Effects of illumination, shading and temperature on the settlement, survival and growth of juvenile abalone (Haliotis midae)

Abstract

In aquaculture, a thorough knowledge of the specific environmental requirements of a species is needed in order to maximize growth and survival rates. Several studies have helped develop the technology necessary for the intensive commercial culture of Haliotis midae. However, a considerable amount of research is still required to develop the most appropriate and optimal method for the cultivation of this species. In particular there remains a lack information on the feeding habits of the early life stages and as a result the survival rates of spat are still low and variable. This prompted the design of three experiments to determine the best illuminance and water temperature conditions to maximize the settlement, growth and survival of H midae post-larvae. These experiments also investigated what effect different illumination and water temperatures would have on the growth of diatom colonies as substrate for the abalone post-larvae during and after settlement.