Tuberculata Coccinea Research Articles

Haliotis tuberculata coccinea grow-out performances according to diet and production systems

ABSTRACT Haliotis tuberculata coccinea is a candidate of growing interest to diversify aquaculture in the Canary Islands, principally based on fish production, to improve aquaculture development opportunities. The economic viability of commercial abalone farming depends largely on the rearing system employed and the feeding sources employed during the grow-out culture period. We studied the effects of two land-based culture systems on the growth performance of abalone and the nutritional quality of their tissues, in a crossed design. Recirculated (RAS) and open flow (FLOW) culture systems were compared. Fresh macro algae (FMA) (Gracilaria cornea and Ulva rigida) were compared to manufactured compound feed (CF) and a mixture of both (MIX). Survival rates were high (97–100%) regardless the treatments tested. MIX and FMA diets produced the best results for Shell Growth Rate, Specific growth rates for shell growth (SGRsl) and weight (SGRw) as well as Food Conversion Ratio (FCR). The highest value for feed intake was recorded for the MIX diet. A positive relationship has been observed between the amounts of protein and lipids in diets and the disposition of these in the viscera of animals fed such diets. The rearing system used had no significant effect on growth and nutritional parameters.

The Ethyl Acetate Extract of the Marine Edible Gastropod Haliotis tuberculata coccinea: a Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds.

The phylum Mollusca represents one of the largest groups of marine invertebrates. Nowadays, molluscan shellfish belonging to the classes Bivalvia and Gastropoda are of commercial interest for fisheries and aquaculture. Although bioactive properties of bivalve molluscs have been widely investigated and several dietary supplements have been brought to the market, the bioactive potentialities of marine gastropods are poorly documented. The present study investigated the bioactive properties of tissue extracts derived from Haliotis tuberculata coccinea, or "European abalone," an edible abalone species distributed in the Mediterranean Sea and the northeast Atlantic Ocean. A bioactive organic compound-rich extract was obtained using ethyl acetate as extracting solvent. It showed antimicrobial activity towards the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strain RP62A, the emerging multi-drug-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia D71 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, being the most sensitive strain. It also showed anthelmintic activity, evaluated through the toxicity against the target model helminth Caenorhabditis elegans. In addition, the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated a selective cytotoxic activity on the cancer cell lines A375, MBA-MD 231, HeLa, and MCF7, at the concentration of 250µg/mL. The fatty acid composition of the bioactive extract was also investigated through FAME analysis. The fatty acid profile showed 45% of saturated fatty acids (SAFA), 22% of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and 33% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The presence of some biologically important secondary metabolites in the extract was also analysed, revealing the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Growth performance and feed utilization of Haliotis tuberculata coccinea (Reeve) juveniles from the Azores (north-eastern Atlantic Ocean): An assay of three mono algae diets

ABSTRACTWe assessed the dietary value of available seaweeds (Ulva lactuca, Ulva intestinalis, and Sargassum vulgare) as food for juvenile abalone Haliotis tuberculata coccinea. During the 6 weeks that the experiment lasted, initial shell length and weight increased from 13.95 ± 0.32 mm to 15.30 ± 0.30 mm and from 0.39 ± 0.02 g to 0.47 ± 0.03 g. Ulva lactuca diet resulted in higher shell growth rate (58.47 ± 16.76 μm day−1), SGR (1.15 ± 0.47%.day−1), weight gain (65.5% ± 33.3), and PER (1.56 ± 0.31), possibly thanks to its higher crude protein content. Both green algae (U. lactuca, U. intestinalis) prove to support the growth of H. tuberculata coccinea. However, they might not be appropriate for an optimal intensive aquaculture production; further research should be conducted to find more efficient diets for juvenile abalone.

Lack of recovery symptoms of an endangered and harvested mollusc in the last 20 years

Molluscs are subjected to intense harvesting in many areas around the world. Conservation measures have been developed to preserve populations of an overexploited gastropod species, the abalone Haliotis tuberculata coccinea. This species was surveyed in subtidal localities throughout coastal Tenerife, Canary Islands over the last two decades (1994–2014). A clear indicator of non-recovery was observed in the decrease of mean size throughout the last two decades, even after the inclusion of this species in the Regional Catalogue of Endangered Species. The mean size of abalones decreased from 33.5 mm (1994) to 28–29 mm (2002 and 2014), corresponding to sub-adult individuals. The structure of size classes was typical of an overexploited species, with reduced occurrence of large individuals (>50 mm). Several factors might explain this pattern such as illegal harvesting, proliferation of featureless benthos and a decrease of suitable habitats for colonization and settlement. Complementary conservation actions are urgently needed to preserve this species in the area studied.

Iconography and Distribution of the Cape Verde Island Abalone, Haliotis tuberculata fernandesi Owen & Afonso, 2012, with Comparisons to H. tuberculata coccinea Reeve, 1846, of the Canary Islands

Specimens of Haliotis tuberculata fernandesi collected from Santa Luzía Island, Cape Verde Islands, are illustrated to provide additional representatives of this subspecies. Comparisons are made with Haliotis tuberculata coccinea Reeve, 1846, of the Canary Islands. Differences in shell morphology between the two subspecies are discussed in greater detail.

First development of various vegetable-based diets and their suitability for abalone Haliotis tuberculata coccinea Reeve

Abstract To date, European abalone aquaculture relies mostly on locally harvested fresh seaweeds which nutritional quality and abundance vary greatly, hence affecting abalone growth. Abalone artificial diets generally include fishmeal, limiting their utilization in ecologically sustainable aquaculture and affecting abalone quality and acceptance by the consumers. A six month feeding trial was conducted to assess the nutritional value of four different dried seaweed meals: Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta), Gracilaria cornea (Rhodophyta), Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyta) and Palmaria palmata (Rhodophyta), as ingredients to all-vegetable-based formulated feeds for abalone Haliotis tuberculata coccinea (33.1 ± 0.8 mm and 4.7 ± 0.6 g). A mixed fresh algae diet of G. cornea and U. Ulva rigida, reared in an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system, served as control. Survival rates were very high (95–98%), regardless of the diet fed. Enriched fresh algae produced a significantly higher growth for H. tuberculata coccinea (169% weight gain) than all the artificial diets (49–84% WG). Comparison among abalone fed the different formulated diets showed that the inclusion of P. palmata improved growth, condition index and dietary protein utilization. On the contrary, the use of L. digitata markedly reduced the efficiency of dietary protein since the protein-related nutritional index (PER), the percentage of protein deposited in the foot muscle as well as the meat to shell ratio recorded for animals fed this diet were the lowest, despite a higher feed intake. Large differences were found in the FA profile of fresh algae as compared with the three formulated diets. The n-3/n-6 ratio was much higher in the fresh algae and, consequently, in the foot tissues of abalone fed this diet in comparison to the one of those fed the formulated ones. The elevated contents of 20:4n-6 in the abalone fed the experimental diets and 20:5n-3 in abalone fed the fresh algae, as well as their respective metabolites, suggest that abalone have the ability to desaturate and elongate LA to ARA and ALA to EPA. Further studies are required to improve the growth obtained with these vegetable based diets, especially concerning the use of different seaweed combinations and inclusion levels, as well as the diet processing methods to improve diet water stability. Statement of relevance Development of vegetable based diets for abalone.

Grow-out culture of abaloneHaliotis tuberculata coccineaReeve, fed land-based IMTA produced macroalgae, in a combined fish/abalone offshore mariculture system: effect of stocking density

Haliotis tuberculata coccinea has been identified as a target species for European aquaculture development, in order to fulfil the rising demand for abalone. The effects of different stocking densities on the growth performance, feed utilization and survival of two different initial size groups (30 and 40 mm) of abalones, during the final grow-out to cocktail/market size (45–60 mm), were determined over a 6-month period. Trials were performed in abalone cages installed in a commercial open-sea cages fish farm. Animals were fed the red algae Gracilaria cornea and the green one Ulva rigida, both obtained from a land-based integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system. Survival rates were very high (94–98%) regardless the density employed. Sustained high linear growth was recorded both in shell and weight. However, a 17–19% reduction in weight gain was obtained by doubling the initial stocking density, suggesting a higher competition for space or food. Nevertheless, the high growth performance (70–94 μm day−1; 250–372% weight gain) and survival attained, even at high densities, denoted the suitability of the offshore mariculture system as well as the biofilter produced macroalgae for grow-out culture of H. tuberculata coccinea that overall could reach cocktail/commercial size in only 18–22 months.

Effect of Macroalgae Protein Levels on Some Reproductive Aspects and Physiological Parameters for the Abalone, Haliotis tuberculata coccinea (Reeve 1846)

The effect of food quality on some reproductive aspects (the fatty acid profile and the morphology of the gonad and the fecundity) and physiological parameters (growth and feeding rates) were evaluated in adult abalone, Haliotis tuberculata coccinea, females. Abalones were fed on macroalgae diets, Gracilaria cornea, with three different protein levels, Low‐N, Medium‐N, and High‐N. After inducing spawning, a higher number of eggs released per gram of abalone and the greatest egg and cytoplasm diameters were found in abalones fed on Medium‐N and High‐N G. cornea diets. Feeding High‐N G. cornea increased the level of arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n‐6) in the mature gonad tissue in H. tuberculata coccinea. Likewise, a histological study on the gonadal morphology revealed that ripe‐stage individuals fed on a Low‐N G. cornea diet had a larger macrophage populations and the areas of degenerated oocytes increased. These results suggest that macroalgae cultivated in seawater enriched with ammonium may be a good choice for producing food for female H. tuberculata coccinea broodstock in the Canaries.

Larval Settlement, Early Growth and Survival ofHaliotis tuberculatacoccineausing Several Algal Cues

Settlement of Haliotis tuberculata coccinea larvae was examined in the presence of crustose coralline algae (CCA), Ulvella lens, and Ulva rigida. Germlings of the 2 green macroalgae of different age, enrichment level, and in combination were tested as settlement cues, and CCA was tested as a positive control. Larval settlement was the highest on CCA (61 %) tailed by a 45-day-old mix of U. lens and U. rigida (52%) and 45-day-old U. rigida (46%). Settlement was the lowest (about 3%) on a mix of 4-day-old U. lens and U. rigida and 45-day-old enriched or unenriched U. lens. In all treatments, postlarvae were fed for 4 wk with a mix of diatoms (Amphora sp., Proschkinia sp., Nitzschia sp., and Navicula incerta); postlarval growth was the best on the 45-day-old mix of U. lens and U. rigida. This substrate was also the best of the green macroalgae germlings substrates tested for settlement induction and provided good survival rates. The substrate protein content correlated negatively with larval settlement and survival. The algal cues were differentiated by their fatty acid composition. Fatty acids such as 18:ln-7, 18:2n-6, 16:4n-3, arachidonic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were suggested to affect settlement and survival. The fatty acids correlated with settlement were different from the ones associated with survival rates, except eicosapentaenoic acid, which correlated with both. The results of this study show the high value of U. rigida for H. tuberculata postlarvae, and the influence of substrate age on the settlement success.

Improving nursery performances of Haliotis tuberculata coccinea: Nutritional value of four species of benthic diatoms and green macroalgae germlings

Four diatoms species Amphora sp., Navicula incerta, Nitzschia sp. and Proschkinia sp., were tested as food for Haliotis tuberculata coccinea post-larvae. Larvae were settled on Ulvella lens and Ulva rigida germlings at a density of 0.5larvaecm2 of substrate. Growth and survival, in each dietary treatment, were monitored during ten weeks. Experimental nursery tanks were weekly inoculated with 2L of the different diatom inoculums (105–106cellsmL−1). Proximate biochemical compositions were significantly different for the four diatom species. Amphora sp. presented a significantly higher lipid and protein contents with 7.11±0.29% DW and 18.50±0.97% DW respectively, while Proschkinia sp. presented the lowest protein content and the highest ash content. The fatty acid profiles of the diatoms were variable but remained typical of the diatom family. Larvae contained significantly more lipids (25.30±0.93% DW) than juveniles. The different fatty acid compositions found for the various diatom species were dissimilar to the ones of larvae, juveniles and substrates; (Courtois de Viçose et al., in press-a) the fatty acid compositions of these last two not being different among treatments. 16:4n−3, 20:4n−6 (arachidonic acid, ARA) and 22:5n−3 (docosapentaenoic acid, DPA) were the most abundant fatty acids in juveniles while 20:5n−3 (ecosapentaenoic acid, EPA) was the dominant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), present at a comparable level in all diatoms. This suggests that the post-larvae and juveniles are capable to absorb a selection of fatty acids from the food source or that they are able to synthesise them from precursor dietary fatty acids. Growth rates obtained in the present study are presenting different phases and diatom diets made little difference to growth rate of post-larvae until reaching around 0.8–1mmSL, after which divergence in growth rate among diets became significant. Post-larvae fed the diatom with the highest protein and lipid contents (Amphora sp.) showed the best daily growth rate (DGR) of 50±3μm over the feeding trial, highlighting the joint influence of diatoms’ protein and lipid content on growth. Around 2mmSL, juveniles exhibited increased growth rates, in all treatments, reaching 94μmday−1, indicating a possible shift in nutrition towards green macroalgae germlings and suggesting that U. lens and U. rigida are used as a complement to the diatom diet at this stage. 18:2n−6 and 18:3n−3 found in high amount in all juveniles as well as in all substrates could be an indication of that nutritional shift and could be involved in growth enhancement.

Control of Shell-Boring Polychaetes inHaliotis Tuberculata Coccinea(Reeve 1846) Aquaculture: Species Identification and Effectiveness of Mebendazole

The experimental culture of Haliotis tuberculata coccinea is carried out at the Institute of Marine Science of Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Spain) based on specimens captured in their natural habitat and conditioned as broodstock. In 2008, an outbreak of shell-boring polychaetes affected the culture. This study aims to identify some of the species of shell-boring polychaetes that affect H. tuberculata coccinea and, second, to assess the effectiveness of multiple mebendazole applications for the control of these pests. Mebendazole was applied as baths of Lomper (Esteve Laboratory, Barcelona, Spain) using the concentrations 6 mL/L, 8 mL/L, and 10 mL/L, with 0 mL/L as a control measure. Abalone were exposed to 3 mebendazole baths over a 3-day period (1× 3-h bath applied for 3 consecutive days), as recommended in the drug directions for human use. After each bath, the abalone were returned to their original culture tanks until the following day. After these 3 days, the abalone were kept in their original culture tanks for a term of 1 mo. Each month, as a result of the effect of mebendazole, moribund and/or dead polychaetes became detached from the burrows and were found at the bottom of the tank during the first 15 days after the baths of mebendazole were applied. The polychaetes expelled from the shells were counted, collected, and fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde for subsequent identification. This process was repeated month after month until no moribund and/or dead shell-boring polychaetes were found after the application of the baths of mebendazole. The shell-boring polychaete species was identified as Polydora hoplura (Claparède 1870). The efficacy rate of Lomper was around 99% in all the concentrations tested when it was applied during a 7-mo term (each month, 1 bath was applied for 3 consecutive days), and abalone mortality was limited to highly infested animals only. Monitoring of abalone weight gain suggested that the mebendazole treatments did not affect growth significantly during the study period.

Comparative performances of juvenile abalone ( Haliotis tuberculata coccinea Reeve) fed enriched vs non-enriched macroalgae: Effect on growth and body composition

Abalone Haliotis tuberculata coccinea Reeve (1846), is a target species for diversification of European aquaculture production. Taking into account that sustainable, eco-friendly production methods are to be a part of future expansion of the abalone industry, growth performance of juvenile abalone reared in an integrated culture system was evaluated and compared with that of abalone fed non-enriched macroalgae. Four macroalgae treatments, three monospecific: Ulva rigida (UN), Hypnea spinella (HN) and Gracilaria cornea (GN) and a composite one (MN), were produced out of fishpond wastewater effluents, while other four control treatments consisted of the same species reared in fresh seawater (U; H; G; M). Seaweeds reared in fishpond wastewater effluents increased their protein content from 11–17% to 29–34%. Lipids consisted mainly of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (43–60%), palmitic acid being the most abundant fatty acid (40–47%). Highest EPA percentage was found in red algae H. spinella (6.9%), being ten times higher than that of U. rigida (0.7%). All the algae tested contained very low levels of arachinodic acid (0.1–1.6%) and docosahexaenoic acid (0.5–3%). Protein levels in foot muscle (74–76%) did not differ significantly (P < 0.05) among treatments. Survival was generally high, ranging from 85 to 100%. Weight gain (17–561%) and SGR (0.2–2.3%) were positively related to protein content; whereas, protein efficiency ratio (PER) (0.5–3.7) was negative correlated. PE ratios increased by 82–159% (DW) as a function of the enrichment among the different diets. Food conversion ratio (FCR) (7–188) improved according to the increase in PER. Overall, biofilter-produced macroalgae showed a significantly higher dietary value compared to the control treatments. Similarly, animals fed the mixed diets performed significantly better than those fed a single algal diet. Feeding G. cornea led to the lowest growth performance probably due to the lowest feed intake. The results clearly indicate that H. tuberculata coccinea growout can efficiently take place in an integrated-culture system suggesting that on-farm seaweed-abalone production could be part of future development of the abalone industry in the Canary Islands.

Reproduction, Fecundity, and Growth of Abalone (Haliotis Tuberculata Coccinea, Reeve 1846) in the Canary Islands

The abalone, Haliotis tuberculata coccinea has been considered in the Canary Islands as a potential candidate species for aquaculture to restock its natural ecosystem. Because the study and development of artificial culture techniques require as much information as possible on natural populations, 20 monthly H. tuberculata coccinea samples were collected in the island of Gran Canaria between June 2005 and May 2007. Reproductive biology was assessed by histological techniques, and von Bertalanffy growth parameters were also estimated. Ovarian morphology of H. tuberculata coccinea showed 6 sexual cell stages during the oogenetic process and a group synchronous ovarian development. Its reproductive cycle is characterized by an annual spawning period throughout the entire year, although the maximum reproductive activity of this population was observed between August and February. Batch fecundity ranged from 85,749 (shell length (SL), 39 mm)-691,456 (SL, 62 mm), and a significantly higher fecundity rate was observed in individuals with an SL larger than 55 mm, suggesting that, to optimize egg production, this is the minimum broodstock size to be used in hatcheries. With regard to the population structure, the overall maleto-female ratio was 1:1.02 and the data of the size class analysis did not show any tendency. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated for females and males were 72.5 and 78.8 mm in SL of asymptotic length, and 0.43 year-1 and 0.37 year-1 of growth rate.

Larval Settlement ofHaliotis Tuberculata Coccineain Response to Different Inductive Cues and the Effect of Larval Density on Settlement, Early Growth, and Survival

Settlement and metamorphosis of Haliotis tuberculata coccínea larvae were examined in the presence of different settlement cues reported effective in larval settlement of other abalone species (crustose coralline algae, Ulvella lens, conspecific mucus, γ-aminobutyric acid, and 4 benthic diatom species). In addition, larval density effect was tested on crustose coralline algae substrate. Larval settlement was highest on crustose coralline algae followed by U. lens. Settlement was very low on conspecific mucus and γ-aminobutyric acid, varying between 1% and 2%. U. lens inoculated with the diatom Navicula incerta induced a reduced settlement of 9% compared with the 22% obtained on films of U. lens alone. The settlement induction efficiency of all the benthic diatoms tested (Amphora sp., N. incerta, Proschkinia sp. and Nitzschia sp.) was very low and not significantly different among diatom species. Larval settlement at 48 h after addition and survival after 1 mo were higher for the lower larval density, whereas postlarval growth rates were not influenced by larval density.

Efficiency of Clove Oil as Anesthetic for Abalone (Haliotis Tuberculata Coccinea, Revee)

ABSTRACT The efficacy of clove oil as an anesthetic was evaluated in adult Haliotis tuberculata coccinea (shell length, 42–80 mm) and was compared with the commonly used 2-phemoxyethanol. The clove oil was previously mixed at 50% with absolute ethanol, and 4 different concentrations were tested: 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mL/L. The trial was replicated 3 times. Relaxation and recovery time, muscle condition, and mortality after 1 wk were considered to evaluate the efficiency of anesthetics. The results showed that clove oil at 0.5 mL/L was the lowest concentration that removed all abalone from the rearing shelters in 8.9 ± 3.5 min, showing 2 ± 1.5 min of recovery time. Although clove oil is appropriate for handling animals, it was not suitable for pearl culture because it left the abalone muscle hard, making access to the pearl nuclei insertion site difficult. In comparison with 2-phenoxyethanol, clove oil was effective in 10-fold lower doses.

Mitochondrial DNA Introgression in the European Abalone Haliotis tuberculata tuberculata: Evidence for Experimental mtDNA Paternal Inheritance and a Natural Hybrid Sequence

Two subspecies of the European abalone have been morphologically recognized: Haliotis tuberculata tuberculata, present in the North Atlantic, and Haliotis tuberculata coccinea, present in the Canary Islands. Among the different nuclear markers used to differentiate these two subspecies, the sperm lysin gene was the most reliable, leading to a 2.2% divergence. Concerning the subunit I of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxydase gene (COI), we observed a difference of 3.3% between the two subspecies. In the North Atlantic, an introgression of mitochondrial DNA from H. tuberculata coccinea to H. tuberculata tuberculata was evident in around 30% of individuals. Due to this difference, we were able to experimentally detect the transfer of paternal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) by specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction measurements. The presence of the two mtDNA signatures was also detected in 20% of individuals tested in the field. Moreover, one mt DNA hybrid sequence was identified. The sequencing of this mitochondrial DNA hybrid revealed a mosaic structure with many specific mutations. The origin of this hybrid sequence is discussed.

Fatty acid composition of juvenile abalone (Haliotis tuberculata coccinea) fed formulated diets containing various n3 HUFA levels

The effect of feeding different levels of n3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) on the fatty acid profile was evaluated in soft tissue from juvenile Haliotis tuberculata coccinea. Five diets were formulated with different oil sources (palm, colza, fish, sunflower, and soybean), containing from 2.52% to 12.33% n3 HUFA, while fresh Ulva rigida was used as reference diet. The different diets were provided to groups of 20 abalone during 120 days in independent triplicates. Though no significant differences in growth (P &lt; 0.05) were registered among all formulated diets, a tendency to accumulate different fatty acids in muscle was observed. The proximate composition of abalone tissue showed that the diet containing 6.8% HUFA resulted in higher lipid accumulation in muscle tissue than that observed in the other treatments. Our results suggest that H. tuberculata coccinea, contrary to to abalone species from colder environments, does not have high HUFA requirements; however, the fatty acid profile of muscle and viscera tissues of abalone may be modulated by the fatty acid content in diets.

EMBRYONIC AND LARVAL DEVELOPMENT OF HALIOTIS TUBERCULATA COCCINEA REEVE: AN INDEXED MICRO-PHOTOGRAPHIC SEQUENCE

First description of the complete embryo and larval development of the Canarian abalone (Haliotis tuberculata coccinea Reeve.) was conducted along 39 stages from fertilization to the appearance of the third tubule on the cephalic tentacles and illustrated in a microphotographic sequence. Eggs obtained by induced spawning with hydrogen peroxide from the GIA captive broodstock were stocked at a density of 10 eggs/mL and kept at 23 ± 0.5C for 62 h until the formation of the third tubule. Live eggs and larvae were continuously observed on a 24 h basis at a 3400 magnification under transmitted light. At each stages, specific morphological features, illustrated by microscopic photographs, were described, as well as the time required for their apparition. Fertilized eggs diameter was 205 ± 8 mm (mean ± SD), whereas length and width of larvae ready to undergo metamorphosis were 216.6± 5.3 mm and 172± 8.8 mm, respectively. Knowledge on the larval morphological development acquired through this study will contribute to the improvement of larval rearing techniques for this abalone species.

Suitability of three red macroalgae as a feed for the abalone Haliotis tuberculata coccinea Reeve

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the suitability of three red algae, Hynea spinella, Hynea musciformis and Gracilaria cornea, as potential feed for the culture of juvenile abalone, Haliotis tuberculata coccinea R. Seaweeds were reared in a biofiltration unit with fishpond waste water effluents. The three algal species were found to contain high protein contents which would be related to its production under the high nitrogen culture conditions of the biofilter system. Protein and carbohydrate contents were highest in H. musciformis and lowest in G. cornea. Survival rates of juvenile abalone were very good, regardless of the algae fed. Feed intake of H. spinella was highest, followed by H. musciformis. Growth rates of abalone were within the range obtained under commercial conditions, final shell length and weight being significantly highest in animals fed H. spinella and lowest in those fed G. cornea. Feeding G. cornea lead to the lowest growth performance due to the lowest feed intake, whereas feed conversion ratios were significantly highest for H. musciformis and protein efficiency ratios were higher for both H. spinella and G. cornea. This study suggested the good potential of any of the three red seaweeds tested—successfully produced by the biofilter system, their nutritional composition being similar to other macroalgae used as feed for abalone and matching the abalone protein and lipid requirements—hence promoting growth and survival. Nevertheless, the biofilter produced macroalgae H. spinella showed the highest dietary value for juvenile of H. tuberculata coccinea.