Evaluation of growth performance of Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) fed diet with partial replacement of fishmeal by Spirulina platensis (Sp) meal

A partial replacement of fish meal with Spirulina platensis (Sp) meal for the diet of juvenile shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) was analyzed for the growth and survival under laboratory condition. A total of five experimental diets were formulated with partial replacement of fishmeal by Sp meal, Sp-1 (14.3%), Sp-2 (28.6%), Sp-3 (42.8%), Sp-4 (57.14%), and the control diet (Sp meal free diet). The feeding trial was conducted for the period of 60 days. Juveniles fed with Sp meal supplemented diet showed significant (P<0.05) improvement of carcass composition (protein ratio and edible flesh). Higher growth and survival were obtained in P. monodon fed with Sp-3 diet, it was significantly (P <0.05) greater than the Sp meal free diet. The feeding efficiency (FE), specific growth rate (SGR) and survival (93.3%) of the shrimp was significantly (P<0.05) high in the Sp-3 diet. Survival rate was also higher in diet Sp-3 (42.8% substitution), but lower survival and growth rate observed in Sp-4 (57.14% substitution) and control diets. The Physico-chemical quality of the experimental tank water was better in Sp-3, and Sp-2 diet groups. This study recommended that Sp meal as alternative protein substitute of fish meal in shrimp diet.