First results of larval rearing and development of the bluestriped angelfish Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis (Temminck & Schlegel) from hatching through juvenile stage with notes on its potential for aquaculture

The aim of this study was to report the first successful results on larval rearing of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis, a description of larval and juvenile development stages, and appropriate first-feed items for pilot-scale larviculture systems. Fertilized eggs were obtained from natural spawnings from communally reared captive wild broodstock. Newly hatched larvae were 2.11 +/- 0.06mm (mean +/- SD) in total length (L-T) with 27-28 myomeres. Larvae completed yolk absorption within 3days post hatching (dph) at 2.92 +/- 0.11mm L-T. Transformation of larvae to the juvenile stage was completed at 16.51mm L-T, all fins had the adult complement of rays and spines. A statistical model: Y = (Xx0.0112)+(X(2)x0.0086)-(X(3)x 0.00004) +2.8065, where Y is mean L-T (mm) and X represents dph, explained 99.8% of variation in growth (P<0.001, R-2=0.998). The effects of live feed on survival was significantly (P<0.05) higher in larvae fed a combination of diet (ciliates, rotifers and copepods) than the others. These results indicate that C. septentrionalis is a potential species for captive breeding programs and the use of a combination of diet may be a suitable first food for the larviculture.