Temperature-influenced growth and survival of burbot Lota lota (L.) larvae fed live food under controlled conditions [SHORT COMMUNICATION]

Abstract

The growth and survival of burbot Lota lota (L.) larvae reared from the first feeding on freshly hatched Artemia franciscana nauplii at 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24°C was compared in a 20-day experiment. Nauplii of the commercial strain Artemia proved to be an excellent start diet for L. lota larvae. The best fish growth was found at 21°C where they attained a final average total length of 14.4 mm and an average body weight of 37.1 mg. The highest final survival rates of 90 and 92% were recorded at 12 and 15°C, respectively. At all higher water temperatures, larval final survival rates were significantly lower, with the minimum value of 41% at 24°C. In light of these results, it is evident that either temperatures lower or higher than 21°C are outside of the optimal range for L. lota larvae as they produce relatively slow growth or poor survival or both.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Jacek Wolnicki, Instytut Rybactwa Śródlądowego, Zakład Rybactwa Stawowego, Żabieniec, 05-500 Piaseczno; Tel./Fax: +48 22 7562044; e-mail: jawol@infish.com.pl