Aquaculture Research最新文献

Vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) is known to suppress vitellogenin gene expression and consequently inhibit ovarian development in many decapod species. However, the broader effects of VIH on other ovarian genes, which are crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms by which VIH regulates vitellogenesis, have not been investigated. In this study, we comprehensively examined the influence of VIH on ovarian gene expression in the kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus. Transcriptome analysis was conducted on ovarian fragments incubated with and without VIH, leading to the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of these DEGs revealed that VIH affects genes involved in the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Rap1, and insulin resistance pathways. Comparative expression analysis of selected DEGs and non-DEGs in the ovaries of wild-caught immature and mature individuals further indicated that ubiquitin-40S ribosomal protein S27a, thrombospondin, thymosin β-like, and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor are likely involved in vitellogenesis under the regulatory influence of VIH, and that insulin-like receptor and GTP-binding protein alpha subunit Gi may also contribute to this process. These findings provide novel insights into the gene networks and signaling pathways underlying VIH-mediated regulation of vitellogenesis and provide a basis for future studies to clarify their specific roles in reproductive biology of decapod crustaceans.

The import volume of Chinese Penaeus vannamei has been steadily increasing, prompting significant scholarly interest in its price dynamics. This study examines the differential price transmission mechanisms between Chinese domestic markets and primary import sources (India and Ecuador) using Penaeus vannamei as a case study. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset of CIF prices from India and Ecuador and monthly farm gate prices of domestic Penaeus vannamei from 2012 to 2023, this research employs Engle–Granger (E–G) cointegration analysis and vector autoregression (VAR) modeling. The findings reveal that while the long-term trend of domestic prices aligns with import prices, domestic prices exhibit greater seasonal volatility due to the shrimp’s fixed growth cycle and Spring Festival consumption patterns. Additionally, price fluctuations in Ecuador and India significantly influence Chinese prices unidirectionally, with this impact strengthening 1-month postlag and rising steadily over time. Based on these insights, we propose that domestic shrimp farmers adjust harvesting schedules, develop processing, extend the industrial chain, prioritize innovation and integration, and shift to high-value or branded products to reduce import competition. Processors and traders should optimize procurement and processing through flexible pricing based on lagged international price changes to enhance supply chain resilience and profit margins. Policymakers should implement intelligent monitoring, foster public–private partnerships, and encourage international cooperation to stabilize domestic prices and enhance China’s global pricing influence. Industry associations must develop early warning systems, establish collective purchasing groups, and launch marketing campaigns to improve market responsiveness and overall value chain competitiveness. These measures will facilitate the stable development of the Penaeus vannamei industry, enhance its market competitiveness, and enable it to play a more proactive role in global pricing.

J. W. Johnson, M. G. Jacobson, S. M. Cole, et al., “An Assessment of Social and Ecological Factors Influencing the Management and Productivity of Smallholder Aquacultural Systems in Northern Province, Zambia,” Aquaculture Research 2025 (2025): 9635984, https://doi.org/10.1155/are/9635984.

In the article titled “An Assessment of Social and Ecological Factors Influencing the Management and Productivity of Smallholder Aquacultural Systems in Northern Province, Zambia,” there was an error in Table 2, where the term “Head Female” is mistakenly presented as “Head Family.” The corrected Table 2 is shown below:

We apologize for this error.

This study compared the nutritional and flavor qualities of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) from three germplasm sources: CJ-2 (Changjiang Number 2, a selectively bred variety), SX-P2017 (a new strain bred by Jiangsu Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute), and an unselected cultured group (CG). A total of 120 adults (20 females and 20 males per group) were analyzed for edible yield factors, proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, and flavor-related nucleotides. Results showed that CJ-2 had higher gonadosomatic index (GSI) and ovaries with the strongest umami (highest equivalent umami concentration [EUC]), while SX-P2017 exhibited superior n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profiles and the highest muscle protein levels. Both selectively bred groups (CJ-2 and SX-P2017) outperformed CG in umami-related compounds (AMP and IMP) and taste activity values (TAVs). These findings highlight that selective breeding effectively enhances the nutritional and flavor quality of E. sinensis, providing a strong basis for consumer-oriented germplasm improvement.

Feed additives are fundamental components of aquaculture, modulating growth performance, nutrient utilisation and physiological responses in cultured fish. Phytogenic compounds, particularly plant-derived essential oils (EOs), are increasingly explored for their functional benefits in fish. Although commonly used oils such as sunflower, cottonseed and corn oil have been widely studied, oregano EO (OEO) remains less investigated, despite evidence of its positive effects in zebrafish, Nile tilapia and rainbow trout. Its efficacy in hybrid red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) has not been documented. This study evaluated dietary OEO supplementation at 0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 g/kg feed on growth, survival, fish health and gut morphology in hybrid red tilapia fingerlings with a mean weight of 9.5 g. A completely randomised research design with three replicates of 15 fish per treatment was employed, and fish were fed to satiety twice daily for 13 weeks. The results indicate that fish-fed 1.2 g/kg OEO demonstrated significantly higher survival, weight gain (WG) and feed efficiency indices (feed conversion ratio [FCR] and protein efficiency ratio [PER]) compared to controls (p < 0.05). Haematological analysis revealed elevated haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC), alongside reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, indicating improved metabolic and liver function. Serum biochemical parameters, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), total protein and cholesterol, were markedly enhanced at 1.2 g/kg feed OEO inclusion. Organ indices (hepatosomatic index [HSI], viscerosomatic index [VSI], stomach index [SI] and gonadosomatic index [GSI]) were significantly elevated, while gut histomorphology showed longer, wider and more branched villi with increased goblet cell counts and intervilli spacing in the highest OEO treatment group (1.2 g/kg feed). The study concludes that dietary OEO at 1.2 g/kg significantly improved growth performance, feed utilisation, blood health and gut morphology in hybrid red tilapia. Its gonad-stimulating properties further highlight its potential application in broodstock diets to support sustainable fingerling production.

The astaxanthin-producing green microalga Nannochloropsis sp. has gained significant attention in aquaculture due to its exceptional content of proteins, lipids, and other bioactive compounds. However, the high cost of synthetic culture media limits its large-scale production. This study investigated the digested banana waste media (DBWM) as an alternative, sustainable, and cost-effective culture medium for Nannochloropsis sp. Various concentrations of DBWM (T₂: 10%, T₃: 30%, T₄: 50%, and T₅: 70%) were tested alongside the Bold Basal Medium (BBM) as a control (T₁). Nannochloropsis sp. grown in T₃ achieved the highest growth rate (94.57 × 10⁶ cells/mL) and biomass production (0.670 g/L). This treatment also enhanced pigment accumulation, with an astaxanthin yield of 49.5%. Although higher concentrations (T₄ and T₅) negatively impacted on the growth and pigment synthesis, 30% DBWM also boosted protein and lipid content. Additionally, DBWM-based cultures demonstrated superior efficiency in removing nitrate and phosphate. Cost analysis revealed that DBWM formulations reduced production expenses by up to 3.27 times compared to BBM. These findings demonstrated that DBWM is a cost-effective alternative for the cultivation of Nannochloropsis sp., mitigating the reliance on synthetic media and promoting waste valorization. This circular bioresource strategy offers a globally applicable framework for sustainable microalgal production, contributing to bioeconomic development and environmental sustainability.

Heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses a serious threat to both fish and human health. The research evaluated the levels of five major heavy metals, cadmium, lead, arsenic, copper, and mercury, and six physicochemical properties, including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity, salinity, and total dissolved solids (TDSs), in the Barekese Reservoir and its tributaries in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The study hypothesizes that heavy metal contamination in the Barekese Reservoir and its tributaries varies seasonally and spatially, with some levels exceeding international safety standards. Sampling was conducted over 2 months, representing both wet and dry seasons, using a spatially stratified method. Water and sediment were sampled from three designated zones spanning the reservoir and its connecting tributaries, while fish samples (Coptodon zillii and Sarotherodon galilaeus) were obtained from local fishermen. All samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Sediment contamination was evaluated using the geo-accumulation index (I-geo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in treated water (TW) and in samples from the reservoir and its tributaries were higher than the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended limits for drinking water, while copper levels remained below permissible limits. In sediments, cadmium and copper concentrations surpassed the USEPA guideline values, whereas lead, arsenic, and mercury levels remained within safe limits. Physicochemical parameters across all sampling points were within WHO acceptable ranges. The I-geo indicated moderate cadmium pollution (1 < I-geo ≤ 2) at the Dam site, Subinso, and tributary sampling points. High CF values were recorded for cadmium, arsenic, and mercury in sediments from the reservoir and tributaries. Arsenic concentrations in fish tissues ranged between 0.03 ± 0.02 and 0.36 ± 0.12 mg kg⁻¹, while mercury levels varied from 2.79 ± 0.37 to 5.50 ± 0.04 mg kg⁻¹, both of which were significantly above the WHO’s recommended limits of 0.01 mg kg⁻¹ for arsenic and 0.004 mg kg⁻¹ for mercury. The findings highlight potential public health risks, recommending awareness creation about consuming contaminated fish and untreated water, and promoting sustainable land use practices in the reservoir’s catchment to mitigate heavy metal pollution.

Shrimp aquaculture, particularly the farming of Pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei), is a rapidly growing industry in Bangladesh, offering significant economic benefits. However, disease outbreaks remain a critical challenge to sustainable production, emphasizing the need for an in-depth understanding of microbial dynamics within aquaculture ecosystems. This study investigated the microbial diversity and functionality of gills and intestines of whiteleg shrimp along with water and sediment of the culture pond, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Quality control analysis returned 2,037,500 sequences which comprised a total of 5831 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Rarefaction curves confirmed adequate sampling, revealing the highest microbial diversity in pond sediment and the lowest in the intestine of whiteleg shrimp. Venn diagram revealed 16 common ASVs among all samples, with pond sediment with 4181 unique ASVs which was the highest among the samples. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were dominant across samples, while genus level analysis highlighted Listeria, Rheinheimera, and Flavobacterium. Interestingly, shrimp intestine and gill samples were dominated by the genus Listeria while in water and sediment samples no single microbial species was dominated. Alpha diversity indices indicated the highest bacterial diversity in pond sediment, followed by pond water, intestine, and gill. This study reveals that shrimp intestines, gills, pond water, and sediment harbor distinct microbial communities with minimal overlap, shaped by strong habitat specific selection. While environmental microbiota support nutrient cycling and water quality, shrimp associated microbiota are specialized for digestion and immune functions as predicted by PICRUSt. The presence of Listeria is a public health concern which urge the implication of biosafety in whiteleg shrimp aquaculture in Bangladesh. This study provides new biological insights into microbial dynamics in L. vannamei farming, highlighting how distinct microbial niches within the aquaculture system contribute to shrimp health and ecosystem stability.

As ammonia nitrogen pollution poses a critical threat to aquaculture sustainability and juvenile cichlid health remains poorly understood, this study investigated the physiological and microbiological responses of juvenile cichlid Pseudotropheus zebra (7.9 ± 0.5 g) to acute ammonia stress. The total ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 0 (control group), 5, and 12.25 mg/L were setup. Then, samples were collected at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 96 h ammonia nitrogen stress. The results showed that the indexes such as respiratory enzyme activity, immune, and antioxidant related enzyme in ammonia nitrogen stress were significantly (p < 0.05) changed than that of control group. After 96 h of ammonia nitrogen stress, morphology and structure index of gills, liver, and intestines in ammonia nitrogen groups were remarkably (p < 0.05) changed with compared to control group. Exposure to higher concentrations of ammonia nitrogen results in more severe damage, including intestinal swelling and increased of muscle layer thickness. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences in intestinal microorganisms between ammonia nitrogen stress and control group. The results of α-diversity analysis revealed that ammonia nitrogen stress significantly altered the abundance and community structure of intestinal microorganisms. The abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Firmicutes, was reduced in ammonia nitrogen stress than that of control group. The activity of respiratory enzyme, immune, and antioxidant related enzyme were remarkably (p < 0.05) correlated with abundance changes of beneficial bacterial communities, including Acinetobacter, Blautia, and Lactobacillus. Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the interactions among nitrogen stress and intestinal microbiota and can guide practices for culture of juvenile cichlid Pseudotropheus zebra.

Slow growth, adiposity, and early maturation are frequently observed in postsmolt Atlantic salmon reared in land-based facilities. High-energy commercial feeds, traditionally designed to accelerate growth, may contribute to these issues by promoting excess fat deposition, which can lead to reduced feed intake, poor growth after seawater transfer, and enable maturation initiation by the increased available energy. In this experiment, smoltified Atlantic salmon weighing approximately 100 g were reared in triplicate tanks in a flow-through system with brackish water for 18 weeks, growing to ~1000 g. Two diet series with different protein-to-lipid (P/L) ratios were tested: the low-fat (LF) group received a 4 mm pellet (P/L = 50.8/19.5%) for 18 weeks, while the control (CTRL) group received a diet with increasing lipid content and pellet size, starting with a 4 mm pellet (P/L = 46.5/24.7%) for 14 weeks, followed by a 6 mm pellet (P/L = 46.5/28.9%) from weeks 15 to 18. Afterwards, 100 fish from each replicate were pooled into a seawater tank for 11 weeks, where they were fed the same diet (P/L = 44.9/30.2%) using a 9 mm pellet until ~2400 g. During the initial 18 weeks, the LF diet significantly influenced body composition, reduced adiposity, and feed utilization, with the CTRL group showing improved feed utilization and growth after switching to the 6 mm pellet. After seawater exposure, short-term growth compensation was observed in the LF group, leading to equal body weight, condition factor (CF), and slaughter quality between the groups by the end of the experiment. Both groups exhibited low maturation rates; however, LF diet during the initial phase seemed to reduce the advancement of gonadal development transcriptome analysis of visceral fat revealed that high dietary lipid intake and/or increased visceral fat content enhanced tissue growth and differentiation pathways, promoted adipogenesis, and activated immune functions—particularly those associated with adaptive immunity.