Effects of light intensity on husbandry parameters,digestive enzymes and whole‐body composition of juvenile Epinephelus coioides reared in artificial sea water

To provide a specific lighting system to aquaculture, a completely randomized design with five light treatments with three replicates was used to investigate effects of light intensity on juvenile Epinephelus coioides reared in artificial sea water. The weight gain rate (WG, %), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and survival rate (S, %) were significantly higher at the 320–1150‐lx treatments (P ≤ 0.05) compared with the other treatments, but the highest food conversion ratio (FCR) was at the 0‐lx treatment and the lowest at 600–1150 lx. Total protease, amylase and lipase activities in liver, stomach and intestine were significantly higher at 320–1150‐lx conditions and significantly lower at 0 lx (P ≤ 0.05) than in the other treatments. The highest contents of crude protein and crude lipid were observed at 600–1150 lx and 320–550 lx respectively. However, both moisture and ash were highest at 0 lx and lowest at 600–1150 lx. The results indicated that light intensity could significantly affect husbandry parameters, digestive enzymes and whole‐body composition of juvenile E. coioides, with optimal light intensity being at 600–1150 lx.     

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.     

Effects of light intensity on growth,feeding activity and development in common sole (Solea solea L.) larvae in relation to sensory organ ontogeny

The effects of four light intensities (1000 lx, 500 lx, 50 lx, 3 lx) on growth, survival and feeding activity in common sole (Solea solea L.) larvae were studied from 4 to 51 days post hatching (dph). During the pelagic larval stage (4–12 dph), larvae reared at 3 lx showed a lower growth. From 19 onwards, the larvae reared under 3 lx displayed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) higher SGR than the other treatments and a higher final weight compared to 1000 lx and 500 lx. Survival rate was higher under intermediate light intensities (500 and 50 lx). Larvae reared at 3 lx displayed a significant delay in the degree of metamorphosis compared to the other treatments, while at 33 dph metamorphosis was completed under all treatments. Histological examination revealed the importance of vision and light in the first feeding of this species, while after metamorphosis, the full development of other sensory organs indicated that feeding activity is also mediated by chemosensory perception. Results indicate that high light intensity seems to be more suitable during the pelagic larvae, while the opposite would ensure better growth from the onset of metamorphosis to the benthic phase.     

Visual thresholds for feeding and optimum light intensity for larval rearing of Asian seabass,Lates calcarifer (Bloch)

This study examined the retinomotor responses and prey ingestion rates of 10‐, 15‐, 20‐ and 30‐day‐old Asian seabass Lates calcarifer under different light intensities from 0 to 1000 lx to determine the visual thresholds. Subsequently, two age groups of seabass larvae were reared under light intensities of 10, 100 and 1000 lx to determine the optimum illumination in hatchery tanks. Retinomotor response was absent in 10‐day‐old larvae, but quite marked in 15‐ and 20‐day‐old seabass at 1 lx and higher. Ingestion of Artemia nauplii by 10‐day‐old larvae was almost zero at <1 lx, increased significantly at 1 lx, and was maximal at 10–100 lx. Artemia ingestion under dim light <1 lx improved with age, and older larvae took more prey in complete darkness due to the presence of rod cells (and also free neuromasts). Larvae from 13 to 26 days group had similar survival and growth at 10–1000 lx, however, from 5 to 10 days group showed similar survival rate with highest weight gain at 100 lx. Therefore, we recommend that hatchery rearing tanks be illuminated such that the larvae in the water are exposed to approximately100 lx.     

Effects of light quality and intensity on the growth,survival and metamorphosis of Haliotis discus hannai Ino larvae

Light is a key environmental factor that influences the growth, culture and survival of aquatic organisms. This study examined the effects of different light qualities (red, orange, white, blue and green light) and intensities (5 μmol m^?2 s^?1, 15 μmol m^?2 s^?1 and 40 μmol m^?2 s^?1) on the hatching and metamorphosis of larva of Haliotis discus hannai Ino and the growth and survival of juveniles. It was found that under blue and green light, the hatching success rate and metamorphosis of larva were significantly higher than those for any other light quality (P < 0.05), and there was a decreasing trend with an increase in light intensity. Under red and orange light, the abnormality rate of trochophores in each light intensity treatment and the time required for the metamorphosis of larva were significantly higher than those for any other light group (P < 0.05). Both the abnormality and metamorphosis rates significantly increased with light intensity. Under white light, at an intensity of 40 μmol m^?2 s^?1, the settlement and size of larva at metamorphosis were significantly smaller than those for any other light intensity (P < 0.05). Under red and orange light, the SGR of juvenile abalone in each light intensity treatment was significantly lower than that in any other light group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was identified (P > 0.05). Therefore, selecting blue and green light and controlling the light intensity to 5–15 μmol m^?2 s^?1 during fingerling reproduction of abalone should increase the hatching success rate of larva and the yield per water body.     

Effects of light spectrum and intensity on growth,survival and physiology of leech (Whitmania pigra) larvae under the rearing conditions

Used as a traditional Chinese medicine, the high mortality rate and slow growth of Whitmania pigra larvae are the most serious bottlenecks for the scale development of artificial breeding. Firstly, five light colour treatments (white, blue, green, red and yellow) were tested to determine effects of light spectrum on the growth of larval W. pigra at the same intensity of 70.00 μmol m^?2 s^?1. The experiment lasted for 45 days. Under our experimental conditions, the weight gain (WG) and the specific growth rate (SGR) under blue light condition were significantly higher compared with the other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). It is reasonable to conclude that blue light can promote the leech growth. In addition, reared at five blue light intensity treatments (20.00 ± 3.84, 40.78 ± 4.18, 53.67 ± 5.98, 70.00 ± 7.26 and 87.33 ± 5.77 μmol m^?2 s^?1), the WG and SGR increased with increasing intensity. Meanwhile, they were significantly higher in the 70.00 and 87.33 μmol m^?2 s^?1 treatments (P ≤ 0.05). In the higher intensity light treatments, the digestive enzymes were higher and antioxidant enzymes were lower. These results suggest that the optimal light spectrum for the culture of W. pigra during the early life stage was blue and the optimal light intensity was higher light intensity (70.00–87.33 μmol m^?2 s^?1).     

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.     

Effect of different feeds on the growth,survival and reproductive performance of zebrafish,Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822)

Present experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different feeds with varying protein levels on the growth, survival and reproductive performance of zebrafish, Danio rerio. The control diet (T1) was wild‐collected zooplankton from local fish ponds, while test diets with 350 g kg^?1 protein (T2), 400 g kg^?1 protein (T3) and 450 g kg^?1 protein (T4) were formulated and fed to fish for a period of 210 days. The significantly (P < 0.05) highest mean weight gain and specific growth rate were observed in T1, which were similar with T3 and T4. The significantly (P < 0.05) highest number of egg production per female and relative fecundity were found in T1, followed by T4 and T3 while T2 produced lowest number of eggs. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed in brood survival rate, fertilization and hatching rate among the dietary treatments. The highest (P < 0.05) fry survival rate was recorded in T1, followed by T3 and T4. Thus, it is suggested that control diet i.e. mixed zooplankton exhibited better growth, reproductive performance and fry survival rate. However, diet containing 400 g kg^?1 crude protein also gave comparable results in terms of growth, survival and reproductive performance of zebrafish.     

The effect of light intensity on the growth of Brachymystax lenok (Pallas, 1773)

A 35‐day experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of light intensity on growth of Brachymystax lenok under different light intensities: 10, 70, 240 and 1000 lx. Fish(5.5 ± 0.24 g)used in the experiment were fed to satiation twice a day (08:00 hours, 14:00 hours).The photoperiod was 12L:12D (08:00–20:00 hours). The specific growth rate(SGR) of B. lenok under lower intensities(10 lx,70 lx)was significantly higher than the other groups(P < 0.05).No significant difference in feed intake was observed at different light intensities, but feed efficiency (FE) in wet weight at lower intensities (1070 lx) was higher than that at higher intensities(240,1000 lx) (P < 0.05).The final survival rate of juveniles varied from 86.33% to 93.66%,and there was no significant difference between experimental groups. The tested fish under higher light intensities (240 and 1000 lx) spent much more energy in respiration and excretion while depositing less energy for growth than those fish under lower light intensities. It is concluded that light intensity significantly affected growth and optimal light intensity for B. lenok juveniles was about 10–70 lx.     

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 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 supplementary fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oil in diet on growth and reproductive performance of the ornamental fish,Convict cichlid (Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum)

This study evaluated the effects of diet containing 0 (C: control), 75 (D₁), 100 (D₂), 125 (D₃) and 150 (D₄) mg kg^?1 F. vulgare essential oil on growth and reproductive performance of C. nigrofasciatum. A total of 225 Convict cichlids female with mean weight (1.65 ± 0.02 g) were distributed into 15 glass aquaria (15 fish tank^?1) in triplicate treatments. During 40 days of experimental period, fish fed at 3% of their body weight daily. At the end of experiment, growth indices, gonadosomatic index and reproductive indices were determined. The best feed conversion ratio was obtained in D₄ (1.19 ± 0.03, P < 0.05). The addition of F. vulgare essential oil did not have any statistical effects on other growth indices (specific growth rate, weight gain and condition factor). Total survival rates in all treatments and control were uniformly high, ranging from 93% to 97% (P > 0.05). F. vulgare essential oil has no negative effect on survival rate of C. nigrofasciatum. There were no significant differences among protein content of fish body (P > 0.05). The lowest value of fat content (26.5 ± 0.5%) was observed in D_2, and it had significant difference with control and other groups (P < 0.05). The ash percentage in treatments fed with F. vulgare essential oil were higher than control fish (P < 0.05). The highest moisture content was detected in D₄ (72.68 ± 0.19%) and D₂ (71.23 ± 2%) groups. Among the used dosage, D₄ was the most effective dosage that could significantly increase GSI (11.06 ± 1.55%), fecundity (340 ± 21) and hatching ratio (92.33 ± 1.63%). There were no significant differences in diameter of eggs among various treatments (P > 0.05).     

Performance of Pacific White Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,Reared in Zero‐Exchange Tank Systems Exposed to Different Light Sources and Intensities

The development of biofloc production technology has generated significant commercial and research interest directed toward the inland culture of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Most work to date has been conducted in greenhouses, where photoautotrophic organisms are significant contributors to system functionality. In more temperate locations, operations in insulated buildings would reduce heating costs. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of light on shrimp cultured in intensive biofloc systems. A 92‐d experiment was conducted in 3.8‐m³ tanks. There were five light treatments: (1) natural sunlight (SUN) as a control (midday: 718 lx); (2) one metal halide light (MHL) (1074 lx); (3) one fluorescent light (1FL) (214 lx); (4) two fluorescent lights (2FL) (428 lx); and (5) three fluorescent lights (3FL) (642 lx). Artificial light treatments operated on a 12:12 daily cycle. There were three replicate tanks per treatment and each was separated by black plastic to prevent light transmission between replicates. Each tank was stocked at 465 shrimp/m² of tank bottom (initial mean weight = 0.4 g). Light treatment had a significant (P≤ 0.05) impact on average individual weight, survival, harvest yield (kg/m²), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Harvest yield and survival among shrimp in the SUN, MHL, and 1FL treatments were not significantly different. However, there was an inverse linear relationship (P≤ 0.05; R² = 0.76) between the number of fluorescent fixtures and survival, which was related to greater concentrations of filamentous bacteria as the intensity of fluorescent light increased, causing gill fouling. Natural light and MHL did not result in high concentrations of filamentous bacteria. These results indicate that natural light, metal halide lighting, and/or relatively low levels of fluorescent lighting are suitable for indoor production of Pacific white shrimp in biofloc systems. Light spectrum and intensity can affect bacterial community structure, which has a profound effect on shrimp survival and production.     

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.     

Effect of salinity on reproductive performance of Acanthopagrus latus (Houttuyn) in spawning tanks

More than 250 male and female yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) were caught in the creeks near the Mahshar area in the north‐west of Persian Gulf using fishhooks to study the effects of salinity on reproductive indices. The experiments were carried out using three salinity treatments (30 ± 1 g L^?1, 35 ± 1 g L^?1 and 40 ± 1 g L^?1) with three replications. A total of six males and three females were randomly introduced to each tank. The survival rate of the broodstock was estimated at more than 90% at different salinity levels and the maximum rate was observed at 30 g L^?1 of the experiment rate. The percentage of buoyant eggs was more than 90% at 40 g L^?1 and it was significantly different from other treatments. The average number of eggs per female (312 914 ± 65 085), and the average number of eggs per kilogram of female (649 460 ± 173 574) at 40 g L^?1 were more than those in the other treatments but no significant differences were observed (P ≤ 0.05). The average percentage of fertilized eggs (86.7%) and the average percentage of hatched larvae (67%) at 40 g L^?1 treatment was more than those at 30 g L^?1 and 35 g L^?1 treatments but no significant differences were observed (P ≤ 0.05). At 40 g L^?1 salinity, in all spawning cases, the released eggs were hatched. Overall, the present study has shown that better buoyant eggs of A. latus can be obtained at salinity 40 g L^?1. On the other hand, the percentage of fertilized eggs and hatched larvae were not affected by salinity.     

Substituting fishmeal with mixtures of wheat,corn and soya bean meals in diets for the white leg shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone): effect on production parameters and preliminary economic assessment

We analysed the effect on production and economic performance of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei of isoproteic diets substituting fishmeal by 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% with mixtures of wheat, soya bean and cornmeals. In a laboratory trial, 10 juveniles m^?2 (1.1 ± 0.1 g) were reared in 60‐L plastic containers using a recirculation system for 90 days. Three replicates were used to test each diet. A commercial diet serving as a reference and the diet with the highest content of essential amino acids (50% substitution, 6.46 ± 1.1 g) produced significantly higher shrimp final weight (7.12 ± 0.9 g, P < 0.05). There were not significant differences in specific growth rate and mean survival (85.9 ± 0.2%, P > 0.05). In a pond trial, 10 shrimp m^?2 (1.08 ± 0.3 g) were cultivated in 1.5 m^?3 cages for 35 days, testing the diets in triplicate. Final weight was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when 100% substitution was used (10.89 ± 0.24 g), while survival did not differ significantly among diets (P > 0.05). The optimal level of substitution was estimated at 86.0%. Apparently, nutrients contained in the diets combined well with natural feed available in the pond, up to a point where 7.3% of fishmeal inclusion is recommended. An economic analysis showed that 100% substitution produced the best results. We conclude that mixtures of wheat, corn and soya meals are potential alternatives to replace fishmeal effectively in diets for L. vannamei.     

Effect of florfenicol and oxytetracycline treatments on the intensive larval culture of the Chilean scallop Argopecten purpuratus (Lamarck, 1819)

The administration of antimicrobials to control bacterial pathologies in Chilean scallop hatcheries is a frequent practice, but their effects on these cultures remained unknown. This study was undertaken to obtain information on the effect of the administration of florfenicol and oxytetracycline on the growth, survival and bacterial content of scallop larvae under farming conditions. Florfenicol‐treated cultures exhibited high survival rates (44% after 17 days of culture), whereas cultures not treated or treated with oxytetracycline collapsed after 11 days of culture. Surprisingly, no significant differences in the heterotrophic (Tukey test; P = 0.226) and Vibrio (Tukey test; P = 0.666) concentrations between the oxytetracycline‐treated and untreated larval cultures were observed. Otherwise, florfenicol administered directly into rearing tanks produced significantly higher larval growth (Tukey test; P = 0.0001) and survival (Tukey test; P = 0.011) than bath treatment. When 2 and 4 mg L^?1 of florfenicol were compared, no significant differences in growth (t‐test; P = 0.4596) and survival (Tukey test; P = 0.057) were observed, suggesting that a concentration of 2 mg L^?1 is sufficient to ensure larval production. The present results demonstrate the efficacy of florfenicol‐based therapy to increase larval survival and growth at commercial scale and prompt the necessity to standardize its use in Chilean scallop hatcheries.     

Effects of photoperiod on offspring production,development and generation time,survival, adult sex ratio and total life span of freshwater cyclopoid copepod,Mesocyclops sp.: comments on individual variations

The experiments were conducted to examine the effects of five photoperiod regimes (24:00; 16:08; 12:12; 08:16 and 00:24 hours) (Light: Dark) on reproductive traits, development and generation time, survival rate, adult sex ratio and total life span of freshwater cyclopoid copepod, Mesocyclops sp.. Daily offspring production of individual female was monitored from the last moulting until death of all females. Mean daily offspring production affected by photoperiod, with the highest output recorded at 08:16, which was significantly higher than 24:00 and 00:24, but not differ from 12:12 and 16:08. No significant differences were obtained in total egg sacs per female among treatments. Photoperiods other than 12:12 significantly prolonged the inter‐clutch times. A trend of accelerated development and generation time was shown with increasing illumination periods. With the exception of female's life span, the survival rates of offspring and females as well as adult sex ratio were not significantly affected by photoperiod. Based on results of this study, it is recommended that Mesocyclops sp. can tolerate and reproduce in a wide range of photoperiod regimes, however, photoperiod of 08:16 being adopted in controlled culture due to its high reproductive performance, fast development and long longevity.     

The effect of light intensity on performance of larval pike-perch (Sander lucioperca)

In this work performance parameters of larval pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) reared under four different light intensities (100, 500, 1000 and 2500 lx) until 21 days post hatch (dph) were investigated. As performance parameters change in length and weight, swim bladder inflation, feed consumption, natural mortality, stress induced mortality and RNA-DNA ratio were measured. Aim was to investigate the influence of light intensity on pike-perch performance during the first three weeks of larval rearing. Significant differences were found in natural and stress induced mortality as well as in weight growth. No single light exposure level combined optimal performance of all tested performance parameters. Highest light intensity of 2500 lx showed good weight growth but an increase in stress induced mortality. Bright light of 500 and 1000 lx intensity was found to improve growth and stress mortality whereas dim light conditions of 100 lx showed significantly lower natural mortality. Thus data suggested that most favorable illumination during larval pike-perch rearing comprise a tradeoff between optimal natural mortality under dim light conditions (100 lx) or optimal larval growth and stress resistance under bright light conditions (500 and 1000 lx). It is shown that high light intensities during larval rearing can be beneficial for pike-perch rearing if offspring supply is not limited.     

Why is cannibalism less frequent when larvae of sutchi catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus are reared under dim light?

Survival rates of the larvae of sutchi catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus are reported to be three times higher under dim conditions (0.1 lx) than those under 100 lx. In this study, larval behaviour of sutchi catfish was examined under various light intensities (<0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 lx) using a CCD camera to understand why survival rates vary under different light intensities. Five‐day‐old larvae showed significantly higher swimming activity under <0.01, 0.1 and 1 lx than those under 10 and 100 lx. On the other hand, the larvae showed significantly higher aggressive behaviour under 10 and 100 lx; swimming larvae attacked resting individuals more frequently under 10 and 100 lx than those under 0 and 0.1 lx. Aggressive behaviour was considered to induce lesions, inflicted by the sharp teeth of attacking larvae, on larval skin surfaces. It is considered that the chemical substances would generate from injured skin surfaces then acted as stimuli, causing the cannibalistic behaviour in other fish around the injured fish. This study provided evidence that the observed higher survival rates depended on lower frequency of aggressive behaviour under dark or dim conditions. It is therefore recommended that larval rearing of sutchi catfish be conducted under dim (less than 1 lx) conditions.