The use of Artemia
sp. or mysids as food source for hatchlings of the cuttlefish (Sepia
officinalis L.); effects on growth and survival throughout the life
cycle
P.M.
Domingues, A. Sykes, J.P. Andrade-2001
Aquaculture
International, 9(4):
319-331
Abstract:
Two experiments were conducted to determine the
effects of Artemia sp. or mysids on growth and survival of S.
officinalis hatchlings, and their effect throughout the life cycle. For
experiment I, for the first 20 days, one group was fed adult Artemia
sp. and the other was fed mysid shrimp (Paramysis nouvelli). Eggs
laid by females in both groups were counted and weighed, and hatchlings were
weighed, to determine differences in both groups. For experiment II, during
the first 10 days, one group was fed Artemia sp. and the other was
fed mysids (P. nouveli). After the period of differentiated
feeding, the 2 groups in experiment I were fed grass shrimp (Paleomonetes
varians) to 70 days old, and dead crabs (Carcinus maenas)
afterwards. Cuttlefish in experiment II were fed grass shrimp from day 10
until the end of the experiment. For both experiments, hatchlings fed mysids
grew significantly bigger (p < 0.01) and survival was higher. For
experiment I, eggs laid by females fed mysids and the hatchlings born from
these eggs were bigger (p < 0.001) compared to the group fed Artemia
sp. initially. Individual fecundity was slightly higher for females in the
group fed Artemia sp. (163 eggs female-1) than for the
group fed mysids (144 eggs female-1). Egg laying started at the
age of 125 days and lasted 45 days in both groups. Time between first egg
laying day and first hatchlings to be born was 21 days. The last female to
die (after spawning) in both groups was 167 days (less than 6 months old).
(CCMAR
Universidade do Algarve. F.C.M.A. – Campus de
Gambelas, 8000-117, Faro, Portugal, e-mail : pdoming@ualg.pt)