Size relations and yolk utilization in embryonated ova and alevins of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. in various combinations of temperature and dissolved oxygen.

Abstract

Relations among weight (W), surface (S), and volume (V) for freshly fertilized water-hardened Atlantic salmon ova from 5 to 7 mm in diameter are: S = log V2/3, S = 1.21 log W, and V = W/1.2.Fresh weights remained relatively constant from fertilization to the establishment of blood vessels in the yolk sac. Subsequently, there was a rapid increase to 110%, followed by a gradual decline to 105% shortly before hatching. Large blastodiscs weighed 1.2 mg and embryonal weight increased very gradually until late prehatching stages, when growth was accelerated rapidly. Embryos, at hatching, after continuous incubation at 5 and 10°C and three levels of dissolved oxygen, varied from 22.1 mg (5 °C, 100% air saturation) to 11.9 mg (5 °C. 30%) and From 14.5 mg (10 °C. 100%) to 10.0 mg (10 °C, 30%).Cumulative and mean daily yolk depletion declined with lowered oxygen supply, but they were considerably greater at 10 °C than at 5 °C. Gross conversion ratios (including uptake of exogenous materials) indicate that yolk is used more efficiently at 5 °C, and 100% air saturation. Alevins, kept in their original environments, became more efficient than they were in their encapsulated state, and, at 10 °C. 100% air saturation, they overtook those at 5 °C before the completion of yolk absorption. Those in lower oxygen supplies continued to lag, at both temperatures.