Optimization of safe transport conditions for hatchery-reared golden rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) juveniles: Effects of loading density and transport duration on survival and water quality
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The golden rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) is increasingly recognized as a promising aquaculture species in the Indo-Pacific region due to its rapid growth, tolerance to salinity fluctuations, high market demand, and consumer preference. However, one critical bottleneck in its culture is the safe and efficient transport of juveniles from hatcheries to grow-out facilities. Grow-out farms are often located far from hatcheries, making the transport of rabbitfish juveniles to grow-out rearing facilities a critical process. Establishing optimal transport conditions of this species for grow-out culture is essential to minimize stress and enhance survival. This study evaluated the effects of three loading densities (300, 400, and 500 fish?bag-1, corresponding to 13.53, 18.06, and 22.59 g?L-1) and two transport durations (10 and 15 h) on the survival and water quality of S. guttatus juveniles. Both loading density and travel duration significantly influenced the survival and water quality of rabbitfish juveniles. Dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) were critical factors that significantly affected survival, with positive correlations for DO and pH and a negative correlation for TAN. The optimal loading densities identified were 400 fish?bag?¹ for 10-h and 300 fish?bag?¹ for 15-h transport, respectively. These results provide valuable insights for optimizing transport protocols to reduce stress and unnecessary mortalities of S. guttatus juveniles during transfer from nursery facilities to grow-out production sites.
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