Effect of temperature on embryonic development in sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) eggs

Abstract

Embryonic development of sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) was studied at eleven water temperatures (two degree intervals from 12 to 32°C). Embryos successfully developed at temperatures of 16-28°C. Cells did not divide at the temperature extremes of 12 and 32°C. Total mortality was observed by the 128 cleavage stage at 14°C and all eggs were dead by the time the embryos extended 2/3 of the internal circumference of the egg at 30°C. There was an inverse relationship between incubation temperature and the rate of embryonic development.