Pelagic larval traits of the amphidromous goby Sicyopterus lagocephalus display seasonal variations related to temperature in La Réunion Island

Amphidromous gobies represent a substantial part of freshwater fish diversity throughout islands of the Indo‐Pacific region. They display a marine pelagic phase during several months before recruiting in rivers. Understanding the relationship between larval traits and environmental conditions is a major challenge for the evaluation of a spatial scale of connectivity and populations’ dynamics, especially in a climate change context. In this study, the larval traits of Sicyopterus lagocephalus were examined and related to the sea surface temperature (SST), over three consecutive years in La Réunion Island (Mascarene archipelago). The pelagic larval duration (PLD, range from 96 to 293 days), the size‐at‐recruitment (range from 26.5 to 37 mm TL) and the larval growth rate (range from 0.112 to 0.293 mm·day^?1 TL) varied seasonally depending on hatching date. The larval growth rate was inversely correlated to the fluctuations of PLD and size. Larvae living in high sea water temperatures exhibited a faster growth, shorter PLDs and smaller sizes‐at‐recruitment than those living in cool water temperatures. The instantaneous daily growth was assessed by the study of otolith increment widths. The daily growth was not linear throughout larval life and was positively correlated to SST. We showed high amplitude of PLD periodic fluctuations (170.39 ± 43.75 days) related to temperature (12.8% PLD drop per degree), which could affect dispersal and induce intermittent connectivity between distant populations. This high plasticity of larval traits is likely to be advantageous to respond to the wide range of environmental conditions encountered throughout the species distribution range.     

Pelagic larval duration of three amphidromous Sicydiinae gobies (Teleostei: Gobioidei) including widespread and endemic species

Sicydiinae species have an amphidromous life cycle during which they undergo a pelagic larval phase allowing them to disperse through the ocean and to recruit in distant island rivers. Hypotheses for the differences observed in dispersal abilities between species include the variation in pelagic larval duration (PLD). However, the implication of the PLD as a proxy for explaining the dispersal ability of a species is not clear in the Sicydiinae subfamily. In this study, otolith microstructure of three Sicydiinae species was analysed. One of these species, Sicyopus zosterophorum, has a widespread distribution in the West Pacific area, whereas the other two species, Smilosicyopus chloe and Akihito vanuatu, are endemic to New Caledonia and to Vanuatu, respectively. Deposition of the daily growth increments on the otoliths of S. zosterophorum was validated using an alizarin complexone time marking technique. We estimated the PLD for the three species by counting the number of growth increments from the core to the metamorphosis check mark, and it was shorter than the one of previous studies on Sicydiinae species. The PLD of the widespread species, S. zosterophorum (54.6 ± 5.6 days), was similar to those of the endemic species, S. chloe (53.6 ± 5.7 days) and A. vanuatu (55.4 ± 7.5 days). Here, we show that in contrast to the most diverse Sicydiinae genus, Sicyopterus, the PLD could not explain endemism, and we must take into account other elements to explain the differences observed in the distribution range.     

Otolith development and daily increment formation in laboratory-reared larval and juvenile black-spot tuskfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Choerodon schoenleinii</Emphasis>

Microstructures of lapilli were examined for reared larvae and juveniles of black-spot tuskfish Choerodon schoenleinii. Lapilli of larvae at 1 day after hatching have one diffuse and obscure ring with an otolith radius of 4.3 ± 0.50 μm (mean ± SD, N = 8). The slope and intercept of the regression between the number of days after hatching and increment counts did not differ significantly from one and zero, respectively, indicating that lapillus increments were formed on a daily basis after hatching. There was an ontogenetic shift in the relative values of somatic and otolith growth, which corresponded to the transition from pelagic larvae to settlement stage. Simultaneously, the daily increment width reached the maximum value. These findings suggest that age at maximum value of increment width can be used as an indicator of the planktonic larval duration while settlement mark is not found. Since ontogenetic shift in the relationship between otolith radius and body size was observed, back-calculation of somatic growth in black-spot tuskfish using the otolith radius during the early life stages should be analyzed with caution, and the method requires further validation.     

Detection of full and limited amphidromous migratory dynamics of fish in Caribbean rivers

All native fishes living in the Caribbean island rivers are considered diadromous but few species have been validated as diadromous. In Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles) as well as in the other tropical islands, the riverine habitats are subject to strong anthropogenic pressure due to resource modifications or dams. The management of fish biodiversity requires knowledge concerning their life history traits and behaviour that are still unknown for most species at a local scale and at the whole distribution area of the species. In a Guadeloupe river, we inferred the migratory patterns of four freshwater fishes common to Caribbean rivers by the analysis of otolith microchemistry. We found two species Eleotris perniger (Eleotridae) and Sicydium plumieri (Gobiidae) to be completely amphidromous with a marine larval phase and a freshwater adult phase. Agonostomus monticola (Mugilidae) was also found to be amphidromous in this system. The fourth species Gobiesox cephalus (Gobiesocidae) showed elemental ratios suggesting an estuarine larval phase and was defined as “limited amphidromous”. The identification of such life history traits, with limited dispersion abilities, argues for specific management measures in tropical island rivers at a basin scale for the conservation of biodiversity.     

Immunostimulatory effects of dietary poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate in European sea bass postlarvae

The stable production of high‐quality fry in marine aquaculture is still hampered by unpredictable mortality caused by infectious diseases during larval rearing. Consequently, the development of new biocontrol agents is crucial for a viable aquaculture industry. The bacterial energy storage compound poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) has been shown to exhibit beneficial properties on aquatic organisms such as enhanced survival, growth, disease resistance and a controlling effect on the gastrointestinal microbiota. However, the effect of PHB on the developing immune system of fish larvae has so far not been investigated. In this study, the effect of feeding PHB‐enriched Artemia nauplii on survival, growth and immune response in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) postlarvae was examined. Amorphous PHB was administered to 28‐day‐old sea bass postlarvae over a period of 10 days. The survival and growth performance were monitored, and the expression of 29 genes involved in immunity, growth, metabolism and stress‐response was measured. While the expression of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 (igf1), an indicator of relative growth, was upregulated in response to feeding PHB, the larval survival and growth performance remained unaffected. After 10 days of PHB treatment, the expression of the antimicrobial peptides dicentracin (dic) and hepcidin (hep) as well as mhc class IIa and mhc class IIb was elevated in the PHB fed postlarvae. This indicates that PHB is capable of stimulating the immune system of fish early life stages, which may be the cause of the increased resistance to diseases and robustness observed in previous studies.     

Growth and immune response of giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man) postlarvae fed diets containing Chlorella vulgaris (Beijerinck)

A 50‐day growth trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Chlorella vulgaris (Beijerinck) as an ingredient in the diets of giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man) postlarvae (PL30). Immune response (total haemocyte count and prophenoloxidase activity) was also assessed by subjecting postlarvae to a challenge test against Aeromonas hydrophila (Chester) for 14 days. Iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐lipidic test diets were prepared using a fishmeal‐based‐positive control diet (D0) and four basal diets with inclusion levels of 2% (D2), 4% (D4), 6% (D6) and 8% (D8) C. vulgaris. Postlarvae of M. rosenbergii were randomly stocked (mean initial body weight of 0.19 ± 0.02 g) in 30‐L tanks in three replicates per dietary treatment for evaluation of growth performance. Another set of postlarvae (mean initial body weight of 1.25 ± 0.02 g) was randomly distributed in 95‐L tanks in three replicates per dietary treatment for the assessment of immune response. Results showed that specific growth rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in postlarvae fed D4 and D6. Variations in values for carcass protein, lipid, moisture and ash were also evident. Postlarvae fed diets with Chlorella showed increased prophenol oxidase activity and total haemocyte counts. Moreover, survival rate after challenge with A. hydrophila was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Inclusion of C. vulgaris in diets enhanced immune response and resistance of M. rosenbergii postlarvae against A. hydrophila infection.     

Otolith biochronologies as multidecadal indicators of body size anomalies in yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera)

Dendrochronology (tree‐ring analysis) techniques have been increasingly applied to generate biochronologies from the otolith growth‐increment widths of marine and freshwater fish species. These time series strongly relate to instrumental climate records and are presumed to reflect interannual variability in mean fish condition or size. However, the relationship of these otolith chronologies to fish somatic growth has not been well described. Here, this issue was addressed using yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera) in the eastern Bering Sea, for which a 43‐yr otolith chronology was developed from 47 otoliths and compared with body size for 6943 individuals collected in 1987, 1994, and 1999 through 2006. Among several metrics of size normalized for age and sex, average body mass index (defined as weight/length) had the strongest relationship to the otolith chronology, especially when the chronology was averaged over the 5 yr preceding fish capture date (R² = 0.88; P < 0.001). Overall, sample‐wide anomalies in otolith growth reflected sample‐wide anomalies in body size. These findings suggest that otolith chronologies could be used as proxies of body size in data‐poor regions or to hind‐cast somatic growth patterns prior to the start of fisheries sampling programs.     

Factors influencing recruitment of walleye and white bass to three distinct early ontogenetic stages

Determining the factors that influence recruitment to sequential ontogenetic stages is critical for understanding recruitment dynamics of fish and for effective management of sportfish, particularly in dynamic and unpredictable environments. We sampled walleye (Sander vitreus) and white bass (Morone chrysops) at 3 ontogenetic stages (age 0 during spring: ‘age‐0 larval’; age 0 during autumn: ‘age‐0 juvenile’; and age 1 during autumn: ‘age‐1 juvenile’) from 3 reservoirs. We developed multiple linear regression models to describe factors influencing age‐0 larval, age‐0 juvenile and age‐1 juvenile walleye and white bass abundance indices. Our models explained 40–80% (68 ± 9%; mean ± SE) and 71%–97% (81 ± 6%) of the variability in catch for walleye and white bass respectively. For walleye, gizzard shad were present in the candidate model sets for all three ontogenetic stages we assessed. For white bass, there was no unifying variable in all three stage‐specific candidate model sets, although walleye abundance was present in two of the three white bass candidate model sets. We were able to determine several factors affecting walleye and white bass year‐class strength at multiple ontogenetic stages; comprehensive analyses of factors influencing recruitment to multiple early ontogenetic stages are seemingly rare in the literature. Our models demonstrate the interdependency among early ontogenetic stages and the complexities involved with sportfish recruitment.     

Growth,survival and fatty acid composition of Rhamdia quelen (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) larvae fed on artificial diet alone or in combination with Artemia nauplii

Black catfish (Rhamdia quelen) is a species of interest for aquaculture in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding R. quelen larvae on either only an artificial diet or in combination with Artemia nauplii (AN) on larval performance and fatty acid composition. For 12 days, larvae were fed from first feeding (3 days after hatching, TL = 5.88 ± 0.23 mm) with artificial food only or a combination of artificial food and AN (co‐feeding). At the end of the trial, total length of co‐fed larvae was significantly higher than that of larvae fed solely artificial food (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in survival rates. Co‐feeding microdiet with a small amount of AN significantly affected larval fatty acid composition. Lipid and fatty acid composition of food and larvae revealed the importance of n‐3 fatty acids for growth of black catfish larvae and that, as most freshwater fish, R. quelen larvae can elongate and desaturate linolenic acid to n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. Results suggest that R. quelen larvae can be fed from first feeding on microdiets as unique food source, although better larval performances are obtained by co‐feeding with a small amount of AN.     

Putting the pieces together: Recent growth,nutritional condition,and mortality of Engraulis anchoita larvae in the Southwest Atlantic

Dynamics of clupeiform fish populations such as anchovy are frequently impacted by environmental variations which can affect the success of the species recruitment. Herein, we have analyzed recent otolith growth rate, RNA/DNA nutritional condition index (sRD), and mortality rate of argentine anchovy larvae Engraulis anchoita from three different nursery areas in the Southwest Atlantic. We have evaluated the relationship between the environmental variables (abundance of copepod nauplii, temperature, chlorophyll‐a concentration, and abundance of E. anchoita larvae) and larval endogenous variables (size, weight, age, and otolith radius) to sRD and recent growth rate. Fast larval growth rates were observed toward the northern sector of the studied area, characterized by higher temperature. High values of sRD were associated with higher nauplii abundance in the proximity of coastal fronts. The larvae with the lowest growths and lowest minimum values of nutritional condition coincided with the area where there was less abundance of nauplii and higher larval mortality. Larval size and nauplii abundance were positive explanatory factors for both recent growth rate and sRD index. Temperature had a positive effect on recent growth rate and a negative effect on sRD index. This condition index was poorly explained in terms of model fit in comparison with the growth model. The results herein provided could be significant to better understand the recruitment of the species, as to determining favorable areas for the growth and survival of anchovy larvae.     

Effect of the supplementation of live preys enriched in cod liver oil on the survival rate,growth and fatty acid profile of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) larvae

First‐feeding diets employed in the rearing of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) larvae are based on live preys that are commonly enriched to compensate for their deficiency of essential fatty acids. A feeding trial was conducted on meagre larvae (Argyrosomus regius) fed rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis) and Artemia salina enriched in lipids from an emulsion of cod liver oil (CLO) and a commercial product (CP). The effect of both enrichment products was evaluated on the survival rate, size and lipid composition of meagre larvae. The results showed that larvae fed CLO presented significant higher values of survival rate (35.0 ± 3.2%) and larval size (12.06 ± 1.17 mm) at the end of the experiment, compared to the CP diet (26.0 ± 2.5%, 11.41 ± 0.91 mm, respectively). Both zootechnical parameters were related to the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the larvae. Indeed, the larvae fed CLO presented a higher ratio DHA/EPA than those enriched in commercial product (0.82 ± 0.18 and 0.38 ± 0.12 at 26 days after hatching, respectively). Both larval groups presented similar body content of arachidonic acid (1.4 wt.% on average at 26 days after hatching), regardless the enrichment source. From all above, we can conclude that the enrichment of live preys with an emulsion of cod liver oil is an economically viable alternative to commercial products. Indeed, cod liver oil emulsions are able to fully meet the requirements for fatty acids of meagre larvae. Furthermore, cod liver oil is easily available from fish processing facilities.     

Interannual differences in larval haddock survival: hypothesis testing with a 3D biophysical model of Georges Bank

The ultimate goal of early life studies of fish over the past century has been to better understand recruitment variability. As evident in the Georges Bank haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) population, there is a strong relationship between recruitment success and processes occurring during the planktonic larval stage. This research sought new insights into the mechanisms controlling the recruitment process in fish populations using biological–physical modeling methods together with laboratory and field data sets. We created the first three‐dimensional model of larval haddock on Georges Bank by coupling models of hydrodynamics, lower trophic levels, a single copepod species, and larval haddock. Interactions between feeding, metabolism, growth, vertical behavior, advection, predation, and the physical environment of larval haddock were quantitatively investigated using the coupled models. Particularly, the model was used to compare survival over the larval period and the sources of mortality in 1995 and 1998, 2 years of disparate haddock recruitment. The results of model simulations suggest that the increased egg hatching rates and higher food availability, which reduced starvation and predation, in 1998 contributed to its larger year‐class. Additionally, the inclusion of temperature‐dependent predation rates produced model results that better agreed with observations of the mean hatch date of survivors. The results from this biophysical model imply that food limitation and its related losses to starvation and predation, especially from hatch to 7 mm, may be responsible for interannual variability in recruitment and larval survival outside of the years studied.     

Incubation rate and larvae size of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus Borodin 1897) in relation to sperm restripping

In this study, 11 wild male brood fish were used and their mean ages were 15.08 ± 1.66. The luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analogue (LH‐RH‐A₂) was used to stimulate twice in few days interval (3–7 days) and then semen samples were stripped. The results showed that there was significant difference among the percentage of motile spermatozoa, sperm density and spermatocrit during two strippings (P < 0.05). The duration of sperm motility in first and second stripping was 315/83 ± 162.16 and 212.5 ± 110.53 s respectively. Also, sperm pH was 8.41 ± 0.53 and 8.05 ± 0.33 in first and second stripping respectively. There was significant differences between hatching rate, as well as larvae size significantly changed in both hatching and initiation of active feeding (P < 0.05).     

Otolith size differences during early life of dwarf and cannibal Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus)

In Arctic and alpine lakes, Arctic char [Salvelinus alpinus (L.)] often form two distinct morphs: invertebrate feeders (‘dwarfs’) and piscivores (‘giant or cannibals’). Here, we test for early life history growth variation in dimorphic Arctic char as a proximate explanation for the observed life history variation between the two forms. Char were sampled in 11 alpine and Arctic Norwegian lakes. Dwarfs (defined as sexually mature char less than 15 cm long; N = 304) had a mean total length of 105 mm, whereas the typical cannibal (body length above 20 cm; N = 153) was 388 mm long. A positive correlation between egg size and otolith hatching ring were ascertained in a separate hatching experiment with brown trout (Salmo trutta) and it is assumed that this relationship also is valid for Arctic char, and otolith size was used as a proxy for length. Otolith hatching ring from Arctic char cannibals was larger (mean ± SD; 187 ± 24 μm) than those from dwarfs (mean ± SD; 164 ± 23 μm). There were only minor size differences between dwarfs and cannibals during the next three years, after which dwarfs usually matured. Two mutually nonexclusive, proximate explanations for the differentiation into separate morphs (dwarfs and cannibals) are therefore maternal effects and/or genetic based differentiation. The high catchability of large piscivorous char and low production in alpine and Arctic lake ecosystems may make these stocks particularly vulnerable to overexploitation.     

Is Guam a regional source,destination, or stepping‐stone for larvae of three fisheries species?

The pelagic larval duration (PLD) period of fish can influence dispersal, recruitment, and population connectivity, thereby potentially informing best strategies for fisheries management. Computer models were used to simulate the dispersal of larvae of three species, representing a range of PLDs, from the Pacific island of Guam and neighboring islands for a 9‐year period (2004–2012) to gain insight into the best management strategies for these species. The species included two springtime spawners with shorter and longer PLDs, scribbled rabbitfish (Siganus spinus; 33 days) and yellowfin goatfish (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus; ~90 days maximum), and a fall spawner with a similarly long PLD, bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis; ~94 days maximum). An ocean circulation model coupled with a particle dispersal model provided simulated numbers of larvae settling at each island in relation to the island where they were spawned. Graph analysis was used to examine generational connections between islands. For S. spinus, self‐seeding was the dominant means of replenishment at Guam. Local management actions to maintain adequate spawning stock may be a primary control on long‐term sustainability for that fishery. In contrast, N. unicornis and M. flavolineatus populations at Guam were reliant on outside sources for 92%–98% of larval supply. For them, identifying and negotiating the preservation of upstream spawning potential in the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia will be needed. Guam played a relatively minor role in generational connectivity across the region. Shortest paths spanning the region often did not pass through Guam, or there were equally short paths through other islands.     

Ontogenetic development of digestive tract and digestive enzymatic activities in Squaliobarbus curriculus larvae

Squaliobarbus curriculus is an economically important freshwater fish. The ontogenetic development of the digestive system of S. curriculus larvae was studied histologically and enzymatically from hatching to 30 days posthatching (DPH). Amylase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase and pepsin activities were detected from the hatching stage, indicating that these enzymes were genetically preprogrammed. Marked increases in intestinal amylase, trypsin and alkaline phosphatase activities between 10 and 20 DPH corresponded to feed acquisition and transformation. Larval development in S. curriculus could be divided into three phases: phase I (endotrophic period): 1–3 DPH; phase II (endo‐exotrophic period): 4–5 DPH; and phase III (exclusively exotrophic period): from 6 DPH onward. At hatching, the digestive tract of the larvae was an undifferentiated straight tube. On 3 DPH, the digestive tract differentiated into the mouth cavity, oesophagus and intestine. On 6 DPH, feeding was totally exotrophic and the yolk sac was completely exhausted. During the growth of S. curriculus larvae, the intestinal mucosa formed and the number of goblet cells and microvilli increased, demonstrating maturation of the digestive system. The study about the digestive development of S. curriculus larvae will contribute to better larval‐rearing strategies.     

Breeding and larval rearing of the camouflage grouper Epinephelus polyphekadion (Bleeker) in the hypersaline waters of the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia

This is the first report on the successful year-round natural spawning and larval rearing of Epinephelus polyphekadion (Bleeker) in captivity and under hypersaline water conditions of 42-43%₀ salinity in the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Although the fish spawned naturally once or twice a year during 1992-94 culture period, incorporation of cod-liver oil in the broodstock diet during the 1995 culture period enabled the fish to spawn continuously for 2-3 days in each month during March, April, May and August. The egg fertilization and hatching rates also increased during the 1995 spawning period. The egg fertilization rate varied from 90 to 100% with a mean of 96.5 ± 3.38%. The egg hatching rate varied from 70 to 95% with a mean of 83.1 ± 10.12%. The fertilized egg diameter averaged 757.3 ± 37.36 μm. There was a linear relation between the fertilized egg size and the egg hatching rate. The increase in the hatching rate relevant to the egg size was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The egg development time until hatching lasted for 19 h at 29°C. The newly hatched larval size ranged from 1.55-1.71 mm with a mean of 1.65 ± 0.052 mm in total length. The larval growth was slow in the early stages and the growth curve until metamorphosis showed a curvilinear pattern. Wide variations in larval size, range 22-47 mm with a mean of 33.40 ± 7.01 mm, were observed during the metamorphosis stage at day 50. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in growth and survival was observed between the larvae reared using white and grey coloured tanks. The larval survival up to metamorphosis was 1.6-4.7% with a mean of 2.98 ± 1.56% in the grey coloured tanks and 1.6-1.9% with a mean of 1.73 ± 0.16% in the white tanks. The results demonstrated the possibility of breeding E. polyphekadion under captive culture conditions. However, methods to improve the larval survival have to be pursued further for commercial farming of this species.     

Larval rearing of the giant Azorean barnacle,Megabalanus azoricus (Pilsbry, 1916): feeding trials,larval development and settlement on artificial substrata

A series of experiments were conducted to obtain an efficient larval rearing protocol for Megabalanus azoricus. The first part of this study investigates the effect of microalgae‐based diets on survival and larval development. Mono and mixed‐diets were tested at 20 ± 1°C, in a sequence of 11‐day feeding experiments. The second part presents a preliminary study on the influence of a biofilm on recruitment and use of oyster spat collectors in a mass rearing system. A photographic record of larval development and a brief reference to the diagnostic features that enable quick larval staging are also presented, along with morphometric measurements. Of the microalgae tested (Chaetoceros sp., Chloromonas sp., Dunaliella sp., T‐Isochrysis sp. and Skeletonema sp.) the mixed‐diet Skeletonema sp. with T‐Isocrysis sp. showed the highest survival percentages: total survival ranged from 79.7 to 85.7% and 69.7–80.0% of nauplii were in stage VI after 11 days of rearing. Cypris were also present, but only represented 5.3% of the survivors at most. In the mass rearing system juveniles were found settled in the collectors after 25 days, at 20 ± 1°C. However recruitment was less than 1%. Preliminary results showed no settlement preference towards collectors with biofilm. Nevertheless, this study provides the first record of M. azoricus settlement under laboratorial conditions and represent a starting point for future larval rearing studies.     

Soy protein concentrate as a substitute for fish meal in diets for juvenile Acanthopagrus schlegelii: effects on growth,phosphorus discharge and digestive enzyme activity

The current high demand and cost of fish meal (FM) necessities the evaluation of alternative plant protein ingredients in diets of farmed marine fish. A 56‐day feeding trial was performed to study the effects of replacement of FM with soy protein concentrate (SPC) in diets of Acanthopagrus schlegelii. Diets were prepared at levels of 0%, 30%, 47.5%, 65%, 82.5% and 100% SPC, respectively, replacing FM. The results indicated no significant differences (p > .05) in % weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate of fish fed S30% to S82.5% diets compared with the control diet while, further inclusion at 100% significantly depressed growth performance. SPC inclusion and phytase supplementation significantly affected the phosphorous discharge (P‐load) showing lowest value (3.83 ± 0.53 g/kg WG) in S100% compared to control (14.79 ± 0.37 g/kg WG) and in fish fed S30% diet (13.24 ± 0.89 g/kg WG) (p < .05). The results of this study showed that FM could be substituted up to 82.5% by SPC in the diet of Acanthopagrus schlegelii fingerlings (5.53 ± 0.12 g) without any adverse effects. Phytase supplementation SPC based diets could be effective in reducing the phosphorus load in the aquatic culture environment.     

The effects of salinity on reproductive development and egg and larvae survival in the spotted scat Scatophagus argus under controlled conditions

In the present study, we report the first successful instance of controlled reproduction in Scatophagus argus, which has recently emerged as a new aquaculture resource. The controlled reproduction process for S. argus was optimized with regard to salinity acclimation. Gonadal maturation was affected by salinity in both sexes. Levels of plasma 17β‐estradiol (E₂) and 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐kT) were salinity dependent and increased significantly with the duration of acclimation. Plasma levels of gonadal steroids were higher in fish held at 25‰ salinity. The highest gonadosomatic indices (GSI), 15.1 ± 1.6 in the female and 6.4 ± 1.2 in the male, were also observed at 25‰ salinity. Nevertheless, the optimal salinity for S. argus embryonic development and larval culture was 15‰. Thus, the salinity requirement for gonadal maturation and early development are quite different. The use of advanced reproductive technologies combining salinity acclimation and stimulation of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analog (LHRH‐A₂) resulted in a fertilization rate of 83.2%–91.3% and embryonic survival rates of over 90%. Embryos of S. argus at the 2‐cell, blastula, gastrula and pharyngula stages were observed. Most embryos hatched after 21.0 hr of incubation at 28.0 ± 1.0°C. The development of larvae into juveniles was completed at 40–45 days posthatch (dph). In this study, we provide information about the controlled reproduction of S. argus and identify the optimal environmental parameters for S. argus embryonic and larval culture, with the aim of developing reliable reproductive techniques for its mass production.