Mariculture potential of the spot prawn, Pandalus platyceros Brandt

Abstract

Biological characteristics and culture methods were investigated for the spot prawn, Pandalus platyceros Brandt. Ovigerous adults were caught in the local fishery; six of these produced 2 628 to 4 669 larvae. The larval period ranged from 26 to 35 days (9.5–12.0°C). Maximum larval survival was about 70%, with mortalities being most frequent during ecdysis. The relation of wet weight (g) to carapace length (mm) for the first 26 months was calculated as log W = −3.0843 + 2.9308 log L. Prawns showed good survival between 9.5 and 21.0°C. Mortality increased sharply when temperatures exceeded 21.0°C. Salinities below 22‰ resulted in a sharp increase in mortality. A diet of brine shrimp nauplii sufficed for newly hatched larvae. Growth was enhanced when larvae were fed a unicellular algal supplement ( Phaeodactylum tricornutum), although mortality was somewhat higher. Larvae progressed rapidly to foraging on larger brine shrimp and diced foods. Six-month-old spot prawns raised on a squid diet averaged 3.4 g, and at 1 year the mean weight was 6.3 g. A feeding experiment, incorporating 12 diets, disclosed that highest growth rates and best food conversion ratios were achieved on a combined California seamussel and giant red sea urchin diet. However, the best growth rate achieved was considered marginal for mariculture. It was concluded that unless the growth rate could be accelerated by other food formulations or culture techniques, a monoculture system for mass cultivation would not be feasible. The spot prawn may have potential in a polyculture system.