Salinity and Temperature Tolerances of Black Sea Bass Juveniles

Abstract

Abstract The salinity and temperature tolerances of black sea bass Centropristis striata juveniles (46 ± 10.3 mm total length [mean ± SD]) were estimated to assist in decisions concerning location of culture facilities and types of production systems. At 21°C, all exposed fish survived for 7 d in salt concentrations of 10, 20, or 35 g/L. All fish exposed to salt concentrations of 5 g/L died within 3 d. Temperature extremes were estimated after acclimation of fish to 24–25°C. Half of the juveniles exposed to a gradual increase (+0.65°C/d) or decrease (–0.51°C/d) in temperature (at a nominal salt concentration of 20 g/L) were dead when the water temperature reached 33.3°C and 3.7°C, respectively. Results of this study indicate that this species requires saline water at or above a salt concentration of 10 g/L and that it may not be practical to keep black sea bass over winter or over summer in shore-based outdoor facilities located in temperate climates.