DefinePK

Abstract

Background and Objective Blue swimming crabs, Portunus pelagicus is a commercially important species of the southeast Asian region especially Malaysia. However, an establish methods for extensive larval rearing is in developmental stage. Thus, optimization of hatchery culture for this species including photo period and light intensity is therefore vital. This study presented the effect of different photo period and light intensity levels on survival and growth rates of blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus larvae. Materials and Methods Three different photo period regime 24 h light 0 h dark, 12 h light 12h dark and 0 h light 24 h dark and three different light intensity 1302, 326 and 1.2 lux were adopted during this experiment. Results Light intensity of 1302 lux and full lightness 24 h lights achieved the highest specific growth rate. For the early larval stage of Zoea 1 and Zoea 2, high intensity of 1302 lux and 24 h light resulted high survival rate and for the late larval stage of Zoea 3 and Zoea 4. Conclusion It was concluded that higher light intensity and longer photo period conditions are required during early larval stages meanwhile medium light intensity and ambient photo period of 12 h 12 d are required during the later stage of culture.