Characterization of the early-stages of the wolffish hybrid Anarhichas minor × Anarhichas lupus: conservation and aquaculture applications

¹ Département de Biologie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
² Biodôme de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
³ Nofima Marine A/S, Muninbakken, Breivika, Tromsø, Norway

Corresponding author: NLe_Francois@ville.montreal.qc.ca

Received: 3 November 2008
Accepted: 16 June 2009

Abstract

This is the first report of early-life developmental characteristics (coloration pattern, growth and survival) and genetic identification of the wolffish interspecific hybrid between Anarhichas minor and A. lupus, both endangered species in Canadian coastal water and of interest for cold-water aquaculture diversification. A first growth trial at 8 °C featuring pure strains A. minor and the hybrid A. minor × A. lupus in triplicates was conducted in 2006 during the period from 0 to 140 days post-hatch. A second growth trial was runned in 2007 featuring A. minor, A. lupus and the reciprocal hybrids A. minor × A. lupus and A. lupus × A. minor. Egg development indicators and early-hatching characteristics are reported.