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The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of Achyranthes aspera seeds and leaves on the immune system of magur Clarias batrachus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila in pond conditions. Magur fry (0.51 ± 0.032 g) were cultured in hapas set inside a pond and were fed with three feeds. Two experimental feeds FS1 and FS2 were supplemented with 0.5% seeds and leaves of A. aspera, respectively and FC3 was the control one. After 90 days of feeding, fish were challenged with A. hydrophila. In FC3, 70% fish died within 48 h of challenge, while 25 and 30% mortality were recorded in FS1 and FL2, respectively. The cumulative mortality rates were 70, 45 and 35% in FC3, FL2 and FS1, respectively. The average weight and specific growth rate of magur were significantly higher in FS1 compared to others. Serum lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide synthase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher in FS1 compared to others. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and carbonyl protein levels were significantly lower in FS1 compared to others. In liver and head kidney of FS1 and FS2 fed magur, the iNOS, SOD-C, TNF-α, Cytochrome c, Caspase 9 were up-regulated. Caspase 3 was also significantly up-regulated in FS1 and it was followed by FL2 treatment. A. aspera incorporated feeds improved the immune system of fish and gave protection against bacteria even in the pond conditions.

The impact of water temperature on the physiology of Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) was evaluated in the present study. Fish were acclimated at 25 ± 1 °C and then exposed at six different temperatures: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. C. punctata exposed at 10, 15, and 20 °C showed 30, 21, and 11% reduced food consumption, respectively compared to 25 °C. Significantly higher respiratory burst and myeloperoxidase activities were found in fish exposed at 20 and 25 °C after 12 h of exposure compared to other treatments. Nitric oxide synthase was significantly higher at 25 °C after 12 h and at 25 and 30 °C exposed fish after 7 days compared to others. The reduced glutathione level was significantly higher at 25 °C compared to other treatments after 7 days of exposure. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level was minimum at 25 °C. Significantly lower antioxidant enzymes, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase were found in gills of fish exposed at 25 °C compared to others in both samples. The highest antioxidant enzyme levels were found at 10 °C. Heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 levels were significantly lower in liver and muscle of fish exposed at 25 °C compared to other treatments. The Hsp level was significantly higher at 35 and 30 °C exposed fish compared to others after 12 h, and the level reduced after 7 days in these treatments. Thermal stress affects food consumption rate, immune system, antioxidant enzymes, and enzyme systems in fish. The elevated Hsp70 level serves as a biomarker of stress in C. punctata. Graphical Abstract.

The effect of dietary supplementation of leaves and seeds of Achyranthes aspera on rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings was evaluated. Three experimental diets containing 0.25 (D1) and 0.5% (D2) leaves and 0.5% (D3) seeds of A. aspera and control diet (D4) without plant ingredients were formulated. After 45 days of feeding, rohu were immunized with 20% chicken RBC. Tissue and blood samples were collected on days7, 14 and 21 after immunization. Dietary supplementation significantly (P

The immunostimularory properties of Achyranthes aspera leaves and seeds supplemented feeds were evaluated in Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus (0.352±0.008 g). The experimental feeds contained 0.25% leaves (EFL1), 0.5% leaves (EFL2), 0.5% seeds (EFS) and 0% leaves or seeds (control feed; CF). In CF, leaves and seeds were absent. Fish were immunized with chicken-RBC after 60 days of feeding. The blood and tissue samples were collected on 7th, 14th and 21st days after immunization for various assays. The average weight of magur was significantly higher in EFS compared to the other treatments throughout the study period and EFL2 followed this group. Serum lysozyme level of fish was significantly higher in EFS on 7th and 14th days and in EFS and EFL2 on 21st day after immunization compared to the other treatments. Myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide synthase levels were always significantly higher in EFS diet fed fish compared to other treatments. The highest hemagglutination titer level was found in EFS throughout the study period. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and carbonyl protein levels were significantly lower in liver and kidney of enriched diets fed magur compared to CF treatment. TBARS and carbonyl protein levels were minimum in EFS diets fed fish. In EFS and EFL2 treatments, the expressions of TNF-α, iNOS and NF-kB were significantly higher compared to the CF group. A. aspera seeds and leaves showed significant immunostimulatory properties in Asian catfish fry.

The ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is harmful to the aquatic organisms. The UV-B protective properties of leaves and seeds of herb Achyranthes aspera were evaluated in Clarias batrachus. Fish were fed with four diets-EFL1, EFL2 containing 0.25 and 0.5% leaves, EFS containing 0.5% seeds and control, CF. After 83 days of feeding, fish were exposed to UV-B (157 µW/cm

The immunostimulatory and disease-resistance properties of Achyranthes aspera were evaluated in rohu (Labeo rohita) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Experimental diets were enriched with leave...

The immunostimulatory properties of seeds and leaves of Achyranthes aspera (Linn.) was evaluated in rohu Labeo rohita in the pond conditions. Rohu fry (1.9 ± 0.08 g) were introduced in nine hapas (25 hapa−1) set inside a pond. Two test diets enriched with 0.5% seeds (D1) and leaves (D2) of A. aspera and control diet (D3) were fed for 60 days. Then fish were immunized with chicken-RBC and blood and tissue samples were collected on days-7, 14 and 21 after immunization. The average weight was significantly (p

Jatropha seed cake is a by-product of biodiesel industry which is rich in proteins and carbohydrates and contains many bioactive compounds. Besides having a good protein quality, the essential amino acid content (except lysine) is also high in Jatropha seed cake, and therefore, Jatropha proteins can be exploited for many technical applications. The major hindrance for its use as a protein supplement is the presence of anti-nutritional factors and toxins, especially the phorbol esters. The detoxification of Jatropha seed cake for the removal of phorbol esters has been shown in our earlier studies. Proteins were extracted from the detoxified Jatropha seed cake and analyzed for amino acid content. Various parameters such as temperature, solubilization pH, precipitation pH and extraction time were studied for their effect on protein content, and the process was optimized using response surface methodology among 5 best samples selected based on protein content and protein yield from dry concentrates. The amount of dry matter, protein content and protein yield of 17.1%, 41.98% and 38.66%, respectively, was obtained under the optimized conditions of 60 °C temperature, solubilization pH 11.0, precipitation pH 4.41 and extraction time of 0.78 h. Amino acid contents revealed that the extracted samples contained a higher concentration of essential amino acids, especially leucine (4.40 ± 0.98 g/100 g). The results indicated that the protein extraction procedure from Jatropha seed cake affected the amino acid content, yet the values were close to FAO/WHO reference protein, and thus, the Jatropha proteins can be explored further for their use as feed supplement.

The development of UV-B protective mechanisms in aquacultural species is essential for the sustainable production of healthy aqua crop. Freshwater carp Catla catla larvae (13.5 ± 1.12 mg) were fed with a diet containing 0.5% vitamin C (D1) and a control diet (D2) for 40 days. Each group was exposed to two doses of UV-B irradiation: 360 (5 min, D15 min and D25 min) and 720 mJ cm−2 (10 min, D110 min and D210 min) for 15 days. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher survival and average weight were recorded in D1 compared to D2 exposed to the same dose. Also, significantly (p < 0.001) higher nitric oxide synthase and lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and heat shock protein 70 levels were recorded in D15 min compared to the other groups. A direct relationship was found between the dose of UV-B and DNA fragmentation in muscles. DNA damage indices such as tail DNA, tail extent moment and olive tail moment were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in D15 min. Thus, supplementation of vitamin C in the diet provides UV-B protection to larvae.

The present research study was performed to find a solution for the mitigation of ammonia nitrogen in municipally treated sewage effluent (MTSE) using two natural bio-resources. One was composted cow-dung sludge that had catalytic enzymes and nitrifying bacterial mass, and the second was Yucca extract (a desert plant). MTSE samples put in one-liter beakers/jars having initial ammonia nitrogen content of 34.78 mg/L, when treated with 0.0 g/L (control Sample), 1 g/L, 5 g/L (cowdung) and 10 mg/L, 50 mg/L (Yucca extract), respectively, reported depletion of ammonia nitrogen to about 0.00 mg/L ammonia (NH3) as N. It (NH3) transformed to 17.8, 0.18, 0.09, 18.65, and 18.85 mg/L nitrite asN. Ammonia converted to 21.8, 110.1, 133.5, 20.5, 20.8 mg/L nitrate asNO3, respectively. After eight days of treatment, the jar test apparatus reported the results at 35 rounds per minute (RPM) and a temperature of 32 °C. It was found that digested cowdung acted catalytically in eliminating the ammonia nitrogen by converting it to nitrate in a short period of nearly eight days, leading to almost 100% ammonia conversion.

This study was meant to study the effectiveness of natural and synthetic zeolites in water treatment for combating ammonia nitrogen so that specific zeolites could be utilized at waterworks and sewage disposal works. In this study, three different zeolites were utilized in their pristine state, namely natural clinoptilolite, natural mordenite, and synthetic zeolites 4A. We examined the zeolites for their ammonia removal capacity. We performed experimental studies on synthetically prepared ammonia water, the Yamuna River water, and municipally treated sewage effluents by using Jar Test Apparatus at 100 RPM. Ammonia nitrogen content was determined by nesslerization standard method using a spectrophotometer. It has been observed that all zeolites are significantly effective in treating ammonia nitrogen in artificially prepared ammonia nitrogen water without having competing ions interference. However, because competing ions interfere in natural water, its use limits ammonium ions removal. Based on the present study outcomes, the authors have suggested replacing sand media from Rapid Sand Filters and Slow Sand Filters with Mordenite and Clinoptilolite at municipal water treatment utilities to combat low amounts of ammonium ions.

Fish face the challenge of diurnal and seasonal fluctuations of temperature in culture and it is essential to understand their physiological responses to thermal stress. Indian major carp Catla catla, catla (7.52 ± 0.22 g) were acclimated at 28 ± 1 °C for 21 days and then exposed at six different temperatures: 10, 15, 20, 25, 28 and 35 °C. Blood and tissue samples were collected after 12 h and 7 days of reaching the assigned temperature. Significantly (p

Wastewater is a by-product of industrialization and urbanization processes. Developed countries generate more wastewater than developing and less developed countries. Even developed countries can't treat 100% of wastewater produced. This study was aimed to investigate advanced biological methods for wastewater treatment. It reveals that biological treatment is cost effective and eco- friendly. Microbes are the best arms to combat pollutants. Metabolic engineering of microbes is the advanced strategy to optimize wastewater treatment. New microbes and their potentiality must be investigated in future. Metabolic engineering in light of biofuel production utilizing wastewater as a resource must be explored massively in future. &nbsp

The stress ameliorating effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and tryptophan on rohu Labeo rohita fry was evaluated. Rohu fry (1.1 ± 0.03 g) were cultured under five different feeding regimes: enriched with 0.08% vitamin C (D1), 0.02% vitamin E (D2), 1.42% tryptophan (D3), a combination of these three ingredients at similar doses (D4), and control diet (D5). Rohu fry of D5 were divided into two groups—exposed to experimental light (D5FL) and ambient light (114 ± 4 lx, D5AL). All fry (except D5AL) were exposed at light intensity of 3442 ± 648 lx. Feeding of rohu with enriched diets significantly (P

Global warming poses a major threat to our civilization that has led to unsustainable development worldwide. Though there are different strategies for global warming mitigation, carbon sequestration in water column via microalgae is the eco-friendly, cost effective and sustainable tool to capture and utilize carbon in a beneficial way. Microalgae, Chlorella sp. was cultured in ex situ using (a) standard basal medium as control, (b) culture medium aerated, (c) exogenously introduced liquid carbon dioxide into the culture medium. The growth of Chlorella was also examined under different pH (4 - 11) of the culture medium as well as in various dilutions (0, 25, 50%) of effluents of a Brewery under autoclaved and non- autoclaved conditions. There was no marked difference in growth of Chlorella sp. between 0 - 166 hours and between 218 - 272 hours either, but significant difference (P < 0.05) in growth was clearly discernable during the peak period among the treatments. Exogenously introduced CO2 or aeration of the culture medium did not significantly improve the growth over basal medium suggesting that optimal conditions of carbon or oxygen have prevailed in the basal medium of culture. There was a sharp dichotomy of pH effects on the growth of Chlorella as growth was distinctly higher at pH 8 to 11 compared to the remaining pH (4 - 6) showing no significant differences (P > 0.05) among themselves. Chlorella sp. grown in brewery effluent showed the maximum growth in 50% and 25% dilution of non autoclaved and autoclaved effluent of beverage factory respectively suggesting that autoclaving saved 25% of bacteria driven nutrient demand.

The present investigation was carried out to study gut content and accompanying digestive enzyme profiles of the three carp species, golden mahseer Tor putitora, snow trout Schizothorax richardsonii and hill trout Barilius barila. The fishes were captured from the River Ladhiya, Champawat district, Uttarakhand, northern India. The digestive tract length was on average 1.8 and 2.3 times longer than the body, while members of Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Zygnematophyceae made up 95.15% and 99.63% of gut content in the golden mahseer and snow trout, respectively. In hill trout, the digestive tract being only half the body length, gut content was insects (72.73%), eggs of aquatic organisms (22.73%) and nematodes (4.55%). Estimated gut enzyme activities demonstrated that amylase activity was significantly (P

Catla catla catla (2.28 ± 0.1 g) were exposed to six different levels of dissolved oxygen: 1 (DO-1), 3 (DO-3), 5 (DO-5), 7 (DO-7), 9 (DO-9) and 11 (DO-11) mg/L. DO-5 served as control. In DO-1 and DO-3, the number of red blood cells (RBC), lysozyme, respiratory burst activity and nitric oxide synthase were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared to the control one. In DO-7 and DO-9, RBC and lysozyme were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to the control one. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in catla exposed at low (1 and 3 mg/L) and high (9 and 11 mg/L) dissolved oxygen compared to others. In muscles and hepatopancreas, reduced glutathione was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DO-5 and DO-7 and in gills of DO-5 compared to others after 1 h. In muscles, glutathione S-transferase (GST) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in DO-5 and DO-7 compared to others. In hepatopancreas, GST and glutathione peroxidise (GPx) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DO-1 and DO-3 compared to others. In gills, GPx was higher in DO-9 and DO-11 after 48 h. In brain, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α mRNA level was induced in DO-1 and DO-3 compared to others after 1 h of exposure. In gills and hepatopancreas, HIF-1α mRNA level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DO-1 compared to others after 1 h. The ATPase 6 mRNA level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in brain and hepatopancreas of DO-1 after 1 h and in gills and hepatopancreas of DO-3 and DO-9, respectively, after 48 h compared to others.

Catla catla (Family: Cyprinidae) were exposed to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33 and 35 °C following 28 °C acclimation temperature. Temperature change rate was 2 °C/day. Mortality rate of fish was recorded. In 10 °C temperature group, 17 and 65 % mortality was recorded at 14 and 10 °C, respectively. Significantly (P 28 °C), percentage changes of mortality per fall and increase of ΔT = 1 °C was calculated in the log-linear regression model framework. When temperature was reduced from 28 °C, the cumulative mortality increment in each 1 °C fall was e.109 = 1.115 (P 0.05) was obtained for each 1 °C increase of temperature from 28 °C.

The effect of temperature on the food consumption rate and the digestive enzyme activities of Clarias batrachus (80.60 ± 5.34 g) were evaluated. Fish were exposed to six different temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C following an acclimation temperature of 25 °C. The rate of temperature change was 2 °C day−1. Highest food consumption was recorded at 25 °C. It gradually reduced with decreasing water temperature. Food consumption rate was significantly (P

Effect of harmful UV-B radiation and their remedial measures have been studied in Labeo rohita (rohu) larvae. Larvae were fed with four different diets: D1 and D2 contained 0.1 and 0.5 % Achyranthes aspera seeds, respectively; D3 contained 800 mg vitamin C/kg diet, and D4 contained control diet. After 50 days, all groups were exposed to UV-B radiation (80 μW/cm2). One batch of control diet-fed fish was exposed to UV-B (D4Ex), and the other group remained unexposed (D4UEx). Survival rate of rohu was significantly (P

Background Mosquitofish were introduced to several countries of the tropics and subtropics as biological agents for the control of mosquito larvae. Meanwhile, they became a threat to native communities and fish worldwide, similar to other invasive species through resource competition, overexploitation, or habitat alteration. We investigated prey selectivity patterns of Gambusia affinis (mosquitofish) preying on larvae of the two Indian major carps (Catla catla and Labeo rohita) in the presence of varied proportions of alternative prey (rotifers, cladocerans, chironomid and mosquito larvae) under laboratory conditions. Results The patterns of prey selectivity in mosquitofish were influenced by the presence of alternative prey and their relative abundance in the environment. Carp larvae, when present in equal proportions, were randomly selected by mosquitofish, however, positively selected when present in higher proportions. In the presence of Hexarthra mira, Daphnia similoides or the mosquito larval instar-IV as an alternative prey, the mosquitofish preferred fish larvae regardless of prey proportions. In the medium where either mosquito larval instar-I or chironomid larvae were given as alternative prey, the mosquitofish either rejected or randomly selected the carp larvae. Given a multispecies prey combination, mosquitofish primarily selected the larvae of L. rohita and mosquito larval instar-I. We also found a prey switching ability of mosquitofish in relation to varying abundances of prey species in the environment. Conclusions The present results suggest that mosquito immatures are not the preferred food of mosquitofish when fish larvae are present in their natural habitats. Since mosquitofish and carp larvae have overlapping natural habitats and prey preferences are the invasive mosquitofish may have a substantial impact on native communities of invertebrates and fish. This way, they are equally important for extensive fisheries and conservation management.

Catla, Catla catla, and rohu, Labeo rohita, fry were cultured at 6,667,8,333, and 10,000/m3 in 15-L aquaria in recirculating systems for 30 days. Larvae were fed with exogenous live plankton. Cultures at 6,667 and 8,333 larvae/m3 showed significantly (P

Common carp Cyprinus carpio larvae were cultured under two feeding conditions: live food or an artificial diet for 40 d in recirculating systems. Three stocking densities of 25 (low), 50 (medium), and 100 (high) larvae/15-L aquarium were maintained for each feeding treatment. Significantly higher survival (91%) and growth (401.08 ± 2.61 mg) were observed in the low density, live food system. Average weight of larvae in the live food system was 3- to 5-fold higher than larvae at the same stocking density for the artificial diet. Proteolytic activity showed a direct relationship with the length of the digestive tract (r = 0.95). The highest enzyme activity was observed in the low density, live food system. Survival and growth of common carp larvae are influenced by both the stocking density and the type of food.

Evaluation of functional mechanism of immunostimulant in fish is essential for realizing their therapeutic potential. The impact of dietary supplementation of seeds of Achyranthes aspera on the immune system of Catla catla was studied. Catla (37.73 ± 6.7 g) were fed with test diets containing 0.5 (D1) and 1.0% (D2) seeds of A. aspera and control diet (D3) for 50 days. Then fish were immunized with heat-killed Aeromonas hydrophila. Blood and tissue samples were collected after 7 days of immunization. Three fish were sacrificed for each parameter. Respiratory burst activity, bactericidal activity and antibody response were significantly (P

Solar ultraviolet B (UV-B, 280–320 nm) is a potent environmental stressor to aquatic organisms. UV-B radiation affects both wild and cultured species. The effect of UV-B on aquatic organisms depends on the capacity of the radiation to penetrate into the aquatic environment, which is determined by the depth of the water column, presence of dissolved organic carbon, and the quantity of organic and inorganic particulate matter (Hader et al. 1998, 2007, Bancroft et al. 2007). The harmful effects of UV-B include damage that compromises the physiology, biochemistry, reproduction, and growth of the exposed animals (Lesser et al. 2001, Armstrong et al. 2002, Van Uitregt et al. 2007, Nahon et al. 2009). In fishes, UV-B radiation can induce injury to the skin, including sunburn and appearance of sunburn cells, epidermal hyperplasia, depletion of the mucus layer, or even sloughing of the epidermis solar elastosis with wrinkling, melanomata (Bullock 1988, Berghahn et al. 1993, Little and Fabacher 1994, Blazer et al. 1997, de Oliveira Miguel et al. 2003, Sharma et al. 2005). These changes in the skin can be accompanied by infections. The skin lesions of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., contained Vibrio spp., and mycobacteria (McArdle and Bullock 1987). UV-B irradiated rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792), had skin fungal pathogens (Saprolegnia) (see Fabacher et al. 1994). Thus the primary barrier of the defence system becomes damaged and the normal physiology of fish is affected due to the radiation. The immune system of fish can be strongly modulated by UV-B radiation (Salo et al. 2000). UV-B exposure induces pronounced immunomodulation in cyprinids (Markkula et al. 2006). The digestive physiology and immune system of catla, Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822), were affected by UV-B radiation (Sharma et al. 2010). Outbreak of diseases seriously affects the freshwater aquaculture industry, especially in the developing countries. The majority of the freshwater species are vulneraACTA ICHTHYOLOGICA ET PISCATORIA (2013) 43 (2): 119–126 DOI: 10.3750/AIP2013.43.2.04

Purpose: Ultraviolet radiation is a potent threat to the aquatic animals. Exposure to such stressor affects metabolic and immunological processes. The present investigation aims to study the effect of UV-B radiation on digestive enzymes and immunity of larvae of Catla catla. Materials and methods: Larvae were exposed to ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280–320 nm) radiation (145 mW/cm 2 ) for three different exposure times of 5, 10 and 15 min on every other day. After 55 days, important digestive enzymes were assayed. For immunological study, lysozyme, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) levels were measured. Then the fish were kept for one month without radiation and lysozyme level was measured. Results: Protein concentration varied directly with the duration of exposure and was highest among fish that had received the 15 min UV-B irradiation. Significantly higher amylase, protease, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities were found in 5 min exposed fish compared to others. Lysozyme level was significantly higher in control group compared to the UV-B treated fish. The lysozyme level decreased with the increasing duration of UV-B radiation. When fish were kept without UV-B radiation for one month, lysozyme level was brought to the normal level in all treatments, except 15 min exposed fish. The GOT and GPT levels were significantly higher in the 15 min exposed group than others. Conclusions: The effects of UV-B radiation on the digestive physiology and immune system of catla have been clearly observed in the present study. The decreased enzyme activities in UV-B radiated fish results into improper digestion and poor growth.