Nitrification within estuarine sediments plays an important role in the nitrogen cycle, both at the global scale and in individual estuaries. Although bacteria were once thought to be solely responsible for catalyzing the first and rate-limiting step of this process, several recent studies have suggested that mesophilic Crenarchaeota are capable of performing ammonia oxidation. Here we examine ...

Although seagrass meadows form a relatively homogenous habitat, escarpments, which three-dimensional structures and originate from the erosion of peat, can provide important habitat for reef fishes. Here, we compare fish assemblages structural complexity among Posidonia australis escarpments canopies, as well limestone habitats, to understand role in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The total numb...

Establishment of reliable pedigree information different lineages is crucial for selective breeding and stock enhancement programs. However, owing to the absence a assay parentage assignment, such lacking in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides), which an economically important coral-reef fish. In this study, we developed two multiplex microsatellite polymerase chain reaction systems th...

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and the receptor, GHRHR, constitute important components of the hypothalamus-pituitary growth axis and act on the downstream growth hormone (GH). PACAP-related peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PRP-PACAP) is a paralog of GHRH. These genes all play key roles in development and growth patterns. To improve the quality of cultured fi...

To study the influence of mariculture on mercury (Hg) speciation and distribution in sediments and cultured fish around Hong Kong and adjacent mainland China waters, sediment samples were collected from six mariculture sites and the corresponding reference sites, 200-300 m away from the mariculture sites. Mariculture activities increased total mercury, organic matter, carbon, nitrogen and sulfu...