Deniz ÇOBAN
In this study, morphometric and allometric growth of common dentex (Dentex dentex) was studied under intensive rearing conditions. Larval development, growth and morphological changes were described from 1 to 46 days after hatching (DAH). After hatching, larvae were collected in three days interval until weaning. Larvae were reared intensively in 15 m3 tank under a alter photoperiod and fed initially on rotifers, followed by Artemia nauplii and Artemia metanauplii. Photoperiod was set on a 24 h light cycle daily until end of algal addition and then 16-h light and 8-h dark until end of the experiment. A green water technique was applied using Nannochloropsis sp. and Isochrysis sp. at a density of 30-40.104 cell.ml-1. Newly hatched larvae were 2.75 ±0.24 mm total length (TL). Larvae completed yolk sac absorption on 4 DAH at 3.30 ±0.28 mm TL. Initial swimbladder inflation occurred on 9 DAH at 3.94 ±0.11 TL. Notochord flexion started on 18 DAH at 6.27 ±0.47 mm TL. At the end of experiment, D. dentex larvae were 23.58 ±1.26 mm TL. The majority of all allometric changes were observed during 3.76-10.01 mm TL.
