Effects of Brood Density and Spawning Substrate Type and Orientation on the Reproductive Output of Seminole Killifish in Tanks

Abstract

Aquaculture of baitfish has the potential to produce and supply desired species and sizes to meet year-round market demand. The Seminole Killifish Fundulus seminolis is native to Florida and has recently emerged as a candidate for marine baitfish aquaculture because of its ability to survive acclimation to seawater, fast growth, and resilient larvae. Experiments were conducted to identify which spawning substrate materials and orientations were preferred by Seminole Killifish and to evaluate effects of broodfish stocking density on reproductive output. Results indicated that Seminole Killifish required a suitable substrate to be present for successful spawning and egg deposition. Broodstock spawned nearly all eggs onto fiber spawning mats when offered both mat and sand substrates. There was no significant difference in the number of eggs recorded among spawning mats regardless of orientation. Seminole Killifish held in outdoor tanks at a 2:1 (female : male) sex ratio had similar total egg production per tank per week irrespective of stocking density (10, 20, or 30 fish/m³). Consequently, the mean number of eggs produced per female was significantly different among the treatment densities, and an inverse relationship was noted between egg production and stocking density. Causes of observed fecundity differences among treatment densities are discussed along with other observations relevant to production.

Received January 18, 2017; accepted May 10, 2017Published online May 22, 2017