Evaluation of high-density tank cultivation of the live-feed cyclopoid copepod Apocyclops royi (Lindberg 1940)

Copepods are considered relevant live feed for fish larval marine aquaculture. They promote survival and growth rate reduce deformities when used as food source. The cyclopoid copepod Apocyplops royi among others in extensive Taiwanese However, knowledge on its performance intensive cultures is limited. This study investigates parameters that prerequisites before initiating tank with A. royi. We found the biochemical profile of promising a C:N ratio 4.7 fatty acid (DHA/EPA 3.2 ± 0.7) fulfil minimum quantitatively dietary requirement essential FAs larvae early juveniles. size range nauplii (78 - 245 ?m) evaluated to be feasible small mouthed first feeding larvae. exhibits similar specific rates other cyclopoids (10% DW d?1). Further, we tested populations relative composition (nauplii, copepodites, males, females ovigerous females) an effect culture densities no change within test (300 3800 ind. L?1). To evaluate recruitment into population conducted experiment from few hundred 10,000 L?1. observed density limitation female = ((ovigerous / copepodites + adults) x 100) ~6%) even at very high densities. demonstrated, candidate culture.