Identification and Feasibility of Nematode (Panagrellus Sp.) Culture in Bangladesh

Abstract

The free-living soil nematode Panagrellus redivivus is well known to be an inexpensive, standardized and permanently available food source for first feeding fish and crustacean larvae. The present study was aimed at the development of a suitable culture technique of P. redivivus so as to be used as live food for the larvae and prawn later on. Oatmeal, cereal, raw potato and boiled potatoes were used as culture media for the mass production of this nematode and the culture of nematode was found successful in oatmeal and boiled potato media. The local and cheap boiled potato media considered as the feasible culture media for the mass production of P. redivivus. The nematodes were incubated in different temperatures (22°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C and 28°C). Mass production of P. redivivus was found at 26°C incubation temperature. 1,14,622±6,722 individuals of nematodes were harvested from 1 gm of boiled potato media. The new technology for mass production of P. redivivus would enable fish and prawn hatchery operators to an alternative live food item to the highly expensive Artemia which is commonly used in Bangladesh.