The role of temperature and salinity in the embryonic development of Striped Goby

With characteristics of a small body, omnivorousness, quick growth and strong reproductive capacity, gobies are advantageous for aquaculture and management in the laboratory, and are suitable for use as aquatic laboratory animals. They can also play an important role in the research of life sciences and toxicology evaluation. To better understand the biological characteristics and ecological requirements of Striped Goby (Tridentiger trigonocephalus), we examined the roles of temperature (17, 19, 21, 23 and 25°C) and salinity (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) in their embryonic development. Our results revealed there were many oil globules in Striped Goby oosperm. The rudiment of swim bladder formed before embryos were hatched. The eyes, mouths and alimentary tracts of embryos appeared early in development. Embryonic development accelerated with increasing temperatures tested. It was also accelerated with increasing salinities ranging from 2 to 6. Furthermore, we found the total hatch rate was inversely related to temperature, and it was significantly higher at salinity 4 than at 8 or 10. We determined the most effective statistical method for evaluating these results was the effective degree-day model. In conclusion, both temperature and salinity strongly affect the embryonic development of Striped Goby, and the optimal temperature and salinity ranges for incubation are 17-21°C and 2-6, respectively.