Abstract
The reproductive performance of Octopus vulgaris broodstocks fed two different diets (mixed fish [F group, BW 1,048.14 g] or mixed crustaceans [C group, BW 998.44 g]) was analyzed using an experimental recirculating aquaculture system consisting of a tank equipped with spawning and incubation chambers. A total of 8 females (F1-4; C1-4), and 8 males (M1-M8) were selected. DI of the C group females was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (3.0 ± 0.29%) than the F group (2.16 ± 0.67%). SGR in C group was significantly higher (1.43 ± 0.12%) than the F group (1.18 ± 0.25%). Egg clusters, number of clusters, number of clusters/kg BW, and total length were more favorable in the C group than the F group. The number of clusters/kg BW of C females was 2.5 times higher than that of F females (78.1 ± 6.5 vs 31.1 ± 13.3). The total eggs number, number of eggs/cm, number of eggs/kg BW in the C group were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared with the F group; the number of eggs/kg BW and paralarvae/kg BW were 5 times higher in the C group (115,928 ± 12,513 C vs 22,109 ± 7912 F and 114,953 ± 12,591 vs 20,729 ± 7104, respectively). Hatching rate of the C group was significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to the F group.