Early development of the hybrid Epinephelus costae female x E-marginatus male

Early development of the F1 hybrid between the goldblotch grouper, Epinephe lus costae Female and dusky grouper, E. marginatus male was compared to tha t of the maternal species under similar rearing conditions. Percent fertili sation and percent hatch were not significantly different. Mean hatching ti me of the hybrid was significantly faster than the goldblotch grouper. Perc ent of deformed blastomeres in the 4-8 cell stage was significantly higher in hybrid eggs. Survival of eggs, larvae, and larval growth and the behavio r of both types were not significantly different. Results suggest that this hybrid may be suitable for aquaculture purposes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.