Maturation and spawning performance of pond-reared Penaeus merguiensis in different combinations of temperature, light intensity and photoperiod

Abstract

The combined effects of temperature (23 and 27 °C), light intensity (1100 and 2 lux or ≈ 21.5 and 0.04 μEinst m−2 s respectively) and photoperiod (10 h light/14 h dark and 14 h light/10 h dark) on ovarian maturation and spawning performance of ablated pond-reared Penaeus merguiensis were investigated in a 51-day experiment. The results showed that temperature was the most influential factor, followed by light intensity, whereas the effect of photoperiod was minor. As the maturation process progressed, the effects of temperature and light intensity became stronger while that of photoperiod became less significant. Temperature significantly affected all the reproductive parameters assessed. Prawns in the 27 °C treatments outperformed those in the 23 °C treatments (P < 0.05). The effect of light intensity was found to have a significant effect (P < 0.05) only on the proportion of spawners (prawns that spawned) and spawning rate. More prawns spawned at a higher rate under dim light (2 lux) than under strong light (1100 lux). Photoperiod affected only the proportion of prawns reaching stage III of ovarian development (P < 0.05). There were interactions between temperature and light intensity affecting the proportion of prawns reaching stage III and, although not significantly, the proportion of spawners (P = 0.177), fecundity (P = 0.134) and survival (P = 0.061). Overall, it is recommended that a combination of 27 °C, 2 lux and 10 h light/14 h dark is suitable for the maturation of pond-reared P. merguiensis. There were indications that temperature can be used to control the rate of ovarian maturation. Also, it is possible to increase light intensity up to 1100 lux in P. merguiensis hatcheries if prawns are ablated.