The Effect of Salinity on the Survival and Growth of Anderson's Salamander Ambystoma andersoni Larvae

Citation

Ahumada-García A, Martínez-Palacios CA, Martínez-Chávez CC, Ríos-Durán MG, Navarrete-Ramírez P & Ross LG (2018) The Effect of Salinity on the Survival and Growth of Anderson's Salamander Ambystoma andersoni Larvae. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 80 (4), pp. 397-403. https://doi.org/10.1002/naaq.10050

Abstract
Eggs and larvae of axolotls are susceptible to fungal infections in culture, producing high mortalities that could be prevented by the use of saline media. Newly hatched larvae of Anderson's salamander Ambystoma andersoni were exposed to seven salinities (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30‰) to observe the effect on survival. Newly hatched larvae did not tolerate more than 10‰ salinity during short‐term exposure. Survival and growth of newly hatched larvae were then assessed at 0, 5, and 10‰ over a 6‐week period. Larval survival and growth were greater at 5‰ than in the 0‰ control. Survival, growth, and proximate composition of 60‐d‐old juveniles were compared between 0‰ and 5‰. The 60‐d‐old juveniles performed better in 0‰, and there was no significant difference in proximate analysis between treatments. This work shows that salinity can be used to improve survival and growth in Anderson's salamander larvae, as they can tolerate up to 10‰ immediately after hatching, and 2‐month‐old larvae survive and grow well in salinities of up to 5‰.

Journal
North American Journal of Aquaculture: Volume 80, Issue 4