On Density of Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Eggs in Shallow Matrix Substrate Incubators

Abstract
Eyed chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) eggs were loaded at seven equidistant densities ranging from 10 760 to 75 350 eggs/m2 of gravel into Netarts-type shallow matrix substrate incubators. Egg density did not affect fry survival but altered emergence timing which influenced fry quality. Fry emergence was most premature in the 32 290 and 43 060 eggs/m2 treatments. Early migrants had higher development index values, more variable lipid contents, and lower water contents than peak and late migrants. Results are discussed in relation to economic and biological optimization of hatchery incubation.Key words: Oncorhynchus keta, egg density, gravel incubators, fry survival, fry quality

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