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