Salinity and Temperature Tolerances of Black Sea Bass Juveniles

Abstract

The salinity and temperature tolerances of black sea bass Centropristis striata juveniles (46 10.3 mm total length mean SD) were estimated to assist in decisions concerning location of culture facilities and types of production systems. At 21C, all exposed fish survived for 7 d in salt concentrations of 10, 20, or 35 g/L. All fish exposed to salt concentrations of 5 g/L died within 3 d. Temperature extremes were estimated after acclimation of fish to 24-25C. Half of the juveniles exposed to a gradual increase (+0.65C/d) or decrease (-0.51C/d) in temperature (at a nominal salt concentration of 20 g/L) were dead when the water temperature reached 33.3C and 3.7C, respectively. Results of this study indicate that this species requires saline water at or above a salt concentration of 10 g/L and that it may not be practical to keep black sea bass over winter or over summer in shore-based outdoor facilities located in temperate climates.