The effect of light intensity and green water on survival and growth of cultured larval California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi)

Abstract: Environmental parameters, such as light intensity and turbidity, have been shown to significantly influence the growth and survival of cultured larval finfish. Here, we study three light intensities (low: 360lx; medium: 1675lx; and high: 14,850lx) and two turbidity conditions (with and without green water) to determine optimum growth and survival for California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) larvae. The study lasted from 2 thru 16days post hatch (dph). The high light intensity, green water treatment produced the largest larvae (865±165μg dry weight; 7.01±0.07mm notochord length), had the highest survival rate (9.2±3.1%), and had the highest incidence of swimbladder inflation (68.8±3.1%) among all treatments in this study. The low and medium light intensity, clear water treatments produced the smallest larvae (183±60μg dry weight; 5.58±0.07mm notochord length) and the lowest survival rate (0–0.10%). These results indicate that light intensity and turbidity are significant factors that affect growth and survival of Seriola lalandi larvae up to 16dph. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]