Larval Biology and Seed Production of Ganga River Prawn Macrobrachium gangeticum (Bate)

Larval rearing trials for Macrobrachium gangeticum (Ganga River prawn) were carried out during 2003-2004 under hatchery conditions using 10-19 ppt brackish water. Ten thousand larvae were stocked in 300 L tank and fed with live Artemia naulpii, egg custard and mussel meat. The water quality parameters viz. water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity and ammonia were found within suitable range. First occurrence of post larvae (PL) has been recorded within 20 days and trials were concluded on the 40th day. Production of PL in three trials during the first year was 4,748, 5,170 and 5,070 with 15.28, 17.30 and 16.9 PL times L super(-1) in trials 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Post larval production in trials 1, 2 and 3 during the second year was recorded at 6,388, 5,399 and 5,047 with 21.29, 17.66 and 16.82 PL times L super(-1) respectively. The results of the present trials indicated comparatively earlier occurrence, higher survival and production of PL than those of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Macrobrachium malcolmsonii and this could be a potential species for commercial aquaculture.