# Larval Rearing Protocols for Freshwater Finfish: Feeding, Water Quality, and Weaning ## Key Takeaways - **Critical Water Quality Parameters**: Maintain dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L, unionized ammonia below 0.1 mg/L, and pH between 6.5-8.5, with alkalinity between 50-150 mg/L CaCO3. These parameters are vital for larval respiration, waste excretion, and pH stability, directly impacting survival and growth. - **First Feeding and Live Feed Selection**: Larvae require live feed (e.g., rotifers, *Artemia* nauplii, microcrustaceans) due to underdeveloped digestive systems, with particle size and nutritional enrichment being critical. Rotifers are suitable for small mouths, while *Artemia* nauplii are widely used for higher survival rates. - **Weaning Transition Protocols**: Gradual co-feeding of live and formulated feeds over 5-10 days is essential for successful weaning, allowing larvae to adapt their digestive capabilities. Monitoring gut fullness and growth rates guides the pace of transition to formulated diets. - **Stocking Density and Tank Management**: Optimal stocking densities (e.g., 5-50 larvae/L depending on species) and tank design (e.g., circular tanks, appropriate water depth) are crucial for reducing competition, improving feed efficiency, and facilitating waste removal. - **Systematic Record Keeping**: Daily logs of water quality, feeding, mortality, and growth are indispensable for early problem detection and protocol refinement. Calculations such as Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) provide quantitative performance metrics. - **Proactive Failure Mitigation**: Common failure patterns include ammonia spikes from overfeeding or biofilter issues, pH crashes due to low alkalinity, and starvation from inappropriate feed. Addressing these requires immediate adjustments to feeding, water exchange, and biofiltration. --- This article provides hatchery technicians and farm managers with practical protocols for feeding, water quality management, and weaning of common freshwater finfish larvae. The guidance draws on published research and official sources to support concrete management decisions. Every hatchery operation must adapt these general protocols to the specific species, water source, and facility design in use. Record keeping and systematic observation are essential for identifying problems early and making timely adjustments. ## At a Glance: Key Larval Rearing Parameters The table below summarizes critical parameters for freshwater finfish larval rearing. These values represent general ranges reported in the literature and must be verified for the target species and local conditions. | Parameter | Target Range | Monitoring Frequency | Action if Outside Range | |-----------|--------------|----------------------|-------------------------| | Temperature | 24-30°C depending on species | Twice daily | Adjust heater or flow rate gradually, check for equipment failure | | Dissolved oxygen | Above 5 mg/L | Twice daily | Increase aeration or water exchange, reduce feeding rate | | pH | 6.5-8.5 | Daily | Check alkalinity, perform partial water change | | Total ammonia nitrogen | Below 0.1 mg/L (unionized) | Daily | Reduce feeding, increase water exchange, check biofilter function | | Nitrite | Below 0.5 mg/L | Every 2-3 days | Increase water exchange, add salt if needed | | Alkalinity | 50-150 mg/L as CaCO3 | Weekly | Add buffer if below 50 mg/L | | Stocking density | 5-50 larvae/L depending on species | At stocking and weekly | Thin if growth is uneven or mortality increases | | Feed particle size | 50-500 microns depending on larval stage | At each feeding | Switch to appropriate size grade | | Feeding frequency | 4-8 times daily | Daily | Adjust based on gut fullness observation | ## Feeding Protocols for Freshwater Finfish Larvae ### First Feeding and Live Feed Selection The transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding is the most critical period in larval rearing. Most freshwater finfish larvae require live feed at first feeding because their digestive systems are not fully developed. The ontogeny of the digestive tract in stinging catfish (*Heteropneustes fossilis*) larvae has been documented, showing that digestive enzyme production and gut structure develop gradually after hatch (Ontogeny of the digestive tract in stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) larvae, Fish physiology and biochemistry, 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30805756). This pattern is common across many freshwater species. Common live feed options include: - **Rotifers**: Freshwater rotifers (*Brachionus calyciflorus*) are suitable for small-mouthed larvae. A novel method for rearing zebrafish using freshwater rotifers demonstrated their effectiveness as a first feed (A Novel Method for Rearing Zebrafish by Using Freshwater Rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus), Zebrafish, 2015, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25938499). Rotifers should be cultured separately and enriched with algae or commercial enrichment products before feeding. - **Artemia nauplii**: Newly hatched *Artemia* nauplii are widely used for freshwater finfish larvae. In butter catfish (*Ompok bimaculatus*) larval rearing, *Artemia* nauplii yielded the highest survival rate at 51.11 percent compared to other diets (Induced spawning and larval rearing studies in buttercatfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794): A candidate species for diversified aquaculture and stock enhancement, Indian Journal of Fisheries, 2025, https://doi.org/10.21077/ijf.2025.72.2.125497-17). Decapsulated *Artemia* cysts can also be used as a direct feed. - **Microcrustaceans**: Moina and Daphnia are suitable for larger larvae and can be cultured on site. - **Tubifex worms**: In butter catfish larvae, *Tubifex* worms produced the highest specific growth rate at 21.09 percent per day, though survival was lower than with *Artemia* (Induced spawning and larval rearing studies in buttercatfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794): A candidate species for diversified aquaculture and stock enhancement, Indian Journal of Fisheries, 2025, https://doi.org/10.21077/ijf.2025.72.2.125497-17). *Tubifex* should be sourced from clean cultures to avoid pathogen introduction. ### Feeding Frequency and Ration Size Larvae have high metabolic rates and small stomach capacities. Frequent feeding with small rations improves growth and survival. General guidelines include: - Feed 4 to 8 times daily during the first two weeks after first feeding. - Provide live feed at densities of 5 to 20 organisms per milliliter in the larval tank. - Observe gut fullness under a microscope to adjust ration size. Larvae with full guts appear opaque in the abdominal region. - Reduce feeding if uneaten feed accumulates on the tank bottom or if water quality deteriorates. ### Transition to Formulated Feed The weaning process requires careful management. Larvae must be gradually accustomed to formulated feed while still receiving live feed. The domestication process modifies digestion ability in larvae of Eurasian perch (*Perca fluviatilis*), indicating that hatchery conditions can influence digestive enzyme development (Domestication process modifies digestion ability in larvae of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), a freshwater Teleostei, Scientific reports, 2020, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32042003). This finding suggests that weaning protocols may need adjustment for domesticated strains. Practical weaning steps: 1. Start co-feeding when larvae are large enough to ingest the smallest formulated feed particle size (typically 100-200 microns). 2. Offer live feed and formulated feed together for 5 to 10 days. 3. Gradually reduce live feed proportion by 10 to 20 percent per day. 4. Monitor feeding response and growth. If larvae stop feeding or growth slows, slow the weaning rate. 5. Complete weaning when larvae consistently accept formulated feed and show positive growth. ## Water Quality Management in Larval Tanks ### Critical Parameters and Monitoring Water quality directly affects larval survival, growth, and stress resistance. The following parameters require regular monitoring: - **Temperature**: Maintain stable temperature within the optimal range for the species. Rapid temperature changes cause stress and mortality. Use heaters with thermostats and backup systems. - **Dissolved oxygen**: Larvae have high oxygen demand due to rapid growth. Maintain dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L at all times. Increase aeration during feeding when oxygen demand rises. - **Ammonia and nitrite**: Larvae are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite. Total ammonia nitrogen should be kept below 0.1 mg/L as unionized ammonia. Nitrite should be below 0.5 mg/L. Regular water changes and biofilter management are essential. - **pH and alkalinity**: pH should remain stable between 6.5 and 8.5. Alkalinity buffers pH changes. In giant freshwater prawn (*Macrobrachium rosenbergii*) postlarvae, growth parameters increased in proportion to alkalinity within the range of 80 to 160 mg CaCO3 per liter (Effects of densities and alkalinities on the rearing performance of all-male giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii De Man, 1879) postlarvae, Israeli Journal of Aquaculture (Bamidgeh), 2025, https://doi.org/10.46989/001c.137966). Low alkalinity increases the risk of pH crashes. ### Water Exchange and Flow Rates Water exchange rates depend on larval stage, stocking density, and feeding rate. General guidelines: - For first-feeding larvae, use static or low-flow systems with daily water changes of 10 to 30 percent. - As larvae grow and feeding increases, increase water exchange to 50 to 100 percent per day. - Use flow-through or recirculating systems with mechanical and biological filtration. - Match water inflow to outflow to maintain stable water level. - Use screened outlets to prevent larval loss. ### Biofloc Systems for Larval Rearing Biofloc technology can improve water quality and provide supplemental nutrition. In giant freshwater prawn postlarvae, a biofloc environment with a carbon source (rice flour at a C:N ratio of 15:1) supported growth and survival (Effects of densities and alkalinities on the rearing performance of all-male giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii De Man, 1879) postlarvae, Israeli Journal of Aquaculture (Bamidgeh), 2025, https://doi.org/10.46989/001c.137966). Biofloc systems require careful management of carbon addition, aeration, and solids removal. ## Weaning Strategies for Freshwater Finfish Larvae ### Timing and Readiness Assessment Weaning should begin when larvae have developed functional digestive systems and are large enough to ingest formulated feed. Indicators of weaning readiness include: - Larvae actively swimming and feeding. - Visible gut fullness after feeding. - Consistent growth over several days. - Development of a functional stomach (for species that develop one). The ontogeny of the digestive tract varies among species. For stinging catfish, digestive tract development follows a predictable sequence after hatch (Ontogeny of the digestive tract in stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) larvae, Fish physiology and biochemistry, 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30805756). Hatchery managers should consult species-specific literature to determine the appropriate weaning window. ### Co-Feeding Protocols Co-feeding involves offering both live and formulated feed simultaneously. This approach allows larvae to associate formulated feed with food and provides nutritional backup if acceptance is poor. Recommended co-feeding duration is 5 to 10 days, but this may need extension for slow-growing larvae or species with prolonged weaning periods. Practical co-feeding steps: 1. Introduce formulated feed at 10 to 20 percent of the total ration on day one. 2. Increase formulated feed proportion by 10 to 20 percent daily. 3. Decrease live feed proportion correspondingly. 4. Observe feeding behavior and gut contents daily. 5. If larvae reject formulated feed, reduce the proportion and extend the co-feeding period. ### Troubleshooting Weaning Failures Common weaning problems and corrective actions: - **Larvae stop feeding**: Check water quality, temperature, and feed particle size. Reduce formulated feed proportion and increase live feed temporarily. - **Uneven growth**: Thin larvae to reduce competition. Ensure feed particles are distributed evenly throughout the tank. - **High mortality**: Check for disease signs. Review water quality records. Consider extending the co-feeding period. - **Feed waste**: Reduce ration size. Check feed particle size. Ensure feed remains suspended in the water column. ## Stocking Density and Tank Management ### Optimal Stocking Densities Stocking density affects growth, survival, and feed efficiency. In GloFish Tetra (*Gymnocorymbus ternetzi*), low stocking density (5 larvae per liter) combined with natural vegetation produced the highest specific growth rate at 4.30 percent per day and the lowest [feed conversion ratio](/knowledge/animal-farming/poultry/feed-conversion-ratio-measuring-improving-poultry-efficiency) at 1.31 (OPTIMIZING THE BREEDING AND REARING TECHNIQUES OF TRANSGENIC GLOFISH TETRA (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) IN TROPICAL FRESHWATER AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS, Journal of Fish Nutrition, 2025, https://doi.org/10.29303/jfn.v5i1.7548). High density and substrate-free conditions yielded the poorest performance. For giant freshwater prawn postlarvae, growth parameters increased as stocking density rose from 200 to 500 individuals per cubic meter but declined at 600 individuals per cubic meter (Effects of densities and alkalinities on the rearing performance of all-male giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii De Man, 1879) postlarvae, Israeli Journal of Aquaculture (Bamidgeh), 2025, https://doi.org/10.46989/001c.137966). The highest survival rate was observed at 500 individuals per cubic meter. General stocking density guidelines: - For small-mouthed larvae (e.g., cyprinids): 10 to 50 larvae per liter. - For larger larvae (e.g., catfish, perch): 5 to 20 larvae per liter. - For ornamental species: 5 to 15 larvae per liter. - Reduce density if growth is uneven or mortality increases. ### Tank Design and Environmental Enrichment Tank design influences larval distribution, feeding efficiency, and waste removal. Key considerations: - Tank shape: Circular or square tanks with rounded corners promote uniform water flow and waste removal. - Water depth: Shallow tanks (15-30 cm) are easier to manage for first-feeding larvae. - Color: Light-colored tanks make it easier to observe larvae and feed. Dark tanks may reduce stress for some species. - Substrate: Natural aquatic vegetation improved performance in GloFish Tetra (OPTIMIZING THE BREEDING AND REARING TECHNIQUES OF TRANSGENIC GLOFISH TETRA (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) IN TROPICAL FRESHWATER AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS, Journal of Fish Nutrition, 2025, https://doi.org/10.29303/jfn.v5i1.7548). Artificial fiber mats can also provide structure. - Aeration: Gentle aeration maintains oxygen levels and keeps feed suspended. Avoid strong currents that exhaust larvae. ## Records and Measurements ### Essential Records for Larval Rearing Systematic record keeping allows hatchery managers to identify trends, diagnose problems, and improve protocols. Maintain the following records: - **Daily water quality log**: Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrite, alkalinity. Record time of measurement and any corrective actions taken. - **Feeding log**: Feed type, particle size, ration amount, feeding times, and observed feeding response. - **Mortality log**: Daily mortality count, cause if known, and cumulative survival. - **Growth records**: Sample 20 to 30 larvae weekly. Measure total length and wet weight. Calculate specific growth rate. - **Water exchange log**: Volume exchanged, frequency, and source water quality. - **Health observations**: Note any abnormal behavior, external signs of disease, or lesions. ### Growth Performance Calculations Track growth performance using standard formulas: - Specific growth rate (SGR) = [(ln final weight - ln initial weight) / days] x 100 - [Feed conversion ratio](/knowledge/animal-farming/poultry/feed-conversion-ratio-measuring-improving-poultry-efficiency) (FCR) = feed fed / weight gain - Survival rate (%) = (final number / initial number) x 100 - Coefficient of variation (CV) = (standard deviation / mean) x 100 Record these calculations weekly and compare to target values for the species. ## Common Failure Patterns in Larval Rearing ### Water Quality Related Failures - **Ammonia spikes**: Caused by overfeeding, inadequate biofiltration, or high stocking density. Signs include lethargy, gasping at surface, and mortality. Immediate action: stop feeding, increase water exchange, check biofilter. - **pH crashes**: Caused by low alkalinity or high carbon dioxide from respiration. Signs include reduced feeding and mortality. Immediate action: add buffer, increase aeration, check alkalinity. - **Oxygen depletion**: Caused by high temperature, overfeeding, or equipment failure. Signs include larvae gathering at surface or near inflow. Immediate action: increase aeration, reduce temperature, check equipment. ### Feeding Related Failures - **Starvation**: Caused by inappropriate feed type, particle size, or feeding frequency. Signs include empty guts, thin bodies, and reduced activity. Corrective action: switch to appropriate feed, increase feeding frequency, check feed quality. - **Overfeeding**: Causes water quality deterioration and bacterial blooms. Signs include feed accumulation on bottom, cloudy water, and increased ammonia. Corrective action: reduce ration, increase water exchange, siphon bottom. - **Nutritional deficiency**: Caused by poor quality live feed or incomplete formulated feed. Signs include slow growth, deformities, and increased mortality. Corrective action: enrich live feed, switch to higher quality formulated feed. ### Disease Related Failures - **Bacterial infections**: Often secondary to stress from poor water quality or handling. Signs include external lesions, fin rot, and mortality. Isolate affected tanks and review water quality records. - **Parasitic infections**: Can be introduced with live feed or wild broodstock. Treatments for ectoparasites and diseases in captive Western Australian dhufish have been documented (Treatments for ectoparasites and diseases in captive Western Australian dhufish, Aquaculture International, 2000, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009257011431). Consult a fish health specialist for diagnosis and treatment. - **Fungal infections**: Common in eggs and stressed larvae. Signs include white cotton-like growth. Improve water quality and remove affected individuals. ## Welfare and Safety Context ### Larval Welfare Considerations Larval welfare directly affects growth, survival, and product quality. Key welfare indicators include: - Normal swimming behavior and feeding response. - Uniform growth within the cohort. - Low mortality rates. - Absence of deformities or lesions. - Clear water with stable quality parameters. Stressors that compromise welfare include poor water quality, inappropriate temperature, overcrowding, and rough handling. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare (Animal Health and Welfare, USDA National Agricultural Library, https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). Hatchery managers should incorporate welfare monitoring into daily routines. ### Worker Safety in Hatcheries Hatchery workers face several hazards: - Electrical hazards from pumps, heaters, and lighting. Ensure all equipment is properly grounded and protected from water. - Slip hazards from wet floors. Use non-slip flooring and keep walkways clear. - Chemical hazards from disinfectants, anesthetics, and water treatment chemicals. Store chemicals properly and use personal protective equipment. - Ergonomic hazards from repetitive tasks and lifting. Use proper lifting techniques and take breaks. The FAO provides guidance on animal production practices (FAO Animal Production and Health, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Worker safety should be integrated into standard operating procedures. ### Biosecurity Measures Biosecurity prevents introduction and spread of pathogens. Essential measures include: - Quarantine new broodstock and live feed sources. - Disinfect equipment between tanks. - Use dedicated nets and tools for each tank. - Control access to hatchery areas. - Treat incoming water with filtration or disinfection. - Remove dead larvae promptly. ## Professional Escalation Criteria ### When to Seek Expert Assistance Hatchery managers should escalate problems to a fish health specialist, extension specialist, or experienced hatchery consultant when: - Mortality exceeds 10 percent per day for more than two consecutive days. - Larvae show signs of disease that do not respond to standard management adjustments. - Water quality parameters remain outside acceptable ranges despite corrective actions. - Growth rates are consistently below target values. - Deformity rates exceed 5 percent of the population. - Unexplained behavioral changes persist for more than 24 hours. ### Information to Provide When Escalating When contacting an expert, provide the following information: - Species, age, and source of larvae. - Tank size, stocking density, and water source. - Recent water quality records (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrite). - Feeding protocol (feed type, ration, frequency). - Mortality records and observations. - Any treatments already applied. - Photographs or video of affected larvae. The USDA Agricultural Research Service conducts aquaculture research and may provide resources (USDA ARS, https://www.ars.usda.gov/animal-production-and-protection/aquaculture). The FAO also maintains information on cultured species (FAO Cultured Species, https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/culturedspecies). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best first feed for freshwater finfish larvae? The best first feed depends on larval mouth size and digestive system development. Freshwater rotifers (*Brachionus calyciflorus*) are suitable for small-mouthed larvae. *Artemia* nauplii are widely used and have been shown to produce high survival rates in species such as butter catfish (Induced spawning and larval rearing studies in buttercatfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794): A candidate species for diversified aquaculture and stock enhancement, Indian Journal of Fisheries, 2025, https://doi.org/10.21077/ijf.2025.72.2.125497-17). Start with the smallest appropriate live feed and transition to larger particles as larvae grow. ### How often should I feed freshwater fish larvae? Feed larvae 4 to 8 times daily during the first two weeks after first feeding. Frequent small meals match larval digestive capacity and maintain water quality. Observe gut fullness under a microscope to adjust feeding frequency and ration size. Reduce feeding frequency as larvae grow and accept larger meals. ### What water quality parameters are most critical for larval survival? Dissolved oxygen, temperature, and ammonia are the most critical parameters. Maintain dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L, temperature within the species-specific optimal range, and unionized ammonia below 0.1 mg/L. Monitor these parameters daily and take corrective action immediately if they fall outside acceptable ranges. ### How do I know when to start weaning larvae? Start weaning when larvae have developed functional digestive systems and are large enough to ingest the smallest formulated feed particle size. Indicators include active feeding, visible gut fullness, consistent growth, and development of a functional stomach for species that develop one. Consult species-specific literature for weaning windows. ### What causes high mortality during the weaning period? High mortality during weaning can result from premature weaning, inappropriate feed particle size, poor feed quality, or water quality deterioration. Extend the co-feeding period if larvae reject formulated feed. Check water quality parameters and ensure feed particles are small enough for larvae to ingest. ### How can I improve growth uniformity in larval cohorts? Growth uniformity improves with appropriate stocking density, even feed distribution, and regular grading. Thin larvae if growth is uneven. Ensure feed particles are distributed throughout the tank. Grade larvae by size at regular intervals to reduce competition. The GloFish Tetra study showed that low density with natural vegetation improved growth uniformity (OPTIMIZING THE BREEDING AND REARING TECHNIQUES OF TRANSGENIC GLOFISH TETRA (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) IN TROPICAL FRESHWATER AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS, Journal of Fish Nutrition, 2025, https://doi.org/10.29303/jfn.v5i1.7548). ### What records should I keep for larval rearing? Maintain daily records of water quality parameters, feeding details, mortality, growth measurements, water exchange, and health observations. Weekly growth calculations including specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate help track performance. Systematic records allow identification of trends and early detection of problems. ### When should I consult a fish health specialist? Consult a fish health specialist when mortality exceeds 10 percent per day for more than two consecutive days, larvae show signs of disease that do not respond to management adjustments, water quality remains outside acceptable ranges despite corrective actions, or growth rates are consistently below target values. Provide detailed records and observations when seeking assistance. ## Related Farming Guides - [Aquaculture Water Quality Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/aquaculture/aquaculture-water-quality-monitoring) - [Freshwater Prawn Farming Stocking Shelter Feeding And Harvest Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/aquaculture/freshwater-prawn-farming-stocking-shelter-feeding-and-harvest-management) - [Raceway Fish Farm Management Flow Solids Feeding And Emergency Response](/knowledge/animal-farming/aquaculture/raceway-fish-farm-management-flow-solids-feeding-and-emergency-response) - [Fish Farming Water Feed Stocking Biosecurity Welfare And Harvest Decisions](/knowledge/animal-farming/aquaculture/fish-farming-water-feed-stocking-biosecurity-welfare-and-harvest-decisions) - [Shrimp Farming Biosecurity Water Management And Crop Observation](/knowledge/animal-farming/aquaculture/shrimp-farming-biosecurity-water-management-and-crop-observation) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Pond Sediment Management and Dredging Options](/knowledge/animal-farming/aquaculture/pond-sediment-management-dredging-options) * [Indoor Aquaculture Facilities: Lighting and Insulation](/knowledge/animal-farming/aquaculture/indoor-aquaculture-facilities-lighting-insulation) * [Greenhouse Aquaculture: Extending Growing Seasons](/knowledge/animal-farming/aquaculture/greenhouse-aquaculture-extending-growing-seasons) ## References and Further Reading - [www.fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/culturedspecies) - [www.ars.usda.gov](https://www.ars.usda.gov/animal-production-and-protection/aquaculture) - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. - [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library. - [A Novel Method for Rearing Zebrafish by Using Freshwater Rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus).](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25938499). Zebrafish, 2015. - [Germ cell recovery, cryopreservation and transplantation in the California white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37803091). Scientific reports, 2023. - [Benefits of a Bacillus probiotic to larval fish survival and transport stress resistance.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30894554). Scientific reports, 2019. - [Ontogeny of the digestive tract in stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) larvae.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30805756). Fish physiology and biochemistry, 2019. - [Ecological and Ontogenetic Components of Larval Lake Sturgeon Gut Microbiota Assembly, Successional Dynamics, and Ecological Evaluation of Neutral Community Processes.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32169941). Applied and environmental microbiology, 2020. - [Domestication process modifies digestion ability in larvae of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), a freshwater Teleostei.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32042003). Scientific reports, 2020. - [Treatments for ectoparasites and diseases in captive Western Australian dhufish](https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009257011431). Aquaculture International, 2000. - [Induced spawning and larval rearing studies in buttercatfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794): A candidate species for diversified aquaculture and stock enhancement](https://doi.org/10.21077/ijf.2025.72.2.125497-17). Indian Journal of Fisheries, 2025. - [OPTIMIZING THE BREEDING AND REARING TECHNIQUES OF TRANSGENIC GLOFISH TETRA (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) IN TROPICAL FRESHWATER AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS](https://doi.org/10.29303/jfn.v5i1.7548). Journal of Fish Nutrition, 2025. - [A study on larval rearing of the local freshwater shrimp, Macrobrachium dolatum, in Laos: a potential target species for aquaculture](https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/13a89e9a50a54df113a2f6547cc25d68cf385b67). 2020. - [Effects of densities and alkalinities on the rearing performance of all-male giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii De Man, 1879) postlarvae](https://doi.org/10.46989/001c.137966). Israeli Journal of Aquaculture (Bamidgeh), 2025. - [Current status and future perspectives of Italian finfish aquaculture](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-013-9317-7). Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 2014. - [Design of a pilot-scale tropical marine finfish hatchery for a research center at Mazatlán, Mexico](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaeng.2006.07.003). Aquacultural Engineering, 2007. > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.