Deep-Water Japanese Blunthorn Lobster Palinustus waguensis Kubo, 1963: First Estimates of Life History Parameters From the Southwest Coast of India

Palinustus waguensis Kubo, 1963, is the deep-sea Japanese blunthorn lobster belonging to the Family Palinuridae. It is a species that has been rarely reported, living in rocky habitats on deep-reef slopes at a depth of 100–250 m. An estimated catch of 100 kg of P. waguensis consisting of 113 males, 54 females, and 23 berried lobsters were collected during the first fortnight of January 2019 from the multi-day shrimp trawls operating off Sakthikulangara, Kerala, India. The mean total length was recorded as 112.3 mm in males, 102.6 mm in females. The parameters of the length-weight relationship were estimated as, a = 0.041, b = 2.84 for males and a = 0.05, b = 2.86 for females, which were not significantly different (P > 0.05, r2 > 0.90) between the males and females. The relative condition factor (K) in the males and females of P. waguensis ranged from 2.07–4.96 and 1.87–3.86, respectively, attributing to the better feeding efficiency in males. Food and feeding analysis revealed the dietary content as fish (53 %), crab (23.5 %), shrimp (7.8 %), digested matter (11.6 %), and foraminifera (4 %). Feeding intensity analysis about the fullness of the stomach showed the specimens bearing full stomachs (11.3 %), three-fourth full (9.9 %). Length at 50 % maturity (Lm50) was 96.9 mm. Gonado-somatic index (GSI) ranged from 3.39 to 8.13. The present study forms the first report on the biology of the deep-water Japanese blunthorn lobster, P. waguensis from India.

Gonad maturity level and somatic index of sea cucumber Acaudina sp. (caudinidae, molpadida, holothuroidea) In Delta Wulan Waters, Demak Regency, Indonesia

Sea cucumber Acaudina sp. belongs to the family Caudinidae, Order Molpadida, Class Holothuroidea. These animals have an important role in the benthic ecosystem. The purpose of this research was to determine the gonad maturity level and Gonad Somatic Index of Acaudina sp. in Delta Wulan Waters, Demak Regency. In total, 64 individuals of Acaudina sp. were taken in April 2021 and 148 individuals were taken in May 2021. In April observation, the highest gonad maturity level for females was at level 3, while the highest gonad maturity for male was at levels 1 and 2. Furthermore, in Mei observations, the highest gonad maturity level for females was at level 2 and for males, the highest gonad maturity level was at level 3. According to April observation, values GSI (Gonad Somatic Index) has a range 0.22 - 6.09 % and for May observation, value GSI has a range 0.04 – 2.24%. Hence, there is a positive correlation between gonad weight and GSI values in sea cucumber Acaudina sp.

Breeding pattern of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Cichlidae) versus native congeneric species, Oreochromis macrochir (Boulinger, 1912) in the upper Kabompo River, northwest of Zambia

Investigating the determinants of reproductive biology of fishes is an essential component of biological research. Breeding pattern was investigated to determine the impact of exotic Oreochromis niloticus on the native congeneric Oreochromis macrochir in the upper Kabompo River. Gonado-somatic index and sex ratio was used to investigate the breeding pattern in both invaded (where O. niloticus is present) and uninvaded (where O. niloticus is absent) sections of the river. Oreochromis macrochir was the only native congeneric species found in both sections. Results showed that the overall gonado-somatic index means for both sexes of O. macrochir in both sections were similar. For O. niloticus in invaded section indicated all year reproduction though reduced spawning in cold season (May-June), but with increased spawning activity in wet season (February-March). In O. macrochir, males and females were found breeding in both dry and wet seasons only, as for cold season no reproduction was recorded. Sex ratio (females: males) was 1:1.3 and 1:1.7 for O. niloticus and O. macrochir respectively, and both significantly deviated from the sex ratio of 1:1 (ꭓ2=8.42 and 9.37; p<0.05). Oreochromis niloticus formed the most abundant fish caught 221(63.5%) than O. macrochir 127(36.5%). Our study has revealed that O. niloticus was able to spawn in all seasons with 23% higher breeding population than O. macrochir, which explains the suppression in the abundance. We expect O. niloticus to invade further downstream of the Kabompo River due to natural dispersion.

Bioaccumulation and Toxicity Effects of Flubendiamide in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

As a diamide insecticide, flubendiamide is widely used and has many adverse effects on environmental organisms. In this study, bioaccumulation and toxicity effects of flubendiamide in zebrafish (Danio rerio) were studied. Specifically, the results showed that the concentrations of flubendiamide increased in the early stage and achieved steady stages at 14 days and the bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of flubendiamide in zebrafish were 1.125 - 2.011. Furthermore, flubendiamide had no significant effects on the growth phenotypes of zebrafish. However, zebrafish hepatic somatic index (HSI) of zebrafish had changed significantly with exposure. Histopathological analysis showed that exposure to flubendiamide could cause structural damage to liver tissue of zebrafish. Further physiological and biochemical analysis showed that flubendiamide could significantly change the activity of CAT and the contents of MDA and GSH in liver of zebrafish. In particular, exposure to flubendiamide could also cause significant changes in the mRNA expression levels of cell apoptosis-related genes involving p53, puma, caspase-3, caspase-9, apaf-1 and bax in liver of zebrafish. In general, these results indicated that exposure to flubendiamide could induce liver damage by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in liver of zebrafish. The results of this study will help to further comprehensively evaluate the safety of flubendiamide to aquatic organisms.

Morphology and Reproductive Biology of Two Hill Stream Cyprinids; Balitora Brucei and Psilorhynchus Balitora, From the Ranganadi River (India), with a Special Note to Their Conservational Threats

The Gray’s stone loach Balitora brucei and balitora minnow Psilorhynchus balitora abound in the torrential water bodies of South East Asia. The current paper redescribes morphology based on the fresh collection. Specific parameters of reproductive biology on both the fishes have been studied for the first time. Both the species were adapted to the same ecological conditions of the river Ranganadi. Fish specimens were collected at fortnightly interval from the river in the Lakhimpur district of Assam, India. The detailed study includes morphological data analysed with Mann Whitney U test and specific reproductive parameters such as condition factor (K), gonado-somatic index (GSI), modified gonado - somatic index (MGSI), and Dobriyal index (DI). Progressive development of the gonads were confirmed with dissection and histological study. Both the species are multiple breeders with prolonged reproductive seasons ranging from four to five months. Both the fishes are found to be migrants from upstream and a good number of individuals were recorded during the monsoon season, reflecting the sampling site as a breeding ground. During winter, the local people use various chemicals, piscicidal plants and electric instruments for fishing resulting in a steep decline in number of individuals for both the species. Moreover, effect of the NEEPCO dam is the evident on the decline of the ichthyofaunal diversity of the river.

Effect of Cassava Starch Sources on Growth and Feed Utilization of Nile Tilapia Fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) Reared Under Two Dietary Protein Levels

A 42-day experiment was performed to evaluate the growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed iso-lipidic diets (5% lipid) contain 17% or 25% of cassava starch extract from fresh root (R starch) or from dry chips (D-starch) at 37% and 30% protein levels. The diets were ie: 37% protein -FM25R17 & FM25D17, 30% Protein- FM15R25 & FM15D25. 144 fish (1.11+0.02g) were distributed in 12 tanks (54 L). Protein level or starch source had no impact on final weight, length, average daily gain, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio, hepato somatic index, viscero somatic index, and Whole-body composition of fish. Protein Efficiency Ratio was not affected by starch source; however, it was significantly higher in diets with low protein content. Apparent Digestibility Coefficient of dry matter was not affected by starch source but was significantly high in low (30%) protein diet. Inclusion of R starch substantially reduced the cost of feed and increased economic profitability. Tilapia fed FM15R25 diet showed similar growth and nutrient utilization to fish fed 37% protein diets and cost of FM15R25 diet was lower than other diets. Therefore, FM15R25 is the best practical diet among the tested diets for Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Reproductive activity and morphometric assessment of three commercial species of sea cucumber (Echinodermata) from Karimunjawa National Park, Indonesia

Mustagfirin, Wijayanti DP, Subagiyo. 2021. Reproductive activity and morphometric assessment of three commercial species of sea cucumber (Echinodermata) from Karimunjawa National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3333-3341. Sea cucumbers are benthic animals that have economic value and play an important role in the environment. Exploitation on large scale to fulfill high market demand, caused overexploitation. The number of sea cucumbers in Karimunjawa decreased as a result of limited management. There is no study conducted on the commercial sea cucumbers (Holothuria edulis, Pearsonothuria graeffei, and Bohadschia vitensis) in Nyamuk Island, Karimunjawa. The objectives of the research were to determine the morphometric assessment and the reproductive cycle of the three species. The morphometric assessment of weight showed that the weight of H. edulis ranges 247.3-2539g, P. graeffei 415.3-428.1g, and B. vitiensis 672.4-678.1g, respectively. The first maturity size of gutted body weight (GWB50) for H. edulis was 127.84g, P. graeffei 357.61g, and B. vitiensis 279.34g. The gonad somatic index (GSI) range 13.60-15.60% for H. edulis, 14.75-12.25% for P. graeffei and 10.83-14.57% for B. vitiensis. The result of gonad somatic index with a value above 10% means that it has entered the spawning phase. The above data indicated that the three commercial species spawned monthly, during new moon. It is likely that the spawning peak occurred when the temperature was increased. However, the pattern of reproductive activity in this study was limited at Nyamuk Island. Future studies are needed to observe whether there is a correlation between the increasing water temperature and the reproductive activity of the three sea cucumbers.

Reproductive traits and spawning activity of striped eel catfish (Plotosidae) in Kolono Bay, Indonesia

Asriyana A, Halili H. 2021. Reproductive traits and spawning activity of striped eel catfish (Plotosidae) in Kolono Bay, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3020-3028. Reproduction is a natural process for a species to ensure its sustainability in nature. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive traits and spawning activity of the striped eel catfish in Kolono Bay, South Konawe District, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. A total of 965 individuals were collected monthly from June 2020 to May 2021 by using bottom experimental gillnets. Spent/spawning stages of the male and female fish were found during the East season (June-August). The proportions of the spent/spawning stages of male and female fish were 60% and 55.56% and the values of the gonadal somatic index were 1.19 ± 0.53 and 2.19 ± 3.47, respectively during the East season, indicate occurring the peak spawning in this season. Females matured gonads more rapidly at 198.3 mm compared to males at 224.5 mm. Female fecundity was 1,730 ± 390 eggs, with an egg diameter of about 0.11-1.35 mm. Striped eel catfish is a total spawner fish that has one mode of egg distribution pattern. During the East season, it needs protection for spawning. The findings will help in designing effective management and developmental strategies to conserve the striped eel catfish population in the future.

Reproductive Biology of the Tigris Scraper, Capoeta Umbla (Heckel, 1843) Population Living in Solhan Creek of Murat River (Bingöl, Turkey)

We studied the reproductive traits in 23 of 190 individuals of Capoeta umbla caught monthly in the Solhan Creek of the Murat River between April 2017 and March 2018. The sex ratio (F:M) was found to be 1:1.11. The macroscopic examination of the gonads and gonado-somatic index indicated that the reproductive period lasted from May to August with peak activity in May. The fecundity ranged from 2,000 to 9,000 oocytes, and it correlated with the total length and body weight. This work represents the first attempt to investigate the reproductive traits of the Capoeta umbla population in the Solhan Creek. The results provide information on the reproductive biology and contribute to the conservation of the fish population and its sustainable management.

PERFORMA REPRODUKSI DAN PERTUMBUHAN UDANG GALAH BETINA Macrobrachium rosenbergii SETELAH PEMBERIAN HORMON MEDROXY PROGESTERON ACETAT MELALUI PAKAN

Salah satu permasalahan pada budidaya udang galah adalah keberadaan udang galah betina bertelur pada saat pembesaran. Penghambatan pema tangan gonad menggunakan hormon medroxyprogesterone acetat (MPA) yang diberikan secara injeksi pada udang galah dapat menekan indeks kematangan gonad (IKG), perkembangan gonad, dan meningkatkan laju pertumbuhan. Namun, pemberian MPA secara injeksi dapat meningkatkan stres dan kematian pada udang galah, Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengkaji pengaruh pemberian hormon medroxy progesteron acetat melalui pakan terhadap performa reproduksi dan pertumbuhan. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode eksperimental, desain penelitian menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan empat perlakuan dan lima kali pengulangan. Perlakuan yang diberikan adalah kontrol (hormon MPA pada konsentrasi 0 mg/kg pakan), P-1 (hormon MPA pada konsentrasi 50 mg/kg pakan), P-2 (hormon MPA pada konsentrasi 100 mg/kg pakan), dan P-3 (hormon MPA pada konsentrasi 150 mg/kg pakan) yang diberikan pada udang galah betina selama 60 hari. Parameter yang diamati adalah kematangan gonad, egg clutch somatic index (ESI), fekunditas, kadar estradiol, laju pertumbuhan spesifik, dan sintasan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian hormon MPA dengan konsentrasi 50, 100 dan 150 mg/kg pakan secara signifikan menghambat reproduksi dan pada konsentrasi 100 mg/kg pakan dapat meningkatkan laju pertumbuhan pada udang galah betina umur lima bulan. ESI, fekunditas dan tingkat sintasan tidak terpengaruh oleh perlakuan. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah pemberian hormon medroxy progesteron acetat melalui pakan pada konsentrasi 100 mg/kg pakan secara signifikan dapat menghambat pematangan gonad dan peningkatan pertumbuhan udang galah betina.One of the problems in giant freshwater prawn farming is female prawns laying eggs during grow-out, leading to reduced somatic growth of the prawns. Inhibition of gonad maturation using medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) hormone via injection in giant freshwater prawns can suppress the gonad maturity index (GSI), gonad development, and increase the growth rate. However, the administration of MPA by injection could increase stress and mortality in giant freshwater prawns. The purpose of this study was to examine the application of MPA through dietary administration on the reproductive performance and growth of female giant freshwater prawns. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. Treatments of MPA at concentrations of 0 mg/kg feed (as control), 50 mg/kg feed (P-1), 100 mg/kg feed (P-2), and 150 mg/kg feed (P-3) were supplemented in a commercial artificial feed and fed to the freshwater prawns for 60 days. Parameters of gonad maturation, egg clutch somatic index (ESI), fecundity, oestradiol concentration, specific growth rate, and survival rate were measured during the research period. The result showed that MPA administration at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg feed significantly inhibited gonad maturation, and at concentration 100 mg/kg feed increased growth of female giant freshwater prawn at five-month age. The ESI, fecundity and survival, however, were not affected by the treatment. This study concludes that the administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate hormone through feed significantly inhibited gonad maturation and increasedthe growth of female giant freshwater prawns.