Organogenesis of Ballan Wrasse Labrus Bergylta (Ascanius 1767) Larvae)

The ballan wrasse, Labrus bergylta, Ascanius 1767, is a promising species for use as a cleaning fish for salmon farms in the northern hemisphere, due to their cleaning behaviour and their ability to remain active at low temperatures [1]. It is commonly agreed that a potential increase in the demand for ballan wrasse from the industry must be met by future aquaculture production of this species. Methods have been developed for spawning good-quality eggs [2] in addition, intensive larviculture techniques in small, 100-L experimental tanks [2] have identified suitable conditions for rearing larvae, including appropriate values for salinity, temperature, and photoperiod. Nevertheless, hatchery protocols for juvenile production of this species have not been fully developed; in fact, industry development is in its infancy and has been hampered by unpredictable, variable hatchery production of juveniles.