ARCHIVES
VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
The application of copepods in the hatchery production of finfish larvae
Authors
V Mohan Raj
Abstract
The primary barrier to scaling up the commercial production of both
established and prospective marine fish species lies in the delivery of an
effective live feed during the critical first feeding stage of larval
development. To increase the diversity of farm-raised marine species, it is
essential to provide a live diet that is nutritional, appropriately sized, and
capable of triggering a strong feeding instinct in larvae. Copepods, which
represent approximately 80% of the ocean’s zooplankton and stand as the most
abundant metazoans on the planet, serve as a fundamental bridge in the marine
food web, transferring energy from primary producers to higher-order predators
like fish. Consequently, they are a natural dietary choice for many marine
finfish larvae. Research consistently indicates that copepods offer a superior
nutritional profile compared to Artemia sp., aligning more closely
with the biological needs of developing larvae. Furthermore, because they can
be utilized in various life stages from nauplii for initial feeding through to
copepodites for later stages copepods represent an exceptionally versatile and
effective live feed solution for the aquaculture industry.
Download
Pages:68-71
How to cite this article:
V Mohan Raj "The application of copepods in the hatchery production of finfish larvae". International Journal of Zoology Studies, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 68-71
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.