Assessment of Holothuria arguinensis feeding rate,growth and absorption efficiency under aquaculture conditions |
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Authors: | Jorge A. Domínguez-Godino Mercedes González-Wangüemert |
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Affiliation: | Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Algarve Gambelas, Faro, Portugal |
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Abstract: | Holothuria arguinensis is a potential species for sea cucumber aquaculture in Europe. In a first experiment, feeding rate (FR), growth, absorption efficiency (AE) and survival of adults (135.01?±?10.87?g eviscerated weight) were assessed under sediment tank conditions. In a second experiment, the feasibility to use sea bream (Sparus aurata) biodeposits as a food source was studied for adults (168.69?±?14.59?g eviscerated weight). Individuals in the first experiment showed an increase of weight (specific growth rate (SGR)?=?0.2% d?1), positive FRs and mean value of AE close to 80% with a mean organic matter content of 90.07?±?11.5?mg/g in the offered sediment. Sea cucumbers fed with fish biodeposits showed a reduction of weight (SGR??0.14%?d?1), low FRs and negative values of AE. The influence of low salinity and temperature during experiments should be considered to explain these results. Indeed, sea cucumbers can be affected by a decrease of these parameters during winter months resulting in a period of inactivity. |
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Keywords: | Sea cucumber tank-based experiment growth rates Sparus aurata integrated multi-trophic aquaculture |
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