MICROBIAL PROCESSES IN AQUACULTURE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR IMPORTANCE FOR INCREASING CRUSTACEAN PRODUCTION

Based on the photosynthesis of microalgae mainly, it was clarified tha t bacteria, protozoa and other microorganisms form microbial food asse mblages using the organic matter produced by the algae and that these assemblages play a significant role in the aquatic food chain. Based o n this concept, larvae of the prawn, Penaeus monodon and of the crab, Portunus trituberculatus were reared. The growth of the larvae and the ir production were markedly promoted by the introduction of certain ba cterial strains such as PM-4 and NS-110. When the ciliated protozoon, Strombidium sulcatum, isolated in a prawn culture pond was used as fee d for the larvae of Penaeus monodon, the growth of the larvae was also promoted.