Studies on the early development and larval rearing of Oxyeleotris marmoratus (bleeker)

Abstract

Some aspects on the early development and larval rearing of Oxyeleotris marmoratus were studied. The pattern of food selection by the larvae was analysed using Ivlev's electivity index. The larvae commenced feeding on phytoplankton on day 2 after hatching with the slight selection for Chlorella and Closterium. The Brachionus and nauplii of copepods were preferred by larvae from day 3 to day 10 after hatching and subsequently replaced by bigger size prey such as Cyclops and Moina thereafter. Cyclops was found to be the most preferred food during the larval stage. The prey selectivity by the larvae could be attributed to change in mouth size, mobility of the larvae and the prey, its size and type.