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Catfish
Kinds of Catfish Terms modified by Catfish Selected AbstractsThe importance of product cut and form when estimating fish demand: the case of U.S. CatfishAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009Andrew Muhammad The absolute price version of the Rotterdam model was used in the estimation of U.S. catfish demand where catfish was differentiated by product cut (whole, fillet, and other) and product form (fresh and frozen). Likelihood ratio tests were used to determine the importance of product form in demand (product form aggregation). Likelihood ratio tests were also used to determine if fresh products were separable from frozen products (product form separability). Product form aggregation was rejected at a probability of 0.999, suggesting that fresh and frozen catfish products are not homogenous. The hypothesis, no product form separability, failed to be rejected at the 0.05 significance level, but was rejected at the 0.01 significance level. Test results suggest that it is more acceptable to focus on a single product group (e.g., frozen products) than to assume that catfish products are perfectly aggregatable across product forms. [JEL classifications: Q11, Q13, Q22]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Susceptibility of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), to Edwardsiella ictaluri challenge following copper sulphate exposureJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 10 2007B R Griffin Abstract Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), with or without a preliminary 24 h exposure to 2 mg copper sulphate L,1, were challenged with 7.5 × 106 colony forming units L,1 of Edwardsiella ictaluri to determine the effect of copper sulphate on disease resistance. Catfish previously exposed to copper sulphate were significantly more resistant to the bacterial challenge than those not exposed. Catfish not exposed to copper sulphate suffered 35.5% mortality while catfish exposed to copper sulphate experienced 14.1% mortality. Copper concentrations were the same in tank waters of both exposed and control fish at the time of challenge, eliminating the possibility that copper in the water may have been toxic to bacteria. Copper concentrations in freeze dried and ground tissues of unexposed, exposed, and purged channel catfish were highest in fish before copper sulphate exposures suggesting that elevated tissue levels of copper were not responsible for the increased resistance to bacterial challenge. Competition for sites of bacterial attachment to gill or epithelial cells may account for the reduction in mortality; although this is not supported by the low copper content of fish tissue after copper exposure. [source] Growth and Survival of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Fry Fed Diets with 36 or 45% Total Protein and All Plant or Animal Protein SourcesJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2010Todd D. Sink The basic nutrient requirements for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, are well known, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that catfish fry grow faster and have better survival when fed an animal protein diet. However, the ability to grow channel catfish as small as 11 g on all plant diets and a lack of published data showing the superiority of fish or animal proteins compared to nutritionally equivalent plant proteins for catfish fry indicates that it may be possible to raise channel catfish fry on diets with only plant protein sources. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to compare the effects of 36 and 45% animal protein diets and 36 and 45% all plant protein diets on catfish fry growth and survival. Experimental diets were formulated to contain: 36% all plant protein (primarily from soybean meal); 36% animal and plant protein (,45% of crude protein as fish meal); 45% all plant protein (primarily from soy protein concentrate and soybean meal); and 45% animal and plant protein (,60% of crude protein as fish meal). The catfish were fed at a rate of 20% of body weight daily for 28 d using 24-h automated feeders. Mean ending weights and lengths of catfish fry were not significantly different (P > 0.05) for any treatment. Mean mortality was also not significantly different (P > 0.05) among diets. Regression analysis of growth rate and analysis of variance of final weights revealed that there was no significant difference in growth rate for any of the four diets. These results indicate that growth is not limited in channel catfish fry fed all plant protein diets, and that there is no apparent advantage to the inclusion of animal protein in diets for channel catfish fry. [source] Evaluation of Glycerol from Biodiesel Production as a Feed Ingredient for Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatusJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2010Menghe H. Li Glycerol is the main by-product of biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats. It has been evaluated as an energy source for several farm animals. A study was conducted to examine the effects of various levels of glycerol in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, diets. Fish with mean initial weight of 6.8 ± 0.1 g were stocked in 110-L flow-through aquaria and fed practical diets containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% glycerol for 9 wk. There were no significant differences in feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and liver lipid level among fish fed diets containing 0, 5, and 10% glycerol. However, fish fed diets containing 15 and 20% glycerol had reduced weight gain, feed efficiency, and liver lipid content. Survival was not affected by dietary glycerol levels. Blood glucose level was significantly higher in fish fed 5% glycerol than fish fed other diets. Fillet protein and fat generally decreased and fillet moisture increased as dietary glycerol level increased. It appears that channel catfish can utilize about 10% glycerol in the diet without adverse effects on feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, hemoglobin, hepatosomatic index, and liver lipid. [source] Dietary Bovine Lactoferrin Increases Resistance of Juvenile Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, to Enteric SepticemiaJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2010Thomas L. Welker Juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were fed nutritionally complete, practical basal diets supplemented with bovine lactoferrin (Lf) at 0, 200, 400, 800, or 1600 mg/kg diet for 5 wk. Feed intake was significantly higher in fish-fed diets supplemented with Lf compared to the control diet, but the increased feed intake did not translate to significant increases in growth performance. Hemoglobin, white and red blood cell counts, and resistance to low-water stress also were not different among dietary groups (P > 0.05). Levels of Lf in diets had a significant effect on survival of channel catfish following challenge with Edwardsiella ictaluri: catfish fed 800 or 1600 mg/kg Lf had higher survival than the groups fed the control or 200 mg Lf diet. We established the break point minimum concentration of Lf for resistance to E. ictaluri infection as 1136 mg/kg. There was not a corresponding increase in activity of nonspecific or specific immune parameters with addition of Lf to diets, but plasma iron decreased significantly in channel catfish fed bovine Lf compared to the control group. However, no clear trend for level of dietary Lf, iron status, and resistance to E. ictaluri infection could be established. [source] Effects of Varying Dietary Protein Levels and Feeding Frequencies on Condition and Reproductive Performance of Channel Catfish to Produce Hybrid CatfishJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 5 2009Herbert E. Quintero The interspecific hybridization of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, females with blue catfish, I. furcatus, males has been identified as a method to further improve production; however, lack of spawning success has affected its commercial application. To facilitate our understanding of the interaction of brood stock nutrition and reproductive performance, we evaluated the interaction of feed quality and feeding frequency. Channel catfish females were classified into two genetic groups, namely, high and low spawning. The treatments were offered during the spring season 70,90 d prior to the start of the spawning season. Induced reproduction was performed using luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog. Condition of the fish as well as reproductive performance using spawning success, egg production, egg size, and fertilization at 48 h were determined. Changing protein level of the diet from 32 to 42% did not influence spawning, fecundity, or fertilization, but affected egg size and biochemical composition of the eggs. Increasing the feeding frequency from three to six times per week negatively affected spawning in one of the two genetics groups, did not affect egg production and egg fertilization, but had a significant effect on egg size. Older fish performed better than younger fish in terms of spawning success and egg production. [source] Production and Processing Trait Comparisons of Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Their Hybrids Grown in Earthen PondsJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 6 2008Mingkang Jiang Fingerling HS-5 channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, NWAC 103 channel catfish, D&B blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, HS-5 female channel × D&B male blue catfish F1 hybrids, and NWAC 103 female channel × D&B male blue catfish F1 hybrids were stocked into twenty-five 0.04-ha earthen ponds at 12,500 fish/ha and grown for 277 d. Fish were fed daily at rates from 1.0 to 3.0% biomass based on feeding activity and temperature and adjusted weekly assuming a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.8 and 100% survival. At harvest, 40 fish from each pond were sampled, and all other counted and weighed. Mean survival, growth rate indexes (a), FCR, and skin-on fillet percentages were not significantly different. Mean harvest weights and net production were higher for HS-5 channel and its hybrid than for the NWAC 103 channel, NWAC 103 hybrid, and D&B blue catfish, partially because of their larger mean stocking weights. D&B blue catfish was more uniform in size than NWAC 103 channel and NWAC 103 hybrid. D&B blue catfish was the easiest to seine. HS-5 hybrids and NWAC 103 hybrids had lower mean head percentage and a better processing yield than their parent channel catfish. [source] Growth, Maturation, Induced Spawning, and Production of the First Generation of South American Catfish, Pseudoplatystoma sp., in North AmericaJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2 2008Konrad Dabrowski Growth, plasma steroids, and the appearance of gonads (histology and gonadosomatic index) were followed in South American catfish (surubim, Pseudoplatystoma sp.) raised in captivity in the aquaculture facility at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA, from 2003 until 2006. Broodstock growth showed a great individual variation and it did not seem sex dependent. The levels of 11-ketotestosterone were high in males during the reproductive season. Three out of six females spawned after receiving two doses of carp pituitary extract (0.5 and 5 mg/kg) at 11-h intervals. Fertilization was performed in only one female in February 2006. Egg size was 0.73 ± 0.06 mm in diameter at stripping. Two males released sperm, and it was used for fertilization. Sperm concentrations were 24 × 109 and 15.5 × 109 spermatozoa/mL in Male 1 and Male 2, respectively, and viability was confirmed after activation in 0.3% NaCl. Embryo survival at 9 h after fertilization was 44 and 23% for Male 1 and Male 2, respectively. Embryos hatched 15 h after fertilization. Larvae were 3.53 ± 0.09 mm in length at hatching and were successfully raised (72% survival after 2 wks) using live brine shrimp nauplii. [source] Effects of an Extended Hatchery Phase and Vaccination against Enteric Septicemia of Catfish on the Production of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, FingerlingsJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2 2008Abel A. Carrias The present study was conducted to evaluate production management methods to improve overall survival of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, fry to the fingerling stage by incorporating the use of a live, attenuated vaccine against Edwardsiella ictaluri and employing an extended hatchery phase. In this experiment, four treatments were used. In Treatment 1, 10-d posthatch (PH) fry were vaccinated and then directly stocked into earthen ponds. In Treatments 2 and 3, 10-d PH fry were sham-vaccinated (control) and vaccinated, respectively, kept in nursery tanks for 22 d, and then stocked into earthen ponds. Fry in Treatment 4 were sham-vaccinated at 10 d PH, kept in nursery tanks for 22 d, and then vaccinated prior to stocking into earthen ponds. Mean fingerling yield at harvest ranged from 4716 kg/ha in Treatment 1 to 8112 kg/ha in Treatment 4. Mean individual fish weight ranged from 38.8 g in Treatment 1 to 40.9 g in Treatment 4, and feed conversion ratios (FCR) ranged from 1.15 in Treatment 4 to 1.51 in Treatment 1. Mean survival ranged from 47.5% in Treatment 1 to 73.4% in Treatment 4. In specific comparisons to evaluate the nursery effect (Treatments 1 and 3), yield and overall survival were significantly different (P < 0.05) between these two treatments. In specific comparisons to evaluate the effect of the use of the vaccine (Treatments 2, 3, and 4), overall survival was significantly different (P < 0.05) between Treatment 2 (sham-vaccinated control with nursery phase) and Treatment 4 (vaccinated at 32 d PH with nursery phase). No significant differences (P > 0.05) in yield, average weight, and FCR were observed between treatments. Results indicate that implementing an extended hatchery phase and vaccination strategy with older fry can improve overall survival of fingerling fish. [source] Interaction of Water Alkalinity and Stocking Density on Survival and Growth of Silver Catfish, Rhamdia quelen, JuvenilesJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 3 2007Luciana Segura de Andrade [source] Effect of Sublethal Hypoxia on the Immune Response and Susceptibility of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, to Enteric SepticemiaJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2007Thomas L. Welker The effect of sublethal hypoxia exposure on stress and immune responses and susceptibility to Edwardsiella ictaluri infection in juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, was investigated. Fish were monitored for temporal changes in glucose and cortisol concentrations before, during, and after 2 h exposure to sublethal hypoxia (<2 mg/L dissolved oxygen [DO]) and when maintained under normoxic conditions (6.0 ± 0.3 mg/L DO). Both blood glucose and plasma cortisol increased significantly in response to hypoxic conditions. Fish exposed to hypoxic or normoxic conditions were challenged with a high dose (1.3 × 107 colony-forming units [CFU]/mL) or a low dose (1.3 × 105 CFU/mL) of E. ictaluri or sterile culture broth by 30-min immersion bath. Approximately 1% of fish in both the normoxic and the hypoxic groups died when challenged with the low dose of E. ictaluri. However, when challenged with the high dose of E. ictaluri, catfish exposed to hypoxic conditions had significantly higher cumulative mortality (36 ± 12.1%) than those maintained under normoxic conditions (12 ± 1.1%). Total hemolytic complement and bactericidal activities and antibody response were lower in hypoxia-exposed channel catfish, indicating that increased susceptibility of channel catfish to E. ictaluri may be the result of the immunosuppressive effects of the stress response to hypoxia. [source] Immune Response and Resistance to Stress and Edwardsiella ictaluri Challenge in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Fed Diets Containing Commercial Whole-Cell Yeast or Yeast SubcomponentsJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2007Thomas L. Welker Dietary supplementation of yeast or yeast subcomponents (YYS) as commercial preparations of ,-glucan (MacroGard®; Biotec-Mackzymal, Tromsø, Norway; and Betagard A®; Aqua-In-Tech, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA), mannan oligosaccharide (Bio-MosÔ Aqua Grade; Alltech, Nicholasville, KY, USA), or whole-cell Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Levucell SB20®; Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Milwaukee, WI, USA) at the manufacturer's recommended levels was evaluated on the physiological performance of juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Fish were fed YYS diets for 4 wk, followed by 2 wk of control diet. Fish were sampled at the end of each feeding period (4 and 6 wk) to measure hematological and immune parameters and growth and to determine the effects of dietary ,-glucan on resistance to Edwardsiella ictaluri infection and to low-water stress (6 wk). Supplementation of YYS in diets did not affect growth performance, hematology, or immune function. Survival from E. ictaluri infection was from 5 to 17.5% higher in fish fed YYS diets than in the control group, but the increases were not significant. Some improvement in stress resistance was observed in YYS-fed catfish after exposure to low-water stress. Stress reduction in fish fed diets supplemented with yeast subcomponents has been reported previously, but thus far, no explanation has been proposed for this effect. The present study and the previously published research suggest that dietary YYS supplementation does not appear to improve resistance of channel catfish to E. ictaluri. [source] Effect of Multiple-batch Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Stocking Density and Feeding Rate on Water Quality, Production Characteristics, and CostsJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 4 2006Brent E. Southworth To quantitatively define relationships among stocking densities, feeding rates, water quality, and production costs for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, grown in multiple-batch systems, twelve 0.1-ha earthen ponds were stocked at 8,600, 17,300, 26,000, or 34,600 fingerlings/ha along with 2,268 kg/ha of carryover fish. Fish in all ponds were fed daily to apparent satiation using 32% protein floating feed. Temperature and dissolved oxygen in each pond were monitored twice daily; pH weekly; nitrite-N, total ammonia nitrogen, and Secchi disk visibility every 2 wk; nitrate-N, chlorophyll a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand monthly; and chloride every other month. The costs of producing channel catfish at different stocking densities were estimated. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) as a result of stocking density among treatment means of (1) gross or net yields, (2) mean weights at harvest, and (3) growth or survival of fingerlings (24,36%) and carryover fish (77,94%). Mean and maximum daily feeding rates ranged from 40 to 53 kg/ha/d and 123 to 188 kg/ha/d, respectively, and feed conversion ratios averaged 1.75. There were no differences in any feed-related parameter as a result of density. Water quality variables showed few differences among densities at samplings and no differences when averaged across the production season. Yield of fingerlings increased as stocking density increased with significant differences between the two highest and the two lowest stocking densities. Breakeven prices were lower at the higher stocking densities as a result of the higher yield of understocked fish and similar mean individual fish weights produced at these higher stocking densities. Overall, varying stocking densities of fingerlings in multiple-batch systems had little effect on production efficiency and water quality. Additional research on managing the population structure of carryover fish in commercial catfish ponds may be warranted. [source] Growth of Stocker Channel Catfish to Large Market Size in Single-Batch CultureJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2004Bartholomew W. Green Catfish farmers increasingly are producing fish larger than the traditional size of 0.45-0.57 kg/fish in order to meet processing plant requirements for larger fish. Production of larger channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in multiple-batch culture has been investigated in a few studies, but the impact of understocked fingerlings on growth of carry-over fish is unknown. The present study was conducted to quantify growth, feed conversion ratio, net daily yield, and net and total yield of stocker channel catfish grown in single-batch, one-season culture to mean individual weights of 0.60, 0.72, 0.91, or 1.17 kg/fish. Channel catfish (mean weight = 0.26 kg/fish) were stocked into 12 0.1-ha ponds at 11,115 fish/ha. Fish were fed a 32% crude protein floating extruded feed once daily to apparent satiation. When the average weight of the fish population reached the target weight, three randomly selected ponds were harvested. Fish growth was linear in all treatments. Growth rates were similar for fish grown to 0.60, 0.72, and 0.91 kg/fish, and significantly lower (P < 0.05) than for fish grown to 1.17 kg. Variation in individual fish weight increased linearly with increased duration of culture period. Feed conversion ratio averaged 1.9 and did not differ significantly among treatments. The percentage of the fish population at harvest that fell within the 0.57 to 2.04 kg-size range preferred by processing plants increased from 56.6 to 98-5% as the mean weight at harvest increased from 0.60 to 1.17 kg/fish. [source] Bioavailability of Ascorbyl-2-Monophosphate to Channel Catfish Fed Purified and Practical DietsJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2 2002Wendy M. Sealey [source] Histochemical Analysis of Glycoconjugates in the Skin of a Catfish (Arius Tenuispinis, Day)ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2010A. Al-Banaw Summary A histochemical study using conventional carbohydrate histochemistry (periodic-acid staining including diastase controls, alcian blue staining at pH 1 and 2.5) as well as using a battery of 14 fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled lectins to identify glycoconjugates present in 10 different areas of the skin of a catfish (Arius tenuispinis) was carried out. The lectins used were: mannose-binding lectins (Con A, LCA and PSA), galactose-binding lectins (PNA, RCA), N -acetylgalactosamine-binding lectins (DBA, SBA, SJA and GSL I), N -acetylglucosamine-binding lectins (WGA and WGAs), fucose-binding lectins (UEA) and lectins which bind to complex carbohydrate configurations (PHA E, PHA L). Conventional glycoconjugate staining (PAS staining, alcian blue at pH 1 and 2.5) showed that the mucous goblet cells contain a considerable amount of glycoconjugates in all locations of the skin, whereas the other unicellular gland type, the club cells, lacked these glycoconjugates. The glycoproteins found in goblet cells are neutral and therefore stain magenta when subjected to PAS staining. Alcian blue staining indicating acid glycoproteins was distinctly positive at pH 1, but gave only a comparable staining at pH 2.5. The mucus of the goblet cells therefore also contains acid glycoproteins rich in sulphate groups. Using FITC-labelled lectins, the carbohydrate composition of the glycoproteins of goblet cells could be more fully characterized. A distinct staining of the mucus of goblet cells was found with the mannose-binding lectins LCA and PSA; the galactosamine-binding lectins DBA, SBA and GLS I; the glucosamine-binding lectin WGA; and PHA E which stains glycoproteins with complex carbohydrate configurations. No reaction occurred with the fucose-binding lectin UEA and the sialic acid-specific lectin SNA. In addition, the galactose-binding lectins PNA and RCA showed only a weak or completely negative staining of the mucus in the goblet cells. The specificity of the lectin staining could be proved by inhibiting binding of the lectins by competitive inhibition with the corresponding sugars. From these data, we can conclude that the mucus produced by the epidermal goblet cells of A. tenuispinis is rich in mannose, N -acetylgalactosamine and N -acetylglucosamine residues. [source] Histology and Mucin Histochemistry of The Digestive Tract of Yellow Catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidracoANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 4 2009X. J. Cao Summary The histology and characteristics of mucins secreted by epithelial mucous cells of the digestive tract in yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were investigated using light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The digestive tract was divided into a pharynx, oesophagus, U-shaped stomach (with a cardiac, fundic and pyloric part) and intestine, composed of anterior intestine, middle intestine and posterior intestine, which consisted of a mucosa (epithelial layer), lamina propria-submucosa, muscularis and serosa. A large number of isolated longitudinal striated muscular bundles were present in the lamina propria-submucosa of pharynx. Goblet cells were observed throughout the digestive tract, except in the stomach. In the cardiac and fundic stomach, a plenty of gastric glands were observed, whereas they were absent in the pyloric part. Numerous mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were observed in the columnar epithelial cells of the intestine, especially of the anterior part. The epithelial mucous cells contained neutral or other two mixtures of acid and neutral mucins, the first being the most common. The neutral mucin was the only type of mucins in the stomach, anterior intestine and middle intestine. The results of this study will be helpful for understanding the digestive physiology and diagnosing some gastrointestinal diseases in yellow catfish. [source] Effects of the probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, on the growth performance, haematology parameters and immunoglobulin concentration in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) fingerlingAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 14 2009Mohammed Abdullah Al-Dohail Abstract This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of the probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, on the growth performance, haematology parameters and immunoglobulin concentration in African catfish Clarias gariepinus fingerling. Two experimental diets were formulated to contain 35 g kg,1 crude protein and 10 g kg,1 lipids accordingly and fed three times daily for 12 weeks to 25 C. gariepinus fingerlings per fibreglass tank in 12 replicates each. The control diet was prepared with no probiotic supplementation whereas the second diet was prepared supplemented with a probiotic, L. acidophilus, containing about 3.01 × 107 colonies/g of diet. The results show that growth performance [specific growth rate (SGR) and relative growth rate (RGR)], nutrient utilization [protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)] and survival were significantly (P<0.05) higher in fish maintained on the probiotic-supplemented diet compared with those on the control diet. Haematology parameters (packed cell volume, haemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, red blood cell and white blood cell, total serum protein, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl,, glucose and cholesterol) and total immunoglobulin concentrations were also significantly better in fish fed the probiotic-supplemented diet than in the control. Although the water quality parameters monitored were better in the fish fed the probiotic-supplemented diet than in the control, the parameters were not significantly different (P>0.05). From the results of this experiment, we conclude that L. acidophilus can be used as a probiotic agent in African catfish culture, to enhance fish health, survival and better feed efficiency and growth performance. [source] Structure of adhesive organ of the mountain-stream catfish, Pseudocheneis sulcatus (Teleostei: Sisoridae)ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 4 2005Debasish Das Abstract The structure and ultrastructure of the adhesive organ (AO) in the catfish, Pseudocheneis sulcatus (Sisoridae), an inhabitant of the sub-Himalayan streams of India, is described. The surface of the AO is thrown into folds, the ridges of which bear curved spines. The AO epidermis consists of 10,12 tiers of filament-rich cells, of which the outer tier cells project spines lined with a thick plasma membrane and bear bundles of tonofilaments (TF). Their cytoplasm contains TF and large mucus-like granules, but no obvious organelles. A second tier of living cells with spines is present beneath the outer tier and seems to replace the latter when its spines are damaged or shed. The outer tier cells react positively with antibody to cytokeratin. Actin labelling is clearly absent from the outer tier, indicating that keratinization of the outer tier occurs in the absence of actin filaments. In the cells of the third to fifth tiers, the cytoplasm possesses abundant small mucous granules (0.1,0.3 µm), and fewer TF compared to the cytoplasm in the spines. The cells of the innermost tiers and the basal layer possess few TF bundles, but no mucous granules. The potential of AO filament cells to produce both mucous granules and keratin filaments is noteworthy. The observations provide evidence that specific regions of fish epidermis can actually undergo a true process of keratinization. [source] Population ecology of cave armoured catfish, Ancistrus cryptophthalmus Reis 1987, from central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)ECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 2 2007E. Trajano Abstract,,, The population ecology of Ancistrus cryptophthalmus (Reis 1987) was studied by mark,recapture technique in caves from the São Domingos karst area, State of Goiás, northeastern Brazil. Total population sizes estimated for Angélica and Passa Três Caves were 20,000 and 1000 individuals, respectively. Densities around 1.0 individuals per m2 in Angélica, Bezerra and São Vicente I Streams, and 0.6 individuals per m2 in the smaller Passa Três Stream may be considered high for cavefish standards, as well as for epigean loricariids. As expected for benthic grazers, cave catfish are highly sedentary. The distribution of size classes did not differ among caves and within the same cave throughout the studied dry seasons; on the contrary, the condition factor decreased throughout this period probably because of the progressive depletion of organic matter available as food. Low proportions of mature individuals, low growth rates (average = 0.5 mm month,1) with cases of negative growth and high longevities (8,10 years) point to a precocial lifestyle, typical of troglobitic species. [source] Population viability and perturbation analyses in remnant populations of the Andean catfish Astroblepus ubidiaiECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 2 2005L. A. Vélez-Espino Abstract ,Astroblepus ubidiai (Actinopterygii; Siluriformes), which is the only native fish of the highlands of the Province of Imbabura, Ecuador, was abundant in the past in the Imbakucha watershed and adjacent drainages but currently it is restricted to a few isolated refuges. Population viability analysis (PVA) was used to detect critical aspects in the ecology and conservation biology of this unique fish. The annual population growth rate (,) was estimated for six remnant populations of this Andean catfish using a deterministic matrix population model. Sensitivity and elasticity analyses complemented the PVA by providing constructive insights into vital rates affecting projections and extinction probabilities. Positive population growth rates were found in all the study populations. The high contributions of juvenile survival to the variance of , and its high elasticity indicated that A. ubidiai population dynamics are highly sensitive to the transition values of this vital rate, which can promptly respond to management or antagonistic perturbations. Allowing fish to survive until the age of first reproduction and permitting the successful reproduction of these individuals will facilitate positive population growth rates, however the very small areas of occupancy, small extent of occurrence and severe fragmentation may still contribute to the extinction risk. Resumen 1. Astroblepus ubidiai (Actinopterygii; Siluriformes), el único pez nativo de los altos Andes en la Provincia de Imbabura, Ecuador, era abundante en el pasado en la cuenca de Imbakucha y en las cuencas adyacentes, pero actualmente existe en unos cuantos refugios geográficamente aislados. 2. Un Análisis de Viabilidad Poblacional (AVP) fue necesario para detectar los aspectos críticos en la ecología y biología de conservación de la especie. La tasa anual de crecimiento poblacional (,) se estimó en seis poblaciones remanentes de este pez andino usando un modelo matricial de población. Análisis de sensitividad y elasticidad permitieron la complementación de interpretaciones derivadas del AVP mediante la facilitación de exploraciones constructivas de los efectos relativos de las tasas vitales en proyecciones demográficas y probabilidades de extinción. 3. Todas las poblaciones estudiadas presentaron tasas positivas de crecimiento poblacional a pesar de que factores determinísticos tales como la pérdida de hábitat y fragmentación han llevado la ocurrencia de esta especie a pequeños fragmentos. La alta contribución a la varianza de , y la alta elasticidad de la supervivencia juvenil indicaron que las dinámicas poblacionales de A. ubidiai son altamente sensibles a los valores de transición de esta tasa vital, la cual puede responder con facilidad a actividades de manejo o perturbaciones antagónicas. 4. Facilitando que los peces sobrevivan hasta la edad de primera reproducción y permitiendo la reproducción exitosa de estos individuos son condiciones determinantes para mantener tasas positivas de crecimiento. Sin embargo, aún existe la necesidad de confrontar el riesgo de extinción derivado de pequeñas áreas de ocupación, limitada extensión de ocurrencia, y fragmentación severa. En este artículo también se discute la manera en que el conocimiento de estas circunstancias específicas es esencial para tomar acciones efectivas de conservación. [source] Monitoring of DNA breakage in embryonic stages of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) after exposure to lead nitrate using alkaline comet assayENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Alaa G. M. Osman Abstract Increasing lead contamination in Egyptian ecosystems and high lead concentrations in food items have raised concern for human health and stimulated studies on monitoring ecotoxicological impact of lead-caused genotoxicity. In this work, the alkaline comet assay was modified for monitoring DNA strand breakage in sensitive early life stages of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Following exposure to 100, 300, and 500 ,g/L lead nitrate, DNA strand breakage was quantified in embryos at 30, 48, 96, 144, and 168 h post-fertilization (PFS). For quantitative analysis, four commonly used parameters (tail % DNA, %TDNA; head % DNA, %HDNA; tail length, TL; tail moment, TM) were analyzed in 96 nuclei (in triplicates) at each sampling point. The parameter %TDNA revealed highest resolution and lowest variation. A strong correlation between lead concentration, time of exposure, and DNA strand breakage was observed. Here, genotoxicity detected by comet assay preceded the manifested malformations assessed with conventional histology. Qualitative evaluation was carried out using five categories are as follows: undamaged (%TDNA , 10%), low damaged (10% < %TDNA , 25%), median damaged (25 < %TDNA , 50%), highly damaged (50 < %TDNA , 75%), and extremely damaged (%TDNA > 75%) nuclei confirming a dose and time-dependent shift towards increased frequencies of highly and extremely damaged nuclei. A protective capacity provided by a hardened chorion is a an interesting finding in this study as DNA damage in the prehatching stages 30 h-PFS and 48 h-PFS was low in all treatments (qualitative and quantitative analyses). These results clearly show that the comet assay is a sensitive tool for the detection of genotoxicity in vulnerable early life stages of the African catfish and is a method more sensitive than histological parameters for monitoring genotoxic effects. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008. [source] Comparing the relative toxicity of malathion and malaoxon in blue catfish Ictalurus furcatusENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Winfred G. Aker Abstract Malathion inhibits the critical body enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This capability requires that malathion should first be converted to malaoxon to become an active anticholinesterase agent. Conversion can be caused by oxidation in mammals, insects, plants, and in sunlight. In this study, the effects of malathion and malaoxon on catfish Ictalurus furcatus were evaluated. After 96-h exposures, the LC50 (concentration that causes 50% mortality) and IC50 (concentration that causes 50% enzyme inhibition) for malaoxon were lower than corresponding values for malathion. The overall mean 96-h LC50 is 17.0 ppm for malathion and 3.1 ppm for malaoxon. IC50 values for malathion are 8.5 ppm for brain, 10.3 ppm for liver, and 16.6 ppm for muscle. Corresponding values for malaoxon are 2.3, 3.7, and 6.8 ppm, respectively. All the AChE activities in malathion- and malaoxon-exposed catfish brain showed significant inhibition. The oxidation product malaoxon demonstrated higher inhibition on AChE activity than did malathion. Moreover, malaoxon showed significant inhibition on butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in the liver if the concentrations were increased to more than 1 ppm. Malathion showed no difference between treatment group and control group. Compared with malathion, malaoxon showed higher inhibition on monoamine activity than that of malathion. The results indicated that the oxidative product malaoxon is more toxic than the parent compound malathion. AChE, BChE, and monoamine activities are confirmed as bioindicators of malathion exposure in blue catfish, I. furcatus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008. [source] Comparative sensitivity of embryo,larval toxicity assays with African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and zebra fish (Danio rerio)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Lien T. H. Nguyen Abstract Embryo,larval toxicity tests with the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were conducted with five chemicals (Cr, Cd, Zn, NaPCP and malathion) and three environmental samples. The sensitivity of the 5-day assay was compared to that of the 12-day embryo,larval toxicity tests with the zebra fish (Danio rerio). The ratios of the C. gariepinus and D. rerio LC50 values ranged from 0.4 for Cr to 8.9 for Zn. The ratios of subchronic values ranged from 0.25 for NaPCP to 3.1 for Cd indicating a more comparable sensitivity of the two species. For the three sediment pore waters, the ratios were 0.6, 1.1, and 2.4 and the subchronic values were identical for the two species. The results suggest that, considering the short-test duration and its sensitivity, the 5-day embryo,larval tests with C. gariepinus may be a potential alternative for short-term embryo,larval toxicity testing with fish. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 566,571, 2001 [source] Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in the aquatic ecosystem of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, South AfricaENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2003Bontle Mbongwe Abstract Concentrations of DDT and its metabolites were measured in water, plants, invertebrates, and fish from lagoons in the Okavango Delta, Botswana (Africa), where DDT has been used for approximately 50 years. The sampling area was sectioned to distinguish spraying for malaria and for African sleeping sickness. Average concentrations of total DDT (sum of DDT and its metabolites) in the Okavango ranged from 0.009 ng/L in water to 18.76 ng/g wet weight in fish. These levels are approximately 1% of those found in piscivorous fish from temperate North America. The dichlorodiphenyl ethylene (DDE) metabolite was the most abundant fraction of total DDT. Although total DDT concentrations were higher in areas treated for malaria than areas treated for sleeping sickness, these concentrations were likely driven by factors other than the historic application of the pesticide. Equilibration with air concentrations is the most likely explanation for these levels. Since the mean annual temperature exceeds the temperature of vaporization of DDT, this research points to the need for reliable transport models. Our results showed that total DDT concentration in fish was best explained by lipid content of the fish and trophic position inferred by ,15N, regardless of DDT application history in those areas. The reservoir above Gaborone Dam, an area downstream of the Okavango but where DDT had not been used, was sampled to compare total DDT levels to the treated areas. The two species (a herbivorous threespot talapia and the omnivorous sharptooth catfish) from Gaborone had levels higher than those found in the Okavango Delta, but these differences can again be explained using trophic position inferred by ,15N rather than by fish size or location. [source] Effect of bile salts, lipid, and humic acids on absorption of benzo[a]pyrene by isolated channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) intestine segmentsENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2001Lynn P. Weber Abstract Dietary absorption of lipophilic contaminants may be a significant route of exposure in aquatic organisms. Bile salts, lipids, and humic acids are important factors that may influence the intestinal absorption of a contaminant such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). We hypothesized that bile salts, monoglycerides, and free fatty acids would increase BaP intestinal absorption, while triglycerides, humic acids, and sediment would decrease BaP intestinal absorption. We have established and validated an in vitro model to examine modification of 3H-BaP absorption in everted intestinal segments from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Uptake of BaP into the everted intestinal segments continued to increase over the times examined in this study (60 min) and apparently occurs passively; thus, fugacity-based models of uptake are supported. Absorption of BaP into intestinal cells was significantly decreased by the addition of monoglycerides and free fatty acids to bile salts in the incubation media. Addition of triglycerides decreased BaP absorption even further. Humic acids may have decreased BaP intestinal absorption, while natural sediment may have increased BaP absorption. The results of this study suggest that all lipids may decrease intestinal uptake of lipophilic contaminants if they remain in unabsorbable excess in the intestinal lumen by retaining BaP in lipid/bile micelles. In contrast, if triglycerides are hydrolyzed into monoglycerides/free fatty acids prior to absorption, lipophilic contaminant uptake will likely be facilitated. Thus, it may be the hydrolytic state of lipids that determines its effects on BaP absorption. Humic acids alone may decrease dietary uptake of BaP, but our results suggest that other components in natural sediment may counteract this effect to cause a slight enhancement of BaP uptake. Further studies are needed to determine the dietary conditions necessary for bio-accumulation to contribute significantly to lipophilic contaminant body burdens in benthivorous fish. Finally, the everted intestinal segment technique has the potential to be used in other species and with different contaminants. [source] Flavobacterium columnare chemotaxis to channel catfish mucusFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2008Phillip H. Klesius Abstract Flavobacterium columnare is a Gram-negative pathogen of many species of wild and cultured fish. Isolates from diseased channel catfish belong to either genomovar I or II. Genomovar II isolates were found to be more virulent than genomovar I isolates. The objective of the present study was to determine whether differences exist in the chemotactic response of these genomovars to mucus obtained from the skin, gills and intestines of healthy channel catfish using the capillary chemotaxis assay. Mucus from the skin and gill induced a greater chemotactic response by F. columnare than mucus from the intestine. Sixty percent of mucus from the skin of individual catfish yielded a positive chemotactic response from F. columnare. Finally, skin mucus induced a greater chemotactic response in genomovar II F. columnare than in genomovar I F. columnare isolates. The data indicate that mucus from channel catfish results in a chemotactic response by F. columnare. This positive chemotactic response may be an important first step for F. columnare colonization of channel catfish skin or gills. Although the role that chemotaxis plays in the virulence of F. columnare is not fully defined, the chemotactic response of genomovar ll isolates suggests that chemotaxis is associated with virulence. [source] Voracious invader or benign feline?FISH AND FISHERIES, Issue 3 2009A review of the environmental biology of European catfish Silurus glanis in its native, introduced ranges Abstract A popular species for food and sport, the European catfish (Silurus glanis) is well-studied in its native range, but little studied in its introduced range. Silurus glanis is the largest-bodied freshwater fish of Europe and is historically known to take a wide range of food items including human remains. As a result of its piscivorous diet, S. glanis is assumed to be an invasive fish species presenting a risk to native species and ecosystems. To assess the potential risks of S. glanis introductions, published and ,grey' literature on the species' environmental biology (but not aquaculture) was extensively reviewed. Silurus glanis appears well adapted to, and sufficiently robust for, translocation and introduction outside its native range. A nest-guarding species, S. glanis is long-lived, rather sedentary and produces relatively fewer eggs per body mass than many fish species. It appears to establish relatively easily, although more so in warmer (i.e. Mediterranean) than in northern countries (e.g. Belgium, UK). Telemetry data suggest that dispersal is linked to flooding/spates and human translation of the species. Potential impacts in its introduced European range include disease transmission, hybridization (in Greece with native endemic Aristotle's catfish [Silurus aristotelis]), predation on native species and possibly the modification of food web structure in some regions. However, S. glanis has also been reported (France, Spain, Turkmenistan) to prey intensively on other non-native species and in its native Germany to be a poor biomanipulation tool for top-down predation of zooplanktivorous fishes. As such, S. glanis is unlikely to exert trophic pressure on native fishes except in circumstances where other human impacts are already in force. In summary, virtually all aspects of the environmental biology of introduced S. glanis require further study to determine the potential risks of its introduction to novel environments. [source] Growth and mortality of the catfish, Hemisynodontis membranaceus (Geoffroy St. Hilaire), in the northern arm of Lake Volta, GhanaFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2001P. K. Ofori-Danson Estimates of growth and mortality of the catfish, Hemisynodontis membranaceus (Geoffroy St. Hilaire), in Lake Volta were obtained from length composition data compiled in 1995 and 1996. The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) estimates were: L,=44.5 cm standard length; K=0.62 year,1; and t0=,0.23 years. Natural mortality rate, M, was 1.20 year,1. Total mortality rate, Z, was computed as 4.39 year,1 and the exploitation ratio (E=F/Z) was 0.72. Although the fish is estimated to have longevity of about 5 years, those exploited are normally less than 2 years of age, which is indicative of growth over-fishing. In order to arrest over-exploitation of the species, there is a need to establish ,lake reserves'. In addition, the fisheries management should be devolved from the state to the local level to compel fishermen to take greater responsibility for the sustainability and conservation of the fisheries. [source] The effects of ice storage on inosine monophosphate, inosine, hypoxanthine, and biogenic amine formation in European catfish (Silurus glanis) filletsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2009Fatih Özogul Summary European catfish fillets in ice were evaluated by measuring nucleotide components and biogenic amine contents and these then compared with sensory and microbiological assessment during the 21 days of iced storage. Analyses were carried out using two different rapid HPLC methods for nucleotid degradation products and biogenic amine contents in European catfish fillets. Sensory evaluation showed that storage life of European catfish found to be 14,18 days. Initial inosine monophosphate (IMP) level was 12.6 ,mol g1 and then decreased during the rest of storage period. Inosine (INO) level increased rapidly until 7 days of storage. Hypoxanthine (Hx) level increased almost linearly with storage time. The most accumulated biogenic amines were putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, and serotonin in all the European catfish fillets during the storage, although the formation of biogenic amines levels was fluctuated. Histamine was only detectable at 4 and 7 days of storage as low as 1 mg 100 g1 fish. Total viable count in European catfish increased rapidly with storage time and reached ,109 cfu g1 when the fillets were not acceptable for consumption. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||