The effects of temperature and dissolved oxygen on the growth, survival and oxidative capacity of newly hatched hybrid yellow catfish larvae (Tachysurus fulvidraco♀ × Pseudobagrus vachellii♂)

Abstract Demand for yellow catfish fry, an economically important farmed fish in China, has increased dramatically. Newly hatched larvae are highly sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, with water temperature (T) and dissolved oxygen (DO) being two important factors that affect their early development. We investigate optimal T (between 19.0 and 33.0 °C) and DO (between 2.0 and 12.0 mg L−1) concentrations on growth and antioxidant enzyme activity of newly hatched hybrid yellow catfish larvae (Tachysurus fulvidraco × Pseudobagrus vachellii) using a central composite design. We use a response surface method to optimize the response variables for survival (S) and growth, and the reduction of oxidative stress, over a 50-day experimental duration. T has a significant effect on specific growth rate (SGR), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (P