Do bivalves reduce food intake when turbidity is higher?5 answersBivalves may indeed reduce food intake in response to higher turbidity levels. Research indicates that increased turbidity can indirectly affect bivalve feeding behavior by altering the visual environment and impacting prey availability. Studies have shown that turbidity can lead to decreased fish species richness and diversity, potentially creating a predation refuge for benthic organisms that visually oriented fish prey upon. Furthermore, in turbid waters, invertivorous fish exhibited reduced prey consumption, with turbidity amplifying the negative effects of predator presence on feeding behavior. Additionally, bivalves in high turbidity areas have been observed to have larger labial palps, potentially as an adaptation to the need for increased particle processing in such conditions. These findings collectively suggest that bivalves may indeed adjust their feeding behavior in response to higher turbidity levels.
What is the effect of starvation and refeeding in the digestive enzymes of bivalves?5 answersStarvation and refeeding have significant impacts on the digestive enzymes of bivalves. Studies on mussels, fish, and other aquatic species have shown that starvation leads to alterations in enzyme activities such as amylase, trypsin, trehalase, and lysozyme. Starvation-induced changes in enzyme activity are gradually restored to normal levels after refeeding, indicating compensatory growth. Additionally, the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota are affected by starvation and subsequent refeeding. The duration of starvation plays a crucial role in the compensatory response, with shorter periods often resulting in better physiological and biochemical outcomes. Refeeding after starvation triggers a rapid increase in enzyme activities, reaching peak levels within a few days of refeeding. These findings provide insights for managing bivalve aquaculture under changing environmental conditions.
How does dissolved oxygen affect the growth and survival of bivalves?5 answersDissolved oxygen (DO) levels significantly impact the growth and survival of bivalves. Research indicates that low DO concentrations can reduce survival, shell growth, tissue weight, and increase respiration rates in bivalves like Argopecten irradians, Crassostrea virginica, Mytilus edulis, and Mercenaria mercenaria. Furthermore, physiological stress due to low DO conditions can affect stable isotope ratios in bivalves, leading to changes in tissue composition and growth rates. Studies on North Atlantic bivalve larvae show that continuous exposure to low DO conditions can reduce survival, growth, and development, with diurnal fluctuations in DO levels not providing sufficient relief from the negative effects of hypoxia. Additionally, experiments with freshwater pearl mussels demonstrate that very low DO levels can be fatal to juvenile bivalves, emphasizing the critical importance of adequate oxygen levels for their survival and recruitment.
Is there delayed in enzyme activity after hypoxia in bivalves?5 answersDelayed enzyme activity after hypoxia in bivalves is observed in certain species. Research on Arctica islandica indicates that under hypoxic conditions, there is no anticipatory antioxidant response, suggesting a delay in enzyme activity. In contrast, the study on Mytilus edulis and Crassostrea gigas shows that these bivalves exhibit blunted or delayed inflammatory and apoptotic responses to hypoxia and reoxygenation, with a later onset of transcriptional activation of key genes involved in cellular survival and inflammation. Additionally, the ratio of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) to lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in bivalve tissues increases significantly under negative factors, indicating a delayed response to hypoxia and other stressors. These findings collectively suggest that delayed enzyme activity is a notable phenomenon in bivalves following hypoxic exposure.
Does lysozyme activity decrease in shrimp during food deprivation?5 answersLysozyme activity in shrimp does decrease during food deprivation. In black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), a gradual decrease in lysozyme activity was observed over time during starvation. Similarly, in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and blackspot sea bream (Pagellus bogaraveo), lysozyme activity was significantly lower in starved fish compared to fed fish. Additionally, in red swamp broodstock crawfish (Procambarus clarkia), lysozyme activity decreased by fifty percent after 12 days of starvation. These findings suggest that lysozyme activity is affected by food deprivation in shrimp and other fish species.
How can mollusks be processed in a way that preserves their nutritional value?5 answersMollusks can be processed in a way that preserves their nutritional value through various methods. One method is the use of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), which is an efficient technology for controlling pathogenic and deteriorating microorganisms while minimizing damage to the sensory and nutritional properties of the mollusks. Another method involves storing and preserving comestible mollusk material in a storage container with a reservoir to retain liquid exuded from the mollusk, thereby extending its shelf life. Additionally, mollusks contain a variety of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties, such as anticoagulant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can be extracted and used in their pure form or as constituents of extracts and hydrolysates, making mollusks valuable ingredients for the nutraceutical industry. Furthermore, a method for producing seasoned dried slices using shellfish allows for convenient consumption and long-term storage, while maintaining the nutritional value of the shellfish. Overall, these processing methods contribute to preserving the nutritional value of mollusks and making them suitable for various applications.