Diet, ontogenetic changes and rhythm of feeding activities in Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) in the waterbodies and rivers of Benin, West Africa

Abstract

Knowledge of the diet of Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) in its natural environment is a key factor facilitating its successful breeding. We have analysed the stomach content of 452 specimens collected from the Ouémé River Delta (ORD) (338 stomachs) and from the Mono River/Grand-Popo Lagoon complex (MGLC) (114 stomachs), from February to October 2016. The analysis enables to calculate the coefficient of vacuity for the ORD (3.50%) and for the MGLC (3.50%). The results show that M. macrobrachion has a detritivore-omnivore type of diet, feeding mainly on phytoplankton (diatoms and cyanophytes) and detritus. However, the diet of the young shrimps, composed mostly of insect larvae, differs from that of adult. In the adult M. macrobrachion, the pace of feeding activities is greatest in the morning (6.00 to 9.00 am), low in middle of the day (10.00 am to 13.00 pm), and there is a slight trophic activity between 17.00 and 22.00 pm. Outside of the above periods, i.e., from 14.00 to 16.00 pm and 23.00 pm to 5.00 am, the species is at rest. Juveniles feed at dawn. In the nighttime and at dusk, groups of shrimps of varying sizes do feed. The findings of this study suggest that live prey is the best feed for the larvae of M. macrobrachion in captivity and should be distributed preferably early in the morning.

Geographical variation of the structure and population parameters of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) in West African coastal hydrosystems: Insights from Benin

“…Macrobrachium species are the most fished and traded among the exploited freshwater prawns’ species and constitute an important source of income and animal protein for local people (Houngbo et al., 2015; Ollabodé, 2019). Among these species, Macrobrachium macrobrachion , beside Macrobrachium vollenhoveni , is one of the two species most appreciated by Beninese consumers and economically important in terms of subsistence fishing (Koussovi et al., 2020; Ollabodé, 2019). Therefore, it is exploited intensively in all fisheries by artisanal fisherman for their subsistence or trade (Houngbo et al., 2015; Koussovi et al., 2019).…”

Yolk resorption and larval development in the brackish river prawn Macrobrachium macrobrachion under laboratory conditions: Perspectives for aquaculture

“…In recent years, M. macrobrachion has been studied in Benin for its introduction into aquaculture. These have been multidisciplinary studies on the exploitation (Koussovi et al, 2023), economic performance of value chains (Ollabodé et al, 2021), biology (Koussovi et al, 2019), ecology (Koussovi et al, 2020), and zootechnical parameters related to breeding (Koussovi, Adjahouinou, et al, 2021; Koussovi, Niass, et al, 2021). However, none of these studies have investigated the duration of zoea yolk resorption or the pattern of larval development.…”