Feeding behaviour and preying efficiency of <i>Metapenaeus dobsoni</i>

Abstract

Experiments on feeding behaviour and food preference using selected prey species indicate that <i>M. dobsoni</i> is a voracious feeder. Two day starved active prawns feed continuously with only short breaks. Ingestion and digestion rates seem to be nearly equal in actively feeding prawns. Prawns browse actively over the substratum using the chelate legs to identify and capture food organisms. <i>Apseudes chilkensis</i> (Tanaidaceae) a semi-sessile form occurring abundantly in the study area is highly preferred, while a related species. <i>A. gymnophobia</i> is avoided. Live and freshly killed organisms are much preferred to dead and decaying animals. Preying efficiency of prawn decreases with increasing quantities of mud in the substratum. Depth of water no influence on the preying efficiency.