Production of Aphanius mento (Heckel, 1843) under controlled conditions

In this study, it was aimed to determine the adaptation capability to controlled conditions, reproductive behaviors, and production ofAphanius mentocaught from Kirkgoz Springs, Antalya. Fish material for broodstock were caught using fine mesh tulle net and bag net with 2.5mm mesh size. Twenty five female and 10 male breeding fish acclimated to experimental conditions in Aquarium Department Unit of Ministryof Food, Agriculture and Livestock Mediterranean Fisheries Research Production and Training Institute were spawned by providing egg collectorsto the tank. Aphanius mentoeggs were spherical, transparent and sticky. Examination with the microscope revealed that the eggs were fullof pale yellow egg yolk with 7-8 lipid droplets and had fibrous sticking filaments on the surface. The average egg diameter was 1.59±0.50 mm(n=8). Hatching were observed at 11th day at 22.5±1.0oC water temperature whereas at 8th day at 27.0±0.45oC. Total length of newly hatchedlarvae was 5.1±0.07 mm, and swimming were competed at 4th day. Average size of one-week larvae was 5.6±0.2 mm. At this stage fins werefully developed, the larvae were able to swim freely and take exogenous food. Mean length of the fish was 2.7±0.2 cm on 7th month and a juvenilefish had an appearance of morphologically mature fish.