Effect of Salinity on Yolk Utilization and Growth of Brook Trout Alevins (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Abstract

The newly emerged brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) alevins were reared in fresh water and in salinities of 4.0‰ and 8.0‰ during the yolk absorption period in order to assess the ability of this species to be reared in brackish water. The growth rate (mg day-1 and mm day-1) of alevins increased with increasing salinity. The 8.0‰ salinity was tolerable indicating that studied range of salinities might be less than optimal. The results of this study will not only assess to acquire larger size brook trout alevins but also the rearing of this species in brackish water where fresh water resources are limited.