Survivorship and growth
rates of hatchery-reared sea urchins
M.S.
Kelly-2002
Aquaculture
International, 10(4):
309-316
Abstract:
The survivorship and growth rates of juvenile,
hatchery reared Psammechinus miliaris (Gmelin) were observed for
sea urchins fed different diets, and maintained at varying stocking
densities and locations (tank or sea-based). In addition survivorship and
growth of second generation hatchery stock was also recorded. Somatic growth
rates of juvenile urchins (initial test diameter 6.5 mm SD 1.26) were
measured over 9 months. A high lipid, high protein diet supported higher
somatic growth of urchins in this size range. Higher stocking densities (4
individuals l-1 as opposed to 2 individuals l-1)
adversely affected growth as did location (sea-based urchins being smaller
than tank based) although survivorship in all treatments and in both first
and second generations was exceptionally high. Further research is required
to design diets promoting somatic rather than gonadal growth in urchins
below market size.
(Scottish
Association for Marine Science, Oban, PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK, e-mail: mke@dml.ac.uk)