Neutral Buoyancy Salinity of Pacific Halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis Eggs and Larvae

Samples of halibut eggs in nature have led to theories that development occurs near the sea bed and, alternatively, well up in the water column. Resolution of the conflicting theories and information which should assist culturists in providing the proper environmental conditions for egg development and hatching were the subjects of this study. The neutral buoyancy salinity (NBS) of Pacific halibut eggs and larvae ranged between 29.8–34%. Eggs and larvae with higher NBS (> 35%) were usually abnormal or stressed. Thus, eggs found near the seabed may be nonviable.     

Early Larval Growth of Pacific Halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis

Growth of Pacific halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis larvae was studied in the laboratory during 1989 and 1991. Larvae increased in length from 6.3 mm at hatching to 9.9 mm 20 d post-hatch. The average daily length increment was 0.17 mm. Dry weight of the larvae increased from an average of 210 μg at hatching to 570 μ g on day 20, providing a specific growth rate of 4.99. During the same period, mean yolk sac weight decreased from 1,390 μ g to 646 μ g, resulting in a yolk to body conversion efficiency of 48.5%. At hatching, the larval body made up only 13% of total dry weight. On day 20, the larval body made up 46.9% of the total weight. Larvae started feeding at a length of 12 mm after about 90% of their yolk sac had been absorbed.     

Effects of Environmental Factors on Egg Development and Hatching of Pacific Halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis

Eggs of Pacific halibut were incubated under various environmental conditions. Optimum hatching occurred over a temperature range from 6 C to 8 C, whereas temperatures of 3, 10, and 11 C were lethal. Development time from fertilization to 50% hatching varied from 250 h (9 C) to 320 h (6.5 C). Salinity effects on hatching were not as critical as temperature, as long as eggs were floating during the incubation period. Light intensity between 5 and 15 lux did not affect hatching success, but high light intensity (15 lux) and red and blue light (5 lux) produced high levels of larval abnormality. Simulated transport of unfertilized eggs indicated that the eggs can be safely moved and that fertilization rate is acceptable during the first 12 h after collection.