Effect of temperature on the breeding cycle and spawning success of the New Zealand abalone, Haliotis australis

Abstract

Adult Haliotis australis were brought into breeding condition in the hatchery by holding at constant temperature and ad libitum feeding of a mixed diet of seaweeds. Spawnings were achieved after 21 weeks at 15°C. This period was reduced to 14 weeks by raising the holding temperature to 18°C for 2 weeks before testing. More of those H. australis held at 18°C were induced to spawn and they produced a greater number of viable gametes. No spawnings were achieved from those H. australis tested within 1–2 days of collection from the wild.

Keywords:

• Haliotis australis; temperature
• controlled breeding