Growth and survival of Penaeus merguiensis postlarvae at different salinities

Abstract

The growth and survival of postlarval Penaeus merguiensis were examined to optimize conditions and improve farm production. Postlarvae were subjected to one of four salinities (5-35 ppt) for a period of 28 days. Results indicated maximum survival at 25 ppt while the best growth rate was obtained at 15 ppt. The highest performance index was obtained at 15 ppt. Hence, 15 ppt was found to be the optimum salinity for the production of P. merguiensis postlarvae. The fast growth rate and good tolerance of P. merguiensis larvae to a wide range of salinity in captivity indicate that P. merguiensis is a promising candidate for aquaculture.