Fasting Ryukyu-ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis ryukyuensis) larvae (newlyhatched, 15-20 day old and 50 day old individuals) subjected to ranges of experimental water temperature and salinity [15-21°C (2 or 3 steps) and 0-30 psu (3 or 4 steps), respectively] showed greatest survival rates in water temperatures of 15-18°C and salinity of 5-15 psu. Such water temperature and salinity ranges paralleled those of brackish water in the Yakugachi River during the early life stages of Ryukyuayu, and supported a field investigation which indicated that Ryukyuayu larvae occurred mainly in brackish water. The experimental result is probably illustrates the limits of osmoregulatory adjustment in larvae of this species.
