Larval nutrition and food development

Hatchery production has become an increasingly important source of stock for Aquaculture over recent years. Successful hatchery culture requires an understanding of the nutritional requirements of larval stages and these must be met by appropriate food sources. While live foods still dominate hatchery production, they are often inconsistent in nutrient composition and contribute significantly to hatchery running costs.

Development of alternative foods relies on a sound knowledge of the nutrient requirements of larvae, their feeding behaviour and appropriate physical characteristics of food particles. Our research addresses these issues with the larvae of bivalve molluscs, fish and crustaceans.