Growth and survival of milkfish (Chanos chanos), seabass (Lates calcarifer) and rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) larvae reared at the same density in different sized tanks

Abstract

Growth and survival of the larvae of milkfish (Chanos chanos), seabass (Lates calcarifer) and rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) in 40, 200 and 500 liter rearing tanks were evaluated at day 14. Milkfish larvae survived better (46%) in 500 l than in 200 l (7%) tanks. All larvae died on day 6 in the 40 l tanks. Growth was better in the 200 l tanks than in the 500 l tanks. The survival rate of the seabass larvae was significantly different in the 40 l (47%), 200 l (61%) and 500 l (75%) tanks, but growth was highest in the 40 l tanks. Rabbitfish larvae had the highest survival in 500 l tanks (7%) but the same growth in all tank sizes.

The optimum tank size may vary for different fish species. However, small containers are more convenient to use because they require less manpower, are easily manipulated and more cost- effective.