Sparidae Species Research Articles

Modelling the growth of white seabream (Diplodus sargus) and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in semi-intensive earth production ponds using the Dynamic Energy Budget approach

Fish growth models may help understanding the influence of environmental, physiological and husbandry factors on fish production, providing crucial information to maximize the growth rates of cultivated species. The main objectives of this work were to: i) develop and implement an Individual Based Model using a Dynamic Energy Budget (IBM-DEB) approach to simulate the growth of two commercially important Sparidae species in semi-intensive earth ponds, the white seabream which is considered as a potential candidate for Mediterranean aquaculture and the gilthead seabream that has been cultivated since the early 80s; ii) evaluate which model parameters are more likely to affect fish performance, and iii) investigate which parameters might account for growth differences between the cultivated species. The model may be run in two modes: the “state variable” mode, in which an average fish is simulated with a particular parameter set and the “Individual Based Model” (IBM) mode that simulates a population of n fishes, each with its specific parameter set assigned randomly. The IBM mode has the advantage of allowing a quick model calibration and an evaluation of the parameter sets that produce the best fit between predicted and observed fish growth. Results revealed that the model reproduces reasonably well the growth of the two seabreams. Fish performance was mainly affected by parameters related to feed ingestion/assimilation and reserves utilization, suggesting that special attention should be taken in the estimation of these parameters when applying the model to other species. Comparing the DEB parameters set of the two sparids it seems that the white seabream's low growth rates are a result of higher maintenance costs and a lower feed assimilation efficiency. Hence, the development of new feed formulations may be crucial for the success of white seabream production in semi-intensive earth ponds.

Ecomorphology of morpho‐functional relationships in the family of sparidae: A quantitative statistic approach

In many fish species, morphological similarity can be considered as a proxy for similarities in habitat use. The Sparidae family includes species that are recognized for common morphological features such as structure and positioning of the fins and specialized dentition. The aim of this study was to quantitatively describe the relationship of body shape morphology with habitat use, trophic level, and systematics in the majority of known Sparidae species (N = 92). This ecomorphological comparison was performed with a geometric morphometric approach considering as variables the Trophic Index (TROPH), the habitat (i.e., classified as demersal, benthopelagic and reef associated) and the phylogenetic relationship of species at the subfamily level. The analysis by the TROPH variable showed a positive relation with shape because the morphological features of all the species are strongly correlated with their trophic behavior (e.g., herbivore species have a smaller mouth gap that make them able to feed upon sessile resources). The morphological analysis according to the Habitat variable was used to classify species according to a feeding-habitat niche in terms of portion of the water column and seabed space where species mostly perform their behavioral activities. We described three kinds of morphological designs in relation to a benthopelagic, demersal and reef-associated habit. The six subfamily groups were morphologically well distinguishable and the cladogram relative to Mahalanobis' morphological distances was compared with those proposed by other authors. We also quantified the phylogenetic relationship among the different subfamilies based on the analysis of shape in relation to trophic ecology, confirming the observations of the authors.

Effects of a peroxide-based commercial product on bacterial load of larval rearing water and on larval survival of two species of Sparidae under intensive culture: preliminary study

Larvae of two Mediterranean Sparidae species, Sparus aurata and Dentex dentex, were used to test the efficacy of a peroxide-based product (Ox-Aquaculture©) on the reduction in bacterial load in larval rearing water and its effects on larval survival. Eleven-day-old S. aurata larvae and 15-day-old D. dentex larvae were exposed to different concentrations of Ox-Aquaculture© (50, 100 and 200 mg L−1, and 20 and 50 mg L−1 respectively) for 1 h. Results indicated that 50 and 20 mg L−1 were the most effective concentrations for the reduction in bacterial load (at least one order of magnitude) after 1 h treatment, without affecting larval survival and/or vitality in 11 dph S. aurata and 15 dph D. dentex larvae respectively. Ox-Aquaculture© concentrations of 200 and 50 mg L−1 during 1 h affected negatively final survival rate of the larvae of S. aurata and D. dentex respectively.

Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the yellowfin seabreamAcanthopagrus latusand a genomic comparison among closely related sparid species

The complete mitochondrial genome of the yellowfin seabream Acanthopagrus latus was determined in the present study. The genome was 16,609 bp in length and contained 37 genes (2 ribosomal RNA, 22 transfer RNA and 13 protein-coding genes) and the control region (CR), with the content and order of genes being similar to those in typical teleosts. Comparisons of the 37 genes and CR among species indicate the CR was the highest divergent (0.3341), but tRNAGly possesses the lowest genetic variation (0.0542). Much greater p-genetic distances [mean = 0.1559, standard deviation (SD) = 0.0235; n = 1653] for the interspecies level with high frequency (99.4%) than those of the intraspecies level (mean = 0.0098, SD = 0.0090; n = 20) were inferred from 212 Cyt b sequence data, suggesting the Cyt b gene is conserved within Sparidae species and supporting the barcoding validity of Cyt b sequence data for Sparidae species identification. Phylogenetic analysis using amino acid sequences of 13 protein-coding genes supporte...

Effects of Using Slurry Ice During Transportation on the Microbiological, Chemical, and Sensory Assessments of Aquacultured Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax) Stored at 4°C

Slurry ice, a biphasic system consisting of small spherical ice crystals surrounded by seawater at subzero temperature, was evaluated as a new chilled storage method for whole sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) a sparidae fish species of remarkable commercial interests. In this study two different group of chilling methods were used during transportation; in slurry ice packaged (Group A), and flake ice packaged (Group B). The effect of this advanced system during transportation on quality losses and the shelf life of aquacultured sea bass was evaluated. Mesophilic counts for sea bass exceeded 7 log cfu/g, which is considered the maximum level for acceptability for freshwater and marine fish after 13 days for groups A and B. On day 13 TVB-N values of groups A and B, reached the legal limits (35 mg/100 g set for TVB-N) for consumption. According to the results of sensory analyses, up to day 9 all the groups were determined as “acceptable” but on day 13 the groups A and B were no longer acceptable. The main negative aspect related to quality loss in slurry ice group corresponded to the appearance of eyes and gills. Using slurry ice during transportation did not extend the shelf life of sea bass stored at 4°C.

Relationship between shape and trophic ecology of selected species of Sparids of the Caprolace coastal lagoon (Central Tyrrhenian sea)

The shapes of juveniles of nine species of the family Sparidae (Diplodus annularis, Diplodus puntazzo, Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris, Lithognathus mormyrus, Pagellus acarne, Sarpa salpa, Sparus aurata, Spondyliosoma cantharus), collected in the tide channel of the Caprolace Lagoon (Central Tyrrhenian Sea—Italy) were studied using geometric morphometry. These species have different ecologies. The trophic ecology of each species, reported as TROPH values, are related to shape. For the first time the relationship between shape and trophic ecology in sparids was studied in a quantitative way giving an ecomorphological meaning to the shape differences. Mean shapes of carnivorous, omnivorous and herbivorous fish were extracted, analyzed and found to be unique. Strict herbivores such as Sarpa salpa have a small mouth gap; omnivores such as the four species of the genus Diplodus have a higher body (discoidal) and a caudal peduncle shorter and higher; carnivorous species such as Lithognathus mormyrus, possess a relatively larger head region, a larger mouth gap, a longer body and a caudal peduncle longer and narrower.

Spermatozoal ultrastructure of four Sparidae fishes: Acanthopagrus berda, Acanthopagrus australis, Lagodon rhomboids and Archosargus probatocephus

The mature spermatozoa of two Taiwan protandrous hermaphrodite Sparidae Acanthopagrus berda and Acanthopagrus australis are investigated and compared with those of other two Sparidae ( Lagodon rhomboids and Archosargus probatocephus) from the Western hemisphere. Ultrastructurally the spermatozoon of these four species has a spherical, homogeneously electron-dense nucleus with an axial nuclear fossa. The midpiece contains one to four spherical mitochondria and encircles the basal body of the flagellum. The mature spermatozoa of the four species are of the primitive or ect-aquasperm form and conform to the teleostean type I spermatozoon with the flagellar axis inserts perpendicular and medial to the nuclear fossa. Variation in the depths of the nuclear fossa and mitochondria number is substantial in these four Sparidae species. This study provide useful systematic characters to the existing knowledge of comparative spermatology of Sparidae.

Variable number of tandem repeats in the growth hormone gene of Sparus aurata: association with growth and effect on gene transcription

The GH gene of Sparus aurata(saGH) contains variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). The hyper‐variable minisatellites in the first and third introns segregate in a Mendelian manner and exhibit numerous alleles. Analysis by PCR and sequencing of the two introns in several wild Sparidae species revealed comparable minisatellites with some variations. ‘Zoo blot’ with the first intron unit as a probe showed this sequence to be characteristic of several families from the Perciformes order. Unexpectedly, a similar minisatellite was found in the first intron of the GH gene in flounder, which belongs to a different order. Transfection of constructs containing a reporter gene and first intron of different length to four cell lines resulted in an inhibitory effect of the longer intron relative to the short intron. A (CA)n microsatellite (saGHpCA) is found in the GH promoter. A similar repeat at the same location is present in GH promoters of several other fish species. High variability (11 alleles) of the saGHpCA was found in a hatchery population. Full‐sib family genotyping showed a Mendelian inheritance of these alleles. A significant association was found between allele distribution and body mass in large and average size fishes from a hatchery population. The intron minisatellites may serve as markers for hybrid population and parental assignment. Its presence in families and orders of the higher teleosts may help solving classification uncertainties. Their conservation and inhibitory effect suggest a biological role. The saGHpCA is correlated with growth and may be a good candidate for predicting growth performance.

Pagrus pagrus or Pagellus erythrinus larvae?

A preliminary ontogenetic series of common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) larvae is presented showing that larvae of this species possess an occipital crest from 4 to 16 mm total length. Such a trait has been described as a diagnostic character of the larvae of another sparid fish, namely Pagrus pagrus, and has been erroneously considered as being absent in all other Sparidae species. This caused confusion and erratic identifications of the two species of larvae in Mediterranean ichthyoplankton investigations.

Ultrastructure of Pagrus major and Rhabdosargus sarba spermatozoa (Perciformes: Sparidae: Sparinae)

Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the ultrastructure of spermatozoa in two Sparinae species Pagrus major and Rhabdosargus sarba. Ultrastructurally, the spermatozoa of P. major and R. sarba both consist of a spherical, homogeneously electron-dense nucleus with a deep axial nuclear fossa, and an unusual notch, in the nuclear region. The midpiece contains two spherical mitochondria in R. sarba and one in P. major. The comparison of spermatozoal ultrastructure of these two species of Sparidae shows that they closely resemble one another and suggests that they are closely related. Variation in the geometry and dimensions of the mitochondrion and nucleus is substantial in these two Sparidae species. It is concluded that the spermatozoa of both species are of primitive type, and they are distinguished by several unique features which may provide useful systematic characteristics.

Spatial patterns and temporal trends in the fisheries landings of the Messolonghi-Etoliko lagoons (Western Greek Coast)

The Messolonghi-Etoliko lagoon is one of the largest lagoon system in the northern Mediterranean coast. This area contains six clearly distinct lagoons with different topographic and hydrological features. The fishery landings of the lagoons are based on the ontogenic and seasonal migrations of the species. The total annual fishery landings of the barrier fish traps are estimated as 195 mt and are mainly composed of 16 species belonging to 8 families. Eel (Anguilla anguilla), the four species of Mugilidae (Liza saliens, L. aurata, L. ramada and Mugil cephalus), the two species of Sparidae (Sparus aurata and Diplodus annularis) and one species of Mullidae (Mullus barbatus) represent more than 92% of the total annual landings. The composition of the fishery landings varies between lagoons. The cluster analysis showed three groups of lagoons. The first group comprised lagoons in which the landings were dominated by eel, the second group was dominated by Mugilidae species and S. aurata, and the third by L. ramada and M. cephalus. The diversity index of the fishery landings is fairly constant in time, except for the Etoliko lagoon, where repeated anoxic crises decreased the diversity index value to almost zero in 1992. All the landing series showed a dominant annual cycle. Two seasonal patterns of the fishery landings were observed and linked to the fish spawning behaviour and/or their reaction to environmental forcings. The first one concerns species caught from summer to early autumn and the second pattern concerns species trapped during their autumn to winter offshore migration.

The stock genetic structure of two Sparidae species, Diplodus vulgaris and Lithognathus mormyrus, in the Mediterranean Sea

Polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of allozymes was used to investigate the intraspecies genetic variation and the genetic stock structure of Diplodus vulgaris and Lithognathus mormyrus captured from eight localities in the Mediterranean Sea. Twenty-two and 20 putative enzyme-coding loci were examined, respectively, in D. vulgaris and L. mormyrus. Polymorphic loci at the 95% level were used to assess the allozyme variability in D. vulgaris ( AAT-2 ∗ , EST-1 ∗ , GLDH ∗ , PEPB-2 ∗ , PGI-2 ∗ , PGM ∗ , SDH ∗ ) and L. mormyrus ( AAT-2 ∗ , EST-1 ∗ , GLDH ∗ , MDH-2 ∗ , PGI-2 ∗ , PGM ∗ ). The proportion of polymorphic loci in both species ranged from 0.31 ( D. vulgaris) to 0.30 ( L. mormyrus), and the observed and expected mean heterozygosity varied between 0.082 and 0.093 ( D. vulgaris) and between 0.069 and 0.072 ( L. mormyrus). The mean value of observed heterozygosity in D. vulgaris showed a deficit of heterozygosites, thereby indicating a Wahlund effect in the samples examined. Significant genetic differentiation (mean value of θ=0.013, p<0.005) was found in D. vulgaris indicating an intraspecific genetic substructure among the samples examined, whereas the mean value of θ=0.001, p>0.05 found in L. mormyrus showed a high degree of genetic homogeneity. The results showed the presence of distinct subpopulations of D. vulgaris among the sampled sites, and suggested that analysis of allozymes may provide important information on the genetic stock structure of these two sparids to ensure sustainable management of these species.

Discards of the beach seine fishery in the central coast of Portugal

The beach seine fishery is performed regularly along the Portuguese coast in shallow water sandy areas. The catches and discards of this fishery were studied from March until November 1999, on the coast south of Lisbon. Fishing operations were monitored weekly and estimates of the weight of catches and discards per species were determined for each haul. A total of 60 fish species was identified in the catches but Scomber japonicus, Trachurus trachurus and Diplodus bellottii represented approximately 90% of the catches. For most of the species the percentage of discarded fish was extremely high (ca. 100%). The species for which the estimates of discards were lower than 25% of the catches were Sardina pilchardus, Merluccius merluccius, Dicentrarchus labrax, Dicentrarchus punctatus, T. trachurus, several Sparidae species, Spicara maena, S. japonicus, Solea senegalensis, and Solea solea. Most of the species exhibited a marked seasonal abundance pattern that varied according to the species. Discards also varied considerably within and between seasons. The relationships between discards and total catch, species catch, mean length of fish and percentage of fish above minimum legal size were different according to species. For S. japonicus and S. pilchardus discards were negatively correlated with their catch, mean length of fish and percentage of fish above minimum legal size, while for T. trachurus significant correlations were obtained only for the last two variables.

Specific method of fishing for Sparidae species in the eastern Adriatic

“Tramata” fishing or fishing using vibrating ropes is a very old method and it is unique to the eastern Adriatic. It is the main commercial method of fishing of seabream (Sparidae) species. This paper describes the gear, methods and exploitation characteristics of tramata fishing, based on the research conducted from 1986 to 1999. Also, some parameters (length range, mean length, modal length and the parameters of the total length–weight relationship, length at first maturity, spawning period) are given for the dominant seabream species in catches from tramata fishing. Evaluation of its harmful effect on fish in coastal areas has been made according to the percentage of immature specimens in the catches.

Osteological development of the vertebral column and of the caudal complex in Dentex dentex

Osteological development of the vertebral column and caudal complex in common dentex was described under extensive larval rearing conditions. Generally, the cartilaginous bones developed prior to the membranous bones. The development of the axial skeleton began with the formation of the hypural 1, the neural arches 2 and 3, as well as the haemal arches 1–8 at 4·8, 4·9 and 5·0 mm total length (LT, measured in vivo), respectively. By 7·5 mm LT, all the cartilaginous elements were formed, except for the ventral ribs, which formed between the range of 8·4–18·0 mm LT. The caudal lepidotrichia were the first membranous bones to appear (5·3 mm LT) and attain their full meristic count (7·4 mm LT), followed by the vertebral centra, which formed between 6·6 and 9·7 mm LT. By 25·0 mm LT, all the elements were fully ossified except for the ventral ribs. The developmental direction and order of all the elements were studied with respect to their formation and ossification. The results were discussed in the contexts of ichthyoplankton, ecology and aquaculture. Compared with other Sparidae species, common dentex followed a pattern of relatively rapid rate of osteological development.

Spatio-temporal variability in growth of juvenile sparid fishes from the Mediterranean littoral zone

Populations of three species of juvenile Sparidae (Diplodus puntazzo, Diplodus sargus and Diplodus vulgaris) were sampled at different spatial scales in the north-western Mediterranean Sea over two years to follow growth after settlement. Length–frequency distributions were collected each week for periods of six months following the arrival of off-shore larvae in inshore habitats. Data were collected by underwater visual census along permanent transects.Growth rate measured as the slope of the linear relationship between mean size and time varied between species. Diplodus puntazzo (0.160 mm d−1) and D. vulgaris (0.202 mm d−1), which are settling in winter experienced slower growth than D. sargus (0.567 mm d−1) which settles in summer. It is concluded that the difference was in part due to water temperature. Analysis of growth rate within each species also revealed significant differences among sites probably related to the currents and the water mass temperatures.

Density Dependence in Post-Recruitment Processes of Juvenile Sparids in the Littoral of the Mediterranean Sea

While variability in recruitment of young reef fish is now recognised, the question remains how the variation in recruitment will contribute to determining assemblage structure. This has been the basis for an active debate about whether patterns in abundance are determined by the supply of planktonic larvae or whether they result from competition (for space, food, etc.) between potential recruits leading to density-dependent recruitment. We tested population regulation of newly recruited juveniles of Sparidae in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Recruitment of three species of Sparidae was followed over a three-month period in each of two years to estimate the peak density of new recruits settling from the ocean, the rate of mortality occurring during the first three months after settlement, and the final density after three months. Sites and species were carefully chosen in order to avoid migration during the survey. Initial density of recruited larvae of Diplodus spp. varied among species and sites from 0.045 to 3.8 individuals per metre of coastline. Mortality estimates also varied enormously. Between 24.3% and 99.4% of the initial population disappeared within three months. Our survey demonstrated that both post-settlement mortality (r = 0.847; p < 0.0001; n = 18) and final density (r = 0.818; p < 0.0001; n = 18) were correlated with density of recruitment and consequently that both pre-recruitment (larval phase) and post-recruitment processes regulated sparid populations of the Mediterranean Sea.

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF SPERMATOZOA OF SPARUS AURATA, DIPLODUS VULGARIS AND UTHOGNATHUS MORMYRUS (FAMILY.SPARIDAE) IN THE EGYPTIAN MEDITERRANEAN WATERS.

The results obtained from the present study have evealed that spermatozoaof Sparus aurta, Dipldus vulgaris and Lilhognathus mormyrus have spherical homgeneous electron dense nuclei. However that of L. mormyrus have an unusual notch shape like a bow- tie lying in the nuclear regions. In the three sparid species under investigation, the short mid-piece of the sperm contains a single ring of mitochondria encircling the basal body of the flagellum which has a typical 9 + 2 structure. Therefore, the spermatozoa are of the primitive type which are characterized by the following unusual features: (a)They have two closely associated membranes between the cytoplasmic canal and the mitochondrian envelope, (b) A deep axial fossa at the base of the nucleus, (c) Only the nucleus of L, mormyrus has a nuclear notch. These unique features may provide a good tool for the study of the taxonomy and hybridization between species of family Sparidae. Besides, it could be possible to use the obtained results in increasing the Fish production in Egypt.

SHORT COMMUNICATION Effects of salinity and temperature on incubation period, hatching rate and morphogenesis of the red sea bream

The red sea bream, Pagrus major, which is widely distributed throughout the Far East, is the most important species of the family Sparidae for marine aquaculture in Japan (Ochiai and Tanaka, 1986). The total production of market-size red sea bream in Japan was over 72 000 tonnes (t) in 1993, with approximately 28% of the fish being derived from cultivation (Taya, 1995). In 1995 about 30 million red sea bream juveniles were produced: about 22 million being used for restocking into coastal waters, and the remainder were on-grown in commercial farms (Morita, 1997). In southern Japan, the natural spawning season starts at the end of February and lasts until early June, when water temperatures are within the range 15–23 °C (Higuchi, 1977). In captivity, the spawning season of the red sea bream starts in April and comes to an end in June (Harada, 1969; Kitajima, 1978). Although there are several reports, published mostly in Japan, on aspects related to red sea bream culture, relatively little is known about the environmental requirements of the early life stages of this species. Some effects of temperature and salinity on the embryonic development of red sea bream eggs were described by Matsuura and Kakuda (1980) and Yoo et al. (1991), while Apostolopoulos (1976) provided some information about the combined effects of these factors on the hatching of red sea bream eggs. The current study was undertaken to provide information about the effects of salinity and temperature combinations on the length of the incubation period, hatching rate and appearance of newly hatched larvae of the red sea bream. The experiments were carried out at the Fishery Research Laboratory of Kyushu University in 1994. Naturally spawned eggs were collected from a broodstock tank of 3 m3 water capacity during the spawning season (which in Kyushu is early April to June), washed carefully with fresh filtered seawater and transferred directly to the experimental room. Water temperature in the spawning tank during the experimental period ranged from 16.5 to 20.0 °C, and salinity corresponded to the normal salinity of water in the adjacent bay (29.0–32.5‰). Ten trials were conducted to test

A satellite DNA of the Sparidae family (Pisces, Perciformes) associated with telomeric sequences

This paper reports on the isolation and localization of the subtelomeric DraI satellite DNA in the Sparidae family. Gene cloning determined that the DraI satellite DNA is present in only 3 species (Pagrus pagrus, P. auriga, and Pagellus erythrinus) of the 10 Sparidae species analyzed. The results were confirmed by PCR amplification. This satellite DNA is located in a subtelomeric position in all 48 acrocentric chromosomes of these species. However, interstitial loci are also observed. Sequence analysis of monomers of this repetitive family indicates that the satellite DNA is associated with telomeric sequences, (TTAGGG)_n, in at least one species, P. erythrinus. This is the first direct demonstration of the existence of the consensus telomere sequences of vertebrates in fish. Likewise, this report also demonstrates that the ends of fish chromosomes have a structure similar to those of most eukaryote chromosomes, viz., telomere sequences and subtelomeric sequences associated by a boundary in which both types of sequences are interspersed. The recent origin of the DraI satellite DNA and its use as a phylogenetic marker is discussed.