Effects of high salinity on the growth of juveniles and pre-adult European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Diversifying aquaculture in Saudi Arabia with the inclusion of finfish species already reared in the Mediterranean Sea requires a sufficient understanding of the preferences and limits of cultured fish under local conditions. Two trials involving European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) juveniles of 126 g and pre-adult fish of 313 g were carried out in Saudi Arabia. The trials tested four locally available commercial feeds for 84 and 80 days to determine the growth performance of fish in local high salinity 42-45‰ conditions. The average final weight in juveniles was not significantly different among treatments. The weight gain was smaller in Diet 3, while the specific growth rate was highest in Diet 1 and smallest in Diet 3. The feed conversion ratio was similar in all diets. The average final weight in pre-adult fish showed no significant differences in final body weight, weight gain, or feed intake. The growth results appear to be in line with related research. Improvement of nutritional characteristics of the feed is expected to improve the performance of the fish.