Factors affecting the post‐release survival of cultured juvenile Pseudopleuronectes americanus

Laboratory experiments were performed with cultured and wild juvenile winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus to evaluate differences in behaviour and adaptation affecting post‐release vulnerability to predation. Studies revealed that the cryptic abilities of cultured winter flounder increased over time. Sediment‐naïve, cultured fish required a minimum of 2 days to improve their burying skills and at least 90 days for colour adaptation to match the sediment. Cultured winter flounder selected sediments consisting of small grains and colours matching their own pigment. Cultured winter flounder, regardless of their colour, were significantly more vulnerable to predation by birds. Additionally, cultured fish reacted differently than wild winter flounder when exposed to cues from a potential predator.