Optimal factors for egg hatchability and larvae development of Barbus altianalis under captivity

Abstract

Abstract Five experiments were conducted to identify optimal temperature, light, water depth, and hatching facility suitable for the hatchability of Barbus altianalis embryos and larval growth. In experiment I, eggs were incubated at 24, 27, and 30°C with and without aeration. In experiment II, eggs were incubated in conical jars, re‐circulating and glass tanks at 27°C. In experiment III, eggs were incubated at lux values of 54.2 ± 5.5 and 10,701.8 ± 2224.3 SD. In experiment IV, eggs on trays were placed at the bottom of glass tank (60 cm depth) and others at the surface. In experiment V, six old day larvae were treated at 24, 27, 30, and 31°C. Results indicated that optimal embryo hatchability ranged from 92.9 ± 2.0% to 94.1 ± 2.9% (no aeration) at 24°C and 89.3 ± 1.0% to 91.8 ± 0.8% SE at 27°C (aeration) in two trials. Re‐circulating (84.3%) and glass tanks (80.3%) were more suitable for hatching than conical jars (37.2%). Optimal larvae growth and survival were attained at 30°C (207.4 ± 16.3 mg SE; 78.9 ± 2.0% SD). No differences were observed in egg hatchability with light and water depth treatments (p > 0.05). These results will guide farmers to produce sufficient and quality B. altianalis seeds for farming.

Keywords

• eggs
• hatching facility
• incubation
• larvae
• temperature