Effects of Several Factors on Growth and Survival of the Prawn Larvae Reared with Microparticulate Diets

Abstract

This paper presents the effects of feeding level, feeding frequency, and the particle size and drying method of carrageenan-microbinded diets on grwoth and survival of the prawn Penaeus japonicus larvae. Experimental groups were designed for multi-way layout experiments, and the results were evaluated statistically. Survival rates of the prawn larvae were significantly affected with the feeding level, feeding frequency, and drying method of diets, but not with the particle size of diets. The dietary value was markedly reduced when prepared by using the oven at 50-60°C instead of the freeze-dryer. The prawn larvae had higher survival rates when fed diets at the feeding concentrations (mg diet/larva/day) of 0.16 than 0.08 and also twice a day rather than once a day. As for the growth indexes, however, no significant difference was detected in all the factors examined.