Influence of temperature on production of the amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis

The amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis is a tropical species and of interest for use as a live feed in warm water marine aquaculture. Prior to the establishment of large scale culture optimal culture conditions need to be determined. The effects of temperature (20 °C, 23 °C, 26 °C, and 29 °C) on juvenile growth, survival, and generation time of the marine amphipod P. hawaiensis were assessed in this study. Growth was followed for 12 weeks, survival for 16 weeks and hatchling-to-hatchling generation time for 20 weeks. During juvenile production data concerning precopula behavior and mating pair productivity were obtained. Higher growth (length, weight) was seen at 26 °C (4.4 ± 0.58 mm, 2.8 ± 1.4 mg) and 29 °C (4.6 ± 0.8 mm, 2.3 ± 0.89 mg) and higher survival at 23 °C (25.2 ± 12.2%) and 26 °C (31.9 ± 3.2%). The hatchling-to-hatchling generation time at 26 °C and 29 °C was 16 weeks but was not determined at lower temperatures, as no hatchlings were observed by 20 weeks. Mating pairs were formed within two days and the productivity rate of mating pairs was 1.32 ± 0.31 juveniles per pair, at ambient room temperature (~ 21 °C). The data suggests culturing P. hawaiensis at 26 °C would enhance production. This study provides valuable data that may be used to establish large-scale production of this species.