Effects of light intensity, tank colour and photoperiod on swimbladder inflation success in larval striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum)

Striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), larvae, although physoclistous as adults, initially need to inflate their swimbladders by passing ingested air through a pneumatic duct to the swimbladder. Failure to inflate the swimbladder results in swimbladder atrophy, dysfunctional buoyancy control, deformities, and poor larval survival and growth. The present investigation studied the effects of light intensity, tank colour and photoperiod on the initial swimbladder inflation success of striped bass. In the first experiment, newly hatched larvae were reared for 2 weeks in black or white 350-L circular tanks exposed to incandescent lighting at 163 or 10 lux. Larvae were fed Artemia from 6 days post-hatching (dph). The standard length, and oil globule and yolk areas were measured. Swimbladder condition and evidence of feeding were recorded. To study the effects of photoperiod on inflation, larvae were reared in black tanks exposed to either 8 h:16 h or 16 h:8 h light:dark photoperiods at 139 lux. Striped bass inflated their swimbladders between 6 and 9 dph at 17 ^oC. Inflation success was significantly higher in black tanks (65%) compared with white tanks (42%), but light intensity did not significantly affect swimbladder inflation. Larval growth and food consumption were better in black tanks, primarily because this treatment resulted in more larvae with inflated swimbladders, although larvae with uninflated swimbladders in black tanks were longer at 12 dph than larvae with inflated swimbladders in white tanks. Larvae that successfully inflated their swimbladders fed earlier and exhibited better growth than larvae with noninflated swimbladders. Larvae reared at higher light intensities used up yolk reserves faster. Exposing striped bass larvae to 8 h:16 h light:dark photoperiods resulted in higher inflation rates (55%) compared to larvae reared at 16 h:8 h light:dark photoperiods (30%). Therefore, black tanks and short photoperiods are preferable for early rearing of striped bass larvae to maximize swimbladder inflation success.     

Growth and survival of Arcto-Norwegian and Norwegian coastal cod larvae (Gadus morhua L.) reared together in mesocosms under different light regimes

To evaluate genetic differences in growth and survival potential as a function of light regime, cod larvae from two stocks (CC: coastal cod and AC: Arcto-Norwegian cod, spawning at latitudes of 60°N and 69°N respectively) were co-reared in mesocosms. The experiment was carried out with two artificially illuminated light regimes, corresponding to the natural photoperiod at peak spawning of the respective stocks (CC: 7–8 h distinct dark period, AC: ‘mid-night sun’ as continuous light with 2–3 h reduced light intensity). One additional regime with ambient natural light analogous to 60°N was used. At termination on day 36 post-hatch, larvae of the co-reared stocks were distinguished from each other by a genetic marker in the CC stock. Stock-specific differences in growth rate and survival were indicated, with CC larvae growing and surviving better than AC larvae. This is in agreement with earlier comparisons of larval growth in these stocks. The 69°N light regime did not enhance growth for any of the two stocks. However, natural light greatly increased growth rate of both stocks, indicat ing important mechanisms in regulation of larval feeding relative to light quality or intensity. The results may be important for choice of stock and illumination in intensive aquaculture of this species.     

Effects of salinity, aeration and light intensity on oil globule absorption, feeding incidence, growth and survival of early-stage grouper Epinephelus coioides larvae

ABSTRACT: A series of experiments were conducted to examine the effects of salinity, aeration and light intensity on oil globule absorption, feeding incidence, and growth and survival of early-stage Epinephelus coioides larvae. Newly hatched larvae were transferred to 40-L aquaria at a density of 1500 individuals/aquarium. Larvae were exposed to different levels of aeration (0 mL/min per L, 0.62 mL/min per L, 1.25 mL/min per L, 2.50 mL/min per L, or 3.75 mL/min per L); salinity (8 ppt, 16 ppt, 24 ppt, 32 ppt, or 40 ppt); and light intensity (0 lx, 120 lx, 230 lx, 500 lx, or 700 lx) for 4–6 days. Twenty larvae were sampled daily at 11:00 hours to measure for total length (TL), oil globule volume, and feeding incidence. Survival rates were determined by counting the total number of larvae remaining in each aquarium at the end of the experiment. Significantly higher survival rates ( P   <  0.05) were observed at aeration levels of 0.62 mL/min per L and 1.25 mL/min per L, at salinity levels of 16 ppt and 24 ppt, and at light intensities of 500 lx and 700 lx. The influence of aeration level, salinity and light intensity on oil globule absorption, feeding incidence, and growth and survival of early-stage grouper larvae are discussed.     

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.     

Effect of light intensity and feed density on feeding behaviour,growth and survival of larval sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria

We studied the effects of light intensity on larval activity, feeding behaviour, growth and survival of a candidate species for aquaculture – sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Of six light intensities ranging from 2 to 750 lux at the water surface, the greatest surviving biomass in small tanks was observed at 12–42 lux. In another experiment in larger tanks, behavioural observations showed that larvae fed poorly under light brighter than 800 lux but fed better at lower light intensities, depending on tank type. In a separate experiment, where live feed densities were varied between 2.5 and 17.5 rotifers per mL of tank water, surviving biomass and dry weight increased with higher feed densities. These experiments help refine methods for rearing larval sablefish by demonstrating effects of light intensity and feed density on larval performance.     

Effects of Photoperiod on Embryos and Larvae of Tawny Puffer,Takifugu flavidus

To determine the optimal condition of photoperiod for embryo development and larval culture of tawny puffer, Takifugu flavidus, the effects of photoperiod on egg hatching and the growth and survival of larvae from 3 to 23 d after hatching (dah) were assessed. The results show that photoperiodic responses varied with the developmental stage during the early development of tawny puffer. Photoperiod did not significantly affect the hatch rate, viability of 24 h post‐hatch larvae, and total mortality rate of tawny puffer embryos; however, it affected the incubation period, which significantly increased with increasing photoperiod from 6 to 24 h. The shortest incubation period was predicted to occur at 3.56 h day length from the quadratic relationship. However, photoperiod strongly affected the growth and survival of the tawny puffer larvae from 3 to 23 dah. Increasing the day length resulted in improvement of the larval growth and survival within the 0–12 h day length range; however, beyond the 12 h day length, a longer day length was not beneficial, and a 24 h continuous light had a negative effect on growth. From the quadratic relationships, the highest growth and survival rates were predicted to occur at 14.16 h and 17.74 h day length, respectively. Therefore, the optimal photoperiods for tawny puffer embryos and larvae were 3–6 and 12–18 h day length, respectively. The results of this study are useful in increasing the production of the species during incubation and larval culture.     

Effect of larval and prey density, prey dose and light conditions on first feeding common dentex (Dentex dentex L.) larvae

Initial larval stocking density, prey density, daily prey ration and light conditions (light intensity and photoperiod) were tested for common dentex larval rearing under experimental conditions. Experiments continued until the first peak of larval mortality. The best results in larval survival were obtained with an initial stocking density of between 10 and 40 larvae L^?1, fed with at least 10 rotifers mL^?1, maintaining ratios of 500–1000 rotifers larva^?1, with one or two adjustments of prey density per day. The use of more than 2000 rotifers larva^?1 or three daily adjustments of live prey density had negative effects on larval survival. The best light conditions for common dentex larval rearing were found using a photoperiod of 24 h L:0 h D and an intensity of at least 3.4 μmol m^?2 s^?1.     

光照强度对紫海胆浮游幼体生长及消化酶活性的影响

本研究以紫海胆(Anthocidaris crassispina)为研究对象,通过水槽实验方法,模拟分析了自然光周期条件下光照强度对紫海胆浮游幼体生长、存活以及体内消化酶活性的影响,旨在为紫海胆苗种的规模化繁育提供必要的生物学参数。研究发现,在实验设计的光照强度梯度(0、500、1000、2000、3000 lx)内,光照强度对紫海胆浮游幼体的体长、躯干部骨针长度和口后腕骨针长度的影响趋势一致,影响程度由高到低为500 lx>0 lx>1000 lx>2000 lx>3000 lx。在500 lx条件下,紫海胆浮游幼体的体长、躯干部骨针长度和口后腕骨针长度都达到最高,且显著优于其他实验组(P<0.05),此时脂肪酶和淀粉酶活性最强;在2000 lx条件下,紫海胆的胃蛋白酶活性最强;在3000 lx条件下,紫海胆浮游幼体发育到11 d已全部死亡。研究表明,在500 lx光照强度下,紫海胆浮游幼体可保持最佳的生长速度、消化酶活性以及存活率,500 lx为紫海胆浮游幼体生长发育的最佳光照强度。     

The effects of photoperiod and water exchange rate on growth and survival of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, Linnaeus; Sparidae) from hatching to metamorphosis in mass rearing systems

The effects of photoperiod and water exchange rate on the larvae of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, from hatching to metamorphosis, 60–70 days later, were tested. Survival, growth rate and condition factor were determined with photoperiods of 12 and 24 h, and water exchange rates of 0 and 25%/day.Continuous light supported the highest mean survival (3.25%), with a maximum of 7.8% from hatching to metamorphosis. Growth rate in dry weight was best under continuous light in a water system with no exchange, up to 20 days post-hatching. Highest growth rates of larvae 40–60 days old were obtained in tanks with 25% of their water exchanged daily, along with a 12-h photoperiod. Condition factor was directly correlated with larval age. For the first 30 days after hatching, condition factor was affected by photoperiod and was highest for larvae exposed to continuous light.     

Influence de la photoperiode sur la croissance et la survie de la larve et du juvenile de sole (Solea solea) en elevage

The effect of photoperiod on survival and growth of cultured young soles (Solea solea) was investigated from hatching to the age of three months, at 18° C. Two experiments were performed, comparing days with 12, 18 and 24 h light. The fishes were reared in 60 1 tanks, conical ones before metamorphosis, square ones with a sandy bottom from metamorphosis to the age of three months. They were fed on live food organisms for 1 month, on frozen flesh of the bivalve Laevicardium crassum for the two other ones.During the larval period, no significant difference was recorded in the survival rate but a better growth was obtained with 18 and 24 h light, suggesting a predominant diurnal feeding. From metamorphosis to the age of three months (mean weight: 1 g) no significant effect of the photoperiod on the survival and growth of the juveniles could be demonstrated.     

Light intensity effects on early life stages of black sea bass, Centropristis striata (Linnaeus 1758)

The effects of four light intensities on growth and survival of first‐feeding stage black sea bass larvae Centropristis striata were investigated in a controlled‐environment laboratory. Fertilized eggs, obtained from LHRHa‐induced spawning of captive broodstock, were stocked (72 eggs L^?1) into twenty 15 L black tanks under light intensities of 100, 500, 1000 and 1500 lx, with five replicate tanks per treatment. The photoperiod was 12L:12D, the temperature was 20°C and the salinity was 35 g L^?1. Larvae were fed rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis from day 2 post‐hatching (d 2ph) at 5–10 rotifers mL^?1. Microalgae Nannochloropis oculata and Isochrysis sp. were added (1:1) daily to maintain a density of 300 000 cells mL^?1. Hatching success and larval growth and survival from d 2ph through d 15ph were monitored. Hatching success was 28–38% under all light intensities, and notochord length at hatching ranged from 2.8 to 3.0 mm, with no significant differences among treatments. By d 15ph, growth (mg wet weight) was significantly higher in the 1000 lx (0.914) and 1500 lx treatments (0.892) than in 100 lx (0.483), and a highly significant trend (P<0.01) towards increased survival with increasing light intensities was observed, from 1.3% at 100 lx to 13.9% at 1500 lx. Higher light intensities within the range of 100–1500 lx improved growth and survival of early larval black sea bass, suggesting that even higher light intensities may improve culture performance. This is consistent with conditions in shallow, near‐shore locations where eggs and larvae are distributed in nature.     

Influence of water management,photoperiod and aeration on growth,survival, and early spat settlement of the hatchery-reared green mussel,Perna viridis

In an attempt to induce early spat settlement and improve mussel seed production, this study aims to determine the influence of water management, photoperiod, and aeration, on the growth, survival and settlement of green mussel (Perna viridis). Water in the pediveliger rearing tanks was changed every day, every 3 days and every 5 days for the water-management experiment. Pediveligers were exposed in 24L:0D h (light: dark), 12L:12D h and 0L:24D h conditions for the photoperiod experiment. Three aeration intensities were also tested—mild (10 L h−1), moderate (20 L h−1), and strong (30 L h−1). This study demonstrated that changing water every 3 days was effective in maintaining the rearing water quality and improving the growth and survival of P. viridis larvae. Highest growth and survival rates were observed in P. viridis spats grown in 0L:24D h photoperiod. There was no significant difference in the settlement rate of larvae exposed to different photoperiods. Mild aeration has shown to improve the growth of P. viridis larvae, but higher survival and settlement rates were attained in the strongly-aerated conditions. Therefore, when the larvae start to settle, it is recommended to expose them to darkness, change the water every 3 days and provide a strong aeration to be able to attain high survival and settlement rates, and bigger spats.     

Effects of Light Intensity on the Growth Performance and Stress Response in Striped Knifejaw, (Oplegnathus fasciatus)

Six light intensities (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 lx) were used under a photoperiod of 16 h light : 8 h dark (16L : 8D) to investigate the growth performance and stress response of striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus. Forty juveniles of mean weight approximately 27 g were randomly distributed into each of eighteen 300 L tanks, fed to apparent satiation two times a day for 8 wk. At the end of the rearing trial, there were no significant differences in final mean weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, and survival among the treatments (P > 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in feed intake, fish exposed to 50–200 lx showed significantly higher feed efficiency (FE) compared to that of other treatments (P < 0.05). There was a decreasing trend in retention efficiency of protein and lipid with increasing light intensities (400–1500 lx), but there were no significant differences among the treatments. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, and total protein among the treatments (P > 0.05). To consider the FE and given the fact that an intensity of 50 lx is insufficient to monitor fish activity during feeding, light intensity of 100–200 lx would be better for rearing of striped knifejaw.     

Effects of light intensity on larval development and juvenile growth of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

The growth rate, survival rate, development and setting rate of larval sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus were measured under four light intensities (0, 50, 500 and 2,000 lx), and the growth rate and metabolism of the juvenile sea cucumbers were investigated under four light intensity treatments (0, 100, 1,000 and 2,500 lx). The light requirements (i.e. intensity) of the sea cucumber changed as they grew. Better growth performance, development and survival rate were observed in embryos and larvae under 500 lx treatment. However, reduced light intensity (50 lx) increased the settlement rate of the larvae. The highest specific growth rate occurred in juvenile sea cucumbers under 1,000 lx. The sea cucumbers in this group also had the lowest oxygen consumption rate and ammonia excretion rate, but the highest O:N ratio, indicating that the optimal light intensity for the juvenile sea cucumber culture was 1,000 lx. Therefore, appropriate light intensities were suggested to provide larval and juvenile sea cucumbers with better growth and development conditions.     

High-intensity light of full-spectrum LED promotes survival rate but not development of the larval swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

In this study, a 25-day experiment was performed to evaluate the survival and development of Portunus trituberculatus larvae under different light intensities (0, 61.55, 93.57, 124.31, 195.31, 248.51, and 310.95 μmol m⁻² s^-1). The newly hatched larvae were cultured in 1-L beakers at a density of 100 individuals/L, with four replicates per treatment. Full-spectrum light-emitting diode (LED) strip lamps were used as the light source. The larvae were fed with Artemia nauplii until all the larvae metamorphosed to young crabs or died, and survival and development of the larvae were recorded. The results showed that P. trituberculatus zoeae were not able to complete the entire larval cycle in the absence of light. In the dark treatment, the survival rate of the larvae decreased sharply in Z3 and reached 0.8 % in Z4, and all the larvae failed to develop to the megalopa stage. In the light treatment, no significant differences were observed in the survival rates of the Z1, Z2, and Z3 larvae under different light intensities (P > 0.05). However, the highest survival rates were detected for Z4 larvae and megalopae at 195.31 and 124.31 μmol m⁻² s^-1, respectively, indicating a decline in the light requirement. Although the Z2 and Z4 larvae were found to develop faster at a light intensity of 195.31 μmol m⁻² s^-1 (P < 0.05), no significant differences were found among the treatments at the end of the experiment (P> 0.05). In conclusion, the results show that P. trituberculatus needs more lighting than other crab species, and the light requirement declines as the zoeal and megalopal larvae develop into young crabs.     

Effects of different light intensities on growth,survival, reproductive and life span characteristics of Artemia urmiana (Günther 1890)

Effects of light intensities on growth, survival, reproductive and life span traits of Artemia urmiana were investigated under laboratory conditions. Nauplii of A. urmiana were hatched and raised in 100 g L^?1 at four illuminations including 0, 100, 2000 and 5000 lx with 14:10 (light:dark) photoperiod. Mating pairs of mature animals were randomly isolated and reared continuously under similar conditions. The mode and potential of reproduction as well as adult survival shown by each pair were determined throughout their life span. Results showed that percentages of nauplii survival were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different at 5000 and 0 lx (76.50% compared with 26.25%) respectively. Total number of offspring was highly correlated with the light intensities showing increased numbers at higher light intensities compared with darkness or 100 lx. Reproduction mode was relatively affected by various light intensities. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were found both in reproductive period and life span at different illuminations. Maximum and minimum offspring productions per reproductive day were found at 5000 and 100 lx respectively. The relative degree of oviparity increased as the illumination decreased (57.92% compared with 22.65% at 0 and 5000 lx respectively). The optimum light intensities appear to be between 2000 lx and 5000 lx in this study. These findings could probably be useful for mass culture of A. urmiana in indoor or recirculating systems as well as in outdoor systems for intensive cyst and biomass production.     

Effects of Stocking Density, Salinity, and Light Intensity on Growth and Survival of Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma Larvae

Four separate studies were done on Southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma larvae during first feeding and metamorphosis to determine the effects of stocking density, salinity, and light intensity on growth and survival. One study used stocking densities of 10, 20, 40, and 80 fish/L during first feeding; the second study compared the growth and survival of larvae stocked at 20 and 33 ppt; and a third experiment evaluated stocking densities of 1/L and 3/L under two different light intensities (1,600 lux vs 340 lux) during metamorphosis. The fourth experiment tested the effects of different salinities (0, 10, 20 and 30 ppt) on larval growth and survival during metamorphosis. Growth and survival (overall 6.9%) were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) for stocking rates up to 80/L. Larvae placed into 20 ppt salinity had survival through first feeding similar to that of larvae raised at 33 ppt. During metamorphosis, light intensity had no effect ( P > 0.05) on growth or survival, but fish stocked at 3/L had significantly lower ( P < 0.05) survival than fish at 1/L. Complete mortality of larvae occurred at 0 ppt. Growth and survival past metamorphosis were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) at 10, 20 and 30 ppt, but unmetamorphosed fish did not survive to day 60 at 10 ppt. Based on these results, practical larviculture of Southern flounder may require a two-step process with high stocking rates (80 fish/L) through first feeding and lower densities (1/L) through metamorphosis. Fingerling production in fertilized nursery ponds might he possible at salinity as low as 20 ppt.     

Combined effects of photoperiod and salinity on growth,survival, and osmoregulatory ability of larval southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

The southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, is an important commercial and recreational marine flatfish that inhabits estuaries and shelf waters in the south Atlantic, from North Carolina through the Gulf coasts, with the exception of south Florida. Because juvenile and adult fish are highly euryhaline, it is a prime candidate for aquaculture. Methods for captive spawning of southern flounder are well developed; however, information on optimal culture requirements of the early larval stages is required for reliable mass production of juveniles.To determine the optimal photoperiod and salinity conditions for culture from hatching to day 15 post-hatching (d15ph), embryos were stocked into black 15-l tanks (75 l⁻¹) under four photoperiods (24L:0D, 18L:6D, 12L:12D, and 6L:18D) and two salinities (25 and 34 ppt) in a 4×2 factorial design. Temperature was 18 °C, light intensity was 150 lx, and aeration was 50 ml min⁻¹. Significant (P<0.05) effects of photoperiod and salinity on growth (notochord length, wet and dry weights) were obtained. Growth increased with increasing photoperiod and salinity and was significantly greater at 24L and 18L than at 12L or 6L, and at 34 than at 25 ppt. On d11ph and d15ph, significant interactive effects between photoperiod and salinity on growth (wet and dry weights) were also evident. Growth of larvae reared at 25 ppt increased with increasing photoperiod to a maximum at 24L, while growth of larvae at 34 ppt reached a plateau at 18L. While there were no significant photoperiod effects on these parameters, larval survival, body water percentage, and larval osmolality on d15ph were significantly higher at 34 than at 25 ppt (41% vs. 16% survival; 322 vs. 288 mosM kg⁻¹; and 84% vs. 76% water, respectively), suggesting stress and nonadaptation to 25 ppt, a salinity more nearly isoosmotic than full-strength seawater. Since larvae from both salinity treatments were neutrally or positively buoyant at 34 ppt, but negatively buoyant at 25 ppt, larvae reared at 25 ppt probably allocated energy to maintain vertical positioning, compromising growth and survival.The results demonstrate that growth and survival of early-stage southern flounder larvae are maximized under long photoperiods of 18–24L and in full-strength seawater. Longer photoperiods probably extend the time larvae have for feeding, while full-strength seawater salinity optimizes buoyancy and vertical positioning, conserving energy. The results show that early larval stage southern flounder larvae are not entirely euryhaline, which involves not only the ability to osmoregulate, but to conserve energy under reduced buoyancy. This is consistent with suboptimal vs. maximal growth of larvae reared at 25 and 34 ppt, respectively, under 18L (i.e., photoperiod×salinity interaction). This is also consistent with other reports that tolerance to lower salinities in these euryhaline flatfish increases post-metamorphosis when transition from a pelagic to benthic existence alleviates the need to counteract reduced buoyancy.     

Effect of the lipid droplet adherence on growth and survival of the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) larvae

The effect of the adherence of the lipid droplet in the yolk‐sac on the growth and survival of the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) larvae was studied under starved and feeding conditions. Recently hatched hake larvae with adhered and non‐adhered lipid droplet (ALD and non‐ALD) were maintained during 8 days under starvation conditions. The adherence of the lipid droplet positively affected larval survival during starvation. At the end of the yolk consumption period (7–8 days after hatching), 90% of the surviving larvae had an ALD, while 10% of the survivors had a non‐ALD and showed a higher mortality rate. In a month feeding experiment, results show that the presence of non‐ALD in newly hatched hake larvae negatively affected their growth and survival. Dry weight and length (TL) of 20‐days‐old larvae with ALD were significantly higher than those with non‐ALD. Furthermore, lifespan of those larvae with non‐adhered lipid droplet was shorter, with most of them dying during the first 15–20 days of culture. As conclusion, the percentage of the lipid droplet adherence at hatching could be used as an indicator of ‘quality’ for European hake larvae: the greater the number of larvae with adhered lipid droplet, the better larval growth and survival.     

Factors affecting the feeding response of larval southern bluefin tuna,Thunnus maccoyii (Castelnau, 1872)

Southern bluefin tuna, Thunnus maccoyii, are cultured in Australia following collection of wild juveniles. Hatchery culture from egg is in the experimental stage. High early mortality has hindered the production of quality juveniles in the hatchery. This study investigated the visual capacity of T. maccoyii during early larval ontogeny in order to describe the best larval rearing conditions to produce high‐quality seed stock. Functional visual ability, determined through behavioural experimentation, identified the effect of light intensity, prey density, turbidity, tank colour and turbulence on the feeding response. Larvae were visually challenged to feed under a range of conditions in short‐duration (4 h) feeding experiments. Feeding performance was measured as the proportion of larvae feeding and the intensity of feeding. First‐feeding performance was positively affected by increasing prey density and lower turbidities and unaffected by light intensity, tank colour, turbulence, prey size and larval density. The key findings from feeding experiments on 6 and 9 dph larvae was that as T. maccoyii aged, lower light intensities and higher prey densities significantly increased feeding performance. In addition, the study has identified that high light intensity and high air‐driven turbulence induced significant mortality. The proficient first‐feeding response indicated that early mortality common in culture is unlikely to be associated with a failure to initiate feeding. Our findings show the use of low light intensity has the potential to significantly improve survival and feeding response during the first two critical weeks of culture, when the major bottleneck in hatchery production is currently experienced.