The results of the study to standardize the larval feeding regime, for the mass production of sea cucumber juveniles through hatchery system are presented. Auricularia larvae after 48 hours of fertilization obtained from the induced spawning of Holothuria spinifera were used for the experiment to ascertain the effect of feed concentration on larval quality, growth, survival and development. The flagellate Isochrysis galbana at 0,1,2,4,and 8 x 10⁴cells/ml were provided as the feed for a period of ten days. The growth rate of the larvae was more or less similar in 1 x l0⁴ and 2 x l0⁴ cells/ml. However the percentage of survival, rate of stomach growth, percentage of late auricularia developed and the occurrence of normal symmetrical shape indicated that 2 x 10⁴ cells/ml as the optimum larval feed concentration for the species.

Effect of feed on sea cucumber larvae