Effects of different feeding levels on moulting, growth and conversion efficiency of Palaemon lamarrei

Abstract

Material and methodsMoulting frequency, growth and conversion efficiency of Palaemon lamarrei of a body size of 462 .92 ± 23 .98 mg have been studied in relation to different daily ration levels ranging from starvation to 18% of the animal's body weight . These prawns can be successfully grown and maintained in the laboratory on a diet of the mosquito-fish Gambusia affinis . The moulting frequency and percentage moult dry weights are greatly modified by the feeding level . The intermoult period decreased as the feeding level increased and the dry weight of each exuvium, expressed as a percentage of dry body weight of the individual, decreased as the feeding level increased . On theoretical derivations, average daily rations of 46, 150 or 210 mg wet food, 'g prawn/day represent the maintenance, optimum or maximum feeding levels respectively . The water content of starved animals was highest (89io) and this decreased to the lowest value of 77% when the prawn was fed 12 to 15r7% of it's body weight ;' day .