Dependable availability of quality fry to stock growout production systems has been one of the most critical factors in the commercial success of industrial production of fish and shellfish. Over the past two decades intensive larviculture of several fish and shellfish species has expanded into a multimillion dollar industry. Although much progress has been made in identifying the dietary requirements of the larvae of various aquaculture species, the mass culture of their early larval stages still requires the use of live feeds, i.e., selected species of microalgae, the rotifer Brachionus, and the brine shrimp Artemia . The latter two substitutes for natural zooplankton are eventually supplemented with selected lipids and vitamins so as to better meet the dietary requirements of the cultured larvae. An improved knowledge of the composition and functional role of the microflora present in the culture tank or added through the food has allowed improvement of disinfection protocols, eventually complemented with a probiotic use of selected microflora. Brachionus and Artemia can also be used as convenient carriers for oral delivery of chemotherapeutics, vaccines and hormones. Improved zootechniques have also made fish and shellfish larviculture more predictable and more cost-effective. Finally, improved broodstock management and feeding have resulted in better quality offspring. Present-day hatchery technology is very versatile and the industrial production of aquaculture seed is extending rapidly to many new species of fish and shellfish.
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