Use of Formalin Treatments During Incubation of Eyed Eggs of Brown Trout


M.E. Barnes, W.A. Sayler, R.J. Cordes-2001

North American Journal of Aquaculture, 63(4): 333-337
Abstract:

To test the efficacy of formalin in controlling the fungus Saprolegnia, we administered daily formalin treatments (1,667 mg/L for 15 min) to embryos (eyed eggs to hatch) of brown trout Salmo trutta and compared their survival with that of untreated embryos. The study was conducted each year from 1996 to 1998. In all 3 years, embryo survival to hatch in both groups was greater than 90%. Survival to hatch was not significantly improved in the treated trays of eggs compared with the untreated trays, where dead eggs were manually removed for Saprolegnia control. Both formalin treatments and hand-picking of dead eggs adequately controlled visible fungal development. Although not essential for fungal control, formalin treatments on high-quality brown trout eggs from the eyed stage of embryo development through hatch are recommended to provide reductions in hatchery labor, but only if they can be administered safely.

(South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, McNenny State Fish Hatchery, Rural Route 1, Box 205, Spearfish, South Dakota 57783-8905, USA)


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