Technological aspects of preservation and processing of edible shell fishes V. Cold storage changes in mussels (Mytilus edulis) and clams (Villortia [i.e. Villorita] sp.)

The changes in chemical, bacteriological and organoleptic qualities of mussels and clams during freezing and subsequent frozen storage have been studied in relation to the holding time in ice prior to freezing and the shelf-life of the product is determined.

Iced and frozen storage of squid (Loligo sp)

The iced and frozen storage characteristics of squid (Loligo sp.) are discussed. Squid can be kept in ice in an acceptable condition for a maximum period of 2 days. Frozen squid can be stored for a maximum period of 15 weeks at -l8°C, which can be extended up to 19 weeks by suitable treatment.

Ice storage studies of Kati (Pellona sp.)

Studies were carried out on the effect of ice storage on the composition of kati (Pellona sp.). On the basis of biochemical, bacteriological and organoleptic valuations, it was observed that kati can be stored in ice for a period of 9 days without appreciable loss in overall quality.

Studies on depuration of live clams (Villorita sp.)

Live clams collected from their natural beds were depurated by starving them in water. Water from their natural environment, potable water from municipal water supply and sodium chloride solution made up to the strength of natural brackish water as well as all these chlorinated at 5 p.p.m. level were used. The acid insoluble ash could be brought down to insignificant level by depuration in natural water for a period of 16-18 h. Bacterial quality of the meat also could be improved by this method. Chlorination of the system at the end of depuration further improves the bacterial quality of the meat.

Frozen storage studies of composite fish mince drom dhooma (Sciaenid sp.) and lactarius (Lactarius lactarius)

Fish minces from dhoma and lactarius were mixed in the ratio of 40:60 respectively, and quick frozen along with individual minces at -40°C and stored at -20°C. Shelf life was evaluated by following biochemical, physical and organoleptic changes occurred during storage up to 44 weeks. Rapid decreases were noted in water soluble nitrogen and salt soluble nitrogen fractions during the initial period of 16 weeks. A good correlation was observed between changes in salt-soluble nitrogen and organoleptic evaluation. The minces were in good and acceptable condition up to 32 weeks of storage.

Identification and culture of common diatoms as possible feed for Penaeus monodon

Diatoms were collected from Buyuan Bay, and from the hatchery tanks at Tigbauan, to determine the commonly occurring species, the feasibility of culturing these species, and the potential of these selected species as food for larval P. monodon. The commonly occurring diatoms were identified as Chaetoceros calcitrans, Navicula grimmei, Nitzchia seriata, Nitzchia closterium and Amphiprora sp. These diatoms were isolated and unialgal cultures prepared. Protein content analysis using the micro-Kjildahl method gave the following result: C. calcitrans, 11 . 78%; Nitzchia seriata, 25%; Nitzchia closterium, 30 . 5%; Navicula grimmei, 9 . 06% and Amphiprora sp. 8 . 96%. Feeding experiments were conducted to determine acceptability of the different diatom species and percentage survival of larval stages Z SUB-1 -M SUB-2 . Larvae were placed in 4-l capacity plastic containers with a stocking density of 10/l. The results of several feeding trials using the different mass-produced diatoms are summarized. From the data gathered, C. calcitrans appears to be the most promising candidate as feed for zoea and mysis stages of P. monodon. The average percentage survival of C. calcitrans was 63 . 76% for the 3 trials, and as high as 82 . 22% in the third trial. Comparatively high percentage survival of larvae was also recorded when Nitzchia seriata (48 . 17%) and Nitzchia closterium (67 . 6%) were given as feed, while both Amphiprora sp. and Navicula grimmei gave 0% survival. The poor results with Amphiprora sp. and Navicula grimmei may be due to their low protein content (8 . 96% and 9 . 06%, respectively) and the inability of the larvae to ingest them. Navicula and Amphiprora were observed to cling to the appendages of the larvae and to settle down in the medium making them unavailable to the larvae. Low survival was also noted when frozen C. calcitrans was used (14 . 25%). This may be due partly to the effect of the floculating agent (ALSO SUB-4 . 25 g/l) used in concentrating the diatoms. When protein contents of C. calcitrans, N. seriata and N. closterium are compared, the 2 Nitzchia species have relatively higher protein contents than C. calcitrans and, therefore, could be the more desirable feed candidates. However, few feeding trials were made using Nitzchia so that additional investigations will have to be done on this aspect.

Reduction in Chaetoceros populations by furanace

One of the most promising prophylactic agents being tested to control Penaeus monodon larval diseases is furanace (6-hydroxymethyl-2 2(5-nitro-2-furyl) vinyl pyridine). To evaluate further its suitability as a chemotherapeutic agent, its effects on the population growth of Chaetoceros calcitrans, the diatom used as feed for the zoeal stages, was examined. Chaetoceros populations of uniform density (initial density in all runs: 130-141x10 SUP-3 cells /ml) were placed in nine white, circular (382 sq cm), plastic basins. The physio-chemical characteristics of the culture water were as follows: salinity, 28 . 5-30 . 0 ppt; pH, 8 . 62-8 . 72; temperature, 23-25 . 5 degree C; dissolved oxygen, 7 . 1-9 . 3 ppm; nitrate, 0 . 03-0 . 07 ppm; and ammonia, 0 . 005-0 . 03 ppm. Preweighed furanace granules were dissolved in the culture water, with resulting concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/l (3 replicates each). A set of replicates without furanace served as the control. Population counts of the diatom were taken after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hr exposures. After 4 hr, the population decreased in all three levels. The population in 2 mg/l furanace showed the lowest count and that in control the highest. The population means are not statistically different from one another. The results of the study show that the furanace causes reductions in Chaetoceros population at all durations of exposure.

The biology and control of Caligus sp., an ectoparasite of the adult milkfish Chanos chanos Forskal

One unidentified species of copepod belonging to the genus Caliqus of the family Caigidae was found to infest the adult milkfish broodstock. To control the parasites infesting the adult milkfish, tests were made using the chemical (2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyl)-phosphonic acid-dimethylethol (Neguvon) at a concentration of 0 . 25 ppm. It is noted that a concentration of 0 . 25 ppm of Neguvon maintained for 12-24 hours in the sabalo-containing tanks in a closed water system but with aeration is effective in controlling the parasites. Fish mortality during the experiment was due to inadequate aeration in the tanks.

Methods of harvesting and preservation of the diatom Chaetoceros calcitrans

Diatom culture and larval feeding experiments were conducted to test the viability and acceptability of preserved algal concentrates. C. calcitrans is characterised by the presence of setae which keep them suspended in cultures and make autoflocculation very difficult. Flocculation was induced by the addition of a floc-forming chemical. Using the optimum conditions, it was possible to harvest the algae within 1-h settling time and with about 84% recovery. The viability of frozen Chaetoceros was determined by actual cell reproduction. Preliminary feeding experiments showed that Chaetoceros can be successfully used as a substitute for fresh diatoms as feed for Penaeus monodon larvae. Simple freezing techniques, with or without the use of protectants has been found convenient for preserving algal concentrates in small volumes for both feeding and culture purposes.

Effect of different light intensities on the growth of the diatom Chaetoceros calcitrans

Batch cultures of C. calcitrans were maintained indoors at a temperature range of 21 to 25 C and continuously illuminated by 40-watt daylight fluorescent lights. Cultures were exposed to 5 different intensities from 200 to 25,000 lux.Population counts show that light intensity affects growth and reproduction of the algae cultivated. A comparison of population peak growths showed cultures illuminated by 12,000 lux to have higher cell counts than those exposed to higher or lower light intensities.

Nitrogen fixing bacteria, Azotobacter sp. in aquatic sediment

Non-symbiotic, free living, nitrogen fixing bacteria, Azotobacter sp. was estimated in sediments of estuarine, marine, backwater and mangrove environments of Portonovo. Number of colony forming units (CFU) of Azotobacter sp. was less (5 to 27 cells/g of dry sediment). CFU of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), actinomycetes and fungi were between 4.1x10 super(6) and 4.5x10 super (7), 0.8x10 super(5) and 4.9x10 super(5), 1.1x10 super(5) and 3.8x10 super(5)/g respectively. Mangrove sediments contained more CFU of the above microbial groups.

Experiment on larval rearing of Penaeus monodon fed with cultured diatom Chaetoceros calcitran and fermented vegetable trash

A brief account is given of experiments undertaken rearing Penaeus monodon larvae fed on diatom (Chaetoceros calcitran) and fermented vegetable trash, which included fruits and their peels, vegetables and rice. The possible use of high protein content trash materials as a feed substitute is examined briefly.

Preserved algae as food for Penaeus monodon larvae

Uni-algal cultures of C. calcitrans, S. costatum, T. chui and Isochrysis sp. obtained from the laboratory were harvested. The harvest, preserved by either freezing or sun-drying, was fed to the larvae of P. monodon . Among the test algal species, Chaetoceros and Tetraselmis were used in larval feeding trials with frozen food while Chaetoceros, Tetraselmis and Isochrysis species were utilized in feeding experiments with sun-dried algae. Their relative effects on larval survival and development were assessed. Results showed that, except the alum-flocculated cells, both frozen Chaetoceros and Tetraselmis can support survival at the zoea stage. Best survival of 68% was atained with dried Chaetoceros followed by Tetraselmis at 44%. Dried Isochrysis did not perform as well, a significantly low survival of only 25% was obtained.

In-vitro effect of fungicides on hyphal growth and sporogenesis of Lagenidium sp. isolated from Penaeus monodon larvae and Scylla serrata eggs

The sensitivity of Lagenidium, isolated from Penaeus monodon, Scylla serrata , to 34 antimycotics was determined. Effects on the development of vesicles, zoospores and mycelial growth were evaluated. Although mycoidal levels of the chemicals tested will be ideal for lethal treatment on control of the fungus, the high dose required may be lethal to the host, thus the use of mycostatic concentrations is more practical. Treatments of rearing water containing larvae, adult shrimps or crabs should be done only after preliminary tolerance experiments using at least the mycostatic dose prove to be safe for the hosts. Mycocidal doses can be used for determining disinfection doses of equipment and facilities used in rearing procedures as well as for destroying batches of infected larvae.

Studies on the fungal diseases in crustaceans. I. Lagenidum scyllae sp. nov. isolated from cultivated ova and larvae of the mangrove crab (Scylla serrata)

Lagenidium scyllae , a marine mastigomycete from the ova and larvae of the mangrove crab, is described and illustrated as new. The fungus grew at a temperature range of 16-42 C, with an optimum at 22.5-31.8 C. It grew well in peptone-yeast-glucose (PYG) broth containing 2-3% NaCl. In PYG-sea water medium, it grew at a pH range of 5-11.