Effect of temperature on growth, survival and occurrence of skeletal deformity in the golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus larvae

Golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus larvae were reared at 23, 26, 29 and 33°C from 3 day post-hatching (DPH) to 18 DPH. Growth, survival, RNA/DNA ratio, as well as jaw and skeleton deformities were used as evaluation criteria on fish performance. Growth of fish held at 29 and 33°C was significantly faster than those held at 23 and 26°C, while survival at 26 and 29°C was higher than those held at 23 and 33°C. Similarly, the RNA/DNA ratio was higher at 26 and 29°C than at 33°C. Jaw deformities significantly increased when the rearing temperature exceeded 29°C, while vertebral deformities were encountered more frequently at 33°C than at lower temperatures. Results of the study indicate that the temperature range of 26 to 29°C is appropriate while temperatures >33°C or <23°C can have adverse impact on rearing of golden pompano larvae.