Effect of temperature on growth performance of greater amberjack (Seriola Dumerili Risso 1810) Juveniles

Abstract

In order to successfully diversify Mediterranean aquaculture, it is necessary to determine optimum culture conditions of potential candidate species such as greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili). Among culture conditions, rearing temperature is a key factor for achieving optimum growth and maintaining fish welfare. However, little is known about the optimum culture conditions of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili). Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of three different rearing temperatures (17, 22 and 26°C) during 120 days on growth performance, body morphometry, biochemical composition, gut transit and liver morphology of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) juveniles. After 120 days of rearing, fish raised at 26°C showed higher (p <.05) body weight and specific growth rate than fish held at lower temperatures, as well as improved feed utilization, protein efficiency and nutrient retention percentages. Fish stomach emptying was faster (p <.05) in fish raised at 26°C than in fish held at 22°C and 17°C. Similar results were obtained for gut transit time, being gut emptying faster (p <.05) in fish reared at 26°C than in fish cultured at lower temperatures. Rearing temperature also induced changes in fish morphology which resulted in a higher (p <.05) caudal propulsion efficiency index for fish reared at 26°C. Based on these results, we conclude that greater amberjack fingerlings perform better at 26°C than at 22°C or 17°C.