Development of hyaline spheres in late auriculariae of sandfish, Holothuria scabra: Is it a reliable indicator of subsequent performance?

Our results have confirmed that for sandfish larvae, the presence and size of HS at the end of the auricularia stage, is indeed a reliable indicator of subsequent performance. Our results have also confirmed that HS formation and size is significantly influenced by the nutrient composition of the auricularia diet, and that there are significant positive correlations between HS formation and dietary levels of carbohydrate, EPA:DHA and EPA:ARA ratios. This information provides a strong basis for development of more appropriate diets for sandfish larvae that will improve HS formation and larval performance during hatchery culture and in turn improve hatchery production of this species.