Experiences de reproduction artificielle de Loup Dicentrarchus labrax (Linne 1758).

Mature eggs were expressed from captured female and fertilised artificially with slightly bloody sperm, in dry conditions or in a humid atmosphere, both at 13 degree C. The best incubation conditions proved to be 13 degree C, with streptomycin and penicillin. Another sample was kept at 18 degree C. Hatching occurred after 4 or 5 days, larvae showing positive phototropism. The system of renewal of water and artificial food is described. The embryonic reserve drop of lipid disappeared between day 14 and 16. Observations on larvae were like previous ones, but live larvae had larger mouths than had fixed specimens, and it was found that temperatures of 13 degree C or 18 degree C were suitable beyond the egg stage. A sudden change in temperature caused by a storm killed the larvae, which seemed also to be sensitive to water movements and light. It is suggested that water movements, and thus movement of food particles, stimulates the larvae into behaviour patterns essential to survival. The difficulties or artificial cultivation of Bass thus suggested are discussed.