Search

Pimelodidae is a family of large‐sized catfishes consisting of 116 valid species divided into 30 genera distributed in the Neotropical region. Despite recent advancements in understanding the pimelodid phylogeny, several internal relationships have remained unclear and have received limited support from various phylogenetic analyses. We provide a new genomic dataset comprising 55 species representing 25 genera of Pimelodidae and related siluriform families Aspredinidae, Auchenipteridae, Cetopsidae, Doradidae, Diplomystidae, Heptapteridae, Loricariidae, and Pseudopimelodidae. Our phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of Pimelodidae, as well as the existence of four major lineages: the Steindachneridion clade, the Leiarius + Phractocephalus clade, and two major subclades herein classified as Sorubiminae and Pimelodinae. Our topology resolves Phractocephalus sister to Leiarius differing from previous phylogenies. In Sorubiminae, Zungaro is sister to two large clades: one with Sorubim, Sorubimichthys, and Pseudoplatystoma, and the other with Hemisorubim, Platysilurus, Platystomatichthys, Brachyplatystoma, and Hypophthalmus. In Pimelodinae, we found the Pimelodus ornatus clade, the calophysines, and the clade with Exallodontus, Propimelodus, and Pimelodus altissimus closer to the Pimelodus group. Parapimelodus, Duopalatinus, Iheringichthys, and Bergiaria are included within the Pimelodus group. The Pimelodus group contains four main components: (1) Duopalatinus peruanus, (2) the trans‐Andean Pimelodus grosskopfii; (3) Pimelodus maculatus clade with species from the Brazilian Shield in southeastern Brazil; and (4) Pimelodus blochii clade composed by species from the Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná‐Paraguay, Parnaíba, São Francisco and coastal drainages of the Guiana Shield. The P. maculatus clade is composed by phenotypically diverse species, and the P. blochii clade houses species morphologically similar that appear nested within the widely distributed P. blochii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As nutrient-rich water in aquaponic systems cannot supply growing plants with all the required trace elements, supplementation with specific fertilizers is performed to make up for this deficit. While chelated fertilizers such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-zinc disodium complex (Zn-EDTA) are becoming more popular in this context for improving plant growth in aquaponic systems, little is known about their effects on fish. During two experiments, a total of 576 individuals of catfish fry (0.19 g) and fingerlings (220.01 g) of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus; Burchell, 1822) were kept separately for 32 days under experimental aquarium conditions. The fry was exposed to 0.125 and 0.5 mg/L, while the fingerlings were exposed to 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L Zn-EDTA in a plantless aquaponic system. The third treatment group consisted of a control group without Zn-EDTA. The growth, mortality, and ethological indicators were assessed for all growth stages, while the leukocyte distribution and histopathological changes were additionally determined for the fingerlings. As the feed intake in the experiment was limited, the investigations were focused on the effects of Zn-EDTA and not on the growth process of a respective fish growth stage. While the growth, mortality, and behavior were not significantly different in both growing stages, the number of mature neutrophils changed significantly in all treatments in fingerlings. Zn was not detected in the histologically investigated organs at the tested concentrations using the staining method. However, morphological alterations of the gill epithelium were found on the secondary lamellae. Quantitative multiplex PCR was used to simultaneously evaluate the expression of 17 genes related to Zn metabolism and stress physiology in head kidney samples. The transcripts of several selected genes changed by up to 70-fold. Due to high individual variances, only the copy numbers of the KMT2A (lysinespecific methyltransferase 2a) gene were significantly different across treatment groups and sampling points. However, the present results indicate that the addition of Zn-EDTA at the tested concentrations can be considered relatively benign for the health and welfare of C. gariepinus, as no toxic effects of Zn-EDTAwere observed in moderately hard to hard water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) is a species of Loricariidae armored catfish that breathes air using its highly vascularized stomach when faced with hypoxic aquatic environments. The main goals of this study were to determine the developmental onset of air breathing and air-breathing behavior in A. cirrhosus from juveniles to adults. Developing juveniles reach functional maturity within 4 to 6 months of hatching, growing to an adult length of 8 to 10 cm. To examine the timing of the developmental onset of air breathing, we tested for air-breathing behavior in juveniles beginning at 1 cm in length up through adults at 8 cm in length by exposing each fish to an acute gradual decrease in aquatic oxygen content from 100% air saturation down to 8% air saturation over a 50-min period. Juvenile fish first began to breathe air at body lengths between 2.1 and 3 cm and masses of 1.1 and 2 g. Fish with body lengths above 3 cm all breathed air when hypoxia challenged. In fish that breathed air, there was a weak negative correlation between fish length and % air saturation at which air breathing began. Fish were also exposed to an acute bout of 15% air saturation for 60 min, and breathing behavior was observed. Fish exposed to 60 min acute 15% air saturation exhibited a negative correlation between the frequency of air breathing and fish length. The developing A. cirrhosus can take advantage of the aerial environment once they reach 3 cm in length and 2 g when exposed to aquatic hypoxia. Prior to this size, these animals would potentially succumb to severe aquatic hypoxia without the ability to breathe air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish gut is a versatile organ serving as the primary pathway for invasion by pathogens, particularly parasites, playing a crucial role in modulating the intestinal adaptive immune response. This study aimed to investigate the cellular-mediated reaction, mucosal acidity, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD68 in the intestines of catfish, Clarias gariepinus, naturally infected with helminths. Forty catfish were collected from the Nile River and examined for intestinal parasites. The intestinal tissues of the control and infected fish were fixed for histochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Two groups of helminths were found: cestodes Tetracampos ciliotheca and Polyonchobothrium clarias, and nematodes Paracamallanus cyathopharynx, with a prevalence rate of 63.63%, 18.0%, and 18.0%, respectively. Our results showed that the infected fish had a statistically significant rise in the activity of immune cells, including mast cells, eosinophil granular cells, and dendritic cells. This correlated with upregulation in the expressions of PCNA, VEGF, and CD68. Histochemical analyses demonstrated a marked increase in acidic mucus production, Sudan black B, and bromophenol mercury blue. This study enriches our understanding of the evolution of vertebrate immunity in combating intestinal parasitic infections and the host's adaptive responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-sized Zn particles are recognized for its ability to elevate fish health and well-being, enhancing antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities and reinforcing the immune system. In the present study we explored the effects of Zn-NPs supplementation on augmenting the growth performance and nutritional indicators and physiological aspects of the catfish, Clarias batrachus. Zn-NPs were prepared by heating the mixture of [Zn(CH3COO)2.2H2O], ethylene glycol and polymer surfactant (PVP) at 70°C for 45  min using an oil bath heater. The resultant solution was centrifuged at 6000  rpm on a heated plate at 70°C until the precipitation of Zn-NPs was achieved. Crystal structure, growth mechanisms and shapes of Zn-NPs were characterized by the atomic force microscopy. Produced Zn-NPs was characterized by spectrophotometer and the zeta potential and mean size was recorded as −32.5  ±  1.0  mV and 14.7  ±  2.5  nm, respectively. The experiment comprised six distinct test diets, categorized by the incorporation of Zn-NPs at levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50  mg/kg into the feed where the initial diet was employed as a control group, devoid of any Zn-NPs supplementation. Three glass aquariums were employed for each diet. In each aquarium, 12 fish with an initial mean weight of 5.23  ±  0.06  g were stocked. The fish underwent experimental feeding for 60  days, with the feed amount set at 3% of their body weight. After the experimental period, growth performance (weight gain, length gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, thermal growth co-efficient, condition factor and survival rate), nutritional indices (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, annual net protein utilization), proximate composition of muscle (protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash and moisture), hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, total protein, albumin and globulin), serum lipid and enzymatic parameters (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, ALP, AST, ALT, amylase, lipase and protease), and bioaccumulation of Zn in different organs of fish were estimated following standard methods. Growth analysis revealed that C. batrachus fed with Zn-NPs at 40  mg/kg of feed had significantly (p  <  0.05) improved growth performance (WG  =  18.87  ±  0.91  g, SGR  =  2.52  ±  0.06% g/day, TGC  =  1.09  ±  0.05 and CF  =  1.47  ±  0.12), nutritional indices (FCR  =  1.35  ±  0.06, PER  =  2.24  ±  0.10 and ANPU  =  41.46  ±  2.56%), hematological parameters, and enzymatic activity compared to control and other groups. The optimal dietary supplementation of Zn-NPs for final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of C. batrachus was estimated to be ranged between 30.4 and 30.5  mg/kg per diet, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Doradidae fishes constitute one of the most diverse groups of Neotropical freshwater environments. Acanthodoradinae is the oldest lineage and the sister group to all other thorny catfishes, and it includes only the genus Acanthodoras. The diversity of Acanthodoras remains underestimated, and the use of complementary approaches, including genetic studies, is an important step to better characterize this diversity and the relationships among the species within the genus. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using conventional cytogenetic techniques and physical mapping of three multigene families (18S and 5S ribosomal DNA [rDNA], U2 small nuclear DNA [snDNA]) and four microsatellite motifs, namely (AC)n, (AT)n, (GA)n, and (GATA)n, in two sympatric species from the Negro River: Acanthodoras cataphractus and Acanthodoras cf. polygrammus. We found significant differences in constitutive heterochromatin (CH) content, distribution of the microsatellite (AT)n, and the number of 5S rDNA and U2 snDNA sites. These differences may result from chromosome rearrangements and repetitive DNA dispersal mechanisms. Furthermore, the characterization of the diploid number (2n) of these Acanthodoras species enables us to propose 2n = 58 chromosomes as the plesiomorphic 2n state in Doradidae based on ancestral state reconstruction. Acanthodoradinae is the oldest lineage of the thorny catfishes, and knowledge about its cytogenetic patterns is crucial for disentangling the karyotype evolution of the whole group. Thus, this study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms behind chromosome diversification of Doradidae and highlights the importance of Acanthodoradinae in the evolutionary history of thorny catfishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetics and residue depletion of doxycycline (DOX) in striped catfish (Pagasianodon hypophthalmus) after oral dosage were investigated. The pharmacokinetic experiment was conducted in an aquarium, while the experiment of residue depletion was performed in both an aquarium and earth ponds. Medicated feed was administered orally using the gavage method at a dosage of 20 mg/kg body weight. Blood, liver, and kidney from medicated fish samples were collected. In the depletion experiments, fish were fed medicated feed for five consecutive days at a dosage of 20 mg/kg body weight, with samples collected during and after medication. The concentrations of DOX were quantified using an LC–MS/MS system. The pharmacokinetics parameters of DOX in striped catfish included the absorption rate constant (ka), absorption half‐life (T1/2abs), maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximal plasma concentration (Tmax), and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to 96 h (AUC0–96 h) which were 0.12 h−1, 5.68 h, 1123.45 ng/mL, 8.19 h, and 25,018 ng/mL/h, respectively. Residue depletion results indicated that the withdrawal times of DOX in muscle (with skin) from fish kept in the aquarium were slightly longer than that in fish raised in earth ponds, corresponding to 194 degree‐days compared with 150 degree‐days. In conclusion, administration of DOX at the dosage of 20 mg/kg body weight can be used for treatment of bacterial infections in striped catfish, and a withdrawal time of 5 days at 29.4°C will ensure consumer food safety due to the rapid depletion of DOX from muscle and skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of diseases, the U.S. catfish industry is under challenge. Current trends prefer autochthonous bacteria as potential probiotic candidates owing to their adaptability and capacity to effectively colonize the host's intestine, which can enhance production performance and bolster disease resistance. The objective of this study was to isolate an autochthonous bacterium as probiotic for hybrid catfish. Initially, an analysis of the intestinal microbiota of hybrid catfish reared in earthen ponds was conducted for subsequent probiotic development. Twenty lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the digesta of overperforming catfish, and most of the candidates demonstrated probiotic traits, including proteolytic and lipolytic abilities; antagonistic inhibition of catfish enteric bacterial pathogens, negative haemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility. Subsequent to this screening process, an isolate of Lactococcus lactis (MA5) was deemed the most promising probiotic candidate. In silico analyses were conducted, and several potential probiotic functions were predicted, including essential amino acids and vitamin synthesis. Moreover, genes for three bacteriocins, lactococcin A, enterolysin A and sactipeptide BmbF, were identified. Lastly, various protectant media for lyophilization of MA5 were assessed. These findings suggest that Lactococcus lactis MA5 can be an autochthonous probiotic from hybrid catfish, holding promise to be further tested in feeding trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of reproductive biology is extremely crucial in fishery. Pachypterus atherinoides (Bloch, 1794) is a good food as well as an ornamental catfish in the World. The present study aims to examine the seasonal reproductive behavior of P. atherinoides regarding both its lentic and lotic ecosystems. The study was conducted over two years in selected lentic and lotic aquatic ecosystems of the Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur districts of West Bengal, India using the seasonally observed gonadosomatic index (GSI), fecundity, and gonad maturation stages for both habitats in the study area. The study reveals P. atherinoides to show single annual spawning between June-September. No significant difference was found regarding breeding period in terms of lentic and lotic aquatic ecosystems. This study can help aquaculturists regarding the culture, captive breeding, and conservation of P. atherinoides, as well as researchers regarding the biometric study of another fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the catfish genus Rineloricaria are common in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, in southeastern Brazil; here we present a revision of the taxonomic diversity and geographic distribution of the species of the genus inhabiting the basin, based on novel morphologic and molecular data. Five species delimitation methods based on cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 nucleotide sequences yielded comparable molecular operational taxonomic units. The automatic barcode gap discovery, assemble species by automatic partitioning, barcode index number, and Bayesian implementation of the Poisson tree process methods supported the recognition of five evolutionary lineages. These taxonomic units were assigned to the previously described Rineloricaria nigricauda, Rineloricaria steindachneri, Rineloricaria zawadzkii, and Rineloricaria nudipectoris, and an additional undescribed species. R. zawadzkii was further divided into two intraspecific geographically structured lineages using the generalized mixed Yule coalescent delimitation method. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five lineages from the Paraíba do Sul have closer relationships to different species from southern and southeastern Brazil (Ribeira de Iguape, Lagoa dos Patos, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Parana river basins) than to each other. Based on the analysis of lectotypes, recently collected material, and specimens from ichthyological collections, the poorly described R. nigricauda and R. steindachneri are redescribed following current descriptive standards. The undescribed species from the middle and upper Paraíba do Sul River basin is formally described. The description of a new species, along with the description of species boundaries in R. nigricauda and R. steindachneri, contributes to the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of the Paraíba do Sul River basin and adjacent coastal drainages of southeastern Brazil. An identification key for the species of Rineloricaria occurring in the Paraíba do Sul River basin is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent study based on the generalized mixed Yule coalescent method for delimiting species, a threshold of 2% genetic distance using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences was used to delimit the species of Microglanis. That action resulted in assembling several populations of Microglanis from Atlantic coastal rivers between Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo states as a single species, Microglanis cottoides, including Microglanis cibelae as a junior synonym. We reexamined these populations and found three species diagnosed by their morphology and that constitute separate mtDNA lineages, including a new species. The synonym of M. cibelae and M. cottoides is reviewed and refuted based on morphological and molecular evidence. M. cibelae and the new species are sympatric and occasionally syntopic in the Tramandaí, Mampituba, and Araranguá river basins. The new species is distinguished from M. cibelae and M. cottoides by the anterior margin of the posttemporosupracleitrum narrow articulated with the epioccipital, the short mental and maxillary barbels, and depressed head and body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moina sp. recently has attracted the interest of hatchery operators because it is a renewable resource and has a low production cost. The effect of live and frozen forms of Moina in replacing Artemia during the larval rearing of river catfish, Pangasius nasutus, Bleeker, 1863, was investigated for 21 days. The eight-day-old posthatchling larvae were fed with live Moina (LM), frozen Moina (FM), and live Artemia (LA), of which LA served as control. The feeding trials were done in triplicate. There was no significant difference in the final mean weight and specific growth rate between all treatments. However, the larvae exhibited significantly (P <.05) higher survival when fed with LM (27.2 ± 1.1%) against LA (15.9 ± 3.9%) and FM (1.1 ± 0.7%). As a conclusion, live Moina could be used to replace Artemia in the larval rearing of P. nasutus based on comparable growth performance and improved survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astronomical discharge of facial cosmetic products into the aquatic environments exposes aquatic organisms to these pollutants. Eight facial cosmetic products such as Milani Powder, Ponds Primer, Zikel Powder, Zaron concealer, Glam gal's foundation, Maybelline foundation, L.A Girl concealer and Milk of Magnesia were evaluated for relative acute toxicity (single and joint action) against Clarias gariepinus in static laboratory bioassays. Single action toxicity data were statistically analysed based on Probit, while the Synergistic Ratio and Concentration - Addition analysed joint action. Results of acute toxicity (single action) based on 96hrLC50 values showed that Milani Powder (184.14 mg/l) was the most toxic, followed by Ponds Primer (230.95 mg/l), Zikel powder (233.58 mg/l), Aaron concealer (384.47 mg/l), Glam Gals' foundation (421.83 mg/l), Maybelline foundation (565.32 mg/l), L, A Girl concealer (587.75 mg/l) and Milk of Magnesia (2218 mg/l) in descending order of toxicity. Joint action toxicity evaluation of the binary, trinary and quaternary mixtures subjected to the Synergistic Ratio and Concentration showed that binary mixtures tended towards synergism and antagonism in varied ratios and combinations. The ratio of toxicity units for all mixtures interaction tended to synergism and could be dangerous to the biota. Therefore, strict regulation standards should be enforced to protect the environment and make eco-friendly alternative ingredients that can be incorporated into these products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium is the mineral most needed by the body. One of the diseases caused by calcium deficiency is osteoporosis, which is a degenerative condition caused by a diet low in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. The sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) bones has been proved to contain a lot of minerals and phosphorus. The population of the sailfin catfish in Tempe Lake, Wajo Regency, has increased rapidly in recent years. The sailfin catfish bones can be processed into crackers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the quality characteristics of crackers fortified with the sailfin catfish bone meal (Pterygoplichthys pardalis). The acceptability of crackers was tested hedonically by 100 panelists to determine the best variation in the addition of the sailfin catfish bone meal. The chemical analysis included the moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, calcium, and phosphorus content of crackers from the best treatment. Hedonic test results showed that the addition of 20% of the sailfin catfish bone meal produced the best crackers. Chemical analysis showed a significant increase in ash content to 11.65% compared to the control of 3.25%. Protein and fat levels also increased to 11.44 and 15.63%, respectively, from the control of 11.21 and 13.55%. Calcium and phosphorus levels also increased significantly in the best crackers, to 4.37 and 2.64% compared to the control of 0.10 and 0.70%, respectively. These findings indicate that the crackers have the potential to be used as a food additive to address calcium and phosphorus deficiencies in growing children and the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mekong giant catfish Pangasianodon gigas is endemic to the Mekong River and is one of the largest freshwater fish. This critically endangered species is a popular food for local people and a commercially essential fishery resource. Ecological knowledge of this catfish is required to conserve it. However, its ecology has not yet been well studied. We monitored the food intake of the Mekong giant catfish in a stable aquarium for over 13 years. We analyzed their feeding rhythms and fasting periods. The feeding rhythm (circannual rhythm) of the Mekong giant catfish over 13 years and its temporal variations were revealed. Four of the six catfish showed feeding cycles that extended more than one year (395.7 days). Five of the six catfish showed prolonged fasting periods over 30 consecutive days. These patterns coincide with the wet/dry seasons in Thailand, corresponding to the abundance of catfish food resources (Cladophora spp.). Furthermore, it is suggested that the Mekong catfish has acquired the physiological ability to tolerate a fasting state for about 1 year, possibly because this species may have survived many critical situations in the Mekong River in the past, such as food insufficiency. At the same time, however, this also indicates that the fish is highly dependent on Cladophora spp. as a food item and may not be able to substitute other food items. From these, reductions in food items or feeding habitats for catfish after damming in many places of the Mekong River basin may decrease the population size of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Over the past decade, catfish farming has increased in Southeast Asia. However, there has been no existing for pharmacokinetic data in the hybrid catfish ( Clarias macrocephalus x C. gariepinus). Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of oxytetracycline (OTC) in the hybrid catfish, following single intravascular (IV) or oral (PO) administration at a single dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW). Methods: In total, 140 catfish (each about 100-120 g BW) were divided into two groups (n = 70). Blood samples (0.6-0.8 mL) were collected from ventral caudal vein at pre-assigned times up to 144 h (sparse samples design). OTC plasma concentrations were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector. Results: The pharmacokinetic parameter of OTC was evaluated using a non-compartment model. OTC plasma concentrations were detectable for up to 144 and 120 h after IV and PO, respectively. The elimination half-life value of OTC was long with slow clearance after IV administration in hybrid catfish. The average maximum concentration value of OTC was 2.72 µg/mL with a time at the maximum concentration of 8 h. The absolute PO bioavailability was low (2.47%). Conclusions and Relevance: These results showed that PO administration of OTC at a dosage of 50 mg/kg BW was unlikely to be effective for clinical use in catfish. The pharmacodynamic properties and clinical efficacy of OTC after multiple medicated feed are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the economic costs and impacts of off‐flavor on U.S. catfish farms. Methods: A survey was conducted to quantify the costs and economic methods using enterprise budget techniques to enumerate the costs of off‐flavor on catfish farms. Result: Diuron was the most popular‐choice algicide for off‐flavor management. Direct annual costs associated with off‐flavor management on catfish farms amounted to US$40 million/year. Total industry economic losses due to off‐flavor was estimated at $73.9 million in 2022. Conclusion: The study confirms the continued significance of off‐flavor in U.S. catfish farming and quantifies the associated economic effects. Impact statementEvaluating the economic cost associated with off‐flavor management practices provides insights into the economic significance of this persistent problem on U.S. catfish farms. This study found that the annual cost of off‐flavor amounts to $2325/ha and $0.272/kg, accounting for 10% of the total cost of production. The direct economic loss to the industry amounted to $40 million annually, with a total negative economic impact of $74 million in 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edwardsiellosis of catfish caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri and Edwardsiella piscicida remains one of the most significant diseases in U.S. catfish aquaculture. Economic losses related to this disease are currently unknown. This work sheds light on the losses associated with E. ictaluri and E. piscicida in catfish aquaculture. The robust economic approach employed is grounded in farm-level production data and long-term disease trends in the industry. Direct farm-level economic losses from Edwardsiellosis ranged from −$3,485 to −$13,320/ha causing industrywide economic losses of −$5.2 to −$17.6 million/year. The lost revenue due to Edwardsiellosis ranged from −$8.4 to −$24.8 million/year causing a negative economic impact of −$15.5 to −$45.9 million/year. The economic losses and negative impacts of Edwardsiellosis are relatively greater on the foodfish sector compared to the fingerling sector. This work provides a platform for a more accurate estimation of the true economic impacts of diseases for aquaculture sectors for which commercial farm data is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African catfish is a popular freshwater aquaculture species as it can be farmed at high stocking density. However, high stocking density caused growth and health impairment. Hence, nutritional approach such as feed additive can be applied in fish farming to overcome this issue. This study evaluated the impacts of ginger (Zingiber officinale) leaf powder (GLP) on growth performance, digestive enzymes activities, antioxidative response, and disease resistance towards Edwardsiella tarda infection in African catfish. A feeding trial was performed using a control diet and four formulated diets with GLP at 1, 2, 3, and 4%. Ginger is an herb used in cuisine and traditional medicine. It was reported possesses medicinal values such as antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and immune system modulator. After eight weeks, the growth performance of GLP-treated African catfish was significantly improved than control, and the best results were observed in the 2 and 3% groups (p<0.05). Meanwhile, fish supplemented with 1 and 4% GLP demonstrated comparable growth performance. There was a significant decreasing trend in FCR, HSI, and VI, where the lowest values were recorded by the 2 and 3% GLP diet groups, followed by 1% GLP, 4% GLP, and control groups (p<0.05). The digestive enzymes activity, including amylase, lipase, and protease, was significantly higher in dietary GLP groups than in control, where the highest activity was exhibited by groups 2 and 3% GLP (p<0.05), followed by 1% and 4% GLP groups. There was an increasing trend in the antioxidative response, where the GLP-treated groups had significantly higher catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities than the control, and the highest was observed in fish fed with 2 and 3% GLP (p<0.05). Furthermore, the GLP-treated groups had a significantly higher cumulative survival rate than the control, where 2 and 3% GLP groups demonstrated the highest survival (p<0.05), followed by 1 and 4% GLP groups. In summary, this study revealed that dietary GLP potentially enhanced African catfish production at recommended doses of 2 and 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Indonesian Fisheries Processing Journal / Jurnal Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan Indonesia is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research aims to determine the optimal dose of boiled mackerel tuna mixture on HI-PRO VITE 781 feed on gonadal maturity index and feed conversion ratio of transgenic mutiara catfish G4 in indoor hatchery maintenance at optimal temperature. This research was conducted at the Hatchery of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran. The method used was an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) method with four treatments, namely the difference in the dose of boiled mackerel tuna administration in comercial feed and three replications. The treatment in this study was the administration of boiled mackerel tuna doses of 3.5%, 2.5%, 1.5% in mixed feeds to G4 transgenic mutiara catfish and tested on non-transgenic mutiara catfish with a percentage of 3.5% female weight biomass and then added an 30 g HI-PRO-VITE 781 with two times feeding frequency. The research parameters included gonad maturity index and feed conversion ratio. The results showed that feeding a mixture of boiled mackerel tuna and HI-PRO-VITE 781 had a significant effect on the gonadal maturity index and feed conversion ratio. Feeding boiled mackerel tuna at 1.5% was the best treatment with a gonadal maturity index of 47.16% for females and 4.98% for males and a feed conversion value of 1.19 for 56 days of rearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Silurus, an important group of catfish, exhibits heterogeneous distribution in Eurasian freshwater systems. This group includes economically important and endangered species, thereby attracting considerable scientific interest. Despite this interest, the lack of a comprehensive phylogenetic framework impedes our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the extensive diversity found within this genus. Herein, we analyzed 89 newly sequenced and 20 previously published mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from 13 morphological species to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships, biogeographic history, and species diversity of Silurus. Our phylogenetic reconstructions identified eight clades, supported by both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference. Sequence-based species delimitation analyses yielded multiple molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) in several taxa, including the Silurus asotus complex (four MOTUs) and Silurus microdorsalis (two MOTUs), suggesting that species diversity is underestimated in the genus. A reconstructed time-calibrated tree of Silurus species provided an age estimate of the most recent common ancestor of approximately 37.61 million years ago (Ma), with divergences among clades within the genus occurring between 11.56 Ma and 29.44 Ma, and divergences among MOTUs within species occurring between 3.71 Ma and 11.56 Ma. Biogeographic reconstructions suggested that the ancestral area for the genus likely encompassed China and the Korean Peninsula, with multiple inferred dispersal events to Europe and Central and Western Asia between 21.78 Ma and 26.67 Ma and to Japan between 2.51 Ma and 18.42 Ma. Key factors such as the Eocene-Oligocene extinction event, onset and intensification of the monsoon system, and glacial cycles associated with sea-level fluctuations have likely played significant roles in shaping the evolutionary history of the genus Silurus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of length-weight relationship and condition factor was carried out on of freshwater catfish, Clupisoma garua. Altogether 280 samples were collected from three different rivers of North India (Gomti, Ganga and Rapti). The value of b ranges from 2.571-2.720 for the length-weight relationship in the current study. The growth pattern showed significant deviation from isometric value (b=3), therefore all the three populations are supposed to follow negative allometric growth pattern. The coefficient of determination (r2) was found to be in the range of 0.8059-0.8587. The value of condition factor in the present study was found to be more than '1' in all the three populations of the fish which indicated the good health conditions. The present study is considered to be important for assessment of the biology of the fish that could help in conservation and management of C. garua in the North Indian Rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A potamodromous species found in both fresh and brackish water, Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) is also known as "garuabachcha". It belongs to the order Siluriformes and the family Schilbeidae. The species mostly inhabits Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal and is predominantly found in expansive freshwater reservoirs. The species are classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, although they are classified as Vulnerable (Vu) according to the CAMP and CAFF studies. The species is an omnivorous carnivore that consumes insects, molluscs, crustaceans and small fish in its natural habitat. This species possesses both utilitarian and aesthetic qualities and individuals of moderate size are also regarded as sport fish in India. The species is reported to have a broad distribution; however, it is at risk in certain areas, such as southern West Bengal, due to excessive fishing and human activity. This review aims to provide comprehensive information on the species 'garuabachcha', including its characteristics, significance and recommended conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the course of an approximately 11-month period, an outdoor, freshwater, mixed species, recirculating, display system at a public aquarium experienced intermittent mortalities of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and blue catfish (I. furcatus). Catfish acutely presented for abnormal buoyancy, coelomic distention, and protein-rich coelomic effusion. Gross lesions typically involved massive coelomic distension with protein-rich effusion, generalized edema, and gastric hemorrhage and edema. Microscopically, primary lesions included renal tubular necrosis, gastric edema with mucosal hemorrhages, and generalized edema. Aerobic culture and virus isolation could not recover a consistent infectious agent. Intracoelomic injection of coelomic effusion and aspirated retrobulbar fluid from a catfish into naïve zebrafish (bioassay) produced peracute mortality in 3 of 4 fish and nervous signs in the fourth compared with 2 saline-injected control zebrafish that had - no mortality or clinical signs. Kidney tissue and coelomic effusion were submitted for gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring against laboratory standards, which detected the presence of multiple pyrethroid toxins, including bioallethrin, bifenthrin, trans-permethrin, phenothrin, and deltamethrin. Detection of multiple pyrethroids presumably reflects multiple exposures with several products. As such, the contributions of each pyrethroid toward clinical presentation, lesion development, and disease pathogenesis cannot be determined, but they are suspected to have collectively resulted in disrupted osmoregulation and fluid overload due to renal injury. Pesticide-induced toxicoses involving aquarium fish are rarely reported with this being the first description of pyrethroid-induced lesions and mortality in public aquarium-held fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The baseball statistic "Wins Above Replacement" (WAR) has emerged as one of the most popular evaluation metrics. But it is not readily observed and tabulated; WAR is an estimate of a parameter in a vaguely defined model with all its attendant assumptions. Industry-standard models of WAR for starting pitchers from FanGraphs and Baseball Reference all assume that season-long averages are sufficient statistics for a pitcher's performance. This provides an invalid mathematical foundation for many reasons, especially because WAR should not be linear with respect to any counting statistic. To repair this defect, as well as many others, we devise a new measure, Grid WAR, which accurately estimates a starting pitcher's WAR on a per-game basis. The convexity of Grid WAR diminishes the impact of "blow-up" games and up-weights exceptional games, raising the valuation of pitchers like Sandy Koufax, Whitey Ford, and Catfish Hunter who exhibit fundamental game-by-game variance. Although Grid WAR is designed to accurately measure historical performance, it has predictive value insofar as a pitcher's Grid WAR is better than Fangraphs' FIP WAR at predicting future performance. Finally, at https://gridwar.xyz we host a Shiny app which displays the Grid WAR results of each MLB game since 1952, including career, season, and game level results, which updates automatically every morning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study tested the hypothesis that an increase in the ionic levels (Na+, Cl--, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and Fulton's condition factor (FCF) are associated with the reproduction period of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). So, we verified ionic levels of the fluid phase of the different portions of the GIT content, HSI, GSI, and FCF of silver catfish in different seasons in a dam in southern Brazil. The highest Na+ and Cl-- levels in GIT were found in spring. The stomach's Na+ and Cl-- values were lower than the other segments. The K+ and Ca2+ levels in GIT were higher in winter, except in the stomach, where the values increased in summer. The highest K+ levels were reported in the anterior intestine. The highest Ca2+ levels in winter and spring were reported in the anterior and mid-intestines. In summer, the Mg2+ levels in the intestine were lower. The values of GSI and FCF were higher in winter and spring, and those of HSI were higher in winter. In conclusion, ions in the GIT and HSI, GSI, and FCF were higher in the reproduction period (winter for spring). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of the blood-feeding candiru catfish genus Paravandellia is poorly resolved, incomplete, and hindered by a complex nomenclatural history, with many species being arbitrarily synonymized, considerable morphological and geographic variation being unevaluated, and morphological boundaries between the genus and its sister, Paracanthopoma, differing among authors. Herein, we describe three new species of Paravandellia based on photomicroscopy, cleared and stained specimens, and µCT imagery. We also reevaluate diagnostic character states for Paravandellia and Paracanthopoma, propose a new character to diagnose Paravandellia, and present our discovery of a possible type specimen of Parabranchioica teaguei and additional non-type specimens of Branchioica bertoni, junior synonyms of Parav. oxyptera. Based on these observations, we confirm Parav. alleynei and a recent newly described species of Paracanthopoma as members of a rediagnosed, putatively monophyletic Paravandellia, increasing its richness from two to seven species. We also discuss interrelationships of Paravandellia species based on the characters described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterns of genetic variation reflect interactions among microevolutionary forces that vary in strength with changing demography. Here, patterns of variation within and among samples of the mouthbrooding gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus, Family Ariidae) captured in the U.S. Atlantic and throughout the Gulf of Mexico were analyzed using genomics to generate neutral and non‐neutral SNP data sets. Because genomic resources are lacking for ariids, linkage disequilibrium network analysis was used to examine patterns of putatively adaptive variation. Finally, historical demographic parameters were estimated from site frequency spectra. The results show four differentiated groups, corresponding to the (1) U.S. Atlantic, and the (2) northeastern, (3) northwestern, and (4) southern Gulf of Mexico. The non‐neutral data presented two contrasting signals of structure, one due to increases in diversity moving west to east and north to south, and another to increased heterozygosity in the Atlantic. Demographic analysis suggested that recently reduced long‐term effective population size in the Atlantic is likely an important driver of patterns of genetic variation and is consistent with a known reduction in population size potentially due to an epizootic. Overall, patterns of genetic variation resemble that of other fishes that use the same estuarine habitats as nurseries, regardless of the presence/absence of a larval phase, supporting the idea that adult/juvenile behavior and habitat are important predictors of contemporary patterns of genetic structure. Gafftopsail catfish show high levels of genetic structuring across their distribution in the U.S., Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Non‐neutral data present two contrasting signals of structure and historical demography is likely an important driver of patterns of neutral and non‐neutral genetic variation. Results of this study are similar to what is seen in other fishes that use the same estuarine habitats as nurseries, but gafftopsail catfish lack a larval phase, supporting the idea that adult/juvenile behavior and habitat use are important predictors of contemporary patterns of genetic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xenogenesis has been recognized as a prospective method for producing channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus ♀ × blue catfish, I. furcatus ♂ hybrids. The xenogenesis procedure can be achieved by transplanting undifferentiated stem cells derived from a donor fish into a sterile recipient. Xenogenesis for hybrid catfish embryo production has been accomplished using triploid channel catfish as a surrogate. However, having a surrogate species with a shorter maturation period, like white catfish (Ameiurus catus), would result in reduced feed costs, labor costs, and smaller body size requirements, making it a more suitable species for commercial applications where space is limited, and as a model species. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of triploid white catfish as a surrogate species to transplant blue catfish stem cells (BSCs) and channel catfish stem cells (CSCs). Triploid white catfish fry were injected with either BSCs or CSCs labeled with PKH 26 fluorescence dye from 0 to 12 days post hatch (DPH). No significant differences in weight and length of fry were detected among BSCs and CSCs injection times (0 to 12 DPH) when fry were sampled at 45 and 90 DPH (P > 0.05). The highest survival was reported when fry were injected between 4.0 to 5.5 DPH (≥ 81.2%). At 45 and 90 DPH, cell and cluster area increased for recipients injected from 0 to 5.2 DPH, and the highest cluster area values were reported between 4.0 to 5.2 DPH. Thereafter, fluorescent cell and cluster area in the host declined with no further decrease after 10 DPH. At 45 DPH, the highest percentage of xenogens were detected when fry were injected with BSCs between 4.0 to 5.0 and CSCs between 3.0 to 5.0 DPH. At 90 DPH, the highest number of xenogens were detected from 4.0 to 6.0 DPH when injected with either BSCs or CSCs. The current study demonstrated the suitability of white catfish as a surrogate species when BSCs and CSCs were transplanted into triploid white catfish between 4.0 to 6.0 DPH (27.4 ± 0.4°C). Overall, these findings allow enhanced efficiency of commercializing xenogenic catfish carrying gametes of either blue catfish or channel catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effect of different stocking densities on growth, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and hematological and immunological values in European catfish (Silurus glanis) was examined. The control (0.06 kg fish/L) and trial (T) 1 (0.08 kg fish/L), T2 (0.10 kg fish/L), and T3 (0.12 kg fish/L) stocking groups were used. Each stocking group with three replicates was carried out in a tank at 22 ± 2 °C water temperature. The fish were fed three times daily for 60 days. The highest final weight (123.3–171.6 g), weight gain (84.13–159.6%), specific growth rate (1.40–2.66%), feed intake (138.5–178.2 g/fish), and feed conversion rate (1.12–1.65%) were provided from the control and T1 stockfish (p > 0.05), followed by the T2 and T3 stockfish (p < 0.05), respectively. The lowest oxidant level and the highest reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were obtained from the control fish, followed by the T1, T2, and T3 stockfish, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, parallel to the increase in stocking density, the erythrocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocyte volume, corpuscular hemoglobin, and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration values of fish increased (p < 0.05), but the leukocyte count, nitroblue tetrazolium activity, total protein, and immunoglobulin-M values decreased (p < 0.05). The high stocking densities caused oxidative stress in fish, negatively affecting their health and growth and feed evaluation values. However, the stocking density could increase to 0.08 kg/L from 0.06 kg/L in the European catfish fingerling reared in the recirculating aquaculture system by maintaining the water quality and applying good care and feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one the five main biodiversity hotspots in the world, still houses many organisms that are rare and unknown to science, mostly concentrated in mountain ranges. Herein, we describe a rare new species of Cambeva from the Rio Tietê drainage at the Serra da Mantiqueira, exhibiting a caudal fin color pattern comprising a light-yellowish–white bar posteriorly edged by a black pigmented area. A similar color pattern was described for C. castroi, C. diabola, and C. melanoptera, also endemic to the Rio Paraná basin, and considered evidence of close relationships among these three species. However, other morphological characteristics highly suggest that the new species is not closely related to C. castroi, C. diabola, and C. melanoptera). Herein, we perform a molecular phylogenetic analysis using two mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene, including all species with that bicolored caudal pattern. The analysis strongly supports the new species as a member of the alpha-clade, and therefore as distantly related to those three species belonging to the beta-clade, indicating that this color pattern has homoplastically arisen in Cambeva. The data reported here reinforce the urgent need for field studies to better understand the different evolutionary patterns found in the genus, since an intense process of environmental degradation is in course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study summarizes new data on induced spawning of Steindachneridion parahybae, focusing on the aggressive behavior of females. This study characterizes the vasotocinergic system using immunohistochemistry, highlighting the potential influence of arginine-vasotocin (AVT) on reproductive physiology. Two experimental groups were proposed: (A) control, with one female in the aquarium, and (B) experimental, with two females in the same aquarium. Dominant (D) females presented a more aggressive behavior and did not show any injury. They apparently had a length and body mass higher than injured nondominant (ND) females. The analysis identified positive AVT immunoreactive (ir) neurons exclusively within the preoptic area, including parvocellular, magnocellular, and gigantocellular subpopulations, containing fibers-ir extending into the pituitary gland. Cellular and nuclear areas were greater in D compared to ND in the magnocellular subpopulation. There were no differences between parvocellular and gigantocellular subpopulations. There was a difference on the steroid plasma profile of cortisol (more in ND than in D) and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (more in D than in ND). Furthermore, control and D females presented higher optical densities for AVT-ir, gonadotropin-releasing hormone-ir, and luteinizing hormone-ir than ND. In general, there were no differences in the results of female (control group) with D females. The AVT system is highly complex, possibly counting multiple sites of action during artificial reproduction and acting directly and/or indirectly associated with behavioral and physiological changes in S. parahybae females when induced to spawning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish is an important source of food and income for a significant portion of the Amazonian population, especially those who live along the rivers and lakes in the region. Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (Castelnau, 1855), known as surubim, is a species of Neotropical catfish widely exploited by fisheries and commercially valuable in the Guaporé River basin, Brazil. However, population dynamics are poorly known in the region. To understand the population structure and reproductive biology aspects of the surubim, monthly experimental fisheries were carried out in the São Miguel River, state of Rondônia, Brazil, between August 2020 and July 2021. The captured fish were weighed, and its gonads were removed and weighed for histological analyses (microscopic description) and classification of the maturation stages (macroscopic description). The collected gonads were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, dehydrated, cut into 4‐μm‐thick sections, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A total of 34 individuals were collected (20 females and 14 males), showing positive allometric growth and condition factor from 0.81 to 1.79 for females and males, respectively. Females were larger in size and weight than males. P. punctifer reaches its first maturation at an average length of 68.30 cm, indicating the importance of respecting the minimum capture size as an alternative to ensure the natural stocks of this fishery resource in the region. The results provide support for the establishment of public policies and actions for conservation, management, and regulation of fishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spawning of striped catfish which is very dependent on the season and environmental conditions results in the unavailability of mature gonad broodstock during the dry season. The alternative that is often done is by biological stimulation using the ovaprim hormone and laserpuncture technology. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving the ovaprim hormone, laserpuncture induction and a combination of the two on the speed of spawning time and the fecundity value of Striped catfish. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replications. The results of this study were the average spawning time for broodstock treated with laserpuncture and ovaprim hormone and the fecundity value was significantly different from the other treatments (p<0.05). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the combination of 0.5 ml/kg of ovaprim hormone and laser puncture at a dose of 0.5 J/cm² for 32.66 seconds can speed up the spawning time and fecundity of striped catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Personality and light are crucial to ensure the welfare of aquatic animals. To understand how personality affects the light color selection of fish, we tested the behaviors with different personalities under six colors of light: violet (410–420 nm), yellow (580–590 nm), green (550–560 nm), red (620–630 nm), blue (470–480 nm), and white. In this study, the yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco preferred the yellow and green light over the other light colors. After identifying their preferred light colors, bold individuals reduced their frequency of exploration. The results showed that bold individuals could make a quick decision for light color selection. This study provides a reference for the welfare of juvenile yellow catfish in aquaculture. Personality, which matters for animal welfare, demonstrates behavioral differences. Light is one of the most important factors in aquaculture. However, how fish personality affects light color selection is unclear. In this study, we tested the personality of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco juveniles and then quantified the selective behaviors of different personalities under six light colors: violet (410–420 nm), yellow (580–590 nm), green (550–560 nm), red (620–630 nm), blue (470–480 nm), and white. The results showed that juveniles preferred the yellow and green light over the other colors of light, probably due to different reasons. The average cumulative dwell time in yellow (32.81 ± 5.22%), green (21.81 ± 3.58%), and red (26.36 ± 4.89%) lights was significantly longer than the other light colors, and the average visit frequency in green light (32.00 ± 4.93%) was the most. Juveniles had the longest total moved distance in green light. Moreover, the results demonstrated that shy and bold individuals had the same preference for the green light. Bold individuals could find the preferred light colors rapidly and make quick decisions for light color selection. After identifying the preferred light colors, bold individuals reduced the frequency of exploration. This study provides a theoretical basis for the welfare of juvenile yellow catfish in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bagrid catfish, Bagrus orientalis, historically sustained communities in the Rufiji River basin (RRB), Tanzania, but has rapidly declined due to high consumer demand and unsustainable fishing. Consequently, a Ramsar site was designated within the RRB, although its potential to revitalize overexploited populations beyond its boundaries is uncertain because of limited information on genetic connectivity. To address this uncertainty, 158 partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences of B. orientalis were analyzed to quantify genetic connectivity in the RRB. We observed significant genetic differentiation, indicating limited connectivity among populations. Populations in the Ramsar site were genetically connected to those in the Kilombero Valley Floodplain (KVFP), but were distinct from those in Ruaha and Rufiji, which clustered separately. Our findings suggested the Ramsar site could revitalize overexploited KVFP populations, and emphasized the need for sustained efforts against its encroachment. However, limited genetic connectivity with Ruaha and Rufiji implied that conservation measures in the site might have restricted effect in these areas. Conservation efforts should extend beyond the Ramsar site, by promoting sustainable fishing and enhancing habitat connectivity in Ruaha and Rufiji. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemibagrus guttatus, also named as spotted longbarbel catfish, is an economical fish in China. However, their gender cannot be easily distinguished from their appearance, which largely impedes their artificial breeding. Therefore, we provided two gap-free chromosome-level genomes of male and female spotted longbarbel catfish by combining wtdbg2, LR_Gapcloser and TGS-GapCloser assembly approaches with Hi-C data and accurate Pacbio HiFi long-reads. We assembled 30 chromosomes without any gap. Their genome sizes are approximately 749.1 Mb and 747.8 Mb of male and female individuals. The completeness results of BUSCO evaluation show about 94.2% and 95.0%, representing a high-level of completeness of both genomes. We also obtained 35,277 and 34,571 protein-coding gene sets from male and female individuals. Both available gap-free chromosome-level genomes of H. guttatus will provide excellent references for resequencing of male and female individuals to identify accurate markers for distinguishing gender of this fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted with the aim of finding innovations in designing business development strategies oriented to the external and internal conditions of the Panca Wargi Group. The approach chosen is a qualitative methodology that utilises primary and secondary data types in obtaining information. Interviews were conducted with fourteen interviewees, namely the group leader, core management, and group members. In this strategy planning, the IFE Matrix and EFE Matrix have outlined the internal and external aspects of the group as a basis for strategy design. Based on the results of the Internal and External Matrix (IE), it is found that the condition of the group is in position V which leans towards market penetration and product development strategies with the aim of maintaining stable business growth. The V position of the panca wargi fish group indicates that the internal and external aspects have almost equal strength, which in the losng run will lead to stagnant business development, which may turn out to be dangerous in the future. With the use of the TOWS Matrix and QSPM Matrix, the twelve best alternative strategies have been compiled based on the TAS value to optimise the use of strategies. Panca Wargi Fish Group can get the best business development results starting from having the right strategy formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggs of dumbo catfish are known to stick to the substrate due to the presence of a mucus layer, which causes suboptimal oxygen supply and low hatching percentage. This indicates that the mucus layer must be lowered while eliminating the need for a substrate during hatching. One of the natural ingredients that can be used for this purpose is papaya leaf, which contains the proteolytic enzyme papain. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of papaya leaf solution on the percentage of live embryos after soaking, hatching percentage, hatching time, survival rate, and abnormality percentage of dumbo catfish larvae. This research was carried out at the Basic Fisheries Laboratory, Aquaculture Study Program, Fisheries Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya University in August-October 2022. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used, which consisted of four treatments and three repetitions. The treatment given was the soaking of eggs in papaya leaf solution with different concentrations of (P0/control), 2 g/0.96 L (P1), 4 g/0.96 L (P2), and 6 g/0.96 L (P3). The results showed that P2 was the best treatment with 100% live embryos after soaking, 94.06% hatching percentage, 20.24 hours hatching time, 92.78% survival rate, and 0.93% abnormality percentage. Based on these results, the soaking of dumbo catfish eggs in papaya leaf solution could increase the hatching percentage and survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed is one of the important components of aquaculture. This study aims to determine the effect of using nipa leaves meal to replace rice bran in feed formulations and to examine the best percentage of nipa leaves meal on the growth and survival of striped catfish. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) which consisted of 5 treatments (P) with three replications, namely P0 (0% nipa leaves meal: 20% rice bran), P1 (5% nipa leaves meal: 15% rice bran), P2 (10% nipa leaves meal: 10% rice bran), P3 (15% nipa leaves meal: 5% rice bran), and P4 (20% nipa leaves meal: 0% rice bran). The size of fish used in this study was 4±0.5 cm with a stocking density of 1 fish/L. The rearing of the study was 42 days. Research results show that using nipa leaves meal as a substitute for rice bran significantly affects the growth of absolute weight, absolute length, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio. Research results show that the treatment with a percentage of 20% nipa leaves meal: 0% rice bran is the best result with absolute weight growth (2.70 g), absolute length growth (3.35 cm), feed efficiency (85.88%), protein efficiency ratio (2.66%), and survival (100%). Water quality obtained during rearing is temperature 25.2-31.2oC, pH 6.9-8.7, and dissolved oxygen (DO) 5-6.1 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have emphasized that the presence of heavy metals in freshwater fish represents a global public health issue. Nigeria, being a developing nation with less emphasis on the quality of seafood consumed by the residents, ranks this study very vital. The policy implication of this study is the advancement of a healthy population in contemporary Nigeria. Hence, this study assessed heavy metal concentration in two fish species, Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) and Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia), in the Anambra River. The sample included twenty fishes, of which eighteen were collected from the three sampling locations (the fish ports of Anambra River), namely Otu-nsugbe, Otuocha, and Ikemivite) while two control samples were collected from a pond about 200 m away from the river. The levels of heavy metals were determined using Varian AA 240 atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium and arsenic) in the sampled fishes from Anambra River exceeded the joint World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO/WHO) standard for fish and fish product consumption, while the concentration of chromium, mercury, and lead are within the permissible limit. The study also showed the distribution of the heavy metals in the fish organ varies among fish species. Heavy metals occur higher in Clarias garepinus than in Oreochromis niloticus, while tissue preference for heavy metal accumulation is in the order of gill > liver > muscle. It was recorded from this study that the heavy metal concentration in the fish from the pond is generally higher than the fish from the river for some metals. The high level of heavy metals in the sampled fish was attributed to heavy metals contamination of the river as a result of various anthropogenic activities such as mining, burning of fossil fuel and emission from the exhaust of boats/vehicles, overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, discharge of effluent, sewage, and hospital waste. This study concluded that long-term consumption of fish from the river may pose health risks to the consumers due to the possible bioaccumulation of heavy metals, especially cadmium and arsenic. It was recommended that continuous monitoring of heavy metal levels in the fish and water, public awareness, and appropriate legislative provisions should be put in place to ensure that harvested fish and fish products may be safe for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striped catfish are one of the main aquaculture species in Asia. However, the low level of omega‐3 fatty acids in its body makes this species less attractive compared with marine fish. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different oils on growth performance, body composition, and fatty acids in striped catfish juveniles. A basal diet (T0) was formulated to contain no oil, while four other diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were supplemented at 4% with different oils, including salmon oil (SALO), soybean oil (SBO), linseed oil (LSO), and rapeseed oil (RSO). Catfish juveniles with initial body weight (23–24 g/fish) were randomly stocked in 500‐L fiberglass tanks, divided into five treatments, three replicates for each, and fed the experimental diets for 60 days. Results from this study revealed that fish fed the LSO‐supplemented diet had significantly (p < 0.05) improved whole body omega‐3 (alpha‐linoleic acid, 18:3n3) fatty acid levels (7.86%), total n‐3 fatty acids (9.12%), and higher growth than those fed the other diets. In conclusion, the findings suggest that linseed oil can be used to improve growth, omega‐3 fatty acid, C18:3–3 (ALA), and total n‐3 PUFA deposition in the whole body of striped catfish juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is widely used as a measure of feed use efficiency in commercial aquaculture production and research. Surprisingly, little work has focused on the factors that affect FCR in plankton‐based, commercial ponds despite the widespread use of FCR as a production metric. Proposals to use FCR as a numeric standard for environmental regulation (mandatory or voluntary) raise questions as to whether FCR meets the reliability and consistency requirements of a good metric, and whether it would lead to desired behavioral changes. This article summarizes FCR data from university research verification programs conducted on US catfish farms and databases developed from commercial farm records. The relevant research literature is synthesized with respect to factors that affect FCR. US catfish is used as a case study because pond‐level data from verification trials (Extension/research‐led on‐farm trials of best available science) and commercial farm records are available. While specific to US catfish production, the analysis provides insights into factors affecting FCR that likely apply to other pond‐based aquaculture species. Commercial verification of pond data showed (1) significant variation in FCR (coefficients of variation from 1% to 47%) among ponds with similar stocking, feeding, and aeration rates; (2) significant effects of survival on FCR; and (3) no significant effects on FCR of yield, feed type, management, or production system. Improvements in FCR would occur with improved survival that requires improved management of federally protected fish‐eating bird populations and development of additional, effective vaccines for diseases. FCRs were found to not exhibit the degree of reliability and consistency required for use as an effective metric or numeric standard for regulatory purposes. Use of FCR for mandatory or voluntary regulation is unlikely to lead to behavioral changes by farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed morphometric and meristic characteristics of Ompok pabda from two distinct culture systems, namely biofloc and traditional. Fish samples (90 days old) collected from both culture systems were reared in indoor tanks. Thirty‐one morphometric and seven meristic characteristics were measured and analysed. The study showed that the morphometric measurements of various body parts depended on body length. A significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation was observed between total length (TL) and standard length, fork length (FL), highest body depth (HBD), lowest body depth, length of anal base (LAB), post dorsal length (PsDL) and length of caudal fin of fishes from both systems. However, most of the parameters in biofloc technology showed stronger relations than the traditional ones. Further, principal component analysis revealed significant variation across the samples for 60.43% contribution by TL, FL, head length, pre orbital length, LAB, post orbital length, PsDL and HBD in the first PC. Regarding meristic features, namely, anal fin ray, dorsal fin ray, ventral fin ray, pectoral fin ray and branchiostegal ray were found to be significantly varied between the fishes of the two culture systems. Altogether, the variation observed in morphometric and meristic data between the fishes of the two systems has revealed the role of bioflocs. The results of the present investigation might be key features for determining the morphology and growth status as well as for producing consumer‐acceptable/preferred O. pabda in the biofloc system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edwardsiella ictaluri is responsible for causing bacillary necrosis (BNP) in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in Vietnam. This study offers a comprehensive genomic characterization of E. ictaluri to enhance understanding of the molecular epidemiology, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance. E. ictaluri isolates were collected from diseased striped catfish in the Mekong Delta. The species was confirmed through PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using minimum inhibitory concentrations for commonly used antimicrobials. Thirty representative isolates were selected for whole genome sequencing to delineate their genomic profiles and phylogeny. All strains belonged to ST-26 and exhibited genetic relatedness, differing by a maximum of 90 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Most isolates carried multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, with the tet(A) gene present in 63% and floR in 77% of the genomes. The ESBL gene, blaCTX-M-15, was identified in 30% of the genomes. Three plasmid replicon types were identified: IncA, p0111, and IncQ1. The genomes clustered into two clades based on their virulence gene profile, one group with the T3SS genes and one without. The genetic similarity among Vietnamese isolates suggests that disease spread occurs within the Mekong region, underscoring the importance of source tracking, reservoir identification, and implementation of necessary biosecurity measures to mitigate spread of BNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines two cases of anomalous fish specimens found in freshwater habitats in Brazil. One case involves a Rhamdia quelen fish with tumors near its left pectoral fin, while the other case involves a Gymnotus cf. sylvius fish with a split caudal filament. The article provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of both cases and offers potential explanations for the anomalies. These findings contribute to our understanding of variations in the physical characteristics of fish species in the Neotropics. The article also includes acknowledgements and references for further research. [Extracted from the article]

Catfishing is a form of online deception where an individual presents themselves as an identity that is not their own. The study reported in this article explored the motivations for catfish perpetrators and the impacts on those who had been catfished in terms of the emotions and feelings expressed by victims. Data was collected using the crowd-sourced question and answer website Quora [1] and analysis was conducted on a pre-existing corpus of data which contained participant's answers to questions on catfishing. An automated linguistic analysis using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC-2022 [2]) and a thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke in Qual Res Psychol 3:77–101, 2006 [38]) were conducted on participant's descriptions of their perceptions of the motivations of catfishes and their catfishing experiences. The thematic analysis indicated that the motivations of catfish perpetrators can be linked to entertainment, emulating an ideal self, desiring meaningful interaction, and financial gain. Six emotions and feelings emerged from the accounts of catfishing victims: suspicion, love, depression, anger, embarrassment, and stupidity. These findings contribute to an understanding of what motivates individuals to catfish and suggests further research to explore specific emotions and feelings that catfish victims experience. The LIWC analysis and language style matching analysis showed that the data collected was mostly personal to each individual and that there were similarities in how victims write about their experiences. Therefore, we suggest that LIWC has promise as a method of providing added context to qualitative data analysis methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate cinnamaldehyde (CN) and clove oil (CO) effectiveness in inhibiting growth and killing spoilage and total aerobic bacteria when overlaid with catfish fillet stored at 4 °C. A 1.00 mL concentration of CO inhibited growth by 2.90, 1.96, and 1.96 cm, respectively, for S. baltica, A. hydrophilia, and total bacteria. Similarly, treatment with 1.00 mL of CN resulted in ZIB of 2.17, 2.10, and 1.10 cm, respectively, for S. baltica, A. hydrophilia, and total bacteria from catfish exudates. Total bacteria from catfish exudates treated with 0.50 mL CN for 40 min, resulted in a 6.84 log decrease, and treatment with 1.00 mL resulted in a 5.66 log decrease at 40 min. Total bacteria exudates treated with 0.50 mL CO resulted in a 9.69 log reduction at 40 min. Total bacteria treated with 1.00 mL CO resulted in a 7.69 log decrease at 7 days, while untreated pads overlaid with catfish resulted in ≥9.00 CFU/mL. However, treated absorbent pads with catfish at 7 days, using 0.50 mL and 1.00 mL CN, had a bacterial recovery of 5.53 and 1.88 log CFU/mL, respectively. Furthermore, CO at 0.50 mL and 1.00 mL reduced the bacteria count to 5.21 and 1.53 log CFU/mL, respectively, at day 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) are two economically important freshwater aquaculture species in the United States, with channel catfish contributing to nearly half of the country's aquaculture production. While differences in economic traits such as growth rate and disease resistance have been noted, the extent of transcriptomic variance across various tissues between these species remains largely unexplored. The hybridization of female channel catfish with male blue catfish has led to the development of superior hybrid catfish breeds that exhibit enhanced growth rates and improved disease resistance, which dominate more than half of the total US catfish production. While hybrid catfish have significant growth advantages in earthen ponds, channel catfish were reported to grow faster in tank culture environments. In this study, we confirmed channel fish's superiority in growth over blue catfish in 60-L tanks at 10.8 months of age (30.3 g and 11.6 g in this study, respectively; p < 0.001). In addition, we conducted RNA sequencing experiments and established transcriptomic resources for the heart, liver, intestine, mucus, and muscle of both species. The number of expressed genes varied across tissues, ranging from 5,036 in the muscle to over 20,000 in the mucus. Gene Ontology analysis has revealed the functional specificity of differentially expressed genes within their respective tissues, with significant pathway enrichment in metabolic pathways, immune activity, and stress responses. Noteworthy tissue-specific marker genes, including lrrc10, fabp2, myog, pth1a, hspa9, cyp21a2, agt, and ngtb, have been identified. This transcriptome resource is poised to support future investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying environment-dependent heterosis and advance genetic breeding efforts of hybrid catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]