Effect of increasing n-3 HUFA content in enriched Artemia on growth, survival and skeleton anomalies occurrence of greater amberjack Seriola dumerili larvae

Abstract Elevated mortality during early stages and high occurrence of skeletal anomalies are major concerns in Greater amberjack ( Seriola dumerili ) juvenile's production. Identification of nutritional requirements during live prey feeding stages, particularly those related with n-3 HUFA would help to formulate specific diets for this species improving larval survival and reducing skeleton anomalies. In this study S. dumerili larvae were reared from 17 to 35 days post hatching (dph). Larvae were fed Artemia sp. containing five different n-3 HUFA levels from 2.7 to 20.5% TFA. Growth, survival, skeletal anomalies occurrence and larval biochemical composition were determined. Best growth, final survival and survival after air stress test were achieved in the range of dietary n-3 HUFA concentrations, between 5 and 20%TFA. The lowest occurrence of skeletal anomalies was achieved in fish fed 12% n-3 HUFA content in Artemia , and the occurrence of cranial anomalies was correlated to increased dietary n-3 HUFA levels. Besides, whole body larval fatty acid profiles showed a positive correlation with dietary n-3 HUFA. Based on the overall results the recommended n-3 HUFA dietary level during Artemia feeding for larval S. dumerili was suggested between 12 and 17%TFA.