Effects of salinity on growth and survival of seahorses; (hippocampus kuda) juveniles

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the suitable rearing salinity for seahorse juveniles. A total of 475 juveniles obtained from four different broodstock were used. All juveniles were allocated from the second day post-hatch to experimental tank of different salinity treatment of 21,24,27,30 and 33 ppt for a period of days. The obtained results show that the suitable salinity deemed for rearing juveniles H.kuda was 33 ppt, which produces 67% survival rate. Salinities at 24 ppt, 27 ppt and 30 ppt can also be used in culturing H.kuda but it is with significantly lower survival rates. Growth varies for all juveniles at the average standard length of juveniles in 24 ppt were 25.11 mm ± 2.65 S.D, whereas those in 30 ppt was 33.23mm ± 3.89 S.D. During the first week of rearing, juveniles of seahorse-recorded mortality almost everyday, which explained their response to the rearing parameter.