Research Article: Effects of four factors on Penaeus monodon post-larvae cannibalism

In order to study the cannibalism behavior of Penaeus monodon post-larvae, the effects of four internal and external factors, such as individual size, post-larvae density (۵۰, ۸۰, ۱۱۰, ۱۴۰, ۱۷۰ ind/L), food abundance and aeration, on the cannibalism rate were analyzed. The results showed that the cannibalism rate was significantly affected by individual size, post-larvae density and food abundance. When post-larval density increased from ۵۰ ind / L to ۱۱۰ ind / L，the average daily cannibalism rate increased by ۳۵۸.۰۷%. When larval density was more than ۱۱۰ ind/L，cannibalism rate slightly increased. The average daily cannibalism rate decreased by ۶۹.۸۱% in ۲۰ ind/mL food group than that of no-food group. The mix of individuals in different sizes could increase cannibalism rate significantly. Sufficient aeration could decrease cannibalism rate. The results indicated that insufficient food was a main reason to cause cannibalism in Penaeus monodon post-larvae. High stocking density and differences of individual size could induce and stimulate the cannibalism．  

Keywords:

Penaeus monodon , Cannibalism , Individual size , Post-larvae density , Food , Aeration