Embryonic Development and Growth Performance of the Tomato Hind Grouper (<i>Cephalopholis sonnerati</i>): A New Cultivated Aquaculture Species

The tomato hind grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati) is an emerging aquaculture species, with significant commercial value and promising farming potential. To advance the theoretical framework for artificial breeding, this study systematically investigated embryogenesis, early larval morphology, growth patterns, and heritable traits of the species. Results indicated fertilization and hatching rates of 88.67 ± 3.93% and 79.67 ± 7.55%, respectively, with an average egg diameter of 0.87 ± 0.02 mm. Hatching occurred 22:55 h after fertilization at 24.80 ± 0.70 °C, and the newly hatched larvae measured 2.09 ± 0.12 mm in total length. After 15 months of graded rearing, marked growth disparities were observed among individuals originating from the same clutch, with the fast-growing group weighing 457.12 ± 58.68 g, 2.9 times greater than that of the slow-growing group. These findings underscore the potential of C. sonnerati as a valuable aquaculture species. Future efforts should prioritize enhanced broodstock selection and the development of fast-growing germplasm to increase its cultivation potential.