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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #187573
Title: Development of reproduction and larviculture protocols for production of Florida pompano: A USDA and HBOI research initiative

Author
item Weirich, Charles
item RILEY, KENNETH - HBOI

Submitted to: International Sustainable Marine Fish Culture Conference and Workshop Book of Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2005
Publication Date: 10/10/2005
Citation: Weirich, C.R., Riley, K. 2005. Development of reproduction and larviculture protocols for production of Florida pompano: A USDA and HBOI research initiative [abstract]. International Sustainable Marine Fish Culture Conference and Workshop: Book of Abstracts. p.7.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Renewed interest in the culture of Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus, a high-value species first identified as an excellent candidate for mariculture over three decades ago, has occurred in recent years. To support the development of pompano mariculture, trials initiated in 2004 are being conducted by the USDA-ARS in collaboration with HBOI to evaluate captive reproduction of pompano via hormonal induction and to develop basic procedures for larval production. To establish and maintain a captive broodstock population, adult pompano are collected seasonally from the wild and subjected to quarantine and feed training. Fish are then held in recirculating tank systems (sex ratio, 1:1) under controlled photothermal conditions and are sampled periodically to assess health and reproductive condition. To initiate spawning ripe females (mean oocyte diameter > 500 µm) and males are implanted with a 75-µg GnRHa pellet. Fish spawn volitionally approx. 36 h post-implantation and eggs are collected and stocked into incubation tanks (24-26 C) with hatching occurring approx. 30-36 h post-fertilization. In 2004 three spawning trials were conducted resulting in the production of 4.4 million eggs, of which 980,000 were floating (mean fertilization rate, 82%). In 2005 an additional three trials have been conducted to date resulting in the production of 3.9 million eggs, of which 1.2 million were floating (mean fertilization rate, 94%). Hatching rate of eggs in trials conducted thus far has ranged from 70-98%. Larvae are fed rotifers beginning at 2 days post-hatch (DPH), are weaned to Artemia 1st instar nauplii at 10-12 DPH, and are weaned to enriched Artemia metanauplii at 15-17 DPH. Weaning to a formulated diet is complete at metamorphosis (22-25 DPH). Greenwater culture conditions are maintained until larvae are fed 1st instar Artemia alone. Significant improvement with respect to larval survival and production of metamorphosed juveniles was attained in 2005. In 2004 larvae were reared under suboptimal environmental conditions, feeding regimes, and in improper culture systems. In 2005, culture protocols and systems were improved and refined and approx. 7,000 juveniles have been produced to date. Details of larviculture procedures currently being employed, in addition to preliminary data regarding reproductive quality of broodstock held under differing photothermal regimes will be presented.