Nutrition and Temperature Regulate Rearing Performance of Golden Pompano Trachinotus ovatus Larvae

Nutrition and temperature are the primary factors affecting development of fish larvae during the early feeding stage. This chapter discusses how nutrient enhancement and ambient temperature affect the rearing performance of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus. Artemia nauplii enriched with Algamac 3080 enhanced fish growth and reduced malformation. Fish fed Artemia nauplii enriched by Nanochloropsis achieved high survival but high jaw malformation. The water temperature of 26–29 °C enhanced growth and survival, while 23 °C was too low for both parameters. Jaw, vertebral column, and caudal vertebra deformity significantly increased at 33 °C. Therefore, the temperature range of 26–29 °C is optimal, and temperature >33 °C and <23 °C may have adverse impacts on fish performance. Information presented in this chapter will improve hatchery management on the production efficiency of golden pompano fingerlings. These findings may also apply to other similar species.