Effect of thyroxine on growth and development in post-yolk-sac larvae of milkfish, Chanos chanos

Abstract

Post-yolk-sac larvae of milkfish, Chanos chanos (commonly referred to as “fry”) were collected along the shore in the Philippines. Treatment of these long, slender and transparent larvae with L-thyroxine-sodium (Eltroxin, Glaxo) by immersion in 0.5 ppm solution (changed daily) markedly accelerated their growth and development. By day 15 of the treatment, the treated larvae had become silvery, opaque and adult-like in form, whereas the control larvae were still slender and transparent (or at best translucent) with incomplete silvering of the body. 0.1 ppm thyroxine was less effective. Discontinuation of the treatment after 8 days was also less effective as judged by the appearance and weight of the larvae on day 15.