Abstract
Two experiments were conducted regarding the effect of poly--hydroxybutyrate (PHB) on the survival and development of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis Milne-Edwards) larvae. Different PHB delivery approaches (particulate, enriched in filter feeding prey, or a combination of both) and feeding levels were applied to crab larvae from the zoea 2 (Z2) up to the megalopa stage. Bio-encapsulation into rotifers and Artemia at a PHB dose of 100mgL(-1) seemed an efficient approach to deliver PHB to the larvae and resulted in a significantly enhanced survival, development rate and osmotic tolerance. The results indicate that PHB should only be applied as a feed additive rather than as a food source, and that the availability of an adequate amount of nutrients seems to be of major importance for the PHB to induce these beneficial effects.
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