Abiotic Light Factor Towards Future Crustacean Aquafarming Technology in Preparing for Global Climate Change

Abstract

The ramifications of light on crustacean circadian rhythm are complex and multifaceted since light has three core elements included of photoperiod, spectrum and intensity. Most marine crustacean has a planktonic larval phase in their life cycle before metamorphosing into benthic juvenile, this ontogenetic shift from a planktonic to a benthic life requires a different level of light photoperiod, spectrum and intensity. Hence, this review is planned on the basis of referring to a large number of accumulated scientific findings and further emphasizes the light impacts on the different life stages (larva, juvenile and adult) of crustaceans with myriad approaches in the areas of growth, feeding, locomotion, spawning and immunity. In terms of photoperiod, there is a high tendency of larval crustaceans to favour longer photoperiods (more than 18 L) during the early stage. Later, up to a certain extent, perhaps amid the juvenile stage, photoperiod preference shifted towards shorter photoperiods as such later juvenile stage demonstrated a pressing need for dark photoperiod reflected the common nocturnal behaviour in crustaceans. In terms of light intensity, several previous studies convinced that more light intensity is requisite as a vital need to enhance larval growth, as well as emphasized the positive impact of light intensity on ovarian progression in adult female crustaceans. For the context of the light spectrum, former evidence deciphered the benefit of utilizing white light in terms of survival, growth and reduced stress, as well as rising antioxidant capacity in the crustacean. Simultaneously, instead of the white spectrum, adopting green, blue and cyan light spectrums perhaps had a high potential to be incorporated into aqua-farming. As a whole, for future studies, many experts need to take the initiative to engage in upgrading further existing research by prioritizing light intensity and light spectrum to better understand the light repercussions on crustaceans. Regarding future applications, the breakthrough from this review fosters and advocates farmers and researchers to shift to an enclosed system set-up in terms of optimization of myriads' light approach, including photoperiod, light intensity and light spectrum, in tandem with such system is resilient against catastrophic global climate change. This light optimization during crustacean culture is a pivotal avenue to enhanced farming productivity and providing assurance of food security preservation for the sake of the next generation.