Molecular ontogenesis of digestive capability and associated endocrine control in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae

Developmental stages of the ballan wrasse from first feeding through metamorphosis: Cranial ossification and the digestive system

We have described six developmental stages for the ballan wrasse, from the first feeding until the juvenile stage, supported by specific descriptions of cranial ossification, maturation of the digestive tract, and growth-correlated stages. The initial formation and development of bones are closely linked to the functional anatomical structures required for the mechanics of its feeding behavior and ingestion, particularly the jaws and branchial regions involved in opening the mouth and capturing food particles. The overall ontogeny of the cranial structure compares to that of other teleosts. The cranial ossification of the ballan wrasse skull and the development of its dentary apparatus-first pharyngal teeth and later oral teeth-is linked to the development of the digestive system and to their feeding habits, from preying on zooplankton to feeding on crustaceans and invertebrates on rocks and other substrates. As ballan wrasse is a nibbler, eating small meals, the digestive tract is short compared to the length of the fish; there is no stomach or peptic digestion and also no distinctive bulbus and pyloric ceca. The liver and exocrine pancreas and their outlets terminating in the lumen of the most anterior part of the intestine are important in the digestive process and develop with a larger volume than that in gastric teleosts, relative to the digestive system.

Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis Reveals Dynamic Changes in Major Biological Functions during the Early Development of Clearhead Icefish, Protosalanx chinensis

Early development, when many important developmental events occur, is a critical period for fish. However, research on the early development of clearhead icefish is very limited, especially in molecular research. In this study, we aimed to explore the dynamic changes in the biological functions of five key periods in clearhead icefish early development, namely the YL (embryonic), PM (first day after hatching), KK (fourth day after hatching), LC (seventh day after hatching), and SL (tenth day after hatching) stages, through transcriptome sequencing and different analysis strategies. A trend expression analysis and an enrichment analysis revealed that the expression ofgenes encoding G protein-coupled receptors and their ligands, i.e., prss1_2_3, pomc, npy, npb, sst, rln3, crh, gh, and prl that are associated with digestion and feeding regulation gradually increased during early development. In addition, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that eleven modules were significantly associated with early development, among which nine modules were significantly positively correlated. Through the enrichment analysis and hub gene identification results of these nine modules, it was found that the pathways related to eye, bone, and heart development were significantly enriched in the YL stage, and the ccnd2, seh1l, kdm6a, arf4, and ankrd28 genes that are associated with cell proliferation and differentiation played important roles in these developmental processes; the pak3, dlx3, dgat2, and tas1r1 genes that are associated with jaw and tooth development, TG (triacylglycerol) synthesis, and umami amino acid receptors were identified as hub genes for the PM stage; the pathways associated with aerobic metabolism and unsaturated fatty acid synthesis were significantly enriched in the KK stage, with the foxk, slc13a2_3_5, ndufa5, and lsc2 genes playing important roles; the pathways related to visual perception were significantly enriched in the LC stage; and the bile acid biosynthetic and serine-type peptidase activity pathways were significantly enriched in the SL stage. These results provide a more detailed understanding of the processes of early development of clearhead icefish.

Sediment quality assessment combining chemical and biological (non)target analysis

Aquatic sediments act as a storage for diverse mixtures of organic and inorganic contaminants. Nevertheless, most evaluations of contaminated sediments have been limited to the assessment of concentrations of target compounds and lethal effects on some test species. To identify the organic contaminants causing sub-lethal effects of contaminated sediment, this study combined chemical and biological (non)target analysis involving comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with a time-of-flight Mass Spectrometer (GCxGC/ToF-MS) analysis, embryonic malformation and high-throughput sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on developing flounder. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were more abundant in the sediment extract of Yeongil Bay (SEY), while Jinhae Bay (SEJ) was contaminated with a large amount of unidentified chemicals. The unidentified chemicals of SEJ included branched alkanes, oxygenated cycloalkanes, heterogeneous hydrocarbons, and other unknown compounds. Percentage of pericardial edema was the highest in embryonic flounder exposed to SEY. Consistent with the morphogenesis results, the expression level of genes related to heart formation including the nkx2.5 and robo1 was greater in embryonic flounder exposed to SEY. In the analyses of differential gene expression profiles (cutoff P < 0.05), by RNA-seq, embryos exposed to SEJ showed changes related to cell differentiation, cell part morphogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuron development. Genes related to neurogenesis and positive regulation of molecular functions variated significantly in embryos exposed to SEY. These results demonstrated the advantages of combining target and non-target analysis to accurately evaluate the major chemical groups causing sediment toxicity. Therefore, this work provided a useful approach to tracking and revealing the causes of toxic effects and identifying potential toxic mechanisms.

Ontogeny of Expression and Activity of Digestive Enzymes and Establishment of gh/igf1 Axis in the Omnivorous Fish Chelon labrosus

Simple Summary

Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) feeds on the lowest trophic levels during adult stages, for which it is considered a viable candidate for an economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture. Similar to most of marine fish species, C. labrosus produce a large number of eggs, leading to morphologically and anatomically larvae that are not completely mature and have to pass through substantial differentiation and development in their functional systems to acquire adult features. Therefore, the study of the development of digestive tract and of the growth regulation can provide useful information to adapt the feeding protocols and rearing conditions to the physiological requirements at each stage. This work aimed to evaluate the early ontogeny of key digestive enzymes and somatotropic factors at biochemical and/or transcriptional levels. Our results evidenced that maturation of the digestive system and acquisition of the adult mode of digestion occurs around 60 to 70 days post hatch (dph), when starch or other low-cost carbohydrate-based compounds could be used in formulated diets at increasing levels. Furthermore, our results implied an independent expression of the studied somatotropic genes during the first 40 dph and establishment of a functional growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis from 50 dph onward.

Abstract

Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) is a candidate for sustainable aquaculture due to its omnivorous/detritivorous feeding habit. This work aimed to evaluate its digestive and growth potentials from larval to early juvenile stages. To attain these objectives the activity of key digestive enzymes was measured from three until 90 days post hatch (dph). Expression of genes involved in digestion of proteins (try2, ctr, pga2, and atp4a), carbohydrates (amy2a), and lipids (cel and pla2g1b), together with two somatotropic factors (gh and igf1) were also quantified. No chymotrypsin or pepsin activities were detected. While specific activity of trypsin and lipase were high during the first 30 dph and declined afterward, amylase activity was low until 57 dph and increased significantly beyond that point. Expression of try2, ctr, amy2a, and cel increased continuously along development, and showed a peak at the end of metamorphosis. Expression of pla2g1b, pga2 and atp4a increased until the middle of metamorphosis and decreased afterwars. Most of these trends contrast the usual patterns in carnivorous species and highlight the transition from larvae, with high protein requirements, to post-larvae/juvenile stages, with omnivorous/detritivorous feeding preferences. Somatotropic genes, gh and igf1, showed approximately inverse expression patterns, suggesting the establishment of the Gh/Igf1 axis from 50 dph.

Molecular Ontogeny of First-Feeding European Eel Larvae

Digestive system functionality of fish larvae relies on the onset of genetically pre-programmed and extrinsically influenced digestive functions. This study explored how algal supplementation (green-water) until 14 days post hatch (dph) and the ingestion of food [enriched rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) paste] from 15 dph onward affects molecular maturation and functionality of European eel larval ingestion and digestion mechanisms. For this, we linked larval biometrics to expression of genes relating to appetite [ghrelin (ghrl), cholecystokinin (cck)], food intake [proopiomelanocortin (pomc)], digestion [trypsin (try), triglyceride lipase (tgl), amylase (amyl)], energy metabolism [ATP synthase F0 subunit 6 (atp6), cytochrome-c-oxidase 1 (cox1)], growth [insulin-like growth factor (igf1)] and thyroid metabolism [thyroid hormone receptors (thrαA, thrβB)]. Additionally, we estimated larval nutritional status via nucleic acid analysis during transition from endogenous and throughout the exogenous feeding stage. Results showed increased expression of ghrl and cck on 12 dph, marking the beginning of the first-feeding window, but no benefit of larviculture in green-water was observed. Moreover, expression of genes relating to protein (try) and lipid (tgl) hydrolysis revealed essential digestive processes occurring from 14 to 20 dph. On 16 dph, a molecular response to initiation of exogenous feeding was observed in the expression patterns of pomc, atp6, cox1, igf1, thrαA and thrβB. Additionally, we detected increased DNA contents, which coincided with increased RNA contents and greater body area, reflecting growth in feeding compared to non-feeding larvae. Thus, the here applied nutritional regime facilitated a short-term benefit, where feeding larvae were able to sustain growth and better condition than their non-feeding conspecifics. However, RNA:DNA ratios decreased from 12 dph onward, indicating a generally low larval nutritional condition, probably leading to the point-of-no-return and subsequent irreversible mortality due to unsuccessful utilization of exogenous feeding. In conclusion, this study molecularly identified the first-feeding window in European eel and revealed that exogenous feeding success occurs concurrently with the onset of a broad array of enzymes and hormones, which are known to regulate molecular processes in feeding physiology. This knowledge constitutes essential information to develop efficient larval feeding strategies and will hopefully provide a promising step toward sustainable aquaculture of European eel.

A transcriptomic investigation of appetite-regulation and digestive processes in giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus during early larval development

The giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus is an ecologically vulnerable species with high market demand. However, efforts to improve larval husbandry are hindered by a lack of knowledge surrounding larval developmental physiology. To address this shortfall, a transcriptomic approach was applied to larvae between 1 and 14 days post hatch (dph) to characterise the molecular ontogenesis of genes that influence appetite and digestion. Appetite regulating factors were detected from 1 dph, including neuropeptide Y, nesfatin-1, cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, cholecystokinin and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide and the expression level of several genes changed sharply with the onset of exogenous feeding. The level of expression for proteases, chitinases, lipases and amylases typically followed one of two expression patterns, a general increase as development progressed, or an inverted U-shape with maximal expression at c. 6 dph. Similarly, the tendency among both expression patterns was for the level of expression to increase around the time of mouth-opening. There was also evidence to suggest the presence of putative isoforms for several digestion-related genes. We have provided an insight into appetite-regulation and digestive processes in groupers during early larval development and have developed a transcriptomic database that will aid future efforts to rear this species in an aquaculture setting.

Appetite-Controlling Endocrine Systems in Teleosts

Mammalian studies have shaped our understanding of the endocrine control of appetite and body weight in vertebrates and provided the basic vertebrate model that involves central (brain) and peripheral signaling pathways as well as environmental cues. The hypothalamus has a crucial function in the control of food intake, but other parts of the brain are also involved. The description of a range of key neuropeptides and hormones as well as more details of their specific roles in appetite control continues to be in progress. Endocrine signals are based on hormones that can be divided into two groups: those that induce (orexigenic), and those that inhibit (anorexigenic) appetite and food consumption. Peripheral signals originate in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, adipose tissue, and other tissues and reach the hypothalamus through both endocrine and neuroendocrine actions. While many mammalian-like endocrine appetite-controlling networks and mechanisms have been described for some key model teleosts, mainly zebrafish and goldfish, very little knowledge exists on these systems in fishes as a group. Fishes represent over 30,000 species, and there is a large variability in their ecological niches and habitats as well as life history adaptations, transitions between life stages and feeding behaviors. In the context of food intake and appetite control, common adaptations to extended periods of starvation or periods of abundant food availability are of particular interest. This review summarizes the recent findings on endocrine appetite-controlling systems in fish, highlights their impact on growth and survival, and discusses the perspectives in this research field to shed light on the intriguing adaptations that exist in fish and their underlying mechanisms.

Skeletal muscle growth dynamics and the influence of first-feeding diet in Atlantic cod larvae (Gadus morhua L.)

Dynamics between hypertrophy (increase in cell size) and hyperplasia (increase in cell numbers) of white and red muscle in relation to body size [standard length (SL)], and the influence of the first-feeding diets on muscle growth were investigated in Atlantic cod larvae (Gadus morhua). Cod larvae were fed copepod nauplii or rotifers of different nutritional qualities from 4 to 29 days post hatching (dph), Artemia nauplii from 20 to 40 dph and a formulated diet from 36 to 60 dph. The short period of feeding with cultivated copepod nauplii had a positive effect on both muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy after the copepod/rotifer phase (19 dph), and a positive long term effect on muscle hypertrophy (60 dph). The different nutritional qualities of rotifers did not significantly affect muscle growth. We suggest here a model of the dynamics between hyperplasia and hypertrophy of red and white muscle fibre cells in relation to cod SL (4 to 30 mm), where the different red and white muscle growth phases clearly coincided with different metamorphosis stages in cod larvae. These shifts could be included as biomarkers for the different stages of development during metamorphosis. The main dietary muscle effect was that hypertrophic growth of red muscle fibres was stronger in cod larvae that were fed copepods than in larvae that were fed rotifers, both in relation to larval age and size. Red muscle fibres are directly involved in larval locomotory performance, but may also play an important role in the larval myogenesis. This can have a long term effect on growth potential and fish performance.

Summary: Hyperplastic and hypertrophic growth dynamics of red and white muscle were strongly related to cod larval size and corresponded with the metamorphosis process. First-feeding diet quality can prolong effects on muscle growth potential in cod larvae.

Ontogeny changes and weaning effects in gene expression patterns of digestive enzymes and regulatory digestive factors in spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) larvae

The study of digestive physiology is an important issue in species that have been introduced in aquaculture like the spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus). The aims of this study were to describe the expression of digestive enzymes (trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, α-amylase, lipoprotein lipase, phospholipase A and pepsinogen) and their relation with orexigenic (neuropeptide Y, NPY) and anorexigenic (cholecystokinin, CCK) factors during the larval development and to evaluate the effect of weaning in their expression. The results showed that the transcripts of all the assayed digestive enzymes, with the exception of pepsinogen, and NPY and CCK were already present in L. guttatus from the hatching stage. The expression of all the enzymes was low during the yolk-sac stage (0-2 days after hatching, DAH), whereas after the onset of exogenous feeding at 2 DAH, their expression increased and fluctuated throughout larval development, which followed a similar pattern as in other marine fish species and reflected changes in different types of food items and the progressive maturation of the digestive system. On the other hand, weaning of L. guttatus larvae from live prey onto a microdiet between 25 and 35 DAH significantly affected the relative expression of most pancreatic digestive enzymes during the first weaning days, whereas chymotrypsinogen 2 and lipoprotein lipase remained stable during this period. At the end of co-feeding, larvae showed similar levels of gene expression regardless of the diet (live prey vs. microdiet), which indicated that larvae of L. guttatus were able to adapt their digestive capacities to the microdiet. In contrast, feeding L. guttatus larvae with live feed or microdiet did not affect the expression of CCK and NPY. The relevance of these findings with regard to current larval rearing procedures of L. guttatus is discussed.

The Ontogeny and Brain Distribution Dynamics of the Appetite Regulators NPY, CART and pOX in Larval Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua L.)

Similar to many marine teleost species, Atlantic cod undergo remarkable physiological changes during the early life stages with concurrent and profound changes in feeding biology and ecology. In contrast to the digestive system, very little is known about the ontogeny and the localization of the centers that control appetite and feed ingestion in the developing brain of fish. We examined the expression patterns of three appetite regulating factors (orexigenic: neuropeptide Y, NPY; prepro-orexin, pOX and anorexigenic: cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, CART) in discrete brain regions of developing Atlantic cod using chromogenic and double fluorescent in situ hybridization. Differential temporal and spatial expression patterns for each appetite regulator were found from first feeding (4 days post hatch; dph) to juvenile stage (76 dph). Neurons expressing NPY mRNA were detected in the telencephalon (highest expression), diencephalon, and optic tectum from 4 dph onward. CART mRNA expression had a wider distribution along the anterior-posterior brain axis, including both telencephalon and diencephalon from 4 dph. From 46 dph, CART transcripts were also detected in the olfactory bulb, region of the nucleus of medial longitudinal fascicle, optic tectum and midbrain tegmentum. At 4 and 20 dph, pOX mRNA expression was exclusively found in the preoptic region, but extended to the hypothalamus at 46 and 76 dph. Co-expression of both CART and pOX genes were also observed in several hypothalamic neurons throughout larval development. Our results show that both orexigenic and anorexigenic factors are present in the telencephalon, diencephalon and mesencephalon in cod larvae. The telencephalon mostly contains key factors of hunger control (NPY), while the diencephalon, and particularly the hypothalamus may have a more complex role in modulating the multifunctional control of appetite in this species. As the larvae develop, the overall progression in temporal and spatial complexity of NPY, CART and pOX mRNAs expression might be correlated to the maturation of appetite control regulation. These observations suggest that teleost larvae continue to develop the regulatory networks underlying appetite control after onset of exogenous feeding.

Cloning and molecular ontogeny of digestive enzymes in fed and food-deprived developing gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae

We have determined the expression pattern of key pancreatic enzymes precursors (trypsinogen, try; chymotrypsinogen, ctrb; phospholipase A2, pla2; bile salt-activated lipase, cel; and α-amylase, amy2a) during the larval stage of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) up to 60days after hatching (dph). Previously, complete sequences of try, cel, and amy2a were cloned and phylogenetically analyzed. One new isoform was found for cel transcript (cel1b). Expression of all enzyme precursors was detected before the mouth opening. Expression of try and ctrb increased during the first days of development and then maintained high values with some fluctuations during the whole larval stage. The prolipases pla2 and cel1b increased from first-feeding with irregular fluctuation until the end of the experiment. Contrarily, cel1a maintained low expression values during most of the larval stage increasing at the end of the period. Nevertheless, cel1a expression was negligible as compared with cel1b. The expression of amy2a sharply increased during the first week followed by a gradual decrease. In addition, a food-deprivation experiment was performed to find the differences in relation to presence/absence of gut content after the opening of the mouth. The food-deprived larvae died at 10dph. The expression levels of all digestive enzymes increased up to 7dph, declining sharply afterwards. This expression pattern up to 7dph was the same observed in fed larvae, confirming the genetic programming during the early development. Main digestive enzymes in gilthead seabream larvae exhibited the same expression profiles than other marine fish with carnivorous preferences in their juvenile stages.

Characterization and ontogenetic development of digestive enzymes in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis larvae

The major digestive enzymes in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis larvae were characterized, and the physiological characteristics of the enzymes during early ontogeny were clarified using biochemical and molecular approaches. The maximum activity of trypsin (Try), chymotrypsin (Ct) and amylase (Amy) was observed at pH 6-11, 8-11 and 6-9, respectively. Maximum activity of Try, Ct and Amy occurred at 50 °C, that of lipase (Lip) was at 60 °C and that of pepsin (Pep) was at 40-50 °C. These pH and thermal profiles were similar to those for other fish species but differed from those previously reported for adult bluefin tuna. Enzyme activity for all enzymes assayed was found to decrease at high temperatures (Try, Ct, Amy and Pep: 50 °C; Lip: 40 °C), which is similar to findings for other fish species with one marked exception-increased Try activity was observed at 40 °C. Lip activity appeared to be dependent on bile salts under our assay conditions, resulting in a significant increase in activity in the presence of bile salts. Ontogenetic changes in pancreatic digestive enzymes showed similar gene expression patterns to those of other fish species, whereas marked temporal increases in enzyme activities were observed at 10-12 days post hatching (dph), coinciding with previously reported timing of the development of the pyloric caeca in bluefin tuna larvae. However, complete development of digestive function was indicated by the high pep gene expression from 19 dph, which contradicts the profile of Pep activity and previously reported development timing of the gastric gland. These findings contribute to the general knowledge of bluefin tuna larval digestive system development.

Ontogeny of redox regulation in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae

The reduction potential of a cell is related to its fate. Proliferating cells are more reduced than those that are differentiating, whereas apoptotic cells are generally the most oxidized. Glutathione is considered the most important cellular redox buffer and the average reduction potential (Eh) of a cell or organism can be calculated from the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG). In this study, triplicate groups of cod larvae at various stages of development (3 to 63 days post-hatch; dph) were sampled for analyses of GSSG/2GSH concentrations, together with activities of antioxidant enzymes and expression of genes encoding proteins involved in redox metabolism. The concentration of total GSH (GSH+GSSG) increased from 610 ± 100 to 1260 ± 150 μmol/kg between 7 and 14 dph and was then constant until 49 dph, after which it decreased to 810 ± 100 μmol/kg by 63 dph. The 14- to 49-dph period, when total GSH concentrations were stable, coincides with the proposed period of metamorphosis in cod larvae. The concentration of GSSG comprised approximately 1% of the total GSH concentration and was stable throughout the sampling series. This resulted in a decreasing Eh from -239 ± 1 to -262 ± 7 mV between 7 and 14 dph, after which it remained constant until 63 dph. The changes in GSH and Eh were accompanied by changes in the expression of several genes involved in redox balance and signaling, as well as changes in activities of antioxidant enzymes, with the most dynamic responses occurring in the early phase of cod larval development. It is hypothesized that metamorphosis in cod larvae starts with the onset of mosaic hyperplasia in the skeletal muscle at approximately 20 dph (6.8mm standard length (SL)) and ends with differentiation of the stomach and disappearance of the larval finfold at 40 to 50 dph (10-15 mm SL). Thus, metamorphosis in cod larvae seems to coincide with high and stable total concentrations of GSH.

Gene expression and activity of digestive enzymes during the larval development of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

Knowledge of digestive enzyme development during larval stages provides a better understanding of the digestive and nutritional physiology of fish larvae. This study characterized the ontogeny of key digestive enzymes in Asian seabass larvae from hatching to juvenile stage (30 days post hatch, dph) using molecular and biochemical approaches. Gene expression and activity of pepsinogen (pg), trypsinogen (try), chymotrypsinogen (ctr), bile salt-activated lipase (bal), α-amylase (amy), leucine aminopeptidase (lap) and alkaline phosphatase (alp) were determined. Gene expression and enzyme activity of all digestive enzymes were detectable from hatching. Pepsinogen mRNA levels were close to detection limit during 0-15 dph, but were highly expressed from 18 dph and onwards. This coincided with a marked increase in specific and individual pepsin activity, indicating complete development of digestive function. Expression levels of try, ctr, amy and bal were high between 3 and 15 dph and thereafter a decreasing trend was observed. Intestinal enzymes, lap and alp, showed highest expression levels during the yolk sac stage, and thereafter levels decreased. Activity of all digestive enzymes increased from around 18 dph and onwards. In conclusion, the development of main digestive enzymes in Asian seabass larvae shows a similar pattern to that of other marine fish species.

Molecular characterization of cholecystokinin in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus): cloning, localization, developmental profile, and effect of fasting and refeeding on expression in the brain and intestine

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a multi-functional brain-gut peptide in fish and mammals. To investigate the role of CCK in appetite regulation in fish, a 770-bp full-length cDNA sequence of CCK gene was obtained by RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus. Homology analysis showed that the CCK cDNA sequence of grass carp had the highest similarity (90 %) to that of goldfish Carassius auratus and a higher similarity (>70 %) to those of other teleosts than to mammals. The PCR amplification using genomic DNA identified that the CCK gene of grass carp was comprised of three exons and two introns. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect CCK mRNA expression in adult tissues. High levels of gene expression were found in the hypothalamus and pituitary; moderate levels in the intestine, muscle and white adipose tissue; and low levels in other tissues. During early development (i.e., fertilized eggs to 35-day post-hatching larvae) the levels of CCK mRNA expression were higher during embryonic developmental stages than during post-hatch larval stages. Fasting decreased CCK mRNA expression levels in the brain and intestine, whereas refeeding resulted in an increase of expression. The results suggest that CCK mRNA expression has obvious tissue specificity and may have a role in feed intake regulation in grass carp.