Effects of Stocking Density and Food on Agonistic Behavior of Marsupenaeus japonicus

Abstract:

Cannibalism is one characteristic of Marsupenaeus japonicas with little understanding, which affects the survival rate and the production of M. japonicas. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of the stocking density, food types and abundance on the agonistic behavior of M. japonicas. Three stocking densities (10, 25 and 50 ind/m2) and three food amounts (full food, less food, and no food) were designed. Agonistic behavior were observed and recorded one hour before feeding, during feeding and 1 hour after feeding. The results showed that the agonistic behavior increased with the increasing stocking density. There were significant differences between “before feeding”, “during feeding” and “after feeding” (P<0.05). Feeding time significantly improved the agonistic behavior. Food types and abundance significantly affected the agonistic behavior(P<0.05). Clam meat had better improvement in agonistic behavior than artificial feed. The stocking density did not impact the agonistic behavior before feeding and during feeding, but it had significant effect after feeding(P<0.05). These results revealed that stocking density, food type and abundance could impact the agonistic behavior of M. japonicus.