Pieces Of Fish Research Articles

Dynamic changes in volatile profiles and bacterial communities during natural fermentation of Mei yu, traditional Chinese fermented fish pieces

Microbial metabolism is important for the unique flavor formation of Mei yu, a kind of traditional Chinese fermented fish pieces. However, the interactive relationship between microorganisms and flavor components during fermentation is still unclear. In this study, electronic nose and headspace-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify flavor components in Mei yu during the fermentation, and the absolute microbial quantification was conducted to identify the diversity and succession of microbial communities. During fermentation, there was an increase in the types of volatile compounds. Alcohols, aldehydes, aromatics and esters were the main flavor compounds and significantly increased in Mei yu, while hydrocarbon and aldehydes significantly decreased. The absolute abundances of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Weissella increased significantly after 3 days’ fermentation, which were closely associated with the productions of 1-nonanol, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, guaiacol, ethyl palmitate and ethyl caprylate that might though pathways related to fatty acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. However, these genera were negatively correlated with the production of indole. Additionally, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) levels of Mei yu fermented during 3 days were within the limits of 25 mg TVB-N/100 g fish, with the contents of free amino acids and lipoxygenase activities were significant lower than that of 4 days’ fermentation. In view of food safety and flavor, it suggested that the natural fermented Mei yu at room temperature should be controlled within 3 days. This study highlights the application of absolute quantification to microbiome analysis in traditional fermented Mei yu and provides new insights into the roles of microorganisms in flavor formation during fermentation.

Fish Species Detection Using Deep Learning

Abstract: This research explores the application of deep learning techniques for fish species detection in underwater environments. convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained on extensive datasets, the study aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of species identification. The proposed model demon- strates promising results in differentiating diverse fish species, contributing to advancements in aquatic ecology monitoring and biodiversity conservation. The integration of deep learning in fish species detection holds potential for improving our understanding of underwater ecosystems and supporting sustainable fisheries management. The relative abundance of fish pieces in their habitats on a regular basis and keeping an eye on population fluctuations, this are a crucial task for marine scientists andconservationists diverse automatic computer based fish sample methods have been demonstrated in underwater photos and videos as alternatives to time consuming hand sampling there isn’t however a perfect method for automatically detecting fish and classifying the species this is mostly due to the difficulties in producing clear underwater images and videos which include environmental fluctuations in lightning fish camouflage Dynamicbackdrops murky water low resolution shape deformations of moving fish.

Feed Regime Slightly Modifies the Bacterial but Not the Fungal Communities in the Intestinal Mucosal Microbiota of Cobia Fish (Rachycentron canadum).

The bacterial community of the intestinal microbiota influences many host functions, and similar effects have been recently reported for the fungal community (mycobiota). Cobia is a tropical fish that has been studied for its potential in marine aquaculture. However, the study of its bacterial community has been underreported and the mycobiota has not been investigated. We analyzed the gut bacterial and fungal profile present in the intestinal mucosa of reared adult cobias fed two diets (frozen fish pieces (FFPs) and formulated feed (FF)) for 4 months by sequencing the 16S rRNA (V3-V4) and internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) regions using Illumina NovaSeq 6000. No significant differences in the alpha diversity of the bacterial community were observed, which was dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria (~96%) and Firmicutes (~1%). Cobia fed FF showed higher abundance of 10 genera, mainly UCG-002 (Family Oscillospiraceae) and Faecalibacterium, compared to cobia fed FFPs, which showed higher abundance of 7 genera, mainly Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum and Cutibacterium. The inferred bacterial functions were related to metabolism, environmental information processing and cellular processes; and no differences were found between diets. In mycobiota, no differences were observed in the diversity and composition of cobia fed the two diets. The mycobiota was dominated by the phyla Ascomycota (~88%) and Basidiomycota (~11%). This is the first study to describe the gut bacterial and fungal communities in cobia reared under captive conditions and fed on different diets and to identify the genus Ascobulus as a new member of the core fish mycobiota.

Occurrence of parasites in fish marketed in the Inezgane wholesale market and the fishing port of Agadir, Morocco

Based on importance of animal products safety, the purpose of this work was to assess the extent of parasitism at the wholesale market level of Inezgane and the fishing port of Agadir in Morocco. For this purpose, fieldwork aimed at direct investigation of parasites involved 366 fish pieces. This study was conducted in the period between March and June 2021. The prevalence of parasitism was 20.76%. The total number of parasites collected is 2385 including 1959 nematodes, 318 xenomas, 92 cestodes, and 16 isopods. An abundance of 6.51 and an overall intensity of 31.38. These infestation parameters varied by species and location of origin. For the qualitative analysis of the parasites, the study revealed a predominance of L3 larvae of the Anisakis nematode with a percentage of 82.14%. Xenomas had a percentage of 13.33%. As for the cestodes of Gymnorhynchus gigas, the larvae were collected from the Atlantic pomfret (Brama brama) with a percentage of 3.86%. As a result of this study, a significant positive correlation of r=0.81 was shown between the total length of the fish and the number of anisakids. The results of this study revealed that the extent of parasitism seems to be less pronounced in some species, but there is still a presence of concern.

Implementation Of The Basic Concept Of Corporate Social Responsibility As A Branding Strategy at Amboina Restaurant

Companies carry out their social responsibility in various forms and each company implements CSR in several ways. This restaurant produces heavy food such as mixed rice, soto, rawon, and egg petis. The uniqueness of this restaurant is that when producing food, it has a unique taste image, namely with the typical spices of Bangkalan Regency which is rich in spices, besides that it is no less interesting with large pieces of fish compared to the others, with its uniqueness this Amboina restaurant applies one of the following: One CSR triple bottom line is people, so the researcher proposes to apply all triple bottom lines with the aim of obtaining a positive image in the hope of having a long product life cycle. This research is a qualitative type with an interview method that obtains the results of this study, namely the proposal of triple bottom line people in the form of social action, performance innovation, and employee rewards. Planet with training in reducing household waste that is used as fertilizer and liquid soap. Profit in the form of CSR regarding financial science to be more specific in processing finances.

Green biosynthesized Satureja rechingeri Jamzad-Ag/poly vinyl alcohol film: quality improvement of Oncorhynchus mykiss fillet during refrigerated storage

The nanosilver food packaging films were developed by polyvinyl alcohol activated with Satureja rechingeri extract (S-AgNPs/PVA) using the solvent casting to evaluate the freshness of Oncorhynchus mykiss fillets during 14 days at the refrigerated temperature. The 160 pieces of fish were enfolded in 4 types of films as main group-series. The main components of the extract were carvacrol (83.2%) p-cymene (3.11%), thymol (2.13%) and γ-terpinene (1.63%). The UV-Vis and TEM evaluations of S-AgNPs showed that the size of S-AgNPs was mostly smaller than 55 nm in diameter. Mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria counts were remarkably less than 6.0 log CFU/g about 2.1, 1.3 log CFU/g and 2.0, 1.0 log CFU/g, respectively for fish samples wrapped in S-AgNP/Ult.PVA (Ultrasound method) and S-AgNP/Pho.PVA (Photochemical method) preserved at 4 °C on the 7th day. S-AgNP/Ult.PVA and S-AgNP/Pho.PVA showed strong efficiency in complete eliminating S. aureus and psychrophilic bacteria from coated trout samples than E. coli and mesophiles. It is suggested that AgNP/Ult.PVA and S-AgNP/Pho.PVA films can be used as nanocomposite film for fish preservation at refrigerated temperature to postpone the spoilage up to 7th day.

Molecular Detection of Norwalk Virus in Carp Fish and Shrimp Ponds in Khuzestan Province, Iran by RT-PCR Method

Background: Norwalk virus is one of the most common causes of viral gastroenteritis. The aquatic products are potential sources of contamination with this virus. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to investigate the presence of the Norwalk virus in different aquatic animals in Khuzestan provinces, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 pieces of fish (silver carp, common carp, big head, and grass carp species) and 10 pieces of shrimps were caught from ponds, and the samples were transferred to the laboratory in ice bags. After the separation of the intestine, the content of the intestine was extracted using two sterile filters. Then, the supernatant was used for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using Calicivirus-specific primers (p289/ p290). Then, Norwalk virus-specific primers (NVp36/NVp35) were detected in Calicivirus positive samples. Results: The results showed 8% (4 samples) and 6% (3 samples) of the samples were infected with Calicivirus (p289/p290 genes) and Norwalk virus (NVp36/NVp35 genes), respectively. Calicivirus positive samples included 2 common carp, 1 silver carp, and 1 shrimp. Norwalk virus-positive samples included 2 common carp and 1 shrimp. In other words, the highest prevalence of virus was observed in aquatic fish feeding from the bottom of the pool. Due to the fact that this species is bred with other species and considering that this virus lives in the gastrointestinal tract, the ingestion of feces of other infected organisms can lead to the increase of this virus in the digestive system of carp. Conclusion: Therefore, due to the importance of Norwalk as a zoonotic agent and the possibility of human infection through consumption of aquatic products, preventive measures such as not using animal manure for fertilization and preventing the growth of phytoplankton in aquaculture ponds and cooking meat properly are suggested.

PET FOOD ON THE MARKET OF UKRAINE

Domestic and foreign production pet food has been subject to state authorization in Ukraine for 20 years. Each prescription of the finished product provided authorization, so the process of their manufacturing and turnover met the requirements of national legislation, which ensured their rational use. The new Law of Ukraine “On Feed Safety and Hygiene” adopted in 2017 brought Ukrainian legislation closer to the norms in force in the EU Member States. However, this Law introduced a new system of authorization of feed additives, but not the finished feed. Requirements for feed production are supervised by a number of regulations, which include the requirements of the European Federation of Food Manufacturers (FEDIAF) for animals and the ISO 22 000 standard, which ensures hygiene, quality, and safety of use.
 The manuscript illustrates the analysis of the authorized pet food in Ukraine during 2015- 2019, which is necessary for the further development of the domestic market of these products.
 The prime purpose of this study was the quantitative and qualitative analysis of feed for non- productive animals with the determination of their percentages in the list of the authorized, which differ in types, production forms, animal species for which they are intended. Regulatory stipulations for pet food include mandatory requirements for determining their species, categories, and quantities of feed additives, feed materials, and labeling.
 The presented characteristics of available pet food on the Ukrainian market during 2015-2019 showed that the broad majority of feeds, 91%, were imported. The compound pet food dominated the study list, and dietary pet food accounted for only 6% of the total range. Pet food is dry and wet or semi-moist. The results of the study revealed the share of dry and wet feeds, and the specifics of their production forms identified. The most common in the list of analyzed pet food was dry, intended for all types of non-productive animals. Wet pet food occupies a slightly smaller share, mainly used for dogs and cats. Dry pet food in the form of pellets and wet pet food in the form of meat or fish pieces were the main groups of food for dogs and cats.
 This study showed that imported pet food products for non-productive animals dominated in the Ukrainian market, but a tendency to introduce domestic pet food by increasing production by leading national companies present.

Biochemical biomarkers of skin mucus in Neogobius melanostomus for assessing lead pollution in the Gulf of Gorgan (Iran)

The present study was conducted to provide basic information on the physiological damages (mucosal indicators) of Round Goby under laboratory and environmental conditions of lead contamination. The other goal was to find mucosal biomarkers of lead contamination in the Gulf of Gorgan. In the laboratory study, 400 pieces of fish with an average the weight of 35 ± 7.16 g were caught alive and were exposed to lead concentrations of 0, 3.75, 7.5 and 15 mg / l for 14 days. Once the experiment was completed, the samples of mucus and liver were collected from the fish samples with the samples being surveyed by analyses of SDS-PAGE, mucus safety and toxicology. In the field test, the samples of fish, water, and sediment were prepared from four stations. In addition to measuring the lead in water, sediment and liver tissue, the samples of mucus from the caught fish were similarly analyzed under the laboratory conditions mentioned. According to the results under laboratory conditions, obvious differences were observed between the protein pattern of samples of treatment with the control group. Further, among innate immune parameters of the mucus, only lysozyme showed a significant correlation with the concentrations of lead accumulated in the liver of Round Goby (P < 0.05). Under environmental conditions, obvious differences were also observed between the protein pattern of samples of contaminated stations with the control station. Further, among innate immune parameters of the mucus, lysozyme indicated a positive correlation while alkaline phosphatase showed a negative correlation with lead contamination in the liver of Round Goby (P < 0.05). In total, in the pattern of mucus protein, the intensity of the band within the range of 25 kDa was enhanced in both conditions, suggesting the presence of proteases in this region. Also, among the immune parameters, lysozyme enzyme showed a significant and positive correlation with liver lead contamination in both conditions (P < 0.05). These can be considered as the biomarkers of protein pattern and safety in Round Goby mucus for assessing lead pollution in Gulf of Gorgan.

Rapid detection of infrared inactive sodium chloride content in frozen tuna fish for determining commercial value using short wavelengths

The sodium chloride content in the flesh of tuna fish is one of the factors for determining the price in the fishing industry. Titration is a standard method for the analysis of salt and this is time consuming. Near infrared spectroscopy is a potential alternative method for rapid detection without the need for wet chemical assay. Although sodium chloride is infrared inactive, this study investigated the influence of salt on the absorbance of near infrared energy and showed that the sodium chloride content can be determined using changes in the water band at 970 nm. Calibration equations were developed from frozen fish pieces and ground samples using multiple linear regression for the wavelength region of 700–1000 nm. The best result was achieved from frozen samples with a coefficient of determination for the calibration set ([Formula: see text]) = 0.71, standard error of calibration (SEC) = 0.20%, coefficient of determination for the validation set ([Formula: see text]) = 0.64, standard error of prediction (SEP) = 0.26% and bias = − 0.00%. In order to verify the significant variables used to determine infrared inactive sodium chloride, partial least squares regression was performed on frozen samples. The important variable in multiple linear regression and partial least squares regression was the absorbance band at 976 nm attributed to water molecules. The result from partial least squares calibration showed [Formula: see text] = 0.83, SEC = 0.20%, [Formula: see text] = 0.54, SEP = 0.25% and bias = 0.00%. The salt values predicted using the near infrared models were not significantly different from the reference values obtained by the standard titration method at the 95% confidence interval.

Optimisation of loading capacity of smoking kiln on drying characteristics of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract Fish smoking is widely used in the fish processing industry, especially in the post-harvest catfish product due to its simple operating technique. The objective of this study was to optimise the tray loading capacity of a smoking kiln for catfish. A mixture design was employed to investigate the effects of varied fish size (0.25, 0.30 and 0.35 kg) component tray loading on the loading capacity, drying rate and moisture ratio during smoking process. The results showed that the loading capacity of the kiln was between 190 and 198 pieces of fish at minimum and maximum 50 and 52 kg. High moisture ratio was observed at equal size combination at low drying rate. The catfish weight mixtures of 0.25, 0.30 and 0.35 kg used to evaluate the kiln load capacity optimization were significant (P &lt; 0.05). The smoking kiln worked optimally at catfish size (50, 50 and 0 %) with maximum desirability of 0.63 resulted in weight of fish loaded of 51.30 kg, moisture ratio of 0.21 and drying rate of 0.5 kg−1 h. This study brings new knowledge about the loading capacity and confirms that the smoking kiln is an acceptable technology for processing fish.

Расширение ассортимента паштетов из дальневосточных рыб

Расширение ассортимента паштетов из дальневосточных рыб

Studies on relationship between body length, weight and elements contents in fish Chirocentrus nudus swainson (1839) in Iran

Determination of toxic elements in seafood was important for the health of humans and marine organisms. This study was carried out on effects of total length and weight on concentration of toxic and non-toxic elements in fish of Chirocentrus nudus of Persian Gulf, Iran. For this purpose, 20 pieces of fish in two different fish sizes were purchased from Behbahan fish market and transferred to laboratory of Khatam-al-Anbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran. The fish muscle after the preparation, which contains washing, biometrics and abdominal discharges, was separated. Finally, the samples elements were analyzed after extraction and digestion processes using an atomic absorption apparatus. The obtained results were compared with the World Food Standards. The concentration of elements in different amounts in fish Kharo were as follows: Fe &gt;Zn &gt;Pb &gt;Cd &gt;Ni. Results showed that with increase fish length and weight, the amount of toxic and non-toxic elements such as Ni, Pb, Fe and Zn, except Cd, were increased significantly. It can be concluded that, although the concentration of elements found in the fish in both sizes were lower than the standard levels proposed for humans, but excessive consumption fish caught from contaminated areas, can be dangerous for human health.

Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of fresh Indian mackerel, spotted sardine and yellowtail scad, from Eritrea Red Sea waters

Fresh small pelagic fish (Indian mackerel, spotted sardine and yellowtail scad) from the Eritrean waters of the Red Sea were investigated for their physicochemical properties (morphometric measurements, proximate composition, pH, salt, mineral content, color and oxidation indicators) and microbiological characteristics (total plate count; TPC, total coliforms; TC, E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella spp.; V. parahaemolyticus, halophilic count and total fungal count; TFC). The morphometric measurements indicated that the yellow tail scad had the largest weight (47.6 g) and the smallest number of fish pieces (21) per kg. These small pelagic fish can be characterized as low-fat fish (3.26–3.85%) and a good protein source, with the highest protein content recorded in fresh Indian mackerel (21.29%). The ash and fiber content fell within the range of 1.57–1.77% and 0.24–0.38% respectively. The oxidation indicators (free-fatty acid, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid, and p-anisidine value) were below the maximum allowable values in fresh fish. The fish were good sources of minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn), but the Indian mackerel exhibited the highest level of Cd content (0.04 mg/kg weight) which was still below the maximum permitted levels (0.25 mg/kg weight). The TPC, TC, E. coli, S. aureus, and halophilic count were below maximum allowable levels while Salmonella, V. parahaemolyticus and TFC were absent in the fresh fish samples.

Dipteran species in agricultural region of eastern Thessaloniki

In an agricultural region of Thessaloniki province, fly traps were placed, which contained substances in order to attract flies with the purpose to trap and identify them. The substances were, pieces offish, meat and feta cheese, sugar and faeces of small ruminants. Fifteen different flies species were trapped, of which, thirteen are mentioned in the international bibliography, as parasites, such as, Musca domestica, Muscina sp, Fannia sp, Phormia regina, Lucilia (Phaenicia) sericata, Calliphora erythrocephala (vicina), Sarcophaga sp, Oestrus ovis, Gasterophillus sp, Stomoxys calcitrans, Haematobia (Shiphona) irritans, Chrysops sp and Hydrotaea (Ophyra) spp and two, as no parasites, such as Drosophilla melanogaster and Apis mellifera. From the trapped flies, Hydrotaea sp, Muscina sp, Fannia sp and Phormia regina, were identified for the first time in Greece. From the substances which were used in order to attract the flies, the fish was the one that all flies showed preference to, in the greater number, while the rest of the substances they chose descending order, was meat, sugar and feta cheese. Finally, only one fly was found in the excrement of small ruminants.

SEASONAL CHANGES OF THE MORPHO-BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK ROCKCOD NOTOTHENIA CORIICEPS (NOTOTHENIIDAE) IN THE ARGENTINE ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO REGION

Black rockcod Notothenia coriiceps (Nototheniidae) is one of the common fish species of the Argentine Islands Archipelago region, and it is very common in the Southern Ocean waters. So, objective of the original research was to study the seasonal&nbsp;changes of biological characteristics of N. coriiceps individuals. The material was collected during the XII Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition in 2007-2008 using classical methods, specifically by the bottom gear in the ice-free water places from the boat and from the shore, and in winter also from the ice. Pieces of fresh meat and fish were used as bait for gear. The catches were carried out at the depths from 10 to 50 m (mainly at depths of 20-30 m). Result The majority of black rockcod has a standard length of 26,0-30,0 cm (45,3%) and the age of 4-5 full years (84,5%). During the year, the majority of individuals has II stage of development of the gonads (82,9%), however the number of individuals whitch have III and over stage of development has gradually increased from October to January. It was detected that the main diet components of N. coriiceps in the Argentine Islands Archipelago region were fish and crustaceans rarely – mollusks. Two size groups (&gt;25 cm and &lt;25 cm) of black rockod had the same feeding components ratios. In the majority of individuals (67,7%), the gastrointestinal tract was filled poorly (0-1 point). Fat content during the year was predominantly 2-3 points (94,3%). The value of cardiosomatic index during the year has gradually increased from 0,181±0,008 in April to 0,283±0,005 in September and has again decreased to 0,182±0,003 in December. The value of hepatosomatic index has decreased from 2,11±0,10 in April to 1,58±0,06 in November. In December and January the index has increased to 2,66±0,57. The value of fatness by Fulton has decreased from 1,89±0,06 in April to 1,60±0,03 in September, in January it has increased to 1,86±0,52. Conclusions: the character of feeding and development stage of N. coriiceps in the region of the material collection has matched with data from the other researches of the other Antarctic Peninsula regions. In the majority of representatives (66,7%), the gastrointestinal tract was poorly filled (0-1 point), and fat content during the year was predominantly 2-3 points (94,3%). The biological features of N. coriiceps were characterized by the seasonal dynamics, that was associated with the feeding in summer and small amount of food in winter.

Investigation on sanitation of freshwater aquaculture environments and Clonorchis sinensis intermediate host infection in a city of Pearl River Delta region, China

To understand the current status of the sanitation of freshwater aquaculture environments, and Clonorchis sinensis infection of freshwater fish in the aquaculture and market in a city of Pearl River Delta region, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the prevention and control strategy of clonorchiasis sinensis. In 2016, based on the distribution of freshwater aquaculture, 36 freshwater fish ponds among 14 towns were selected for sampling and investigation, and 10-20 pieces were collected from each pond. Besides, 3 aquatic product wholesale markets were included, among which 3-6 stalls were selected from each market, and 20-30 pieces were collected from each stall. The metacercaria in the fish was examined by the digestion method. In the 36 fish ponds, there were no toilets with the stool being drained into fish ponds directly, and there was only one pond with duck sheds with the stool being drained into fish ponds directly. Totally 437 pieces of freshwater fish from ponds were detected, with a metacercaria positive rate of 4.35% (19/437). The metacercaria positive fish were distributed in 50% (7/14) of towns and 25% (9/36) ponds. The positive rates of crucian carp, grass carp, dace, aristichthysnobilis, and tilapia were 13.95% (6/43), 4.76% (9/189), 4.44 (2/45), 1.55% (2/129), and 0 (0/31) respectively, with statistically significant difference (χ2 = 13.46, P = 0.01). Totally 307 pieces of freshwater fish were collected from the wholesale markets, with a total positive rate of 1.95% (6/307). The positive rate of grass carp and aristichthysnobilis were 3.20% (4/125) and 2.78% (2/72) respectively, and no positive samples were found in crucian carp, dace and tilapia, with no statistically significant difference among the different fish in the infection rate (Fisher exact P = 0.75). The sanitation of freshwater aquaculture environments in a city of Pearl River Delta region is relative good. However, there are different degrees of Clonorchis sinensis infection of freshwater fish in some aquaculture environments and markets.

Preservation of fish using instant extract of green and black tea

The use of illegal and hazardous preservative agents such as formalin by traditional fishermen and trader has become a problem in Indonesia.  In this research, instant extract powder of green tea and black tea were used as natural preservatives for fish. Both substances are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-oxidative activities due to the presence of various types of polyphenols, particularly the catechin groups. The tea extract powder was produced  by drying  using a spray drying device. The two different tea extract powders were tested separately, and in combination. The tests were done by dipping pieces of fresh indian mackerel fish (Rastrelliger kanagurta), also known locally as kembung banjar, in the solution containing the tea extract. The microbial tests were done using total plate count (TPC) method. The result showed that instant green and black tea extracts was capable in suppressing bacterial growth in fish. When the two substances were mixed together, the preservation activities were found to be stronger than if they were used separately. In addition, histamine and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) tests which are regularly used to test the freshness of fish also showed substantial improvement in the quality of the fish sample. The sensory tests also showed that the extracts were capable of improving the freshness of the fish sample.Â

Transitioning to a Pelleted Diet and Compensatory Growth of Pacific Goliath Grouper Epinephelus quinquefasciatus in Captivity

The objective of this study was to adapt juvenile Pacific goliath grouper to a diet of pelleted feed. Groupers were captured in nature, individually marked, and randomly assigned to two groups. One group was fed pieces of raw fish and the second group a pelleted feed. The experiment lasted 12 weeks, and adaptation to the pelleted feed was done gradually. Fish growth, weight gain, and specific growth rate (SGR) were estimated. The Student’s t-test, at the 0.01 level of significance, was used to compare SGR means. All the fish survived. The rate of growth for grouper fed pieces of raw fish was 1.6 g per day. Although the groupers fed the pellets lost weight at the beginning of the experiment, at the end their SGR was 5.5 grams per day. The average weight gain for juvenile grouper fed pellets was 14.6 ± 4.1 g per day.

Spawning event of Pherecardia striata followed by washed up individuals in Hawaii

Pherecardia striata (Kinberg 1857) is a polychaete worm of the family Amphinomidae. Amphinomids are known as ‘fireworms’ due to the discomfort and itching sensation if touched. P. striata is an active predator that can swallow pieces of fish and live prey such as small crabs, shelled gastropods, and other worms and even be hand fed in aquaria (Glasby and Bailey-Brock 2001). This is a large species reaching up to 20 cm in length in Hawaii and distributed throughout the IndoPacific (Bailey-Brock 1987). In Hawaiian shallow coral reefs, this species is known to spawn on a summer night, an event most likely triggered by a full moon. The spawning event was photographed on the night of July 25, 2005 in Coconut Island, Kaneohe Bay (Darlyne Murawski pers. comm.) and featured in Holland (2007) in a special issue of National Geographic. On the morning of August 17, 2014, dozens of individuals of Pherecardia striata were found dead at Kahanamoku Beach, 21.281602, -157.838943 (Fig. 1). Nearly ten years before, on August 6, 2004, about 200 individuals were found in a nearby beach (Ala Moana Beach , 21.288693, -157.847722) as reported in a local newspaper (Fujimori 2004). Although spawning events for this species are known to occur annually, heavy rains may have caused the massive deaths of individuals reported in 2004 and 2014. Predictions on spawning events of marine worms are very exact for the palolo worm (Palola viridis Gray in Stair, 1847) that spawns at the third quarter of the moon in October or November. This event is highly celebrated as the worms are eaten raw in the South Pacific. The three spawning events recorded for Pherecardia striata are documented herein for the third quarter of the moon of July or August and can be further investigated and celebrated by night divers and tourists.