Preliminary report on the application of artificial plankton B.P. in Penaeus monodon larval production

Abstract

Penaeus monodon is the major culture species in Southeast Asia. Conventional rearing methods rely heavily on live foods, primarily: Skeletonema, rotifera, and Artemia for the various stages of growth. However, the culture of live foods is subject to such unpredictable factors as weather. Artemia is also not available everywhere. An ideal food substitute for the future is artificial feed. ,This study explores the applications of artificial plankton B.P. in P. monodon larval rearing. Half ton fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks with 450 1 of water were used to culture P. monodon from nauplius to postlarvae one (PL 1). Water temperature was- maintained at 0 30+1 C, salinity ranged from 28-30 ppt. The pH ranged from 7.3-8.0. The tanks were stocked at a conventionally accepted level of 35,000 nauplii/tank. Tanks were covered with black orchid net. Two trials were undertaken to determine a) efficiency of artificial plankton B.P. and b) the feeding rates of artificial plankton B.P. In the first trial (Trial 1), Skeletonema was fed at rates of 2000 cells/ml, 4000 cells/ml, and 6000 cells/ml. Artificial plankton B.P. was given every 6 hours beginning at 1. g, during the zoea stage, and gradually increased to 2 g by the mysis stage. In the second trial (Trial 2), Skeletonema was fed at a fixed rate of 2000 cells/ml and artificial plankton B.P. was given at 3 different rates, 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g. Results of Trial 1 show 70% survival rate in the group fed 2000 cells/ml of Skeletonema. Trial 2 shows survival was best for group fed 1 g of artificial plankton B.P. However, more research is required to determine optimum feeding rate for each stage of larval growth, the proper feeding regimen for different stocking densities, and the possible applications for other species of prawn.