Use of Amphipods as alternative prey to culture cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) hatchlings.

Abstract

The effects of feeding two alternative live prey (exclusively caprellids (Caprella equilibra) or several species of gammarids, mainly Ericthonius brasiliensis, Jassa marmorata and Elasmopus sp.), to cuttlefish hatchlings were compared to feeding mysids (Mesopodopsis slabberi), which are normally used during the first weeks of the life cycle. Weight (g) and growth rates (GR, % BW d− 1) were determined. Cuttlefish hatchlings fed with mysids and gammarids grew faster (6.7 ± 0.4 and 5.7 ± 0.9% BW d− 1, respectively) compared to caprellids (1.6 ± 0.2% BW d− 1). Survival was higher (96.7 ± 5.8%) for hatchlings fed mysids, compared to 83.3 ± 15.3% and 76.7 ± 5.8%, for those fed gammarids and caprellids, respectively. According to the results obtained, gammarids could be used as an alternative prey to mysids, while Caprella equilibra did not deliver appropriate growth rates and should be disregarded as alternative prey for rearing early stages (hatchlings) of Sepia officinalis. This is the first study revealing a successful use of amphipods, mainly gammarids, as alternative prey for cuttlefish hatchlings.