Potential of almako jack Seriola rivoliana as a fast-growing species for European aquaculture diversification

Abstract

The almaco jack Seriola rivoliana has being identified as potential candidate for aquaculture diversification due to their fast growth, excellent flesh quality and significant international market opportunities. The present work describes the adaptation of Seriola rivoliana broodstock in the Instituto Canario de Ciencias Marinas from year 2006 to 2009 and subsequent maturation, spawning and first larval rearing results. Twenty sub adults were captured by local fisherman in the South coast of Gran Canaria in May 2006. Initial fish weight (1.76± 0.25kg), was increased to 6.0± 1.1kg in July 2009. Every year fish were sampled to determine individual growth in weight and size. In addition, the evolution of sexual maturity state was established by gonadal biopsies. From July to October 2009, the use of repetitive hormonal injection (LHRHa) results in ten successful spawns (total 2.75 Millions eggs) with 72% of buoyant eggs and 92.5% mean fertilization rate. First results of larval rearing under Semi-intensive conditions showed an average survival rate 2.5% after 30day after hatching (dah) while less than 0.3% survival was obtained under intensive conditions. At 90 dah juveniles from Semi-intensive systems reach 26.7± 4.7g and 14.2±5.2g fish produced under intensive system.