The effect of photoperiod, tank colour and light intensity on growth of larval haddock

Abstract

In two separate experiments, haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) larvae were raised under different photoperiods (24L : 0D or 15L : 9D), or different combinations of tank colour (black or white) and light intensity (1.1 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻² or 18 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻²). Growth (0.8% day⁻¹ in standard length; 2.9% day⁻¹ in body area) and survival (2%) were not significantly different between photoperiod treatments after 35 days. Larval survival was greater in white versus black tanks after 41 days (2% versus l%, respectively). Growth of larvae was impaired in black tanks at low (1.1 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻²) light intensity (0.8% day⁻¹ in standard length and 2.2% day⁻¹ in body area versus 1.1% day 21 in standard length and 3.1% day⁻¹ in body area, for all other treatments). Transmission and reflection of light was low in black tanks at low incident light, and there was very little upwelling light. The resultant poor prey to background contrast probably resulted in larvae being unable to consume sufficient food to sustain a level of growth comparable to that in other treatments.