The effect of irradiance on
the survival and growth of abalone postlarvae Haliotis fulgens fed Navicula
incerta
R. Searcy-Bernal, C. Anguiano-Beltrán, A.
Esparza-Hernández-2003
Aquaculture, 228(1-4): 237-248
Abstract:
Survival and growth of Haliotis fulgens
postlarvae (11 days old) were evaluated at four irradiance levels: 6, 24, 47
and 75 microensteins m-2 s-1 (µE). Experimental
vessels were 1-l containers supplied with aeration and seawater flow. Four
replicates per treatment were considered. Postlarvae were fed Navicula
incerta, a cultured benthic diatom. Survival and growth rates were
evaluated for 28 days. Shells were counted to determine mortality and shell
size was determined by digital analysis of video recorded images. The
highest survival (89.4% after 28 days) and growth rates (37.1 µm day-1)
were found at 6 µE, whereas the lowest survival (3.5%) and growth rates
(21.1 µm day-1) occurred at 47 µE. These results suggest that
light conditions may have a dramatic effect on the success of abalone
poslarval culture.
(Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas,
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Apartado Postal 453, Ensenada,
B.C. 22860, Mexico, e-mail: rsearcy@uabc.mx)