Comparisons of cultured triploid and diploid Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

The use of sterile, triploid salmon for aquaculture would be an effective method of preventing genetic interactions between cultured and wild salmon. The studies presented in this paper compare the performance of six year classes of triploid and diploid salmon in freshwater and seawater stages of commercial production. Freshwater growth was comparable between triploids and diploids. Freshwater survival was also similar between triploids and diploids except that survival was lower in the triploids for the developmental interval between fertilization and first feeding. In sea water, triploids performed better than diploids in terms of growth. However, survival was lower in triploids and they showed a higher incidence of jaw deformities. In summary, the overall yields of triploids was lower than diploids under culture conditions. (C) 1997 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.