Embryonic and larval development of black skirt tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi,Boulenger, 1895) under laboratory conditions

The embryonic and larval development of black skirt tetra, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, are described under controlled laboratory conditions. In addition, major histomorphological changes and the allometric growth patterns during larval development have been described. The laboratory‐reared broodstock, that is 1 year of age, were spawned. Hatching occurred 20–21 h after spawning at 24 ± 0.5°C. The cleavage was finished in 2 h and the early blastula stage occurred at 2:04 hours after spawning. The gastrulation started at 3:20 hours and 30% epiboly was observed at 3:34 hours after spawning. Eight‐somite stage was observed at 08:33 hours. And embryonic developmental stage was completed at 21 h after spawning. The newly hatched larvae were 1442 ± 14.3 μm in mean total length (TL). The mouth opened at 3 days after hatching (DAH). The yolk sac had been totally absorbed and the larvae started to swim actively within 3–4 days. Notochord flexion began at 11 DAH. The metamorphosis was completed and the larvae transformed into juveniles at 32 DAH. In this paper, the full developmental sequence from egg to juvenile of G. ternetzi is described for the first time.     

First results of embryonic development,spawning and larval rearing of the Mediterranean spider crab Maja squinado (Herbst ) under laboratory conditions,a candidate species for a restocking program

The Mediterranean spider crab, Maja squinado, is depleted due to overfishing. The crab has virtually disappeared from areas where it was abundant, such as the Balearic Islands and the Catalan coast. Maja squinado, is economically and ecologically very valuable, and it is essential to obtain information on its biology and rearing conditions to attempt to repopulate the damaged stocks of the species in the Mediterranean basin. Herein, we describe the first successful rearing of M. squinado under laboratory conditions. Our results show that M. squinado is an excellent candidate for restocking using cultured juveniles. Two consecutive broods with a 1–4 day interbrood period were observed in the laboratory in wild‐caught females, the maximum observed duration of embryonic development of the egg mass being 32 days at 18.4 ± 0.9°C, and went through four different stages. The complete larval and first juvenile development was studied in laboratory cultures fed enriched Artemia metanauplius. At 19.6 ± 0.6°C, development from hatching to first crab moult took 17 days, and it comprised two zoeae stages and one megalopa stage. The survival rate at the different stages was monitored, and 7.13 ± 2.3% was achieved at the first crab instar.     

Reduction of skeletal anomalies in meagre (Argyrosomus regius,Asso, 1801) through early introduction of inert diet

The consolidation of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) in aquaculture requires an understanding and optimization of larval rearing and nutritional conditions. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of an early introduction of inert diets during larval rearing, on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity and development of skeletal anomalies. This study evaluated the effects of three different timings for the introduction of inert diet during larval rearing: a control group (CTRL) where inert diet was initiated at 14 days after hatching (DAH) and two treatment groups that had an earlier introduction of inert diet at 8 DAH (T1) and 11 DAH (T2). Meagre larvae exhibited similar pancreatic and intestinal enzymatic activities among the different dietary treatments. No differences in the overall prevalence of anomalies were observed between treatments at 25 or 50 DAH, however, a significant reduction was observed in all groups with the transition from larval to juvenile stage. The precocious introduction of inert diet shifted the distribution of vertebral anomalies to a more anterior vertebral column region. Altogether, this study shows that earlier introduction of inert diets in meagre hatcheries can be beneficial for meagre production in aquaculture.     

Larval rearing of the giant Azorean barnacle,Megabalanus azoricus (Pilsbry, 1916): feeding trials,larval development and settlement on artificial substrata

A series of experiments were conducted to obtain an efficient larval rearing protocol for Megabalanus azoricus. The first part of this study investigates the effect of microalgae‐based diets on survival and larval development. Mono and mixed‐diets were tested at 20 ± 1°C, in a sequence of 11‐day feeding experiments. The second part presents a preliminary study on the influence of a biofilm on recruitment and use of oyster spat collectors in a mass rearing system. A photographic record of larval development and a brief reference to the diagnostic features that enable quick larval staging are also presented, along with morphometric measurements. Of the microalgae tested (Chaetoceros sp., Chloromonas sp., Dunaliella sp., T‐Isochrysis sp. and Skeletonema sp.) the mixed‐diet Skeletonema sp. with T‐Isocrysis sp. showed the highest survival percentages: total survival ranged from 79.7 to 85.7% and 69.7–80.0% of nauplii were in stage VI after 11 days of rearing. Cypris were also present, but only represented 5.3% of the survivors at most. In the mass rearing system juveniles were found settled in the collectors after 25 days, at 20 ± 1°C. However recruitment was less than 1%. Preliminary results showed no settlement preference towards collectors with biofilm. Nevertheless, this study provides the first record of M. azoricus settlement under laboratorial conditions and represent a starting point for future larval rearing studies.     

Minimum water exchange spares the requirement for dietary methionine for juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei reared under intensive outdoor conditions

We examined if minimum water exchange could spare dietary methionine (Met) required for maximum growth performance of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei reared in an intensive outdoor system. Shrimp of 1.98 ± 0.13 g were stocked at 70 animals/m² and reared for 72 days in 50 tanks of 1 m³ under flow‐through (14.4% a day) and static (1.4%–2.9% a day) green‐water conditions at 32.0 ± 3.7 g/L salinity. Five diets with a minimum inclusion of fishmeal supplemented with a dipeptide, dl ‐methionyl‐dl ‐methionine, were formulated to contain increasing levels of Met, 4.8, 6.2, 7.2, 8.1 or 9.4 g/kg (on a dry matter basis). Each of the five diets were fed four times daily to five replicate groups. Dietary Met and water exchange significantly influenced shrimp survival, gained yield, apparent feed intake, food conversion ratio and final body weight (p < .05). Raising shrimp under limited water exchange, i.e., static versus flow‐through spared the dependence on higher levels of dietary Met to maximize shrimp body weight, from 9.4 g/kg to 8.0 g/kg (14.0 and 12.6 g/kg Met+Cys respectively). In an intensive rearing system, a reduction in water exchange is desirable as it leads to a lower need for supplemental dietary Met.     

Effect of stocking density and feeding regime on larval growth,survival, and larval development of Japanese flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus,using live feeds

This research examined the effect of initial stocking density and feeding regime on larval growth and survival of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Larval rearing trials were conducted in nine 50‐L tanks with different initial stocking densities combined with different feed rations (20 larvae/L with standard feed ration [LD], 80 larvae/L with standard feed ration [HD], and 80 larvae/L with four times the standard feed ration [HD+]). Larvae were stocked on 0 days posthatch (DPH) following hatching of the fertilized embryos. Larval total length (TL), survival rates, and final densities were observed on larval settlement (32 DPH) to evaluate larval rearing performance. At 32 DPH, there were no significant differences (p > .05) in TL or survival rates between the LD (46.5 ± 17.0%) and HD+ (40.3 ± 9.4%). The TL and survival rate of HD (23.1 ± 3.5%) were significantly lower than that of LD and HD+ (p < .05). However, the larval density of HD was significantly higher than that of LD (p < .05). HD+ achieved the best larvae production (32.27 ± 7.51 larvae/L), supported by sufficient food source, high water exchange, and proper water quality management (routine siphoning, surface skimming). The larval‐rearing protocols and larval development from hatching to metamorphosis is described in detail, with corresponding photographs taken during the experiment.     

Embryonic and larval development of serpae tetra Hyphessobrycon eques (Steindachner, 1882)

In this study, the embryonic and larval development stages of one of the most important ornamental fish serpae tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) are described. The early life stage is documented from fertilization until the beginning of the juvenile period. The fertilized eggs (the average diameter = 938.55 ± 35.20 µm) were incubated at a water temperature of 26 ± 0.5°C. The cleavage finished in 1:10 hr (=h) and the early blastula stage occurred at 1:26 hr post fertilization (hpf). The gastrulation started at 3:05 hpf, and 50% epiboly was observed at 3:25 hpf. Segmentation stage was monitored at 7:26 hpf. Embryonic developmental stage was completed and hatching occurred 20–21 hpf. The total length (TL) of newly hatched larvae was 2.64 ± 0.21 mm. The larval development of serpae tetra was divided into four different periods: Yolk‐sac larva (1–4 DAH, TL = 2.77 ± 0.09 mm ‐ 3.85 ± 0.11 mm), preflexion larva (5–12 DAH), flexion larva (13–15 DAH, TL = 5.78 ± 0.46 mm on the 15th day) and post‐flexion larva (16–30 DAH, TL = 10.7 ± 0.27 mm on the 28th–30th days). The mouth and anus are closed at 1 DAH. The mouth and anus opened at 4 DAH. Exogenous feeding started on the 4th day. The first gulping of the swim bladder was on days 3. The larva begins to swim freely, and the yolk sac was completely consumed at 4 DAH. Histological structures of the eye and brain of new hatched larva were clearly identified at 1 day after hatching (DAH). According to histological findings, the digestive system (stomach, intestine) started to develop and the liver could be seen on the ventral side of the swim bladder at 5 DAH. No histological difference was observed between the anterior intestine and the posterior intestine at 15–16 DAH. The larval metamorphosis was completed, and the larvae transformed into juveniles at 28–30 DAH.     

Early life history of yellow puffer,Chonerhinos naritus (Richardson, 1848) from Sarawak,Northwestern Borneo

The growth and morphological development including fins, spine distribution and pigmentation of larval and juvenile of hatchery‐reared yellow puffer, Chonerhinos naritus were described to provide essential information on the early life history of this species. The total length (TL) of newly hatched larvae was 3.42 ± 0.23 (mean ± SD) mm, reaching 5.66 ± 0.38 mm on 5 days after hatched (DAH), 7.80 ± 0.28 mm on 11 DAH, 9.88 ± 0.40 mm on 27 DAH and 10.92 ± 0.58 mm on 30 DAH. The yolk was completely absorbed in preflexion larvae at 4 DAH. The mouth opening started at 3 DAH of yolk sac larvae, while the teeth appeared starting from preflexion larvae at 7 DAH. Overall aggregate fin ray numbers including caudal fin attained full complement in postflexion larvae at 27 DAH. Several melanophores with appearance of small stellate were first appeared dorsally on the head of flexion larvae at 13 DAH, expanded at the dorsal region of the head, above the eye in juveniles at 30 DAH. The spines first appeared in preflexion larvae of C. naritus at 7 DAH, covering the ventral skin region below pectoral fin base and expanded to the ventral part of the body and nearly covered the whole abdomen region before the anus and below the eyes in juveniles. C. naritus remain as larvae for approximately 29 days, during which they metamorphose to the juvenile stage prior to sexual maturation. Observations in larvae development of C. naritus revealed similar characteristics with other Tetraodontidae species.     

Effects of hydrodynamic factors on Pecten maximus larval development

Hatchery production of great scallop, Pecten maximus, remains unpredictable, notably due to poor larval survival. Large‐scale flow‐through systems up to 3500 L have been developed to avoid the use of antibiotics in static systems. Alternatively, small‐scale flow‐through systems have been successfully applied for oysters but they proved to be unsuitable to rear scallop larvae. By focusing on physical factors presumed to limit P. maximus larval development, this study aimed to optimize great scallop larvae rearing parameters under controlled conditions. First, the influence of aeration on larval performances, energetic metabolism and antioxidant defences were studied both in static and flow‐through systems. Aeration depressed larval food intake, regardless of the intensities of flow tested (100 ml/min, 155 ml/min and 270 ml/min). On the other hand, antioxidant enzyme activities remained constant or decreased, suggesting that antioxidant defences were inactivated. The increase in citrate synthase activity suggested an increase in metabolic rate possibly due to a turbulent stressful environment. All larvae exposed to such turbulence died before reaching metamorphosis, whereas those reared without aeration survived well (≈ 95%). The effects of water renewal were thereafter studied in 50‐L flow‐through flat‐bottomed tanks. No differences in survival (20.4 ± 0.5%), growth (3.8 ± 0.2 μm/d), competence (5.6 ± 0.2%), energetic metabolism level and antioxidant enzyme activities were observed when comparing 12.5 and 25 L/hr water renewal. Whereas air bubbling leads to detrimental effects, flow‐through in small flat‐bottomed tanks appears to be a suitable technique for scallop larvae rearing.     

Effect of the supplementation of live preys enriched in cod liver oil on the survival rate,growth and fatty acid profile of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) larvae

First‐feeding diets employed in the rearing of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) larvae are based on live preys that are commonly enriched to compensate for their deficiency of essential fatty acids. A feeding trial was conducted on meagre larvae (Argyrosomus regius) fed rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) and Artemia salina enriched in lipids from an emulsion of cod liver oil (CLO) and a commercial product (CP). The effect of both enrichment products was evaluated on the survival rate, size and lipid composition of meagre larvae. The results showed that larvae fed CLO presented significant higher values of survival rate (35.0 ± 3.2%) and larval size (12.06 ± 1.17 mm) at the end of the experiment, compared to the CP diet (26.0 ± 2.5%, 11.41 ± 0.91 mm, respectively). Both zootechnical parameters were related to the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the larvae. Indeed, the larvae fed CLO presented a higher ratio DHA/EPA than those enriched in commercial product (0.82 ± 0.18 and 0.38 ± 0.12 at 26 days after hatching, respectively). Both larval groups presented similar body content of arachidonic acid (1.4 wt.% on average at 26 days after hatching), regardless the enrichment source. From all above, we can conclude that the enrichment of live preys with an emulsion of cod liver oil is an economically viable alternative to commercial products. Indeed, cod liver oil emulsions are able to fully meet the requirements for fatty acids of meagre larvae. Furthermore, cod liver oil is easily available from fish processing facilities.     

Influence of light intensity on feeding, growth, and early survival of leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) larvae under mass-scale rearing conditions

This study investigated the effect of different light intensities on feeding, growth and survival of early stage leopard coral grouper Plectropomus leopardus larvae. Four different light intensities (0, 500, 1000 and 3000 lx) were used and larvae were kept under constant light conditions from 0 day after hatching (DAH) to 5 DAH. The larvae were fed a small S-type of Thai strain rotifers at a density of 20 individuals/mL from 2 DAH. The number of rotifers in larval digestive organ and total length of larvae were examined at 3 h intervals between 04:00 and 22:00 h on 3 DAH, and thereafter at 6 h intervals until the end of the experiment (5 DAH). Four experimental trials of the larval rearing were repeated using by 60 kL mass-scale rearing tanks. The results indicate that coral grouper larvae are visual feeders and their food intake increases with increasing light intensity. Food intake of larvae reared at 3000 lx was significantly higher than those reared at 0–1000 lx on 3 DAH despite being the first-feeding day (P < 0.01). On 4 DAH, total length of larvae reared at 3000 lx was significantly larger than those reared at the lower light intensities (0, 500 and 1000 lx), and thereafter light intensity significantly influenced larval feeding and growth until the end of the experiment. Survival on 5 DAH did not show a significant difference between light intensities, but survival rate at 3000 lx and 1000 lx had a tendency to be higher than those reared at the lower light intensities (0 and 500 lx). In contrast, larvae reared at 0 lx exhibited stagnant and/or negative growth. These results indicate that light intensity is significantly the factor affecting larval feeding, growth, and survival in coral grouper larvae under the rearing conditions.     

Effects of daphnia (Moina micrura) plus chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) or microparticle diets on growth and survival of larval loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

Culture performance beyond metamorphosis of larval loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) was examined in a feeding experiment of the early development stage (20 days after hatch; DAH). Total length, dry weight, length- and weight-specific growth rate (SGR) and survival were monitored in different diet regimes. During 20 days, diet treatments included: microparticle diets (A); live daphnia (Moina micrura) (B); live daphnia plus live chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) (C); and live daphnia plus microparticle diets (D). Fish survival rates during 20 days were 21.23 ± 4.2% (A), 73.19 ± 2.8% (B), 90.76 ± 3% (C) and 91.46 ± 3.1% (D), respectively. Length- and weight-specific growth rate after 20 DAH (final mean SGR; % day⁻¹) were 5.36 ± 0.44 and 15.75 ± 1.52 (A), 9.29 ± 1.25 and 23.47 ± 2.23 (B), 9.42 ± 1.55 and 24.88 ± 2.9 (C) and 9.55 ± 1.23 and 24.40 ± 2.75 (D), respectively. Fish in treatments B, C and D displayed higher growth rates and were significantly longer and heavier than fish in treatment A by the end of the experiment (Ρ < 0.05). Fish in treatment A had highly significant greater (Ρ < 0.001) mortalities than in treatments B, C and D. There were no significant differences in any growth parameter between fish in treatments B, C and D, but the survivals in treatments C and D (90.76% and 91.46%) were significantly higher than in treatment B (73.19%, Ρ < 0.05). The results demonstrated that enriched prey and co-feeding may serve as a potential feeding strategy for loach larvae, and the form of co-feeding reduces the costs and dependence on live foods to a certain extent. We concluded that larval loach should be reared over metamorphosis using either of the following methods: feed with live daphnia supplemented with microparticle diets or with live chlorella. However, a prolonged rearing period of loach larvae is needed to detect nutritional problems and observe remote effects of co-feeding on weaning in the future.     

Dietary amino acid profile affects muscle cellularity,growth, survival and ammonia excretion of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) larvae

Formulation of diets according to fish amino acid (AA) qualitative requirements may improve fish growth. Two diets with different AA profiles were tested on 16‐day‐old meagre during 20 days. The first diet had an AA profile closer to meagre larval AA requirements (BAL), whereas the second had a different AA profile (UNBAL). Results showed that larvae fed the diet with higher similarities to the AA profile of meagre carcass had a higher final weight (19.8 ± 0.5 mg versus 13.4 ± 1.8 mg) and lower ammonia excretion after being fed (0.6 ± 0.1 ml/(g DW. larvae. h) and 0.8 ± 0.1 ml/(g DW larvae. h)). A higher mean fibre area was obtained in 36 DAH larvae fed the BAL diet (224.8 ± 33.3 μm² versus 158.8 ± 34.5 μm²) as well as higher larval weight. When fibre area distribution was analysed, a higher frequency of larger fibres was observed in 36 DAH BAL larvae, suggesting that fibre hypertrophy had a higher importance in this treatment. In conclusion, this study shows that meagre larvae fed a diet with an AA profile closer to their requirements had lower nitrogen losses and higher final weight, as result of higher muscle hypertrophy.     

Development of hatchery technology for the silver pomfret Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen): effect of microalgal species on larval survival

The silver pomfret Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen) is a new candidate for aquaculture and there is not much information available on its larval rearing. Investigations carried out using microalgae alone in the culture system for the initial feeding of the silver pomfret larvae showed that Chlorella, Isochrysis and Nannochloropsis without rotifers are not conducive to the survival of newly hatched larvae. At 6 days after hatching (DAH), a maximum survival of 3% (1.8 ± 1.69%) was observed with Isochrysis followed by Nannochloropsis (0.35 ± 0.21%) and Chlorella (0.25 ± 0.21%). All control larvae died at 6 DAH without microalgae. Further investigations using the above microalgae with rotifers and a mixture of these same microalgae with rotifers showed that significantly higher (P < 0.05) survival could be achieved in the mixture of microalgae with rotifers in the culture system. At 12 DAH, the larval survival was 9.73 ± 1.39% in mixed species of algae compared with that of Isochrysis (6.93 ± 1.86%), Nannochloropsis (6.83 ± 0.61%), Chlorella (5.93 ± 2.76%) and seawater without microalgae or the control (0.73 ± 0.31%). The first incidence of feeding on rotifers at 4 DAH was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in all treatments with microalgae than that of the control. The incidence of feeding in mixed species of algae at 4 DAH (60.0 ± 0.00%) and in Isochrysis (55.0 ± 35.36%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of Chlorella (40.0 ± 0.00%) and the control (25.0 ± 7.07%). Prey consumption of individual larvae increased significantly (P < 0.01) at 8 DAH compared with that at 4 DAH. During this period, predation on rotifers by larvae was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in mixed species of algae (12.85 ± 5.73 rotifers larva^?1) than that of the control (6.75 ± 1.20 rotifers larva^?1). The fatty acid composition of rotifers used during this investigation shows that significantly higher (P < 0.05) ω3 HUFA was present in rotifers treated with mixed algae plus commercial enrichment media ‘Super Selco’ and ‘DHA Protein Selco’. Rearing of silver pomfret larvae up to the juvenile stage using mixed species of microalgae in the hatchery has been discussed. During 38 days of the larval rearing period, it was possible to achieve 3.6–4.2% larval survival with a mean of 3.9 ± 0.42%, which was considerably higher than in previous attempts (survival up to 1.5%).     

Behaviour of European sea bass,Dicentrarchus labrax L., in cages – impact of early life rearing conditions and management

European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax L., groups reared under different conditions during larval stages (mesocosm and intensive rearing) were monitored during on‐growing in sea cages until marketable size (350–400 g). Four caged groups were followed for a period of 17 months each at a pilot scale farm, where vertical distribution behaviour was monitored. This was performed while fish were under calm conditions, during feeding and when stress events occurred. Also during two specific periods: (i) spawning and (ii) high water temperature. Clear differences in the behavioural pattern of swimming depth, displacement and used space between the groups were observed. The individuals from the mesocosm rearing were more sensitive to human presence, showing stronger reactions (speed of displacement and vertical distribution). Most pronounced differences were observed during the ‘extreme’ warm period and the reproductive season. Within the seasons, European sea bass responded during feeding and stress showing a tendency to move deeper compared to calm conditions. The increased displacements were longer during feeding and stress.     

Spawning and rearing of Holothuria tubulosa: A new candidate for aquaculture in the Mediterranean region

Holothuria tubulosa (Gmelin, 1788) has recently shown an increased demand in Asian markets, becoming one of the intensively exploited holothurian species in the Mediterranean Sea. A risk is that over‐harvesting is likely affecting both the species' natural stocks and the benthic communities. In this scenario, sea ranching and restocking through aquaculture could assist in mitigating its overexploitation. This study is the first to demonstrate the successful artificial breeding and rearing of H. tubulosa, and its consequent potential as a new species for the Mediterranean aquaculture industry. Here we describe the spawning induction, larval development and early juvenile growth in hatchery cultures, aimed at developing a spawning and rearing protocol for this species. The trials were conducted from July to October in both 2014 and 2015. Holothuria tubulosa was induced to spawn by testing four different methods. Thermal stimulation plus thermal shock emerged as the most efficient method to obtain active and healthy gametes. Larval development in H. tubulosa progressed through five stages, reaching the juvenile stage in 27 days. Two different microalgal feeding regimens were tested for larval breeding. Under the best feeding conditions, 7% of the larvae metamorphosed into settled juveniles, adhering to artificial substrates previously conditioned with benthic biofilm. Our results indicate that H. tubulosa shows good performance in hatchery rearing during the larval phases, indicating that this species could be a new candidate for aquaculture in the Mediterranean region, both for production and restocking proposes.     

Effects of the timing of initial feeding on growth and survival of loach (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Misgurnus anguillicaudatus</Emphasis>) larvae

The effects of delayed first feeding on growth and survival and starvation on the point-of-no-return of loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus larvae were studied by evaluating morphometric characteristics under controlled conditions. Larvae began to feed exogenously at 3 days after hatching (DAH) and the PNR occurred between 9 and 10 DAH at 23 ± 1.0°C. The experimental design included a conventional feeding regime with initial feeding from 3 DAH as a control, delayed first feeding for 4, 5 and 6 DAH. Morphometric characteristics (head depth, body depth, eye diameter, mouth diameter, musculature height, total length and yolk sac volume) were evaluated under different initial feeding time (3, 4, 5 and 6 days after hatching). Loach larvae initiated first feeding at 4, 5 and 6 days after hatching achieved comparatively lesser growth performance in all morphometric characteristics than that of 3 days at the end of the experiment. By day 6, significant differences were observed between 3 and 6 days initial feeding larvae for all morphometric characteristics except eye diameter and mouth diameter. Similarly, significant differences were noticed between 3 and 5 days initial feeding. However, there were no significant differences in head depth, body depth, eye diameter, mouth diameter, and total length between 3 and 4 days initial feeding until 12 DAH. After 15 days rearing, significant differences in all morphometric characteristics appeared between 3 and 4 days initial feeding and followed to the end of the experiment. It was also observed that the yolk absorption in loach larvae was completed by 6 days irrespective of the differences in the initial feeding. The yolk volume of 4 and 5 DAH larvae initiated first feeding at 3 days (0.0125 ± 0.0015; 0.0077 ± 0.0009 mm³) had significant differences compared with yolk volume of larvae initiated first feeding at 4 days (0.0081 ± 0.0011; 0.0039 ± 0.0004 mm³), 5 days (0.0079 ± 0.0010; 0.0017 ± 0.0002 mm³) and 6 days (0.0082 ± 0.0011; 0.0016 ± 0.0001 mm³). Survival rates of four treatments were estimated daily for 30 days and significant differences were observed between the treatments at the end of the experiment. The final survival rate was higher when the loach larvae initiated feeding at 3 days (75.9%) when compared with 4 days (31.8%), 5 days (14.5%) and 6 days (6.4%). The present study suggests that the first feeding of loach larvae should be initiated at 3 DAH for achieving better growth and survival or else bad growth performance will engender if the first feeding is delayed.     

The Effects of light intensity on growth and survival of cuttlefish (sepia officinalis) hatchlings and Juveniles

The effects of three light intensities (100, 350 and 1200 lux) on cuttlefish hatchling rearing performance was studied in black tanks. A total of 270 cuttlefish with a mean wet weight (MWW) of 0.089 ± 0.012 g were used in the experiment, which was undertaken during the first 50 days after hatching (hatchling stage plus the transition to the juvenile stage). According to results of the present study, light intensity is an important factor for growth and survival consistency in cuttlefish rearing. All three light intensity groups displayed exponential growth. The effect of days, light intensity and their interaction only displayed differences (P < 0.05) between light groups in terms of mean wet weight. The 100 lux light intensity promoted the best absolute values of total biomass and total mortality. We believe that the higher mortality observed in 1200 lux reared cuttlefish during the first 10 days after hatching (DAH) was due to light intensity and individual adaptation to light conditions. Therefore, the 100 lux light intensity, obtained with daylight spectrum bulbs, is recommended for cuttlefish rearing during the first 50 DAH. This light setup promotes higher growth and survival rates and lower energetic costs, which are key aspects to consider in a cuttlefish hatchery.     

Increasing the stocking density in Paracentrotus lividus larviculture: Effects on survival and metamorphosis rates

The development of sustainable methods for sea urchin juvenile production is currently constrained by high mortality rates during larval growth and the high costs of larval rearing systems management. With the aim of developing a method for the production of juveniles of the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus in a medium‐scale recirculating system, the present study focused on the effects of high stocking densities on larval growth. Plutei larvae were reared at three different densities (up to 7 ind/ml) in a semi‐static culture system. Larval survival and metamorphosis success were evaluated in order to identify the most effective density range. The highest metamorphosis rates (80%–95%) were obtained at 4 and 7 larvae/ml. These results are comparable with (and in some cases higher than) those reported for the same species at much lower larval densities. In conclusion, the rearing conditions tested here show for the first time that a significantly higher (4 ind/ml) stocking density than those of traditional P. lividus rearing methods (based on large volumes and low densities) can be adopted, thus supporting the feasibility of an increase in the final output of competent larvae with no increase in rearing volumes.     

Lessons on broodstock maintenance,spawning, larval rearing and juvenile production of marine gastropods of ornamental value

Research on marine gastropod breeding in India is in its infancy and scanty literature is only available. To fill the lacunae, marine gastropods of three ornamentally valued and conservation important groups such as Cyprids, Strombids and Muricids were held under captivity and studied for their broodstock maintenance, spawning behaviour, larval rearing and metamorphosis into juveniles at the Shellfish Hatchery of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Tuticorin. Valuable information on the focal themes of the article was obtained for Strombids and Muricids leading to the successful life cycle closing for Lambis lambis and Chicoreus virgineus are reported earlier. In the present study, experiments were conducted on aspects such as post‐metamorphosed juvenile rearing up to 76 days post hatch for L. lambis, spawning, larval development and life cycle closing and reasonable level of juvenile production (8.8%) for Chicoreus ramosus. In addition, the primary observations on the captive breeding of Cypraea tigris with reference to its egg mass, brooding habit and early development is reported. However, while studying these groups few unanswered questions and bottle necks in their breeding nature, larval rearing and metamorphosis arose. The following account details the experiments conducted and results obtained in each of the focal themes of the paper and the constraints faced.