<b> Effect of temperature on survival, food consumption and growth of <i> Farfantepenaeus paulensis </i> post-larvae </b>

Abstract

A sequence of three experiments was performed to evaluate the effect of temperature on survival, food consumption and growth of Farfantepenaeus paulensis post larvae (PL20). Resistance ranges to high and low temperatures were evaluated in groups of post larvae by reducing or increasing water temperature (1°C per day) until total mortality. The lowest temperature for 100% of survival was estimated as 13.0°C and total mortality at 8.3°C. The highest temperature for 100% f survival was estimated as 33.2°C and total mortality at 40.4°C. Acute tests (96h) were performed to determine the medium upper and lower lethal temperatures (LT50). The PL were submitted to six temperatures ranging from 7°C to 14°C (lower) and from 30°C to 40°C (upper). The lower LT50 were estimate in 9.3°C, while the upper LT50 in 35.5°C. Additionally growth and Artemia consumption by postlarvae were measured in several temperatures (18, 20, 23, 26, 29 and 32°C) during 30 days. Growth and food consumption were significantly improved (p<0,05) in higher temperatures. Results suggest that water temperature from 29 to 32°C improve nursery efficiency, while spring and summer months are recommended to F. paulensis nursery rearing in the estuary of Patos Lagoon