Search Results (10)

The aim of this study was to perform a morphometric analysis of Prussian carp individuals collected from the Moara Domnească pond in Ilfov County, Romania. This was accompanied by a physico-chemical characterization of the water, which was sampled from the same location. Consequently, we analyzed a total of 60 Prussian carp individuals that were caught in April (N = 32) and May 2023 (N = 28). For the Carassius gibelio in the study site, we provided, for the first time, data on the weight–length relationships (WLRs), the Fulton K condition factor and the biometric features, including the total length (TL), standard length (SL), head length (HL), snout length (SNL), body depth (BD), girth and ratios for the TL/HL, as well for the TL/BD and TL/SL. A negative growth type was estimated for both the samples of C. gibelio. Based on other studies and fishing reports, besides C. gibelio, there are another 11 species that belong to the Cypriniformes order, and there are two teleost members of the Perciformes order (Lepomis gibbosus and Perca fluviatilis)—these were also associated with this habitat. Water samples were collected from 12 sampling points (SP), which were subjected to physico-chemical characterizations that consisted of an assessment of the turbidity (T), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl⁻), total hardness (TH), oxygen regime parameters, phosphate phosphorus (P-PO₄³⁻), nitrate nitrogen (N-NO₃⁻), nitrite nitrogen (N-NO₂⁻) and ammonium nitrogen (N-NH₄⁺) levels. In addition, considering their characteristics (high toxicity, non-biodegradability, long-range atmospheric transport and bioaccumulation potential), a number of organochlorine pollutants (OCPs) were identified. The total hardness values presented a very significant correlation with conductivity (r = 0.5974 ***) and with pH (r = 0.5854 ***). The results allowed for the water samples to be placed into the quality classes established by legislation, and they were also discussed in relation to the fishes’ requirements. Full article

The assessment of the environmental quality of a sensitive karst aquatic system under the centuries-long anthropogenic influence of the coal mining industry is important for both improving the quality of water resources and protecting aquatic wildlife and human health. In this study, we investigated the anthropogenic impact on the aquatic environment of the upper and middle course of the Raša River through the analysis of a suite of metal(loid)s in three aquatic compartments (water, sediment, fish) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations of inorganic constituents in water were low, while the chemical composition of stream sediments mainly reflected the geological background of the area, indicating the origin of metal(loid)s from predominantly natural sources. Although comparison with PEC-Q values indicated that existing sediment quality conditions could pose a threat to benthic organisms with regard to Cr and Ni, the constant vertical profiles of these elements suggested their natural origin from the weathering of flysch. Element levels in the muscle of targeted fish species were in accordance with the values typical for low-contaminated freshwater systems, while levels of Cd, Pb and Hg were mostly below the European regulatory limits for toxic elements in foods, indicating that the low concentrations of most contaminants in muscles of fish from the Raša River do not present a risk to humans or other consumers. The obtained data indicated a generally low contamination status of the western part of the Raša River basin with regard to the analyzed inorganic elements. Full article

This paper contributes to the ecotoxicological risk assessment of the Actellic 50 EC insecticide (with 50% pirimiphos-methyl as the active substance) tested on non-target organisms. The insecticide concentrations tested were the same for all organisms (0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 mg L⁻¹ of Actellic 50 EC), with an exposure of 3–5–21 days for plants and 4–5–14 days for animals. The non-target organisms tested were both plants (wheat and two ferns) and animals (the Prussian carp and marsh frog tadpoles). The tested insecticide significantly inhibited the growth of roots in wheat, a result that was also confirmed by a microbiotest application (62% root growth inhibition in sorghum and 100% germination inhibition in white mustard and garden cress). In ferns, even for the lowest concentration, the percentage of germinated spores was inhibited by 40% for Asplenium scolopendrium. The recorded toxicological effects of Actellic 50 EC upon the Prussian carp included a decrease in the respiratory rate and oxygen consumption, an increase in the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes, and an increase in blood glucose levels. The highest concentration (0.1 mg L⁻¹ of Actellic 50 EC) caused a 50% decrease in the survival rate of marsh frog tadpoles after 5 days of exposure, negatively affecting body volume and length. Given the high degree of toxicity of the insecticide Actellic 50 EC, we recommend continuing investigations on non-target species, including both plants and animals, as the sub-chronic effects are quite little known in the scientific literature. Full article

The aims of this study were to measure the concentrations of selected toxic and essential elements in the muscle tissue of five common freshwater fish species (roach (Rutilus rutilus), freshwater bream (Abramis brama), prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)) from Lake Burgas and Lake Mandra (Bulgaria). In all samples the levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Fe and Zn were under the maximum allowed concentrations for safe human consumption in Bulgaria and ranged as follows: Cd 0.02–0.05; Cr 0.03–0.06; Cu 0.11–0.20; Mn 0.05–0.71; Ni 0.06–0.11; Pb 0.15–0.27, Fe 1.68–5.86 and Zn 1.94–9.06 mg/kg wet weight. The concentration of As was under detection limit. An assessment of the human risk by calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target risk (TR) was performed. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual elements and HI for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no health risk for consumers due to the intake of either individual or combined metals. The target risk for iAs, Pb and Ni was below 10⁻⁶, indicating no carcinogenic risk. According to these results, the consumption of these freshwater fish species is safe for human health. Full article

Contracaecum larvae are geographically widely distributed, utilizing many animal species as hosts; and fish represent an important paratenic host in their life cycle. Their presence in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) was studied in Lake Sakadaš (Croatia) in 2017 and 2018. Two gill nets of different sizes submerged during a 12-h period were used to collect the fish. Contracaecum larvae were recorded in the stomach, slightly coiled or elongated on the intestine serosa or encapsulated in a gut wall of 20 individuals. The effect of Contracaecum sp. on the health of their host was determined by estimating the effect of the parasites’ presence, number, and biomass on fish length, weight, and the Fulton’s condition factor (CF). Infected fish showed negative (b < 3; p < 0.05) and uninfected fish positive allometric growth (b > 3; p < 0.05). Fish weight and CF in infected individuals were significantly low in comparison to the uninfected ones (Mann–Whitney U test: U = 1078.00, U = 423.50, respectively; p < 0.004). These results emphasize the importance of evaluating parasitic nematode presence in economically important fish species. Even more, if this endoparasite has a detectable negative impact on a resilient species such as the Prussian carp, it is important to monitor its occurrence in other fish species. Full article

The toxic action of the Actara 25 WG insecticide (it contains 25% thiamethoxam as an active substance) in non-lethal doses was studied in two species of aquatic organisms—the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and the marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)—at two thermal levels, 6–8 °C (low temperature) and 18–20 °C (room temperature), respectively. In the Prussian carp, we recorded decreases in oxygen consumption and stimulation of the respiratory rhythm, changes that were more pronounced in the case of intoxicated fish and when the species were kept at room temperature. The histopathology of the lung in the frog illustrated the thickening of the conjunctival septum, an increase in the number of mucous cells, and an increase in the ratio between the diameter of the nucleus and the diameter of the pneumocyte. All of these changes were more pronounced in the animals kept at higher temperature. Our study looks at the extent to which temperature changes can influence the ability of poikilothermic organisms to withstand the presence of toxic substances in the environment as a result of the impact of the use of insecticides in agriculture. The two tested organisms are a common presence for the study area, which was affected in the last decade by climate change. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the bioaccumulation of cadmium in the muscle tissue of Prussian carp during 7 and 13 weeks of exposure to different concentrations of this metal in water (0.4 and 4.0 mg/L), and the depuration of cadmium from muscle during the following 6-week depuration period in the presence of melatonin implants. Furthermore, the relationship between cadmium accumulation and the levels of essential bioelements (copper, zinc, iron) in muscle was evaluated, as well as the bioconcentration factor of cadmium. Heavy metal concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Cadmium accumulation in fish muscle increased with the duration of exposure. Cd concentrations exceeded the permissible levels for human consumption in groups exposed to the higher concentration of this metal. Moreover, a significant increase of Zn and Fe levels in the muscle was observed. In the fish that received melatonin implants and were exposed to Cd, its level in the muscle was significantly lower. The depuration of accumulated cadmium depended mainly on the duration of the elimination period. This is the first study to report that melatonin co-administration can effectively protect the fish from the accumulation of cadmium in muscle tissue and changes in trace metal levels. Full article

Fish, being an important consumer in aquatic ecosystems, plays a significant role by affecting the key processes of aquatic ecosystems. Omnivorous fish consume a variety of food both from pelagic and benthic habitats and may directly or indirectly affect the plankton community as well as the lake trophic state. We conducted a 72-day outdoor experiment in mesocosms with and without Prussian carp (Carassius auratus) to evaluate the effect of this often-stocked omnivorous fish on the plankton community and water quality. We found that the presence of fish increased the biomass of planktonic algae, total and inorganic suspended solids, leading to decreased light intensity in the water and a lower biomass of benthic algae. Fish also prevented development of submerged macrophytes and the establishment of large-bodied zooplankton. However, the fish did not increase nitrogen concentrations and even was lowered total phosphorus levels, in part due to nutrient storage in the fish. We conclude that stocking of Prussian carp should be avoided, or removed where stocked and abundant, to obtain good ecological quality of shallow lakes, characterized by clear water and high abundance of macrophytes. Full article

The aim of the study was to compare the fatty acid profile and content and the oxidative stability of the lipid fraction of Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) fillets with and without skin. Carp specimens were obtained in spring from a fish farm located in the Lublin Voivodeship. The research material consisted of skin-on (n = 12) and skinless (n = 12) fillets (hand-filleted). Their chemical composition (water, ash, protein, and fat content), calorific value, and nutritional quality index (NQI) were analysed, as well as their fatty acid content and profile. The oxidative stability of the lipids was assessed on the basis of the peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, and the content of the conjugated dienes and trienes (CD and CT), while determination of the degree of fat hydrolysis was based on the acid value (AV) and free fatty acids (FFA). The Carp fillet with skin contained significantly (p ≤ 0.01) more fat (by 2.69 pp) and calories (by 92.16 kJ∙100 g⁻¹) than the skinless fillet, and over three times as much n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. In the skin-on fillet, the lipid oxidation and hydrolysis parameters were significantly higher, but did not deviate from the values specified for fresh fish and/or fish fit for consumption. Full article

We evaluated the influence of habitat connectivity and local environmental factors on the distribution and abundance of functional fish groups in 10 floodplain lakes in the Biebrza River, northeastern Poland. Fish were sampled by electrofishing, and 15 physico-chemical parameters were recorded at three sampling sites at each lake in the period of 2011–2013. A total of 18,399 specimens, belonging to 23 species and six families, were captured. The relationships between environmental factors and fish communities were explored with the use of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Sampling sites were grouped based on fish communities using a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Along a lateral connectivity gradient from lotic to lentic habitats (parapotamic–plesiopotamic–paleopotamic), the proportions of rheophilic species were determined as 10:5:1, whereas the proportion of limnophilic species was determined as 1:2:5. The predominant species were the roach (Rutilus rutilus), and pike (Esox lucius) in parapotamic lakes, rudd (Scardinius erythropthalmus) and pike in plesiopotamic lakes, and sunbleak (Leucaspius delineates) and Prussian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) in paleopotamic lakes. The findings indicated that the composition and abundance of fish communities are determined by lake isolation gradient, physico-chemical parameters and water stage. Although intact riverine ecosystems may promote fish biodiversity, our findings suggest that lateral connectivity between the main channel and floodplain lakes is of utmost importance. Thus, the conservation of fish biodiversity requires the preservation of this connectivity. Full article