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At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
USGS2019

Growth disparity in sympatric kokanee breeding groups

Growth is arguably the most important dynamic rate function due to its interaction with survival and recruitment. As such, understanding the mechanisms underlying growth is a primary focus of fisheries research. Kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, provide an interesting case study for investigating the factors that influence growth. Early‐run and late‐run kokanee occur in Lake Pend Oreille, but early‐run fish generally grow faster than late‐run fish. The observed growth disparity between early‐ and late‐run fish could be due to genetic differences between the two groups. Conversely, a common hatchery practice of slowing growth by reducing feed has been hypothesized to elicit a compensatory growth response in early‐run fish and to explain the size difference between breeding groups. Using two different experiments, we tested the hypotheses that (1) early‐run kokanee are genetically disposed to grow faster than late‐run kokanee at identical water temperatures; and (2) feed restriction elicits a compensatory growth response in early‐run kokanee that explains the observed size difference between breeding groups. Estimates of mean FL, weight, Fulton's condition factor ( K ), and specific growth rate (SGR) were not significantly different ( P ≥ 0.05) between early‐run and late‐run fish in the first experiment. However, water temperature was positively related to mean FL, weight, K , and SGR for both breeding groups. Fish that were subjected to food deprivation exhibited an increased growth rate and obtained weights similar to those of control fish. Overall, our results suggest that early‐ and late‐run fish have similar growth potential, but certain hatchery practices likely provide early‐run fish with an initial advantage in growth, size, or both.

Idaho↗
USGS2021

Effect of temperature on survival of Lost River Suckers with a natural infection of Ichthyobodo spp.

To compensate for low natural survival of endangered Lost River Suckers Deltistes luxatus , the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Klamath Tribes have initiated captive rearing programs. We conducted laboratory experiments intended to determine the temperature for optimum growth of juvenile Lost River Suckers; however, due to an unanticipated infection with Ichthyobodo spp., we instead estimated survival in conjunction with temperature and parasite loads. Ichthyobodo spp. are common parasites that infest fish skin and gills; they are known to be present in Upper Klamath Lake and have been found in fish at both the federal and tribal fish-rearing facilities. All fish held at mean temperatures of 16°C and 19°C survived the entire 65-d experiment, whereas the median time to death was 27 d at 22°C, 8 d at 24°C, and 7 d at 26°C. Gill samples from all Lost River Suckers tested positive for Ichthyobodo spp. DNA, with a trend toward higher copy numbers in suckers that were held at a mean temperature of 22°C or warmer compared to those held at 19°C or cooler. Fish kept at all temperatures grew slowly. These results suggest that survival of Lost River Suckers with a natural infection of Ichthyobodo spp. was significantly impacted by temperature.

North American Journal of Aquaculture↗
USGS2022

Quantitative method development to determine feed consumption using a dye

Although there are many methods to determine ingestion and absorption of aquafeeds, none exist that are simple, cost-effective, and quantitative and that can mark fish with a long-lasting, visible indicator. In addition to aquafeed development, selective baits are needed that can be used for aquatic invasive species removal efforts, including for Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella . Bait incorporated with a pesticide would allow for selective removal of targeted species. A method to quickly assess multiple bait formulations was developed to expediate development for invasive species management. Incorporation of Sudan Black B (SBB) in aquafeeds at concentrations greater than 75 and 120 mg SBB/kg fish resulted in pigmented external soft tissues of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss , respectively, 24 h after consumption. Visual confirmation of consumption was detectable in the gastrointestinal tract at all concentrations tested (≥10 mg SBB/kg) and quantifiable by absorbance measured at 601 nm from extracted SBB in tissues at concentrations less than those required for visual pigmentation. Although SBB was detectable in multiple tissues, fin and mandible tissues yielded the greatest accuracy in estimating consumption from extracted SBB. Compared with other tissues tested, liver tissue accumulated the highest level of SBB but had the greatest variability, while muscle tissue accumulated little detectable SBB. We used the SBB analytical method to compare consumption of six novel baits that were in the initial developmental stages to produce a palatable bait formulation designed to attract Grass Carp for management control. Overwhelming preference of a rapeseed bait formulation was confirmed using SBB as a tracer of consumption in the laboratory; however, use of SBB under natural conditions may be valuable for answering additional questions. Baits incorporated with SBB allowed for the rapid, simultaneous assessment of multiple formulations and could allow for future refinement of management baits, with results available as quickly as 24–72 h after application.

North American Journal of Aquaculture↗
USGS2022

The development of genetic sex identification markers and evidence of a male heterogametic sex determination system in Red Shiner

The Red Shiner Cyprinella lutrensis is of increasing management interest as an invasive species that negatively impacts many native fishes throughout North America. Trojan sex chromosome (TSC)-carrying individuals could theoretically control invasive fish populations by skewing the sex ratio to 100% male. The efficacy of TSC-based control programs requires an understanding of a population's sex determination system, yet such information is lacking for Red Shiner. We used single-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing to discover sex-linked single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and we conducted a series of breeding experiments to uncover the sex determination system. All candidate sex-linked SNPs that fit our selection criteria exhibited a pattern of male heterogamety. We developed two sex-identification (sex-ID) marker assays, XY_248 and XY_170, which showed phenotype–genotype concordance scores of 77.00% and 84.35%, respectively. These sex-ID markers exhibited relatively high phenotype–genotype concordance in females (XY_248 = 96.30%; XY_170 = 98.61%), which allowed for selective breeding of phenotypically feminized genetic males. We observed a 3:1 male : female sex ratio in spawns from feminized males crossed with wild-type males, indicative of a male heterogametic sex determination system (i.e., XY male/XX female). The discovery of a male heterogametic sex determination system, in combination with our two markers, increases the likelihood of developing an effective TSC eradication strategy for invasive Red Shiner populations.

North American Journal of Aquaculture↗
USGS2023

Efficacy of florfenicol and oxytetracycline administered in feed to control cisco mortality associated with Aeromonas salmonicida infections

Two medications (one with florfenicol and one with oxytetracycline) that are approved in the United States to control mortality due to furunculosis associated with Aeromonas salmonicida were assessed to determine their efficacy in medicated feeds to treat A. salmonicida -infected Cisco (also known as Lake Herring) Coregonus artedi . Cisco were subjected to static infection baths containing A. salmonicida or a sham control and then were distributed to replicate test tanks within four treatment groups: (1) fish infected with A. salmonicida and treated with 15 mg florfenicol·kg body weight (BW) −1 ·d −1 , (2) fish infected with A. salmonicida and treated with 83 mg oxytetracycline·kg BW −1 ·d −1 , (3) fish infected with A. salmonicida and treated with a nonmedicated control feed, and (4) uninfected fish treated with a nonmedicated control feed. Medicated and comparative nonmedicated feed rations were administered at 2% BW/d for 10 consecutive days in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug label, followed by a 7-d postdosing observation period using only nonmedicated feed. Cisco that were infected with A. salmonicida and treated with florfenicol (79% survival) and oxytetracycline (85% survival) had significantly higher survival than A. salmonicida -infected fish that received no medicated treatment (3% survival). No statistical difference in Cisco survival between the two medicated feed types was found. Aeromonas salmonicida was not detected in the kidney tissue of any surviving fish treated with medicated feeds at 7 d postdosing using quantitative PCR analysis. Overall, this study demonstrated that florfenicol- and oxytetracycline-medicated feeds were effective A. salmonicida treatments for Cisco. Outcomes may inform ongoing propagation efforts for Cisco restoration within the Great Lakes basin.

North American Journal of Aquaculture↗
USGS2023

Is chemical control for crayfish in hatchery fish shipments practical?

Invasive crayfish (family Cambaridae) displace native crayfish species and alter aquatic habitat, community structure, and ecosystem function. We evaluated whether chemical control can be a reliable control agent for crayfish to ensure that shipments from fish hatcheries did not result in new infestations of invasive crayfish. A series of acute (≤1 h) toxicity tests were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of cypermethrin and pyrethrin to crayfish, freshwater mussels, and fish; chemical concentrations in test organisms; effectiveness of carbon-block filters to remove cypermethrin from test waters; and the cost of chemical control relative to extra handling of fish. Cypermethrin dosed at 75 μg/L for 15 min resulted in 100% mortality of adult white river crawfish Procambarus acutus and virile crayfish Faxonius virilis but did not cause >20% mortality in adult pondmussel Ligumia subrostrata , juvenile fatmucket Lampsilis siliquoidea , fingerling Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus , hybrid sunfish (Bluegill × Green Sunfish L. cyanellus ), hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis ), yearling Paddlefish Polyodon spathula, or ready-to-eat Bluegill, hybrid sunfish, and Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus . Behavioral effects, such as loss of equilibrium or head shaking, were generally limited to 1 h postexposure. Mean concentrations of cypermethrin increased in fish fillets (4–26 μg/g) and whole fish (5–1,770 μg/g); therefore, regulations limiting harvest for up to 7 d following stocking may be required. A carbon-block filtration system was effective in reducing (<90%) cypermethrin concentrations and thus reducing potential effects to nontarget species in receiving waters. Extra handling of fish was more cost-effective for all fish tested except for Paddlefish, where the cost of chemical control was half that for extra handling. For all other fish tested, chemical control was 4–10 times more expensive than extra handling. Special use permits or chemical registration are needed before chemical control for crayfish could be routinely used at fish hatcheries.

North American Journal of Aquaculture↗
USGS2023

The effects of estradiol-17β on the sex reversal, survival, and growth of Red Shiner and its use in the development of YY individuals

Objective The Red Shiner Cyprinella lutrensis is one of the most prolific and ecologically destructive invasive fish species in the southwestern United States. The production and release of YY individuals as Trojan sex chromosome carriers can theoretically eradicate invasive fish populations by eventually eliminating phenotypic females. Methods The YY individuals are typically produced through hormonally induced sex reversals and selective breeding of subsequently feminized males. We tested three dosages of estradiol-17β (E2)-treated diets (50, 100, and 150 mg of E2 per kg of diet) administered to sexually immature Red Shiner for various durations to determine their effectiveness at feminizing Red Shiner cohorts. Survival, growth, and gonadal development were assessed for each treatment. Result All E2 treatments had minimal, if any, detrimental effects on the growth and gonadal development of Red Shiner. The 50-mg dosage lasting from 2 to 120 days posthatch achieved a 100% feminization rate while using the lowest amount of E2; therefore, this dosage and treatment interval are recommended when attempting Red Shiner feminization under these rearing conditions. Feminization of males allowed for the spawning of neofemales (F XY ) with wild-type males (M XY ), which resulted in the first putative YY Red Shiner. The YY verification crosses ( n = 20) resulted in predominately male offspring (189 males/191 offspring) except for (1) an intersex individual from an M YY × F XX cross with two previtellogenic oocytes in its testis and (2) a single female that may have resulted from an inbred cross between an XY male and a YY female or from an unknown autosomal or environmental effect on sexual phenotype. Conclusion More progeny tests with inbred and outbred crosses should be conducted to determine the prevalence of female offspring from YY individuals and how this may impact an eradication strategy featuring releases of YY Red Shiner.

North American Journal of Aquaculture↗
USGS2024

Survival and growth of larval Pallid Sturgeon are improved by a live diet

Objective Conservation propagation facilities in the upper basin of the Missouri River are currently experiencing inconsistent survival of first-feeding larval Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus among genetic families (i.e., distinct male–female pairings). The inconsistent survival can have unintended negative consequences for genetic representation of Pallid Sturgeon that are returned to the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. We conducted a laboratory study designed to determine whether a live diet improves survival and growth of first-feeding larval Pallid Sturgeon. Methods First-feeding larval Pallid Sturgeon from three distinct genetic families were assigned to one of the following diets: live first instar brine shrimp ( Artemia franciscana ) nauplii, an Otohime dry diet, a 50–50% combination of Otohime and live first instar brine shrimp nauplii, or food restricted (no food). Mortality was evaluated at the end of each day and at the end of the trial (21 days after the onset of exogenous feeding), and individual weight (g) was measured at the end of the trial. Result Pallid Sturgeon larvae that received a live diet (either solely live first instar brine shrimp nauplii or the combined diet) experienced higher survival than larvae that were fed solely Otohime. Furthermore, there was statistical evidence that larvae receiving solely live first instar brine shrimp nauplii were heavier at 21 days postexogenous feeding than larvae that were fed either solely Otohime or the combined diet. Conclusion Our results suggest that a live diet can improve survival and growth of first-feeding larval Pallid Sturgeon at conservation propagation facilities.

North American Journal of Aquaculture↗
USGS1974

Effects of stocking density and water exchange rate on growth and survival of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) in circular tanks

Channel catfish were cultured for 177 days in circular tanks containing 1.6 m 3 of water at combinations of five stocking densities (90–720 fish/m 3 ) and five water exchange rates (2.0–0.5 h per exchange). Net yield increased as stocking density increased up to 540 fish/m 3 then declined at higher densities. Mean fish weight, feed conversion efficiency and survival all declined as stocking density increased. Water exchange rates of 1.5 h or greater achieved similar results at stocking densities of 180 and 360 fish/m 3 . However, at a density of 540 fish/m 3 a faster exchange rate resulted in increased growth, feed conversion efficiency and survival. At 2.0 h per exchange, these parameters were depressed at 180 and 360 fish/m 3 . The following predictive equations ( P = 0.01) were formulated from the data, where x 1 represents the stocking density and x 2 the exchange rate. Net yield: Y 1 = &#x2212;64.785 + 0.52x 1 + 121.977x 2 &#x2212; 2.25 &#xD7; 10 &#x2212;5 x 1 2 &#x2212; 43.989x 2 2 &#x2212; 0.0104x 1 x 2 . "> Y 1 = −64.785 + 0.52x 1 + 121.977x 2 − 2.25 × 10 −5 x 12 − 43.989x 2 2 − 0.0104x 1 x 2 . Mean fish weight: Y 2 = 26.649 &#x2212; 0.346x 1 &#xD7; 246.384x 2 &#x2212; 97.55x 2 2 . "> Y 2 = 26.649 − 0.346x 1 × 246.384x 2 − 97.55x 2 2 . Feed conversion efficiency: Y 3 = 1.799 &#x2212; 9.673 &#xD7; 10 &#x2212;4 x 1 + 0.464x 2 2 . "> Y 3 = 1.799 − 9.673 × 10 −4 x 1 + 0.464x 2 2 . The maximum predicted net yield of 93.1 kg occurs at a stocking density of 399 fish/m 3 and 0.91 h per exchange.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1977

Immunization of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) against vibriosis using the hyperosmotic infiltration technique

Various procedures of hyperosmotic infiltration (HI) and intraperitoneal injection were used to vaccinate sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka ) with killed Vibrio anguillarum . Excellent protection was evident against experimentally induced vibriosis in the groups immunized by HI with 10 &times; Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS), 1 &times; HBSS with 8.0% NaCl and 5.3% NaCl, as well as in the injected groups. Comparisons were made among the various immunization methods by vaccinating fish with ten-fold serial dilutions of bacterin, then challenging them by the water contact method after 6 or 9 weeks. Protection was somewhat better with 10 &times; HBSS than with 5.3% NaCl, and 1 &times; HBSS containing 8.0% NaCl was markedly superior to the vaccination of fish without hyperosmotic treatment. Agglutinin titers did not exceed 1 : 8 in any group.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1982

Zooplankton production and manipulation in striped bass rearing ponds

Zooplankton production and survival of striped bass fry ( Morone saxatilis ) were examined in ponds treated either with organic fertilizer (in 1980) or with a combination of organic and liquid inorganic fertilizers and inoculated with Daphnia pulex (in 1981). In 1980, there were significant differences in water quality variables and chlorophyll α levels among treatments in three series of three ponds fertilized only with different amounts of ground hay. Production of crustacean zooplankton was low, and rotifer populations increased as the number of crustaceans was reduced by predation. Electron transport system (ETS) activity was low in all treatments. Survival of striped bass differed greatly within and between treatments, ranging from 1 to 64% and averaging 17%. In 1981, water quality variation was less among treatments in four series of three ponds inoculated with Daphnia and fertilized either with chicken litter-chicken manure in combination with liquid ammonium nitrate and phosphoric acid, or with ground hay. Rotifer species were less abundant and numbers of crustacean zooplankton, total protein, and ETS activity were higher than in 1980. Survival of striped bass in 1981 ranged from 1 to 96% and averaged 45% in the ponds fertilized and inoculated with Daphnia . Numbers of striped bass fingerlings produced per hectare and percent survival were significantly greater in 1981 (manure-fertilized ponds) than in 1980 (hay-fertilized ponds). Combinations of organic and liquid inorganic fertilizers and zooplankton inoculation are suggested to develop and maintain the zooplankton forage base in striped bass rearing ponds. Management effort (including the amounts and timing of organic and liquid inorganic fertilizers) should be shifted to maximize crustacean zooplankton foods during the period 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the fish are stocked.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1982

A review of pond zooplankton production and fertilization for the culture of larval and fingerling striped bass

Successful culture of the planktivorous fry of warmwater fish species such as striped bass ( Morone saxatilis ) depends heavily upon the composition and density of zooplankton established in rearing ponds during the 4–6-week culture period. The paper reviews the growth, reproduction, and succession patterns of zooplankton in ponds, organic and inorganic pond fertilization, and predator—prey relationships as they relate to the culture of striped bass fingerlings. Based upon this information, a pond management strategy is proposed using combinations of organic and liquid inorganic fertilizers and crustacean zooplankton inoculation to develop and maintain the zooplankton forage base in striped bass rearing ponds.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1983

Effect of temperature on production of tiger muskellunge in intensive culture

Tiger muskellunge ( Esox masquinony × E. lucius ) juveniles were reared at constant temperatures in the temperature range 14–28°C. For fish 3–4 cm long, growth, production and feed conversion efficiency were greatest at 20–22°C. Survival was reduced and unaccountable mortality (cannibalism index) was greatest at 24°C. Growth per unit of temperature was about equal over the range 16–22°C. For fish 12–13 cm long, feed conversion efficiency and mean individual growth were greatest at 23°C; growth per unit of temperature was nearly equal over the range 20–24°C.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1983

Plasma corticosteroid and chloride dynamics in rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, and lake trout during and after stress

Levels of plasma corticosteroids and chloride were studied in rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ), lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ), and Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) after 6 h of confinement in a shallow dipnet. Plasma corticosteroids increased more sharply in rainbow trout than in the other species during the confinement, and returned to resting levels more slowly. Plasma chloride levels decreased significantly from resting levels in both rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon confined for 6 h and had not recovered 12 h after release from the dipnet; very little effect was observed in lake trout. Both plasma corticosteroid and chloride dynamics appear to vary widely in closely related species. The differences do not appear to be related to ease of maintaining the species in captivity.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1985

Immune response of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, to bacterial and protozoan antigens administered by three routes

Experiments were conducted to measure the agglutinating antibody response of channel catfish to a particulate and a soluble antigen administered simultaneously by one of three routes. Specific antibody production in response to administration of particulate brucella tube-test antigen via intramuscular injection, oral drench, and topical application peaked at 3 weeks in channel catfish held under identical conditions at 21°C. The humoral antibody response was greater in fish injected with antigen than in the orally or topically exposed channel catfish. Specific antibody was also produced by the same channel catfish in response to the administration of a soluble ciliary preparation derived from Tetrahymena pyriformis Lwoff. Intramuscular injection of Tetrahymena antigen was the only route that produced detectable levels of circulating antibody as measured by direct agglutination of live T. pyriformis cells. The response to the soluble antigen also peaked at 3 weeks. Neither antigen elicited detectable agglutinins in cutaneous mucus, regardless of the vaccination method used.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1986

Tissue distribution and elimination of radiolabelled methyltestosterone fed to sexually undifferentiated blue tilapia

Populations of monosex male Oreochromis aureus can result when the synthetic androgen 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) is fed to sexually undifferentiated fish; however, concerns exist over residues of the androgen remaining in fish destined for human consumption. Radioactivity in the carcass and viscera was evaluated in juvenile fish fed steroid-incorporated diet (tritium and carbon-14 labelled MT and 30 μg unlabelled MT/g feed) for 21 days, and depletion was monitored for 21 days after return to an untreated diet. Radioactivity was detected in the carcass within 1 h after initial feeding and reached highest levels by 6 h. Most of the radioactivity (> 90%) was in the viscera during the 21 days the radio-labelled diet was being fed. Radioactivity was eliminated exponentially, decreasing by 90% within 24 h after the last feeding. After 21 days of feeding untreated diet, < 1% of the original radioactivity remained (representing about 5 ng MT/g of tissue), and was evenly distributed between carcass and viscera. The observed low levels of residual radioactivity at conclusion of the sex reversal period, as well as anticipated dilution through growth during the culture of fish to marketable size, support the conclusion that no potential health hazard exists for people who eat fish that have been fed MT as juveniles.

Aquaculture↗
USGS1986

Tissue distribution and elimination of radiolabelled methyltestosterone fed to adult blue tilapia

Radioactivity levels in 10 tissues were monitored for 21 days after adult (1-year-old) blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus , were fed a single meal of a diet containing 30 μg unlabelled methyltestosterone (MT) per gram of feed and radiolabelled MT ( 3 H-labelled steroid nucleus and 14 C-labelled 17α-methyl group). Radioactivity was highest in all tissues 6–12 h after the feeding; about 90% of the radioactivity was in the digestive tract, liver, gall bladder, and kidney. Radioactivity declined nearly 90% by 4 days and only 0.5% of original radioactivity (67 ng/g of fish) remained after 21 days. Half of the remaining exogenous hormone was in digestive and excretory tissues; concentrations in muscle were less than 1 ng/g of tissue. Ratios of 3 H: 14 C in tissues were similar to those incorporated in the diet and suggested that the 17α-methyl group was not removed during metabolism.

Aquaculture↗