Larval rearing of the grouper Epinephelus suillus under laboratory conditions

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</em> until Day 35. Artemia, at a density of 3 ml⁻¹, given once daily to larvae in 24 ppt seawater improved growth and survival.