Effect of salinity on embryonic development and larval activity of F1 Epinephelus moara (♀)×E. Septemfasciatus(♂)

Abstract:

The incubation period, hatching and deformity rate of the fertilized eggs and the survival activity index (SAI) of newly-hatched larvae of F1 Epinephelus moara (♀)×E. Septemfasciatus(♂) were examined at salinities of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 (natural seawater salinity), 35, 40 and 45. The results showed that the optimum salinity for hatching was in the range of 30~35. When the salinity was above 35 or below 30, the hatching rate decreased and the percentage of abnormal larvae increased. The optimum salinity for larval survival was between 30~35, and the SAI values were 33.3±0.8 and 24.1±0.2, respectively. When the salinity was above 30 or below 35, both of the larvae survival rates and the SAI values decreased.