Reducing cannibalism among larval striped bass Morone saxatilis: Effects of Artemia ration size and stocking density

Two trials on striped bass larvae, both 2 × 2 factorial design and 16 days duration starting at 12 days post-hatch (dph; 3 mg body weight, BW), compared the effect of stocking density (both trials 3 vs. 15 larvae/L; rearing volume 15 L) and daily fixed ration of stage II enriched Artemia (Trial 1: 1000 vs. 250; Trial 2: 250 vs. 50 Artemia per larva per day; Art/l/d) based on initial stocking density. Losses of larvae were categorized as either retrieved mortalities or ‘missing’ due to cannibalism. In Trial 1, ration (1000 vs. 250 Art/l/d) had a highly significant (p 10-fold greater than conspecifics. In a small production trial, larvae stocked at 15/L were offered a daily ration that increased progressively from 250 Art/l/d at 14 dph to 1200 Art/l/d at 29 dph. Survival was 95% due to negligible cannibalism. Overall, the study presents a protocol for the indoor intensive production of striped bass through the larval stage with minimal losses to cannibalism. •Cannibalism among striped bass larvae can be eliminated when sufficient food is provided.•Survival and growth of striped bass larvae were proportional to Artemia ration.•Survival and growth of striped bass larvae were independent of stocking density.•Losses due to cannibalism ranged from 0 to 52% dependent on Artemia ration.