z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Effects of Added Substrate on the Production and Population Characteristics of Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Ponds
Author(s) -
Tidwell James H.,
Coyle Shawn D.,
Schulmeister Greg
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of the world aquaculture society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.655
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1749-7345
pISSN - 0893-8849
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-7345.1998.tb00295.x
Subject(s) - macrobrachium rosenbergii , biology , stocking , zoology , orange (colour) , population , juvenile , substrate (aquarium) , prawn , fishery , claw , ecology , food science , demography , sociology
Abstract. The effects of added substrate on the growth and population characteristics of freshwater prawns raised in ponds were evaluated. Juvenile prawns (0.3 × 0.2 g) were stocked into six 0.04‐ha ponds at a density of 59,280/ha. In three randomly selected ponds artificial substrate was added sufficient to increase available surface area approximately 20%. Three control ponds received no added substrate. Added substrate consisted of PVC frames with horizontal plastic mesh and vertical suspended seines. Prawns were fed a commercial diet (32% protein) twice daily according to a computer‐generated feeding schedule. At harvest average individual weight, daily yield, and total yield were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ponds with added substrate (37 g, 12.0 kg/ha per day, and 1,268 kg/ha, respectively). There was no significant difference in survival between treatments, averaging 59% overall. In ponds without substrate the number of small males (SM) was significantly higher and the number of orange claw males (OC) was significantly lower than in ponds with added substrate. Average individual weights of blue claw males, orange claw males, reproductive females, and virgin females were significantly higher (P × 0.05) in ponds with added substrate. Prawns raised in ponds containing added substrate had growth rates and population structures characteristic of prawns stocked at lower densities. Optimum relationships between stocking rates and amounts and types of added substrate should be evaluated as possible methods to increase production levels.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here