Aquaculture: Larval Biology

The larval biology program studies larval development of different species of crustaceans with potential as aquaculture candidates or as experimental species. Research efforts attempt to define the environmental parameters necessary to rear these animals through their larval stages and to design prototype hatchery systems capable of rearing the animals to the post-larval stage. Replicated temperature studies were conducted on Sicyonia ingentis and Pandalus danae, and optimum temperatures for larval development were determined for each species. Diets and. feeding regimes were developed capable of rearing both species through their larval stages to the' post-larval form. Gonadal maturation and mating behavior were observed for S. ingentis. Eggs from P. danae, Which are normally brooded by the female, were successfully reared in vitro and laboratory F1 generations were obtained for this species. Prototype larval rearing systems were designed for both species, including temperature controlled mass culture tanks capable of producing large volumes of larvae for prototype production growout systems.