Aquaculture Journal

The giant freshwater prawn (GFP), Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is one of the largest palaemonids in the world, found in tropical marine, estuarine, and freshwaters, and is among the most commercially cultured crustaceans. According to research, mature males usually develop differences in cheliped morphology, growth characteristics, and agonistic behavior. The identification of such morphotypes is critical for effectively managing and handling prawns. The present study aimed to describe the GFP male population structure in culture ponds (the Yangtze River delta, China). Sixteen morphometric traits and four weight data were measured for each four male morphotype. Principal component and clustering analyses were conducted to investigate the morphological variation among the four morphotypes. The study of relative growth was also employed to estimate the growth patterns of body structures (dependent variables) in relation to the carapace length (independent variable). A detailed description of the cheliped’s macroscopic characteristics that differed among morphotypes was provided, which corroborated with previous studies of the species. The four morphotypes were statistically different regarding the cheliped morphology, size, and morphometric relationships and equations, indicating a considerable variation in growth among the four male morphotypes. The present results contribute to a clear understanding of the population biology of GFP and support future management and broodstock selection activities. Full article

The polychaete Hediste diversicolor is a suitable species for industrial aquaculture; however, cost-effective culture techniques need to be developed for its intensive production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of worm density and substrate height and their interaction, as well as feeding frequency, on the rearing performance of H. diversicolor. Two trials were conducted. In trial 1, the effects of two substrate heights—6 and 12 cm—and two rearing densities—1000 and 4000 individuals m⁻²—were assessed in terms of worm growth and biomass production. Worm initial wet weight was 48 mg, and specimens were fed with commercial fish feed during a 70-day assay. The results show no interaction between rearing density and substrate height, and confirm density as a key factor in growth; however, a density of 4000 individuals m⁻² results in a significant increase in production (final biomass three times higher for the highest rearing density) without affecting survival. In trial 2, the effect of three levels of feeding frequency—seven days a week; three times a week; and once a week—on growth in individuals of three weight classes—small (25–50 mg); medium (100–150 mg); large (250–350 mg)—was evaluated in a 15-day growing assay. Feeding frequency showed a major influence on the smallest size class, with the best growth indicators obtained at the highest feeding frequency. This study shows that Hediste diversicolor can be reared at a high stocking density to obtain a higher biomass production, and that feeding frequency must be considered as an important factor and adapted to the culture phase. Full article

First feeding of many fish larvae depends on live feed. A comparative investigation on the effectiveness of different types of live feed is not available to our knowledge. Hence, we conducted a study to examine the effect of different types and combinations of live feed on the performance (survival rate, total length, body width, body mass, malformation rate) of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, larvae. From day 0 (onset of exogenous feeding) to day 10, the saltwater rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus, the ciliate Paramecium bursaria, copepods (nauplii and copepodites) from a lake population, and Artemia nauplii were tested. Feeding with B. plicatilis, B. calyciflorus, and P. bursaria resulted in high survival rates of 80% and a homogenous and significant growth (increase in total length of 50% and in body width of 20%). As follow-up feed, copepod nauplii and Artemia nauplii were tested from day 11 to day 20. Copepod nauplii were superior to Artemia nauplii, as larvae fed with copepods showed higher survival rates (67–70% versus 38–47%) and a more homogeneous growth. A switch from seawater live feed to freshwater live feed or vice versa resulted in decreased survival rates. Therefore, a feeding regime consisting of B. calyciflorus or P. bursaria followed by copepods is considered optimal as first feed of pikeperch. The malformation rate was not affected by the tested feeding regimes. To investigate the wider applicability and transferability of these findings, complementary investigations were performed on burbot, Lota lota, and the freshwater whitefish Coregonus atterensis. The feeding regimes used for S. lucioperca larvae were also suitable for Lota lota. Moreover, L. lota could be fed with lake copepods from the onset of exogenous feeding. For C. atterensis, initial feeding with B. plicatilis, B. calyciflorus, or P. bursaria had no positive effects. Feeding with copepods from the onset of exogenous feeding was optimal considering survival rate and growth. Therefore, optimal first feeding regimes are very species specific and should be established for each new species. Full article

The disposal of treated and untreated sewage near shellfish harvesting areas is a global concern. Discharged sewage may be contaminated with enteric viruses present in human faeces. Bivalve molluscs, in turn, act as vectors for enteric viruses through bioaccumulation and retention of these viruses during the filter-feeding process, resulting in outbreaks of infections due to the consumption of contaminated shellfish. This review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles published from 2012 until September 2022, obtained from online databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct, highlighting the challenges that the shellfish industry is faced with concerning pollutants ending up in the shellfish production areas. Developed countries have made some advancements by upgrading sewage infrastructures, which reduced viral loads in sewage. However, it is difficult to measure the significance of these improvements, as there are no regulations in place which stipulate the permissible limits for viruses. In most developing countries, including South Africa, there is a lack of effective management plans for virus monitoring in shellfish harvesting areas. The findings of this study indicated a need for extensive research on the origin of viruses, their interactions with other organisms within the marine ecosystem, the quantification of viruses within the Saldanha Bay harbour, and the development of virus management plans which currently are non-existent. Full article

Embryonic and larval development of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is very vulnerable to climate change. This study was conducted for an assessment of the embryonic and larval development of Nile tilapia in traditional hatchery and re-circulatory thermostatic systems. Daily changes in embryonic and larval development were measured through microscopic observation and image analysis in the laboratory. Climatic data and water quality parameters were measured every day using appropriate devices. Water temperature was varied with room temperature at the traditional hatchery system while it was maintained at 28.50 °C in the re-circulatory thermostatic system. A total of 200 unhatched eggs were stocked in every three trays of both systems. The egg diameters of the gastrula, segmentation, and pharyngula stages were measured at higher (2261.47 ± 81.66 µm, 2646.24 ± 17.98 µm, and 2710.90 ± 16.60 µm) in the re-circulatory thermostatic system than in the traditional hatchery system (2261.07 ± 81.52 µm, 2645.47 ± 18.24 µm, and 2710.01 ± 16.45 µm), respectively. For both systems, egg colors, egg size, black pigments, germinal ring, eye shape, tail, and heartbeat were determined through microscopic observation. Higher hatching and survival rates were found under the re-circulatory thermostatic system (95% and 97%) than under the traditional hatchery system (85% and 81%). About 6 h less hatching time was required under the re-circulatory thermostatic system than under the traditional system. At the end of 30 DAH (Days After Hatching), larval length and weight under the re-circulatory thermostatic system were found to be higher (15.736 ± 0.424 mm and 0.0528 ± 0.004 g) than under the traditional hatchery system (15.518 ± 0.415 mm and 0.050 ± 0.004 g), respectively. Larval growth patterns for both systems were found to have an exponential trend. PCA analysis revealed that two components were identified, one primarily associated with morphometric characteristics and the other with climatic and water quality parameters. These components showed that there were several interrelationships between the morphometric changes and the climatic and water quality parameters. The characteristic changes of larval development under the re-circulatory thermostatic system and the traditional hatchery system were found to be remarkably similar except for some deformities denoted under the traditional hatchery system. The changes of yolk sac, body pigmentation, dorsal and caudal fin shape, eye size, and head length and width were determined from 1 DAH to 30 DAH. After absorbing the yolk sac, ready-made feed was provided. The water temperature was varied from 30.50 °C to 35.50 °C in the traditional hatchery system. The highest air temperature and humidity were 33.87 °C and 69.94% while the lowest were 29.63 °C and 45.62%, respectively, in the traditional hatchery system. There has been no such comprehensive comparative study on hatchery production in Bangladesh, and therefore, further research might be carried out on broader aspects. This research would be highly beneficial for improving seed production at the tilapia fish hatchery level in the country. Full article

Mycotoxins have become a serious issue in the animal feed industry and have also affected the aquaculture industry. Mycotoxins can create serious health problems in aquatic and terrestrial animals, and their presence in agricultural products may result in significant economic losses. To reduce the impact of mycotoxins on Nile tilapia fry, two commercially available products—Organically Modified Clinoptilolite (OMC) and multi-component mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA)—were used in this study. Six diets as treatments (T1 = Control (C); T2 = Control + OMC 2 g/kg (OMC); T3 = Control + MMDA 2 g/kg (MMDA); T4 = AFB1 0.5 mg/kg (AF); T5 = AFB1 0.5 mg/kg + 2 g/kg OMC (AFOMC); T6 = AFB1 0.5 mg/kg + MMDA 2 g/kg (AFMMDA)) with similar crude protein levels (35.75 ± 0.35%) were formulated and fed to Nile tilapia fry (1.97 ± 0.1 g) for a period of 84 days. These fish were housed in 18 aquaria (100 L) at a density of 50 fish/aquarium. The results from this study showed that MMDA significantly (p < 0.05) improved the survival of fish by 16% as compared to the control group. Nevertheless, growth parameters were not affected among the treatments. These results also indicated that protein intake was significantly higher in the control and OMC diet (T2) compared to aflatoxin B1-fed tilapia. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) was significantly higher in the AFMMDA as compared to the control and MMDA. A 14-day bacterial challenge test with Aeromonas hydrophila demonstrated that diets containing MMDA or OMC improved survival when AFB1 was present in the diet. Therefore, the supplementation of feed with MMDA or OMC is recommended to ameliorate the negative effects of AFB1 in Nile Tilapia feeds. Full article

The effect of adding inulin to balanced diets for tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae on growth, survival, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant activity was evaluated. The diets were supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% inulin in addition to a control diet (0% inulin). A total of 1800 larvae of A. tropicus distributed in 18 tanks were used; the larvae were fed five times a day (8:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 18:00) with Artemia nauplii from the absorption of the yolk (from 3–7 days after hatching, DAH) up to 10 DAH, which was mixed with the experimental feeds from 8–11 DAH (co-feeding) and exclusively with the balanced diets from 12 DAH to 21 DAH. Larvae fed the control diet (0% inulin) had the highest growth in weight and length, followed by fish fed the 2.5 and 2.0% inulin inclusions. However, survival showed that the fish fed with the inclusion of 2.5% inulin had the highest percentage (34.7%) compared to the rest of the treatments. On the other hand, the highest digestive enzymatic activities (acid and alkaline proteases, amylase, and lipase) were recorded in the larvae fed with 2 and 2.5% inulin. Likewise, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were higher in larvae fed the control diet with 0% inulin. Supplementation of 2.0% to 2.5% inulin in the diet is recommended for A. tropicus larvae as it improves survival and digestive enzyme activity during this early stage of life. Full article

This is the first study to examine the effect of three different cultivation methods (bottom-tray culture, suspended-tray culture, and beach/bottom culture) on the growth and survival rates of the snout otter clam, Lutraria philippinarum, after 12 months of grow-out cultivation from seed to commercial size. Analyses included weight, survival, shell size, and total fat. Although the results showed limited differences in growth among cultivation methods, survival rates were significantly different among three different culture methods. The bottom-tray cultivation method had the highest survival rate (76.5%), compared with suspended-tray cultivation (31.6%) and beach/bottom cultivation (52.5%). This demonstrates that the most suitable method for commercial snout otter clam farming is cultivation trays placed on the bottom of the substrate. Improving commercial farming of the species will support the development and expansion of aquaculture in Vietnam and elsewhere, while reducing the harvest pressure on wild populations. Full article

Cultivation of the common ragworm—Hediste diversicolor—has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years. Growth optimization is a key aspect for its intensive production. We have assessed the effect of body weight (Bw) and temperature (T) on growth-related parameters in common ragworm using correlation and multiple regression analyses. We used ragworms of 13 different weight classes in 15-day growing assays at 12 different temperature values. These polychaetes were stocked at a density of 1000 individuals m⁻², and fed with commercial fish feed. Our results show that growth increases with T; when expressed as an absolute growth rate (AGR), growth increases as Bw increases; and when expressed as a specific growth rate (SGR), growth decreases as Bw increases. A change in the growth pattern was observed from an individual Bw of about 400 mg. Simulations performed with the equations that provided the best fit revealed that optimum T for growth changes with Bw, so that in individuals below 400 mg, optimum T is 24.9 °C, and above this temperature growth decreases. In individuals above 400 mg, growth increases slightly with temperature, but as weight increases, the effect of temperature on growth is less and less, and from a weight of 1050 mg, growth decreases as temperature increases. Mortality increases significantly at temperatures above 22 °C, especially in individuals with a Bw above 400 mg. Simulations of individual growth showed that up to 400 mg growth is quite fast at warmer temperatures, but from 400 mg to 1000 mg, the influence of T on growth rate is not significantly relevant in operational terms. This study demonstrated the huge usefulness of growth modelling for production planning. Full article

Stress and disease are critical factors hindering the industrial development of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Breeding crayfish with stress- and disease-resistant characteristics can overcome these limitations and promote their industrial development. In this study, the crayfish breed F3, which exhibits rapid growth and a favoured haplotype combination of the immune genes R, ALF, and crustin2, encoding the Toll-like receptor, anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, and antimicrobial peptide, respectively, were selected as parents to breed offspring (the selected group (SG)). The genotype, stress resistance, and disease resistance of crayfish in the SG and unselected group (USG) were compared. The results showed that the ratio of the favoured haplotype was higher in the SG crayfish than in the USG crayfish, leading to stronger stress and disease resistance. Compared to that of the USG crayfish, the mortality of the SG crayfish subjected to stress during eight days of transport and challenged with bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila or Vibrio parahaemolyticus) or white spot syndrome virus were significantly reduced by 60% and 20%, respectively (p < 0.05). Based on these results, the stress- and disease-resistant SG crayfish were named the “Huachizhen-1” breed. Additionally, the ratio of the unfavoured homozygous genotypes of R, ALF, and crustin2 sharply decreased, whereas those of the heterozygous genotypes increased together with stress and disease resistance during crayfish maturation under natural conditions, indicating that the heterozygotes of these genes also exhibit strong stress and disease resistance. All of this taken together, the crayfish breed “Huachizhen-1” may be applicable for improving stress and disease resistance and the production of crayfish. Full article

An increasing body of evidence shows that seaweeds, including kelp, can be used as a tool to neutralize or remove excess nutrients and metals from the water column. Here we report on a preliminary field assessment showing potential nutrient and carbon removal differences in sugar kelp and ribbon kelp grown in common gardens. Seawater and tissue samples were collected systematically from two farms in Alaska. Results show differences between the %N and %C content between Alaria marginata and Saccharina latissima. Results also show that tissue nitrogen in ribbon kelp varies sharply due to nitrogen availability in the water column. In contrast, the percentage of tissue N in sugar kelp remains comparatively stable. Our outcomes provide insight into potential differences in nutrient removal and harvest timing for different kelp species. Full article

This study investigated the effect of the inclusion of an enzyme complex-treated rice protein concentrate (RPC) in an extruded diet of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A mixture of RPC, corn gluten and soybean meal was pretreated with an enzyme complex before extrusion processing of the diets. An enzyme complex-pretreated RPC (5, 10 and 15%) was formulated with 20% fish meal. A diet without RPC was used as a control. A total of 240 rainbow trouts with an average body weight of 6.04 g were placed in 12 rectangular glass aquaria and fed one of the experimental diets at apparent satiation for 12 weeks. There were no significant differences in growth, feed intake and survival among the groups. Slightly inferior weight gain and specific growth rate were observed in the RPC15E group compared to those in the other groups. The protein and ash contents of the whole body of the final fish were not significantly different among all groups, but the lipid content was significantly lower than that of the control when the dietary RPC level was >10%. Protein digestibility was negatively affected by increased RPC levels in diet. Significantly lower phosphorus digestibility was observed in fish fed the diet containing 5% enzyme-treated RPC than the control. Although there was no significant difference in lipid digestibility in all groups, significantly lower lipid retention was observed in fish fed a diet formulated with more than 10% RPC. These results suggest that the inclusion of RPC in the diet affects lipid retention and the content of rainbow trout. It also decreased protein digestibility. In conclusion, rainbow trout can be fed an extruded diet formulated with 20% fishmeal and 10% enzyme-treated RPC without negative effects on fish growth. Full article

Ensuring the humane harvest of farmed fish without compromising the quality of the fresh product is paramount to the welfare of fish and in meeting consumer demands. Electrical stunning is a quick and effective way to render fish unconscious and it has emerged as the suggested harvest method by EFSA and OIE. The present study evaluated the effects of electrical stunning on the biochemical processes that lead to fillet degradation postmortem, in the red seabream (Pagrus major). Two distinct electrical stunning conditions (low and high) were compared along with the conventional harvest method (an ice slurry). The activity patterns of calpain, collagenase, and cathepsin B and L were assessed and compared to stereological changes in white muscles at different time points up to 13 days post-harvest. Histological examinations, independent of the harvest technique, revealed a progressively declining trend in fiber volume density and increasing interfibrillar spaces over time, indicative of degradation activity within and between the muscle fibers. Strong correlations between the stereological measures and the individual protease activities were recorded. The higher current condition (electric field 1.8 V/cm and velocity 1.6 m/s) consistently exhibited the lowest protease activity levels and the slowest pace of stereological changes, making it the suggested method of all harvest methods explored. Full article

Ulva ohnoi has a big potential in IMTA-RAS fish–seaweed systems. In order to design the best production strategy in these systems, the effect of the main environmental factors, such as pH, nutrient concentration (N, P, and N: P ratios) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), on the productivity, bio filtration capacity, and quality of the biomass obtained was studied. It is concluded that in closed systems, strong pH variations (7.9–10.1) do not influence the growth of U. ohnoi and growth is slowed down due to the depletion of DIC. This fact would not be a problem in IMTA-RAS fish–macroalgae systems, due to the physiological activity of the fish contributing CO₂ to the medium and replenishing it. The results obtained in the wide range of N: P ratios tested (2–410), allow us to conclude that this ratio should not be a limiting factor for the cultivation of Ulva ohnoi in IMTA-RAS systems. Based on those results, the best strategy to follow in an IMTA-RAS sole–sea lettuce would be to maintain the algae with highest level of nitrogen. This procedure implies a high rate of water renewal, which would also guarantee the maintenance of an adequate DIC and the best commercial quality of seaweed. Full article

The continuous expansion of freshwater fish culture is confronted with environmental problems owing to their high antibiotic inputs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study explored the antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles of water and fish gut contents from three fishponds in Tianjin using a metagenomics approach. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla in all water samples. However, the microbial composition of the fish guts was distinctly different among the three aquaculture farms. Cetobacterium, Bacillus, Weissella, and Fusobacterium were the dominant genera in the gut contents of all fish. More than 20 unique ARGs with relatively high abundances were detected in both water and fish gut content samples. The dominant genes and pathways of antibiotic resistance mechanisms detected in all samples were antibiotic efflux, antibiotic inactivation, antibiotic target alteration, antibiotic target protection, antibiotic target replacement, and reduced permeability to antibiotics. In addition, our results indicate that antibiotics, such as florfenicol, and heavy metals, such as Zn and Cu, could have a significant correlation with some common ARGs, indicating that antibiotic-resistant bacteria could co-occur with heavy metals. Our study provides a research basis for the development of a strategy for practical antibiotic application and heavy metal monitoring in aquaculture. Full article

This study investigated the effects of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil (OEO) anaesthesia and stress-related physiological parameters in tilapia mossambicus (Oreochromis mossambicus) post-juveniles. Fish were subjected to different concentrations of OEO (25, 50, 100, and 150 μL L⁻¹) to assess the effects of the anaesthesia and recovery time. A second experiment subjected fish to other handling treatments, including a control (no OEO exposure), ethanol solution, 25 μL L⁻¹ (low effective anaesthesia concentration of OEO), and 100 μL L⁻¹ high effective anaesthesia concentration of OEO) for 10 min to assess the haemato-biochemical indices and survival rate at 0 h and after 24 h. Moreover, all the tested OEO concentrations induced anaesthesia in the studied fish, where the anaesthesia induction time decreased with increased OEO concentrations. Meanwhile, the inverse was reported for recovery time. Based on the ideal anaesthetic criteria, 50 μL L⁻¹ and 100 μL L⁻¹ were the suitable concentrations that could be recommended for quick anaesthesia. However, according to the haemato-biochemical parameters and survival results, 25 μL L⁻¹ was safe to anaesthetise tilapia mossambicus for 10 min and could be recommended for time-consuming fish-handling procedures. Future studies should investigate multiple factors that influence anaesthesia in fish for better optimisation of OEO in tilapia mossambicus. Full article

The black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) is a prominent insect species and a novel alternative ingredient for aquafeeds. This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of commercial feed with fresh whole black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for Colossoma macropomum. Juvenile tambaqui (115.2 ± 0.9 g/fish) were stocked in 800 L tanks (11 fish/tank) operating as a recirculating system. The dietary treatments consisted of whole larvae only (BSFL), 50:50 BSFL: commercial feed (BSFL: CF), or only commercial feed (CF), and the fish were fed to apparent satiation for 120 days. At the end of the feeding trial, fish were group weighed, and blood and muscle were collected for hematological and sensorial evaluations. Fish fed BSFL:CF presented with similar growth performance and carcass yield to tambaqui that were fed only CF. The high fat content of the larvae contributed to the highest values for the viscerosomatic index (7.01%; 6.56%), plasmatic triglycerides (312.1 mg/dL; 295.1 mg/dL), and cholesterol (120.6 mg/dL; 119.1 mg/dL) in the fish provided with BSFL or BSFL:CF, respectively. However, a better acceptance in the fillet sensory analysis was observed for these fillets than for the fillets from the CF group. Feeding tambaqui with BSFL:CF did not compromise the production performance and may have improved the acceptance of their fillets. Full article

Juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) were reared within two experiments (a research facility and a local catfish farm, E1 and E2, respectively) for 102 d each under commercial recirculating aquaculture conditions. The mixed-layer clay mineral montmorillonite–illite/muscovite (1g557) was applied as a feed additive at concentrations of 0.5% and 2.0%, which were compared with an unsupplemented control (0.0%) over 70 d. For E1, feeding was automatic at night, while E2 was fed manually during the day. The growth and physiological welfare parameters of the fish were monitored, including the mortality, skin lesions, stress responses after confinement (plasma cortisol and glucose), and additional blood parameters. Tendentially, the most efficient growth in both the experiments was observed in the 0.5% groups, which performed slightly better than the controls (E1: 0.8% and E2: 3.2%) despite a lower nutrient content (p > 0.05). In E1, the negative skewness of the leptokurtic distribution also revealed the highest number of larger-sized fish per batch. Mortality was low in all the treatment groups (E1 control/0.5%/2.0%: 3.6%/4.9%/2.9%; E2 control/0.5%: 2.6%/5.5%). After only 29 d in E1, the number of skin lesions per fish decreased significantly (p < 0.05 between each of the 0.5% and 2.0% groups, compared to the control (E1 control/0.5%/2.0%: 1.2/0.8/0.8). In both E1 and E2, the number of lesions per fish decreased even further after 70 d, significantly between the treatment groups and the control (E1 control/0.5%/2.0%: 0.9/0.4/0.5 and E2 control/0.5%: 0.6/0.3). In E1, the cortisol and glucose concentrations increased strongly in all the groups due to the induced stress, whereas this was not evident in E2 based on the different sampling procedure. The additional blood parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, urea, calcium, phosphate, total protein, leucocytes, erythrocytes, hematocrit, cholesterol, triglycerides, sodium, potassium, and chloride) revealed no significant difference between the treatment groups in either experiment, indicating no negative effects of 1g557 on the organs or metabolism of the fish. Supplementation with 0.5% 1g557 in the common commercial feeds for African catfish increases growth performance (p > 0.05), reduces size variance, and supports fish welfare under different commercial aquaculture conditions in the present study. Full article