Using multi-model inference to determine the growth rates of red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, through ontogeny

Growth rates of a single cohort of F1, captive-reared red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, were determined through ontogeny using a multi-model inference approach. Water temperature averaged 23.6 ± 0.13 °C based on the ambient conditions of the study location in Miami, Florida. Growth rates in length-at-age and weight-at-age were best expressed using the von Bertalanffy model with the equations Lt = 742.6 (1 – e0.001804(a-31.57)) and Wt = 84720 (1 – e-0.0005787(a+78.71))3.304, respectively. The length-weight relationship was expressed by the equation W = 0.000003158 (Lt3.304). Red snapper grew to market-based harvest sizes of 450 g and 750 g by 318 (SGR = 1.403%/day) and 393 (SGR = 1.2%/day) days post hatch, respectively. Size at age was markedly higher than those reported in age-class studies for captive-reared red snapper and in the available wild-capture data for the species. Feed conversion ratios (1.32, cumulatively) generated in this study were commensurate with or lower than other commercially cultured snapper species. After applying the data generated by this study, recently published species selection methodology rank the red snapper within the highest priority tier for aquaculture development in the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean region. •This is the first dataset tracking the growth performance of red snapper through ontogeny.•The von Bertalanffy model was most suitable for length/weight-at-age estimates.•The power model was most suitable for weight-at-length estimates.•Species selection tools rank red snapper as highest priority for commercialization.•Growth rates for captive red snapper exceed those for wild-caught conspecifics.