First Results on Spawning and Larval Rearing of the Brown Meagre (Sciaena umbra)

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate spawning and larval rearing of brown meagre (Sciaena umbra). This is an important species in the Mediterranean Sea because of its beauty, calm swimming, large otoliths, souvenir potential, aggregative behaviour, excellent flesh and accessibility. Although this species is regarded as Near Threatened (in IUCN Red List Status), the demand increases the fishing. Green water technique was used for rearing the brown meagre larvae. Diameter of eggs was recorded as 1457.31±47.29 µm. Yolk was homogenous with oil globules of 371.59±18.15 µm at the centre. Hatching process began after 39 hours. Hatching rate (HR) was observed as 92.17±0.24%, and larvae inflated swim bladder around 97.33±0.94%. The brown meagre juveniles reached to 40.08±1.98 mm of total length (TL) with 10.96±0.08 mm body height (BH) and 662.27±21.23 mg body weight (BW) after 55 days of post-hatching. Survival (SR) was recorded as 72.5±0.70% at the end of study. Since the brown meagre is a threatened species, with high economic interest, is a possible candidate for commercial aquaculture both food and restocking the depleted natural fisheries.