The effect of continuous lighting on the rearing of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) larvae

Abstract

Abstract Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) has important economic value in the world market. This study aims to determine the effect of continuous lighting on survival, growth, stomach contents, and histology of the eye of larvae. Larval rearing was conducted on 6 concrete tanks with 60 m3 in volume that support the water circulation and aeration system with an initial stocking of 20 eggs/liter. The treatments tested were A: Larval rearing by a 40-watt fluorescent lamp (TL) which was positioned 1 m above the surface of the water surface for 24 hours and B: Without lights (control). Each treatment used 3 repetitions and data analysis with a t-test. The parameters observed were larval survival and growth stomach content and eyes histology. The results showed that the rearing of larvae in treatment B can with a survival of 0.26±0.0231% and a final total length of 3 6.2 ± 7.3 mm which is significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to treatment A (0.10±0.057% and 24.3 ± 5.5 mm). From the observation of stomach contents at night in treatment B still eats rotifers while in treatment A stomach is empty. The inner nuclear layer cell arrangement of larval eyes is more tenuous than control. From these results, it can be concluded that the provision of continuous lighting treatment can improve the survival, growth, stomach content, and vision ability of larvae.