LARVAL REARING OF THE GROUPER EPINEPHELUS SUILLUS UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS

M. N. Duray, C. B. Estudillo, L. G. Alpasan-1997

Aquaculture, 150: 63-76

Abstract:

A protocol for rearing orange-spotted rockcod, Epinephelus suillus in

the hatchery is described. The feeding regime consisted of Chlorella,

Brachionus, Artemia and minced fish. With this regime, survival rates

at Day 24 were 19.8% in 3-ton tanks and only 7.4% in 0.5-ton tanks.

From an initial length of 1.62 mm on Day 0, larvae grew to 10.94 mm

on Day 24 and 51.4-65.1 mm on Day 60. Larval growth and survival

rate were improved when larvae were fed screened (less than 90

micro m) Brachionus during the first 2 weeks. Survival was even

better among larvae fed Brachionus until Day 35. Artemia, at a

density of 3/ml, given once daily to larvae in 24 ppt seawater

improved growth and survival.

(Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries, Development

Center (SEAFDEC), P.O. Box 256, Iloilo City 5901, Philippines)

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