Penaeid larval culture using microencapsulated diets

Abstract

Whilst it has been possible for many years to feed postlar-val penaeids successfully on artificial diets, problems of nutrient leaching, particle breakdown, and water fouling have prevented the use of such diets for early planktonic larval stages. It has recently been demonstrated that the technique of microencapsulation may be used to overcome these problems. Live foods used for penaeid culture have been successfully replaced by microencapsulated diets, both in the laboratory and at the hatchery level. The technology has now reached the level at which dietary requirements of individual species can be met by the incorporation of specific nutrients. Capsules can be supplied to function either as complete nutrient delivery systems or as food supplements.

The present paper reviews this progress towards the total replacement of live foods in penaeid culture, and assesses the results of recent culture trials.