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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #179273
Title: TOLERANCE OF EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF FLORIDA POMPANO TRACHINOTUS CAROLINUS TO COPPER SULFATE ADDITION

Author
item Weirich, Charles
item RILEY, KENNETH - HBOI

Submitted to: Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2004
Publication Date: 2/1/2005
Citation: Weirich, C.R., Riley, K. 2005. Tolerance of early developmental stages of Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus to copper sulfate addition [abstract]. Book of Abstracts, Aquaculture America. p. 485.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Copper sulfate (CuSO4) is used as a source of copper ion (Cu**+2) for the prevention and treatment of marine fish diseases caused by protozoan parasites such as Amyloodinium ocellatum. Culturists typically add granular or liquid copper sulfate formulations to achieve 0.2-0.4 mg Cu**+2/ml. While highly effective in reducing disease incidence, little is known regarding the effect of copper sulfate on early developmental stages of marine finfish. To address this issue, experimental trials were conducted to determine the tolerance of eggs and larvae of Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus to various concentrations of free Cu**+2. Trials were conducted using 1.0-L glass jars filled with 500 ml sterilized seawater (temperature = 24 C; salinity = 35.0 g/L). A control (0 mg/L Cu**+2) and five nominal Cu**+2 concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L), achieved via addition of a stock solution of liquid copper sulfate, existed in each trial at four replicates/treatment level. Fertilized eggs and larvae (1 d post-hatch; DPH), produced on-site, were stocked at 100 individuals/jar. Advanced larvae (10 DPH) were stocked at 10 individuals/jar. Percent hatch of eggs and percent larval survival were determined after 24-h exposure. Results (see table below) indicate that Cu**+2 concentrations within the range employed during routine treatment are highly detrimental to eggs and newly-hatched larvae. However, findings suggest that tolerance to Cu**+2 increases substantially as larvae develop. Additional results of ongoing trials involving pre and post-metamorphic larvae (20 and 30 DPH, respectively) will be presented.