Academic literature on the topic 'Fish growth determination'

One type of marine ornamental fish that can be developed through cultivation is betok Ambon fish. Cultivation of this fish is quite profitable, and easy to maintain. To maintain the sustainability and sustainability of Betok Ambon fish farming, one way to take is to understand and know the growth and reproduction aspects of this type of fish through the provision of inferent hormones appropriately. Review article This aims to reveal the role of the inferent hormone on the aspects of reproduction and growth of Betok Ambon fish. Reproduction is the reproduction process in living things including Betok Ambon fish. The number of eggs produced by Betok Ambon fish varies between 900 and 3,500. Inferent hormone is one type of reproductive hormone that functions to spur and accelerate the level of gonad maturity in animals including fish. The determination of the inferent hormone dosage is based on the determination of the inferent dose in fish, generally around 10 mg - 80 mg or about 0.1 ml - 0.8 ml. Generally, fish that are given inferent hormone at a dose of 40-60 mg / l can increase the gonad maturity index by 25%, in betok Ambon fish by 30%. Inferent hormone doses around 20-40 mg can increase the growth and survival of ambon betok fish.

Sunu grouper fish belongs to the Seranidae family whose pattern of reproduction is anti hermaphrodite protogyny, which is the gonad as an organ that changes the transition from the female to male phase. The aims of this research is to study the growth pattern of Sunu grouper fish and find out the total of female Sunu grouper or male Sunu grouper that caught a lot. This research was conducted at the Port of Kurau Coastal Fisheries, Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Province from February to March 2020 using a survey method. The results showed that the catch of tiger grouper fish reached 399,94 kg, consist of 283,44 kg or 581 female fish species and 116,50 kg or 69 fish according to male sex. The total number of fish caught during the study was 650 fish with the growth pattern is allometric positif. The results also showed a coefficient of determination (R2) of female groupers 0.938 and a value of determination (R2) of 0.701 in male groupers. Based on the results of research that has been done can conclude the growth pattern of female Sunu grouper is allometric positif with value 3,09 and the growth pattern of male Sunu grouper is allometric positif with value 3,87. The total of Sunu grouper fish catch along research is about 650 fish consist of 581 female grouper fish and 69 male grouper fish

ABSTRACT A heterologous radioimmunoassay (RIA) was applied for the determination of immunoreactive (IR)insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) in a teleost, the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Serial dilutions of the fish plasma gave a linear curve when added to constant amounts of 125I-labelled human IGF-I(53-70) and antiserum prepared against this fragment. The RIA was used to study the effect of GH on plasma levels of IR-IGF-I in S. aurata. A single injection of human recombinant GH (1 μg/g) resulted in a significant increase in IR-IGF-I at 29, 48 and 72 h, when compared with saline-injected fish. This novel observation suggests that in fish, as in mammals, circulating IGF-I levels are modulated by GH.

Abstract Yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) (Storer, 1839) on the Grand Bank off Newfoundland were traditionally aged using surface-read whole otoliths. Age determination of otoliths from recaptures of fish tagged in the early 1990s indicated that the traditional ageing technique was underestimating the ages of yellowtail flounder when compared with the time at liberty. Age comparisons between whole and thin-sectioned otoliths showed agreement in age readings up to 7 years; thereafter whole otoliths tended to give much lower ages than those estimated by thin sections. Length–frequency analysis of pelagic and demersal juveniles, captive rearing of juveniles and marginal increment analysis all corroborated age determination based on thin sections. Tag-recaptures and bomb radiocarbon assays validated age interpretations based on thin sections in young and old yellowtail flounder, respectively. Ages were validated up to 25 years for females and 21 years for males. However, because of increased narrowing of annuli in thin-sectioned otoliths from old fish, even thin sections may underestimate the true age of the fish. von Bertalanffy growth curve parameters (combined sexes) were L∞ = 55.6 cm total length, K=0.16 and t0=−0.003. These results challenge the conventional view that yellowtail flounder on the Grand Banks are a relatively fast growing, short-lived species.

Previous workers have used disequilibrium in the 210Pb: 226Ra ratio in fish otoliths to estimate the age of four teleost species: Hoplostethus atlanticus, Macruronus novaezelandiae, Sebastes diploproa, and Sebastes mentella. We argue that uncontrollable errors due to degassing of intermediate 222Rn from otoliths, unknown sources and sinks of 210Pb and 226Ra, possible changes in the ratio with which these isotopes are accreted to the otolith over the life of the fish, contamination by 210Po, difficulties in obtaining otolith cores, and the dependence of the estimated radiometric ages on the mass growth-in-time model usually adopted for otoliths can invalidate the application of disequilibrium techniques to fish age estimation.

The objects of this research were the mirror carp and trout growth in fishfactory «Biserovskiy ». The purpose of this research was veterinary and sanitary estimation of these fish. We conducted a pathoanatomic autopsy and inspection of fish, determined organoleptic characteristics and conducted microbiological investigation on the presence of coliforms (E. coli), Listeria monocytogenes, S. aureus in the fish. Veterinary-sanitary examination was conducted in accordance with the reference book «Veterinary and sanitary examination of freshwater fish» and «The rules of veterinary and sanitary examination of freshwater fish and crawfish». Microbiological investigation was conducted in accordance with «Instruction of sanitary and microbiological control of alimentary products from fish and marine invertebrates», GOST 26670-91 «Food products. Methods for cultivation of microorganisms», GOST 10444.15-94 «Food products. Methods for determination of quantity of mesophilic aerobes and facultative anaerobes», GOST 31747-2012 «Food products. Methods for detection and quantity determination of coliformes », GOST 32031-2012 «Food products. Methods for detection of Listeria monocytogenes », GOST 31746-2012 «Food products. Methods for detection and quantity determination of coagulase-positive staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus». According to the results of the research, these fish met the requirements of regulatory documentation, which confirms the safety of products for the consumer. Keywords: fish farming, mirrorcarp, trout, pathological investigation, organoleptic investigation, microbiological investigation, veterinary and sanitary examination.

The complete absence of eyes in the medaka fish mutation eyeless is the result of defective optic vesicle evagination. We show that the eyeless mutation is caused by an intronic insertion in the Rx3 homeobox gene resulting in a transcriptional repression of the locus that is rescued by injection of plasmid DNA containing the wild-type locus. Functional analysis reveals that Six3- and Pax6- dependent retina determination does not require Rx3. However, gain- and loss-of-function phenotypes show that Rx3 is indispensable to initiate optic vesicle evagination and to control vesicle proliferation, by that regulating organ size. Thus, Rx3 acts at a key position coupling the determination with subsequent morphogenesis and differentiation of the developing eye.

Teleost otoliths are located in the membranous labyrinth and are mainly composed of aragonite and a small amount of organic matrix. Their rhythmic growth may provide important data about age, growth, maturity, and life-history events.This article presents insights into paleoecological and evolutionary details from a study of the otolith microstructure of Trisopterus kasselensis, Trisopterus sculptus, and Pterothrissus umbonatus (Oligo-Miocene, North Sea Basin). Otoliths of Recent Trisopterus minutus were analyzed using the same methods (light and electron microscopy, thin slides) as a basis for comparison with the fossil sample.Growth structures similar in size and aspect to the seasonal and daily growth increments in living fish indicate both individual age and early life transitions in habitat and life strategy suggesting planktonic larvae and benthic juveniles. The aspect of rhythmic growth patterns is due to lunar periodicity, a common feature in fish otoliths. Moreover, fossil Trisopterus show an phylogenetic increase in otolith—and consequently—somatic growth, indicating a change of life strategy during evolution (Oligocene to Recent).Thus the internal structure of fossil otoliths allows the determination of growth, age composition, and early life history of fossil fish, as well as their direct comparison with living relatives.

Grey Mullet fish (Mugil cephalus) is one of the economically valuable fish in the waters of the Ngurah Rai Forest Park, Bali. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the length and weight of the condition of Belanak fish caught in the waters of the Ngurah Rai Forest Park, Bali. The purpose of this study was to determine the description of the growth conditions of Belanak in the waters of Ngurah Rai Tahura, Bali will create a plan for sustainable management of Belanak Fish resources. Sampling was conducted in March 2019 to May 2019. Data analysis used was the relationship between length and weight and condition factors. Data processing is done by using the Microsoft Excel program. The results obtained showed that the mullet fish has a negative allometric growth pattern (long growth is faster than weight growth) equation W = 0.011 L2.195 and the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.75 (75% growth in weight is influenced by growth long). Belanak fish caught in Ngurah Rai Tahura waters have a condition factor value (K value) ranging from 0.941 to 1.514 which indicates that Belanak is in good condition and is in its infancy.

Scale readings from 6269 bass caught in 1946–86 on various parts of the U.K. coast, with a few from the Channel Islands and France, have been analysed to determine U.K. growth patterns and assess the relative abundance of successive year-classes. In the U.K. growth was fastest on the south-east coast, slowest on the west coast. In the Channel Islands growth was initially slower than on the south-east coast but faster after maturity; though less fast than on the Biscay coast of France. Year-classes of exceptional abundance tended to grow more slowly than classes of normal abundance. There was evidence in each region of a slight long-term fall in growth rate. Best growth occurred in warm summers. The growth period commenced, and annulus formed, at dates ranging from early May for the youngest juveniles to mid July for adults; terminating in each case in October. Males grew rather more slowly than females and appeared less long-lived and less hardy, except on the south-east coast, where, exceptionally, samples were caught well offshore and included large, generally faster growing fish; this suggests a behavioural difference between the sexes rather than consistently slower growth in males. Explanations are offered for occasional fast growing fish, which occur mainly on the south-east coast and mainly with particular year-classes, notably 1966 and 1969. Problems of interpretation are considered and solutions offered.

Ageing methodologies of Lake Michigan alewife were evaluated as a precursor to growth and condition investigations of alewife stocks. Four commonly used aging tissues were evaluated including: otoliths, scales, vertebrae, and opercles. Otoliths were significantly more precise than other structures in all analyses. The accuracy of age determinations given by otoliths was corroborated through length frequency analysis. Total processing time was highest for scales. Whole otolith methodology was used to age alewives from Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin based on precision, accuracy, and time efficiency. A trend of higher median lengths and weights in young fish from the Green Bay, Wisconsin site was identified. Older fish grew faster in the main-lake sample sites near Pentwater, Michigan and Indiana waters. The Indiana population had the highest condition factor (K), while Wisconsin had the lowest, with Michigan in between. An overall temporal decline in condition of alewife was identified when compared with historical studies. This is a consideration that may influence salmonid stocking decisions because the alewife serves as their primary food.
Department of Biology

In many gonochoristic fish, sex is plastic since it can be altered by the influence of environmental factors. In this thesis, using the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) model, a teleost fish with a polygenic sex determining system influenced by the environment, we have studied the effects of different environmental factors —including food supply, elevated temperatures and presence of estrogens— on growth, sex differentiation and gonadal development of juveniles. Global analysis of gene expression was carried out by a custom-made microarray. We found that, like in mammals, sex determines growth and that the first sex-related differences in growth are established before the appearance of the first molecular markers indicative of sex. Further, the juvenile testis transcriptome is influenced by poor growth during sex differentiation, while proper food supply during juvenile development is able to rescue the testis transcriptome of previously poor-growing individuals. We found that the previously observed masculinization as a result of elevated temperatures is caused by long-lasting effects at the transcriptomic level, by favoring the expression of male-related genes and decreasing that of female-related genes. In contrast, exposure to estrogen negatively affects both male- and female-related genes and pathways. Interestingly, the expression patterns of a suite of genes related to epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of gene expression showed different degrees of dependency to genetic background, developmental time and external influences according to their functional category.
A molts peixos gonocoristes, el sexe és plàstic donat que pot ésser alterat per la influència de factors ambientals. En aquesta tesi, utilitzant el llobarro (Dicentrarchus labrax) com a model, un peix teleosti amb un sistema poligènic de determinació del sexe influït per l'ambient, hem estudiat els efectes de diferents factors ambientals —incloent la disponibilitat d'aliment, temperatures elevades i presència d’estrògens— en el creixement, la diferenciació sexual i el desenvolupament gonadal dels juvenils. L'anàlisi global de l'expressió gènica s'ha realitzat mitjançant un xip d’ADN fet a mida. Hem trobat que, de la mateixa manera que ocorre en els mamífers, el sexe determina el creixement i que les primeres diferències en el creixement vinculades amb el sexe s'estableixen prèviament a l'aparició dels primers marcadors moleculars indicatius del sexe. A més, el transcriptoma de testicles juvenils està influït per un creixement pobre durant la diferenciació sexual, mentre que un subministrament adequat de menjar durant l’etapa juvenil és capaç de rescatar el transcriptoma testicular d’animals amb un pobre creixement previ. Hem trovat que la masculinització observada anteriorment com a resultat de les temperatures elevades està causada per efectes persistents a nivell transcriptòmic, afavorint l'expressió de gens relacionats amb el desenvolupament masculí i disminuint la dels gens relacionats amb el desenvolupament femení. Per contra, l'exposició a estrògens afecta negativament tant als gens relacionats amb el desenvolupament masculí com el femení. És destacable com els patrons d'expressió d'una sèrie de gens relacionats amb la regulació epigenètica de l’expressió gènica mostren graus diferents de dependència a factors genètics, període del desenvolupament i factors ambientals segons la seva categoria funcional.

Globally largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides is one of the most widely introduced game fish species which has now become invasive in many countries. Well researched in its native North America, there are few studies on this species in its introduced range. This study aims to improve the understanding of the biology and ecology of M. salmoides in temperate southern Africa, where it threatens native biota and supports a popular recreational fishery. This aim was addressed by assessing the age, growth, maturity, reproductive seasonality, feeding, mortality and movement, of two M. salmoides populations from Wriggleswade (1000 ha, 723 m amsl, 32º35'S; 27º33'E) and Mankazana (35 ha, 66 m amsl, 33º09'S; 26º57'E) Dams in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The most suitable structure for ageing M. salmoides was determined by comparing the accuracy and precision of otoliths and scales. Scales tended to underestimate the age of fish older than five years. Sectioned sagittal otoliths were the more precise structures for ageing (otoliths CV = 15.8 vs. scales CV = 21.9). The periodicity of growth zone formation was validated as annual for otoliths using both edge analysis (EA), and mark recapture of chemically tagged fish (MRCT). EA indicated one annual peak in the frequency of opaque margins between September and January using a periodic logistic regression and a binomial model linked with a von Mises distribution for circular data. MRCT showed the linear relationship between time at liberty and number of growth zones distal to the fluorescent band was not significantly different from one (slope = 0.89). Reproduction was similar to that in native and non-native populations with fish reaching age at 50% maturity at ca. two years, and length at 50% maturity at 259-290 mm FL depending on growth rate. Spawning season occurred in the spring months of August to October. The Wriggleswade Dam population reached similar ages (14 yrs) to populations in temperate North America. Growth was described using the von Bertalanffy growth equations of (Lt = 420(1-ᵉ⁻°·³³⁽ᵗ⁺°·²¹⁾) mm FL in Wriggleswade and (Lt = 641(1-ᵉ⁻°·²²⁽ᵗ⁺°·⁷⁶⁾) mm FL in Mankazana. Growth performance of both populations, described using the phi prime index, seemed to be correlated with temperature and the Wriggleswade Dam population (Φ’ = 2.8) grew similarly to those native temperate North American populations and the non-native populations of Japan and Italy. The Mankazana population had a higher growth performance (Φ’ = 2.9) compared to Wriggleswade and growth was comparable to other nonnative African populations. Both populations utilised all available food resources, with the Mankazana population being in better condition than the Wriggleswade population as a result of a more diverse diet, highly abundant food sources throughout the year, and potentially the adoption of a more conservative ambush feeding strategy. The Wriggleswade population, which was utilised by competitive anglers, showed low mortality rates (Z = 0.43 yr⁻¹), and translocated fish dispersed from the common release site, travelling an average distance of 4km over the study time of 494 days. These results indicated that M. salmoides are successful in these environments, growing at expected temperature dependant rates, maturing at two years, using all available food groups, and suffering from low mortality. It is therefore likely that they will persist in South Africa and establish where introduced.

A whole-cell DHA-rich algal product (A-DHA, provided by Evonik Industries) that is rich in DHA (125 mg DHA/g dry matter) is a possible replacement for fish oil in salmonid diets. The nutrient digestibilities of the algal product were measured in rainbow trout in freshwater and in Atlantic salmon in saltwater (32-33 ppm). In experiment 1, rainbow trout (initial weight ~ 300g) were randomly assigned to 12 x 120 L tanks (n = 10 per tank). A reference diet containing 1% Celite as an indigestible marker and three test diets with increasing percentage of A-DHA substitution (6.67%, 13.33% and 20%) were fed. Feces were collected using a settling column and feed and feces analyzed for digestible dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), ash, crude protein (CP), essential amino acids and total lipid. The digestibility of six long-chain fatty acids including 18:1n-9 (OA), 18:2n-6 (LA), 18:3n-3 (ALA), 20:4n-6 (ARA), 20:5n-3 (EPA) and 22:6n-3 (DHA) was measured. In experiment 2, Atlantic salmon (~170g) were randomly distributed to 12 fiberglass tanks (600L) with 106 fish per tank. The fish were assigned to four diets with the same levels of A-DHA inclusion as for rainbow trout and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) was used as an inert marker. Feces were collected by stripping and the digestibilities of DM, CP and lipid as well as OA, LA, ALA, ARA, EPA and DHA were determined. In experiment 1, the apparent digestibility of dietary DM, GE and lipid in rainbow trout declined significantly with increasing inclusion of A-DHA (P < 0.01). The inclusion of A-DHA had no effect on the digestibility of CP and ash as well as the availability of essential amino acids (P > 0.05). Furthermore, increased inclusion of A-DHA resulted in significantly lower digestibility of ARA, EPA and DHA (P < 0.05). A similar pattern was seen in the digestibility of OA, LA and ALA, although the effect of A-DHA inclusion was not statistically significant. Regression analysis revealed that nutrient contribution from A-DHA had significantly negative linear and quadratic effects on the apparent digestibility of DM, GE, and lipid. The inclusion levels of A-DHA had both significantly negative linear and quadratic effects on digestibility of LA and ALA, whereas only significantly negative linear effect was found on OA. Significantly negative linear and quadratic regressions were observed for the digestibility of ARA, EPA and DHA. The linear regression for CP was significantly negative and the regressions for the individual amino acids were not significant (P > 0.05). In experiment 2, dietary inclusion of A-DHA had a significantly negative effect on lipid digestibility in Atlantic salmon, at all inclusion rates whereas the significant negative effect on digestibilities of DM and CP was only observed in fish fed 20% A-DHA. The digestibilities of OA, LA, ALA and EPA were greater than 91%. In contrast, the apparent digestibilities of ARA and DHA decreased significantly with increasing substitution of A-DHA (P < 0.01). Significantly negative linear and quadratic regressions were found between nutrient contribution from A-DHA to the diets and apparent digestibility of DM, CP and lipid, so were LA, EPA and DHA. However, there were only significant quadratic regressions for OA, ALA and ARA, but not significant linear effects. Subsequently, a twelve-week feeding trial in rainbow trout was conducted to investigate the impact of replacing fish oil with A-DHA in canola-oil-based diets on the growth performance and fatty acid composition and retention. Four experimental diets containing only canola oil (CO; 13.5%), fish oil (FO; 13.5%), canola oil and fish oil (C+F; 7.4% and 6.1%, respectively) or canola oil and A-DHA (C+A; 15.5% and 6%, respectively) were formulated to contain 386.2 g/kg digestible crude protein and 17.58 MJ/kg digestible energy. In addition, the C+A diet was formulated to have the same DHA concentration as in the C+F diet. Each diet was fed to three tanks of rainbow trout (average initial weight of 70g; n = 17/tank) and the fish were fed to apparent satiation 2 times daily. At the end of the growth trial, all fish approximately tripled their weight. No significant differences were noted between the dietary treatments in growth performance as measured by final weight, average weight gain, feed intake, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Although FO and C+A fed fish tended to accumulate more lipids, final whole body lipid content did not differ significantly between dietary treatments (P = 0.11). The concentrations of EPA, DHA as well as total n-3 fatty acid were significantly higher in fish fed the FO diet than fish fed the other 3 diets. The C+A fed fish had lower EPA and higher DHA concentrations compared with the CO and C+F fed fish; however, the differences were not significant. Apparent retention of total lipid in the trout was not significantly influenced by treatments (P > 0.05). Similarly, dietary treatments had no significant effect on the apparent retention of total saturated fatty acids, total mono-unsaturated fatty acids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The retention of 18:4n-3 (SDA) was significantly higher (> 100%) in fish fed CO and C+A compared with fish fed FO and C+F (< 51%), indicating greater bioconversion of ALA to SDA in the CO and C+A fed fish than in FO and C+F fed fish. The retention of EPA in the CO and C+A fed fish was over 100%, suggesting a net synthesis of EPA in these treatment groups. In contrast, the EPA retention in the FO and C+F fed fish was 55 and 21%, respectively, which showed a tendency to be significantly lower than that in the other two groups (P = 0.09). The CO fed fish had significantly higher DHA retention than fish fed the other 3 diets. The DHA retention in the FO fed fish (112%) was numerically but not significantly higher than in the C+F (66%) and C+A fed fish (73%). Thus, feeding the C+A to rainbow trout resulted in DHA retention equal to feeding the C+F.

Particular species may be good indicators of specific environmental factors in their local environment. It was found that one of the main objectives for effective and sustainable management of the fish stocks is to make regular annual assessment of the parental stock biomass, length and weight growth, age determination, mortality estimation and reproductive potential estimation. The Black Sea sprat (Sprattus sprattus L.) is a key species in the Black Sea ecosystem. Small pelagic forage fish and especially local one with shared stocks are very important from ecological (key trophic level) and commercial (intensively exploited) point of view. Fishery management strategies must ensure that fishing mortality will not exceed that which corresponds to MSY, and that the biomass will not fall below a predefined threshold. The goal of the chapter is to define the main objectives and measures for sustainable sprat exploitation in order to be in favour of decision makers and fishery managers.

<em>Abstract.</em>—Runoff from dormant spray applications to orchards can contain the insecticides diazinon and esfenvalerate, which may affect the health of the threatened splittail <em>Pogonichthys macrolepidotus</em>. To examine the potential effects of these two insecticides, splittail larvae were exposed to diazinon, esfenvalerate, and a mixture of the two insecticides in static renewal 96-h acute toxicity tests. Surviving fish were transferred to clean water for an additional 14 d (18 d total). Mortality, morphological anomalies, histopathology, and growth determinations were made to assess lethal and sublethal effects. The combination of diazinon and esfenvalerate produced less than additive (independent) toxicity. Diazinon (singly and in combination with esfenvalerate) produced latent toxicity after the 96-h exposure, as demonstrated by reduced growth and increased spinal deformities. Metabolic dysfunction in the liver and inflammation of the pancreas were likely related to slower growth of diazinon-exposed fish. These symptoms were almost absent from esfenvalerate-exposed fish. The use of 14-d EC50 values and the measurement of biomarkers may more accurately describe the effects of 96-h shortterm exposure to these insecticides than traditional 96-h LC50 values.

<em>Abstract</em>.—The Asian black carp <em>Mylopharyngodon piceus </em>is of interest to the aquaculture industry in the United States as a biological control for snails and mollusks. However, past experience in North America with other Asian carps has raised concern that black carp will establish wild populations and negatively affect native populations of fish and invertebrates, especially mollusks. The demand for black carp has led biologists to seek ways to allow their use while at the same time maintaining control over their distribution and reproduction. Physical containment and restrictions on importation, release, and stocking have mostly failed. Control of reproduction holds more promise. The induction of triploidy (having three sets of chromosomes), which can render an individual biologically sterile, is of particular interest. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of proposed testing procedures used to assure genetic triploidy in black carp prior to distribution by the state of Missouri, using black carp and grass carp <em>Ctenopharyngodon idella</em>. Our objectives were to (1) verify if the ploidy determination methodology (nuclear size) employed was 100% accurate, (2) determine growth and survival of juvenile black carp over extended periods of time under laboratory and pond conditions, and (3) histologically examine development and gametogenesis in gonads collected from triploid and diploid black and grass carps of different ages and stages of maturation. Comparison of erythrocyte nuclear size using the Coulter counter method versus the more accurate method of flow cytometry that measures DNA content indicated an error rate of 0.25% by the former method. Black carp grew and survived well in mid-Missouri ponds. Triploid grass carp males appeared to produce functional gametes, and some triploid black carp male testes had apparently normal spermatocytes within cysts. A few normally developing oocytes at previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages were observed in triploid grass carp females, and a few normal perinuclear oocytes could be identified in triploid black carp females. Currently, the standards of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s triploid grass carp voluntary inspection program are being followed by some states to manage triploid black carp. Our results indicate that although the percentage of diploid black carp that could pass through the currently proposed screening program is small, overall numbers of diploid black carp distributed in a state could be substantial depending on the number of triploids distributed. Furthermore, despite indications that triploid male black carp can be expected to be functionally sterile, reproductive studies may be warranted given the large wild populations of diploid grass carp, bighead carp <em>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</em>, and silver carp <em>H. molitrix </em>in the Mississippi River basin system.

<em>Abstract</em>.—The Asian black carp <em>Mylopharyngodon piceus </em>is of interest to the aquaculture industry in the United States as a biological control for snails and mollusks. However, past experience in North America with other Asian carps has raised concern that black carp will establish wild populations and negatively affect native populations of fish and invertebrates, especially mollusks. The demand for black carp has led biologists to seek ways to allow their use while at the same time maintaining control over their distribution and reproduction. Physical containment and restrictions on importation, release, and stocking have mostly failed. Control of reproduction holds more promise. The induction of triploidy (having three sets of chromosomes), which can render an individual biologically sterile, is of particular interest. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of proposed testing procedures used to assure genetic triploidy in black carp prior to distribution by the state of Missouri, using black carp and grass carp <em>Ctenopharyngodon idella</em>. Our objectives were to (1) verify if the ploidy determination methodology (nuclear size) employed was 100% accurate, (2) determine growth and survival of juvenile black carp over extended periods of time under laboratory and pond conditions, and (3) histologically examine development and gametogenesis in gonads collected from triploid and diploid black and grass carps of different ages and stages of maturation. Comparison of erythrocyte nuclear size using the Coulter counter method versus the more accurate method of flow cytometry that measures DNA content indicated an error rate of 0.25% by the former method. Black carp grew and survived well in mid-Missouri ponds. Triploid grass carp males appeared to produce functional gametes, and some triploid black carp male testes had apparently normal spermatocytes within cysts. A few normally developing oocytes at previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages were observed in triploid grass carp females, and a few normal perinuclear oocytes could be identified in triploid black carp females. Currently, the standards of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s triploid grass carp voluntary inspection program are being followed by some states to manage triploid black carp. Our results indicate that although the percentage of diploid black carp that could pass through the currently proposed screening program is small, overall numbers of diploid black carp distributed in a state could be substantial depending on the number of triploids distributed. Furthermore, despite indications that triploid male black carp can be expected to be functionally sterile, reproductive studies may be warranted given the large wild populations of diploid grass carp, bighead carp <em>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</em>, and silver carp <em>H. molitrix </em>in the Mississippi River basin system.

The tremendous growth of the fish farming industry in Norway over the past decades was supported by new designs and materials for fish farms, enabling bigger fish cages to be positioned in more exposed sea areas. Today, the nets of most fish cages in Norway are made from nylon. Nylon nets are lightweight, relatively easy to handle and at the low cost end of proposed net materials. However, nylon nets also have some unfortunate characteristics like low abrasion resistance and limited tensile strength. Thus, new net materials are proposed to better prevent escapes, protect fish from predator attacks, improve the stability of fish cages and reduce bio-fouling. Some of these materials are stiff in at least one direction and there still is a lack of knowledge about the behavior of nets with bending stiffness in currents and waves. The aim of this study was to determine how nets with bending stiffness deform in different currents and how the deformation influences the drag on the nets and to compare the results with predictions from a numerical model. Three types of net (PET, copper and steel) were clamped to a solid steel bar on the top side, but were otherwise unrestricted. Reflective markers were mounted on the nets and an optical tracking system was used to determine the position of the markers during the tests, thus allowing the determination of the deformation of the net panels. The forces on the net panels were measured with a multi-axis force/torque sensor system. The nets were subjected to several flow speeds between 0.1 and 0.9 m/s. It is shown that bending stiffness and density of nets affect net deformation, as both parameters impact the balance between drag and gravitational forces on the nets. Net deformation leads to a decrease of the projected net area. As the rate of deformation with current speed varies greatly between different net types, the discrepancy between measured drag and drag values normalized to the projected net area at different current speeds follows different relationships for different nets. A numerical model, FhSim was able to predict net deformation of nets with bending stiffness well and it is shown that FhSim could not only account for the effect of bending stiffness on net deformation, but also that the model captures the structural dynamics of nets with bending stiffness in a current.