Showing papers in "Aacl Bioflux in 2013"

Use of Streptomyces fradiae and Bacillus megaterium as probiotics in the experimental culture of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Crustacea, Penaeidae).

Abstract: Shrimp hatcheries often beset with diseases, mainly the bacterial infection and antibiotics are widely used for prevention of disease. Presently, beneficial bacteria (probiotics) are used to prevent diseases instead of antibiotics and increasing the production. In the present study, the two new microbial strains Bacillus megaterium and Streptomyces fradiae isolated from mangrove sediments were applied (experimental culture) for the post larval rearing of Penaeus monodon which is compared with control culture tanks (without probiotics). The water quality condition such as temperature (27-29C), salinity (26-28‰) and dissolved oxygen (4.7-5.0 mg L) of both control and experimental culture were more or less similar. Concentration of ammonia and pH were significantly different (p<0.05) between the control and experimental culture during the study period. The feed assimilation efficiency is higher (above 80%) in experimental culture tank when compared to control tank (74.76%). The growth rate was higher 1.70 and 1.67 in S. fradiae, 1.66 and 1.63 in B. megaterium through feed and water, respectively, while in control tank it was 1.4. The FCR values were 2.06 and 2.12 in S. fradiae treated tanks through feed and water, respectively, while 2.51 and 2.55 were observed in B. megaterium treated through feed and water respectively. The FCR value was found higher (4.02) in the control tank. The average total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and total presumptive Vibrio bacteria both in culture water and post larvae were lower during experimental culture in compared to control culture. The present study indicates that the probiotic treatment using two new microbial strains such as B. megaterium and S. fradiae would help in better aquaculture production.

Production and characterization of Chitosan from shrimp shells waste.

Abstract: This research aims to study the production of chitosan from shrimp shell waste origin and characterize the chitosan quality of shrimp shell waste that includes parameters yield, solubility, intrinsic viscosity, molecular weight and deacetylation degree. Results showed that the treatment of heating temperature and heating time in the process of deacetylation caused significant (P≤0.01) influence on yield, solubility, intrinsic viscosity, molecular weight and deacetylation degree of produced chitosan. Whereas, the interaction between heating temperature and heating time on the process of deacetylation gave no significant effect on yield, solubility, intrinsic viscosity, molecular weight and deacetylation degree of chitosan produced. The best results in this study were obtained from heating temperature of 100 C and 80 min heating time.

Growth, plasma cortisol, liver and kidney histology, and resistance to vibriosis in brown-marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus fed onion and ginger.

Abstract: The University of the Philippines Visayas is gratefully acknowledged for providing the research fund and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) for the use of their research facilities.

Foraminiferal assemblage in southeast coast of Iligan Bay, Mindanao, Philippines.

Abstract: Live foraminiferal composition, diversity, abundance and their relationship with the water quality parameters, organic matter contents and size of the sediments were determined and compared. A total of 62 foraminiferan species belonging to 42 genera under 30 families were identified in the living foraminiferal assemblage in the five sampling stations. Using several diversity indices, results showed maximum differences in the foraminiferan species between the five sampling stations. The results of Two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in foraminiferan relative abundance between stations. These differences were attributed to the structure of the sediment as reflected from the results of the Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Since the results of the study showed differences in the composition, diversity, abundance and distribution of the species in the five sampling stations, it is suggested that the present conditions of the environment may have affected the community structure of live foraminiferans. In this manner, the foraminiferans may therefore act as indicators of the health of the present environment. Whether these effects may be due to natural or anthropogenic activities, the present records are essentially vital in order to assess further the relationship between anthropogenic impacts and organisms and to evaluate future development towards conservation and management of the said bay.

Length-length relationship, length-weight relationship and condition factor of freshwater fish species of Bangladesh.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to describe the length-length relationship (LLR), length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of four important freshwater fish species Esomus danricus, Amblypharyngodon mola, Pethia ticto and Glossogobius giuris, collected from different fish market of Gomastapur subdistrict, Chapai Nawabganj, Bangladesh from December 2009 to November 2010. Relationship equations among different body length parameters of each species were found highly significant (p < 0.01). LWRs were obtained as TW = 0.008 TL, 0.025 TL, 0.043 TL and 0.021 TL for E. danricus, A. mola, P. ticto and G. giuris respectively. The study period was divided into three major seasons summer (March to June), rainy (July to October) and winter (November to February) for studying the growth and condition of the specimens. The values of the Fulton’s and relative condition factors indicated apparent growth variation in different seasons. All the species showed maximum robustness in summer and rainy seasons. The information obtained from this study will be helpful for the fishery managers to implement adequate adaption-centric regulations for sustainable fishery management in the water bodies of Gomastapur as well as the other parts of the country.

Status and decline causes of fish diversity of Baral river, Natore, Bangladesh

Abstract: The objective of this study was to desribe the status and decline causes of fish diversity in Baral river, Natore, Bangladesh. The study was conducted over a period from November 2010 to May 2011 on the Bagatipara point of Baral river, Natore, Bangladesh. A total of 60 fish species of nine orders and 21 families were identified. On the basis of availability the species were categorized in four statuses that obtained as available (45%), less available (33.33%), rare (13.33%) and very rare (8.33%). Result of the study identified five species as very rare which may extinct near future resulting declination of the fish diversity. Few man made decline causes like agro-industrial wastages, different obstacles of water flow, excess use of river water, siltation and over fishing were observed as major threats for the diversity of fishes. The present work recommends preventing water pollution, ensuring water flow, developing fishermen’s awareness, implementation of fisheries laws and declaration of fish sanctuary to save fish diversity of the study area. Besides, counter and random survey is recommended to cross check the fishes’ status for their proper management and conservation.

Cadmium concentration in three species of freshwater fishes from Keuretoe River, Northern Aceh, Indonesia.

Abstract: The objectives of present study was to evaluate cadmium (Cd) concentration in some freshwater fishes found in Keuretoe Rivers and to determine the most effective freshwater fishes (Osphronemus goramy, Anguilla marmorata and Hemibagrus nemurus) in accumulating of cadmium. A total of three sampling locations were determined using the purposive of random sampling. A total of three individual fishes at every sampling location were collected, the tissues were processed for Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and data were analyzed by Anova followed by Duncan multiple range test. The result revealed that the cadmium concentration ranges between 0.0064 ppm and 0.0260 ppm. Anova test showed that the sampling locations did not significantly affect the cadmium accumulation in fishes, but the fish species gave significantly effect on the cadmium accumulation in their tissue. The Duncan test showed that high cadmium accumulation was found in gourami at Station 2 and in mottled eel at Station 1, the concentrations were significantly different from Cd content in bagrid catfish at all sampling locations. The higher of cadmium pollution was recorded in Station 3 and gourami accumulated higher cadmium than other fishes studied. Keuretoe River is contaminated with cadmium and the fishes should not be consumed.

Diversity and abundance of phytoplankton in Casiguran waters, Aurora province, Central Luzon, Northern Philippines.

Abstract: Phytoplankton composition, diversity, abundance and their relation with the physico-chemical parameters of the waters during high and low tides in the thirteen sampling stations in Casiguran Sound and Bay, Aurora Province, Philippines were compared. A total of 115 species belonging to four major groups (Bacillariopphyceae, Dinophyceae, Dictyochophyceae, and Cyanophyceae) were identified, with the Bacillariopphyceae or commonly known as diatoms being the chief component of the phytoplankton. Using several diversity indices, results showed no differences in the phytoplankton species between Casiguran sound and bay during the two tidal cycles. Likewise, the results of NPMANOVA revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in phytoplankton relative abundance between and within sampling stations between and during high and low tides. The results may imply that the level of phytoplankton diversity and abundance did not fluctuate with changes in the tide levels and that phytoplankton species were thus uniformly distributed in the waters of Casiguran. It is suggested that the alteration of high and low tides accompanied by intense horizontal and vertical mixing which are apparent during spring tide may have influence the uniform distribution of phytoplankton. Since results of the study reflect the importance of physical as well as chemical factors of the water on the phytoplankton community structure, the present records are essentially vital in order to assess further the relationship between environmental conditions of the water and the organisms and to evaluate future development towards conservation and management in the said areas.

The distribution of crayfish (Decapoda: Astacidae, Cambaridae) population in Cris and Mures rivers crossing the Romanian-Hungarian border.

Abstract: The crayfish (Decapoda) fauna of the Mures/Maros, Crisul Repede/Sebes-Körös, Crisul Negru/Fekete-Körös and Crisul Alb/Fehér-Körös rivers was surveyed in 16 sampling areas in 2012. The crayfish assemblages of the sampling areas were sampled using LiNi traps, hand collection and electric fishing. A total of 56 individuals of 3 crayfish species, two indigenous (Astacus astacus, Astacus leptodactylus) and one exotic (Orconectes limosus), were registered in the four rivers. The individuals of the spiny-cheek crayfish were caught in the Körösladány section of the Sebes-Körös river, making this site the easternmost border of the current Hungarian range of the species. The extremely rapid colonization in the Tisza watershed questions the hypothesis that the species has spread to the Tisza from the Danube. It was probably introduced into the eastern part of the country accidentally during fish stocking events or intentionally, as a live bait.

Length-weight and length-length relationships and condition factor of Alburnus mossulensis (Heckel, 1843) from the Persian Gulf basin.

Abstract: The length-weight and length-length relationships and condition factor for Alburnus mossulensis is described from 325 specimens collected between January 2011 and December 2011 in Gamasiab River, the Tigris River drainage, the Persian Gulf basin, west of Iran. The maximum standard length recorded for males and females were 14.5 cm and 15.5 cm, respectively. The length-length relationship between the total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) for A. mossulensis was found to be highly significant (r>0.96, p<0.001). The value of “b” of the length-weight relationship was 3.172 which indicated a positive isometric growth trend of this species. The males and females condition factors (K) varied from 0.32±0.02 to 2.01±0.14 and 0.20±0.02 to 2.51±0.21, respectively. The means of the K value were significantly high in April, May and Jun. The two-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in K value among months.

The use of permitted ectoparasite disinfection methods on young pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) after transition from over-wintering lake to RAS.

Abstract: With the growing importance of recirculating aquaculture systems there is an increasing demand for proper parasite disinfection methods. It is especially true in cases, when the stocked fish comes from a natural environment to the RAS for rearing or experimental purposes. Our aim was to test some parasite disinfection methods on pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) stock (14.25 + 0.45 cm, 20.57 + 2.03 g), from a farm, where they were kept in over-wintering ponds. The experiment was conducted in a recirculating system with nine aquarium tanks (300 L each) and an overall volume of 4500 L, and in three separate round tanks (230 L). We used two UV lamps (18 watt each) in series to avoid re-infection between fish tanks. Five fish per group were sampled on the 0.-7-14 days. Four treatments were replicated three times, as follows: 1) Control group, where no treatment was used (the three control groups were the three separate round tanks); 2) Continuous 0.5% salt (NaCl) treatment; 3) Combined bath treatment: 0.5% constant salt concentration along with 2 x 10 minutes, 2% salt short bath. This was applied directly after the first and the second sampling; 4) “Detox SA” treatment (active ingredients: 4.5% peracetic acid, 10% acetic acid, and 20% hydrogen peroxide), plus 0.5% constant salt concentration. The Detox treatment was used on the first day, and then daily with the concentration of 20 mL/m (as recommended by manufacturer “ORPC”). The system was shut down for 40 minutes during the treatment. During the experiment, three groups of ectoparasites were found: Trichodina sp. Gyrodactylus sp. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The Trichodina infection cleared in all three groups, whereas in the control group the infection remained, however it declined. The Gyrodactilus sp. population with the Detox SA's treatment was completely eliminated, while the infection remained in the short bath treated group, again drastically reduced. In the groups of continuous 0.5% salt treatment the stock of Gyrodactilus sp. increased nearly 30 fold, therefore this treatment for this parasite was ineffective. In the control group over the first weekend of the herds it increased and then decreased. Serious Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infection developed only in the control groups, but not in any other group. This demonstrated that use of 0.5% continuous salt treatment alone could inhibit the propagation of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. As a result of the experiment, the conclusion can be drawn, that a series of treatments for 10 or 14 days with the three combined methods can be successfully used for disinfection of fish originating from ponds.

A preliminary study on the anti hatching of freshwater golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae) eggs from Barringtonia racemosa (Magnoliopsida: Lecythidaceae) seeds extract.

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the alternative anti hatching of Pomacea canaliculata eggs using Barringtonia racemosa seed extract. Five concentrations of B. racemosa extract (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 ppm) and two types of solvent (methanol and water) were tested in this study. The Anova test showed that the concentration of B. racemosa seed extract was affected significantly on the hatchability of P. canaliculata eggs (p < 0.01). The results showed that the hatchability of P. canaliculata eggs were decreased with increasing the concentration of B. racemosa seed extracts, where the lower hatchability was found at 80 ppm, but it was not significant different with 100 ppm. It was concluded that the B. racemosa seed extract can be used to control hatchability of P. canaliculata eggs.

Species richness of Odonata in selected freshwater systems in Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines.

Abstract: The Odonata is important in identifying the habitat health of freshwater ecosystems. In this study, the species richness and relative abundance of Odonata were determined in 12 sampling sites in Zamboanga del Sur. Field work was conducted in August-December, 2012 using the random sampling method. Thirty-six species belonging to 10 families were documented of which 16 (44%) species are Philippine endemic. High species richness was recorded in Cabilinan Stream which is considered to be the most undisturbed site in the 12 sampling sites. Species richness was also considerably high in eight sampling sites despite habitat modification and water pollution from agricultural run-offs. The presence of Oriental species which are indicators of degraded environments suggests that the streams are disturbed. However, the presence of some endemic species indicates that these endemic fauna can thrive in disturbed habitats.

Growth and economic performance of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fingerlings fed diets containing graded levels of sclerotium

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of inclusion of sclerotium as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus using growth performance, economy of production, haematological and biochemical parameters as indices. Four experimental diets comprising of control (CTR) without sclerotium and other three diets SC1, SC2 and SC3 containing 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 % sclerotium, respectively. The experimental diets were fed to triplicate groups of fish fingerlings (0.81± 0.00g average body weight) for 70 days. The inclusion of sclerotium at 7.5% level recorded the best values for mean weight gain (MWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the incidence cost (IC) and profit index (PI) among the diets however, the best results were achieved at 10% (SC2) inclusion level. The parked cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), neutrophil and lymphocyte showed significant difference (p<0.05) between CTR and other three diets while there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in eosinophil among the four diets. Biochemical parameters recorded significant differences (p<0.05) among the four diets. Hence, due to the nutritional and therapeutic characteristics of sclerotium, its inclusion in the diet up to 12.5% could be tolerated by O. niloticus.

Mendelian laws in aquaculture and cuniculture: simple and efficient

Abstract: Many aquarists, fish or rabbit breeders have at their disposal for reproduction heterogenic populations as a result of segregation, or due to crossbreeding. In many cases, they must buy new brood stock every 2-3 years due to the fact their old brood stock degenerates visible after several generations. The aim of this paper is to underline that there are some low cost and easy to understand principles available with application in animal improvement and production. Color, size and shape are important traits when we describe a product as a phenotypically uniform line, strain or breed, e.g. the albino African catfish, the red eyed swordtail, the Red Blond guppy, the large chinchilla rabbit, the New Zealand white rabbit. A standardized color, shape and size describe better an animal population and thus the said product is promoted better on the market. Two simple examples of applications will be presented in this paper, the case of purification and maintaining of thermo-resistant guppy fish, and the principle of improvement of body size and maintaining the color pattern in Transylvanian Giant rabbit. The key to success is to know what is (are) the recessive gene(s) for every relevant locus.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Saccharomycetes: Saccharomycetaceae) on Astronotus ocellatus as growth promoter and immuno stimulant.

Abstract: Probiotics are live microorganism which can affect the host animal by improving their intestinal flora as supplements to improve growth performance. The aim of this study was evaluation of effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as supplementation on growth performance, nutritional indexes and some serological parameters in Oscar fish, Astronotus ocellatus. One hundred and twenty (120) of Oscar fish fingerlings were divided to 12 aquarium and fed by diets with different levels (0, as control group and 0.5, 1 and 2 per cent of probiotic as treatments) of probiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for 56 days. This experiment was performed in triplicates. At the end of the experiment, biometry was performed for all fish. Furthermore, blood samples were collected from caudal vein by heparinized syringe and then serum was separated. Growth performance was determined and feed utilization was calculated. Lysozyme activity, serum total protein, albumin and globulin were determined. Based on the results, no mortality was seen during the experiment in all groups. Also, no significant differences were seen among treatments and control groups during the experimental period for DWG, BWG, CF, SGR, PER, HSI and VSI (p > 0.05). Total serum protein was decreased by increasing of S. cerevisiae concentration. But total albumin was not significantly affected by different levels of S. cerevisiae (p > 0.05). On the other side, total globulin concentration values were significantly different between control group and 2 percent of probiotic. Serum lysozyme activity was increased by increasing in S. cerevisiae concentration (p < 0.05). Finally, this probiotic can be proposed as an immunostimulant in this species but it may not be proposed as nutritional supplement or growth promoter.

Investigating the impact of NaCl salinity on growth, β-carotene, and chlorophyll a in the content life of halophytes of algae Chlorella sp.

Abstract: Algae are used for many purposes as: food industry, animal feeding, soil enrichment and biodiesel production. Chlorella is widely cultivated from microalgae species as it is rich in nutrients and has its implementation as a healthy food use. In this study, the impact of NaCl salinity on growth, betacarotene, and chlorophyll a of Chlorella sp. has been investigated. This study results in three salinities (10, 30, 50 g L, respectively) have shown that 30 g L concentration has the highest value of cell number in day 15 and there was no significant difference between salinities on day 15 (p>0.05). Βetacarotene result has shown 50 g L salinity and the highest value of beta-carotene did not indicate any statistically significant differences between treatments (p>0.05). Chlorophyll a result has shown highest value in all treatments (it was in 50 g L). However, there was no significant difference between salinities on day 5 (p>0.05).

Describing body shape within and between sexes and populations of the Mottled spinefoot fish, Siganus fuscescens (Houttuyn, 1782) collected from different bays in Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Abstract: The study was conducted to determine sexual dimorphism in body shapes of S. fuscescens in five selected bays in Mindanao Island, Philippines. Likewise, shape and size relationship was assessed within species and between populations of the fish. The method of landmark-based geometric morphometrics was used to describe the body shapes and size of the fish. Twenty-five landmark points were digitized from images of 194 individuals and relative warp analysis was done. Thin-plate spline and Manova/CVA were used in presenting shape variations, where in this study body shape characteristics of the fish from different populations were observed. Discriminant function analysis and Hotelling’s tests however showed no sexual dimorphism in body shape for all the populations. Shape variations were observed to be size-dependent. Both sexes of S. fuscescens were different from all other populations for having small sizes.

Check-list of bony fish collected from the Upper Halda River, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Abstract: The Halda River of Bangladesh gains its importance as natural spawning ground of major carp fishes. A check-list of bony fish in the Halda River was carried out. It appeared that the fish fauna in this river is dominated by the family of Cyprinidae (28.57 %) represented by 18 species, followed by Gobiidae (9.52 %) represented by 6 species and Schibeidae (7.94 %) with 5 species, than Bagridae and Channidae (6.35 %) with 4 species each, Siluridae (4.76 %) with 3 species. Among the listed families, there are 14 families represented by a single species and 4 families by 2 species. The total number of species is 63 belonging to 51 genera pertaining to 24 families and 9 orders. The present study reported 5 migrant species from the Bay of Bengal and 3 species as exotic species.

The potential use of legume-based diets supplemented with microbial phytase on the growth performance and feed efficiency of sea bass, Lates calcarifer.

Abstract: A feeding trial was conducted for 12 weeks to evaluate the potential use of legume-based diets supplemented with dietary microbial phytase on the growth performance and feed efficiency of juvenile sea bass, Lates calcarifer. Fifteen sea bass juveniles (mean initial weight of 0.96 g and mean initial total length (TL) of 4.2 cm) were stocked at three replicates into each of the twelve 100 L conical fibreglass tanks containing 90 L sea water in a closed recirculating system with filtered and aerated sea water. Four isonitrogenous, isolipidic and isocaloric experimental diets were formulated. The control diet (C0) contained fish meal, soybean meal, shrimp meal and squid meal as major protein sources. Legume seed meals of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), yellow mungbeans (Phaseolus aureus), and green mungbeans (Vigna radiata) were incorporated in the practical diets D1, D2 and D3 respectively at 18-20% replacing an equivalent amount of 6-7g fish meal protein and supplemented with microbial phytase at the level of 300U kg diet. Growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and apparent net protein utilization (ANPU) of sea bass were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in control diet than those given different legume based diets supplemented with phytase. Histological examination of the liver tissues for the different dietary treatments did not manifest any abnormalities. Phytase supplementation also improved bone ash, phosphorus (P) concentration as well as P content in the carcass for fish in legume fed groups. Results from the present study showed that incorporation of dietary microbial phytase in legume based diets slightly improve the growth performance and P availability in sea bass juveniles.

Species richness of Odonata in selected wetland areas of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, Philippines.

Abstract: Monitoring the environment through indicator species such as Odonata which has an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage allows fast and easy means of evaluating habitat quality. This study aims to examine the species richness of Odonata in nine wetland areas of Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City. A survey using random sampling method was conducted from October to December 2012. Thirty-eight species were recorded under 28 genera and 12 families. Nineteen species are endemic. Species richness of the Odonata in relatively undisturbed areas ranges from 17-20 species. A lower species richness of 6-12 species was recorded in urbanized and disturbed areas. A relatively rare taxa, Rhinagrion reinhardi was recorded in one of the pristine areas. Further surveys in poorly studied and undisturbed areas may result in a higher species richness of Odonata.

Optimum dietary levels of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) for growth and reduction of incidence of operculum deformity in milkfish (Chanos chanos) fry.

Abstract: A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of dietary level of Vitamin A on growth, survival and incidence of deformity in milkfish fry from 21 to 51 days posthatch (dph). Milkfish fry were fed with experimental diets containing increasing levels of Vitamin A (0 IU, 100 IU, 1000 IU, 2000 IU and 4000 IU 100g-1 feed) for 30 days. Results showed that Vitamin A did not affect survival of milkfish fry at all dietary levels but affected specific growth rate (SGR) and the incidence of open operculum deformity. Values for the proportion of the absence of deformity in milkfish fry (minus that for the highest level of 4000 IU 100g-1 diet) fit the quadratic model for the estimate of the optimum dietary Vitamin A level; maximum response (Imax) was estimated to be 1,079 IU.

Larvicide of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Ipomoea pes-caprae (Solanales: Convolvulaceae).

Abstract: This research aimed to evaluate larvicidal candidate of the extracts of whole parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds) of Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br. on Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) larvae. The criteria applied to select larvicidal candidate were (1) the concentration of the extract solution must be ≤ 50 ppm, and (2) the larval mortality due to administration of the extract should be reached ≥ 75%. The I. pes-caprae parts were extracted with methanol and water solvents. Refer to the criteria, the methanol extract of the I. pes-caprae leaf was selected as the larvicidal candidate of the A. aegypti larvae. The 3 instar of A. aegypti larvae was tested with five kinds of concentration of an aqueous solution of I. pes-caprae leaf extracts by completely random design with four replications. The methanol extract of I. pes-caprae leaf showed a very strong larvicide (LC50 was 12.60 ppm) of A. aegypti larvae.

Transcriptional upregulation of fortilin in shrimp, Penaeus (Metapenaeus) japonicus fed diets containing recombinant VP28, an antigenic protein of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV).

Abstract: White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is considered as one of the serious viral pathogens of shrimp. There are several preventive measures that have been developed to curb the devastating effects of this virus in shrimp aquaculture. Juvenile shrimps, Penaeus (Metapenaeus) japonicus were fed with commercial feeds that were mixed with recombinant VP28, a structural protein antigen of WSSV for a period of 14 days. The immune response of the shrimp during oral administration of the medicated feed was determined by expression analysis of fortilin, a gene that is involved in the antiviral response. There was a significant increase in the level of expression of fortilin both in the gut and the gills in the fed group during the duration of feeding. The level of expression gradually decreased in the fed group, whereby at the 7th and 14th day after the last day of feeding with medicated feeds, no significant differences were observed between the fed and control groups in the expression at the gills and gut, respectively.

Reproduction of yellow mullet Mugil cephalus on Northern Coast of Senegal, West Africa.

Abstract: The study of reproductive parameters of Mugil cephalus on the Northern Coast (Grande côte) of Senegal was made based on biological sampling between 2010 and 2012. In total, 1587 individuals of size between 11 cm and 58 cm FL were captured. Reproduction was followed by analysis of monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index and sexual maturity stages as well as the determination of the size at first sexual maturity of the species. The monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index and sexual stages of the population of M. cephalus indicate an advanced maturation of gonads in December and January, which assumes that the reproduction of M. cephalus could begin in December and would be already completed in June because of post-spawning stages (stage ≥ 6) observed during this month. The size at first sexual maturity is estimated at 39 cm FL for males and 42 cm FL for females. This study has contributed to the updating of reproductive parameters of yellow mullet M. cephalus. This will strengthen the basis of biological knowledge for the management of the species.

Mesozooplankton composition and abundance in San Ildefonso Cape, Casiguran, Aurora, Northern Philippines.

Abstract: Mesozooplankton composition, diversity, abundance and their relation with the physicochemical parameters of the waters during high and low tides in San Ildefonso Cape, Aurora Province, Philippines were compared. A total of 60 species belonging to 9 major groups were identified. Copepoda constituted the major bulk of the mesozooplankton community with Paracalanus parvus, Corycaeus andrewsii, Oithona similis and Oncaea venusta being the most abundant and widely distributed copepods in the said area. Using several diversity indices, high diversity in the mesozooplankton taxa was observed, but no differences were seen between the sampling stations and between the two tidal cycles. Likewise, the results of NPMANOVA revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in mesozooplankton relative abundance between and within sampling stations between and during high and low tides. The results may imply that the level of mesozooplankton diversity and abundance did not fluctuate with changes in the tide levels and that mesozooplankton taxa were thus uniformly distributed in the waters of San Ildefonso Cape. Results of Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed dissolved oxygen in influencing the mesozooplankton composition and abundance; however other factors (i.e. Kuroshio current) may also be important in shaping the community structure of mesozooplankton. Considering the importance of copepods as major component of the marine zooplankton and its function in marine food webs, the present records are therefore crucial in understanding the dynamics of marine ecosystems and are necessary for purposes of management and conservation of marine resources.

Reduction of off-flavour compounds (geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol) using different organic acids.

Abstract: A study on the reduction of off-flavour compounds that cause “earthy” and “musty” organoleptic sensorial characteristic in fresh water systems was conducted. These compounds include geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), which are produced as metabolites by some algal and bacterial species. Drinking water and aquaculture commodities affected by these compounds become undesirable to consumers, and market values tend to drop significantly. Triple distilled water samples spiked with approximately 1 μg Kg geosmin and 1 μg Kg 2-methylisoborneol were dehydrated through acidification using two different food grade organic acids (acetic and citric acid), at different concentrations: 0.1, 1.0 and 4.0% (w/w). Levels of geosmin and MIB reduction were determined using Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Gas Chromatographic/Mass Spectroscopic (GCMS) analyses. Results showed that acidification treatments of the off-flavour compounds using varying concentrations of acetic and citric acids significantly reduced the concentrations of geosmin and MIB in the samples. Treatments with 1.0% citric acid and 4.0% acetic acid significantly reduced the concentration of geosmin to concentrations as low as 0.07±0.03 and 0.09±0.01 μg Kg respectively, while the reduction of MIB to concentrations of around 0.05±0.01 μg Kg was achieved at a minimum concentration of 0.1% of either acid used. Previous studies reported that products of the dehydration process of geosmin and MIB produce non-odourous products such as argosmin, and 2-methylenebornane and 1-methylcamphene respectively.