The effects of natural plant-derived carotenoid sources on body coloration and growth performance of Sword-Tail Fish (Xiphophorus helleri) were investigated using four different dietary treatments; Commercial Feed (CF), China Rose Flower (CRF), Marigold Flower (MFF), and Carrot (CAF). CF was used as the control treatment without a natural source of carotenoids. The sources were mixed with feed (15 g/100 g) during the diet preparation. Fish were fed with four treatments twice a day for eight weeks, and then sampling was done weekly. A total of 96 fish were used for the experiment, and the mean initial weights were 3.314 g. MFF-treated fishes showed better growth performance in terms of mean weight, length and Specific Growth Rate (SGR), and carotenoid gain than the other treatments. The lowest Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) was also observed in the MFF-treated fish. The study suggested that marigold flower mixed feed could increase the body coloration and boost the growth performance of sword-tail fish and may be manufactured.

Crustaceans, widely consumed and ecologically significant marine organisms, are increasingly affected by microplastic (MP) pollution, one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. These benthic and pelagic species, including shrimp, crabs, and lobsters, play essential roles in nutrient cycling, food web dynamics, and global seafood supply. The proliferation of plastic waste has led to widespread MP contamination in marine environments, threatening both ecological stability and human health. This review provides an in-depth overview of MP pollution, its ingestion and accumulation in crustaceans, and the resulting biological and toxicological effects. Data were compiled from leading academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, with 54 peer-reviewed articles selected for synthesis. Fibers, fragments, films, and beads were the most frequently reported MP types, predominantly found in the digestive tracts, gills, and hepatopancreas of decapod crustaceans. These particles can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, reproductive disruption, and immune system impairment in crustaceans, while also acting as vectors for hazardous chemicals such as heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting compounds. The consumption of contaminated crustaceans poses potential health risks to humans, including gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal imbalances, and carcinogenic effects. Despite rapid progress in this field, major gaps remain in understanding the long-term ecological and human health impacts, particularly in less-studied regions and species. Further global investigations, long-term ecological assessments, and public awareness initiatives are essential. Effective mitigation will require interdisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, and sustainable waste management to ensure a healthier marine ecosystem and safer seafood consumption.

Sabah tuz Zohora, Shahida Arfine Shimul, Saifuddin Rana, Antar Sarkar, Sui Naing Aye Marma Milky, Khing Khing U Marma, Kaji Mohammad Sirajum Monir, Farhan Azim, Tapos Kumar Chakraborty and Sk. Ahmad Al Nahid. J Ecol Environ 2024;48:. https://doi.org/10.5141/jee.24.016

The distribution of fish larvae in estuaries is crucial for comprehending the functioning of these ecosystems and their role as nursery grounds for marine fish species. Data regarding larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh are currently scarce. This study examines the spatial and seasonal dynamics of larval fish communities in these waters using a two-year sampling effort with a bongo net. This study investigates the diversity, abundance, and distribution of larval fishes at four sites (Bakkhali River Estuary, Moheshkhalipara, Naf River Estuary, and Rezu Khal Estuary) on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. A total of 10,387 fish larvae representing 25 families were identified. Clupeidae (42.9%), Engraulidae (35.5%), Ambassidae (10.1%), Myctophidae (2.1%), and Gobiidae (1.9%) were the five most dominant families based on the larval catch composition. Marked seasonal differences in the larval fish abundance were observed. However, these differences were not observed when comparing the four sampled sites. Additionally, the correlation between environmental variables and the larval abundance indicated that salinity negatively influences (p < 0.001) the larval fish abundance. This is the first comprehensive investigation of larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the nursery habitat requirements for the early development stages of both migratory and resident species in subtropical coastal waters, providing valuable information for potential applications in management and conservation efforts.