Research on Embryonic and Postembryonic Development to the Pike (Esox lucius)

Abstract

The paper presents the results obtained in the artificial breeding process and the stages of embryonic and postembryonic development to the pike (Esox lucius), under the conditions of Fish Culture Research and Development Station Nucet, Dâmbovita, Romania. Artificial breeding and embryonic development in pike is carried out in the temperature range of 8-12oC with an optimum of 10oC. Fecundity is variable, and depends on the size of the female, but also on water temperature, food availability, density, inter and intraspecific interactions. The number of eggs per gram is between 104 and 148, depending on the size of the females. The embryonic development period lasts 7-9 days at 11-12oC. The postembryonic development period begins on the first day of hatching, larvae ranging in length from 7.5-9 mm, present a nearly spherical yolk sac. The larval period starts when the transition to exogenous nutrition occurs; the end of this phase is marked by the axial skeleton formation and ossification. The larval period ends when the appearance of the body resembles that of adult fish. The results are essential for knowing the pike requirements and factors that influence growth and development at these stages in order to substantiate technological processes.

Keywords

• artificial breeding
• embryonic development
• pike
• postembryonic
• esox lucius