What Are Live Feeds?
Define “live feed”
Microscopic or small aquatic organisms fed alive to fish/shrimp larvae.
What is phytoplankton?
Microscopic plant-like organisms that photosynthesize
State one role of live feed
Provides essential nutrients to fish larvae
What is the term for the early stage of fish after hatching?
Fry or larvae
Name one factor affecting live feed selection for fish larvae.
Mouth size / Gape size / Digestive capability
Give 2 examples of zooplankton feed.
Rotifers, Artemia, Copepods, Moina, Daphnia
Difference between Phytoplankton and Zooplankton
Phytoplankton = producers (plants)
Zooplankton = consumers (animals)
How live feed supports larval survival
Enhances growth, survival, and immunity
At which stage do fish larvae require first feeding?
Post-yolk sac absorption stage
Why is feed particle size important in larval feeding?
Larvae have small mouths and cannot eat large particles
Why live feed is preferred over dry feed in larval stage?
Easier to digest, stimulates feeding response, matches size of mouth.
Name one marine and one freshwater live feed
Marine: Artemia / Copepods; Freshwater: Moina / Daphnia
Why is early feeding crucial?
Larvae need external nutrition immediately after yolk sac absorption
Why certain fish larvae needs live feed
- Underdeveloped digestive systems and require small, easily digestible live feeds.
- Live plankton provides appropriate size, digestibility, and essential nutrients.
- Larval fish are visual feeders; moving live feed like rotifers and copepods help trigger their feeding response, unlike static artificial diets.
What is the main function of microalgae in live feed culture systems?
Serve as food for zooplankton (e.g., rotifers)
Name a freshwater live feed species
Moina / Daphnia
Why are rotifers preferred in early larval feeding?
Small size, slow movement, easy to digest
Describe “first feeding” stage
Stage when larvae begin feeding externally, after yolk sac is absorbed
What is the difference between fry and fingerling?
Fry are smaller; fingerlings are older and larger with developed fins
Main difference between live feed and artificial feed?
Live feed consists of living organisms like rotifers, Artemia, or Moina, while artificial feed is manufactured, non-living feed in pellet or powder form.
Explain why live feed must be alive when fed to fry
Movement attracts larvae; ensures nutritional quality and freshness.
Which zooplankton is known for producing resting eggs (cysts)?
Artemia
Explain 2 key nutrients provided by live feed
Essential fatty acids (DHA, EPA), protein, HUFA
Marine fish larvae need what kind of feed?
Small live feed like rotifers or copepod/Artemia nauplii
When can artificial feed start replacing live feed in aquaculture?
When the larvae develop proper mouth size and digestive enzymes—typically during the weaning stage.