Early Development And Growth Of Arctic Charr (Salvelinus Alpinus) And Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) At A Low Water Temperature

Abstract

Hatchery traits and growth of eggs and fry of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, were tested in fresh water of a low temperature. There were significant differences (p<0.05) between the survival rates from fertilization through the eyed stage and the first exogenous feeding. No significant differences were observed between species with regard to feed conversion or survival of fry at the end of the 154-day trial, but weight gain and specific growth rate differed significantly (p<0.05). These results suggest that the arctic charr could be considered an alternative to rainbow trout, particularly in coldwater farms.