Preliminary breeding trials of wrasse in an intensive system

Broodstock of goldsinny, rock cook and corkwing wrasse were captured, and maintained in through-flow holding tanks at 12 degree C. Fish were stripped, and fertilized eggs incubated at 18 degree C in 101 containers. Larvae were held in similar containers and fed with algae and rotifers, and later Artemia sp. before weaning to dry feed. Best results were achieved for rock cook, where hatching occurred at approximately 90 degree-days, with considerable variation in survival beyond first-feeding. A high percentage of hatching was obtained with corkwing, although survival beyond day six was not as promising as that obtained for rock cook. High mortality was experienced at the egg stage of goldsinny with no survival beyond first-feeding. Based on experience from these trials, possible improvements for the holding of broodstock, and conditions for the different developmental stages are discussed. The experience gained during these trials indicates the requirement for further examination of holding conditions for broodstock and frequency of stripping.