Influences of light
intensity and photoperiod on moulting and growth of Penaeus merguiensis
cultured under laboratory conditions
T. Hoang, M. Barchiesis, S.Y. Lee, C.P. Keenan, G.E.
Marsden-2003
Aquaculture, 216(1-4): 343-354
Abstract:
The effects of light intensity (I, 750 and 75
lx) and photoperiod (P, 12L/12D and 7L/5D) on moulting and growth of Penaeus
merguiensis were investigated over 12 weeks under laboratory conditions.
Both light intensity and photoperiod significantly (P<0.05)
influenced the percentage weight gain (PWG), but did not influence moult
frequency or moult interval. Mean PWG of prawns cultured at 750 lx was
198.4%, significantly (P<0.01) higher than those cultured at 75 lx
(168.1%). Imposing two light/dark cycles (7L/5D) in 24 h resulted in a
significantly higher growth of prawns (P<0.05) than the normal
photoperiod (12L/12D). Prawns cultured at 750 lx had a lower food conversion
ratio (FCR, 1.485) than those cultured at 75 lx (1.590, P<0.05).
The effect of light intensity on prawn growth was found to be stronger and
more immediate than that of photoperiod. There was no interaction between
light intensity and photoperiod. Although not significantly different (P>0.05),
prawns cultured at 750 lx tended to moult more frequently. Sexual dimorphism
was not observed within the range of tested prawns.
(Aquaculture Faculty, University of Fisheries, 2
Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, , Nha Trang, , Viet Nam. Fax:
+84-58-831147; email: htung_113@yahoo.com)