Abstract:The biodiversity and structure of fish communities is an important indicator of anthropogenic and environmental impacts. Here, we reported the results of a survey carried out in 2010, in which we sampled the fish at twelve stations throughout the headstream region of the Dongjiang River. A total of 74 species in 7 orders, 18 families and 56 genera were collected and identified. Of these 74 species, 71 species were native while only Neosalanx tangkahkeii, Tilapia zillii and Gambusia affinis were exotic species. Among all the species, order Cypriniformes was the most dominant component (77.5%), followed by order Siluriformes (9.9%), order Perciformes (8.4%). As the results of relative abundance, the dominant species were Zacco platypus, accounted for 14.87%, followed by Opsariichthys bidens (9.93%)and Acrossocheilus parallens (9.36%). Temporal and spatial variations were also conducted fish community similarity analyses. The evaluation of fish diversity in the study area was made based on the combined information of G-F index, Shannon-Wiener index, Pielou’s evenness index, Margalef species richness index and Simpson index. Fish community structure in headstream region was dominated by omnivore, sedentary, mid & superstratum and benthic species, which is similar with that of the lower reach. However, the similarity index of fishes between headstream and lower reach was only 0.39. The major adverse impacts on the fish biodiversity in the headstream included dam construction, water pollution, sand excavation, excessive catching and harmful fishing gear.

Abstract:The histological structural changes in the testis and liver tissues of the swordtail fish (Xiphophorus helleri) exposed to 50 μg/L 17β-estradiol (E₂) for 50 days were investiged. The results showed that, after exposure to E₂, the number of spermatogonia was reduced, the growth and development of spermatogonia were stagnated, and the number of sperm was decreased. The liver cells exhibited fat vacuoles and fat deposition, indicative of fatty liver symptoms. The results indicated that E₂ had strong estrogenic effects. The extent of testis and liver tissue damage changed with E2 exposure time. The longer the exposure, the more serious the damage was. But the damage was still within the tolerance of the fish, without causing its death. Therefore, E₂ exposure damage to the testis structure can be used as a histological biomarker for detection of environmental estrogens.

Abstract:Nanorana parkeri is endemic and widespread in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Oviposition sites selection by N.parkeri was studied in four marshlands in Sejila Mountain, Tibet, during the breeding period in 2011 and 2012. Habitats were surveyed with respect to oviposition (n=37) and random (n=37) sites by measuring 10 factors that might influence the choice of an oviposition site. There were significant differences in the substrate, pH value, water temperature, water depth, vegetation coverage, and fish present between oviposition sites and random sites. Logistic regression analysis indicated that substrate and water pH were the most important factors influencing the choice of female N.parkeri. It is suggested that protecting water bodies with mud substrate and water pH value close to 7 in the marshes is important to the conservation of N.parkeri.

Abstract:Thirty pairs of mating Rana dybowskii were collected from Changbaishan Mount of Jilin Province in April, 2012 to study sexual dimorphism and morphological correlates of mate choice. Measurements taken for each individual included snout-urostyle length (SUL), head length (HL), head width (HW), fore-limb length (FLL) and hind-limb length (HLL). All morphological variables measured were positively correlated with SUL in both sexes. The rates at which FLL and HLL increased with SUL did not differ between the sexes, whereas the rates at which HL and HW increased with SUL differed between the sexes. The mean SUL was greater in females than in males, FLL was greater in males than in females after accounting for variation in SUL, and other morphological traits did not differ between the sexes. Our data also showed that there were no significant correlation in most examined morphological traits of paired female and male except HLL. Therefore, the formation of sexual dimorphism in R.dybowskii were not significantly correlates with morphological traits of mate choice.

Abstract:We conducted light control experiment on 39 adult Four Eye-spotted Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata) to determine the influence of photoperiod on the regulation of the seasonal gonadal cycle from October 2008 to September 2009. We divided 39 individuals randomly into 3 groups, short light group (9L:15D, 7♀, 6♂), long light group (15L:9D, 7♀, 6♂) and control group (natural light, 7♀, 6♂) and checked the number and size of follicles and number of shelled eggs by ultrasound technique and by X-ray photography each month. We also made video record on the courtship behavior of male per half-month. Follicles grouth began in August and reached a maximum number in November, with maximum size in December, the result showed the periodic changes of number and size of follicles consistent with previous research. And the results also indicated that photoperiod did influence on the production of the turtles in number and size of follicles, but did not have effect on the courtship behavior of males. The total number of follicles in short control group was larger than that that in control group (LSD P=0.006), but not significant between short and longer light control group (P=0.498), as well as between longer lighter group and control group (P=0.141); the follicle size was shorter in long light group than in control group (P=0.000) and short light group (P=0.002), but not significant difference was found between short and long light control groups.

Abstract:A method of drawing biological black line chart using the ViewGIS Software was introduced. This method has advantage of the traditional hand-drawing method by its features of simple manipulation, accurate structural features, short time-consuming, and accurate proportion.

Abstract:Thirty six nests of Chinese Penduline Tits(Remiz consobrinus)located in the planted forest were measured in Zhalong Nature Reserve from September to October 2011. Nine nest-site variables, including nest height, distance to the trunk, distance to the branch end, and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured proceeded by principal component analysis. The nest height (5.59±1.44 m), distance to the trunk (1.81±0.50 m), to the branch end (0.10±0.04 m) were the most important factor for bird to select their nest. DBH (0.29±0.08 m), nest direction and age of nesting branch were also important factors. Among all the variables, distance to ground (P=0.002 3)and distance to water surface (P=0.003 7)were significantly different between nest located in the reed swamp and in the woodland meadow. The difference between DBH (P=0.003 4) of nest trees in woodland meadow and in farmland were significantly; Distance to the trunk and to the branch end, the age of nesting branch were not significant difference between different habitat.

Abstract:A study of nest-site selection of Ardeidae birds was conducted by plot survey and line transect survey at Zhangjiang Estuary in Fujian from April to May in 2011 and 2012. The characteristics of bird nests were measured at nest site and control plots, the variable collected were used to conduct a t-test to address the habitat factors which may produce influence on nest-site selection. The study result indicated that habitat factors, including base diameter, average height, density, coverage, proportion of tree Kandelia obovata in the coverage were significantly different between nest presence plots (n=23) and control plots (n=37) (P<0.05). Also, significant differences existed highly in proportion of tree Avicennia marina, distance to road, distance to village and distance to culture pond (P<0.01). Principal component analysis shown that both of vegetation structure and disturbance sources were the main habitat factors related to nest-site selection of Ardeidae birds.Vegetation structure could influence community structure of Ardeidae birds, while as reflect the assembling breeding behavior of the birds might influence the vegetation structure.

Abstract:The macro-invertebrate assemblages of river substrate were investigated at 83 sites in Shanghai city in summer and autumn 2011. A total of 20 taxa of the macro-invertebrate were collected, including 10 of Mollusca, 6 of Arthropoda and 4 of Annelida. No any living macro-invertebrates were detected from samples collected at 9 sites which were heavily polluted and no suitable habitat available. The water quality at the rest 74 sites with living macro-invertebrate was evaluated by Shannon-Wiener index, Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) and Goodnight Biotic Index (GBI). Based on Shannon-Wiener Index, the water quality was critically polluted at 25 sites and heavily polluted at 49 sites. The water quality was heavily polluted at 38 sites, moderately at 5 sites and slightly at 31 sites, by the value of Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI). Evaluating on water quality by Goodnight Biotic Index (GBI), the river water was severely polluted at 33, moderately at 2 sites, and lightly at 39 sites. In contrast with the data of historical physicochemical water quality indicators in last 3 years, Shannon-Wiener Index had low efficiency and accuracy, while Hilsenhoff Biotic Index and Goodnight Biotic Index had much higher accuracy in spatial consistency between physicochemical assessment and biological evaluation.

Abstract:To reveal the genetic diversity of Oratosquilla oratoria from Yellow Sea, genetic variations among six populations were studied by molecular markers. A total of 39 haplotypes and 41 variable sites were defined in 627 sites for 72 COⅠ sequences. The average values of nucleotide diversity and haplotype diversity were 0.005 12 and 0.962 5, respectively. Genetic distance among populations ranged from 0.004 3 to 0.006 4. High genetic diversity was found in Yancheng population, but the lower nucleotide diversity was discovered in Qingdao and Rizhao populations. Results of mismatch distribution, Tajima’s D statistics (Tajima’s D=-2.051 69,P<0.05) and Fu’s F test (Fu’s Fs=-40.079) supported a sudden population expansion event. The time of expansion was estimated to occur about 55 000 years ago by τ value and molecular clock. The results could provide a scientific basis for protection and utilization of germplasm resources of O.oratoria in Yellow Sea.

Abstract:The membrane morphological change during embryonic development of Northern Sheatfish (Silirus soldatovi) in Heilongjiang river was observed by scanning electron microscopy and optical dissecting microscopy. The egg surface structure of the demersal and adhesive eggs before and after artificial debonding was also observed. The results showed that the surface of fertilized egg envelope was composed of a layer of thin and dense material with porous structures. The jelly coat on viscous fertilized egg envelope surface was smooth and dense, with many holes connected by trabecular connection (desmosome). With embryonic development jelly coat gradually expanded, unfolded, thinned and, finally naturally shed at the rupture envelope period. Artificial debonding almost took off all jelly coat and the egg lost its adhesivity. The egg envelope surface without jelly coat was coarse and composed of irregular particles and the chain structure around the particles. The structure showed little change during the embryonic development until the embryo hatching out of the envelope. However, the particles gradually lost and ruptured in late embryonic development. The fertilized egg vivisection was also conducted and the relationship between the structure and change of egg envelope and its function was discussed.

Abstract:The ultrastructure of vitellogenesis was observed by the transmission electron microscopy in Hucho taimen at different developmental stages. The results indicated that the yolk of H.taimen was concentrated mainly at primary oocyte phase. On the basis of the composition and accumulation of yolk and change of organelle participating in the formation of the vitellus granule in oocyte, the vitellogenesis was divided into four phases: Provitellogenic stage, vitelline vacuole stage, vitelline accumulation stage, vitelline accumulation completion stage. The provitellogenic stage refers to the period before the yolk material begins to accumulate in the process of oocyte development. During this period, the nucleolus disintegrated unceasingly and clusters of mitochondria appeared, meanwhile, three layers of functional membrane structure formed outside the oocyte. The organelle changed unceasingly, yolk vacuoles and cortical vesicles generated at the vitelline vacuole stage. At the vitelline accumulation stage, the membrane of follicle was made up of zona radiata, granular cells layer, basement layer and sheath cell layer in order while the exogenous yolk material accumulated in sheath cell layer through blood flow, then went through basement layer by micro-pinocytosis, and finally reached granulosa cells by multivesicular body action, where yolk protein particles formed by processing and modification of the protein. The yolk protein particles went through zona radiata by micropinocytosis and aggregated into the vacuoles that formed at the periphery of oocyte and accumulated to from yolk globules. At the vitelline accumulation completion stage, the volume of yolk globules that assembled to the center of cell was increased and a majority of the oocyte was full of yolk globules, and the yolk accumulation was accomplished.

Abstract:In this paper the influence of temperature on oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of juvenile Girella melanichthys in hunger and satiety were studied. The results show that rate of oxygen consumption in both fasting and over fed fish, rate of ammonia excretion in the fasting fish is increased with the temperature between 15℃ and 30℃(P<0.01)and reaches to the peak at 30℃. While the rate is decreased when the temperature is at 32℃. For fasting fish, the ammonia excretion go up with temperature ascending in the range between 15℃ to 32℃(P<0.01),and arrives to the peak at 32℃. The results confirm that 30℃ is the optimal temperature for the fish growth.

Abstract:In order to provide important scientific basis on the safe use of PVP-I in Carassius auratus gibelio farming, we evaluate the safety of fishery povidonum-iodum(PVP-I)on C.auratus gibelio farming according to the national standards and related regulations. Based on observation on growth inhibition of the PVP-I on Chlorella sp., aquatic probiotic bacteria, we analyzed the acute toxicity of PVP-I to Daphnia magna straus, Brachydanio rerio, and C.auratus gibelio, as well as the influence on main harmful physicochemical factors of the farming water. The results showed that the growth of Chlorella sp. was promoted with PVP-I at the final concentrations of 6.00-14.00 mg/L, its minimum inhibitory concentration to aquatic probiotics were varied from 128 mg/L to 512 mg/L, its 50% inhibitory concentration to Chlorella sp. was estimated to be above 14.00 mg/L, and its 50% lethal dose to D.magna straus, B.rerio were 13.44 mg/L, 17.63 mg/L, respectively. In addition, the 50% lethal dose of PVP-I to C.auratus gibelio was 74.77 mg/L, and in the period of 14 days after the adding of the PVP-I into the farming water at 0.20-1.40 mg/L, the contents of the ammonia and nitrite in C.auratus gibelio farming water were gradually reduced with the increased concentration of the PVP-I. The present study confirmed that the PVP-I had low toxicity, its safe concentration for C.auratus gibelio farming should be no more than 1.34 mg/L in view of its potential threat to zooplankton such as D.magna straus. PVP-I would not lead to the increase of the ammonia and nitrite in the C.auratus gibelio faming water under its safe concentration.

Abstract:In order to explain the daily cyclic variation of metabolism and thermoregulation in the Silky Starling (Sturnus sericeus), the 24 hours continuous changes of body temperature (T_b), body mass (M_b) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in silky starling were measured. T_b was determined by a digital thermometer (Beijing Normal University Instruments Co., model TH-212) inserting to cloaca, M_b was measured by an electronic scale (Mettler-Toledo, model PL3001-S) to the nearest 0.1 g, and BMR was measured by an open oxygen analyzer (AEI, model S-3A/I) temperature controlled at 25±0.5℃, respectively. The results showed that daily variation of T_b, M_b and BMR was great significantly. Both of T_b and M_b were significantly lower and varied greatly in night time than those in day time. The lowest T_b was 40.4±0.1℃ at 5 o’clock. The value of M_b showed a obvious linear variation with time during 20:00-6:00, and the relationship of M_b in female was M_b=83.46 (±0.12)-0.41 (±0.02) t (R²=0.992, P<0.01) and in male was M_b=76.74 (±0.15)-0.39 (±0.02) t (R²=0.986, P<0.01), respectively. The lowest BMR was (1.96±0.06) ml/(g·h) at 4 o’clock. In summary, silky starling could adjust their daily cyclic variation by decrease T_b, M_b and BMR at night. This inner physiological energetic regulation mechanism improved their acclimatization to the diurnal environment variation.

Abstract:Thirty two living specimens of Novaculina chinensis were collected from the channel of the Grand Canal estuary region in Lake Weishan on 23 October 2010. As a new record, Lake Weishan becomes the northernmost geographic boundary of its distribution in China, which indicates that the distribution of Novaculina chinensis has extended to Palaearctic region.

Abstract:Amphibian specimens were collected in Tonghua Township and Yongning Township of Zhuanglang Countytown, Gansu Province from July 23th to August 3rd in 2012.10 specimens were identified as Scutiger liupanensis, which is a new record to Gansu Province.

Abstract:The invasion of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) has become one of the main factors leading to native amphibian population decline and extinction. Bullfrog has distributed widely in China, but no any record in Hainan. In the duration of February to April in 2011, eight adult bullfrogs (including 1 pregnancy) were captured in three locations around Shazhou Island at Wanquan River, Hainan. The habitat bullfrogs were captured had the following characteristics: 1 soil was mud or sand, 2 distance from water about 0.5-1.5 m, 3 overall slope as 6°-25°, 4 vegetation coverage between 75% and 90%, and 5 native amphibian species were abundant around location. The bullfrog has been sold at local market and about 120 individuals were traded each day. Bullfrog found in Wanquan River may come from breeding escape or wildlife released by Buddhist. More survey is required to identify whether the breeding population has been built in the study area.

Abstract:A male and a female of bat Ia io were collected in Dongxuexian Cave (24°58.1' N, 113°11.0' E, 559 m altitude), on 19 September, 2006 and in Wendao Cave(24°56.5' N, 113°6.3' E, 440 m altitude), on 21 November, 2012 respectively,both in Daqiao Town, Ruyuan Country, Guangdong Province. This was the first record for Ia io from Guangdong Province. The feature of morphological structure and skull of the two specimens was given in this paper. At the same time, echolocation calls were record by a Pettersson D-980 bat detector when the bat was flying in spacious indoor conditions, and the acoustic parameters of the male and the female were analyzed respectively. After compared the specimens with those found in Hainan Province and Guizhou Province, it is found that the dominant frequency was obviously lower than others. The specimens were kept in Guangdong Entomological Institute.

Abstract:We reported 5 nests of the Elliot’s Laughingthrush (Garrulax elliotii) being parasitized by the Large Hawk Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides) at Gansu Lianhuashan Nature Reserve in the breeding season from May to August in 2011 and 2012. The eggs of Large Hawk Cuckoo were oval in shape and slightly blue in color with no spot. According to the measurements from two eggs, their size were 29.76 mm × 20.40 mm and 28.40 mm × 21.68 mm, with a fresh weight of 6.9 g and 7.2 g, respectively. One nestling of the Large Hawk Cuckoo fledged on Day 20 after hatched.

Abstract:We found 3 nests of Vinaceous Rosefinch (Carpodacus vinaceus) at Lianhuashan Nature Reserve between June and August 2012. The bowl shaped nests were located in small spruce trees(Picea asperata)and shrubs, about 1.5-1.9 m above ground. Egg size was 21.06±0.59 mm × 14.81±0.26 mm, with an average fresh weight of 2.32±0.08 g (n =6). Only female incubated and both parents cared the young. The incubation and nestling period lasted about 14 and 13 days respectively.

Abstract:Fish olfactory system is composed of olfactory sac, olfactory nerve and olfactory bulb. Olfactory sac, also called olfactory organ, is composed of olfactory epithelium and central core. Chemical signals are first detected by the olfactory receptor neurons that randomly distribute in the entire olfactory epithelium, and then transferred to the olfactory bulb through the olfactory nerve. There exist different functional regions in the olfactory bulb, where the chemical signals are integrated and transferred to the telencephalon to play physiological functions. The sex pheromones play their functions through the olfactory system in fish reproduction, and the sex pheromonal receptors of the olfactory neurons play an important role. Usually, two approaches are used to investigate the sex pheromonal receptors in fishes: the first is based on species-specific electrophysiological or behavioral responses to sex pheromones at very low concentrations, and the second is based on the conservative structures of receptors genes taking reference of the mammalian counterparts.

Abstract:Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system consists of three ligands (IGF-1, IGF-2, most recently IGF-3), two receptors (IGF-1R, IGF-2R) and six IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). Reproduction and growth, the most basic characteristics of organisms, are closely related to and distinguished from each other. IGFs are the key factors that regulate growth and reproduction axis. Recent researches have shown that gonadal development and maturation are associated with cell differentiation and tissue growth, and that traditional growth factors IGF-1, IGF-2 and a recently discovered IGF subtype (IGF-3) play an important role in fish gonad. The present review emphasizes the structure of IGF-3, a fish gonad-specific IGF, and IGF signal pathway as well as its potential physiological functions in fish gonad.

Abstract:At present, laboratory animal science is getting obviously important to biology. Although the institution and organization, rules and regulations is gradually improved, the gap is still exits compared with the international level. So, we should pay attention to and strengthen the study of laboratory animals in China, such as, the Standardization of laboratory animals, Laboratory Animalization of wild animals, animal welfare, 3Rs techniques and the industrialization of laboratory animals, so as to promote the overall development of life sciences of China.