Photoperiodic growth enhancement in a tropical batch spawning atherinopsid, pike silverside Chirostoma estor

The effect of photoperiod on growth and survival in early life was determined in the tropical batch spawning atherinopsid, pike silverside Chirostoma estor. The results demonstrate high sensitivity of newly hatched C. estor to photoperiod treatments up to 90 days post hatch shown by improved growth in mass (43%) under continuous illumination. This is accompanied by increased fat deposition, which suggests a critical interaction between different photoperiod-mediated mechanisms. A thorough understanding of these mechanisms can help to optimize the development of aquaculture of C. estor and similar species.

The occurrence, structure, and development of microbranchiospines among the tilapias (Cichlidae: Tilapiini)

The microbranchiospine morphology in a range of tilapiine species belonging to the three principal genera (Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Tilapia) was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The structure and development of the microbranchiospines is described in detail; significant differences in presence, number, and morphology are observed between species and between size classes. The systematic value of microbranchiospines is also briefly discussed.