ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT. This paper reviews state-of-the-art techniques for culture of larval common carp, Cyprinus carpio, silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, bigheadcarp, H. nobilis, and grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella. Water temperature, food, and predation are important factors influencing larval survival and growth. Lower and upper lethal temperatures range from 3 to 44°C. Optimum growth temperatures range from 38 to 40°C. Lethal and optimum temperatures vary with acclimation temperature, fish age, and de velopment stage of fish. Water temperatures are close to optimum for larval culture in tropical regions but are often too low in temper ate climates. Intensive culture in temperature-controlled systems is important in temperate climates. The first food eaten by larvae in ponds consists mainly of protozoa, rotifers, and copepod nauplii. As the larvae grow, they quickly shift to larger food items, includ ing cladocera and insect larvae. Management practices to enhance natural food development in earthen ponds include bottom drying, soil preparation, liming, fertilization, and agricultural crop cultiva tion. The development of food organisms in freshly filled ponds follows a pattern of succession. For best results, a pond should be stocked at the stage of succession when the size relationship be-
Karol K. Opuszynski and Jerome V. Shireman, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Institute o f Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32606, USA.
