Larval development of grouper hybrids Epinephelus Coioides X E. Fuscoguttatus and E. Coioides X E. Lanceolatus

• Main Author: Koh, Ivan Chong Chu
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling; SH20.3-191 Aquaculture
• Online Access: https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/6448/3/24%20PAGES.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/6448/2/FULLTEXT.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/6448/

This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of grouper hybridization for increasing potential in aquaculture. 2 combinations were produced, which were orange-spotted grouper E. coioides x tiger grouper E. fuscoguttatus (OGTG) and orange-spotted grouper E. coioidesx giant grouper E. lanceolatus(OGGG). The egg and larval development of the above new hybrids were observed under artificial conditions. Newly ovulated eggs from a female E. coioides (7.5 kg in body weight) were measured at 806+20 IJm (mean+SD) in diameter and weighed 3,505 eggs/g. After fertilization with sperm obtained from a male E. fuscoguttatus (11.0 kg in body weight) and a male E. lanceolatus (35.0 kg in body weight), the eggs diameter measured 833+221Jm (OGTG) and 833+221Jm (OGGG). The eggs of both hybrids hatched at 17 h 30 min (17:30 h) (OGTG) and 17:15 h (OGGG) after fertilization. Early larval development was similar in both hybrids till metamorphosis. Larvae of both hybrids commenced first feeding at 3 days after hatched (d AH) when larvae were morphologically prepared. Hybrid larvae showed typical early Epinephelus type pigmentation and differentiation of dorsal and pelvicfin spines was observed prior to 10 d AH and thereafter elongated. 750 (OGTG) and 235 (OGGG) tails with mean total length of 22.8+3.6 mm and 28.4+2.5 mm of 50 d AH juveniles were produced. Both hybrids showed normal development till juvenile stage. The hybrids showed potential for aquaculture and the results of this study could help establishing the basis of seed production of the hybrids.