Effects of salinity and temperature during incubation on hatching and development of lingcod Ophiodon elongatus Girard, embryos

The interactive effects of salinity and temperature on development and hatching success of lingcod, Ophiodon elongatus Girard, were studied by incubating eggs at four temperatures (6, 9, 12 and 15°C) and five salinities (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 g L−1). Hatch did not occur in any of the 15°C treatments. Degree days (°C days) to first hatch was not influenced by temperature or salinity, however, calendar days to first hatch differed significantly for temperature (P<0.0001, 61±1, 44±1 and 35±1 days for 6, 9 and 12°C respectively). Degree days to 50% (427.1±4.2) hatch was not significantly influenced by temperature but was by salinity (P=0.0324). Viable hatch (live with no deformities, 74.1±4.0%) was greatest at 9°C and 25 g L−1 but not significantly different in the range of 20–30 g L−1. Larval length (9.4±0.13 mm) was greatest at 9°C and 20–30 g L−1. Temperature and salinity significantly influenced all categories of deformities with treatments at the upper (12°C and 35 g L−1) and lower limits (6°C and 15 g L−1) producing the greatest deformities. The optimal temperature and salinity for incubating Puget Sound lingcod eggs was found to be 9°C and 20–30 g L−1.