Comparative studies on the effects of population density on moult production and food conversion in two freshwater prawns

Abstract

Abstl'llct. Conspecific population density stress affects moult production and growth of Macrobrachium lanchesteri (PaIaemonidae) and Caridinaweberi(Atyidae). In either species an intermediate density level of 4 and 8 individuals/lSI of freshwater respectively, appears to be ideal for growth. While the effects of increased population densities on the physiological processes of food conversion of either species are comparable, intergeneric variations in the regulation of food intake and growth are evident