Differences in egg quality between wild striped trumpeter (Latris lineata) and captive striped trumpeter that were fed different diets

This study assessed differences in egg quality between freshly caught striped trumpeter, Latris lineata, and captive striped trumpeter that were fed either chopped fish or commercial salmon pellets. Total lipid content of eggs did not differ between the three groups (average of 20% dry weight). The group fed chopped fish produced eggs with the greatest docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio (4:1) and, together with eggs collected from the wild group, contained the highest ratio of (n - 3)/(n - 6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (9:1 and 8:1, respectively). Ascorbic acid levels in eggs from the pellet-fed group (75 μg g-1 wet weight) were higher than eggs from the wild and chopped-fish groups (48 and 40 μg g-1 wet weight, respectively), but there was no difference in α-tocopherol content (average of 4.4 μg g-1 wet weight). The volume of eggs produced, fertilisation rate and length of the larvae at hatch did not differ, but the pellet-fed group produced eggs of greater diameter, which corresponded to a larger yolk volume, and higher hatching success than the wild group. Each group of broodstock produced viable eggs and yolk-sac larvae, but the relatively low DHA/EPA and (n - 3)/(n - 6) ratios in the eggs from the pellet-fed fish suggest that this diet may be inferior, when compared to chopped fish, for sustained growth and survival. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.