Caprellid amphipods: An overlooked marine finfish aquaculture resource?

The present review examines aspects of the known biology and ecology of caprellid amphipods and their potential suitability as a novel marine finfish feed. Caprellids are widely distributed globally and are an important secondary trophic link in many marine ecosystems. They form an important natural dietary component in a variety of coastal marine finfish and appear to contain relatively high levels of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 22:6n−3 and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 20:5n−3, although their overall nutritional value is poorly known. Relatively sedentary, caprellids are common members of epibiotic communities on a variety of natural substrata. They readily colonize artificial structures, and under appropriate conditions can attain high biomass, particularly in environments with a higher organic loading, such as around fish farms. Caprellids can exhibit fast growth with relatively quick time to reproductive maturity, short interbrood periods and release of juveniles at parturition. They are opportunistic feeders capable of using a variety of feeding techniques, and environmental tolerances in some species can be quite broad. There is a paucity of information available on culture techniques for caprellids, with most accounts relating to small-scale experimental or laboratory culture, although many of these do indicate the potential suitability of caprellids to larger scale culture. Overall, these characteristics indicate that caprellids are worthy of consideration for application in marine finfish aquaculture.