Preliminary Evaluation of the Use of Phosphogypsum for Reef Substrate. Ii. A Study of the Effects of Phosphogypsum Exposure On Diversity and Biomass of Aquatic Organisms

The effects of cement consolidated phosphogypsum (PG) on marine organisms was investigated under natural conditions in four 1000 m² estuarine ponds. Two ponds were seeded with 160 kg of PG arranged in aggregations of blocks and two ponds received similar mass of sand/cement blocks. Meiofauna were sampled quarterly and PG did not affect total meiofauna or major taxa (nematodes and copepods) density. Abundant species of copepods either were slightly increased in ponds with PG or were inconsistently affected.

All ponds were drained after one year. Three species of macroinvertebrates and 15 species of fishes were collected. Diversity indices showed modest but inconsistent variation among ponds. Only Pond 1 (control) and Pond 4 (experimental) had similar species abundances and all ponds showed unique distributions of biomasses among species. Thus, no differences in community structure attributable to the presence of PG could be detected among benthic invertebrates, natant invertebrates, or fishes.     

Preliminary Evaluation of the Use of Phosphogypsum for Reef Substrate. I. A Laboratory Study of Bioaccumulation of Radium and Six Heavy Metals in an Aquatic Food Chain

Phosphogypsum (PG), a solid by-product of phosphoric acid production, contains radionuclides and trace metals in concentrations which may pose a potential hazard to human health and the environment. to investigate the possibility of bioaccumulation of radium and six heavy metals over time when aquatic organisms experience both trophic and environmental exposure to PG, we designed a laboratory experiment representing three levels of an aquatic food chain. During the 135 day experiment, a meiobenthic copepod species (Amphiascoides atopus) was cultured in the presence of PG. the copepods were subsequently fed to grass shrimp (Palaemonetes vulgaris and P. pugio) which were in turn fed to gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis); both the grass shrimp and the killifish also experienced an environmental PG exposure. Other than elevated radium levels in the experimental grass shrimp, the experiment demonstrated little effect of environmental or trophic exposure to PG on microinvertebrates, macroinvertebrates, or fishes that could be attributed to PG. in all cases where increased concentrations were indicated within the experimental group, roughly equivalent increases in metal concentrations also occurred in the control group.     

Preliminary Evaluation of the Use of Phosphogypsum for Reef Substrate. I. A Laboratory Study of Bioaccumulation of Radium and Six Heavy Metals in an Aquatic Food Chain

Phosphogypsum (PG), a solid by-product of phosphoric acid production, contains radionuclides and trace metals in concentrations which may pose a potential hazard to human health and the environment. to investigate the possibility of bioaccumulation of radium and six heavy metals over time when aquatic organisms experience both trophic and environmental exposure to PG, we designed a laboratory experiment representing three levels of an aquatic food chain. During the 135 day experiment, a meiobenthic copepod species (Amphiascoides atopus) was cultured in the presence of PG. the copepods were subsequently fed to grass shrimp (Palaemonetes vulgaris and P. pugio) which were in turn fed to gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis); both the grass shrimp and the killifish also experienced an environmental PG exposure. Other than elevated radium levels in the experimental grass shrimp, the experiment demonstrated little effect of environmental or trophic exposure to PG on microinvertebrates, macroinvertebrates, or fishes that could be attributed to PG. in all cases where increased concentrations were indicated within the experimental group, roughly equivalent increases in metal concentrations also occurred in the control group.     

Comparison of the food of Triphoturus mexicanus and T. nigrescens,two lanternfishes of the Pacific Ocean

Prey (chiefly euphausiids and copepods) eaten by two myctophids (lanternfishes) are compared from incidence in fish stomachs and from abundance in the environment. One lanternfish species, Triphoturus mexicanus, lives in the California Current, and the other, T. nigrescens, lives in the central Pacific Ocean. Although these two environments are very different physically and biologically, the feeding habits of the two lanternfishes are surprisingly similar. Prey biomass is 94% euphausiids, 3% copepods, and 3% other organisms for T. mexicanus and 88% euphausiids, 4.5% copepods, and 7.5% other organisms for T. nigrescens; the difference between the fish species is not significant when tested statistically. The two fishes resemble one another in frequency distributions of ingested copepod individuals, copepod species, euphausiid individuals, and euphausiid species. During a single diurnal feeding period, both fishes eat a variety of copepod species but tend to eat only a single species of euphausiid. T. mexicanus grows to twice the length of T. nigrescens and eats proportionally larger euphausiids; however, both fishes eat copepods having the same median size. The frequencies of euphausiid species in the diets of both fishes differ from the frequencies in the environment. The chief differences between the feeding habits of the two lanternfishes are that T. nigrescens, in comparison to its congener, eats a greater variety of organisms during one diurnal feeding period and captures smaller euphausiids. The feeding patterns for each lanternfish species are consistent over distances of hundreds of kilometers and over many years of sampling.     

A comparison of catches of fishes and invertebrates by two light trap designs, in tropical NW Australia

Light traps were deployed in two sampling programs. In the first, small and large traps were released to drift with the current at stations along a cross-shelf transect on the NW Shelf off the coast of Western Australia. In the second program, pairs of small and large traps were deployed on moorings 150 m off the coastline. The composition and size-frequency distributions of catches of fishes in small and large traps were similar for both modes of deployment. In drifting traps, nearly 78% of this catch was composed of reef fishes, and these were collected in significantly greater numbers by the small design than by large traps (9.51 vs. 5.84 individuals h^-1, respectively). Nine taxa (amphipods, mysids, crab megalopae, copepods, cumaceans, isopods, caridean shrimps, polychaetes and the euphausiid, Pseudeuphausia latifrons) accounted for 99% of the total catch of invertebrates by drifting traps. Of these, catches of amphipods, copepods, cumaceans and P. latifrons were greater in large traps than in small traps (3,134 vs. 1,687 h^-1, 1,018 vs. 214 h^-1, 551 vs. 165 h^-1 and 74 vs. 9 individuals h^-1, respectively). In contrast, crab megalopae were more abundant in catches by small traps than by large traps (3,134 vs. 1,687 individuals h^-1, respectively). The catch rate of fishes in moored traps was higher than in drifting traps (105 vs. 20 fishes h^-1) and was dominated by baitfishes (86% of total catch). Reef fishes were also captured in greater numbers by small traps than by the large design (10.17 vs. 4.4 individuals h^-1) in this mode of deployment. Despite these differences in catch rates, multivariate analysis showed that cross-shelf patterns in catches of fishes and invertebrates were mapped equally well by both trap designs. Variation in the efficiency of trap designs thus appears to be small when compared to changes in the composition and abundance of zooplankton assemblages that occur at scales of tens of kilometers.     

Uptake and toxicity of some pesticides on three freshwater fishes (Oreochromis niloticus,Clarias gariepinus and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus)

Studies were carried out to determine the toxicity of some selected pesticides on fresh water fish in a tropical environment. The uptake of the pesticides lindane, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and propoxur, which are frequently used by farmers and industrialists were studied in concrete ponds at the University of Cape Coast, in Ghana. The fishes used for the study were Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus, and were obtained from cultured ponds in the Cape Coast District and Mankessim in the Central Region and Weija Dam, in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Single high lethal concentration (SD) or acute treatment and cumulative/chronic (or multiple minor) lethal concentration (CD) treatment were employed in administering the pesticides to the fishes via water. Gas chromatograph (GC) Electron Capture Detector (ECD) analysis was done on the dead fishes to see the extent of ingestion. The LC₅₀ values obtained for lindane on the three fish samples were as follows: Chrysicthys?–?0.38?mg?L^?1; Oreochromis?–?0.42?mg?L^?1, and Clarias?–?1.2?mg?L^?1. Mortalities occurred in fish within 3–5 days of application. For the PCP on Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias species the LC₅₀ values were 0.42, 0.32 and 0.64?mg?L^?1, respectively for over a 2–3 day period. For a three-time influx period of propoxur the LC₅₀ for Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias, were 22.0, 30.40, and 45.04 (all in mg?L^?1), respectively. The results obtained indicated that the pesticides had adverse effects on the general growth and reproduction of fishes. Gonadosomatic indices also showed that the pesticides affected the development of the body, the gonads, and their reproduction.     

Defensive mechanisms and ecology of some tropical holothurians

The ecology, defensive behavior and toxicity of three species of reef flat holothurians (Actinopyga mauritiana, Holothuria atra and Holothuria difficilis) were studied at Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands. The average diurnal population density of H. difficilis ranged from 1.4 to 32 holothurians/900 cm²; resting respiratory rates (0.05 ml O₂/g wet wt/h) were comparable during day and night; nourishment in H. difficilis may be primarily from bacteria and foraminifera in which about 2% of the dry weight of sediment consumed is utilized, and the species probably passes at least 3 g dry wt of sediment/m²/day (>1 kg/m²/year). A fundamental difference in energy flow is suggested: considerably more energy is passed from benthic algae to grazing and browsing fishes to predatory fishes on coral reefs whereas, in extra-tropical latitudes, more energy is shunted from benthic algae to invertebrates to predators. The effects of holothurin leading to death in fishes are irreversible. Holothuria difficilis is best protected from predation. Its body wall is toxic and it can accurately eject Cuvierian tubules, which are also toxic. The discharge of tubules was regulated by a circadian rhythm in May. Studies on holothurians and sponges suggest that many exposed coral reef invertebrates have evolved effective defensive mechanisms in association with high intensity predation.Supported by A.E.C. Contract AT (29-2)-226 with the University of Hawaii.     

Protein composition of white skeletal muscle from mesopelagic fishes having different water and protein contents

The consequences for white skeletal muscle of the whole body variation in water and protein content were examined in 11 mesopelagic fishes taken off the coast of Oregon, USA, in 1983. For such muscles, water content varied from 71 to 91% of muscle wet weight, and protein content ranged from 56 to 141 mg g^-1 muscle wet weight, depending on the species. Dilution by increased water content did not account for the decrease in protein content. Total muscle protein was partitioned into soluble (myogen or sarcoplasmic) and insoluble (myofibrillar) components. Both the myogen and myofibrillar components are reduced in muscle with decreased protein content. The activities (units g^-1 wet wt) of white muscle L-lactate dehydrogenase and L-malate dehydrogenase are higher in fishes undergoing diel vertical migration to surface waters than in fishes that either do not migrate or do not migrate to surface waters. The differences in enzyme activities are not due to a general dilution of muscle protein. The actin content of white skeletal muscle was maintained at a relatively constant level in all 11 species examined and was similar to actin levels observed previously in the white skeletal muscle of scombrids and demersal fishes. This conservation of actin content requires species with a reduced muscle protein content to maintain a significant fraction of their total protein as actin. The specific activities of the myofibrillar Mg²⁺–Ca²⁺-activated adenosine triphosphatases of the mesopelagic species are similar in all 11 species studied. Thus, the ratios of proteins in the isolated myofibrils are probably similar. These results suggest that, in species with decreased muscle protein, there is an increase in the non-myofibrillar form of actin.     

Spatial overlap and trophic interactions between pelagic fish and large jellyfish in the northern California Current

Recent studies have indicated that populations of gelatinous zooplankton may be increasing and expanding in geographic coverage, and these increases may in turn affect coastal fish populations. We conducted trawl surveys in the northern California Current and documented a substantial biomass of scyphomedusae consisting primarily of two species (Chrysaora fuscescens and Aurelia labiata). Spatial overlap of these jellyfish with most pelagic fishes, including salmon, was generally low, but there were regions of relatively high overlap where trophic interactions may have been occurring. We compared feeding ecology of jellyfish and pelagic fishes based on diet composition and found that trophic overlap was high with planktivorous species that consume copepods and euphausiid eggs such as Pacific sardines (Sardinops sagax), northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), and Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi). Moreover, isotope and diet analyses suggest that jellyfish occupy a trophic level similar to that of small pelagic fishes such as herring, sardines and northern anchovy. Thus jellyfish have the potential, given their substantial biomass, of competing with these species, especially in years with low ecosystem productivity where prey resources will be limited.     

Influences of abundance,behavior, species composition,and ontogenetic stage on active emergence of meiobenthic copepods in subtropical habitats

The emergence of meiobenthic copepods in subtidal sand and seagrass sites in Tampa Bay, Florida (USA), was investigated on nine dates from March 1983 to August 1984. Numbers of emerging copepods were dependent on habitat, date and diel sampling period. Greater numbers typically emerged in seagrass sites, and differences between habitats may be related to lower copepod abundances in sand sites. Both copepod abundance and behavior significantly affected numbers emerging among dates. An increase in emergent behavior alone resulted in consistently greater numbers emerging during postsunset periods. Over 30 species in 15 families were found to emerge. Total numbers of emerging copepods were affected by the sporadic presence and seasonal behavior of certain species. Numbers of the predominant speciesParadactylopodia brevicornis, Tisbe furcata, Parategastes sp.,Mesochra pygmea, Laophontid sp., andHarpacticus sp. emerging depended on differences in both species abundance and behavior. The emergent behavior ofParategastes sp.,Harpacticus sp., andT. furcata also was influenced by total copepod densities in the sediment. Juvenile copepods constituted only a small proportion of the total numbers emerging. The consistent postsunset entry of between 10³ to 10⁵ copepods m^?2 into the water column in subtidal sand and seagrass habitats will contribute to the increased probability of copepod dispersal and reassortment of the benthic community, while providing a pathway for benthic-pelagic exchange.     

Growth rhythms in the shrimp Penaeus vannamei and P. schmitti

Growth increments of the penaeid shrimp Penaeus vannamel (Boone) and P. schmitti (Burkenroad) grown in commercial production ponds in Ecuador and Colombia were measured over a 4 mo period between October 1987 and January 1988. P. vannamel grown from wild caught seed in Ecuadorian ponds exhibited a growth rhythm which significantly coincided with lunar phases. Growth increments of at least 1 gwk^-1 occurred around a new and full moon, while growth increments of less than 1 gwk^-1 occurred during first and last quarters. P. vannamel transported from Ecuador as nauplii, raised in Colombian hatcheries and on grown in Colombian ponds exhibited a cyclic pattern in wet weight increments but not correlation to lunar cycles was observed. P. schmitti showed no cyclic pattern in growth. The two species under consideration are indigenous to two different, and quite unique areas displaying different environmental characteristics. The link between the growth pattern, biological and lunar cycles is discussed.     

A commensal relationship between the scyphozoan medusae<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Catostylus mosaicus</Emphasis> and the copepod<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Paramacrochiron maximum</Emphasis>

The copepod Paramacrochiron maximum was found in high numbers (up to 5,675 copepods/medusa) on the oral arms of the scyphozoan Catostylus mosaicus. This association was considered to be commensalism for the following reasons: P. maximum (Lichomolgidae) was abundant on the medusae (approximately 805 copepods/kg of medusae) and very rare in the water column (approximately 5.99×10^-4 copepods/kg of water); copepodites and adults of the symbiont were present on the host; the copepods were on the medusae both day and night, at different times (nine occasions between March 1999 and May 2000) and different locations (Botany Bay and Lake Illawarra, NSW, Australia). Over 40 taxa of plankton were found on the oral arms of C. mosaicus (including protists, cnidarians, polychaetes, molluscs, a wide range of holoplanktonic and meroplanktonic crustaceans, chaetognaths and fish eggs). These taxa were abundant in the water column and we concluded that they were prey. Symbiotic amphipods and carangid fishes were found with medusae. We conclude that there is a symbiotic association between P. maximum and C. mosaicus and care should be taken not to confound these copepods with the prey of C. mosaicus. Poecilostomid copepods are well known for consuming mucus and feeding is likely to be a major reason for the association.Communicated by G.F. Humphrey, Sydney     

人工湿地循环处理的养殖水体中浮游动物动态变化

2004年3月～11月对人工湿地循环处理的养殖水体中浮游动物的动态变化进行了研究,探讨不同的处理方式和放养类型对水体中浮游动物的影响及生物多样性指数的变化.结果表明,养殖水体经人工湿地处理后,水质改善,对浮游动物去除率在60%以上,几乎没有影响到浮游动物的群落结构,循环水量最大的1号塘浮游甲壳动物隆腺溞占优势,密度较其他塘低,而生物量则高;放养类型相同的循环塘3号塘和静态塘4号塘,浮游动物种类基本相同,但种类数3号塘明显多于4号塘;辛普森多样性指数显示:1号塘>2号塘>3号塘>4号塘,说明循环塘水质好于静态塘.图4表5参21     

Spatial variation and ontogenic shifts in the isotopic composition of Mediterranean littoral fishes

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope signatures have been determined for littoral fishes from three localities in the Balearic Islands (NW Mediterranean) for trophic assessment. Variation in the isotopic composition was examined at multiple levels: the individual organism, individual populations (ontogenetic variation) and at area effects (different islands). Cluster analyses based on ¹³C and ¹⁵N resulted in two very different dendrograms for the fish assemblages from Menorca and Formentera. In both schemes, congeners of the genera Diplodus and Labrus did not cluster together, suggesting that closely related species do not necessarily feed on similar foods. Significant differences in ¹⁵N were detected between locations for Scorpaena porcus, Scorpaena scrofa and Sciaena umbra, and significant differences in ¹³C were detected for Scorpaena porcus and Scorpaena scrofa. Overall there were significant spatial differences in the trophic position of littoral fishes among the three Balearic Islands, and fishes from Palma, Mallorca tended to feed at a higher trophic level than fishes from either Menorca and Formentera. Large-scale geographic comparisons, using earlier data from three sites in western Mallorca and in Corsica revealed that throughout the western Mediterranean generally, the average trophic level of fishes differs remarkably little. However, large discrepancies were observed in ¹⁵N for individual species, notably Scorpaena porcus, D. annularis, D. vulgaris and Serranus scriba. ¹³C composition of fishes did not seem to change greatly among the locations, although marked discrepancies were observed for D. puntazzo and Mullus surmuletus. Given the large-scale patterns we have observed, it is possible that the extent of multichannel omnivory which has been purported to exist in complex aquatic systems, may have been greatly overstated. Regression of ¹⁵N and ¹³C with fish body size revealed clear and significant trends for some species. In particular, ¹⁵N appeared to increase with body length in the macrocarnivorous fishes Scorpaena porcus, Scorpaena scrofa, Serranus scriba and Sciaena umbra. Trends were less apparent in animals which feed primarily on small benthic invertebrates, notably the four Diplodus species (D. vulgaris, D. sargus, D. annularis, D. puntazzo), and the labrids Labrus viridis and L. merula.Communicated by J.P. Thorpe, Port Erin     

Growth,nutrient uptake capacities and tissue constituents of the macroalgae Cladophora vagabunda and Gracilaria tikvahiae related to site-specific nitrogen loading rates

Cladophora vagabunda (L.) van den Hoek and Gracilaria tikvahiae (McLachlan) have become dominant components of the macroalgal assemblage in Waquoit Bay, a Massachusetts embayment, possibly due to nitrogen (N) enrichment from anthropogenic inputs transported via groundwater. During 1989–1993, we measured site-related growth, ammonium uptake rates and tissue constituents of these macroalgae from areas subject to high N loading rates (Childs River) and lower N loadings rates (Sage Lot Pond). We also conducted in situ and microcosm enrichment experiments to determine what limited algal growth throughout the year. Our results indicated that these species are strongly affected by and have a strong impact on the N environment of this embayment. For example, C. vagabunda and G. tikvahiae from Childs River had higher light-harvesting pigments and tissue-N concentrations than Sage Lot Pond populations. Additionally, both Childs River populations showed greater site-specific growth and N uptake rates, particularly during the summer period of peak growth. In fact, maximum uptake rates of 90 and over 140 mol dry wt g^-1 h^-1 for Childs River C. vagabunda and G. tikvahiae, respectively, suggest that these species can remove substanital quantities of N from overlying waters, and may be responsible for low (often (<1 M) water-column nutrient concentrations during summer. In situ and tank enrichment experiments indicated that growth rates were limited by available N during summer, while P may be limiting during a brief period toward the end of the annual growth cycle (autumn). Under experimental enrichment, growth rates of Sage Lot Pond algae were similar to values measured at the site receiving higher N inputs, and generally, G. tikvahiae showed growth enhancement (up to 0.2 doublings d^-1) under light-saturating conditions (0.5 m) while C. vagabunda showed nutrient-enhanced growth at 2.5 m. The effects of available nutrients on algal growth were strongly influenced by irradiance and temperature, resulting in a complex seasonal interaction that emphasized the dynamic nature of species response to N loading. Dominance by these two macroalgae in Waquoit Bay, as in other areas undergoing eutrophication, is likely related to physiological strategies that enable these species to tolerate large environmental variations, to take advantage of greater N availability and to survive indirect effects of N loading (e.g. reduced irradiance, anoxia).     

In situ beziehungen zwischen nahrungsangebot und aufgenommener Nahrung bei 5 Blennius-Arten (Pisces) des Mittelmeeres

Eight epiphytal samples were taken from the upper littoral at Banyuls-sur-Mer (French Mediterranean coast) and the fauna living on the thalli of algae or between bivalves was examined. Intestinal food contents of 67 specimens of 5 Blennius species (B. trigloides, B. canevae, B. sphinx, B. incognitus, and B. dalmatinus) occurring in the same biotope were also investigated. The epiphytal samples consisted of a rich supply of amphipods, bivalves, and algae. Amphipods are the preferred food of the Blennius species examined. These fishes also consume large amounts of copepods and algae, and small quantities of halacarids, bivalves, and ostracods. In addition to serving as a substrate for the main food-animals of the fishes, the algae themselves constitute an important food source. Presumably, for these reasons, the fishes remain close to the area inhabited by the algae on rocky substrates.     

Comparison of the chemical composition of particulate material and copepod faecal pellets at stations off the coast of Labrador and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Faecal pellets were collected in 1988 from copepods which had fed in situ or in laboratory experiments, using screened natural seawater as food, at two stations off the coast of Labrador and one in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The chemical composition of the pellets and of particulate material in profiles and in laboratory food were measured in terms of particulate carbon, carbohydrate (soluble and insoluble), protein and lipid. Faecal pellet composition was somewhat similar in all experiments at the first two stations, where the compositions of particulate material in situ and copepod species assemblages were also similar. At the third station the compositions of faecal pellets and particulate material were slightly different from those at the other stations and the copepod species composition varied between sampling times. Faecal pellets at the first two stations had very low levels of soluble carbohydrate, while concentrations in the food were generally high, suggesting that it was efficiently metabolized by copepods, although it might have been absent because of sloppy feeding or release, after passage through the gut, in soluble form or from faecal pellets. Comparisons of POC: biogenic silica ratios in food and faecal pellets, calculated using data presented elsewhere (Head 1992; Mar. Biol. 112: 583–592), suggested that at these stations, where food concentrations were high (chlorophyll concentrations>8 gl^-1), copepods may have been assimilating carbon rather inefficiently.     

The feeding habits of three species of lanternfishes (family myctophidae) off oregon,USA

The common myctophids Stenobrachius leucopsarus, Diaphus theta and Tarletonbeania crenularis were found to feed primarily on the euphausiid Euphausia pacifica, the copepods Metridia lucens and Calanus spp., and the amphipod Parathemisto pacifica. The diets of these species of fishes were diverse and overlapped broadly, suggesting that they are feeding generalists. Most stomachs contained either all copepods or all euphausiids. Euphausiids were the most important prey on the basis of biomass. They comprised over one-half the weight of the stomach contents in over 40% of individuals of each of the three fishes. Stomach fullness and state of digestion of stomach contents differed over the diel period, but not enough to indicate feeding only during the nighttime. Average stomach fullness was greatest during the morning and night and well-digested material, which predominated in most stomachs, was most prevalent in the morning and afternoon. Either some feeding occurs throughout the day or digestion rates are slow.     

Zooplankton diversity and physico-chemical conditions in three perennial ponds of Virudhunagar district, Tamilnadu

Plankton diversity and physico-chemical parameters are an important criterion for evaluating the suitability of water for irrigation and drinking purposes. In this study we tried to assess the zooplankton species richness, diversity and evenness and to predict the state of three perennial ponds according to physico-chemical parameters. A total of 47 taxa were recorded: 24 rotifers, 9 copepods, 8 cladocerans, 4 ostracods and 2 protozoans. More number of zooplankton species were recorded in Chinnapperkovil pond (47 species) followed by Nallanchettipatti (39 species) and Kadabamkulam pond (24 species). Among the rotifers, Branchionus sp. is abundant. Diaphanosoma sp. predominant among the cladocerans. Among copepods, numerical superiority was found in the case of Mesocyclopes sp. Cypris sp. repeated abundance among ostracoda. Present study revealed that zooplankton species richness (R1 and R2) was comparatively higher (R1: 4.39; R2: 2.13) in Chinnapperkovil pond. The species diversity was higher in the Chinnapperkovil pond (H': 2.53; N1: 15.05; N2: 15.75) as compared to other ponds. The water samples were analyzed for temperature, pH, electrical conductivity alkalinity salinity, phosphate, hardness, dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand. Higher value of physico-chemical parameters and zooplankton diversity were recorded in Chinnapperkovil pond as compared to other ponds. The zooplankton population shows positive significant correlation with physico-chemical parameters like, temperature, alkalinity phosphate, hardness and biological oxygen demand, whereas negatively correlated with rainfall and salinity. The study revealed that the presence of certain species like, Monostyla sp., Keratella sp., Lapadella sp., Leydigia sp., Moinodaphnia sp., Diaptomus sp., Diaphanosoma sp., Mesocyclopes sp., Cypris sp. and Brachionus sp. is considered to be biological indicator for eutrophication.     

Enzyme activities of fish skeletal muscle and brain as influenced by depth of occurrence and habits of feeding and locomotion

Activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), pyruvate kinase (PK), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and citrate synthase (CS) were measured in the white skeletal muscle of marine fishes having different depths of occurrence and different feeding and locomotory strategies. There were significant depth-related differences in the two glycolytic enzymes, LDH and PK. LDH activity was most variable, and differed by 3 orders of magnitude between the most active shallow-living species and certain deep-sea fishes likely to have only minimal capacities for active locomotion. Superimposed on the depth-related patterns was a high degree of interspecific variation (up to 20-fold) in enzymic activity among species from any given range of depth of occurrence. Variation of both LDH and PK activities, noted for shallow- and deep-living fishes, seems to be largely accounted for by differences in feeding habits and locomotory performance. Active pelagic swimmers have much higher activities of LDH and PK than, for example, deep-living sit-and-wait predators. Benthopelagic fishes like rattails and the sablefish have the highest activities found among deep-living fishes, suggesting that these species engage in relatively active food-searching behavior compared to most other deep-sea fishes. The activity of CS, an enzyme of the citric acid cycle and an indicator of aerobic metabolism, varied little among species. Thus, the large interspecific variation in glycolytic potential (LDH and PK) among species is not associated with a similar variation in aerobic metabolism of white muscle. The much higher and more variable activity of MDH relative to CS suggests that, in addition to its function in the citric acid cycle, MDH may play an important role in redox balance in fish white muscle. In a comparison of white muscle composition between the shallow- and deep-living species, water content did not differ significantly, but protein content was significantly higher in shallow- than in deep-living fishes (211 and 130 mg g^-1 wet wt of muscle, respectively). The differences in muscle protein content are small relative to the differences between shallow- and deep-living species in LDH, PK and MDH activities. Thus, depthrelated differences in muscle enzymic activity are caused by factors other than enzyme dilution. Enzyme activities (LDH, PK and CS) in brain tissue were relatively constant among species regardless of depth of occurrence or feeding and locomotory habits. Habitat and lifestyle do not seem to influence the demands for overall metabolic function in brain. The utility of muscle enzymic activity data for making predictions about the ecological characteristics of difficult-to-observe, deep-living, fishes is discussed.