Co-feeding of live feed and inert diet from first-feeding affects Artemia lipid digestibility and retention in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) larvae

The present study intended to evaluate the effects of early introduction of inert diet in lipid digestibility and metabolism of sole, while larval feed intake, growth and survival were also monitored. Solea senegalensis larvae were reared on a standard live feed regime (ST) and co-feeding regime with inert diet (Art R). Trials using sole larvae fed with Artemia enriched with two different lipid emulsions, containing glycerol tri [1-¹⁴C] oleate (TAG) and L-3-phosphatidylcholine-1,2-di-[1-¹⁴C] oleoyl (PL), were performed at 9 and 17 days after hatching (DAH) to study lipid utilization. Co-feeding did not affect sole survival rates (ST 59.1 ± 15.9%; Art R 69.56 ± 9.3%), but was reflected in significantly smaller final weight at 16 DAH (ST 0.71 ± 0.20; Art R 0.48 ± 0.14 mg). Higher feed intake was observed in sole larvae fed on Artemia enriched with labeled PL at 9 DAH but not at 17 DAH. At 17 DAH, the smaller larvae (Art R treatment) ingested proportionally more Artemia in weight percentage, independently of enrichment. At 9 DAH lipid digestibility was equal among treatments and higher than 90%, while at 17 DAH it was higher in ST treatment (around 73%) compared to the Art R group (around 66%). Lipid retention efficiency at 9 DAH was higher in the Art R treatment, reaching values of 50%, while these values almost duplicated at 17 DAH, ranging up to 80% in both treatments without significant differences. These results show that co-feeding of live feed and inert diet from first-feeding in Senegalese sole has a toll in terms of growth and lipid digestibility but does not seem to compromise lipid metabolic utilization.     

Improving weaning strategies for Senegalese sole: effects of body weight and digestive capacity

To optimize Senegalese sole‐weaning strategies, three experiments were performed. The first trial tested four weaning strategies with a 10 mg sole. Artemia‐fed sole grew threefold less than fish fed an inert diet. Sudden weaning (abrupt change from Artemia to inert diet) and weaning with co‐feeding produced larger sole than did a late weaning treatment; delayed weaning negatively affected fish growth. In the second experiment, the digestive capacity of early‐weaned 1, 2 and 4 mg sole was investigated. The highest growth was observed in sole weaned at 4 mg. Digestive enzyme profiles suggest that sole have an adaptation period to inert diets, with reduced feed intake. This adaptation period is inversely proportional to post‐larvae weight. The third experiment examined weaning with co‐feeding at different weights (2, 5 and 11 mg). These studies demonstrate that sole of 5–10 mg can be weaned, with high survival rates. On the basis of the digestive enzyme profiles, the early introduction of inert diets in co‐feeding with Artemia seems to affect intestinal processes in smaller postlarvae. This study also suggests that trypsin and alkaline phosphatase may be used as indicators of nutritional status in sole of <5 mg.     

Growth performance,survival, feed utilization and nutrient utilization of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) larvae co‐fed Artemia and a micro‐diet containing freshwater atyid shrimp (Caridina nilotica) during weaning

Problems of limited number of dry feeds as supplement or replacement of live feeds have led to poor larval nutrition in many species of fish. Therefore, the suitability of co‐feeding 8‐day‐old African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) posthatch larvae using live feed (Artemia salina) and formulated dry diet containing freshwater atyid shrimp (Caridina nilotica) during weaning was investigated. The experiment ended after 21 days of culture and respective groups compared on the basis of growth performance, survival, feed utilization and nutrient utilization. Larvae co‐fed using 50%Artemia and 50% formulated dry diet resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) better growth performance, food gain ratio (FGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and productive protein values (PPV) than other treatments. The lowest growth performance occurred in larvae weaned using 100% formulated and commercial dry diets. Better survival of over 90% was obtained in larvae weaned using 50%Artemia and 50% dry diet, while abrupt weaning using 100% dry diets resulted in lower survival (<75%). These results support a recommendation of co‐feeding C. gariepinus larvae using a formulated dry diet containing C. nilotica and 50% live feed when weaning is performed after 8 days posthatching period.     

Natural carbon stable isotope ratios as indicators of the relative contribution of live and inert diets to growth in larval Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis)

The relative contributions of live Artemia metanauplii and an inert diet for growth of Senegalese sole larvae and postlarvae were assessed through the analysis of carbon stable isotopes ratios (δ¹³C) in both diets and whole larval tissue. Larvae were reared on four dietary regimes: 100% live prey (rotifers and Artemia), 100% inert formulated diet and two co-feeding regimes of 70:30 and 30:70 ratios of Artemia and inert diet, respectively. Larvae from the live food regime and both co-feeding regimes showed a steep increase in δ¹³C from 10 days after hatching (DAH) as a result of the onset and continuation of Artemia consumption. From 12 DAH fish larvae from all the regimes showed significant isotopic differences as their δ¹³C increased to final asymptotic values of − 15.1, − 15.6 and − 16.3‰ in the live food, 70:30 and 30:70 regimes, respectively. Carbon turnover rates in larvae from both live food and co-feeding regimes were relatively high (0.071 to 0.116 d^− 1) but more than 90% of the observed change in fish tissue isotopic values was accounted for by the retention of carbon in new tissue growth. A two-source, one-isotope mixing model was applied to estimate the nutritional contribution of Artemia and inert diet to postlarvae growth in the co-feeding regimes. At 23 DAH, the relative contribution of live and inert diets to tissue growth in larvae was respectively, 88 and 12% for the 70:30 co-feeding regime and 73 and 27% for the 30:70 co-feeding regime. At 17 DAH, the estimated proportion of tissue carbon derived from the inert diet was higher at 23 and 38% for the 70:30 and 30:70 regimes, respectively. The results suggest that co-feeding regimes in Solea senegalensis larvae may be adjusted to meet ontogenetic changes in the capacity for larvae to utilise inert diets. The contrasting levels of carbon isotope discrimination between diet and tissue in larvae reared on either 100% live feed or 100% inert diet indicate relatively poor utilization of nutrients from the inert diet. The use of isotopic discrimination factors as potential indicators of the digestive physiological performance of a consuming organism in regards to its diet is discussed.     

Iodine‐enriched rotifers and Artemia prevent goitre in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) larvae reared in a recirculation system

To study the effect of dietary supplementation of iodine in Solea senegalensis, larvae were randomly distributed in six tanks. Larvae in three tanks were given rotifers and Artemia enriched with iodine in addition to Rich Advance or Super Selco from 2 days after hatch (DAH) until 31 DAH. Larvae in a second set of three tanks were fed control rotifers and Artemia, enriched only with Rich Advance or Super Selco. Samples were collected at 2, 5, 10, 15 and 31 DAH to determine dry weight, total length, myotome height and thyroid status. Larvae fed the iodine‐enriched diet had significantly higher weight at 31 DAH and higher levels of whole body iodine concentration, compared to control larvae. At 31 DAH, larvae from the control treatment showed typical goitrous thyroid follicles. Thyroid cells of larvae from this treatment appeared columnar or afollicular, with the colloid partly or completely depleted, representative of hyperplasia (goitre). The lower growth rate in fish larvae from the control treatment was possibly a consequence of the hyperplasia, and the iodine enrichment prevented Senegalese sole larvae from developing goitre. This study demonstrates the importance of iodine enrichment of live feed for fish reared in a recirculation system.     

Influence of larval co-feeding with live and inert diets on weaning the tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis

The tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis, an inshore fish in China, has showed great potential in aquaculture recently. However, poor survival was recorded during the period of weaning from live Artemia to artificial diets. In this paper, the influence of co‐feeding larvae with live and inert diet on weaning performance was described. The C. semilaevis larvae were reared at 21 ± 1 °C and fed four different feeding regimes from 6 days post‐hatching (dph): A, Artemia (10 individuals mL^?1); B, Artemia (5 individuals mL^?1); C, mixed diet (10 Artemia individuals mL^?1 and 12 mg L^?1 inert diet); and D, mixed diet (5 Artemia individuals mL^?1 and 12 mg L^?1 inert diet). Rotifers were also supplied in all cases during the first days of feeding. Mixed diets of commercial formulated feed and live prey (rotifers and Artemia) allowed larvae to complete metamorphosis, achieving similar specific growth rate (SGR) (18.5 ± 1.4% and 18.7 ± 1.6%) and survival (40 ± 7.6% and 48.5 ± 6.8%) compared with larvae fed on live feed alone (SGR of 18.3 ± 1.2%, 19.3 ± 1.9% and survival of 41.2 ± 11.3%, 38 ± 4.9%). However, in metamorphosed fish, when live feed was withdrawn on 31 dph, there was significant difference (P < 0.05) in survival and growth among treatments. Metamorphosed fish, previously fed mixture diets during larval stages, had similar survival (62.1 ± 7.6% and 62.8 ± 3.9% for regimes C and D, respectively) but higher than that obtained for fish that previously fed on live feed (49.3 ± 2% and 42.1 ± 3.9% for regimes A and B, respectively) after weaning (day 60). The SGR of weaned fish previously fed live feed was similar (3.1 ± 0.6% and 2.92 ± 0.6% for regimes A and B, respectively) but lower than that recorded for fish that was fed from day 6 to day 30 on the mixed diet (4.5 ± 1.1% and 4.9 ± 0.3% for regimes C and D, respectively). It is suggested that weaning of C. semilaevis from early development would appear to be feasible and larval co‐feeding improves growth and survival.     

Lipid enrichment for Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) larvae: effect on larval growth, survival and fatty acid profile

Results from three larval Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) feeding trials using non-enriched Artemia and Artemia enriched with Super HUFA®, Arasco®, sunflower oil and microalgae are presented and the effects on larval survival, growth and fatty acid (FA) composition are reported. The FA profile of Senegalese sole eggs was analysed to gather information about the nutritional requirements of the early larval stages and a quite high DHA/EPA ratio (4.3) was found. However, there was no evidence of a high dietary demand for DHA or EPA, given that no relationship was found between dietary HUFA concentration and larval growth and survival. When larvae were fed non-enriched Artemia a significantly better growth and comparable survival were obtained than with Artemia enriched with Super HUFA® (containing the highest HUFA level and DHA/EPA ratio). The FA profiles of the larvae generally reflected those of their diets. DHA was an exception, as it was present in high proportions, even in larvae fed DHA-deficient prey. Total FAME concentration decreased during larval development, with SFA, MUFA and PUFA being equally consumed; HUFA appeared to be less used, with its relative concentration being either kept constant (particularly EPA and ARA) or increased (DHA). A specific requirement for ARA in the first larval stages could not be confirmed but it was always present in considerable amounts, even in larvae fed an ARA poor diet.     

A comparison of artificial and natural foods and their combinations in the rearing of goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.)

Intensive grow‐out of goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), larvae and juveniles in closed systems requires the control of environmental conditions and feeding. This study investigates the use of different types of live food and combinations of live food and dry food in a series of four rearing experiments. Juvenile goldfish can be weaned from Artemia onto live food at about 24 days after the onset of feeding without causing a reduction in growth and survival. The replacement of Artemia by Daphnia at day 10 appears feasible, as growth and survival were not significantly affected. Fish fed decapsulated Artemia cysts grew better than fish fed live Artemia. Within the first 14 days, goldfish juveniles should be fed at least 155 cysts per fish per day to achieve fast growth and to minimize size variation.     

Weaning requirements of larval mulloway,Argyrosomus japonicus

Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) is an emerging aquaculture species in Australia, but there is a need to improve the production technology and lower costs, including those associated with larval rearing and live feeds. Three experiments were conducted to determine appropriate weaning strategies from live feeds, rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) and Artemia, to cheaper formulated pellet diets. Experiment 1 examined the effects of feeding Artemia at different levels [0%, 50% or 100% ration of Artemia fed from 18 days after hatching (dah); based on current hatchery protocols] and a pellet diet from two larval ages (14 or 23 dah). In addition, rotifers were supplied to larvae in all treatments for the duration of the experiment (14–29 dah), at which time all larvae were successfully weaned onto the pellet diet. No significant (P>0.05) differences existed between the growth of fish fed a 50% and 100% ration of Artemia; however, fish fed a 0% ration of Artemia had significantly (P<0.05) reduced growth. The time of pellet introduction had no significant (P>0.05) effects on the growth of larvae. Experiments 2 and 3 were designed to determine the size [total length (TL), mm] at which mulloway larvae selected Artemia equally or in preference to rotifers, and pellet (400 μm) equally or in preference to Artemia respectively. Each day, larvae were transferred from a holding tank to experimental vessels and provided with rotifers (2 mL^?1), Artemia (2 mL^?1) or a combination of rotifers (1 mL^?1) and Artemia (1 mL^?1) (Experiment 2), and Artemia (2 mL^?1), a pellet diet or a combination of Artemia (1 mL^?1) and a pellet diet that was broadcast every 15 min (Experiment 3). After 1 h, a sub‐sample of larvae was randomly selected from each replicate vessel (n=5) and the gut contents were examined under a light microscope. Mulloway larvae began selecting Artemia equally to rotifers at 5.2 ± 0.5 mm TL and selected pellets equally to Artemia at 10.6 ± 1.8 mm TL. Our results have led to the establishment of weaning protocols for larval mulloway, which optimize larval growth while reducing feed cost by minimizing the amount of Artemia used during production.     

Effects of two commercial microdiets on growth and survival of barramundi (Lates calcarifer Bloch) larvae within various early weaning protocols

Because of high costs and labour requirements along with the highly variable nutritional value of live feeds, we investigated the possibility of early weaning for barramundi (Lates calcarifer Bloch) larvae aimed at reducing the use of Artemia. Two commercial microdiets, Gemma Micro (Skretting, Australia) and Proton (INVE, Belgium) were compared for growth and survival of larvae using three weaning protocols, until 33 days posthatch (dph). Enriched rotifers were fed to larvae in all protocols through mouth opening until 21, 18 and 30 dph (protocols 1, 2 and 3, respectively). At 13 dph, enriched Artemia metanauplii were introduced to weaning protocols 1 and 2, and continued until 29 and 24 dph, respectively, whereas protocol 3 did not receive Artemia. Microdiet was initiated at 20, 16 and 13 dph in protocols 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Barramundi larvae grew successfully to 33 dph when co‐fed rotifers and microdiet, and significantly larger larvae resulted from feeding Gemma Micro rather than Proton, when Artemia were not used. However, larvae weaned onto Proton using a longer period of Artemia provision were significantly larger than larvae reared according to all other protocols. Survival was significantly higher in all Gemma Micro protocols when compared with Proton protocols. This was in part due to higher cannibalism when using Proton compared with Gemma Micro (22.8 ± 0.9% and 9.2 ± 0.6%, respectively). Cannibalism became more noticeable in all protocols when the larvae reached 7–8 mm standard length and further increased after the cessation of live feed. Tank biomass production was the highest when larvae were weaned onto Gemma Micro including a short period of Artemia provision as a result of a combination of high growth and survival. However, similar biomass production resulted when larvae were weaned directly from rotifers onto Gemma Micro and/or from a prolonged Artemia period onto proton. The success of weaning barramundi larvae directly to microdiet from rotifers, thus eliminating the need for Artemia, was influenced by the microdiet. Relatively higher levels of free amino acids and lipids were believed to contribute to increasing larval growth and survival. Larvae that were fed Gemma Micro showed higher growth when Artemia were utilized for a shorter period, while Proton‐fed larvae benefited from an extended Artemia feeding period.     

Replacement of live food with a microbound diet in feeding Litopenaeus setiferus (Burkenroad) larvae

Microbound feeds have been well accepted by shrimps and farmers in many penaeid shrimp hatcheries. The present study focused on an adequate level of replacement of Artemia nauplii and microalgae by a microbound diet for rearing Litopenaeus setiferus (Burkenroad) larvae. A microbound diet (MBD) consisting of fishmeal, squid meal, shrimp meal, yeast meal and soybean meal was used. The first experiment was designed to obtain the optimum level of MBD to complete the live feeding schedule, from Protozoea (PZ_III) to Mysis (M_III). The experimental levels of the microbound diet tested were 2, 4, 6 and 8 mg MBD L^?1 day^?1. The next step was to determine the Artemia nauplii replacement level from PZ_I to M_III by MBD. These experiments were carried out either in the presence (Experiment 2) or in the absence of algae (Experiment 3). Four replacement levels were tested: 0% (4 mg MBD L^?1 day^?1: 1 Artemia nauplii mL^?1), 40% (5.5 mg MBD L^?1 day^?1: 0.6 Artemia nauplii), 60% (6.5 mg MBD L^?1 day^?1: 0.4 Artemia nauplii) and 100% (8 mg MBD L^?1 day^?1: 0 Artemia nauplii). In all experiments growth, survival, development, quality index (QI) and performance index (PI), were used to determine the optimum concentration of microbound diet. Results showed that 6 mg MBD L^?1 day^?1 can be recommended as a complement to live food for L. setiferus larvae from PZ_III to M_III. In the presence of algae, maximum growth and survival may be obtained in 40–60% (5.5–6.5 mg MBD L^?1 day^?1) of Artemia nauplii replacement levels. In the absence of algae, the Artemia nauplii replacement resulted in slower development, less salinity resistance, lower growth and lower survival than was obtained in larvae fed with algae.     

Effect of different forms of Artemia biomass as a food source on survival,molting and growth rate of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different forms of Artemia biomass as a food source on survival, molting and growth rate of mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Instar 1 crablets with a mean weight of 0.0082 ± 0.0007 g were reared both individually and communally and fed with different diets consisting of fresh shrimp meat (control feed), live Artemia biomass, frozen Artemia biomass and a dried Artemia‐based formulated feed for 40 days. The highest survival was obtained for crablets receiving live Artemia (92.5% and 75.8%) followed by the groups fed with frozen biomass (90.0% and 47.5%), the control feed (72.5% and 24.2%) and the dried Artemia‐based diet (60.0% and 21.7%) for individual and communal cultures, respectively. The intermolt period, the total number of moltings and the growth rate, which were determined on individually reared crabs, showed the same pattern as for survival. The results suggest that crab performance decreased in the following order: live Artemia>frozen Artemia > fresh shrimp meat > dried Artemia‐based formulated feed. Live Artemia biomass proved an ideal feed for nursery of Scylla paramamosain crabs. Frozen Artemia biomass may be an alternative in times of shortage. Our findings illustrate the high potential for local utilization of Artemia biomass in Vietnam for reliable production of mud crab juveniles.     

Potential use of Artemia biomass by‐products from Artemia cyst production for the nursing of goby Pseudapocryptes elongatus in Vietnam: effects on growth and feed utilization

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of using Artemia biomass, by‐product from Artemia cyst production on growth and feed utilization of goby Pseudapocryptes elongatus fingerlings. A control diet containing fishmeal as main protein source was compared with four experimental diets in which fishmeal protein was replaced by increasing dietary levels of Artemia protein, namely 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The five test diets were compared with a commercial diet and dried Artemia. All diets were formulated to be equivalent in crude protein (360–370 g kg^?1) and lipid (58–65 g kg^?1). The experiment was conducted in 80 L plastic tanks filled with water at a salinity of 15 g L^?1. Goby fingerlings with 0.21 g initial weight were fed the test diets for 30 days. The results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate of goby were positively correlated with total feed intake. Moreover, growth performances and feed utilization in the fry receiving the commercial feed and fishmeal control diet were similar, both were inferior to the groups fed dried Artemia and the based formulated diets. These results illustrate that both dried Artemia and Artemia‐based feeds can be used for feeding goby fingerlings, indicating the high potential of using locally produced Artemia biomass, which could contribute to reduce the reliance on fishmeal and improve profits for Artemia producers.     

Panagrellus redivivus (Linné) as a live food organism in the early rearing of the catfish Synodontis petricola (Matthes)

The nematode Panagrellus redivivus (Linné) has been suggested as a source of live food in the rearing of larval fish and shrimp species. This study tested the use of P. redivivus in the early rearing of the bottom‐feeding catfish Synodontis petricola (Matthes). A comparison of feeding rates of 5000–10 000 nematodes larva⁻¹ day⁻¹ showed that fish receiving 5000 nematodes larva⁻¹ day⁻¹ grew faster than those fed a dry diet, but slower than treatments fed 200 and 600 Artemia larva⁻¹ day⁻¹. Enrichment of nematodes with SuperSelco^® improved fish growth relative to a non‐enriched control treatment, with both treatments receiving 5000 nematodes larva⁻¹ day⁻¹. In the first two trials, feeding commenced 2 days after hatching. In the third study, fish were fed nematodes 6 days after hatching and there was no difference in growth between Artemia‐fed fish (600 Artemia larva⁻¹ day⁻¹) and fish fed 5000 nematodes larva⁻¹ day⁻¹. Thus, it is suggested to feed S. petricola at a nematode density of at least 10 000nematodes larva⁻¹ day⁻¹ in order to achieve growth comparable to that of fish fed Artemia, or, alternatively, to feed 5000 nematodes larva⁻¹ day⁻¹ to improve growth relative to that achieved with a dry diet. Furthermore, nematodes may be enriched with essential fatty acids to improve the growth of S. petricola larvae.     

Effect of Artemia enrichment on the growth and survival of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel) larvae

This study was carried out to investigate the suitability of Artemia enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and choline as live food on the growth and survival rate of the Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT; Thunnus orientalis) larvae. The PBT larvae were fed either Artemia enriched with oleic acid (Diet 1), DHA (Diet 2), DHA+choline 1.0 mg L^?1 (Diet 3) and DHA+choline 2.0 mg L^?1 (Diet 4) or striped knifejaw larvae (Diet 5, reference diet), in duplicate for 12 days. Enrichment of Artemia with DHA significantly increased the DHA levels to 13.9, 13.8 and 12.5 mg g^?1 on a dry matter basis in Diets 2, 3 and 4 respectively; however, the levels were significantly lower than the reference diet (26.9 mg g^?1 dry matter basis; Diet 5). Although growth and survival rate were significantly improved by the enrichment of Artemia with DHA and choline, the improvement was negligible compared with the enhanced growth and survival rate of the fish larvae‐fed group (P<0.05). The results demonstrated that enriched Artemia does not seem to be the right choice to feed the PBT larvae perhaps because of the difficulties in achieving the correct balance of fatty acid with higher DHA/EPA from Artemia nauplii.     

Growth, survival, quality and digestive enzyme activities of larval shrimp fed microencapsulated, mixed and live diets

An artificial diet for shrimp larvae was microencapsulated with a polysaccharide blend [66% gum arabic, 17% mesquite gum and 17% maltodextrin 10 dextrose equivalent (DE)]. Microencapsulated diet (MD) was fed to mysis alone, as a co‐feed with the microalgae Chaetoceros cerastosporum and Tetraselmis chuii (mixed) and compared with a live diet (control) of C. cerastosporum, T. chuii and Artemia nauplii. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected in growth rates, development and quality indexes of larvae fed the three experimental diets. All diets supported survival percentages of >90%. Shrimp larvae fed MD and mixed diets had higher specific trypsin activity and soluble protein content than those fed live diet. Amylase activity decreased in larvae fed the mixed and MD apparently due to the carbohydrate composition of the diet. The results indicate that it is possible to substitute a live diet with a microencapsulated one (with a wall composition made up of a polysaccharide blend) in Litopenaeus vannamei mysis.     

Effect of enriched live feeds on survival and growth rates in larval Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli Hilgendorf

High mortality frequently occurs in larval mass production of Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli Hilgendorf. Nutritional deficiencies in live feeds, rotifers and Artemia nauplii, fed to larvae could be a reason. A series of experiments was carried out to evaluate the effect of nutritional enrichment of live feeds by ω‐yeast, Spirulina powder and Super Selco^TM on survival and growth rates in rockfish larvae. Preference of rockfish larvae for the live feeds was determined by analysis of stomach contents. In addition, the effect of green water produced by the use of Chlorella ellipsoidea and Spirulina powder on the growth performance of larvae was evaluated. Larvae fed rotifers nutritionally enriched with Super Selco showed significantly higher survival rates than those fed rotifers enriched with ω‐yeast. Larvae fed rotifers that were nutritionally enriched with both Super Selco and Spirulina together exhibited improved growth and survival rates. Larvae fed Artemia nauplii nutritionally enriched with Spirulina powder showed significantly higher survival than larvae fed Artemia nauplii without enrichment. When larvae were fed rotifers, Artemia nauplii or the mixture of rotifers and Artemia nauplii, the second and last group showed significantly higher survival than the first group. Fatty acid composition in live feeds was improved by enrichment of ω‐yeast and larvae fed this feed showed higher survival and growth rates compared with larvae fed non‐enriched feeds. No positive effect of green water in the tank produced with C. ellipsoidea or Spirulina powder was observed on survival and growth rates for larvae fed nutritionally enriched rotifers with Super Selco and Spirulina powder. However, when the larvae were fed Artemia nauplii that were nutritionally enriched with ω‐yeast and Spirulina powder, green water obtained by adding Spirulina powder to the tanks resulted in significantly higher growth rates of larvae than was obtained by adding C. ellipsoidea.     

Variations on development and stress defences in Solea senegalensis larvae fed on live and microencapsulated diets

Growth, development, antioxidant enzymes, stress proteins (HSP70 and HSP60), lipid peroxidation (LP) and histology in Solea senegalensis larvae were followed from 8 to 30 days post hatching (dph). Larvae were fed on three different diets: (1) live Artemia nauplii, (2) microcapsules elaborated by internal gelation, (MA) and (3) these same microcapsules but 10-fold supplemented with vitamin A (MAV). The Artemia fed group showed higher growth and a faster metamorphosis than the ones fed with microencapsulated diets, although all had similarly high survival rates of 80%. Vitamin A (VA) supplementation improved growth and development from 15 dph in relation to the strictly inert diet (MA). Larvae fed with Artemia showed organs and tissues with a normal pattern of development, whereas histological alterations were seen in larvae fed with both inert diets. The antioxidant enzymes: catalase (KAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione peroxidase (t-GPX) as well as LP levels and stress proteins (HSP70 but not HSP60), measured in whole larvae, showed diet and age dependence in their response. Larvae fed with both inert diets showed similar biomarker activities, but these activities were different (p < 0.05) from larvae fed with Artemia. That is, KAT and HSP70 were lower in larvae fed with live prey and t-GPX and LP levels were lower in larvae fed with the inert food. Among the factors responsible for increased antioxidant defenses were the initiation of metamorphosis and the use of inert food. This study suggests the usefulness of the biomarkers selected as tools to evaluate the effects of compound diets on larvae.     

Dietary indispensable amino acids profile affects protein utilization and growth of Senegalese sole larvae

In diet formulation for fish, it is critical to assure that all the indispensable amino acids (IAA) are available in the right quantities and ratios. This will allow minimizing dietary AA imbalances that will result in unavoidable AA losses for energy dissipation rather than for protein synthesis and growth. The supplementation with crystalline amino acids (CAA) is a possible solution to correct the dietary amino acid (AA) profile that has shown positive results for larvae of some fish species. This study tested the effect of supplementing a practical microdiet with encapsulated CAA as to balance the dietary IAA profile and to improve the capacity of Senegalese sole larvae to utilize AA and maximize growth potential. Larvae were reared at 19 °C under a co-feeding regime from mouth opening. Two microdiets were formulated and processed as to have as much as possible the same ingredients and proximate composition. The control diet (CTRL) formulation was based on commonly used protein sources. A balanced diet (BAL) was formulated as to meet the ideal IAA profile defined for Senegalese sole: the dietary AA profile was corrected by replacing 4 % of encapsulated protein hydrolysate by CAA. The in vivo method of controlled tube-feeding was used to assess the effect on the larvae capacity to utilize protein, during key developmental stages. Growth was monitored until 51 DAH. The supplementation of microdiets with CAA in order to balance the dietary AA had a positive short-term effect on the Senegalese sole larvae capacity to retain protein. However, that did not translate into increased growth. On the contrary, larvae fed a more imbalanced (CTRL group) diet attained a better performance. Further studies are needed to ascertain whether this was due to an effect on the voluntary feed intake as a compensatory response to the dietary IAA imbalance in the CTRL diet or due to the higher content of tryptophan in the BAL diet.     

The importance of live‐feed traps – farming marine fish species

This article analyses the challenges of different live‐feed regimes for the rearing of marine finfish larvae and discusses the potential alternative live feeds to avert a future live‐feed trap. Live feeds are indispensable for the successful rearing of larvae of most marine fish species. Brine shrimps (Artemia) and rotifers comprise the live feeds of choice in marine aquaculture today. However, their nutritional composition is deficient in especially essential fatty acids, and enrichment with fish oil is needed. Fish oil is considered a limited resource owing to its origin in fully exploited wild fish stocks. Moreover, fluctuations of the natural population of Artemia will, most likely, influence future availability and prices. This emphasizes the need for optimal exploitation of available live‐feed resources and development of new sustainable alternatives, such as copepods. An array of solutions to these problems are presented to avoid a future live‐feed trap and to reduce dependence on limited resources that influence future production possibilities, species diversification, price volatility and productivity in the aquaculture sector.