Development and growth of hatchery-reared larval Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus)

Although the Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is a prime candidate for aquaculture, the problematic production of juveniles remains a major impediment to commercial culture of this species. In order to improve the understanding of larval development and to refine hatchery production techniques, this study was conducted to characterize development and growth of Florida pompano from hatching through metamorphosis by using digital photography and image analysis. Newly hatched larvae were transparent and had a large, elongate yolk sac and single oil globule. The lower and upper jaws as well as the digestive tract were not fully developed at hatching. Rotifers were observed in the stomach of larvae at three days after hatching (DAH), and Artemia spp. were observed in the stomach of larvae at 14 DAH. Growth rates calculated from total length measurements were 0.22 +/- 0.04, 0.23 +/- 0.12, and 0.35 +/- 0.09 mm/d for each of the larval rearing trials. The mouth gape of larvae was 0.266 +/- 0.075 mm at first feeding and increased with a growth rate of 0.13 +/- 0.04 mm/d. Predicted values for optimal prey sizes ranged from 80 to 130 pin at 3 DAH, 160 to 267 pin at 5 DAH, and 454 to 757 pm at 10 DAH. Based on the findings of this study, a refined feeding regime was developed to provide stage- and size-specific guidelines for feeding Florida pompano larvae reared under hatchery conditions.