Correlation analyses of covering and righting behaviors to fitness related traits of the sea urchin Glyptocidaris crenularis in different environmental conditions

Complex marine benthic environments shape a number of ecologically important behaviors in sea urchins, including covering and righting behaviors. The present study correlated covering and righting behaviors to a series of fi tness-related traits in sea urchins. Righting response time of Glyptocidaris crenularis was signifi cantly positively correlated with body size, but signifi cantly negatively correlated with food consumption. Covering behavior was not signifi cantly correlated with test diameter, test height or body weight, but covering response time was negatively correlated with body weight. A signifi cantly negative correlation was found between righting response time and covering response time. Glyptocidaris crenularis showed a signifi cantly positive correlation in covering response time with and without exposure to poured sand, but no signifi cance in covering ability(number of shells used to cover). The present study provides new insight into internal mechanisms and evolutionary drives of covering and righting behaviors of sea urchins.     

Higher Dietary Arachidonic Acid Levels Improved the Growth Performance,Gonad Development,Nutritional Value,and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Adult Sea Urchin(Strongylocentrotus intermedius)

The gonads of sea urchins(Strongylocentrotus intermedius) are characterized by high levels of arachidonic acid(ARA, 20:4 n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA, 20:5 n-3). However, to our knowledge, little information is available regarding the physiological response of adult sea urchins to dietary ARA. In the present study, four dietary feeds were formulated with graded ARA(0, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% dry diet). Each diet was randomly allocated to three cages during a 56-day feeding experiment. The results showed that the sea urchin weight gain rate(WGR) and the gonadosomatic index(GI) significantly increased as ARA was equal to or above 1.0% of dry diet(P 0.05). The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), and total anti-oxidative capacity(T-AOC) were the highest in the coelomic fluid of sea urchins that were fed diets with 1% ARA. The total essential amino acid(TEAA) and its ratio to total non-essential amino acid(TNEAA) showed a similar tendency to WGR and GI as dietary ARA increased, and the highest TEAA and TEAA/TNEAA were observed in the gonads of sea urchins that were fed diets with 1% ARA. Levels of ARA and ARA/EPA of the gonads increased while n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA) decreased with the increase of dietary ARA(P 0.05). EPA in the gonads of experimental animals fed with formulated feeds showed no significant differences(P 0.05), but was significantly lower than those fed with kelp(P 0.05). These results suggested that relatively higher levels of ARA(1% dry diet) significantly promoted growth, gonad development, activities of antioxidant enzymes, as well as nutritional values(TEAA, TEAA/TNEAA, and PUFA) of adult S. intermedius.     

Correlation analyses of covering and righting behaviors to fitness related traits of the sea urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glyptocidaris crenularis</Emphasis> in different environmental conditions

Complex marine benthic environments shape a number of ecologically important behaviors in sea urchins, including covering and righting behaviors. The present study correlated covering and righting behaviors to a series of fitness-related traits in sea urchins. Righting response time of Glyptocidaris crenularis was significantly positively correlated with body size, but significantly negatively correlated with food consumption. Covering behavior was not significantly correlated with test diameter, test height or body weight, but covering response time was negatively correlated with body weight. A significantly negative correlation was found between righting response time and covering response time. Glyptocidaris crenularis showed a significantly positive correlation in covering response time with and without exposure to poured sand, but no significance in covering ability (number of shells used to cover). The present study provides new insight into internal mechanisms and evolutionary drives of covering and righting behaviors of sea urchins.     

抗菌肽对凡纳滨对虾生长和机体免疫的影响

基础饲料(对照组)中添加10g/kg抗菌肽制剂喂养体重0.10±0.01g、体长2.17±0.11cm的凡纳滨对虾(Penaeus vannamei)30d,进行10d的水浴攻毒(鳗弧菌10~8/mL),探讨饲料中添加抗菌肽对凡纳滨虾生长、成活率、免疫保护率,以及肌肉中溶菌酶活性、超氧化物歧化酶活性、总抗氧化能力的影响。结果表明:饲料中添加抗菌肽可显著提高凡纳滨对虾相对增重率、成活率和对致病菌的免疫保护率(P<0.05),但对饲料系数无显著影响(P>0.05);未受外界微生物刺激时,饲料中添加抗菌肽对凡纳滨对虾总抗氧化能力有促进作用(P<0.05),受外界微生物刺激后,饲料中添加抗菌肽喂养凡纳滨对虾可提高对虾超氧化物歧化酶活性(P<0.05)和总抗氧化能力(P<0.01)。因此饲料中添加抗菌肽喂养凡纳滨对虾可提高其机体非特异性免疫。     

Characterization,tissue distribution,and expression of neuropeptide Y in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

Neuropeptide Y(NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide of the neuropeptide Y family that plays key roles in the regulation of food intake. In this study,we focused on NPY m RNA expression changes around feeding time and during food deprivation in olive flounder. The olive flounder NPY m RNA levels were analyzed in different tissues and a high level of expression was detected in the brain. We also demonstrated a correlation between NPY expression levels in the brain and feeding schedule. NPY expression levels in olive flounder maintained on a daily scheduled feeding regimen increased shortly before feeding and decreased after the scheduled feeding time. Compared with the-1 h group before feeding,NPY expression in the 3 h group after feeding decreased significantly( P <0.05). Food deprivation led to an 81.7% decrease in NPY m RNA levels in the 24 h fasted group(P <0.05) and a 91.7% decrease in the 48 h fasted group(P <0.05). Therefore,our study demonstrates that NPY expression is associated with food intake in olive flounder. This result reveals the function of NPY in regulating food intake and its potential importance in olive flounder aquaculture.     

Individual Variation in Growth in Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus （Selenck） Housed Individually

The exceptionally large individual growth variation has been previously recognized in several sea cucumber cohorts. However, there is a lack of information regarding the mechanism of such individual differences. In this study, the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus(Selenka)was reared individually in order to eliminate possible effects of social interaction, stocking density, etc. The results showed that there were substantial differences in growth among the sea cucumber individuals during the 100-day experiment. The special growth rate of the sea cucumber individuals differed by up to three folds(from 0. 40% to 1.01%), and the coefficient of variation in body weight increased from 12. 04% to 40. 51%. The final wet body weight, food intake and food conversion efficiency for each sea cucumber were generally positively correlated with their initial wet body weight(P<0. 05). Energy budget of the animals showed that the food energy spent on respiration was much greater(about four folds)but energy deposited for growth was much less for(initially)smaller than for larger A. Japonicus. The present result implies that there are obvious genetic differences among the sea cucumber individuals, largely accounting for the individual growth variation of the cohort sea cucumber. These results will provide some basic data for promoting selective breeding and farming of the sea cucumber.     

Effects of Pseudoalteromonas sp. BC228 on digestive enzyme activity and immune response of juvenile sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)

A marine bacterium, Pseudoalteromonas sp. BC228 was supplemented to feed in a feeding experiment aiming to determine its ability of enhancing the digestive enzyme activity and immune response of juvenile Apostichopus japonicus. Sea cucumber individuals were fed with the diets containing 0(control), 105, 107 and 109 CFU g-1 diet of BC228 for 45 days. Results showed that intestinal trypsin and lipase activities were significantly enhanced by 107 and 109 CFU g-1 diet of BC228 in comparison with control(P 0.01). The phagocytic activity in the coelomocytes of sea cucumber fed the diet supplemented with 107 CFU g-1 diet of BC228 was significantly higher than that of those fed control diet(P 0.05). In addition, 105 and 107 CFU g-1 diet of BC228 significantly enhanced lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities in the coelomic fluid of sea cucumber, respectively, in comparison with other diets(P 0.01). Sea cucumbers, 10 each diet, were challenged with Vibrio splendidus NB13 after 45 days of feeding. It was found that the cumulative incidence and mortality of sea cucumber fed with BC228 containing diets were lower than those of animals fed control diet. Our findings evidenced that BC228 supplemented in diets improved the digestive enzyme activity of juvenile sea cucumber, stimulated its immune response and enhanced its resistance to the infection of V. splendidus.     

Relationships between body weight and other morphological traits in young sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicas

Correlation, multiple regression, and path analyses were used to investigate the relationships between body weight and three other morphological traits in juvenile Japanese sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus. We measured live body weight(BW), body length(BL), numbers of papillae(NP), and numbers of tube feet(NF) at 60, 80, 100, and 130 days post-hatching(dph). We calculated path correlation coe cients, correlation indices( R~2), and coe cients of determination with BW as the dependent variable and the other morphological traits as independent variables. The coe cient of variation for BW was high across all age groups, and all measured morphological traits were significantly correlated( P 0.01). BL had the greatest direct ef fect on BW across all age groups(60 dph, 0.526; 80 dph, 0.404; 100 dph, 0.620;and 130 dph, 0.681), while NF had the greatest indirect ef fect on BW across all age groups(60 dph, 0.528;80 dph, 0.452; 100 dph, 0.666; and 130 dph, 0.603). Regression analyses between morphological traits and BW indicated that R 2 was greater than 0.85 only in the 100-dph specimens. The indirect ef fects of the other measured morphological traits on BW were age-dependent. The optimal regression equations,as determined with stepwise regression, were, for 60-dph specimens: BW_(60)=10~((-3.04+0.092 BL+0.014 NP+0.014 NF))( R~2 =0.632); for 80-dph specimens: BW _(80)=10~((-3.035+0.056 BL+0.017 NP+0.02 NF))( R~2 =0.686); for 100-dph specimens:BW_(100) =10~((-3.742+0.069 BL+0. 633*l g( NP)+0. 464*l g( NF)))( R~2 =0.893); and for 130-dph specimens: BW_(130)=10~((-2.472+0.065 BL+0.012 NP))( R~2 =0.774). Our work clarified the correlation between various morphological traits and body weight of a commercially-important sea cucumber species( A. japonicus). Our predictive models for body weight might be useful for the aquaculture and selective breeding of A. japonicus. These models might also provide theoretical support for the indirect selection of traits that are di cult to select directly.     

不同饵料强化剂对龙虎斑仔稚鱼生长、存活率、消化酶活力及体成分的影响

褶皱臂尾轮虫(Brachionus plicatilis)与卤虫(Artemia franciscana)无节幼体分别以浓缩小球藻、深海鱼油和鱼肝油强化后,投喂龙虎斑(Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀×E.lanceolatus♂)仔稚鱼,研究不同强化剂对仔稚鱼生长、存活率、消化酶活力及体成分的影响。结果显示,3种强化剂强化后的生物饵料均可显著提高龙虎斑仔稚鱼的存活率、体长和体质量,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),但对鱼体粗脂肪含量以及肠淀粉酶活力的影响无统计学意义(P0.05)。深海鱼油组仔稚鱼存活率最高,浓缩小球藻可以显著提高胃、肠蛋白酶活性和鱼体粗蛋白含量,各组差异有统计学意义(P0.05),而深海鱼油和鱼肝油可以显著提高肠脂肪酶活性(P0.05)。结果表明,3种强化剂各具优点,均可用于龙虎斑仔稚鱼生物饵料的强化,尤其以深海鱼油提高存活率最显著。     

Development strategies for the sea cucumber industry in China

The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, is an important marine aquaculture species in China. After nearly thirty years of development, the production of A. japonicus has become commercially lucrative and successful. In this report, current advances in sea cucumber industry are addressed in terms of the basic biology, culturing methods, and health care benefits. Next, the challenges restricting development of the sea cucumber industry are discussed, including weaknesses in the basic biological research, the problem of germplasm degradation, environmental stress caused by global climate change, and food safety problems. Finally, several strategies are presented that might contribute to sustainable development of the sea cucumber industry. These strategies include advances in genome studies, behavioral studies, selective breeding, ecological culture technologies, reforms in food safety management, and the development of health care functions based on contemporary medical practices. Thus, our work provides new insights into how to explore the sustainable development of the sea cucumber industry in the future.

     

Molecular characterization and expression of the SiUCP2 gene in sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius

Uncoupling protein 2(UCP2) is a proton transporter located in the inner mitochondrial membrane,and inhibits the formation of adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation.To provide a theoretical basis for the role of SiUCP2 in lipid metabolism,a2 341-bp full-length cDNA of Si UCP2 from sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius,which encodes 323 amino acids(predicted MW 3 6.11 kDa) was obtained,and the structure and function of the Si UCP2 gene and its expre ssion at the mRNA and protein level were studied.Si UCP2 had high homology with UCP2 of other species.Expression of SiUCP2 was detected in the order of tube feet gonads coelomocytes intestines.The expression level was the highest in prismatic larvae and lowest in the two-cell stage.Moreover,using in-situ hybridization,we found that SiUCP2 protein was expressed in the gonads and intestine.This study provided a theoretical basis for subsequent studies on the role of SiUCP2 and its regulatory mechanism in lipid metabolism,and for the improvement of gonad quality to obtain a higher economic value from sea urchins.     

Phenotypic correlations of somatic and gonad traits of sea urchins Glyptocidaris crenularis in two sampled periods: first insight into its breeding and aquaculture

Prior knowledge of the correlations among commercially important traits in Glyptocidaris crenularis can be used to guide development of breeding and aquaculture programs for this species. We evaluated the phenotypic correlations between somatic and gonadal traits in G. crenularis during two sample periods （October 2010 and April 2011）. The coefficients of variation （CV%） for body weight （BW）, redness （a＊）, yellowness （b＊）, gonad wet weight （GW）, and gonad index （GI） were 〉20% in both periods, while those of other traits were very low. GW was significantly correlated with somatic traits （diameter, height, and body weight） in both periods, although the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.473 to 0.636 （P〈0.01）. Gonad moisture content （GC）, a＊, and lightness （L＊） were not significantly correlated with somatic traits （P〉0.05）. The color trait b＊ was negatively correlated with somatic traits （test diameter, test height, and body weight） during the period when the gonads were well developed （April 2011, P〈0.05）. We observed little difference in the nature of the phenotypic correlations between the two sample periods. The high variation in the somatic and gonad weight traits in G. crenularis suggests there is considerable potential for selective breeding. However, our results suggest that gonad quality traits cannot be selected indirectly by selecting for body weight. Our study provides an insight into the method for improving the breeding and aquaculture of G. crenulari.     

Ecological effects of co-culturing sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) with scallop Chlamys farreri in earthen ponds

Monthly changes in sedimentation and sediment properties were studied for three different culture treatments: sea cucumber monoculture (Mc), sea cucumber and scallop polyculture (Ps-c) and scallop monoculture (Ms). Results indicated that the survival rate of sea cucumber was significantly higher in Ps-c cultures than in Mc cultures. Sea cucumber yield was 69.6% higher in Ps-c culture than in Mc culture. No significant differences in body weight and scallop shell length were found between Ps-c and Ms cultures. The mean sedimentation rate of total particulate matter (TPM) was 72.2 g/(m2 d) in Ps-c cultures, with a maximum of 119.7 g/(m2 d), which was markedly higher than that of Mc (mean value). Sedimentation rates of organic matter (OM), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in Ps-c cultures were also significantly higher than those in Mc cultures. TOC and TN contents of sediment increased rapidly in the first 5 months in Ms cultures and remained at a high level. TOC and TN contents in Mc and Ps-c cultures decreased during sea cucumber feeding seasons and increased during sea cucumber dormancy periods (summer and winter). The study demonstrates that co-culture of sea cucumber and scallop in earthen ponds is an alternative way to alleviate nutrient loads and improve water quality in coastal aquaculture systems. Moreover, it provides the additional benefit of an increased sea cucumber yield.     

Ecological effects of co-culturing the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus with the Chinese white shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis in an earthen pond

Using net enclosures in an earthen pond, we established three culture treatments with the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and the Chinese white shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis : monoculture of sea cucumbers(C), monoculture of shrimp(S), and co-culture of the two species(CS). We measured levels of suspended particulate matter in the water column; total organic matter, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and carbon/nitrogen ratios in both settling particles and the sediment; and chlorophyll a levels in the sediment. We then compared these variables between the three treatments. We also examined growth, survival, and yield of the two species in the different treatments. From June to September, the mean monthly suspended particulate matter sedimentation rates in the CS and S treatments were significantly( P 0.05) greater than those in the C treatment. From August to November, the mean monthly total organic matter, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and chlorophyll a contents in the sediment in the CS and S treatments were significantly( P 0.05) greater than those in the C treatment. Final wet weight, specific growth rate, survival rate, and total yield of sea cucumbers in co-culture were all significantly greater than those of sea cucumbers in monoculture. There were no significant differences among any of these variables for shrimp reared in the two systems. The bioturbation of the sediment and fecal production of the shrimp likely supplied natural food for the sea cucumbers. Co-culture of the two species is a viable option for increasing yield per unit area, maximizing use of the water body, and diversifying crop production.     

An Evaluation on the Ratio of Plant to Animal Protein in the Diet of Juvenile Sea Cucumber(Apostichopus japonicus): Growth,Nutrient Digestibility and Nonspecific Immunity

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant/animal(P/A) protein ratios(viz.1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1,2:1, 3:1, 4:1) on growth performance, body composition, apparent digestibility of diets, and nonspecific immunity of juvenile sea cucumber(Apostichopus japonicus). Sea cucumbers were divided into 21 plastic tanks, and each tank was stocked with 15 individuals(initial weight: about 23.73 g). Each feed was allocated to three replicates of sea cucumbers. The feeding experiment lasted for 50 days. Results indicated that weight gain rate(WGR) and body wall weight(BWW) significantly increased as dietary ratio of P/A increased from 1:4 to 3:1, and then decreased significantly with further increase of this ratio(P 0.05). The body wall coefficient(BWC) showed a similar tendency to WGR and BWW, but no significance was detected among dietary treatments(P 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein and lipid increased with ratio of P/A increasing from 1:4 to 2:1(P 0.05), and then decreased with further increase of this ratio. Correspondingly, activities of trypsin and amylase were significantly increased as P/A increased from 1:4 to 2:1(P 0.05). The activities of SOD and CAT showed a similar trend with WGR, with the highest value observed in the ratio of 1:2 and 1:1, respectively. Results above showed that moderate or relatively higher ratio of P/A protein(1:1-3:1) significantly increased the growth performance, apparent digestibility, and nonspecific immunity of sea cucumber. This will contribute to improving the feed formulation for juvenile cucumbers.     

Development of a seaweed species-selection index for successful culture in a seaweed-based integrated aquaculture system

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) has been proposed as a concept that combines the cultivation of fed aquaculture species (e.g., finfish/shrimp) with extractive aquaculture species (e.g., shellfish/seaweed). In seaweed-based integrated aquaculture, seaweeds have the capacity to reduce the environmental impact of nitrogen-rich effluents on coastal ecosystems. Thus, selection of optimal species for such aquaculture is of great importance. The present study aimed to develop a seaweed species-selection index for selecting suitable species in seaweed-based integrated aquaculture system. The index was synthesized using available literature-based information, reference data, and physiological seaweed experiments to identify and prioritize the desired species. Undaria pinnatifida, Porphyra yezoensis and Ulva compressa scored the highest according to a seaweed-based integrated aquaculture suitability index (SASI). Seaweed species with the highest scores were adjudged to fit the integrated aquaculture systems. Despite the application of this model limited by local aquaculture environment, it is considered to be a useful tool for selecting seaweed species in IMTA.     

Effects of dietary menadione on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in abalone, Haliotis discus hannai Ino

A 240-day growth experiment in a re-circulating water system was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary menadione on the growth and antioxidant responses of abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino. Triplicate groups of juvenile abalone (initial weight: 1.19 ± 0.01 g; shell length: 19.23 ± 0.01 mm) were fed to satiation with 3 semi-purified diets containing 0, 10, and 1 000 mg menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB)/kg, respectively. Results show that there were no significant differences in the rate of weight gain or in the daily increment in shell length of abalone among different treatments. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) in viscera were significantly decreased with dietary menadione. However, activities of these enzymes except for GPX in muscle were increased. Therefore, antioxidant responses of abalone were increased in muscle and decreased in viscera by dietary menadione.     

饲料中添加L-肉碱对牙鲆幼鱼生长、生化组成及血液指标的影响

研究0、300、600、900、1 200、1 500 mg/kg 6个L-肉碱添加水平对牙鲆(Paralichthys olivaceus)幼鱼生长、生化组成和血液指标的影响。结果表明:添加量为1 200 mg/kg的处理组牙鲆幼鱼的增重率和特定生长率显著提高,饲料系数显著降低(P<0.05);随着饲料中L-肉碱含量的增加,肝指数呈现下降趋势,且在添加量为900~1 500 mg/kg时,各组较对照组差异显著(P<0.05);饲料中添加L-肉碱显著降低各实验组脏体比(P<0.05),而对各处理组间存活率和肥满度均无影响(P<0.05);肌肉和肝脏中的脂肪含量与L-肉碱添加量呈负相关,当添加量为1 200~1 500 mg/kg时,较对照组差异显著(P<0.05);肌肉中的蛋白含量与L-肉碱添加量呈正相关,但各组差异不显著(P<0.05);饲料中添加L-肉碱降低血清中的谷草转氨酶、胆固醇、甘油三酯和尿素氮含量,且添加量1 200 mg/kg组各指标含量均显著低于对照组(P<0.05);各处理组的血糖含量较对照组均有所增加,其中1 200 mg/kg组血糖含量较对照组提高41.6%(P<0.05);血清中总蛋白和低密度脂蛋白均随着L-肉碱添加量的增加而呈下降趋势,高密度脂蛋白却得以提升,但差异均不显著(P<0.05)。分析认为,在本实验条件下,饲料中添加L-肉碱可促进牙鲆幼鱼生长,且降脂效果显著。建议L-肉碱最适添加量为1 200 mg/kg。     

Comparisons of Growth and Survival Performance Among Selected Families and Wild Populations of Fenneropenaeus chinensis

In this study,families of selected population for growth(SP_BWT),selected population for white spot syndrome virus(WSSV)resistance(SP_RW),Bohai wild population(WP_BH)and Huanghai wild population(WP_HH)of F.chinensis were constructed through artificial insemination and with the standardized procedure of larvae rearing.Growth and survival performance were studied among four populations after a 70 days common test.The results showed that the maximum least square mean of body weight was 17.50 g in SP_BWT while the minimum was 13.03 g in WP_HH.Compared with WP_BH,body weight of SP_BWT increased by 23.41%(P0.01)and that of SP_RW by 12.20%(P0.05).Body weights of SP_BWT and SP_RW were significantly higher than that of WP_HH,which increased by 34.31%(P0.01)and 22.10%(P0.05),respectively.The mean AGR of four populations was 0.19,0.18,0.17 and 0.16 g d~(-1),respectively.Coefficient of variation of body weight among four populations was high,which ranged from 32.67% to 35.25%.Such a range showed that there was the potentiality for further improvement in selected populations.Coefficient of variation of survival rate among four populations was low,varying between 3.20% and 5.90%.The difference of survival was highly significant(P0.01)between SP_BWT and WP_BH,and significant(P0.05)between SP_RW and WP_BH.However,no significant difference among other populations(P0.05)was observed.Different growth performances were also observed among different families in each population.The body weight of 798F family was the highest.The absolute growth rate(AGR)was 0.25 g d~(-1),150%higher than that of the lowest one,0.1 g d~(-1) in 807F family.Survival rate of families among four populations was different.The highest was 94.74%,and the lowest was 71.88%.