Egg and larval quality assessment in the Argentinean red porgy (Pagrus pagrus)

The egg and larval quality of red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) during six consecutive spawning seasons was analyzed. The spawning season of red porgy in captivity lasted between 2 and 4 months, showing wide daily variations in relative fecundity and floating rate. Annual fecundity showed a minimum of 331,900 eggs kg− 1 in 2003 and a peak of 958,200 eggs kg− 1 female wet weight in 2002. Floating rate differed significantly among seasons, with an average gross value of 52.7%. Annual profuction of floating eggs ranged between 131,500 eggs kg− 1 (2003) and 646,300 eggs kg− 1 female wet weight (2002), representing a 39.6% and a 67.4% of the annual fecundity, respectively. A multiple regression model using hatching and floating rates was formulated, which correlated well with larval survival as dependent variable. Our results indicated that hatching and floating rates could be used as potential markers to predict survival of red porgy larvae with certain degree of accuracy very early during hatchery activities.