Possible genetic reproductive isolation between two tilapiine genera and species:Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon melanotheron

Successful crossbreeding between Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon melanotheron to produce a commercial hybrid has been difficult.The karyotypes and isoenzyme of these two species and their reciprocal hybrids（O.niloticus ♀ × S.melanotheron ♂,S.melanotheron ♀ × O.niloticus ♂,the last not included in the isoenzyme study） were investigated via metaphase chromosomes obtained from head kidney cells and electropherogram of lactate dehydrogenase（LDH） isoenzymes from the liver,kidney,white muscle,heart,and eye balls.The diploid chromosome number（2n=44） and the fundamental number（NF=50） of the four tilapia genotypes were the same.However,the karyotype of O.niloticus had three pairs of sub-metacentric（sm）,twelve pairs of sub-telocentric（st）,and seven pairs of telocentric（t） chromosomes,while S.melanotheron had one pair of metacentric（m）,two pairs of sm,12 pairs of st,and seven pairs of t chromosomes.The reciprocal hybrids both showed a mixed karyotype range between their parents：0.5 pair of m,2.5 pairs of sm,12 pairs of st,and seven pairs of t chromosomes.In view of the electropherogram of isozymes,only the LDH of the kidney showed significant clear bands,with five bands in O.niloticus,three bands in S.melanotheron,and duplicated six bands in the hybrids.The bands varied depending on their activities and mobilities.We considered that the differences in karyotype and isoenzyme were related to the genetic mechanism for post-mating isolation,and provided some additional basic genetic background of their taxonomy.

尼罗尖吻鲈(Lates niloticus L．)的形态和生物学特性

解剖观察自埃及引进的尼罗尖吻鲈（Lates niloticus L．），对其形态特征做了详细记录，并在养殖过程中对生物学特性做了观察。尼罗尖吻鲈体延长，侧扁；DⅦ-Ⅷ，10—14。前鳃盖下缘有强棘；鳃盖后缘呈锯齿状，有一硬棘。被鳞为栉鳞，中等大小，侧线清晰与体背缘平行，具侧线鳞60—80枚。尾鳍圆滑不分叉。成鱼鱼体银白色，并有暗色条纹，幼鱼背部大多有青黑色斑块，下半部银色。消化道粗短，与体长之比约为0．66。尼罗尖吻鲈是热带种类，肉食性，适宜生长温度为26～32℃，生长速度快，一般2—3年性成熟。

Prediction of B Cell Epitope of DMRT Protein in Oreochromis niloticus

[Objective] The research aimed to predict the B cell epitope of DMRT protein in Oreochromis niloticus. [Method] The secondary structure of amino acid sequence of DMRT protein was revealed by Garnier-Robson, Chou-Fasman and Karplus-Schulz methods. The hydrophilicity plot, surface probability and antigenic index were obtained by Kyte-Doolittle, Emini and Jameson-Wolf methods, respectively. Based on the above results, the B cell epitopes for DMRT were predicted. [Result] Both the prediction results from Garnier-Robson, Chou-Fasman methods indicated that the α-helix centers of DMRT protein in O. niloticus were in the N terminal No. 31-56, 68-75, 110-116, 209-211 and 239-243; the β-sheet centers of DMRT protein in O. niloticus were in the N terminal No. 95-99, 177-183, 225-234 and 251-254. With the assistant of Kyte-Doolittle, Emini and Jameson-Wolf methods, the B cell epitopes for DMRT were located in or nearby the N terminal No. 13-16, 35-38, 47-54,84-93, 101-109, 127-156, 166-177 and 198-201. [Conclusion] These results are helpful for preparing the antibody of DMRT protein and revealing the sex determination mechanism of O. niloticus.

仿生态条件下星洲红鱼(Singapore red tilapia)和奥尼罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)生长和肌肉营养特性的比较研究

为比较星洲红鱼(Singapore red tilapia)和奥尼罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)的生长和肌肉营养特性,实验利用两种鱼的不同体色将其混养在同一池塘中,在相同的环境条件和养殖管理下研究其生长特性,并分析肌肉营养成分。结果表明:两种罗非鱼生长在前60 d无差异,60 d后星洲红鱼的体长、体质量日增长和特定生长率均大于奥尼罗非鱼,且差异显著(P<0.05)。据此得到了星洲红鱼和奥尼罗非鱼的体长(L)、体质量(W)生长与养殖天数(d)的回归方程。星洲红鱼含肉率高于奥尼罗非鱼9.65%(P<0.05),肌肉水分高于奥尼罗非鱼,蛋白质、粗脂肪和灰分含量均低于奥尼罗非鱼,其中脂肪含量差异显著(P<0.05),其他不显著。两种罗非鱼肌肉的氨基酸组成全面,氨基酸组成均符合FAO/WHO的理想模式,除精氨酸含量有差异外,其他氨基酸含量稍有差异但不显著。星洲红鱼和奥尼罗非鱼肌肉EAA/TAA、EAA/NEAA、DAA/TAA和EAAI分别为41.04%和40.95%,70.00%和69.34%,40.71%和39.08%,67.46%和67.08%,差异不显著。星洲红鱼、奥尼罗非鱼肌肉∑SFA和∑UFA分别为28.03%和28.60%,63.87%和61.38%,各脂肪酸含量除C14:0和C18:2外,其他含量差异不显著。研究表明,星洲红鱼和奥尼罗非鱼生长快、营养丰富、食用价值高,是优质淡水鱼类养殖品种,其中星洲红鱼含肉率高,生长快,养殖效益明显。

Morphological Measurement and Analysis of Gymnarchus Niloticus

Gyrnnarchus niloticus swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin, while its body axis is in many cases held straight during swimming. This paper provides a brief relevant introduction to Gyrnnarchus niloticus, which belongs to the African freshwater electric eels but can inspire our bionic interests in propulsion besides its abilities in electric sensing. A special larva of Gyrnnarchus niloticus was morphologically measured by photographing it with a piece of scale-calibrated paper as the background. Then we analyzed the data by a CFD-aided approach. Detailed flow patterns around the larva and a NACA0012 hydrofoil were respectively calculated and visualized at the Reynolds number of 7350 or so. The results show that the profile of Gyrnnarchus niloticus is well streamlined.

CFD Validation of the Optimal Arrangement of the Propulsive Dorsal Fin of Gymnarchus niloticus

Gymnarchus niloticus, a typical freshwater fish, swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin aided by the two pectoral fins, while commonly it holds its body rigid and straight. The long flexible dorsal fin is the main propulsor of G niloticus; it has also considerable influence on the streamline profile. This paper proposes a CFD approach to validate that the natural arrangement of the propulsive dorsal fin is optimal. Using morphological data and a smoothness-keeping algorithm, the dorsal fin is ‘virtually＇ moved forward and backward with several displacements from the natural location. For each case, we reconstruct geometry, generate CFD grids, and calculate the pressure, viscous and total drag coefficients respectively. The results show that the pressure and total drag coefficients increase whether the dorsal fin is displaced forward or backward, and that greater displacement from its original position leads to greater pressure and total drag coefficients. This suggests that the natural position of the dorsal fin is significant for maintaining the fish＇s streamline profile and reducing drag.

Chitosan Extends the Shelf-life of Filleted Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) During Refrigerated Storage

Shelf-life extension of aquatic products is of significant economical importance. To determine the potential effect of chitosan on the shelf-life of filleted tilapia, this study analyzed the bacterial community diversity in fresh and spoiled tilapia fillets stored at (4 ± 1)℃ and examined the antimicrobial activity of chitosan against relevant bacteria isolates. Results showed that Pseudomonas (20%) and Aeromonas (16%) were abundant in fresh tilapia fillets, whereas Pseudomonas (52%), Aeromonas (32%) and Staphylococcus (12%) were dominant in the spoiled samples. Chitosan showed wide-spectrum antibacterial activity against bacteria isolated from tilapia and 5.0 g L-1 chitosan was selected for application in preservation. We further determined the shelf-life of chitosan-treated, filleted tilapia stored at (4 ± 1)℃ based on microbiological, biochemical and sensory analyses. Results showed that the shelf-life of chitosan-treated, filleted tilapia was extended to 12 d, whereas that of untreated, control samples was 6 d. These indicate that chitosan, as a natural preservative, has great application potential in the shelf-life extension of tilapia fillets.

Antibacterial Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicines against Streptococcus iniae in Oreochromis niloticus

In this study, the antibacterial effects of Chinese herbal medicines against Streptococcus iniae in Oreochromis niloticus were investigated by drug sensitiv- ity test. The results indicated that Streptococcus in/ae was extremely sensitive to Calla Chinensis, Fructus Hippophae and Fructus Murne, highly sensitive to Sappan Lignum, Pericarpium Granati, Folium Eucalypti and Radix Scutellariae, moderately sensitive to Rh/zoma Coptidis, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Flos Caryophyllata, Cortex phellodendri and Rabdosia serra （ Maxim. ） Hara, and insensitive to Herba Portulacae , Herba Houttuyniae , Polygonum hydropiper L. , Herba Menthae , Radix Glycyrrhizae , Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae , Herba Andrographitis and Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii. Chinese medicinal herbs which Streptococcus iniae was extremely sensitive or moderately sensitive to were selected and prepared into three Chinese herbal medicine formulae for medicated bath of Oreochromis niloticus infected arti- ficially with Streptococcus iniae. The results showed that medicated bath elicited therapeutic effects on infected Oreochromis niloticus. Formula II exhibited the best therapeutic effect with an effective percentage of 90%.

Locomotion of Gymnarchus Niloticus: Experiment and Kinematics

In addition to forward undulatory swimming, Gymnarchus niloticus can swim via undulations of the dorsal fin while the body axis remains straight; furthermore, it swims forward and backward in a similar way, which indicates that the undulation of the dorsal fin can simultaneously provide bidirectional propulsive and maneuvering forces with the help of the tail fin. A high-resolution Charge-Coupled Device （CCD） imaging camera system is used to record kinematics of steady swimming as well as maneuvering in G. niloticus. Based on experimental data, this paper discusses the kinematics （cruising speed, wave speed, cycle frequency, amplitude, lateral displacement） of forward as well as backward swimming and maneuvering. During forward swimming, the propulsive force is generated mainly by undulations of the dorsal fin while the body axis remains straight. The kinematic parameters （wave speed, wavelength, cycle frequency, amplitude） have statistically significant correlations with cruising speed. In addition, the yaw at the head is minimal during steady swimming. From experimental data, the maximal lateral displacement of head is not more than 1% of the body length, while the maximal lateral displacement of the whole body is not more than 5% of the body length. Another important feature is that G. niloticus swims backwards using an undulatory mechanism that resembles the forward undulatory swimming mechanism. In backward swimming, the increase of lateral displacement of the head is comparatively significant; the amplitude profiles of the propulsive wave along the dorsal fin are significantly different from those in forward swimming. When G. niloticus does fast maneuvering, its body is first bent into either a C shape or an S shape, then it is rapidly unwound in a travelling wave fashion. It rarely maneuvers without the help of the tail fin and body bending.

Effects of phenanthrene on hepatic enzymatic activities in tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus ♀×O.aureus ♂)

The effects of phenanthrene（Phe） on hepatosomatic index（HSI） and hepatic enzymatic activities in hybrid tilapia（Oreochromis niloticus ♀× O.aureus ♂） were investigated via the static freshwater exposure at dosage of 50,100,and 400 μg/L for 4-14 d.Compared with the control group,HSI was significantly decreased（P 〈 0.05） at 400 μg/L at day 14.Increased enzymatic activities（P 〈 0.05） were observed for catalase（CAT）,glutathione peroxidase（GPx） and superoxide dismutase（SOD） at either 100 or 400 μg/L at day 8 and 14,as well as for CAT at 50 μg/L at day 14,except for GPx at 400 μg/L at day 8.Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase（EROD） activity was significantly increased（P 〈 0.05） at all dosage at day 4 as well as at 50 μg/L at day 8,but significantly decreased at either 100 or 400 μg/L at day 14（P 〈 0.05）.Glutathione-S-transferase（GST） activity was not affected.The results suggest that CAT,GPx,SOD and EROD,as well as HSI in tilapia may be used as the biomarkers or indexes for evaluating or monitoring the pollution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAHs） such as Phe.

Induction of testis-ova in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to 17β-estradiol

The efficacy of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs), 17β-estradiol was tested on the fish Oreochromis niloticus in order to understand the intersex relationship of fish, in which sequential hermaphrodism can consist of a male changing into a female (protandry) or a female changing into a male (protogyny). The fish were equally divided into 3 groups. The first group was the control group;the second and third groups were treated with 10 and 100 mg L-1 of 17β-estradiol, respectively, for 30 days. The overall result in this experiment had no significant effect on the growth parameters. Among the two treated groups, the low concentration group shows results similar to those of the control groups. The high concentration group shows changes to the male reproductive system with the appearance of the testis-ova present resulting in an intersex condition of the male gonads. With this experiment, it can be concluded that 17β-estradiol at high concentration reveals positive changes towards the male reproductive system of the fish, Oreochromis niloticus.

Physicochemical, structural characterization, and antioxidant activities of chondroitin sulfate from Oreochromis niloticus bones

In this study,chondroitin sulfate was extracted from Oreochromis niloticus bones(OCS)and isolated to three fractions(OCS-1,OCS-2,and OCS-3).The physicochemical properties and structure characterization including monosaccharide,disaccharide compositions,molecular weight(Mw)of OCS were determined by HPAEC,HPLC-SAX,HPGPC,FT-IR spectra,and 1D/2D NMR.Moreover,their thermal properties,crystalline structure,and microstructure were also analyzed.Results showed that their Mw were between 10 kDa and 50 kDa.CS-6 was the predominant disaccharide unit in four OCS,and the CS-4/CS-6 ratios were close to CS from shark cartilage.Besides,the results of antioxidant activity showed that different fractions of OCS had a distinct DPPH radical,hydroxyl radical,and ABTS+radical scavenging activity.OCS-1 has the highest scavenging activities in DPPH and hydroxyl radical compared with other fractions,which showed a higher medicinal value.Those findings may lay some theoretical basis for the potential application development of OCS.

Effects of Copper and Manganese on Hemocyte Apoptosis and Antagonism of Iron and Zinc in Oreochromis niloticus

This study aimed to investigate the effects of copper and manganese on hemocyte apoptosis and the antagonism of iron and zinc in Oreochromis niloticus The heavy metal contents in fish blood and feed were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the hemocyte apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. A total of 360 tilapias were selected, and they were divided randomly and evenly into 12 groups. In the challenge groups, the tilapias were fed with con stant-level copper sulfate（0, 200 mg/kg） and manganese sulfate（0, 120 mg/kg）; in the antagonism groups, the tilapias were fed with constant-level zinc sulfate（20320 mg/kg） and iron sulfate（150, 350 mg/kg）. After 20-week aquaculture, the hemocyte apoptosis rates in the copper and manganese groups were significantly increased; with the increased addition levels of iron and zinc, the hemocyte apopto sis rates in the iron and zinc groups were significantly reduced, but they were stil higher than that in the control group. In conclusion, excessive copper and manganese can cause apoptosis in hemocytes of O. niloticus. However, the toxic effects of copper and manganese can be antagonized by iron and zinc.

Effect of Ammonia-Nitrogen Stress on Non-specific Immunity of Hybrid Tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus× Oreochromis areus)

The juveniles of hybrid tilapia （ Oreochromis niloticus x Oreochromis areus） were exposed to ananonia-nitrogen （N） （0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L） for 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h to evaluate the effect of ammonia-N stress on their non-specific immunity. Results show that the activity of serum lysozyme decreased signifi- candy with extension of stress time （P 〈 0.05）. The total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） and activity of antioxidase in liver were significantly affected. The activi- ty of T-AOC and total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD） of fish exposed to ammonia-N were initially decreasing then increasing （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Activities of catalase （CAT） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） were correlated with concentrations of ammonia-N. Fish exposed to lower concentrations （2.5 mg/L or 5 mg/L） showed decreased CAT activity within 24 h （P 〈 0.05 ）, while those exposed to higher concentrations （10 mg/L or 20 mg/L） initially showed increased then decreased activity of CAT. Except for the highest concentration groups, fish exposed to ammonia-N showed inductive activity of GSH-Px （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Under the ex- perimental conditions, non-specific immunity of tilapia was affected by ammonia-N stress, and the impact was increased with increased concentration and extension of time.

Evaluation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Wastes Produced by Nile Tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>L.) Fed <i>Azolla</i>-Diets in Earthen Ponds

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) wastes produced by Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. fed Azolla, an aquatic atmospheric nitrogen fixing fern, was evaluated for 90 days in pond experiment. Six isonitrogenous (29.2% crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.9 Kj·g–1) diets A0, A10, A20, A30, A40 and A50, containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of Azolla meal (AM) respectively, as partial fishmeal (FM) substitutes, was provided to experimental fish. The Azolla-free diet A0 served as a control. Fish specific growth rate (SGR) was higher with the control diet, the lower values being obtained in A50-fed fish (P Azolla could be used in diet to sustain Nile tilapia growth and as “environmentally-friendly” ingredient to limit P loss, while providing N to the field, beneficially in tropical marshland pond where this nutrient is already limiting.

Analysis of the Gene Polymorphism of O. aureus and O. niloticus by using RAPD

In the present study, RAPD technique was used to analyze the geneticrelationship between two cultured populations in china, oreochromis aureus and a niloticus,and the application of this technique in species identification was also investigated. Resultsrevealed that no DNA polymorphism was detected within the population of O.aureus andpolymorphism in varying degrees was observed among individuals. Similarity index andgenetic distance calculated have no remakable difference with data reported by others. RAPDanalysis using mixed samples was also tested in this experiment. In addition, someelectrophoregrams of amplification products also suggested the occurrence of geneticintrogression between the two cultured tilapia populations. Conclusively, RAPD technique isa rapid and efficient method for studying genetic polymorphism within and between differentpopulations, and RAPD markers can be used to identify different fish populations.

Tissue-Specific Isoenzyme Variations in Tilapia Fish, <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>

Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis have been used to analyze malate dehydrogenase (MDH), acid phosphatase (Acph) and peroxidase (Px) isoenzymes in different tissues (liver, kidney, muscle and heart) of the tilapia fish, Oreo- chromis niloticus in order to study the tissue specificity of these isoenzymes. Three, two and one fractions have been recorded respectively for the three isoenzymes in different studied tissues. The MDH-1 and MDH-2 have been ex- pressed only in muscle and heart while MDH-3 has been expressed in all studied tissues. The percentage amount of MDH in general varied significantly between muscle and different studied tissues. With respect to acid phosphatase, the percentage amount of the total enzyme showed significant difference between liver and muscle and that this variation may be due to higher gene activity in liver. Peroxidase isoenzyme was recorded in liver and heart only with significant increase in liver. The kidney was the least among the studied tissues in showing gene expression for the studied isoenzymes and therefore, liver, heart and muscle tissues are better applicable in studying the isoenzymatic profiles for fish physiology and systematics.

The Occurrence of Bacteria of the Genus Aeromonas spp.in Oreochromis niloticus(Tilapia)and in the Water of Amateur Sport Fish Ponds and Sensitiveness to Antimicrobials

Since amateur fishing in fishponds has been on the increase in Brazil, there is a great concern on the microbiological quality of fish. One hundred and thirty-eight samples were collected during the dry and rainy periods in ten fish farms. Aeromonas spp. counts and tests for sensitiveness to antimicrobials were performed, coupled to the physical and chemical analyses of water. Tests revealed that 70% of samples were contaminated by Aeromonas spp., with water averaging 2.92 Log CFU/100 mL during the rainy period and 3.16 Log CFU/100 mL during the dry one. Fish contaminated by Aeromonas spp. averaged 2.58 Log CFU/100 mL during the rainy period and 3.53 Log CFU/100 mL during the dry one. Aeromonas spp. samples were multi-resistant to 2 or 8 antimicrobials in 62.5% of the samples. Ampicillin was the antimicrobial with the highest resistance percentage rate. Results showed that fish bred in amateur fish farms constituted a health risk for the population.

Population dynamics of Piscicola geometra (Hirudinea: Rhynchobdellida) on Oreochromis Niloticus (Cichlidae) cultured in a rainforest fish pond, South Eastern Nigeria

The distribution, abundance and intensity of the annelid worm, Piscicola geometra (leeches) infecting Oreochromis niloticus cultured in a rainforest fish pond, South Eastern Nigeria was studied over a 12 months period. Three hundred fish were examined of which 48.3% were infected. Infection occurred throughout the year, with a peak in February. Female fish had a significantly higher intensity of infection( P < 0.05) than males. There was a clear seasonal periodicity in the degree of infection and the distribution of the parasite exhibited an aggregated or contagious model of dispersion. There was a significant positive correlation between the size of the fish and worm burden.

RNA/DNA Ratio and LPL and MyoD mRNA Expressions in Muscle of Oreochromis niloticus Fed with Elevated Levels of Palm Oil

Palm oil is of great potential as one of the sustainable alternatives to fish oil(FO) in aquafeeds.In this present study,five isonitrogenous diets(32% crude protein) with elevated palm oil levels of 0%,2%,4%,6% and 8% were used during an 8-week feeding trial to evaluate its effects on RNA/DNA ratio and lipoprotein lipase(LPL) and Myo D m RNA expressions in muscle of Oreochromis niloticus.The results showed that RNA,DNA content as well as ratio of RNA to DNA were significantly affected(P < 0.05),in each case the highest was recorded in fish group subjected to 6% palm oil level.There was a strong positive correlation between nucleic acid concentration(RNA concentration and RNA:DNA ratio) and specific growth rate(SGR),protein efficiency ratio(PER),while a negative correlation existed between nucleic acid concentration(RNA concentration and RNA:DNA ratio) and feed conversion ratio(FCR).The m RNA expressions of LPL and Myo D in muscle were not significantly affected by the different palm oil levels,although the highest expression was observed in fish fed with 6% palm oil level.There also existed a strong positive correlation between the m RNA expression of LPL,Myo D and SGR,PER,while their correlation with FCR was negative.In conclusion,elevated palm oil affected the RNA,DNA concentration as well as RNA/DNA ratio significantly,although the m RNA expression of LPL and Myo D were not affected significantly by elevated palm oil levels.