An Efficient Technique for the Captive Breeding of an Endangered Freshwater Fish Salaria fluviatilis (Pisces: Blenniidae), with a Description of Its Ontogeny

Salaria fluviatilis is one of the few freshwater members of the family Blenniidae and occurs around the Mediterranean Basin. This species is vulnerable or endangered in most countries where it occurs. Thus, information on its developmental biology and the establishment of methods for ex situ reproduction of highly endangered populations, to preserve them until natural habitats are restored, are much needed. A technique for the culture of this endangered species in controlled conditions is presented, together with the description of the full developmental sequence, from egg to adult. The use of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus at the onset of exogenous feeding proved to be an efficient way to allow larvae to reach the size when they can feed upon Artemia nauplii. Embryonic development lasted 12–14 d at 20–21 C. Newly hatched larvae measured 5.1 mm total length (TL). The mouth and anus were opened; the eyes were pigmented; there were almost no yolk; and the pectoral fins were small and unpigmented. Most larvae settled at 13.0–14.0 mm TL (27–31 d after hatching) and showed full juvenile pigmentation patterns at 27.0–28.0 mm TL (83 d after hatching). The larvae of this species showed agonistic behaviors once they began to settle.