Aquaculture of Polychaete annelids and their importance for Latin America

Abstract

Interest in using polychaeta annelids as an alternative feed source for aquaculture was generated by providing an alternative to clams and mussels as bait. This has subsequently led to increased interest in their reproduction, with countries such as the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Australia and France successfully creating extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive systems of production. Studies have also reported the use of polychaeta annelids in Integrated Multi-trophic Systems (IMTA), their interest as ornamental species, and research at the biotechnological level. In Latin America, Ecuador, Chile and Peru report research on their exploration in culture, their use as shrimp feed and their involvement in IMTA. However, so far, Chile is the only country that has successfully achieved knowledge of the reproductive cycle of two polychaeta species. The polychaeta families that demand greater research include Eunicidae, Onuphidae, Nereididae, Arenicolidae, and Glyceridae. Due to their ecological characteristics, some species are also potential contributors to parasite infections. As such, correct taxonomic identification based on their ecological and physiological characteristics, could increase the potential for their use as an alternative aquaculture feed ingredient, reducing feeding costs through recirculation systems. The present investigation was conducted through research using the bibliographic databases: Elsevier, Science Direct, Scielo, Scopus and Google Scholar.