Abstract
The activity of different protease classes was monitored in developing discus (Symphysodon spp.) larvae using a combination of biochemical assays and substrate SDS–PAGE techniques. Results showed the presence of alkaline proteases of serine proteases such as trypsin with a significant increase in activity levels detected beginning 3 days after hatching. Other alkaline proteases such as metallo-proteases and chymotrypsin, a type of serine protease, were only detected in older larval stages, at around 20–30 days after hatching. Acidic protease activity was very low during the first 20–25 days of development before showing a significant (P < 0.01) rise. This is despite the formation of a stomach observed 10 days after hatching. Based on the development of the protein digestive system observed, the use of microdiets to replace Artemia should be considered 25 days after hatching.
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