Mobilisation of organic reserves during moult cycle in the prawn <i>Penaeus indicus</i> (H. Milne Edwards)

Abstract

Organic reserves like lipid, cholesterol, protein, glycogen and glucose in muscle, hepatopancreas and haemolymph of Penaeus indicus during different stages of moult cycle were estimated. High values of these organic reserves obtained at early premoult stage (D1) followed by a significant decrease at late premoult stage (D4) indicated marked storage and subsequent utilization during stages D1 to D4. Low values were observed at stage A (early post-moult) confirming depletion in the reserves just after moulting. High percentage of water found in the muscle during post-moult stage A and low values during premoult stage (D1), in contrast to the pattern observed for organic reserves during this period substantiated the concept of tissue growth by replacement of water during the periods between the moults.