Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the Growth and Survivability of Young Epinephelus moara

The present study evaluates the effects of temperature and salinity on growth and survival of early young Epinephelus moara by changing water temperature and salinity gradually or suddenly. The results of this study showed that the young fish were able to survive in a salinity range of 14 ~ 40 psu( practical salinity unit). The optimal salinity range for grow of young fish was 14 ~ 19 psu. The suitable water temperature range is 21 ~ 30 ℃. The fish was less active and ate less with temperature of water lower than 18 ℃ that reduced resistance of fish and made them more vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria. The fish was hyperactive with temperature of water higher than 33 ℃ that exhausted more energy and inhibited growth of fish. The results indicated that the young fish was able to tolerance the changing of salinity,and by reducing salinity appropriately could improve the growth rate of fish. The young fish is sensitive to temperature change.