In this study, the potential of nematodes as an alternative live feed for the omnivorous larva of Penaeus indicus (Crustacea: Penaeidae) and the carnivorous larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Palaemon elegans (Crustacea: Palaemonidae) was investigated. The results showed that M. rosenbergii and P. elegans larvae were unable to consume the nematodes. The larvae of these species fed Artemia for 8 days, displayed normal development and high survival (over 90%), but, similar to the starved controls. The larvae grown on the nematodes had all died by the 8th day of the experiments. P. indicus larvae fed nematodes from stage Protozoea 3 (PZ3) had similar growth (P>0.05) but higher survival than those fed the control feed (alg/Artemia) until stage postlarvae 1 (PL1) (P

In this study, the potential of nematodes as an alternative live feed for the omnivorous larva of Penaeus indicus (Crustacea: Penaeidae) and the carnivorous larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Palaemon elegans (Crustacea: Palaemonidae) was investigated. The results showed that M. rosenbergii and P. elegans larvae were unable to consume the nematodes. The larvae of these species fed Artemia for 8 days, displayed normal development and high survival (over 90%), but, similar to the starved controls. The larvae grown on the nematodes had all died by the 8th day of the experiments. P. indicus larvae fed nematodes from stage Protozoea 3 (PZ3) had similar growth (P>0.05) but higher survival than those fed the control feed (alg/Artemia) until stage postlarvae 1 (PL1) (P