Early Life History of the Sevenband Grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus from Korea

This study is conducted to monitor the morphological developmental features of the egg development, larvae and juvenile of Epinephelus septemfasciatus, the fertilized eggs were gotton using artificial insemination. Matured parents are collected from marine caged fish farms in Geomun-ri, Samsan-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeollanamdo Korea in June 2012. The fertilized eggs were pelagic eggs containing one oil globule, and measured 0.81~0.89 mm (0.85±0.04 mm, n=50) in diameter. In regard to rearing environment, the water temperature is 21.0~23.0°C and the salinity is 32.0~33.2‰. Hatching was observed from 48 hours after fertilization, the mouth and anus of prelarvae was not opened but had egg yolk at newly hatched. 4 days after hatching, the mouth and anus of postlarvae was opened and began to eat Rotifer and was measured 2.40~2.49 mm (2.45±0.03 mm n=10) in total length. 12 days after hatching, postlarvae was measured 3.77~4.67 mm (4.27±0.33 mm) in total length, its the second pole tide of dorsal fin and the first pole tide of pelvic fin was extended longitudinally. 71 days after hatching, juvenile was measured 40.5~45.4 mm (42.6±2.04 mm) in total length. Seven bands were observed in body, and pole tides of dorsal and pelvic fins were shortened.