Effect of photoperiod on the quality, survival and larval development of the Malaysian giant prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

Tapullima M.P.; Alarcon B.Z.; Chu-Koo F.; Acosta-Mendoza L.; Napuchi-Linares J. · Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru (2026) · DOI: 10.15381/rivep.v37i2.31268

Resumen

The effect of photoperiod on the quality, survival, and development of the larval stage of the Malaysian giant shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) was evaluated under controlled conditions. Three light-dark regimes were applied: 14HL:10HO (T0), 12HL:12HO (T1), and 6HL:6HO (T2), in quadruplicate, at a density of 100 larvae/L in a 35-day experiment with a completely randomized design. Physical and chemical water parameters were recorded, the larval quality index (LQI) was calculated from four morphological and behavioural indicators, the larval stage index (LSI) was calculated using a weighted average of stages, and survival (%) was measured by periodic counts. Data were analysed using the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests. ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests (with Dunn-Bonferroni) depending on the assumptions. Mixed linear models were used for the larval index (LI) and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival. Water quality remained within optimal and homogeneous ranges across treatments. T0 and T1 showed final LIs of 2 («very good») and survival rates of 40 ± 4% and 37 ± 3%, respectively, with no differences between them; T2 presented an LI of 1.3 ± 0.1 and only 5 ± 1% survival (p<0.01 vs. T0 and T1). The LI increased similarly in all three groups, with no significant effect of photoperiod on development rate. In conclusion, photoperiods of 12–14 h of light maintain larval quality and viability without altering the ontogenetic chronology, whereas reducing it to 6 h of light severely compromises culture performance. © Los autores.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Alto Amazonas