Factors Affecting Survival of Cobia, <i>Rachycentron canadum</i>, during Simulated Transport

Abstract

Abstract Interest in cobia, Rachycentron canadum , culture has shown significant growth in recent years, but few hatcheries are available to support this developing industry. To facilitate the transport of cobia between facilities, four 24‐h experiments were conducted to examine the effects of density, temperature, and actual versus simulated transport on juvenile cobia (1.5–3.0 g) survival. Mortality during actual transport at fish densities of 5, 10, and 15 kg/m 3 (2.9 ± 0.6, 2.9 ± 1.8, and 6.3 ± 0.8%, respectively) did not differ by treatment but was significantly higher than that during simulated transport at each density (0%). No differences in mortality were found following simulated shipping at 19, 21, and 25 C at 15 kg/m 3 . Significantly greater mortality occurred when juveniles were packed at 25 kg/m 3 (10.4 ± 0.7%) than at 20 kg/m 3 (1.9 ± 1.6%) and 15 kg/m 3 (0.1 ± 0.1%). Recovery following simulated and actual shipping was high in all treatment groups. Under the conditions examined, results indicate that transport density should not exceed 20 kg/m 3 .