The effects of feeds and feeding levels on the survival of a prawn, Penaeus monodon larvae

Abstract

Penaeus monodon larvae were grown from zoea₁ to mysis₂ stages using varying levels of single-celled Chaetoceros sp., baker's yeast, and a combination of the two. The effects of feeds and feeding on the survival rates of the larvae were discussed.

The highest survival rate of 76.8% was obtained when the larvae were fed on a mixture of Chaetoceros sp. and baker's yeast at feeding levels of 10-50 x 10³ cells per ml of sea water and 1 g per ton per day, respectively. When the larvae were fed on Chaetoceros sp. alone, feeding level of 10-50 x 10³ cells per ml of sea water seemed to give optimal survival rate. The results of the present study also suggest that baker's yeast could be applied in the mas culture of Penaeus monodon larvae.