Optimization of stocking density for the sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus Selenka, under feed-supplement and non-feed-supplement regimes in pond culture

Abstract

Optimal stocking densities were investigated for the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus Selenka under feed-supplement and non-feed-supplement regimes in net enclosures for 333 d. Substantial weight loss occurred during the aestivation phase (AE). Decreased growth rates were also observed during the winter phase (WT). In contrast, sea cucumbers showed rapid growth during the spring (SP) and autumn (AU) phases. Feeding regimes considerably influenced the growth performance, i.e., sea cucumbers grew faster under feed-supplement regime than under non-feed-supplement regime (P < 0.05). The average survival rates of sea cucumbers under feed-supplement regime were higher than those under non-feed-supplement regime for both the autumn phase and spring phase, but the differences were only significant for the latter phase (P < 0.05). The fitted B-N curves showed that the optimal stocking densities, in terms of net production, were 22.3 ind. m -2 for feed-supplement regime and 14.1 ind. m -2 for non-feed-supplement regime.

Evaluation of the growth and survival rate of the Caribbean Sea cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus (Selenka, 1867), early juveniles produced in captivity

“…Highly variable SR ranges were obtained in early H. scabra juveniles depending on juvenile size (52–100%) and density (5.9–15.7%) being greater in larger individuals and at lower densities (Battaglene et al, ). These results indicate that, for I. badionotus juveniles, survival could be affected by size but also evidence that size does not have as drastic an effect as that reported for other species, even after culture system and densities were changed, which can also be attributed to the fact that the natural food sources used in this study were good enough for these early juvenile stages and that the initial and final densities over trial periods were below the range that could become limiting (Battaglene, ; Qin et al, ; Ramofafia, ).…”

Effect of stocking density on key growth traits of a fast-growing and heat-resistant strain of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)

“…During industrialized stocking, SGR, DCV, DSD and SR are important indicators that affect the yields of A. japonicus. Qin et al (2009) analysed and described the relationships among weight, density and yield of A. japonicus using B-N and M-N models and determined the best stocking density for A. japonicus in pond culture. However, the effects of density and growth traits are interactive and their effect on yield changes over time.…”

“…In high‐density regimes, sea cucumbers become food limited, which in turn affects growth (Slater & Carton ). Qin, Dong, Tan, Tian, Wang, Dong and Gao () argued that density rarely affected the survival of sea cucumber, but that increases in density are negatively correlated with growth rate. Liang, Dong, Gao, Wang and Tian () and Pei, Dong, Wang, Tian and Gao () compared variation in growth between A. japonicus that were reared in groups or alone.…”

Individual variation in growth in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenck) housed individually

“…The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) is one of the most commercially important mariculture species in northern China in recent years (Chen, 2004;Dong et al, 2007;Qin et al, 2009). However, it is found that individual growth variation of this species is exceptionally great in both nature and culture practice.…”