First studies on spawning, embryonic and larval development of Dentex gibbosus (Rafinesque, 1810) (Osteichthyes, Sparidae) under controlled conditions

Abstract

Pink dentex (D. gibbosus) can be considered as a potential candidate to diversify the culture of Sparidae, due both to the importance of dentex fisheries and market within Europe, and to its phylogenetic closeness to the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, Linnaeus, 1758). First trials to obtain D. gibbosus spawnings under captive conditions were carried out at the Planta Experimental de Cultivos Marinos (Instituto Canario de Ciencias Marinas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain) in May, 1991. Broodstock management conditions determining egg quality, embryonic and larval development of D. gibbosus up to day 31 are described for the first time. Larval allometric characteristics were studied. The equation y=2.321×e0.03975x represents larval growth under experimental conditions. A comparison of egg size, hatching time and size of newly hatched larvae in several Sparidae under culture conditions is also presented. Results on broodstock acclimation, natural spawnings and larval growth rates suggest that pink dentex has a high potential for commercial culture.