Abstract: The effects of different diets (algaNannochloropsissp., yeastRhodotorulabenthica, sea lettuceUlvapertusadetritusand sea weedSargassumpallidiumdetritus) on survival and growth of larval and juvenile sea cucumberApostichopusjaponicuswere studied in marine net cages for 30 d for the larvae and 21 d for the juveniles. The results showed that the later larvae fed the alga had significantly higher survival and growth than those fed the yeast (P<0.05), both being significantly higher than the larvae in the control group(unfeeding) (P<0.05). In 21 day rearing period, the maximal survival rate (20.4%±0.2%) was observed in the juveniles fed the sea weed, followed by the juveniles fed the sea lettuce(19.9%±1.7%),without significant difference (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the juveniles fed the yeast (13.9%±0.7%) and the alga (13.6%±0.9%), with the minimal survival in the control group(8.9%±0.8%). At the end of the experiment, the juveniles fed the sea weed(7.79±0.47) mm, sea lettuce(7.35±0.13) mm, and yeast (7.08±0.63) mm showed higher growth in body length than those fed the alga (5.08±0.40) mm and in the control group(4.94±0.23)mm, without significant difference (P>0.05). Compared with the unfeeding traditional culture methods in the marine net cage, the growth and survival of larval and juvenile sea cucumber were improved greatly by feeding at an optimal rate and types, including the larvae fedNannochloropsissp., and the metamorphosed juveniles fed sea weed detritus.
2014, Vol. 29 
