Effects of feeding different densities of Artemia nauplii on the growth and survival of larvae of the hairy river prawn, Macrobrachium rude (Heller, 1862)

The effects of feeding at different densities of Artemia nauplii on the growth and survival of Macrobrachium rude larvae were explored in this study. Two experiments were carried out. In the first trial, larvae were fed three different feeding densities: 1, 3, and 5 nauplii/mL. In the second experiment, feeding densities of 5, 10, and 15 nauplii/mL were used to determine the maximal feeding density of Artemia nauplii for M. rude larvae. There were no significant differences statistically in growth rate or survival between larvae fed 1, 3, or 5 nauplii/mL (P>0.05). Increased feeding density from 5 to 10 nauplii/mL resulted in growth but drastically decreased survival. Feeding above 10 nauplii/mL decreased both growth rate and survival. According to the results of the study, the optimal feeding density of M. rude with Artemia nauplii should be between 5 and 10 nauplii/mL. The study suggests further research into determining ideal feeding density at various phases of larval development in order to better understand the individual feeding requirements at each stage.