(Adequates densities determination to larviculture of Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae.)

Abstract

Larvae of Macrobrachium amazonicum were stocked at densities of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 larvae/liter, temperature maintained at 28°C and employed a salinity of 14%. The larvae were fed with Artemia salina and prepared food. Uneaten food materials and larval wastes at the tank bottom were removed daily by siphoning. The most suitable densities for larval rearing stocks were obtained by comparing the average of survival provided by the number of surviving post-larvae (density). The best survival rates (above 30%) were observed at lower densities (10, 20, 40 and 60 larvae/liter). Nevertheless, the density of 120 larvae / liter seems to be the most suitable for larval rearing in commercial scale, once it provides a higher mass production of post-larvae.