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To investigate effects of starvation on physiological changes, stress response, and survival of cobitid loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) exposed to sodium nitrite (NaNO2), a 4-week experiment was conducted. Fewer fish survived in the starved group than those in the fed group during the experiment. Starvation resulted in growth retardation, leading to differences in body length and body depth between fed and starved groups. The fed gorup continued to grow and remained in good condition. Blood chemical analysis (plasma cortisol and glucose) showed significant differences in stress response to nitrite exposure between fed and starved groups (p < 0.05). These results suggest that all parameters employed in this study to assess effects of starvation with NaNO2 stress are useful information for researching nutritional status in cobitid loach.
The Laboratory for Fishery Genetics and Breeding Sciences at Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Korea, for their helpful support. We also thank the anonymous reviewers who greatly improved this manuscript. All procedures used in this study complied with current laws of Korea (Ordinance of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, No. 1 and the law pertaining to experimental animals, No. 9932).