K. Formicki

• prof dr
• Head of Department at West Pomeranian University of Technology

The 2022 Oder River disaster was one of the most significant harmful events in recent European river history, with an estimated 60% reduction in fish biomass in the lower section of the river. While the prevailing hypothesis attributes associated fish kills to toxins from golden algae Prymnesium parvum , our histopathological study on the gills of...

Low and poor-quality water resources in Poland require rational and responsible use of them also in aquaculture. In recent years, there has been an increase in fish consumption, but also a change in consumer preferences. The development of innovative aquaculture methods leads to a reduction in water consumption, even by 20%, as is the case with rec...

In 2022–2023 specimens of A. fallax are recorded for the first time in approximately 17 years in Szczecin Lagoon. We collected 11 specimens of juveniles, 9 premature and mature females, and 9 premature and mature males (20.3–40.7 cm of total length, aged from 1+ to 4+). The 2+ aged fish was slightly dominated (34.5% of the whole sample). Females in...

The aim of this study, conducted in accordance with both European Union and national legislation, was to evaluate the physicochemical conditions of the Rega River in northern Poland, where efforts are underway to restore its watershed for migratory fish. From 2018 to 2022, water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total suspended solids (TSS),...

Urbanization and technological advancements result in the dispersion of antropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMF) that can affect on ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to understand their impact on the environment. Aquatic ecosystems are subject to EMF as part of various electricity sources, e.g., high-voltage transmission lines (HVTL). We exam...

Several rivers that are tributaries of the Oder estuary are inhabited by Salmo trutta L, the most important of which are Ina, Gowienica, and Wołczenica. Both forms of the species, sea trout and resident brown trout, are present. All rivers are traditionally stocked with either sea trout from the neighboring Pomeranian river Rega basin or resident b...

Simple Summary The aim of this study was to provide a detailed characterization of the reproductive strategy, embryonic development, and larval development of three fish species from the genus Cichlasoma: the green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus), the red discus (Symphysodon discus), and the jaguar cichlid (Parachromis managuensis). Eggs for the stu...

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of feeds with or without β-glucan-based immunomodulatory supplements (groups BF and UB or B and U, respectively; feeding period 14 and 28 days) on the welfare of brown trout. The diets tested did not influence the rearing indices. The type of feed and the feeding period were confirmed to have a si...

The native North American bivalve species Rangia cuneata was unintentionally introduced into European waters during the first decade of the 21 st century. In the Baltic Sea, it is mostly found along the southeastern coast, but in 2018 researchers also discovered the species in the Bay of Pomerania, which indicated that it could eventually inhabit t...

The brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a salmonid residing in riverine and coastal waters throughout the Northern Hemisphere, whose various populations evolved into distinct ecological morphs, differing in their migratory tendencies and preferred habitats. Unfortunately, due to progressing degradation of natural environment, the conservation of these po...

The paper discusses the current prognoses of aquaculture development worldwide putting an emphasis on its effect on the environment and the issue of the protection of water reservoirs in different countries. Water consumption in diversified aquaculture systems is presented herein as well as the characteristics of the mechanical and biological water...

This study presents the results of research on energy self-sufficiency, safety and production reliability in a salmonids fish farm. For the needs of the breeding facility under construction in the Recirculating Aquaculture System, energy requirement analyses were carried out and guidelines collected for the implementation of innovative solutions, w...

High mortality is among the most serious problems and challenges in the ornamental fish trade. Examination of the discus Symphysodon aequifasciatus from ornamental fish hatchery revealed infestation with the monogenean Sciadicleithrum variabilum . Gill infestation with this monogenean induced serious damage to the gill lamellae, including clavate l...

The optimal water flow in fish breeding tanks is one of the crucial elements necessary for the well-being and proper growth of fish, such as salmon or trout. Considering the round tanks and the uneven distribution of water-flow velocity, ensuring a nearly optimal flow is an important task that may be performed using various sensors installed to mon...

Highlights What are the main findings? The high specific surface area of the biofilter media has a positive effect on nitrification. The smooth surface of the biofilter medium reduces the efficiency of nitrification. What is the implication of the main finding? Passive biofilter activation can be used in salmonid RAS. P and C concentrations do not...

Because of their size, small depth, periodic drying out, and often lack of buffer zone, small watercourses are especially sensitive to environmental changes, anthropopressure, and biodegradation which makes them extremely prone to decline in biodiversity. Small watercourses can harbor many species of fish, including alien and invasive species. The...

There is much evidence that the vertebrate lung originated from a progenitor structure which was present in bony fish. However, critical basic elements for the evolution of breathing in tetrapods, such as the central rhythm generator sensitive to CO2/pH and the pulmonary surfactant, were present in the lungless primitive vertebrate. This suggests t...

Fish roe is among important components of human diet, but its elemental composition is rather poorly known. In this study we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) to examine the content of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Se in the roe of sturgeon, sea trout and rainbow trout. In addition, risk assessment for consumer he...

Most publications on the influence of environmental factors on macroinvertebrate communities focus on large rivers, whereas relatively few examine small watercourses in agricultural areas, which, due to their size and pressure from intensive agricultural production, are much more susceptible to the effects of unfavourable environmental conditions o...

The effects functional additives had on blood hematological and biochemical indicators of sea trout (body weight 74.6 g, standard length 17.2 cm) were studied. The fish were divided into four experimental groups. Two groups were fed experimental feeds (group TU basic feed; group TUB basic feed with Bioimmuno), and two groups were fed commercial fee...

The main purpose of the conducted research is the development and experimental verification of the methods for detection of fish feeding as well as checking its uniformity in the recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) using machine vision. A particular emphasis has been set on the methods useful for rainbow trout farming.

The number of sources of anthropogenic magnetic and electromagnetic fields generated by various underwater facilities, industrial equipment, and transferring devices in aquatic environment is increasing. These have an effect on an array of fish life processes, but especially the early developmental stages. The magnitude of these effects depends on...

Analysis of the physicochemical properties of fresh eggs (raw material for caviar production) of the Salmonidae : [sea trout ( Salmo trutta L. 1758) and rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss , Walbaum 1792)] and the Acipenseridae [ Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baeri Brandt, 1869)], as well as sturgeon hybrids ( Acipenser baeri Brandt, 1869 x Acipens...

The study aimed to assess the effects of natural dietary immunostimulant addition on survival, growth, digestive enzyme activity and immune system response of river trout (Salmo trutta m. fario). The experimental rearing lasted 28 days and it took place in The Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute, in the research facility in Rutki, Poland....

Magnetoreception is the ability of organisms to perceive magnetic fields in the surrounding environment and changes in its properties such as field direction, intensity and gradient, where the effect on organisms can manifest as an array of reactions. As the magnetic sense is found in many taxa, both evolutionarily young and old, it can be assumed...

Abstarct Magnetic field affects many living organisms, fishes included. The fish reactions are observed from the early stage of development, during embryogenesis and larval period, and into adult stage. Magnetic field affects, among other processes, water exchange in the eggs, embryo heart rate and respiration, directional reactions and spatial ori...

The paper presents thecept of a strategy for building a center supporting the reproduction of Baltic ichthyofauna in Western Pommerania con

The effects of a magnetic field (1, 3 and 5 mT), applied during short- (1, 3, 5, 30 and 60 minutes) and long-term (from the beginning of embryogenesis) exposure, on melanophores of the European whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus and vendace, Coregonus albula, were investigated. Short-term magnetic field exposure effects on the behaviour of melanophores...

Background. The stocks of cod, Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758, have been declining within recent decades and the Baltic Sea is one of the most affected areas. The latter body of water with its low salinity, pollution, and vast areas of demersal hypoxia is particularly vulnerable. Areas of natural spawning are scarce and the reproductive output of cod...

The aim of study was to investigate the effects of static magnetic fields [1 mT (miliTesla), 5 and 10 mT] on Saprolegnia parasitica growth, development, and cytotoxicity in the infection of trout eggs in hatcheries under laboratory and industrial conditions. The egg envelope (SEM) structures resulting from infection with and development of S. paras...

Salmonid spermatozoa are characterised by a very short time of activity in the water, therefore sudden water pollution in the form of increased salinity on the spawning grounds may have a negative effect on the sperm motility parameters, thus affecting the subsequent egg fertilisation and, consequently, the number of hatched individuals of the spec...

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of a static magnetic field on the trout sperm motility parameters (CASA), DNA integrity (comet assay) and morphology (SEM). The fertilisation rate was also assessed. Exposing the trout spermatozoa to a static magnetic field (1 mT, 5 mT, 10 mT) prolonged the sperm motility to 12 days (288 h),...

The results obtained indicate the potential of the round goby to reproduce in fresh water, which may result in further expansion of the species to upper reaches of rivers and to other water bodies (lakes, dam reservoirs). Embryonic development of the round goby in fresh water proceeded in a regular manner. However, embryonic development in fresh wa...

Effects of water salinity (3.0–9.0 PSU) on the duration and outcome of embryogenesis in the lesser sandeel (Ammodytes tobianus (L.) as well as on survival, size, and malformation rate of the newly hatched larvae were followed, based on observations involving equipment consisting of a microscope and still and digital cameras. The images obtained and...

Приводятся результаты инкубации икры и выращивания личинок бычка�кругляка Neogobius mel- anostomus в пресной воде. Развитие эмбрионов и личинок в пресной воде протекает нормально, хотя отмечена более короткая, чем в солёной воде, продолжительность эмбриогенеза и вылупление ли- чинок меньшего размера. Показатель вылупления составляет 90%. Если данны...

The study focused on the effect of iron and aluminium coagulants (PIX®113, PAX®18) commonly used for purification of open waters on key stages of embryonic development of pike (Esox lucius L.). Fertilized pike roe was incubated in lake water and in water with the admixture of coagulants, applied in the concentration of 50.0 mg dm⁻³ at selected stag...

The distribution range of Danube huchen, Hucho hucho (L.) in Polish waters is decreasing, and is currently only 25 to 30% of its original area. Since few data are available concerning Danube huchen, it is necessary to develop a better understanding of its reproduction to improve artificial spawning in hatcheries. Eight sperm motility parameters wer...

The study focused on the effect of iron and aluminum coagulants (PIX®113, PAX®18) commonly used for purification of open waters on key stages of embryonic development of pike (Esox lucius L.). Fertilized pike roe was incubated in lake water and in water with the admixture of coagulants, applied in the concentration of 50.0 mg dm-3 at selected stage...

Environmental requirements of salmonids: the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and brown trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta L.) combined with the presence of hydraulic structures on water courses significantly reduce the possibility that these valuable fish species will stay and breed in many water courses. The paper presents results of the third and fin...

En este trabajo se ha descrito la estructura de las túnicas ovulares del escalar o pez ángel (Pterophyllum scalare), las modificaciones morfo-fisiológicas que transcurren durante la embriogénesis del escalar desde el momento de activización para el desove en condiciones ambientales óptimas (28ºC y pH 6,8) y, se han caracterizado las larvas y los al...

The study aimed to characterise the gametes of salmon (Salmo salar L.) ascending Polish rivers, the first such characterisation since initiation of the salmon restitution programme in the 1980s. Gametes of ascending salmon were examined in two Polish rivers: the Wieprza in the western part of the Polish Baltic coast and the Vistula in the eastern p...

Background. Bushymouth catfish, Ancistrus dolichopterus Kner, 1854 has raised interest among ornamental fish keepers. Its natural populations are seriously threatened by fishing pressure. The reproduction of this species is difficult to perform (in captivity) and to observe because it occurs at night in shaded areas-most frequently in hiding spots....

The egg case is an extracellular structure that surrounds an egg cell and the embryo after fertilization. Its basic function is to protect the embryo from potentially harmful aspects of the external environment. Changes in the structure of the egg case at different stages of embryogenesis in the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus were studied, with obs...

Background. The stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794), has recently raised interest among fish farmers, ornamental fish keepers, and pathologists. Its natural populations are threatened due to habitat loss and high fishing pressure. A number of factors may influence the reproductive success of this. The aim of this study was to as...

The need to elucidate the hatching process in the signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, emerged as a result of the paucity of information on hatching mechanisms, perivitelline space, and egg hydration during embryonic development. To elucidate morphomechanical changes in the eggs during embryonic development of the signal crayfish, egg diamete...

Background. After their deposition in water, eggs of perch form characteristic, long gelatinous ribbons (strands) floating within the water column. The ultrastructure of the external gelatinious egg envelope of members of the family Percidae was believed to be amorphous. The aim of the presently reported study was to describe the ultrastructure and...

Background. The effect of the magnetic field on fish egg shells has not attracted major interest of researchers, even though it could have been predicted that such effect may be vital to fish embryogenesis. One of the hither-to-neglected aspects of the magnetic field action of fish eggs are the changes in the egg shell permeability and possible alt...

Effects of differences in water salinity on egg fertilisation and embryonic development of various fish species were studied by numerous authors (Bogucki 1930, Olifan 1940, Vernidub 1947, Dziekońska 1957, Vetemaa & Saat 1996, Yang & Chen 2006). White bream is one of common cyprinids inhabiting lakes, ponds, rivers, and brackish coastal sea waters....

White bream occurs in inland waters, brackish coastal sea areas, and coastal lagoons almost throughout Europe. It is a thermophilous species, and fairly demanding in terms of its oxygen requirements. White bream eggs and sperm were obtained from hypophysed spawners; after fertilisa-tion, the eggs were placed in glass vessels equipped with aerators...

The potential of artificial hideouts, outfitted with magnets or their imitations (control), to attract spinycheek crayfish Orconectes limosus was studied. The experiments were carried out within 1999-2002 in an 80-hectar natural lake. There were three parallel setups, with three experimental treatments (hideouts) each. The presently acquired result...

Peculiarities in egg morphometry and in the course of embryogenesis of the Baltic garfish (Belone belone (L.)) were studied. The eggs, measuring 3.27 ±0.15 mm in diameter and 18.34 ±2.6 mm3 are equipped in viscous filamentous processes. The eggs lack the so- called structural lipids in the form of lipid vesicles, for which reason the embryonic disc...

Background. The magnetic field is known to exert its influence on both adult and juvenile fishes, as well as the embryos. The effects are diversified and pertain to, practically all, life aspects of an individual. Another aspect of this issue can be the existing and still growing magnetic pollution of the natural environment. In view of the above w...

The effects of magnetic fields generated by ferritic magnets and mounted in entrances to fyke nets were studied in 1999–2002. With respect to all fish species trapped (perch, pike, roach, rudd, bleak, bream, ruffe) except eel, the catch potential of magnet-rigged fyke nets was found to be significantly higher (almost 50% on average) when compared w...

Effects of a constant magnetic field on the selection of swimming direction by trout (Salmo trutta L.) larvae and fry were investigated in an experimental facility consisting of chambers equipped with magnets as well as magnet-free chambers placed at the entrance. The experiments showed a close relationship between the direction selected by the lar...

Background. Ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus is a small fish inhabiting vast areas of Europe, Asia, and also North America. Its substantial geographical dispersal range in different climatic zones, in waters of different parameters indicates that it is a particularly plastic species. Recent implementation of new fish-processing machinery has increased...

Changes in resistance to mechanical pressure during embryogenesis were studied in the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana). A constant increase in egg size (volume and surface area) was observed to take place throughout the embryonic development, the increase occurring as most probably result of water absorption. The increase in the egg...

Locomotory responses of fish in the presence of magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets placed in stationary fishing gear (fyke nets) were studied. The fyke nets used allowed the fish to select the direction in which to move: into the trap or out of it. Three fyke sets were used. A set consisted of two fykes equipped with permanent magnets (...

The study on enbryogenesis in the Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras L.) showsthe embryonic development to take, on average, 188 h (the duration measured in thermal units is to2450 h°). Herring eggs are very small; when activated they absorb a relatively large volume ofwater, about twice the cell volume when laid. The hydrated eggs are highly...

The results showed the eggs of various species to differ both in terms of their dimensions and volume, the differences being 5– and more than 70–fold, respectively.

Studies on fish embryogenesis have demonstrated that, although the yolk sac in most fish is spherical or subspherical and is definitely uniform in its architecture throughout, its shape in some cyprinid species (bream, sun bass, bleak and others) changes considerably during late organogenesis. The changes involve a rapid and conspicuous division of...

Studies were undertaken on the relationship between egg size and duration of embryogenesis in four freshwater fish species (Salmo trutta L, Esox lucius L., Gasterosteus aculeatus L., Leucaspius delineatus Heck.). Analyses were carried out in a comparative sense (different taxa) as well as with respect to eggs of the same species, or even laid by th...

Constant magnetic field of low value slows down the embryonic development of trout (Salmo trutta), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Hatchlings were longer and heavier, and also more motile than those in the control experiment. Magnetic field induces a change in the circulation motion in embryos and larvae of pike (Esox lucius) and carp (Cyprinu...

Rainbow trout embryos (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in different development stages were exposed to the influence of a constant magnetic field (5 and 10 mT). An increased oxygen uptake was observed in embryos influenced by the field activity as compared to those which develop in a geomagnetic field. The effect of a magnetic field on the breathing processes...

Trout (Sulmo inula L.) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walb.) embryos developing in eggs incubated in the geomagnetic field are oriented NW-SE. Artificial horizontal magnetic fields of 0.5 and 1.0 mT, i.e., higher than that of the natural one but of the same direction resulted in a changed alignment of the embryos examined. The embryos place...

Oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walb.) embryos exposed to constant magnetic fields of 5 and 10 mT (oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release) and 50, 150, and 300 mT (oxygen uptake) were measured. The data were compared with those recorded in embryos developing under natural magnetic field (control). Th...

A device for transporting and storage of fish gametes, developing eggs, and newly hatched fry in a constant, adjustable (3-9 mT) magnetic field was constructed. The device has a relatively large, thermally insulated, biological material storage compartment, exposed to highly uniform (± 2.5%) magnetic field.

The number of activated spermatozoa of vendace (Coregonus albula L.) and their motility under natural conditions at the fishing ground were determined. The percentage of spermatozoa activated upon contact with water was found to be relatively high, and motility period (turbulent and smooth phase of progressive movement, and oscillatory movement) -...

Spermatozoa quality of two grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.) populations: free-living and bred in ponds, was compared. The percentage of spermatozoa activated upon contact with water, time of progressive movement (turbulent and smooth phase), time of oscillatory movement and the spermatocrit were determined. Males living in a river, as compared wit...

Study was made of the effect of steady magnetic field (200-250 mT) on water absorption of eggs of trout (Salmo trutta L.). It was found that eggs exposed to magnetic field absorbed water in the initial period of activation (until 30 min) much slower than control eggs. Subsequently water absorption was accelerated to such an extent that after comple...

The effect of steady magnetic field on movement velocity of pectoral fins in trout (Salmo trutta L.) larvae was determined. Newly hatched trout larvae were exposed to magnetic field (51-70 mT). Steady magnetic field was found to cause an increase in movement velocity of pectoral fins of larvae. The number of movements increased significantly until...

Sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) eggs were fertilized with spermatozoa which had been exposed for 4 hours to the effect of a steady magnetic field of 200 mT and 250 mT and for 5 hours to 200 mT. Percentage of fertilized eggs was calculated, and observations were made on the course of egg incubation. The experiments confirmed the suggestions on beneficia...

Observations of the Danube salmon spermatozoal motility and spermatocrit were conducted. Sperm was tested immediately after spawning and during its prolonged storage.

L’attractivité de caches artificielles, équipées de sondes magnétiques ou de leurres, a été étudiée chez les écrevisses américaines. Les expériences ont été menées de 1999 à 2000 dans un lac naturel de 80 hectares. Trois lots expérimentaux ont été réalisés avec trois types de traitements (caches). Les résultats suggèrent que le champ magnétique gén...