Effects of various microalgae on fatty acid composition and survival rate of the blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus larvae

Abstract

Present study is to examine effect of various microalgae on Fatty Acid (FA) of Portunus pelagicus larvae. Larvae were subjected to five different treatments; T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. T1: rotifer and Artemia only; T2: rotifer, Artemia and Chaetoceros sp.; T3: rotifer, Artemia and Chlorella sp.; T4: rotifer, Artemia and Isochrysis sp. and T5: rotifer, Artemia and Nannochloropsis sp. Highest FA component in Zoea 3 was saturated FA group of T2 with concentration 26.06±26.23mg/g. For monounsaturated FA group, highest FA component in Zoea 1 was T5 with concentration 9.88±0.34mg/g. FA component in polyunsaturated FA group in Zoea 4, T4 with concentration 9.33±0.45mg/g was highest. For survival rate, highest survival rate obtained from T4 with 10.21%±0.45. In this study, essential FA requirement in each stage of P. pelagicus larvae can be reveal. Species of microalgae suitable for larvae can be characterized and selected for hatchery purpose.