Die heutigen sympatrischen Felchenpopulationen (Coregonus spp.) des Thuner-und Bielersees und ihre Morphologie

During the past 25 years the effects of eutrophication in the oligo-to mesotrophic Lake Thun and the eutrophic Lake Biel have changed the morphology and biology of theCoregonus spp., as well as the composition of the stock. Statistical procedures and immunodiffusion revealed the existence of threeCoregonus populations in Lake Thun: 5% Kropfer, 28% ‘Albock’ and 67% Brienzlig (local names). Their gillrakers range between 20 and 32, 25 and 40, and 29 and 46, respectively (mean: 22, 31, 40). In Lake Biel two populations were distinguished: 16% Palée and 84% Bondelle with 22–35 and 30–40 gillrakers (mean: 30, 34). Changes of the spawning grounds and periods most probably have led to a bastardization of two species (Schwebalbock and Bodenalbock) to the present ‘Albock’ in Lake Thun. Overlapping values of all 20 morphological characters of the populations studies render the identification of forms difficult. Only gillrakers and a few more characters show significant statistical differences between populations. The determination ofCoregonus spp. of Lake Thun and Lake Biel thus often needs additional data on growth, feed, maturation, spawning ground and/or period.      

Biochemical genetic study of European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) in Lake Mondsee,Upper Austria

Mature coregonids of Lake Mondsee were caught during spawning time on three known spawning sites. The aim of the study was to reveal whether the three stocks are reproductively isolated, and in consequence to decide whether they should be managed as separate stocks or as one panmictic population.Fish were examined morphologically and their tissue samples were examined electrophoretically for the enzyme products of 37 genetic loci.The gill-raker numbers (28–40) and electrophoretic alleles were typical for European whitefish,Coregonus lavaretus. No genetic differentiation (Nei's genetic distance D = 0.000) was found between the three samples studied. The genetic characteristics of the Lake Mondsee whitefish population, based on pooled genetic data, was compared to several other European whitefish populations. The average heterozygosity (6.5%) was high as usually in whitefish; genetic distances between the Lake Mondsee and three other European whitefish populations were within the range reported for the geographically distant populations of the species. Management implications of the results are briefly discussed.Contribution No. 21 in the Program of Joint Investigation of Holarctic Fishes among Russia, Canada, Finland, and Poland     

A comparative study on the temperature dependence of embryogenesis in three coregonids (Coregonus spp.) from Lake Constance

Embroygenesis of the three coregonid forms Blaufelchen, Gangfisch, and Sandfelchen from Lake Constance was observed at five different constant temperatures in a static incubation system. The relationship between temperature and the time to reach 14 developmental stages from fertilization to hatching was established for the three forms. Relative to the total incubation time, pectoral fin flutter and eye movement start earliest in Gangfisch and latest in Blaufelchen. This might allow Gangfisch to tolerate lower oxygen concentrations during the last phase of embryogenesis than Blaufelchen. Developmental rates per day as a function of temperature can be calculated by a power function. A model is presented which permits to predict the time of mass hatching for embryos which are incubated at fluctuating temperatures. The total incubation times for the three coregonids of Lake Constance are short as compared to those of other coregonids. This is interpreted as an adaptation to the specific thermal environment of each coregonid stock which helps to ensure larval survival in the respective habitat.     

The whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus (L.)) of the Wahnbach reservoir and their assessment by hydroacoustic methods

In 1957 whitefish were successfully introduced into Wahnbach reservoir, a drinking water storage near Bonn (FRG). Since excessive predation on the herbivorous zooplankton by fish could have negative effects on water quality, the size of the pelagic fish stock had to be known. For this purpose, and for establishing management guidelines for the whitefish population, a stock assessment involving hydroacoustics, trawling and gillnetting was performed in October 1984. The results indicate that the whitefish stock is self-sustaining today. Growth of individual fish is moderate. The total pelagic fish population was estimated to 11,130 fish, comprising some 2600 whitefish larger than 25 cm. Stock density was found to be low. An annual catch of about 900 adult whitefish (300 or 1.4 kg ha⁻¹) is recommended in order to control population size and to limit predation pressure on the herbivorous zooplankton.     

11-year cycle of spawning time and growth of the whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) of Lake Constance

Over 90 years the beginning of spawning time of the whitefishCoregonus lavaretus of Lake Constance fluctuated in a wide range. A cycle of about 11 years is observed. Correlations of spawning time with sunspot activity (R), temperature, and age of spawners are found. Growth of the fishes in the first year of life correlates positively with R and year-class strength; growth in the second year correlates negatively with year-class strength and standing stock. It is assumed that the later the growing season ends the later the spawning season sets in.     

The vertical distribution of maraena whitefish (Coregonus maraena) early juveniles in different times of day in a newly created oligotrophic lake

Diel vertical distribution of strictly pelagic juvenile (23–47 mm total length) maraena whitefish Coregonus maraena (Bloch, 1779) was repeatedly investigated in spring primarily using hydroacoustics in the artificial post-mining Most Lake in the Czech Republic. At the same time, an ichthyoplankton trawl was used to identify acoustical targets. During the day, fish performed extensive shoaling behaviour in depths between 2 and approximately 40 m and were not accessible for trawling. By evening, with decreasing light intensity, shoals started to disintegrate and at night fish were relatively homogeneously distributed in the water column from the surface down to a depth of 40 m. Juvenile maraena whitefish could be caught by trawl as the only fish species at night. Shoaling behaviour started again approximately 1.5 h before sunrise. The data showed steep decreases in fish density between the two surveys in spring which indicates significant mortality of early juvenile coregonids as a result of poor availability of zooplankton in a highly oligotrophic post-mining lake.     

Enumeration of prey items in stomachs of European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.) which contain digested fragments

European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) is a dominant zooplanktivorous fish in many praealpine lakes and of great commercial interest. Estimation of prey consumed by European whitefish is essential for the prediction of top down effects in the pelagic zone. Whitefish is known to feed selectively on cladocerans. Quantitative estimates of prey consumed by whitefish are often not easy to get because stomachs frequently contain only degraded fragments of already digested prey. In this study stomach contents of European whitefish which were composed of digested, degraded prey were analyzed. Daphnid prey could be quantified by the number of mandibles divided by two, the number of head capsules and abdomina present. Predatory cladocerans could be quantified by the number of mandibles divided by two and the number of tail appendages present. For stomachs which contained heavily digested fragments counting the mandibles proved to be a useful and sometimes the only applicable means to quantify prey items. Other body parts, like structured legs which were broken into many pieces, were unsuited to quantify prey items.     

Effects of antifouling paint components (TBTO,copper and triazine) on the early development of embryos in cod (Gadus morhua L.)

To assess the risk of antifoulant use to the commercially important cod (Gadus morhua L.), fertilised cod eggs were exposed to triazine, copper and TBTO singly or combined in laboratory tests with running seawater. At the highest tested concentrations (11.5 microg Cu l(-1); 5 microg TBTO l(-1)) larval mortality was increased. The highest concentration of triazine (40 microg l(-1)) did not cause any significant mortality. Fertilised eggs that had been exposed to all the three chemicals singly for five days showed a higher buoyancy than the controls. No synergistic or antagonistic effects were indicated. Embryos/larvae exposed to 0.004-0.8 microg TBTO l(-1) did not show any changed respiration compared to the controls after hatching. It is concluded that existing known field concentrations of the three antifoulants are hardly expected to cause detectable effects on fish embryonic/larval development.     

Effects of ulvoid (Ulva spp.) accumulation on the structure and function of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) bed

The objective of this study is to clarify the effect of ulvoid (Ulva spp.) accumulation on the structure and function of an eelgrass bed by the coast of Iwakuni, Seto Inland Sea, Japan. We monitored eelgrass shoot density and volume of ulvoid accumulation in the study site and evaluated effects of the accumulated ulvoid canopy on the percent survival, seedling density, growth rates, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and carbon contents of eelgrass. Eelgrass shoot density decreased by the accumulation of ulvoid. Also, seedling density decreased by the increase in the ulvoid volumes. Shoot density, seedling density and leaf elongation were negatively correlated with ulvoid volume. Carbon contents in eelgrass decreased by the accumulation of ulvoid (canopy height: 25cm). These results suggest that accumulation of ulvoid bloom has significant negative impacts on the structure and function of eelgrass bed, i.e. decreases in vegetative shoot density, seedling density, shoot height and growth rate.     

The Influence of the Incubation Temperature on the Body Length and the Yolk Sac Volume of Coregonus albula (L.) Eleutheroembryos

Eggs of Coregonus albula were incubated at temperatures of 1.1, 2.0, 4.9, 6.6, 8.4 and 9.9 °C. The successful hatching is optimum with 61 % at 4.9 °C; incubation time and period of hatching decrease significantly with rising temperature. The length of eleutheroembryos decreases with rising temperature, the yolk sac volume increases. Between the incubation time till hatching and the body length a significantly positive regression exists in the range of 4.9… 8.4 °C, for the yolk sac volume the regression is negative, it is significant in the range of 2.9… 6.6 °C; at the same time a negative regression exists between the yolk sac volume and the body length. Thus, low temperatures cause a delay of hatching, higher temperatures accelerate hatching and at the same time result in a reduced utilization of the yolk reserves. Besides these influences of temperature on the rate of ontogenetic processes, some autoecological consequences of the influence of temperature result, which have to be taken into account in further investigations.     

Seasonal variations of biomarker responses in the marine blue mussel (Mytilus spp.)

Biomarkers, which can detect changes at the biochemical level, have been used for many years as early warning tools in environmental monitoring. In order to distinguish between natural variability and the potential effects of anthropogenic pollution, it is essential to identify background levels and establish the potential influence of abiotic (season, temperature and salinity) and biotic (gametogenesis) factors. In this study, we examined various biomarkers of stress (glutathione S-transferase (GST)), reproduction (vitellin-like proteins) and damage (lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage (DNA)) in marine mussels (Mytilus spp.) from a known pristine hybrid zone. Levels of all biomarker expression varied between seasons and appeared to be linked to the reproductive cycle. Oxidative stress in winter, with low GST expression and a higher expression of LPO and DNA damage displayed could be explained by low food availability. These data provide vital baseline information for future ecotoxicological and environmental monitoring studies.     

太湖沉积物中的可培养细菌:Ⅰ.细菌多样性初步分析

采用牛肉膏培养基培养,从不同深度的太湖沉积物中共分离得到603个菌落形态不同的菌株,通过数值分析比较了40个形态表征性状,以不加权平均连锁聚类（UPGMA）的方式进行簇群归类,在0．75水平上可分成4个聚类群和51个亚群．从51个亚群中各随机选取一个菌株,测定其16SrDNA部分序列（约540bp）并据此进行分析,表明这些菌株分别属于Firmicutes、Actinobacteria、γ-Proteobacteria这三大类群,与数据库中已知的芽孢杆菌属（Bacillus）、类芽孢杆菌属（PaenibaciHus）、微球菌属（Micrococcus）、节杆菌属（Arthrobacter）、迪茨菌属（Dietzia）和假单胞菌属（Pseudomonas）细菌具有很高的相似性．其中迪茨菌属在国内淡水湖泊沉积物中为首次报道．     

The influence of egg size and thermal conditions of incubation on the body length and the yolk sac volume of vendace (Coregonus albula L.) eleutheroembryos

Eggs of C. albula were incubated at 1.5 ° and acclimated for different times to 10 °. This procedure caused a varying delay in their hatching. The percentage of normal hatch and the eleutheroembryos' body length and yolk sac dimensions (height and length) were measured, and the yolk sac volume was calculated. The number of days of hatching delay was positively correlated with the total length of embryos and inversely correlated with their yolk sac volume. Dimensions of vendace embryos emerging from eggs of different size were compared. Larger eggs produced longer embryos equipped with larger yolk sacs, and differences in the yolk sac volume were far more pronounced than differences in the body length.     

Effect of temperature on embryonic and larval development of bream (Abramis brama L.)

Influence of water temperature on embryonic and larval development of bream (Abramis brama L.) was stdied. Eggs of bream were incubated at eight constant water temperatures between 13.2 and 26.8°C. The temperature of 21.1°C gave highest hatching success, with no abnormalities in the eleutheroembryos and lowest mortality observed between eyed egg stage and the time of hatching. Developmental rate increased with increasing temperature. Duration of embryonic development (y; hours) decreased with increasing incubation temperature (x; °C) according to the formula: y=910.1−65.88 x+1.318 x². Larvae were reared at eight constant temperatures ranging from 13.5 to 34.0°C. The instantaneous growth rate in wet weight increased with increasing test temperature from 13.5 to 29.9°C, and then decreased at higher temperatures. Individual growth of fish and biomass production rate were highest at 27.9°C. This temperature is considered optimal when food availability and photoperiod are no limiting factors.     

Effects of the pharmaceuticals gemfibrozil and diclofenac on the marine mussel (Mytilus spp.) and their comparison with standardized toxicity tests

Human pharmaceuticals, like the lipid lowering agent gemfibrozil and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac are causing environmental concern. In this study, the marine mussel (Mytilus spp.) was exposed by injection to environmentally relevant and elevated (1 μg/L and 1000 μg/L) concentrations of both compounds and biomarker expression was observed. Gemfibrozil exposure induced biomarkers of stress (glutathione S-transferase and metallothionein) at both concentrations 24 h and 96 h after exposure, respectively. Biomarkers of damage (lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage) were significantly affected, as well as the biomarker for reproduction, alkali-labile phosphate assay, indicating the potential oxidative stress and endocrine disrupting effect of gemfibrozil. Diclofenac significantly induced LPO after 96 h indicating tissue damage. Additionally standard toxicity tests using the marine species Vibrio fischeri, Skeletonema costatum and Tisbe battagliai showed differences in sensitivity to both drugs in the mg/L range. Results indicate a suite of tests should be used to give accurate information for regulation.     

Effects of larval density and salinity on the development of perch larvae (Perca fluviatilis L.)

We performed two experiments, one to test whether survival and initial swim bladder inflation of perchPerca fluviatilis are affected by population density (4 or 16 larvae 1^–1) or salinity (0, 0.6 and 1.2), and the second to test the salinity tolerance of larvae. In experiment 1, survival was higher at low larval densities and at salinities of 0.6 and 1.2 rather than in fresh water. Initial swim bladder inflation was not affected by salinity or density. Average survival of fry 24 days after hatching varied from 29.6% to 86.3%, but only an average of 19.2% of the hatched larvae had grown into viable fish with an inflated swim bladder. In experiment 2, survival varied from 19% to 49%, but was not significantly affected by salinities of up to 4.8. At a salinity of 9.6, only 2 out of 344 larvae survived.     

Temporal variation of soil erosion resistance on sloping farmland during the growth stages of maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize growth has great effects on soil properties and thus likely induces the changes in soil erosion resistance on sloping farmland. However, temporal variation of soil erosion resistance during the growth stages of maize is still unclear in the mountainous yellow soil area where maize is the dominant crop. In this study, four maize plots (MP) and four bare land plots (CK) were conducted to investigate soil erosion resistance, and multiple indicators of soil erosion resistance were measured including the total soil anti-scourability (TAS), mean weight diameter (MWD), soil erodibility K factor and soil shear strength (SH). A comprehensive soil erosion resistance index (CSERI) was employed to quantify the temporal variation of soil erosion resistance during the growth stages of maize (seedling stage, SS; jointing stage, JS; tasselling stage, TS; maturing stage, MS). The results showed that TAS, MWD, SH increased significantly with maize growth and SH decreased when at MS. But K factor decreased significantly over time. CSERI increased significantly during the growth stages of maize and the CSERI of JS, TS, MS increased on average by 74.72, 180.68 and 234.57% than that of SS. Compared to CK, CSERI of MP increased by 49.90, 66.82, 55.60 and 38.61% during the growth stages of maize. The temporal variation of soil erosion resistance was closely related to the changes in maize cover, maize roots and soil organic carbon. The findings demonstrated that it is necessary to consider the temporal variation of soil erosion resistance in the mountainous yellow soil area.