The potential utilization of a zooplankton community as a live feed in ecological shrimp ponds in Ca Mau province, Vietnam

Abstract Although aquatic larvae need natural food, relevant sources in the food web have not been extensively researched and used in aquaculture. The zooplankton community at the ecological black tiger shrimp ( Penaeus monodon ) ponds in the Ca Mau mangrove forest in Vietnam was studied for its potential as a natural food source in these and other, similar ecosystems (fish ponds, mollusc ponds). This study examined eight ecologically distinct shrimp ponds in the dry, transitional, and rainy seasons. Thirty-seven zooplankton species from 31 genera, 19 families, and 4 phyla were identified in these shrimp ponds. The zooplankton density was 1167-53 330 individuals/m 3 with over half the species and density being copepods. Five Copepoda species were common and of high population density, including Limnoithona sinensis , Thermocyclops hyalinus , Tropocyclops prasinus , Eodiaptomus japonicus , and Euaugaptilus elongatus . This natural food can feed shrimp larvae and adults and thereby supply high quality nutrients for their development. However, the pond’s zooplankton was lacking in diversity. Thus, providing natural nutrients to the pond may increase zooplankton diversity and facilitate sustainable aquaculture.