2011 BKC larval rearing in 1200 L tanks

Experiments in 2011 investigated effects temperature on larval survival. Larvae were collected from at least three females and mixed randomly and stocked at densities of 25 larvae L-1. Reduced stocking densities were used in an attempt to increase survival and reduce potential bacterial infections. Larvae were fed Artemia enriched with DC DHA Selco and reared in 1200 L tanks at the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery. Water was maintained at either 8°C or 10°C. Survival was good (~50%) to the glaucothoe stage; however, extreme mortality occurred during the glaucothoe stage resulting in 0% survival to the first juvenile stage. The glaucothoe contained internal swarming bacteria and we suspect may have been Vibrio. Difficulty rearing blue king crab larvae is ongoing and we are continuing to refine rearing techniques.