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Abstract
A new market has emerged for live black sea bass, Centropristis striata L., in fish markets of the northeast United States and Canada. Efforts to culture black sea bass have been hampered by the lack of information regarding optimal grow-out conditions. This research was designed to determine optimal commercial diet, feeding ration, temperature, and salinity for growth of hatchery-reared, juvenile black sea bass. Optimal diet was Zeigler Salmon Starter (compared to Nelson and Sons Silver Cup Salmon Crumbles, Trout Crumbles, and Rangen Trout and Salmon Starter). Optimal daily feeding ration was 5% (compared to 2.5% and 7.5%). Optimal water temperature was 25 C (compared to 15 C, 20 C, and 30 C), and optimal salinity was 20 ppt or 30 ppt (compared to 10 ppt). Additionally, growth rates, feed conversion ratio, and mortality were calculated in each experiment. This information will be a valuable guide for culturing juvenile black sea bass.