Japanese Dace Research Articles

Classification of fresh and spoiled Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis) fish using ultraviolet–visible spectra of eye fluid with multivariate analysis

Ultraviolet–visible (UV-VIS) spectral properties of eye fluid were used to classify Japanese dace fish into fresh or spoiled groups by support vector machine (SVM), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based on principal component analysis (PCA) scores and using a soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) classification technique. These models were then evaluated in terms of their sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy. The UV-VIS absorbance spectra (250–600 nm) of eye fluid from 168 fishes and the K value of fish flesh were measured at 3 h intervals for 36 h. In the SVM model, the sensitivity and specificity for fresh fish was 100%, whereas in the LDA and SIMCA models it was 100% and 90%, and 80% and 90% respectively. For the spoiled group fish the sensitivity and specificity result was 100% for the SVM model, while in the LDA and SIMCA models it was 90% and 100%, and 90% and 80% respectively. The overall classification accuracy was 100%, 93% and 87% for the SVM, LDA and SIMCA models respectively. These results, particularly for the SVM model, indicate that the spectral absorbance of fish eye fluid in the UV-VIS region can accurately classify fish into fresh and spoiled groups.

Diurnal bottom feeding of predator fish strengthens trophic cascades to benthic algae in experimental flow‐through pools

AbstractMechanisms that determine the strength of trophic cascades from fish to benthic algae via algivorous invertebrates in stream communities have not been clarified. Using seven fish species, we tested the hypothesis that the interspecific variation of predatory behavior of fishes affects the strength of trophic cascades in experimental streams. One or two species of fish were introduced into flow‐through pools of 2.5 m2 and the abundances of benthic invertebrates and algae were monitored. Pike gudgeon, a diurnal benthic feeder, triggered a strong trophic cascade but masu salmon, a diurnal drift feeder, did not have a cascading effect. Japanese dace, which is both a diurnal benthic and drift feeder, increased the algal biomass, but the nocturnal benthic feeder cut‐tailed bullhead had little cascading effect. The diurnal benthic feeder silver crucian carp also had a cascading effect, but no trophic cascade was triggered either by Asian pond loach or by Japanese common catfish, both of which are nocturnal benthic feeders. Thus, diurnal benthic fish exerted a stronger cascading effect than diurnal drift feeders or nocturnal fish. The combination of two fish species enhanced the per‐capita strength of trophic cascades, probably because one of the two species, the benthic feeder, preyed on more invertebrates than in the single‐species pools.

The trophic cascade from fish to benthic algae: manipulation of habitat heterogeneity and disturbance in experimental flow-through pools

To investigate the effects of environmental change on the trophic cascade from fish to benthic algae, two 26-day experiments were conducted in outdoor flow-through pools. Habitat heterogeneity was manipulated by filling grooves under tiles with wood. Disturbance was simulated by removing invertebrates and benthic algae from tiles with a stainless steel brush 10 days before the end of the experiment. Benthic invertebrates and algae rapidly colonized the pools. Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis that had been introduced as a top predator fed predominantly on ephemeropteran nymphs, chironomid larvae, trichopteran larvae, and benthic algae. Predation and intimidation by the dace reduced the number of ephemeropteran nymphs and lowered the percentage of invertebrates on the upper surfaces and sides of the tiles. Consequently, dace increased the algal biomass through a trophic cascade. When dace were present, a disturbance did not reduce the numbers of invertebrates at the end of the experiment, probably because most invertebrates recolonized the tiles and new invertebrates rapidly colonized the pools. The manipulation of habitat heterogeneity reduced the number of trichopteran larvae, but did not affect other invertebrates that used all surfaces of the tiles. Consequently, trophic cascades were not damped by these changes of habitat heterogeneity and disturbance.

Isolation and characterization of 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis)

Twenty one polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis) were isolated and characterized. The number of observed alleles per locus in 32 individuals ranged from 3 to 30. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.125 to 0.969 and from 0.175 to 0.973, respectively. All loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, no linkage disequilibrium was observed between pairs of loci and no loci showed evidence of null alleles. These microsatellite loci will be useful for investigating the intraspecific genetic variation and population structure of this species.

Winter Feeding of the Common Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo hanedae) in a Temperate River System in Japan

ABSTRACT In Japan, the numbers of common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo hanedae) feeding in inland waters have shown a rapid increase since the 1980s, which has resulted in concerns of predation impacts on inland fisheries. We had an opportunity to examine stomach contents of cormorants in an inland area during winter, 2007–2008. Of the 23 cormorants examined, 19 had fish in their stomachs. The mean wet weight of identifiable prey fish in stomachs (129.3 g) amounted to 25.7% of the daily food requirement of the cormorants. Of the four fish species found in the stomachs of the cormorants, pale chub (Zacco platypus) and Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis), school-forming species, numerically dominated. Sixteen of 19 cormorants had either or both of these two species in their stomachs; only four cormorants preyed upon the barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo), which implies a benthic foraging mode. A calculated index of relative importance indicated that pale chub and Japanese dace were important prey for the cormorants. Coefficient of variation of prey fish size was large for crucian carp (19.0), pale chub (18.8), and Japanese dace (15.9). We conclude that fish forming dense size-structured schools are vulnerable to predation by the cormorants, and cormorants may have started to use inland pools of the Chikuma River during winter as feeding environments.

Population density, growth and migration via the sea to different streams of Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis in lower reaches of small streams

Ecological characteristics of Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis were investigated in three small streams in Niigata Prefecture from 2001 to 2005 with special reference to the effect of Ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis on the dace. Japanese dace were distributed in short sections below dams near the mouth of the streams flowing into the Sea of Japan. In this section, Ayu were numerically dominant from June to August, and the growth rate of dace in this period was negatively correlated with the density of Ayu. The population density of dace was high in October, but some adults stayed in the streams in June and August. When data for the five years were combined, the density of dace was negatively correlated with that of Ayu in two of the three streams. The increase in density of dace in October is considered to be due to the migration of dace from the sea. Eight dace were confirmed to migrate to different streams via the sea. Therefore, the life history of Japanese dace in the study region contained considerable individual variation.

Gonadal neoplasms in largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides and Japanese dace (ugui), Tribolodon hakonensis.

Massive abdominal enlargement was observed at relatively high incidence in two species of fish kept in two public aquariums for several years. Three seminomas, one dysgerminoma and two fibromas were found in 14 largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, kept in a public aquarium for over 80 months. Four seminomas and one nephroblastoma were found in 24 Japanese dace (ugui), Tribolodon hakonensis, kept for more than 57 months in two different aquariums. The seminomas in M. salmoides showed rapid growth, and the affected fish died within a few months. At necropsy, a single large tumor, measuring 10.5-12.0 cm, was found in the abdominal cavity. The seminomas in T. hakonensis were single or multiple tumors, measuring 2.0-4.5 cm in diameter. Histologically, these seminomas were composed mainly of a typical germ cells similar to those in human seminomas or embryonal carcinomas. A nephroblastoma in one T. hakonensis showed extensive metastases to various organs. The cause of these tumors is unknown, but the prolonged longevity of fish kept under artificial conditions may have enhanced their development.

INTRACELLULAR CYCLIC-AMP SUPPRESSES THE PERMEABILITY OF GAP JUNCTIONS BETWEEN RETINAL AMACRINE CELLS

Gap junctions are intercellular channels composed of subunit protein connexin and subserve electrotonic transmission between connected neurons. Retinal amacrine cells, as well as horizontal cells of the same class, are homologously connected by gap junctions. The gap junctions between these neurons extend their receptive fields, and may increase the inhibitory postsynaptic effects in the retina. In the present study, we investigated whether gap junctions between the neurons are modulated by internal messengers. The permeability of gap junctions was examined by the diffusion of intracellularly injected biotinylated tracers, biocytin or Neurobiotin, into neighboring cells since gap junctions are permeable to these molecules freely. 4% Lucifer Yellow and 6% biocytin or Neurobiotin were injected intracellularly into horizontal cells and amacrine cells in isolated retinas of carp and goldfish and Japanese dace following electrophysiological identification. In the control condition, the tracer spread into many neighboring cells from the recorded cells. Superfusion of retinas with dopamine (100 microM) suppressed diffusion of the tracer into the neighboring horizontal cells, but not in the case of amacrine cells. Intracellular injection of cyclic AMP (300 mM) completely blocked diffusion of the tracer into neighboring horizontal cells and amacrine cells. However, superfusion of retinas with 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (2 mM), membrane permeable cyclic AMP analog, permitted the tracer to diffuse into the neighboring horizontal cells or amacrine cells. Intracellular injection of cyclic GMP (300 mM) blocked the diffusion between neighboring horizontal cells, but did not suppress the diffusion between amacrine cells. These results show that the permeability of gap junctions between amacrine cells is regulated by high concentration of intracellular cyclic AMP level, but not for intracellular cyclic GMP or applied dopamine or extracellularly applied low concentrations of intracellular cyclic AMP level. The present study suggests that these laterally oriented inhibitory interneurons, horizontal cells and amacrine cells, express different connexins which may be differentially regulated by intercellular messengers.

Effects of experimental duration and density of Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis on the strength of trophic cascades on benthic algae

To analyze density-mediated indirect effects through trophic cascades caused by Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis on the algal biomass and growth of ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis, (freshwater fish belonging to Salmoniformes), I introduced zero, five, ten, and 20 dace with and without ayu into experimental pools. Ayu fed predominantly on benthic algae, whereas dace fed on both invertebrates and algae. The percentage of algae in the food content of dace was correlated with the number of dace in a pool. In the experiment lasting 8 days, trophic cascades on algae were not clear. In contrast, when the experimental duration was extended to 20 days, the number of gastropods and ephemeropteran nymphs was negatively correlated with the number of dace, consequently increasing the algal biomass and ayu growth through trophic cascades. Compared with pools with five dace, the presence of ten and 20 dace had similar gross effects on the number of algivorous invertebrates and algal biomass and greater gross effects on the ayu growth. The significant increase in ayu growth in pools with ten and 20 dace strongly suggests that small positive effects on algal growth by dace accumulated and extended to ayu during a 20-day experimental period. These results indicate the importance of analyzing interactions between the density and behavior of the top predator and the experimental duration on the intensity of trophic cascades.

Trawling experiment in a circular water tank to assess the effects of towing speed, light intensity, and mesh shape on active escape of undersized fish

To assess the effect of towing speed and light intensity on the active escape of undersized fish through diamond and square mesh panels, a trawling experiment was simulated in a circular water tank. Juveniles of Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis (13-cm length class) were used as experimental fish. They were forced to swim inside a closed framed net with either diamond or square mesh (65-mm mesh size) that was moved using a speed-controllable motor. A submersible infrared CCD camera was used to observe and record the behavior of fish inside the net when it passed in front of the camera. Results indicated significant effects of towing speeds and light intensities (P<0.05) on the escape of fish through the diamond and square meshes. Increase in light intensity enhanced the ability of fish to escape at lower towing speeds. At higher towing speeds, few fish could escape under light conditions. A strong negative correlation was found between towing speed and the frequency of fish escape (diamond mesh R 2=0.99, square mesh R 2=0.96). There was no significant difference, between the numbers of fish escaping through the diamond and square meshes. These results suggest that the square-mesh panel may not be effective in the trawl cod end under dark or very low light intensity at high towing speed.

Spawning habitat selection and suitability for Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis

We have investigated the effects of three current velocities and three substrate sizes (gravel to cobble) on the spawning behavior of Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, in spawning-induction and habitat-selection experiments. In the spawning-induction experiment under laboratory conditions the number of females induced to spawn was significantly fewer at low current velocity (ca. 5 cm s−1) than at medium (ca. 30 cm s−1) or high (ca. 50 cm s−1) current velocity. Females spawned independently of substrate size in the experimental tank, and did not bury their eggs in the substrate bed. In the habitat-selection experiment under field conditions, females selected the substrate microhabitat and spawned more frequently at a site with medium substrate size (very coarse gravel; major axis ca. 40 mm) than at sites with small (fine gravel; ca. 8 mm) or large (cobble; ca. 70 mm) substrate size. We conclude that Japanese dace select spawning sites at least partly on the basis of current velocity and substrate size, which affects the survival rate of eggs.

Intraguild indirect effects through trophic cascades between stream‐dwelling fishes

1. To examine the strength and role of indirect effects through trophic cascades by omnivorous fish on algal biomass in streams, we introduced one of four fish species (ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis, pike gudgeon Pseudogobio esocinus esocinus, Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis and pale chub Zacco platypus) in experimental pools. We also investigated the indirect effects of gudgeon, dace and chub on the growth of ayu. 2. We chose the four fish species across a continuum of omnivory. Ayu fed mainly on benthic algae, and gudgeon predominantly on invertebrates. Dace and chub fed on both algae and invertebrates, but dace preyed on invertebrates more than chub. 3. The presence of gudgeon, dace and chub reduced the number of algal-feeding invertebrates and increased the algal biomass through trophic cascades. Consequently, ayu growth rate over the experimental period in pools with one of the three fish species was 25.9-44.1 times greater than the growth rate in pools with only ayu. 4. The positive indirect effect on ayu growth was large for gudgeon and dace and small for chub, whereas the addition of ayu reduced ayu growth considerably due to intraspecific competition. 5. The relative intensity of indirect effects on ayu growth through trophic cascades was predictable from the food overlap between ayu and the other fishes. However, the similar strength of indirect effects by gudgeon and dace that fed differently on algae and invertebrates suggests that feeding behaviour, prey preference and trait-mediated indirect interactions were also important in the prediction.

Effect of natural light conditions on the use of cover in concrete block structures by Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis

The effects of light intensity on the use of cover by Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, under natural and experimental conditions were examined. Concrete blocks were placed to provide cover in a study pool and the numbers of dace in open water and under cover were recorded. During mid-afternoon, the number of dace in open water decreased while the number under the block cover increased. An experimental tank was also prepared, one part of which was exposed to direct sunlight (5000–50 000 lx) and the other part was screened to allow moderate light intensity (shade rate: 27% or 93%). The dace were able to select either part. In higher daylight intensity, the dace were induced to stay longer in the shaded part. These results show that the dace use cover as a shelter with lower light intensity as compared to direct sunlight. This study demonstrates that the preparation of lower light intensity shelters by providing additional cover is an important preservation technique in the freshwater ecosystem.

Seasonal variation of chromophore composition in the eye of the Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis

The relationship between seasonal variation and the effect of several different environmental factors on chromophore composition was investigated in the eye of the Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis which lives either in rivers or in the sea. Eyes obtained from river and sea populations had both retinal (A1) and 3,4-didehydroretinal (A2) all through the year but the ratio of these chromophores showed seasonal variation the relative amount of A2 was higher in winter and lower in summer. Besides seasonal variation, A2 showed marked differences depending on habitat: the highest proportion of A2 was 67% in January and the lowest 13% in July, in the river population, whereas in the sea population the highest and the lowest values were only 30 and 6%, respectively, during the same months. The seasonal variation in gonadosomatic index showed no correlation to variations in A2 proportion, and the maximum difference in water temperature between summer and winter was ca. 15 degrees C for both habitats. Because spectral conditions at the locations of capture of both river and sea populations were similar, we conclude that Japanese dace eyes are affected by exogenous factors related to differences between freshwater and seawater environments.

Seasonal Variations in Plasma Concentrations of Sex Steroid Hormones and Vitellogenin in Wild Male Japanese Dace (Tribolodon hakonensis) Collected from Different Sites of the Jinzu River Basin

In order to clarify the seasonal variations of plasma sex steroid hormones and vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations in the wild male Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, we measured plasma levels of testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), estradiol-17 beta (E2) and VTG, as well as spermatogenetic stages and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Wild Japanese dace were collected from different sites of the Jinzu River basin (including the Takahara River and the Itachi River). The fish from Toyama Bay were also measured the spermatogenetic stages, GSI and VTG levels. The seasonal variations of the hormone levels were discussed in the relationship with various environmental factors. In landlocked fish of the Takahara River, the plasma concentrations of T and E2 reached the highest levels in May and June. In the fish collected from the Itachi River, plasma concentrations of T, 11-KT and E2 reached the highest levels during breeding season of April and May. Sexual maturation, evaluating from GSI and the spermatogenetic stages, proceeded earlier in the fish population at Toyama Bay, and afterward it was followed in the fish population at the Takahara River, in associated with a rise of environmental water temperature at fish captured sites. In the male dace, low but detectable levels of plasma E2 were measured and there were significantly positive correlations between E2 level and the levels of GSI, VTG or T. These results suggest that E2 might be a necessary sex steroid hormone related to gonad maturation, and that circulating E2 may induce VTG production in the wild male Japanese dace.

Prey fish selection by Far Eastern catfish Silurus asotus and largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

Prey fish selection by Far Eastern catfish and largemouth bass were examined using bluegill, Japanese dace and crucian carp as food fish. In both aquaria (1.2m × 0.45m) and ponds (2.8 m × 1.2 m), bluegill was not preyed on by catfish and bass more than dace and crucian carp. In aquaria, there was no significant difference in the consumption of dace and crucian carp between catfish and bass, but in ponds, catfish preyed on dace and crucian carp more and less than bass, respectively. In the case that only bluegill and catfish were introduced in ponds, catfish consumed 4–15 g of bluegill per day. The introduction of catfish into ponds and lakes for the purpose of eradicating bluegill is considered appropriate for areas with few native fish species.

Virus Surveillance of Wild Marine Fish Collected in Coastal Areas of Hokkaido, Japan

A total 645 wild marine fish of 40 species were collected at the north (Wakkanai and Haboro), south (Hakodate) and east (Akkeshi) coasts of Hokkaido from 2000 to 2004 to conduct surveillance of fish viruses. Four fish cell lines (RTG-2, EPC, CHSE-214, FHM) were used for virus isolation from the brain, kidney and spleen of fish. Aquabirnavirus, which was identified as yellowtail ascites virus by a neutralization test, was isolated only from ten fish of four species caught at Akkeshi coastal area in 2002. These species were saffron cod Eleginus gracilis, snowy sculpin Myoxocephalus blandti, Japanese dace Tribolodon hakonensis and rainbow smelt Osmerus eperlanus mordax. Other viruses including viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus were not isolated.

Impact of indigenous egg eaters on the early survival of exotic smallmouth bass

Exotic species become invasive aliens when they have an adverse effect on the community of the recipient ecosystem, and their spread among closed water systems is of recent concern for the conservation of native biodiversity in Japan. Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu Lacepède) is recognized as one of the worst 100 alien species, being undesirable because of its trophic level as a top predator. Smallmouth bass that have been illegally introduced into Lake Aoki, central Japan, in the 1990s for the purpose of sports fishing have seriously affected the lower trophic levels in the lake including fisheries resources, while a strong effort to remove them has proved to be limited in usefulness. We intended to identify indigenous agents that have a potential to control smallmouth bass in the lake. Snorkeling observations in the daytime revealed that Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis Günther) intruded into smallmouth bass’ spawning nest as a school and were able to consume the eggs while the male bass was guarding the nest. Consequently, the proportion of lost eggs owing to the predation reached 92.4% per clutch on average, proving that native cyprinids are able to function as an efficient egg predator that reduces the survival of smallmouth bass. We consider that employing the indigenous egg predator can be a practical means to eradicate exotic smallmouth bass, combined with the removal of stones on the nest as a subsidiary step to expose smallmouth bass eggs to predation by Japanese dace.

Difference in response by two cyprinid species to predatory threat from the nocturnal catfish Silurus asotus

Response to predators may not be identical between different prey species with different life histories and body sizes, particularly when the threat of predation is not great. To clarify this hypothesis, we introduced two prey species (10 Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, and 10 pale chub, Zacco platypus) into each experimental pond (in total, 8 ponds × 4 trials) in which benthic algae had been allowed to grow. The presence or absence of Far Eastern catfish, Silurus asotus, and a refuge for prey fish was used to produce four treatments. The presence of catfish and/or a refuge did not affect either the feeding behavior or growth rate of Japanese dace. In contrast, when catfish were present and no refuge was available, the incidence of bottom feeding for pale chub greatly decreased. Pale chub growth rate was low when catfish were present and a refuge was available, indicating that pale chub spent more of their time in the refuge and lost opportunities of acquiring food. Japanese dace can reach a threshold size at which the prey are safe from predation, but pale chub cannot, and this may explain the differences in response to predators of the two species.

INDIRECT CONTRAMENSALISM THROUGH TROPHIC CASCADES BETWEEN TWO OMNIVOROUS FISHES

The impact of trophic cascades on the interspecific relationship between two omnivorous stream fish, ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis) and Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis), were analyzed in experimental pools. Benthic algae grew on the pool beds, and macroinvertebrates colonized the pools. Ayu predominantly grazed the algae, occasionally forming territories. Japanese dace fed on both benthic algae and invertebrates when ayu were absent, and predominantly on invertebrates when ayu were present. The presence of Japanese dace reduced the number of invertebrates and increased algal biomass (chlorophyll a) through trophic cascades, but the effects of respiration and excretion of dace did not notably increase algal biomass probably because the water continuously pumped into the pools was already nutrient rich. The growth rate of ayu was enhanced in the presence of Japanese dace due to increased algal biomass. In contrast, as the number of ayu increased, the growth rate of Japanese dace was reduced because of the exploitation of benthic algae and occasional attacks by ayu on dace. The relationship between ayu and Japanese dace is not merely competitive, but partly indirect contramensalism through trophic cascades. The occasional attacks by ayu on Japanese dace were mainly directed at individuals moving near the pool beds and therefore might function to increase benthic algal resources by limiting grazing by dace. Corresponding Editor: K. O. Winemiller.