Effects of ammonia and nitrite on food consumption of the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) postlarvae

Experiments were carried out to study the effects of ammonia and nitrite on food consumption Macrobrachium amazonicum postlarvae. Postlarvae (average weight 0.0625 g) exposed during 21 days four concentrations total (0, 1.05, 2.1 4.2 mg. NH3+NH4+ L-1) 0.075, 0.15 0.30 mg N-NO2- L-1). After exposure period, six prawns per treatment maintained individually in 250 mL experimental units analyze as a function amount offered leftovers 24 h period. The presented significant alterations for all at twice recommended safety level ammonia. According results obtained, high affect M. adversely, influencing species performance culture systems.