EVALUATION OF THE REPRODUCTION OF Neocaridina davidi FED WITH PRACTICAL AND COMMERCIAL FEEDS

Freshwater prawns of the genus Neocaridinas are the most indicated for those who want to begin producing ornamental shrimp. The present study evaluated the reproduction of the Red Cherry, Neocaridina davidi, fed with practical diets and commercial feeds. A total of 96 animals were used, subdivided into 12 aquariums, and after one week of acclimatization began to receive commercial feed with 35% CP (T1), 55% CP (T2) 50% CP (T3), and practical diets created from cooked vegetables 3% CP (T4). At the end of the experiment, the first reproduction, number of eggs produced, offspring and survival were evaluated. The results demonstrate that the first reproductions occurred in the T2 treatment, which also showed the highest fertility and the highest survival. Although the T4 treatment did not present problems with growth and weight gain, this treatment did not reproduce during the experimental period. The results indicate that the practical diet used by hobbyists can be adopted as a dietary supplement, but it does not replace animal protein. Balanced and proper feeds for juveniles of marine shrimps help to maintain the broodstock, promote good survival and a favorable number of offspring.