Egg survival, embryonic development, and larval characteristics of northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) females subject to different temperature and feeding conditions

Laboratory experiments on ovigerous females of northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) were used to assess the effects of temperature and food ration on female condition during incubation and examine how combined effects of temperature and female condition influenced egg survival, embryonic development, and larval characteristics. Ovigerous females were maintained at 2 degrees C, 5 degrees C, and 8 degrees C and fed on a low (three times/week; 2-2.7% W/W) or high ration (five times/week at satiation). The increase in temperature accelerated the developmental time of the eggs but their survival at 8 degrees C was reduced. Conversion efficiency of yolk reserves in developing embryos was significantly reduced at elevated temperatures and larvae hatching at 2 degrees C and 5 degrees C were significantly larger and heavier than those hatching at 8 degrees C. The experimental design did not result in any effect of food ration on the energetic condition of females or on egg characteristics and their biochemical composition. However, lower energy reserves were observed for females held at 8 degrees C.