Larval rearing of the grouper Epinephelus suillus under laboratory conditions

doi:10.1016/S0044-8486(96)01467-6

Aquaculture

Volume 150, Issues 1–2, 15 April 1997, Pages 63-76

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0044-8486(96)01467-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

A protocol for rearing orange-spotted rockcod, Epinephelus suillus in the hatchery is described. The feeding regime consisted of Chlorella, Brachionus, Artemia and minced fish. With this regime, survival rates at Day 24 were 19.8% in 3-ton tanks and only 7.4% in 0.5-ton tanks. From an initial length of 1.62 mm on Day 0, larvae grew to 10.94 mm on Day 24 and 51.4–65.1 mm on Day 60. Larval growth and survival rate were improved when larvae were fed screened (less than 90 μm) Brachionus during the first 2 weeks. Survival was even better among larvae fed Brachionus until Day 35. Artemia, at a density of 3 ml⁻¹, given once daily to larvae in 24 ppt seawater improved growth and survival.

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Cited by (56)

NextGen molecular barcoding of larval grouper diet in an extensive green-water pond system
2021, Aquaculture
Citation Excerpt :
Visual inspection prior to daily feeding confirmed their presence, and indicates that they are not highly ingested by larval grouper before 12 dph. Artemia nauplii are often too large for small mouthed marine fish (Léger et al., 1987), and are used as a larval feed for grouper starting from 15 to 20 dph (Watanabe et al., 1996; Duray et al., 1997). Rotifers, on the other hand, are commonly used as early feeds for grouper (Rimmer, 2000; Ma et al., 2013) despite their nutritional profile being less desirable (Dhont et al., 2013).
Molecular barcoding and next generation amplicon sequencing were used to investigate the diet of the larvae of two species: tiger (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) and hybrid (E. lanceolatus × E. fuscoguttatus) grouper. Larvae were reared in open green-water ponds. These ponds had natural populations of wild zooplankton, and were also seeded with additional zooplankton. Zooplankton from water samples and larvae were collected daily for the first 12 days post hatch (dph) for hybrid grouper and the first 6 dph for tiger grouper. Next generation (NextGen) sequencing with degenerate cytochrome oxidase 1 oligonucleotide primers was performed on all samples. Resulting sequences suggest that both grouper species predated heavily on calanoid copepods – especially at first feeding and while still drawing energy from endogenous supplies. In addition, tiger grouper consumed mussel trochophores as a first feed. Grouper larvae diversified their diets at 6 dph and hybrid grouper were found to be consuming an unidentified insect as their primary food source from this point. Diets further diversified at 10 dph and the first substantial representation of ‘traditional’ aquaculture live feed was seen at 12 dph with the appearance of Artemia. Rotifers (Brachionus spp.) were consumed at a low level by tiger grouper larvae and at a negligible level by hybrid grouper despite daily addition to the pond systems. This study confirms that within the first 12 dph calanoid copepods are the key prey zooplankton for grouper larvae, and demonstrates that NextGen sequencing is a powerful tool for diet assessment in aquaculture.
Fish tank color: An overview
2021, Aquaculture
Citation Excerpt :
Tank size has been demonstrated to influence fish behavior (Magellan et al., 2012), and performance characteristics of brood animals (Ostrowski and Laidley, 2001), larvae, fingerling, and growing fish. For example, larger tanks (120 L versus 60 L) returned better feeding performance, growth, and survival in larvae of sergeant major, Abudefduf saxatilis, (Wittenrich et al., 2012) and grouper Epinephalus suillus, larvae held in 3000 L versus 500 L tanks (Duray et al., 1997). However, no differences were observed in survival of growth performance of tilapia fry held in 2.5 or 5.0 L tanks (Gall and Bakar, 1999), while Harder and Summerfelt (1996) reported superior growth of walleye Stizostedion vitreum, fingerlings in smaller tanks (625 L versus 1133 L).
Tanks offer significant flexibility for aquaculture production. When in an optimally operated water reuse configuration, they enable farming of most, if not all species of fish, in geographically mismatched regions, with escapees becoming less consequential. Runoff of used water too can be more readily controlled, and wastes and by-products more easily handled and remediated. Tank-based aquaculture, therefore, augments the sector's environmental compatibility. Another potential benefit of tanks is that they can be manufactured in a wide variety of colors. Most commercial facilities, however, employ a limited palette; most often accepting green, blue and black. Many studies though, indicate that certain species perform better, in terms of growth and feed conversion, when maintained in alternative colored tanks. Different tank colors also impact larval survival, animal health, apparent levels of stress and even level of aggression. Body color too is strongly influenced by background color and this has significance to consumers of food species that are sold skin-on whole/gutted, and the value of ornamentals. The present contribution reviews the effects that tank color may have on various physiological control and behavioral processes in larval and post-larval fishes.
Hybrid grouper in Vietnamese aquaculture: Production approaches and profitability of a promising new crop
2020, Aquaculture
Citation Excerpt :
High prices and low availability limited the use of pellet feed at this time, but this may be an area of rapid change if pellet feed prices drop. Larval rearing is the final key constraint: survival of all grouper species in nurseries is low when compared with other finfish (Duray et al., 1996, 1997; Glamuzina et al., 1998). This is primarily seen in the very early larval stages and has been noted for many species of grouper (Watanabe et al., 1996; Kohno et al., 1997; Glamuzina et al., 1998; Toledo et al., 1999; Marino et al., 2000; Sugama et al., 2001; Ma et al., 2013).
Grouper aquaculture is a rapidly growing and dynamic industry within Vietnamese aquaculture and an important source of local employment and income generation. Information on the state of current production practices and profitability for specific crops across different geographic locations and stages of production is difficult to obtain. This research contributes to wider efforts to address this knowledge gap by providing indicative findings on current market characteristics, production practice, and profitability of a ‘new’ aquaculture crop in Vietnam: Hybrid grouper (E. lanceolatus X E. fuscoguttatus). Participants in the study identified Hybrid grouper as the most important crop for grow out farms and the second most important crop for nursery farms due to strong market demand and sales prices, fast growth rate, and higher survival compared to other grouper crops. Research utilised a survey of 12 grouper farms in the Northern (Hai Phong) and Central (Khanh Hoa) provinces of Vietnam in mid-2018 to determine indicative financial production characteristics and gross margins (annual net sales revenue minus cost of goods sold) of nursery, cage, and pond enterprises that currently culture Hybrid grouper. Farmers indicated that the Hybrid grouper industry was segmented into three distinct phases of production: spawning, larval rearing and grow out. Few grouper farmers specialise in more than one area. Farmers in both study regions reported that Hybrid grouper were desirable due to the strong market demand and high sale prices, fast growth rate, and higher survival compared to other grouper crops. Farms had different economic characteristics between region and type, major differences were seen in the species cultured, number of people employed and age of farms. All farms interviewed generated annual net sales revenue exceeded the cost of goods sold. Earthen pond farms in Central Vietnam generated a median gross margin of US$ 8741 per year, Central region nurseries US$ 8059, and Northern Sea cage farms US$ 4562. Relative importance, calculated by contribution to total farm income, indicated that Hybrid grouper is the most important crop for grow out farms in both regions and second most important for nursery farms. Central region grow out farms generate higher gross margins than Northern Sea cage farms, which is a result of Central region grouper growing faster, having higher survival rates, and selling for more per kg than those grown out in the Northern region. The main changes to the industry since 2010 have been the introduction of Hybrid grouper as a new crop, the increase in average grouper sale price, and the move to full life-cycle aquaculture. Average sale price for grouper has increased from US$ 7.7–9.6/kg (adjusted to 2019 US$) to US$ 9–15/kg. The findings indicate that the most significant constraints to the growth and diversification of the grouper aquaculture industry in Vietnam are the limited availability of Hybrid fingerlings due to difficulties in larval rearing, and increases in feed costs due to a lack of domestic feed suppliers. Notwithstanding these constraints, the higher gross margins of Hybrid grouper relative to other financially viable grouper crops suggests continued, albeit moderated, growth of grouper aquaculture in Vietnam.
Captive broodstock development, breeding and seed production of Anthid fish (family: Serranidae) Marcia's anthias, Pseudanthias marcia in recirculation aquaculture system (RAS)
2018, Aquaculture
Citation Excerpt :
The floating egg of P. marcia measured 617.9 ± 14.9 μ which was found to be lower than the egg size of dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus which is considered to have smallest egg size (846.68 ± 41 μ) among all the groupers (Glamuzina et al., 1998). Egg size reported from different species of grouper ranged from 700 to 940 μ (Doi et al., 1991; Duray et al., 1996, 1997; Glamuzina et al., 1998, 2000; Hussain and Higuchi, 1980; Jagadis et al., 2006; Leu et al., 2005; Lim, 1993; Rasem et al., 1997; Ukawa et al., 1966; Yoseda et al., 2006). Similarly, the average size of P. marcia hatchling was also found to be smaller 1206.6 ± 100.02 μ than that reported for groupers (1.4–1.98 mm in groupers).
Marcia's anthias, Pseudanthias marcia Randall and Hoover, 1993, belonging to the subfamily Anthiinae (family: Serranidae) is a highly sought after marine ornamental fish mainly due to its vibrant pink shade. The present study reports the first successful captive brood stock development, spawning, and larval rearing of P. marcia. Brood stock was developed in a 5-ton recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) using 12 wild caught juveniles. After 6 months of rearing, the fish (8–9.5 cm size) started courtship behavior. Spawning occurred at 1900 to 2100 h. The eggs (mean size - 617.9 ± 14.9 μ) were transparent, pelagic, non-adhesive and with single oil globule. The eggs hatched out after an incubation period of about 14–16 h at a water temperature of 29 °C. Newly hatched larvae measured 1206.6 ± 100.02 μ in total average length and increased to 1852.9 ± 24.68 μ at 48 h post hatch (ph). Mouth opened at 48–50 h post hatch (ph) and measured 76 to 80 μ. Larval rearing trials were conducted using rotifer (L and S type), wild zooplankton, copepod nauplii, artemia nauplii and microparticulate diet. Primordial fin development started by the 10th day post-hatching (dph) (larval size ~2.9 mm) while the opercular and dorsal spines were fully formed by 15 dph (total length of the larva was 4.4 mm). Larvae metamorphosed to miniature adult shape by 32–34 dph and on 50 dph they reached the pink colored juvenile stage (42–43 mm) and at this stage, they were transferred to nursery rearing tank. Four treatments with different feed combination were tried and treatment III with wild copepod gave an average survival of 5.2 ± 1.07% and treatment IV with Parvocalanus crassirostris gave an average survival of 7.3 (±2.51) %.
Nutritional evaluation of mysids Mesopodopsis orientalis (Crustacea:Mysida) as live food for grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus larvae
2010, Aquaculture
The potential of mysids Mesopodopsis orientalis as live food source for grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus larvae was investigated. In comparison with Artemia biomass, a common live food source in larviculture, mysids contained significantly higher levels of protein, total lipid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C₂₀:5n−3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C₂₂:6n−3). DHA was not detected in Artemia biomass. Grouper larvae fed mysids from 35 to 55 days after hatching (DAH) had 2-fold and 3-fold higher specific growth rates and survival, respectively, than those fed Artemia biomass. DHA levels increased 6-fold while EPA levels remained constant in mysid-fed grouper larvae. In contrast, DHA and EPA significantly decreased in Artemia biomass-fed grouper larvae. Furthermore, the specific activities of amylase, lipase and protease generally significantly increased (P < 0.05) in both mysid-fed and Artemia biomass-fed grouper larvae from 35 to 55DAH. A marked increase in the specific activity of amylase was seen in mysid-fed than in Artemia biomass-fed grouper larvae. Results of the nutritional evaluation suggest that mysids are superior live food organisms than Artemia biomass for grouper larvae and could significantly improve production of grouper juveniles in the nursery phase.
The Bioeconomic Analysis of Hybrid Giant Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus) and Green Grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus): A Case Study in Taiwan
2023, Fishes

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Abstract

References (29)

Improved larval survival at metamorphosis of Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) using W₃ HUFA-enriched live food

Aquaculture

Effect of background color and rotifer density on rotifer intake, growth and survival of the grouper larvae

Aquaculture

Digestibility in milkfish, Chanos chanos, (Forsskal): Effects of protein source, fish size and salinity

Aquaculture

Substances essential for metamorphosis of fish larvae extracted from Artemia

Aquaculture

Year-round spawning and seed production of the rabbitfish, Siganus guttatus

Aquaculture

Effects of feeding frequency on metabolism of juvenile walleye

Aquacult. Eng.

Effects of salinity and water temperature on the survival and growth of brown-spotted grouper larvae

J. World Maricult. Soc.

Effect of different food levels on the growth and survival of laboratory-reared sea-bass larvae (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

The effects of HUFA- and Vitamin C-enriched rotifers on larval growth and survival of grouper (Epinephelus suillus)

Artificial propagation of the grouper, Epinephelus suillus at the marine finfish hatchery in Tg

Biological evaluation of three phytoplankton species (Chlorella sp., Tetraselmis sp., Isochrysis galbana) and two Zooplankton species (Crassostrea iredelei, Brachionus plicatilis) as food for the first feeding Siganus guttatus larvae

Philipp. Sci.

Daily rates of ingestion on rotifers and Artemia nauplii by laboratory-reared grouper larvae, Epinephelus suillus

Philipp. Sci.

Optimum stocking density and tank size for larval rearing of the grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Nutritional quality of Artemia from different localities as a living feed for marine fish from the viewpoint of essential fatty acids

Cited by (56)

NextGen molecular barcoding of larval grouper diet in an extensive green-water pond system

Fish tank color: An overview

Hybrid grouper in Vietnamese aquaculture: Production approaches and profitability of a promising new crop

Captive broodstock development, breeding and seed production of Anthid fish (family: Serranidae) Marcia's anthias, Pseudanthias marcia in recirculation aquaculture system (RAS)

Nutritional evaluation of mysids Mesopodopsis orientalis (Crustacea:Mysida) as live food for grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus larvae

The Bioeconomic Analysis of Hybrid Giant Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus) and Green Grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus): A Case Study in Taiwan