Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences
Volume:16 Issue: 3, Jul 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Pediococcus acidilactici and folic acid (FA) and their combinations on growth performance, haematological parameters and non-specific immune response of Acipenser nudiventris. 210 individuals (initial body weight: 12.84± 1.53g) were fed seven practical diets: the basal diet as the control diet was supplemented with two levels of P.acidilactici (2 and 3 g per kg diet), FA (2 and 4 mg per kg diet) and their combinations. The results showed that the group fed a combined diet of P. acidilactici and FA (4 mg FA g P. acidilactici per kg diet) showed significant increase in body weight increase (BWI), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and condition factor (CF). However, experimental diets had no significant effects on survival rate. Both haematological indices and leucocyte counts were significantly (p

The effects dietary supplementation with Aloe vera extract (AE) on the immunity responses and hematological parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry were evaluated in eight weeks trial. 600 rainbow trout (O. mykiss) fry with an average initial body weight of 13±0.05g were randomly allocated into two treatment groups including placebo-treated group (control) and A. vera extract-treated group, each with three replicates. The fish were hand-fed once a day with diet medicated AE or placebo (70 % lactose, 10 % starch and 20 % talc) at a rate of 1% of feed weight in the first feeding for 8 weeks. At the end of the identical every two weeks (2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks) 24 h after feeding, some of immunological and hematological parameters were analyzed. The results showed that serum total protein, albumin and globulin, respiratory burst activity, phagocytic activity and serum lysozyme activity vary among the two treatment groups which were found to be higher in the AE-treated group (p

Heavy metals widely enter into aquatic ecosystems, and cause various environmental problems due to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains. The accumulation of heavy metals in bivalve tissues is affected by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as physiological conditions, growth, seasonal changes, pH, salinity, temperature, genera and age. The present study investigated the effects of age of the rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata on the accumulation of Ni, Cd and Pb in the Laft Port coast located on the Qeshm Island. 200 oysters were collected and their age was determined, then they were classified into four age categories and 15 oysters from each category were selected. Samples were dry digested and the metal concentrations were measured by an ICP-OES (PerkinElmer, USA) instrument. Results revealed that the accumulation of Ni and Pb in one year old oysters (immature) was more than those in mature oysters (two, three and four year old oysters). Significant differences were observed between concentrations of Ni and Pb in mature and immature oysters. The results suggested that aging has a negative effect on bioaccumulation of Ni and Pb in S. cucullata; while it has no effect on bioaccumulation of Cd.

Paclitaxel is a current standard chemotherapeutic drug for ovarian cancer with several side effects. Recurrences of drug resistant clones have been considered the serious problem in the failure of chemotherapy. Medicinal marine natural products have been intensively proposed as diverse chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore there is an affinity to find efficient modality to overwhelm ovarian cancer chemo resistance complication. Here we examine whether brittle star extract as marine echinoderm natural resources can remarkably improve the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel in human ovarian cancer. MTT (dimethyl thiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, PI (Propodium Iodide) assay, DAPI (4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining, Acridine orange staining, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were performed to investigate cytotoxic effect. We found that a combination of sub-toxic concentrations of brittle star methanolic extract (lower than IC50) can significantly enhance ovarian cell growth inhibition and intrinsic apoptosis pathways induced by paclitaxel. Consequently a combination of paclitaxel and brittle star extract may offer novel innovative strategies for ovarian cancer chemotherapy.

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of five heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and chromium in muscle, liver and gills of the gray mullet, Liza aurata in southern part of the Caspian Sea. The samples were collected during sexual maturity (in the fall) and sexual rest (in the spring). The mean concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and chromium in the muscle tissue were 1.40, 0.43, 0.16, 0.07 and 0.54 µg/g, respectively during sexual maturity and 1.90, 0.93, 0.24, 0.12 and 0.61 µg/g, respectively during sexual rest. Generally, the uptake of heavy metals during sexual rest was higher (Pb>Cd>Cr>Hg>As) than that (Pb>Cr>Cd>Hg>As) during sexual maturity. Pollutants are effective in the accumulation of heavy and toxic metals in L. aurata in the Caspian Sea during different seasons. The concentration pattern of the metals in the three tissues was as follows: liver>gill>muscle. The difference between the concentrations of the metals in studied tissues was significant. A highly significant correlation between the elements in tissues was observed in both sexual periods. The comparison of the data obtained for muscle tissue with the WHO and NHMRC guidelines showed that the concentrations of all the five heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg, As) were higher than the global standard levels for these metals.

Blood is collected from experimental animals for a wide range of scientific purposes including; hematology, clinical biochemistry parameters, immunology, studies in bacteriology, parasitology and investigations in reproductive performance and health. The number of methods employed to collect blood from fish include; the puncture of caudal vein, dorsal aorta or cardiac vessels and the severance of the caudal vein. Unfortunately, all these procedures are practically found to be slow and stressful to Clarias batrachus, including the popular caudal vein approach, likely due to the small size of caudal veins relative to the size of the species. In line with the universal ethical recommendations for taking blood from small research animals, we propose an alternative one-operator approach for C. batrachus that is simple, rapid and without the need to sacrifice the fish as with other methods. This procedure targets the dorsal aorta (a relatively larger blood vessel) in a sedated fish, punctured by inserting a needle directly from the anterior part of the anal fin about 2-5 mm behind the genital papilla, to draw the desired amount of blood. The technique is a one-operator procedure not requiring the help of an assistant or any special equipment to restrain the fish. The operation of the protocol is unique since it permits the continuous collection of blood from the same experimental fish over a varied time course and reduces the need for a large number of replicate animals. The advantages of the proposed protocol are also highlighted and discussed in detail.

Concentrations of Ni, V, Pb and Cu were determined in bottom sediments and liver, gills and fillet of Euryglossa orientalis and Chirocentrus nudus along the Bahrekan Bay in the Northwest part of the Persian Gulf in Iran. Sediment samples and fish species were collected during winter 2013 and spring 2014. Heavy metal analysis was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that mean concentrations of heavy metals were high in liver and gills of E. orientali. Also heavy metals had the most accumulation in liver of E. orientali. Target tissue for accumulation of Ni, V, Cu and Pb were gills and liver in E. orientali and C. nudus. In tissues of two fish species fillet has the minimum concentration level of trace elements. The concentrations of heavy metals were lower than legal limits in the fillet (edible part), except for Pb that was higher than permitted limits for human consumption. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were determined for different tissues of fish species with respect to elemental concentrations in sediment. Results of BAFs indicated that all BAFs in liver were more than that in gills which were higher than that in fillet. Also BAF of Cu in liver and gills of E. orientali was more than 1.

The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological changes in zebrafish larvae following embryonic exposure to nanoparticles of magnesium oxide (MgONPs). The toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles is attracting increasing attention. Among these nanomaterials, MgONPs are particularly interesting as a low cost and environmentally-friendly material. Histological investigations are used as a highly sensitive method for detecting the morphological features of disease and abnormal gene function. We evaluated the histopathological changes in zebrafish larval tissues following embryonic exposure to MgONPs for a period of 4-96 h post fertilization (hpf). To this end; fixation, tissue processing, sectioning and general staining of the whole-larvae were performed. Histopathological evaluations showed some changes including psoriasis-like epithelial hyperproliferation, muscle cell degeneration, neurodegeneration in the spinal cord, swelling and edematous changes in pericardium, swelling and edematous changes in yolk sac, severe edema within the eyes, smaller retina, disruption of retinal lamination and impaired retinal differentiation. In summary, the results of this study enhance our understanding about the potential hazards of MgONPs to the environment.

Coastal ecosystems of Bushehr are shallow environments subject to human impacts, including shrimp aquaculture and urban expansion activities. A spatial-temporal study was conducted in order to assess the actual ecological status of the creeks, estuary and marine sites on the basis of their taxonomic composition and density of mesozooplankton. Zooplankton species distribution and abundance data at 6 sampling sites during June 2015 - March 2016 revealed 24 taxa represented by 5 divergent groups. During the study period, high salinities (around 35-47) were recorded, characterizing all systems as a coastal-marine ecosystem, rather than true estuarine. The mesozooplankton assemblage was characterized by the dominant marine Copepod, Labidocera sp., zoeas of coastal/marine crab, Ilyoplax frater, marine copepod Acartia fossae and a marine pelagic tunicate, Oikopleura dioica. Copepods were the main dominant group and Labidocera sp the most abundant species, with high abundances in winter, whereas high abundances of the Ilyoplax frater were noticed in summer. Based on SIMPER analyses, highest dissimilarity was observed between Ramleh and Lashkary and discriminating taxa for all sites were Labidocera sp followed by Ilyoplax frater contributing to more than 68% of the total average dissimilarities for all locations. The multivariate BIO–ENV procedure indicated that Labidocera sp. followed by Acartia fossae strongly correlated to the variability of depth, transparency and salinity. Finally the results showed that temporal and spatial variation in the mesozooplankton community is consistent with the dynamic character of the habitat characterized as a typical coastal marine system (with low average depths, transparency and high salinity).

Egg production of cultivated broodstocks of orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides and larvae rearing were surveyed in Iran from 2008 to 2012. . Broodstocks were obtained by rearing of 7 wild juveniles (587.57 ± 132.63 g body weight) which were caught from the north of Persian Gulf in October 2008 and reared to December 2012.. Captured juvenile fishes were fed using defrosted trash fish at a rate of 4-6 percent of body weight per day.. Four-year-old fishes spawned spontaneously, when average weight of females and males were about 7020 ± 1277 g and 5128 ± 253g respectively. Effects of four temperature ranges (23-24, 26-27, 28-29 and 31-32 °C ) and three tank size ( 40L, 300L and 2400L) on hatching and survivle rates were examined. Eggs were stocked as a density of 25 Eggs L-1. Effects of tank size on hatching rate and survival of larvae were assessed at 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 days after hatching (DAH). The optimal temperature range for hatching was 28-29 °C. No difference was observed among hatching rates of fish within the various tank sizes. Survival rates of larvae in 2400L fiber glass tanks until 30 days after hatching were significantly higher than the other tanks. Results indicate this species can be reproduced and reared in large numbers under normal rearing conditions and carefully controlled temperature.

As white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) can be highly pathogenic in penaeid shrimp, various feed supplements have been tested to help to protect farmed shrimp against WSSV disease. Here a polysaccharide extract from Halophila ovalis (HO) seagrass was added to feeds at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g[a1] /kg to assess its ability to protect Black Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) against WSSV challenge. Following feeding on these diets for 25 days, P. monodon were challenged by muscle injection and monitored for 21 days. On Day 0 and on Days 7 and 21 post-injection (pi), total haemocyte counts (THC), total protein concentrations, prophenoloxidase activity and respiratory burst activity were compared using haemolymph collected from 10 shrimp. All shrimp fed the basal diet died by Day 7 pi but survival times were extended among shrimp fed diets containing HO polysaccharide (HOP), and significantly at concentrations of 0.5 or 1 gkg-1. Concomitantly with improved survival, all haemolymph immune parameters examined were enhanced significantly (p

A biological assessment of the Tang Sorkh River (Iran) was studied from July 2013 to August 2014 using benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Samples were gathered every two months, from five stations using a Surber sampler( 30×30cm), fixed in formalin (4%) and then separated and identified in the laboratory. Environmental conditions (current velocity, temperature, depth, width, dissolve oxygen, conductivity, pH, alkalinity, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and grain size) were measured. In addition, diversity and biotic indices were used to determine the water quality of the river. Results showed that 5 classes, 9 orders and 20 families were identified in this river. The families Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera), Simuliidae (Diptera) and Baetidae (Ephemeroptera) were dominant. Shannon-wiener and Simpson indices showed the highest diversity at station 1 and the lowest diversity in station 4. According to the Hilsenhoff, ASPT and BMWP indices, station 1 had good water quality for aquaculture.

Total lipids, fatty acid composition and heavy metal content of Sardina pilchardus fillet samples captured in February 2014 in Beni saf, Mostaganem, Ghazaouet, Algiers and Jijet coast were evaluated. Total lipid content was related to the five sites of catch (p

Evaluating the effect of dietary soybean oil (S.O) on growth performances of juvenile ornamental fish Severum (Heros severus) was the main objective of this study. To achieve this objective, 462 fish were considered which were divided into 7 test groups including 6 groups of fishes (with an initial average weight of 0.6 ± 0.05 g and length of 2.3±0.35 cm) fed diets containing 6 levels of S.O (D1(3), D2(5), D3(8), D4(10), D5(12), D6(14)%) and the control group (CG) (receiving an oil-free diet) for 12 weeks with biometry intervals of 15 days. At the end of the test period, growth performance and nutritional parameters were measured. The study showed that the maximum weight was in fish fed diet containing 8% of S.O and also the maximum specific growth rate (SGR) (D3, p0.05). At the end of the period, fish were evaluated for estimated analysis of the tissue. The results of this study which was focused on the growth and development of ornamental fish H. severus fed with different levels of soybean oil suggest that the optimal level of this type of oil in their diet is 8% based on the growth parameters.

The larval community of coral reef fishes in the Red Sea was studied in coastal and offshore sites to determine the effects of the exposure to waves and currents and the distance from the shore in structuring the larval fish community. Plankton sampling from inshore and offshore sites and the exposed and sheltered sides of the reefs resulted in the collection of 2048 larvae representing 49 different fish taxa belonging to 11 orders and 36 families of fish. The overall density of fish larvae at all sites was calculated as the larvae numbers in 1000m-3 and there was a significant difference in larval density between sites and months. Most larvae were collected in the warmer months of the year from May to August. The inshore sheltered site (H3) is significantly different from all other sites in having the highest density with 2824 larvae 1000 m-3, whereas the inshore exposed site had the lowest density of all sites (621 larvae 1000 m-3). Number of species varies significantly among sites. Data of the seasonal and regional occurrence of fish larvae obtained from the present work could be very valuable for fisheries management. It also gives an idea about how larval stages of reef fish are distributed in regard to the reef topography and the distance from the shore.

Gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) juveniles with an average weight of 8.73± 2.1 g were fed a basal diet (control) and three experimental diets (T200, T400 and T800), containing 200, 400 and 800 mgkg-1, respectively of thyme essential oil (Thymus vulgaris) for six weeks. After six weeks feeding trial, both control and thyme essential oil-added feed groups were exposed to sub-acute toxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) for a period of 96 h. At 96 h after exposure, the number of erythrocytes (RBC), leucocyte (WBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), the differential leukocyte count in blood and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, cortisol and lactate in serum were measured. The results revealed feeding a thyme essential oil diet significantly conferred resistance to oxidative stress with sub-acute toxicity of Ag-NPs. Thyme essential oil enhanced the RBC and WBC count, hematocrit and hemoglobin content, at both low (T400) and high doses (T800). Biochemical analysis showed that serum ALT and AST activities, and LDL-cholesterol in the thyme essential oil-added feed groups were significantly reduced with increasing dietary thyme essential oil. Plasma HDL-cholesterol was significantly elevated by a high-dose of dietary thyme essential oil (T800). Furthermore, cortisol and lactate levels in serum significantly decreased throughout the thyme essential oil-added feed groups compared to the control. In summary, the use of thyme essential oil at 400 and 800 mgkg-1, as dietary supplements, has potential to decrease oxidative stress of gibel carp providing resistance to non-fatal effects of pollutant by Ag-NPs.

This study was conducted at the Hanna Reservoir located in the southwest of Isfahan Province. According to this study, chemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the magnitude and variations of COD, BOD5, O2, NH3 and NO2-concentrations in the Hanna Reservoir. In the headwaters the magnitude values of BOD5, COD and early morning oxygen minima were quite identical to the recommended optimum levels. However the concentrations of :::union:::ized ammonia in winter and spring and the concentration of nitrite in summer and autumn exceeded the allowable levels cited in different literature and might have exerted some growth retarding or lethal effects on the fish population. Water quality, zooplankton, benthos and sediments were monitored at sites of 20 m depths to determine the effects of rainbow trout cage culture on the lake environment. Oxygen depletion occurred in the vicinity of the farms due to respiration of the farmed fish. Zooplankton had stronger nutritional value in all six ecosystems of the Hanna Reservoir, and in seasons during which fish feed on these nutritional sources, breeding occurs with higher efficiency. Benthic invertebrates were rare at all six sites of the lake. The sediments below the cages had a pH and organic matter comparable to areas of the lake receiving the natural input of allochthonous material.

The effects of substitution of seaweed, Sargassum ilicifolium, by replacing protein resources, in Litopenaeus vannameii diets was studied. It was carried out by incorporation of raw powdered seaweed at three levels, 0% as control treatment, 5% (C), 10% (B) and 15%(A) each with four replications in isoprotein, (33%) and isocaloric (355kcal.100-1) diets.. Binder properties of seaweeds in different diet pellets were evaluated. In laboratory conditions, 480 shrimp juveniles (initial weight=3 gram) acclimated in 16 plastic tanks, fed 4% of their biomass daily. During the 45 day digestibility experiment, biometric indices were measured at 15 day intervals to assess the growth performances. Based on physicochemical analysis of water at 2 day intervals, effective parameters were maintained at a required range for the wellbeing of the shrimp during the experiment. Results of the experiment show that Sargassum sp. can be used as a binder in shrimp feed ingredients with significant differences between treatment pellet stability and water absorbance percent in sea water.Although initial biomass, SGR and survival rate showed no differences between treatments, but final biomass , biomass gain, FCR, shrimp flesh color and cholesterol levels revealed significant differences between treatments (p