Influence of the larval rearing technique on morphological and productive traits of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)
Journal
of Applied Ichthyology, 17(5), 244-246
Abstract:
The productive performances and morphological traits
of 60 000 Dicentrarchus labrax L. weighing 2.4 ± 0.6 g
and obtained from intensive rearing were compared with 60 000 sea bass
of the same age (110-day-old) weighing 2.1 ± 0.7 g obtained
from a fish farm using the mesocosm technique during the larval phase. The
trial lasted throughout the fattening period until harvest. Fish from the
mesocosm system (SB-II) had a better final survival rate (69%) in comparison
to those obtained from the intensive larval system (64.2%) (SB-I). No
significant differences emerged between the two groups concerning the
specific growth rate (SGR) or the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Although the
weights were the same as the SB-I group, the final total length result was
higher in the SB-II group (P < 0.0001). As for the other
morphological traits, the standard length was significantly higher in the
SB-II fish, while the maximum body depth showed similar values in the two
batches. The greatest abdominal circumference was recorded in SB-I fish.
(Centro Universitario di Ricerca e Didattica in Acquacoltura e Maricoltura, University of Camerino, San Benedetto del Tronto (AP), Italy)