Effect of salinity on survival of Metapenaeus anchistus juveniles and subadults

Abstract

Survival of Metapenaeus anchistus (De Man) juveniles and subadults at 5, 15, 25, 35 (control) and 45 ppt salinity levels was determined and compared. Salinity levels lower than 35 ppt level were prepared by diluting pure seawater with tap water (OPPT) while 45 ppt level was prepared by diluting 85 ppt water with tap water. Survival was observed at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 h after stocking and every 12 hours thereafter until 96 h.

Shrimp survival was highest at 35 ppt (P<0.01); differences among treatments were first observed at 2 h after exposure with some shrimps dying at 5 ppt. At the end of the experiment, survival was highest at 35 ppt (100%), followed by 25 and 45 ppt (90 and 80%, respectively), 15 ppt (50%) and 5 ppt (0%).