, the expressions of Golf protein and the sodium/calcium exchanger were significantly up-regulated in anadromous C. nasus. The expression of adenylate cyclase and regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) were decreased. Our findings suggest a decrease in the expression of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) in anadromous C. nasus compared to resident C. nasus. The expression of Calmodulin (CaM) was increased and CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was decreased. In addition, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of up-regulated proteins indicated statistically significant difference not only in olfactory transduction but also in the cGMP-PKG signal pathway. Furtherly, we sought out some proteins expressed in the same trend occurring in DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and DEPs (differentially expressed proteins) by doing the integrative analysis of proteome and transcriptome in olfactory rosettes of C. nasus.

Comprehensive assessment of population genetic structure of the overexploited Japanese grenadier anchovy (Coilia nasus): Implications for fisheries management and conservation

Japanese grenadier anchovy, Coilia nasus, is a commercially important fish species in China. Three ecotypes (anadromous, landlocked and freshwater-resident populations) are distributed across its range. Due to anthropogenic activities such as overfishing and habitat deterioration, the stock status of this species has sharply declined. Clarifying population genetic structure and genetic relationships among ecotypes is essential for the conservation and stock management of C. nasus. Using 18 microsatellite loci, the distribution of genetic variation among 18 geographic populations (nine anadromous populations, four landlocked populations, and five freshwater-resident populations) was examined. High levels of genetic diversity were observed in all populations. Significant genetic differentiation among populations was detected and four genetic groups were identified, which might arise from current geographic segregation, different life-history strategy, and historical geographical factors. High assignment accuracies (≥85%) accessed for all populations suggested microsatellite loci can be used as an effective tool for discriminating the origin of individuals. Our study provided valuable information for conservation and sustainable management of C. nasus across its entire distribution range, and demonstrated the utility of microsatellite data to inform conservation units in highly exploited species.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Yangtze grenadier anchovy, Coilia Brachygnathus (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) from the upper Yangtze River

The Yangtze grenadier anchovy, Coilia brachygnathus, is a commercial fishery species in the middle and lower Yangtze River of China. Here, we describe a complete mitochondrial genome from the newly found population of C. brachygnahus in the upper Yangtze River. It was 16,857 bp in size and encodes for 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, 13 protein-coding genes as well as a D-loop control region. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the evolutionary relationship of the C. brachygnathus in the upper Yangtze to other five species of the genus Coillia. The mitochondrial genome would help to elucidate the origin of the new population of C. brachygnathus.

Early life distribution of gold spotted grenadier anchovy Coilia dussumieri valenciennes, 1848 at ye river estuary, southern mon coastal water

The pattern of the use of the Ye River Estuary euryhaline area in southern Mon coastal water by Coilia dussumieri was investigated to assess spawning period recruitment and to detect spatial temporal patterns of this major fishery resource Fishes were sampled by seine nets from early premonsoon to postmonsoon and by beach seine from premonsoon to postmonsoon Reproductive season measured in terms of GSI gonad development and appearance of recruits indicate that reproduction occurs from August to March when they reach the best condition Recruitment peaks in post and pre monsoon at sandy beaches where they stay until early monsoon moving toward deeper estuary areas during late monsoon After that they join adults and perform movements between the estuary and the adjacent continental shelf to reproduce

Identification of a uniquely expanded V1R (ORA) gene family in the Japanese grenadier anchovy (Coilia nasus).

A number of studies have suggested that olfaction plays an important role in fish migration. Fish use several distinct families of olfactory receptors to detect environmental odorants, including MORs (main olfactory receptors), V1Rs (vomeronasal type-1 receptors), V2Rs (vomeronasal type-2 receptors), TAARs (trace amine-associated receptors), and FPRs (formyl peptide receptors). The V1Rs have been reported to detect pheromones, and a pheromone hypothesis for the spawning migration of anadromous fish has been proposed. Examining whether Coilia nasus relies on V1R-mediated olfaction for spawning migration is important for understanding the molecular basis of spawning migration behavior. Here, we explored the V1R gene family in anadromous C. nasus. Six V1R genes previously reported in other teleost fish were successfully identified. Interestingly, we detected the largest V1R repertoire in teleost fish from C. nasus and identified a species-specific expansion event of V1R3 gene that has previously been detected as single-copy genes in other teleost fish. The V1R loci were found to be populated with repetitive sequences, especially in the expanded V1R3 genes. Additionally, the divergence of V1R3 genetic structures in different populations of C. nasus indicates the copy number variation (CNV) in V1R3 gene among individuals of C. nasus. Most of the putative C. nasus V1R genes were expressed primarily in the olfactory epithelium, consistent with the role of the gene products as functional olfactory receptors. Significant differences in the expression levels of V1R genes were detected between the anadromous and non-anadromous C. nasus. This study represents a first step in the elucidation of the olfactory communication system of C. nasus at the molecular level. Our results indicate that some V1R genes may be involved in the spawning migration of C. nasus, and the study provides new insights into the spawning migration and genome evolution of C. nasus.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00227-016-2896-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of Salinity on the Survival and Growth of the Larvae and Juveniles of Japanese Grenadier Anchovy Coilia nasus

AbstractThe anadromous Japanese Grenadier Anchovy Coilia nasus is a commercially important fish that is mainly distributed in the Yangtze River and its estuarine area. Two trials were performed to determine the effect of acute salinity stress on the survival of early C. nasus larvae at 0 d posthatch (DPH) and 2 DPH. The salinity treatments for these two trials were 0.4, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25‰. A third trial compared the growth of juveniles in 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18‰ salinity. Larvae could only tolerate a limited range of salinity (&lt;5‰). Salinity challenge significantly affected the survival of early C. nasus larvae. When salinity was changed, even a low concentration of 2.5‰ could adversely affect early C. nasus larvae. The growth of juveniles was also influenced by salinity. High salinity (&gt;12‰) caused low survival, and low salinity (&lt;6‰) caused poor growth. The optimum salinity for the survival and growth of C. nasus juveniles ranges from 6‰ to 12‰.

The possible physical barrier and coastal dispersal strategy for Japanese grenadier anchovy, Coilia nasus in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea: evidence from AFLP markers.

In order to ascertain the taxonomic status of the Ariake Sea population of Japanese grenadier anchovy, Coilia nasus, and assess the contemporary possible genetic barrier between the west and east coastal waters of the East China Sea, we used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to detect the genetic structure of C. nasus, in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea. Eighty-one individuals of C. nasus were collected from five locations and 12 individuals of Coilia mystus were sampled from the Yangtze River Estuary. A total of 371 loci were detected by five primer combinations, 310 of which were polymorphic (83.56%). Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) and pairwise fixation index (FST) revealed significant genetic differentiation among five samples, indicating limited gene flow among populations. The dendrogram for populations by neighbor-joining (NJ) cluster analysis provided evidence of a clear relationship between genetic and geographic patterns, supporting significant genetic differentiation between China coastal populations and Ariake Sea populations. Compared to the genetic divergence between C. nasus and C. mystus, the level of genetic differentiation between China and the Ariake Sea populations of C. nasus is obvious below the species level, indicating isolated populations of C. nasus in the Ariake Sea. Isolation by distance analysis revealed that direct ocean distance with deep-water at the continental slope and high salinity between west and east coastal waters of the East China Sea served as major physical barrier to C. nasus, supporting the coastal dispersal pattern in this estuarine species, and rejecting offshore dispersal strategy.

De Novo Transcriptomes of Olfactory Epithelium Reveal the Genes and Pathways for Spawning Migration in Japanese Grenadier Anchovy (Coilia nasus)

Background Coilia nasus (Japanese grenadier anchovy) undergoes spawning migration from the ocean to fresh water inland. Previous studies have suggested that anadromous fish use olfactory cues to perform successful migration to spawn. However, limited genomic information is available for C. nasus. To understand the molecular mechanisms of spawning migration, it is essential to identify the genes and pathways involved in the migratory behavior of C. nasus.ResultsUsing de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly, we constructed two transcriptomes of the olfactory epithelium from wild anadromous and non-anadromous C. nasus. Over 178 million high-quality clean reads were generated using Illumina sequencing technology and assembled into 176,510 unigenes (mean length: 843 bp). About 51% (89,456) of the unigenes were functionally annotated using protein databases. Gene ontology analysis of the transcriptomes indicated gene enrichment not only in signal detection and transduction, but also in regulation and enzymatic activity. The potential genes and pathways involved in the migratory behavior were identified. In addition, simple sequence repeats and single nucleotide polymorphisms were analyzed to identify potential molecular markers.ConclusionWe, for the first time, obtained high-quality de novo transcriptomes of C. nasus using a high-throughput sequencing approach. Our study lays the foundation for further investigation of C. nasus spawning migration and genome evolution.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the larvae Osbeck’s grenadier anchovy Coilia mystus (Clupeiformes, Engraulidae) from Yangtze estuary

The complete mitochondrial genome of the larvae Osbeck’s grenadier anchovy Coilia mystus collected from Yangtze estuary was determined by next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome is a circular molecule 17,125 bp in length, including the typical structure of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region. The TAS, central CSB and CSB were detected in the control region. The gene contents of the mitogenome are identical to those observed in most bony fishes.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the larvae Japanese grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus (Clupeiformes, Engraulidae) from Yangtze estuary

The complete mitochondrial genome of the larvae Japanese grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus collected from Yangtze estuary was determined by next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome is a circular molecule 16,828 bp in length, including the typical structure of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and a control region. The TAS, central CSB and CSB were detected in the control region. The gene contents of the mitogenome are identical to those observed in most bony fishes.

Evolutionary mechanisms shaping the genetic population structure of coastal fish: insight from populations of Coilia nasus in Northwestern Pacific

A number of evolutionary mechanisms have been suggested for generating significant genetic structuring among marine fish populations in Northwestern Pacific. We used mtDNA control region to assess the factors in shaping the genetic structure of Japanese grenadier anchovy, Coilia nasus, an anadromous and estuarine coastal species, in Northwestern Pacific. Sixty seven individuals from four locations in Northwestern Pacific were sequenced for mitochondrial control region, detecting 61 haplotypes. The length of amplified control region varied from 677 to 754 bp. This length variability was due to the presence of varying numbers of a 38-bp tandemly repeated sequence. Two distinct lineages were detected, which might have diverged during Pleistocene low sea levels. There were strong differences in the geographical distribution of the two lineages. Analyses of molecular variance and the population statistic ΦST revealed significant genetic structure between China and Ariake Bay populations. Based on the frequency distribution of tandem repeat units, significant genetic differentiation was also detected between China and Ariake Bay populations. Isolation by distance seems to be the main factor driving present genetic structuring of C. nasus populations, indicating coastal dispersal pattern in this coastal species. Such an evolutionary process agrees well with some of the biological features characterizing this species