Aquatic larvae of chironomid midge, Chironomus riparius Meigen, are one of the richest diets in fish rearing systems. The quantity and quality of food used to rearing these larvae, affect this developmental stage. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different diets (chicken manure, rice bran and soybean meal) with different weights (1, 3 and 5 gr) on larval development, the best time of harvesting at different constant temperatures (16-20, 22 ± 1, 24 ± 1, 26 ± 1, 28 ± 1 and 30 ± 1 oC) and the yield (larval live weight (gr) m-2 per week) based on the number of reared egg masses with the favorable diet. Results indicated that the highest weight of harvested larvae obtained when they fed on 5 gr of chicken manure (3.53 ï± 0.4, p < 0.01). The last larval instars were harvested at the shortest time (on 13th days), when reared at 24 ± 1 or 26 ± 1 oC feeding on chicken manure (compared to other temperatures). Mean yield of 131.38 ï± 13.99 gr m-2 per week obtained, when five egg masses were reared at 26 ± 1 oC on the chicken manure.
Sahragard, A., & Rafati-fard, M. (2006). Mass rearing of the larvae of Chironomus riparius (Dip.: Chironomidae). Journal of Entomological Society of Iran, 26(1), 45-55.
MLA
A. Sahragard; M. Rafati-fard. "Mass rearing of the larvae of Chironomus riparius (Dip.: Chironomidae)". Journal of Entomological Society of Iran, 26, 1, 2006, 45-55.
HARVARD
Sahragard, A., Rafati-fard, M. (2006). 'Mass rearing of the larvae of Chironomus riparius (Dip.: Chironomidae)', Journal of Entomological Society of Iran, 26(1), pp. 45-55.
VANCOUVER
Sahragard, A., Rafati-fard, M. Mass rearing of the larvae of Chironomus riparius (Dip.: Chironomidae). Journal of Entomological Society of Iran, 2006; 26(1): 45-55.
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