First feeding of
burbot, Lota lota (Gadidae, Teleostei) larvae under different
temperature and light conditions
A. Shiri Harzevili, I. Dooremont, I. Vught, J. Auwerx,
P. Quataert, D. De Charleroy-2004
Aquaculture
Research, 35(1):
49-55
Abstract:
The burbot (Lota lota) is the only
fresh water member of the cod family, Gadidae, and is adapted to cold
waters. The effects of temperature and light on the growth and survival of
burbot larvae were investigated under hatchery conditions. Three temperature
regimes (12, 16 and 20°C) were applied under continuous light and darkness
during the experiment. Rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus (L.) were fed
to the larvae in the first 10 days and the diet was then replaced with Artemia
nauplii. At the end of the feeding stage with rotifer, growth in terms of
the total length and wet weight were larger at higher temperatures under
continuous light. At day 10, survival rates of the fish held at 12°C under
continuous light and darkness regime were higher than those held at 16°C
and 20°C kept under the same conditions. From day 10 onwards, larval growth
improved remarkably after changing the live food from rotifer to Artemia
in all treatments. At the end of the study, the highest survival rate was
recorded among the larvae held at 12°C exposed to continuous light. Under
light condition, the temperature of 20°C did not result in an improved
larval growth compared with 16°C. This may indicate that high temperature
and continuous light are not beneficial for larval growth and survival when
they reach older stage of development. The results indicate a significant
interaction for the combination of temperature, light and time with respect
to survival and wet weight, making unambiguous interpretation of the main
effects difficult.
(Fish Culture Centre, Institute for
Forestry and Game Management, Ministry of the Flemish Community, Dwersbos
28, 1630 Linkebeek, Belgium. E-mail: Alireza.ShiriHarzevili@lin.vlaanderen.be)