Abstract:The early development and feeding of larval Sebastes schlegelii were studied at water temperature of 15.4～16.0 ℃, salinity 30～32 and pH 8.4. Results showed that the total length of the newly hatched S. schlegelii larvae was 6.07±0.25mm, with the rudimental yolk sac at abdomen. The total length of 1-day old larvae was 6.21±0.31mm, and the larvae started exogenous feeding of rotifers Brachionus plicatilis which were nourished with unicellular algae (Chlorella sp.). The total length of the 20-day-old post-larvae was 8.81±0.40mm, feeding nauplii of brine shrimp Artemia salina. The relationship between increment in total length (TL) and the age in days (D) was described as: TL (mm) =0.009 6D2 -0.041 5D + 6.750 3 (R² = 0.987 7). In the starvation tests, negative growth of the starved fish was obvious. The 4th day after hatching is the critical time for a 3-day-old larva to resist starving. The period of no return (PNR) from re-gaining food was about two days. 1-day-old larvae got the highest average feeding intensity at 8∶00, while 5-day-old larvae at 16∶00. Following the increase of catching ability, the feeding intensity reached the highest point at 12∶00 for 12-day-old and 19-day-old larvae. 24-day-old post larvae's feeding intensity reached the highest at 12∶0030-day-old post larvae get the highest feeding intensity from 12∶00 to 16∶00, and the peak at 16∶00 is higher than that at 12∶00 obviously. Larvae showed a feeding incidence of 100% in 24 h. Therefore, these results indicated that there was no obvious feeding rhythm in early development stage of S. schlegelii. Feeding rhythms of S. schlegelii larvae belonged to the all-day feeding with feeding peaks occurred at daytime.

Abstract:Based on the data of fork length of Scomber japonicus caught in coastal waters of East China Sea and central & southern Yellow Sea from May to December in 2007, and fisheries production statistics of East China Sea and Yellow Sea, the biomass of Scomber japonicus resources in the western East China Sea was evaluated by length-structure VPA method and its actual utilization structure and degree were analyzed. The results showed that the age structure of Scomber japonicus of the western East China Sea populations mainly were 0+ year fish (31.87%) and 1 years fish (49.90%), the current annual resources was in number 3.68×10⁹ N and 39.55×10⁴ t in biomass, respectively. The fishery of Scomber japonicus was in the low to moderate degree, and maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is up to 24.08×10⁴ t. Catch of the year has exceeded MSY, and it can make the resource in a better state if fishing young fish is prohibited. By analyzing its utilization period and age structure of catches,it is suggested that the stock of Scomber japonicus in the western East China Sea could remain relatively steady, even though the annual yield had exceeded MSY.

Abstract:Based on the trawl surveys in the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea and determination of the related annual average temperature (T), asymptotic weight (W∞), the aspect ratio of caudal fin (A) and stomach contents (Ft), Q/B values of 103 fish species were calculated by three empirical models. The Q/B values ranged from 3.09 (for Lophius litulon )to 19.13 (for Benthosema pterotum) and the average value was 7.97. The amount of annual food consumption by the fish species was assessed based on the Q/B values and the amount of biomass. In the Yellow Sea, the major species including Engraulis japonicus, Trachurus japonicus, Scomber japonicus, Liparis tanakai, and Larimichthys polyactis，was consumed 4.49×106 tons/year. In the East China Sea, the major species such as Trachurus japonicus, Trichiurus haumela, Acropoma japonicum Günther, Engraulis japonicus, and Scomberomorus niphonius, was consumed 1.75×106 tons/year. Food consumption by 97 fish species in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea were 4.66×106 tons/year and 2.78×106 tons/year, respectively. Meanwhile, the quantity of major food organisms such as Euphausiids, Engraulis japonicus, Acropoma japonicum Günther, Benthosema pterotum, Apogon lineatus, Loligo japonica Hoyle, Copepoda, Sergestidae, Leptochela gracilis and Crangon affinis consumed in the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea was evaluated. The total amount of major food organisms consumed in the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea was 5.55×106 tons/year, accounting for 74.6% of the total food consumption by 97 fish species.

Abstract:An exploited ecosystem of the southern East China Sea in 1999~2002 was described by means of an ecopath mass-balance model with the aim of characterizing its function and structure. This application included some complexities added to the general modeling methodology due to the high biodiversity of the East China Sea and the multispecies nature of the fishery, and the difficulties of working with fishing data which are usually irregularly or imprecisely collected. The model comprised 20 functional groups including primary producers, the main species of benthic, demersal and pelagic invertebrates, fishes and non-fish vertebrates and detritus. Results showed that the functional groups were organized into six trophic levels with the highest levels corresponding to the top predators, shark and rays. The system was dominated by the pelagic fraction, where sardines and anchovy prevailed in terms of fish production, biomass and catches. Detritus and detritivorous groups also played key roles in the ecosystem. Considering Odum's theory of ecosystem development, the ecosystem was placed on a low developmental stage with high net primary production (NPP), net primary production/total respiration (NPP/R) and lower connectance index (CI), system omnivory index (SOI) and finn's cycling index (FCI).

Abstract:One hundred 3-month aged Paralichthys olivaceus were randomly sampled for measuring five morphometric traits including full length (X1), body length (X2), head length (X3), body thickness (X4), body height (X5) and body weight (Y). Through path analysis and multiple linear regression with SAS 8.2 software，this study estimated the path coefficients and determination coefficients of each morphometric trait to body weight and dissected effect of each morphometric trait on body weight as direct effect and indirect effect. This study also confirmed the main morphometric traits influencing the body weight of 3 month aged P. olivaceus and provided data support and optimal measuring indexes for selective breeding of P. olivaceus. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between all morphometric traits and body weight were extremely significant (P<0.01). The path coefficients of body length, body thickness and body width of 3-month aged P. olivaceus to body weight were all extremely significant (P<0.01). The total determination coefficient (R²) of all selected morphometric traits to body weight was 0.945, Indicating that the morphometric traits included in this study were major factors influencing body weight. The insignificant morphometric traits were excluded through coefficient test of partial regression, and then the optimal multiple linear regression equation was established as Y=-4.988+0.763X2 2.997X4 1.089X5, for which all included partial regression coefficients were extremely significant (P<0.01).

Abstract:Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), functioning as a molecular chaperone in protein biosynthesis, plays an important role in signal transduction, immune response and embryogenesis. We have recently isolated the cDNA encoding HSP90 from turbot Psetta maxima spleen cDNA library. The full length cDNA of the HSP90 contains 97bp 5’terminal UTR, 501bp 3’terminal UTR and 2,190bp open reading frame for a protein of 729 amino acid residues. Comparison of amino acid sequence revealed the presence of five classical HSP90 signature sequences in turbot HSP90. The deduced amino acid sequence of turbot HSP90 exhibited higher homology with HSP90β isoform. HSP90 transcripts were found to be expressed in all tested normal physiological tissues (intestine, kidney, gill, skin, liver, spleen, head kidney, gonad, brain, muscle and heart) and could also be detected in the earlier embryonic stage. The level of HSP90 mRNA in embryos gradually increased during embryogenesis and reached the maximum at tail bud stage. Challenge of turbot embryonic cell line (TEC) with pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio anguillarum, elevated HSP90 mRNA levels dramatically. These results demonstrated that this turbot HSP90 cDNA sequence was the constitutive expressed HSP90β isoform, and it may be involved in embryogenesis and cellular protection events under normal and stress condition.

Abstract:Nutritional components of Liza haematocheila muscle were determined with conventional methods.The results were analyzed and compared in order to evaluate the nutritional quality of L.haematocheila. The results showed that contents of moisture,crude protein,crude fat,ash,carbohydrates of the fish muscles were 80.90%,17.25%,0.76%,0.83% and 0.26%,respectively.The total percentage of 17 amino acids and 7 essential amino acids were 82.51% and 33.14% in the dried muscle samples,respectively.The percentage of essential amino acids in the total amino acids was 40.18%,and the ratio of essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids was 0.7∶8∶1.Apparently,the two ratios in the muscle of L.haematocheila were in accord with the standard of FAO/WHO (40%,60%).According to amino acids score (AAS) and chemical score (CS),the first limiting amino acid was Methionine+ Cystine and the second limiting amino acid was Valine in the muscle of L.haematocheila,with an essential amino acid indice (EAAI) of 59.63. Twenty four fatty acids were found in the dried muscle samples and the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids was 3∶1; the ratio of ω-6 and ω-3 (6.11∶1) essential fatty acids was reasonable. The content of EPA+DHA was 4.32% in the dried sample,which was higher than some other economic fishes.The composition of trace elements in the muscles of L.haematocheila was reasonable. In general, L.haematocheila is euryhaline fish species with balanced nutrition and relatively high nutritional value,which deserves further exploitation and popularization.

Abstract:The ultrastructure of the spermatozoon of Scapharca broughtonii was observed with scan and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The results of SEM demonstrated that the total length of spermatozoon was 55μm,composed of head,middle piece and tail.The head length of spermatozoon was 2 μm and the diameter was 1.5 μm at the maximum width.The results of TEM demonstrated that the head of spermatozoon consisted of acrosome and nuclear.The acrosome was in the front of head, somewhat obtuse and V-shaped upside down.A gap existed between the acrosome and the nuclear.The nuclear, in which there were posterior nuclear fossa and implantation fossa,without anterior nuclear fossa, was under acrosome and accounted for 2/3 of the head volume.The middle-piece was formed by centrosome which was revolved around by 5 oval-shaped mitochondrias.The long axis diameter of cross section at mitochondria was 0.6μm and the short axis diameter was 0.5μm. The flagellum was slender and consisted of tail fiber which was surrounded by plasma membrane,with an axoneme inside. The cross section was circular and its diameter was 0.15 μm, showing a typical “9+2” structure.

Abstract:Rab gene family plays an important role for endosome in formation, transportation, anchoring and fusion of/with phagosome/lysosome.Based on the existing Rab cDNA fragment of Pinctada martensii,the total open reading frame was cloned by using RACE method.The total cDNA consists of 2519 bp,including a 618 bp coding sequence region.Analysis of deduced amino acid sequences showed that all conserved motifs and regions can be found among these 206 amino acids.Furthermore,it was suggested that this Rab gene was a Rab7 homology because its amino acids constitution was more similar to Rab7 of human beings and other organisms, than to any other Rab subfamilies. Rab7 transcripts could be detected at expected levels respectively in liver and blood of P.martensii infected or not infected with Polydora ciliate,and in mature eggs. However, nothing was found in gill,tropoda or stomach. These results suggested that Rab7 was a tissue-specific expressing gene and may be involved in special procedures.

Abstract:As a new laboratory fish in China, Gobiocypris rarus has the potential to develop into an ornamental fish by use of the transgenic techniques.A DNA fragment of 1584bp of β-actin gene from G.rarus genome was obtained by PCR,which included a 1507bp of a regulatory region and a 77bp of partial open reading frame (ORF).The regulatory region included a 109bp of 5′proximal promoter,an untranslated exon,and an intron of β-actin gene.The proximal promoter region contained consensus sequences of TATA box, CCAAT box and CArG box which were critical for transcription activity. Moreover, the intron also contained a typical CArG box.This promoter region fragment was inserted into green fluorescent protein gene vector (pAcGFP1-1),and the recombinant is then injected into the fertilized eggs of G. rarus by the method of micro-injection.The green fluorescence was observed under micro fluoroscope. This study proves that the cloned β-actin promoter has effective transcription activity.

Abstract:Hizikia fusiformis (Harvey) Okamura is a kind of important brown macroalga for cultivation in China. For sustainable development of commercial farming of H. fusiformis, a stable, efficient and practical seedling production technique and good strains needs to be developed. Selection and breeding of excellent strains is the trends in commercial seaweeds cultivation in China, especially for H. fusiformis (Harvey) Okamura. To meet the needs of good seeding supplying in Hizikia culture, good quality and high yield of Hizikia “Lu Feng No.1” was selected and bred continuously by sexual reproduction for over 8 years practice. Through many years of breeding and cultivation tests,“Lu Feng No.1” showed the following main characters, the thallus is thick and flourishing; the large neumathodes form earlier and with high yield. So far, the selected strain has been cultivated in Cangnan and Dongtou County of Wenzhou and in some areas of Shandong province, and the selective characteristics were stable and the production was high.The success in breeding of “Lu Feng No.1” has provided a basis for the application of good strains in H. fusiformis cultivation.

Abstract:This study focused on inhibition mechanism of antimicrobial films and its application in Tilapia fillet preservation. The antimicrobial films were obtained by incorporating preservatives into alginate films through calcium cross linking process. Results showed that antimicrobial film was sustained-release film which had strong inhibiting capability against such strains of bacteria as Escherichia coli，Staphylococcus aureus，Bacillus subtilis，Shewanella putrefaciens as well as miscellaneous microbes on fish epidermis. Preservatives could be completely released from the films and maintain high concentration on the surface of aquatic products. Coated fillet were stored at 4±1℃ under aerobic conditions and the microbiological, biochemical and sensory changes were periodically evaluated. The antimicrobial films could restrain the growth of bacteria, keep the TVB-N value at relatively low level and improve the sensory quality of fillet, thus the shelf-life of Tilapia fillet was extended for about 5.5 days.

Abstract:The experiment on artificial reef enhancement of Apostichopus japonicas was carried out for its application in aquaculture. In the experiments, enhancement with or without artificial reef model,the effect of five reef models of different shape but the same material, and two different material reef models of the same shape were compared. The results showed that the difference of mean attractive rate (MAR) of all artificial reef models were significant (P<0.01) compared with non-reef models. The MAR of the pipe shaped reef model was the highest and the difference is significant (P<0.05) compared with the other four shaped reef models. MAR of two different materials of reef models in triangular shape was not significant (P>0.05) and the MAR of the reef made of concrete was higher than that made of marble. It is suggested that stones can also have attractive effects on Apostichopus japonicas.

Abstract:The inhibitory effects of 18 Chinese herbs on Vibrio anguillarium, V. prarhaemalyticus, V. aestuarianus and V. cholerae were tested by disc diffusion method (punch method). The results showed that 7 Chinese herbs including Galla chinensis, Caesalpinia sappan, Herba euphorbiae, pomegranate bark, Radix scutellariae, Polygonum cuspidatum and Fructus Crataegi can effectively inhibit the growth of 4 pathogenic Vibrio sp., and the other 11 Chinese herbs showed less inhibition. At the same time, the minimal inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of the 7 Chinese herbs which had significant inhibitory effects to Vibrio sp. were tested by the tube dilution.The results showed that Caesalpinia sappan, Galla chinensis, Herba euphorbiae and Pomegranate bark had significant inhibitory and bactericidal effects, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations of Caesalpinia sappan, Galla chinensis, Herba euphorbiae and Pomegranate bark for 4 pathogenic Vibrio sp. were among 0.78~6.25 mg/ml, the minimal bactericidal concentrations were 3.12~12.5 mg/ml.

Abstract:The Mugilidae family is an important fish group distributed throughout the world, inhabiting the fresh, estuarine and coastal waters. Mugil cephalus and Liza haematocheila are the two important economic species in Mugilidae family. Mugilidae are one of the most important foraging and detritivorous fishes. They feed by sucking silt or scraping rock and plant surfaces, acting as a scavenger and changes material cycle process in an aquaculture ecosystem. Mugilidae are an important fish for both fisheries and aquaculture purposes. The resources exploitation and ecological culture of Mugilidae not only improves the fishery structure, but also reduces the pollution of the cultured water, ensuring the sustained and healthy development of the aquaculture industry. The prospects of resources exploitation and ecological culture of Mugilidae in China are proposed in this paper.