Studies on the egg quality of Penaeus monodon Fabricius based on morphology and hatching rates

Abstract

Eggs of P. monodon are classified into 5 different types on the basis of morphological criteria and hatching rates: A₁ eggs, which undergo normal development with 58% hatching rate; A₂ eggs, which show delayed and/or abnormal development with 32% hatching rate; B eggs, which are unfertilized and characterized by irregular cytoplasmic formation; C eggs, which are unfertilized and show no change in appearance; and D eggs, which are unfertilized and show extensive bacterial presence. The establishment of a highly linear relationship between percent A₁ eggs and hatching rate provides a useful tool to aid the hatchery technician in determining which spawnings to reject outright and which to rear through the larval and post-larval stages.