Effects of delayed first feeding on the survival and growth of tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskal, 1775), larvae.

摘要

The effects of delayed first feeding on the survival and growth of tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskal 1775), larvae were examined under controlled conditions. The total length, yolk sac volume, oil globule volume, yolk sac absorption time and nutritional transition period (NTP) of the larvae fed at different first times (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24h after the mouth opening stage; h AMO) were compared. Larval first feed intake was observed at 54h after hatching (h AH) at 27.5+or-0.5 degrees C. The yolk sac was consumed more rapidly with an increase in delayed first feeding and was significantly different among treatments (P<0.05). Larvae first fed at 0h AMO had the longest yolk sac absorption (72 h AH) and NTP (20 h) times and had the highest survival and growth rates at the end of the experimental period (360 h AH), being significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other treatments. First mortality was observed at 69 h AH, approximately 2h after point of no return (PNR) occurred. This study suggests that first feeding of tiger grouper larvae should commence at 0h AMO for enhancement of larval survival and growth.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.2011.02839.x