Strombus gigas commonly known as queen conch is a large, marine and gastropod mollusk. Most of the mollusks including queen conch belongs to class Gastropoda and the name was translated from Latin as stomach foot. Other mollusks include clams, oysters, squid and octopus. The word mollusks are derived from Latin word molluscs which means soft. Mollusks belong to the phylum of invertebrates with more than 100000 known species.

Queen conch is soft bodied animal having external and spiral shaped shell with interior glossy pink or orange. They live in sand, coral reef and seagrass bed. Generally, it is found in warm and shallow water not deeper than 70 feet (21 meters) throughout Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea ranging as far north as Bermuda and as far south as Brazil. It reaches full size in 3-5 years of age and grows to maximum length of 12 inches long weighing 5 pounds. It is a long lived species reaching 20 to 30 years old. The estimated lifespan is about 40 years.

Adult has large, heavy and solid shell with knob like spines on shoulder, a flared thick outer lip featuring pink colored aperture. In younger specimens, flared lip is absent completely. An external anatomy of soft parts of Lobatus gigas is identical to other snails in the same family. It has two eyestalks with well-developed eyes, long snout and additional sensory tentacles, corneous sickle shaped operculum and strong foot.

It serves as home to various types of commensal animals such as porcelain crabs, slipper snails and cardinal fish. It may include parasites named coccidians. Queen conch is hunted and consumed by several species of large predatory sea snails, also by crustaceans, starfish and vertebrates such as sea turtles, fish and humans. Sea snail’s meat is eaten by humans in various dishes. Shell is sold as memento and used as a decorative object. It has been used historically by indigenous Caribbean people and Native Americans to create various tools.

It is protected under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) agreement in which it is recorded as Stombus gigas. It is due to extreme overfishing as meat is a vital food source for humans. CITES regulation is outlined to halt export of meat of this species and the commercial export of shells is used as decorative objects.

Biology

Fertilization is internal. The female spawns about thousands of eggs in long tubular egg mass. Spawning occurs during summer. Large egg masses take upto 36 hours to produce and hold from 310000 and 750000 eggs. Egg masses are covered with sand for camouflage and larvae appear after 5 days. During a season, single female spawn between six to eight times. Larvae are called veligers, float in open ocean and feeds on phytoplankton and drift considerable distance from site where they emerged though evidence is limited. Later between 18 and 40 days, larvae settle into sand and metamorphose into adult form.

Adult migrate to deeper water when their size increases and seasonal migrations occur during summer months. Conch moves by unusual hopping motion where foot is thrust against bottom which causes the shell to rise and thrown forward. They are active mostly during night and graze on detritus and algae with the use of extendable proboscis. Gastropod produces large spiral shell having spines which are though for protection. Shell has wide and fared lip which is rich pink in color. Within shell, gastropod’s head have two pair of tentacles. Larger ones carry eyes whereas smaller pair provides sense of touch and smell. Large foot is visible at lip of shell. In recent years, large and beautiful shell is prized by tourists.

Shell description

Usually adult shell is 15 to 31 cm (6-12 inches) long and maximum size reported is 13.9 inches (35.2 cm). Shell is very heavy and sold having 9-11 whorls and widely flaring & thickened outer lip. The shell of adult snails has structure known as stromboid notch is present on edge of lip. This notch is not well developed in species as it is in various other species in same family. The shell feature is nonetheless visible in adult dextral specimen. Spire is higher than in the shell of other strombid snails such as closely associated and even larger goliath conch native to Brazil. The glossy finish around aperture of adult shell is primarily colored in pink shades. Usually the pink glaze is pale and may show the coloration of cream, yellow or peach but it could be tinged sometimes with deep magenta shading to red. Periostracum is a protein layer in outermost part of shell surface which is thin and tan or pale brown in color in this species.

The morphology of overall shell is not determined solely by animal genes; environmental conditions such as food supply, geographic location, depth, temperature and biological interactions such as predation exposure can affect it greatly. Juveniles form heavier shells when exposed to predators in comparison that are not exposed to predators. Conch develops thicker and wider shells having fewer but longer spines when living in deeper water. The shell of small juveniles is different in appearance from adult. The shell of juvenile has simple and sharp lip which provides hell a biconic and conical outline. Subadult shells possess flared lip i.e. very thin. Until death, flared outer lip of adult shell increases constantly in thickness with age.

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Life cycle

Conch is gonochoristic meaning each individual snail is either distinctly male or female. Usually females are larger in comparison to males in natural population having both sexes existing in similar proportion. The internal fertilization is occurred. In gelatinous strings, female lay eggs that could be as long as 75 feet. It is layered on patches of bare sand and seagrass. Egg strings are long and has sticky surface that allows them to agglutinate and coil, combining with surrounding sand forming compact masses. The shape is defined by anterior portion of outer lip of female’s shell as they are layered. Each egg masses are fertilized by multiple males. Number of eggs per egg mass varies greatly which depends on environmental conditions such as temperature and food limitation. In each season, females produce average 8 to 9 egg masses each containing 180000 to 460000 eggs but numbers could increase depending upon conditions.

During reproductive season, female spawn multiple times lasting from March to October with peak activity occurring from July to September. After the eggs hatch, two lobed veliger emerges and spend several days developing in plankton and primarily feeding on phytoplankton. About 16 to 40 days of hatching, metamorphosis occurs. Fully grown protoconch measures 1.2 mm high. Individuals spend rest of its lives after metamorphosis in benthic zone remaining buried during its first year of life. It reaches sexual maturity at age of 3-4 years weighing 5 pounds measuring 180 mm shell length. Usually individuals live upto 7 years in deeper waters. Its lifespan reaches from 20 to 30 years and maximum lifetime is estimated to reach about 40 years. Due to their thickened shell, its mortality rate is considered to be lower in matured conchs but is substantially higher for juveniles.

Feeding habits

Conch (Lobatus gigas) is regarded as a herbivore and other Strombidae feeds on macroalgae which includes red algae, unicellular algae and seagrass and also algal detritus. It prefers green macroalga (Batophora oerstedii).

Traditional uses

• In Chinese herbalism, Conch shell is used for treating menopause.
• In Ayurvedic medicine, it is known for digestive and antacid properties.
• Blowing conch shell regularly helps to correct speech of stammering children.
• It is also believed that blowing conch shell regularly clears blockages in heart and also improves respiratory system.
• Store water in conch overnight and in the morning use this water to massage skin. It cures skin problems such as allergies, rashes, white spot and skin diseases.
• Store water overnight in conch and add rosewater to it in the morning. Wash hair using this mixture. It helps to restore natural color of hair within few days.
• Drink 2 spoons of water stored in conch overnight for treating indigestion, stomach pain and laceration in intestines.
• Gently rub with conch before sleep for five minutes per day to cure dark circles.
• Blowing conch is beneficial for bladder, urinary tract diaphragm, lower abdomen, neck and chest muscles.
• It also exercises thyroid glands and vocal cords.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• People with hernia, high blood pressure and glaucoma when blown conch causes extra pressure on the organs. Avoid it.
• Learn to blow conch from an expert because careless blowing damages eye and ear muscles and rupture diaphragm.

How to Eat         

• Conch meat is consumed minced, marinated, raw and copped in various dishes such as chowder, salads, soups, fritters, pates, stew and local recipes.
• It could be added to burgers and gumbos.
• In Jamaica, it is added to stews, soups and curries.
• In Grenada, Dominican Republic and Haiti, it is consumed in spicy soup and curries.
• In Puerto Rico, conch is marinated in lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, onions, green peppers and garlic.
• Use it to fill empanadas.
• Delicately fried meat is used in chowders.

Other Facts        

• Sometimes shells are used as decoration such as in cameo making or as decorative planters.
• In Classic Maya art, conchs are used as ink and paint holders, trumpets, bugles and hand weapons.
• In various cultures, Conch shells are used as shell money.
• In African-American and Afro-Caribbean cemeteries, shells of conch are placed on graves.
• Occasionally, conch shells are used as building material wither as a bulk for landfill or in place of bricks.
• In Tamil Nadu, conch is blown to ward off evil spirits during funerals.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conch

http://www.communityconch.org/why-conchs/conch-facts/

http://www.askdrmao.com/natural-health-dictionary/conch-shell/

https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/significance-benefits-of-shank-conch-shell-blowing

https://goqii.com/blog/tag/the-health-benefits-of-blowing-shankh/

http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/health-benefits-of-blowing-a-shankh-or-a-conch-shell-t0817/

The post Conch benefits and nutrition first appeared on Health Benefits.]]> https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/jellyfish/ Sun, 05 Aug 2018 09:30:32 +0000 https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/?p=40825 Jellyfish is carnivorous feeding variety of planktonic species such as crustaceans, molluscs, copepods and young worms. Plankton is taken in a layer of mucus covering jellyfish. The body of jellyfish has tiny hair like structures producing currents by beating. Currents transfers captured plankton towards edge of bell where it is discarded with arms and passed [...]

The post Jellyfish health benefits and nutrition first appeared on Health Benefits.]]>

Conch Quick Facts
Name:	Conch
Scientific Name:	Lobatus gigas
Origin	Native to the Tropical Northwestern Atlantic, from Bermuda to Brazil
Colors	Pale to bright pink with hues of yellow, peach and cream
Flesh colors	White
Taste	Mild
Calories	165 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Manganese (2226.09%) Vitamin B-12 (277.92%) Magnesium (71.90%) Protein (66.80%) Copper (61.33%)

Jellyfish is carnivorous feeding variety of planktonic species such as crustaceans, molluscs, copepods and young worms. Plankton is taken in a layer of mucus covering jellyfish. The body of jellyfish has tiny hair like structures producing currents by beating. Currents transfers captured plankton towards edge of bell where it is discarded with arms and passed to mouth. Tentacles around margins of bell or arms bear stinging cells that are used occasionally for catching other prey and small fishes. They have separate sexes and fertilization is occurred internally. The sperm is taken into female body by mouth. Fertilized eggs are subjected to undergo development in pockets in arms which surround the mouth. During autumn the free swimming larvae are released and after some time, they settle and forms into tiny sessile animals that reproduce asexually and release free swimming miniature immature jellyfish known as ephyrae feeding on plankton and becomes mature after three months. Mainly they are free swimming marine animals having umbrella shaped bells and trailing tentacles. Bell can beat for providing propulsion and efficient locomotion. Their lifecycle is complex. Normally medusa is sexual phase; planula larva could disperse widely and is followed by sedentary polyp phase.

They could be found all over the world to the deep sea from the surface waters. Exclusively, scyphozoans are marine but some are hydrozoans having similar appearance living in freshwater. Jellyfish are large and colorful being common in coastal zones worldwide. Most of the species of medusa gets mature within few months, are fast growing and die soon after breeding but polyp stage that are attached to seabed have long life. They have roamed seas for somewhat 500 million years and may be possibly 700 million years or more that makes them oldest multi-organ animal group.

In certain cultures, jellyfish are consumed by humans as delicacy in some Asian countries. The species of Rhizostomae are pressed and salted to eliminate excess water.

Body system

Aurelia does not possess respiratory parts such as lungs, gills and trachea. Being a small organism, it respires by diffusing oxygen from water through thin membrane. Within gastrovascular cavity, high oxygenated water can come in and low oxygenated water can be expelled by ciliated action by promoting diffusion of oxygen through cell. Aurelia is supposed to diffuse more nutrients and oxygen to cells by large surface area membrane to volume ratio.

Aurelia has a basic body plan consisting of several parts. Animal has the shortage of excretory, respiratory and circulatory systems. Adult medusa of Aurelia has transparent look with umbrella margin membrane and tentacles being attached to bottom. They have 4 bright circular gonads which are under stomach. The food is passed through muscular manubrium and radial canals helps to disperse food. There is middle layer of gastroderascular, mesoglea cavity having gastrodermis and epidermis. It has a nerve net which is responsible for contraction in swimming muscles and also feeding responses. Adult ones could measures upto the diameter of 40 cm.

Young during larval stage, planula, contains small ciliated cell and after freely swimming in plankton for a day or more, it settles on applicable substrate where it transforms into special type of polyp known scyphistoma that divides by strobilation into small ephyrae swimming off for growing as medusae. The increasing size is less than 1 m in planula stage and upto 1 cm in ephyra stage and then to several cm in diameter in medusa stage.

Locomotion

They are considered to be the most energetic and efficient swimmers. They move through water by expanding and contracting radially its bell shaped bodies in order to push water behind them. It pauses between expansion and contraction for creating two vortex rings. They use muscles to contract body that sheds first vortex and pushes animal forward. Mesoglea is elastic which assist the expansion to be powered exclusively by relaxing bell releasing stored energy from contraction. Doing so, 2^nd vortex ring rolls under it and starts to spin faster. It sucks in water that refills bell and pushed up against center of the body providing it secondary or free boost forward. This mechanism is known as passive energy recapture and works at low speeds and also relatively small body sizes that allows animal to drive 30 percent farther on each swimming cycle. They achieve 48 percent lower cost of transport in comparison to other animals in similar studies.

Reproduction

Jellyfish contains separate sexes i.e. they are either female or male. For reproduction, male and females release sperm and eggs into water for sexual reproduction. They develop larvae after fertilization which results into new jellyfish and settle in the sea bottom as polyps. By means of asexual reproduction, this polyp helps to develop new free living jellyfish.

Feeding

These species feed on plankton which includes organisms such as crustaceans, mollusks, rotifers, tunicate larvae, protozoans, young polychaetes, fish eggs, eggs, diatoms and other small organisms. They also feed on gelatinous zooplankton such as ctenophores and hydromedusae. Both larvae of Aurelia and adult medusae have nematocysts for capturing prey and in order to protect themselves from preadators. Foods are tied with mucus and are passed down by ciliated action down into gastrovascular cavity where serous cell digestive enzymes break down food. There is limited information about the need for particular minerals and vitamins but because of the presence of some digestive enzymes we could deduce in general that Aurelia aurita can process proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.

Predators

Aurelia aurita is are the prey of Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), the scyphomedusa Phacellophora camtschatica, the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and very large hydromedusa (Aequorea victoria). Sea birds fed upon moon jellies.

History

Jellies are regarded as one of the oldest animals on Earth, with a history dating back between 500 and 700 million years. They are the first known animal having nervous system which makes it an important step in evolution of life.

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Types of Jellyfish

Within the phylum of Cnidarians, it is possible for differentiating four large groups, each with its own characteristics. They are as follows:

• The class of Hydrozoa

They alternately show the phases of polyp and jellyfish. Generally, they are small in size and could be solitary or colonial. This class includes siphonophores. It is floating colonies of polyp individuals or jellyfish having abundant poisonous cells which are used for self-defence and in some cases, it could be harmful for people. Siphonophores form complex colonies of individuals who are specialized in various functions. Some serve as flotation organ and others for defence, nutrition and for feeling. Portuguese men of war (Physalia physalis) or By-the-wind sailor (Velella spirans) are the best known species that could cause painful burns for bathers and even heart failure.

• The class of Scyphozoa

This group is known as true jellyfish. Normally, they are great marine jellyfish having very short and even non-existent polyp phase. Species such as mauve stinger or purple jellyfish could be striking really on night time drive. It has eight stinging tentacles which could measure ten meters in diameter when spread out.

• The class of Cubozoa

It inhabits in water of tropical and sub-tropical seas. It is also known as sea wasps and box jellyfish. They possess umbrella in form of cube having four sides. Their sting is so powerful an may cause even death in just few minutes if not treated with an antidote.

• The class of Anthozoa

It includes madreporas, corals, sea anemones and actinias. Generally these species have beautiful color. Some live in isolation such as beadlet anemone (Actinia equia), some anemones such as Cerianthus membranaceus (colour tube anemone) and other such as red gorgonians (Paramuricea sp.) and corals form colonies.

Health Benefits of Jellyfish

Jellyfish contains calcium binding proteins which are helpful to maintain healthy cells and is considered an age fighting solution and is also good for human brain. It has collagen that maintains firm and young skin. Let’s learn more about the health benefits of Jellyfish:

1. Cut off weight

The presence of low calories with significant carbohydrate makes it an excellent choice for making weight loss diet. In fact, it is a great source of protein which assists to maintain healthy muscle during diet and amino acids assist in continuation of cell regeneration.

2. Build memory

Jellyfish is a type of seafood which is beneficial for memory. This sea creature has calcium binding protein in remarkable amounts. This protein is produced by brain itself but as the people ages, its production is reduced progressively.

3. Prevent brain related problems

As mentioned from the previous point, the same calcium binding protein content found in jellyfish is also good to reduce the risk of several brain diseases which is aging related but also some fatal conditions such as Alzheimer and dementia.

4. Promote cognition

Beside its benefit for brain, calcium binding protein is beneficial for counteracting age associated cognitive decline because nerve system in the brain should be well maintained. The consumption of jellyfish helps to optimize the regeneration of cells in the brain which also includes nerve system.

5. Reverse aging

Jellyfish is known as immortal creature being able to fix itself. Though the consumption of jellyfish does not makes one immortal but slows down the aging process.

6. Impressive amounts of collagen

Mentioned previously that jellyfish keeps one look younger due to the presence of collagen in jellyfish. Human body also normally produces collagen through the metabolism process of Vitamin C. The consumption of jellyfish makes the one to reap all the benefits in it.

7. Skin appearance

Collagen is much beneficial for maintaining skin health. It assists in keeping elasticity of skin even when getting older. Collagen helps to support the regeneration of skin cells for keeping it firm and young for longer time.

8. Added to cosmetics

Jellyfish is used as vital cosmetic ingredients due to its content of collagen. This creature has the ability to transform old cells into younger cells.

9. Makes heart healthy

Jellyfish has low content of calories and carbohydrates and is loaded with amino acids and protein. Jellyfish is beneficial for heart. Jellyfish is safe seafood for those having heart problem.

10. Lowers high blood pressure

Jellyfish is able to lower symptoms of high blood pressure. It helps to lower health risk associated with high blood pressure such as stroke and heart attack.

11. Normalize blood pressure

Jellyfish is able to maintain the level of blood pressure and prevents hardening of arteries for maintaining healthy blood vessel.

How to Eat         

• It is processed into dried product.
• Jellyfish is used in preparing sushi, salads, main courses and noodles.
• In Asian countries such as Korea, China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Japan, pickled and dehydrated jellyfish are regarded as delicacy.
• Jellyfish salad is made by using cold marinated jellyfish which is thinly sliced.
• In Thailand, jellyfish is used for making crunchy style noodle.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Jellyfish stings could be painful and even dangerous to humans. The stings occur accidently not purposely.
• The symptoms of jellyfish stings include itching, stinging or intense pain, raised welts and rash.
• Vomiting, nausea, lymph node swelling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle spasms and tingling/numbness are its progressive effects.
• People might experience coma, difficulty breathing and even death as severe reactions.
• It should be consumed in dried form because jellyfish is decayed within few hours and is very toxic.

Other Facts        

• Jellyfish are termed as non-aggressive, free swimming and gelatinous marine animals with tentacles.
• Tentacles are covered with nematocysts (sacs) which are loaded with venom (poison) and its sting might be painful to sometimes life threatening.
• The family includes marine animals such as box jellyfish, jellyfish, hydroids, Portuguese man-of-war, fire coral, anemones and hydroids.
• Jellyfish could be found throughout the world and deadly ones are found in Australian and Indo-Pacific waters.
• Usually, jellyfish are found near water surface during diminished light floating in water column.
• Over 200 types of jellyfish are documented.
• Often they could be translucent or transparent.
• The group of jellyfish is known as swarm, bloom and smack.
• They do not have brain.

References:

http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/MarineInvertebrateZoology/Aureliaaurita.html

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=51701#null

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jellyfish

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/jellyfish/#jellyfish-tentacles.jpg

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/jellyfish_stings/article_em.htm#how_can_i_prevent_jellyfish_sting

http://wiki.safariltd.com/index.php/Jellyfish

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jellyfish_as_food

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/jellyfish.html

https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/food/seafood/health-benefits-jellyfish

The post Jellyfish health benefits and nutrition first appeared on Health Benefits.]]> https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/tilapia-fish/ Fri, 03 Aug 2018 07:28:17 +0000 https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/?p=40768 Nile tilapia scientifically known as Oreochromis niloticus is a tilapia species inherent to Africa from Egypt south to East and Central Africa and as far west as Gambia. Commercially, it is known as Baringo tilapia, Cichlid, Edward tilapia, Mango fish, Mozambique tilapia, Nile mouthbreeder, Nile mouthbrooder, Nile tilapia, Nilotica, Suguta tilapia, Tilapia and Turkana tilapia. [...]

The post Tilapia fish facts and benefits first appeared on Health Benefits.]]>

Jellyfish Quick Facts
Name:	Jellyfish
Scientific Name:	Aurelia aurita
Colors	Clear, pink, blue, yellow and purple
Shapes	Bell shaped
Calories	21 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Manganese (1065.22%) Sodium (374.67%) Iron (16.50%) Choline (10.02%) Copper (9.00%)
Health benefits	Cut off weight, Build memory, Prevent brain related problems, Promote cognition, Reverse aging

Nile tilapia scientifically known as Oreochromis niloticus is a tilapia species inherent to Africa from Egypt south to East and Central Africa and as far west as Gambia. Commercially, it is known as Baringo tilapia, Cichlid, Edward tilapia, Mango fish, Mozambique tilapia, Nile mouthbreeder, Nile mouthbrooder, Nile tilapia, Nilotica, Suguta tilapia, Tilapia and Turkana tilapia.

Due to its ability to tolerate various environmental conditions, successful reproductive strategies, fast growth and ability to feed various trophic levels, this species is favored among aquaculturists. Some traits allow it to be successful invasive species in temperate and subtropical environments. Being a freshwater fish, it mainly inhabits ponds, shallow streams, lakes and rivers and is commonly found in brackish water. It is the major importance in Africa in artisanal fishing and has increasing importance in aquaponics and aquaculture. It could be a problematic invasive species in warm water habitats such as Australia. It is the fourth mostly consumed fish in United States dating back to 2002.

Description

Nile tilapia possess regular, distinctive and vertical stripes extend as far down the body as bottom edge of caudal fin with various coloration. Adults measures 60 cm long weighing 4.3 kg (9.5 lb). It has the lifespan upto 9 years. It is tolerable to 4.3 kg (9.5 lb). It has the lifespan of 9 years. Being an omnivore, it feeds on plankton and higher plants. This species have high economic value which is introduced widely in its natural range next to Mozambique tilapia (O. mossambicus). This fish feeds on mosquito larvae. The shape of tilapia resembles crappie or sunfish and identified by interrupted lateral one characteristic of Cichlid family of fishes. The body is deep bodied and compressed with long dorsal fins. The dorsal fins forward portion is heavily spined. They are found in anal fins and pelvis. Usually they are wide vertical bars down sides of fry, adults and fingerlings.

Feeding behavior

It is an omnivore feeding on aquatic plants and plankton. Generally, it feeds in shallow water. The temperature fluctuations found in deep waters and harmful gases poses problem for physiology of fish. It prefers warmer temperatures found commonly in shallow waters in comparison to colder environment of deep lake. Generally, tilapias are macrophyte feeders feeding on various filamentous algae and plankton. They feed during daytime hours. Studies show size dimorphism between sexes results from differential food conversion efficiency than various amounts of food consumed. Though females and males consume equal amount of food, male grow larger due to high efficiency of converting food to energy.

Reproduction

Nile tilapia reproduces through mass spawning of brood within nest made by female. In territoriality, arrangement and sexual competition among males lead to large variations in reproductive success for individuals among group. Genetic effect of such behavior is lowered genetic variability in long run as inbreeding occurs among various generations due to various male reproductive success. Nile tilapia when reached young age of sexual maturation results in high birth or turnover rates. Actually, rapid reproductive rate of individuals have negative impact on growth rate resulting in appearance of stunted tilapia leading in somatic growth in favor of sexual maturation. In the presence of other females, female Nile tilapia either visually or chemically exhibit shortened interspawning intervals. The parental investment by female extending interspawning period. The purpose behind mechanism to promote reproductive advantage of females which do not have to care for young that allows more opportunities to spawn. The reproductive advantage for males goes to more dominant males. Study shows that male has various level of gonadotropic hormones which are responsible for spermatogenesis having dominant males with high level of hormone.

Parental care

The species of genus Oreochromis care for their young through oral incubation of eggs and larvae and mouthbrooding. They are maternal mouthbrooders and extensive care is provided by female. They spawn in the nest made by male and eggs or young fry are carried by mother in a mouth for 12 days. When the mother believes that it is not ready for outside, it pushes the young back into her mouth. They provide parental care in troublesome situation. Young swim back for the protection into mother’s mouth. Mouthbrooding results to vital metabolic modification for mother as emulated by fluctuations in low fitness and body weight. The protection of young assures passage of individual’s genes into future generations and caring for young lowers individual’s own reproductive fitness. Spawned eggs size directly correlates with benefits concerning hatching time, survival, growth and onset of feeding since increase in egg size refers increase nutrients for developing young.

Life Cycle

It reaches sexual maturity in 3 to 6 months that depends on temperature in reaching about 30 g. The reproduction occurs when temperature are above 20°C. Spawning occurs several yearly every 30 days.

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Health Benefits of Tilapia

Tilapia helps to strengthen bones, maintain psychological health, maintain cardiovascular health, fight cancerous cells, help heal wound, promote weight loss, prevent premature aging, treats thyroid problems, maintain skin health, improve immune system and support hair health. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids or protein are recommended to consume regularly.

1. Psychological health

Tilapia is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help to nourish brain as it promotes neurological functions. Tilapia consumption helps to promote concentration and provides clarity to mind. Tilapia provides adequate amounts of selenium.

2. Strengthening bones

It is recommended to consume foods enriched with phosphorus and calcium for enhancing bone density. Tilapia is helpful for bones. It has collagen type-one which is used in regenerative medicine. Minerals available in fish prevent the chances of fractures and other bone problems. It promotes brain health and also strengthens cells to counteract off factors leading to various diseases such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and Parkinson’s. Add single serving of Tilapia fish to increase flow of oxygen to brain and effectively balance fluids. It contains minimum calories and no fat and cholesterol. It is helpful for people with chronic problems.

3. Combat cancer cells

Selenium helps to counteract free radical activity which is harmful for overall health. It encounters the demerits of oxidative stress in the body. Similar to antioxidants, selenium helps to eradicate cancerous cell. The consumption of effective nutrient from natural sources such as tilapia fish helps to gain benefits. Studies are being carried out for identifying how selenium helps to inhibit cancerous cells mutation.

4. Cardiac health

Omega-3s helps to maintain cardiac health. It does not contain omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that helps to lower calories. It is an excellent source of food which deals with various cardiac problems. It has no fat and cholesterol. It lowers high blood pressure that causes heart attack and stroke.

5. Assist to lose weight

Individuals who are overweight can add tilapia to diet because it contains zero fats and 36% calories. It is a great source to reap proteins that helps to strengthen muscles. Besides this, other nutrients makes the body energized.

6. Healing of wounds

Tilapia assists in production of collagen and heals scratch wounds faster. The consumption of this fish helps to speed up recovery process of wounds. Moreover, nutrients assist in regaining stamina or strength which is lost after an injury.

7. Thyroid health

Hormonal imbalance or thyroid problems are caused due to various reasons. It could be treated by natural sources and prevent body from falling prey to other health problems. Tilapia has selenium that promotes regular functioning of thyroid gland. Metabolism combat factors which contributes to weight fluctuation with health problems related with thyroid malfunction.

8. Prevention of early aging

Tilapia contains various vitamins such as Vitamin Bs and Vitamin E which eliminates damaging factors contributing early aging. Vitamins help to eliminate health damaging factors resulting early aging. Various internal and external elements are responsible for the condition and daily intake of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and proteins could treat it effectively. It is required to add foods rich in nutrients. It helps to combat factors such as free radicals that cause oxidative stress to organs. Oxidative stress is responsible for damaging cells those results in saggy skin, gray hair and various degenerative diseases.

9. Strengthen immunity

The immune system helps to prevent body from various diseases. Strong immunity is essential for treating flu to destroy cancerous cells. For this, one requires adequate nutrients for enhancing function of immune system. Tilapia is a great food source being loaded with essential nutrients. It strengthens immune system with the consumption of fish on daily basis.

10. Healthy skin

Many dream of having clear skin with natural glow. The skin condition is based on the diet being consumed. Tilapia comprises of Vitamin B and E which is well known for treating skin problems such as eczema.

11. Strengthen hair

Tilapia is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that improve scalps and strengthen hair strands. Hair requires nourishment and wild tilapia fish contains essential nutrients.

12. Source of protein

Today we could find various protein supplements in the market. It is shown that nutrients are required for treating various health problems. Consume these nutrients by natural sources such as tilapia fish to avoid its adverse effects.            

How to Eat         

• It is deep fried, grilled, salted and also steamed with lime.
• Tilapia fish is battered and panfried whole.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• The consumption of Tilapia if one is trying to reduce inflammatory diseases such as heart disease.
• Farmed ones contain arsenic that leads to arsenic poisioning.
• Farmed tilapia results to increase in inflammation leading weight gain, arthritis and heart diseases.
• Imbalance ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 causes heart disease and hypertension.
• Tilapia in farms have polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus (OPs), organochlorine (OC), trifluralin pesticides and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) causing diseases or even death.

References:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268982331_Nile_tilapia_Oreochromis_niloticus_Linnaeus_1758_establishment_in_temperate_Mississippi_USA_Multi-year_survival_confirmed_by_otolith_ages

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=553310#null

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/72086

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilapia

https://www2.ca.uky.edu/wkrec/tilapiabiologyhistory.pdf

https://thehealthyfish.com/the-3-different-types-of-tilapia/

http://www.tradexfoods.com/fish-species-encyclopedia/tilapia

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-tilapia-fish/#gref

http://www.chefs-resources.com/seafood/finfish/tilapia-fish/

The post Tilapia fish facts and benefits first appeared on Health Benefits.]]> https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/yellowtail-fish/ Wed, 01 Aug 2018 06:12:31 +0000 https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/?p=40600 Yellowtail kingfish having scientific name as Seriola lalandi is a pelagic marine piscivore found in various parts of Indo-Pacific abundantly near New Zealand. Although this species is widely distributed, little is known about early life history. In fact the spawning areas are not understood properly and it is challenging to collect larvae or juveniles from [...]

The post Yellowtail Fish nutrition and facts first appeared on Health Benefits.]]>

Tilapia fish Quick Facts
Name:	Tilapia fish
Scientific Name:	Oreochromis niloticus
Origin	Native to North, East and Central Africa, and Israel
Colors	Blue-gray
Shapes	Laterally compressed, deep bodies
Flesh colors	Raw: White or pinkish-white; Cooked: White
Calories	111 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Selenium (86.00%) Vitamin B-12 (67.50%) Isoleucine (63.46%) Lysine (60.23%) Threonine (57.16%)
Health benefits	Psychological health, Strengthening bones, Combat cancer cells, Cardiac health, Assist to lose weight

Yellowtail kingfish having scientific name as Seriola lalandi is a pelagic marine piscivore found in various parts of Indo-Pacific abundantly near New Zealand. Although this species is widely distributed, little is known about early life history. In fact the spawning areas are not understood properly and it is challenging to collect larvae or juveniles from open sea. It belongs to family Jack or Caragidae, collectively known as pámpanos and jureles in Mexico. It is also called Yellowtail Jack. There are about nine members in Seriola genus, six are found in Mexican waters, two in Pacific, three in Atlantic and this species is found in both oceans.

They have elongated and compressed fusiform bodies which are taper at both ends and wide in the middle with depth 20-24% standard length. The body is aerodynamic shape having similar lower and upper profiles. The body is blue on upper back with silver to white belly. It has narrow bronze stripe on the middle of its body which has yellow posterior transitions. The fins are yellow. The head consists of long pointed snout and mouth ends under front edge of pupils. The caudal fin base have slightly fleshy keel on each side. First dorsal fin has 7-8 spines and the fin base is shorter in comparison to second dorsal fin base. The pectoral fins are short. After their second dorsal and anal fins, they do not have isolated finlets. Lateral line is slight arch over pectoral fin. It has 19-22 gill rakers and no scutes.

This species are found in large schools offshore at depth of 985 feet. It could reach 1.57 meters in length at maximum weighing 49.5 kg that has been the IGFA world record at current. This fish was caught in 2009 in Japanese waters. These are targeted during game fishing in Northern Mexican waters but is found rare in greater Los Cabos occasionally showing up during the period of 70oF water temperatures.

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Description

The body profile is compressed, fusiform and elongated. The lower and upper body profiles are similar. The head consists of long and pointed snouth and mouth ends under front edge of pupil. The supramaxilla bone found above jawbone is narrow. Dorsal fin has VII-VIII spines and the notch before I is 30 to 35. It has 19 to 22 anal fin II isolated spines and the base is shorter than soft dorsal base. There are no isolated finlets after anal and dorsal fins. The tail base is slight fleshy keel on each side with ventral and dorsal grooves. The body is blue on upper back with silvery to white belly. Juveniles have various narrow dark bars which do not extend into anal and dorsal fins.

Subspecies

1. California yellowtail

It is ray finned fish species belonging to Carangidae family. It is known by various names such as forktail, amberjack, white salmon, mossback or by Spanish name jurel.

Diet

It is carnivorous and consumes various fish such as sardines, mackerel, squid, anchovies, smelts and crab. They are found in schools at surface of water and also deeper. It prefer 21–22 °C (70–72 °F) water temperature and is found in water between 18 and 24 °C. When the temperature is cooler than 18 °C then yellowtail sink into deep waters in order to conserve energy.

2. Yellowtail kingfish

Yellow Kingfish is a yellowtail amberjack subspecies belonging to genus Seriola. It is found off southeastern Australia and Northeast coast of North Island of New Zealand. Very little information is achieved about habitat preferences, juvenile life stages, wild reproductive behavior and migration patterns. Adults are found in rocky reefs, drop-offs in coastal waters and rocky outcrops and also around offshore islands and pinnacles. It reaches to the maximum length to 180 cm. It is consumed drying, sashimi and grilling.

3. Asian yellowtail

Asian yellowtail is regarded stubborn, unpredictable and impatient.

References:

https://www.int-res.com/articles/ab2010/11/b011p229.pdf

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=168695#null

https://www.mexican-fish.com/yellowtail/

The post Yellowtail Fish nutrition and facts first appeared on Health Benefits.]]> https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/spot-fish/ Wed, 01 Aug 2018 04:43:43 +0000 https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/?p=40271 Spot fish is a saltwater fish, short lived belonging to Sciaenidae family. This species inhabit in estuary and coastal waters from Massachusetts to Texas and the name is derived from important dark spot behind each gill. They are caught frequently by recreational anglers. Its diet comprises of organic detritus, worms and small crustaceans. When fishing, [...]

The post Spot Fish facts and nutrition first appeared on Health Benefits.]]>

Yellowtail Fish Quick Facts
Name:	Yellowtail Fish
Scientific Name:	Seriola lalandi
Colors	Blue on upper back, sides and silvery to white belly
Shapes	Elongate, fusiform, compressed
Calories	273 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Selenium (124.18%) Isoleucine (119.38%) Lysine (118.99%) Tryptophan (110.23%) Threonine (107.90%)

Spot fish is a saltwater fish, short lived belonging to Sciaenidae family. This species inhabit in estuary and coastal waters from Massachusetts to Texas and the name is derived from important dark spot behind each gill. They are caught frequently by recreational anglers. Its diet comprises of organic detritus, worms and small crustaceans. When fishing, bloodworms are used for luring spot fish. This fish is a natural prey for flounder, striped bass, dog fish, sandbar shark, red drum, puppy drum, weak fish, spotted seatrout, black drum, King mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, black sea bass, cobia, barracuda, dolphin, tarpon and tautog.

It is deep-bodied and compressed fish having an elevated back. Typically, body color is bluish-gray dorsally that fades to golden yellow or yellow-tan ventrally. The set of 12 to 15 dark streaks run obliquely from dorsal surface down the sides to mid-body. It fades with age. Typically fins are pale yellow in color.  Head is short having small and inferior mouth. Maxilla extends to middle of eye. The continuous dorsal fin have notch isolated spinous portion from soft rays. There are 29-35 soft rays and 9-11 dorsal spines. Anal fin have 2 spines and 12 to 13 rays. There are 72 to 77 lateral line scales.

Appearance

Spot fish has bluish to gray body having brassy white belly and 12-15 dark and angled bars across back. It has large, distinctive black spot near its gill opening. It has deep notch and pale fins in its dorsal fin and forked tail fin. Its rounded and high back slopes down to small head. The lower jaw has no teeth. It could measure 11-12 inches in length.

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Predators

Its predators include silversides that may affect postlarval distribution in estuaries. Adult spot and juvenile are the prey of many fishes such as seatrout, sharks, striped bass, mackerels and flounders.

Reproduction

Spot fish moves offshore to spawn in shallow to middle shelf waters. The spawning period extends from fall to early spring. The period is October to February in North Carolina and in Florida, from December to March. The spawning exist in water little deeper and further offshore. Eggs (one hundred thousand to 1.7 million) are carried shoreward by winds or currents. The external fertilization occurs at night in shallow waters. Larvae rapidly grow in warmer offshore waters. Young ones move into coastal shallows and lower bays during winter where they spend their first year. During summer, young resides in tidal creeks or shallow estuarine areas. They go to deeper estuarine waters or ocean during winter. They move to areas having lower salinity or freshwater till they are old enough to return back to saltwater. When spot becomes 186 to 214 millimeters in length (2 to 3 years), it reaches the age of maturity.

Habitat

They live in salt waters such as brackish water mostly over muddy and sandy floors. Until spring, it lives in estuaries and bays when it migrates to deeper water it spawns in. It moves to water having high salinity during summer and then moves offshore when autumn begins and water starts to cool.

Diet

Spot fish are omnivorous and consumes small crustaceans, benthic invertebrates, animal detritus and plant. It includes worms, polychaetes, small plankton, small fish and mollusks.

Distribution

Spot fish is inherent to west central and northwest region on Atlantic Ocean. It is found along Gulf of Mexico, along southern coast of U.S. from Massachusetts and down to Campeche, Mexico. Literally, it is found in depth of 6 meters but could also be found up to the depth of 50 meters. It is irregularly found in South Florida, near Cape Cod and the Florida Keys.

Precautions

It may lead to food poisoning causing symptoms such as stomach ache, head ache, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, general numbness a tingly sensation of arms, legs and around your mouth.

Other Facts        

• Spot fish are abundantly found in the Chesapeake Bay.
• They are popular with recreational anglers.
• It vibrates swim bladder using special muscles to make croaking or loud drumming sound.
• In 1980, the recorded spot weighed 2.5 pounds in Chesapeake Bay.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=169267#null

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spot_(fish)

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/S=0/fieldguide/critter/spot

http://www.virginiaseafood.org/consumers/factsheets/spot.htm

The post Spot Fish facts and nutrition first appeared on Health Benefits.]]> https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/ocean-pout/ Wed, 01 Aug 2018 03:41:13 +0000 http://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/?p=11013 The Ocean pout scientifically known as Zoarces americanus, are the fish of Zoarcidae family having the body resembling eel-like or blenny-like of 3½ feet (42 inches) long. An upper body is muddy yellow to mottled reddish brown which blends to dirty white or yellowish underbody. It have continuous dorsal fin running from nape of neck [...]

The post Ocean pout facts and nutritional value first appeared on Health Benefits.]]>

Spot Fish Quick Facts
Name:	Spot Fish
Scientific Name:	Leiostomus xanthurus
Origin	Native to the west central and northwest regions on the Atlantic Ocean
Colors	Bluish-gray
Shapes	Deep-bodied, compressed
Taste	Medium-dense
Calories	79 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Vitamin B-12 (80.00%) Selenium (42.55%) Isoleucine (32.66%) Lysine (32.54%) Tryptophan (30.00%)

The Ocean pout scientifically known as Zoarces americanus, are the fish of Zoarcidae family having the body resembling eel-like or blenny-like of 3½ feet (42 inches) long. An upper body is muddy yellow to mottled reddish brown which blends to dirty white or yellowish underbody. It have continuous dorsal fin running from nape of neck back to tail fin. The anal fin starts from mid body running back towards tail fin connecting to it. They have wide and gaping mouth having thick and fleshy lips or armed jaws with blunt, strong and conical teeth. The body is deep and eight times long. It could reach upto 42 inches in length weighing 12 pounds.

They are available in Northwest Atlantic Ocean, off coast of Eastern Canada and New England. The blood of Ocean pout contains antifreeze proteins due to which it could survive in freezing waters. It feeds on the prey such as marine worms, brittle stars, sea urchins, shrimp, amphipods, crabs, molluscs and welks. Spawning takes place from late August to September. Ocean pout is also known as Marine stubborn, Pout, Eelpout, Mother-of-eels, Mutton fish, North-Atlantic ocean pout, Poodler, Shore eelpout, Eel pout and Conger eel.

Description

The body of Ocean pout resembles blenny or eel which is about 42 inches long. The sides are flattened, tapered and sway bellied. The skin is slimy and scales are small. The dorsal fin consists of 95 to 100 soft rays. It has large and rounded pectoral fins. Small ventrals are found in front of pectorals on the throat. The upper lips are soft which encloses the tip of lower lip when it closes its wide mouth. The mouth is full of strong and blunt conical teeth. It consists of 131 to 141 vertebrae. The skin is yellow or brown that is spotted with various dark patches. It usually weighs upto 12 pounds.

Nutritional value

Cooked Ocean pout of 0.5 fillets carries 104.26 g of moisture, 140 calories, 29.22 g of protein, 1.6 g of total lipid fat and 1.99 g of ash. The same serving size grants  116.55% of Daily Value of Selenium, 80.56% of DV of Isoleucine, 80.26% of DV of Lysine, 74.32% of DV of Tryptophan, 72.78% of DV of Threonine, 71.31% of DV of Valine, 69.81% of Histidine, 64.29% of Leucine, 59.17% of Vitamin B12, 58.44% of DV of Protein, 50.14% of DV of Phosphorus, 29.15% of DV of Vitamin B6, 21.90% of Niacin, 16.45% of DV of Zinc, 14.96% of DV of Potassium and 10.50% of DV of Thiamin.

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Health Benefits of Ocean pout

Ocean pout is loaded with various amounts of nutrients that help to maintain healthy body. It has high concentration of selenium, isoleucine, lysine and others. With an intake of Ocean pout, one could derive various health advantages as it contains different amounts of minerals, vitamins, lipids and amino acids. It helps to prevent health ailments as well.

1. Maintain cells

Cobalamine assists to maintain various cells in human body along with carrying the functions such as repair, formation, maintenance of RBC. It also takes care of nerve cells in the body and maintains strong nervous system. (1)

2. Regenerates tissues and cells

Protein is essential for the restoration and renewal of tissues and cells in body. It requires amino acids for the formation of new tissues and cells such as hair, nails and skin. The body should replace the reduced cells that help to maintain good health. It is also used for the production of cell regenerative medicines. (2) (3)

3. Prevent weakness

Phosphorus is essential for solving ailments such as numbness, muscle weakness and fatigue. The body requires adequate amount of phosphorus to become fit. It also cures sexual weakness, impotence, sperm motility, frigidity and loss of libido. (4)

4. Treats Premenstrual Syndrome

Pyridoxine helps to cure premenstrual syndrome that occurs in women which is reduced. It results in loss of sex drive and moodiness. Vitamin B6 helps to cure this condition. (5)

5. Maintains cholesterol level

The high intake of niacin helps to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. It also prevents the thickening of artery walls and atherosclerosis. (6)

6. Prevent acne

It prevents acne and regulates testosterone level in the body. Additionally, it is also involved in collagen synthesis. It normalizes the skin oils and promotes the skin health. Zinc promotes the count of white blood cells and lowers the risk of infection. Zinc reduce the appearance of scars. (7)

7. Treat cramps

The deficiency of potassium causes cramps in muscles that is known as hypokalemia. The high intake of potassium prevents muscle cramps. (8)

8. Provides energy

Sugar is the great source of energy. Vitamin B1 oxidizes the usable form of energy. It plays a vital role in pyruvate dehydrogenase system that assists in sugar oxidation. Vitamin B1 is essential for the functions of enzyme system that supports in various functions. (9)

9. Enhance immunity

Vitamin B1 promotes the immunity power by promoting antibodies and reinforce defense system to counteract infections.

10. Nervous health

Riboflavin cures nervous ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease, numbness, anxiety, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. It helps to treat painful symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Limit the intake of Ocean pout.
• It is safe to consult the doctor by pregnant women and health patients before consuming it.
• It should be properly cooked for consumption.

How to Eat         

• In Italy, it is panfried with chives by seasoning with salt and pepper.
• It is boiled, deep fried, grilled or roasted.
• It is also added to soups and stews.

References:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vitamins/health-benefits-of-vitamin-b2-or-riboflavin.html

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=630979#null

https://www.maine.gov/dmr/recreational-fishing/anglers-guide/doyouknowyourcatch/documents/oceanpout.pdf

The post Ocean pout facts and nutritional value first appeared on Health Benefits.]]> https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/tilefish/ Tue, 31 Jul 2018 06:43:17 +0000 https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/?p=40558 Tilefish is a small perciform marine fish which comprises family Malacanthidae. Usually it is found in sandy areas near coral reefs. The two subfamilies are different morphologically with members of Branchiosteginae acquiring deep bodies, large subterminal mouths and large heads. The members of Malacanthinae are slender having smaller heads, elongated bodies and terminal mouths. The [...]

The post Tilefish facts and nutrition first appeared on Health Benefits.]]>

Ocean pout Quick Facts
Name:	Ocean pout
Scientific Name:	Zoarces americanus
Origin	They are available in Northwest Atlantic Ocean, off coast of Eastern Canada and New England.
Colors	Reddish brown spotted with olive
Shapes	Eel-like or Blenny-like; Length: 3½ feet (42 inches)
Flesh colors	White
Calories	140 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Selenium (116.55%) Isoleucine (80.56%) Lysine (80.26%) Tryptophan (74.32%) Threonine (72.78%)
Health benefits	Maintain cells, Regenerates tissues and cells, Prevent weakness, Treats Premenstrual Syndrome, Maintains cholesterol level

Tilefish is a small perciform marine fish which comprises family Malacanthidae. Usually it is found in sandy areas near coral reefs. The two subfamilies are different morphologically with members of Branchiosteginae acquiring deep bodies, large subterminal mouths and large heads. The members of Malacanthinae are slender having smaller heads, elongated bodies and terminal mouths. The size of tilefish ranges from 11 cm to 125 cm in size weighing 30 kg.

Subfamilies have long anal and dorsal fins, latter with one or two spines. Gill covers have one spine which is blunt or sharp. Species have cutaneous ridge atop head. Tail fin ranges in truncated to forked shape. Most of the species have fairly low key in color having common shades of yellow, gray and brown. Larvae are important for generous complement of spines or serrations on head and scales.

Habitat and diet

Usually Tilefish are found at the depth of 50 to 200 m in both temperate and tropical waters of Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This species look for shelter in self-made burrows, caves at base of reefs or piles of rock mostly in canyons and edges of steep slopes. The species are strictly marine mostly exceptionally blue blanquillo (Malacanthus latovittatus) which enters brackish water of Papua New Guinea’s Goldie River. Primarily they feed on small benthic invertebrates, crustaceans such as shrimp and crab. It also consumes sea urchins, worms, mollusks and small fish.

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Behavior and Reproduction

Tilefish stays at the bottom. It relies on its keen eyesight to catch prey. The fish dives quickly into its constructed retreats with head first. Hoplolatilus chlupatyi (Chameleon sand tilefish) is able to change color to avoid predators. The species form monogamous pairs. Some are solitary and others are colonial. The species Hoplolatilus fronticinctus (rare pastel tilefish) of Indo Pacific builds large rubble mounds above school and in which they live. The mounds assist as refuge and micro-ecosystem for other reef species. Its reproductive habitats are not well studied. The spawning takes place throughout spring and summer. All the species are assumed not to guard its broods. Eggs are small about less than 2 mm and are made buoyant by oil. Larvae are pelagic and drift till fishes become juvenile.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Tilefish has high content of mercury.
• Consume it in moderate amounts.
• Consult the doctor by pregnant women and children before consuming it.

How to Eat         

• Tilefish are steamed, poached, sautéed and microwaved.
• Add it to salad greens and pasta.
• Grill or broil it with lime butter and seasoned salt.
• Bake fish (whole) with shrimp or crab stuffing.
• Add the fish to soups and sauces.

References:

https://www.seafoodsource.com/seafood-handbook/finfish/tilefish

http://www.foodreference.com/html/art-tilefish-7806.html

https://nutritionforyoublog.wordpress.com/tag/tilefish/

The post Tilefish facts and nutrition first appeared on Health Benefits.]]> https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/swordfish/ Mon, 30 Jul 2018 07:21:45 +0000 https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/?p=40476 Swordfish, also called broadbills, are large and highly migratory or predatory fish identifying by long and flat bill. It is a well-known billfish category though elusive. It is round-bodied, elongated and lose all teeth or scales by adulthood. It is widely found in temperate and tropical parts of Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans and typically [...]

The post Facts and nutrition of Swordfish first appeared on Health Benefits.]]>

Tilefish Quick Facts
Name:	Tilefish
Scientific Name:	Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps
Shapes	Elongated, 11 cm to 125 cm
Flesh colors	Pinkish-white
Taste	Mild
Calories	220 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Vitamin B-12 (156.25%) Selenium (140.36%) Isoleucine (101.20%) Lysine (100.90%) Tryptophan (93.41%)

Swordfish, also called broadbills, are large and highly migratory or predatory fish identifying by long and flat bill. It is a well-known billfish category though elusive. It is round-bodied, elongated and lose all teeth or scales by adulthood. It is widely found in temperate and tropical parts of Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans and typically found from near surface to depth of 550 m (1,800 ft). Usually, it measures 3 m (9.8 ft) in length and the maximum length reported is 4.55 m (14.9 ft) weighing 650 kg (1,430 lb) in weight.

It is the exclusive member of family Xiphiidae. They are formidable predators. It has acute eyesight which helps them to address prey and its flesh comprises of white muscle providing energy for sudden bursts of activity when chased their prey. Then swordfish uses its bill to impale or stun its victim, lacerate it into pieces or might swallow it whole. It feeds during the day mainly on squid but also fish and crustaceans infrequently. It undertakes vertical migrations in ocean and follows the movement of small fish, shrimp and squid which moves with changing intensity of light for avoiding predators. It is unable to maintain higher body temperature than the temperature of surrounding water. But they have uncommon muscle and brown tissue which warms blood flowing to eyes and brain that helps to enable to tolerate extreme cold of ocean depths. They undertake lengthy seasonal migrations, to cold or temperate waters in summer where it feed and return back to warm waters for spawning in autumn.

The spawning occurs year round in warm equatorial waters and it occurs in cooler regions in spring and summer. The finest spawning grounds are found in Mediterranean sea, Sicily and south of the Italian Peninsula. Eggs are found from June to September and juveniles occur throughout Mediterranean from November to March. The fertilization is external. Female releases buoyant eggs in millions into water which are fertilized by sperm secreted by male. Larvae hatches from fertilized eggs. At the first year of life, larvae grow at exceptional rate reaching 90 centimeters long. Female reaches maturity at 150 centimeters and male around 100 centimeters.

Description

It is the fast swimming predator with flat, long and sword like bill used to impale and slash its prey. It has long and cylindrical blackish-brown body fading gradually to light brown underside. Body tapers to large anal fins along with high dorsal fin enabling efficient cruising. Adult are scaleless and has no teeth. Females live longer and grow larger in comparison to males.

Reproduction

Throughout the year, spawning occurs in equatorial water but at higher latitudes during spring and summer. As external fertilization takes place, solitary males and female pair during spawning. The egg varies from and 29 million in a 2,72,000 g female and 1 million to 16 million in 1,68,000 g female. The spawning occurs in the Atlantic Ocean at depths between 0 and 75 m with temperatures around 23 °C and salinity of 33.8 to 37.4 ppt. But in Pacific Ocean spawning occurs in water having temperature of 24°C or more.

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Health Benefits of Swordfish

Let us discuss on the health benefits that Swordfish offers:

1. Vitamin B complex

Vitamin B complex assists in converting food into energy, production of red blood cells and maintaining efficient metabolism. The serving size of 3 ounce grants 36% of daily value of Vitamin B6 and nearly 50% of niacin or Vitamin B12. Moreover, it contains 5.2% of regular amount of thiamine and riboflavin.

2. Strengthen bones

The diet rich in calcium strengthen bones and teeth. Consume swordfish steak with source of calcium such as tofu, cheese and milk to achieve the desired intake. Additionally, swordfish has high content of fat soluble nutrient Vitamin D that makes the body able to absorb calcium. The diet rich in calcium but low in Vitamin D still poses risk of brittle, misshapen and thin bones.

3. Heart health

A 3 ounce of serving swordfish grants 21.7 grams of protein, 7.2 grams of fat, and 148.6 calories (62 are from fat). Saturated fat also known as unhealthy fat is limited about 1/5 of the total fat content. Saturated fat causes buildup of plaque in arteries. The other fats are heart healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats lowering the chances of heart attack and stroke. It has 648 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 104 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

4. Muscle health

Swordfish has high content of potassium which is an essential mineral or electrolyte critical for proper functioning of nerves and muscles. Its single serving provides 712 mg of potassium. The diet with high potassium food helps to protect heart attack and stroke.

5. Rich in protein

Swordfish has high content of protein offering 33.5 grams per 6 ounce serving. Protein is essential to maintain healthy hair, skin and muscles, producing enzymes and transporting oxygen. It also has essential amino acids that are essential for the body as it could not be self-produced. It is required to lower inflammation and reducing the chances of arthritis, heart disease and cancers.

6. Counteract free radical damage

A single serving of Swordfish contains 92 micrograms that enhance the function of thyroid gland and counteract free radicals.

7. Sound sleep

Swordfish is rich in magnesium that lowers sleep disorders. Magnesium provides soothing effect on muscles and provides sound sleep. It also promotes duration and quality of sleep.

8. Normalize blood pressure

Swordfish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids with good amounts of omega-6 that lowers inflammation and maintains normal blood pressure. The regulation of blood pressure reduces strain on cardiovascular system and promotes heart health. It lowers the chances of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. It contains healthy amounts of omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Swordfish contains mercury and other toxins such as dioxins and PCBs so limit its intake.
• Children and pregnant women should avoid it because high content of mercury might cause negative impact on development of nervous system of fetus.

How to Eat         

• It is grilled like steak in marinades and herbs.
• It is also consumed raw.

Other Facts        

• It matures sexually at the age of five or six and has the lifespan of nine on average.
• Swordfish are cold blooded and has special organs next to its eyes which keep their eyes and brain warm in cold water.
• Mostly they consume at night.
• Large sharks, killer whales and humans are its predators.
• Generally they do not swim in schools or groups.
• It is regarded as one of the fastest fish in an ocean.
• They are carnivores and consume wide range of pelagic fish such as barracudinas, mackerel, rockfish, silver hake, latern fishes, herring and also take squid, demersal fish and crustaceans.
• It feed regularly mostly at night rising to the surface and near surface waters in search of small fish.
• Female swordfish lay from 1,000,000 and 30,000,000 eggs at a time.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=172482#null

http://www.atlanticpanic.com/species/view/swordfish/

https://www.ducksters.com/animals/swordfish.php

https://oceana.org/marine-life/ocean-fishes/swordfish

http://www.chefs-resources.com/seafood/finfish/swordfish/

http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-swordfish/

http://www.kerrash.com/is-swordfish-healthy-for-you/

https://www.foodsforbetterhealth.com/is-swordfish-healthy-35540

The post Facts and nutrition of Swordfish first appeared on Health Benefits.]]>

Swordfish Quick Facts
Name:	Swordfish
Scientific Name:	Xiphias gladius
Colors	Blackish-brown
Shapes	Elongate, rounded; 3 m (9.8 ft) in length
Flesh colors	White or ivory to pink or orange
Taste	Slightly sweet
Calories	182 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Selenium (132.00%) Vitamin D (117.33%) Vitamin B-12 (71.67%) Isoleucine (68.96%) Lysine (68.72%)
Health benefits	Vitamin B complex, Strengthen bones, Heart health, Muscle health, Rich in protein