The chame Dormitator latifrons is a symbolic species associated with rural aquaculture in coastal regions of the South American Pacific. Its adaptation to stay alive out of water (anhydrobiosis) for days is beneficial for its storage and transport at room temperature. The aim of the study was to determine the tolerance of chame to anhydrous conditions. Sixty chames were distributed in containers and kept in two climate-controlled environments at 16 and 24 °C for 96 h. Survival, malondialdehyde levels, total proteins and pH in the muscles and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the gills were monitored. Additionally, the behaviour of the fish was monitored, as well as the total number of microorganisms with a sensory evaluation. The critical period of survival occurred after 48 h, where the pH decreased, and the MDA levels increased. The number of microorganisms increased in both en...

Penaeus vannamei aquaculture is an important productive sector in Ecuador; however, this sector is still deficient in identifying and managing health problems, mainly in the larval stage. For eight weeks, the microbial load was evaluated with respect to total heterotrophic bacteria and Vibrio spp in the inlet water, treated water, and production tanks of three laboratories in the Canton of Sucre, province of Manabí. Additionally, a survey was carried out on laboratory management and the application of basic health measures. Average values of 7 x 106 CFU mL-1 for heterotrophic bacteria and 4 x 102 CFU mL-1 for Vibrio spp were obtained. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found for each type of bacteria between the sampled points across laboratories or between different points in the same laboratory. Vibrio spp values were within the recommended values, while heterotrophic bacteri...