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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #181020
Title: FLORIDA POMPANO: INDUCED REPRODUCTION VIA PELLETED GNRHA AND PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS REGARDING LARVAL PRODUCTION

Author
item Weirich, Charles
item RILEY, KENNETH - HBOI
item DAVIS, MEGAN - HBOI

Submitted to: Global Aquaculture Advocate
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/31/2005
Publication Date: 6/15/2005
Citation: Weirich, C.R., Riley, K., Davis, M. 2005. Florida pompano: Induced reproduction via pelleted gnrha and preliminary observations regarding larval production [abstract]. Global Aquaculture Advocate. 8(3):75-77.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Considered one of the finest and most desirable marine table fish, Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus commands a significantly higher price than many other US marine and freshwater finfish species. However, despite industry backing, attempts to culture pompano on a commercial scale were largely unsuccessful. As is the case with most marine finfish, the availability of a sustainable supply of seed stock is often the primary factor limiting development and expansion of culture operations. To address this topic, preliminary trials were conducted in 2004 by the USDA-ARS Sustainable Marine Aquaculture Systems Program in cooperation with the Aquaculture Division of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution to characterize and evaluate captive reproduction of pompano via hormonal induction through GnRHa implantation and to develop basic procedures for larval production. In each of three trials spawning occurred in the early morning hours approximately 36 h after GnRHa injection. Both floating and sinking fractions of eggs were enumerated volumetrically and fertilization rate of floating eggs was determined after each spawning event. Fertilized eggs were approximately 1.0-mm in diameter with a single oil globule. In the first and second trial, spawning occurred on five of six consecutive days with a total of 2.8 and 0.9 million eggs collected, respectively. In the third trial spawning occurred on two of six consecutive days with a total of 0.8 million eggs collected. Although considerable variation existed among individual spawns with respect to fertilization rate of floating eggs, overall fertilization rate of floating eggs collected during each trial was consistent and relatively high. Fecundity of female pompano, as measured by eggs/kg ' and eggs/', was also rather consistent between trials and comparable to that of other subtropical marine finfish species. After collection floating eggs from each spawning event were placed into 100-L circular tanks or 450-L rectangular troughs at a density of 50-100 eggs/ml. Temperature and salinity was maintained at 25-25 C and 34-35 g/L, respectively. Photoperiod was maintained at 14L:10D with fluorescent lighting at a surface intensity of 150-300 lux. Hatching occurred at approximately 30-34 h at rates ranging from 20 to 90%. Larvae were reared according to standard feeding protocols (rotifers, Artemia, microfeeds) and underwent metamorphosis 20-23 days after hatching. Survival of larvae was < 5%. Results indicate that wild-caught pompano can be successfully quarantined, feed-trained, and spawned in captivity via GnRHa induction. Observations regarding fecundity, egg fertilization rate, and spawning frequency suggest that large quantities of pompano seed stock may be produced over an extended period. Regarding larviculture, despite overall low survival, results of 2004 trials indicate that larvae can be reared utilizing practices used in the commercial production of other marine finfish larvae such as European seabass and gilthead seabream.