Advancements in hatchery production of red snapper <scp><i>Lutjanus campechanus</i></scp>: Exclusive use of small strain rotifers as initial prey for larval rearing

The red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) has one of the most valued fisheries in southeastern United States and been largely studied for its aquaculture potential with varied results that revealed production challenges. This study focused on addressing challenges larval rearing juvenile this species. Broodstock fish were acclimated a 60 m3 tank equipped recirculating system (RAS) temperature control. After 1 year captivity, volitionally spawned trials conducted replicated flow-through seawater tanks ranging from 0.4 to 2.4 m3, at range 24–26°C. Enriched s-strain rotifers, Brachionus rotundiformis (lorica length 100–210 μm), used first feeding. Artemia sp. gradually introduced after 18 days post hatch (DPH). survival rate before metamorphosis (12 DPH) averaged 66.09 ± 0.08%. Survival yolk-sac larvae post-metamorphic early 4.43 0.01%. At 40 DPH, juveniles 0.35 0.02 g weight 28.83 0.60 mm standard length. A total 31,849 fully weaned harvested. demonstrates small strain rotifers can be exclusively as feeding prey organism larvae, representing significant advancement production.