The respiratory metabolism of Tilapia mossambica (Teleostei)

Tilapia mossambica (Teleostei) weighing 5 to 80 g were acclimated at 30°C to salinities of 0.4 (tap water), 12.5 (50% sea water) and 30.5 (100% sea water). Their respiration was measured at routine activity and the partial pressure of ambient oxygen gradually reduced from 250 to 50 mm Hg. Respiration is salinity-dependent; the proportionate ability to use oxygen in any one salinity is — above the critical pO₂ —the same in all experimental groups. This ability is a function of temperature and increases from 15° to 30°C, becoming temperature independent from 30° to 40°C as long as the pO₂ remains above 150 mm Hg. At 50 mm Hg pO₂, the limiting effect of oxygen causes a decrease in metabolic rate. This limiting effect is minimal in 80 g fish kept in an isotonic medium (12.5 S), allowing greater scope for activity and a higher rate of oxygen uptake.     

The respiratory metabolism of Tilapia mossambica (Teleostei)

In a series of experiments 174, 120 and 139 individuals of the teleost Tilapia mossambica (Peters), were acclimated to 30°C and to salinities of 0.4, 12.5 and 30.5, respectively. The effect of temperature and salinity upon oxygen consumption was studied by abruptly transferring fish of different wet weights to temperatures from 15° to 40°C at an average initial pO₂ of 250mm Hg. At each salinity, the proportionate response to temperature is size-independent. The metabolic rate increases as a function of temperature at 15° and 30°C but not at 40°C. Oxygen consumption is, however, salinity dependent; maximum rates are obtained at 12.5S. This salinity is isotonic in the 80 g fish and, to a lesser extent, in the 5 g fish. Reduction in osmotic load is suggested as the probable cause for a greater scope for activity and greater rate of oxygen consumption in 12.5 salinity.     

Effect of salinity adaptation on nitrogen metabolism in the freshwater fish Tilapia mossambica. I. Tissue protein and amino acid levels

Water, proteins and total free amino acids were estimated in different tissues of the euryhaline fish Tilapia mossambica after adaptation to various strenghts of sea water. The water content did not vary significantly in any tissue on salinity adaptation. The soluble and insoluble proteins displayed a general and considerable decrease in muscle, liver and heart; the decrease in the soluble fraction in the heart and the proteins of the muscle in 75% sea water (100% sea water=32.5 S) were significant. The gill proteins did not alter with salinity; the kidney proteins tended to increase slightly in 100% sea water (SW). The total free amino-acid content decreased insignificantly in all tissues on adaptation to 25% SW; in higher salinities, however, the content increased significantly. This increase was sudden and steep in 50% SW, and gradual and less steep in 75 and 100% SW. It is suggested that constancy in water content may contribute to the great adaptability of T. mossambica to heterosmotic media, and that the total free amino acids may be involved in isosmotic intracellular regulation. The possibility of amino acid increase as a result of protein breakdown is also indicated.     

Adaptations to osmotic stress in the fresh-water euryhaline teleost Tilapia mossambica. IV. Changes in blood glucose,liver glycogen and muscle glycogen levels

Some aspects of osmoregulation energetics have been studied in the euryhaline teleost Tilapia mossambica (Peters) acclimated to media of different salinities. In stress media (75 and 100% sea water) the blood glucose of the fish increases significantly, accompanied by a corresponding increase in oxygen consumption and cytochrome-oxidase activity, suggesting that oxidative degradation of blood glucose is the predominant energy source for osmotic work in these stress media. It is likely that the variations in the blood-glucose level as a function of acclimation to the heterosmotic media —except the natural fresh-water medium — are governed by the combined effects of salinity of the medium and blood-medium osmotic gradient, rather than by the effect of any one of them separately. Perhaps, metabolic homoeostasis is in operation in the natural fresh-water medium. Depletion of muscle glycogen at significant levels is noticed only in stress media. Presumably, there is an augmentation of oxidative metabolism with glycolysis to meet the exacting energy demands for heavy osmotic work in high-stress media. Prior acclimation to 75% sea water (24.375 S) facilitates subsequent acclimation to 100% sea water (32.50 S) with less energy cost —an instance of facilitation acclimation. Smaller individuals of T. mossambica osmoregulate with less energy expenditure than larger ones. Thus, smaller individuals are osmotically more efficient.     

Effects of rogar and endosulfan on the metabolism of fresh water sponge (Spongilla lacustris)

Spongilla lacustris were exposed to sub lethal concentrations of pesticides, rogar and endosulfan for one month period. Metabolites like carbohydrates, protein and enzymes like those that peroxidase and carbonic anhydrase were estimated in the experimental and control animals. The results show, depletion of carbohydrates while protein elevated as the days progressed. Similarly an enzyme activity found to be decreased in exposed Spongilla lacustris.     

Influence of insecticidal derivative (cartap hydrochloride) from the marine polycheate on certain enzyme systems of the fresh water fish Oreochromis mossambicus

The activities of phosphatases and transaminases were studied in muscle and liver of the fresh water fish, Oreochromis mossambicus on exposure to different sublethal concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mgl(-1)) of cartap hydrochloride (insecticidal derivative from marine polycheate) for 96 h. There was an overall decrease in phosphatases and transaminases activity in muscle and liver of the fish subjected to cartap hydrochloride.     

Effect of surfactants on phosphatase level of fresh water fish Labeo rohita

Alterations in the activity of enzymes Acid phosphatase (E.C.3.1.3.2) and Alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) in organs such as liver, gills and muscle of rohu following its exposure to surfactants viz. CTAB, SDS and Triton X-100 were analyzed. Different levels of exposure were given depending on the LC50 value of the surfactant used. Also, the influence of age and weight of the organisms was tested simultaneously. The activity of ACP in the tissues of fish exposed to all the three surfactants showed marked enhancement after exposure; the effect being highest in the liver followed by gill and muscle. Activity levels of ALP in different tissues of the fish exposed to the surfactants also showed an increase. Maximum increase was found in the liver followed by muscle, and gill. The increase in the levels of these enzymes indicates a stressful condition of the fish.     

西维因对雄性罗非鱼(GIFT Oreochromis niloticus)内分泌干扰效应的研究

在实验室条件下研究了西维因对罗非鱼的急性毒性以及在不同暴露浓度下的西维因(0.064,0.8和5mg·L-1)对雄性罗非鱼性腺系数、血清雌二醇、睾酮含量的影响以及对卵黄蛋白原的诱导效应,以期对其环境雌激素效应研究有所贡献。结果表明:西维因对罗非鱼的24、48、72和96h的LC50分别为30.21、25.16、19.76和17.86mg·L-1。长期暴露于低剂量的西维因中,会使雄性罗非鱼精巢系数降低;对其血清雌二醇的合成具有诱导作用,当浓度为0.8mg·L-1时,诱导作用最强,此时血清雌二醇的含量为218.83pg·mL-1;卵黄蛋白原的含量随着西维因浓度的升高,逐渐增多,当处理浓度为5mg·L-1时,达到最大为393.01μg·L-1;随着西维因浓度的升高,睾酮含量逐渐降低,西维因的浓度为5mg·L-1时,睾酮含量达到10.58mol·L-1,差异极显著(p<0.01),这可能是由于西维因对雄性罗非鱼具有雌激素效应。     

Effects of some trace heavy metals on Poecilia reticulata (Peters)

Three trace heavy metals viz., nickel, copper and zinc were studied for their toxic action against Poecilia retriculata (Peters). Among these, copper was found to be most active followed by zinc and nickel. Accumulations of these metals as well as behavioural studies were carried out after exposing fish to sub-lethal concentration of LC20. It was found that the highest quantity of nickel was accumulated in the fish body followed by zinc and copper. After exposure to sub-lethal concentration of metals some behavioural changes in fish were observed due to stress, such as mucus like secretion over gills, excessive excretion, anoretic condition and increased distance between gills and operculum. In all the cases fin movement was observed. Role and use of such changes as biological indicators or as biological early warning system in water quality assessment has been discussed.     

贫营养型水库中罗非鱼对浮游植物的影响:围隔实验

于2009年9～11月在贫营养型的大型深水水库(流溪河水库)中进行了围隔(体积约为85 m3)实验,分析了罗非鱼对浮游植物的影响.根据水库中现有鱼类的生物量,设置加鱼处理组(2 g/m3)和无鱼对照组两组.每组有3个重复,实验开始后每周采样一次,测定水质与采集浮游生物定性和定量样品.实验结果表明,加鱼处理组和对照组的总氮、可溶性无机氮没有明显差别,实验后期的总磷与正磷有一定差别,处理组略高于对照组.加鱼处理组浮游植物丰度及生物量、叶绿素a的含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05),且透明度低于对照组,个体小于30μm的浮游植物种类的丰度与生物量较明显增加,浮游动物丰度显著低于对照组(P<0.05),但是生物量差异不显著(P>0.05).总的来说,在贫营养条件下,低生物量的罗非鱼对水库浮游植物群落结构仍有着明显的影响,罗非鱼排泄产生的上行效应大于摄食产生的下行效应.     

Reproduction of the estuarine mysid Taphromysis bowmani (Crustacea: Malacostraca) in fresh water

We have monitored the incorporation of ³H-glycine into, and the excretion of, soluble tissue and extrapallial fluid proteins in the hardshell clam Mercenaria mercenaria in an attempt to follow some of the metabolic events that occur antecedent to shell deposition. After incubating at 20°C for 48 h, clams were killed and the distribution of incorporated and unincorporated tritium in seawater, mantle fluid, hemocoelic-tissue fluid, extrapallial fluid and tissue was determined. Most of the incorporated tritium was in the insoluble tissue proteins. Much more incorporated tritium was found in the hemocoelic-tissue fluid fraction than in the extrapallial fluid. We assume that most of the radioactivity we followed was due to free or incorporated radioactive glycine. The ratio of ³H-protein to ³H-glycine was greater in the extrapallial fluid than in the hemocoelic-tissue fluid, suggesting either protein secretion into or glycine removal from the extrapallium. We also observed that both ³H-protein and ³H-glycine concentrations were higher in the mantle fluid than in the external sea water, although the ratios of ³H-glycine to ³H-protein in these two fluids were not different.     

Nickel induced changes on some aspects of protein metabolism in the tissues of Pila globosa

Some aspects of protein metabolism were studied in foot, hepatopancreas and mantle tissues of snail, Pila globosa on exposure to lethal concentration for 2 days (336.7 mg/L) and sublethal concentration (67.34 mg/L) of nickel for 1, 5 and 10 days. Total, structural and soluble proteins decreased significantly and to continence, this the levels of amino acids and protease activity increased in all the tissues of snail at all time points examined. Activities of AAT (Aspartate aminotransferase) and AlAT (Alanine aminotransferase) showed contrasting trends of inhibition and elevation during lethal and sublethal concentrations of nickel treatment. GDH (Glutamate dehydrogenase) activity was increased in all the tissues with increase in exposure time. Level of ammonia decreased in snails at sublethal concentration, but increment was observed in lethal concentration along with increased urea content. Under lethal and sublethal exposures, the changes in all the parameters were more pronounced in hepatopancreas followed by foot and mantle. At most instances, snails in the lethal medium were affected more compared to sublethal concentration.     

Toxicity of neem pesticides on a fresh water loach, Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton Buchanan) of Darjeeling district in West Bengal

Static renewal bioassay tests were conducted to evaluate the acute toxicity of two neem based biopesticides, applied widely on tea plantation namely, Nimbecidine and Neem Gold either separately as well as, in combination to the fingerlings (mean body length- 4.46 +/- 0.15 cm; mean body weight- 0.49 +/- 0.15g) of a fresh water loach, Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton Buchanan) acclimatized to laboratory conditions prior to experiment. The 96 hours LC50 values for Nimbecidine and Neem Gold and the combination of the two were 0.0135 mgl(-1), 0.0525mgl(-1) and 0.0396 mgl(-1), respectively. The regular water quality analysis showed, that with increasing doses of biopesticides, dissolved oxygen level was lower and other parameters like pH, free carbon dioxide, total alkalinity total hardness, chloride ions of water increased. The fish under toxicity stress suffered several abnormalities such as erratic and rapid movement, body imbalance and surface floating responding proportionately to the increase in concentrations of the toxicant biopesticides. The 96 hours LC50 values proved Nimbecidine more toxic than Neem Gold and the combination of the two biopesticides.     

A preliminary report on effect of pulsed magnetic fields on fresh water fish (Labeo rohita) chromosomes

Marine-life scientists around the world are already carrying out investigative trials to obtain higher yields under in-captive breeding conditions, on both edible varieties and ornamental fishes with optimal inputs. However, for such trials to succeed there is a need for genetic improvement. The idea that fish production can be enhanced by genetic manipulation is gaining acceptance, as there is a strong possibility that qualitative improvement of economically important traits can be achieved by identifying and utilizing more effective genotypes. In the present communication a tentative plan for genetic manipulation of fresh water fish using controlled, pulsed magnetic fields, is being discussed. Chromosome preparations of Labeo rohita were made using Colchicine-Methanol-Acetic acid air drying technique, using tissue from gills. The fish were exposed to Pulsed Magnetic Field (PMF)with intensity 0.2 Gauss, pulsing at 50 Hz frequency (sine wave) for 6 hours / day for a total period of 30 days inside specially designed magnetic field enclosures. The karyological investigations revealed no distinct difference between "test" and "control" groups.     

Notes on the occurrence of Tilapia zillii (Pisces) in Suez Bay

Tilapia zillii Gervais is recorded for the first time from Suez Bay off the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Ataqa (UAR), during October and November 1965 and 1966. Salinities and temperatures of surface sea water ranged from 42 to 42.79 and 23° to 24.4°C, respectively. The occurrence of specimens of T. zillii in the Bay indicates that it can tolerate high salinities and survive in the sea.     

Effect of water extract of the bark of Buchanania lanzan linn. on behaviour and chromatophores of a fresh water fish,Labeo rohita

Fish exposed to 150 ppm and 250 ppm doses saparately, showed eratic swimming with hyper-excitability, spiralling, convulsion and mortality. However at 350 ppm dose fish became lethargic and steady at the bottom of aquarium. This behaviour appears to be due to sedative effects of fish implicating the phychoactive nature of the plant B. Ianzan. At 150 ppm to 350 ppm doses, fish scale changed from reticulate to punctate chromatophores; and treated fish when transferred to fresh water, were slowly regained to normal behaviour after 96 h exposure. Hence doses regaining from 150 ppm to 350 ppm is considered to be psychoative in nature. In higher doses 450 ppm and 550 ppm fish could survive only 76 h and 4.30 h respectively and then died indicating toxicity of plant for the said doses. It is found that scale present on its body is most suitable test system for the study of psychoactivity and toxicity of plant extracts on fish, Labeo rohita.     

Effect of cadmium individually and in combination with other metals on the nutritive value of fresh water fish,Channa punctatus

Impact of metal cadmium on the nutritive value of Channa punctatus on exposure to a sublethal concentration (1.12 mg/l) of cadmium (Cd2+) for 15 and 60 days has been studied. Among the various parameters selected, the level of moisture in liver and muscle was increased, while decrease was noted in the level of ash, total proteins and inorganic constituents like iron, calcium, inorganic phosphate, sodium and potassium in both liver and muscle in the two types of exposure. The total lipid level of liver increased, while muscle lipid level was decreased. On the other hand, calcium, iron, inorganic phosphate, sodium and potassium levels showed increase in blood. Zinc and selenium decreased the percentage alterations in all the parameters selected for study. In the two types of exposure, zinc was most effective to counteract the cadmium toxicity to fish as in almost all the parameters insignificant alterations were recorded. In combination studies, protection against cadmium toxicity by the two chemicals became more marked with increase in the tenure of exposure.     

Carbofuran induced impairment in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal-gonadal complex in the teleost,Channa punctalus (Bloch)

The effect of chronic exposure to carbofuran (4.5 ppm in static water) for six months on the gonadal histophysiology and hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal complex was studied in Channa punctatus. Experimental observations revealed significant inhibition of gonadal development with associated degenerative abnormalities as evidenced by ovarian and testicular histology and reduced gonadosomatic index. Degenerative changes in ovary were exihibited by stage I (oogonium) and stage II (immature/non-vitellogenic) oocytes as marked by perinuclear ooplasmic lysis, clumping and dissolution resulting in disintigration of nuclear material altogether attributed to complete degeneration of such oocytes. Testicular deleterious changes included degeneration of spermatogenic elements and necrosis of interstitial cells of Leydig. Correlative histophysiological changes were also observed in the pituitary gonadotrophs and hypothalamic, nucleus pre-opticus, neurons that were smaller, inactive and less in number with associated necrosis. Corresponding to the changes in nucleus pre-opticus neurons, significant inhibition of brain monoamine oxidase enzyme activity was also recorded in treated group. These observations suggest that carbofuran even at low concentration level under long-term exposure is capable of inducing retardation of gonadal development which might have been mediated through the impairment of the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal-gonadal axis in this species.     

Uptake of 137Cs in cultured fresh water fish (Cyprinus carpio): Physiological and histological effects

An experiment was conducted in fresh‐water fish (Cyprinus carpio) cultured, in small water tanks, artificially contaminated with radioactive ¹³⁷Cs (3000 Bq/1) to determine the uptake of ¹³⁷Cs and its physiological and histological effects in different fish organs.

It was found that ¹³⁷Cs was located in muscular tissues, gills, head muscles, liver and kidneys. Moderate amounts were found in spleen, eyes, gonads, intestine and urinary bladder. It seems that sorption was of much less importance than ingestion in the uptake of ¹³⁷Cs. The histological examination in musculature tissue, revealed an acute hyperemia with focal hemorrages which may be due to allergic effects of ¹³⁷Cs. Hyperemia and focal fatty degeneration of hepatic cells was also noted in the liver which may be due to toxic effects of ¹³⁷Cs diffused hyperemia has also occurred in the brain and focal degeneration of epithelial cells of renal tubules.     

Mesozooplankton distribution,metabolism and grazing in an anticyclonic slope water oceanic eddy (SWODDY) in the Bay of Biscay

Mesozooplankton distribution, metabolism and feeding were investigated in the slope water oceanic anticyclonic eddy (SWODDY) AE6 during the cruise Gigovi-0898, which was conducted in August 1998 in the Bay of Biscay. According to the distribution of isotherms at 200 m depth, the sampling area was divided into three zones: SWODDY centre (C), edge (E) and outside the SWODDY (O). Multivariate analysis identified four different zooplankton assemblages. Such separation was closely related to the structure of the SWODDY, with each grouping associated to a particular zone of this mesoscale structure. Thus, two of the groups were located at the SWODDY centre and outside (groups C and O, respectively), whereas the two remaining station groupings (T_WE and T_NS) were situated at the SWODDY margin. The assemblages C and O differed clearly from each other in their taxonomic composition. In contrast, T_WE and T_NS were separated because of the differences observed in numerical abundance rather than by a different composition. Some taxa were found exclusively outside the SWODDY, while others were confined to the centre, suggesting a large degree of isolation of the SWODDY with respect to the surrounding waters. Phytoplankton and mesozooplankton biomass followed a similar pattern, with highest values in the SWODDY centre, although the differences between zones were significant only for phytoplankton. The highest grazing impact for both phytoplankton standing stock (3.4%) and primary production (12.7%) was observed outside the SWODDY. Ammonium released by mesozooplankton accounted for between 25.3% (outside the SWODDY) and 44.4% (SWODDY centre) of total phytoplankton nitrogen demands. The percentage of total phosphorus required to be fulfilled by phosphate excretion ranged from 14.0% at the edge to 17.5% outside. Mesozooplankton underwent intense vertical migrations, especially at the SWODDY edge. The role of the mesozooplankton in the biological pump releasing metabolic end-products below 200 m at night time is proposed as one of the main sources of downward export of biogenic material in these systems.Communicated by S.A. Poulet, Roscoff