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.