Application of dietary copepod, Acanthocyclops trajani in the first feeding of beluga larvae (Huso huso)

This study was carried out regarding the effects of cyclopoid copepod Acanthocyclops trajani on first feeding of beluga larvae (Huso huso). The treatments comprised a control diet containing Artemia naupli and Daphnia magna and a combined diet containing Artemia naupli, Daphnia magna and A. trajani. The results of this study indicated that the average length, body weight and specific growth rate in larvae of control and combined diets were not significantly different. In spite of the fact that, A. trajani was significantly different in the amount of n-3 fatty acids in comparison with the other live feeds in this study, but indicated more effectiveness in survival rates (80%) of beluga larvae, as a supplement. Furthermore, the combined diet was significantly different in DHA, in comparison with control diet. This study indicated that freshwater copepod is potential supplemental live food, to increase nutritional value from the point of view in terms of essential fatty acids and survival rate of valuable fish larvae such as beluga.