Efficiency of different microalgae as monospecific and bispecific diets in larval rearing of Penaeus indicus with special reference to growth, nutrient composition and antimicrobial activity of microalgae

To evaluate the efficiency of different microalgae in larval rearing of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus, three different microalgae: Tetraselmis sp., Chaetoceros gracilis and Thalassiosira weissflogii were fed to the shrimp larvae either individually or in combination of two (1:1). The experiment showed that the survival, growth and stage conversion rate were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in combination of T. weissflogii: Tetraselmis sp. followed by T. weissflogii: C. gracilis. Further, significantly faster conversion rate was found in the treatment fed with combination diet (T. weissflogii: Tetraselmis and T. weissflogii: C. gracilis). The growth kinetics of three algae revealed that T. weissflogii had better growth potential than other two algae. The nutrient profiles of three microalgae also underline the nutritional superiority of T. weissflogii in terms of lipid, protein and essential fatty acids (EFA) over the others. Moreover, T. weissflogii showed better antimicrobial properties compared to other algae.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the efficiency of different microalgae in the larval rearing of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus. Results showed that a combination of Thalassiosira weissflogii and Tetraselmis sp. had the best survival, growth, and conversion rate, with T. weissflogii demonstrating superior growth potential and nutrient profiles compared to other microalgae. T. weissflogii also exhibited better antimicrobial properties.