This study aimed to estimate the survival rate and growth performance of Snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) larvae at various salinity levels: 25‰, 33‰, 39‰, and 42‰. The experiments were conducted in triplicate, each with 1000 larvae per tank. The control group was maintained at a salinity level of 42‰ and a temperature range of 28.3°C–31.0°C. Eighteen hours post-hatching, larvae were transferred directly to different salinities (25‰, 33‰, 39‰, and 42‰), and their survival rate and growth performance were monitored. The results indicated that the optimal salinity for larval survival ranged from 33‰ to 39‰, with 100% mortality observed within 4 days post-hatching (dph) at a salinity level of 42‰. While growth performance did not significantly differ among the experimental groups, there was a notable difference in the control group. After 21 days, stronger cannibalism was observed in the 25‰ groups compared to the other groups. In conclusion, this study suggests that pompano larviculture is feasible within salinity ranges of 33‰–39‰.
References
Young, B. C. and A. A. Shaikhi. 2022. Sustainability estimates of coastline fish hatcheries in Saudi Arabia. North American Journal of Aquaculture 84:442–446.
Young, B. C., R. H. Alfaggeh and I. AlMoutiri. 2021. Larviculture of Snubnose Pompano Trachinotus blochii under conditions of high salinity. North American Journal of Aquaculture 83:38–40.