Effect of temperature on growth, survival and occurrence of skeletal deformity in the golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus larvae

Abstract

Golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus larvae were reared at 23, 26, 29 and 33OC from 3 day post-hatching (DPH) to 18 DPH. Growth, survival, RNA/DNA ratio, as well as jaw and skeleton deformities were used as evaluation criteria on fish performance. Growth of fish held at 29 and 33OC was significantly faster than those held at 23 and 26OC, while survival at 26 and 29OC was higher than those held at 23 and 33OC. Similarly, the RNA/DNA ratio was higher at 26 and 29OC than at 33OC. Jaw deformities significantly increased when the rearing temperature exceeded 29OC, while vertebral deformities were encountered more frequently at 33OC than at lower temperatures. Results of the study indicate that the temperature range of 26 to 29OC is appropriate while temperatures >33OC or <23OC can have adverse impact on rearing of golden pompano larvae.