Investigation into reproductive biology and larval rearing technique of Acanthopagrus latus in captivity

Abstract

In this study reproductive biology of brood stock and larvae rearing technique of Acanthopagrus latus was investigated. Also, different development stages of the egg and larvae in a period of 42 days are described. The diameters of fertilized eggs were 0.77-0.85 mm. The eggs hatched in 32 h between 19-21◦C. The newly hatched out larvae had mean body weight of 84.6 µg and total length of 1.76-1.87 mm. At the end of this study period, yellowfin seabream larval reached to 5170 µg mean body weight and standard length of 12.1-12.6 mm. Gulping the air and swim bladder inflation occurred during first week of larval life, especially as from the sixth day after hatching. In the current study larvae were able to ingest and digest rotifer, Artemia nauplii and microparticulate diet successfully. High mortality of larvae was observed between days 20 and 30 after hatching. Average survival rate of larvae was around %43, when the study finished at day 42 after hatching. The techniques used in this research to deal with yellowfin seabream brood stock and larvae were found to be suitable and led to successful spawning and larval’s metamorphosis into fry in captive condition.