Larval rearing of Penaeus monodon: Feeds and feeding techniques

Abstract

Larval rearing of P.monodon requires mass culture of selected phytoplankton and zooplankton species. In the protozocal stage, Skelatonoma; Chaetoceros or Tetraselmis is given singly or in combination. The rotifer Brachionus and/or the brine shrimp ArTEMI are added to the diet as larvae metamorphose to the mysis stage. Attempts to replace these organisms with other organisms or with artificial diets are discussed.

The use of microparticulate diets as supplement to algal food or Artema increases larval survival to 30-70%. The advantages of using this type of diet are enumerated.