1.Key Laboratory of Mariculture&Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea,Ministry of Agriculture,Dalian Ocean University,Dalian 116023, China;2.College of Fisheries and Life Science,Dalian Ocean University,Dalian 116023,China
Abstract: Juvenile striped knifejawOplegnathus fasciatuswith body weight of 8.1-9.0 g was reared in a black plastic 400 L tank at a salinity of 10,15,20,25,30,and 35 at water temperature of 27-29℃ for 28 days to study the effects of salinity on feeding,growth and biochemical composition in the fish.The results showed that there were significant higher body weight,total length and body length in the juveniles at a salinity of 25,and 30 (P<0.05).The maximal weight specific growth rate(2.90%/d),body length specific growth rate(1.83%/d) and food conversion rates(97.50%)were observed at a salinity of 30,and with maximal feeding rates of up to 3.00%at a salinity of 25,significant differences with other groups(P<0.05).However,the minimal weight specific growth rate(2.15%/d),body length specific growth rate(1.20%/d)and food conversion rates(76.85%) were found at a salinity of 10,and with minimal food intake rates of 2.59%at a salinity of 35,and the maximal food intake of 3.00%at a salinity of 30,significant differences with other groups(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in moisture,protein and fat contents in the muscles of the juveniles(P>0.05).In conclusion,it is suggested that the salinity of 25-30 be of optimum for growth inOplegnathus fasciatus.