An Early Larval Feeding Protocol and Hypersaline Acclimation of Larval Spotted Seatrout

The availability of Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus to anglers along the Texas coast is supported by a stock enhancement program that is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A study was conducted to improve production protocols during frequent hypersaline conditions in rearing ponds. The objectives of the study were to (1) develop a feeding protocol for use during extended indoor larval rearing and (2) determine whether gradual hypersaline acclimation during extended indoor larval rearing leads to increased growth and survival of Spotted Seatrout larvae when they are subjected to hypersaline conditions. Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate four rotifer enrichments (Algamac‐3050, Easy Dry Selco, Ori‐One, and Rotigrow Plus) that are used in a standard larval Spotted Seatrout diet. The feeding trials were necessary to ensure larvae health and survival for the salinity acclimation trial. The larvae in both trials that were fed with Algamac‐3050‐enriched rotifers exhibited significantly greater (P