Preliminary Report on the Successful Breeding of the Endangered Fish Sinocyclocheilus grahami Endemic to Dianchi Lake

The fish Sinocyclocheilus grahami is one of the indicative and endemic species in the Dianchi Lake ecosystem. As a result of pollution and invasion of exotic fishes, the fish had disappeared from Dianchi Lake since 1986 and only a few small populations survive in springs and streams around the lake. Due to the endangered status and special scientific value, S.grahami was listed as the second class protective animal of China in 1989. The importance of S. grahami and the indigenous biodiversity of Dianchi Lake were recognized by the Global Environment Foundation （GEF） /World Bank and Yunnan Development ＆ Reform Committee. Therefore a special grant was set up to restore and conserve the indigenous biodiversity of Dianchi Lake. The artificial breeding of S. grahami is a part of the targeted activities. Two successful breeding experiments were achieved using five females plus six males up to early March 2007. Approximately 1600 eggs were collected, of which 1320 eggs fertilized using the dry-fertilizing method. The mean fertilization rate was 73%. Approximately 480 fish fry was hatched and the mean hatching rate was 36%. After 10 days of cultivation, 95% fingerlings survived and their body lengths were up to 8- 12 mm. The importance of the artificial breeding success of S. grahami could be summarized as following： effectively protecting the fish from extinction; releasing the fish fry back to appropriate water body of the lake could help to restore the indigenous biodiversity of Dianchi Lake; facilitating the shift of local fish cultivation from the present non-indigenous to the future indigenous fishery.

The breeding biology of Red-Whiskered Bulbul(Pycnonotus jocosus) in Xishuangbanna, southwest China

To fill the gap in breeding biology information about the Red-Whiskered Bulbul （Pycnonotus jocosus）, in 2013, we studied the breeding biology of this species in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. The breeding began from February and continued until early August. The breeding strategy of P. jocosus was more flexible and their nests were only built in cultivated landscapes, whereas, no nest building in native tropical rain forest was found. Small open cup nests were built on 50 different plant species, and at heights ranging from 2.1±0.6 m above the ground （n=102）. The mean clutch size was 2.53±0.51 eggs （n=40） and the mean egg mass was 2.81±0.25 g （n=60）. The average incubation period was 11.1±0.5 days （n=14）, and the average nestling period was 11.0±0.8 days （n=31）. The overall nest success was 34.22%.The hatching and fledging showed either asynchrony or synchrony. Invertebrate food decreased with nestling age, whereas, plant food increased with nestling age. Moreover, distinct parental roles of the parents in nestling period were found. Compared with other passerine species, P. jocosus spent less time in incubating （58%）. The clutch size, incubation and nestling period of the P. jocosus in southwest China were different from those of the R jocosus in India.

ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION AND BREEDING OF MARINE FISH IN CHINA

Since the 1990s, artificial propagation and breeding technique of marine fish in China have developed by way of increasing species and fry numbers, with special stress laid on valuable species. Large quantities of artificial fry can meet the needs of both marine cage culture and pond culture for most species. Experimental results obtained by scientists have been put into use in actual production. Fish fry production has entered a period of sustainable development. So far, at least 44 species (21 families) of marine fish have been successfully bred in China. The artificial fry number of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) exceeded 300 million in 1999. The species whose artificial fry numbers have each surpassed 10 million annually are red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus), cuneate drum (Nibea miichthioides), spring spawning red seabream (Pagrosomus major) and threebanded sweetlip (Plectorhynchus cinctus). Millions of artificial fry are bred annually in the species of black porgy (Sparus macrocephalus), Russell’s snapper (Lutjanus russelli), javelin grunt (Pomadasys hasta), miiuy croaker (Miichthys miiuy) and skewband grunt (Hapalogenys nitens). The fish in the family Sciaenidae are the main species in artificial propagation and breeding. Some problems and prospects on marine fish culture and stock enhancement are also discussed and some proposals for sustainable development are put forward in this article.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Water, Sediment and Fish during a Complete Breeding Cycle in the Pond of the Pearl River Delta, China

The paper aimed to investigate the concentration variations and evaluate the bioaccumulation as well as the health risk of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb in the aquaculture pond ecosystem during a complete breeding cycle. The samples of water, sediment and aquatic organisms were collected from the pond of gull island in the Pearl River Delta, China. In the breeding cycle, the results revealed the metal concentration in the water increased, while the sediment metal concentration showed no significant difference. The heavy metal concentrations in the water were higher than the background values (December 2017) which related to the input of feeds. Sediment metal concentrations (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Cd) in the sediment were higher than the background values of Guangdong Province, China, indicating these metal pollutions came from anthropogenic activities. While the concentration of Pb was comparable to the background value, implying that the Pb was mainly from the earth crust. In addition, various metals showed different affinity to fish organs (muscle, skin, bladder, gill, heart, kidney and liver). Zinc was abundant in skin, while As and Cd concentrations were highest in kidneys;Cu was accumulated highest in liver;Cr concentrations was highest in hearts;and Ni was mainly found in bladders, and the Pb was most commonly found in gills. The distribution of heavy metals in the tissues organs was in the sequence of: Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As > Cd. As the fish ages, the Cu and Zn concentration in tissue organs declined, while the Cr, Ni, As, Cd and Pb increased slightly. Estimations of health risks showed no evidence of potential threats to consumers.

Breeding, Nursing and Biology of Thai Mahseer （Tor tamboides） in Malaysia： An Overview

The Thai mahseer is one of the high-value freshwater fish species, especially m Malaysia where it is cultured commercially but poorly known in Thailand. This paper reviews a recent knowledge necessary for commercial culture of Thai mahseer based on the breeding and rearing practices in Malaysia. Breeding data shows that this species can be spawned all year round. On average, the size of mature female that can be induced to spawn is 678 mm total length （TL） and 3,817 g in weight and the size of mature male is 599 mm TL and 2,414 g in weight. Induced spawning using an analogue of sGnRH Ovaprim at 0.5 ml/kg body weight （BW） is the most successful hormone treatment and dosage for Thai mahseer. The average number of eggs is 875 egg/kg BW. Eggs of the Thai mahseer are spherical, demersal and non-sticky, and hatching occurs 69-90 hours post-fertilization. At 60 weeks of age, average body weight is 179 g. Polynomial regression analysis revealed a maximum specific growth rate at 48% dietary protein. General biology, water quality requirements, feeding strategies and genetic structure of the Thai mahseer are also summarized in this paper.

Biology and Breeding of Snail Eater Pangasius （Pangasius conchophilus） in Thailand： An Overview

Snail eater pangasius （Pangasius conchophilus） is a freshwater fish species indigenous to Mekong-Chaophraya Basin, and is an economic fish in Thailand. This paper reviews some Thai research papers for referable benefit of international countries. The relationships of fecundity with body length and weight of wild population are related （F = 0.54L3339, F = 435.41W^S399）. Length-weight relationships of both sexes are W = 0.0059L3044s. Sex ratio is 1：1 and spawning season starts during March to June, the egg is adhesive demersal. Average mature size of both sexes are from 40-60 cm TL and 1,100-2,900 g. Effect of 3 types of hormone on induced ovulation, including HCG, pituitary gland, and buserelin in combination with domperidone are not signiticantly different （P 〉 0.05）. Hatching occurs in 24-25 hours after fertilization. The hatching percentage is 80%. Nursing and feeding strategies are also reviewed in this paper.

Breeding biology of the Spot-billed Pelican(Pelecanus philippensis)in Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary,Tamil Nadu,India

The breeding biology of the Spot-billed Pelican(Pelecanus philippensis)was investigated from September 2007 to September 2010 in Karaivetti Lake,Tamil Nadu,India.The Spot-billed Pelican breeds between November and April at the Karaivetti Lake.It also breeds roughly during the same period at other breeding sites in Tamil Nadu,except for the Vedanthangal and Karikili bird sanctuaries,where pelicans arrives much earlier and their breeding activities start and end to some extent ahead of the other sites,i.e.,from September to March.In essence,the breeding season starts after the onset of the northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu.A few days after their arrival,pelicans perform courtship display,form pairs,start nest construction and lay eggs.Courtship display is not as attractive and impressive as in other waterbirds.The clutch size varies from two to three eggs and the incubation period from 25 to 36 days.The fledging period varies from a minimum of 90 to a maximum of 102 days.The nest success rate of the Spot-billed Pelican at Karaivetti was 90.28% during the study period.

Reproductive Biology and Prospects for Conservation of Caldesia parnassifolia (Alismataceae)——A Threatened Monocot in China

Caldesia parnassifolia (Bassi ex Linn.) Parl. in China has declined in number in r ecent years and is increasingly faced with the risk of extirpation arising from anthropogenic changes associated with rapid urbanization and expansion of both agriculture and infrastructure. To aid in provision of the data needed for effective conservation of the species, studies on the habitat, pollination ecology, and breeding system of C. parnassifolia were carried out on natural populations occurring in Southeastern China. Flowering in the study populations extended for more than eighty days beginning in early summer. Floral anthesis occurred in the morning hours and proceeded rapidly, lasting about 45 min. Flowers lasted ca. 8 h. Caldesia parnassifolia is self\|compatible; however autogamy resulted in lower seed set than geitonogamy and xenogamy as well as free pollination. The data on pollen/ ovule (P∶O) ratio is consistent with a partially selfing and outcrossing mating system. Interpopulational crosses yielded similar seed set to within\|population crosses. Agamospermy did not occur in the study populations. Propagation is achieved through seeds as well as through turions which commonly occur in the inflorescences. Flies (Insecta; Diptera) were the most frequent visitors to the flowers of C. parnassifolia; however bees (Insecta; Hymenoptera) composed a larger proportion of effective pollinators. The Syrphidae species Sphaerophoria indiana (Bigot) presents evidence of oligolectic foraging behavior. Recommendations are made on the immediate steps necessary for conservation of Caldesia species in China.

Pollination Biology of the Endangered Herbal Medicines Dendrobium chrysotoxum(Orchidaceae)

Pollination biology studies of the endangered herbal medicines Dendrobium chrysotoxum were conducted in natural pollination conditions using flower observation,pollinator observation and artificial pollination experiments.Populations of D.chrysotoxum with fragrance and nectar were pollinated by Ctenoplectra davidi Valhalla(Hymenoptera:Apidae)species.The floral structure of D.chrysotoxum adapted precisely to its pollinators.Flowers had a low capsule setting(0.17%)under natural conditions.However,compared to open pollination,artificial pollination experiments showed a significant increase in capsule setting,and D.chrysotoxum was cross-compatible and self-compatible,but there was pollinator limitation also.This study will provide important information for the preservation of this endangered species.

Research Progress on Genetic Breeding of Tall Fescue(Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)

Tal fescue （Festuca arundinacea Schreb.） is an important cool-season forage grasses and turfgrasses at home and abroad. In order to provide a reference for tal fescue breeding, we reviewed the genetic constitution and heritability, endo-phytic fungi and new tal fescue variety breeding, application of modern biological technology （expressed sequence tag, genetic linkage map construction and trans-genic breeding） in breeding new varieties of tal fescue and the breeding status of tal fescue in Guizhou region.

Artificial reproduction of neotropical fish:Extrusion or natural spawning?

In captive conditions, most neotropical migratory species do not have the necessary incentive to complete gonadal maturation and spawning, which require induction techniques, usually with the use of hormones. Numerous studies have therefore focused on finding an effective hormonal treatment to induce reproduction for each species. A standard treatment was successfully developed for most of these species, which consists of two doses of Carp Pituitary Extract (CPE), totaling 5.5 mgCPE/kg of fish. However, the best strategy for the subsequent fertilization of gametes is still unclear. This study was conducted with five species of commercial interest that do not reproduce naturally in captivity: pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus, piracanjuba Brycon orbignyanus, curimbatá Prochilodus lineatus, dourado Salminus brasiliensis and piau?u Leporinus macrocephalus. Ninety-nine broodstocks were used, consisting of males and females of the five species to compare two techniques for spawning and fertilization: extrusion followed by the dry method and natural spawning. All fish were induced with two hormone doses, i.e., 0.5 and 5.0 mgCPE/kg, and were subjected to one of the two types of fertilization. The results were compared using the fertilization rate, number of oocytes produced, relative fecundity and the broodstocks' survival rate on days following spawning. All species responded positively to spawning for extrusion, and only S. brasiliensis did not spawn through the natural spawning method. The natural spawning technique provided a higher fertilization rate of eggs and a greater broodstock survival rate (P S. brasiliensis. It was concluded that the natural spawning technique can increase the production of viable eggs and reduce the mortality of species during breeding, except for S. brasiliensis.

性别特异分子标记在斑鳢全雄育种上的应用

为了快速筛选培育出全雄斑鳢,本研究结合性别特异分子标记和三系配套育种技术,开发了全雄斑鳢的育种方法。将健康的七日龄斑鳢幼鱼随机分成3组进行雌化处理,在饲料中分别添加雌二醇(E2)100、300、600 mg/kg,饲养60 d。利用性别特异分子标记引物M12、P2鉴定筛选出决定型为XY型斑鳢,将XY型正常雄鱼与XY型伪雌鱼交配,获得的子代分为两组,一组为投喂正常饲料,另一组进行雌激素投喂,利用MX1和MX3引物筛选出YY超雄鱼,最后将YY超雄鱼和正常雌鱼作为亲本交配生产出全雄斑鳢子代。结果显示,600 mg/kg激素浓度组的性逆转率最高,达75%,从508尾经雌激素E2投喂的家系中筛选获得235尾具有XY基因型斑鳢。XY伪雌鱼与正常雄鱼交配获得的子代在2月龄时检测到22尾YY超雄鱼,7月龄时检测到14尾YY超雄鱼,筛选获得YY超雄鱼个体用于生产全雄子代。本研究方法显著提高了全雄化斑鳢育种效率,缩短了育种周期,展现出巨大的经济潜力和应用价值,为其他鱼类开展性别特别分子标记辅助育种提供借鉴或参考。

Present Situation and Prospects of Salmon trutta

Salmo trutta is one of the major native economic fishes in Tibet. The biological characteristics, muscle nutrition composition, molecular biology, breeding and resources status of S： trutta are summarized.

Nest site selection and reproductive parameters of the threatened Atlantic Royal Flycatcher(Onychorhynchus swainsoni)and their significance for conservation

Background:Patterns of rarity can be explained by reproductive rates,levels of endemism,and habitat specificity,and knowledge on these parameters is important to understand the levels of vulnerability of each species and to formulate conservation strategies.Here,we studied nest-site selection and breeding biology of the Atlantic Royal Flycatcher(Onychorhynchus swainsoni),a poorly known vulnerable bird endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.Methods:We addressed nest site selection in three different levels:first,we searched for nests near and far from water to investigate whether birds could select water proximities to construct nests;second,we examined if they could select certain streams in detriment of others,and we analyzed the characteristics of used and non-used streams,and third,in streams in which nests were found,we addressed nest site selectivity by comparing a number of parameters between nest sites and random sites.Further,we provide information on breeding biology parameters related to annual fecundity.Results:During five breeding seasons,we found 23 nests in a well-preserved forest continuum.All of the nests were constructed above water,and they were found in streams that were about 4 m in width,instead of smaller streams with about 1.5 m in width.Modeling analyses revealed that within the used streams,nests were constructed in sites with lower vegetation density in relation to random points,while stream width,water speed,and canopy cover presented no significant correlation.Atlantic Royal Flycatchers in our study had a 22-day incubation period and 24 to 27-day nestling period.Overall nest survival was comparatively high(62%),but clutch size was small(N=2 eggs)and Along the nesting streams,we found an average of 1.62±0.07 breeding pairs/km.Conclusions:These data suggest that nesting habitat specificity and low annual fecundity are among the factors contributing to the rarity of the Atlantic Royal Flycatcher in large forest continuums and to its absence in fragmented environments.It reinforces the importance of large well-preserved forest continuums for the conservation of habitat specialist Atlantic Forest bird species.

Downstream Changes on a Tropical Fish Community Structure by Effluent from Wood Processing Factory

In order to plan a management programme for ensuring maximum production of fish in Cross River, impacted downstream changes in the fish community structure by effluents from wood processing industry, six years after establishment, was examined. Monthly samples were collected between January and December each year from 2000 to 2006 in three reaches (Upriver: I, Mid-river: II and Downriver: III) along the length of Cross River. Representatives of the fish families Osteoglossidae (i.e. Heterotis niloticus), Cichlidae (Tilapia melonopleura) and Characidae (Bryocinus nurse), Clupeidae (Cynothrissa sp), Mormyridae (Mormyrus deliciosus), Clariidae (Clarias gariepinus), Bagridae (Bagrus bayad) and Cyprinidae (Barbus occidentalis) were found to have declined in their importance compared to pre-industry period. On the other hand, Bagridae (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus), Cichlidaae (Orechromis niloticus), Claridae (Clarias anguillaris) and Mochokidae (Synodontis clarias) have currently emerged as most important. Estimated value of growth coefficient (b) of the length-weight relationship changed from isometry (b approx. = 3) to negative allometry (b ≤ 3), condition factor values decreased from range between 0.53 and 1.30 to range between 0.22 and 0.62. Main feeding groups of fish;planktivores, carnivores and insectivores declined in numbers while omnivores and detritivores increased, resulting in dominance of benthic and semi-pelagic omnivores. Values of fecundity distribution varied from 56,012 ± 5234 eggs, mode 12,500 and median 58,345 to mean value 23,122 ± 232 eggs, mode 2500 and median 20,349, egg size from mean value;1.82 ± 0.07 mm, mode 2.2, and median;1.8 to values of 0.8 ± 0.04 mm, mode;1.3 and median 1.1 and Gonadosomatic index from 20.5 ± 3.2, mode 19.1 ± 2.2 and median 21.4 to values of 12.4 ± 2.3, mode 4.5 and median 9.5 respectively. Three species found to have appeared in the river were Tilapia monody, Chrysichthys maurus and Synodontis violaceus. The appearance of these species and disappearance of 36 others indicates the restructuring of the fish community of the Cross River by effluents from the wood processing industry.

Overlapping breeding attempts in the Bearded Tit(Panurus biarmicus)

Background: Overlapping of successive broods is a relatively rare breeding strategy that allows individuals to make effective use of the available reproductive window.Methods: In this paper we analyse the occurrence of overlapping breeding attempts in the Bearded Tit(Panurus biarmicus), a non-migratory passerine species, whose peripheral populations vary enormously in numbers.Results: The colour-ringed population of Bearded Tits was studied in western Poland in 1990, 2012–2013 and 2015–2017. Overlapping broods were found only during years with low population sizes and low densities(1.2–3.6 pairs per 10 ha), and pairs with such broods constituted 11.1–20%. In years with higher population densities(8.7–13.44 pairs per 10 ha) overlapping broods were not recorded. Pairs started building the next(overlapping) nests when their young were 3–10 days old. They divided their duties while rearing two broods simultaneously: females were occupied only with the new clutch, while males, in contrast to other species with brood overlap, not only fed the young from an earlier brood, but also helped the females with the building of a new nest and incubation of a new clutch.Conclusions: Laying overlapping clutches enabled pairs to shorten their average breeding cycle by 15–21 days and produce more offspring. It is possible that overlapping breeding attempts is a density-dependant strategy, enabling the population to restore after severe declines, however, alternative explanations are also possible. Future studies are needed to better understand mechanisms underlying the occurrence of this phenomenon.

Abundance and Distribution,Growth Pattern,Sex Ratio and Gonadosomatic Index(GSI)of Liza falcipinnis(Valenciennes,1836)from Ojo Axis of Badagry Creeks,Lagos,Nigeria

A study on seasonal abundance,morphometric and meristic data,growth pattern,condition fector,sex ratio and gonadosomatic index of Liza falcip-innis(Wlenciennes,1836)from the Ojo axis of Badagry creek,Nigeria was conducted from May 2019 to March 2020.A total of 1012 species were randomly selected,having 499 females and 513 males.The length frequency analysis and length-weight relationships(LWR)were determined.Sex ratio was determined by Chi-square analysis.The results showed that morphometric data are:0.5-2.5 mm for ED,2.1-12 mm for HL,1.7-8.1 mm for HD,2.5-11.7 for BD,2.6-233.3 mm for TL and 9.23-1006 g for BW for the combined sexes.The slope(b)shows an allometric growth pattern.The intercept'a'and slope'b'of the LWR(LogW=a+bLogL)were Log W=15.39+0.34 LogL(r=0.54)for combined sexes,Log W=12.49+0.02 log L(r=0.38)for males and Log W=18.23+0.01 log L(r=0.16)for females.The length frequency distribution indicated that species were dominated by two year classes(Ages 1 and 2).Condition factors were generally low.The values ranged between 0.68-0.85 for combined sexes.The gonadosomatic index for female was highest in August,2019(17.77%)with Mean±SD of 2.88±0.75;which indicated the peak of spawning period in the study area.Sex ratio difference was significant(P<0.05).Sexual differences were significant;the females are phenotypically larger than the male.

野生和养殖秦岭细鳞鲑幼鱼的营养成分分析

以体重、体长基本一致的野生和养殖秦岭细鳞鲑幼鱼为研究对象,采用生化分析法对肌肉、全鱼成分进行测定与分析。结果表明,野生和养殖的秦岭细鳞鲑全鱼水分含量、粗蛋白含量及肌肉脂肪含量均无显著差异(P>0.05);养殖秦岭细鳞鲑全鱼粗脂肪含量显著高于野生秦岭细鳞鲑(P<0.05);养殖秦岭细鳞鲑肌肉水分含量和粗蛋白含量显著低于野生秦岭细鳞鲑(P<0.05)。野生和养殖的秦岭细鳞鲑全鱼、肌肉中均测出27种脂肪酸,其中9种为饱和脂肪酸(SFA),6种单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)和12种多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)。野生秦岭细鳞鲑全鱼的饱和脂肪酸显著高于养殖秦岭细鳞鲑(P<0.05);而野生秦岭细鳞鲑全鱼的单不饱和脂肪酸以及肌肉的单不饱和脂肪酸、肌肉的多不饱和脂肪酸均显著低于养殖秦岭细鳞鲑(P<0.05)。养殖秦岭细鳞鲑肌肉中精氨酸、苏氨酸、丙氨酸、甘氨酸、亮氨酸、酪氨酸含量著低于野生秦岭细鳞鲑(P<0.05);养殖全鱼必需氨基酸中仅组氨酸含量著高于野生秦岭细鳞鲑(P<0.05)。

辽藁本种质创新、栽培繁育及分子生物学研究进展

辽藁本作为我国大宗药材,随着市场需求量的增加,种植面积也在逐年扩大,但是辽藁本栽培种较少、栽培技术落后,分子生物学等方面研究不够深入,严重制约了相关产业的发展。文章综述了辽藁本在种质创新、栽培技术研究、种苗繁育、药用成分分析、分子生物学及微生物组学等方面的研究进展,展望了辽藁本未来研究应关注的方向,为辽藁本的进一步深入研究和产业发展提供科学依据。

冷水鱼养殖尾水治理技术试验

为保护水域生态环境,实施环保养殖,加强养殖业自身环保建设,采用固液分离、沉淀吸收、氧化降解、微生物降解过滤净化和植物吸收等生态处理技术,开展冷流水养殖尾水综合处理技术研究,在处理系统为养殖面积40%的情况下,能有效降低尾水中的COD和氮磷,处理效果分别达到了100%、87.13%、75.56%。