The Giant Nypa Palm Worm Namalycastis rhodochorde (Polychaeta: Nereididae) in West Kalimantan: Reproduction and Aquaculture Studies

Abstract

West Kalimantan shows many reproductive events of Nereidid worms in estuaries.The Peniti and Karimunting estuaries become a Nereidid mass spawning site every year. Other estuaries such as the Kapuas river is also the one habitat of the Nereidid worm called the giant Nypa palm worm, Namalycastis rhodochorde. This species has a magnificent length in body size and popular use for fishing bait. The high demand for this worm causes habitat destruction and decreases the population in nature so cultivation efforts are important to do. Basic data encompassing habitat characteristics, reproduction, feeding, development, and larval rearing to enhancing cultivation has been obtained.Larval and juvenile stocking densities including aquarium installations are currently being studied in the laboratory. Further studies on harvesting techniques, specificpathogen-free (SPF) products as well as a sustainable production need to be carried outat industrial aquaculture level.