Effects of salinity on growth and survival of tiger grouper (epinephelus fuscoguttatus). larvae and juvenile

Abstract

The salinity level is an important factor in fish growing period, for some species of fish; they can grow faster in lower salinity level instead of 30 ppt (sea salinity level). For the species in my study, which is Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), is become popular in human consuming especially in Asia. My study is using 6 different level of salinity level, which is 8ppt, l 6ppt, 24ppt, 30ppt, 32ppt and 40ppt to test the growth and survival of Tiger Grouper (E. fuscoguttatus) larvae and juvenile. I used 12 different aquariums and 6 tanks to setup 6 different salinity system. After the 21 days feeding period, the Tiger Grouper larvae and juvenile is grow differently. For larvae stage, the Tiger grouper in 16ppt aquarium is grow faster compare with others and the survival rate for the entire aquariums is 100% except the 16ppt and 40ppt aquariums which is 90%. For juvenile stage, the Tiger grouper is only survive in 30ppt and 32ppt tanks after 1 week and the best growth rate is obtained in 24ppt tank. The result indicated that the Tiger Grouper (E. fuscoguttatus) is growth better in lower salinity level instead of 30ppt (sea salinity level) but they only accept the huge differ level of salinity when they become juvenile.