FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE,MOA,TAIWAN

This study was aimed at establishing the artificial propagation techniques of Rock porgy (Oplegnathus fasciatus) in Taiwan. Broodstock are induced to spawn with temperature-regulated deep sea water that pumped from a depth of 637 m. The fertilized eggs of the fish are buoyant and semi-transparent, with an average diameter of 0.86 ± 0.05 mm (Mean ± SD), and contained a single oil globule which was 0.12 ± 0.01 mm in diameter. These eggs hatched at 25 h after fertilization (Temp. = 24 ± 1°C; sal. = 32 ~ 33 psu). The newly hatched larvae were about 2.93 ± 0.02 mm in total length. The larvae (3.61 ± 0.12 mm) were fed with rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) from the 3rd day post hatching (DPH). Adding microalgae (Tetraselmis chui) can stabilize water quality and nourish rotifers. The 7 DPH fry were about 3.94 ± 0.14 mm in total length, and copepods were used as feeds instead. Two different sizes of live feeds should be applied during the transitional period. The 23 DPH fry were about 7.64 ± 1.33 mm in total length and could be fed pellet diet. The band and color patterns of the 40 DPH juveniles (33.58 ± 6.28 mm) were similar to those of the adult fish.