Nutritional
evaluation of decapsulated cysts of fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus
dichotomus) for ornamental fish larval rearing
C.S. Velu, N. Munuswamy-2003
Aquaculture
Research, 34(11):
967-974
Abstract:
The suitability of decapsulated cysts of
the fairy shrimp, Streptocephalus dichotomus as a sole diet was
evaluated for the ornamental angelfish Pterophylum scalare larvae.
Brine shrimp, Artemia sp., and microworms, Panagrellus redivivus,
were used as comparison foods. The results indicate an appreciable weight
gain of 15.22±1.69 mg and a growth (length) of 0.876±0.03 cm in
experimental fish fed decapsulated fairy shrimp cysts compared with the
growth and weight of fish fed other foods. The influence of the experimental
diets was further reflected in the composition of fatty acid and amino-acid
profiles of the experimental fish. Angelfish larvae readily consumed the
decapsulated cysts and utilized them efficiently during the early days of
exogenous feeding.
(Unit of Livefeed Culture, Department of
Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, India. E-mail
of N. Munuswamy: nmunuswamy@yahoo.com)