Effects of salinity and temperature on eggs and yolk sac larvae of the greenback flounder (Rhombosolea tapirina , Gunther, 1862)

The greenback flounder (Rhombosolea tapirina) is considered to have potential as an aquaculture species in southern Australia. Experiments were conducted to determine the optimal salinity for fertilisation and buoyancy of eggs, the optimal temperature and salinity combination for incubation of eggs, and the optimal temperature for yolk absorption. Experiments were carried out in 25 and 200 ml beakers and 31 containers. Optimal fertilisation rates occurred at salinities of 35-45‰ and eggs were buoyant at salinities above 28‰. The optimal temperature for egg incubation was approximately 12 °C and salinity had no effect if maintained between 15 and 45‰. Yolk absorption appeared to be most efficient at 15 °C as this temperature resulted in the largest larvae at complete yolk absorption and the fastest growth rate. First feeding occurred at the end of yolk absorption but before the oil droplet was absorbed. © 1995.