Interactions of different sodium and potassium concentrations on Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) offspring quality parameters

The present study evaluated various sodium and potassium concentrations in hatchery water to determine which proportions would be optimal for Macrobrachium rosenbergii larviculture. Using a closed RAS system (60‐L), experiments were conducted in two stages. In the first stage, larval quality parameters were compared among triplicate treatments of sodium (2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 mg L^?1) and potassium (100, 150, 200 and 250 mg L^?1). During the second stage, these same parameters were compared from interactions of the two best concentrations determined in the first stage. Initial larval density was fixed at 100 larvae L^?1 and larval quality parameters such as larval stage index (LSI), larval condition index (LCI), larvae dry weight, survival (%), LC₅₀‐24 h for formalin stress and time of the first postlarvae (PL) appearance were measured. Results showed that during the early larval period time LSI, LCI and survival parameters were affected only by potassium and the interaction with sodium was not significant. At a later period of the larval development, interactions between both sodium and potassium were measurable for LSI (P < 0.05) while the interactions on LCI and survival were not significant. Measurable differences among the combined treatments 4000 mg L^?1 sodium and 150 mg L^?1 potassium resulted in the best performance for M. rosenbergii larviculture. This concentration also provided the highest final survival to PL metamorphosis (40.6 ± 2.5%) which was at least 10% higher than the other treatments.     

The influence of different microalgal diets on European clam (Ruditapes decussatus,Linnaeus, 1758) larvae culture performances

The European clam, Ruditapes decussatus is a species with high commercial importance in Portugal and other Southern European countries. However, the development of R. decussatus culture has been limited by the highly variable patterns of natural recruitment. The development of hatchery technology will provide an alternative source of spat. The effect of six nutritional regimes on the survival, growth and biochemical composition of R. decussatus larvae were evaluated, aiming to provide crucial information on its nutritional requirements. A holistic approach incorporating all physiological response showed that the bispecific diet I. aff galbana and C. calcitrans (60/40 cell μL^?1) was the more adapted throughout larval development. Moreover, the monospecific diet I. aff galbana provided an overall good performance. Larvae cannot use C. calcitrans at early stages of development; however, the inclusion of these microalgae improved late larval development. The results obtained constitute an important first step in the hatchery R. decussatus larval nutrition and a prerequisite for future work on the improvement of larval development and the optimization of feeding practices that will maximize larvae yield and minimize cost in aquaculture hatcheries.     

Effects of on‐demand feeding on sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus; Lamarck, 1816), development,survival and microalgae utilization

This study compared the growth of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus larvae cultured using two different rearing methods: a variable method based on a variable amount of feed (microalgae) and seawater exchange (30% or 50%) established according to the phytoplankton concentration in the larval cultures and a fixed method characterized by a fixed amount of feed and seawater exchange. Three microalgae diets, Isochrysis sp. (Tahitian strain, T‐Iso), Chaetoceros gracilis and a 50:50 mixed diet, were tested with both rearing methods. Larval development and survival were assessed at the 6‐arm pluteus stage (P6), competence (Cp) and metamorphosis (Mt). Data showed that the variable method reduced the requirements for phytoplankton and seawater exchange. Indeed, through the optimization of feed rations, it was possible to reduce the production of debris and settled phytoplankton, minimizing the need for water exchanges. Higher larval survival resulted at Cp and Mt stages for those reared with the variable method as opposed to the fixed one. Survival and development were also influenced by the tested dietary treatments: at Mt stage, the mixed diet resulted in a higher larval survival (63.3 ± 8.9%) than T‐Iso (19.7 ± 12.1%) and C. gracilis (23.4 ± 15.1%) (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the use of the variable method improves the larval survival and development and also it reduces resource consumption (phytoplankton, seawater use and work effort), which in turn could potentially improve the hatchery production of P. lividus.     

Fertilization success of the New Zealand geoduck,Panopea zelandica: Effects of sperm concentration,gamete age and contact time

Valuable aquaculture and fisheries industries for the North American geoduck, Panopea generosa, have driven interest in developing similar ventures for other geoduck species including P. zelandica from New Zealand. However, little is known about the fertilization kinetics of this species, or the conditions under which the amount and quality of larvae can be maximized. We determined the effects of sperm concentration, gamete age and contact time on the fertilization success of P. zelandica using an extended‐Vogel‐Czihak‐Chang‐Wolf (EVCCW) model. The model provided a good fit to laboratory data when applied to individual contact times. For a contact time of 10 s, optimal fertilization was achieved at concentrations of approximately 10⁴ sperm μL^?1, but this decreased to as little as 10² sperm μL^?1 for contact times of several minutes. Optimal fertilization was always <100% (max. observed 70%) and the proportion of fertilized eggs decreased rapidly at sperm concentrations above the optimal. According to the model this was due to a slow block to polyspermy. If commercial hatchery facilities ensure that broodstock are in ripe condition, and use sperm <30‐min old, then optimal fertilization can be expected at sperm densities of 10²–10³ sperm μL^?1 at contact times of 5–10 min.     

Assessment of temperature or salinity effects on larval development by catecholamine‐induced metamorphosis of hatchery‐reared flat oyster,Ostrea angasi (Sowerby 1871) larvae

A need to improve larval rearing techniques led to the development of protocols for catecholamine‐induced settlement of flat oyster, Ostrea angasi, larvae. To further refine these techniques and optimize settlement percentages, the influence of salinity or temperature on development of O. angasi larvae was assessed using epinephrine‐induced metamorphosis. Larvae were reared between salinities of 15–35 and temperatures between 14.5 and 31°C. The greatest percentage survival, growth, development occurred when larvae were reared between 26 and 29°C and between salinities of 30 and 35. Larvae reared outside this salinity and temperature range exhibited reduced growth, survival and/or delayed development. Short‐term (1 h) reduction in larval rearing temperature from 26°C to 23.5°C significantly increased larval metamorphosis without affecting larval survival. Short‐term (1 h) increase in larval rearing temperature from 26°C to 29 and 31°C decreased larval survival and metamorphosis. To ensure repeatability in outcomes, tests showed that larvae sourced from different estuaries did not vary significantly in their metamorphic response to short‐term temperature manipulation and epinephrine‐induced metamorphosis.     

Effects of various sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) mediums on larval performance of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)

The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) is used to describe the ratio of sodium to calcium and magnesium in water that is very important in both aquaculture and agriculture. SAR treatments including of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 were adjusted in 10‐L containers. Initial larval density was fixed at 100 larvae L^?1 and during the culture period, various larval quality parameters were evaluated. Our findings illustrated that at initial stages of larval development, different SAR treatments affected the larval condition index (LCI), but no influences on larval stage index (LSI) were apparent. Importantly, this process at the final larval stages became reversed. In addition, survival at SAR 30 was 12.4% greater than among any other treatments. The highest larval resistance to stress (191 ± 5 ppm), as measured by the 24‐h LC₅₀ formalin test also was observed for SAR 30, at the 11th larval stage. Analysis indicated that calcium absorption during larval developmental stages is affected by SAR levels in the environment and also showed that the optimal SAR treatment was 30 for Macrobrachium rosenbergii larviculture in inland hatchery brackish water. According to our findings and desired SAR for the environment and agricultural soil (<15), effluent of M. rosenbergii inland hatcheries must be treated at least two times by dilution and adding calcium and magnesium salts.     

Effect of temperature on survival,growth and development of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae

Mussel aquaculture is widely prevalent worldwide, but generally relies on natural seed collection, which does not always meet the needs of the producers. Thus, development of mussel hatcheries is of economic interest in some parts of the world, such as Europe; it provides opportunities not only on annual reliability of seed but also on genetic improvements. To broaden knowledge on mussel larval physiology, we carried out temperature treatments (17, 20 and 24 °C) on Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae under laboratory conditions. The trials ended when 30% of the larval population was in the post‐larval stage. The temperature coefficient Q₁₀ indicated a strong relationship between temperature and increase in growth from 17 to 20 °C, but not between 20 and 24 °C. Exposure of M. galloprovincialis larvae to 17 °C resulted in poor growth, low survival and a delayed development and was considered to be inadequate for M. galloprovincialis larval culture. Rearing the larvae at 20 or 24 °C produced better growth, higher survival rates and faster metamorphosis as compared with 17 °C. The temperature region within 20 and 24 °C was suggested as adequate for the mussel M. galloprovincialis larval culture, and implications of these results on the development of commercial hatcheries were discussed.     

Vibrios in hatchery cultures of the razor clam,Solen marginatus (Pulteney)

Hatchery culture of the razor clam, Solen marginatus (Pulteney), has recently been developed in Galicia (NW Spain). However, recurrent episodes of mortalities of larval and post‐larval cultures have been recorded during the course of various studies. The disease signs were similar to those described for other bivalve species in outbreaks caused by bacteria of the genus Vibrio. In this article, we present the results of microbiological monitoring of two batches of razor clams with different survival rates. All fermentative isolates were identified as members of the Splendidus clade within the genus Vibrio. Some of these isolates, identified as Vibrio splendidus‐like, were clearly associated with the batch suffering mortalities, indicating their possible role as pathogens. Similar strains were found in the broodstock, suggesting vertical transmission of these bacteria. This is the first study of the microbiota associated with hatchery culture of S. marginatus, and the results will provide useful information for the optimization of a protocol for hatchery culture of this bivalve species.     

Artificial reproduction protocol,from spawning to metamorphosis,through noninvasive methods in Patella caerulea Linnaeus, 1758

Controlled reproduction is a requirement for developing effective mollusc cultivation for commercial or restoration purposes. In this study, a protocol for spawning induction using noninvasive methods in limpets was developed, using the common Mediterranean species, Patella caerulea Linnaeus, 1758. Six nonlethal spawning induction treatments were tested: three chemical (two concentrations of H₂O₂ and KCl) and three physical (bubbling, warm and cold thermal shock). All treatments, except thermal shocks, induced the spawning of fertile gametes. Bubbling resulted the best treatment in providing spawning response, being the easiest and least invasive method tested. After eggs fertilization, larval development was followed until metamorphosis, testing fed and unfed conditions. Settlement took place after 7 days. The developed protocol represents a benchmark for further application to other limpets, for aquaculture or repopulation.     

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.     

Effect of different ions on larval metamorphosis of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Metamorphic responses of pediveliger larvae of Mytilus galloprovincialis to different ions were investigated through a series of bioassays. Effects of tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) on inductive effects of these above ions were also investigated. Excess ions including Li⁺, Cs⁺, Rb⁺ and Ca²⁺ induced larval metamorphosis at 10^?3 M to 5 × 10^?2 M in 24‐h exposure assays. In continuous exposure assays, only excess Ca²⁺ showed inductive activity and induced 25% metamorphosis at 5 × 10^?2 M. Larval responses to Li⁺ and Rb⁺were inhibited by TEA, while induction of metamorphosis by Cs⁺and Ca²⁺ was independent of the presence of TEA. Thus, these ions used can be useful inducers of larval metamorphosis for application in the aquaculture industry. The finding provides new insights on the biochemical mechanism controlling larval metamorphosis in this species.     

Growth of the hatchery-produced juveniles of commercial sea cucumber Holothuria (Theelothuria) spinifera Theel

The present study was conducted to develop the hatchery technology for seed production of the widely exploited commercial sea cucumber Holothuria spinifera Theel 1886, to facilitate an effective stock enhancement programme. Broodstock collected by skin divers were used for spawning trials. The embryonic and larval stages were similar to other aspidochirotes. The larval survival rate was 43.5% on day 9, which decreased to 18.3% nearing metamorphosis on day 13, the growth rate was 48 μm day⁻¹ and the settlement rate was 3.5%. Algamac^® used to induce settlement also served as the food source for the early settled juveniles, followed by Sargassum spp. extract (<40 μm) for the first month. Sargassum spp. powder along with fine sand (1:1) was given to juveniles >20 mm. Addition of Spirulina spp. along with Sargassum spp. powder and fine sand (0.5:1:2) enhanced the growth rate of the juveniles. In the hatchery, the juveniles attained an average size of 1, 30 and 48 on 20, 80 and 120 days respectively.     

New species in aquaculture: are the striped venus clam Chamelea gallina (Linnaeus, 1758) and the surf clam Spisula solida (Linnaeus 1758) potential candidates for diversification in shellfish aquaculture?

The surf Spisula solida and the striped venus Chamelea gallina clams support important fisheries in Europe. These fisheries have been affected by inter‐annual fluctuations in stock abundance and recruitment failures. Aquaculture could contribute to address these problems through the production of larvae or juveniles for stock‐enhancement programmes. In the present study, the prerequisites to produce these species in hatchery were established. Of the different methods used to obtain gametes (thermal stimulation, scarification and flow through), C. gallina spawned in the flow through only. By its turn, the best method for obtaining gametes for S. solida was stripping. Higher survivals of D‐larvae were found at 15 and 17°C. The greatest larval survival and growth rates were obtained from larvae fed Isochrysis aff. galbana (T‐iso). First C. gallina and S. solida pediveliger larvae were found at day 8 and day 26 respectively. The presence of metamorphosed larvae found even in the unfed treatment for C. gallina and for S. solida is an advantage for aquaculture production. After metamorphosis, the S. solida juveniles' survival was quite low, whereas there was no mortality for C. gallina juveniles reared without substrate regardless the diet provided. Juveniles fed the binary diet (Chaetoceros calcitrans ‐ C. cal + T.iso) and the monodiet T‐iso showed relatively higher growth in shell length and weight than C. cal. The hatchery production of these two species was possible, however the results of this study showed that C. gallina can be more attractive for aquaculture than S. solida.     

Effects of starvation on survival,growth and development of Exopalaemon carinicauda larvae

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of two starvation modes (fasting‐feeding mode and feeding‐fasting mode) on survival, growth and development of mysis larvae of Exopalaemon carinicauda. It showed that food restriction significantly affected the survival, growth and development in both starvation modes. With the extension of initial starvation period, a significantly reduced survival rate during metamorphosis was observed. In the fasting‐feeding mode, the duration of metamorphosis was extended and the body lengths of the individuals, which experienced successful metamorphosis to the post‐larval stage 1, were much shorter. In the feeding‐fasting mode, the extension of initial feeding period led to dramatically increased survival rate and body lengths, while there was no significant difference in duration of metamorphosis of those groups that reached to post‐larval stage. The 50% point‐of‐no‐return and the 50% point‐of‐reserve‐saturation were 3.85 days and 4.81 days respectively. The results of this study indicate that E. carinicauda mysis have the ability to withstand or recover from relatively extended starvation, but to ensure the success of commercial seedling, timely and adequate feeding is necessary. The information obtained from this study could provide a basis to optimize the feeding schedule of artificial seedling of E. carinicauda.     

Biochemical and fatty acid dynamics during larval development in the razor clam Ensis arcuatus (Bivalvia: Pharidae)

This article reports on the changes in gross biochemical and fatty acid composition of the razor clam Ensis arcuatus larvae throughout development. Protein was the largest component of dried larval tissues. The energy required for embryogenesis in E. arcuatus oocytes was obtained from stored proteins and carbohydrates, while total lipids increased significantly. Lipids and carbohydrates have an important role as energy contributors from day 1 to day 8. During larval development the strategy was to indistinctly store energy reserves (protein, lipid and carbohydrate) to surpass metamorphosis. During embryonic development there was a gain in fatty acids of neutral and polar lipids. A depletion of fatty acids in neutral lipids was observed from day 1 to day 8 in E. arcuatus larvae, mainly due to the decrease in 16:0 and EPA. NMID fatty acids were present in amounts similar to those of some PUFAs in polar lipids, especially 22:2NMID.     

Genetic relatedness and differentiation of hatchery populations of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) (Bloch, 1790) broodstock in Thailand inferred from microsatellite genetic markers

After more than 20 years of hatchery production of Asian seabass in Thailand, genetic information is still lacking for effective genetic management and a selective breeding programme. This study aimed to evaluate genetic status of existing hatchery populations and genetic consequences of a selective breeding attempt. We examined genetic relatedness in seven hatchery samples, including a selectively bred population (RACF‐F1), compared with three wild samples using 11 microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity and relatedness values within most hatchery samples, except for RACF‐F1, did not differ from those of wild populations (P > 0.05). RACF‐F1 had the lowest allelic diversity and effective population size (A_r = 6.99; N_e = 7.8) and highest relatedness values (mean r_xy = 0.075–0.204). Pairwise Φ_ST values, principal component analysis and model‐based cluster analyses revealed three genetically distinct hatchery groups: Eastern Thailand (CHN, RACF, NSCF and SKCF), Southern Thailand (NICA) and the Andaman Sea (STCF). Results suggest that exiting domestic populations capture reasonable amount of genetic variation and can be useful for a base population for genetic improvement programmes. In addition, given the rapid increase in relatedness that we observed in one selectively bred population, we recommend using selection methods and hatchery practices that reduce variability in family contribution in the subsequent generations.     

Complete Larval Development of the Fresh Water Prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii in Cameroon

The African River prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii is the largest of the local Palaemonidae prawns along the Cameroonian coast and an important target species for fisheries and aquaculture. A preliminary study on larviculture of this species was carried out at the IRAD-AQUASOL hatchery in Kribi, Cameroon. Berried females M. vollenhovenii were obtained from the Lobe and Lokoundje Rivers in the Southern Region, typical Lower Guinea rainforest streams. The larval rearing system consisted of a single recirculation system of four 65 L cylindrical plastic containers connected to a submerged biological filter container (65 L). Experiments were conducted three times in the same condition, with two batches of larvae reared separately in duplicate per experiment, at a density of 40/L, temperature 26°C, and salinity 16%. Larvae were fed from 1 day after hatching until metamorphosis to postlarvae (PL) with newly hatched Artemia nauplii, three times daily at the rate of 5 nauplii per mL water. The number of newly hatched larvae per female body weight unit was not affected by the female size and ranged between 531 to 1349 larvae g^?1. The six batches succeeded from hatching to metamorphosis, and the 11 distinct larval stages described for M. rosenbergii were found. Larvae in all the batches developed more or less at the same pace up to stage V. However, a clear difference in the timing of appearance of the developmental stages was observed between batches and individuals of the same batch during the subsequent stages. The transition from stage V to stage VI and from stage IX to stage X was longer than the passage to other stages and seems to be the critical rearing period of M. vollenhovenii. From day 20 onward to sampling, the larval stage index (LSI) showed that larval development of the batch 1 was significantly faster than for all other batches. The time for first appearance of postlarvae was variable between batches (41–74 days), and batch 1 larvae passed through metamorphosis within a shorter span of time (41 days). Survival up to postlarvae was variable among batches, ranging between 3%–9%, and was better in batch 1 (9.31 ± 1.09). The general poor performance in terms of survival and metamorphosis rates of larvae seems to be related to the wild condition of broodstock. To improve performance of larvae, domestication of stock may be necessary. This result is the first recorded success in larviculture of M. vollenhovenii in Cameroon.     

Effect of Bacillus subtilis on growth development and survival of larvae Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)

A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis bacterium, on larval growth and development rate of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) during February 28 to April 8, 2005 in University Putra Malaysia hatchery. Newly hatched larvae of M. rosenbergii were reared with two dietary treatments consisting of newly hatched Artemia salina nauplii with B. subtilis (10⁸ cells ml⁻¹), and newly hatched A. salina nauplii without B. subtilis carried out in triplicate in 60‐L aquarium (50 L⁻¹). After trial, the larvae that fed B. subtilis‐treated Artemia naupli were found to have higher survival and a faster rate of metamorphosis than larvae that were fed with nontreated Artemia naupli. There were significant differences between B. subtilis‐treated Artemia naupli and nontreated Artemia diet in larval growth and development rate of metamorphosis (P < 0.05). Larval survival after 40 days was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the B. subtilis‐treated groups (55.3 ± 1.02) compared with the nontreated groups (36.2 ± 5.02%).     

EXPERIMENTAL CULTURE OF THE OCEAN QUAHOG,Arctica islandica

Larvae and early postlarvae of the ocean quahog, Arctica islandica, were reared under experimental hatchery conditions. Mature eggs were stripped from ripe adults and exposed to a dilute solution of ammonium hydroxide for various lengths of time prior to addition of stripped sperm. The larval clams were reared through settlement and metamorphosis using the Wells-Glancy (centrifuged, incubated seawater) method of algal culture and/or modifications of standard hatchery techniques developed by Loosanoff and Davis. Experimental cultures were maintained at various temperatures ranging from 8.5° to 14.5°C. At temperatures of approximately 13°C, the minimum time to settlement was 32 days, while settlement was not observed in a culture maintained between 8.5° and 10.0°C until approximately 55 days after fertilization. Larval growth rates were significantly lower in the culture maintained at 8.5–10.0°C than in cultures maintained at 11.0–14.5°C. An optical micrograph sequence of larval stages from the straight-hinge stage through metamorphosis is presented to facilitate identification of Arctica islandica specimens isolated from plankton samples. While various workers have reported exceedingly low growth rates of juvenile and adult Arctica, growth rates of larval Arctica appear to be fairly “typical” of rates encountered within the class Bivalvia.