Effect of different substrates on growth and biochemical composition of the ornamental “red cherry” caridean shrimp, Neocaridina davidi (Atyidae)

Abstract

The effect of different substrates on growth, sexual ratio, number of ovigerous females and survival of the red cherry shrimp, Neocaridina davidi, was analysed to enhance its culture. Recently hatched juvenile shrimps were exposed to 4 different substrates: Vesicularia sp., Ceratophyllum sp., Cabomba sp. and a green plastic net. Growth was analysed over 90 days with shrimps being weighed every 30 days. While maximum size was similar for all treatments, maximum relative growth rate and instantaneous growth was significantly greater and peaked earlier, respectively, in shrimps cultured with Vesicularia sp. Additionally, substrate had no effect on female and male final body weights or their biochemical composition (lipid and protein content). Sexual proportion was slightly biased towards males in all treatments. Survival was highest with Vesicularia sp. (90%) and similar among the remaining treatments (nearly 60%). Shrimps grown with Ceratophyllum sp. presented the lowest proportion of ovigerous females at 10% compared to 30–48% for other treatments. Overall, shrimp culture was significantly influenced by substrates. We hypothesize that Vesicularia sp. could enhance shrimp survival by supporting an environment free of pathogens; or that the periphytic community itself could provide benefits.