Observations on feeding behaviour of fresh water prawn Macrobrachium lamarrei (Crustacea: Decapoda)

Abstract

Freshwater prawn are promising candidates for aquaculture and knowledge of food and feeding habit is must for successful culture. Present study investigates the feeding mechanism and role of appendages in feeding behaviour of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium lamarrei. Mostly preferred food was dried prawn powder and least preferred was groundnut cake. Prawns showed cannibalistic behaviour frequently in lab. Antenna and antennules were the main sensory appendages which help in locating and orientation while I & II chelate legs were used for detection, catching and transferring of food up to the mouth. Maxillipedes, maxilla and maxillula played the supportive role. Mechanism of feeding and functional role of different appendages in feeding behaviour have been discussed.