A STUDY ON THE GROWTH AND BIOMASS OF CHIRONOMUS LARVAE IN DIFFERENT FOOD MEDIA

Chironomid larvae, popularly known as bloodworm, are considered as preferred food for cultured fish due to their high nutritional content. However, due to less availability and high cost of production, such food is not popular so far. Here, an attempt was made to increase the biomass as well as growth of this insect at low cost. Four culture media were prepared for Chironomus striatapennis, using the following, Potato Peel Powder, Bakery Yeast, mixture of Potato peel powder and Bakery yeast, and Commercial Fish Food, as well as along with a Control medium containing natural pond soil and water. The study revealed that production of biomass and growth of bloodworms were higher in the mixed as well as in the medium containing fish food. But, mixed culture medium was considered better than the other three media as well as the control. As potato peel powder, a vegetable waste and bakery yeast are almost of no cost material, giving high yield when biomass of chironomid larvae was concerned.