FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE,MOA,TAIWAN

This study aimed to establish the artificial propagation techniques of palette surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus). Their spawning behavior occurred while the water temperature was continuously above 25℃ and termined when the temperature dropped below 25℃. Furthermore, their fertilized eggs are buoyant and semi-transparent. The pelagic eggs had an average diameter of 0.67 ± 0.05 mm (Mean ± SD). They contained a single oil globule which was 0.15 ± 0.05 mm in diameter. The fertilized eggs hatched at 18 h after fertilization (Temp. = 28 ± 1℃; sal. = 32 - 33 psu). Hatching rates of fertilized eggs varied significantly according to changes in salinities. The highest rate (82.5%) was at 30 psu. The newly hatched larvae were 1.52 ± 0.05 mm in total length. Starting at the third day post-hatching (DPH), larvae (2.29 ± 0.12 mm) received the first feeding with ciliate. Microalgae (Nannochloropsis oculata) were added to stabilize the water quality. The 7 DPH fry were 2.58 ± 0.21 mm in total length and were fed with rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis). The 15 DPH fry were 3.32 ± 0.31 mm in total length and the small copepod were used as feeds. Since then the feeding capacity of larvae increased and the supply of different feeds should be applied simultaneously. The 20 DPH fry were 5.18 ± 0.30 mm in total length and could be fed with copepod and artemia. The 24 DPH can start to rear under running water. The 26 DPH fry were 6.20 ± 0.94 mm in total length and began to enter the juvenile stage.