Rearing tank size effects feeding performance, growth, and survival of sergeant major, Abudefduf saxatilis, larvae

This study examined the interplay between food and environment during larval rearing of thesergeant major (Abudefduf saxatilis) and potential constraints to aquaculture production. To address thisobjective, larvae were reared in two different size rearing tanks (60 and 120 L) and fed a diet of rotifersand size-sorted copepod dominated zooplankton. Prey-capture success was significantly lower in 60 Lrearing tanks and larvae consumed significantly lower numbers of prey when compared to larger rearingtanks. Growth rates were significantly higher in 120 L rearing tanks. No larvae survived beyond 10 DPHin 60 L rearing tanks. The pattern of mortality observed in the 60 L tan