Screen and effect analysis of immunostimulants for sea cucumber, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apostichopus japonicus</Emphasis>

Immunostimulants may improve disease resistance of aquaculture animals by promoting the nonspecific immunity response of the organisms. Five types of saccharides, including chitosan, yeast polysaccharide, burdock oligosaccharide, seaweed polysaccharide and lentinus edodes polysaccharide, were screened for potential use as immunostimulants by using spectrophotometry. The saccharides were injected into Apostichopus japonicus, a sea cucumber, and the lysozyme and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the coelomic fluid and epidermal slime were monitored in six consecutive days. The results show that the lysozyme activity of the animal’s coelomic fluid was significantly stimulated on day 2, day 4 and day 6 after the injection of the saccharides (P<0.05). The effects of chitosan and yeast polysaccharide were the most notable. The lysozyme activity of the epidermal slime was significantly increased by chitosana, yeast polysaccharide, seaweed polysaccharide, and burdock oligosaccharide on day 1 and day 2 after the injection (P<0.05). The SOD activity of the coelomic fluid was significantly promoted by the saccharides on day 2 and day 4 post-injection (P<0.05), while the SOD activity of the epidermal slime increased on day 2. These findings indicate that chitosan and yeast polysaccharide are the most effective immunostimulants and potential healthy anti-disease feedstuff for A. japonicus. Supported by the National Key Technology Research and Development Program (863 Program, No. 2006BAD09A06) and the Special Fund of Chinese Central Government for Basic Scientific Research Operations in Commonweal Research Institutes (No. 02-2007B03)     

Effects of polypeptide from<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamys farreri</Emphasis> on amino acid content in guinea pig skin irradiated by chronic ultraviolet A and B

We examined the effects of polypeptide fromChlamys farreri (PCF) on the amount of hydroxyproline in guinea pig skin irradiated by chronic ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. PCF was applied locally before repeated exposure of guinea pig to UVA and UVB. The contents of hydroxyproline and other amino acids in guinea pig skin were determined by automatic amino acid analyzer. Our results showed that: (1) long-time UVA and UVB radiation can reduce dramatically the amounts of hydroxyproline, aspartic acid, threonine, glycine, phenylalanine and lysine in guinea pig skin in comparison with the control group (P<0.05); (2) Compared with model group, pre-treatment with 5% and 20% PCF prior to UVA and UVB radiation can inhibit the decline of amino acids content in guinea pig skin in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). As the decrease of hydroxyproline, glycine and lysine contents in the skin directly reflexes type I collagen degeneration, our results indicated that the chronic application of PCF can protect skin type I collagen against UV radiation, and thus protect skin from photoaging. Project No. 39970638 supported by the NSFC, and also supported by the Science and Technology Bureau of Qingdao (No: 2001-28-50).     

Preparation and charaterization of self-assembled nanoparticles based on linolenic-acid modified chitosan

1 IntroductionHydrophobically modified water-soluble polymers,also known as hydrophobized polymers, are thosemodified by hydrophobic groups such as alkyl,arolkyl, and deoxycholic acid. In water, they canself-aggregate due to their intro- and/or intermolecularhydrophobic interaction. By this process, unique hy-drogel nanoparticles with hydrophobic core and hy-drophilic shell can be prepared, which is a new ap-proach to preparing the monodispersed hydrogelnanoparticles (Whitesides et al., 1991; …     

Effects of salinity on embryonic development,survival, and growth of Crassostrea hongkongensis

This study examined the effects of salinity on embryonic development, survival, and growth of the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis. The embryos, larvae, and juveniles of C. hongkongensis were held in artificial seawater at three different salinities (low, 15; medium, 23; and high, 30) to determine the optimum hatchery and nursery conditions for mass production of the seeds. Results showed that the percentage production of straight-hinged larvae from fertilized eggs was significantly lower at the high salinity than at the low- and medium-salinities (P < 0.05). The survival rates of larvae and juveniles differed significantly among the three salinity trials, with the highest survival rate observed at the low salinity (P < 0.05). The shell height of larvae was significantly larger at the low salinity than at the high and medium salinities from days 9 to 15 (P < 0.05), whereas that of juveniles was significantly larger at the low salinity than at the high and medium salinities on day 70 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the larvae and juveniles of C. hongkongensis are tolerant to a wide range of salinities (15 to 30), but show better growth and survival at relatively low salinities. Thus, it is recommended to use relatively low salinities in hatchery and nursery systems for improved yields of C. hongkongensis.     

A Comparative study on the nonspecific immunity of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei ever inhabiting freshwater and seawater

A study on the nonspecific immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei ever inhabiting freshwater and seawater was carried out at different molt stages by comparing their total hemocyte count(THC) and respiratory burst(RB) and activity of phenol oxidase(PO), nitric oxide synthase(NOS) and lysozyme(LY). Two-way ANOVA showed that salinity and molt stage independently affected THC and RB and the activity of PO, NOS and LY of juvenile L. vannamei significantly(P 0.05). The THC and RB and the activity of NOS gradually increased from the post-molt stages(A and B) to the pre-molt stages(D0–D3), which were common in shrimps inhabiting freshwater and seawater. The activity of PO peaked at the inter-molt stage(C), and touched the lowest at the post-molt stage in freshwater and pre-molt stage in seawater. The activity of LY was stable over the molt cycle. The RB and the activity of PO, NOS and LY of juvenile L. vannamei were significantly lower in freshwater than in seawater; whereas THC was significantly higher in freshwater than in seawater(P 0.05). It was concluded that the post-molt stage(especially stage A) was critical to shrimp culture, which should be intensively attended when L. vannamei was cultured in freshwater.     

方格星虫酶解物对小鼠皮肤创伤修复的作用

【目的】探究方格星虫酶解物促进伤口愈合的作用。【方法】将小鼠分为空白对照组、方格星虫酶解物组和云南白药组进行止血实验,并建立小鼠全皮层创伤模型。将方格星虫酶解物制成膏状,每天上药一次。于术后3、5、7 d分批各处死5只小鼠,固定7只用于拍照。术后观察创面愈合情况,测定伤口愈合率、炎症因子、转化生长因子-β1和创面羟脯氨酸含量等指标。【结果】相比于空白对照组,方格星虫酶解物组显著缩短止血时间,提高愈合率,缩短掉痂时间、创面宽度,调节炎症因子、转化生长因子-β1表达,促进胶原蛋白沉积,伤口愈合较好,残留疤痕不明显。【结论】方格星虫酶解物具有促进伤口愈合功效,其作用机制与止血、调节炎症因子、转化生长因子-β1水平、促进胶原蛋白沉积有密切联系。     

Long-Term Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Bound Phospholipids and the Combination of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Bound Triglyceride and Egg Yolk Phospholipid on Lipid Metabolism in Mice

The bioavailability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) depends on their chemical forms. This study investigated the long-term effects of DHA-bound triglyceride (TG-DHA), DHA-bound phospholipid (PL-DHA), and the combination of TG-DHA and egg yolk phospholipid (Egg-PL) on lipid metabolism in mice fed with a high-fat diet (fat levels of 22.5%). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with different formulations containing 0.5% DHA, including TG-DHA, PL-DHA, and the combination of TG-DHA and Egg-PL, for 6 weeks. Serum, hepatic, and cerebral lipid concentrations and the fatty acid compositions of the liver and brain were determined. The concentrations of serum total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and hepatic TG in the PL-DHA group and the combination group were significantly lower than those in the high-fat (HF) group (P < 0.05). Atherogenic index (AI) of the PL-DHA group was significantly lower than that of the combination group (P < 0.05). Hepatic TC level in the combination group was significantly lower than that in the HF group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the combination group and the PL-DHA group. Both the PL-DHA and the combination groups showed significantly increased DHA levels in the liver compared with the HF group (P < 0.05). However, there were no obvious increases in the cerebral DHA levels in all DHA diet groups. These results suggest that PL-DHA was superior to the combination of TG-DHA and Egg-PL in decreasing the AI. Long-term dietary supplementation with low amount of DHA (0.5%) may improve hepatic DHA levels, although cerebral DHA levels may not be enhanced.     

SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF SULFHYDRYL CHITOSAN

A new adsorbent for heavy metal ions, sulfhydryl chitosan (S-chitosan), was produced by treatment of chitosan with sulhydryl acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid as a catalyst. Its structure was confrrmed by elemental analysis and FI‘-IR spectra analysis. The adsorption properties of sulthydryl chitosan for Cu(Ⅱ ), Cd(Ⅱ ), Pb(Ⅱ), Cr(Ⅲ) and Ni(Ⅱ) were investigated, and the effect of pH value on adsorption, adsorption kinetics, and selective adsorption was examined. It was shown that S-chitosan has good adsorption for Pb(Ⅱ), Cu(Ⅱ) and Cd(Ⅱ) like chitosan, is also insoluble in acid solution; has good adsorption kinetic properties for heavy metal ions; and can be used in acid solution. The adsorption capacities of S-chitosan can be affected by media acidity. The adsorbed Cu(Ⅱ) Cd(Ⅱ) and Pb(Ⅱ) could be eluted by diluted chlorhydric acid.     

Using fuzzy theory and variable weights for water quality evaluation in Poyang Lake,China

Achieving water purity in Poyang Lake has become a major concern in recent years, thus appropriate evaluation of spatial and temporal water quality variations has become essential. Variations in 11 water quality parameters from 15 sampling sites in Poyang Lake were investigated from 2009 to 2012. An integrative fuzzy variable evaluation(IFVE) model based on fuzzy theory and variable weights was developed to measure variations in water quality. Results showed that: 1) only chlorophyll-a concentration and Secchi depth differed significantly among the 15 sampling sites(P 0.01), whereas the 11 water quality parameters under investigation differed significantly throughout the seasons(P 0.01). The annual variations of all water quality variables except for temperature, electrical conductivity, suspended solids and total phosphorus were considerable(P 0.05). 2) The IFVE model was reasonable and flexible in evaluating water quality status and any possible ′bucket effect′. The model fully considered the influences of extremely poor indices on overall water quality. 3) A spatial analysis indicated that anthropogenic activities(particularly industrial sewage and dredging) and lake bed topography might directly affect water quality in Poyang Lake. Meanwhile, hydrological status and sewage discharged into the lake might be responsible for seasonal water quality variations.     

Effects of irradiated Ergosan on the growth performance and mucus biological components of rainbow trout <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>

Effects of irradiated and non-irradiated Ergosan extract (alginic acid) on rainbow trout growth performance and skin mucosal immunity were compared. Ergosan was irradiated at 30 kGy in a cobalt-60 irradiator. A total of 252 fish (128.03±9.4 g) were randomly divided into four equal groups, given the basal diet either unsupplemented with Ergosan (control group) or supplemented with crude Ergosan (5 g/kg), ethanol-extracted Ergosan (0.33 g/kg) or irradiated Ergosan (0.33 g/kg) according to this protocol: basal diet for 15 days, treatment diet for 15 days, basal diet for 10 days and treatment diet for 15 days. Highest growth performance was observed in fish fed irradiated Ergosan (P <0.05). Dietary administration of different Ergosan types did not cause any changes in mucus protein level, but improved alkaline phosphatase level and hemagglutination titer compared with the control (basal diet without Ergosan) on day 55 of feeding trial (P <0.05). Furthermore, the highest value of lysozyme activity was observed in gamma-irradiated Ergosan on day 55. In conclusion, gamma-irradiated Ergosan at 0.33 g/kg was found to improve growth performance and mucus biological components significantly in comparison with the control group (basal diet without Ergosan).     

Effects of dietary corn gluten meal on growth performance and protein metabolism in relation to IGF-I and TOR gene expression of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

A growth experiment was conducted on cobia(Rachycentron canadum,initial weight 108.2 g ± 3.0 g) to investigate the effects of dietary corn gluten meal(CGM) levels on the fish growth,whole body composition and protein metabolism in relation to specific gene expression.Five isonitrogenous(crude protein 45%) and isoenergetic(gross energy 20 kJ g 1) practical diets were formulated by replacing 0%(the control),17.5%,35.0%,52.5%,and 70.0% of fish meal(FM) protein with CGM protein.No significant differences were observed in the survival,feed intake(FI),specific growth rate(SGR),feed efficiency(FE) and protein productive value(PPV) among fish fed diets with 0%,17.5%,35.0%,and 52.5% of CGM protein.However,these indices were significantly lower in fish fed the diet with 70.0% of CGM protein than those in fish fed the control diet(P < 0.05).The whole-body crude protein and lipid contents were significantly lower while the whole-body moisture content was significantly higher in fish fed the diet with 70.0% of CGM protein compared with the control group(P < 0.05).When 70.0% of FM protein was replaced by CGM,plasma total protein and cholesterol contents were significantly lower than those in the control group(P < 0.05).Fish fed the diet with 70.0% of CGM protein had significantly lower hepatic insulin-like growth factor I(IGF-I) expression levels than those in the control group(P < 0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in hepatic target of rapamycin(TOR),dorsal muscle IGF-I and TOR expression levels among dietary treatments.Results of the present study indicated that 52.5% of FM protein could be replaced by CGM in the diets without significant influences on the growth,feed utilization and protein metabolism of juvenile cobia.The present results might be useful for developing cost effective and sustainable cobia dietary formulations.     

Growth and antioxidant status of oriental river prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium nipponense</Emphasis> fed with diets containing vitamin E

A feeding trial was carried out to investigate the dietary vitamin E requirement of the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense (weight of 0.3–0.4 g) and its effect role on antioxidant activity. Prawns were fed with seven levels of vitamin E (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg diet) for 60 days. The results show that dietary vitamin E supplementation could significantly increased the prawn weight (P < 0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hepatopancreas was significantly higher in prawns fed with diets supplemented with ≤75 mg/kg vitamin E than in those fed with diets supplemented with 100–400 mg/kg vitamin E (P < 0.05). The activity of catalase (CAT) in the hepatopancreas decreased significantly as dietary vitamin E supplementation increased (P < 0.05), and no significant difference was detected in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity between different dietary groups (P >0.05). The contents of vitamin E in the hepatopancreas and in the muscle increased with increasing dietary vitamin E. There was a linear correlation between the vitamin E level in diet and that in muscle, and between the vitamin E level in diet and that in the hepatopancreas. All the above results indicated that dietary vitamin E can be stored in the hepatopancreas and muscle and lower both the activities of SOD and CAT in the hepatopancreas, suggesting that it is a potential antioxidant in M. nipponense. Broken line analysis conducted on the weight gains of prawns in each diet group showed that the dietary vitamin E requirement for maximum growth is 94.10 mg/kg.     

Effects of sulfate chitosan derivatives on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Sulfate chitosan derivatives have good solubility and therapeutic effect on the cell model of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effect of sulfate chitosan derivatives on NAFLD. The male Wistar rats were orally fed high fat emulsion and received sulfate chitosan derivatives for 5 weeks to determine the pre-treatment effect of sulfate chitosan derivatives on NAFLD. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of sulfate chitosan derivatives on NAFLD, the rats were orally fed with high concentration emulsion for 5 weeks, followed by sulfate chitosan derivatives for 3 weeks. Histological analysis and biomedical assays showed that sulfate chitosan derivatives can dramatically prevent the development of hepatic steatosis in hepatocyte cells. In animal studies, pre-treatment and treatment with sulfate chitosan derivatives significantly protected against hepatic steatohepatitis induced by high fat diet according to histological analysis. Furthermore, increased TC, ALT, MDA, and LEP in NAFLD were significantly ameliorated by pre-treatment and treatment with sulfate chitosan derivatives. Furthermore, increased TG, AST, and TNF-α in NAFLD were significantly ameliorated by treatment with sulfate chitosan derivatives. Sulfate chitosan derivatives have good pre-treatment and therapeutic effect on NAFLD.     

Application of hydroacoustics to investigate the distribution,diel movement,and abundance of fish on Zhubi Reef,Nansha Islands,South China Sea

A combination of traditional fish sampling methods(hand-line and gill net) and modern hydroacoustic techniques were used to study fish community structure,distribution,and diel movements of fish on Zhubi Reef to enhance understanding of the ecosystem.We collected 126 individuals from 29 species,20 genera,17 families,three orders,and two classes using traditional gear.Perciforms were the dominant group in terms of species richness and biomass.The acoustic data indicated that very small(target strength[TS],dB) -60 dB) and small(-60 dB≤TS-45 dB) fish contributed the most to abundance and species richness on the coral reef,and that the proportion of medium-sized(-45 dB≤TS-35 dB) and largesized(-35 dB≤TS) fish increased gradually as depth increased.The single-target detection method revealed two distinct size classes during the day in the 12-16 and 16-20-m layers.One group consisted of very smallsized fish(TS-60 dB) and the other consisted of medium and large-sized fish(TS-55 dB).The number of single-target detections was significantly higher during the night than during the day(P0.05).The singletarget TS frequency distribution during the day was significantly different than during the night at depths of4-8,8-12,12-16,and 16-20 m.Significant differences were observed among the 4-8,8-12,12-16,and16-20-m-depth layers during day and night.Diel vertical movement was evidenced as fish began to spread and move upward just before sunset and began to assemble and descend shortly(15 min) after sunrise.     

Effects of carboxymethyl-chitosan on wound healing in vivo and in vitro

Effects of carboxymethyl-chitosan with different molecular weights on wound healing were investigated in vivo and in vitro.A second degree burn model was performed in rats and the accelerative effects of carboxymethyl-chitosan on wound repair were observed.Contents of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,interleukin(IL)-6 and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-1 in wounds were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).In vitro study evaluated the influence of carboxy-methyl-chitosan on cytokines secretion of fibroblasts and macrophages.In vivo results showed that carboxymethyl-chitosan effec-tively accelerated the wound healing process in burned rats(P<0.05).Levels of TGF-β1,IL-6 and MMP-1 in carboxymethyl-chitosan groups were significantly elevated,compared with control group(P<0.05).In vitro results indicated that carboxymethyl-chitosan significantly promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts and stimulated its IL-8 and IL-10 secretion at different incubation time,but it did not affect collagen secretion of fibroblasts.Carboxymethyl-chitosan enhanced phagocytosis ability of macrophages,and in-creased its tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α secretion.In conclusion,carboxymethyl-chitosan promoted wound healing by activating macrophages,accelerating fibroblasts growth and exerting considerable effects on the secretion of a series of cytokines.     

A comparative study of intensive Litopenaeus vannamei culture on four bottom substrates without water change

The effect of four bottom substrates, oyster shell powder (OP), sugarcane bagasse (SB), a mixture of OP and SB (OS) and fresh soil (FS), on the water quality and bacterial and zooplankton density of intensive shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture tanks without water change and the growth performance of cultured shrimp were compared in this study. At the end of a 110 days culturing trial, the total ammonium-N (TAN) of the water on SB and the nitrite nitrogen (NO₂-N) on OS was significantly lower than that on the other substrates (P<0.05), which coincided with the high density of ammonium- and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in the water on SB and OS, respectively. The concentration of chlorophyll a (Chl a) increased slowly on OP, SB and OS but remained low on FS. The density of total bacteria on OP, SB and OS was one order of magnitude higher than that on FS, and the density of zooplankton on SB and OS was significantly higher than that on FS or OP (P<0.05). The improved water quality and increased density of bacteria and zooplankton on SB and OS may have had a synergistic effect on shrimp culture, improving its growth performance (high survival rate and yield and low feed conversion rate). SB and OS were more effective for improving the growth performance of intensively cultured L. vannamei without water change than OP and FS. To our knowledge, this study presents the first evidence regarding the effect of different bottom substrates on intensive shrimp culture.     

Effects of temperature, algae biomass and ambient nutrient on the absorption of dissolved nitrogen and phosphate by Rhodophyte Gracilaria asiatica

Gracilaria asiatica,being highly efficient in nutrient absorption,is cultivated in sea cucumber ponds to remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate.It was cultured in a laboratory simulating field conditions,and its nutrient absorption was measured to evaluate effects of environmental conditions.Ammonia nitrogen(AN),nitrate nitrogen(NN),total inorganic nitrogen(TIN),and soluble reactive phosphorus(SRP) uptake rate and removal efficiency were determined in a 4×2 factorial design experiment in water temperatures(T) at 15℃ and 25℃,algae biomass(AB) at 0.5 g/L and 1.0 g/L,total inorganic nitrogen(TIN) at 30 μmol/L and 60 μmol/L,and soluble reactive phosphorus(SRP) at 3 and 6 μmol/L.AB and ambient TIN or SRP levels significantly affected uptake rate and removal efficiency of AN,NN,TIN,and SRP(P<0.001).G.asiatica in AB of 0.5 g/L showed higher uptake rate and lower removal efficiency relative to that with AB of 1.0 g/L.Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake rate rose with increasing ambient nutrient concentrations;nutrient removal efficiency decreased at higher environmental nutrient concentrations.The algae preferred to absorb AN to NN.Uptake rates of AN,NN,and SRP were significantly affected by temperature(P<0.001);uptake rate was higher for the 25℃ group than for the 15℃ group at the initial experiment stage.Only the removal efficiency of AN and SRP showed a significant difference between the two temperature groups(P<0.01).The four factors had significant interactive effects on absorption of N and P,implying that G.asiatica has great bioremedial potential in sea cucumber culture ponds.     

Ultrasonic-assisted condensation of chitosan with salicylaldehyde

In order to synthesize an improved adsorbent for heavy metal ions, we studied the condensation reaction of chitosan with salicylaldehyde in ethanol to form a Schiff base. The effect irradiating the reaction using an ultrasonic liquid processor was contrasted with conventional methods. The IR spectra of condensed chitosan prepared by the two methods showed that their molecular structures were identical. The reaction conditions, including solvents, ultrasonic power density and irradiation time, pH, and reactant ratio, were optimized by orthogonal design. A shorter reaction time and a higher product yield were obtained using ultrasonic-assisted synthesis compared with the traditional method. A condensation degree of 89.63% was achieved using the optimized conditions: i.e. ultrasonic irradiation at 180 W for 60 min; 95% ethanol as the solvent, pH 4.0, and salicylaldehyde:chitosan ratio of 6:1.     

Feeding broodstocks different starfish diets affect growth and survival of larvae of trumpet shell (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Charonia lampas sauliae</Emphasis> Reeve 1844)

Trumpet shell (Charonia lampas sauliae) (Mollusca, Heterogastropoda, Cymatidae) has extensive economic value. Studies on the artificial larval development of C. lampas sauliae for aquaculture utilization have become especially important due to the finite natural resources. In the present study, the growth and survival rate of the larvae of C. lampas sauliae broodstocks fed three types of starfish diets, Asterina pectinifera Müller & Troschel 1842, A. amurensis Lütken 1871 and their mixture were compared. The larval size increased gradually between day 10 and day 20 after hatching at 15°C and 20°C. No difference was found in body size and specific growth rate (SGR) (two-way ANOVA; P > 0.05). However, during transition from trochophore to veliger stage 20 days after hatching, significant increases in larval survival and growth rates were observed. The maximum survival rate was observed on day 10. The mean survival rate was 0.463, 0.730 and 0.515 at 15°C, and 0.369, 0.713 and 0.444 at 20°C when A. pectinifera, A. amurensis and their mixture were fed, respectively. The SGR and survival rate of the larvae were definitely influenced by the diets (P < 0.05), and the effect of A. amurensis alone was higher than that of A. pectinifera alone and their mixture.     

Morphological comparison between a selected fast-growing strain and the common cultured strain of turbot Scophthalmus maximus

To evaluate the effect of genetic improvement of the turbot Scophthalmus maximus, we analyzed morphological differences between a fast-growing strain obtained by family selection and the common cultured strain, by principal component analysis, stepwise discriminant analysis, and t-tests. Although they clearly differed morphologically, plots of the principal components of the two strains partially overlapped. However, the difference between the strains was supported with very high precision by discriminant analysis. The t-tests revealed that 4 of the 13 morphological traits analyzed were highly significantly different (P<0.01), 4 traits also differed significantly (P<0.05), and the remainder did not differ significantly. The coefficients of difference of the 13 traits were all lower than the threshold value between subspecies (1.28). Together, the results indicate that a trend for segregation of characters from the common cultured strain have already appeared in the selected fast-growing strain but the degree of segregation have not risen to subspecies level.