C.F. Purchase, J.A. Brown-1997
Bull. Aquacul. Assoc. Canada, 97(2): 51-52
Abstract:
Yellowtail flounder (Pleuronectes ferrugineus) are currently being investigated for their potential as a cold-ocean aquaculture species. Experiments have shown that yellowtail larvae have the highest growth rates and survival when reared under continuous light (24L:0D), but the optimal photoperiod for juveniles is not known. In 1995, yellowtail larvae were produced at Memorial University's Ocean Sciences Centre. In 1996, the fish were divided into replicate groups (n=40) of 0+juveniles (normally pigmented and hypomelanized) and placed under one of three photoperiods (12L:12D, 18L: 6D, 24L:0D). Growth measurements (wet weight, standard length and width) were taken every two weeks over the 10-week study period. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found among the treatments or between the pigmentation for any of the growth measurements. Growth and survival of juvenile yellowtail flounder seem to be unaffected by the occurrence of hypomelanosis or by reducing the length of the photoperiod from 24 to 12 hours per day.
(Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NF Canada A1B 3X9)