15 SEPTEMBER 1999
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THE LARVICULTURE OF WITCH FLOUNDER (GLYPTOCEPHALUS CYNOGLOSSUS)
J.H. Rabe, J.A. Brown, D.A. Bidwell, W.H. Howell-1998
Bulletin of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, 98-2 (contributing papers Aquaculture Canada '98): 19-20
Abstract:
Little is known about the life history of cold-water marine finfish despite the fact that these species are of major commercial importance. Witch flounder (grey sole) once formed an important component of Newfoundland's flatfish resource and its high market value and consumer acceptability make it an excellent candidate species for aquaculture. In 1997 we began a feasibility study on the potential of this species for aquaculture. Larvae grew well on a diet of cultured enriched rotifers and Artemia. Larval length and age at metamorphosis were 65 mm and 120 days, respectively. Survival was high (70%) during the extended larval stage. Weaning to an artificial diet was not complete until day 160. Metamorphosis juveniles displayed a low occurrence of pigmentation (20%) and eye migration abnormalities. Protocols for maintaining wild broodstock are being developed. Our preliminary observations allow us to conclude that the potential for commercial aquaculture of witch flounder is high, as larvae exhibit high survival and good growth in culture system.
(Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, ND, Canada, A1C 5S7)