Optimal salinity and
temperature for early developmental stages of Penaeus merguiensis De
man
S. Zacharia, V.S. Kakati-2004
Aquaculture, 232(1-4): 373-382
Abstract:
The combined effects of temperature and salinity on
the hatching success, survival and development of the larval stages of Penaeus
merguiensis were investigated in a 4×2 factorial designed experiment
employing two temperatures (29±1 and 33±0.5 °C) and four salinities (25,
30, 35 and 40 ppt). Best percentage of hatch was obtained at 33 °C and 35
ppt (87%) followed by 29 °C and 35 ppt (82%). Similarly during naupliar
stages, high survival rate was obtained at 33 °C and 35 ppt (89%).
Metamorphosis cycle during the protozoeal stages (protozoea 1 to postlarva
1) was extended and survival rate decreased at 25 ppt. Development to PL1
was faster at 33 °C (7–8 days) as compared to 29 °C (8–10 days)
regardless of the salinity levels. Maximum survival during the protozoeal
stages was at 35 ppt followed by 48% at 33 °C and 45% at 29 °C. Results
showed that salinity exerted a greater influence than temperature on the
survival and development of larvae. Based on the results, the best
temperature–salinity combination for larval survival and metamorphosis of P.
merguiensis is 33 °C and 35 ppt. A salinity range of 30–35 ppt is
ideal for larval development.
(Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P.B.
No. 1603, Ernakulam, Cochin-682014, India, e-mail of S. Zacharia: zsherly@yahoo.com,
e-mail of V.S. Kakati: vskakati2000@yahoo.co.in)