Salinity Effects on Growth and Survival of the Polychaete Rockworm Marphysa sanguinea (Montagu, 1813) Juveniles and Adults

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of salinity on growth and survival of the polychaete rockworm Marphysa sanguinea (Montagu 1813) at the juveniles and adults stages under controlled laboratory conditions. The effects of different salinities 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 psu on the survival and growth rates of M. sanguinea juveniles and adults was examined in two separate experiments in a semi-recirculating system. This study was examined over a three-month period in the Fisheries Science and Technology Center of Pukyong National University, South Korea. Experiments were conducted in plastic boxes of sizes L 40 cm × W 24 cm × H 28 cm has filled with sediment mixed with oyster shells 70% (5 mm) and sand 30% (2 mm). To identify the growth and survival rate monthly and end of the 3rd month, data was collected for juveniles and adults. In both experiments, the highest survival rate has found at 25 psu and lowest in 35 psu salinity. The juveniles and adults’ polychaetes have shown the highest weight gain in 30 psu salinity. These results have obtained that M. sanguinea proved to be an excellent candidate for aquaculture under a suitable salinity range of 25-30 psu. The salinity showed a significant effect not only on the growth and survival rate, but also on the biochemical components of M. sanguinea adults. These results of optimum salinity ranges will support for mass production of this rockworm which is highly demands in the world for sport fishing and live food for aquaculture.