Temperature appeared to be an effective factor on growth performance of diploid and triploid turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, during the early life stage

Abstract

Turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, is an economically important flat fish species. Usage of triploid turbot in aquaculture and fisheries management has a potential of being advantageous due to sterility, flesh quality, and better growth. In the present study, hatchery and growth performance of diploid and triploid turbot at 16 °C and 21 °C were compared. Fertilization, hatching, and survival rates of both diploid and triploid groups were similar. Both diploid and triploid larvae exhibited similar body weight and length at the first 90 days post-hatch (dph). Weight and length of the groups reared at different temperatures were significantly differed from each other until 174 dph. At the end of the growth experiment, the mean length and weight of the triploids reared at 16 °C were significantly lower than rest of the groups, the mean length and weight of the triploids reared at 21 °C were significantly higher than the rest of the groups. The mean weight and length of the diploid groups reared at 16 °C and 21 °C were similar at the end of the experiment. Significant differences were observed between groups in terms of growth parameter indices. FCR of diploid groups were better compared to their triploid counterparts. Significant differences were detected among triploid turbot raised at different water temperatures in terms of specific growth rates, weight gain ratio, and length gain ratio. Water temperature appeared to be an important abiotic factor in grow-out phase of triploid turbot.