Zoeae of snow crab
Chionoecetes opilio, which has two zoeal stages, were reared under different densities of rotifers
Brachionus plicatilis sp. complex and feeding schedules of rotifers and
Artemia sp. After metamorphosing to megalopae, larvae were fed with
Artemia sp. to reach first stage crabs. The survival rate to reach each stage, mortality rate during megalopae, abnormal moulting rate to first stage crabs and carapace width of first stage crabs were examined. Lower survival rates and longer developmental periods were observed in larvae reared at lower prey densities (5 and 10 rotifers/
ml) than those at higher prey densities (20 and 40 rotifers/
ml). Larval survival, development and growth tended to be improved when they were fed with rotifers and
Artemia throughout the entire zoeal stage compared to those fed with only rotifers and
Artemia throughout the entire zoeal stage and/or during the second zoeal stage.
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