Effects of α-tocopherol supplementation of rotifers on the growth of striped trumpeter Latris lineata larvae

In larvae fed the emulsion-enriched rotifers, tissue concentrations of α-T were correlated to dietary concentrations. Larvae at 5 dph contained 276 μg α-T g−1; concentrations in most larvae had reduced at 23 dph (to between 121 and 225 μg α-T g−1) except for those fed highest α-T, which contained 356 μg g−1. Larval weight at 20 dph, and length at 14 and 23 dph were positively correlated with dietary α-T concentration. Interpolation of data from the regression curves showed that higher dietary α-T (i.e. ≥437 μg α-T g−1) gave a maximum 7% increase in larval length and a maximum of 10% increase in weight. Larval survival was extremely variable (average 37.0±30.1%). Though not statistically significant, average survival was apparently higher (48.4±28.2%) in larvae fed diets containing ≥437 μg α-T g−1 than those fed diet with lower α-T, i.e. ≤144 μg α-T g−1 (25.6±30.3%), with larvae fed 221 μg α-T g−1 having intermediate survival (37.2±32.3).