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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank to Mr. Hang Xu from Yongshun Hatchery in Rongcheng City for assistance in the experiment. This study was supported by grants from Scientific and Technical Supporting Program (2006BAD09A01) and the Chinese Ministry of Education (707041).

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  1. Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, China

    Li Li & Qi Li

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Correspondence to Qi Li.

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Li, L., Li, Q. Effects of stocking density, temperature, and salinity on larval survival and growth of the red race of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka). Aquacult Int 18, 447–460 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-009-9256-4

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