Effect of Stocking Density on the Growth and Survival of Spotted Sand Bass Paralabrax maculatofasciatus Larvae in a Closed Recirculating System

Abstract

Abstract.— The effect on growth and survival of the initial stocking density (50, 100, 150, and 200 larvae/ L) in larval rearing of spotted sand bass was evaluated over 30 d in a closed recirculating system. Larvae were fed with rotifers, copepods, nauplii and adult Artemia, and spotted sand bass yolk‐sac larvae. Water quality was monitored daily. The notochordal or standard length of sampled larvae was measured by image analysis. Specific growth rates at each density were compared by covariance analysis. Survival was estimated from day 15 to the end of the experiment, when a resistance test was used to evaluate the juvenile quality among densities. At the end of the experiment, mean standard length of larvae at lower densities was significantly larger (P < 0.05) than at higher densities. Higher specific growth rates were found at lower densities. Significantly higher survival (P < 0.05) was recorded for the lowest density, but the highest number of harvested fish was obtained with the highest densities (150 and 200 larvae/L). The lowest density also showed the significantly (P < 0.05) higher survival after using a resistance test. We conclude the highest density can be used in larval rearing of spotted sand bass. However, better survival, growth, and seed quality are obtained at the lowest density. To recommend an optimal density for this specie, it is necessary to improve the water quality in the culture system and to make a cost‐benefit study.

Influence of stocking density and type of feed on the rearing of crucian carp, Carassius carassius (L.), larvae under controlled conditions

“…In most cases, the authors suggest the influence of social interactions, including cannibalism and changes in physicochemical characteristics of the water resulting from an excessively high density applied (e.g. King et al 2000;Alvarez-Gonzalez et al 2001;). Contrary to other authors, Daniels et al (1996), rearing the larvae of flounder Paralichthys lethostigma (Jordan and Gilbert) under laboratory conditions, showed that an increase in stocking density did not affect the rearing outcome.…”

“…In those studies, the decrements in growth rate and survival rates were found to be highly dependent on the stocking density (e.g. Alvarez-Gonzalez et al 2001;Kujawa 2004;. Preliminary studies indicate that the rearing of cyprinid fish larvae at densities reaching 400 individuals per l without a negative effect on their survival and condition is possible ).…”

Development and allometric growth patterns during early larval stages of the spotted sand bass <i>Paralabrax maculatofasciatus</i> (Percoidei: Serranidae)

“…Newly hatched larvae were placed in a closed recirculating system that has been described previously (Alvarez-González et al, 2001). Culture conditions were 25 ± 0.8°C, 35 ± 1 psu, 6.49 ± 0.15 mg/l dissolved oxygen, 12L:12D artificial photoperiod and light intensity of 500 lux at the water surface.…”

Use of Potato Starch in Diets of Tropical Gar (Atractosteus tropicus, Gill 1863) Larvae

“…Experimental diet manufacturing was performed using previously described protocols [23], according to formulations shown in Table 1. Macronutrient ingredients were weighed using a 2000 g capacity analytical balance, precision of 0.01 g (Ohaus mod.…”