Palaemonid Shrimp, Macrobrachium Amazonicum: Effects of Salinity and Temperature on Survival

Abstract

Survival of larval Macrobrachium amazonicum was evaluated at salinities of 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0‰. The effects of acute cold shock and a gradual temperature decline (2.0°C/day) on larvae, postlarvae, and juveniles were also evaluated. Larvae metamorphosed to postlarvae at all salinities except 0.0‰; survival was 64% at 10.0‰ and 25% at 2.5‰. Larvae were most resistant to cold shock at 10.0‰ salinity. In gradually declining temperatures, all life stages began losing equilibrium at 14.0°C. Shrimp held in salinities within their optimal range (10.0 - 12.0‰) were the most resistant to low temperatures.