We applied a combined molecular and morphological approach to resolve the taxonomic status of Saccocoelium spp. parasitizing sympatric mullets (Mugilidae) in the Mediterranean. Eight morphotypes of Saccocoelium were distinguished by means of multivariate statistical analyses: 2 of Saccocoelium obesum ex Liza spp.; 4 of S. tensum ex Liza spp.; and 2 (S. cephali and Saccocoelium sp.) ex Mugil cep...

Embryonic development of sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) was studied at eleven water temperatures (two degree intervals from 12 to 32°C). Embryos successfully developed at temperatures of 16-28°C. Cells did not divide at the temperature extremes of 12 and 32°C. Total mortality was observed by the 128 cleavage stage at 14°C and all eggs were dead by the time the embryos extended 2/3 of t...

Cortisol carries out its physiological mechanism of action through the recognition by mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) 1 (GR1) GR2. Previous studies reported that main difference between gr1 gr2 nucleotide sequences resides in a 27-nucleotide insertion/deletion DNA-binding region, respectively. However, gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata ) annotation for seems contradicto...

Artificial reefs are used by many fisheries managers as a tool to mitigate the impact of fisheries on coastal fish communities by providing new habitat for many exploited fish species. However, the comparison between the behavior of wild fish inhabiting either natural or artificial habitats has received less attention. Thus the spatio-temporal patterns of fish that establish their home range in...

Following a meal, series of physiological changes occurs in fish as they digest, absorb and assimilate ingested nutrients. This study aims to assess post-prandial free amino acid (FAA) activity gilthead sea bream consuming partial marine protein (fishmeal) replacement. Sea were fed diets where 16 27% the fishmeal was replaced by plant protein. The essential (EAA) composition white muscle, liver...