The Effect of Incubation Temperature on Hatching Period, Hatching Rate and Embryonic Development of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer, Bloch 1790)

Despite the widespread development of Lates calcarifer (Barramundi) cultivation since the 1970s, scientific documentation on the effect of incubation temperature on the hatching period, hatching rate, and embryo development remained limited. Temperature is a crucial physicochemical factor that significantly affects the early stages of embryo development. A total of 100 eggs were placed in incubation containers with a volume of 4 liters, and subjected to temperature treatments of 26, 28, 30, and 32°C. This study aims to examine the effects of incubation temperatures on the hatching period, hatching rate, embryo development, and to determine the optimal incubation temperature to improve hatchery techniques. The results show that incubation temperature plays an important role in the hatching period, hatching rate and embryo development. The 32°C treatment resulted in the highest values for all study parameters: a hatching period of 633.3±11.5 minutes post-fertilization and a hatching rate of 86.25±4.45%. Conversely, the 26°C treatment had the lowest values, with a hatching period of 1050±10.0 minutes post-fertilization and a hatching rate of 72.92±6.24%. Embryo development indicated that the Australian strain developed faster than the Asian strain. Additionally, embryos incubated at 26°C were able to develop and survive until hatching, although this was the lowest result in this study. The findings of this study are essential for supporting efforts to optimize larval rearing practices and improve hatchery-level operations in the future.