Physiology of Fish in Intensive Culture Systems

This exciting new reference offers a wealth of practical and technical information on the chemical, physical, and biological effects of intensive rearing conditions on hatchery fish, and the adverse effect these factors can have on their health and physical condition. A unique combination of theory and practical applications is presented throughout the book, providing the scientific basis for managing water quality, fish cultural procedures, and the biological interactions of the fish being produced to prevent diseases and costly production losses.

Chapter 1: Introduction: Historical perspective; The aquatic environment; The intensive culture environment. Chapter 2: Basic physiological functions: Introduction; Respiration and oxygen consumption; Blood and circulation; Osmoregulation; Parr-smolt transformation; Feeding, digestion, excretion; Immune protection; Stress response. Chapter 3: Effects of water quality conditions: Introduction; Water quality requirements: acidity; alkalinity; ammonia; carbon dioxide; chlorine; dissolved oxygen; hardness; heavy metals; hydrogen sulfide; nitrate, nitrite; supersaturation; temperature; Total dissolved solids, salinity; Total suspended solids, turbidity; summary; Disease problems associated with water quality conditions: Gas bubble disease (Gas bubble trauma); Methemoglobinemia (Brown blood disease); Visceral granuloma and nephrocalcinosis; Blue sac disease (Hydrocele embronalis); White spot (Coagualted yolk) disease; Soft shell disease (Soft egg disease); Algal toxins. Chapter 4: Effects of fish cultural procedures: Introduction; Crowding; Transportation; Formulated diets/adventitious toxins; Effects of smolt development; Chapter 5: Biological interactions during rearing: Introduction; Interactions between fish; Interactions between fish and microorganisms: fish-pathogens-environment relationship; Infection into disease: mechanisms; Stress-mediated diseases; Diseases as indicators of environmental quality; Managing biological interactions to prevent diseases. Chapter 6: Methods to minimize pathogen exsposure: Introduction; Biological methods; water treatment systems: Chloration; Ultraviolet light; ozone. Introduction: Basic physiological functions; Effects of water quality conditions; Effects of fish cultural procedures; Biological interactions during rearing; Methods to minimize pathogen exposure.