Investigation of Cartilage Development of Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Larvae at 22 ° C by Double Staining Technique

Abstract

Objective: The normal cartilage development of the caudal fin system in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) larvae under intensive aquaculture conditions was investigated up to day 20. Approximately 400 Sparus aurata larvae were used to determine the development. Material-Method: The materials were stained with Alcian Blue for cartilage staining and Alizarin Red for bone staining. 300 mg alcian blue and 100 ml 70% ethanol solution were mixed with 100 mg alizarin red and 100 mg 95% ethanol solution. A solution was prepared by adding 100 ml of glycial acetic acid and 1700 ml of 70% ethanol to this mixture. The larvae were kept in this solution in the oven at the appropriate temperature for 4 days and washed in running water for 2 hours after being removed from the oven. The prepared specimens were examined under stereo microscope. Result: It was observed that the cartilage formation in the caudal fin of the larvae started at 13 days of age. In 13-day-old larvae, hy 1 was measured as 0 035 mm on average. At 20 days of age, hy 1, hy2, hy3, hy4, hp and hs were detected and measured. Hy 1 and hy4 were found to be quite thickened. When the development of the skeletal system was examined, no ossification was observed in 20-day-old material. This study was carried out because of the increasing incidence of skeletal malformations, especially those related to the columna vertebralis, in bream farming and because the cause and progression of such skeletal malformations are uncertain and there are very few studies on the cartilage-osteological development. In this study, the development up to 20 days was analysed since cartilage development was especially considered. Conclusion: The results of skeletal development in gilthead sea bream (Sparta aurata) larvae were compared with previously reported results in other fishes and showed similarities with many species.

Keywords

• Larval rearing
• cartilaginous development
• caudal fin
• Sparus aurata.

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