Before Post Larvae

Main target in this stage

Larval development stages

In this stage the shrimp hatches and goes through 3 substages each only lasting a few days: Nauplii (5 days), Zoea (3 days), Mysis (3 days). During these stages the shrimp feed in the water column with different types of microalgae/live feeds. They are gradually being weaned on formulated diets; starting with microalgae, then artemia is added. Finally microencapsulated feeds are added- the first formulated feeds.

Micro-encapsulated feeds are key for successful weaning

They help a smooth switch from natural food to commercial diets. Micro-encapsulated feeds are free flowing with neutral buoyancy in the water column. Formulated micro feeds are important for young farmed shrimp, with high protein (~55-60%), healthy fats (~10%), vitamins and minerals for strong growth. The feed should be small, water stable and smell good so shrimp eat it easily. Frequent feeding (every 3-4 hours) in small amounts prevents waste.

Check out our formulated micro feeds

Water quality management

Water quality should be properly managed to ensure optimal conditions. Important water quality parameters are temperature, Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN), pH, oxygen and salinity. Especially maintaining high oxygen levels is very important (>5 mg/l). Try to avoid turbulence of water column when supplying new water or with aeration as this will lead to stress for the shrimp. It is recommended to regularly change the water with disinfected, filtered seawater (UV, ozone, or chlorination).

Table with key water quality parameters

Biosecurity management

Biosecurity management in a shrimp hatchery is crucial to prevent diseases and ensure high survival rates. Test broodstock and larvae for diseases, use SPF/SPR shrimp, and keep life stages separate. Be careful when using fresh feed for broodstock which can contain pathogen diseases. Maintain strict hygiene, control visitor access, provide pathogen-free feed, quarantine new stock, and conduct regular health checks to prevent contamination and disease spread.

Look at the checklist

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Key questions in the before post larvae stage

Nauplii get their nutrients from their yolk sac. At Zoea, shrimp larvae start to feed with microalgae like Chaetoceros for L. vannamei and Skeletonema for P. monodon. Also others are being used such as Tetraselmis and Thalassiosira. At the end of the Zoea stage and during Mysis, artemia is added alongside microalgae. The shrimp larvae should be gradually weaned on to formulated diets (Dry- microencapsulated feeds; size +/- 50-100 µm) to prepare for post-larvae stage.

Read more about the hatchery stage

Microalgae culture is done at the hatchery by a technician specialized in the culture of different microalgae. Clean, closed conditions are required to ensure no contamination takes place. During the scaling up from culturing in a flask to a larger bioreactor, ensure sterile conditions to stop you from culturing the wrong micro-organisms. Artemia is mostly bought freeze-dried or frozen and stored under cool conditions until required. The required amount is hatched under specific conditions during 24 hours. Artemia are fed live to the shrimp larvae.

Contact our hatchery specialist for more information

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