Ontogenetic development of the digestive system in chub mackerel scomber japonicus larvae and juveniles

Abstract

Chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, larvae and juveniles were reared from hatching to 35 days after hatching (DAH), and the development of their digestive systems was histologically investigated. The larvae were initially fed on rotifers and Artemia nauplii starting around 19 DAH, and thereafter on Artemia nauplii, fish eggs, and a formulated feed mixture. The primitive digestive system differentiated at 3 DAH; the digestive tract was distinctively divided into the buccopharyngeal cavity, esophagus, stomach, air bladder, intestines, and rectum. The gastric gland and pyloric caeca first appeared at 5 and 7 DAH, respectively. The stomach was divided into cardiac, fundic, and pyloric regions in the preflexion phase. The number of gastric glands and pyloric caeca, as well as the volume of the gastric blind sac increased markedly, with development continuing into the juvenile stage. The precocious development of the digestive system during the larval period might be related to the early appearance of piscivory, which is able to support high growth potential. The organogenesis results obtained for this precocial species represent a useful tool to aid our understanding of the physiological requirements of larvae and juveniles to ensure optimal welfare and growth under aquaculture conditions, which will improve current rearing practices of this scombrid species.