Abstract:The hatching periods, hatching rate and deformity rate of the fertilized eggs, deformity rates of the post-embryonic larvae and the survival activity index (SAI) of the newly hatched larvae of Epinephelus septemfasciatus were examined at salinities of 10, 15, 20, 25, natural seawater salinities of 30, 35, 40 and 45. The results showed that: 1. the optimum salinity for hatching was between 30 and 35. When the salinity was above 35 or below 25, the hatching rates decreased and the percentage of abnormal larvae increased; 2. the optimum salinity for larval survival was in the range of 30~35, and the SAI values of the fish were 24.7±0.36 and 23.27±3.01, respectively.
