Development of nursery systems for black sea bass Centropristis striata

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) are territorial fish and cannibalism is a concern when rearing juveniles in intensive systems. Three studies were conducted to provide information for development of suitable tank nursery systems for juvenile black sea bass (3.6-4.5 cm; 0.8-1.7 g). Studies were performed at the Marine Resources Research Institute, Charleston, SC, using 1.5-m diameter X 0.8 m deep tanks connected to recirculating seawater systems. The studies examined growth and survival at different stocking densities, selection and utilization of habitats, and, effects of water velocity on positioning and movement of fish. In study 1, fish were stocked at biomass densities of 126.7, 253.3, and 506.7 g/m(3) and reared for 56 days with no habitats. No difference in growth was detected although fish reared at the lower densities had significantly lower mortality (mean 7.9%) as compared to those at the highest density (28.0%). At the highest density, cannibalism appeared to be a substantial cause of mortality. In study 2, three habitat types were used, (1) two-tier structure constructed from plastic grating with 15 mm square openings (volume = 0.015 m(3)); (2) PVC pipe bundle (volume = 0.004 m(3)); (3) rock aggregate (volume = 0.008 m(3)). Of the habitats, the most utilized habitat (62.9%) was the two-tier layered structure that allowed movement in all directions. The next utilized type was the pipe bundle (25.6%) with the openings inhabited by the largest juveniles in each tank. Overall, a mean of 18.2% of the fish were observed using habitats. Study 3 examined water velocities ranging from 0.01 to 0.12 m/sec. Most fish became concentrated in the tank bottom area having a water velocity in the range of 0.04-0.09 m/sec. At these velocities there were few aggressive interactions. Smaller fish inhabited the areas outside this velocity range. At the higher velocities, the small fish swam vigorously to maintain their position in the water column. At the low velocities, sporadic incursions of larger fish occurred presumably to attempt to cannibalize or to defend territory. Results from these studies help to define characteristics of nursery systems for rearing juvenile black sea bass.