Fishes

15 pages, 575 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Effects of Arthrobacter bussei-Derived Powder and Probiotics, and Haematococcus pluvialis Powder, as Dietary Supplements for Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

by Soohwan Kim, Hyun Mi Jung, Seunghan Lee and Hyon-Sob Han

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110543 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study evaluated how dietary supplementation with Haematococcus pluvialis powder (HPP), Arthrobacter bussei powder (ABP), and A. bussei probiotics affects growth, whole-body composition, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and nutrient digestibility in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Juvenile shrimps were fed for [...] Read more.

This study evaluated how dietary supplementation with Haematococcus pluvialis powder (HPP), Arthrobacter bussei powder (ABP), and A. bussei probiotics affects growth, whole-body composition, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and nutrient digestibility in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Juvenile shrimps were fed for 8 weeks with five diets: a control diet (CON), H. pluvialis powder (HPP, 1%), A. bussei powder (ABP, 1%), or A. bussei probiotics at 10⁵ (ABL) or 10⁸ (ABH) CFU g⁻¹ feed. Shrimp fed the ABP diet exhibited the highest final body weight, weight gain, and protein efficiency ratio, with a significantly improved feed conversion ratio than that of CON, ABL, and ABH groups. The HPP group exhibited significantly better growth than that of the control. Regarding immunity and antioxidant responses, lysozyme and phenoloxidase specific activities, as well as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase specific activities, were significantly enhanced in shrimp fed ABP and HPP diets, whereas malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced compared with those in CON. Apparent crude protein digestibility was significantly higher in all supplemented diets than those in the CON group, with ABP showing the highest value. ABP and HPP supplementation improved growth, protein digestibility, and immune-antioxidant responses in L. vannamei, whereas probiotic forms showed limited effects. ABP is a superior functional feed additive than its probiotic form for enhancing productivity and health in shrimp aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Feeding)

20 pages, 12845 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism of Biphasic Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Fat Greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) Under Hypoxic Stress: From Inflammatory Defense to Pyroptosis Execution

by Yiting Wu, Ling Zhao, Xinying Zhang, Rangman Liu, Dongxu Gao, Junru Su, Lei Peng, Yuan Liu, Yuqing Yan, Zhuang Xue and Wei Wang

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110542 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Hypoxic stress is an important environmental challenge for aquatic organisms, which is detrimental to fish survival and growth. Specifically, the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) has emerged as a pivotal regulator, with accumulating evidence underscoring its central role in [...] Read more.

Hypoxic stress is an important environmental challenge for aquatic organisms, which is detrimental to fish survival and growth. Specifically, the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) has emerged as a pivotal regulator, with accumulating evidence underscoring its central role in inflammatory processes. However, the regulatory functions of NLRP3 during hypoxic stress in fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) remain elusive. In this study, we systematically analyzed the molecular features of HoNLRP3 and elucidated its biphasic regulatory mechanism under hypoxic stress in H. otakii using phylogenetic analysis, qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Its phylogeny is significantly different from that of mammals and carries FISNA and related motifs specific to bony fishes. Hypoxia induced predominant nlrp3 expression in the brain, peaking at 12–24 h, with strong positive correlation to hif-1α activation. NLRP3-ASC-Caspase1 inflammasomes assembly drove IL-1β maturation, while prolonged hypoxia (48 h) activated Caspase3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis, accompanied by elevated LDH activity. Reoxygenation partially reversed inflammatory and pyroptosis markers, indicating that NLRP3 balances defense and injury through a biphasic regulatory mechanism. This study provides new insights into the hypoxic adaptation mechanisms in bony fish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Biochemistry)

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17 pages, 1619 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Hepatic Enzyme Biomarkers in Northern Pike (Esox lucius) from Lotic and Lentic Freshwater Habitats: Implications for Monitoring Metal Pollution and Ecological Stress in Aquatic Ecosystems

by Katarina Jovičić, Vesna Đikanović, Srđan Subotić, Milena Dimitrijević, Snežana Kovačević, Branko Miljanović and Jelena S. Vranković

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110541 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and increased anthropogenic activities have led to the release of an increasing number of pollutants, including metals, into freshwater ecosystems, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. In this study, the bioaccumulation of metals and hepatic enzyme activities in northern pike [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization and increased anthropogenic activities have led to the release of an increasing number of pollutants, including metals, into freshwater ecosystems, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. In this study, the bioaccumulation of metals and hepatic enzyme activities in northern pike (Esox lucius) from two contrasting freshwater ecosystems in Serbia, the lotic Tisza River and the lentic Bela Crkva Reservoirs, were investigated. A total of 22 specimens (11 per site) were sampled in autumn 2024. The liver tissue was analyzed for the concentrations of 11 metals (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Li, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni) and the activities of the liver enzymes (ALT, AST, AP, GGT). The results showed ecosystem-specific patterns of metal accumulation, with the northern pike in the rivers showing significantly higher Cu and Fe levels, while the fish in the reservoirs showed increased Zn concentrations. Enzymatic biomarkers showed different responses between ecosystems, with river fish showing increased ALT and AST activities, indicating hepatocellular stress, while reservoir fish showed increased GGT, indicating enhanced detoxification processes. The body condition factor was negatively correlated with liver Mn and Zn concentrations, emphasizing its utility as an integrative bioindicator of metal-induced stress. No significant sex-specific differences in metal or enzyme levels were found. These results suggest the suitability of northern pike as a sentinel species for environmental monitoring in freshwaters and highlight the different physiological adaptations to local metal stress in lentic and lotic habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Biochemistry)

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17 pages, 1111 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Alternative Larval Feeding Strategies for Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) Using Feed Attractants and Liquid Artemia Replacement Diets

by Travis G. Knorr, Casey A. Murray, Olivia I. Markham, Brittney D. Lacy, Amy L. Wood, Clayton N. Patmagrian and Matthew A. DiMaggio

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110540 - 23 Oct 2025

Abstract

The cherry barb (Puntius titteya) is a staple of the ornamental aquaculture industry, with an estimated 60,000 individuals produced monthly in Florida, USA. On a commercial scale, small improvements in efficiency may yield considerable economic and operational benefits. This study investigated [...] Read more.

The cherry barb (Puntius titteya) is a staple of the ornamental aquaculture industry, with an estimated 60,000 individuals produced monthly in Florida, USA. On a commercial scale, small improvements in efficiency may yield considerable economic and operational benefits. This study investigated first-feeding protocols aimed at reducing the use of live Artemia spp. nauplii by evaluating microdiets (MDs) top-dressed with feed attractants and commercial liquid Artemia replacements (LAs). Larvae were fed MDs top-dressed with 0.25%, 0.50%, or 1.0% of L-alanine, betaine, or L-tryptophan for seven days. Diets with L-alanine and L-tryptophan significantly increased survival compared to the reference diet. A 21-day trial that tested three feed attractants combined into a single diet at previously determined inclusion levels (L-alanine, 0.5%; betaine, 0.25%; and L-tryptophan, 0.25%) showed no additive or synergistic survival benefits. No differences were observed for RNA/DNA ratios at 15 days post-hatch, suggesting no effect on larval quality. Additional experiments were conducted comparing the performance of two commercial LA diets (EZ Artemia Ultra [Zeigler Bros., Inc., Gardners, PA, USA] and LiquaLife^® [Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA]) against live Artemia. Partial Artemia replacement with EZ Artemia Ultra maintained comparable survival to larvae fed only Artemia. Larval growth was significantly reduced in 100% LA groups, suggesting limitations in nutrition or digestibility. These findings demonstrate that targeted use of feed attractants can enhance early rearing outcomes in P. titteya aquaculture, facilitating the goal of reducing Artemia use and increasing production efficiency and hatchery output. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture)

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17 pages, 3963 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Mutation in Damage-Specific DNA Binding Protein One (ddb-1) Underlies the Phenotype of the No-Marginal-Zone (nmz) Mutant Zebrafish

by Kailey Jerome, Aria Gish, Taylor Aakre, Taylor Brend, Mara Kate Grenier, Christina L. Johnson, Jaxon Gronneberg, Colin K. O’Neill, Lucas Radermacher and Tristan Darland

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110539 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

The ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) is a region in the peripheral-most retina that displays ongoing retinogenesis during growth and expansion of the eye in adulthood. While there is evidence that this capacity also exists in birds and mammals, it is far more robust [...] Read more.

The ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) is a region in the peripheral-most retina that displays ongoing retinogenesis during growth and expansion of the eye in adulthood. While there is evidence that this capacity also exists in birds and mammals, it is far more robust in fish and amphibians. The process of CMZ retinogenesis is essentially equivalent to that seen early in the central retina; however, its regulation is not fully understood. In a previous study, we attempted to uncover novel regulatory genes by using a forward genetics screen in zebrafish, looking for recessive CMZ mutants. One of the mutants found was called no marginal zone (nmz). The nmz mutant showed relatively normal central retina development, but a lack of cells in the CMZ by 5 days post fertilization (dpf). Mapping, genomic sequencing, and complementation analysis using a second mutant line (m863) isolated in another laboratory showed that a mutation in damage-specific DNA binding protein-1 (ddb-1) gene underlies the phenotype seen in nmz. BrdU labeling suggested that later expansion and differentiation of CMZ retinal progenitors is more affected by ddb-1 loss than the earlier process of stem cell asymmetric division. As was seen for the m863 mutant and in other studies with mice, one profound effect of ddb-1 loss in nmz was the upregulation in expression of tp53 and several of its downstream effectors. Several important genes important in CMZ retinogenesis are also downregulated in the nmz mutant. The change in gene expression would suggest that ddb-1 loss leads to increased cell cycle disruption and apoptosis at the expense of CMZ retinogenesis. While homozygosity is lethal, heterozygous fish appear to be completely normal in morphology, visual function, and behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Toxicology, Fish Physiology and Aquaculture Research in Zebrafish Model)

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15 pages, 6409 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Age and Growth of One Population of Diaphus watasei (Jordan & Starks, 1904) in the South China Sea

by Kui Zhang, Han Tian, Yan’e Jiang, Shannan Xu, Jiangfeng Zhu, Junyi Zhang, Jun Zhang and Zuozhi Chen

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110538 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

We estimated, for the first time, the age of Diaphus watasei (Jordan & Starks, 1904) in the South China Sea (SCS) based on otolith microstructure. According to one-way ANOVA, differences were not observed between the sexes with regard to standard length, body mass, [...] Read more.

We estimated, for the first time, the age of Diaphus watasei (Jordan & Starks, 1904) in the South China Sea (SCS) based on otolith microstructure. According to one-way ANOVA, differences were not observed between the sexes with regard to standard length, body mass, or age. Based on 137 specimens, the sex ratio and relationship between standard length and body mass was 1.32:1 (male/female) and W = 0.0000433L^2.78 (r² = 0.923), respectively. The von Bertalanffy model was fitted as L_t = 171.38 [1 − exp(−0.00206(t − 3.82))], r² = 0.645 (n = 92), which indicated a maximum growth rate of 0.356 mm/day. The speculated birth date of the 92 specimens of D. watasei occurred across almost all months of the year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fish Monitoring and Stock Assessment for Fishery Management)

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11 pages, 229 KB

Open AccessArticle

Path Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Fitting Study on Body Weight and Visceral Organ Mass of Male and Female Ussuri Catfish (Pseudobagras ussuriensis)

by Qian Qi, Feng Yang, Xiaohui Sun, Chenran Lv, Shun Shi, Xiang Ding, Liming Zhao and Cheng Zhang

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110537 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Pseudobagras ussuriensis is a valuable freshwater fish species with enormous breeding potential. To clarify the relationship between the main visceral indices and body weight in this species, 139 cultured individuals were randomly selected to measure body weight and six major organs (namely the [...] Read more.

Pseudobagras ussuriensis is a valuable freshwater fish species with enormous breeding potential. To clarify the relationship between the main visceral indices and body weight in this species, 139 cultured individuals were randomly selected to measure body weight and six major organs (namely the intestine, liver, swim bladder, kidney, spleen, and gonadal), and then the causal network of internal organs and body weight of one-year-old P. ussuriensis was analyzed by path analysis, and sex-specific regression models were developed. The results showed that the correlations between body weight and the masses of the intestine, liver, swim bladder, kidney, and gonad were significant, while the spleen mass showed a significant positive correlation with body weight. Path analysis revealed that the direct path coefficients of the intestine, liver, swim bladder, kidney, and gonad on body weight were significant, and that of the spleen was significant. Through regression analysis, multiple linear regression equations were established. Importantly, the swim bladder had the greatest direct effect on body weight in males, whereas the intestine exhibited the strongest direct effect in females. These findings provide valuable insights for the selection and breeding of P. ussuriensis based on visceral indices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vantage Points in the Morphology of Aquatic Organisms)

12 pages, 759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution and Comparative Analysis of Genomic Microsatellites in Nine Species of Family Sillaginidae

by Yinquan Qu, Caihui Qu, Changxu Tian, Tianxiang Gao and Yuan Zhang

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110536 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

We conducted a comparative analysis of the identified microsatellite sequences across the genomes of nine sillaginids. We examined the microsatellites with motifs ranging from 1 to 6 bp in length and analyzed their distribution and frequency across different genomic regions. Microsatellite occurrence differed [...] Read more.

We conducted a comparative analysis of the identified microsatellite sequences across the genomes of nine sillaginids. We examined the microsatellites with motifs ranging from 1 to 6 bp in length and analyzed their distribution and frequency across different genomic regions. Microsatellite occurrence differed significantly with the degree of coverage ranging from 1.47 to 3.21%. The number and proportion of each repeat type were consistent across the nine species, with di-nucleotide repeats being the most abundant, followed by mono-nucleotide repeats, and gradually decreasing as the number of repeat units increased. The mono-nucleotide repeat motifs were dominated by A/T, while di-nucleotide repeat motifs were mainly AC/GT, and tri-nucleotide repeat motifs were primarily AGG/CCT. Regarding the number of repeats, microsatellites in Sillaginidae were generally concentrated between 5 and 18 repeat units, with peaks observed at 6 and 10 repetitions. The abundance of microsatellite loci consistently decreased as the number of repetitions increased beyond 10. These findings provide valuable insights into genome evolution and microsatellite DNA dynamics, supporting future investigations into their structural and functional characteristics, compositional patterns, and applications in molecular marker development for these species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Biotechnology)

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26 pages, 1178 KB

Open AccessReview

Review on Toxicity Effect of Emerging Contaminants on Trans-/Multi-Generational Fish

by Dong Sun, Yuna Huang, Shuyuan Chen and Meina Duan

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110535 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

In recent years, toxicological studies on fish exposed to emerging contaminants (ECs) have been relatively in-depth. However, research on trans-/multi-generational exposure of fish to ECs remains scarce. Limited data indicate that when parental generations (P) are subjected to ECs stress, it can threaten [...] Read more.

In recent years, toxicological studies on fish exposed to emerging contaminants (ECs) have been relatively in-depth. However, research on trans-/multi-generational exposure of fish to ECs remains scarce. Limited data indicate that when parental generations (P) are subjected to ECs stress, it can threaten the normal transmission of functions in offspring, such as growth and development, reproduction, physiology, endocrine, neural, and behavioral functions. Even after the exposure is terminated, these negative impacts may persist. Under the long-term presence of ECs, the health of fish offspring may affect the survival of entire populations and the stability of ecosystems. Therefore, this review summarizes studies on trans-/multi-generational effects of ECs on fish and analyzes these research results. Based on the materials collected, more research on trans-/multi-generational ECs effects on fish is urgently needed, especially regarding the F3 generation, combined toxicity, and trans-/multi-generational epigenetic effects. This will enable a comprehensive assessment of the health and ecological risks posed by ECs at environmental concentrations to fish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicology of Anthropogenic Pollutants on Fish)

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Fishes, Volume 10, Issue 11 (November 2025) – 9 articles

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