FEEDING SCHEDULE FOR PENAEUS-SETIFERUS LARVAE BASED ON DIATOMS (CHAETOCEROS-CERATOSPORUM), FLAGELLATES (TETRASELMIS-CHUII) AND ARTEMIA-NAUPLII

Abstract

This paper is the first to present a basic feeding schedule for Penaeus setiferus larvae based on diatoms (Chaetoceros ceratosporum), flagellates (Tetraselmis chuii) and Artemia nauplii. Growth rate (mu m/day), rate of metamorphosis and survival of larvae fed 5 different concentrations of diatoms, flagellates and Artemia nauplii were measured. Survival associated with sudden changes in salinity (quality index QI) of the postlarvae harvested from each treatment was measured. A performance index was calculated from the growth rate, survival and QI. Considering all responses, a feeding schedule for P. setiferus larvae is recommended including a progressive increase in the concentration of diatoms (between protozoea and mysis

30 and 40 X 10(3) cells/ml, respectively), flagellates (between protozoea and mysis

2 X 10(3) cells/ml, respectively) and Artemia nauplii (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 between PZ(3)-M(1), M(1)-M(2) and M(2)-M(3), respectively). The increase in concentration of algae and Artemia indicates a pattern of development of the digestive system associated with development of the larvae. This pattern must be considered to improve the production of larvae of this species under controlled conditions.