Effects of stocking density, temperature, and salinity on larval survival and growth of the red race of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka)

Abstract

The red race of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus was introduced into China from Japan for large-scale seed production because of its economic value. This paper reports the effects of stocking density, temperature, and salinity on survival and growth of early larvae before and after feeding, in order to establish conditions for optimal larval growth and production. To maximize the yield per unit of space, densities of 0.5-1 larvae/ml are recommended for non-feeding larvae, while 0.1-0.2 larvae/ml are best for feeding larvae. Higher survival and growth values were obtained for both non-feeding and feeding larvae at temperature ranges from 21 to 24°C. Larvae reared at a salinity of 30% always showed maximum growth and survival. Based on results of this study, a temperature range from 21 to 24°C and a salinity of 30 are considered optimal for early development of the red A. japonicus.

A Review of Sea Cucumber Aquaculture, Ranching, and Stock Enhancement in China

“…If the amplitude of temperature fluctuations is approximately §2 C between 15-18 C, this temperature variation will maintain sea cucumbers at the highest growth rate (Yang et al, 2005). The optimum temperature for a juvenile nursery is 23-27 C or 21-24 C (Yang et al, 2005;Li and Li, 2010). The juveniles become torpid and suffer a high mortality rate when the temperature is below 21 C or above 30 C (Yu et al, 2010).…”

“…Sea cucumbers (A. japonicus) tolerate chronic salinity fluctuations at a range of 22-36 and grow better between 27 and 31.5, but decrease at higher or lower salinity (Yuan et al, 2010). The larvae of sea cucumber (A. japonicus) showed maximum growth and survival rate at salinity 30 (Li and Li, 2010).…”

Growth performance of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra and the seaweed Eucheuma denticulatum: integrated mariculture and effects on sediment organic characteristics

“…Stocking density is one of the major factors that influence sea cucumber growth rates both in ponds and sea pens (Battaglene et al 1999, Lavitra et al 2010, Li & Qi 2010, Hannah et al 2013). At medium size, H. scabra has been observed to grow at an average rate of 0.5 cm mo , Agudo 2006).…”

“…The burrowing activity of H. scabra re-suspends organic matter and nutrients that can be utilized and assimilated by seaweeds, which are primary producers in the system. The optimization of seaweed-sea cucumber integrated systems requires establishment of stocking densities that can yield optimum growth of culture species and best utilise potential nutrient flow synergies between species (Agudo 2006, Li & Qi 2010. Following the design of a previous study that integrated K. striatum and H. scabra in Zanzibar (Beltran-Gutierrez et al 2014), the current study extends research knowledge to the use of Eucheuma denticulatum, a much more widespread seaweed species in Zanzibar and apparently more resistant to environmental conditions than Kappaphycus (Hayashi et al 2010, Msuya 2011b, Msuya & Porter 2014.…”

Biological activities and biomedical potential of sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus): a review

“…It is one of the highest commercially valuable species as seafood, and based on its color, it is divided into three groups such as red, green, and black. The color variation affects the price and taste of the sea cucumber products; the red sea cucumber is more expensive than the green or black one (Li and Li 2010). The body wall of the sea cucumber is a major edible part and consists mainly of collagen and mucopolysaccharides (Duan et al 2010).…”