Altaff, K. (2020). Feeding and Reproductive Biology of Two Potential Calanoid Copepod Species of Pseudodiaptomus for Mass Culture. International Journal of Zoological Investigations. 6(2):246-259.

410393

Altaff, K.

2020

6(2):246-259.

Publication

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Breeding and spawning of many finfish is achieved in captive condition but their larval rearing under hatchery condition is not attained to the desirable level mainly due to non-availability of suitable live feed. Copepods constitute natural food for these larvae and proved to be suitable in terms of nutritional value and size spectrum. Though many copepod species were mass cultured at laboratory level still commercial level production is not achieved. In addition to culture techniques knowledge of food and feeding habits as well as reproductive strategies of the candid species is essential. Present study deals with feeding habits and reproductive biology of two calanoid copepod species, Pseudodiaptomus annandalei and Pseudodiaptomus serricaudatus. Both these species have well developed feeding appendages and are omnivorous. The setae and setules on maxillae and maxillules show variation denoting filtration of different sized algae. Variation of teeth on the mandibular blade is also observed. Feeding appendages of P. serricaudatus suggests that it can consume wide variety of food materials. The different reproductive aspects of both species such as oogenesis, spermatogenesis, spermatophore formation and its transfer to the female are described for the first time. Embryonic and post embryonic development in these species takes 7-9 days. Reproductive phase and fecundity are reported. With continuous breeding, short inter clutch period and high reproductive potential, these species could be ideal for mass culture and use in hatchery rearing of marine finfish larvae.

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