Effects of temperature on the survival, feeding, and growth of pearl gentian grouper (female Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x male Epinephelus lanceolatus)

Pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus a (TM) Euro x Epinephelus lanceolatus a (TM),) is an important commercial and economic fish from the southeast coast of China. Yet, the optimal water temperature for the aquaculture of pearl gentian grouper has not been reported in China. The present study compared the survival, feeding, and growth parameters of pearl gentian groupers (121.62 +/- 10.08 g) cultured at six different water temperatures (9, 14, 19, 24, 29, and 34 A degrees C) for 30 days. The results showed that the survival rate of pearl gentian groupers increased with increasing water temperature. When the temperature was equal to or lower than 14 A degrees C, all the fishes stopped eating and all died within 18 days. At 29 and 34 A degrees C, the survival rate was 100%. The feeding rate and the daily weight gain increased with elevated water temperature, with the maximal value observed at 34 A degrees C. At 29 A degrees C, the food conversion ratio was the lowest, in comparison to treatments at other temperatures. Based on the regression curve between specific growth rate and water temperature, the optimal temperature for the growth of pearl gentian grouper was estimated to be 32.4 A degrees C. Overall, the present results contribute basic information for the aquaculture of pearl gentian grouper in China.