A study of feeding in the shrimp<i>Farfantepenaeus subtilis</i>indicates the value of species level behavioral data for optimizing culture management

Abstract

This study characterized a number of the behaviors of Farfantepenaeus subtilis in response to the offer of feed at different times during a 24 h cycle. Shrimp were observed under laboratory conditions during 12 h light–12 h dark cycles, before and immediately after feeding. The behaviors recorded were: burrowing, substrate exploration, vertical exploration, ingestion, swimming, inactivity, and crawling. The frequencies of all these behaviors increased in the presence of food, independent of time or light phase. The consumption of feed was more frequent in the morning. The results showed that the rhythm of activity is influenced by the light–dark cycle and the availability of food. The results are different from those reported for other shrimp species and indicate the potential value of understanding the behavioral details of each species for optimizing their management.