Lagoon amphipods as a new feed resource for aquaculture: A life history assessment of Grandidierella halophila

Abstract

Amphipods are emerging as a new feed resource in aquaculture. In an effort to provide an alternative feed for commercial nursery applications, the life history of an estuarine amphipod Grandidierella halophila was studied for the first time under laboratory conditions and reported herein. G. halophila, obtained from a lagoon in northern Kelantan, Malaysia was cultured in 500 ml clear plastic containers with filtered water (at 28 °C and 7 ppt). Juveniles from a single brood were monitored in five replicates throughout the different phases of their lifetime. Data obtained included maturation time, number of broods per lifetime, number of juveniles per brood, growth rate, and productivity per lifetime. Results obtained suggest that the G. halophila exhibited a semiannual, multivoltine life history pattern, producing multiple broods in its short lifespan (72.3 vs 108.0 days for males and females respectively). Sex ratio was in favor of the females (1: 1.76) and the mean maximum size observed was 7.02 and 6.31 mm in length respectively for males and females within a lifespan. Female maturation time was 12.8 days at a mean total length size of 3.5 mm. The incubation period was 5.7 days with a mean of 20.8 juveniles produced per brood. Mean number of broods produced in a life span was 4.7. A strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.95) was observed between the female size and the number of juveniles produced. With a mean of 97.5 juveniles produced by each female in a life span, G. halophila productivity stands at 0.90 juveniles per couple per day. The life history patterns described in this study serve as a baseline to jumpstart the commercial culture of this species for future use.