Short-term storage of eggs from giant grouper(Epinephelus lanceolatus).

Egg storage for fertilization and seed production has great significance in aquaculture. Giant grouper(Epinephelus lanceolatus)is an economically important aquaculture species in China, and its fertilized eggs are much expensive. In this study, we tried to develop an in vitro egg storage system in this species. Storage conditions such as medium, temperature and pH were experimentally investigated. Results showed that eggs stored in L-15 medium(pH=8. 1)at 22 C for 2 h showed a relatively high fertilization rate(66. 4%) and a hatching rate(47. 9%). With supplementation of giant grouper serum and vitamin premix into L-15 medium, the storage time was prolonged and eggs still retained a relatively high viability. The fertilization and hatching rates from eggs stored for 8 h were 64. 4% and 44. 8%, respectively. This optimized short-term egg storage system would facilitate breeding practice and hatchery management in giant grouper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]