The suitability
of the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus as live food for
first-feeding fish larvae
C. Schlechtriem, M. Ricci, U. Focken, K. Becker-2004
Journal of
Applied Ichthyology, 20(3):
161
Abstract:
The free-living nematode Panagrellus
redivivus has been recommended as a suitable food source for
first-feeding fish. A new technology for mass production of P. redivivus
enables fish hatchery operators to rely on an inexpensive, standardized and
permanently available live food for first-feeding fish larvae. The proximate
composition, and the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of nematodes mass
produced on oat-based and purified ingredient media were determined. The
quality of nematodes was significantly influenced by the culture medium
used. The lipid content and fatty acid composition of nematodes could be
modified by using lipid-enriched media. Mass-produced nematodes were tested
on first-feeding common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and whitefish (Coregonus
lavaretus) larvae. Carp larvae, grown on nematodes cultured on oat
medium enriched with sunflower oil, showed a higher survival rate (87.1%)
than the control group fed frozen zooplankton (82.9%) at the end of the
1-week feeding experiment. Differences in larval mass between the treatments
disappeared after subsequent feeding of a dry diet for 2 weeks.
Whitefish larvae can be reared exclusively on a dry diet; here, the initial
feeding of nematodes had no effect on final biomass and survival of larvae.