Culturing low quality juveniles of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus

Abstract

Juvenile quality has become a crucial factor for determining the commercial culture success of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus. There is an urgent need for developing techniques to improve the survival of the low-quality juveniles. The present study investigated the effects of green water and light intensity (200–500 lx and 700–1000 lx) on the survival and growth of low-quality juveniles of the lined seahorse over 35 days. Juveniles of H. erectus reared in green water had superior survival rate compared to the juveniles reared in clear water. Generally, the growth of juveniles in green water was also better than in the clear water. At light intensities of 200–500 lx, the survival rate of low-quality juveniles was significantly improved as well. Generally, the growth of juveniles under low light intensity was better than under high light intensity. Based on the findings of the present study, culturing low-quality juveniles of the lined seahorse in green water or under lower light intensities (200–500 lx) is recommended.