Successful inoculation of Artemia and production of cysts in the coastal saltpans of Bangladesh II

Bangladesh has no naturally occurring Artemia, and all the growing shrimp hatcheries of the country depend entirely on import of cysts from foreign countries. Following successful inoculation of Artemia and production of cysts for the first time in this country in a coastal saltpan (at Chanua, Banskhali) by the senior author (in 1989-90), a similar second attempt was made under this programme in a saltpan (1000 m super(2)) of Demoshia, Chakaria, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh between January and April 1992. A total of 1639.9 g (dry weight) of cysts (i.e. 5.46 kg DW/ha/month) have been produced using the Red Jungle Brand, whereas the previous attempt obtained 517 g of cysts (i.e. 2.07 kg DW/ha/month) using the Great Salt Lake Brand.

Growth, osmoregulation and ion accumulation in the coastal halophyte Arthrocnemum indicum under field conditions

Life cycle and population biology of a perennial halophyte Arthrocnemum indicum Willd, was studied from February 1992 to January 1993. During the 12 months, the population was exposed to great variations in soil salinity from 35 to 58 ms/cm2 and soil moisture ranging from flood to drought levels. Seasonal changes in dry weight are directly related to soil salinity stress. When salinity levels become low, the dry matter production increases. A little increase in dry weight from April to July indicates that more negative soil water potentials were limiting plant growth. Proline content increased considerably during the dry season with a corresponding increase in salinity. Water soluble oxalate did not vary much with changes in salinity.

Studies on blackening of canned prawns. Pt. 1. Influence of copper and iron on product blackening

A linear relationship was observed between the copper content and intensity of blackening in commercially canned prawn meat. Average copper and iron contents of non-blackened canned prawn meat were 9.6 and 32.5 ppm on dry weight basis respectively. In the blackened product copper content ranged from 15.8 to 63.9 ppm and iron content between 43.7 and 71.45 ppm depending on the intensity of blackening. But incorporation of copper in the above range to experimental cans produced blackening while iron up to 250 ppm did not impart any blackening under standard conditions of canning.

A Preliminary survey of 21 Ceylon lakes. 2. Limnology and fish production potential

Some morphometric, physical and chemical conditions of 21 lakes in Ceylon are described. The values for the organic matter in the plankton and for the dry weight of bottom fauna in the lakes have been calculated. These values have been utilised to evaluate the potential fish production figures for the lakes. Fishing trials were made in each lake. Suggestions regarding mesh sizes and time of fishing are put forward.

The morphometrics and the proximate composition of the edible fresh water mussel Lamellidens lamellatus (Lea) from Bathalagoda tank, a man made reservoir in Sri Lanka

Morphometric characteristics of Lamellidens lamellatus were studied using a random sample of 138 individuals collected from Bathalagoda reservoir in Kurunegala district. The largest number of individuals in the collection was between 40-50 mm in length. They had a body weight between 60-80 gm. The most abundant bio-chemical component in the adductor and in the foot was protein. Carbohydrate and lipid quantities were almost equal while ash showed the least value. The total protein content ranged from 48.8% to 73.4%; the carbohydrate content from 12.64% to 23.8%; and lipid content from 12.0% to 28.1% of their dry weight. It was found that there were significant relationships between the length and the body weight; and between length and volume.

Effect of microbial biofilm in the nursery phase of mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala

The experiment was conducted for 35 days in nine cement tubs (1 x 1 x 1 m) having 15 cm sandy-loam soil base with three treatments in triplicate, viz., cow dung alone at the rate of 1 kg/tub (T sub(1)), cow dung at 1 kg/tub and feed at 10% body wt/d in two meals (T sub(2)), and cow dung at 1 kg and paddy straw at 200 g/tub (T sub(3)). Both manure and substrate were added on dry weight basis. All the tubs were stocked with 10 fry each mrigal (100,000/ha) of average weight of 0.09 g, seven days after the addition of manure and substrate. The total plate count of bacteria in water did not vary much between the treatments and the mean values were 5.13, 5.49 and 5.85 (CFU x 10 super(4)/ml) in T sub(1) T sub(2) and T sub(3) respectively. The number of phytoplankters and zooplankters in water differed significantly between the treatments. The average number of attached algae (no./cm³) and fish food organisms (no./cm³) recorded on the substrate were 145.28 and 70.67, respectively. The mean final weight of mrigal differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the treatments with T sub(3) registering the highest value of 6.93 g followed by T sub(2) (5.01 g) and T sub(1) (3.37 g). The specific growth rate and growth increment of fish also followed the same trend as that of weight recorded in the different treatments. Survival was higher in T sub(2) (83.33%), followed by T sub(3) (80.00%) and T sub(1) (76.67%). The study demonstrates that by the introduction of biodegradable substrates like paddy straw into the culture systems, significantly higher growth and survival can be obtained in the nursery rearing of mrigal.

Studies on blue discolouration in canned body meat of crab (Scylla serrata)

Blue discolouration met with in the canned body meat of crab (Scylla serrata) was due to copper content exceeding 1.8 to 2.0 mg/100g on dry weight basis. Bleeding the cleaned carcasses of crab thoroughly in running water brought down the copper content below this level and blue discolouration prevented. Addition of copper ions to the thoroughly bled crab meat to raise the copper content above this level caused discolouration. The incidence of blue discolouration was independent of the freshness of the animals used. Citric acid in high concentration prevented blueing to some extent, but is not advisable as texture and flavour were adversely affected.

Fish farm technology. 1 - Brackishwater fish culture based on "aquafeed"

A method has been evolved to enhance the production of natural feed in brackish water fish farms by providing substrates for bio-growth ('aquafeed' production) which is a biomass complex consisting of sedentary and associated organisms of plant and animal species. The seasonal fluctuations of the aquafeed production over different substrates ranged as: 787-1830g/coconut leaf (6m²)/45 days, 16.0-072.9g/glass panel (2x10x10cm²)/30 days, 52-230g/nylon mat (2x25x25cm²)/30 days and 18.6-123.1g/wooden block (6x10x10cm²)/30 days. The average dry weight composition of the major components of aquafeed obtained in the present study was sand-silt-clay 40%, protein 22%, carbohydrate (water soluble) 1.8% and fat 3.35% (water content 85%). Mugil cephalus of 1.85 cm reared in a 0.01ha pond and fed on aquafeed attained a size of 23 cm length and 146.73g weight during one year. Survival rate was 54% at a density of 1000/ha. Salinity and temperature of the pond during the culture period ranged between 1.4 and 32.8‰ and 28.1 and 36.5°C respectively.

Preliminary chemical and physical evaluation of some formulated feeds for P. monodon

The culture of Penaeus monodon has explicitly defined the need for diet formulations or supplementary feeds that would promote optimum growth and survival of the animal. A total of 28 feed combinations were developed for P. monodon. Fish meal, shrimp head meal, squid head meal, Ascetes spp. rice bran, and soybean cake were used as primary ingredients in these feeds. The commercial vitamin mix No. 22 was added to the dry ingredients. Gelatinized corn starch and wheat flour were used as binders. The pellets were extruded using a portable kitchen grinder with a diameter of 4 mm. The products were either sun-dried for 8 hours or oven-dried overnight at 50 degree C to stabilize moisture at 8-10%. The pellets were then kept in covered glass bottles and stored in the laboratory at room temperature. The cost of the feeds excluding labour were also computed. The pellets were analyzed for protein, fat, carbohydrate, crude fiber, ash, and moisture contents using standard procedures. They were also analyzed for water stability. To test the stability of pellets in water, 2-g samples were placed in plankton nets (mesh #40) and suspended in water for two, and six hours. The undissolved samples were then vacuum-dried and the moisture determined. Cost of the feeds ranged from P1.10 to P2.60 per kg depending on the feed ingredient. Squid and Ascetes spp. were rather expensive for use as basic ingredients. Proximate analysis of dry weight showed percentage protein content ranged from 20-63 g; fat, 8-20 g; carbohydrate (by difference), 11-36 g; ash, 8-28 g; moisture, 6-11 g; and crude fiber, 5 . 13 g. Stability tests showed that after two hours, 35-88% of solids remained intact and after 6 hours, 20-55% of the pellets remained undissolved. When a pellet disintegrates easily, pollution of the water occurs. Chances for the shrimp to feed on the pellet is minimized when the pellet is unstable. Thus, the search for a more compact feed pellet has to be continued.

The food and feeding habit of Penaeus monodon Fabricius collected from Makato River, Aklan, Philippines

The food of Penaeus monodon collected from Makato R., from Sept 1977 to Jan 1978 is described with preliminary observations on its feeding habit and rate of foregut clearance. Feeding behaviour appears to be associated with the tidal phase. Foregut clearance rate is rapid, with 95% of food transported from the foregut 4 h after feeding. Frequency of occurrence and proportion of total food of various foregut contents are shown, as are dry weight, percentage mineral, organic and crude protein nitrogen from individual and pooled samples of gut contents, and foregut index in P. monodon collected during different phases of one tidal cycle.

Prevention of infestation by Dermestes maculatus Degeer in east African dried fish using pyrethrum and piperonyl butoxide

East African sun-dried fish dipped for 4 seconds in different solutions of pyrethrum and piperonyl butoxide were analysed for insecticide residue limits. All analyses showed residues above the FAO/WHO MRL; exceeding factors of between 7.6 (22.9 ppm) and 1.6 (5.3 ppm) were found for pyrethrum while exceeding factors between 5.1 (102 ppm) and 1.7 (33.1 ppm) were common for piperonyl butoxide after 6 months storage at ambient temperature. All insecticide treated fish, regardless of dip concentration, were observed to be less susceptible to infestation by Dermestes maculatus than samples of untreated fish. No dry weight losses due to insect infestation were recorded, however moisture evaporation caused weight losses between 6 and 8% during the period. Further investigations showed that careful handling and a dip concentration more in accordance with FAO/WHO MRL than the commercial practice will reduce the cost of insecticides from K.sh. 0.72 to K.sh. 0.23 per kg pyrethrum treated fish.

Quality assessment of traditional and solar tunnel dried SIS (Small Indigenous Fish Species) products

Studies were conducted to assessment the quality of traditional and solar tunnel dried SIS products. The moisture content of the solar products ranged from 14.38 to 18.48% with the lowest in batashi and the highest value in tengra. The moisture content of the traditional products was in the range of 23.26 to 26.42%. The range of protein contents on moisture free basis was from 67.57 to 71.90% in solar dried fishes with highest value obtained in dhela and lowest value in batashi. These values were more or less similar to those of traditional dried SIS products which were in the range of 68.02 to 73.54% on dry weight basis. Lipid contents of solar dried SIS varied from 14.10 to 16.26% and on moisture free basis the in the range of 11.73 to 21.98 with highest value found in tengra and lowest in puti. These values were more or less similar to those found for traditional dried products on dry weight basis and ranged from were 12.37 to 22.43%. Maximum reconstitution of solar dried products was obtained at 80°C in all samples and was in the range of 65.26 to 70.51% where the percentage of reconstitution increases with the increase of socking time and reach maximum at the end of up to 60 min. The TVB-N content of solar dried fish is low compared with traditional one ranging from 20.30 to 28.40mg/100g and peroxide value in the range of 12. 54 to 19.20meq./kg oil. The TVB-N of traditionally dried products were in the range of 32.50 to 45.45mg/100g and PO values of the traditionally dried products were in the range of 30.00 to 36.00meq./kg oil. The bacterial load of the solar dried products was in the range of 4.0x10 super(3)/g to 3.6x10 super(5)CFU/g and of the traditionally dried products ranged from 1.45x10 super(5) to 2.52x10 super(6) CFU/g.

Trophic State Index, morphoedaphic index and fish yield prediction in a sub-tropical lake, Manchar (Sindh), Pakistan

Limnological factors of a sub-tropical lake Manchar were studied on seasonal basis. The mean values of various parameters were: transparency, (secchi disc reading): 90.5 cm, Orthophosphate: 0.257 mg/l, TDS: 3310,5 mg/l, Conductivity: 5232 µs/l, Total Chlorophyll (Planktonic): 31.3 µg/l Planktonic biomass: 5466 µg/l. Trophic state index (TSI) was calculated by using Carlson's (1977) equations. Mean TSI for transparency was 61, while for orthophosphate and chlorophyll, it was 82 and 64 respectively. TSI values indicate advanced eutrophic state of Manchar Lake. Morphoedaphic index (MEI) was also calculated on seasonal basis. The mean values were, TDS: 1103, conductivity: 1744, alkalinity: 60, transparency: 29 and biomass (plankton dry weight): 1746. Fish yield prediction for Manchar Lake (Z =3m, mean area=100 km²) was calculated by using MEI values. The results were quite different among various parameters. Conductivity (89.1mt/y), biomass (67.6 mt/y) and TDS (44.6 mt/y) were found to be good predictors of fish yield. Chlorophyll, transparency and alkalinity values gave very low estimate.

Enrichment of rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis with calcium

Possibility of enrichment of rotifer (Brachionus rotondiformis) with calcium (Ca) for feeding the fish fry was investigated. Rotifer was kept for 24 h with aeration in normal seawater (Treatment 1), seawater with 400 mg/l supplemental Ca from Ca-lactate (Treatment 2) and seawater with 400 mg/l supplemental Ca from Ca-chloride (Treatment 3). After the experimental period, Ca contents of rotifer were 0.20, 0.29 and 0.39% of dry weight in T-1, T-2 and T-3, respectively. Ca content of media did not affect phosphorus, zinc and manganese contents of rotifer. Results revealed that rotifer can be enriched with Ca for feeding fish fry and Ca-chloride might be a better source for Ca enrichment.

Biogeochemical study of poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its physiological affection response in mudskipper (Boleophthalmus dussumieri) at coast of Khuzestan

Study on the biomarkers types to assess health status of marine ecosystems in environmental biomonitoring has an important value. Accordingly, accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in sediment, water and tissues (liver and gill) of mudskipper(i.e. Boleophthalmus dussumieri) and some physiological responses like lysosomal membrane change performed on haemocytes, stability of red blood cell membrane and the Glutathione-S Transferase (GST) activity in the liver were measured in mudskipper. Samples were obtained from five sites along north western coast of the Persian Gulf (Khuzestan coast). Red blood cell membrane changes after different concentration of PAHs at different time was also studied to evaluate impact of PAHs compound on cell membrane. PAHs concentration was measured by HPLC method. The activity of GST enzyme was analysed by spectrophotometric method. Lysosomal membrane change was measured by NRR time method and stability of red blood cell membrane was evaluated by EOF test. Total PAH concentrations in the coastal sea water, the sediments, the liver and the gill tissues ranged between 0.80-18.34 μg/l, 113.50-3384.34 ng g-1 (dry weight), 3.99-46.64 ng g-1 dw and 3.11-17.76 ng g-1 dw, respectively. Highest PAHs pollution was found at Jafari while the lowest was detected at Bahrakan sampling sites. The lowest enzymatic activity was identified at Bahrakan (7.19 ± 1.541 nmol/mg protein/min), while the highest was recorded at Jafari (46.96 ± 7.877 nmol/mg protein/min). Comparative analysis of GST activity in the liver of mudskippers showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between the locations of Jafari and Bahrakan, and with other sites. Moreover, no significant difference was detected between the locations of Arvand, Zangi and Samayeli (p < 0.05). The mean RT was below 90 minutes in all sampling sites. Values of mean RT of the dye ranged from 34 (for the blood samples of mudskipper collected from Jafari site) to 78 minutes (for the blood samples of mudskipper collected from Bahrakan site). Spatial evaluation revealed the longest RT in fish from Bahrakan as compared with those from other sites. Preliminary results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) among sampling sites except between Arvand and Zangi (p > 0.05). Osmotic fragility curves indicated that erythrocytes collected from mudskippers at Jafari were the most 009 fragile followed by Zangi> Arvand> Samayeli> and Bahrakan. The mean erythrocyte fragility was significantly higher at Jafari site (p < 0.05) when compared to other sites. Significant differences were found between the various sites (p < 0.05).The result indicated no significant differences between the control and treatments of mudskipper RBC exposed to field concentrations of PAHs (P>0.05). The results further indicated significant differences (P<0.05) between the control and treatments of mudskipper RBC exposed to acute. Potency Divisor concentrations. It is clear from the present result that chronic. Potency Divisor concentrations protect red cells against osmotic hemolysis. This study, however, showed that PAH concentrations in this region are not higher than the available standards. The findings showed that Lysosomal membrane destabilization, liver GST activities and fragility of red cell membrane are highly sensitive in the mudskipper, B. dussumieri. Thus, mudskipper perceived to be good sentinel organisms for PAH pollution monitoring. Sediment PAH concentrations were strongly correlated with biomarkers, indicating that PAH type pollutants were biologically available to fish. One of the possible risk assessment implications of this study is that biomarkers can be applied not only to characterize biological effects of pollution exposures, but also to determine the bioavailability of pollution in aquatic systems. The results also indicated that PAHs compound possess anti haemolytic property.