Environmental substrate selection and daily habitual activity in <i>Xiphopenaeus kroyeri</i> shrimp (Heller, 1862) (Crustacea: Penaeioidea)

Abstract

Present study consists the study on environmental substrate preference and daily habitual activity of <i style="">X. kroyeri </i>shrimp. Six different substrate combinations were tested using silt and clay, various granulometries of sand, and gravel. Experimental tank for preference testing consisted of a 50 cm diameter cylindrical tank with 6 lateral compartments and a radial area in the middle. Every substrate combination prepared was randomly chosen for each compartment. Each substrate was spread to have a 5 cm thickness in the compartments. One isolated individual for each trial (n= 40) was used. Activities of the animals were observed 8 times a day, at 13:30, 14:30, 17:30, 18:30, 0:30, 1:30, 7:30 and 8:30 h. <i style="">X. kyoyeri</i> had a significant preference for very fine and fine sand. During the day light time burrowing activity was more intense while at night swimming was higher. Present results enabled us to conclude that <i>X. kroyeri</i> has preference for very fine and fine sand substrate.